The funnel-shaped reflector concentrates solar radiation onto solar cells or solar panels. The reflection of light is achieved by aluminium foil or other reflective foil which is stuck onto the reflector. The rays are only deflected once.    Another reflector is in the form of a parabolic mirror. Again the reflection of light is achieved by aluminium foil or other reflective foil which is stuck onto the reflector. The focal point and energy density are adjusted by selection of the diameter of the parabola.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency of solar cells or solar panels.
The power generation method uses the principle of oscillating water column. A floating power module (1) is anchored by using of chains (2). It has an air tank (1E) in the centre and runners (3) arranged radially at the peripheral portion of the module. The air column, inside air tank, is enclosed by water at the lower surface. Air expands or is compressed by the wavy motion of the surface of the sea. The motion of the air column is used to rotate an air turbine (4) and the mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy when coupled with a generator (14).    The runners are separated by dividing partition walls (1A), and are fixed horizontally to the outer portion of the walls (1B). The projecting ends of the runners are free to move in a reciprocating motion and operate like a cam. They direct the wind, at the surface of the sea, towards valves (6) on the outer circumference of air tank. The valve lets in the air into air tank to enhance speed of rotation of turbine.    ADVANTAGE -   Recovers wasted energy from wind blowing over sea surface. Improves efficiency of turbines. Simplifies installation construction and maintenance procedures and reduces total cost.
The power generator uses the principle of oscillating water column. A floating power module (1) is anchored by means of chains (2). It has an air tank (1B) at the centre and fin shaped fan blades (3) arranged radially at the peripheral portion of the module. The air tank has a circular float (4) whose connecting rod (17) links a hydraulic cylinder (18). The oscillating motion of the waves causes the float to move up and down.    The vertical movement of the float causes alternating compression and expansion of fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. This pressure is transmitted to a generator unit (13) where the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. The fin shaped fan blades move in an up and down manner, when countered by waves enhancing the wave energy. The oscillating motion of the waves is intensified further and this causes corresponding increase in electrical energy generated.    ADVANTAGE -   Recovers wasted energy from waves moving in different directions. Improves efficiency of generator unit. Simplifies installation, construction and maintenance. Reduces cost involved.
The power generator uses caisson concrete structure (1) which encloses a portion of sea water. The power generator unit comprises a generator (19) whose rotor is attached to a shaft (20). The shaft is connected to a perpendicular spindle (11) which is immersed in the sea water enclosed in the caisson structure. The spindles are attached to the top and bottom portions of the walls by means of axial receptacles (8,9).    The spindle supports a flat board (12) whose upper portion is fixed above the surface (2) of water. Two such units are mounted on the two opposite walls of the caisson structure. The boards oscillate due to water flow into and out of the structure. The oscillatory motion is converted to rotatory movement of shaft by appropriate devices. The mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy by the generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies maintenance procedures and switching of axial receptacle at portions above sea surface. Eliminates need for linking rod between generator and spindle. Simplifies construction of power generator unit.
The solar power driven aeroplane (1) has solar cells (7) embedded in the panel on the plane wings (2,3). The wings are in the form of a parallelogram. Two sides (2) are attached to the base of the aircraft and the other two sides (3), to the tail. A measurement apparatus with solar batteries, voltmeters and potentiometers (12) etc., measures the actual power received by the cells. A processor unit computes the angle at which the wings should be positioned for optimum angle at which light rays are incident. This data is transmitted to a servo-control mechanism (15).    The servo control motor is fixed at the top vertex part near the tail. An actuator (16) controls up-and-down movement of a pillar (4) supporting the upper wings. This movement changes the vertex angle at all sides. The wings are adjusted to let light fall on solar cells at right angles.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables incident light rays to fall at nearly 90 on solar cells. Enables generation of maximum power for available solar energy.
The solar battery manufacturing method involves forming of a transparent electrode (14) on a transparent substrate (12). A semiconductor film (16) is formed above the transparent electrode. A groove is formed on the semiconductor film by removing it using laser light beam.    A rear surface electrode (20) is formed by depositing aluminium on the semiconductor film including the groove. A collector pole which contacts with the transparent electrode through aluminium deposited inside the groove.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides semiconductor film of uniform thickness.
The conversion device of heat energy into electrical energy consists of a tank (11) filled with poly ethylene glycol. The salts which gives ion conductivity are added to poly ethylene glycol. Two or more sets of positive and negative electrodes are arranged by turns in poly ethylene glycol. The positive electrode is made of graphite and the negative electrode is made of metals such as zinc, copper and iron. The poly ethylene glycol in the tank is sent to a heat collecting device (20) by a circulation pump (21). The poly ethylene glycol is heated by solar heat up to a temperature of 90degC. After it is heated, the poly ethylene glycol is returned in to the tank. The poly ethylene glycol is mixed with air by the circulation pump which blows atmospheric air into poly ethylene glycol. The tank generates electricity like a fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Converts heat energy into electrical energy Increases generation current efficiently. Provides sufficient saving of energy. Reduces cost. Increases safety.
The thermoelectric cell electrolyte layer is typically a mixture of salts that possess ionic conductivity when in liquid state. To this mixture is added a high temperature particulate binder that serves as a gellant.    The mixture of salts and binder is melt processed, cooled, crushed and portion within 100-200 mesh size is isolated for conversion into separator layer material through moulding; fines above 200 mesh are segregated. These are blended into the separator composition in the range of 10-50% by weight, subsequently.    ADVANTAGE -   Effects faster, more uniform mixing. Improves initial quality of 100-200 mesh starting material. Serves to improve cell service performance.
The photodetection system includes an array of sensors (1) placed on a convex surface (2) of a support (3). Conic holes (9) are provided on the support, one for each sensor, which open on the opposite surface of the support.    Due to the particular configuration of the photodetecting system a light source emitting in all the directions can activate only one sensor at a time. The sensors are connected to a processing device via wires (11).    ADVANTAGE -   Is simple, economical and can be used for orientating solar panels.
The other parts provided at the rear side of the collector can be auxiliary cooling ribs, heat carrying pipes or similar. These parts are suitable to carry heat from a heat carrier circuit.    The collector reflecting surface consists of plane individual mirrors (2). These are so located in a carrying construction, that they lie parallel to each other in a direction of space. To form a mirror trough or a system of staggered individual mirrors, which concentrates the incident sunlight on extended straight collector.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates economic utilisation of solar radiation, to produce max. power density.
The method uses water as a pressure medium fed from a pressure chamber over two parallel transfer stages, one having a high degree of efficiency and the other somewhat less. Hydraulic energy is thereby converted to hydrostatic energy.    This hydrostatic energy is then converted to mechanical energy and used to bring the pressure medium, reduced in pressure by both conversion stages, back up to the outlet pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   It can also be used, to a much lesser extent, to drive a generator and so extract electrical energy. Produces surplus energy from which the electrical energy can be extracted.
Assemblies comprising an article and a polyimide film joined via a polyimide adhesive are prevented from dimensional change, delamination and debonding by using a polyimide film which has had its coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE) reduced by 6-18 ppm/C. The film is obtd. from a low CTE polyamic acid soln. obtd. by adding TbCl3 , DyCl3 , ErCl3 , Al acetylacetonate, HoCl3 or Er2 S3to an aromatic diamine/aromatic dianhydride reaction prod. in a solvent.    USE -   The article is a solar concentrator, antenna, solar cell array, second surface mirror, precision solar reflector (esp. pref.) or electronic circuit board (all claimed).
The converter consists of coaxial tubes (1,3) set at the focus of a reflector (4). The inner of the two tubes has photoelectric cells (2) on its outer surface, while the outer tube (1) is transparent, and the gap between the tubes is filled with a chemically neutral fluid. The gap between the tubes is a through flow channel, and the chemically neutral fluid is luminescent.    In a variant of the design the converter is equipped with a semi-cylindrical luminescent concentrator and a semi-cylindrical support for photoelectric cells, forming a cylindrical surface which lies coaxially with the transparent tube.    ADVANTAGE -   More effective conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. Bul.10/30.5.94
The station consists of a chamber (13) which is partially filled with water and is equipped with a water-lifting pipe (8), a flared wave-receiving section (1), and an inclined wall (4) between it and the chamber, equipped with non-return valves, and a water-storage reservoir (12) behind the chamber, connected to the chamber through an outlet channel (11).    The station has one or more airlift pipes (9) with relief valves, connected to the water-lifting pipe (8) and the upper part of the chamber (13). The inclined wall is equipped with partitions on its outward-facing side, and the chamber (13) has a deflector (10) over the outlet channel (11), with its lower edge on a level with the bottom of the water-lifting pipe (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity, higher efficiency and wide range of applications. Bul.10/30.5.94
The adhesive sheet for a solar battery comprises an ethylene copolymer contg. alkyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate. The solar-cell modular unit has an adhesive layer composed of an ethylene copolymer crosslinked with alkyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate.    The ethylene copolymer pref. has at least 90% light transmittance and 3-12 MPa elastic modulus and is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate or an unsaturated fatty acid ester, contg. 60-80 wt.% ethylene. 100 wt.% of the ethylene copolymer can be crosslinked with 0.1-5 wt.% of alkyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate, e.g. methyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate, e.g. methyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate or ethyl-3,3-di(tert-butylperoxy) butyrate. The adhesive sheet pref. contains an antioxidant or UV absorber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High yellowing resistance. The solar-cell modular unit has high durability.
Film is prepd. by laminating at least two layers to one or the opposite sides of a base. The first layer formed on the base is made from a composite polymer contg. as a major constituent an inorganic material, obtd. by the hydrolysation and polycondensation of a compsn. by the sol - gel method. The compsn. for the first layer contains at last two kinds of metal alkoxides including magnesium alkoxide, an alkoxysilane, and a silane coupling agent. The second layer formed on the surface of the first layer is made from a composite polymer contg. as a major constituent an inorganic material, obtd. by the hydrolysis and polycondensation of a compsn. by the sol - gel method. The compsn. for the second layer contains a metal alkoxide and a silane coupling agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The laminate film is useful for surface protection of electrophotographic photoreceptors and is useful for optical lenses, cover glass for instruments, solar heat collecting sheets, reflection-preventing coat materials, etc. and has good high light transmission, low reflectivity, high surface hardness, high mechanical strength, resistance to water and UV, etc.
The current generator incorporates a support member (2) which is extended from the support wall (8). The support wall comes in contact with the surface of the sea. A roller (3) is extended from the support member which comes in contact with wave shaped surface of a cam (4a) fixed to a vertical member (4).    The vertical member undergoes vertical motion due to movement of a floating body (5). The floating body undergoes movement due to sea waves (7) placed in contact with it. Electricity is provided from the above motion using the piezoelectric element (1) which is mounted on the supporting member.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in floating type sea buoys etc. Eliminates requirement of air-turbine and generator for power supply. Improves efficiency of electric power generation.
The serial connection system uses a transparent front electrode (FE) applied over the full surface of a transparent substrate (S) and divided into electrode strips (FE1,..), before deposition of a photovoltaic thin-film semiconductor layer (HL) and a rear electrode (REE). The thin-film semiconductor layer is structured in accordance with the electrode strips to provide individual solar cells, via a laser, with a second laser wavelength used to provide low-ohmic regions in the semiconductor layer, for connecting the rear electrode of a first solar cell with the front electrode of the next solar cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows structuring and serial connection in single process via asymmetrical laser.
The process involves carrying out compression of the mass of air in a working cylinder (3) between the pistons (4,7) during movement of a main working piston (4) from the position of bottom dead centre to the position of top dead centre. Shifting of energy to a higher potential level is carried out after fixing of the additional piston (7) using a fixing device (6) relative to a stem (5), fixed firmly to the main piston (4).    As the additional piston (7) passes through a neutral point, it is fixed relative to the cylinder (3) by a fixing device (8) and is simultaneously released relative to the stem (5). Expansion of the air from this position is characterised by an increase of the kinetic energy of the crank mechanism (2,1) of the device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Development of electric, hydrodynamic, gas-dynamic, mechanical and pulse-resonance energy units with reversible closed working cycles in power engines and engine construction. Elimination of combustion, nuclear and thermo-nuclear reactions.
The photoelectric module, for the conversion of solar energy into electricity, is produced from a modular stack (2) with the solar cell system (24), the encapsulating materials (25,25') and the separating films (26,26'). The stack is placed on a carrier plate at a temp. below the softening temp. for ther plastics sealing layers (30,30') in the encapsulating materials (25,25'), for transfer to a loading station. The modular stack (2) is moved to a vacuum laminator, which is sealed and evacuated, for a heated plate to bear down on the stack, against the carrier plate, heated to the softening temp. of the plastics sealing layers (30,30'). The vacuum laminator internal pressure is raised, without back cooling, and the bonded material is transferred to a hardening kiln to harden the sealing layers (30,30') into a laminate, followed by cooling and removal. The stages are effected simultaneously and in parallel, in a cycled operation.    ADVANTAGE -   The system gives solar cell prodn. with reduced energy consumption and in shorter mfg. times.
The appts. for producing energy from the potential energy stored in a deep body of water using tidal and wave action, includes a sealed base having a number of one-way valves provided in its upper and lower surfaces for expelling water to the body of water. A first cylinder the lower end of which is slidably received within the base, and a piston rigidly attached to the lower end of the first cylinder and slidably movable within the base. A float on the body of water is rigidly attached to the upper end of the first cylinder. A second cylinder slidably received through the floating device and extends within the first cylinder to the lower end of the piston and having therein device for allowing the flow of air from the upper to the lower ends of the second cylinder.    A turbine is positioned within a tube positioned within the first cylinder, and a power generator is operably engaged with the turbine. A device mounted in the first cylinder forces water from the body of water to flow through the tube and across and drive the turbine, and then into the sealed base from which it is expelled by the movement of the piston.    ADVANTAGE -   Deeper water also helps cool generating appts., and increase turbine efficiency.
The solar collector assembly has a base frame shaped like a half-round tube, and two bilaterally extended side wings. A number of transverse mounting plates are affixed to the bottom of the channel body for mounting on a building, and the side wings have cover mounting grooves at the top. Two vertically spaced, transparent top covers are fastened to the cover grooves on the side wings and over the channel body of the base frame. A collector unit is covered within the channel body for collecting solar radiation, and includes two supports fastened to the inside of the body.    A collector tube, fastened to the centre of the collector panel, has one end connected to the water supply pipe of a solar heating system and an opposite end connected to the water return pipe. The collector tube has two opposite ends fastened to either support at the top by a respective clamp, each support comprised of a bottom frame vertically fastened to the inside of the channel body and having a series of vertically spaced through holes. A top frame has a series of vertically spaced through holes alternatively fastened to either through hole on the bottom frame to support the collector panel in any of a series of elevations. Two end covers are fastened to the base frame and the cover at either end by screws.    ADVANTAGE -   Easily installed.
The structure of a solar panel is obtained by arranging multiple positive and negative photoelectric cells (1,2) alternately. On the light receiving face of the panel, an electrode (3) connects a positive and negative photoelectric cell. Multiple connections are thus established. The positive photoelectric cell function as an anode terminal during light reception and the negative cell has a cathode terminal. The electrodes on the light receiving side of the panel are electrically connected to each other using electrodes (4) installed on the lower surface of this panel.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates firm fixation of cells in panel. Increases effective light receiving area of panel. Raises operativity of device.
The solar battery module (20) includes heat insulation (22) comprising a thermally insulating material (24) which maintains the temperature of the battery module at a predetermined value. The solar battery module is obtained by installing multiple semiconductor elements in a transparent resin (18) at regular intervals.    This arrangement is placed on a covering film (16) and its upper surface is layered with a cover glass (14). The solar battery module along with the heat insulation constitutes a solar battery module panel (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Performs efficient generation of electricity. Does not need special mounting for attachment of panel. Maintains conversion efficiency.
On a transparent substrate (1) of reinforced glass, a conductive metal oxide layer (2) is formed. Over this, an amorphous semiconductor layer (3), a metal layer and an insulation layer (6) are formed one after the other.    The arrangement is sealed with a poly-isobutylene sealing layer (7) and this constitutes the solar battery module. This is mounted on a frame (8) using an adhesive (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high reliability. Provides solar battery at low cost with high efficiency.
The structure of a thin film solar battery module is formed by arranging more than one unit solar battery (10) on a flexible substrate (3). The under surface electrode (6) of each unit solar battery is connected with silicon thin film (5) of the next unit solar battery by a transparent electrode (4).    A positive terminal (11) and a negative terminal (12) are provided at either edge on the surface of the flexible substrate. The plus terminal is connected with the transparent electrode. The minus terminal is connected with the under surface electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides series connection of unit cell of solar battery using flexible substrate. Improves flexibility of solar battery.
The thin film solar battery component (10) has an electrode (14) of silver and titanium formed on an insulating substrate (12). Chemical etching is carried out on this layer forming openings (16a,16b). Over this, an amorphous silicon film (18) is formed by chemical vapour deposition. The semiconductor layer has direct contact with the insulating layer through the openings.    Over the semiconductor layer, another surface electrode (20) is layered. On this, a collector (20) with a metal wire (24) at the terminal is arranged. The electrode and the semiconductor are alloyed to the collector and the lower electrode (14) separated from this alloying element by the presence of the openings. The connection between the upper and lower electrodes is carried out slowly.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents bad influences and good characteristics of optical conducting element.
The manufacturing method of solar cell involves the formation of P type semiconductor layer (3) below N type silicon layer (2). Again below the P type layer, another P type silicon layer (4) is formed. Above the light receiving face of the N type layer and under the P type layer, collector electrodes (1, 5) are equipped. The processing layers thus formed convert the light energy into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises energy conversion efficiency sharply.
The manufacturing method involves use of P type silicon substrate (11) on which an N type layer (12) is formed. The light is incident on this N type layer. A P+ type fine crystal silicon layer (16) provides rear surface electric filed layer for the silicon substrate and formed under the substrate. Then, a transparent insulation film layer (17) is prepared below the P+ type fine crystal silicon layer by plasma chemical vapour deposition method at the temperature of 50-200 C. Below this insulation film a rear surface electrode (18) is formed.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar battery. Raises short circuit current and open discharge pressure. Improves spectral sensitivity in longer wavelength side.
The fuel battery consists of a reservoir (11) containing polyethylene glycol solution (12) in which lithium chloride salt is added to make it non conductive. In the polyethylene glycol solution, at predetermined space are located a flat positive electrode (13) made of graphite and a flat negative electrode (14) normally made of zinc. Air hose (22) from compressor (23) is put into the polyethylene glycol solution for blowing oxygen or oxygen bearing gas during heating process. The negative electrode metal is burnt with the oxygen in air and generates electricity by ionic electrochemical reaction.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs efficient conversion of heat energy into electrical energy. Avoids emission of gas. Enables generation of electricity even when there is no light. Lowers cost of generating power. Promotes power generating process.
The thermoelectric cell (1) comprises a positive electrode (3) and a negative electrode (5) with respective collector objects (6a,6b) and electrolyte (4) in between. Heat emitting body (2) serves as a thermal activator. The individual cells are series connected to form a battery through collector object terminals. Difference in size of collector objects ensures proper connections.    ADVANTAGE -   Helps to deliver designated voltage during battery operation.
The thermoelectric cell (1,1') comprises a positive electrode (3) and a negative electrode (5) with an interlay of composite electrolyte. The electrolyte (4) consists of first and second electrolyte layers (41,42). The negative electrode (lithium dispersed in porous nickel matrix) is housed in metal receptacle (15). Heat emitting body (2) provides the necessary trigger of thermal pulse. Ohmic bridging of electrodes due to dissolution of lithium in first electrolyte layer is blocked by the second electrolyte layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces voltage changes during discharge.
The appts. comprises a laser source (12) which emits radiation (16) along a preselected path (14) with a wavelength absorbable by one type of atmospheric molecule. The beam is expanded through a beam expander (18) prior to transmission through the atmosphere to a target. Lenses or mirrors (20) in the path focus the beam on the target.    A control unit (26), which receives feedback from a photosensor array (30), controls the focusing of the beam using a servomechanism (24). The optics are adjusted to modulate the index of refraction of the air in the target region to produce a predetermined pattern or profile to concentrate the solar radiation on a collector (28).    ADVANTAGE -   For climatic control e.g. for increasing humidity adjacent lake or other water body, or for increasing amt. of sunlight over wet surface for drying e.g. playing field, cooling of snow slopes etc.
The electrically powered gas dispensing system for supplying premeasured doses of respiration gas to a patient in synchronization with the patient's respiratory cycle includes a supply of pressurized respiration gas, and a dosing unit adapted to release sized single doses of respiration gas from the gas supply at the onset of inhalation by a patient. A conduit is provided for delivering the gas doses to the patient.    A pneumatic motor is used for extracting energy from the gas doses as the doses flow through the conduit from the gas supply to the patient and for converting such extracted energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is used to power the dispensing system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Portable gas dispensing system for supplying doses of respiration gas e.g oxygen to patient with breathing difficulties, and generating electricity from energy extracted from expanding gas. Enables increase in service time per fill and/or decrease in system weight.
The generator comprises a hydraulic turbine on a horizontal shaft (1) with the tips of its rotor blades equipped with a ring (7) containing rotor windings which are connected electrically to the stator windings (8), outer conducting elements, bearings and seals.    The generator has a second rotor (5) with blades turning in the opposite direction to the first rotor (4). The two rotors are set on radial thrust bearings (2) on a common fixed shaft (1), and the blades of the additional rotor have their tips connected to a second ring (8) containing the stator windings, fitting with a clearance round the rotor winding rim. All the windings are connected electrically to external current conductors with the air of contact rings and pick-ups.    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity, reduced dimensions and weight, more reliable operation and longer seal life. Bul.7/15.4.94
The wave power generator comprises a housing (1) inside which there is a counterweight (3), when the housing rocks due to wave action, relative movement between the housing and the counterweight cause gears to rotate and drive a generator. The housing has a tip cylinder (12) and a hollow section on his back, both reacting to restore the housing to its equilibrium position after displacement by a wave.    The housing is fixed by mooring cables (22) through a universal joint.    USE -   To convert energy of ocean wave to useful electrical energy.
The method involves extracting the geothermal fluid from the ground under its own pressure to form extracted geothermal fluid containing the non-condensable gases in gaseous form. The extracted geothermal fluid is passed through an indirect heat exchange device containing an organic fluid for vaporizing the latter and vaporized organic fluid and heat depleted geothermal fluid are produced whose cooling curve is characterized by a relatively broad range of temperatures.    The vaporized organic fluid is expanded in a turbine coupled to a generator for producing power and expanded vaporized organic fluid. The expanded vaporized organic fluid is condensed to a liquid, and the liquid is returned to the indirect heat exchange device.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces more power and is simpler to construct and maintain.
An adhesive sheet for fixing solar battery elements in mfg. process of solar battery modules obtd. by using a crosslinkable compsn. (A) of ethylene/(meth)acrylate copolymer( (B) contg. 15-32 wt. % of (meth)acrylate(s) (C). A solar battery module contg. the above-mentioned adhesive sheet layer is also claimed.    Examples of (C) are 1-10(2-8)C alkyl (meth)acrylates. (B) has pref. a melt flow rate (190 deg. C, 2160 g) of 1-100(5-50) g/10 min. (A) consists of (B), crosslinking agent (A1) and opt. auxiliary crosslinking agent (A2). Examples of (A1) are organic peroxides having a decomposition temp. of 90-180(120-160 deg. C). Examples of (A2) are triallyl cyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, dimethacrylate of EG, trimethacrylate of trimethylol propane, divinylbenzene and diallyl phthalate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for fixing solar battery elements in mfg. process of solar battery modules. It has excellent transparency, resistance to weathering and moisture absorption. A special water shielding treatment, e.g. by means of silicone sealant can be saved by the use of this adhesive sheet.
The cassette is integrated into the building roof forming its skin. It has raised points on which the solar cells rest. The cassette has edge flanges approx. 20 mm long over the solar cells and over the roof tiles or roof skin. Numerous cassettes may form a full or part of the roof skin.    The solar cells are not only stacked in the cassettes, but also located next to each other. In a cassette layer the top cassettes are of reduced thickness at butting points while the lower cassettes are inserted inside so that rain water can drain off.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved solar cell mounting, tightly sealed roof skin, and improved appearance.
The method of forming a series of cells involves establishing an electrode on top of a substrate, and establishing a protective conductor on top of the electrode. An active layer is established on top of the protective conductor. A portion of the protective conductor is exposed without severing the electrode. A second electrode is established over the active layer. The second electrode makes contact with the exposed portion.    This forms an electrical connection between the two electrodes via the protective conductor. The two electrodes are then severed to form two photovoltaic cells. The first electrode is established by applying a layer of conductive material on the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar power module. Highly accurate layer cutting for improved current flow.
The assembly comprises the solar dish concentrator (1) with a focal point, and a driving mechanism to move the concentrator so that it tracks the sun. An absorption mechanism (2) absorbs solar energy and is located at the focal point. A fluid conduit connects the absorption mechanism a power generator (14), where the solar energy is absorbed, using flexible joints (4,7,10).    The power generator is a Rankine binary cycle turbine. The conduit (3) includes a rigid tube and two rotatable flexible joints, the joints are connected one to each end of the tube. The tube has two separate passageways, one used for fluid going towards the generator, the other for fluid flowing from the generator. One passageway is situated inside the other passageway.    ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is better able to withstand higher fluid temperatures used, and provides better environment for fluid, in that it circulates in closed cycle, hotter fluid in inner conduit and cooler returning fluid in outer conduit.
Each of two yokes (4) which are 90 deg. out of phase, are connected to beams (3) by bearings (10,15) having only one degree of freedom. An eccentric bearing (15) with one degree of freedom is fitted to the nutating shaft (16) and is connected to one end of each of the yokes.    All the axes of the bearings pass through a central pivot point (5) but the axes of the pistons (7) need not be straight nor need be parallel with the axis of the crankshaft.    ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is compact. Pistons need not be in parallel with drive shaft of machine. Machine achieves nearly complete dynamic balance.
A chimney has an up-run following the contour of a hill side (10). The chimney includes a lower air inlet and an upper air outlet, and a drive mechanism for effecting a flow of air from the inlet to the outlet. The drive mechanism for the engine which operates the air flow is an excavated length (2) of the hill side.    The chimney includes a segment which is flush with and opens out onto the hill side contour. The opening caused by this has fabricated closure members which cover the opening, which include a pivoted and hinged flap. This allows any impinging wind to enter the chimney.    ADVANTAGE -   Chimney once constructed can be largely concealed from distant viewing and so may be more acceptable in scenic locations.
The curved surface is mfd. from a round-shaped glass sheet by softening the glass sheet placed horizontally on an annular support inside a temp. controlled furnace.    After cooling, the catenary shaped glass surface is covered with metal, e.g. aluminium, using technologies employed in mirror mfg.    The surface may need to be corrected by polishing if making telescope mirrors.    USE -   For solar light concentrator, high-gain microwave antenna, large telescope mirror etc.
Operation of electro-chemical generator comprises regulation of the concn. of the electrolyte according to the change of its vol. between levels by setting a determined concn. of electrolyte during operation on AC load by regulating concn. of alkali in electrolyte.    USE -   Used for the electro-chemical generation of current.    ADVANTAGE -   The useful energy during the life of generator is increased and the use of reagents is improved.
The structure has end flanges (13,14) sandwiching a stack (10) of cells (11). The upper flange is separated from the stack by manifolds (12a-12d) along the sides of the stack. Several bolts (15), penetrating the upper flange, are inserted to the manifolds. A nut (16) is screwed to every bolt, tightening the upper flange to the manifolds.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents upper flange bending since it is tightly screwed to manifolds and stack. Reduces assembly work since flange weight is lessened because its rigidity is not really required.
The battery (10) consists of a stack of cells (11) shaped like a cross forming eight sides. A particle-like sealing material (1) fills the gaps between insertion plates (14), the stack of cells, and collector plates (13) stacked on top of one another. The sealing material can be composed of an alumina, a zirconia, a glass and a magnesia which are all heat-proof materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Evenly distributes temp. inside fuel cell and prevents gap formation within cells with cell configuration. Prevents battery leaks and solid-state electrolyte damage with use of particle-like sealing material.
The preventer supplies hydrogen-rich gas as a fuel gas to a positive side of a fuel battery (1) through a gas entrance path (2). The unused fuel gas passes through a fuel gas exit path (3) and discharged by a fuel gas passage (40). A water coolant is pumped into a coolant entrance path (18) connected to one end of a coolant circulation path (46). The coolant is pumped into the battery by a coolant pump (15) and it exits to a coolant exit path.    A connection path (44) and the coolant circulation path are both connected to a valve (12). A purge gas supply path (48) leads purge gas to the connection path through a coolant path (47) inside the battery from the coolant circulation path. The purge gas pushes the water coolant with the fuel gas remains discharged through the gas passage.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces fuel battery size and cost since it stores min. amount of cooling liquid and liquid for purge storage is not required. Prevents corrosion of metal tube inside fuel battery main part and cooling system. Improves endurance of water coolant path.
The heating device is applicable to a fuel battery (1), through its anode side exit (3). The unreacted hydrogen gas is supplied to a hydrogen hydrogen occlusion tank to an exhaust gas supply part (20b). The stored hydrogen in the tank is supplied to a combustion burner (8) through a hydrogen gas supplying path (20c) to ignite it.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises load current of battery. Improves efficiency of fuel battery system. Reduces discharge of exhaust gas to outside. Excels in economical efficiency. Does not burn methanol thereby prevents environmental pollution.
The mfg method uses a fluid tank which contains a mixed solution of lead nitric acid and nitric acid or solution of chlorine and chlorine acid. The conductive processing on the surface of the carbon fibre is electromagnetically analysed and thereby analysing tin dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In power supply of motor vehicle. Provides compact battery. Obtains high output. Improves utilisation factor. Charges battery within short period of time. Enlarges charging current. Provides power supply battery with big load current.
Reformer comprises combustion appts. (7) of fuel gas, combustion space (8) provided at the flame release direction of the combustion appts., cylindrical radiation tube (21) placed around the combustion space and triple tube placed at the outside of radiation tube concentrically. The inner tube of triple tube and the end of combustion space side of its outer tube are connected with an end cap. The first ring-shaped space is formed between the inner tube and middle tube of triple tube to place catalyst and the second ring-shaped space is formed between the middle tube and outer tube and connected to the first ring-shaped space at the end cap connection part to form a reaction tube (3) by the first and second ring-shaped spaces. The third ring-shaped space connected to the combustion space is formed between the radiation tube and reaction tube.    USE -   To produce hydrogen-enriched gas used as fuel gas of fuel cells by adding steam to hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   To miniaturise the reformers to produce hydrogen-enriched gas.
In the operation of heat-exchanger type reformers for fuel cells, thermal energy for reforming reactions is fed from heat-supplying units, diluting air which is not used in the combustion at the heat-supplying units is introduced to the reformers together with gases for combustion fed from the heat-supplying units.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat-supplying units can be operated in atmosphere with the air ratios specified in the plan regardless of the load on the fuel cells and the bleeding of excess fuels can be made less or unnecessary.
Start-up of heat-exchanger type reformers of fuel cells with heat-supplying appts. to feed gases for heating and combustion is claimed, in that air ratios higher than those at normal operations are employed in the heat-supplying appts. at the initial stage of the start-up process.    USE -   Used to rapidly heat heat-exchanger type reformers to given temps. in the start-up process.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst tubes and input and output systems of reformers can be quickly heated.
Reformer which reform raw material gases by catalytic reactions between the raw material gases and reforming catalysts comprises raw material gas supply branch lines for feeding raw material gases to the reformers and are placed on both sides of the reformer and reformed gas discharge branch lines which are placed on both sides of the reformers and join the reformed gas discharge lines for discharging the reformed gases. One of the raw material gas supply branch lines and one of the reformed gas discharge branch lines are selected and the directions of the gas flows in the reformers are switched to reverse according to the oxidation reduction state of the reforming catalysts.    ADVANTAGE -   The reforming catalysts are efficiently reduced prior to reforming operations.
Fuel reformers in which raw material gases to be reformed are passed through heated catalyst beds and steam-reformed, are effected by having porous silicon carbide heating units with a three-dimensional network structure on which catalysts are supported used as the catalyst beds.    USE -   The fuel reformers can be used in fuel cells to steam-reform raw materials such as methane and methyl alcohol and to convert them to hydrogen.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst beds are heated rapidly and uniformly and the reforming efficiency is improved.
The IC card terminal comprises a CPU (10). When a production machine stops, power supply is supplied to the CPU from a back up power supply (11). An IC card containing data for the machine restart, is inserted in an IC card R/W (115). When operation selection data in the IC card is judged to be true, the CPU turns an engine key to ON state.    A vehicle mounted battery supplies power to the CPU, charging from the back-up power supply. The charging of the back up power supply is also simultaneously performed. A relay driver (114) is turned ON to change an engine starter of the vehicle into operation state.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises consumption of back up power supply inside IC card terminal. Provides prolonged operation of machine, prevents consumption of power from vehicle mounted battery.
The catalyser holder has a desulphurisation device which desulphurises original fuel containing carbon hydrogen system. A reaction pipe containing catalyser layer is heated with a heat medium object. A fuel modifier changes steam of original fuel into gas which is rich in hydrogen. A carbon-monoxide transformer transforms carbon-monoxide contained by the gas and is supplied to a fuel battery. The catalyser holder maintains the nature of the catalytic action of catalyser in the reaction pipe of the fuel battery. A recycling system supplies a part of the quality gas from the carbon-monoxide transformer to desulphurisation device, through an additional rates of flow control valve.    An entrance temperature detector detects the temperature of the catalyser layer at the entrance of the reaction pipe. A second temperature detector provided near the entrance detects catalyser layer temperature at predetermined position. A temperature difference calculator computes the temperature difference of both the temperature detectors. A controller controls flow valve of recycling system to secure minimum rates of flow of quality gas required for additional desulphurisation.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents carbon deposition. Maintains nature of catalytic action effectively. Supplies good quality gas to fuel battery for long time.
Copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and a monomer of formula (I) are new.    In (I), X = C; CH or N; Z = a Gp. I element; Ca; Mg; Sr or Ba; Rf = comprises a perfluoroalkylene gp. contg. one or more ether and/or sulphonyl gps. Rf, Y = CnF2n+1; n = 0 or 1-10; and m = 0 or 1.    Also claimed are: (1) a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a monomer of formula CF3=CFC(K)(SO2CF3)2 (V):    (2) a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a monomer of formula (VI):    (3) a membrane comprising a polymer made from a monomer of formula (I) above;    (4) a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a monomer of formula (I) above in which n = 0 or an integer greater than 0; and    (5) a membrane comprising a polymer made from a monomer of formula (I) above in which n = 0 or an integer greater than 0.    USE -   The copolymer is used to make membranes (claimed) for electrolytic fuel cells that are permeable to one type of ion but impermeable to the other; as a solid polymer electrolyte and in other applications that currently use Nafion (RTM) and Dow 560 (RTM) membranes. It could also be used to recycle pollutants in the plating industry.    ADVANTAGE -   The copolymers provide all the desired characteristics of Nafion (RTM) polymer and in addition have higher chemical stabilities and physical flexibilities.
The system includes a regenerative heat exchange device coupled to one end of the converter assembly for heating the reactants prior to introduction to the converter assembly to a selected operating temp. At the same time the exhaust is cooled to effectuate a balanced thermal energy transfer between the incoming reactants and the outgoing exhaust gases.    An integrated heat transfer assembly has a number of heat transfer elements for transport of a working medium, the heat transfer elements being disposed between the electrochemical converter elements without contacting the converter elements to provide efficient temperature regulation of it and serving to remove waste heat by radiant heat transfer from the columnar converter elements to the heat transfer elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In fuel cell electric generators. More efficient regulation of operating temp within thermochemical assembly.
System consists of the electrochemical generator (1) with the blow through hydrogen line (2) equipped with the valve (3) and the choke (4), fuel burner (5) with the hydrogen (6) and oxygen (7) electrodes forming the combustion chamber (8), electrolyte chamber (9) and the oxygen chamber (10), compensation unit filled with electrolyte (11) and connected to the combustion chamber lower part through the line (13). The hydrogen and oxygen electrodes are connected through the resistor (14). The electrolyte chamber is made in the form of an asbestos matrix saturated with the hydrooxide solution.    The combustion chamber (8) and a part of the blow through line (2) is filled with the electrolyte (12) from the reservoir (11) and the oxygen chamber (10) is filled with oxygen. The blow through hydrogen enters the combustion chamber (8) presses out the electrolyte into the reservoir (11) opening the catalytically active surface of the electrode (6) on which the hydrogen is combusted. As the hydrogen is consumed its place is occupied by liquid and the chamber (8) is gradually filled with the electrolyte again passing from the reservoir (11).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used in manufacture of electrochemical energy sources. Generator safety of operation and combustion efficiency are increased. Bul. 13/10.5.95
The packager binds more than one workpiece by the connection of an inner side of a projector (12), which forms into a deformable spherical surface to a fluid receptacle (11) with macromolecule material.    A Fluid receptacle is set up at both ends of a stack together with the projector. The stack and the fluid receptacle are inserted to an end plate (13). At the corners of the end plate, a bolt (14) and a nut (15) is installed.    ADVANTAGE -   Binds workpiece tightly and uniformly; simplifies installations and prevents leakage from stack; improves flat condition, collector effect and contact condition between cells; decreases fuel battery weight.
In the method of obtaining reformed gases for fuel cells contg. hydrogen and carbon monoxide by supplying natural gas and steam to a reformer with bayonet-type duplex tubes of catalysts, a heat transfer accelerator device (A) which surrounds the catalyst tubes is placed outside the middle part of the catalyst tubes, a sleeve which surrounds the catalyst tubes and a heat transfer accelerator device (B) which is placed between the sleeve and the catalyst tubes are placed outside the bases of the catalyst tubes, and a combustion gas for heating which is introduced to the shell side is allowed to pass through the space between the sleeve and the catalyst tubes.    ADVANTAGE -   The flow of combustion gas on the shell side is uniformalised and the catalyst tubes are heated uniformly. Since the combustion gas flows at a high velocity near the bases of the catalyst tubes, the heat transfer efficiency at the bases of the catalyst tubes is improved.
Heat exchanger type reformer having bayonnette type catalyst tubes for fuel cells comprises first and second tube plates (15,18) placed in a shell body (1) to divide the inside of shell body into a combusting gas chamber (10), process feed chamber (3) and reformed gas chamber (19). The first tube plate divides the combusting gas chamber and process feed chamber and second tube plate capable of detaching divides the process feed chamber and reformed gas chamber. The outer tubes (5) of catalyst tubes are fixed to the first tube plate at their base parts, the weights of inner tubes (4) of catalyst tubes are supported by the first tube plate and the base parts of inner tubes and the second tube plate are joined by seal welding through bellows (21).    USE -   Used as reformers of fuel cells with easy injection of catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Because of manifold is unnecessary, the structure is simple even when number of catalyst tubes is increased and process feed does not leak to reformed gas since a flange is not provided.
The device has a battery (10) which connects an input end. A stabilized-power-supply circuit (30) where an output end is connected to a vehicle-mounted electrically-equipped apparatus (20). A switch control unit (40) is set up between a diode and the stabilized power supply circuit.    The switch control unit consists of a speed detector circuit (41), a switch operation circuit (46), and a switching circuit (47) which turn off at the time of slowdown below a set point speed.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents useless power consumption of battery during prolonged stoppage, idling, and low-speed run as power supply is severed from further use.
The fuel gas supply makes the fuel to flow out from a pipe (1) of modifier in battery for generating power. The fuel gas is obtained by burning a liquid fuel. The burning process of the liquid fuel is carried out in the pipe by heating the pipe to a predetermined temperature. The temperature is maintained at the pipe until all the liquid fuel gets evaporated. The temperature is maintained by a heater wire (2) and a control device (7).    The heater is twisted around the outer circumference of the pipe. A temperature detector (6) is placed at the outer surface of the pipe. The predetermined temperature at which the fuel gas is extracted from the fuel is set previously in the detector. The control device (7) controls the heating process by controlling an ON/OFF switch of the heater element according to the output of the temperature detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents liquefaction of fuel gas even when aperture area of flow control valve is increased.
The fuel battery consists of a cell (C) comprising a oxygen pole (2) and a fuel pole (3). An electrolyte layer (1) is formed inbetween oxygen and fuel poles. The solid state electrolyte layer is made up of ZrO2 . The fuel pole consists of Ni and cermet ZrO2. A separator (4) is layered on the cell which consists of board parts (4a) and striped projections (4b). A slot like gas flow path is formed in the cell between oxygen pole and the conductive separator. The cell is positioned by means of a couple of long scale like first partition material (6) from its top side. A pair of second partition material (7) is placed below the cell. Four columns (8) connects the first partition material and the second partition material at four corners of the edge of the cell. The cell accumulation group (NC) is formed by stacking multiple such cells.    Number of main part (8a) is formed in the column and located inside it. Connecting part (S) which is metalled in the cell is connected with main part of columns which are installed around it. One pair of separating plate (10) is installed inbetween each group of cell in the accumulated groups. The column is connected with the separating plate by inserting a splicer (9) in holes (10A) of plate and press fit hole (H) in the column. The reaction gas is supplied through gas supply path (Kf) and discharged through discharged path (Hf).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces size of battery. Decreases dimensional variations of the parts. Prevents breakage of cells. Simplifies sealing composition.
The fuel battery consists of a rectangular shape cell (C) provided with a fuel pole (3) and oxygen pole (2). A solid state electrolyte layer (1) consists of ZrO2 and oxygen pole made of LaMnO3 . The fuel pole is made of nickel and ZrO2. A conductive separator (4) with number of convex line part and stripe shaped projection is installed between each single cell. A first partition material is placed on the cell and the upper surface of the lamination of first partition material is sealed along the longitudinal direction. The sealing material used are glass or ceramic system with high temperature heat proof. The corners of the cell are covered by the second partition material (7).    The cell accumulation group (NC) has number of cell which are laminated to form the battery. The first partition material present at both ends of the battery are inserted into recess (7a) at second partition material. Columns (8) are installed at four angular corners of cell accumulation group which has insulating remark surface (8A). The second partition material is in contact with an insulating surface. The battery is provided with gas supply path (Kf) and gas discharge path (Hf). Flow path (11) is made to contact part (8B) of column and forms a plane like connection surface. The gas flows inbetween fuel pole and conductive separator.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids clearance generation. Prevents gas leakage.
The fuel battery consists of a receptacle (10) which is split into housing (200) and lid (100). Inside the receptacle, the battery cells are layered as multilayer body. The housing and lid portion are connected in the stacked direction of multilayer body. Fuel gas is supplied to the multilayer body equally at three surfaces.    A sealing member seals the leakage of fuel gas from the lid, housing and manifold. Above the housing, the lid is attached. The fuel supply and exit paths are connected with the multilayer body. Along the width direction, a pressure applying mechanism (300), a pressure applying stick (320) and a pressure controlling nut are provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents leakage of gas by sealing member. Reduces internal resistance of battery due to stacked multilayer body. Enables to locate cell inside housing. Prevents mixing of gas.
The power generating device includes a fuel battery main part (12) which generates power using the main fuel. when the supply of main fuel is interrupted, the reserve fuel is used by the main part to generate power. A modifier (10) changes the quality of the main fuel or the reserve fuel that is currently used by the main part. When the reserve fuel is used, a reserve fuel evaporator (22) changes the state of the reserve fuel from liquid state to gaseous state. A hot pack (42) is set up along the circumference of the reserve fuel evaporated. A heat exchanger (31) supplies heat to the reserve fuel. A three way valve (34) supplies the fluid from the battery cooling pipe (18) to a heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs continuous operation by using gaseous state liquid fuel such as methanol. Improves safety and performs vaporization of reserve fuel economically.
The fuel battery is provided with a separator (1) inbetween a cathode base material (6) and a anode base material (3). An anode catalyser layer (4) and a cathode catalyser layer (7) are layered above the anode and cathode base material. An electrolyte layer (8) is placed above the catalyser layer. The anode base material is provided with slots for fuel gas flow and slots in the cathode base material is provided for flow of air.    The air and fuel gas passed into the battery flows on opposite sides of the separator. Fuel gas entrance (9) and an exit (10) are set up at both ends of the separator. Air entrance (11) and exit (12) are also set up on both ends of the separator. The fuel gas flow and air flow are independent and parallel to each other. The fuel path which is adjoined reverses the fuel flow path and forms a counter head flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises operation of battery. Eliminates temp. rise due to local current density in electrode surface.
The non-aqueous electrolyte battery consists of a positive (2) and a negative (1) electrode. An electrolyte film acting as a separator (3) is sandwiched inbetween the two electrodes. The set-up is arranged in an air-tight receptacle to form a unit cell.    Multiple unit cells are arranged adjacent to each other in a battery can (4). The negative electrode is connected to a program-train control resistor (10) through which electronic conduction takes place. Electrical connection of the battery is carried out through the resistor which provides program train control effect to carry out electronic conduction.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short circuit inside battery. Decreases smoke emission. Increases battery capacitance and battery usage safety.
The battery includes an injection moulded, integral plastic container having a bottom and top and comprising an inner container. Partitions divide the inner container into cells, while an outer container spaced from the inner container is used to provide a fluid compartment annular space around the periphery of the battery defined by a height and width and having end and side portions.    A series of fluid baffles span the width of the fluid compartment, while each of the fluid baffles is less than the height of the fluid compartment and provides a fluid flow path through the fluid flow compartment and about the inner container. A fluid inlet is formed in the container and allows ingress into the fluid compartment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In vehicle start, lighting and ignition battery. Provision for external passive or active thermal heating or cooling by using liq, gas or vacuum to maintain and operate butteries at designed temp regardless of ambient conditions.
Prepn. of a functional gp.(FG)-contg. perfluorocarbon(PFC) type copolymer comprises: (a) finely granulating a FG-contg. PFC monomer of formula (1), (b) dispersing it in water until the average particle dia. of the oil droplets becomes 2mm and (c) copolymerising it with perfluoroolefin of formula (2) with a water-soluble organic chain transfer agent selected from 1-6C aliphatic alcohols and 2-6C ethers in an aq. system.     CF2 =CF-O-(CF2 CF(CF3 )-O)n -(CF2 )m-Z (1)     CF2=CFX (2)     m = 2-4; Z = CO2 R or SO2 F; R = 1-3C alkyl; when Z is CO2 R, n is 1 or 2 and when Z is SO2 F, n is 0-2; X = F, Cl or CF3. Also claimed is a FG-contg. PFC type copolymer compsn. which comprises (A( a FG-contg. PFC type copolymer consisting of repeat unit of formula (a) and (b) and w wt.% of (B) homopolymer of repeat unit of formula (b) in a equiv. wt.(EW) of 650-1650 g-copolymer compsn./equiv.-FG.     -(CF2 CF(-O-(CF2 CF(CF3 )-O)n-(CF2)-Z))- (a)     -(CF2 CF2)- (b)    w = (~DH/16)x1000.4 , when EW is 650-1000;    w = ( ~DH/16)x100 = (EW-930)/175, when EW = 1000-1650;    ~DH = the quantity of the absorbed heat of a heat-absorbing peak at 300-340C, J/g-FG-contg. PFC type copolymer compsn., based on the fusion of the crystals of the homopolymer; EW = g-copolymer compsn./equiv.,-FG    USE -   The FG-contg. PFC copolymer is useful as a base material of a salt electrolytic cation-exchanged film, a barrier film for battery for fuel, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   The method produces a FG-contg. PFC type copolymer which has good fusion-moulding properties and high performance with controlling or inhibiting the production of different kinds of polymer in an aq. medium phase.
Spherical alumina support is immersed in Zr salt soln. thermally treated to form zirconia layer (thickness 1 /5 -1 /10 times as large as support dia.), coated with Ru as metal catalyst, filled in reactor tube and contacted with HC contg. source gas and water vapour under heat to produce H2for fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Reforming catalyst with durability against heat cycle is obtd. by the method.
The fuel battery consists of a cooling board (51) which is arranged in the form of a stack. A cathode and an anode electrode are connected on either side of an electrolyte film membrane. A hollow path (69) which comprises either an oxygen gas supply pipe (35) or a hydrogen gas supply pipe (45) is installed in the cooling board. The hollow path processes a porous resin film which is supported by a support film. The speed of water flowing through the porous film is greater than the flowing speed of gas. The cooling of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas is carried out by supplying water within the cooling board.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is compact. The breakdown voltage of the transparent film is raised.
The fuel cell has a base plate (1) with a spiral support rib (2), overlaid by a cover plate (24), a membrane gap (7) defined between anode and cathode elements (5,6), containing a spiral membrane body (11). This divides the spaces between the rib windings into anode and cathode spaces (12,13), respectively provided with a combustion gas channel (9) and an air channel (10).    The sidewalls of these channels have openings (20) communicating with a gas distribution space (18) on either side of the membrane, the reaction gases fed through an electrode gap (17). Cooling chambers are provided between stacked fuel cells into which water is sprayed for cooling and steam generation.    USE -   For mobile electrical power and heat generation plant.
A modular plate and frame construction electrochemical fuel cell stack (30) has humidification section (32) and active portion (34). The stack includes a compression end plate (42) with pneumatic bladder, and a fluid endplate (44). The assembly includes a number of non-intersecting compression bars (50).    Each bar extends across a central portion of the adjacent end plate (44) and the assembly includes compressive fastening for each bar to the compression end plate (42) urging the bars to promote sealing and electrical contact between stack layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a compact compression mechanism giving uniformly distributed forces at the end plate and being centrally disposed, and avoids end plate distortion.
The engine includes source of electrical potential energised by operation of the engine and contains an electrolysis cell holding an aqueous electrolyte solution and at least two electrodes disposed within the electrolysis cell each at least partially immersed in the electrolyte solution.    The electrodes are electrically connected to opposite polarities of the source of electrical potential, while hydrogen and oxygen are generated from the water in the electrolyte solution and are collected in a gas accumulation zone formed in the electrolysis cell. The electrolysis cell has an air inlet cooling robe which includes art air filter, and an outlet port. The air passes through the air filter and enters the gas accumulation zone, and gas exiting the zone exits through the outlet port.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In automobiles, heating systems, power generators etc. Improved hydrogen supplementation system, increased fuel efficiency, readily installed, reliable and predictable.
The supply device has a main part which contains a tank in which battery liquid is stored. The nozzle support part (16) is connected to the tank through the liquid supply passage.    The nozzle main part set up at the support part is easily attached or detached. A sensor to detect the liquid surface is set up at the nozzle main part.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables exchange of damage nozzle main part. Simplifies attachment or removal operation of nozzle main part. Prevents electric short circuit between electrodes and incorrect operation. Prevents leakage of battery liquid.
The aluminium-chlorine fuel battery has a graphite electrode (2) in the shape of tube. An aluminium electrode (5) is placed and connected with a nozzle underneath to supply argon gas (9). The electrodes and the electrolyte are provided in a receptacle (3) which is enclosed in an electric furnace (6).    The electrolyte used in the battery is a molten mixture of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. The molten Al electrode is agitated by passing chlorine gas through the graphite tube, and passing alternating magnetic field, during generation of electric power.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents reduction of electric power generation due to formation of oxide layer over Al electrode. Produces stabilized power for long time.
The gas separator (1) is equipped with larger number of supply slots (5). The supply slot is used to supply cooling water, fuel gas and gaseous oxidizing agents. To the opposite side of the supply holes, discharge holes for fuel gas and oxidizing agent gas are provided to discharge the gases.    The flow path is provided by the supply headers (4) between the supply holes. The flow path extends to the supply slots from the supply holes and finally results in the discharge holes.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves electrical characteristics of the battery.
The power generating device is constituted by a fuel battery (1) which is made up of multiple unit cells. A fuel pole (1f) of the battery is linked to a fuel system (2) which comprises a fuel modifier (4). The fuel modifier supplies rich fuel gas to the battery. An air pole (1A) of the battery is linked to a reaction air supply system (6) which includes an Ar blower (7). The Ar gas functions as an oxidising agent for the fuel battery. A portion of the exhaust gas output from the fuel modifier having a low oxygen density is mixed with the air supplied by the air supply system after being liberated from an adjustment unit (11). This mixed air (11G) is fed to the air pole of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes oxygen shortage during high load operation. Enhances durability of battery.
The heating process involves using a battery heater which is formed by two plates (6) that fit against the side walls of the battery. The two plates are supported by a rectangular wire frame (3,4) that fits over the battery casing to hold the plates firmly against the walls of the battery.    The heating plates are formed by resistance wires laid out in a flat serpentine format, supported in a thermally insulating material. The heating plates are supplied from the batteries own terminals, through a switch (2) that incorporates a temperature sensor and a timer. The temperature sensor allows the possibility of maintaining the battery at a set temperature during running, as well as providing heating before starting.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures good starting and optimal ignition voltage from battery under cold weather conditions.
A Pb-Sb alloy strap is formed on lug of plate made of Pb-Sb or Pb-Ca type alloy by cast-on method. At least 30% of eutectic crystal portion, is formed by a Pb basis solid soln. contg. Sb and a Sb basis solid soln. contg. Pb by selecting the content of Sb in the Pb-Sb alloy for strap to be up to 11 wt.% and also by controlling cooling rate of the Pb-Sb alloy liq.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved corrosion resistance at higher temp.
The heat exchanger (3) performs switching between a hot exhaust gas entrance (12) and a heat recovery water entrance (4). The two entrances are provided on the inner wall surfaces of heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies structure. Reduces cost.
The lead storage battery part consists of battery main part (1) battery width in which multiple batteries are stacked. The terminal (3) of each battery is made to project outwards. The terminal is inserted in a recess (2) which is setup in the upper part of the adjacent battery, then connecting each battery with one another.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves stability of the battery.
The electrolyte substrate has a multilayer structure. The green sheets of fuel pole and air pole are bonded on the electrolyte substrate. The electrolyte substrate is formed by stacking electrolyte green sheets (21) one above the other and baking the multilayer body at a suitable temperature. These green sheet layers are coated with thin film of required material using a doctor blade coater.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises electrolyte substrate with smooth surface. Increases film coverage area.
The drive device has a voltmeter (52) which detects the output voltage (E) of a battery (10). The impedance (Z) of the cathode surface of the battery is detected by an impedance meter. The detected values are stored in CPU (62), provided in an electronic control circuit (60). The opening of an electric valve (34) provided along a by-pass pipe (30) is controlled by the control circuit.    The rate of flow of water through the by-pass pipe is measured. The rate of flow of oxygen to the cathode surface of the battery is increased to a specific value (V1). A state detector detects the wet state of the cathode electrode solidified water drops adhering to the cathode surface are discharged outside through a gas discharge pipe (40), by increasing the dynamic pressure of oxygen gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids blockage due to water drops. Improves efficiency and response characteristics. Avoids need for separate power supply unit.
CO2 is removed from the air inflow to a metal-air battery or fuel cell by providing a container (20) contg. CO2-absorbent (22) with an inlet and outlet in the gas flowpath, the container being periodically removed to regenerate the absorbent by removing Gp 1a metal carbonate. Pref. the absorbent is a granular Gp 1a metal hydroxide (hydrate) and regeneration comprises: removing the spent absorbent and comminuting it; thermally decomposing; hydrolysing with water to reform hydroxide; crystallising out and drying; comminuting; classifying; and repacking. Scrubber system is claimed comprising a number of absorbent containers in series, each individually removeable.    ADVANTAGE -   Method and system maximise the effective life and utilisation of the CO2-absorbent. (claimed).
The generation of electricity from regenerative biomass from plants, esp. from perennial plants forming C4 cpds. during photosynthesis, comprises prodn. of biomass in a prodn. module (1); gasification to a crude gas contg. H2 in a reformer module (2); formation of a pure fuel gas with a high H2 fraction from the crude gas in a treatment module (4); and electricity generation from the fuel gas in a current module (5). The process comprises: (a) producing biomass contg. little S and Cl from the plants by a suitable composting method in module (1); (b) operating the reformer module (2) using allothermal reformer(s) (3) with steam as gasifying agent; and (c) controlling the dwell of the biomass and/or crude gas and the pressure and temp. in the reformer such that alkali cpds. in the biomass are removed from the reformer with the ash and the tar formed as intermediate is gasified mainly to C oxides and H2; (d) producing fuel gas contg less than 1% C oxides in the treatment module (4); and (e) converting the fuel gas to current in the current module (5) in PEM (proton exchange membrane and/or polymer-electrolyte membrane) fuel cell(s) (6), in which the operating temp. and the H2 content and pressure of the fuel gas are balanced to give a high power density. Also claimed is the appts. used in 2 variants of this process.    ADVANTAGE -   The process improves the energy content of the biomass and operates reliably for long periods.
A hybrid-type driving source which does not carry the output control of the fuel cell in accordance with the operating degree of the vehicle accelerator pedal, but in accordance with the charging amount (the chargeable residual capacity) of the battery (1) which fluctuates with a vehicle's movement i.e. the output of the fuel cell system (3) can exchange when the chargeable residual capacity is from 70% to 90%, the output of the fuel cell system (3) is 3 kW, when it is from 70% to 60%, it is 5 kW, and when it is below 60%, it is 10 kW. Consequently, the fuel cell system (3) can generate power in the effective range of from 30% to 33% and can charge the battery (1) effectively.    The output of the fuel cell in each group is settled and thermal fatigue of the fuel cell is avoided because of few output fluctuations. The electric motor assumes the drive disapproval state and thereafter when the electric motor moves without stopping the fuel cell immediately, and by continuing the output of the fuel cell and charging the battery (1) the electric motor is in the full charge state, or better fluctuation state. The charge time is that when the charge time is inputted from the input device (12), the output of the fuel cell which becomes full charge (90%) during the time is selected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electric motor drive of electric vehicle. Improved fuel cell driving efficiency. Battery charging enabled during electric motor dwell period.
The monitor has a gas partition divided by an insulated spacer at a gas insulating appts. which contains a high-voltage electric conductor.    A gas-pressure power sensor (73) on the gas partition measures the gas-pressure power and outputs a gas-pressure power signal. A gas temperature detector measures the gas temperature in the gas division and outputs a temperature signal. Thus, the gas-pressure power of each gas division is converted into pressure of predetermined pressure based on the measured gas-pressure power signal and gas temperature signal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For preventive-maintenance system applied to reliability check and monitoring appts. Reliably monitors cause of variations on gas-pressure.
A system equipped with a reformer (A) and a convertor (B). (B) is installed so as to cover the outer surface of (A).    USE -   Used for producing fuel gas for fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The system is able to decrease heat loss.
The fuel battery electrical power generating device has a burner (2A) which heats a quality device (2). The quality device converts original fuel gas to high quality gas making hydrogen gas as the main constituent. An air supply path (26) supplies air to burner to combustion. The heat exchanger (27) preheats the air for combustion and supplies the air through the air supply path to the quality device. A cooling water circulator (S) which circulates cooled water has a steam separator (3) and a water cooler (M). A heat recovery path (24) connects the steam separator and the heat recovery device (4). The steam separator supplies steam to the heat recovery device. A heater stage (28) heats cooled water using the heat supplied by exhaust gas from the quality device. The amount of water which passes through the heater stage is regulated by an adjusting device (V8).    ADVANTAGE -   Recovers unused heat from quality device at high temperature. Reduces energy consumption. Operates automatically.
The water processing device consists of a steam separator (3) and a water cooled action path (M) connected by a cooling water circulation path (5). A make-up water supply path (26) supplies cooling water to the circulation path. A drainage path (27) drains the cooling water from the steam separator. An impurity removal unit (G) installed at the drainage path, removes the impurity in the drained water by reverse osmosis. After removal of impurity, the cooling water is reused.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces running cost of electric power generating plant by reuse of cooling water after removal of impurity. Improves operation efficiency by controlling loss of heat energy from water. Enables satisfactory removal of impurity by combined use of reverse osmosis and ion exchange process. Removes calcium carbonate scales and silica scales from drainage water, efficiently.
The battery support structure has an electrically conductive bracket (10) fixed at both ends to the car body (5) stretching over the battery main part (2). A tube (11) is fixed on the battery main part. The negative terminal (6) that is placed on the tube, projects above the tube. The battery main part is fixed to the car body. The negative terminal is grounded through the bracket and projects from the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides good adhesive property. Reduces number of component and number of assembly process.
A heat insulating compsn. has 5-50 wt. % inorganic ceramic fibre, 50-95 wt. % inorganic powder, and 3-10 wt. % elastic organic substance, and 0.35-0.45 g/cm3bulk density.    USE -   For fuel cell.
Fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell having a hydrogen electrode and oxygen electrode, vaporiser to vaporise fuel gas, and reformer having a burner to heat the vaporiser and catalyst layer using liq. fuel and hydrogen electrode exhaust gas and catalyst layer to reform vaporised fuel gas, and the burner comprises a burner body to vaporise methanol supplied as liq. fuel, wing for dispersing methanol, heater and hydrogen electrode exhaust gas passage placed above the burner body to supply exhaust gas of hydrogen electrode. Vaporised methanol is combusted by the first air supplied from the outside to the inside of burner body and remaining methanol and hydrogen electrode exhaust gas are combusted by the second air supplied at the upper part of burner body.    USE -   Used to improve burners used in reformers of fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE -   To combust liq. fuel nearly completely to discharge clean exhaust gas from the fuel cell system.
A vehicle alternator delivers 12V DC. The emitter (12) of an n-p-n power transistor assembly BJT (14) is connected to the alternator and the collector (16) is joined to the electrically heated catalyst EHC (18). The base is joined to the source (22) of a p-channel insulated gate, FET (24). The base (34) is connected to an engine controller.    Current may be diverted to the electrically heated catalyst as long as needed but is subsequently supplied to the 12V battery (40) and other loads (41).    ADVANTAGE -   Heavy electrical loads can be supplied by diverting current when required and subsequently reconnecting battery charging and other loads.
The circuit (1) which consists PNP transistor (11) and a resistor (12), and it supplies constant current to a secondary cell such as, nickel-cadmium (Nicad). It is provided with current detector circuit (2) which detects if its output current is constant.    It has current control circuit (3) which outputs its voltage and controls its output current. The current control circuit consists two ADC (31,32), one DAC (33) and CPU (34).    ADVANTAGE -   Controls charging current supplied by battery charger. Corresponds to classification and charging requirements of battery. Determine and control charging current.
The system has a modifier (10) to a fuel pole (3) of a fuel battery through a fuel supply line (18). The fuel battery consists of a stack (S) of cells in which each are provided with an oxygen pole (2) and a fuel pole (3) by a thin electrolyte film (1). The fuel pole is arranged above a cooling part (7) through a separator (4).    The oxygen pole comprises an oxidising agent and fuel gas is carried out by fuel pole. The modifier supplies the fuel pole with hydrogen from the hydrogen tank (19) provided at the fuel supply line through a fuel supply valve (20).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides fuel without delay when sudden rise in output required. Avoids shortage of fuel.
The recycling system (1) includes an isolation film type reformer (3) and a combustion system (5) connected to each other and to a fuel battery through a catalyst layer (4). All other units of recycling system are connected to the combustion system. The reformer is connected to the hydrogen entrance of the fuel battery. The hydrogen exhaust gas from the fuel battery is supplied to recycling system of reformer for recycling.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency of system.
The fuel battery consists of a unit cell which comprises a pair of anode (8) and cathode (9). An electrolyte layer is impregnated inbetween the anode and the cathode. A separator board (33) is inserted inbetween each unit cell. Two or more cooling boards are formed on the top portion and a multilayer body is formed. The battery consists of a gas manifold for supply and discharge of reaction gas in the multilayer body. The main part of the fuel battery has a pressure receptacle to store purge gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents etching of corner parts by purge gas as insulation is provided. Enables reuse of exhaust gas as purge gas. Reduces operating cost.
The appts. comprises a turbine unit to generate a power by expanding the hot coal gas to lower its temp. and impurity separator to separate impurities from the coal gas at the lowered temp.    USE -   For producing fuel for fuel cells.
Highly fluorinated ion exchanger resin membrane is reinforced with a fabric composed of two layers woven, seamed or knitted together of 1st layer fabric of yarns as PTFE, resistant to Cl2, NaClO3 and conc. aq. NaOH at 1100 C with a size of 40-600 denier and an aspect ratio of 2-20 embedded in the membrane and 2nd layer fabric woven more densely of above yarns with greater denier contg. 1-10 times of sacrificial yarns, i.e. cotton, flax, etc., not completely embedded in the membrane. Also claimed is a modified electrolysis of alkali metal halides using the barrier of above membrane.    USE -   As barrier in electrolysis of alkali metal halides.    ADVANTAGE -   The membrane shows dimensional stability and long life on usage in electrolysis or fuel cells.
Fuel reformer to convert liq. fuel consisting of reforming feed material, e.g. methanol, and water to hydrogen-enriched reformed gas by steam reforming comprises a combusting part (1) to generate heat source gas, vaporisation part (2) to vaporise the liq. fuel to produce reforming feed gas, reforming part (6) to convert the reforming feed gas to reformed gas, the first transformation part (3) to reduce carbon monoxide in the reformed gas by using transformation catalyst and second transformation part (7) to reduce carbon monoxide in the reformed gas from the first transformation part by using carbon monoxide selective oxidn. catalyst. Each part is a laminated body consisting of a heating layer to flow heat source gas and layer to treat feed. However, the vaporisation part and first transformation part (5) are combined to form a vaporisation and transformation part (5) to use a heating layer (20) commonly and the second transformation part is equipped with a cooling layer (71) to maintain a temp. of catalyst under 100 C.    USE -   Used to reform fossil fuel, e.g. methanol, LNG, to hydrogen enriched reformed gas used as fuel of fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The concn. of carbon monoxide is significantly reduced to eliminate a bad effect to fuel cells and small sized fuel reformers can be provided.
The mfg method layers cells in stacked form to produce a multilayer body of fuel battery. A pipe is connected to a fuel battery to form the circulation flow path for cooling medium. A pump (60) is used to drive and circulate the sol solution to carry out hydrolysis of Si4in the circulation flow path. The sol solution is made to adhere inside the circulation flow path. After the adherence inside the circulation flow path, solution dry hardening of sol solution is done by passing hydrogen gas at temperature of 150 deg C. As a result a high insulating quality coating is performed. Thus the coating formation is carried out inside the cooling medium circulation flow path.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents mixing of impurities with cooling mediums and hence prevents short circuit. Increases durability of coating. Offers easy mfg.
The deterioration factor information appts. provides an output signal using the circuit composition of the main part from a controller (2) to a generator (3) and a load (4). A switching circuit (11) switches the opening states of the controller, and is connected to a dummy load. A current sensor (5) detects the value of charging current from the generator. An input circuit (9) senses the input temperature of the main part with the help of a temperature sensor (7). The signal voltage across the terminals of the input circuit is found, based on the efficiency data of the main part during charging and discharging operations. The charging energy is added to the initial maximum power. A standard electric energy addition part (17) integrates the standard energy during discharge, for every sampling period.    A capacitance calculator (18) calculates the standard capacitance of the main part, based on the operation of the switching circuit. A data mapping memory (21) stores the map parameters, based on the terminal voltage across the main part. A capacitance estimating part (15) estimates the main capacitance, based on the data stored in the memory. By temperature correcting part (16) corrects the temperature of the capacitance, based on a signal from the input circuit. A factor memory (24) stores the varying parameters based on the deterioration factor. A variation calculator (19) calculates the variation in capacitance value. A factor reference part (20) searches for suitable deterioration factor with reference to data stored in the memory. An output circuit (25) provides a factor signal output using the factor reference part.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables clear understanding of degradation situations.
Solid, gas-impermeable membrane is a mixt. of a conductive phase (I) and an O-ion conductive phase (II), where (I) is Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Bi oxide, Pr-In oxide mixt., Ce-La oxide mixt. Nb-Ti oxide mixt. or a perovskite-type mixed oxide; and (II) is a perovskite-type mixed oxide; or the membrane may be formed of a single perovskite-type mixed oxide contg. rare earth with or Sr but contg. less than 13 mol.% B and/or Ce. Electrochemical cell, in which O2 is consumed includes a solid, gas-impervious membrane with a passage through which a gas passes, the membrane having electron and O-ion conductivity and having the above compsn.. Also claimed are: process for oxidising a gas with O2, esp. CH4, natural gas, C2H6 or other light hydrocarbon to form unsatd. hydrocarbons or for extracting O2 from N2O, NO, NO2, SO2 and/or SO3; and process for prodn. of HCN from CH4 and NH3.    USE -   Esp. in synthesis of a range of gases and in clean-up of flue or exhaust gases.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas-impervious membrane facilitates transport of O2 from an O2-contg. gas to a reactant gas that consumes O2.
CO is removed from a methanol/water vapour reforming process gas by selective contact induced carbonisation. The CO is converted into C and CO2via the Boudouard Equilibrium. Also claimed is a suitable apparatus which has, in addition to the reforming reactor (1) at least 2 carbonisation reactors (2,3). Whilst one reactor is removing CO, the other which is in parallel, is disconnected, the catalyst being regenerated by removing carbon from it.    USE -    To remove the CO impurity from H2 produced by the CH3 OH/H2O reforming process.    ADVANTAGE -    Removal of CO impurities makes the H2suitable for feeding to the anode of a PEM fuel cell that could be used to power a vehicle.
The terminal clamp (1) acts to releasably fasten at least one current cable to a storage battery or accumulator terminal, particularly to a vehicle starter battery. It has two clamp jaws (2,3) which can move towards each other and at least partially enclose the battery terminal. It also has at least one fastening part (10) for the current cable.    The terminal clamp (1) is made of moulded or pressed material. The fastening part (10) is formed as a bridge type projection to releasably receive a plug coupling connected to the current cable. This projection is formed in one piece on the connector clamp (1).    ADVANTAGE -   Allows even cable with high current loading and correspondingly dimensioned connector parts to be connected.
The inertia cut-out switch includes the metal ball (7) held under pressure on its seats (5A,5B). The ball is retained by a spring washer (25) which is calibrated to apply a given pressure to the ball. On impact, the ball is released from its seating by dynamic inertia.    The two seatings (5A,5B) mounted above and below the ball position are formed of lead alloy preformed to the required shape. The housing is incorporated into the battery at one of its normal terminals, with the casing being retained within the top wall of the battery casing. A rivet (42) on the lower side allows connection of a cable within the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Inertial cut-out switch is simply formed directly within conventional battery housing.
A fuel reformer has a reforming tubular section and a burner. The reforming tubular section consists of a centre cylinder, inner and outer walls placed concentrically inside and outside the centre cylinder with spaces between the walls and the centre cylinder, a bottom plate that is joined to the bottom ends of the inner and outer walls with a space between the bottom plate and the bottom end of the centre cylinder to close the reforming tubular section at the bottom, an inner catalyst layer formed by packing space between the centre cylinder and the inner wall with a granular reforming catalyst, and outer catalyst layer formed by packing the space between the centre cylinder and the outer wall with a granular reforming catalyst. The burner is placed inside the reforming tubular section to supply heating medium for heating the inner and outer catalyst layers along the surfaces of the inner wall, bottom plate, and outer wall. A hydrocarbon fuel is steam-reformed into H2-rich reformed gas through inner and outer catalyst layers heated with the heating medium. The reforming tubular section has, around the circumference of the inner wall, more than one groove that has a depth from the inner wall to the centre cylinder and runs in the lengthwise direction of the heating medium movement.    USE -   The fuel reformers can be used to reform hydrocarbon fuels into H2-rich reformed gases which can be supplied to fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Capacity of the heating media to heat the catalyst layers is improved.
The device has a battery carrier (22) made of resin-composition material. An arm (40) that prolongs upward is attached in one side of the battery carrier. A battery clamp (55) connects a clamp bolt (50) positioned at the other side of the battery carrier as it fixes the battery to the carrier. An insertion hole is formed to one side of the bottom portion of the carrier.    A connection projection (38) is set up at the battery carrier periphery wall corresponding to the insertion hole and also forms a connection hole. A refraction unit (41) is inserted into the insertion hole. A through hole enables the fastening of the refraction unit and the battery carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables easy assembly of arm by side of battery carrier that can withstand vibration of vehicle. Prevents battery draining that shortens battery life.
To a dispersion obtd. by adding 20-70 wt.% of glass fibres of length 1-20 mm. to an aq. medium and dispersing, an aq. soln. contg. 0.2-2% of polyethylene oxide is added and stirred. 30-80 wt.% of a thermoplastic synthetic resin of particle size 1 micron-2 mm. is added. The prepd. liq. dispersion is made into a sheet by paper making process. The resultant sheet has heat and pressure applied whereby the thermoplastic resin is softened. The resin is then solidified so that the glass fibres are unified.    In an example, to 100 litres of water is added 1 kg. of polyethylene oxide with an average mol. wt. of 200-75000. Aq. medium contg. 2 kg. of glass fibres with an average fibre length of 3 mm. in 100 litre of water was added. The fibres were opened and polyethylene particles with an average particle size of 1 mm. in equal amt. to that of the glass fibres were added and stirred. The liq. dispersion was made into a sheet by paper making process, pressed and dried and then hot pressed at 5 kg/sq.cm. at about 200C.    USE -   The sheet is useful as lining material for motor vehicle ceilings, supports for motor vehicle batteries and concrete panels.    ADVANTAGE -   The sheet has superior uniform thickness, stiffness and strength.
An amorphous porous zinc film is evaporated and electrodeposited on a copper film, nickel, cobalt, palladium, other metal, or an electric film. The zinc film is used as a catalytic film. A hydrogen gas-encapsulating zinc film generated by evaporation and electrodeposition is kept into contact with an air film. A hydrous alkaline agent or a peroxide agent is kept into contact with the zinc film for firing. The resulting automatic firing unit is used as a substitution for match. The automatic firing unit is kept into contact with solid fuel. Supplying air to the solid fuel results in firing and burning. The zinc amorphous porous matter is used as the fuel cell film.    USE -   The automatic firing unit-equipped heater and the fuel cell film are used as a portable heating means and finds its application in canned (tinned) liq., including liquor, juice.    ADVANTAGE -   The automatic firing unit-equipped heater is used as a substitution for match or a gas lighter, assuring safety. Natural firing is available. When the heater is mounted on a can (tin) with a coolant, keeping the coolant contact with a solvent dissolves the coolant to generate heat of dissolution. The use of the heat of dissolution exerts cold insulation effect. The resulting heater is used both in summer and winter.
Carbon paper consists of carbon fibre, and has thickness of 0.05-1.0 mm, porosity of 70-90 %, average pore size of 10-30 micron m, pore vol. of 2.0-4.0 cc/g and specific resistance of up to 0.1 ohm cm.    USE -   Suitable for a fuel cell, esp. a small fuel cell used in an automobile etc.    ADVANTAGE -   A thin carbon paper having excellent electric cell property can be obtd.
Prodn. of chlorine comprises: an ion conductor provided with a catalytic electrode; a hydrogen receptor contacting to one side of the conductor; and HCl contacting on the other side of the conductor.    USE -   Application of fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -    Cl2is produced from HCl under mild conditions without yielding by-products. The reaction energy can be brought outside in a form of electric energy, as needed.
A fuel reformer consists of a case with an air intake port at one end and a heat exchanger connected to the other end, a fuel injection nozzle, glow plug, air supply tube, fuel gas supply tube, and catalyst bed set on the case in this order downstream. Also present is a coil for vaporising the fuel, wound around the catalyst bed and connected to the fuel gas supply tube, an electric heater to heat the air from the heat exchanger to the air supply tube, exchange valves which allow the selective supply of the fuel to the fuel injection nozzle, coil for vaporising the fuel and means for burning completely and reacting the fuel from the fuel injection nozzle and oxidising partially the fuel from the coil for vaporising.    USE -    The fuel reformers can be used in appts. for synthesising raw material H2 for ammonia synthesis, ammonia denitrification, and H2producing appts. for fuel cell automobiles.    ADVANTAGE -    The yield of H2can be improved and the prodn. of soot is inhibited.
The system has a fuel evaporation appts (6) in which an electric vaporizer (8) evaporates the liquified petroleum gas (4) for fuel battery. An electric heater (7) is used to heat the electric vaporizer. Then, the evaporated fuel is supplied to a fuel battery electrical power generating device (13) through a line. Between the vaporiser and the evaporated fuel supply line, a catalyser combustion type vaporizer (10) is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides reliable fuel evaporation system. Evaporates liquid fuel continuously.
The fuel cell consists of stacked layers of unit fuel cells (3,3') which are separated by a separator (5). An electrolyte and pair of electrode layers are inserted between the unit fuel cell layers.    A manifold domain is connected to a fuel system gas-flow path and an oxidising agent system gas-flow path via a hole (8). The hole penetrates in the thickness direction of the separator. The manifold domain contains two or more ring-like members and a manifold ring (6) which are electrically insulated.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents damage as a result of thermal stress induced in the manifold domain. Increased productivity and improved reliability.
The fuel cell stack comprises a single, modular, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack module (1), consisting of either 28 or 56 cells (10), employing an integral housing (20) for mounting the end plates (22). The end plates which have 12 anchoring bolts (23b) provide a uniform compressive stress distribution. The module has upper (anode,11a) and lower (cathode,11b) current collector plates incorporating compliant pads below each of the end plates.    Cooling water flow, at a pressure above that of the regulated gas supply, from an inlet port through the compliant pad (21) around a multiplicity of smaller pads (21a) and into an annular space (27) which acts as a cooling jacket. Hydrogen and oxygen is fed into the multicell pack through passages (16,17).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces contact voltage drop losses by increasing active conductive area.
The battery terminal connector consists of a folded element having top and bottom ring shaped openings that fit over the battery post and have sharp tipped notches on the inside circumference. The open end of the folded element has tapered sides that retain a captive nut for the attachment of a tapered clamping member. The notches bite into the battery post when the tapered clamping member is tightened thus preventing rotation of the terminal even if excessive torque is applied.    The terminal also incorporates a stud bolt to facilitate the attachment of a secondary crimped wire connector    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides positive electrical connection and maintains integrity of contact even if clamping member becomes loose
The process comprises: (a) chemically surface-treating a graphitic member to be hydrophilic, mechanically strong and electrically conductive, by high-temp. deposition of a carbonaceous layer on the surface structure of the fibrous graphitic member by deposition of carbon black derived from a material selected from liq. hydrocarbons, alcohols and gaseous hydrocarbons at a temp. above 800C in an inert atmos. or a sub-stoichiometric-oxygen-contg. atmos.; and (b) forming oxygen-distribution passages in the graphitic member. The hydrophilic treatment is effective for transport of water through the graphitic oxygen-distribution member away from a cathode to which the oxygen distribution member is adjacent in the fuel cell.    Also claimed is an oxygen-distribution member for an ion-exchange membrane electrolyte, water-producing, fuel cell, whereby the oxygen-distribution member is the prod. of the above process.    Also claimed is a process for producing the oxygen-distribution member.    USE -   Used in an ion exchange membrane electrolyte, water producing fuel cell.
The lead storage battery has a battery jar (8) made up of polypropylene resin. The battery jar contains either single cell room or multiple cell rooms. A plate group (1) having a negative electrode board (2), a separator (3) and a positive electrode board (4) are adjoined by an ear part (5) on its upper portion.    A lid covers the opening part of the battery jar. A rectangular parallelepiped strap (6) connects the ear part to the upper part of the plate group. A polypropylene resin lump (10) fixes the plate group and the strap between the battery jar walls. Both ends of the resin lump are attached to the inner wall (11) of the battery jar which is perpendicular to the strap.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents vibration of plate even when intense vibration is given to battery. Prevents fracturing of plate ear part and strap fracture by metal fatigue.
The piping structure of a fuel battery comprises a gas supply pipe (3) and an exhaust gas pipe (4). This piping structure is connected to the side wall of an airtight receptacle (2). The airtight receptacle contains a main part (1) of the battery.    A flange part is assembled at the side wall of piping unit. A second part of flange (8) is assembled in the side wall of the airtight receptacle which is kept in the side opposite to that of first flange part. These two flanges are wrapped by a V-type band and tightly bound by members (11-13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. molten carbonic acid salt type fuel battery, phosphorus acid type fuel battery, solid-state electrolyte type fuel battery. Improves gas ejection structure from airtight receptacle. Enables miniaturisation of fuel battery. Simplifies maintenance of battery structure.
The fuel battery system is constituted by a substrate which is etched to generate a gas flow path (2) and a set of electric power generation cells (5). The pair of micro sensors (3) and a control parts (4) are positioned on the gas flow path. A reaction medium (6) is positioned in each of the power generation cells to which a gas flow path is connected. Thus, the flow of hydrogen and gas is controlled by a control parts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. medical treatment. Enables efficient supply of energy.
The battery has a coating of lithium cobalt oxide (1) and lithium manganese oxide (2) provided on the surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises power loss due to heat generation. Enables efficient use of battery.
Battery has strap comprised of numbers of pole plate lugs fused in a body junction with lead alloy. At least one of the lug out of the remaining unfused lugs has longer length than the others.    USE -   The battery is suitable for a car.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery prevents bursting by sparking.
The heating apparatus (10) includes a mechanism for defining the treatment position for the plates with its lug (19) projecting into a lug position, a nozzle (11 and 12) connected to a source of hot gas with an outlet (13 and 15) directed at the lug position.    A surface extending from the outlet and diverging from the direction of the outlet away from the treatment position is defined by a flat plate, whereby hot gas passing through the nozzle is entrained into a gas stream passing through the lug position and along the surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For computer standby batteries. Solves problem of hot air extending into a diverging stream impinging on separators and, if they are in envelope form, actually entering inside envelopes, causing immediate degradation of separator material and almost inevitably lead to short-circuits within the battery.
The appts. comprises a current sensor for producing a first signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from the energy source. A low power operational amplifier has a capacitive element in the feedback path for integrating the first signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from the energy source. The capacitive element is charged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and the capacitive element is discharged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction.    The amplifier has a supply voltage input operatively connected to the energy source for energizing the amplifier and a minimum drain current that is less than 1.05 mA. The capacitive element has a capacitance greater than 0.01 farad.    ADVANTAGE -   Is more efficient and is permanently connected to battery being monitored. Provides diagnostic capability under varying temperature conditions.
The container has a housing (1) with frontal removal cover (2), clamping unit for drawing in modules (3) to rear wall of container (1), blow up valve (4), indicator for electrolyte leakage, fastening node of batteries consisting of installed frame (6) in upper part of container (1) and connected via locks (7) to a cover (2) and hinges to a blow-up valve (4).    The frame (6) with supporting elements of housing form a framework connected to suspensions (10). The transverse racks in the form of L-shaped traverse are fastened to the frame (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In setting storage batteries on the transport facilities with simplified construction, decreased labour expenditure in servicing by simplified replacement of modules. Bul.06/27.02.95.
The appts. comprises a heat recovery part having an exclusive cooler to recover heat from a gas prod. in a gasifier to gasify a combustible component of a solid dust coal.    USE -   In mfr. of fuel gases for fuel cells.
A gasket is obtd. by moulding a mixt. composed of 1-12 wt.% of an organic binder, 5-40 wt.% of an inorganic filler, 5-40 wt.% of an inorganic fibre and 40-80 wt.% of a solidifying and sintering inorganic filler into a sheet.    USE -   In electric equipments, e.g. fuel cells, and joints of pipes for high temp. fluids.    ADVANTAGE -   The gasket has a high sealing property at high temp. use.
An apparatus for removing carbon monoxide concentration of a hydrogen-enriched fuel gas to be supplied to a fuel cell and has a gas manifold for retaining a gas mixture consisting of a gas to be treated and an oxidising gas, at least one layer of catalyst bed on which a selective oxidation catalyst is supported, and a space velocity regulator for letting the gas mixture retained in the gas manifold pass through the catalyst bed at a space velocity within a given range.    USE -   The apparatus can be used to remove carbon monoxide from a fuel gas to be fed to the fuel electrode of a fuel cell for power generation.    ADVANTAGE -   The amount of carbon monoxide contained in a hydrogen-enriched gas can be reduced to such an extent that poisoning of the electrode catalyst of a fuel cell can be prevented. Also the efficiency of the selective oxidation catalyst to oxidise and remove carbon monoxide can be improved.    PREFERRED SPACE VELOCITY - The space velocity of the gas mixture passing through the catalyst bed is pref. adjusted to 1000-1500 with the space velocity regulator.    PREFERRED SPACE VELOCITY REGULATOR - The space velocity regulator is pref. a heat-resisting hydrogen separation membrane, more pref. a polyimide membrane, placed between the gas manifold and catalyst bed or a pressure regulator which adjusts the internal pressure of the gas manifold to a pressure within a given range, more pref. in the range of 2-10 mg/cm2.
The normal pressure type fuel battery has a pair of porous electrodes arranged on both sides of electrolyte layer which make the electrolyte impregnatable. Two or more cooling boards are layered to form a square shaped multilayer body (1) for coolant supply and discharge.    A reaction gas manifold is arranged on the multilayer body side with its corner part made to exposed. A reaction gas pipe (5) is formed by the side of the multilayer body. The multilayer body is then covered by fluorine resin film possessing heat proof and phosphorous acid proof nature.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. battery which does not require forced ventilation. Reduces gas leak. Offers safety and reliability.
The battery consists of several stacks (1-6). Each stack has a positive electrode chamber and a negative electrode chamber separated by a diaphragm. A pump circulates the electrolyte around the electrodes. The output of each battery stack is connected in series. An automatic control valve is provided at the entrance of each pipe that leads the electrolyte to the stack. The output terminal voltage is controlled by changing the state of the cable run switches (1f-6f) connected to the stacks.    ADVANTAGE -   Maintains high level current efficiency. Reduces pump power consumption. Increases battery utilisation efficiency.
The fuel cell is equipped with the H2 reservoir packed with the H2 absorbing alloy, which stores H2 during operation, and discharges H2 at start, and H2 is added to hydrocarbon fuel to achieve hydrogenation and desulfurisation.    ADVANTAGE -   The deterioration of the CO conversion catalyser is prevented, even by repeating start and stop, and the stable operation for long period is achieved by the process of this invention.
The fuel battery uses a corrugated board (1) as a separator. One surface of the board serves as a cathode while the surface of another board beneath it serves as the anode. The boards are arranged such that the perforation section of one board provides immediate separation of anode and cathode. The perforated region constituted by corrugated board and the anode serve as anode gas flow path. The spatial region in the collector board above corrugated board serve as cathode gas flow path.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases gas flow path area. Reduces pressure loss at cathode side. Prevents destruction of gas sealing part or electrolyte board.
The fuel battery has an electrolyte layer which is impregnated with an electrolyte. A number of cells with a pair of electrodes and gas flow paths are layered to form a square pole like cell stack. A manifold supply part (7) for supply and discharge of reaction gas, is arranged by the side of the cell stack. The fuel battery has a cooling board with embedded heat transfer pipes for the circulation of cold water. A connection slot carries out connection of gas flow paths at its centre.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs uniform distribution of gas. Improves battery characteristics. Avoids need for increasing gas pressure.
The spillover-type battery comprises: (a) a generator element consisting of a catalyst layer formed by fixing a Pt gp. colloid on a metal plate, a powdery activated carbon applied on the catalyst layer and another metal plate clad on the activated carbon; (b) a closed vessel in which the generator element is placed; (c) a H2gas contained in the closed vessel; and (d) wiring for extracting a current connected to the metal plates.    USE -   Used, e.g., as captive power generators and electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is maintenance-free, compact, light and free from environmental pollution causes and mass-produced at a low cost.
A car battery has pole terminals (5) which are positioned in a niche on the battery lid. The poles have identical sizes. Attached to each pole is a bracket (6) which is positioned at a different angle for each pole, so that each one has a different distance from the wall (3, 4) of the niche. The cable shoes (8, 9) which are screwed down to the brackets have different sizes and thus each one can only be fitted onto the correct bracket.    ADVANTAGE -   Impossible to connect battery leads incorrectly to wrong poles.
Temp.-sensitive thermal insulator for batteries is obtd.from barrier film and has an expandable chamber(s) contg. a fluid having a vaporisation temp. of 90-200 F. The insulator has a first volume above the vaporisation temp. which is greater than a second volume of the insulator below the vaporisation temp. Also claimed is a lead-acid SLI battery comprising a container having the above insulator secured over at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the container walls. Pref. the insulator covers the outer surfaces and is mounted to the battery by double-sided tape.    USE -   The insulators are particularly for batteries which have a temp. dependent thermal conductivity. They can be used to fabricate air deflectors which deflect hot air only at higher temps.    ADVANTAGE -   The batteries are protected against higher ambient temps. but can be more rapidly warmed at lower ambient temps. The insulator is mfd. and installed more easily.
The electric power generation system has a regulated vacuum ejector for recirculating the fluid fuel stream. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a pressurised fuel supply having a pressure control valve for regulating the pressure of the fuel supply, a vacuum ejector interposed between the fuel supply and the stack fuel stream inlet, a pressure transducer interposed between the ejector discharge outlet and the stack fuel stream inlet, and a pressurised oxidant supply with a pressure transducer. The ejector suction inlet if fluidly connected to the fuel stream outlet of the fuel cell stack. The fuel stream pressure transducer transmits a signal to the pressure control valve to adjust the pressure of the fuel supply when the detected pressure of the fuel stream deviates from a predetermined value.    The oxidant stream pressure transducer transmits a signal to the pressure control valve to adjust the pressure of the fuel supply when the detected pressure of the oxidant stream changes. The system is load-following to maintain uniform fuel stream pressure and recirculation ratio over a broad range of operating conditions. The system also maintains a balance between the pressure of the fuel stream and the pressure of the oxidant stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suction fluid flow rate also increases.
The alkali metal thermoelectric converter has a number of cells structurally connected in series to form a wall dividing a housing into two chambers, and electrically connected in series, and includes porous metal anodes and porous metal cathodes in the cells. The cells may be planar or annular, and in either case a metal alkali vapor at a high temp. is supplied to the housing through one chamber on one side of the wall and returned to a vapor boiler after condensation at a chamber on the other side of the wall in the plenum.    The metal alkali vapor passes through the cells from the supply chamber and returns after condensation at a lower pressure than the vapor pressure in the supply chamber. Each cell includes a porous solid electrolyte plate, with anode and cathode porous metal layers deposited on either side of the electrolyte plate. There are conductive metal plates between the cells, a single plate between each pair of adjacent cells to bridge gaps between the electrolyte plates of the series-connected cells. The metal plates are connected to the electrolyte plates by seals, forming a sealed wall in the plenum which is sealed to the chamber along all edges with the housing walls.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient generation of power at high voltage and low current.
Recovery of H2 from H2 contg. a large vol. of CO2 which is discharged following the adsorption process of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) without conducting pressure equilibration and which maintains a gas pressure of 10-30 atmospheres comprises decarbonising, recovering H2 as a gas contg. a large vol. of H2 , compressing a part of this H2gas and circulating with a single stage compressor, supplying a part of the circulated gas to the PSA appts. at raised pressure and operating the PSA appts. within 2 towers.    ADVANTAGE -   The energy required for raising the pressure and the consumption of raw material fuels can be reduced.
Reforming of lower hydrocarbon fuels such as liquefied natural gas and city gas comprises reacting with O2 or air in the presence of a catalyst and reforming into fuel gases principally composed of H2 and CO. The reaction is conducted in a C to O2ratio of 1.5-2.2. The catalyst is Rh or a mixt. of Rh and Pt or Pd.    USE -    The gas mixt. is composed of H2and CO. It can be used in methanol synthesis as a reducing gas for the heat treatment of metals and as a fuel gas for fuel cell power generation.    ADVANTAGE -   The size of the reaction bed can be reduced to 1/2-1/3 or less compared with the conventional method. The amt. of catalyst used can be decreased by half or more compared with the conventional method.
In the prodn. of reformed gas for fuel cells composed of H2and CO by feeding natural gas and steam to a reformer with bayonet-type duplex catalyst pipe, an air-permeable ceramic solid is placed in the inner pipe of the catalyst pipe. Also claimed is a heat exchange type reformer with bayonet-type duplex catalyst pipes placed in a can.    USE -   Used in the prodn. of reformed gases for fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the air-permeable solid accumulates heat from the high temp. reformed gas and radiates the heat to the inner pipe walls, heat transfer from the reformed gas to the raw material gas is accelerated and the thermal energy of reformed gas is used effectively in a reforming reaction.
The reformer comprises flexible plates located between one-step partition plates and neighbouring-step partition plates, to form a flexible structure. Each flexible plate has one edge joined to the one-step partition plate with air tightness, and the other edge joined to the neighbouring-step partition plate with air tightness.     Reforming chambers (Re ) and firing chambers (Co) are alternately laminated in the vertical direction, and are partitioned by partition plates (24) so as to occupy spaces between steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The flexible plates arranged between the steps absorb thermal over-stress when there is an elongation difference between reforming chambers and firing chambers.
A methanol reformer in which mixed vapour of methanol and water is reacted in the presence of a catalyst is claimed. The catalyst is packed in one side of the heat exchange section of a vertical spiral heat exchanger to 20-80% height and mixed vapour of methanol and water is passed through that part then heating gas is passed through the other side of the heat exchange section.    USE -   The methanol reformer can be used to produce H2 from methanol and water.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the distribution of heat in the catalyst bed is uniform, the catalyst is utilised effectively. There is no high temp. part in the catalyst bed, the prod. of H2O is inhibited and the catalyst life is extended.
The car has a tank (10) with a built in device to store hydrogen occlusion alloy. The alloy is heated by a first heat exchanger (31) interconnected to a second heat exchanger (32) which is installed in an air duct (41). The tank is connected to a hydrogen combustor (11) by hydrogen channel (12) through a supercharger (13) that is bypassed by a control valve (15).    The two heat exchanges constitutes a heater cum cooling system (30). The second heat exchanger works as a cooler to remove heat from the air stream (85) and refrigerant (82) delivered out of the condenser (21) of an air-conditioner (20). The heat absorbed from the sources as well as from the gas stream to transfer to the first heat exchanger, to heat the hydrogen occlusion alloy. This system design is characterized in supercharging the hydrogen combustor connected to the alloy tank, with an optional bypass control.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle designed to run on hydrogen offers excellent efficiency.
The CO removing appts. (5) consists of a laminated catalyst assembly (58) of catalyst layers (56) and cooling layers (57) joined to a catalyst packed assembly (59) by a mesh board (53).    ADVANTAGE -   The temp. of the selective oxidising catalyst is kept constant to the active temp. range reducing CO content to the level of not poisoning the electrode catalyst of the fuel cell.
The fuel battery consists of a carbon monoxide transformer having concentric cylinders with cylindrical inner wall (16a) and a cylindrical outer wall (16b). A catalyzer layer (11) is filled in a gap between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. Desulfruzation device (17) which removes sulphur is provided in the inner side of the inner cylinder.    The desulfurzing device consists of an exit pipe (24). A pair of heating elements (14a, 14b) are installed to heat the catalysing layer in the inner side of inner cylinder and the outer side of outer cylinder. A thermally insulated material (15) is provided to keep the carbon monoixde transformer warm.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces amount of heat dissipation due to thermally insulated material. Improves thermal efficiency. Provides uniform heating of catalysing layer. Provides quick raise of temperature and starts in short time. Reduces equipment size.
The method applicable for a fuel battery (38) uses a sealing unit (39) in the battery. The battery consists of a fuel pole (40A) and an oxygen pole (40B). The gas with impurities is derived from the sealing unit and is sent to a catalyzer reaction appts (72) through a circulating passage (66). A catalyzer reaction appts removes impurities and supply nitrogen to an isolation appts (74).    The isolation appts refines and isolates nitrogen from remaining air and sends pure nitrogen gas again to the battery sealing unit. Heat from exhaust compression gas and circulated gas is exchanged by a means of heat exchanger (17).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces cost due to reuse of nitrogen gas. Increases amount of nitrogen gas due to isolation of extra nitrogen from air by means of isolating appts. Avoids special heating unit due to provision of heat exchanger which heats nitrogen.
The fuel battery (38) consists of a pair of poles, a fuel pole (40A) and an oxygen pole (40B). Fuel is introduced through the fuel pole and oxygen through the oxygen pole. Air is first introduced into an oxygen isolating appts (70) which isolates oxygen from air and which is then introduced into the oxygen pole. The rest of the air is introduced into a nitrogen gas isolating appts (74) which isolates nitrogen and sends it to a sealing unit (39) of battery through a passage (72).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces requirement of nitrogen from external supply since it is isolated and purified inside battery. Increases rate of recovery of nitrogen due to more density of nitrogen than air. Reduces cost. Improves efficiency of battery. Reduces oxygen requirement.
The equipment consists of a liquid nitrogen tank (4a) and a PSA type nitrogen gas generator (12). The nitrogen generator refines, isolates and supplies nitrogen gas for sealing the pressure receptacle of fuel battery through a supply line (5). From the suction tower (14) oxygen is supplied to the burner (2a) through oxygen supply line (18) to assist combustion.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces size of liquid nitrogen tank by 1/5 of original size. Reduces cost due to reduction of supply level of liquid nitrogen. Improves reliability since continuous supply of nitrogen is provided by generator even if there is fluctuations in generator. Improves combustion since oxygen from generator is used for combustion.
The expanding plate mfg method involves filling up of an active material (6) in an expanding lattice (1) at a fixed space in an expanding plate (2). A recess (7) is provided at the active material surface in the direction of the expansion of the expanding plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in providing parts with less thickness in fixed space. Reduces variation in pitch of expanding plate. Reduces welding defects in expanded plate.
The cover comprises a base having an aperture adapted to receive a battery post and a lid adapted to mate with the base. A hinge connects the lid to the base, the hinge allowing the lid to pivot about the base between an open position and a closed position. A pair of parallel, spaced apart resilient locking arms are formed on the base to receive the terminal bolt between them.    Several resilient tabs are formed on the base and located around and adjacent the aperture in the base, the resilient tabs adapted to receive and releasably, lockingly engage the terminal flange. The lid is secured to the base over the terminal in the closed position.    ADVANTAGE -   Protecting battery cable terminal and post from water, dirt, salt and other contaminants in engine compartment. Protects terminal and post from accidental electrical shorting.
The fuel battery consists of two electrodes and a suitable arrangement to handle chemicals. From a hydrogen tank, hydrogen is supplied to the negative electrode of the battery. A halogenated hydrocarbon is supplied to the positive electrode. The chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Generates power with high efficiency. Converts halogenated hydrocarbons to useful products. Replaces chlorofluorocarbons.
The battery consists of a box-type auxiliary tank (8) in which a fuel room (4) is provided. The auxiliary tank accommodates the electrolyte. The fuel room is decompressed and through an opening (6) and a member (7), the fuel is consumed and the electrolyte is regulated, respectively. A half transparent film (3) is made to contact both sides of an electrolyte sucking film (11) which is of honey-comb structure. To an electrode (2) made of steel, palladium plating is performed so that it acts as a catalyser and the fuel is ionised.    ADVANTAGE -   Extends useful life of battery. Casing material is rarely damaged by medicines. Uses battery which bears pressure. Enables battery mounting to motor vehicle. Provides battery with safety valve to adjust pressure.
The lead storage battery has a positive and negative electrode that are separated mutually by a bag like separator. The positive electrode is prepared by a predetermined active electrical paste. It is wrapped round by a bag like separator (1) which is constituted by a positive electrode board (3) with a set of glass fiber mat (2) bonded to its right and left ends. A resin composition sheet is formed over the central inner portion of the separator and extends outside in the form of a U-shaped protrusion.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces internal resistance due to accumulation of oxygen gas at separator. Avoids breaking of separator.
The connector clamp (1) releasably fastens at least one current cable to an essentially cylindrical terminal of an accumulator, a battery or the like, in particular a vehicle starter battery. The clamp (1) has two clamp jaws (2, 3) which can move towards each other and which at least partly enclose the cladding surface of the terminal.    The clamp (1) has two handles (4, 5). At one end, the handles have the clamp jaws (2, 3) and at the other end they have bridging jaws (6, 7). These are movable together by at least one split element (13). The handles (4, 5) are connected by at least one joint (11) between the clamp and bridging jaws (2, 3; 6, 7) such that when the bridging jaws (6, 7) move together the clamp jaws (2, 3) move closed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle starter battery. Prevents clamp sticking due to surface corrosion.
A fuel cell system comprises (a) hydrocarbon fuel and water supplies; (b) a steam-fuel catalytic reformer which receives the supplied fuel and water and which delivers reformed H2 and CO2 gas; (c) a gas separator for separating the H2 and CO2 for separate delivery; (d) a hydrogen fuel cell including a microporous catalysed carbonised aerogel anode fed with the separated H2, a microporous catalysed carbonised aerogel cathode fed with O2 from ambient air, and an acid electrolyte cation filled silica hydrogel separator between the anode and cathode; and (e) an external circuit connected with and between the anode and cathode.    Also claimed is a similar fuel cell system which omits the reformer and gas separator and which has a H2 gas supply an anode and cathode of microporous reticulated carbon formed by thermal redn. of organic aerogels infused with a noble metal salt.    USE -   For electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell system can use air as the oxidant feedstock and gasoline, methanol, ethanol and/or alcohol as the feedstock for H2 prodn., and has high surface area catalysed carbon electrodes capable of high temp. operation.
Operating of electrochemical generators includes periodic increase of concn. of alkaline electrolyte and regulation of concn. according to vol. change of electrolyte between upper and lower levels. The concn. is increased during redn. of voltage of a generator to a set permitted limit during increase of vol. of electrolyte.    USE -   Operating of electro-chemical generator with metal-ceramic electrodes having hydrophobised active layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified use and better working characteristics.
Operating of electrochemical generators includes filling by alkaline electrolyte and regulation of its concn.. The initial concn. is selected according to the assigned working life of the generator and the concn. is periodically increased during use.    USE -   Operating of electrochemical generators with metal-ceramic electrodes having hydrophobised active layer and alkaline electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Better stability of voltage and increased use factor of electrolyte.
Heating of electrolyte to working temp. is carried out directly after passing it into a battery, by connection of an AC source to the buses of the high power circuit of the battery. After heating and degassing of the electrolyte, the external source is disconnected and both working gases are passed simultaneously to the battery and force the electrolyte out of the gas cavities, when a nominal load is connected.    An external current source is used for heating of the electrolyte with a voltage determined by the number of series-connected fuel elements. Accelerated heating of the battery to working temp. is ensured by the heat generated in the electrolyte and on the electrodes, i.e. directly in the zone of an electro-chemical reaction and 0.2 hours are required to set the battery in a thermal mode with a working temp. of 87 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Starting up of low temp. batteries of fuel elements with gas reagents and water solns. of electrolyte. Reduced prepn. time of battery. Bul.5/20.2.95.
The fuel cell stack comprises a number of fuel cells stacked in modular configuration. A number of fuel cells is created on a single piece of electrolyte e.g. by screen printing electrodes to form a layer. A number of layers may be arranged such that cathodes and anodes of respective layers face each other with a space between them to permit supply of fuel maintained by spacers (7).    A fuel stack array comprises such a stack connected to an adjacent further cell stack and electrically insulated from each other, fuel being fed and exhausted from one side of a stack, and a further fuel fed and exhausted from the other side, each of the fuels and exhausts being separated by dividers. The feed gases can be fed centrally and shared between cell stacks. Multiple stack arrangements can be built up in any direction and the stack arrays supported within a water-cooled housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Any number of modules can be added to meet power and voltage requirements. High power density and high gas-to-electricity conversion efficiency. Easily serviced.
The box (1) has female connectors (3) in its base (2) and the support (4) has male connectors (5) and two outputs (6). The box is secured by an elastic belt (7) which is fixed at one end by a ring to the centre of one of the side faces of the support.    The other end has a rod (9) which is held by a plate (11). The plate has a fold (12) ending in a hook to take the rod. The point of the fold pushes on the box wall and slips under the box when it rocks, preventing its return.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents fire, simple, easy to install, applies to all batteries or power supplies.
The exhaust appts consists of a re-heating device (5) which heats the plant exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is passed along the exhaust gas moisture recovery device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. hot water supply plant, airconditioner, residential area in city. Stops production of white smoke.
The plant uses a special gas which is a mixture of fuel gas and discharge gas of battery. The ratio of mixture is determined based on the operating temperature of a modifier (1) or the composition of fuel battery gas entrance pipe (2).    USE -   In hot water supply plant and air-conditioner.
The appts provides an exhaust purge line at the electric power generation plant. The purge line purges the inflammable gas in the plant using exhaust gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air conditioner. Avoids use of nitrogen gas.
The operation method involves using temperature rise of appts, flow transportation of vapour and exhaust gas of the boiler (4) for starting the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air-conditioner. Reduces power consumption for starting of battery.
The generation plant uses an original fuel during normal operation. But, during starting of the power plant a fuel gas which is different from original gas is used. The gases used are methanol and hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g for hot water supply, air conditioner. Shortens electricity generation time.
The cooling system comprises two cooling devices viz. one for low temperature system and the other for high temperature system. The high temperature cooling device uses a fluid having high insulation and boiling point.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air conditioner. Uses deheating of fuel battery effectively. Sets temperature level freely.
The electric power generation part maintains the DC voltage of a fuel battery main part to a fixed value irrespective of change in DC current.    This is obtained by changing the hydrogen dividing the battery fuel pole and partial pressure of oxygen of the air pole based on the change in the DC current.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air conditioner. Stabilises DC voltage eliminating need of DC stabilisation appts.
The fuel battery has a number of fuel cells (1-12) connected in parallel. The output leads of the batteries are connected to a connection switching part. The connection switching part is connected to a main wire from which electric power output of the batteries is derived.    ADVANTAGE -   Compensates for voltage reduction of particular battery from other batteries. Changes combination of batteries from which power is derived easily.
The structure of fuel battery comprises an anode electrode layer and a cathode electrode layer with an electrolyte layer sandwiched between them. The reaction gas is made to pass inside the battery two or more times. An oxygen gas generation appts (3) generates oxygen gas of high density from the reaction gas discharged from a return pipe (1) connected to the battery. The gas is sent back to the battery for electrode reaction through a purge line (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Improves battery life time. Prevents temperature rise in specific domain of electrode. Performs uniform temperature distribution. Equalises density of reaction gas flowing inside battery.
The system includes a fuel modifier (1) which modifies material gas into hydrogen rich gas by combustion and electrochemical reaction. A circulation system (20) circulates cooling water and removes heat of the reaction. A steam separator (22) separates the vapour from water heated to high temperature. A gas exhaust system (18) uses part of the outgoing cooling water or high temperature water to cool the exhaust gas from the fuel modifier.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves steam deheat recovery characteristic and performance.
The method involves heating of water in a boiler (6) until specific temperature rise is obtained. The boiler is operated when the battery main part (2) is not in operation. The temperature rise provides vapour for deheating.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises supply of vapour.
The fuel battery uses a heat converter tube at the cooling water path.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air conditioner. Extracts electric and cold water for air conditioning effectively.
The plant installs a carbon-dioxide removal device (3) at the discharge path of fuel battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hot water supply plant and air conditioner. Reduces earth warming due to discharge of carbon-dioxide.
The fuel battery power generating plant consists of a fuel battery package in which an inert gas is enclosed in the sealed structure. It is provided with an exhaust blower and a circulation blower. The gas detectors are arranged above the fuel battery package.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces amount of exhaust gas. Utilises heat fully for auxiliary uses. Used in less ventilated area also.
The heat usage appts. is connected in a second circuit (L1). A cooling water circulation pump (2) circulates the cooling water from a steam splitter (1) to the fuel battery (3). The circulator circuit (L) returns the heat recovered cooling water to the steam splitter.    In the second circuit a circulation pump (5) circulates the pressure applied warm water from the steam splitter to the heat use appts (7) and is again returned to the steam splitter.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises deheat water supply. Reduces heat loss of stem splitter.
The heat usage appts. has a cooling water circulation pump (2) circulating cooling water to a fuel battery (3) from a steam splitter (1). A circulator (L) returns the cooling water which recovered the heat from the fuel battery to the steam splitter.    One of the branch of a three way valve (5) supplies the heat recovered water to the heat use appts (6). The outlet of the heat use appts is connected to a water tank (7) from where water is blown (F) out. The cooling water from the water tank is pumped to the steam splitter by a feed water pump (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces cost of water processing. Utilises recovered heat fully. Condensation of hot water is not required.
The cooling water system consists of a feed water pump (5) connected between a steam separator (2) and the cooler (1c) of a fuel battery main part (1). The fuel battery generation system is equipped with a fuel supply system to the fuel battery main part, air supply system, battery cooling water system.    An exhaust gas, moisture recovery system, a water processing system are also attached to the fuel battery system. The feed water pump is continuously operated to control the battery cooling water system and the water level of the steam separator. The temperature variation of the battery cooling water is reduced by a regulation valve (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Increases generation efficiency. Increases lifetime of fuel battery.
The heat usage appts. (5) has a cooling water circulating pump (2) which circulates cooling water from a steam splitter (1) to the fuel battery (3). The cooling water after recovering heat from fuel battery is returned to the steam splitter through a heat exchanger (4) for deheat recovery.    The recovered heat from the fuel battery is used in the appts. The condensation water side of the heat use appts of the vapour circuit for deheat recovery is connected to the upstream side piping of a feed water pump (9). A water processing appts (8) is connected to the upstream side piping.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves utilisation factor. Reduces appts cost by eliminating heat exchanger for condensation water.
The keeping warm method of fuel battery uses the original fuel used in plant operation of fuel battery generator. It burns the original fuel in a combustion vessel during a plant shut down and utilises the heat generated to keep the fuel battery warm.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents freezing of acid. Used in remote place also. Requires no external power supply.
The battery system has two inlets for air and fuel respectively. Methanol is used as a source of hydrogen which is one of the reactants used by the battery. A branched line is opened for access to methanol. Methanol from a tank (20) is evaporated in a methanol evaporation system (30) and pumped to a modifier burner (3) through a battery fuel pole. The combustion takes place in the modifier burner and a battery (1) is charged.    ADVANTAGE -   Extends life time of modifier. Recovers surplus fuel wastefully discarded.
The external diagnostic method involves using a gas manifold which supplies and discharges a fuel and oxidisation gas to the sides of a cell stack. The cell stack, layers two or more single cells and separators. It also consists of a drain pot (12) which stores the drain generated inside the manifold.    The drain pot is attached to the lower part of a base board of the gas manifold. The gas manifold and the drain pot are maintained at the same potential.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides insulation between cell stack and gas manifold.
The gas piping coupling has gas pipings (26-29) with two flange parts (34-36) from a distance apart. Between the flange parts electric insulation member (41) is positioned and is provided with gaps (53,54) with top and bottom side flange parts.    Both the flange parts are fastened through a bolt (33). Another electric insulation member (44) is used as a washer at the bolt head end. Elastic deformation of the flange parts is carried out in the gap formed on top and bottom sides.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents reduction of clamping power of bolt. Secures gas sealing nature.
The lead storage battery has a strap (1) to which a number of plate ear parts (2) are welded through welding parts (3). The junction part of the plate ear part and strap is covered with an acid resistant composition such as a thermo plastic elastomer and an epoxy resin layer (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents advance of etching to junction part by adhesion of electrolyte and oxygen gas.
The method is for monitoring the load current for traction batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, in order to avoid damage to the battery as a result fo overheating due to excessively high load currents and, if appropriate, the load current is reduced to a normal value which is permitted for continuous operation.    The monitoring is activated if the load current exceeds a prescribed limit value which is an inverse function of temperature. The load current is however not reduced until the battery temperature exceeds a prescribed limit value. The arrangement has a sensor to measure average battery temperature but goes on to provide a calculated temperature, for use as the control variable, taking into account heat balances for individual reaction zones of the battery. The monitoring is terminated as soon as both the average and calculated battery temperatures drop below a prescribed non-critical value.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures effective overload protection.
The detaching device is used for removal of battery (BT) from a vehicle. A battery rack (1) is installed horizontally in the vehicle, and a set of batteries are arranged in the rack. The rack is positioned in a battery installation part. A tool (2) is connected with a connection part (24) and is capable of vertical movement.    The connection part serves to connect the rack with the tool. By operation of a jig (3) and a jack (6), the battery rack is lowered into the lower portion of installation part.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of large scale equipment. Prevents dropping of battery. Cuts down space requirement. Prevents electric shock generation.
The appts uses a fuel modifier (1) as the processor. The fuel modifier converts the mixed gas comprising hydrogen and the original fuel into a gas containing lists of fuel. A first heat exchanger (3) preheats the gas. A desulphurization device (2) removes sulphur compound from the preheated gas. An executor (6) mixes steam with desulphurised original fuel and generate a fuel enriched material. A second and third heat exchangers (4,5) preheat the fuel enriched material and supply it to the fuel modifier.    The appts. incorporates a stabilisation unit (10) for regulation of desulphurisation device entrance temperature. The stabilisation unit comprises a first bypass regulation valve (11), a temperature detector (13), a temperature regulator (14) and a flow rate regulator (15). The change in temperature of the mixed gas is detected by the temperature detector and accordingly the temperature regulator outputs a signal to the flow rate regulator. Then the flow rate regulator controls the amount of gas passage through the bypass regulation valve.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises operation of fuel cell. Ensures longer life. Restrains change in desulphurisation entrance temperature produced by sudden change in amount of fuel enriched gas supplied. Stabilises desulphurisation reaction. Controls desulphurisation device temperature regardless of sudden change of cell operation conditions.
The fuel battery has a positive catalyser electrode (10) on one side of an ion exchange process film (9) while on its other side, a negative catalyser electrode (11) is provided. Hydrogen and oxygen are made to react, forming water so as to generate electricity. A water absorbing member (30) which does not possess ion conductivity characteristic is provided along the thickness direction of the ion exchange process film. Water is removed from positive electrode side whereas it is supplied to the side of negative catalyser electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves electric power generation performance. Stabilizes power generation.
The fuel battery (1) comprises a positive catalyser electrode (10) on one side of an ion exchange process film (9) and a negative catalyser (11) on the other side. Hydrogen and oxygen or made to react in the formation of water and generation of electricity. A swelling absorption member (30) surrounds both sides of ion exchange process film.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces deformation by restricting elongation. Sustains junction state of ion exchange process film and catalyser electrode. Inhibits reduction in electric power generation. Improves reliability and endurance.
Separator comprises fibre compsn. contg. 5-15 wt.% synthetic pulp, 5-15 wt.% of inorganic fibre having a fibre dia. of 2 - 6 m, 20-30 wt.% of synthetic fibre having a fibre dia. of 5-15 m and fibre length of 3-5 m, 50-55 wt.% of inorganic powder having a specific surface area of at least 182 m2/g and 3 - 6 wt.% of organic binder having a density of 0.35 - 0.45 g/cm3.    The synthetic pulp is pref. polyethylene pulp with small fibre dia., pref. acryl or polyester fibre contg. 10 - 15 wt.% crimped synthetic fibre. The inorganic fibre is e.g. glass fibre with 4 m dia. and the inorganic powder is e.g. silica powder with specific surface area of 190 m2/g.    USE -   Suitable for storage battery used in car, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   A thin battery separator having small electric resistance, high oxidn. resistance and mechanical strength can be obtd. economically.
The battery terminal cap comprises a top having a shape selected from the group consisting of circular shape and oval shape and a cylindrical wall perpendicularly affixed to the top and having one opening to accommodate a battery cable connected to a battery clamp. An electrically-conductive metal wire mesh is affixed to the underside of the cap, making electrical contact with the battery terminal post and the battery clamp when the cap is placed on it.    A wire brush is fastened to the top of the cap for brushing off corrosion deposit on the battery terminal post and clamp.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides maximum of electrical contact.
A cathode for a metal-air battery comprises: (1) a conductive, air-permeable current collector; and (2) a gas-permeable top coat deposited on the outer surface of the cathode current collector, comprising a hydrophobic binder (a) contg. a dispersion of a material (b) capable of absorbing CO2 from air. Also claimed is a metal-air battery comprising a battery case contg. such a cathode, a liq. electrolyte and an anode.    USE -   Used in rechargeable batteries for automotive applications.    ADVANTAGE -   The top coat protects the battery from the effects of atmos. CO2, extending the lifetime of the battery and preventing redn. in output due to neutralisation of the electrolyte. The battery exhibits even gas diffusion rate throughout its cycle life and is resistant to leakage of liq.
The ionic atoms or ionic atom blocks of the catalytic metals are collided onto the carrier surface to form absorbing site by ion implantation process.    Pt plasma was generated by an ion implantation equipment and Pt-ions were implanted onto the acetylene black(a). (a) were dissolved in polyfreon-dispersion solution to form slurry, and this slurry is applied on carbon fibre sintered electrode, and aimed catalyser was obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. in fuel cells. The number of active points of catalytic metal is increased, and the high active and stable metal carrying catalyser is offered by this invention.
The fuel battery consists of unit cell provided with an electrolyte layer. The impregnation of the electrolyte into a matrix is performed. One pair of anode and cathode electrodes are arranged in the electrolyte. A separator board separates each concerned unit cell. Multiple cooling boards are layered to form a multilayer body (1). A gas manifold for reaction gas supply and discharge is arranged on the side of the multilayer. A sealing material seals the multilayer body and gas manifold. A part of a fluorine rubber (3) of one sheet, a fibre like fluorine resin (4), a fluorine resin board (5) with a known shape hole, a fluorine resin tape (6) and a slating material of sand like particle are combined and formed between the multilayer and a flange (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Performs sufficient gas sealing. Improves reliability and endurance of sealing part. Provides inexpensive fuel battery with easy attachment production.
Battery clamp comprises a steel bolt (12) and nut (28), cast directly into clamping arms (24,26) of a clamp member of a hard Pb alloy. The nut is fixed in position and the bolt is axially fixed in position by flanges (16, 20). The head of the bolt is external to the clamping arm (24). The flanged bolt is coated with a non-petroleum-based lubricant resistant to temperatures in the range of the molten state of the hard lead-alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids binding of the bolt when hard Pb alloys are used, as in military vehicles.
The deposition process consists of filling raw material into the container (7) of aerosol generator (1), generating aerosol (8) by irradiating ultra-sonic wave from the ultra-sonic oscillator (17), atomizing and spraying by atomiser (4) onto the sapphire substrate (16).    ADVANTAGE -   YSZ buffering thin film having good orientation can be deposited on sapphire by low cost, with good film thickness control.
After starting of a motor and operation of a generator, a voltage regulator (4) operates at the upper voltage level and current flows through the circuit of an accumulator battery (1) during connection of a timer. A voltage drop proportional to the current is formed on a shunt.    Voltage across the battery is measured and a sensor (9) measures the electrolyte temp., while charging is monitored to switch the voltage levels.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Charging of vehicle accumulator batteries. Better control accuracy. Bul.No. 24/30.12.94
If a capacitor (3) is initially discharged and a thyristor (5) is connected, when a button (6) is pressed, the thyristor is connected through a control electrode and a circuit is formed through a battery (2), a choke coil (4) and the capacitor (3), changing the voltage in the capacitor. The charging process takes place under the effect of the magnitude of the internal resistance of the battery, changed over wide limits according to wear of the battery.    The limiting value of the reading of a voltmeter (8) is set according to preliminary testing of batteries with different internal resistance and a battery is rejected if this limiting value is exceeded. Visual monitoring of the reading of the voltmeter is carried out, as it gradually approaches the set limiting value without oscillations of its needle during charging of the capacitor, which is stopped at a value corresp. to a 100% charge level of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Operative diagnosis of accumulator batteries in vehicles. Simplified test device and accelerated test process. BUL 24/30.12.94
When a generator (1) is not running, voltage is supplied from a battery (2) and a diode (4) prevents its discharging to winding (1.1) of the generator. When the generator is running, the battery (2) is charged through a resistor (3) and a diode (4), while a regulator (5) acts on winding (1,2) to maintain voltage in winding (1.1) at the level set by a measuring element (9), which forms a discrepancy voltage prodg. current in a transistor (8.1), a resistor (8.2) and a transistor (7).    During change of the rotation frequency of the armature of the generator, the discrepancy current and current in winding (1,2) are altered and the voltage in the circuit of a zener diode (11.3) depends on charging of the battery (2). After starting of an engine, voltage of a resistor (11.2) is less than the stabilisation voltage of the zener diode (11.3) and the battery is charged until resistor (11.2) is shunted by the zener diode when the battery has been fully recharged.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Testing of accumulator batteries of diesel engines. Reduced number of functional elements. BUL.24/30.12.94.
The battery consists of an anode board of an expanded lattice object made of a lead alloy material. The antimony content of the alloy is removed using a suitable separator. 0.01-1.0% of Sb2O3 or Sb2O5 or their mixts. is added to the total wt. of the lead powder.    ADVANTAGE -   The productivity is increased. A long working time is provided even after deep discharge. The lifetime is increased by adding fractional amt. of antimony cpds. to the lead anode.
The battery housing positions a battery (16) in the corner which accommodates an engine room front end panel (2) and hood ridge panel (3). A relay box (14) is fixed on the side of a battery bracket (5). A link box (15) is located on the inner side surface of the battery bracket on the other side of the hood ridge panel.    An air planar (11) is introduced into duct (20) which wraps in from outer surface of the front end side of the battery bracket. The battery is held by the bracket surrounding the four sides by the relay bus, link box, the air cleaner and its duct.    ADVANTAGE -   Requires no special unit to dissipate radiation heat such as engine heat. Improves factory productivity. Reduces vibration noise.
The multilayer body structure type fuel battery consists of multiple unit fuel batteries (1) enclosed within a pair of gas partition boards (3) which are provided with multiple gas slots (6). The reaction gas is supplied uniformly to the unit fuel battery through the gas slots which are of uniform width. A pair of pipings (4,8) for discharging exhaust gas are positioned on either sides of supply slots.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves generation of electric power efficiency. Stabilises operation of battery.
The cooling member for fuel battery is provided between cells arranged in two or more layers. The arrangement forms a multilayer body (12). A pair of end plates (50a,50b) with four corner holes (52a,52d) are provided on either sides of the multilayered body. The cooling medium flow paths (62a-62d) are formed inside the body and the first and second layer of flow paths are connected by slots (38,48).    The coolant, pressurized by a first pump (70a) flows into the first flow-path through the first hole on the first end plate. The coolant flows out through third hole of the second end play after flowing through the first passage at the third flow path. The coolant pressurized by a second pump (17b) flows into second flow path through second hole in the second end plate. The coolant flows out through fourth hole in first end plate after passing through second passage and fourth flow path. Thereby it maintains the flow in the reverse direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces temperature difference between cells. Reduces battery size as number of members is minimized. Increases power generation efficiency.
The fuel battery has an heat exchanger (15) which carries out heat exchange with a cooling water supplied through a pipe. A heat transfer pipe is positioned by the side of steam separator (2), by a secondary heat exchanger (21). When heat exchange by the first heat exchanger is carried out, the cooling water is supplied to the second heat exchanger. The vapour generated in the heat exchange process is supplied to a condensing equipment (24). The cooled water is again circulated back to the first heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs stable vapour supplying operation to condensing unit independent of plant operating conditions.
The fuel battery (12) has an anode electrode (21) and a cathode electrode (22) which are separated by a separator unit (23). The separator unit provided at the anode electrode side constitutes an anode gas flow path (23a) through which hydrogen gas is passed. The oxygen gas is passed through a cathode gas flow path (23b).    The gas flow part constitutes a modifier which charges the quantity of gas flowing through the flow path. The flow path has a catalyser (24) positioned in the set of catalyser rooms (25) provided at regular intervals. A space (26) is enclosed in between the consecutive rooms. Multiple openings are provided along the sides of the side wall part of the catalyser.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids quality degradation of electrolyte. Improves operativity of battery.
One battery terminal is fitted with a safety clamp in which the clamp (3) secured to the terminal post is connected to the battery lead (8) by a terminal plate (7) at the end of the lead and with a connecting sleeve (5) between the plate and the clamp. The plate and clamp are further separated by a compressed rubber pad (4) through which the connecting sleeve located. A charge pellet (6) inside the sleeve is fired by a collision sensor (18) to split the sleeve at a grooved weak point (9).    The sleeve is split after a programmed time delay which provides sufficient time for other vehicle safety systems to operate e.g. airbags, safety belt tensioners etc. The compressed rubber pad ensures a rapid separation of the split sleeve while the gasses released by the charge pellet quench any arc between the sleeve sections.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact battery isolation system; no live battery leads to short to other components.
Mfg. a composite membrane comprises: (1) forming anion exchange film from a fluorinated polymer and opt. hydrolysing the polymer film; (2) forming a porous hydrocarbon substrate; (3) coating a side(s) of the film and/or substrate with a solvent for te polymer at a temp. below the degradation temp. of the substrate and the film; and (4) contacting the coated side(s) of the substrate and film at a temp. below the degradation temp. of the substrate and the film.    Also claimed is an ion exchange membrane so made.    USE -   Used in fuel cells, electrolytic cells and other chemical sepns.    ADVANTAGE -   The simple, inexpensive, reproducible process provides a reinforced non-porous membrane with good mechanical strength and very low resistance to ionic conduction, with high permeation and transport rates. The process eliminates th need for a costly heat lamination step and provides an alternate method for making membranes when high temp. lamination will degrade the components.
A cold forming method for a battery terminal comprises the steps of forming a lead slug with an opening at one end, placing a stainless steel nut in the opening in the lead slug, positioning the stainless steel nut in the lead slug on a pin at the upper end of a punch, moving a split die ring into engagement with the punch to form a cavity around the lead slug, moving a press ram downward into engagement with the die ring to form a seal between the press ram and the die ring, and moving a knock out bar into engagement with the lead slug with sufficient force to cold form the slug to the shape of the cavity in the die ring.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For cold forming a side wall battery terminal having a stainless steel nut embedded in it. Elimination of possibility of shorting battery terminals due to leakage attained by placing terminal in side wall.
Ceramic spring material is made by dispersing a fine carbide particle in a mullite matrix.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved rupture strength and bending strength.
The electrochemical generator comprises two strips (30,30') of a conductive material, each strip having an inside and an outside surface.    The strips represent a respective anode and cathode and are moved through the generator device at substantially identical velocity from non-contacting alignment into contact of their inside surfaces along a predetermined stretch of travel with a suitable electrolyte (22) continuously supplied between the two inside surfaces ahead of the contact stretch. The electrochemically generated current is collected by current collectors (12,12') in contact with the two strips and conducted to a current consumer.
The embossed fluid flow field plate (100) comprises a compressible electrically conductive sheet (101) preferably graphite foil. One surface (102) is embossed with open faced channels extending from the fluid inlet (116) and other die-cut manifold openings (108).    The embossed surface has a reactant fluid flow field (110) comprising a pair of continuous fluid flow field channels (114), as well as a sealant channel (112). The fluid inlet (114) is connected to a source of fuel (anode) or oxidant (cathode).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved plate with reduced weight and volume while giving improved power density at lower cost and good sealing characteristics.
The multicell battery (10) comprises cells (8) with copper sheet anode bussing tabs (4) and aluminium sheet cathode bussing tabs (6). The tabs have holding and alignment holes (12,14,16,18).    The anode and cathode tabs from individual cells are pref. connected through current collector layers and welded in gps. They are placed between a clamp plate (48) and terminal (42) and rivets (30), used as holding devices, are passed through the holes and the plain end is hammered down to form a second head (56).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For regular cars with gasoline engines. Minimises electrical resistance of the multicell battery, allows rework and achieves high efficiency and small dimensions.
The separator plate comprises a single pressed metal plate having a peripheral raised seal region on a face of the pressed metal plate and a corresponding peripheral recessed seal region on the opposite face. The corresponding peripheral recessed seal region forms a peripheral channel on the opposite face of the pressed metal plate.    A peripheral insert ring is disposed in the peripheral channel, which insert ring and the peripheral raised seal region form seals between the faces of the pressed metal plate and an adjacent active cell component.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need to weld multiple pieces.
Separate accumulators (6) are loaded through a cover into a container and are fixed on inter-element connections, while air gaps are formed between the accumulators (6) after they have been fixed.    Insulation is carried out by insulating washers and no electrolyte passes onto the fixing units during filling of the batteries, preventing formation of salt deposits and spurious current conducting circuits. The frame (9) with the accumulators is formed by 2 brackets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Installation of accumulators onto vehicles. Better reliability of accumulator battery. Bul.02/20.01.95
The fuel battery operation method involves an electromechanical cell which consists of an oxygen pole (12) and a fuel pole (13). An electrolyte film (11) is inserted between these holes. During operation, a fuel gas containing oxygen is supplied to the oxygen pole of the cell. During a pause in the operation, fuel gas is humidified. The remaining gas is discharged by water which is introduced from a water storage part (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in portable power supply devices, generators etc. Provides apparatus of reduced size and light weight nature. Provides stable output. Provides no problem such as ignition explosion. Recovers water after discharging gas and stores it for reuse. Eliminates residual gas efficiently. Simplifies composition of battery.
The humidification apparatus comprises of a fuel gas humidification layer (300) comprising a water transparent layer (310) and a gas flow path (340). The transparent layer consists of a microporous film (312) and a hydrophilic layer (314). The porous film has holes with diameters 10-8 or 10-7 and is made of polypropylene.    The hydrophilic is layered by the side of porous film. The porous film responds to the pressure difference between the fuel gas and water. By changing the difference of pressure in the stream path (308) and the fuel gas flow path (348), the amount of water transmitted through the transparent layer is regulated.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises humidification capability. Reduces size. Enlarges contact area of fuel gas.
The cooling apparatus receives heat generated from the generator (1), in the form of warm water. Air is cooled by a heat transfer element (14). The ventilation equipment performs the heat-dissipation process wherein generated exhaust steam and generated heat from pipings are combined for dissipation in the cooler.    The exhaust steam is the product of temperature rise in generator. The heat transfer element of an air cooler is installed as component of ventilation equipment.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces number of equipment needed since some units are combined already in ventilation equipment, thus reduces installation space.
The battery cell consist of two frame (4,9) with an interposing electrodes (5,7) in between them. The two frame (4,9) contains inside the twin plate (3,8) which are in opposite arrangement. The interposing electrodes are separated by diaphragm (6). The frame (4) and frame (9) and their peripheral components are fixed together. Projections are set up at frame (4) which corresponds to the recess formed in frame (9).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electrolyte leakage in battery cells since it prevents positional gap in both frames. Discards use of gasket. Reduces assembly process due to reduction of components.
The fuel cell has multiple cells (4), with an anode (2) and a cathode (3) at both sides of an electrolyte (1). Between each cell, gas is supplied to the anode through gas flow domains of the plates (5,6). The plate forms passages (9,10) with ribs (8,11) for the gas passage. Except at the gas flow domain, peripherals (5c,6b) of the plates consist insulated resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves plate formation for reaction flow passage. Reduces wt. and cost.
The fuel battery comprises a layer of two or more single cells (7). The single cell comprises a precise member, a separator and a cell reaction part (4). The separator has termination ceiling (3) installed parallel to a rib part (2). The rib part comprises a gas exit part (6) in both ends of a position board (1). The cell part consists of an electrolyte and an electrode.    A cooler part is attached in both ends of the fuel battery using a cooler holder. The cooler serves the purpose of reducing the temperature of the coolant of the cooling pipe which correspond to the cell exit part. This facilitates condensation of electrolyte in exit gas thereby recovering it. The position board constituting a porous member, separates oxidizing agent gas and quality gas of a charge flowing from fuel pole side to oxidizing pole side.    ADVANTAGE -   Decreases temperature of gas exit part of cell. Restrains electrolyte scattering from cell. Improves thermal conductivity of member beside cell. Diminishes difference in temperature between cells in block. Minimizes variation in amount of electrolyte scattering between cells. Balances lifetime of cell and durability of cell.
The fuel battery has a battery stack composed of layered gas isolation boards (2-3) in between the cooling plates (1). The second supply-and-exhaust hole (7-8) and first supply-and-exhaust hole (5-6) is connected by second slot (15-16) which forms to one surface of plate (1) and arranged in stack direction. The first slot (13-14) penetrates through the connection hole (19-20) of rib (17). The second slot (15-16) penetrates through the connection hole (23-24) of rib (21).    The internal manifold which performs the supply and exhaust of gas does not need to be set up from same planar surface. The reaction gas can be supplied to each cell through the slot at the plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases electrode reaction area since rib can be installed in longitudinal direction.
The fuel cell consists of electrolyte film (10). An anode (20) and a cathode (30) are arranged on either side of the film for a gas passage such as oxygen from the anode side and hydrogen from the cathode side. The electrolyte film consists of positive ion exchange film from a fluorine system sulphonic acid macromolecule resin. This resin distributes granular objects (12) which has a mean dia. of 20 microns. The granular object is a bridge acid salt macro molecule resin of a hydrophilic group.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies moisture management. Improves operation efficiency and battery performance.
New fuel reformer which reforms fossil fuel through steam cracking into hydrogen contg. gas comprises a combustor (1) generating heat source gas, a gasifier (2) where fossil fuel is heated and gasified by heat source gas, a converter (6) where the fossil fuel gas is converted into hydrogen contg. gas through steam cracking, the first reformer (3) where the CO concn. in the hydrogen contg. gas is reduced by catalyst, and the second transformer (7) where the CO concn. in the hydrogen contg. gas is further reduced by CO selectively transforming catalyst. Gasifier (2) and the first transformer (3) are combined and heated with the same heat source gas.    USE -   For the conversion of fossil fuel like MeOH or LNG into hydrogen contg. gas in a fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE -   Gasifier, transformers, and converter can be stacked, so that they are heated efficiently. The size of the transformer can be minimised.
The car-body floor structure has a battery cover (11) which covers the batteries (9) arranged on the upper part of the battery frame (6) where two or more batteries are mounted. The battery frame is bonded to the side frame (4) and the crossing frame (5) of the floor member (3) under the floor panel (1). The battery cover consists of the front cover (13), a main cover (12) and an air duct (14).    The front cover has an external entrance which extends to the central part and serves as an opening of the floor tunnel (2). The floor tunnel has a drain part whose opening extends to the back of the front cover. The air duct introduces air into the battery frame. The water receptacle is formed at the upper end of the front cover. The dam component is formed on the floor panel.    ADVANTAGE -   Has simplified frame structure that incorporating floor structure and battery cooling function aimed to reduce manufacturing costs and prevent water from penetrating the battery.
The charging method involves usage of an electrical apparatus (6) which is provided with multiple battery charging units. When a battery (4) is removed from the apparatus, the currently mounted battery is detected using detector unit. Thus, the mounted type battery is given an utmost priority and its charging operation is performed.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables effective use of battery.
The electric power generation plant has a cooling water circulation system. The circulation system has entrance pipe (7) and an exit pipe (8) which are linked to a fuel battery main part (1). The exit pipe is connected to a steam separator (9). A vapour generator (11) exchanges heat with the cooling water. A control device (28) controls a three way valve (27) which regulates the rate of flow of cooling water and bypasses steam.    ADVANTAGE -   Inhibits damage to fuel battery main part. Improves conversion efficiency. Restrains temperature variations. Inhibits deterioration in performance and life time of fuel battery. Maintains stability.
Cathode for H2generating cells, according to DE3532335 contains the reaction prod. (I) of thermal decomposition of the Ni salt (II) of an organic acid, pref. Ni formate (IIA) or oxalate as the Ni catalyst and esp. is used in conjunction with a Zn anode and alkaline electrolyte. The gas-generating electrode consists of activated charcoal (III) with PTFE as binder and contains Ni as catalyst; and the gas is discharged from the cell housing through a finely porous PTFE film.     In the prodn. of the cathode, either (a) (III) powder is impregnated with aq. (II) soln., dried and heated above the decomposition temp. (Td ) of (II) and the catalysed (III) powder is made into the electrode structure; or (b) the electrode structure is moulded from uncatalysed (III) powder, impregnated or sprayed with aq. (II) soln., dried and heated above Td.    ADVANTAGE -    Incorporation of the Ni catalyst is simplified, is carried out with simple appts., and can be integrated with electrode prodn.. (I) has a very large surface area and low H2over-voltage.
The method and equipment for transforming wind energy into hydrogen fuel as new energy source comprises wind-driven generator, rectifier, hydrogen preparing unit using electrolysing water and hydrogen accumulator, and features that wind energy which is unable to store energy which is used to form hydrogen which is easy to store and use at any time.
The flat top electric storage battery includes several cell receiving compartments which include a common vent passage in flow communication with some of the compartments (30). A housing (12) compartment comprises an open top box-like base and a top sealingly mounted on the base, the top having a planar upper surface.    Several parallel partitions (28) are positioned in the housing and divide it into several cell receiving compartments, with a common vent passage in the passage. The top includes a planar top panel and a peripheral skirt pointing downwards from the top panel, where the vent passage opens out of the skirt.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates possibility of damage to vehicle bodywork when housing is overfilled with electrolyte, and it leaks through vent openings and onto body work of vehicle. (Provisional basic advised in week 9523)
A cold formed side wall terminal for a storage battery, the terminal being formed from a lead slug having a cavity at one end, a stainless steel nut positioned in the cavity and encapsulated therein on cold working the lead slug, the terminal further including a spline ring at the other end and a number of seal rings formed on the outside of the terminal intermediate the ends thereof.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. automobile storage batteries. Allows quick and easy connection of inner surface to electrical system within battery during assembly. Battery life prolonged.
The electric storage battery comprises a container, a cover, and one or more partition walls dividing the space within the container and cover into two or more cell cavities. The cover defines cylindrically shaped process holes associated with each cell cavity. The battery includes the venting system which comprises a manifold defined by the cover. The manifold has at least one opening in each process hole and at least one opening in the cover and is adapted to provide gaseous communication between the process holes and the ambient.    A venting plug is associated with each process hole and adapted for insertion in them. The venting plugs have a cylindrical side wall, a closed upper end, an open lower end, and a central cavity. A vent aperture is located in the side wall of the venting plug in gaseous communication with the manifold and the venting plug central cavity. A baffle is positioned within the venting plug central cavity between the vent aperture and the lower end of the venting plug, and is adapted to allow the passage of gases and to retard the passage of electrolyte from the cell cavity through the venting plug central cavity.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy and economic mfr. Safely and efficiently vents gases generated within cell cavities.
The magnesia sintered body is composed of magnesia particles of less than 50 average particle size and spinel particles of less than 50 average particle size. It has a relative density of more than 98 % and less than 1 % impurities.    ADVANTAGE -   The thermal expansion coefft. can be adjusted.
The electric supply system consists of a fuel battery (1), a first power converter (7A), a battery (5) and a second power converter (3A). The second power converter has a control circuit (9A) which carries out the charging and discharging of the battery by controlling the output current.    Hence, the control circuit controls the output current of the second converter with an input current of a first converter. So the input current of the first converter is decided by the output current of the fuel battery and the output current of the second converter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in control of rapid current variation of fuel battery with back-up battery at time of sudden changes of load. Reduces generation loss. Shortens energising period of power converters. Improves power converter efficiency. Reduces snubber circuit and power losses in load side power converter.
The connector consists of a rotatory shaft (39) provided on a cover (35). A groove (41) is formed on the rotatory shaft. A press-fit part (29) is formed on a connector main part (21) into which the rotatory shaft is inserted.    A projection (33) makes connection with the groove of the shaft that is press-fit on the connector main part. The press-fit portion is formed by hook parts (23a,23b) on the connector main part. The detachment of the shaft is performed by pressing the shaft in the direction in which it is inserted. The projection has a sloped surface which helps the end surface of the shaft to get over it.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high endurance of hinged part. Improves reliability and operativity. Prevents breakage of cover. Eliminates need for alignment.
The method involves generation of carbon monoxide gas along with the hydrogen gas by an apparatus (2). The carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide by carrying out a reaction with stream in a device which has to be cooled. So a cooling unit (20) carrying a cooling water cools the device. During shutdown states of the battery, the passage of the fluid is stopped by reducing its rate flow using an internal operation.    ADVANTAGE -   Shortens starting time of operation. Reduces power consumption of device.
The electrolytic impregnation method involves heat cycling which sets a holding temperature of two or more levels with proper time interval and with a proper temperature difference. A means is adapted for proper amount of impregnation of the electrolytic at short time.    ADVANTAGE -   Promotes impregnation speed. Simplifies assembly process. Enables extensive production. Shortens number of processes.
The burner comprises a heating unit (1) formed by conductive SiC contg. three dimensional mesh structure in a rectangular prism shape, a power source (18) for supplying power to the heating unit (1), an air supply unit (blower) (7) for supplying air to the heating unit (1), and fuel supply unit (12) for spraying fuel in the air supplied to the heating unit (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for reformers for fuel batteries, turbogenerators, and gas turbine or carbon trappers for diesel engine. Heating efficiency is high while requiring no additional fuel storing/supply device.
The amt. of alkali electrolyte in the container is 1.5-2.0 cc/l. Ah of battery capacity. The spacing (t1) between the electrodes and the container base is pref. 2-10 mm and the spacing (t2) between the electrodes and the container sidewall is pref. 1-5 mm.    A module battery formed of 2-40 of the cells connected in parallel and/or in series is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Deformation of the electrode assembly caused by charging and discharging is absorbed by the spacings so that life characteristics are improved. The battery may also be rapidly filled with the correct amt. of electrolyte.
An anti-theft device for a car has a battery lock which can prevent current flow from the battery. It receives coded signals (from an infra-red transmitter, keyboard or card reader) to switch in the necessary circuits for starting. There is a codable signal generator (8) which sends a coded release signal over the bus (9) to the locking circuits (21, 22) for the starter and/or ignition and/or other circuits. The battery lock is contained in a compartment in the battery case, forming a mechanically sealed unit and it cannot be bridged without destroying the wall of the compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved security.
The generation station has: a) A conversion module (1) producing raw biomass from solar energy, which is substantially free from sulphur, in the form of an area of agrarian land cultivated with plants, especially the so-called C4-plants, which can be grown in the biomass itself for harvesting. b) A gasification module (2) for the thermal gasification of the biomass in the presence of steam, employing the water gas shift reaction, and under pyrometric temperature control, for a given residence time, in order to produce a hydrogen-containing fuel gas. This is expanded downstream into a tar condensation zone. c) A storage module (3) to store the fuel gas or the extracted hydrogen. Further details of Harvesting, pre-treatment, gasification, storage etc. are also claimed.    USE -   To produce hydrogen from sunlight, which can be stored, used to generate electricity or sold, from esp. perennial plants.    ADVANTAGE -   Renewable, transportable, self-supporting energy source, capable of operation with a variety of carbon-containing materials including wastes; capable of storage to iron-out biomass production fluctuations resulting e.g. from zonal and seasonal variations. A number of generators can be worked together if appropriate.
An automotive starting, lighting and ignition (SLI), maintenance-free battery (10) comprises a container (12) having a number of cells and an electrolyte contained therein. Each cell has a number of positive and negative plates disposed therein consisting of a grid supporting structure (20) with a layer of active material pasted thereon. The grid is composed of an alloy of Pb, contg. 0.7-1.5% Sb, 0.2-0.6% Sn, 0.01-0.15% As, 0.025-0.06% Ag and 0.015-0.03% Se (all % based on total wt. of grid supporting structure) wherein Ag and Sb levels are balanced.    USE -   Used for lead acid batteries in motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The positive grid of the invention is made from a low antimony, Pb-based alloy which has satisfactory deep-cycling capabilities, is maintenance-free, has good resistance to corrosion under relatively high temps. and is not environmentally undesirable.
The encapsulation appts. includes a housing comprising an inner wall defining a receptacle for at least one battery (412). The inner wall (418) is in thermal contact with the batteries. A separate outer wall (420) defines an enclosure for receiving a phase change material (426).    Fins extend from the inner wall into the enclosure facilitating heat transfer from the outer wall to the surrounding environment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heat absorbed during vehicle operation, frequent cycling and rapid charge keeping temperature within acceptable range, keeps electrolyte temperature above critical range during inactivity or cold weather.
Adducts of lanthanide beta-diketones and donor ligands suitable for use in a metal-contg. material deposition process, in which the donor ligand has Lewis base characteristics that match the Lewis acid characteristics of the lanthanide beta-diketone in the absence of the donor ligand.    Also claimed is metal-contg. material deposition process using a lanthanide beta-diketone complex having the above characteristics.    Pref. the donor ligand is neutral, pref. an oxide, esp. an N-oxide and esp. pyridine N-oxide and the lanthanide is pref. Y.    USE -   The cpds. are useful in metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) processes (claimed), e.g. for mfr. of opto-electronic materials, and for the deposition of mixed metal oxides which are superconducting at relatively high temps., of buffer layers, of anode and electrolyte materials for fuel cells and of magnetic oxides.    ADVANTAGE -   The problems of dissociation and hydrolysis of lanthanide beta-diketonates or the Lewis base adducts during MOCVD are avoided. The cpds. are liq. in use and therefore have a constant surface area exposed, in contrast to prior materials which are typically non-uniform particulates. The lanthanide (beta-diketone) ligand adduct has a m.pt. of less than 150 C, esp. less than 125 C and esp. less than 100 C (claimed).
In a mechanically rechargeable electrochemical metal-air battery, each cell comprises: (a) a housing contg. a replaceable metal electrode which has an electrically conductive skeleton covered by an active metal component and which can be replaced by a freshly charged metal electrode through a housing opening opposite the housing base; (b) one or more planar air-permeable liq.-impermeable air electrode, each installed in a window-like opening in one or more major surfaces of the housing; and (c) an electrolyte in contact with the metal and air electrodes. A first woven mesh separator is attached to an inner, electrolyte-facing surface of the or each air electrode and a second woven mesh separator is attached to and covers a major metal electrode surface facing the or each air electrode, the separators being in sliding relationship to each other.    USE -   Used esp. as a zinc-air battery for electrically-powered vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The metal-air battery cells allow repeated insertion and removal of the metal electrodes for each charge/discharge cycle without causing wear and tear to the mechanically sensitive air electrode flanking each metal electrode.
The retarder device has a motor generator (12) which consists of a stator. The transformer in the stator consists of a high voltage main winding (14) and a low voltage supplementary machine winding (16). A high voltage battery is connected to the high voltage winding through an inverter (18). A low voltage battery is connected to the low voltage winding through a rectifier circuit (32) with booster chopper.    The DC power discharged from high voltage battery is converted to an AC power by the inverter and supplied to the high voltage winding. The AC power supplied from high voltage winding is converted to DC power inverter and battery is discharged by the DC power. The rectifier circuit rectifies the AC power from low voltage winding and charges the low voltage battery. When charging the high voltage battery, with DC power from the low voltage battery, a controller gives out a booster control signal. The booster control signal makes the rectifier circuit, connected between low voltage winding and low voltage battery, acts as a booster circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   Restarts engine reliably during engine starting failure. Charges high voltage battery upto required level for engine starting.
The fuel battery pinches the electrolyte matrix between the air fuel poles. An intermediate electrode is inserted in the circuit part where the leakage ionic current flows. The gas sealing member (12) and the O ring (13) are positioned between the fuel-battery multilayer body (14) and the manifold (11). The intermediate electrode (19) is positioned between the insulating film (21) and the O ring. The intermediate electrode is drawn for possible electrical connection.    The derivation part of the intermediate electrode has a via ampere meter (22). The other end of intermediate electrode is connected to the collector board (17) through variable resistor (23) and DC power supply (24) at manifold (11) whose ends are grounded.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents corrosion of multilayer battery unit and has zero ionic current value.
The fuel-battery power generation system has a fuel-battery system (21), a fuel processing system (8), a heat recovery system and a heat use system (35). The heat recovery system includes a battery cooling-water system (26).    The battery cooling-water system is bonded to the steam supply line (32). The control valve (48) controls the rate of flow of steam.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need to enlarge capacitance of steam separator and steam separator's generation of excessive steam.
The operation method is applicable to a chemical reaction receptacle (13) to perform normal temperature operation of it. This reaction receptacle is capable of being operated at high, normal and low temperatures. At the time of normal temperature operation, cooling medium is passed into the receptacle or discharged from it as per the temperature state of the previous operation. Cooling medium is passed into receptacle if the receptacle is at high temperature and cooling medium is discharged from the receptacle for vice-versa case.    ADVANTAGE -   Shortens quiescent time. Reduces time required to bring receptacle to normal temperature.
The generator consists of a quality apparatus (7). In this apparatus, reaction of the original fuel gas and steam takes place and a quality gas is generated. A potential device (9) carries out the reaction of the quality gas and steam to generate a transformer.    An electric power generator (11) is supplied with the transformer gas as fuel gas. A moisture isolator (5) separates the steam from the cooling water that is circulated. An exhaust gas path (15) is set up through which the original fuel gas is circulated so that the gas discharged from the electric power part combines with it.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not consume more amount of fuel. Improves efficiency and cooling efficiency. Avoids reduction in efficiency due to uneven distribution of gas.
The Pb alloy contains 0.02-0.05% Ca, 0.3-0.5% Sn and 0.02-0.45 % Ag. The strip is directly cast alloy strip of thickness 0.020-0.060 ins which is expanded and slit into a grid mesh. SLI Pb-acid positive plate and automotive SLI battery including the positive plate are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Positive plates which lead to a maintenance-free battery having good service life in high temp. environments and high corrosion resistance are obtd. in a continuous process. Pb dust formation is minimised and active material paste density can be reduced.
The switch assembly comprises an operating pushbutton (1) which can be displaced from an OFF to an ON position and vice-versa. It also includes a slider (10) having a lug (11) attached to it. Preferably the lug extends into the pushbutton through a slot (12).    The lug engages with a locking element (15), e.g. detent, to hold the pushbutton in an OFF position. The lug can be disengaged from the detent by moving the slider against a resilient member (20), e.g. spring. This allows the pushbutton to pass from the OFF to the ON position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides important safety element for vehicles transporting dangerous goods.
A stainless steel with good resistance to corrosion caused by molten salt contains (by wt.) 0.1% Cr, 2.0% Mn, 7.5-15% Ni, 14.0-20.0% Cr, 0.2-4.0% Si, 1.0-4.0% Al, with Si(%):Al(%) ratio of 1.0, inevitable impurities and balance Fe.    Also claimed is a process for making the above-mentioned steel in which (%)=1.57 Cr + 0.7 Si + 3.89 Al - 1.57 Ni - 0.16 Mn - 38.5C - 7.65, with (%) value ranging 0.5-4.0, by hot rolling to give steel tape at temp. 1000C.    USE -   The steel can be used as separator material in fuel cell which is cheap but longer lasting.    ADVANTAGE -   Steel has improved resistance to molten carbonate salts as compared with those with less Cr and Ni. Since the amt. of Al is optimally adjusted, hot rolling of such material can still provide high yield.
The fuel battery consists of a fuel battery main part (1) placed inside a storing receptacle (2). An exit pipe (12) and a purge gas entrance pipe (11) are connected at either end of the storing receptacle. A part of gas discharged from the storing receptacle is returned to the storing receptacle through a circulation pipe (21). A blower (22) is provided at the centre of the circulation pipe.    A pressure detector (23) detects the pressure difference with an oxidizing agent pole (24). A control valve (10) is connected to a source of supply (9) which supplies purge gas. A control device (24) controls the control valve and adjusts the amount of supply of purge gas closed on the pressure detected by the pressure detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases economical efficiency. Reduces amount of purge gas required.
Hydrogen prodn. unit comprises: a solid electrolyte is sandwiched by an oxygen electrode and a hydrogen electrode. The solid electrolyte is an oxygen ion conductor consisting of ZrO2, Sc2O3 and Al2O3.    USE -   For car exhaust gas cleaner.    ADVANTAGE -   Ion conduction is about 3 times that in conventional oxygen ion conductor YSZ.
Hydrogen gas is produced by electrothermic reaction between water and a reactive metal (9) which is put in the water. Reactive metal (9) is contacted with a heat resisting electrode (3). An electric current is passed through reactive metal (9) and heat resisting electrode (3) so as to generate discharge in the water.    A hydrogen gas producing appts. is also claimed, which comprises a container (1) with water (2), a reactive metal (9) which can be moved on a sliding electrode (8), a heat resisting electrode (3) which is held on container (1) through insulator (4), a hydrogen gas storage tank (10,10A), a valve (13) connected to tank (10,10A), and a powder source (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing hydrogen gas. High pressure hydrogen gas can be produced continuously. The new appts. can be used safely as a hydrogen gas fuel source in placed of a hydrogen gas cylinder. Pref. the reactive metal is Al or Mg.
The battery terminal post (3) has the main cable attached to it through connection main part (21) that forms part of connector for battery terminal (45). Onto this attached cover (33) transversely through rotation part (37), the latter serving as hinge pin at pieces of support (35). Pressfit part (29) and opening part (31) together standing pieces (23a, 23b) are part of the mechanism that assists regulated release of cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows free working access to battery terminal. Inhibits power breakage as hinge and pressfit portion are mechanically isolated. Improved hinge reliability offering long operational life.
A composite film is formed by applying a polydimethyl siloxane-based resin on a porous macromolecular film. A fluororesin solubilised in a solvent is applied on the composite film. Pref. fluororesin is a perfluorovinyl allyl ether cyclised copolymer or a copolymer of cyclic ether and perfluoro-2, 2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxole. The porous macromolecular film is polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polysulphone. The polydimethyl siloxane-based resin is polydimethyl siloxane, a polydimethyl siloxane-polyhydroxy styrene crosslinking type copolymer, or a polyorganosiloxane copolymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a battery. The oxygen enrichment membrane has good oxygen permeability and isolates water vapour from the air. The oxygen enrichment membrane provides the battery with its application for the wide range, from a high load to a low load, superior electrolyte leakage resistance and continuous storage.
The charging method involves detection of a set point which corresponds to a stage where the constant current and constant voltage value starts decreasing. The current corresponding to the set point is taken into consideration to assign a scheduled time for a timer.    When the detected current is more, the scheduled time set for the timer is also made large. This time value is reduced when the detection current value is also low.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents over charging of battery. Optimises charging time of battery.
The removal method involves connecting a fuel battery (12) for removal to a fuel supply path (27) of a main fuel battery (11). A fuel discharge path (28) of the fuel battery for CO removal and the fuel supply path of the main fuel battery are connected. Fuel gas which does not contain CO makes hydrogen discharged from the fuel battery for CO removal, to be supplied into the main fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Removes CO efficiently. Reduces loss of hydrogen gas. Occupies less space. Avoids poisoning of main fuel battery due to CO.
The fuel battery has an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, arranged through an electrolyte. A set of separators is provided to form anode or cathode gas passage. These separators are layered. A cooling plate (1) with multiple cooling air passages (3) which are divided by ribs is provided. For every cell, a cooling plate is provided. In the intermediate cooling air passages a laminated heat conduction member (4) is installed parallel to the ribs. The heat conduction member (4) has lower pitch in comparison to that of the ribs. The anode and cathode electrodes are located in the intermediate cooling air passages, thereby resulting in a stacked, vertical structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves electric power generation efficiency. Minimises pressure loss. Restrains small temperature increase and temperature differences in cooling plate. Equalises internal temperature on battery surface.
The device has an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte,. At least one of the anode and the cathode consists of mixture of hydrophilic carbon fibre having water affinity and water repellent carbon fibre having water repellency.    USE -   For direct conversion between chemical energy and electric energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The energy conversion can be carried out continuously with high efficiency.    PREFERRED EMBODIMENT - The energy conversion device is e.g. a fuel cell in which chemical energy is converted to electric energy through reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, or a hydrogen or oxygen generator by electrolysation of water etc. The water repellent carbon fibre can be prepared by dipping normal carbon fibre in a tetrafluoro ethylene dispersion, drying in air and then at 100 deg C for 30 min. then heating in n2 gas atmosphere at 250-300 deg C.
The battery terminal consists of a helical shaft (1) protruding from a battery main part (2). The helical shaft is positioned into a helical hole (6) present in a terminal main part (5). The penetrated end of the shaft is fixed in its position by a stopping helix (7) present at the other end of the hole in the terminal main part.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates reliable electrical conduction. Avoids short circuiting. Obtains trouble free power supply.
The lead storage battery consists of a positive electrode board (3) and a negative electrode board (1). A bag like separator (2) is placed between the positive electrode board and the negative electrode board. The negative electrode board is made of a lattice object which consists of a lead alloy which does not contain antimony. The bag like separator consists of multiple parallel ribs provided at both the surfaces. The pitch of rib on the under surface which contacts with the negative electrode board is greater than the pitch of a surface rib.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves diffusion of electrolyte in plate group. Improves charging and discharging cycle life time since thixotropic sulphuric acid is used.
In a device having one or more high temp. fuel cell batteries (1), a first air channel system (416,417), a heat insulating battery casing integrated in the first channel system at least partially in the form of an air preheater, a second fuel gas channel system (12,2,3,30), a third waste gas channel system (21,211-214), a post-combustion space (11) between each battery and casing and one or more pre-reformers (2) located in the second channel system, the novelty is that (a) the third channel system is in heat transfer communication with the first and second systems; and (b) a preheater (6,60), in the form of auxiliary burners (6) fed with fuel gas, is associated with the or each pre-reformer and is incorporated in the third channel system. Also claimed is a process for initiating operation of the above device.    ADVANTAGE -   The design allows start-up of the fuel cell stack simply.
A protection circuit (11) against gas shortage in a fuel cell has the cell (1) connected to an inverter (2) for the load and a voltage regulator (3) working on the output of the inverter. The protection circuit is connected to the latter. There is a calculation stage (12) for a permitted excess current, based on a fuel coefficient and the output current of the cell, so that an earlier value can be updated. There is a response speed control stage 913) which eliminates fluctuations in this calculated excess current value. There is an overcurrent limiting stage (15) which gives a signal to reduce the voltage at the regulator when the output current from the cell exceeds the permitted value.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents cell damage by gas shortage when excess current occurs.
The circuit contains a measurement stage (1) which detects a voltage corresp. to the current in the load circuit of a switching transistor (2). The voltage is detected across a resistor. The measurement stage is connected to the switching transistor's load circuit, measures the voltage drop at the transistor when turned on and derives the current from it.    The switching transistor can be a MOSFET. Its temp. coefficient can be used as the control parameter in the load circuit. The temp. coefficient forms an automatic current limiter in the load circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for switch mode power supply or NiCd battery charger circuits fed by 12 V or 23 V supply. Current measurement circuit eliminates need for additional resistor by using internal resistance of turned-on transistor.
The connecting fixture has an upper end of one clamping piece (11) bent outwards and horizontally to form a bolt support piece (13) which includes a slanting plate receiving piece, which hangs down from the bolt support piece and has a horizontal holding aperture. The bolt support piece has a female thread hole (15) to receive the fastening bolt. The clamping piece has an escape opening which allows the slanting plate (18) to be displaced.    The plate extends upwards from a lower end of the clamping piece through the escape opening. The plate is provided in its distal end with a horizontal engaging piece which slidingly inserts into the holding aperture, it also has an upper contacting face which slidingly contacts the bolt when the bolt is fastened.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides electrical wire connecting fixture which provides simplified fastening of electrode, and one which can be easily made.
The fuel cells (8) are connected into at least two parallel connected rows, each with the same number of cells in series. The rows are connected as arms of a bridge circuit and connected to at least one evaluation circuit (7) which evaluates the voltage or current tapped from between the two bridge arms.    If the voltage or current deviates beyond permitted limits a fault is signalled and/or the fuel cell battery is switched off. Both the value of the bridge diagonal current or voltage and its time variation are compare with at least one predefined value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For monitoring the operation of e.g. a large number of connected fuel cells in a fuel cell battery without incurring great cost.
The stabilising electrolyte solution used in a redox cell comprises redox ions, electrolyte and a stabilising agent. The amount of stabiliser may be less than to fully complex the electrolyte solution redox ions. The redox ions may be vanadium ions, in the stabilising electrolyte solution up to and including supersaturated concentration. The stabilised electrolyte may be an aqueous solution.    Alternatives and concentrations are detailed. The electrochemical cell (20) positive compartment (24) may contain a catholyte (25) electrically contacting the positive electrode (26). A negative compartment (21) contains anolyte (22), electrically contacting negative electrode (23). The two electrodes are series connected to a battery (204) of 2.3 volts above the cell resistive loss. An ionically conducting membrane (27) separates the compartments, allowing ionic communication.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cells and batteries for electricity production, with stabilised electrolyte in all vanadium cells.
The system comprises an electrolysis means to electrolyse water while supplying regenerative power and/or power from a solar battery and a hydrogen tank to store hydrogen gas produced by the electrolysis means and supplied to a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The system has improved energy efficiency.
The system (1) has a fuel battery (11) and an air conditioning device (20). The fuel battery supplies power to an electric actuator. A heat exchanger (21) is connected to the air conditioning device and acts as a heating medium. Hydrogen is supplied as fuel to the battery. A tank (10) made up of a metal hydride alloy is used to supply hydrogen through a pipe line. A hydrogen force feeding machine (12) feeds hydrogen to the battery by forcing it. A sec. battery (31) is connected parallel to the output terminals of the battery. A controller performs charging and discharging of the sec. battery based on the excessiveness or deficiency of the fuel battery output. The supply capability to the actuator and the air conditioning output of the heat exchanger are controlled simultaneously. A heat accumulation tank (25) is connected to the air conditioning device. A thermoelectric conversion system absorbs superfluous power.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency. Improves response to load variation. Saves energy.
A lanthanum chromite type cpd. oxide of ((La1-x REx ) 1-y MAy ) (Crlz MBz )l-a O3(where RE = at least one rare earth element of Tb and Dy, MA = at least one alkaline earth metal such as Ca, Sr, and Ba, MB = at least one transition metal such as Co and Mn, x = 0.01 - 0.25 y = 0-0.3, z = 0-0.25, a = 0.001-0.1) consists of a perovskite structure.    USE -   The lanthanum chromite type cpd. oxide obtd. can be used in electrodes for MHD powder generation, heating elements, separators or solid electrolytic fuel cell electrodes, and interconnectors.    ADVANTAGE -   The lanthanum chromite type cpd. oxide obtd. has good weather resistance and sinterability and the sintered prods. are dense and have good electrical characteristics.
The connector (41) includes a hinge pin (37) fixed to a cover (33). A converter main part (21) has its top face furnished with a flexible protrusion of a hook (23). The hook receives the hinge pin of the cover and constitutes a press fit between the two parts. The hinge carries out the installation with a face to face counter action with the hook. It also acts as a rotary axis about which a cover undergoes a curvilinear translation.    The top face of the converter main part has a guide part (25) formed as a movable cantilever member. The huge pin which forms the press fit between the standing pieces is guided by this guide part.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves reliability and operativity. Ensures easy installation. Prevents breakage of hinge part.
The battery cable terminal consists of two sets of terminal electrodes, one for voltage detection (3a) and the other for constant current discharge (3b). Both the electrodes are insulated from each other. A constant current discharge circuit (5a) is positioned in the end portion of the positive side electrode terminal.    The cable for constant current discharge (13) is connected between two electrodes. A voltage detection line (12) from the two electrodes is connected to the battery test device. A constant current detection signal line (6) and a control signal line (7) from the constant current discharge circuit are connected to test device. When connected to battery (4) constant discharge is performed by detecting terminal voltage of electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Tests battery precisely. Improves operativity. Avoids measuring variation.
The storage battery consists of a main battery having a positive electrode array made of antimony alloy. The reserve battery uses non-antimony alloy for positive electrode array. At normal time, the reserve battery is charged through the negative electrode board and the non-antimony alloy positive electrode array.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables usage for larger periods. Needs no water supplement to reserve battery.
The fuel battery system consists of a post (1f) of a fuel battery (1) which discharges surplus air through a condensation device (42) outside. The reaction water containing the surplus air separated using the condensation device. the separated reaction water is led to a water storage tank (50) which comprises a cold water circulation system (L3) which cools the fuel battery. A heater (92) built in the water storage tank heats the cold water at the time of starting a cold machine, power is supplied to the heater from the fuel battery. The fuel battery system is fuelled by heating cold water by the heater.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves generation of electric power during starting of cold motor.
The device (10) consists of an impurity suction device (11) to which pre-processing finishing air (6A) is supplied from a blower (7). The inlet air is filtered to remove dust by a filter (6) and is supplied to the blower. The suction agent in the impurity suction device sucks the impurity gas components like organic solvent and reaction air is purified. The purified reaction air is sent to a fuel battery stack (1) where it is supplied to the oxidizing agent pole of the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents deterioration of electrolyte characteristics. Maintains cell characteristics.
The battery attachment structure is equipped with a support member (17) on the end portion (K2) of a battery (6). The battery is attached to the end of the vehicle body (3), which is attached to the upper end (15) of a connection rod. The battery is positioned on a tray (5) attached to the lower end (2) of the connection rod. One end of an U-shaped curved part (22) is attached to the intermediate portion of an elastic bracket (21). The bracket is supported at the front side of the battery. The other end (25) of the elastic bracket is attached to the upper face of the battery. The tray is attached to a shelf part (4) of the vehicle body.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides reliable attachment of battery.
Symmetrical or unsymmetrical N,N''-disubstd. dialkylene triamine deriv. prechelate cpds. of formula (I) are new. R1, R2 = aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic organic cpds., each contg. at least one N, S or O atom suitable for coordination to a transition metal atom; a,b = 0-2; R3, R4 = H or Me; d,q = 1-5.    USE -   (I) are pentadentate ligands which form complexes (C) with transition metals (e.g. Ti, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir or Pt, esp. Mn, Fe or Co). (C) reversibly bind small ligands (L) (esp. oxygen but also e.g. CO, CO2, NO, cyanide, isocyanide or hydroxide), and are useful for extracting (L) from a first fluid environment then releasing (L) in a second fluid environment. Typically a soln. of (C) is used as O2 carrier in a cyclic process for extracting O2 from a fluid (e.g. air or sea-water), by contacting the soln. with the fluid through a membrane, electrochemically converting (C) to a metal oxidn. state having lower affinity for O2 (so that O2 is released), electrically reconverting to an oxidn. state with higher O2 affinity and contacting with further fluid. The process may also be used for removing O2 from food prods. (e.g. beer, wine or orange juice) to increase storage life, increasing O2 concns. for breathing (e.g. for lung disorder patients or miners) or extn. of O2 from water (e.g. for divers, or underwater fuel cells or combustion engines).
Appts. for generating electricity comprises (a) a plasmatron for generating (i) a gaseous molecular species, or (ii) a hydrogen-rich gas from a hydrocarbon; and (b) a fuel cell connected to receive (i) the gaseous species, or (ii) the hydrogen-rich gas, from the plasmatron to generate electricity, a portion of the generated electricity being supplied to the plasmatron.    Also claimed are (i) a method of starting a plasmatron/fuel cell system for generating electricity; and (ii) a self propelled vehicle.    USE -   Plasmatron-fuel cell system for decentralised electricity generation.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is compact and simple, with low power for the plasmatron, and high efficiency of both the fuel cell, and conversion of hydrocarbon energy.
The trouble detector is used in a hydrogen occlusion alloy tank containing hydrogen alloy. Heat is taken from the heat exchanger (14) and the hydrogen is emitted from the hydrogen alloy tank (10). By hydrogen occlusion, the heat pump begins to supply heat to the heat exchanger.In the tank, there is no hydrogen pressure and temperature that goes beyond the standard range set using a Van't Hoff table.    The trouble generated within the tank is detected by a pressure indicator (36,442) and a thermometer (38,444). The indication of a trouble quickly stops the operation. The rates of flow of hydrogen outflow in the MH tank (10) and the inflow in the MH tank (30) follows a straight-line proportion that Y=X where Y and X can be any of the tanks. The flowmeter (44,448) of the heat pump is also another indicator of trouble within the system and also causes the whole operation to stop in case irregularity of reading is seen.    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively conserves and utilizes energy resources used within the system.
The electrochemical fuel battery consists of an electrolyte board (5), the main field of which is connected to a positive electrode board (9). A negative electrode board (7) is connected to other portions of the electrolyte board. Two or more cells (3) are layered and separated by multiple separators (11) and separator boards (13). These separators are provided face to face with each other. A pair of shut openings (19,21) are also provided to accommodate the positive and negative electrodes respectively. First and second edge boards (15,17) are also connected to the main field of the electrolyte board.    Then, an oxidizing gas is passed through the stacked layers of cells by means of gas supply and discharge manifolds (31,33), while the fuel gas is supplied through fuel supply and discharge manifolds (35,37). A pair of sealing units (43,45) takes care of the deformation of the edge boards.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures stabilized emf output from battery.
The battery terminal in the form of battery post (3) of battery (2), is connected to connection terminal (8) to which are attached wires (W). Over this connection terminal, cover part (4) and lid part (5) the latter serving as hood, provide the protecting shield.    The lid and cover are linked through hinge part (6). Pieces of projection (7) allows the lid to be rested at a specific partial opening when necessary.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates working with terminal. Raises hinge reliability and in general, operational efficiency.
An automobile battery has projecting circular cross section terminal posts that are engaged by ease to fit clamps (1). The clamp is formed by two main sections (3, 5) that are semi circular in cross section. One end has a terminal block (4) that receives any connecting wires and cables. The opposite end has a block (6) with a formed groove having tapers (19, 20). Clamping inserts (7, 8) are loaded by tightening a nut (17) on a threaded pillar (16). This has the effect of forcing the inserts against the clamps to secure the block onto the battery posts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides secure clamping of terminal connectors.
In the method for mfr. of an electrode material contg. manganese oxide: (a) 50-150 g. manganese nitrate is added to 10-40 ml. H2 O; (b) a nitrate is added; (c) the mixt. is heated to evaporate all H2O; and (d) heating is continued at 200-300C to decompose the nitrates until emission of visible vapour ceases and a manganese oxide contg. cpd. is formed as rechargeable battery electrode material.     Also claimed is a rechargeable battery cell (1) contg. an anode (4) with a surrounding cathode (5) comprising MnO2 .xBi2 O3(x is 0.02-0.5) rechargeable material, binder and reinforcer, an electrode separator (6) and current collector (3).     Nitrate in (b) is bismuth nitrate. Cpd. formed in stage (d) is MnO2 .xBi2 O3, where x is 0.02-0.5. Material also contains tetrafluoroethylene as a binder, and graphite, Ni-plated Fe, metal fibres, etc., as a reinforcer.    USE -   Rechargeable material is a positive electrode for battery cells or usable in small amts. with commercially available material to impart rechargeable properties. Batteries have utility in vehicles, electronic goods, space satellites, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   Material is highly rechargeable, low cost, retains capacity over many charge/discharge cycles, and can be prepd. on a large scale. Material evolves no gas and has good density and conductivity.
An electrochemical fuel cell system comprises a spaced microporous perovskite ceramic aerogel anode (20) and a cathode (21) with an electrolyte-filled micro-porous dielectric ceramic aerogel (10) contacting and separating them, a fluid fuel anode supply (53), and an oxidant cathode supply (57). An external electric circuit (40) connects to the electrodes and refrigeration (52,56) cools the electrodes to below at temp. at which electron resistance decreases.    USE -   Esp. to power electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrons move through the superconducting electrodes without resistance to improve performance and vehicle range.
The fuel cell system comprises an anode screen electrode having an anode gas cavity side surface and a second surface and an anode gas cavity defined by the housing and the anode gas cavity side surface of the anode screen electrode. An anode wick is entirely internal to the anode gas cavity and the anode wick is in direct contact with and covers the anode gas cavity side surface of the anode screen electrode.    A proton exchange electrolyte membrane has first and second sides, the first side being contiguous with the second side of the anode screen electrode. A cathode screen electrode has two sides, the first being contiguous with the second side of the proton exchange electrolyte membrane. A cathode cavity is contiguous with the second side of the cathode screen electrode.
The heat exchanger (3) is provided with exit (10) which leads cooling water to the steam splitter (22) of the constructor fuel battery (1). Piping (20) facilitates the flow of cooling water supplied by the piping (18) from the heat exchanger to the fuel battery. Any boiling of the heat recovery water is prevented by mixing the cooling water.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for exterior supplier of cooling water.
The cooling device has a cooling means (L) which cools a target object (O) using cooling fluid. The temperature detector detects the temperature of the target object. The density adjustment means (D) regulates the density of the boiling-point adjustment agent.    The control means (M) controls the density adjustment means so that it may bring the temperature of the cooling object close to a preset temperature.    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively cools object at high temps.
A reforming unit for reforming boil-off gas generated in a LNG tank to a mixt. of H2 and CO2 a fuel cell and a methanol composing unit arranged so as to receive mixed gas are provided in a LNG ship. Power generated by the fuel cell is supplied to an electric propulsion unit while supplying generated methanol gas to the reforming unit through a methanol tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Usage of boil-off gas is improved as compared with a steam turbine plant of a conventional LNG ship.
The indirect-heated has turbine cycle utilises hot cathode recycle gases to provide a substantial portion of the heat required for the indirect heating in the heat exchanger (22) of the compressed air from a compressor (16) used in the gas turbine cycle. A separate combustor (50) provides the balance of the heat needed for the indirect heating of the compressed air used in the gas turbine cycle. Hot gases from the fuel cell anode (36) are used in the combustor (50) to reduce both the fuel requirements of the combustor and the NOx emissions from it.    Residual heat remaining in the air-heating gases leaving the heat exchanger (22) is used in a boiler (62) to generate steam to drive a steam turbine (64) or run an absorption refrigeration cycle. Some of the hot gases from the cathode can be diverted from the air-heating function and used in the absorption refrigeration cycle or in the steam cycle for steam generating purposes.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas turbine can be operated at optimum pressures for efficient power conversion.
Fabricating a modular, recombinant lead acid battery comprises: providing a plurality of thermoplastic frames, including 2 frames which support electrochemically active plates, the frames being adapted to be stacked and welded together such that the plates are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance; providing one or more separators, the separators having an uncompressed state, in which uncompressed state they have a thickness equal to or greater than the predetermined distance between plates, and a compressed state, the separators being provided in their compressed state; successively stacking the frames and separators such that a separator is disposed between adjacent plates in its compressed state; successively vibration welding the frames together while the separator is in its compressed state; the separator having a predetermined thickness in its compressed state effective to reduce abrasion of the separators by the plates during vibration welding and tending to assume its uncompressed state in the presence of an electrolyte such that the separator contacts the plates.    USE -   For fabricating modular lead acid storage batteries.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of vibrational welding provides reliable, faster and more economical fabrication separator damage during fabrication is avoided.
The method for producing a component (1) of a high-temperature fuel cell is characterised by the following steps: (a) a plate (2) is produced with a rectangular recess (2a) in at least one of its two sides; (b) a sheet metal element (5,6) with ridges (5a,6a) is inserted into the recess (2a); (c) the plate (2) and the sheet metal insert (5,6) are joined by soldering. The ridges of the insert (5,6) form flow channels for gas during operation of a fuel cell constituting an assembly of components (1) and additional top and bottom cover plates.    USE -   In fuel cell manufacture.    ADVANTAGE -   Manufacture of fuel cell components is simplified in comparison with known practices.
Reactor, for catalytic removal of CO in H2-rich gas with a selective CO-oxidn. catalyst (I) contg. noble metal, has a structure (II) producing turbulent flow and favouring heat transport, which is coated with (I).    Pref. (II) is a metallic or ceramic support with cross-channel, sponge or fibrous structure or the reactor walls. Its surface is suited to the dimensions of the (I) powder. The thickness of the (I) layer is suited to the initial CO concn. (I) consists of Pt/Al2O3, in which the size of the Pt clusters pref. is 3-10 nm; Ru/Al2O3; or Pt-zeolite.    USE -   The reactor is used in conjunction with a fuel cell, esp. for mobile applications (claimed), e.g, in cars and good vehicles and for generating current with fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   This reactor increases the selectivity for CO oxidn. and prevents steep temp. gradients.
The hold-down includes two brackets, each including a first part for abutting with the top of the battery, a second part for abutting with the side of the battery, and a cross rod extending over the top of the battery, with the first bracket including a channel for slidable receiving the cross rod of the second bracket and the second bracket including a channel for slidably receiving the cross rod of the first bracket.    Two drawing devices are adapted to extend between the battery tray and the two brackets respectively for drawing the brackets toward the battery tray to sandwich the battery between the battery tray and the brackets. The shape of the channels allow the two brackets to be readily assembled and disassembled by pivoting and sliding the brackets and binding upon the cross rods when the brackets are assembled and drawn toward the battery tray to prevent sliding of the cross rods in the channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Can restrain batteries of different widths.
In a dissolved composition of fluorine-contg. ion-exchange resin, fluorine-contg. ion-exchange resin is dissolved in a mixed solvent of oxygen-contg. hydrocarbon and fluorine-contg. cpd.    Also claimed is a method of dissolving fluorine-contg. resin in which the resin is dissolved in the mixed solvent.    USE -   The dissolved composition of fluorine-contg. ion-exchange resin is useful for e.g. forming film for electrolysis or fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Fluorine-contg. in-exchange resin can be rapidly dissolved by the method. Viscosity of soln. of fluorine-contg. ion-exchange resin can be easily regulated by selecting the kind of fluorine-contg. cpd.    PREFERRED MATERIALS - Pref. oxygen-contg. cpd. is 1-4C alcohols, 1-4C ethers or dimethyl sulphoxide. Fluorine-contg. cpd. is chlorofluorocarbon, hydrochlorofluorocarbon, fluorocarbon, fluoroether or fluorine-contg. alcohol.    EMBODIMENT - Oxygen-contg. hydrocarbon is e.g. methyl alcohol. Fluorine-contg. cpd. is e.g. trichlorofluoromethane. The mixing ratio of oxygen-contg. hydrocarbon to fluorine-contg. cpd. is 1-99:99-1, pref. 10-90:90-10. The dissolution temp. is 0-250 deg. C, pref. 10-150 deg.C.    In an example a dissolved composition of a fluorine-contg. ion-exchange resin membrane ("Flemion S") was prepd. by dissolving it in a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol (10g.) and dichloropentafluoro-ethane (10g) at normal temp. with the application of ultrasonic wave.
The device supplies gas fuel to fuel battery main part (12) to perform power generation. A modifier (10) is supplied with gas fuels to change the quality of the gas fuel. The modifier also gets supply of methanol vapour as a reserve fuel through a heated methanol evaporator (22) when supply of the gas fuel is intercepted. This methanol gas comes from a gas cylinder (37) through switching valves (39,40). Heating of evaporator begins whenever trouble of gas fuel is detected by a detector. During the heating period, a bomb gas is supplied through a bomb gas line. Change over operation of the change over switch to liquid fuel vapour line side is done, with the help of a control device, when the liquid fuel is vaporised by the evaporator.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables automatic change of fuel supply. Provides stable output power.
The fuel battery electrical power generator includes a modifier (10). The quality of gas drawn from a gas supply line (2a) is changed by this modifier. The output of the modifier is given to the fuel battery through a battery supply line (11). When the gas supply is interrupted, liquid methanol vaporized by an evaporator (22) is supplied to the modifier.    The fuel exhaust gas with its hydrogen content partly reduced, is diverted to a burner line (14) and supplied to the burner of the modifier. The fuel exhaust gas line (28a) is connected with the gas supply line. A fuel exhaust supply valve (30) and a blower (31) connected to the exhaust line are fully opened when methanol is supplied.    ADVANTAGE -   Supplies optimum quantity of fuel exhaust gas to burner of modifier. Raises efficiency of battery. Improves output voltage performance.
The power generating device incorporates fuel pole electrode and an air pole electrode which are arranged in an electrolyte layer. The fuel is supplied through a fuel pole and the air is supplied through an air pole. The original fuel and its vapour obtained from a burner (13) are made to react in a modifier (7) with a catalyser (8) in a pipe (21). The generated gas is supplied to the fuel pole of the fuel battery (12) after removing the carbon monoxide components by a high temperature carbon monoxide transformer (9). The catalyser temperature of the high temperature carbon monoxide transformer is maintained below a reference temperature by a control unit (36).    At the time of plant stop, nitrogen gas is supplied to the modifier through a fuel side purge valve (18). A temperature detector detects the entrance temperature of the high temperature carbon monoxide transformer. This detected entrance temperature and a reference temperature are compared and based on the comparison result, the fuel valve is opened and closed by the control unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Inhibits destruction of catalyser and deterioration of high temperature carbon monoxide transformer. Inhibits excess air supply. Avoids deterioration of battery and breakage of electrode resulting from pressure difference between electrodes.
The reduced-heat recovery system is provided with a fuel battery main part (1) to which air is supplied in branched manner. Heat exchange is performed through the flow path (12-16) to the low temperature deheat (Q1,Q2). Water is sprayed to reduce pressure and is later evaporated. The temperature of water falls below boiling point owing to branching. The latent heat of evaporation of water is recovered. The volume of water swells by evaporation, and the steam energy operates an expansion turbine (10). Auxiliary heat energy is used to operate a combustion vessel (7) with pressurization fluid.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves heat recovery efficiency. Improves energy efficiency.
The battery has a plastics housing with a cover which includes attached carrying handles. These are pivoted between a stowed position in which they lie flush with surface of the cover and a working position in which they project from the cover at 90 degrees.    The opposing side arms (6) of the U-shaped carrying handles are pivoted about pivot pins integral with the cover, each provided by a lower half shell and projecting reinforcing ribs, completing the circle. Pref. each side arm has a projection (8) above the reception bore for the pivot pin, cooperating with a groove in the surface of the cover when the handle is raised into the working position.    ADVANTAGE -   Robust battery for use in automobile, facilitating easy handling.
Composite glass solder (1) consists of a glass component (2) and a composite component (3). At a solder temp. the glass component is liquid and the composite component is solid. The glass component reacts with the composite component at a high temp. partially to give a crystalline phase (6). Process for joining constructional elements (4, 5) using the solder (1) is also claimed. Further claimed is a joint connection made of the solder.    USE -   The solder can be used to join a metallic with a metallic, a metallic with a ceramic, or a ceramic with a ceramic construction element, pref. of high temp. fuel cells (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The join formed is temp.-resistant, long lasting, has good mechanical strength and good electrical insulation.
The structure comprises a protective cap member having the configuration of an inverted cup and a hollow internal cavity for receiving and completely enclosing the battery post. The cap member has a device for engaging the battery post for making electrical connection therewith and for holding the cap member onto the battery post. The cap member has an upper wall member and an upstanding stud member mounted on the upper wall member for receiving a battery cable connector for making electrical connection between the cap member and the battery cable connector.    The battery cable connector is fastened to the upstanding stud member. The upstanding stud member has a first internal passageway. A grease fitting is mounted on the upstanding stud member and has a second internal passageway connected to the first internal passageway.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates and minimises corrosion.
The flow control device is equipped to methanol burner, and when the burner body is cool, just after ignition, the supplying air is increased to prevent exhausting hazardous material, and at ordinary time, air is decreased to prevent back firing.    In an example, (6) is methanol burner, (21) is carburettor, (22) is burner, (23) is ejector, (30) is fuel supplying nozzle, and (42) is flow control device.    ADVANTAGE -   The exhaust of hazardous material is prevented with preventing back-firing.
The fuel battery involves supplying of fuel and air to a fuel battery main part (1) from fuel and air supply equipments (2,3) respectively. An electrochemical reaction takes place between the fuel and air to generate power from the battery main part. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel supply line from a small fuel modifier provided in a hydrogen supply equipment (8). An adjustment valve (10) is kept open during non-generation of power from the fuel battery main part, and this valve is incorporated in the fuel supply line.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces power consumption. Improves reliability.
The control method involves parallel connection of an AC power supply (1), a fuel battery (3) and a voltage stabilizer (4). A control unit controls the output of the voltage stabilizer. A measuring unit (6) measures the voltage output from the battery or stabilizer. A setting unit (51) sets the output voltage value, based on the control unit. A developing unit (52) develops the output voltage value in a predetermined time, based on the starting speed. A comparison unit (53) compares the value of the developed output voltage and the measured output voltage. A response unit (54) responds to the comparison result and accordingly varies the output of the voltage stabilizer.    ADVANTAGE -   Inhibits deterioration by rapid load change. Prevents overcurrent during power transmission start operation.
The electric power generation system consists of a fuel battery (1). The heat of the fuel battery is applied to a high temperature electrode (13) of an electrical charging type temperature difference battery (9). The output of the electrical charging type temperature difference battery is supplied to a load (6) when the load is increased. Then the fuel battery stops at the time of a normal load, power is supplied to the load from the electrical charging type temperature difference battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases amount of power supplied to load when load increases without using external power supply. Avoids power interruption when fuel battery stops, without using storage battery for back-up.
The cooling water deheat recovery method involves the isolation of cooling water which deheats the heat produced during power generation by a fuel battery (1) or heat exchange in a steam splitter (12). The steam from the splitter is added to the original fuel and the rate of flow is controlled using a control valve (27). The steam from the splitter is supplied to a fuel change quality device (6). The pressure of steam in the steam splitter is controlled using a pressure control valve (31) and surplus steam is supplied to an exhaust gas turbine (22).    Power is obtained using a generator (21) which is driven by the turbine. The steam is supplied to an absorption type freezer (40). A flow control valve (44) is used to control the supply of steam to the freezer and cold water of predetermined temperature is obtained.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves total energy efficiency and plant utilization.
The lead acid sec. acid cell electrodes are each a cluster of plates with electrolyte soaked separators in between. The plates consists a grid type matrix over which is pasted the electrode active material. The positive electrode grid comprises titanium substance (1) that receives conductive oxide layer (2) over its surface. Over this are deposited alpha and beta type PbO layers (3,4) over which is finally pasted active material (5) completing plate construction.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces battery wt. and increases its working life.
In O2 recovery from life support systems by (a) concn. of CO2, (b) conversion of CO2 to CH4 and (c) electrolysis of H2O, a low temp. catalyst (I) is used in stage (b), esp. at 20-200C. Zeolite is used as adsorbent in stage (a).    (I) is a RuOx/TiO2 catalyst. Stage (a) involves gas permeation, pref. using a liquid membrane; or adsorption/desorption with solid amine, activated charcoal or hydrophobic zeolite as adsorbent, which can be regenerated with steam/purging gas or vacuum. The cell used in stage (c) may have a KOH electrolyte (mobile or immobile), electrolyte contg. H3PO4 or solid electrolyte; or proton-exchange membrane (PEM); or may be a molten carbonate cell (MCC).    USE -   The process is esp. useful for space travel applications.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) gives a higher CH4 yield than Ru/Al2O3 catalysts, e.g. in the Sabatier process at temps. below 100C, since equilibrium is established at lower temp.; requires less energy for the heat-up phase; has better O2 compatibility, i.e. there are fewer problems with the air in the CO2 from stage (a); and requires less appts..
The spacer (10) comprises a body portion (11) removably attachable to the bottom of the battery (30) and auxiliary spacer members (20) removably attached to the body. When detached from the body portion, the auxiliary spacers are attachable to a side end wall of the battery. The body portion defines a top surface adapted to receive the battery and a bottom surface adapted to be received by a battery mounting device.    The body portions and auxiliary spacers may be selectively attached to the battery to selectively accommodate the battery within a battery mounting device for a vehicle having a height, width or length requirement grater than the height, width and length of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For lead acid starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) electric storage batteries. Spacers render battery compatible with wider variety of vehicle battery mounts.
Oxidn. of CO to CO2 in the reactant stream (I) of an electrochemical fuel cell equipped with an inlet (A) and outlet (B) for (I) and where (I) also contains H2 and CO2 is effected by addn. of a first O2-contg. gas stream to (I) via a port (C) positioned between inlet (A) and outlet (B) then contacting the stream obtd. with a catalyst (II) in the fuel cell to promote oxidn. of CO to CO2. A further O2-contg. stream is added to (I) via a secondary port (D) located between port (C) and outlet (B) and the stream contacted with (II) to promote CO oxidn.. CO in (I) may be produced by the reverse H2O shift reaction in a H2 -contg. reformate gas mixt..    Port (D) is a plurality and is uniformly spaced with port (C) along the path of stream (I) between inlet (A) and outlet (B).    Stream (I) further contains O2 and O2 contg. streams are drawn from (I).    Appts. for the oxidn. comprises first and second fluid flow field plates or separator layers of electroconductive material with a membrane electrode assembly between these plates or layers. The first plate (or layer) is impermeable to the fuel stream, and the second is impermeable to the O2-contg. stream.    USE -   CO oxidn. in H2-contg. gas mixts. to render mixt. suitable for use as fuel stream in fuel cells. O2-contg. gas may be supplied into an active area of the cell to maintain a uniform temp. profile across this area.    ADVANTAGE -   Adsorption of CO from inlet fuel stream of cells onto surface of catalyst material, e.g. Pt, is avoided.
The fuel cell (10) has an electrochemically active section (26) and a humidification section (28) in a modular plate and frame design. A pneumatic piston (17) in a compression end plate (16) applies a pressure to promote sealing. The active section has a plurality of fuel cell repeating units (12) consisting of a membrane electrode and a cathode fluid flow field plate.    Carbon monoxide is fed to the assembly which contains a catalyst which oxidises the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide produced by the reverse water shift reaction is also oxidised.    ADVANTAGE -   Renders a mixture of carbon monoxide in hydrogen suitable for use as a fuel for an electrochemical fuel cell.
A polymeric compsn. contains a polymer of formula (I):    where m = integer greater than 0; at least one of n, p, q = integer greater than 0; A1, A2, A3 = alkyl, halogen, CyF2y+1, O-R, CF=CF2, CN, NO2, OH; y = integer greater than 0; R = perfluoroalkyl or aryl; X = SO3H, PO3H2, CH2PO3H2, COOH, OSO3H, OPO3H2, OArSO3H NR3+, CH2NR3+; and Ar = aromatic gp.    USE -   The polymeric compsn. is used as an ion exchange membrane in an electrochemical fuel cell (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are produced in high yield and are low cost with good chemical and mechanical properties such as high heat stability, chemical resistance and tensile strength.
A vehicle power cut-off switch member mechanically operatively functional through a cable directed into the passenger compartment of the associated motor vehicle is arranged to effect discontinuance of grounding to the battery housed in the engine compartment of the associated vehicle, wherein the switch member includes a pivotal blade mounted in selective electrical communication between first and second bifurcated contact posts.    A first electrical cable is mounted in electrical connection with the first contact post and the battery negative terminal. A mounting bracket is provided within the passenger compartment and directs illumination on to a pull-handle that in turn is secured to the cable.    ADVANTAGE -   Ease of mounting and ease of access, and has durable and reliable construction providing a device which may be easily and efficiently mfd. and marketed.
The battery switch includes an electrically insulating base plate having an electrically conductive battery attachment terminal and an electrically conductive cable attachment terminal extending from them. The battery attachment terminal includes a device providing for the direct attachment of the switch to an electrical battery disposed adjacent to it.    The cable attachment terminal including an electrically conductive switch contact pivotally attached to it. The switch contact comprising device is provided for the electrical connection of the cable attachment terminal with the battery attachment terminal when the switch contact is in a closed position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As automotive battery with anti-theft protection. Easier and quick closing of switch when battery power is again required for vehicle with low contact resistance and heavy current flow.
The method involves positioning a cover on the container, while the cover has a first and second opening in it, followed by overlying each of the battery's elements. The first opening lays near one side of the battery on one side of a centre line of the battery and the second opening lying near another side of the battery opposite the one side and on the opposite side of the centre line.    The method further entails laying the battery on the one side such that the second opening is above the first opening, with subsequent introducing electrolyte into the container through the first opening. The electrolyte is then allowed to capillary rise throughout the element so as to wet the entire internal surface of the mats.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In lead-acid storage batteries. Simple and effective filling of mat-immobilised-electrolyte with without danger of trapping of air and pickling gases within cell element during filling with heat dissipation during process.
The fuel battery storing receptacle has a side wall (1) formed using steel pipes (2). The steel pipes are provided with fins (3), in the direction of a main wire. The fins are welded along the welding line (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces weight of device. Facilitates land transportation.
The structure of a fuel battery is formed by a fuel battery cell stack (11) which contains many cells. Each cell is provided with a fuel pole, an oxidisation pole and an electrolyte. An oxidising agent gas supplied to the oxidisation pole of the fuel battery stack from a ventilator (14). The oxidising agent gas supplied from the ventilator is distributed to each oxidisation pole by an oxidisation pole manifold (12).    A dust collection filter (16) which collects the dust contained in the oxidising agent gas is provided in the oxidisation pole manifold. The dynamic pressure of the oxidising agent gas which is passed through the dust collection filter is kept constant. The performance of each cell becomes uniform.    ADVANTAGE -   Supplies oxidising agent gas which has uniform dynamic pressure to each cell. Exhibits uniform performance of cell. Saves space.
The fuel battery system consists of a fuel reaction device in which the original fuel is converted into fuel gas which is rich in hydrogen using a catalyser reaction. The fuel gas is refined using a hydrogen gas isolation object which is provided in the support body along with a negative electrode.    The hydrogen gas isolation object is porous and hence it is permeable to gas molecules. The support body is covered with a gas isolation membrane. The membrane is made up of an alloy containing palladium and hydrogen is dissolved in it.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases density of fuel gas. Improves electric power efficiency of fuel battery. Removes carbon dioxide which poisons electrode of fuel battery.
The prevention method is applied to a series connected fuel battery (1) - modifier (4) combination. Two fuel interruption valves are used at fuel supply lines to supply a fuel to the modifier. By closing these valves, fuel gas to the modifier is stopped. An inert gas is introduced into the fuel supply line between the fuel interruption valves. Thereby fuel gas leakages from the interruption valves are passed out through discharge gas line.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents flow of leakage fuel gas into modifier, at time of fuel interruption valve closing states. Inhibits operational troubles of modifier due to carbon deposition.
The fuel battery generated electric power system includes a fuel pole. The quality change device executes the quality change of original fuel to a fuel gas of hydrogen compound. A pipe line supplies a gas with oxygen content to the quality change device. The fuel battery uses an acid electrolyte. The quality change device is connected to the fuel battery. A pipe line carries the quality changed fuel gas to the fuel pole of the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies system structure. Miniaturises system and reduces cost considerably. Reuses hydrogen as fuel. Increases electric power generation efficiency. Simplifies system construction.
The starting method divides the cathode exhaust gas (7) into three parts and sends them through three lines viz., a cathode circulation line (21), a cathode exhaust gas line (14) and a turbine line (15). The exhaust steam of a turbine (45) is sent to a steam generator (44), from where the steam (48) is supplied to a fuel line (8). The fuel line is connected to a fuel line (53) which supplies material gas to a combustion chamber (Co).    The circulation gas is heated by the cathode exhaust gas in the cathode circulation line through a heat exchange. The gas materials are burnt in the combustion chamber by the heat provided by exhaust gas supplied from the cathode exhaust gas line while starting the fuel battery. The fuel gas is mixed with the steam generated from the steam generator by the exhaust gas from the turbine. The mixture is carried out to the anode gas by a modifier (10). Thus, the fuel battery (20) is supplied with the fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids need for interruption valve. Reduces cost of device. Provides compact device.
The cooling system consists of a head exchanger (17) inserted between a steam separator (2) and a cell stack (1). The cell stack is provided in between cooling system pipes (14,15). The medium for cooling circulates through the heat exchanger to the cooling board of the cell stack. Ion exchange resin (16) is removed from the system.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables water supplied to steam separator to be more than 40 deg.C. Provides very high electric power and has considerable economical efficiency.
An ion-conductor is obtd. by firing a mixture of Zr compound (x mol) and rare earth compounds (y mol), as the contents expressed by y/(2x plus y) is 0.04-0.20.    USE -   For an element of a fuel cell, O2 sensor and O2 pump.    In an example, 80g of ZrO(NO3)2.2H2O, 5.9g of Y2O3 were dissolved in 600 ml of water and 140 ml of HNO3, and this solution dropped into an NH4OH soln. to obtain a precipitate. The precursor was obtd. by calcining this precipitate at 1000 deg. C. The ion-conductor was obtained by firing the precursor at 1450 deg. C.
The battery switch comprises a first terminal having a body portion which includes a lug ending at a transverse wall, a floor extending from the transverse wall, a pair of posts extending from the floor, and an opening through the floor. The floor, posts and transverse wall define a first enclosure. A second terminal is identical in construction to the first terminal with the floor, posts and transverse wall defining a second enclosure. The floor of the second terminal is disposed in overlapping relation with the floor of the first terminal such that the floor of each terminal extends into the enclosure of the other and the openings of the terminals are axially aligned.    An insulator is interposed between the terminal floors to electrically isolate the terminals, and has a base member having an opening aligned with the terminal openings. A connector bolt is insertable in and engageable with the aligned openings to electrically connect the terminals when the bolt is placed in the openings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For disconnecting vehicle battery from rest of electrical circuit without removing battery cables from battery posts or terminals. Is suitable for batteries having its posts and terminals on the side. Has low-profile design, reduced number of parts require to make switch and durability of physical connection between switch parts, with or without connection bolt in place.
System comprises: a first housing contg. electrolyte soln., anode and cathode; and a second housing for maintaining the concn. of the electrolyte soln. constant, contg. a solid electrolyte source in contact with the soln. The solid source comprises soluble material enclosed in a polymer coating which is water permeable and has at least one hole to allow the soln. to contact the solid source.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte delivery system based on internal osmotic pumping maintains electrolyte concn. even when electrolyte is being consumed continuously or intermittently.
The method involves using a flow control valve (16) and nitrogen supply system (11) linked to nozzle (5) of a steam generator (2). An executor (4) is provided at the top of a steam supply system (8). A nitrogen purging system (15) is also provided. When the operation of the executor is stopped, the control device is switched on. Then the nitrogen gas from nitrogen system is let out through the nozzle by nitrogen purging system.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates formation of silica in nozzle. Prevents performance fall in of executor.
Gas diffusion electrode comprises skeleton of collector which is made of a conductive material having inner space and having water-repellent porous surface; gas diffusion layer and reaction layer are formed on the outer face of the collector.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst for re-bonding in heavy hydrogen electrolysis. The gas emitted from the electrolyte is supplied to the gas diffusion electrode, where the gas is reacted to recycle to the original material.    In the dia. 1 is water-repellent metallic porous body having 50 microns of micropore size. 2 is porous gas diffusion layer consisting only of PTFE powder having 0.4 micron size. 5 is electrolyte soln. 3 is reaction layer consisting of PTFE (0.3 micron) and of Pt particles of 0.005 micron size.
The plant comprises a series-parallel combination of fuel cells (1) as per the requirement of a life time management to suit a plant employment. These d.c voltages are converted into a.c voltages by an inverter (8). Fuel supply pipe (2), fuel rate- of-flow regulation value (4), air supply pipe (3) and air rate flow control value (5) are connected to each cell. By changing these fuel and air ratio, individual voltage and hence individual characteristic of each battery is altered.    Static characteristic of each battery is performed to access individual characteristic, by trial and error method. To suit the plan employment, voltages of individual batteries or group of batteries having similar characteristics are changed, without affecting control set point of parallel branch. To protect individual battery, a current limiter is also provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases operating efficiently. Facilitates easy maintenance management. Rationalises plant employment. Improves accuracy of control system of cell voltages.
Prepn. of hydrogen-contg. gas for fuel cells comprises mixing reformed gas contg. principally hydrogen as well as CO, obtd. by reforming a fuel for hydrogen prodn. which is convertible by reforming to a fuel gas contg. at least hydrogen with an oxygen-contg. gas. The gas mixt. is contacted with a catalyst to selectively oxidise and remove CO. CO is oxidised and removed in the presence of a Au-contg. catalyst at a pressure of at least 2 kg/cm2G and less than 10 kg/cm2G.    The Au-contg. catalyst is pref. one which contains Au ultrafine particles, more pref. one which consists of a metal oxide principally composed of Fe2O3 and supported on a catalyst support, and Au ultrafine particles fixed to the metal oxide. The dia. of the Au ultrafine particles is up to 10 nm.    The fuel for hydrogen prod. pref. consists of hydrocarbons and/or oxygen-contg. hydrocarbons, more pref. methane, propane, butane, methanol, LNG, city gas, LPG, naphtha, kerosene, light oil, or mixed alcohol.    The concn. of CO in the gas produced by the oxidn. and removal of CO is pref. up to 100 ppm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce fuel for fuel cells operated at low temp. e.g. phosphoric acid type fuel cells, KOH type fuel cells, and solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cells. Since the concn. of CO in the hydrogen-contg. gas obtd. is low, poisoning and degradation of Pt type electrode catalysts of fuel cells are inhibited.
By a portable flushing device, pure water obtd. through filter and ion-exchange resin from heated cooling water is circulated to an outside cooling system.    USE -   For standard flushing as exclusive equipment for working site.
Reformer comprises headers for feeding raw gas to reforming chambers of stacked plate reformer units; headers to feed air or fuel to combustion chambers of the units, and headers to feed fuel or air to dispersion chambers of the units.    USE -   For fuel cell generation systems.
The cut-out switch has a rotary handle (1) operating an actuator (3), driving a spring loaded cage (4) axially. This cage operates a transverse bridging contact (5) axially, to make or break with two fixed contacts (7). The bridging contact is compressed against the fixed contacts, by a main spring (13) in a diametrical opening in a cage support (9). It also maintains the bridging contact when not making contact.    The spring may be centred axially by projections (9a) on the support and on a bridging contact central boss (5a). The handle may be detached from the actuator, within the casing (2) cover (2a), when the switch is "on" or "off". An actuator diametrical rib (3a) may form an indicating arrow, pointing to the "on/off" indications on the cover.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Battery cut-out for vehicle or battery operated boats used to safely transport inflammable materials or explosives. Avoids discharge when not in use.
Electrochemical cell has (a) a pair of electrodes, each with catalyst deposited on a porous carrier of C particles bonded with a binder, the pores of which allow percolation of fluid through the electrode; (b) a membrane film (I) of hydrophilic, proton-conducting polymer material acting as electrolyte and separator, with an intermediate film (II) between (I) and the catalyst; and (c) means of supplying and discharging a fluid to/from at least one electrode and contacting the electrodes.    The novel features are that: (1) (I) is based on an opt. substd. polyolefin, vinyl polymer or their copolymers with radiation-grafted terminal sulphonated vinyl gps., which are derived from opt. substd. vinyl monomers (III); and (2) (II) consists of a proton-conducting hydrophilic copolymer of poly(perfluoroalkylene) substd. by ion exchanging gps. and poly(perfluoroalkylene) substd. with non-ion exchanging gps.    The prepn. of (I) is also claimed.    USE -   The cell is operated as a fuel cell, operating with gaseous fuel and gaseous oxidant, which may be mixed with inert gases; an electrolytic cell; or either at will (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The cell can operate above room temp., uses more economical (I) material than usual and has satisfactory long-term stability.
The energy storage system includes a flywheel rotor assembly which includes a hollow cylindrical housing (10) having end caps (11) at opposite ends, each connected to a part (12) of a vehicle framework. The housing defines a cylindrical space in which is located a rotor (13) rotatable about stator members (14) which are secured to each one of the end caps.    The housing is of substantial construction to contain the rotor should it fail at high speed and to provide strength and impact resistance for the vehicle. Arrangements are provided for diving the flywheel and for extracting energy from it under the control of a control system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flywheel system for storage of motive power in motor vehicle, e.g. to substitute battery energy storage. Containment vessel is integrated as part of vehicle main structure enabling energy storage per unit mass and power per unit mass to be much greater than for conventional flywheel systems.
The high temperature fuel battery consists of a manifold (6) attached to a battery stack (3). The manifold supplies and exhausts tightly through sheets (4) and an insulator (5) for gas sealing. The inclined end face of the insulator and the manifold counter mutually and hold the insulators tightly.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves reliability and yield. Prevents insulator expansion due to thermal effect. Reduces cost and ensures easy production.
The power supply circuit consists of an orthogonal convertor (2) which is connected to the output of a fuel battery (1). The orthogonal convertor converts DC power of fuel battery to AC power. An output line (3) connects the output of the convertor to an external load (h) through a power detector (15). This power detector detects the output AC power. A voltage detector (13) which is connected between the terminals of fuel battery detects the output voltage. Based on this detection voltage, a control device (101) controls an adjustment device (6).    The adjustment device in turn regulates the connection state of the output line and a dummy load device (4). Therefore, the output line and the dummy load device is connected only when the output voltage of the fuel battery becomes more than the setting voltage value.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves electric power generation efficiency. Inhibits sintering of catalyser of cell.
Mfg. lanthanum chromite material includes neutralising lanthanum oxide raw material to form lanthanum hydroxide for use.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates stable mfg. of sinterable lanthanum chromite powder.
Fibrous magnetite consists of a fibrous base material coated with a reduced magnetite of Fe3O4-x (O&lt;x0.5).    Also claimed is prepn. of the above-claimed fibrous magnetite, in which a fibrous base material is coated with an oxygen-contg. iron cpd. and the oxygen-contg. iron compound is reduced.    An alternative fibrous magnetite is also claimed, which is obtained by coating the whole surface or a part of the surface of the above-claimed fibrous magnetite with carbon.    The fibrous base material pref. has a carbonaceous layer over the whole surface or a part of the surface. The oxygen-contg. iron cpd. is pref. reduced by hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can be used as a catalyst for decomposing carbon dioxide to high-purity hydrogen and methane. When the fibrous base material has electric conductivity, the fibrous magnetite can be used as a material of fuel cells. Has high ability to decompose carbon dioxide. Since it has high porosity, there is no decrease in the catalytic efficiency due to pressure loss. Also it can be reused.
The package uses a pulp sheet to surround a lead storage battery (1). The battery located on a palette (2) uses a separator made of polypropylene resin (6). A film (5) polyethylene resin composition is provided on one side of the pulp sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in batteries required for temporary out door purposes. Prevents degradation of separator and plates of battery due to UV rays.
The electronic protection device includes a relay controlled by a first transistor (TR2). One contact (X') of the relay is placed between the battery (B) and a feed node (N) for several loads (1-7). A second transistor (TR') is connected in parallel to the contact. It is controlled by a third transistor (TR3) activated by a comparator (A1). The comparator compares the voltage generated by a resistance divider (R1,R2), proportional to the battery voltage (VB), with a reference voltage level (VREF).    The first transistor is controlled by a second comparator (A2). The second comparator compares voltage levels upstream and downstream of the second transistor (TR1), detected by corresponding dividers (R6,R7,R8,R9).    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids flat battery by detecting drain on it when ignition is off.
An electrolytic battery has a container with a number of electrode plates (6) that are loaded from the top. Within the base is a cross member with grooves (2) that is fixed to a pair of side plates (3). The side plates and cross member assembly is coupled at the top to an eccentrically positioned pin on a disc that can be rotated. This allows the assembly to be lowered with the electrode plates engage contacts (7) in the base.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies loading of electrodes without damage to contacts.
The feeder has a reservoir (10) with round sides (11) and a flat top so that it is bottle shaped. The base of the reservoir has a collar (131) which rests on the surface of the battery cover (18). The base of the reservoir is attached to a connector (13) which has an air vent (16), terminating in a horizontal groove (17), to allow gases to escape.    The base of the connector is attached to a supply nozzle (12) which extends from the reservoir to a sufficient depth to penetrate the surface of the electrolyte (30). Water from the reservoir can pass into the electrolyte through a slanted outlet (121) to maintain the electrolyte level.    ADVANTAGE -   Safe and easy to use feeder device for topping up battery water.
A dry charged battery has a polyolefin container substantially or completely enclosed in a bag of higher oxygen diffusion resistance material than the container. Pref. the container is of polypropylene. The bag may be a metal foil plastic composite or laminate with a diffusion resistance 3-50 times higher than is less than 10-8 m2/s. Alternatively the bag is a metal box. Also claimed is the use of such a bag to enclose a battery.    USE -   A dry charged, pref. Pb battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Bag improves storage properties of the battery.
The equipment used for the power plant has a collector (1) with a calotte (2) at the bottom with a telescopic main support (4) connected to the calotte. The support is hydraulically operated by means of a ball-and-socket joint (3). The bottom of the main support is fixed to a base (5). Three supports (8), protrude towards the focus, lifting the receiver (7) in the focus.    The supports are connected to the orifice (6) of the collector. The equipment can, in areas rich in sunshine, be placed in a concrete (10) lined pit below ground (9). A frame structure (11) forms the external mantle of the collector. Three hydraulically operated telescopic elements (12) mounted on a turntable move the structure to follow the sun.    ADVANTAGE -   Equipment requires smallest possible area in unit which is cheap, can be used on land or water and has protection against wind and the rolling sea.
The fuel battery installation method involves usage of a concrete stand (3) which is provided with a hollow portion (12). A packing unit (6) is installed over this hollow portion and a anchoring bolt (8) extends from the packing unit into this region. The length of the bolt is adjusted by the level adjustment unit provided on the surface of the packing unit.    The bolt has a hole region (9) which is embedded inside the concrete stand. The anchoring bolt is fixed at a predetermined position after the level is adjusted and the hollow region is filled up with concrete sealing boards (2A,2B) formed on the packing unit which provides ventilation between an inflammable gas reaction receptacle (1A) and an energising apparatus (1B) of a fuel battery installed over it.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs smooth unification of two enclosures of fuel battery. Carries out highly accurate level adjustment process of packing unit. Improves durability of battery installation.
The fuel battery has an inactive nitrogen gas cylinder (1) attached to a pressure regulator (2). Through the regulator, an inert gas is passed to serve as fuel to perform testing on the safety valve (12) of a steam separator (11).    The fuel battery is connected to the node of the safety valve of the steam separator to carry out the electrical setting right after the test. Fuel gas replacement is done when the battery stops its operation. The replacement is done to prevent the degradation of the catalysing agent due the presence of air.    ADVANTAGE -   Risk of poor attachment is eliminated while time delay in maintenance and repair is reduced.
A fuel cell generates both anode and cathode gases including oxygen. A modifier (10) changes the quality of the fuel gas (1) including steam to anode gas (2) and oxygen. Steam is mixed with the gaseous materials to produce fuel gas. A steam generator (44) generates the steam from the cathode exhaust gas (7) to the fuel cell (20). A steam line (51) supplies the steam to the fuel gas supply line (61).    The exhaust gas heater heats the cathode exhaust gas supplied to the steam generator and receives the gaseous materials from a gas line. The system is also equipped with an air supply line which gives off air (6) to the exhaust gas heater following a plant stop command.    ADVANTAGE -   Carbon deposition is prevented.
The gas supply system is provided with a hydrogen burner which burns hydrogen gas produced by a fuel replacement apparatus (1) positioned near a methanol burner (7m). The methanol burner is used for the initial heating of the hydrogen gas. The fuel replacement apparatus has a hydrogen storage unit (41) for keeping hydrogen gas. One side is connected to the hydrogen gas derivation mouth of the to regulate the flow of hydrogen towards the introduction mouth of the main part of the fuel battery.    The hydrogen is supplied immediately to the storage unit at time of starting. The methanol burner can be lighted by stopping the generation of a detrimental substance through the ignition of the hydrogen burner (7h).    ADVANTAGE -   Starting time of fuel battery cell is shortened and temperature rise is arrested. Even when temperature of fuel cell main part is low, the electrochemical reaction rate between hydrogen and oxygen is maintained. Performance of a catalyst remains stable because carbon monoxide is not supplied to fuel cell.
The fuel battery gas cooling system includes a gas cooler (6) which cools the circulating gas at a constant temperature using a heat switch and cooling water. The original gas is recovered by an exhaust gas condensation device. A control system monitors the temperature and quality of the gas while it is being cooled.    Any change in temperature also changes the quality of the gas so that a dry gas pre-heat device is installed to provide a continuous supply fuel gas to the battery stack. The isolated steam recovered from the separator (14) is slowly heated to prevent overcooling. A control part is kept active to make sure that the gas is at a uniform temperature after isolation.The rates of flow of the gas is made uniform by a regulation pump (33) which uses hydrogen partial pressure to keep the gas flowing steadily.    ADVANTAGE -   Cooling temperature of gas remains stabilized. Stabilizes the generation of electric power performance and the hydrogen partial pressure exhibited by fuel gases.
The battery compartment is for a motorcycle or motor tricycle which has a seat (20) and a rear mudguard (18) as part of its after bodywork. An oil reservoir (30) and a battery (27) are located one above another in the space between the seat and the rear mudguard.    The battery compartment (26) manufactured as an integral part of the rear mudguard (18) houses the battery (27) which is of the sealed type so that it can be placed on it's side to minimise vertical height. The battery may be replaced by undoing a panel (28) in the baggage compartment (21).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For scooter. Capacity of baggage compartment is not reduced by presence of battery.
The base material of the metallic porous sheet consists of a three-dimensional net shaped porous sheet (1). It consists of a foamed sheet, a nonwoven sheet and a mesh sheet or a plurality of layered sheets. An organic adhesive agent (2) is applied in a bath (11) and fine metallic powders (4) are jetted from a device (12) onto the agent.    The sheet is then turned over for metallic powders to be applied to the other side. A vibration generator (13) spreads the particles before an air knife (14) causes the powders to penetrate the sheet. These steps are repeated to form a conductive layer (5) before immersion in a bath (15) containing an activating solution. The sheet then passes through a bath (16) containing a replacing solution after which it is dried and an organic adhesive (6) is applied in a bath (17) before heating (19) to burn out the base material.    ADVANTAGE -   Manufactures sheet by conductivity method which is cheap and simple.
An automatic and maintenance-free circuit draws current from the generator (D) when the bicycle is in motion, to recharge the battery (A) supplying DC to the lamps (L1,L2). It is switched-on by completion of an earth connection through a switch(s) which is closed automatically when the generator is switched-on.    When the generator is not rotating, the lamps continue to be supplied from the battery via an almost lossless transistor (T4). When the switch is off, the battery is completely isolated from the circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The circuit recharges the battery efficiently and protects it from deep discharge without recourse to external power supplies.
The adhesive is pref. a thin film of carbonisable organic resin, esp. a modified alkyd, furfural, furfuryl alcohol or phenolic resin. The C electrode is pref. an aerogel (composite), xerogel or aerogel-xerogel C foam.    Adhesive is capable of withstanding a pyrolysing temp. of 500-3000C. and may be applied before or after pyrolysing the electrodes to form C foam. Where the electrode is formed from an aerogel composite, this is mfd. by infiltrating highly porous C papers, membranes, felts or fabrics with a resorcinol-formaldehyde soln. The sol. is prepd. by mixing resorcinol and formaldehyde at room temp. to obtain a clear soln., adding 0.1M Na2CO3 and heating at 50C.    In a pref. embodiment, 12.35 g resorcinol and 17.91 g 37% formaldehyde are mixed, 5.58 g Na2CO3 are added and heating at 50C. is performed for 10 mins.. The sol is then infiltrated into 125 microns C paper of density 0.15 g/cc using 60% w/v of the sol. The resulting composite has a surface area above 500 sq.m/g density 0.5 g/cc and capacitance 20F/cc in aq. electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell separator is low cost and provides a low resistance, high reliability interconnection to give max. packaging efficiency.
The cell stack assembly method involves unification of many unit cell (C1) layers. By layering these multiple unit cells, multilayer body (3) is produced. A cell stack (S1) is thus arranged by an external frame (12) which constitutes the multilayer body. The frame has equal external face dimensions.    Along the frame and in the direction of every cell layers, a corresponding protrusion (40) is formed. These protrusions remain pressed at the location where the unit cells counters each other, by means of a spring member (41).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents generation of dead space on multilayer body periphery. Obtains miniaturised and light weight battery. Increases rigidity. Obtains sufficient efficiency.
The starting method performs power generation of a fuel battery by supplying a fuel gas. This generated power along with a heater heats up an internal load. As a result, temperature of fuel battery rises. When the temperature rises, a battery current increases upto maximum value.    According to this battery current increase, a voltage standard control step controls the internal load so that battery voltage is maintained at a minimum value. After the battery current reaches the maximum value, the battery voltage increases. A current standard control step controls an internal load depending on the battery voltage increase so that battery current is maintained at a constant value.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables starting of fuel battery even in state of maximum load. Shortens starting time of fuel battery.
The operation method involves the use of an air electrode and an air electrode in a fuel battery cell stack (11). When the air supply room supplies air to a fuel supply room, the former supplies fuel to a fuel electrode. An air supply tube (18) supplies air to the air electrode.    A modifier (13) supplies fuel whose qualify is changed to the fuel electrode. The hot exhaust gas from the modifier in used to perform controlled heating of the air supply tube in a heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves capability of discharging water generated on air pole. Improves air supply capability. Prevents degradation of battery performance.
The electrically equipped setting for fuel battery includes a duct burner (43). A modifier (10) changes quality of fuel gas (1). The fuel battery (20) generates an emf from the anode gas (2) and cathode gas (3). The anode gas supply line (15) supplies the anode gas (2) to the anode gas inlet of fuel battery from the modifier.    Heat recovery equipment (44) recovers heat energy from cathode exhaust gas (7) of the fuel battery (20). The duct burner (43) heats cathode exhaust gas (7) supplied to heat recovery equipment. The fuel bypass line (16) connects the anode gas supply line with duct burner. An air supply line (18) supplies air to duct burner.    ADVANTAGE -   Simulates site conditions in fuel battery. Realises cost reduction equipment rationalisation.
The electrical setting method uses a modifier (10) to convert a steam fuel gas mixture into an anode gas (2) containing hydrogen. A fuel battery (20) stored in a receptacle (22) consumes anode and cathode gases for power generation. A discharge path (12) discharges a cathode exhaust gas (7) to a compression chamber (Co) of the modifier and an exhaust gas supply tube (13) supplies a combustion exhaust gas (5) of the modifier to a cathode circulation path (21). A part of combustion exhaust gas (9) is metered to the storing receptacle thereby carrying out disclosure inhibition of anode and cathode gases.    A gas discharge path (53) has a mikata valve (52) switched for gas discharge in the receptacle or cathode circulation path. A detector (54) checks for any inflammable gas, in case it is detected, the gas in the receptacle is discharged through the combustion chamber in case of absence of gas. Switching is carried out such that gas discharge takes place via cathode circulation path.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in safety and compactness. Offers less cost.
The fuel battery separator has a gas inlet. On the surface of the separator the gas flow path is divided into ribs for collector attachment. A blockage is formed by connecting rib ends parallel to gas flow paths. The gas flow exit is penetrated and the exit outlet is provided at the base of the gas flow path under surface at the blockage end.    A gas flow path and an orthogonal hole are penetrated and a path is provided at the opening end of each gas flow path in the under surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves current density. Increases electrode usage efficiency. Enhances gas distribution efficiency. Decreases resistance to gas flow. Simplifies gas supply and battery handling.
A catalyst (A) consists mainly of copper oxide, zinc oxide, and aluminium oxide. A mixture made of at least one of basic copper carbonate (B), copper hydroxide (C), and copper oxide and at least one of basic zinc carbonate (D), zinc hydroxide (E), and zinc oxide is mixed with alumina hydrate and the mixt. is heated and reduced.    (B), (C), (D), and (E) are prepared as a ppte. which is generated by adding an aq. soln. contg. a water soluble copper compound and a water soluble zinc cpd. to an aq. soln. of alkali. The ppte. is rinsed, dried, and heated if necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing the catalyst for steam-reforming of methanol. Able to prepare catalyst with high activity and selectivity, it has high thermal resistance and high durability.    In an example, (F) = a 800 ml aqueous soln. contg. 181.2 g of (Cu(NO3)2-3(H20)) and 223.1 g of (Zn(NO3)2-6(H20)). (G) = a 300 ml of aq. soln. contg. 476.6 g of sodium carbonate anhydrate. A ppte. was formed by adding (F) to (G) dropwise while agitating (G) at 35 deg. C, which was rinsed to get a slurry. The slurry was mixed with 16.5 g of Boehmite gel (water content = 23%), dried, heated at 270 deg. C for 3 hours, and reduced at 300 deg. C for 2 hours. Methanol transformation (to H2, CO2, and CO) ratio was 99.2% (initial) and 82 % (after 2000 hours run).
Appts. for contacting electrodes of high temp. fuel cells, esp. as intermediate layer between the electrodes and bipolar plates or sepg. plates, comprises a deformable surface structure (7) as electrically conducting, elastic, gas permeable contact cushion (1).    A highly elastic melt felt or metal gauze is used as cushion filling (6). A metal gauze, metal mesh or perforated sheet metal is used as cushion coating (7), formed from an electrically conducting material forming no oxide layer at temps. up to 900 deg.C or from a material forming an electrically conducting oxide at temps. up to 900 deg.C.    The cushion coating provides a current connection between one cushion surface around the cushion filling to the other cushion surface.    The cushion coating (7) is made of a precious metal, e.g. Ag or precious metal alloy, or Cu/Ni, whilst the cushion filling (6) is made of a valuable alloy, e.g. heat conducting alloys, ceramic fibres, ceramic powders or metal powders.    USE -   The appts. is used to apply optimally flat contacts in a high temp. fuel cell with electrodes and bipolar or sepg. plates in a multiple changing sequence.
The battery terminal connector includes a body (14) having an element for receiving a battery terminal. A cam shaft (6) which is rotatable within the body engages the terminal to lock the connector to the terminal. In one embodiment the element for receiving the battery terminal in a hole (16) in the body. The cam shaft on rotation between an unlock and lock position pulls the body downwards onto the terminal and moves across the terminal to lock the connector to the terminal.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be removed and connected security without tool and is simple both in use and construction.
The fuel-battery electric power generation plant has a main part (1) in which fuel pole (1a) and oxidising agent pole (1b) are placed. A circulation water pump (3) pumps the cooling water through an inlet pipe (4) which cools the battery. The outlet pipe (5) is connected to a water separator (2) through a heat exchanger (9).    The heat exchanger has another set of tubes (b) in which is carried a high temperature fluid. the steam separated from water separator is used for different purposes and water flows back to the water tank which is re-circulated by the pump. During plant starting when the outlet water is not hot, heat is given by the hot fluid in the heat exchanger, to water flowing out from the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces power supply demand for rising temperature of water. Makes effective use of de-heat. Improves economical efficiency particularly during starting.
The fuel cell power generation plant has a main part (1) with battery cooling tubes (2). The fuel pole (3) and oxidising agent pole (4) are placed in the battery main part having a suitable electrolyte. A water source (18) supplies water through entrance pipe (11a) by a pump (10). The water enters the battery main part through a number of tubes and exits through a valve (12) to a steam separator (13). The steam is condensed to water and then sent back to water source. The valve is controlled so as to keep the cooling water temperature to a predetermined value. The temperature of the battery changes depending on the load and temperature change of cooling water. A control device acts on the valve through temperature detectors placed on the outlet of water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises cooling water temperature. Stabilises steam pressure and temperature in water separator to cater to other demand when required.
The portable fuel battery equipment (1) comprises a cooling system, fuel supply system, controls systems etc., whose equipment parts are accommodated in separate units (2-5). The water supplied to the battery stack and the cooling system unit (3) is initially treated in an ion-exchanger (8). The unit frame supporting the ion-exchanger is provided with a jig.    The ion exchanger is mounted on a vertically suspended jig (13), which is fixed to the common base (7) and linked to the horizontal jig frame (12) at the top portion. The treated water is supplied to other units by means of a piping system.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables and simplifies dismantling and reassembly of ion-exchanger unit. Reduces labour work, cost and time involves during transportation.
The electrically equipped setting involves energy storage in a receptacle (22) and generation of anode hydrogen gas (2) and cathode oxygen gas (3) from a fuel battery (20). A modifier (10) is used to burn anode exhaust gas (4) by a part of cathode exhaust gas (7) and changes quality of fuel gas.    An exhaust gas circulation line (30) supplies combustion exhaust gas from modifier to the cathode gas. A power recovery apparatus (40) supplies compressed air to the exhaust gas circulation line. A density control device (35) controls oxygen contained in the combustion exhaust gas, within predetermined density. A purge line (36) supplies exhaust gas for density control.    ADVANTAGE -   Stops etching of battery. Reduces operation cost. Gives high grade.
A burner (1) comprises a fuel injector (3) and fuel/air supply sections. The fuel injector (3) has nozzles for supplying low-calorie and high-calorie gas. The fuel supply passages are individually controlled for the burner combustion to supply high or low calorie gas alone or high/low calorie gas mixture.    USE -   For economic fuel combustion.
The structure of a layered fuel battery comprises many cells layered one above the other, with a separator boards (4) inbetween. Each cell consists of an electrolyte board (1), a fuel pole (2) and an oxidising agent pole (3). A fuel gas flow path (5) is provided between the separator board and each electrode. An oxidising agent gas flow path (6) is provided between the separator board and the electrode. A cooling gas flow path (8) between the fuel pole and the separator board for oxidising agent gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Equalises temperature distribution in battery face. Provides stable current distribution and provides high reliability.
The absorption type heat exchanger is designed to recover heat from fuel cell batteries functioning at higher temperature. Wafer is the heat absorption medium. A High temperature reproduction device (7) serving as heat exchanger recovers heat from wafer (C) or steam emerging out of individual fuel cells (2).    This condensed wafer is fed to a steam splitter (3) that serves as reservoir and recirculates wafer to the fuel cells in a closed loop fashion. Under certain altered conditions of temperature/pressure water flow direction in the loop is reversible.    ADVANTAGE -   Achieves 20% higher use efficiency in high temperature heat recovery from fuel cell waste heat.
The plant includes a reaction vessel (11) which is heated by fuel combustion in a burner (1). Two nozzles (3, 4) of varied dia. are provided at a fuel jet part (2) for discharging high and low calorific fuel separately. The two nozzles are independently controlled to discharge the two fuels which have a calorific value ratio to regulate the combustion velocity in the burner.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents fire. Provides good reaction and discharge control.
Combustor comprises a burner to heat a reactor, a fuel jet part with a low-calorie large nozzle and a high-calorie small nozzle in a concentrical manner and a fuel supply part to supply fuel to the burner.    A gas passage (1), formed as a fuel supply part to properly mix natural gas (a) with hydrogen gas (b), has the end partitioned into a low-calorie chamber (3) and a high-calorie chamber (4) due to the switching operation of an electromagnetic valve (2), a low-calorie large nozzle (5) being protruded from the corner end of the low-calorie chamber (3).    ADVANTAGE -   The combustion of either low calorie gas or high calorie gas, depending on switching operation, is allowed.
The fuel reformer consists of an outer cylinder (2) that houses the modules vaporiser (30), modifier (40) and evaporation fuel buffer tank (50). Heating air (Y) raises incoming methanol fuel (X1 ) temperature and generates methanol vapour (X2). The vapour is routed through a modifier where it reacts with a catalyst (42) to generate hydrogen. The heat flow is designed such that fuel buffer tank absorbs first the bulk of heat through its upper face (53).    ADVANTAGE -   Makes optimum use of heat available minimising stray radiation losses.
The deoxidation apparatus consists of a reaction tank (5) to which condensed water (12) present in fuel battery exhaust gas (11) is supplied through a pump (3), from a condenser (12). A cathode (9a) and an anode (9b) with a diaphragm (10) in between, constitutes the reaction tank where the electrolysis of the condensed water takes place.    The voltage of the cathode and the anode is controlled by an electrolytic voltage controller (6). Hydrogen gas is generated at the cathode side due to electrolysis and is made to react with the dissolved oxygen of the condensed water. The hydrogen gas removes the oxygen from the condensed water and deoxidised water (17) is formed. The rate of flow and temperature of the deoxidised water is measured by a flowmeter (7) and a thermometer (8) respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces density of oxygen in cooling water system of fuel-battery. Reduces problem resulting from dissolved oxygen, such as corrosion crack of cooling water system. Regulates removal of oxygen with electrolytic current. Simplifies apparatus design and improves reliability.
The fuel cell (10) intakes methanol, reforms it and uses hydrogen for reduction reaction. Phosphoric acid is used as the main constituent in the electrolyte. The oxygen combines with the hydrogen ions and yield water in the form of steam. The reaction is exothermic and the heat energy is used in generation of electrical energy.    The exhaust gases passing through outlet pipes (14) are tested for the amount of residual fuel. A feedback control unit (18) regulates the opening of inlet valve (19), supplying the fuel gas based on obtained data.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in fuel cells using solid state electrolytes. Enables optimum use of fuel gas. Reduces cost involved in generation of electricity.
The fuel battery ventilator consists of an enclosure (1) having an energising appts. receipt compartment (4) and an inflammable gas reaction device receipt compartment (6) separated by a partition (2). An intake suction filter (7A) and a ventilation fan (8A) are mounted on the energising appts. receipt compartment. Another intake suction filter (7B) and ventilation fan (8B) are mounted on the inflammable gas reaction device receipt compartment.    An opening (9) is provided at the partition and an attachment frame (11) is fixed at both ends of the partition. A damper board (13) is attached to the attachment frame through an opening adjustment stud (12). The pressure difference between the two compartments is held at a predetermined value by a pressure difference regulation damper (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in power plant. Provides constant pressure difference between two compartments. Avoids reverse flow of inflammable gas. Improves safety. Simplifies composition. Reduces maintenance of fuel battery.
The cooling system incorporates a heat pipe (30) whose evaporator (31) is arranged to a high temperature receptacle (4) positioned on a base (8). A seal part (20) which seals the receptacle has a seal member (22) which contacts the evaporator to dissipate heat in low temperature region, a condenser (32) of the heat pipe is arranged to cool the seal member.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in cooling seal material of fuel battery having solid state electrolyte. Obtains simplified cooling structure. Lowers cost of unit. Performs effective cooling. Eases operation management. Inhibits deterioration of seal member.
The gasket for high temp. is formed by blending: 1-30 wt. % of an inorganic fibre having heat resistance at a temp. of at least working temp. as a fibre base material 0-70 wt. % of inorganic powder having heat resistance at a temp. of at least working temp. as an inorganic filler; 20-80 wt. % of an inorganic material having a softening pt. lower than working temp. as an inorganic softening material; and an organic binder. The inorganic fibre, inorganic powder, and inorganic matter have a bulk density of at least 1.0 g/cm3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gasket for high temp. is used for a piping connecting section for a high temp. fluid or fuel cell. The use of the inorganic fibre and the inorganic powder assures high sealing at high temp. The use of the inorganic material buries the voids in the inorganic fibre with the inorganic matter at low temp. The results positively prevent leakage. The resulting gasket has high sealing.
Mfg. method of a phenol resin for a carbon fibre composite comprises: (a) a resole type phenol resin, wherein a resin-forming catalyst is a basic cpd. of least one of ammonia, p-amines, s-amines and t-amines, (b) the metal content per the resin solids is up to 0.05%, and (c) at least 40% fixed carbon per resin solids.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in insulation of metal sintering furnace, carbon fibre composite for aeroplane and a fuel cell, especially in the case of avoiding the incombustible metals. Method provides a highly carbonised phenol resin without impairing the heat resistance and mechanical strength.    In an example, 700 pts. phenol, 300 pts. bisphenol A, 1080 pts. of 38% formalin and 10 pts. of 25% aq. ammonia were reacted at 80 deg.C for 150 min. Neutralised with 25% acetic acid to pH 6.5. Dehydrated at 30 Torr, obtaining liq. resole type phenol resin with viscosity 20.O poise at 25 deg.C and 70% involatiles content. Test results were: resin adhered on prepreg, 40.8%. Bending strength, 1,200. Bending modulus, 90,000 kg/cm2. Sample wt., 1.02 g. Residue wt., 0.53 g. Ash, 0.02%. Fixed carbon, 51.09%.n
The battery has a central gas vent incorporated in the battery cover, with an associated porous mesh (5) for explosion protection. A gas collection channel extends parallel to the line connecting the battery stops, with a recess (8) in the sidewall of the cover at one side, coupled to the collection channel via a side channel (3). An insert (9) fitted into the recess incorporates the porous mesh, supported at an angle.    Pref. a collection space (10) is provided beneath the porous mesh, for receiving the electrolyte separated by the latter. The porous mesh may be inclined at an angle of between 5 and 85 degrees reactive to the surface of the battery electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents dangerous increase in battery internal pressure.
A Cr alloy sheet mfg. process involves melting the individual starting components (4,5,6) in an inert gas atmos., spraying the molten components together in the inert gas atmos. onto a receiving surface (22) and, after solidification, detaching from the receiving surface, compacting and/or flat rolling. Equipment for carrying out the above process consists of a melting device (12), a spray device (20), a receiving surface (22) for the sprayed melt, a detachment device (26,34,35) for the solidified melt (32), a shear (38) and a rolling mill stand (40), all installed in a gastight inert gas (43) filled housing (42).    USE -    E.g. for mfr. of sheets of Cr-based alloy contg. 3-10 at.% Fe and 0.5-5 at.% Y or Y2 O3, for use in high temp. fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -    The process allows efficient mfr. of large sheets of a Cr alloy with limited flowability, avoids oxidn. and nitrogen embrittlement of the alloy, avoids formation of a sintered structure or coarse cast structure and provides uniform distribution of high melting components such as Y2 O3.
Appts. used to generate hydrogen from water by electrical means consists of a gas-tight hollow reaction vessel (6) with an electrode (1) running through it. A feed pipe (14b) supplies water to the vessel while an outer pipe (14a) removes hydrogen gas from the vessel and passes it to the vehicle engine. One end of the electrode is fixed in the water pipe and the other end in the gas pipe. A pump is used to supply water to the vessel from the vehicle tank. Electrical power is supplied to the electrode via cables (10,11) and terminals (4,5), with a switch to control the operation of the appts.. The electrode is heated by the current and the water is decomposed to hydrogen and oxygen. A housing (16) pref. encloses the device.    USE -   Hydrogen generator, esp. useful for powering road vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows conservation of fossil fuels and reduced pollution associated with road vehicles, while improving the safety factors involved with using hydrogen in vehicles.
The pasting apparatus has a current collector and enlarged members having a top surface and a bottom surface and a thickness greater than the current collector is provided. The current collector has one predetermined area into which paste is to be filled. The apparatus comprises a paste-dispensing nozzle having an orifice located in a dispensing end of the nozzle. The nozzle is mounted to dispense paste in one paste area of the collector assembly. The nozzle dispensing end is adapted to size a first level of paste dispensed in the paste area on one side of the current collector, and a surface is provided opposite the dispensing end of the nozzle which is adapted to size a second level of paste dispensed in the paste area on the other side of the current collector.    The clearance between the nozzle dispensing end and opposing sizing surface is adjusted such that paste is dispensed from the nozzle, flows into the paste area of the collector assembly, and is sized such that the first level is intermediate the stop surface of the enlarged members and the current collector and the second level is intermediate the current collector and the bottom surface of the enlarged members. Thus, the enlarged portions of the collector assembly are left free of paste.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces amount of downtime caused by clogging of nozzles.
The vehicle battery case consists of a base board (1) having a side wall (2) placed along its peripheral part. Many partition boards (7) are placed inside the base board. Many batteries (8) are accommodated between the partition boards. A lid board is provided at the upper part of the base board. A coolant pipe (26) is passed through the partition board.    USE -   \    ADVANTAGE -   For use in accommodating battery of electric vehicle. Accommodates many batteries. Provides cooling of batteries separately. Reduces weight and provides high cooling efficiency.
The lead storage cell has a plate connection shelf (1) which is furnished with a connection object (2) between cells. To the other side of the connection shelf, a protrusion (4) is provided. This protrusion is fixed to the lid (5) on the outer wall of the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Possesses high endurance. Provides vibration-proof nature. Improves plate group structure.
The setting device consists of a supply (K) supplying pressurised high temperature water from a steam separator (5) to a potential device (8), through a switching circuit (V4). An original gas-fuel amount supply detector (S1), detects the original amount of fuel gas sent to a quality detection apparatus (7).    A steam amount supply detector (S2) detects the amount of steam supplied to the quality apparatus. A controller (C) switches the switching circuit to a supply state from a stop state, based on the detection information of both detectors. It is switched on when the ratio of the amount of steam supplied, to the amount of gas-fuel supplied, falls below a set point.    ADVANTAGE -   High heat recovery. Requires small amount of gas-fuel. Prevents poisoning by carbon monoxide.
The purge method involves use of a fuel battery (2) having a fuel pole and an air pole. The fuel battery apparatus (10) includes a processing system (3) which processes the fuel gas and supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel pole. The purge method initially performs the purge of the processing system and air pole (5). The measurement of the potential difference between the fuel pole (4) and air pole is then carried out. This potential difference is detected by a sensor (12), to be below a predetermined value due to the purge.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents etching of electrode material. Avoids hydrogen shortage state even when voltage exists in fuel battery. Eliminates inconvenience such as scattering of phosphoric acid even when time lag exists in purge gas supply of fuel pole and air pole. Prevents complicated composition and facilitates application to existing fuel battery apparatus. Enables effective use of output of fuel battery.
The system uses an air blower (4) having a part cooling apparatus (20) connected at the discharge side of blower. An electrically equipped setting is connected to the discharge side of air blower. This is capable of changing the speed of the blower by using a speed control apparatus (13) of the blower. A branched air supply pipeline (21A) of the cooling apparatus forces cooling air to a region between a fuel modifier (3) and a fuel battery main part (2).    Another pipeline (21B) forces cooling air to left, outer part of the battery main part. Air is used through a lower part (7) to supply cooling air to right side of fuel modifier outer part. The air blower also supplies reaction air and combustion air to the fuel battery main part and the modifier. A ventilation fan (6) is used to force out the hot air from the system.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows increased hot air discharge. Allows simplified provision for the electrical setting without spoiling cooling function.
The processing method uses a porous suction flat board (26) to perform suction of an insulation film to form a predetermined shape. A wiring pattern is then laid over a carrier tape and pasted upon the insulation film. Subsequent peeling of the carrier tape is performed and the wiring pattern is transferred to the insulating film. Then a second insulating film of predetermined shape is pasted upon the wiring pattern inscribed on the insulating film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in automatic processing of door wirings for motor vehicles. Improves yield of insulating film, eliminates need for mark sheet, improves material quality and facilitates material reuse, prevents defect generation and instability, no need of expensive insulation film, avoids generation of wrinkles.
Hollow rotor consists of two gas diffusion cylinders connected together by busbars (1). These unipolar cylinders are closed at the ends and the upper end is fixed to blades (2) which project from the shaft (3). Inter electrode space of the rotor is connected via channel in one of the blades (2) and hollow shaft (3) via stuffing box to the gas chamber (4). Under the action of centrifugal force due to blades (2) the electrolyte rushes into inter-electrode gap.    Stator electrodes are of one polarity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Converting set has the advantage of high reliability. Bul. 31/23.8.93
A sensor for the detection of oxidisable components in a gas or vapour comprises a pair of working electrodes (12) which face each other defining a sample receiving space. Also claimed is a fuel cell having a closed loop electrical contact (15,16) for 1 of its electrodes (12) the loop being circumjacent the operative surface of the electrode.    USE -   The appts is used e.g. in breath testing.    ADVANTAGE -   Facing working electrodes increase the surface area of the working electrode for a given cell volume providing a faster acting, more sensitive cell. The loop electrical contacts ensure a large contact area removing localised effects.
The fuel cell stack has a humidification section located upstream from the electrochemically active section. The inlet fuel and oxidant streams are introduced into the humidification section without first being directed through the electrochemically active section.    The upstream location of the humidification section in the stack enables the number of manifold openings in the active section to be reduced.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases area available for electrochemical reaction.
The desulphurisation agent producing device incorporates desulphurisation devices (1, 2) which perform desulphurisation of original fuel gas including the sulphur component. This output is received by a modifier (4) which changes the quality of original fuel gas and makes hydrogen as its main ingredient. Fuel gas from the multiplier is supplied to a fuel battery (5).    The desulphurisation device consists of desulphurisation agent which performs suction of the sulphur component in the fuel gas. While heating oxidation decomposition is carried out and the desulphurisation agent is reproduced and this is used repeatedly.    ADVANTAGE -   Aims at simplifying composition. Provides high efficiency and reliability. Increases life time of fuel battery.
The manufacturing method of a layered type fuel battery (1) involves interposing more than one layer of one pair of electrode on an electrolyte board. De-greasing of porous substrate, is performed followed by impregnation of electrolyte. The electrolyte is supplied by an electrolyte supply apparatus (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides efficient de-greasing of porous substrate and electrolyte. Performs enough impregnation of electrolyte to porous substrate. Avoids dissolution of electrolyte by generation of heat.
The display includes a charge quantity detector (13). When the battery is in a fully charged state and if it is used for the first time, then the display indicates full value of charge. As the battery is put to use, discharge quantity detector (15) monitors the used charge being treated as a time dependent to variable. The charge quantity detector monitors the total charge in a battery taking into consideration increase due to charging (11).    At a given time, due to the effects of ageing and the other factors, the battery when charged fully the capacity is only at 80 percent. In this case, the charge quantity detector reports the true charge which is 80 percent of the capacity. Hence control device applies a ratio factor of 0.8 in this case to all computations. Hence the display shows the true residual capacity taken into consideration the ratio factor. As the battery is utilised, corresponding true charge is subtracted from available capacity.    ADVANTAGE -   Displays true residual capacity irrespective of battery age. Prevents incorrect report of battery capacity.
The limitation circuit includes a reset mechanism that reconnects the battery to all loads. The reset mechanism may be automatic or manually actuated. A timing circuit delays the disconnection for a period of time sufficient to start the engine. The drain limitation circuit employs a latching relay that, in its preferred embodiment, includes front and rear coils in tandem, axially separated by a collar with an internal detent. A front plunger and a rear plunger are disposed for axial movement within the coils and the collar.    The front plunger is provided with a contact actuation arm, and with latching elements that engage the detent when the plungers move in a first direction in response to the energisation of the front coil, thereby latching the actuation arm in a position in which it closes the relay's contacts. The latching elements are disengaged from the detent when the plungers move in the opposite direction in response to the energisation of the rear coil, allowing the actuation arm to move to a position in which it opens the contacts.    USE -   Engine powered vehicles.
A system coupled to a battery for measuring the state-of-charge of the battery comprises a device for measuring the actual terminal voltage of the battery during operation of a device.    At least some of the internal electrical characteristics of the battery are simulated, the device for simulating including a circuit device for simulating the internal impedance of the battery with respect to time.    The circuit device includes a capacitance device for simulating the internal capacitance of the battery. A signal representing the state-of-charge of the battery in response to the voltage across the simulated internal capacitance of the battery is developed.    ADVANTAGE -   Operator does not need to shut off device and operate complicated instrumentation such as hydrometers and voltmeters. Accurate and continuous measurement.
The inspection appts. consists of a battery chuck appts. (2) provided at the end of a robot arm (1). This chuck appts. is equipped with a fixed clamp (3) which makes contact with the robot arm, when a pair of contact probes (10,11) are energised. An abnormality detector (13) which judges the quality of the battery is connected to these contact probes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in automated car mfg. processes. Facilitates mass production of motor vehicles. Effects time saving and labour saving. Smooths inspection process. Reduces cost of production.
The operational method of a power generation equipment involves usage of multiple fuel batteries (FC) connected to loads through an electrical setup. The electric power output from the battery is being consumed by a mixed loading units consisting of both AC loads (ACL) and the DC loads (D1,D2).    The electric output constituting the electrically equipped setup such that the load capacity of one set of fuel battery is above the value of DC load at least in the scram state. Thus a power at constant voltage is supplied to this DC load. Thus the excess power is made available to the AC load.    ADVANTAGE -   Controls output variation range of AC and DC load capacitance. Prevents disturbance during operation state even if battery characteristic varies with time. Obtains power supply with high efficiency and reliability.
The electrolyte supply method involves a fixed quantity tank (2) which operates by the pressure exerted by the inert gas contained in it. The system has a electrolyte storage tank from which electrolyte is supplied to the battery main part (A) through fixed quantity tank. It supplies a predetermined quantity and prevents excess supply from the storage tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents any shortage or surplus supply of electrolyte. Makes it possible to supply even at fuel battery operation, thereby avoids insufficiency of electrolyte in that time.
The humidification method requires a flow control system for cooling water supply. An anode (33) and a cathode (35) are separated by an electrolyte (34) of the fuel cell. A fuel supply manifold (32) is formed around the circumferential face of the anode. An oxidising agent supply manifold (36) is formed along the circumferential face of the cathode.    On both sides of the electrode the junction face is coated with a thin macromolecular film. The electrodes surfaces are made of porous material. A slot (39) for cooling water flow path is provided through the cooling water manifold formed on the external boundary face of the fuel supply flow board. The cooling water steps through the porous electrode surface material and humidifies the macromolecular film.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses heat energy absorbed by cooling water humidification thereby eliminating separate heater and humidification apparatus. Miniaturises whole apparatus.
The cooling system of a fuel cell consists of a cooling board (3) having a cooling substrate attached to the cell multilayer body formed by layering two or more cells. The cooling substrate has many slots (5) filled with heat conduction object (6). A cooling pipe (7) is laid through the heat conducting object and cold water is circulated through the cooling pipe which cools the cell main part. The amount of the heat conduction object filled inside the slots depends on the temperature distribution of single cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Equalises temperature distribution in single cell. Improves characteristics of cell. Improves electrolytic condensation capacity.
The lead acid secondary cell electrode plates comprise active material supported on grid matrix type lead alloy sheets. The grid matrix is shaped as an expanded wire mesh generated by a geometric pattern of gashes in lead sheets and subsequent expansion.    The first blade (1) is employed in preliminary piercing and the second blade (2) further assists mesh formation. The geometry of these cutter blades, the former with a trapezoidal profile and the latter having a radius (R) at the centre is designed to secure the visualised pattern of the mesh after expansion.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces breaks and cracks in grid matrix mesh arms, raising productivity.
The battery capacity measuring device consists of a receptacle main part (10) filled with an electrolyte (11). A transmitter (13a) which transmits ultrasonic wave placed at the upper part of the electrolyte. A receiver (13b) which receives ultrasonic wave, is placed at the lower part of the electrolyte. The speed of propagation of the ultrasonic wave between the transmitter and the receiver is measured by an ultrasonic speed detector (14).    The output of the ultrasonic speed detector is given to a capacity calculation part (16). The propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave changes depending on the density of the electrolyte. The temperature of the electrolyte is detected by a temperature sensor (15) whose output is given to the capacity calculation part. The capacity of the battery is determined from the propagation speed.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs correct measuring of battery capacity even if density of electrolyte differs.
Using fuel battery exhaust gas involves sending exhaust gas produced when fuel gas is supplied to a battery (3) by a modifier (2) to a green house (14) through an exhaust pipe (12). The plants absorbs CO2 in the exhaust gas by optical compsn. and O2 is generated. The heat within the green house is carried out to a heat exchanger (15) which is connected with a heat accumulation device (19).    ADVANTAGE -   Purifies exhaust gas produced from fuel battery. Prevents atmospheric pollution. Utilises heat and CO2 contained in exhaust gas effectively. Supports growth of plants. Saves energy.
The fuel cell generates power by chemical reaction of hydrogen in fuel gas and oxygen in air. This power is consumed by an external load. When interruption of the external load takes place, the change of state which supplies fuel gas to a fuel hole side (2b) is as follows. The supply of air by the side of an oxidising agent pole (2c) which is not air tight is stopped. An internal load (11) is applied. When the cell voltage drops to a predetermined value, the supply of hydrogen is stopped. Thus, the internal load is interrupted and the air tight of oxidising agent pole is performed.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents fall of catalyser ability caused by etching of carbon. Prevents deterioration of cell performance.
The process involves isolation of a fuel cell (I) and a modifier (10) by interruption valves (28,29,30,31,38). The temperature of a cathode (2) is increased by heating gas recirculated from a cathode exit side to entrance side. The temperature rise of an anode (3) is raised by the heat transfer from cathode side. The downstream position of the interruption valve (30) by the side of an anode entrance and the upper position of the interruption valve (31) by the exit side of anode are connected with anode recirculation line (41) at the time of temperature rise. A recirculation blower (40) is provided at this line. The recirculation gas is warmed up using the heat transferred from the cathode side. A temperature rise of the piping to the interruption valve and anode entrance by the side of anode upstream takes place. The temperature of fuel cell and modifier returns to normal.    ADVANTAGE -   Obviates cooling effect when fuel gases circulated through anode.
The lead acid secondary cell consists of a positive and a negative electrode with aqueous electrolyte soaked separators in between. The electrodes have an active material secured onto a grid matrix, the latter serving as current collector as well as structural support. Together they are known as plates.    Electrolyte loss over prolonged cell operation sometimes leads to catastrophic failures that are objectionable. A modified grid matrix construction (1) typified by mesh arms (2) and common interlinking segments (3) reduces in select locations the cross sectional area of interlinking segments (4) rendering them susceptible to earlier attack and disintegration that signals the state of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Signals onset of battery deterioration and alerts to nearing of end of useful life of battery. Prevents catastrophic failures/damages.
The method involves measuring the storage battery opening voltage (VA) and also at a base level (VB) about which the battery exhibits alternating voltage characteristics.    The storage battery voltage rises between these two points within a predetermined time. The condition is monitored either when the vehicle is moving or when the engine is idling.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not operate like conventional lifetime detector but detects storage battery life.
A generator (3) driven by a vehicle drive machine (1) charges a battery which supplies several loads. The supply to individual loads (22,24) is at least reduced when the battery is highly loaded. The instantaneous efficiencies of the drive machine, generator and electrical energy supply are determined from the measured revolution rate and load of the drive machine.    The instantaneous battery capacity is determined from the measured battery charging and discharging currents. Load supply reduction in the event of high battery loading is only performed when the supply efficiency falls below a defined minimum threshold and an unacceptably high discharge current is simultaneously measured    ADVANTAGE -   For optimal load supply taking into account the load and the battery state.
A battery holddown (10) includes two brackets (16, 18) of identical construction. The brackets each include an L-shaped clamp (20) having top and side plates (22, 24) for abutting with the top and sides of the battery. Ears (26) extend from the side plates (24) and include apertures (36) for slideable receipt of bolts (12) extending from the battery tray (14). The brackets each further include a cross rod (28) including a vertical portion (32) extending from the top plate (22) and a horizontal portion (30) extending from the vertical portion (32).    A U-shaped channel is formed by an L-shaped land (44) extending from the horizontal portion (30) adjacent its end and is of a size and shape for slideable receipt of the horizontal portion (30) of the other bracket. The channels bind on the horizontal portions (30) when the brackets are drawn toward the battery tray (14) by tightening nuts (50) on the bolts to prevent sliding or other relative movement of the brackets relative to each other.    USE -   For restraining batteries of different widths on an automotive vehicle.
The automatic start/stop appts. includes a timer (22) adapted to activate or deactivate a circuit designed to turn on the accessory circuit (42), the ON circuit (44) and the start circuit (50) of a motor vehicle. An oil pressure switch (48) is adapted to stop the starter motor once the engine is running.    If the engine failed to start, a solid state timer (46) is adapted to allow cranking of the starter motor only for a preselected amount of time. A hood switch (24) is included to prevent the device from operating when the hood is opened for maintenance. A park switch (26) is also included to stop the device from operating, to prevent an unauthorised person driving away the vehicle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can simply start and stop motor vehicle up to six times per week without vehicle owner being inside vehicle, while at same time preventing unauthorised removal of vehicle and starting of engine while vehicle hood is raised and maintenance work is being carried out.
Prodn. of hard sintering ceramic body comprises mixing (by wt.) hard-sintering ceramic powder of average grain dia. 2-5 microns: 25-75%,, and the same ceramic powder of average grain dia. 0.5-1.0 microns: 75-25%, moulding, and firing.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents deformation and contraction during firing.
NOVELTY - The assembly has a vehicle side connector housing (12) provided on a body (100) of an electric vehicle, and vehicle side electrodes (13) are arranged in the housing and connected to a power battery. A connector holder (21) is gripped by an operator, and comprises upper and lower half portions. A charging information display circuit is connected to the battery when external electrodes are connected to the vehicle electrodes. A numeric display (34) is connected to a display circuit to display information from the display circuit when an external connector housing is mated with the housing.    USE - Electric vehicle charging connector assembly for charging a power battery in a body of an electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The display allows a person to engage in charging work to readily obtain the information, so that the person need not view a control panel of a battery charger or get into the electric vehicle to view an instrument panel, thus providing convenience. The assembly allows an operator to determine whether the power battery is charged by looking at the display, so as to allow the operator to readily obtain the information about time elapsed after initiation of the charging operation and remaining capacity of the power battery, thus performing charging operation safely and reliably.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging connector assembly.    Vehicle side connector housing (12)    Vehicle side electrodes (13)    Connector holder (21)    Numeric display (34)    Body (100)
The storage battery equipment is furnished with a reserve battery unit (B) which is switched ON or OFF as when required. Main and reserve batteries (A,B) are two separate units, having positive terminals (1,6) connected together by a small link (5). The negative terminal (6a) of the reserve unit is connected to ground (E) through a switch (8a). A diode (11) and an in-series current resistance (12) are connected in parallel with the switch. The positive pin of the diode is linked to the negative terminal of the reserve unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses stored energy from reserve unit when main unit is fully discharged. Increases reliability on storage unit. Enables efficient mass production. Simplifies switching operation.
The storage battery equipment is furnished with a reserve battery (B), which is switched on when required. A main battery (A) and the reserve battery are contained in separate units. Positive terminals (1,5) of both the units are linked by a connecting wire (6) and negative terminal (5a) of the reserve is connected to ground. A switch (10) is interposed between the positive terminals of the units. A diode (11) and an in-series current resistance (12) are connected in parallel with the switch. The positive pin of the diode is connected to the positive terminal of the reserve battery unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses stored energy from reserve unit when main unit is completely discharged. Increases lifetime of storage equipment since reserve and main battery units have same capacity. Maintains low cost and weight. Enables mass production. Prevents corrosion of switch part by invasion of electrolyte. Increases reliability on storage units.
The fuel battery consists of a cooling air supply manifold (6) through which cooling air is supplied to a battery stack (5). The exhaust low temperature air is carried away through a cooling air discharge manifold (7) at the time of starting of the battery. A rectification means (6) is provided between the cooling air supply and discharge manifold. The rectification means supplies more cooling air of high temperature during the time of starting of battery to an end side cell (1a) than central part side cell (1b). During the battery operation, low temperature cooling air is supplied to the central part side cell than the end side cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Regulates temperature of battery. Provides intensive cooling of central side cell.
The manufacturing method involves chlorinating high carbon chrome at a temperature of 500deg.C in an electric furnace. The chlorination yields FeCl2 and CrCl2. The FeCl2 reacts with a reducing agent in chloride solution to give Fe2+ ions. The CrCl2 reacts with Cr in this solution to give CrCl which again combines with the remaining CrCl2 to liberate Cr3+ ions. This Cr3+ ion and Fe2+ ion contained in chloride from the electrolyte for the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies manufacturing process. Reduces cost.
The fuel battery (100) consists of a reduction agent formation apparatus (200). The reduction agent formation apparatus takes a mixture of methanol and water as the fuel and gives carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas which is a reducing agent. The hydrogen gas passes through an electric power generation means (300) to which an electric external circuit (304) is formed. The reducing agent formation means incorporates an external circuit (204) and power supply (205) for forming the reducing agent. Thus, the fuel is disassembled electrochemically for generation of electric power.    ADVANTAGE -   Involves simple apparatus. Avoids complicated flow systems. Forms hydrogen with high purity. Controls formation of impurities like carbon monoxide. Prevents fall of chemical reactivity.
The structure of a fuel battery is formed by a cell (4) which consists of an anode (2) and a cathode (3) with an electrolyte matrix (1) in between. A plate (5) having a pair of internal manifold (16, 17) is placed above the cathode. A plate (7) having the internal manifold is placed below the cathode. An anode shim (18) which carries out sealing of gas is placed between the electrolyte matrix and the plate (7). A cathode shim (19) is placed between the electrolyte matrix and the plate (5). A sheet member (20) whose thickness is larger than the thickness of electrolyte is placed inner side of cathode shim.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves performance of battery. Provides high electric power generation efficiency. Increases comprehensive energy efficiency. Reduces undesired sound and vibration.
The electric power generation system consists of a battery main part (1) to which fuel gas and air are supplied. The DC voltage generated is converted to an alternating voltage by an invertor (3). The heat generated in the battery main part is radiated outside through a heat exchanger. A charging and discharging means (6) is provided at the output end of the battery main part connected through a switch (11), controlled by a control device (33). Power is supplied to a load heater (5) from the battery main part and the charging and discharging means. The heat is carried outside through a heat supply line (41).    ADVANTAGE -   Increases lifetime of battery main part. Reduces cost. Improves load response.
An interconnect placed between stacked electrolyte elements comprises (i) first and second facial surfaces, (ii) a smooth level margin around the perimeter of the first facial surface, (iii) two parallel manifold channels along opposite sides of the margin each of which breach the margin at one place and (iv) a number of gas flow channels which connect the manifold channels. The margin forms a seal between the edge of the interconnect and the edge of an electrolyte element. Also claimed is an interconnect as above where smooth level ridges between the gas flow channels form surfaces for bonding the central areas of the interconnect with the adjacent electrolyte plate.    USE -   The interconnects are used for separating and establishing gas flow channels between electrolyte elements of solid state ion-conducting devices including fuel cells, steam electrolysers, oxygen concentrators and other types of electrochemical reactors.    ADVANTAGE -   The interconnect forms an effective gas-tight seal, is simple to make and has a uniform gas-flow path length resulting in improved fuel utilisation.
The system comprises a fuel cell (12) with an H2 anode and O2 cathode; water electrolyser (16) for prodn. of H2 and O2; storage tanks for the H2 and O2; water storage tank (14) connected to the fuel cell and electrolyser; fibre packed column (70) with a resistive heating wire connected between water tank and fuel cell anode; water supply (17) to the electrolyser; means for supplying O2 and H2 from the electrolyser to the fuel cell; and means for controlling water supply to the tank.    ADVANTAGE -   the system is free of complex operational components.
A high temp. fuel cell having two temp. zones for directly converting a carbon fuel to electrical energy. The fuel cell comprises:- (a) a housing including a non-porous section and a solid electrolyte; (b) a first heat source on the housing near the electrolyte and (c) a second heat source on the housing remote from the first heat source. The electrolyte has first and second surfaces to which respective electrodes are attached. A fuel compartment is formed from the non-porous section and the second surface of the electrolyte. The heat sources establish separate temp. zones in the fuel compartment. Current is electrochemically generated by the mass transport of oxygen across the electrolyte. Carbon is burnt in the fuel compartment when an oxygen-contg. gas is brought into contact with the outer surface of the electrolyte. Also claimed is a method of directly converting carbon fuels to electrical energy using the above high temp. fuel cell. In this method the temp. in the first temp. zone is adjusted to minimise the impedance of the electrolyte and the temp. in the second zone it is adjusted to favour the oxidn. of carbon fuel to CO2 rather than CO. When oxygen is supplied to the second surface electric current can be withdrawn from the electrodes.    USE -   Fuel cells for the direct electrochemical conversion of carbon to electrochemical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid fuel such as coal is directly converted into electricity avoiding the energy and efficiency costs of intermediate gasification.
A hydrogen generator has an outer cylinder whose bottom is closed and an intermediate cylinder and an inner cylinder positioned inside the outer cylinder. The outer and intermediate and inner cylinder are vertically shaped. A catalyst is filled in the second ring space between the intermediate and inner cylinder. Sweep gas pipes are positioned in the third space which is formed with an outer wall and an inner wall of a hydrogen permeable rectangular solid which has a metal film which selectively passes hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator separates and collects hydrogen generated with the vapour modification reaction, passing through a wall which with selective hydrogen permeability characteristics.    In an example, a hydrogen generator (10) had an outer cylinder (10), an intermediate cylinder (14), an inner cylinder (18), a catalyst layer (26), a hydrogen permeable rectangular solid (34), a second ring space (26), a third space (33) and sweep gas pipes (36).
Electrochemical appts. comprises a cation exchange membrane with a pair of facing surfaces, a pair of electrodes comprising a material contg. a catalyst set on each pair of cation exchange membrane surfaces, and a fuel feeder to supply a fuel, pref. contg. at least methanol and water, to one of the electrodes. Cations, pref. H ions, are produced from the fuel on the electrode to which the fuel is supplied, and the produced cations receive electrons and are converted to molecules,. pref. H2 molecules, on the other electrode via the cation exchange membrane.    Also claimed is the prodn. of H2, in which a fuel contg. at least methanol and water is contacted with an electrode contg. a catalyst set on one of a pair of facing surfaces of a cation exchange membrane. H2 ions are produced on the electrode from methanol and water by taking out electrons from the electrode. The produced H ions receive electrons and are converted to H2 molecules on the electrode set on the other surface of the cation exchange membrane.    The electrochemical appts. pref. has on the other electrode a membrane comprising a material through which H2 selectively permeates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High-purity H2 may be produced from a fuel contg. methanol and water with a simple appts. The prodn. of impurities, e.g. Co, may be inhibited.
The attachment structure of electrically equipped goods involves positioning of a set of rear frames (12a,12b) at the lower parts of a seat of an automatic two wheeler vehicle. A battery holder (14) is fixed below the rear frame.    Pieces (14a,14b) projecting from the bottom of the battery holder are fixed with the rear frame members respectively. An igniter is attached at the under surface of the battery holder.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents necessity of strict dimension accuracy, ensures long life of elastic member, abolishes contact of frame cover with electrically equipped goods, equalises weight on elastic member to setup CG position of battery holder.
System for treating condensed water and/or battery cooling water, consists of pretreating appts. composed of distn. column and wet catalyst oxidn. appts., or gas phase catalyst oxidn. appts., and high temp. evapn. pure water mfg. appts..    ADVANTAGE -   System does not use ion exchange resin, and does not involve cooling treating water to under -40 deg.C..    In an example, the plant 1. is a decarboxylation column, 2. is a distn. column, 3. is a wet catalyser column, 4. is a gas-liq. sepn. column, 5. is an evaporator and 8. is a vacuum appts..
The cooling device for a fuel battery accumulation object, consists of many cooling boards (3) arranged within the fuel battery cell accumulation object. A cooling unit (4) has a cooling water style entrance (52) at a supply side manifold (5) which supplies cooling water (9).    The cooling water after circulating through the cooling board comes out through a bypass style outlet (53). The bypass style outlet is connected with a radiation (71) through a piping (93). The cooling water is cooled by the radiator and the cold water is once again supplied to the supply side manifold for circulation.    ADVANTAGE -   Equalises temperature of many fuel battery cells.
The material is a perovskite type metallic oxide of compsn. BaCe1-xMxO3-y, where x=0-1 and y is no more than 1.5. By varying the amt. of M in the oxide compsn., the lattice constant ratios, e.g. b/c, c/a,etc., are suitably altered affecting the conductivity. The parameters for orthorhombics are alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees and a is not equal to b and b is not equal to c.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells as electrochemical sensors. The polycrystalline sintered body possesses high temp. ionic conductivity with good chemical stability.
The vehicle has an electric drive unit (17) supplied from a fuel cell (1), with a compressor (8) in the fuel cell feed line for compressing the oxidant mass flow. The compressor is normally operated via an electric motor (10), supplied from the fuel cell, but can be operated by a starter motor (9), supplied from an electric battery (41), for starting the vehicle.    Pref. a safety procedure is initiated after starting the vehicle, before the fuel cell is started via the starter motor, the compressor motor brought into operation when the fuel cell reaches a given free-running power, with disconnection of the starter motor and switching-in of the drive unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents environmental pollution by hydrogen gas and protects fuel cell from overload.
The battery terminal comprises a cable fitting member (16) for connecting a cable with a ring shaped post fitting member (20) continuous to the fitting member which is opened to define free ends having a predetermined gap between. First and second tightening members (21A,B) continuous to the free ends are bent upwardly at a predetermined angle from the free ends.    First and second vertical bearing plates (22) on the outside surface of the first and second tightening members each having a bolt hole. A nut and bolt (12,13) extend through the bolt holes where the tightening members are brought together to close the free ends to clamp the battery terminal to the outside circumference of the battery post. Each of the tightening members is formed by a U shaped member with two beams.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The tightening force is reliably transferred to the free ends of the member to provide a reliably clamped post.
A holed (11e) main conductive terminal (10) member (11)    having a stud bolt (14) is placed over a battery post (I). A    conductive ring member (12) is placed at an angle on top of it    and fits into a pressor member (11d) at its end.    A cable connection portion (12b) of the ring member fits over    the bolt and is angled w.r.t. a post fitting portion (12a)    having an extending hollow conical projection (12i). Cable    terminals (T1,T2) are then placed onto the bolt. As a nut (15)    is tightened down on them, the ring member is forced down and    its conical projection clamps to the battery post.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be secured to the battery post and cable terminal by a single thread tightening operation. Positions cable connector and battery cable in direction preventing interference with other components during assembly of battery terminal to battery post.
A gas-tight housing for fuel cells has a cylindrical section (10) with domed end caps and is covered by an insulation layer (40). The fuel cell (11) has a rectangular section form and is supported in the housing by corner elements. Each support element is in the form of a metal or ceramic corner piece (44) that is connected to either a flexible link (42) or a rigid link (43). The links connect to anchor points on the inner surface of the housing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple support and assembly arrangement for fuel cells.
A car driven by an IC engine and/or an electric motor, has a battery (and electric motor, in the latter case) which is easily detachable. The battery sits under the hood (bonnet) and is withdrawn by pulling it on a special trolley straight forwards from the front, or backwards from the rear, of the car. There are mating guide rails on both battery and car. The electrical connections are of the "quick" variety, like plug-socket connectors. The trolley is adjustable in height for different cars and may have a battery charger with mains lead.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery/electric motor can be removed to reduce weight on long-distance non-urban driving.
The storage battery is formed by using three storage batteries along with a switch (4). An upper storage battery (1) and a lower storage battery (2) are connected in series. The upper battery is selected to have 10 per cent more capacity than the lower one. A sub-storage battery is formed with six cells. This acts as a reserve battery (3) when shunted across the lower storage battery through the switch.    The positive side of reserve battery is connected to the positive side of lower storage battery and the negative side of storage battery is connected to the negative side of the lower storage battery. A resistance (6) is connected to the positive side of the storage battery, the other end of this resistance is connected to an amplifier terminal (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of any extra diode as done in the conventional method. Enables miniaturisation and better charging. Enables reliability of performance.
The operation method of electric power generation involves use of a fuel cell and a gas turbine driven generator. The pressurised fuel cell (1) consists of air electrode (1a) and fuel electrode (1b) with cooling board (1c) regulating operating temperature. Hydrogen is the fuel used, obtained from primary fuel reforming through modifier (2). Compressed air through compressor (3) driven by motor (4) is the oxidant. Auxiliary burner (8) raises gas turbine (5) gas entry temperature further that drives the generator (6), making use of reaction products from modifier as well.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in higher overall thermal efficiency. Reduces modifier energy costs due to lower reaction temperature.
The lead storage battery consists of an extended portion of a cathode board which is made up of a single crystal grain.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased reliability. Prevents etching of extended portion even under large stress. Safe operation of battery.
The battery current detector consists of two current detectors (31,32). The first detector is used to detect the current in case the battery current is lesser than the predetermined value which is set up by a current sensor (34). It also detects a current in case a battery current is greater than the predetermined value from the voltage drop produced by the battery current.    The second detector is used to detect a current which is either greater or lesser than the predetermined value set up by the current sensor, in the event of failure of first current detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Achieves high precision. Reduces cost and size of detector.
HC contg. S is treated with Cu-Ni alloy type desulphurisation agent (Cu:Ni=95:5-5:95) to reduce S content to below 0.2 ppm and contacted with reforming catalyst to form fuel gas for fuel cell contg. H2 as main component.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas for fuel cell is obtained stably from S rich HC such as kerosine by this method.    In an example Kerosine is desulphurised using Cu-Ni alloy catalyst contg. 22% Cu, 21% Ni, 46% ZnO and 11% alumina at 380 deg.C and 9kg/cm2.G and reformed using Ru type catalyst to form fuel gas for fuel cell.
A disconnection mechanism for a dark current fuse (2) in an automobile comprises a fuse block body (1) having a connection terminal, and a fuse holder (5) slidably engaged with the fuse block body so as to connect the dark current fuse with the terminal. The fuse holder (5) has a cutaway opening (16) exposing a head (24) of the dark current fuse, an engaging projection (25) located at an opening the head, and a supporting wall portion (28) contacting a trunk (27) of the dark current fuse.    Alternatively, flexible engaging arms may be provided inside the fuse holder for engaging the head of the fuse. In a variation, a flexible engaging arm cooperates with an engaging projection formed in a fuse guide wall.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrical equipment e.g. a clock, to be directly connected to an automobile battery, and which needs to be disconnected from the battery, during the period following production of the vehicle up to delivery to a customer. No need to store dark current fuse after extraction, thus reducing the likelihood of losing the fuse, since the fuse is securely held without any risk of falling off.
The structure of fuel battery includes a number of unit batteries (U) in multiple layers. The unit battery is formed by insertion of an electrolyte board followed by provision of fuel pole and oxidising agent. The structure is characterised in having a gas distributor (21) which supplies gas for the generation of electric power through the appropriate piping arrangement. The gas pressure is made uniform at the entrance of the layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises battery output and improves efficiency.
The lead storage battery consists of a matrix cathodes (1) each one having an extension (2). The cathode or the shade plate is comprised of two or more sheets. The ear thickness from the shade plate is enlarged compared to the other shade plates.    ADVANTAGE -   Controls generation of spark and burst during ear disconnection. Provides high efficiency. Announces lifetime termination of the battery beforehand.
The portable electric power generator has a cylinder (1) filled with methanol at high pressure, the highly inflammable liquid hydrocarbon being used as a fuel to drive the engine. The fuel from the cylinder is supplied to the engine through a reformer (2).    The reformer converts the liquid to gas comprising mainly hydrogen. This hydrogen is used up as fuel by battery stack (3). The components of the generator are accommodated in a container (5). The cylinder is replaced after the fuel has been completely consumed.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces cost involved in running generators. Improves operativity of generation as fuel tanks are easily replaced. Reduces weight of generation. Eliminates storage of conveyance difficulties.
The fuel cells for electric power generation system (1) consists of a gas isolator (10) which isolates hydrogen gas from original fuel gas. The isolated hydrogen gas is sent to the fuel cell (20) which uses hydrogen as the fuel gas.    A boiler (30) burns the non-isolated hydrogen and the remaining hydrogen in the fuel cell. The heat generated by the boiler is supplied to a heat energy using apparatus (110). The heat energy using a apparatus diverts the heat energy to raise the temperature of the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Shortens starting time of fuel cell. Reduces power consumption at the time of start.
The fuel battery generated electric power system has a fuel battery (11). A fuel charge device (5) is connected to the fuel battery. An air supply device (19) and inert gas supply (28) are also provided in the system. First gas regulation valve (31) regulates inert gas flowing through discharge line of inert gas receptacle (11c) of the battery.    Two by pass lines (41,42) are provided at upstream of first gas flow regulation valve (31) in the inert gas discharge line. The supply of inert gas from fuel battery receptacle is made possible by oxidising agent pole (11B) and fuel pole (11A).    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies device composition. Eliminates need for recirculation device. Reduces oxygen density of oxidising agent inflow gas. Prevents generation of high voltage of fuel battery while generating lower head electric power generation.
The fuel battery protection method uses a protective device to protect multilayered fuel batteries. The device is connected to any one of the many cells of a battery. A voltage measuring device (7) measures the output voltage of the cell. When the output voltage detector drops below the predetermined level, it initiates a control device (8) to shut off the battery operation.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents damage to fuel battery due to operation at low voltages. Enables connection to any cell of battery. Prevents dangerous reaction due to abnormal reaction of gas. Provides simple and economical composition.
The fuel battery consists of cells. Each cell has a matrix layer (10) impregnated between the anode (8) and cathode (9) electrodes. The circulating reaction gas is allowed to flow through the slots (11,12) found at the back of each electrode. These slots are formed by a water repellent process to prevent electric corrosion at the inlets. A fuel gas is supplied to the anode electrode. An oxidising agent gas is supplied to the cathode electrode. The battery consists of two or more such cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises effect on environment with respect to noise and exhaust gas pollution. Improves efficiency. Prevents electric corrosion. Facilitates long life and safe operation of device. Lowers vibrations.
The fuel battery device has a multilayer body. An electrolyte layer (3) is provided which is sandwiched between a fuel gas electrode (1) and oxidisation gas electrode (2). A separator (9) isolates these individual sets of electrode and electrolyte structure from one another. A quality change catalyser (11) is provided in the cavity type structure which is by the side of separator.    Two gas circulation paths are provided in the separator structure. In the upper portion (6) of this structure, the oxidisation gas is circulated. In the lower portion (5), fuel gas is circulator. The gas enters through a vertical manifold along the sides.    ADVANTAGE -   Prolongs life of quality catalyser. Enables easy set-up. Controls low temperature operating portion. Increases reliability.
The multilayer fuel battery described consists of cells (4) with the anode (2) and cathode (3) sandwiching an electrolyte matrix (1). This structure is repeated to form plates. The electrodes, anode and cathode, appear at the periphery, sealing the gas. The anode and cathode shims (15,16) are exposed on the side of the battery stack. The shims are made of porous material (17) which is arranged such that it touches the electrolyte matrix at the sides.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves control of electrolyte matrix. Increases battery lifetime. Enables effective control of gas leakage.
The fuel cell battery consists of individual unit cells each comprising an anode electrode, cathode electrode with matrix layer serving as electrolyte. The individual cells are spaced by separators on cooling boards (3). Through the cooling board runs the cooling pipe (4) which receives a multilayer protective coating consisting of monel coating (5) over which are deposited chrome coating and phosphate coating.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers long time protection to cooling pipe from corrosive effects of electrolyte. Inhibits electrolyte adhesion over it.
The lead storage battery manufacturing method involves a solder plating (4) made up of lead-calcium alloy using matrix object (1). The rear end of the matrix object is welded to a strap (3) of lead metal resulting in the formation of a plate group. The lead-tin particles are distributed on the rear surface of the plate using a paste (2) which is made up of an organic resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures high reliability even if welding portion of rear part of matrix object is lost. Avoids corrosion.
The rotor mfg, process involves using a cylindrical section (20) which is open at one end and has a hole (26) at the other end. The cylinder is processed in a number of stages to form the holder for the outer rotor section of an alternator and to attach to the protruding drive shaft section.    In the first stage, the upper part of the cylinder (27) is crimped, forming a curve (28) at the base. In the second stage, the height of the crimped section is reduced (L1 to L2). In the third stage, inner grooves (29) are formed to enmesh with outer grooves formed on the drive shaft holder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfg. rotor of alternator used in speed boat, motorcycle or portable generator. Height of connection pieces are reduced whilst maintaining resistance of winding.
The system uses a gang vent insert (12) and an overcap. The insert is a one-piece plastic member with an horizontal wall (16) surrounded by an upstanding rim (18) with side (20,22) and end (24,26) walls. Lateral partitions (28,30) divide the insert into three chambers (32,34,36) each with its own drain hole (38,40,42).    The drain holes are located at the lower end of barrels (44) formed by cylindrical (46) and conical (48) portions. The exterior of the conical portion is surrounded at its upper end by a downwardly projecting rim (54).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents loss of electrolyte from the battery when the battery is temporarily tilted.
A fuel cell stack includes several electrical solid electrolyte high temp (HT) fuel cells, connected in series lying fixed one above the other and between adjacent cells a polar plate is integrated. Cathode of one cell is connected to anode of another cell. The monoblock concept is used.    At least one place is provided in the compartment, at which the air (22) found in the air outlet chamber (16), can be cooled using the air (36) flowing into the air inlet chamber (28), which at least is partly recirculatable.    ADVANTAGE -   With small pressure loss, leads to higher use of combustion gas and oxygen carrier in HT cell systems.
The loading appts. includes the guide which defines adjacent spaces (40) each with a greater cross-section than a cell, for receiving battery groups. The guide can be contracted and the spacing of the group adjusted to suit.    The guide comprises of walls (37,38) which are collapsed around the groups until the positioning and spacing corresponds to that of a row of cells (1,3). At this point groups are pushed through the guide into respective cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency. Easier cell insertion.
The protection unit comprises a first detector (7) for detecting an unacceptable drop in the voltage of the battery, a second detector (8) for detecting that the vehicle has been involved in a collision, and the switch (4) for isolating the battery completely or for isolating the battery from the starter motor of the vehicle. An override device (5) overrides the switch (4).    The arrangement is such that the battery is isolated completely in the event that either the first detector (7) detects that the battery voltage gas dropped to an unacceptable level or that the second detector (8) detects that the vehicle has been involved in a collision, and that the battery can be isolated from the starter motor of the vehicle in the absence of operation of the override device (5). The switch includes a main relay operable by a control circuit connected to the detectors and override device, and a by-pass circuit incorporating an automatic fuse.    ADVANTAGE -   Small, simple, multifunctional easily installed arrangement.
Insulative rubber hose comprises a carbon black compounded ethylene propylene rubber-made main body of hose contg. an insulative flaky reinforcing filler, thereby reducing the carbon black content.    USE -   For Pb batteries of cars.
The fuel battery with a cooling system consists of a fuel battery main part carrying two or more cells. The fuel battery main part has a cooling board (41) arranged on it as a multilayer body. A cooling pipe (44) is placed inside the cooling board through which the coolant is passed. A fluid whose thermal conductivity exceeds that of air is allowed to pass through a gap (54) between the cooling board and cooling pipe.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases cooling capability. Reduces size of fuel battery.
Air is filtered (2) and fed to a compressor inlet (6). After compression the air is mixed (10) with injected (8) water and is fed to the moisture unit (14) of the fuel cell (12). The mix of saturated air and water is fed to an expander stage (18) via a liquid extractor (18) and is recirculated through the compressor. The process is regulated by varying the speed of the compressor motor based upon measured parameters, such as fixed cell current and flow rate. The compressor is of a positive displacement type, with sealed clearance, oil free operation and providing a speed range of 1:10.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reduced complexity and reduced auxiliary power requirement.
The battery attachment device has a battery (4) fixed in front of a thresh part (B). An operation seat (1), a tank (2) and an engine part (2) are arranged one side of body. A terminal (7) for charging the battery is connected to the positive terminal of the battery through a cable (6). The cable is attached near the operation seat. The terminal is also attached by the side of the operation seat.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides easy charging of battery. Simplifies structure.
The battery loading structure consists of a battery loading part (9) inside which a small battery (7A) or a large sized battery is placed. The battery loading part is attached to a car body (5).    The cover (19) which covers the small battery and the large sized battery, is carried over from the battery loading part to the upper face of the large sized battery. A seat (6) is attached on the upper part of the cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs loading installation of batteries having different capacity at single battery loading stand of same specification. Reduces cost.
The fuel battery for electric power generation is incorporated in a fuel battery package (10). In the fuel battery package, the DC from a fuel battery is converted into AC and it is given out. For the cooling and ventilation of an apparatus, a cooling water pump (11), a cooling tower (12) and a fan (13) are provided. These three units operate based on the power supply from either the main power source or the fuel battery package, through a double pole switch (20).    The switch has pole `a' and pole `b'. If the pole `a' is closed, the power flows from the main power source to the cooling units. If the pole `b' is closed, the power flows from the fuel battery package. The power failure from the main source is detected by a detector (15) which controls the pole switch position and closes pole `b', for power generation.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids deterioration of battery. Enables continuous supply of power even in case of power failure.
The separator of (3) of a lead storage battery consists of fine particles of silica. This particles are mixed with 0.5-5% of an acid proof glass fibre or any other fibre composition. This is bound with the polymer of poly fluoro compound. A positive and negative electrode (1,2) are placed on either side of the separator. The whole arrangement along with the electrolyte is enclosed in a metal casing (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in power source of computer, car etc.,. Improves operativity of battery assembly.
Partial-oxidised aromatic cpds. (I) are prepd. in a fuel cell system where a proton conductor is put. In the fuel cell system, hydrogen donor contacts with an anode as a catalyst electrode, on the other hand aromatic cpds. (II) and O2 contact with a cathode as the other catalyst electrode, which is including Cu and/or copper cpds. By application of negative voltage to the anode side and/or taking out the electricity from this system, (I) is obtd. A conductivity polymer material (e.g. conductivity carbonaceous material) is suitable to be included in the cathode. The conductivity carbonaceous material which is obtd. by oxidn. of a carbonaceous material under the air including O2 in permanganate soln. (or nitric acid soln, dichromate soln), is used. The voltage in the anode side is between -0.01-1.0V.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) (e.g. phenols, quinones etc) is used as material for resin etc. in an organic industrial area. The electricity is removed, and also (I) is obtd. in high yield and in high selectivity yield under mild conditions.    In an example, a mixed gas of Ar and H2 (the vol. ratio of Ar/H2 = 50:50) was supplied to the anode room at the ratio of 20 ml/min. O2 was supplied to the cathode room where benzene (50ml) was put, at the ratio of 5 ml/min. Carbonaceous material was heated in 8N HNO3 aq. soln. for 2 hrs. The anode was prepd. from platinum black powder (20mg), graphite powder (70mg) and Teflon (RTM) powder (5mg). Ion conductor membrane includes 1M phosphoric acid aq. soln. The cathode included carbon whisker (65mg), CuO (5mg) and Teflon (RTM) powder (5mg), was used. When the impression voltage was -0.1V at 30 deg.C, phenol (74.9 micro-mol) and hydroquinone (8.1 micro-mol) were obtd, respectively. In the fig. (1) = an anode (2) = a cathode (3) = an anode room (4) = a cathode room (5) = an ion conductor (6) = a lead line (7) = a stirrer (8) = direct current voltage impression appts. (9) = an outside resistor.
The inertia device comprises an inertia switch (8), an electromagnet (9) and an armature with stop seats (30) for a rod or pushbutton (6) provided with chordal projections (10,11) which carries a movable contact (4).    The armature is pivoted directly or indirectly to the electromagnet and is in the form of a single piece of ferromagnetic material. It includes two flanges (27) with seats (30A), and is positioned on opposite sides of the rod or pushbutton (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement considerably facilitates assembly and ensures reliable operation when inertia device is effectively required to operate.
Prodn. of a chemically homogeneous layer (I) upon a polymeric substrate (II) by cold plasma treatment. All atoms different to those which form the backbone of (II) are removed.    Pref. (I) is the unaltered skeleton of (II); (II) is a coating or deposit on a base, it's backbone is mainly or wholly carbon, pref. polycarbonate or a fluororesin.    USE -   The process can be used for the prodn. of items such as scratch resistant coatings on polycarbonate windshields. Other uses are found in industries concerned with electronics e.g. electrical conductors, catalysts and fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is clean, quick and easy to control.
A laminated electrolyte reservoir plate comprises a mixt. of graphite powder, reinforcing fibres, cellulosic fibres and thermosetting resin formed into a planar sheet. As shown in the figure, the sheet is cut into multiple main sheets (4), each with four edges (10A-10D) and multiple edge strips (6). The edge strips are laid up along the perimeter of the main sheets, parallel to opposite edges (10A and 10C), and the whole is laminated together, carbonised and graphitised.    USE -   The electrolyte reservoir plates are used in fuel cells, partic. acid fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The plate is prepared by a papermaking process, which is more efficient than a dry-laid process, and the reservoir formed has improved structural integrity and gas edge barriers. Impregnation of the edge seals with hydrophilic ink or a similar material is not required.
The radiator comprises tank partitions which can easily be incorporated into the plastic, sheet metal, and extruded or cast metal tanks. The thermal performance of each loop can be optimised by adjusting individual radiator heights or fin densities within each loop or pass arrangements. It is feasible to reduce this from three circuits with different inlets and outlets to one radiator with three different inlets but one common outlet with a common sump. The mixing of the coolants in the various loops in this manner reduces the complexity of this system by reducing the number of hoses, coolant pumps and surge/overflow tanks.    The use of control valves with algorithms incorporated into either mechanical or electronic controls can facilitate the use of multiple radiators to cool components in any one circuit that have an increased demand for cooling when the components in the other circuits are ether inoperative or have lower cooling demands.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provider radiator for cooling different components on vehicles to different temperatures. In particular, electrical motors and power electronics need to be cooled to 70 deg. C compared to 90 deg. C for the conventional internal combustion engine. Batteries used in these applications may need to be cooled to 50 deg. C. These varying levels of coolant temperatures, heat fluxes and coolant flows demand the need for separate cooling loops.
The method involves assembling the monopolar end frames and bipolar fames with a separator between them, to form a unit (10), providing electrolyte fill/vent holes in the top and bottom surfaces in communication with a separator, and sealing the side surfaces with a panel (12).    To the top surface an electrolyte fill/vent box (14) is sealed with the box comprising a base (86) divided into compartments corresponding to the separators and having holes (84) in alignment with the holes in the top surface of the unit, and holes (80) in a front panel (82) communicating with each compartment. A cover (16) is sealed onto the top of the box and electrolyte is introduced into the front panel holes. A vacuum box (18) may be sealed to the bottom surface of the unit to facilitate electrolyte filling.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfg. batteries used for controlling starting, lighting and ignition in vehicles and golf carts. Enables automated, reliable assembly, providing satisfactory leak-free hermetic seals in lead-acid batteries. Accommodates widely varying voltage and capacity specifications necessary for specific service applications.
The protective battery box consists of a base (1) sides (2,3,4,5) and a lid (6). One of the sides (4) is provided with openings (11,12) to permit cable entry and each of the sides has a slot at the bottom (13,14,15,16) to facilitate attachment of battery fixings.    The base, walls and lid of the protective box are joined together by male and female tenon and groove edges and any unused apertures are covered by polystyrene inserts. The walls have profiled inner and outer faces moulded to suit battery shape and the external location. The lid may be transparent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Protective box for starting and traction batteries used in car, lorry, bus, tractor and other electric vehicles. Vehicle batteries may be protected from heat, cold, humidity, oxidation, dust and grease.
The combination comprises a battery (11), a load (12) and a circuit (10) for protecting the load against the effects of a reverse connected battery. The circuit includes a second circuit for biasing the MOSFET into a conductive state, when the battery is properly connected.    A second circuit biases the MOSFET into a non-conductive state when the battery in reverse connected, and includes a circuit to short the gate of the MOSFET to the source of the MOSFET when the battery is reverse connected. Shorting is carried out by using depletion mode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. suitable for loads commonly found contg. semiconductors likely to be damaged by reverse battery conditions. Neither gate driver nor control circuitry is susceptible to being reverse biased in event that battery is connected in reverse.
In a process for joining a metallic connection to an electrode having a fibrous or foam type core, for an electrochemical power cell, a metallic sheet is applied onto an edge of the core and pressure welded. The novelty is that, prior to welding, a holding core (27) of similar nature to that of the main core (22) is placed at least at the right-hand side of the welding zone between the sheet (24) and the main core (22). Pref. the main and holding cores consist of nickel foam, nickel-plated steel foam, or nickel- or silver-coated polyurethane felt.    Also claimed is an electrode obtained by the above process.    Welding is carried out by spot welding, 'electric welding' (roller seam welding is disclosed) or ultrasonic welding, and may be carried out before or after introduction of the active material, pref. selected from nickel hydroxide, hydridable alloys, carbon, cadmium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide and silver oxide. The sheet (24) pref. consists of nickel-plated steel and may be sandwiched between the main and holding cores (22,27), or may be placed at each side of the main and holding core assembly.    USE -   Esp. for storage batteries for industrial and vehicle applications.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has improved electrical and mechanical properties.
A powdered compsn. for use in treating organic waste comprising less than 26% by wt. of the total wt. of the compsn. of multiple enzymes comprising (by wt.): 0.1-15% protease, 0.1-15% amylase, 0.1-15% cellulase and 0.1-15% lipase; 0.1-15% of a bacterial culture selected from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus polymyxa, a buffer system of 0.1-20% disodium phosphate and 0.1-15% monosodium phosphate, 1-20% nonylphenol decylethoxylate as a preservative, 1-10% Na thiosulphate as ion scavenger, and 50-95% dendritic salt providing a buffer.    USE -   The compsns. are esp. useful for cleaning out of septic systems and domestic plumbing clogged with solid waste, such as septic tanks, drains, drainage fields, garbage disposals and sinks, and for faster decomposition of compost heaps.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. are non-toxic, ecologically safe, easy to use, reliable and highly effective.
Unit comprises: (a) methane-tank (1); (b) device (2) for input of manure (16); (c) mixing system (3); (d) heater (4) in input chamber; (e) thermal insulation (5); (f) compost stack (6) with covering layer (7); (g) system for air input, contg. ventilator (8) and perforated channels (9) with openings (10) for connection to ventilator; (h) output and sepn. system contg. pump (11) connected to centrifuge (12); (i) sandbox (13) for sepn. of heavy sediment; and (j) sludge pump (14), and hydraulic valve (15). The temp. distribution in stack is as follows: in outer zone (a) below 40 C.; in intermediate zone (b) 40-50 C., and in inner zone (c) above 60 C.    USE -   In mfr. of bio-gas from agricultural livestock effluent    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced heat required for fermentation of manure.
A fertiliser can be prepd. from two household waste as follows. Separating. the inorganic matter is followed by grinding the organic fraction, mixing it with the mud from water purification aeration stage, satn. with air O2 and biothermal decomposition. of organic matter. The resulting compost is dried at 75-105 C, mixed with mineral fertilisers and microelements added as required., compacted to vol. wt. of 0.6-0.8 tons/m3, and packed.    USE -   In utilisation of household waste.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient production of quality fertiliser from household waste.
The unit has a body (1) with drain water supply, sediment and clarified liq. outlet pipes (2,3,4), a driveshaft (5) fitted in the body and two discs (6,7) with soft conical baffles (8,9), fitted on the shaft (5) one above the other forming a chamber (10) and a circular gap (11) between the baffles connected to the chamber (10). The unit is provided with washing liq. supply pipe (12) connected to the chamber between the discs and the circular gap between the baffles. The outer baffle is impervious to the liq. and the inner baffle is pervious.    USE -   For drain water cleaning using bacteria adapted to high nitrogen concentration.    ADVANTAGE -   The sediment humidity is reduced.
A refuse solid material of high water content, including combustible material, is dipped into oil to be heated while using the oil heated under reduced pressure as heat medium in the cooker. The water content is evapd. and the oil in cooker is impregnated into the material. De-oiling treatment is performed onto the material after it is taken out from cooker.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid fuel of high combustion efficiency can be obtd.
Appts. used to mfr. compost by supplying air from an air supply pipe (8) at the lower part of a composting tank (1) to an accumulation layer (5) f a composting material (5A) in the composting tank and fermenting the composting material, comprises a guard (9) to cover the air supply pipe from its upper part, and an air supply part (9A) to supply air from the air supply pipe to the accumulation layer. The composting material is accumulated on the guard.    USE -   Used for mfg. compost by fermenting a composting material, e.g chaff or grass, aerobically.    ADVANTAGE -   Cutting operation of composting material is unnecessary and air supply pipes are not damaged.
Compost contains a source of supplying phytase, a source for supplying saponin, and a source for chitosan.    Also claimed is farmyard compost produced by adding the sources for supplying phytase, saponin and chitosan after the fermentation temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic P in the farmyard compost and/or soil is transformed under an inactive state into active organic P useful for coops. Loss of available nitrogen in the farmyard compost and/or farm soil is prevented . Malodour due to ammonia is reduced. Continuous cropping problems are eliminated.
Decompsn. of dimethylformamide (DMF) is by reacting Bacillus microbe having the ability to assimilate and decompose DMF with a liquid contg. DMF. The microbe is pref. Bacillus cereus sp. esp. Bacillus cereus D-1.    ADVANTAGE -   Method can decompose and remove DMF contained in industrial waste and is important for environmental hygiene.    In an example, Bacillus cereus D-1 was cultured in 5 ml of a medium contg. 1 g DMF, 3 g ammonium sulphate, 1.4 g potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 2.1 g disodium hydrogen phosphate, 0.2 g Mg sulphate heptahydrate, 30 mg Ca chloride dihydrate, 30 mg ferric chloride, 5 mg Mn chloride tetrahydrate, 5 mg Zn sulphate heptahydrate, 0.5 mg copper sulphate pentahydrate, 0.2 g yeast extract and 15 g agar in 1 litre water at 30 deg.C for 3 days. Resultant preculture was further cultured in 100 ml of the same medium at 30 deg.C for 2 days. TOC of the culture was 20 ppm, compared to 475 ppm for the medium alone. Bacillus cereus D-1 was sepd. from DMF adaptation active sludge and had mobility contained flagella but no spores and was Gram-positive.
Appts. comprises a decomposition tank (5) to store microorganisms to decompose crude refuse and saw dust acting as decomposing media, stirrer (6) to stir and cut substances in the decomposition tank, transmission means to transmit the rotation of motor (7) detect means (8) to detect an electric current value of motor, and controller (13) to stop the motor at a given time when a rate of increase of an electric current value of motor per unit hour detected by the detect means is more than a given value and then output a control signal for driving again.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose crude refuse generated in kitchens of general homes continuously. When crude refuse gives an excess load to the stirrer and the motor is stopped, the motor can begin starting again without labour forces.
Appts. comprises a crude refuse decomposition chamber (2) to store a humidification member (1), eg. saw dust, to add bacteria to decompose crude refuse, lid (9) to open or close the opening of crude refuse decomposition chamber, stirrer (3) to stir crude refuse and humidification member and quantitative supply means (10) to add bacteria to the crude refuse decomposition chamber. The quantitative supply means comprises a bacteria storing part (11), compulsory shifting means (12) to take out bacteria from the bacteria storing part and controller (13) to operate the compulsory shifting means at a given cycle. The quantitative supply means supplies bacteria in the bacteria storing part to the crude refuse decomposition chamber by operating the compulsory shifting means by the controller at a given cycle closing the lid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose crude refuse generated in general homes by using bacteria. To decompose crude refuse suppressing leak of bad smells and decompose crude refuse maintaining bacteria always at an active state.
Appts. comprises a storing part (2) to store a humidification member (2), e.g, saw dust, to add bacteria to decompose crude refuse, stirrer (3) to stir crude refuse and humidification member stored in the storing part, driving means (5) to rotate the stirrer and take out member (6) to discharge the humidification member from the storing part, the take out member has a spiral shift member (6A) formed spirally to shift the humidification member and rotation part (6B) to rotate the spiral shift member. The humidification member is shifted by the rotation of spiral shift member to the axial direction and discharged to the outside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose crude refuse generated in general homes. Used humidification members can be taken out easily, rapidly and completely from the storing part.
Appts. comprises a treatment tank (1) to store crude refuse (5) and fermentation accelerator (6), crude refuse injection hole (2) to inject crude refuse and fermentation accelerator to the treatment tank, stirrer (14) to mix and stir the crude refuse and fermentation accelerator in the treatment tank, heater (15) to heat a mixt. of crude refuse and fermentation tank in the treatment tank to a given temp., temp. detector (17) to detect a temp. of the mixt. in the treatment tank, fan (18) placed the upper part of treatment tank to ventilate the treatment tank and deodoriser (22) placed at the upstream of fan and placed the uppermost position of the upper part of treatment tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose crude refuse discharged from general homes, hotels or restaurants by fermenting with fermentation accelerator contg. organics decomposing bacteria. The decomposition of crude refuse in accelerated by heating it to a given temp. and bad smells generated by fermentation decomposition can be removed.
Treatment comprises a process wherein raw material of organic waste is crushed into fine pieces; process wherein the moisture content of the raw material of the organic waste after the crushing process is regulated; process where fermentation fungi are mixed in the raw material of the organic waste; a granulating process wherein after the mixing process, the raw material of the organic waste mixed with the fermentation fungi is granulated; and a fermentation process wherein after the granulating process, the granulated raw material of the organic waste is fermented.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic waste is treated with high efficiency.
Deodoriser or treatment promoter for garbage treating equipment, contains an acid, a lactic acid bacterium or a lactic acid bacterium and a fungus as the main component.    Also claimed is a garbage treating equipment including a treating vessel contg. garbage, and a stirring device for stirring garbage and operated by deodoriser or treatment promoter.    ADVANTAGE -   Equipment can decompose garbage such as left-over rice and kitchen refuse discarded from home.
Prodn. of high density antimicrobial base is by (1) preparing seed culture by sub-culture of oil borne Streptomyces microorganisms and yeast including fungi in an organic base mainly composed of rice bran; (2) inoculating the seed culture in a composite medium composed of crushed minerals including sedimented soil, cereal powder and water; and (3) culturing with occasional turnover for aeration with increase in temp. to give granular base.    Process is by prepn. of seed culture at 25-35 deg.C and water content of 25-30% for 4-5 days with several times turnover in a day. Resultant seed culture is added to a mixt. of 100 pts.wt. of crushed minerals, 10-20 pts.wt. of composite nutrient (e.g. cereal powder) and 30-40% of water and fermented with evapn. of water to give final water content of 4-5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for soil conditioning, deodorisation of cattle manure, and cleaning of water. Prodn. of high density antimicrobial base and compost is in a short period of time.    In an example, spinach was cultured in 3.3. aq. m field with added 1 kg of prepd. high density antimicrobial base and 1.8 L of rice bran for about 2 months. Spinach in the treated gp. showed 51.0 g/plant and 41.6 of chlorophyll (no unit of content rate of 35.0 g/plant and 35.8 respectively.
Culture comprises incubating a complex mixt. of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms on a large scale. The culture is performed by filling sterilised water in fermentation tank; adding sterilised molasses at a rate of 0.05-0.2%; adjusting resulting culture medium to pH 2.8-3.5; adding complex mixt. at rate of 1/50-1/200 by vol.; and incubating at 25-30 deg.C while maintaining pH at 2.8-3.5 with an organic acid.    Incubation may be performed anaerobically in a water-filled tank, to which molasses is added, at 0.05-0.2% (pref. 0.09-0.11%). Culture medium is adjusted to pH 2.8-3.5 (pref. pH 3.0-3.1) with organic acid, e.g. lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid. Incubation may be contained by standing for 7-10 days. Anaerobic microorganisms usually aggregate on the surface of medium, so that opt stirring to homogenise mixt. Cell mumber reaches max. after 7-10 day incubation, but incubation may be continued for approx. one month in order to cause maturity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is useful for large scale prodn. of useful microorganisms, concurrently in one fermentation vessel and can be applied to agriculture (soil improvement, prevention of injurious insects, prepn. of compost), stock farming (livestock feed, deodorisation, decomposition of livestock waste) and purification of water. Method can also be applied to bacteria. Actinomycetes, yeast, and photosynthesis bacteria. Complex mixt. of microorganisms can be multiplied easily in an inexpensive prodn. equipment.
The appts. comprises malodour gas entrance holes and gas exhaust holes alternately disposed in spaces defined by microbe-resident carrier packed beds formed in stairs in a deodorising tower.    USE -   For deodorising exhaust gases contg. malodours.
The process comprises:    (a) a first biological treatment, and    (b) a second biological treatment in the presence of activated carbon.    Also claimed is a process for making a photoprocessing waste soln. harmless comprising opt. a third step of:    (c) biological nitrification and denitrification.    USE -   Used for making harmless a waste soln. contg. organic aminocarboxylic acids.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a simple low-cost process which causes no environmental pollution.
The process, involving fermentation, is intended to treat and dispose of special wastes containing heavy metal ions. The ions are extracted from the waste, being adsorbed by, and accumulated on, biomass, which will subsequently be oxidised. Next, the heavy metal ions are extracted by aqueous solutions. Biomass, freed of heavy metal ions by aerobic microbiological decomposition, is retained for use. Biomass containing heavy metal ions may be oxidised by anaerobic breakdown. It may be oxidised by super critical steam above 350 C and 220 bar.    USE -   To treat and dispose of waste which contains heavy metal ions such as Hg, Cd, Cr and Cu, harmlessly. Recovery of these substances by further processing, is feasible.    ADVANTAGE -    It avoids traditional incineration, followed by chemical and/or physical separation of products and compounds. Incineration or tipping may not now be acceptable in many cases. The method described produces exclusively non-toxic products: CO2 , H2O and simple inorganic salts. Subsequent operations can reclaim the heavy metals such as Hg, Cd, Cr and Cu.
Prodn. of a mineral material or compsn. (A) comprises:(1) forming a base, contg. a predetermined amt. of mineral material (B) synthesised by 1 (or part of 1) living organism (plant, animal and/or microorganism), and(2) treating the base so as to convert it to an inactivated mineral material of predefined texture, depending on its intended use, e.g. as a filler.The same method can be used to produce substrates (C), partic. for use as thermal or sound insulation, filters, acoustic membranes, decorative surfaces, tissues, threads and films, nutrient substances (D) for natural or artificial soils and prods. (E) for (para)medical application.Also new are the prods. of this process.    USE -   (A) can be used e.g. in fillers, cement, sizing and damp-proofing (e.g. as a replacement for stone), (B) can be used e.g. in loud speakers, as protective covers in agriculture and in water-purificn. filters, (C) can be used in agriculture and horticulture, the mfr. of composts or soil improvers (for e.g. regulating soil pH, improving drainage) and (D) can be used to treat nutritional deficiencies or diseases (esp. as herbal remedies).    ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are ready for use and have no biological and/or biomineralising activity. They can be prepd. from otherwise waste material and the process is simple enough for general use without needing specialised or expensive equipment.(E) provide (para)medical materials regardless of changes in the natural environment and deliver precise doses of active ingredients.
The unit has a body (1) with a drainage water supply pipe (2), a rotor, formed by two discs (4, 5), fitted in the body on drive shaft (3), and two coaxial soft conical baffles (7, 8). The discs are placed one above the other forming a chamber (6) connected to the drainage water supply pipe (2). The outer baffle is permeable to water. The baffles are fixed on the discs by the smaller base forming a circular gap (9) connected to the chamber between the discs. The unit is provided with an additional disc (10) with a soft conical baffle (11) and a pipe (12) for washing water supply. The additional disc with the additional baffle is fitted above the main discs forming a chamber (12a) and a circular slot (13) between the baffles (11, 7) connected to the pipe (12). The baffles (11, 8) are impervious to water and are fixed on the discs (4, 10) so that their lower edges (14, 15) are situated higher than main outer baffle (7) lower edge (16).    USE -   The unit is used for protein extn. by filtering in inertia force field created by filtering baffle rotation.    ADVANTAGE -   The output is increased.
The method is based on heating of milk whey, introduction of lactic bacteria of Lactobacillus type, fermenting until the analysis of sample shows no presence of lactose, introduction of calcium hydroxide suspension, bringing pH of fermented whey to 7.0, heating, sepn. into ppte. and liq. phase, concentrating of liq. phase by vacuum-evapn., and drying.    Introduction of calcium hydroxide is preceded by introduction of calcium carbonate suspension in whey or liq., to lactose content 0.2-0.4 wt.%, and subsequent introduction of calcium hydroxide suspension is conducted in two stages, the first to lactose content 0.1 wt.%, with pH kept at 5.2-5.6, and then to pH 7.0.    Concentration of liq. phase of whey is conducted to dry substance content 17-20 wt.%, followed by joining of liq. phase and ppte., and drying is conducted in suspended layer of inert particles at 63-65C.    USE -   The process is used to give a fodder additive contg. calcium lactate.    ADVANTAGE -   The method simplified.
Compost cutting machine comprises a base end of an arm (2) of a working machine rotating in the up and down direction at the front part of car body (I), e.g. shovel loader, a fixed part (3) at the front of the arm, a scooping part (5) having a specific width for contacting with the ground on the fixed part, and the transportation part (4) having an endless conveyor (6) connected to the scooping part and inclined so that its back part is gradually higher from the connection part with the scooping part to transport compost to its back part and tip it from the back part to contact the compost with air.    USE -   Used to cut compost easily and continuously.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost may be placed at another part contacting with air necessary for fermentation.
Process comprises dispersing the manure in purified, wood vinegar, fermentation, and culture of non-sporogenic Actinomycetes to degrade and remove uric acid.    Typically, chicken manure is dispersed with purified wood vinegar and fermented at below 90 deg.C. Then, non-sporogenic Actinomycetes is cultured at below 60 deg.C to degrade and remove uric acid and to prevent growth of nematodes.    In an example chicken manure is mixed with purified wood vinegar to given water content of 40% and fermented. The treated manure is than fermented to culture and proliferate non-sporogenic actinomycetes.
Appts. comprises an air-permeable crude waste falling prevention tool (3) detachably placed on the bottom of a pressure vessel (1) with a space on the bottom to store water.    Also claimed are processing crude waste by applying a temp. and pressure of steam generated by heating water on the bottom of the pressure vessel, dissolving crude waste stirring with convection of hot water and stream and preparing useful microorganism groups by injecting EM ceramics (22) comprising ceramics contg. useful microorganism groups to the pressure vessel.    USE -   Used for mfg. liq. organic fertilisers from crude waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Residues do not stay in pipes from the pressure vessels to liq. fertiliser tanks. Crude waste may be rapidly dissolved. Malodours are not generated during treating.
Appts. comprises a decomposition tank (4) to store crude refuse, bacteria to decompose the crude refuse and sawdust to support the bacteria and adjust water content, stirring means (6) to stir crude refuse injected to the decomposition tank, motor (7) to drive the stirring means, heater (5) to heat the outer wall of decomposition tank, means (8) to detect load of motor, and controller (12) to change a time to flow an electric current to the heater according to signals from the load detect means.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To treat domestic crude refuse from kitchens mainly. The appts. can be operated at the optimum operation conditions automatically.
Appts. comprises a treating vessel (8) having an inlet hole (12) of organic waste at the upper part of one end, liq. outlet (13) at the lower part of one end, outlet (14) of treated materials at the lower part of another end and having a circular section with an inclined surface so that the outlet of treated material is placed at a higher part than the liq. outlet, and a transporting screw (31) supported rotatably in the treating vessel to transport organic waste toward the outlet of treated materials by rotating it.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment, dewater and dry unnecessary organic waste, e.g. garbage in homes or restaurants, cut turf or weeds. Organic waste is reclaimed as liq. fertiliser or compost by continuously treating it without use of excess energy.
System has a fermentation tank (A) in which garbage is decomposed with the microorganisms, and a gas washing system which washes a gas (B) inside, (A) by bubbling liq. (C) contg. low mol. wt. furfural polymer (D) with it. Then washed gas (E) is returned to (A). A part of (E) is exhausted into the air. (B) is heated so that the temp. of (B) is higher than that of (C). (D) is prepd. from furfural, alkaline earth metal or alkali metal hydroxide and water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating waste to produce compost. Waste is decomposed without generating odours. Air is introduced into fermentation tank, so that the activities of aerobic microorganisms are promoted.    In an example, (1) is an outer casing, (2) is a fermentation tank, (3) is a lid, (7) is a tank of the liq. (C), (10) is a gas washer and (5) is a heater. 1 kg. of waste was kept at 35 deg.C in the fermentation tank. Gas was treated by (10) and the waste was transformed into compost within 6 days.
System has a fermentation tank (A) with an airtight lid (B), in which waste is fermented by adding microorganisms. Each time (B) is opened to put waste into (A), liq. (C) contg. low mol. wt. furfural polymer (D) is sprayed on the contents. Spraying of (C) is carried out before opening (B). A nozzle that sprays (C) is installed inside (B). (B) is transparent. (D) is prepd. by reacting furfural with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating waste to produce compost. The activity of the microorganisms is rapidly promoted by addn. of (D), without generating odours.    In an example, (1) is a fermentation tank, (4) is a nozzle and (3) is an airtight lid. 1 ml. of (C) was sprayed every time waste was put into the fermentation tank, and the tank was kept at 35 deg.C. Waste was transformed into compost within 6 days.
Appts. comprises a stirrer (1) and crusher (2), both placed in a crude waste treating chamber (6), driven by the same driving source and interlocked with each other. The crusher comprises a fixed blade (21) and rotary blade (22) corresp. to the fixed blade and stirring and mixing by the stirrer and crushing by the crusher are operated in parallel with each other and repeated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to decompose crude waste by using wooden pieces as carriers of microorganisms and mixing and stirring the wooden pieces supporting microorganisms and crude waste. Crude waste is decomposed by microorganisms by repeated stirring, mixing and crushed.
Microbe of Pseudomonas genus having ability to decompose the bond between a hydrocarbon residue having at least 2 carbon atoms and a nitrogen atom in a quat. ammonium salt having at least one hydrocarbon residue having at least 2 carbon atoms opt. substd. and ability to decompose the N-C bond of the tert. amine formed by the above decompsn.    Also claimed is a method for the treatment of a substance contg. a quat. ammonium salt in which the above microbe is contacted with the substance contg. a quat. ammonium salt.    ADVANTAGE -   The microbe decomposes not only the hydrocarbon-N bond but also the C-N bond of the tert. amine and hence is useful as a treating agent for various waste waters and soils.    In an example, 20 mg/l. active sludge of a sewage disposal plant in Utsunomiya city was cultured in a medium contg. dodecyltrimethylammonium salt at 25 deg.C for 48 hrs. 0.5 ml. of the culture was cultured on a plate medium contg. dodecyltrimethyl ammonium salt at 25 deg.C for 120 hrs. The procedure was repeated until a single colony was obtd. The culture was cultured in a liquid medium contg. dodecyltrimethyl ammonium salt at 25 deg.C. The decompsn. of the quat. ammonia salt was traced. After 150 hrs., the quat. ammonium salt was completely decomposed. After 300 hrs. at least 80% of trimethylamine formed was decomposed.
In purifying waste water, (a) the water is brought to pH 6.5-8 by addn. of acid or alkali, and to 20C. and passed through a solids filter, (b) the water is passed upwards through one or more solid bed reactors seeded with microorganisms, and (c) during passage through the solid bed, the water is treated with air or O2.    USE -   Application is to industrial and kitchen waste water, drainage water from dumps, and waste water from soil washing.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is cheap and does not harm the environment. The microorganisms are immobilsed on the solid bed.
To produce biogas and compost from organic waste, the material is thoroughly mixed and homogenised and ground into a fine material, to be passed as a mass into a decomposition stage (5). Fresh sewage sludge is delivered to a ventilation bunker (7) at a rate of about 15% of the dry substance. The material from the rotting stage (5) and the aerated sludge from the bunker (7) are combined to give a mixture with a specific gravity of less than 1, with a mixing temp. of 37-50 C. The matter is passed to a vessel (9) and given a constant movement while the temp. is maintained at 37-40 C. together with the addition of further organic matter to set the pH value to 6.5-7.5.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives the most efficient possible recovery of energy from sorted bio waste, with recycling of the material back into the environment without damage.
Pipelines (24) of 10-30 cm. dia. are treated by introducing a pack, which has been wound with UV-hardening sheet (19), positioning it at the damaged location, and pushing the sheet onto the inner wall of the pipeline (24), by means of air pressure. The sheet is then hardened using a UV light source (18). Finally, the pressure is released to remove the pack. Appts. to carry out the above procedure, is also claimed.    USE -   To repair or refurbish underground pipelines of about 10-30 cm. dia.    ADVANTAGE -   Leakage of gases and liquids from underground pipelines signifies waste and environmental pollution. Unfortunately many such pipelines are not large enough to allow internal manual working. Digging causes disruption and expense, hence a remotely operated automatic device is very attractive. Plenty of methods exist to re-line an entire pipeline, they do not make economic sense in a situation where there are only localised failures, in a length exceeding say 100 m. The subject pack can place the liner at the site of damage, in conjunction with a CCTV camera if necessary. The materials, method of placement and structure of the liner, are aimed at a relatively thin lining to minimise flow obstruction. The in-situ repair is fast, low-cost.
The removal of mercaptans from a paraffin-rich stream comprises: (a) passing a 3-6C paraffin feed stream also contg. less than 5 vol.% each of a mercaptan and an olefinic hydrocarbon, with the olefin having the same number of C as the feed paraffin, into a catalytic distn. soln. operated at conditions for sepn. the cpds. into a net overhead stream comprising S cpds. and dimers of the olefins hydrocarbons, (b) contacting the cpds. in the feedstream in the absence of H with a catalyst bed located in the catalytic distn. column at conditions which effect the prodn. of thioethers by the reaction of mercaptans present in the feed stream with the olefinic hydrocarbons and the dimerisation of olefinic hydrocarbons and (c) removing the net bottom and net overhead streams from the column.    USE -   For removing mercaptans, oxygenates and olefins from paraffin-rich feed streams, esp. in prodn. of motor fuel alkylates e.g. methyl tert.-butyl ether.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces or removes mercaptans and olefins from paraffin hydrocarbons with reduced size and complexity of appts. needed thus reduced costs. Process does not need the use of treating agents e.g. aq. NaOH soln. and their disposal.
An extrudable, expandable compsn. for forming stable, low density polyolefin foam prods. comprises: (a) a plasticised polyolefin resin; and (b) a blowing agent. (b) is selected from ethane and a blend of CO2 and a hydrocarbon selected from n-butane, isobutane, propane, ethane. Amt. of hydrocarbon present is sufficient to form a stable foam with a density of 20-120 kg/m3.    Also claimed are the following: (1) an expandable compsn. for forming polyethylene (PE) foam prods.; (2) as (1); (3) a process for forming an extruded, low density stable polyolefin foam prod.; (4) a process for forming an expanded PE foam prod.; and (5) as (4).    USE -   Thick and thin foam sheets of 1/4 in. to greater than 1/2 in. are formed.    ADVANTAGE -   The blowing agent used reduces problems associated with inert gas blowing agents, VOCs in general, CFCs and HCFCs. Extruded polyolefin foams are formed which have the required pore structure, density i.e. 20-40 kg/m3 and dimensional stability. Amt. and type of hydrocarbon in the blowing agent, the compsn. of the resin, and/or the processing conditions can be controlled so that residual blowing agent associated with fresh foam remains below explosive limits. The blowing agent does not pick up flame when fresh foam is exposed to flame (claimed). An ageing modifier is present to control shrinkage of the foam, and a nucleation agent is present to promote a uniform pore structure (claimed).
Appts. used in metal machining comprises (a) oil supply nozzle supplying cutting oil to the machining area and cutting tool, (b) used cutting oil collection and drainage system for returning used oil back to an oil reservoir, (c) cutting oil reservoir with aerator for increasing the oxygenation of the oil in the reservoir, (d) a cultured nitrifying bacteria source located in the oil reservoir.    USE -   In metal machining applications such as drilling, tuning or similar, using a lubricating cutting oil and particularly in cleaning the used cutting oil ready for reuse.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a biological purificn. of the cutting oil by seeding aerobic bacteria in the oil reservoir, and aerating the oil to decrease the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria thus reducing malodours and irritant in the oil.
These catalysts are prepd. by pptg. the carbonates of Cu and Zn due to heating a soln. of ammonia complexes of the carbonate salts of Cu and Zn. The residue is dried, fired and then moulded. The novelty of these catalysts is that the residue of Cu and Zn carbonates is mixed with oxalic acid, Al hydroxide and chromic acid in a wt. proportion of Cu carbonate : oxalic acid equal to 1.0 : 0.15-0.8. The wt. ratio of Cu carbonate : Al hydroxide is 1.0 : 0.15-0.8, and the wt. ratio of Cu carbonate : chromic acid is 1.0 : 0.17-0.58.    USE -   As a catalyst for CO conversion using steam.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has improved activity.
A polyhydroxy cpd. is allowed to react with a polyisocyanate cpd. in the presence of a foaming agent contg. dichloromonofluoroethane, a catalyst, a foam shaping agent, and other assistant. 3-6C alkanes or a fluorine substitution alkane-based cpd., 0.01-10 pts. wt. per 100 pts. wt. of the entire polyhydroxy cpd. is used.    Pref. the alkane is n-butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, cyclopentane, or their mono-, di-, or tri-multi-substitution chloroalkanes, including hydrofluorocarbon HFC-236, HFC-245, HFC356, HFC-365, or fluorocarbon C3F8, C4F10 or C5F12. The catalyst is dibutyl tin dilaurate, tin octoate, stannas octoate, triethylene diamine or tetramethyl hexamethylene diamine. The shaping agent is polyalkylene alkyl ether, or organopolysiloxane. A flame retarder, a filler, is also used. The polyisocyanate is diphenyl methane diisocyanate, tolylenediisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate or hexamethylene diisocyanate.    USE -   The hard polyurethane foam is used for a heat insulating material useful in a house of a refrigerator.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of the dichloromonofluoroethane having high dissolving power and high b.pt. yields the hard polyurethane foam having less separation between the layered foam layer. The dichloromonofluoroethane depletes the ozone layer less.
The volatile organic compounds or VOCs, are abstracted in a cold scrubber (2) at very low temperatures, where the lighter components are present as fluid condensate. The condensate is removed, pressurised, and passed to heat exchange (10). The extraction stream is heated to ambient temperature, and freed of water in the receiver (21). Dry organic fluid condensate (9), is produced from the plant. The equilibrium between the produced fluid product (9) and the organic vapour quantity contained in the air (1), is compensated, after the adjustment of fluid levels.    USE -   The plant recovers VOCs from the air displaced from refinery tanks, or other organic fluid production and use centres, esp. where modern emission limits are prescribed.    ADVANTAGE -   Other processes using a cold fluid are generally not able to condense the lightest hydrocarbons at temperatures as low as -150 C. The significant achievement of the subject system is to use the cold medium not only as a condensing agent, but also as an absorbent. Hence it can absorb and remove very low boiling, and therefore highly volatile VOCs, at temps. too high for their condensation.
In the fermentation of organic residues, industrial and other organic residues, in 2 or more stages, hydrolysis is a thermophilic process at 50-75C, and CH4formation is also operated thermophillically.    ADVANTAGE -    The process is efficient and does not need complicated machinery or control, addn. of water is a min., the H2S content of the biogas is reduced, additional formation of lactic or propionic acid is avoided, and the higher temps. cause improved hygiene.
Biological noise barrier comprises: (a) an at least temporary sealing layer on a subsoil, opt. above the ground water; (b) a covering heap of soil consisting of alternating horizontal layers of contaminated soil and drainage layers, the slope being 35-60 on at least one side; and (c) plants planted on the top and sloping surfaces of the wall providing a noise barrier and reducing contamination.    Also claimed is a method for producing and operating the barrier.    USE -   The structure is useful not only as noise barrier but also as biobed for restoration of contaminated soil.    ADVANTAGE -   The system can be constructed easily and at low cost.
The digester, primarily for animal waste, has a lower, conical first stage (2) and a ring-shaped second stage (3), interconnected by transfer openings (12). At the top of the digester, the gas spaces (6,7) are for CH4 and CO2. Heaters (8) adjust the process temperature in the first stage (2). To prevent a floating mat accumulation, there are arrangements (9) for thorough mixing. In the second stage (3), between the first stage (2) and the reactor inner wall, there is an aerobic filter (4). This is glass fibre, mounted on a carrier frame in a star profile. The lower part of the second stage (3), is constructed as a sludge bed reactor (5).    USE -   To treat plant- and animal wastes, especially sludge, as well as inorganic waste products. To obtain an unusually high calorific value of bio-gas, enriched in methane.    ADVANTAGE -   Pollution from animal waste is on the increase; factory farming contributes to the problem. Undigested material is rich in nitrogen; leads to ammonia emissions. Chemical and membrane filtration technologies have been proposed to dispose of the sludge, but are costly. Bio-gas reactors are attractive, but a number of drawbacks in the prior art, are cited. This bio-reactor claims a higher working efficiency, with effective adaptation to differing working conditions, and security of function. The requirement for, and expense of additional equipment is minimal. CO2 produced predominantly in the first stage is separated. Higher calorific value methane, and a worthwhile reduction in plant volume results.
The watertight container (1) receives contaminated material (2), e.g. earth, for treatment. Water, and agents promoting breakdown of pollutants are supplied. Process water and air from the skip, are intercepted to be filtered or cleaned, and recirculated. The closure of the container (1) is air- and water- vapour permeable. At the top, the fluid is distributed by the trickling irrigator (4); at the base, the interceptor (6) collects the effluent air and process water. Reduced pressure is used to remove them. In addition to the plant described, the system for treatment, and the method of treatment, are also claimed.    USE -   To purify uplifted, contaminated earth. Suitable for crude, and other petroleum-based pollution.    ADVANTAGE -   Reconditioning of contaminated earth, is of ever increasing significance. Operators can no longer rely on tipping, since suitable sites become more and more scarce. Fixed facilities are known, where soil may be taken for treatment, with obvious transport penalties. Such plant is expensive to install and use. The outstanding advantage of the subject system, is that it may be delivered and set up on site. at the point of need. The capacity may be stacked to any required level, to balance, e.g. the quantity of contamination, and required rate of disposal. The system intercepts its own air and water, will not be a nuisance in its own right. Activated carbon or biological filters may be used for their treatment. Suitable nutrients, intended to stimulate the growth of microorganisms, to break down the contaminants, are already available commercially. A diet of ''BIOCRACK'' (RTM) may be employed, for example.
A method of distributing compost comprises packing the compost into a bag of biodegradable material and placing the bag at the base of a growing plant. The bag is made of Kraft paper, and has perforations that are too small to permit the passage of significant amounts of compost, but act to promote the disintegration of the bag into small pieces. Reissue of the entry advised in week 9544 based on complete specifications.    Pref. the material for the compost is sewage sludge, which may be pelleted and optionally coated with a polymer to retard the rate of disintegration in the presence of water. Additives such as fertilizer, a water absorbent substance, lime, gypsum, herbicides, or pesticides may be incorporated into the fertiliser, and may also include seed for specific application, such as re-vegetation.    USE -   For spreading compost on agricultural land, in gardens, for landscaping, in forestry, and similar applications.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a convenient means of distributing compost using bags which biodegrade in the presence of water into small pieces which scatter in a less unsightly manner.
A method of treating compost consists of pelletising the compost and coating the pellets with a polymer. A polymer may also be distributed in the compost as an alternative method, or the pellets may be coated as well as mixed with said polymer, the purpose of the polymer being to slow the rate of disintegration of said pellets in the presence of water. If organic material is incorporated in the compost, it may be broken down in a hammer mill before pelleting.    The pref. material for the compost is sewage sludge, and additives such as fertilizer, water absorbent material, seed, lime, gypsum, herbicides, or pesticides may be incorporated.    USE -   For preparing compost, together with any desirable additives, into pelletised form for ease of handling.    ADVANTAGE -   A greater mass of compost can be accommodated in a given volume when pelletised. Reissue of the entry advised in week 9544 based on complete specifications.
The travelling assembly to work through and turn over stacked loose materials in wall structures, such as laid clamps of compost and the like, has a clearing shield (6) for each clearing system for the equipment tracks. Each shield (6) can be swung from a position along the direction of travel to a setting across it, and swing between the tracks automatically to be lifted at a pitch angle.    USE -   The assembly is a tracked vehicle, with the mechanisms to work through or turn over compost and similar materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure gives a compact assembly, with effective clearing of material in the vehicle path and deflection of it into the space between the tracks forming the working zone where the material is turned over.
An adsorbent particle for storing natural gas comprising a hydrophobic C mol. sieve having a pore vol. of at least 0.4 mL/g and at least 80% of its particle pore vol. consisting of micropores of dia. 0.55-0.65 nm.. The prepn. of a C mol. sieve involves: (a) combining and mixing in an aq. soln. 10-50% vinylidene chloride, 0.1-2% suspending agent and a polymerisation initiator; (b) heating the combined soln. to 40-800 C; (c) maintaining the heated mixt. for time sufficient to polymerise vinylidene chloride; (d) recovering the prod. from (c); and (e) carbonising the recovered vinylidene chloride polymer of (d) in an inert atmos. to produce the C mol. sieve by heating in steam, CO2 or O2 to increase the micropore size to the above range.    USE -   For storage of natural gas esp. at near ambient temps..    ADVANTAGE -   Increased capacity for natural gas storage.
A solution of soluble collagen (I) is produced by (a) providing a ground slurry (II) of insoluble collagen; (b) adding a proteolytic enzyme (III) to (II); (c) reacting (II) with (III) to produce solution (I); and (d) withdrawing (I) as product.    USE -   Solubilised collagen is of use in prodn. of paper with higher strength from recycled fibres, and as a binder for cellulosic materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost of the present method is lower than that of prior enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods.
Wood pulp is produced by: (a) treating wood chips with sufficient sulphite salt to inhibit indigenous microorganism growth; the salt is one that inhibits such growth but permits heavy growth of white-rot fungi; (b) introducing the treated chips to a bioreactor; (c) inoculating with a culture of Ceriporiopsis subvermisipora (C. sub), a white-rot fungus; sufficient sulphite salt remains in the chips to permit growth of C. sub.; (d) incubating under conditions favourable to the growth of C. sub; and (e) mechanically pulping the incubated chips to form a paper pulp. Also claimed is prodn. of paper with the pulp so produced.    ADVANTAGE -   Paper of sufficient strength is made with less energy expenditure than by prior methods, and at lower cost. Unsterilised wood chips may be used. Effluent is environmentally acceptable.
A compost curing system has a bay with one sidewall and a V-shaped turning appts., one leg formed by a pair of counter-rotating augers and the other a conveyor, with an adjustment hinge at the V base. The appts. is pivotally connected to a support carriage movable along a bridge crane overlying the bay with one end supported on the sidewall and the other by a beam with a bottom foot.    The appts. is positioned in an off-loading area with the augers contacting the compost pile edge to fragment the compost and move it onto the conveyor for transporting into new piles and the crane is stepped along the sidewall after each traverse of the carriage. The bay is pref. enclosed and has an air circulation system with a heat regulator and deodorising biofilter.    USE -   For reducing pathogens in solid waste or sewage sludge compost after exiting a digester.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits automatic and highly flexible processing.
An organic material composting container (1) is fitted with a lid (8) with ventilation openings (10). A mesh plate (4) is fitted above the base to support the material and further openings are placed in the side wall (6) to aerate the contents. Below the plate, compartments (12,13) collect accumulated liquids and there are removed via a tap (7) at the base of the container.    USE -   The composting of household organic materials in a compact and hygienic manner.    ADVANTAGE -   Liquids produced during composting may be safely disposed of. Mfr. is simple and the container may be easily moved. The contents may be discarded in the normal way, should composting be unsuccessful.
An appts. to dry material, e.g. animal waste and manure, partic. chicken manure and/or granular or powdered prods., comprises a vessel (1) holding the material and a drying air supply (7,8). The vessel is a cylindrical drum, with a length at least ten times the dia., provided with a material distributor (9,10) and a drive (11,12) to rotate the drum around the central axis (14).    USE -   The drying of material, e.g. animal waste and manure, partic. chicken manure and/or granular or powdered prods.    ADVANTAGE -   The dryer uses warm air either directly from, or pre-heated by, the animal stalls. Mfr. is simple with low costs. Good drying results from a long cycle with a high surface area presented to the air.
Digestion ratio is obtd from a batch-operational formula, from evapn residue, ignition residue and loss, inorganic material concn and organic material ratio of fresh and digested sludge and the mixed ratio of them.    USE -   Used for measurement of digestion ratio with min error.
Material removing suspended solid comprises hydrated polymer gel particles. Bacteria are fixed on the surface of the particles. Fibrous material is also planted on the surface.    USE -   For bioreactor in sewage or waste water treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Active bacteria can be fixed on the particles over a long time. The particles can collect SS effectively.
Machine comprises a machine body (1) having a crude refuse treating chamber (2), pliable treating bag (16) placed in the crude refuse treating chamber to store microorganisms to decompose crude refuse, and stirring devices (21) to repeat the push of the treating bag from the outside and release of the treating bag from the push to stir the microorganisms and crude refuse at the inside of treating bag.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose domestic refuse discharged by using the machine in which crude refuse and microorganisms are stirred by applying a pushing force from the outside. The maintenance of the machine is easy, power consumption is low and materials stored in the treating bag are easily discharged.
Rotary drum type crude refuse treating machine comprises a fixed support shaft (31) placed laterally and fixed on a leg part (30), rotary drum type treating vessel (51) rotating around the fixed support shaft at a low speed by the rotation of motor (42), air supply tube (70) connected to a blower (45) with a temp. controller of supplying air to supply air to the treating vessel through a hollow part at one end of fixed support shaft and discharge tube (80) to discharge air in the treating vessel to the outside of treating vessel through a hollow part at another end of fixed support shaft.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to provide small-sized rotary type crude refuse machines to compost garbage discharged from general homes and others by using aerobic bacteria. Capable of mixing crude refuse and composting medium and their mixt. and air continuously to increase a composting efficiency and increasing a capacity to treat crude refuse.
The lower part of the front wall of an outer box (11) forms an openable cover-form part (11a). The lower part on the front side of a microorganism culturing floor material tank (13) forms an openable cover-form part (13a). During exchange of an inner microorganism cultivating floor material (24) of the microorganism culturing floor material tank (13), the culturing floor material (24) is discharged to the front side.    ADVANTAGE -   Exchange of a microorganism culturing floor is facilitated.
A waste decomposing appts. (A) includes carriers (B) made of synthesised material (C) carrying microorganisms.    USE -   For decomposing waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Carrier used in this method can not be decomposed by microorganisms, so that garbage can be decomposed without adding it carriers of microorganisms.
Appts comprises a treating tank (3) to decompose waste by stirring and mixing the waste, microorganisms and sawdust (10) as decomposing medium, a water detector (11) to detect water in the mixt and a water content controller comprising a stirrer (6), pump (8) and heater (9) to control the water content of the mixt so that the water content detected by the water detector is maintained constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in homes to treat waste. A good decomposition state of waste is maintained for a long period, the use time of sawdust as decomposing medium is increased and the treating tank is miniaturised.
Ventilation holes (9a, 9b) with a filter through which the inside and the outside of a reaction tank (3) are communicated are formed in a reaction tank (3). A blower (13) to forcibly ventilate the interior of the reaction tank and vary a blast direction so that the ventilation holes are respectively brought into the form of a ventilation hole on the inflow side or a ventilation hole on the outflow side is arranged in the reaction tank. By changing a blast direction, the forms of the ventilation holes are reversed by the blower (13).    ADVANTAGE -   A ventilation hole on the air outflow side having a filter on the inner surface of which powder dust is trapped reversely is brought into the air inflow side after switching, so that powder dust adhered on the inner surface of the filter of the ventilation hole brought into the inflow side is blown off in the reaction tank. Powder dust catching function is maintained.
Appts comprises a treating tank (11) with fermentation material (13) to ferment and decompose injected waste and gas conversion means (14) to convert CO2 generated by decomposition in the treating tank to O2 necessary for fermentation.    Also claimed is a waste treatment appts comprising the treating tank in which organisms converting CO2 to O2 by photosynthesis coexist, irradiation means (21) to irradiate light necessary for the photosynthesis and the gas conversion means forming a solid construction with the treating tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for aerobic fermentation type waste treatment appts without ventilation. Dust and malodour do not leak to the outside and CO2 is converted to O2 in the treating tank for reuse for fermentation.
Treatment plant for a combination of unsorted industrial and/or domestic and/or urban and/or hospital waste using two energy converters mounted in tandem is disclosed. One is an electrically heated fixed thermolyser and the other is a steam or electric generator. The two are driven by an expert system to optimise the combination of waste.    The molecules in the waste are cracked at 450-650 C in a first thermal electric converter without preliminary drying, after crushing the waste with the exception of tyres which remain whole. The installation produces two phases. The first is solid (metals are sorted magnetically for ferrous, by Foucault current for non-ferrous) and carbonated dehalogenated solids before they are put in a form for sale (briquettes or balls) or storage. The other is gaseous and is immediately useable for generating electricity or steam.    USE -   Treatment of waste in a system which is non-polluting, secure and affordable.
Absorbent granules for horticultural use, are composed of diatomaceous earth mixed with a urea formaldehyde resin in an amount of 20-50 pts. resin to 100 pts. earth.    Absorbent granules are produced by mixing damp diatomaceous earth with resin which contains an acid catalyst. Granules are shaped by extruding and then dried at 95-180 deg. C. The earth is initially taken from filter cakes obtained in a beer- or wine-making plant.    USE -   Used as substitute soil for hydroponic cultures and pot plants. Also, used for resorption of liquid pools of water or oil in domestic or industrial locations.    ADVANTAGE -   Water retention is at least 8% and the air vol. is above 20%. Structural stability is above 80% and the pH is 3.5 to 8. The permeability is above 15 (pref. above 25) darcys.
Biological treatment of wastes (such as household wastes, etc). which contain organic materials, in a multi-step degradation process, comprises: (a) communication and conditioning of the wastes to a pumpable and stirrable suspension; and (b) rendering the wastes inert by subjecting them to anaerobic conditions. Step (b) is carried out in continuous passage through at least two sequential reaction areas. It is carried out such that the suspension entering the individual reaction areas has a substantially constant solids content.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows complete degradation of the wastes, even when these contain organic substances which are difficult to break down.
A process is claimed for the disposal of waste material (I) in which the solid components consist mainly of polyester, polylactide, polylactone and/or polycarbonate plastics, and which is contaminated with potentially infectious biological substances. The process comprises (A) incubating (I) in aq. medium in the presence of micro-organisms (II) and/or (B) heating in aq. alkaline medium until the solid plastic is at least partly dissolved.    Also claimed is micro-organism SK 37 (DSM 8962).    USE -   Micro-organism SK 37 (or micro-organisms with an equiv. power of degradation) is used for the liquefaction of biodegradable plastics in aq. media (claimed). Also claimed is the use of polyhydroxybutyric acid copolymers for the prodn. of plastic laboratory materials (pref. moulded pipette tips, reaction vessels, optical cells and microtitration plates) which are completely biodegradable by micro-organisms within 20 days, and the use of polyhydroxy-fatty acid polymers for the prodn. of such materials which are completely degraded by heating under alkaline conditions for 24 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables the inexpensive disposal of large amounts of waste plastic material from laboratories, industrial units and hospitals in a reasonable time without using aggressive chemicals and without adverse environmental effects.
The sensor has: a) several gas sensitive fields, which are thin, semiconductive, metal oxide films; b) two electrodes connected to each field; c) modified electrical conductivity in each field, achieved by variations in temperature, composition, doping and/or coating, in contact with the reducing or oxidising gases; d) fields forming a continuous surface; e) electrodes laid out in bands; and f) a division of the continuous fields such that each is delimited by two electrodes.    USE -   The sensor detects reducing gases, e.g., H2, CH4, CO, and vapours, e.g. EtOH. It also detects oxidising gases, e.g.: NO2. Analytical determinations of mixtures are achieved. Gases not reacting under the conditions of use, e.g. N2, CO2 and the noble gases, are not detected.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction aims at simple manufacture,using typical microcircuit vapour deposition and doping techniques. It avoids the time consuming and expensive formation of individual sensor regions, with separate piecewise addition of electrodes. Four detailed examples of construction are given for differing sensors. Variations in structure and composition of the fields make it possible to identify, and to quantify, individual components in a mixture of several gases. Numbers of parallel detection areas make possible the omission of connections to any regions found defective, a form of redundancy. It is also possible to vary the sensitivity, by altering the number of connected fields. The sensor should be used at several hundred degrees C., typically 300-400 C, and may have it sown built-in heater for the purpose. A platinum deposit is used as a resistance thermometer if required.
Conditioning compost comprises reducing the buffer capacity of the compost by adding acid and/or a cpd. that produces acid as a result of microbial metabolism. Also new is acidic compost produced this way.    USE -   The method produces a material of stable acidic pH (3-7) which can replace peat in many horticultural applications, e.g. as soil conditioner; growth medium for lime-hating plants; control of acidophobic potato scab or mushroom growing medium.    ADVANTAGE -    These additives remove excessive lime and prevent loss of NH3. They can be applied to composts of varying degrees of maturity (including fully conditioned material) and make possible composting of materials such as lime-treated clarified sludge that are usually difficult to treat.
A rectangular container has at least four upright corner posts (11) . Upper and lower horizontal rails (16, 18) extend between the posts and boards are secured to the rails. In one aspect the container has a hinged lid covering its open top. In another aspect the rails are opposite facing U-shaped channels with the ends of the boards retained in them so as to define four walls. Also claimed is a kit for making the container    USE -   Bins for compost or storing recyclable bottles, cans, plastics, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Cheap, attractive rugged and easily assembled container
A composting device has a hollow rotatable polygonal drum (21) mounted on a base (10). The drum has a rigid polygonal frame (24a, 24b) at each end with boards (28) secured to the frames to define its end and side walls. The drum has a loading door (38). At each corner of the drum is a reinforcing member (36a, 36b). Pref the base is rectangular and the drum hexagonal. The boards are pressure treated wood.    Also claimed is a kit for making a composting device and including the end frames of right angles cross section, reinforcing members    USE -   Composting device    ADVANTAGE -   Cheap, attractive rugged and easily assembled
The biodegradability of a sample is determined by placing it in an aerated culture solution, and measuring the amt. of carbon dioxide liberated, biodegradability being determined on the basis of this amt. The amt. is measured by passing the CO2 into a non-precipitating alkali solution, and measuring the conductivity of the solution; the amt. of CO2 absorbed is determined on the basis of the conductivity.    USE -   For plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   Simpler and faster than the standard Sturm test, time-consuming titrations are avoided, and the method is automatic.
Degradation resistant organic pollutants (I) are degraded by: (a) contacting (I) with lignin-degrading fungal enzymes (II) expressed by Phanerochaete chrysosporium (white rot fungus) (III) in presence of hydrogen peroxide; and (b) allowing degradation to proceed until (I) is converted to less toxic degradation products. At least one of (I) consists of an aromatic hydrocarbon (Ia) having three or more fused rings, which consists of coal tar or a constituent or distillation fraction thereof or a cpd. capable of being obtained from coal tar.    USE -   Environmentally hazardous pollutants which are difficult to degrade are disposed of.    ADVANTAGE -   Disposal may take place in the environment without use of expensive collection and transportation procedures, and under aerobic conditions; toxic products are not produced. Organic cpds. may be completely degraded to carbon dioxide and water.
The constituent (C) contained in an organic liq. (L) is converted into a prod. (P) by (a) introducing (L) into a vessel; (b) introducing an aq. liq. (A) in droplet form into the vessel into contact with (L), the droplets contg. biocatalyst (B); (c) subjecting the droplets on entry into (L) to an electric field, to cause the droplets to rupture forming microdroplets; (d) opt. subjecting the droplets during flow through (L) to a second electric field to cause re-coalesced droplets to continuously recoalesce and rupture to microdroplets; (e) reacting (B) with (C) to form (P); (f) recovering (L) depleted in (C); and (g) recovering (A).    An appts. for the process is also claimed.    USE -   Used for desulphurisation of petroleum using sulphate-reducing bacteria. Another application is reaction of phenols by oxidn. catalysed by horseradish peroxidase.
In situ soil remediation method involves placing an anode (81) and cathode (82) in uncontaminated or contaminated soil. Direct current potential is applied between the anode and cathode. A flow of groundwater is pushed towards the cathode (82), Nutrients, process additives and biological agents are injected and transported into the uncontaminated or contaminated soil between the electrodes (81,82). Multi species transport mechanisms under electrical fields including electrokinetic processes are used for pushing the flow of microbial-laden and nutrient laden ground water into the soil contaminated with organic pollutants and hazardous metals. The DC polarity is reversed for pulling and pushing of the biological agents from either uncontaminated soil or other contaminated soil. The pushing and pulling cycle is repeated to increase subsurface contacting between the microbial populations and the organic pollutant food sources. Electrokinetic processing of the soil is done for removal of the hazardous metals until soil remediation is completed.    USE -   In-situ remediation method for in-situ bio-electrokinetic remediation of contaminated soil contg. hazardous mixed wastes as organic pollutants and hazardous heavy metals.
Water contg. polymer, partic. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer, gel particles prepd. by wet coagulation and having coarse surface of skin-like coating film, partic. the surface is made by wet or dry abrasion up to penetrate the film.    The material is PVA polymer. PVA having average polymerisation degree of 1,000 or over, pref. 1,700 or over and saponification rate of 98.5 mole% or over, ref. 99.85 mole% or over is dissolved in water and opt. with added water soluble polymer polysaccharides (e.g. Na alginate) at wt. ratios of 0.2-4, pref. 0.05-1.0, pref. 0.1-0.5 mole/L. The resultant gel is used to give particles having diameters of 1-10 mm and abraded with known abrasives. Microorganisms (e.g. Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, Acetobacter, Streptomyces, Saccharomyces, and Candida) are immobilised on the surface of the particles by known methods.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for carriers for bioreactors. Provides improved immobilisation of microorganisms as biocatalysts with coarse surfaces made by abrasion.    In an example, in a 8 wt.% soln. of PVA with average polymerisation degree of 1,700 and saponification rate of 99.98 mole%, 5% Na alginate soln. was added up to make 10% soln. The resultant soln. was added by spraying in 0.5 mole/L of aq. CaCl2 soln. to give particles having average diameters of 5mm. The obtained gel mixt. was frozen at -20 deg.C and thawed at 20 deg.C, three times. The gel mixt. was abraded with silica sand. The resultant prod. was poured in active sludge mixt. and the activity of adhered microorganism was determined and expressed by oxygen consumption rate. The prod. gave relative rate of 210, while control gp. without abrasion gave corresponding rate of 23.
A composting-accelerating agent contg. a mould, NP-350, as its active component is new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new composting-accelerating agent is useful in making compost from organic materials at low temp. and therefore suitable for that purpose in cold climate. The mould NP-350, which is capable of decomposing cellulose, the major component of plant and favours cold season, effectively accelerates composting at low temp. from organic materials, e.g. fallen leaves, withered grass, rice straw, etc.    In an example, an aerobic fungus belonging to the genus Scedosporium and species Apiospermum (FERM P-14027) was select-cultured at 20 deg.C in a solid potato dextrose agar medium (pH 4.6-4.8). The culture was crushed and pulverized into powder. The powder thus prepd. is mixed with or sprayed over organic materials to accelerate composting.
A barrier for preventing the spread of pollutants in the soil or ground water, based on humic substances, is claimed.    Also claimed is a process for producing a barrier as above, comprising introducing a humate soln. into the soil and then precipitating humic substances.    ADVANTAGE -   The barrier becomes colonised with microorganisms that accelerate pollutant degradation, and is effective even under anaerobic conditions (cf. DE4242682).
Hydrodechlorination of a chlorinated alkane (I) to give reaction prods. including its corresp. less-chlorinated alkane and HCl, is effected by reacting (I) with H2in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst comprising a supported mixt. of active Gp.VIII hydrogenating metals in elemental or cpd. form on a support.     The Gp. VIII metals are pref. Pt and Ru. The catalyst is a bimetallic catalyst of Pt and Ru on a support. The support is an inert support and is pref. Si or more pref. high surface area C. The reaction conditions include pressures of 1 atmos.-1000 psig at 25-400C, a residence time of 0.1-7200s and a H2 /(I) feed molar ratio of 0.2:1-100:1. Owing to the highly exothermic nature of the reaction a high heat capacity inert (e.g. CH4) may be incorporated in the feed (addn. of which may be staged) to moderate reaction rate.    USE -   The process may be used to convert 1,2-dichloropropane to predominantly propane and HCl.    ADVANTAGE -   Chlorinated alkanes are converted into a less-chlorinated, and esp. non-chlorinated alkanes and HCl. Esp. 30% (and 93%) of 1,2-dichloropropane is converted to prods. including propane.
Water, esp. condensate, from a compost plant, is oxygenated, especially by aeration. It is then filtered by reverse osmosis. The raw condensate is first modified, to facilitate biological clarification. The content of the water, determining oxygen demand, is measured; the quantity of material to be separated out is determined. Raw condensate is inoculated, to set the metabolic functions of the micro-organisms. The predetermined material to be separated, is filtered out. Metabolism in the bio-reactor is oxygen-controlled, esp. by air input, and/or the nutrient input, and/or pH control, and/or temperature control. Filter performance, esp. membrane filter performance, is controlled by pressure and/or throughput. Also claimed are: The use of a bio-reactor, a composting process, and composting equipment.    USE -   For the efficient purification and ultrafiltration of water condensed from a composting process, and to construct and use the necessary bio-reactor for the purpose. To integrate the system with, and run the compositing process.    ADVANTAGE -   Processes are known where the water from compositing is condensed on a cool surface, sufficiently cool to prevent external pollution and odours. The resulting fluid is difficult to treat, has a high oxygen demand and can cause equipment blockage. The present system takes the condensate through a controlled, improved cleaning process, reducing the chemical and biological oxygen demand in the bio-reactor. The process is well controlled through measurements of key parameters, pH, temperature, etc. with judicious oxygen and nutrient addition. Air is circulated in a largely closed cycle, preventing odour. Ultrafiltration results in a particularly clean, useful product, sufficiently pure to make up, e.g. the cooling water circuit.
Thermal decomposition of mixts. of synthetic waste involves (a) pre-treatment of the mixt. by comminution and opt. drying, (b) prodn. of a pumpable compsn. by melting and dissolution in an aromatic oil fraction obtd. from the process, and (c) splitting the polymer in a pref. indirectly heated liq. phase pyrolysis reactor, with addn. of H-donors.    ADVANTAGE -    A hydrogenation stage is avoided, and no compressed, gaseous H2 is needed. Prod. yield is above 800 kg/1000 kg of waste mixt., energy need is below 2.5 GJ/1000 kg of waste mixt., the Cl content of the syncrude prod. is below 1 ppm, and pollutants are recovered as NaCl, H2 S and NH3.
The breaking down of high MW cpds. in compsns. contg. solids involves (a) comminuting the compsn. and mixing with water, or comminuting during or after admixture with water, to form a slurry, (b) adding a silane before or during the prodn. of the slurry, or to form the slurry, (c) subjecting the slurry to ultrasonic treatment until the high MW cpds. have been degraded to lower MW cpds. more easily degradable by microorganisms, and (d) degrading the organic cpds. by means of microorganisms.    USE -   The compsn. is esp. soil contg. (highly condensed) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The silanes are non-toxic, and are degraded by microorganisms, leaving Si-O-Si gps., which occur naturally.
Organic waste is composted in an upright, self-emptying enclosure (10) formed with a perforated, compost-exiting side wall (12). The waste is placed in the enclosure into which epigeic earthworms are introduced. Periodically additional organic waste is added. An active composting layer is maintained in the enclosure and the resulting compost is naturally expelled through the perforated side wall.    USE -   Esp. for creating compost from organic kitchen waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost is produced without the need for turning or mechanical removal.
A method of reducing the concn. of gaseous or vapour phase organic cpd(s) present in a gaseous stream comprises causing the stream to flow in contact with an interior surface of a water-insoluble, selectively permeable sheet, tubular or envelope-type polymeric membrane, whose permeability to the organic cpd. exceeds its permeability to chloride ion, whilst simultaneously maintaining in contact with an external surface of the membrane an aq. reaction medium contg. biologically active reaction means such as biomass bacteria or algae or other microorganism or immobilised cells capable of reacting with the organic cpd after if permeates from the gaseous stream through the membrane from the interior to the external surface.    USE -   Volatile organic cpds. such as chlorinated solvents and aromatics (dichloromethane, benzene, toluene etc) or opt. substd. alkanes can be treated. The gaseous stream comprises waste gas from an industrial or municipal process and contains several pollutant organic cpds., at least one of which is volatile.    ADVANTAGE -   Large gas-liquid interface and high gas velocities can be obtd. without significant pressure drops observed in biofilters and bioscrubbers. The membrane acts as a barrier between the biomedium and the contaminated gas stream, thus avoiding the entry into the biomedium of cpds. which would hinder biological degradation. Ready control of pH and removal of biooxidation prods is possible. The solutes may be transferred at a higher rate than in conventional systems and microorganisms maintained in a favourable growth environment. The ageing and required renewal of packaging material is avoided. Treatment of cpds with low water solubility is possible. The dimensions of the equipment are more compact and no disposal of sludge is necessary.
Appts. comprises two mashers (1,2) comprising cylinders (10,20) having inlets (11,21) at one end and outlets (14,24) at the other end and screws (13,23) in the cylinders. The outlet of one masher is connected to the inlet of another masher. At the outlet of each masher, a parting means (19,29) is positioned to maintain a transportation pressure inside the masher, and at the inside of each cylinder of masher a shearing member (15,25) is placed to crush and stir a transported raw material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to compost excrement of livestock or crude waste. Fermentation process necessary for compositing is reduced to miniaturise the composting appts. and prevent malodour from diffusing.
Sludge is composted by concentrating excess active sludge in a concentrating and storing tank (11) by drawing membrane-transmitted water by using a membrane separator (12) dipped in the tank, injecting conc. sludge and return sludge of the excess active sludge to the front end of a transporting passage (17a) of a lateral fermentation tank (17), shifting them from the front end to the back end of the passage, stirring, mixing and crushing them, fermenting them during shifting to compost them, taking out the composed and fermented sludge at the back end of the passage and simultaneously returning a part of the fermented sludge as return sludge.    USE -   Used to ferment and compost excess active sludge generating in sewage facilities.
The frame portion is formed by fusing a number of adjoining synthetic fibre frames composing filaments to each other, which are woven in peripheral portions of a cloth.    USE -   Used as a flat filter attached to an inlet of air conditioner, a microorganism breeding bed in a microorganism contact type water purifying plant, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   The framed cloth works for different fields for weaving of cloth and forming of frame portions can be performed by single process.
The waste water-contg. region (7-1) is kept in aerobic state by aeration with air (30a) in the presence of solid particles (8) carrying aerobic microorganisms and anaerobic microorganisms, and then (7-1) is kept in almost anaerobic state by aeration with N2 rich air (30b). These treatments are repeated to remove organic material and nitrogen cpds..    USE -   Process to remove organic material and nitrogen material from organic waste water.
A yeast body suspension of a total volatile solid (TVS) of 30 to 100 g/l is treated by a two-phase methane fermentation including liquifying treatment and gasifying treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The yeast body can be converted to methane gas efficiently to make its economical treatment possible.
Crude waste treatment tank (A) comprises a transporting means (1) to transport crude waste upward and inject the crude waste in a storing vessel (1a) to a hopper (2), a hopper having an opening at its upper part to receive crude waste and a screw feeder (3) at its lower part to crush crude waste coarsely, a crusher (4) to finely crush coarsely crushed waste, a suction hopper (5) to suck finely crushed waste, crude waste transportation pipe (7) connected to the suction hopper, branch pipes (7a,7b,7c) to change the transportation direction of crude waste, storing vessels (8a,8b,8c) for each branch pipe, fermentation tanks (12a,12b,12c) connected to the storing vessels and fitted with valves to discharge residues after fermentation, drying tanks (14a,14b,14c) to store the residues after fermentation, drying tanks (14a,14b,14c) to store the residues to dry them, malodour and steam transporting pipe connected to the storing vessels and bag fitter (18) to remove malodours and steam from malodours, steam and fine dust supplied by the malodour and steam transporting pipe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment a large amt. of crude waste generated in public facilities. Crude waste generated in large amts. is reclaimed and the treatment appts. is automated.
Appts. comprises a fermentation drum (1) having a circular section at least at its lower part, 1st parting plates (4) and 2nd parting plates (5) crossing the axial direction of the drum to give specific distances between adjacent parting plates to divide the drum. The parting plates are placed alternately. The 1st parting plates intercept the space in the drum except an air passage formed at the lower part and the 2nd parting plates intercept the space in the drum except an air passage formed at the upper part.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment organic waste, e.g, crude waste, excrement of livestock, agricultural fishery or food industry waste or sludge aerobically and rapidly to mfr. soil improving agent or organic fertilisers. The efficiency of fermentation is increased by contacting materials to be treated with air frequently.
Aerobic fermentation is effected by stirring and maintaining the moisture content of organic material by gas blowing temp. controlled atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic material is treated uniformly and efficiently.
High water content organic material, e.g. garbage or sludge, is crushed, dehydrated to contain 65-75% water by a mechanical dehydrator, dried to contain 55-70% water, and aerobic bacteria are added to effect fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   Before fermentation, the water content in the organic material is adjusted to a suitable level for fermentation, to improve efficiency.    In an example, garbage, waste, cattle sewage or pig excreta, contg. 78-92 wt.% water, were crushed to 2-20 mm grains, dehydrated to 68-78 wt.% water content by a centrifuge, and dehydrated to 60-65 wt.% water content by a rotary drum. Bacteria were added, and fermentation was effected.
Appts. comprises scoops (28) to stir and move organic materials by rotation, a scoop appts. (22) fitted with the scoops and inclined so that its upper part is at the front side and lower part at the back side and a scoop type switching appts. (20) fitted with the scoop appts. and shifting reciprocatively along the longitudinal direction of the fermentation tank (1). In the scoop appts. its inclining direction and the rotation direction of the scoops are changed according to the shift direction of the switching appts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment organic materials, e.g, municipal waste, excrement of livestock, waste of food industry and sludge aerobically to compost them. The efficiency of fermentation is increased by increasing the frequency of stirring.
Zeolite contains SiO2 and Al2O3, which the mol ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 is more than 15, and carries ion exchange Pd.    Used for contacting combustion O2 and gas contg. methane.
A microorganism, to decompose a bad smelling gas, is supported on a hollow cylinder of nonwoven cloth (specific gravity is below 2.0, thickness = 1-5mm) which is thermally treated at 200-4500 C and compressed at 30-600 mg/cm2. The cloth is packed in a housing equipped with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a water scatter and a pH controller (packing density = 40-80%), contacted with the bad smelling gas to decompose it.    ADVANTAGE -   Bad smelling gas is decomposed efficiently and stably with low pressure loss.
Appts. for compost prodn. by natural biological decomposition of vegetable and organic waste, consists of an opt. reinforced rigid metallic housing which has a rectangular parallelepipedic external shape and which is assembled by welding, rivetting or bolting. The housing has upper charging and lower discharging openings (F1, F2), vertical sides (1) and back (2), a sloping front (3), a rounded base (4) which allows compost to slide towards the front discharge opening (F2) and which has an angled overflow edge (5). A lower part is sealed over a height (H) for retaining liq.. The appts. is corrosion protected.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. does not require tilting for compost discharge, does not require stirring of its contents, and has aesthetic appearance for installation on promenades or in green spaces or gardens. It is installed in the open air to accelerate waste decomposition. Furthermore, appts. can be continuously charged and discharged and may be mfd. in various sizes.
An organic material composting bin (1) has a liq. draining valve (7) mounted near the base of the bin (1). Pref. the bin (1) is a standard wheeled dustbin or waste bin and the draining valve (7) is fitted in the lower part of the bin. The bin has a grille (4) mounted above its base to support compost material; ventilation orifices (6) below the level of the grille and in the lid (10).    ADVANTAGE -   The valve allows liq. to be drained off when desired.
Composting organic matter having high water content comprises: (i) fermentation and decomposition step; (ii) thermal decomposition step; and (iii) final drying. In fermentation and decomposition step, the organic matter is held in treatment tank under supply of air for 1-3 hrs. at temp. between ordinary temp. and 60 deg.C while heating. The matter is then agitated and ground into rice porridge-like state and aerobic fermentation performed. Generated gas and water vapour are extracted to outside of treatment tank to perform dehydration and drying thereof to water content of not more than 65%. In thermal decomposition step, temp. of fermentation and decomposition prod. is between 1-6 hrs. at 60-100 deg.C to cause thermal decomposition. Generated gas and water vapour are extracted to outside of treatment tank to perform dehydration and drying thereof to water content of not more than 45%. In the final step, the temp. of the thermal decomposition prod. is held for between 1-6 hrs. at temp. 100-135 deg.C to perform sterilisation. Generated gas and water vapour are extracted to outside of treatment tank to perform dehydration and drying thereof to water content of not more than 30%.    USE -   Useful for drying, decomposing and composting organic matter contg. a large amt. of water such as garbage, sludge etc..
Mobile composting systems are claimed, in which (a) a first system (MCS-VARIO I) has a body (1) with aeration slits and a cover, a separable tank support and carriage (2), an aerated inner basket (3) and a stationing ring; (b) a second system (MCS-VARIO II) has a mobile outer container with aeration slits, an inner basket with a mounting and spacing system, and a drainage liq. trough with a discharge opening; and (c) a third system (MCS-VARIO III) has a basic body with aeration slits, a lid with a lifting ring and filling openings, a bottom grid hinged to a bottom trough, and a bottom trough hinge-mounted in the basic body with a release mechanism for the trough and the grid.    ADVANTAGE -   The systems can be easily and inexpensively mass produced, are used for collection and composting of kitchen and garden waste, are generally emission-free and can be mfd. in various sizes.
Method for the decontamination of old wood impregnated with wood protective agents, using an aq. phase of surfactant chosen from one or more of the following: (a) saponification reaction prods. of suitable vegetable and/or animal fats or oils using alkali metal hydroxides; (b) reaction prods. of microbial biomaterials, e.g. yeast or activated sludge, with vegetable and/or animal fats or oils; or (c) reaction prods. of microbial biomaterials, e.g. yeast or activated sludge, with vegetable and/or animal fats or oils, and propylene oxide.    USE -    Suitable for the disposal of wood with a high molecular but low O2content, e.g. railway sleepers.    ADVANTAGE -    The organic components are degraded and may be disposed of separately. This method avoids the problem of the formation of large amts. of toxic or harmful gases, e.g. CO, CO2, aldehydes, dioxins, polycyclic aromatic cps. etc. produced during incineration of the impregnated wood.
In the purificn. of polluted waste air, esp. air from a composting process, the waste air is subjected to catalytic post-combustion or passed through a ceramic filter (5, 6) e.g. having a heater coil. Also claimed are a process and appts. for composting organic matter (esp. waste), in which the waste air is purified by the above process, and use of a ceramic filter.    ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic filter provides improved filtering off of pollutants and the post-combustion (pref. by the heater coil) destroys the pollutants to give a prod. which is returned to the composting material.
In the biological treatment of solid compsns. contg. agglomerates contaminated with pollutants, (a) the solid compsn., with at least 35 wt.% of fines of grain size not above 4000 microns, is comminuted until the agglomerates are broken down to such an extent that the inner surfaces contaminated with pollutants are exposed, (b) before, during or after the comminution, a silane is mixed in, to improve the flow of the fine-grain compsn., and (c) the pollutants are broken down by microorganisms.    USE -   The solid compsn. is esp. soil, esp. contaminated with hydrocarbons, e.g. mineral oils and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   Solid compsns. with a high proportion of fines are made accessible to biological treatment. The alkyl gp. of the silane is biologically destroyed, leaving in the solid only a Si-O-Si gp., which occurs naturally. The treated solid can be re-used.
Novel method of degrading material contg. organic components comprises treating the material with one or more enzymes (I) capable of degrading the organic components, and with microorganisms (II) capable of growth on the components and on the prods. of the enzymatic degradation, thus generating additional enzymatic activity.    USE -   The method is esp. applicable to the composting of grass cuttings.    ADVANTAGE -   The method overcomes the problem of prodn. of high levels of methane which is seen when grass cuttings are placed in landfill sites.
A batch sewage treatment reactor tank assembly (12) contains a mixed liquor including aerobic microorganisms. It also contains two spaced attached growth filters (16, 17) submerged in the mixed liquor. The filters are separated by a settling tank. The filters and settling tank are in series fluid communication. A control has a timer for controlling the process. A fresh batch of sewage may be supplied to the reactor tank via an influent pipe (28). Treated effluent is removed via a valve (44). In operation, a continuous circulating flow of mixed liquor is established by continuously removing a portion of the liquor from the bottom (18) of one of the filters, aerating the remove liquor (38) and returning it to the bottom (19) of the other filter. The circulating pattern is maintained for a predetermined time to produce treated effluent. after which time the effluent valve (44) is operated to interrupt the circulating flow pattern by discharging the batch of effluent.    USE -   The system is of small capacity and is esp. suitable for individual homes or a small group of houses to treat the effluent from a septic tank.    ADVANTAGE -   It requires a much smaller dispersing field than the normally required leaching field required for a septic tank. It removes suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus.
A composting chamber has a cylindrical casing (10) with capped ends with respective inlet and outlet doors. The casing has a continuous spiral of pleats so it is collapsible and expandable and when rotated transfers material along it.    USE -   A compost chamber.
The arrangement incorporates at least two insulated containers (2,3) and a mill (4) for breaking down waste matter, which is in connection with each container. The mill during a predetermined time interval alternatingly communicates with each container so that at least one but not all containers during each time interval is in connection with the mill.    USE -   For composting biologically degradable matter.
Essence formed by cultivating organics is extracted by a process for storing organic fertilisers mfd. by cultivating and decomposing organics in a tank (12) and adding water to them, aerating the organic fertilisers and dissolving fertiliser components contained in the organic fertilisers into water and taking out the soln. dissolving the fertiliser components from the tank to the outside. Also claimed is the extn. appts. comprising a tank to store the organic fertilisers, water-pouring part (14) to add water to the organic fertilisers, air tube (16) for aeration, and part (18) to take out the soln. dissolving fertiliser components.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To extract fertiliser components from organic fertilisers mfd. from crude refuse discharged from livestock, fishery or food industry or restaurants. To mfr. liq. fertilisers with little bad odour from crude refuse easily and inexpensively.
Compost mfg. appts. comprises a main body (1) of mfg. appts. divided into an upper fermentation chamber (2), middle filtration chamber (3) and lower water storage chamber (4) by placing water permeable plates between the chambers. The fermentation chamber is divided into at least two branched chambers (2a) arranged in parallel to each other, each of which has an injection hole (6) placed at its upper part, free to open or close to inject organic waste, and compost take-out hole (11) placed at its lower part, free to open or close, and the injection holes constitute a lid (10) closing except during injection of organic waste to prevent a bad smell from leaking.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost raw domestic refuse easily. Bad smells do not leak and unmatured raw refuse does not mix with matured compost.
Composting organic waste comprises a step to inoculate organic waste with seed bacteria contg. actinomycetes and acclimatise them for necessary time, step to return a part of organic waste contg. 2 x 10 power 5 - 1 x 10 power 10 of actinomycetes in an activation state after acclimatisation to the inlet side of treating tank and step to mix the returned organic waste with replenished organic waste and transport them to the discharging side stirring them with a stirrer.    Also claimed is the composting appts. comprising running and stirring appts. (2), having a main stirrer (22) and substirrer (23), and shifting along a rail provided along the side wall (10) of treating tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost organic waste having high water content, e.g. livestock excreta, blood from slaughterhouse or distillation waste from distilleries. Organic waste can be rapidly composted and a part of organic waste can automatically be returned to increase the working environment.
Appts. comprises a biological active carbon filtration tank (1), treated water tank (6) to receive water treated in biological active carbon filtration tank, ozone injection vessel (4) placed between the filtration tank and treated water tank to treat treated water from the filtration tank with ozone generated in an ozone generator (3), and dissolved ozone concn. sensor (12) placed downstream of treated water tank and connected to the ozone generator through a controller (13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To prevent organisms from leaking to treated water in the water treatment appts. by suppressing the propagation of organisms. To remove microorganisms leaked to water treated with biological active carbon filtration with ozone in an amt. controlled to the min. necessary amt.
Appts. comprises an injection hole (44) to inject raw waste, the prim. decomposition chamber (48) to store raw waste and decompose it biologically, a sec. decomposition chamber (50) to decompose raw waste to water and gas by microorganisms on microorganism carriers stored in the chamber, a connection part to connect the injection hole with a hole at the bottom of the sink tank of a draining board, and a branched part (54) to supply raw waste to the injection hole and water to another passage (52).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to decompose raw waste generated in kitchens into water and gas. Raw waste is injected into the appts. directly without transportation.
Appts. comprises a treatment tank (5) to store carriers, a stirring blade (11) to stir the carriers and domestic organic waste, heaters (16) to heat the inside of the treatment tank, and a temp. sensor (22) to control the heaters. The temp. sensor is placed near a stirring range of the stirring blade.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to treat crude waste with a stirring blade to make the water content and supply state of oxygen uniform and heaters for stable treatment in winter. The inside of the appts. may be maintained with an environment for activating microorganisms to increase the efficiency of treatment.
Compost mfg. appts. having a fermentation tank (11) to store compost raw material, comprises cages (12a-12c) to store a composit raw material, fermentation promoter tank (16), pump (17) to supply fermentation promoter to a compost raw material, holding tools (14) to hold the cages in the fermentation tank at each given distance, guiding tools (15) to shift the cages held by the holding tools along a rail (33) between a compost raw material inlet and compost recovery hole provided in the fermentation tank, and temp. controller to control a temp. of fermentation tank.    USE -   Simplified compost mfg. appts., which eliminates cutting treatment and stirring treatment.
Appts. comprises a treatment tank (5) to store carriers (6), stirrer (11) to mix the carriers and organics, and purifying tank (35) to store carriers to purify effluent from the treatment tank. The average size of carriers stored in the purifying tank is larger than the average size of carriers stored in the treatment tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to biologically degrade organics, e.g. garbage. Carriers having larger sizes are used in the purifying tank placed under the stirrer, at which a mixt. of organics and carriers is not stirred, than the carriers in the treatment tank at which the mixt. is stirred by the stirrer. Therefore, the air-permeability of the treatment tank and purifying tank is increased to increase the efficiency of treatment of organics.
A new sepn. membrane has a non-porous layer of polyimide resin. The ratio of Cl and/or Br atoms to C atoms in the non-porous surface layer is 0.01-1.20 (0.03-0.40) in the ESCA measurement. Prodn. of the new membrane is also claimed, where a raw gas sepn. membrane with a non-porous surface layer is contacted with Cl2 and/or Br2 gas. In another prodn., the raw membrane is treated with plasma in the presence of chlorine or bromine cpd. gas.    USE -   For O2/N2 sepn., CO2 recovering CO2 from waste gas of thermal power stations or incinerators, NOx or SOx removal from waste gas, H2S or CO2 gas removal from natural gas, He gas sepn., or pervaporation of volatile liq. mixt..    ADVANTAGE -   The new membrane has a higher sepn. factor for O2/N2, H2/CH4, or CO2/CH4 sepn.. It is tough and resistant to heat.
The ammonia content of effluents is lowered by addn. of nitrifying microorganisms to a high performance active sludge and single stage system. The microorganisms propagate in the active sludge.
Composting device comprises: (A) a device for mechanical processing waste for composting, and (B) receptacle in which degradation of the waste takes place in a closed system.    (B) comprises: (1) a shredding grate in the form of a standing cylinder with an open end and a base that also acts as a shredding grate; (2) a vessel contg. the grate; (3) a gap formed between the vessel wall and the peripheral wall of the grate; (4) a region beneath the grate; (5) a stirring and shredding tool operating from within the grate; (6) a cleaning tool operating within the gap; (7) a drive tool for the cleaning tool; and (8) a hood surrounding at least part of (A), provided with a tightly sealable hatch for introducing waste and similar hatches for creating an underpressure within the region or for supplying gas stream material.    USE -   The device is partic. suitable for composting waste from multi-occupancy dwellings.    ADVANTAGE -   The automatable device minimises bad odours, produces a ready-to-use prod. and has a small size making it suitable for use in a confined region of a multi-occupancy dwelling. (Reissue of the entry advised in Week 9534 based on complete specification)
Astaxanthin (I), and its naturally occurring fatty esters, are extracted from natural materials under supercritical conditions, using at least one of CO2 , N2 O, ethane, ethylene and/or NH3, opt. together with an entraining agent (water, acetone, MeOH or EtOH). Extn. is at 60-700 bar and 40-250 C.    USE -   None given.
Prodn. of granular organic fertiliser by mixing and granulating mixt. of cores having dias. of 0.3-2.0 mm, organic fertilisers mainly composed of husks or bran having dias. less than those of cores, partic. at ratios of 100:30-60, and water, opt. with added microorganisms effective against pathogenic microorganisms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as fertiliser. Easily dispersible fertiliser does not cause injury to plants or bad odour.    Cores (e.g. zeolite, vermiculite, glass beads, and charcoal) having dias. of 0.3-2.0 mm are mixed with fermented husks of barley and wheat, rice bran or corn bran, and water, opt. together with microorganisms effective against those pathogenic to plant diseases (e.g. Streptomyces, Pseudomonas and Bacillus) spp. to give the aimed fertiliser compsn.    In an example, a mixt, of 50 kg of husks of wheat, 25 kg of vermiculite and 45 l of water was fermented at 20-60 deg. C with occasional turn over for 14 days. A mixt. of 4 kg of the resultant fertiliser, 8 kg of zeolite having dias. of 0.3-0.8 mm and 4 l of water was mixed and dried to give the aimed compsn.
In the fermentation treatment of organic waste, where organic waste having its moisture adjusted has fermentation bacteria and a fermentation accelerating agent added, is agitated, and, finally, dried to obtain a fermentation treated material; the organic waste to which the fermentation bacteria has been added is mixed and kneaded giving heat shocks by heating at a temp. higher than the optimum fermentation temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment organic waste including animal waste such as fish, cattle faeces, etc. or plant waste such as kitchen refuse, organic waste discharged from food factories, etc. Since the heat shocks are applied to the fermentation bacteria, the functions of life-maintenance and self-conservation are applied to the fermentation bacteria. Thus, it is activated, and fermentation treatment is carried out quickly.
Prepn. of organic fertilisers comprises fermenting an organic cpd. contg. at least 20 wt.% arabinoxylan with at least 1 bacteria of Streptomyces sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Bacillus sp. at pH 6.0-12.0, in the presence of at least 1 of mineral adsorptive and charcoal, and controlling the H of the fermenting cpd. to pH 6.0-9.5.    The organic cpd. is pref. dung of animals, animal bones, or wheat straws and brans.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fertilisers are used for grass lawns. The fertilisers are easily handled, with no soil pollution, and no undesirable smell.    In an example, wheat brans (50 kg), zeolite (4.8 kg), and vermiculite (30.0 kg) were mixed, and reacted with Streptomyces flaveolus (IFO 12768) (80g), and Bacillus circulans (IFO 13640) (80g) at 25 deg. C at pH 9.2, for 20 days, to give a fermenting substance contg. 1.8% N, 0.14% N as ammonia and 0.7% N as nitric acid. pH was controlled to 6.5-8.5 during fermentation.
Appts. (1) comprises an air-permeable outer cylinder (2), air-permeable inner cylinder (3) inside the outer cylinder to store crude waste and foamed plastic beads filled in the gap between the outer and inner cylinders. The side surfaces of both cylinders comprise plates having holes with dia. of 5 mm at a rate of one hole per 7-14 cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing biological crude waste discharged from homes, hotels, schools or restaurants. The appts. provides the optimum environment for symbiosis of mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms groups necessary for fermentation.
Biological organic solid waste is composed by dividing a fluidised reactor bed to receive feed waste at its upstream and discharge compost at its downstream to fermentation sections in series by erecting overflowing weirs (10) from its bottom reactor bed, discharging produced composed from the weir of the last overflowing weir (30) to the closed space by overflow, intercepting the vapour phase of the last fermentation section from the vapour phase of former fermentation section by hanging a vapour phase intercept plate (17) between their weirs, supplying heated outside air to the last fermentation section, discharging gas in the vapour phase of last fermentation tank in an amt. exceeding the amt. of supplied heated outside air and sucking air at the first fermentation section in an amt. balancing the amt. of supplied heated air and discharged gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost biological organic solid waste rapidly. Avoids overdrying at the fermentation beds and maintains the water content suitable for fermentation to obtain compost with high qualities.
Fermented organic fertilisers are produced by fermentation of green algae, opt. activated sludge, and nutrients (e.g. rice bran, partic. rapeseed meal), with fermentative microorganisms, partic. with a water content of 50-70%, esp. 63%, then with Trichoderma lignorum under acidic conditions. Mixts. of green algae, activated sludge, rice bran, rapeseed meal and other nutrients are pref. fermented with fermentative microorganism(s), then the mixt. is acidified and further fermented with Trichoderma lignorum.    USE -   Used for improving soil with slow release of fertiliser to improve microflora.
A waste composting process comprises composting pre-mixed waste in a line of special containers where good composting conditions are maintained. The containers are scoop shaped and the waste is moved from the first scoop A in the line, and the material is shifted over during the composting process from the front end scoops to the rear end scoops. The line of scoops is pref. covered and thermally insulated.    USE -   The process is used to compost household, refinery, agricultural and industrial waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is economical and efficient.
The identification of a gas amongst several known gases in a gaseous mixt. based on air comprises placing a single catalytic transducer (11) in the mixt.. The transducer is first of all brought to a lower threshold temp. at which the oxidisable gas undergoes little or no oxidn. and a first reading of a degree characteristic of the thermal mode of the transducer is stored. The temp. is then raised to a higher threshold value at which a sec. reading, characterising the higher temp., is stored representing a stage at which significant oxidn. is occurring at the contact of the transduced. Following a pre-determn. rule a response signal characteristic of the thermal systems is derived. The transducer is then allowed to cool below the lower threshold temp. and the preceding operations are repeated cyclically.    USE -   Used in a methanometer with corrected readings conforming to the European meterological standard (EN 50055), an explosimeter conforming to EN 50057, a multi-gas unit conforming to EN 50055 and 50-057 identifying the gas measured, and a selective methanometer.    ADVANTAGE -   The process enables the characteristics of a gaseous medium, mainly air and a lesser part of at least one oxidisable gas to be determined, using a single catalytic transducer (without a compensating element). The vol. concn. (titre) of the oxidisable gas(es) may be determined. Using the single transducer, the 'uncertainty of measurement' of certain gases (partic. methane) can be removed. A simultaneous measurement of the concn. of several given oxidisable gases can be determined. The process measures the response of the single transducer to a heating phase of short duration, then from there responses of the vol. titre can be measured, 'uncertainty of measurement' removed and/or the gas (or gases) identified.
An assembly produces compost primarily from organic substances following any necessary mechanical processing, in rotting chambers in which humidity, air access and temperature are controlled, following which additional rotting and mechanical treatment are applied. The novelty is that the assembly is sub-divided into a pre-rotting zone (4), a main rotting zone (5) and a final rotting zone (6), which are incorporated within a single building (7).    USE -   The assembly facilitates the rotting within a controlled process using batch prodn. for the prodn. of consistent compost quality.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly facilitates the rotting within a controlled process using batch production for the production of consistent compost quality.
The process for extracting tea polyphenol from tea leaves comprises removing the compounds contained in tea leaves which interfere with solvent extraction, using a pre-treating agent, before solvent extraction. The pre-treating agent may be ethane, chloroform, isopentanol, gasoline 120, ethyl ether, petroleum and/or benzene.    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives high output and quality at low cost.
Water-insoluble selenium metal Se(m) is recovered from an aq. solution comprising water-soluble selenium Se(s) by contacting a substantially neutral aq. solution (I), of pH 6-8.5, containing 10-500 ppm Se(s), with an environment (II) containing aerobic biomass capable of metabolising Se(s) to Se(m).    (I) has pH 7. (II) is raw sewage contained in a rotary biological contactor. The biomass is of genera Corynebacterium, Neurospora, Candida, Salmonella or Escherichia, esp. E. coli.     After metabolizing the selenium, the biomass is separated from the solution, e.g. by high speed centrifugation, tangential flow filtration or flocculation. Se(m) is then recovered from the biomass by (a) digesting the biomass (e.g. with NaOH or KOH) to solubilise organic cellular components and separating the Se(m) from the solution, or (b) solubilising the Se(m), e.g. with Na2 SO3 , SO2 or Na2 HSO3 , separating the cellular components, e.g. by adsorption onto an alumina column, and re-precipitating the Se(m), e.g. by adding H2 SO4 , SO2. Se(m) recovered may then be washed and dried. (I) may be contacted continuously with (II), and an aq. effluent comprising biomass in which is encapsulated Se(m) continuously separated from (II).    USE -   Selenium is recovered from mine tailings, smelter and roaster weak acid effluents, natural selenium-containing aquifers, and drainage water.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is less costly than the prior art microbiological methods of Baldwin et al (US4519973) and Kauffman et al (US4519912) which require strictly anaerobic conditions and are only efficient when the selenium concn. is less than 10 ppm. Advantages of the neutral pH are (i) that toxic heavy metal ions which may be present in (I) are precipitated as metal hydroxides and may be recovered from the solution, and (ii) that soluble sulphate ions which are competitive inhibitors of selenium reduction are precipitated as calcium sulphate or gypsum and may be removed.
In a process to fully incinerate hydrocarbon compounds mixed with halogens such as PVC, the substances are incinerated in a fluid bed chamber in the presence of a fluidising agent in both solid and gaseous form. The novelty is that the hydrocarbon compounds are first mixed in a preliminary stage (7) with recirculated hot sand as the heating agent, preventing the formation of high molecular condensation products. During this process water is separated from the residues. The hydrocarbon compounds are split into hydrogen and transient low-molecular hydrocarbons in a stream atmosphere. The combustible residues are then burned with the now cool sand, and the hydrogen gas mixture generated in the preliminary stage is then burned with the effluent gas in the fluid bed combustion chamber. The hot gases are then cooled in the normal way.    USE -   The process incinerates hydrocarbon compounds arising from pre-sorted domestic refuse such as plastics, hydrocarbons, coated, uncoated paper, sludge and material containing halogens such as wood waste mixed with PVC.    ADVANTAGE -   The process prevents the formation of plastic slag, soot and dioxin, and maintains the fluid bed temperature in the sand non-molten range, preventing the formation of excessive CO and organic hydrocarbon emissions in smoke.
Sparingly soluble gaseous substances (II) are removed from a gas (I) by contacting with microorganisms capable of degrading (II); (I) is led into a suspension of the microorganisms to form small bubbles in the suspension; the microorganisms degrade (II) on the surface of the bubbles. The gas which rises to the surface of the suspension may be directed to another similar or different biodegradation stage. Also claimed is an appts. for removing (II) from (I), comprising a microorganism suspension chamber (16) having below its liq. filling level (22) a feed pipe (24) for (I), as well as bioreactor (12) in direct contact with the chamber; the bioreactor(s) contain filler or packing comprising immobilised microorganisms capable of degrading (II). Further claimed is an isolated and purified microorganism culture capable of degrading (II) in a suspension, designated Thiobacillus sp. T330 DSM 8985, which is capable of degrading carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulphide in (I).    USE -   (I) is an industrial or agricultural waste gas, and (II) consists of noxious and generally toxic contaminants, e.g. CS2, H2S, (CH3)2S, mercaptan, styrene and/or toluene.
Appts. comprises a reactor vessel (1) rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A manifold assembly distributes variable amounts of air throughout the reactor to control batch temp. and oxygen levels. A stationary wand (8) is mounted in the vessel extending transversely of the vessel in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The wand carries a number of evenly-spaced temp. sensors (10) and gas inlets (9). A control calls for, collects, monitors and stores sensed temps. and gas analyses.    It also controls the distribution of air through the manifold assembly and/or rotates the vessel in response to the monitored temps. and analyses to optimise temp. and oxygen levels throughout the various stages of humus prodn. and for ascertaining when a stable humus has been achieved.    USE -   To produce a high quality natural fertiliser from organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The system is highly efficient and requires less time and curing area to produce a high quality prod.
Exhaust emission-controlling method of operation for the internal combustion engine, comprising: (a) combusting methane-contg. fuel with air in the engine and withdrawing an exhaust gas of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburned fuel and oxygen; and (b) catalytically reacting the exhaust gases with methane, at conditions sufficient to convert this to CO2, N2, H2O and unburned fuel, where the catalyst is a crystalline zeolite of silicon:aluminium ratio 2.5, prepd. by ion exchange of a non-acid sodium or ammonium form of crystalline zeolite with on or more cations selected from: Co, Ni, Fe, Cr and Mn. The zeolite is exchanged with 0.1-15 wt.% of cation (based on the total wt. of exchanged zeolite) and where the metal-exchanged zeolite is impregnated with 0.1-23 wt.% alumina (based on the total wt. of metal-exchanged zeolite).    Also claimed is an exhaust emission-controlling method for operating a methane-fuelled diesel engine, as above, but using methane-contg. fuel and an amt. of hydrocarbon diesel fuel as the combusted fuel. This type of treatment of exhaust gases has until now only been possible for lean-burn engines through selective catalytic reduction (which requires ammonia as a treatment reagent).    USE -   To control (CO and NOx) exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines through their catalytic conversion to CO2 and N2 (and H2O).    ADVANTAGE -   Uses methane contained residual unburnt fuel from combustion chamber, and already present in the exhaust gas to effect the conversion. The process is effective with lean-burn engines (i.e. those operating at near-stoichiometric air:fuel ratios). CO is oxidised to CO2 simultaneously as NOx are reduced to N2.
A prod. for deodorising and sanitising horse stalls and for accelerating the decomposition of horse manure and urine comprises a combination of: (a) a grain cereal of the type having a high level of enzyme content; (b) a type of bran having a high level of incubating enzyme that produces, when mixed with the grain cereal synergistically, non-pathogenic enzymes capable of causing vigorous breeding of enzymes that starve out harmful bacteria in decomposing horse manure and urine and also accelerates the decomposition of albumin to suppress and eliminate unpleasant smells; (c) kelp for increasing the vigorous breeding of the enzyme; (d) and a reduced germinated cereal of high enzyme content.    Also claimed is mfr. of the prod. which comprises: (i) mixing grain cereal powder with the bran; (ii) adding powdered kelp to the cereal and bran mixt.; (iii) adding water to (ii) to initiate fermentation; (iv) allowing a fermentation period; (v) drying the fermented mixt. and reducing it to a powder.    USE -   Used to deodorise and sanitise horse stalls.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. effectively and economically deodorises and sanitises horse stalls using a method which is environmentally friendly. It efficiently destroys harmful bacteria and has a long shelf life.
Method for cleaning up biotopes to remove Hg and/or other heavy metals - by the addn. of Se-enriched glass to the biotope from which Se is liberated by the action of micro-organisms and then bonded with the Hg and/or other heavy metals to form HgSe and/or other heavy metal selenides.    USE -   Used for cleaning sediment on lake beds, raw sewage in purificn. plants or cemetery graves (claimed). Also for leaking waste disposal sites, or bio-filters for the removal of e.g. Hg, Pb, or Cd.    ADVANTAGE -   The supply of Se is carefully regulated to avoid any harmful effect on the environment.
Au and Ag extn. from ores and concentrates that are difficult to treat, involves bacterial breakdown of the original material (using a culture of Thiooxidans ferrooxidans), followed by leaching with a soln. of an oxidised S cpd. which contains hydrosulphite ions. Leaching is carried out without the admission of oxidising agents, the wt. concn. of the HSO3 -ions is 10-100 g/l and the leaching soln. pH is 3-5.    USE -   For Au and Ag extn. from ores and concentrates.    ADVANTAGE -   The extn. efficiency w.r.t. noble metals from difficult-to-treat raw materials is increased with the use of non-toxic reagents.
Contaminant decomposition microorganism and soil aggregate forming agent are added to contaminated soil.    Also claimed is a process for restoring contaminated soil, in which contaminant decomposition microorganism and soil aggregate forming agent are added to the contaminated soil followed by application of physical turbulence, pref. heating, stirring, application of vibration, application of supersonic waves, or freezing followed by drying.    The soil aggregate forming agent pref. contains particles and natural origin adhesive agent, esp. protein type, starch type, cellulose type or heteropolysaccharide type. The particle is inorganic material or organic material, having a particle size of up to 10 microns, esp. up to 6 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Aggregate formation in the soil may be accelerated and the contaminated soil may be well restored under stabilised conditions.    In an example, Pseudomonas cepacia KK01 (BP-4235) was cultured in M9 culture medium. When OD (600 nm) reached 0.7, montmorillonite (average particle size of 2 microns) was added to the soln. to give a concn. of 0.01%. Sugar and flour were added as adhesive agent to the soln. where the montmorillonite adsorbing the bacteria was suspending, to give a soil aggregate forming agent.
Method comprises adding chitin and effective microorganisms to the organic wastes which have been mechanically crushed so as to react the chitin with the microorganisms and decompose the organic wastes. Device comprises means for adding the chitin and effective microorganisms, means for carrying the crushed organic wastes to the fermentation reservoir, and a fermentation reservoir for fermenting the carried organic wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   Large quantity of organic waste for example, in a large-scaled kitchen, can be disposed of in a short time.    The crushing reservoir (11) comprises a funnel (11a) which is disposed in the centre for easily introducing organic wastes to the crusher (13) and in the upper portion of which a crusher (13) comprising driving roll (13a) coupled driving roll (13d) and motor (13g) for driving the rolls (13a and 13d) is disposed.
Device includes a waste-decomposing vessel with a lid, a rotary stirring shaft, stirring shaft motor, exhaust path with an exhaust fan, and a controller for turning off the motor and turning on the exhaust fan when the liq. is opened and controlling operation of the motor and fan under a preset condition when lid is closed. A lid opening and closing detector detects opening or closing of the lid, and passes the opening and closing signal to the controller. A switch turns off the motor independently from controlling with the controller when the liq. is detected as open.    ADVANTAGE -   User may comfortably use the waste treating device.
The device includes a garbage-decomposing vessel, a rotary shaft with coarsely cutting blade inside the decomposing vessel, and a controller for controlling the rotary shaft, such that rotary shaft may be alternatively rotated in opposite directions.    ADVANTAGE -   Since garbage does not collect on one side of vessel, garbage can be effectively treated.
A dried material of tangle in alkaline ionic water and in pure water for 24 hrs. respectively for removing salt. The dried material is cut into thin strips. The strips are placed in cold water and stirred, then they are stored for a specified period at low temps.. After the strips have been sepd. from the cold water, a process liq. from which essence of the material has been extracted is made. The process liq. is heated and sterilised at about 100 deg.C. After foreign matter contained in the process liq. have been filtered, the process liq. is rapidly cooled. The resulting water is evaporated at low temp. in a pressure-reduced condition, and is then condensed. The condensed water is dried and made into powders, which are crushed to fine powders of 500 to 1000 meshes.    USE -   Used for making super-fine powder which contains a small amt. of salt.
A dried material immersed in alkaline ionic water and in pure water for 24 hrs. respectively. The dried material is cut into thin strips. The thin strips are dried for two days and nights at low temps. in a dry atmos.. The strips are made into fine grains by use of stone mortars of different coarseness.    USE -   Used for making powders of tangle which contain small amt. of salt.
A process for the elimination of light hydrocarbons in gaseous mixts. is carried out by decomposition using an electrical discharge over a temp. range of 300-700 K.    USE -    For the elimination of light hydrocarbons in lean gaseous mixts., in partic. gaseous effluents from miners or industrial processes. The hydrocarbons are converted to CO2 and H2 O by high voltage electrical discharges. Elimination of these hydrocarbons is important as some have mutagenic and even carcinogenic properties, and contribute to the greenhouse effect more than CO2.    ADVANTAGE -    The process eliminates hydrocarbons from mine gases or industrial effluents without the need to fire-heat the gases - or disadvantages incurred in catalytic combustion methods (using catalytic beds) or long-term biofiltration using high surface area biofilters. Processes involving combustion or chemi-sorption are disadvantageous in that tendency to release CO2to the atmos. and generate residual prods.
Liq. pig manure is converted to fertiliser by: (a) adding to the manure a soln. of P2O5 and K2O; (b) mixing the soln. with a prod. which can retain water, in the form required in the final prod., to give a shaped, conditioned fertiliser, which is (c) dried. The ratio of P2O5 and K2O in the soln. is such as to give the required ratio of N, P and K in the final prod., and is a function of the nature of the soil and the method of application.    ADVANTAGE -   The liq. manure is converted to a fertiliser contg. 8-30% minerals, 4-10% organic matter, 4-10% total N, 4-10% P2O5, 2-10% K2O, and 0.3-0.5% ammoniacal N, the rest being polymer.
An assembly (1) to carbonise refuse with hot gases in a closed circuit incorporates a heat exchanger (19) and an afterburner (18) chamber. The gases required for pyrolysis are at about 750 degrees C. They pass by pipes (10) through the carbonising drum (1) and leave at about 300 degrees C. The novelty is that high temperature gas are introduced to the carbonising drum front zone by a by-pass pipe (12) and control valve (13) which branches before the hot gas inlet (8) from the hot gas delivery pipe (11).    USE -   The assembly carbonises domestic and industrial refuse, chemical residues, dioxin or furan etc. prior to disposal.    ADVANTAGE -   The pyrolysis process can be advantageously controlled by excluding oxygen, and the introduction of an inert gas heated in the afterburner chamber and which transfers the heat enthalpy to the refuse undergoing carbonisation within the rotating drum (1).
The soil corrective consists of a mixt. of wine press residues, hydrated lime, gypsum, and vegetable and animal residues. It contains 39.2% CaO, 25.9% MgO, 5.0% Mo and 123.7% PRNT.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases organic content of soil and improves texture, with increased development of micro-organisms and better moisture retention.
Rubbish dump, with a concrete base (13) acting as a drain, pref. at the junction with a wall (12), has a tube (2) through it, leading to an oil separator (3). Its outlet (4) is linked to a retaining basin (5) with its outlet (14) leading to a sewage collection basin.    A foam trap is pref. in front of the oil separator (3). The retaining basin (5) has a number of chambers interconnected by overflows. A pump (17), at the deepest chamber of the retaining basin (5), has a pipe connection (10) to return water to the dump. A tube (16) passes through the walls and the base for the passage of a natural coagulant.    ADVANTAGE -   The dump structure prevents contaminated liquid emerging into the environment or into the water systems, with reduced rubbish disposal costs. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9539 based on complete specification).
Nitrogen-containing phenol cpds. (I) are degraded by (a) inoculating a bacterial isolate (II) into a medium containing (I), where (II) uses (I) as carbon source; and (b) growing (II) in the medium until the concn. of (I) and breakdown products decreases.    Also claimed are biologically pure bacterial isolates (III), identified as ATCC 55546, 55547, 55548 and 55549.    (I) pref. consists of ammonium picrate, picric acid, picramic acid, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 2,5-dinitrophenol, 3-aminophenol, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, mononitrophenols or nitroaromatics.    (I) is sole source of carbon utilised by (II) for growth. Decrease in concn. of (I) is from 50 to 100%.    USE -   The method is of esp. use for degrading picric acid wastes, produced e.g. in mfr. of explosives, aniline, colour fast dyes and pharmaceuticals, and in steel etching.    ADVANTAGE -   Picric acid may be degraded until no aromatic ring containing degradation products can be detected.
A method for degrading napalm B involves: (a) providing a culture of a bacterium which is an intra-amoebic isolate with the identifying characteristics of American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Deposit Number 77529 and/or a mutant of the isolate, (b) deriving an aq. dispersant soln. from the culture, (c) contacting napalm B with a sufficient amt. of the dispersant soln. to emulsify the napalm B producing emulsified napalm B, (d) contacting the emulsified napalm B with a sufficient amt. of at least one other intra-amoebic isolate with characteristics of ATCC No. 77526 and ATCC No. 77527 and/or a mutant thereof to degrade the emulsified napalm B and (e) degrading the emulsified napalm B.    USE -   For biological degradation of napalm B, a mixt. of gasoline, benzene and polystyrene.    ADVANTAGE -   Alternative method for the safe degradation of napalm B. Useful for treating contaminated soil.
Precious metal-contg. ore is leached with a bisulphide lixiviant (I) and precious metal(s) are recovered therefrom. (I) is obtd. by biologically reducing a dissolved sulphate under anaerobic conditions to obtain (I) of neutral pH. Appts. for carrying out the leaching is also claimed.    USE -   Ore may be mined mineral, waste, or damaged electronic components. Precious metals for recovery are Au, Ag and/or Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Os and Ir. Process may be in form of heap leaching.    ADVANTAGE -   Lixiviant can be obtd. biologically instead of purchasing, leading to lower costs. Use of cyanide is avoided and process is more environmentally acceptable.
Compost prodn. accelerator is prepd. from dehydrated cake of pptd. activated sludge, partic. with added cured animal faeces, rice straw and husks, esp. 25-45 v/v% each of animal faeces and dehydrated cake of pptd. activated sludge, opt. with added water-absorbing polymer resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as fertiliser. Prodn. of compost without bad odour or maggots.    Claimed raw materials are mixed and fermented.    In an example, compost accelerator prepd. by the process was placed on kitchen waste with unendurable bad odour and allowed to stand for 7 days; the bad odour remained a little. After 30 days no bad odour was detected and the vol. of waste became 1/3.
Microorganism deodorant is obtd. by cultivating compsn. of 10 pts.wt. microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, Streptococcus, Lizopus or Aspergillus, 5 to 100 pts.wt. sugar, 0.1 to 50 pts.wt. water-soluble nitrogen cpd., 20 to 300 pts.wt. porous powder and 1000 to 50000 pts.wt. water at 20 to 40 deg.C under oxygen supply at 0.02 to 2.0 litre/min for 15 to 40 hours, and drying the resultant.    ADVANTAGE -   Bad smell of waste material and slurry is removed.
Microorganism deodorant is obtd. by cultivating compsn. consisting of 10 pts.wt. microorganism belonging to the genus Enterobacter, 5 to 100 pts.wt. sugar, 0.1 to 50 pts.wt. water-soluble nitrogen, 20 to 300 pts.wt. porous powder and 1000 to 50000 pts.wt. of water at 20 to 40 deg.C under oxygen supply at 0.02 to 2.0 litre/min for 15 to 40 hours, and drying the resultant.    ADVANTAGE -   Bad smell of waste material and slurry is removed.
In a gas bubble collection-type electrode having a reaction layer and a gas supply layer joined to each other and collecting gas bubbles mixed in an electrolysation liq. for use as reaction gas, the gas supply layer consists of hydrophilic porous strips and water repellent porous strips alternately arranged and jointed to each other.    USE -   Used as a gas bubble collection-type electrode used in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell etc..    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysation can be carried out efficiently with a small liq. resistance, a small energy loss and a high electrode reaction efficiency.
Fuel cell stack comprises: (a) solid oxide electrolyte members with anode and cathode on opposite surfaces defining anode and cathode chambers; (b) H2 supply passage to the anode chambers, the passages contg. a catalyst for steam reforming hydrocarbon fuel to H2, heat being supplied to the steam reforming reaction from the fuel cells; (c) oxidant supply to the cathode chambers; (d) an adiabatic prereformer for converting heavier hydrocarbons to CH4, H2 and COx for supply to the fuel gas passages; and (e) a hydrocarbon supply to the prereformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell stack design facilitates indirect internal reforming.
Reducing slime- and film-formation in appts. in which water from paper- or cellulose-machines is circulated, comprises addn. of nutrients, which favour growth of non-sessile microorganisms rather than sessile microorganisms, to the circulating water.    USE -   The process may be used in water-circulation systems in general.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is more environmentally friendly than prior art processes.
In a composting process a variable amt. of air leaving the process is recirculated back through the material being composted in order to reduce the amt. of fresh air used by the process.    USE -   Composting of municipal solid waste and/or biosolids, e.g. sewage sludge.
In fermenter 1, for mutation, which contains the growth-stimulating, nutrient-enriched solution, medium no. 1, microorganisms are cultivated under stable conditions, and also exposed to chemical and/or physical mutagenic influences. In fermenter 2, for selection, they meet a pollutant-enriched solution, medium no. 2 where they are influenced by the pollutant, under growth limiting conditions. They are then recycled to the start of the process.    Small quantities of biomass released from medium 1 in the mutation fermenter are continuously transferred to no. 2, selection. Similarly, small quantities of biomass from no. 2, selection, are transferred continuously to no. 1, mutation. Thus selection and mutation alternate continuously.    The fermenters are computer controlled; their individual fermentation parameters may be adjusted in inter-dependence.    USE -   The process is used to culture microorganisms with voracious appetite for specific pollutants, and to dispose of the pollutants through metabolism, breaking them down repeatedly to more simple molecules, hence rendering them harmless. These organisms are used to clean up abandoned polluted areas, waste water, and in the purificn. of polluted air.    ADVANTAGE -   The method combines growth and mutation conditions, with cyclic exposure to selection and limitation in a double fermenter, encouraging the two fundamental principles of mutation and selection. Continuous alternation between the two generates tolerance and specificity, combined with rapid breakdown ability.    The computer maintains conditions both constant and reproducible; the constant toxicity level allowing the growth of resistance to the pollutant, encouraging genetic stability.
Garbage, to be composted, is fed into a trough (14) where it is mixed and then the trough is inverted to deposit the mixed garbage in the upstream one (24a) of a number of trays (24) arranged in train on a track running longitudinally through a composting tunnel (12). The trays are moved stepwise through the tunnel (12) by a ram (26) operating against the upstream surface of the most upstream tray, each step being equivalent to the length of the tray to create a space to accommodate an empty tray with a full tray being ejected from the downstream end of the tunnel (12). The method, and appts. in which the bottoms of the trays are foraminous, to allow aereation of material therein.    USE -   In compositing garbage.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a continuous process in which the garbage is not compacted by its transport through the tunnel, which would inhibit aeration, and in which the release of unpleasant odours is inhibited.
CH4 is produced from urban waste (I) as follows; (a) (I) is shredded and inoculated with N2-producing aerobic microorganisms (II): (b) the mixt. is fermented to increased N2-levels sufficient for anaerobic fermentation; (c) N2-levels are further increased by addn. of solid or liq. manure or leguminous plants, and the aerobic fermentation is continued until the C:N ratio is ca. 30:1; (d) (I) is inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms (III), and the mixt. is placed on an O2-free environment where CH4 is evolved.    ADVANTAGE -   The process avoids the use of landfill sites (reducing pollution etc.),and effectively disposes of a range of wastes (esp. household garbage) while producing useful by-prods. (e.g. CH4 as a fuel). In producing CH4 from organic wastes, the process is significantly more efficient and faster than conventional methods.
A strain of the bacterium bacillus cyano:oxidans, VKM V-1838D for breaking down sodium and potassium cyanides is new.    USE -   The strain is useful for the biological removal of cyanides from effluents, e.g. in gold extn., in the electroplating and by-product coke industries, and in other non-ferrous metallurgy undertakings.    ADVANTAGE -   The new strain breaks down cyanides at a high rate over a wide concn. range, i.e. up to 1000 mg/litres. It is more effective than the previously used strains Pseudomonas Fluorescens (PF), Scenedesmus obliguus 885 (SO-885), and Bacillus cyano:oxidans 661-M2 (BC-661-M2). PF degrade only 50% of cyanide at a cyanide concn. of 50 mg/litre. SO-885 is effective only up to a cyanide concn. of 63-64 mg/litre. BC-661-Me breaks down cyanides in effluents up to a cyanide concn. of 70 mg/litre, but takes 4-6 days. The new strain breaks down cyanides completely at cyanide concns. up to 200 mg/litre in 3 days.
Process comprises sepg. components &gt;70 mm in size by means of e.g. a drum sieve from the rest of the initial waste material. The resultant waste material (1) is then mixed with water to form a slurry which is subjected to an initial separation operation (2) in which the heavy, inert parts (3) &gt;2 mm in size are separated out, washed and the lighter material (5) which may have to be carried over with the heavy inert material is returned to the slurry. This slurry then passes through a drum sieve (6) whilst being sprayed with water and is sieved to a size of between 1-5 mm, pref. 2 mm. The coarse organic material (7) passes to a press filtration de-watering operation (16). The extracted water is re-cycled.    The finer fraction (8) of the material which passes through the drum sieve (6) is then separated.    USE -   For processing waste material or compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables separation and processing of fruit, vegetable and garden waste as well as general waste material containing paper, plastic and metal components.
A thermal decomposition device for waste plastic comprises a heating device to produce gaseous thermal decomposition prod. by heating waste plastic; a sterilising filter (7) to heat and sterilise the gaseous thermal decomposition prod.; and a condenser to condense the sterilised gaseous thermal decomposition prod. The sterilising filter is formed of a metal or ceramic. The heating temp. of the filter is set to at least 700C.    USE -   Recover fuel oil or a liquid plastic raw material by effecting thermal decomposition of waste plastic containing medical waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Thermal decomposition treatment of waste plastic is practicable according to a safety standard rule. Decomposition is high and an industrial value is enhanced. Disposal of residue generated resultant from decomposition according to this invention is easy to make.
A material of poor moisture absorption properties such as harvested grasses, and coarse material having space such as trimmed leaves is mixed with a rough granular material which has strong moisture absorbing power and promotes the dispersibility of the material to be mixed; and they are composted to obtain a fertiliser.    Pref. the rough granular material is an organic material, esp. the waste sawdust from growing mushrooms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The moisture adjustment in the early stage can be made easily, and it is not necessary to add moisture during composting. Thus, labour-saving and efficient composting is possible
Drain opening is set at bottom of a dissolution room. A ventilation hole is also set there. After garbage has been dissolved in dissolution room by aerobic bacteria, generated water is speedily exhausted. This garbage extinguishing appts. is connected to hole provided to a sink so as to sink garbage extinguishing appts.    USE -   Provides a garbage-extinguishing appts. whose water-purifying faculty is high.
Appts. comprises storing section, in which a moisture absorption member contg. aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria is filled; stirring member which stirs the waste in the storing section; and moisture absorption member. An exhausting step compulsorily exhausts air in the storing section, an ozone supplying step supplies ozone to an exhausting route, and a catalyst dissolves the ozone that deodorises a bad odour of the exhausting route.    USE -   For preventing generation of bad odour when bacteria dissolves waste.
Vessel comprises a treating agent storing space (6) at the upper part of the vessel to hold a treating agent contg. microorganisms, an inner vessel (3) to hold crude waste, outer vessel (4) to store the inner vessel detachably and a storing tank (12) to store liq. generated by fermentation of crude water temporarily, a lid (1) to supply crude waste to the inner vessel and a spraying mechanism (2) to spray the treating agent stored in the storing space to the crude waste by opening or closing the lid as a driving source.    Also claimed is treating crude waste by using the treating agent contg. the microorganisms and chitin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment and decompose crude waste discharged from kitchens. Treating agent contg. microorganisms is easily controlled.
A heating chamber (5) surrounds the bottom of a housing tank (1). An outside air introducing port (9) is on one side of the heating chamber (5). Electric heaters (7) are arranged in the heating chamber (5). A blower (10) is arranged to blow air into the top of the housing tank (1). The suction side of the blower (10) is connected with one side of the heating chamber (5) opposite the outside air introducing port (9) through ducts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for drying or fermentation treatment of organic waste e.g. kitchen waste, etc.. The organic waste may be subjected to drying or fermentation treatment with good efficiency without generation of malodour.
Organic treating appts. comprises a treating tank to store organics, heater placed in the treating tank, and calorific value of heater at the side wall of treating tank is larger than that at the central part.    Also claimed is an organic-treating appts. comprising heater supported by opposing side walls of treating tank and placed in the treating tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Decomposes organic substances e.g. garbage by using microorganisms maintaining temp. of treating tank to the optimum temp. To maintain temp. of whole of the inside of treating tank uniform to maintain the optimum temp. for decomposing organic substances.
Organic-treating appts. comprises a through flow-type treating tank to store carriers, a storing case to cover the treating tank providing a space between them, heater and blower to supply hot air to the space, and controller to control heater and blower to heat inside of storing case to activate microorganisms reproducing in the carriers to increase rate of garbage decomposition and control temps. of space and another space between storing case and main body case to at least 50 deg.C for a given hr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to decompose organic substances e.g. crude refuse by bacteria or other microorganisms. Microorganisms reproducing in the carriers are activated by heating the storing case and harmful insects e.g. fly, are killed by maintaining inside of storing case to high temp. for a given hr.
Gas contg. nitrous oxide is mixed with hydrocarbon then made to contact with catalyst (A) made of mordenite with silica/alumina ratio of more than 10 and carrying transition metal.    USE -   For eliminating nitrous oxide from exhaust gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates nitrous oxide with high efficiency at the temp. lower than 300 C.
The system consists of two deodorising chambers (A and B) installed in series downstream of waste treating or composting facilities, which are connected to the chambers with pipes. (A) is filled with (C) coffee extract waste (C) (B). is filled with (C) and charcoal carrying micro-organisms.    USE -   For deodorizing smells or organic waste treating plants or composting facilities.    ADVANTAGE -   Able to remove smells with low running cost. Refuse from coffee extract ensures stable gas permeability.
Bacteria decomposing sulphur-contg. odorous cpds. are cultured in the presence of thiosulphuric acid or its salt. Odorous gas or liq. is deodorised with the resultant bacteria conc..    USE -   Used for biological deodorisation of odorous gas or liq. which is discharged from sewage, human waste, or garbage disposing plants, or animal farms and contains sulphur-contg. odorous cpds. like mercaptan or methylsulphide.    ADVANTAGE -   Odorous gas and liq. can be deodorised with a higher space velocity of over 200/hr.. Deodorisation can be carried out while the bacteria are propagated.
The mobile assembly to turn over and mix compost has a motor-driven screw, along each projecting guide shield, to gather up the compost from the floor along the movement path.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine layout gives an improved collection of the compost for turning over and mixing through.
Treatment of waste comprises initial crushing of the waste followed by drainage and drying stages before compressing the waste to reach a waste density of 1.4-1.5 tons/m3, with final drainage of percolate. The compressed waste is then thermally pasteurised without combustion to stabilise organic materials and destroy microorganisms, The pasteurised mass is then dispatched to a landfill in block form.    The crushing unit is of a sealed design and it is kept under slight negative pressure (2). A first drainage of percolate occurs through discharge duct (3). The crushed material is conveyed by enclosed belts to a storage and pre-drying unit (4) which is provided by a series of hoppers in a closed building. The hoppers are kept under a slight negative pressure by means of duct (5) which changes the air 3 to 4 times per hour. The hoppers are provided with means for a second drainage of percolate through duct (6).    USE -   For the treatment of urban solid waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and significantly reduces the volume of the waste and inactivates organic material in the waste, avoiding fermentation and the formation of biogas and noxious fumes.
An assembly provides the base on which materials are ventilated or composted. The base is formed by a number of plates or tiles incorporating air or gas passages. The novelty is that the main plates or tiles are formed by half-tiles (2) positioned both above and underneath (4, 3) the base. Each side incorporates a half passage (8, 8a) of approximately U-shaped cross-section which reverses 180 degrees in the adjacent tile (2) below or above to form a closed passage. Each half-tile (2) is made of plastic.    USE -   The assembly is a modular kit for the construction of a ventilation or composting of solid matter.    ADVANTAGE -   Assembly of the installation is greatly accelerated and it is resistant to acid attack.
The appts. to process contaminated soil and earth has at least two blades (2a,2b) rotating round a circle as the cutting/stirring mechanism. They rotate round their vertical axes (V1,V2) with their cutting edges (3) aligned outwards. The outlet openings (12) are at least at the edge (4) of the blades opposite the cutting edges.    USE -   The process breaks down the contaminated soil and earth for greater effect when treated with micro organisms.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. gives a continuous breakdown and homogenous mixt. of the soil and earth, together with feeds of media.
Prodn. of a gel comprises: (a) adding a phenol oxidising enzyme system to a soln. of opt. substd. lignosulphonates (LS); and (b) holding for sufficient time to form a gel. Gels obtd. by the method are also claimed.    USE -   The gels can both absorb and release water and/or organic solvents, and are useful e.g. in treatment of waste water by absorbing unwanted chemicals.    ADVANTAGE -   The method utilises LS, which is a waste product formed in paper mfr.
Biologically pure culture of at least one bacterial microorganism (selected from ATCC 53539 (A) ATCC 53540 (B), ATCC 53541 (C) and mutants of these), which appears as short rounded rods and is capable of growing in sterile aq. media in the presence of 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (I) as sole carbon source, is new.    USE -   (I) (dicamba) is an important herbicide. The microorganisms may be used for degradation of (I), in, e.g. soil or aquatic environments. The microorganisms are from the genuses Pseudomonas (B and C) and Moraxella (A).
Composting device comprises ventilated and adjacently located chambers for receiving waste material at different time periods. The chambers are formed as separately handleable triangularly shaped containers (1), which are placed tightly together to form a closed multicornered formation with effective heat transmission between the various containers. Each container can be taken out individually from the formation for emptying its contents and then returned to its place. The container side walls are formed so that worms can wander between adjacent containers.    The side walls are formed with cracks, holes or netted openings. When they are all in position a vertical channel is formed with chimney effect in the multicornered formation centre and each container is provided with a ventilation component open towards this channel. Each container top (4) bottom and front wall (2) is insulated, whilst the side walls are not insulated. The containers are mounted on a rotatable base (14), permitting access to them.    USE -   The device is used for composting kitchen waste material.    ADVANTAGE -   The device produces a combined warm and worm compost, in which the worms are used effectively without the risk of being damaged as a result of too high a temp. at any stage. (Reissue of the entry previously advised in Week 9536 based on complete specification)
Biotechnical purification of harmful industrial gases contg. sulphur dioxide and generated by prodn. of non ferrous metals and in electricity power stations. Sulphur dioxide is absorbed in a bacterial soln. that has a high ferric ion concn. SO2 is oxidised to SO3 to form H2 SO4and under certain conditions is removed as elementary S. The absorptive soln. is regenerated by iron and sulphur oxidising microorganisms.    USE -   For removal of sulphur dioxide from environmentally harmful gases.
A foaming aerosol compsn. contains base soln. (A), compressed soluble gas (B) and normal butane (C).    USE -   For aerosols for cosmetics or cleaners.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. has low flammability, having high foaming properties at low and high temps. It can depress the burst and the scatter container, when heated at high temp.
When compost material (1) is piled up or after it is piled up to a specified thickness, air supply pipes (2) having breathing holes are positioned in the compost material (1) at specific intervals. A spray gun (3) and a blower (4) are connected with the air supply pipes (2) to supply a specified amt. of moisture in a mist to the compost material (1). A specific amt. of moisture is supplied to the compost material and growth inhibiting gas eg. CO2, etc., is removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to compost material e.g, leaves, kitchen waste, etc. Good composts can be prepd. rapidly without agitating the compost material.
Device, which adds fermentation bacteria to a fertiliser prod. to obtain organic fertiliser, comprises a vertical tank (2), a feed port (2a) formed at the top surface of the tank (2) to feed the fermentation bacteria and fertiliser prod. into the tank (2); a cylindrical support (18) outside the tank (2) to be turnable and movable in the vertical direction and extending along the tank; a lid (19) at the upper end of the support (18), and a hot air supply device (18) to supply hot air ito the tank (2) to activate the fermentation bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to mfr. organic fertiliser by the fermentation treatment of a fertiliser prod. The installing space may be minimised. The fermentation bacteria and fertiliser prod. may be easily fed into the tank.
Process comprises addn. of porous granules of Ca silicate hydrates, partic. at least 1 of 6 minerals including faujasite and C-S-H gel.    Difficult to degrade ligneous materials e.g, at least 25% lignin rich acidic materials with less than 0.5% of ash, are pref. mixed with porous granules of Ca silicate hydrates having dia. of 0.1-0.6mm and contg. 1-30, (3-10) wt. % water and fermented to give compost.    USE -   Used for prodn. of bark compost.    In an example, chip dust of eucalyptus and kitchen wastes was mixed at a wt. % ratio of 75:25 and 4% porous granules of calcium silicate hydrates were added and fermented at up to 70 deg. C to give compost.
Kitchen waste (13) fed in a guide cylinder (30) of a transfer device (14) is conveyed up to the top of the guide cylinder (30) by the rotary action of a screw (40); The waste (13) is compressed during transfer, and the moisture and foreign material are sepd and removed; The waste (13) is discharged into a fermentation container (34) of a fermentation device (16) from the guide cylinder (30). In the fermentation container (34), the waste (13) is mixed with a soil improving material (63) and fermentation bacteria (65), and forms compost; Air including malodour is sucked into deodorising cylinders (68), (70) filled with deodorising bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to compost kitchen waste. A large amt. of kitchen waste may be composted.
Device (A) has an organic material fermentation tank (10) and a plants growing chamber (B), both connected through a CO2 gas supply pipe (13). The CO2 supply pipe (13) has a suction pump (15) to suck the gas generated in the organic material fermentation tank (10) onto the plants growing chamber (B) and a cleaning device (16) to remove the ammonia, etc. in the gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to grow plants in the plants growing chamber. The CO2 gas generated in the organic material fermentation tank may be supplied to the plants in the plants growing chamber without mixing it in the soil of the plants growing floor. The plants may be accelerated in grow without root rot.
Fermentation of organic waste is effected by aerobic bacterium and Actinomyces under natural environmental conditions at a moisture content of 50-60% and temp. of 50-90 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for composting or reducing the vol. of flora and fauna organic waste e.g, refuse of vegetables, fish, etc., from restaurants, etc. Time required for fermentation is reduced.
Solidification of carbon dioxide contained in gas, using protistas belonging to Euglena sp. is new. Also claimed is cultivation of protista cells using a gas contg. carbon dioxide as carbon source.    USE -   The solidification is useful for prevention of air-pollution, and for removal of carbon dioxide contained in waste gas produced from thermoelectric power plants.
Faeces are put in a specified area and an active ingredient for controlling insect pests is sprayed on them by movable appts. which moves along the specified area and levels the faeces.    Also claimed is insect pest controlling appts. comprising a transporting means which allows the appts. to freely move in the specified area, a means to level the faeces, and a spraying means to spray the active ingredient for controlling the insect pests on the faeces when they are levelled.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for producing compost, etc. by controlling and preventing the generation of insect pests e.g, flies. The min. amt. of chemical soln. is required, the soln is not wasted, and drying of the faeces is not prevented.
Composting plant is designed to mix the manure with a solid absorbent material, e.g. of industrial origin, and consists of a mixing chamber (8) which is supplied with the manure by a pipe with a pump (20) and with the dry absorbent material by a hopper (5) and driven conveyors (6,7). The chamber comprises a mixer with 8 blades on a rotating shaft and has 3 outlet ports with sliding shutters to release the mixt. into a container (18) situated beneath it.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. produces fertiliser which is more easily transportable and which possesses a greater agronomic value than plain manure.
The purificn. of gas from the gasification of waste materials, comprising H2 , CO, CO2 , CH4 , H2 O, and impurities such as dust, H2 S, COS, NH3, HCl, HF and/or heavy metals, is effected by cooling the gas and scrubbing with water to remove condensable and water-soluble components. The resulting waste water is treated to remove impurities, which are at least partly recycled to the gasification step.    USE -    The purified gas may be used for combustion in gas engines, for H2recovery, for methanol synthesis, etc..    ADVANTAGE -   Waste disposal problems are minimised.
Municipal waste sludge or animal slurry is delivered to a solids separator (2) where some of the solids are separated for delivery to a composter (18). The remaining sludge is delivered through an electrolytic cell (12) into a separate flock separator (4). The separated flock is delivered together with the separated solids to the composter (18).    The water remaining after flock sepn. is stored in a container (9) and delivered through a sand filter (16) and/or a carbon filter (17). The sludge or slurry from the electrolytic cell (12) to the flock separator (4) is supplemented by the addition of a polymer as flocculant. This binds the ferri-hydroxide precipitate produced in the cell into sizeable blocks. The solids separated in separator (2) and the flock from flock separator (4) are mixed and the mass delivered to the drum composter (18).    USE -   For treating municipal waste sludge or animal slurry, esp. pig farm slurry, into a solid material suitable for use as a soil conditioner or protein feed, and a pure water which can be drained directly to the environment or used as drinking water for livestock.    ADVANTAGE -   The treated waste does not damage the environment.
A soil processing unit has an above-ground drive for driving, into the ground, a rotatable hollow shaft which has an outer peripheral cutting and stirring tool and outlet openings for media fed through the shaft. The novelty is that the tool has individual inclined vanes (3a-o) spaced from one another in the peripheral and longitudinal directions of the shaft (1) such that the end (28) of each preceding vane lies above or in the same plane as the cutting edge (27) of the succeeding vane. At least one outlet opening (10) is located below each vane (3a-o).    USE -   For decontaminating soil by introduction of microorganisms and nutrients.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit provides continuous homogeneous mixing of the contaminated soil with simultaneous unhindered introduction of the microorganisms, nutrient solns. and the like at the start of operation.
A process for the decontamination of a medium comprising a material contaminated with organic and metal species comprises treating the body of the medium by a process which breaks down the organic contaminant(s) using microbial agents, followed by treatment with microbially produced H2SO4 to solubilise and leach the metal species as a metal sulphate and treating the leached metal sulphate by a bio-pptn. process which converts the sulphate to insoluble metal sulphide(s).    USE -   The process is esp. useful for the treatment of heavy metal contaminants and organic contaminants in bulk particulate material such as land or soil using biochemical processes. The metal species may comprise radioactive or toxic heavy metal species.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides permanent soln. to the contamination problem and allows the simultaneous treatment of metal and organic contaminants. In-situ and ex-situ treatment systems may be used. The size of the secondary waste streams and hence the cost of dealing with them is minimised. The process minimises the use of harsh chemicals which could harm the environment and an opportunity to re-use certain metal contaminants is offered.
A process for the decontamination of a medium comprising a particulate material contaminated with one or more metal species comprises the steps of: (a) treating a body of the medium with microbially produced sulphuric acid so as to solubilise the metal species as a metal sulphate; (b) treating the leached metal sulphate by bioprecipitation process which converts the sulphate to an insoluble sulphide; (c) sepg. hydrogen sulphide produced during the bioprecipitation from the insoluble metal sulphide; and (d) oxidising the sepd. hydrogen sulphide to form a reusable source of a sulphur-contg. ingredient.    USE -   The metal contaminants may include mercury, cadmium, barium, chromium, manganese and lead, radionuclides such as actinides and fission prods.. The medium to be decontaminated may comprise soil, rock particles, dredgings, sediment, sludge, process residue, slag from a pyrolytic process or furnace dust.    ADVANTAGE -   The process enables biological systems to remediate metal contaminated land. The process provides a permanent soln. to the contamination problem, allows the simultaneous treatment of metal and organic contaminants, and minimises the use of harsh chemicals which could harm the environment. The size of sec. waste streams is minimised and certain metal contaminants may be reused. The process may be applied in-situ or ex-situ.
NOx and SOx are removed from combustion effluent by treating a fuel-lean region of the effluent, at an appropriate temp. with a spray, which has been atomised with methane or natural gas with an appropriate additive.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of atomising hydrocarbon enhances the efficiency of the additives in the removal of the NOxx or SOx.
New strain of Aspergillus sp. VKPM F-559 fungus is used as a producer of protein and cellulases. The strain can be grown using cellulose as a single carbon source, has higher endoglucanase and cellobiase activity and produces protein.    USE -   The strain is useful in processing cellulose-contg. waste and in prodn. of protein.    ADVANTAGE -   The utilisation degree of cellulose after 120 hr. cultivation is 83.85%.
Methane (I) is sepd. from gaseous hydrocarbon (II) which includes H2, (I), ethylene, ethane and higher b.pt. hydrocarbons (III) etc., in a deep-cooling sepn. appts. which has a de-methane tower and a pre-de-methane tower. (1) Condensed solns. which are obtd. by cooling of high pressed (II) at the following 3 different temperature areas (-30 to -40 oC, -40 to -75 oC and -75 to -95 oC), and which include (III), are supplied to the pre-de-methane tower, respectively. (2) Distilled gas which includes (I), is obtd. from the condensed solns. in the pre-de-methane tower and is supplied to the de-methane tower. (3) Condensed gas which includes ethylene and a little of (I), is obtd. from non-condensed gas which is given at -75 to -95 oC in the 1st step, in a defreg meter appts. and is supplied to the de-methane tower. (4) Both of gas including (I) and soln. of (I) are distilled from the top of the de-methane tower.    USE -   (I) is separated from (II) which is obtd. by pyrolysis of hydrocarbon oil (e.g. naphtha etc.).    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is given efficiently because the supplying amt. to the de-methane tower, can be decreased. Also ethylene can be collected in high yield (99.9%).
Prodn. of compost from silicic acid organic materials is by addn. of highly active CaO to solid-liq. mixed fermentative wastes to cause drastic hydration reaction, followed by addn. of silicic organic materials supplying sufficient amt. of water and air to solubilise silicic material and to give compost.    Plants covered with silicated cells (e.g. Gramineae and Equisetaceae) are pref. mixed with CaO to cause hydration reaction and fermentative organic wastes (e.g. urine, faeces, and active sludge) to degrade plants having silicated cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. of compost from silicic organic materials. Degradation of plants covered with silicated cells.    In an example, organic wastes were mixed with active CaO (e.g. 100 pts. of CaO, about 18 pts. of Ca(OH)2, about 48 pts. of CaCO3 and about 34 pts. of Ca salts).    The reaction mixt. was mixed with 100 cells/g of moulds at pH up to 11, then, husks were added and fermented for 2 months to give the aimed compost.
Agent comprises moulds (C9OR-2).    Geomyces pannorm moulds (C9OR-2) (FERM P-14026) are pref. used.    In organic wastes e.g. kitchen wastes, subcultured Geomyces pannorm moulds (C9OR-2) are inoculated and cultured to give compost.    USE -   Used for compost prodn. from organic water.    In an example, in 1-1.5 kg of kitchen wastes, 15-30g subcultured mould C9OR-2 was inoculated and cultured at 5 deg.C for 20 days. The vol. of wastes was reduced to 30%, while control gp. without addn. of mould C9OR-2 showed corresp. redn. to 79%.
Polluted water is passed through a bioreactor comprising a water permeable layer formed from porous water permeable pumice and concrete, in which mixed soln. of anaerobic purifying bacteria, fermenting bacteria and photosynthesising bacteria is held in a wet state. The bioreactor is formed on the bottom or on the bottom and the lower part is U shaped so that the polluted water always flows.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for water treatment without aeration and sludge generation.
Crude refuse is treated by (i) a crushing process using a crusher (5). (ii) mixing process to mix crushed crude refuse with conditioning material, e.g. microorganisms. organic water to decompose and compost crushed crude refuse, and (iii) fermentation and decomposition process to heat and dry the mixt. mixed at the mixing process stirring the mixt. and ferment it.    Also claimed is the crude refuse treating appts. comprising the crusher, a treating tank (8) having a semicircular arc shaped lower part, stirrers (9) to stir the mixt. of crushed refuse and conditioning material, heater (30) to heat the mixt. to accelerate the fermentation of crude refuse, exhaust cylinder (34) with a deodoriser (35) to exhaust water and others in the treating tank and chute (21) to discharge compost occurred in the treating tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To reduce the vol. of crude refuse and mfr. fertilisers from the crude refuse. Capable of mixing crushed crude refuse with conditioning material uniformly to ferment and decompose the crude refuse effectively.
Appts. comprises a cylindrical body (2) rotated hopper (4) to supply crude refuse to the inlet (23) of cylindrical body, sending means to send the crude refuse to the outlet (13) of cylindrical body by the rotation of cylindrical body, dewatering part (3) provided near the inlet of cylindrical body to discharge water in the crude refuse form the cylindrical body, fermentation parts (5, 6) provided near the outlet of cylindrical body to ferment the crude refuse, selector (14) to select crude refuse at the outlet of cylindrical body, and incinerator (18) to incinerate selected and undecomposed crude refuse.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To reclaim domestic crude refuse as organic fertiliser by continuously treating. To treat crude refuse from the supply of refuse, through fermentation and selection of undecomposed crude refuse to the incineration of undecomposed refuse continuously and automatically.
When dried air has been drawn-in from the bottom of a storing tank for waste matter and after processing has been exhausted from the upper side of the storing tank, a waste matter of specified thickness is cut from the bottom. The cut portions are transferred to the upper side of the storing tank then waste matter are replaced from a lower layer to an upper layer in this order. Thus, the laminated waste matter is processed while being circulated, and then dried and fermented.    ADVANTAGE -   Largely improves the thermal efficiency and drying of fermenting efficiency.
A gas stream (I) is treated to remove volatile pollutants therefrom, using a combination of a biofilter BF and a trickling filter TF; TF comprises one or more microorganisms of the genus Hyphomicrobium which is suitable for decomposing organic sulphur cpds., on a support material.    USE -   The method is suitable for removing sulphur cpds. from gas streams from the chemical, petrochemical, dairy or paper industry, from waste water treatment, sludge processing, garbage dumps, composting and compost prepn. for mushroom cultures.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is simple, and suitable for purifying gas streams contg. a complex mixture of pollutants without giving rise to acidification or other adverse effects. water from the two filters can be recycled over TF, reducing need for waste water purification. TF humidifies the gas, eliminating need for a separate humidifier.
Appts. to mix organic residues before composting has an elongated trough containing two pairs of conveyor screws with axes in the length direction of the trough. One pair of screws is near to the base of the trough and the other lies over it. At one or both ends of the trough is a vertical conveyor (8). The individual conveyor screws (3,3'; 4,4'; 5,5';6,66') are each sub-divided into two sections over the length of the trough (1), and that each screw has a reversible motor (7).    USE -   The assembly mixes organic residues prior to composting.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly provide a simple means of effecting mixing on a continual basis. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9533 based on complete specification).
Biogas is generated from decomposing materials within a reactor vessel with walls and a hollow base transporting warm fluid through passages limited by strips within a second disc-shaped wall. The novelty is that the outer disc rim lies within the edge of the vessel base and that there is a cavity for the fluid passing between the base and disc, adjacent passages being separated by strips. The reactor incorporates a central pipe through which biodegradable material is introduced to the reactor. A substrate material is held around the central pipe and carrying the decomposing micro organisms. The inner reactor walls are also covered with a substrate carrying the decomposing micro organisms. The central pipe is formed by substrate material incorporating channels which descend through pipe. In the inner reactor vessel wall the passages in the substrate only open to the interior. The reactor vessel is heated by a fluid passing along its outer walls and base. Fluid passes along under base in a gap formed by a disc.    USE -   The assembly is a heated vessel for the production of biogas from decomposing materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate material carrying the micro organisms does not fill the reactor resulting in much higher bacteria density and a reduction in reactor volume, higher efficiency and cost reduction.
Sepg. cellulosic fibres from lignin comprises: (a) introducing a raw material contg. cellulose fibres and lignin along with a lignin-dissolving carboxylic mixt. in to a cellulose digester by: (i) feeding pyrolytic raw material into a pyrolyser in connection with the cellulose digester; (ii) heating the pyrolytic raw material to pyrolyse it into lignin fuel, lignin-dissolving carboxylic acid mixt. and non-volatile pyrolytic prod.; and (iii) sepg. carboxylic acid mixt.; (b) heating raw material and lignin-dissolving carboxylic acid mixt. the digester; and (c) sepg. the resulting lignin carboxylic acid soln. from solid cellulosic fibre material. Also claimed is the appts. for carrying out the sepn.    USE -   Used to enhance process to integrated prodn. of agro-fibres in field plant energy prodn.
Municipal solid waste, from which non-compostable and recyclable material has been removed, is mixed with a predetermined amount of dewatered municipal sludge with a moisture content &lt;60% and deposited in a number of stackable aerobic modular containers each of which is of 12 to 16 inches high and has base and walls with apertures permitting free flow of air therethrough.    The containers are stacked and held in a controlled environment for about 14 days after which the containers are emptied and the contents screened in a vibrating screen with the screened compost being packaged. The unscreened portion is shredded and a proportion added to the screened mixture being packaged while the remainder is recycled for mixing with the solid waste and sludge to be deposited in the containers.    USE -   In the treatment of municipal solid waste and sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides an economic and environmentally acceptable way of dealing with solid waste and sludge in about 14 days, without extensive use of land fill sites.
A remote methane detector contains 2 parallel helium-neon lasers operating at different wavelengths and additionally contains 2 mirrors, sepg. reference and probe beams, an additional photodetector, 2 12-digit analogue-digital converters and a micro-electronic computer.    USE -   Monitoring of methane contamination of air in mines and factories and also during surveying for valuable minerals    ADVANTAGE -   Increased measuring range.
Addn. of fruit and vegetables waste (I) to the substrate for the prepn. of humus with help of compost worms, increases the efficiency of the process. The mixt. contains (in wt.%): cattle bedding manure 50-90 and (I) 10-50.    USE -   The method is used in agriculture.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is more effective and the prodn. cost lower.
Prepn. of compost from organic waste comprises sepn. of coarse admixtures from the composting mass, mixing with an adsorbing agent, aeration, and, prior to fermentation, granulometric levelling and disintegration with simultaneous treating of the particles with a mixt. of an aerosol of micro-organisms and aeration mixt. of air and nitrogen at temp. required for initial heating of the mass. Used air mixt. is directed to peat mass and/or recirculated. Also claimed is an appts. for performing the compost prepn. as above.    USE -   The method is used in units for aerobic processing of organic waste from animal and poultry farms, agriculture, communal and forest management, to obtain compost.    ADVANTAGE -   The process of compost making is accelerated by a factor of 2; the efficiency of utilisation of used gaseous mixt. is increased.
Appts. (I) includes a hydrogen redn. membrane comprising a hydrogen transmission membrane (II) and hydrogen redn. catalyst membrane (III). Materials to be reduced are supplied from (III) side in (I). H2is supplied from (II) side or both sides of the hydrogen redn. membrane.    Also claimed are hydrogen redn. materials comprising at least hydrogen redn. catalyst and hydrogen occlusion materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen redn. is carried out efficiently at low temp.. Reduced materials are obtd. in a high conversion ratio (88-100%) and in a high reaction ratio (77-98%).
The car has a tank (10) with a built in device to store hydrogen occlusion alloy. The alloy is heated by a first heat exchanger (31) interconnected to a second heat exchanger (32) which is installed in an air duct (41). The tank is connected to a hydrogen combustor (11) by hydrogen channel (12) through a supercharger (13) that is bypassed by a control valve (15).    The two heat exchanges constitutes a heater cum cooling system (30). The second heat exchanger works as a cooler to remove heat from the air stream (85) and refrigerant (82) delivered out of the condenser (21) of an air-conditioner (20). The heat absorbed from the sources as well as from the gas stream to transfer to the first heat exchanger, to heat the hydrogen occlusion alloy. This system design is characterized in supercharging the hydrogen combustor connected to the alloy tank, with an optional bypass control.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle designed to run on hydrogen offers excellent efficiency.
A nickel-alumina catalyst used for methane gas-contg. gas prodn. by gas phase reaction of MeOH or 2-15C light hydrocarbons is a moulded catalyst which is prepd. by suspending alumina hydrate or gamma-alumina fine powder in an alkali soln.; contacting the resultant alkali-treated alumina with a nickel nitrate aq. soln. above 60 deg. C to obtain basic salt contg. alumina and Ni; mixing the basic salt with calcium aluminate cement; moulding the mixt. after it is hydraulically cured.    USE -   For the prodn. of methane contg. gas from MeOH or 2-15C hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst maintains higher catalytic activity and mechanical resistance at high temps. for a long time.
Treatment of yeast extract composite waste where a yeast extract composite waste (YCW) is formed into a soluble soln. using a cultural soln. of a bacteria producing yeast-soluble enzyme (YLase). The soluble soln. is post-treated using anaerobic waste-water processes.    Also claimed is the use of bacteria producing YLase as Oerskovia sp. E 24 registered as No. FERM P-13692.    USE -   COD of YCW (e.g. beer yeast composite waste) can be removed in high quality, using the bacteria.    In an example, YCW was post-treated at 37 deg.C with opt. addn. of ultrasonic wave, or 42 deg.C in pH 6.5 or 5.0, using cultural solns. of E 24. The decomposition rate (%) (I) and solubilisation rate (%) (II) were Blank (I) 12.3 and (II) 25.4; 37 deg.C pH 6.5, (I) 75.3, and (II) 72.1; 37 deg.C pH 5.0, (I) 72.3, and 63.8; at 42 deg.C pH 6.5, (I) 75.4 and 69.5; pH 5.0, (I) 74.0, and (II) 62.2; and at 37 deg.C with ultrasonic wave treatment, (I) 75.3 and (II) 64.3. The YCW was water-treated in a methane fermentation tank at 35 deg.C. COD removal rate was 0.198 l/g DOD, and 66.5% with 13.9 kg COD/m3/day and CH4 was 0.246 l/g COD.
Aerobic fermentation of organic waste is effected in a fermentation tank having a fixed bottom plate. Gas contg. O2 is alternately subjected to ventilation where the gas is ventilated from the bottom plate to the top and ventilation where gas contg. oxygen is ventilated form the top to the bottom plate on which the organic waste is accumulated.    The bottom plate (2) of the fermentation tank (1) pref. has perforated holes. A ventilation chamber (3) is positioned below the bottom plate (2). At the suction side (4a) of an air supply pump (4), is connected an air suction duct having an automatic valve (V4). The discharge side (4b) of the air supply pump (4) is connected with the ventilation chamber (3) of the fermentation tank (1) through a duct having an automatic valve (V2), and connected with a deodorising device (5) through a duct having an automatic valve (V3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to aerobically ferment organic waste e.g. a faeces of livestock, sludge, kitchen waste, etc. By repeating the upward and downward ventilation alternately, or wet conditions may be prevented efficiently.
Culture device has a device to supply culture medium and a device to discharge culture soln., where photosynthetic bacteria is grown through photosynthesis by irradiating a culture tank with light. The culture device comprises a device to measure and calculate the amt. of light which is received by the bacteria in the culture soln., and a device to adjust the concn. of the bacteria in the culture tank depending on the amt. of light received.    USE -   Used to culture photosynthetic bacteria. The culture of the bacteria is used to adsorb carbon dioxide in exhaust gas, to control the concn. of carbon dioxide in the atmos., or to purify the water of a eutrophic lake.    ADVANTAGE -   In the culture of bacteria, the culture can be performed efficiently with energy savings. The bacteria can be grown quickly and in a great amt.
Yeast, partic. Torula or Saccharo yeast, esp. cultured in sulphite pulp waste liquor, extract compsn. having aperitive and immunostimulant activities and contg. 5'-nucleotides, partic. 1-5% each of 5'-inosinic acid and 5'-guanylic acid, free amino acids, partic. at concns. of 12-40%, beta-glucan, partic. at concns. of 1-25%, and mannan, partic. at concns. of 1-25%, prepd. by autolysis, partic. at 45-65 deg.C and pH 5.5-8.5, heating to inactivate intracellular enzymes, partic. at 80-120 deg.C, successively followed by action of cell wall degrading enzyme, 5'-phosphodiesterase and 5'-adenylic acid deaminase to enrich the essential components and used for feed, partic. at concns. of 0.1-20 wt.% in the feed.    Yeast including Torula and Saccharo spp are starting materials. Yeasts (e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFO 1954, 0309, IAM 4274, Candida utilis IFO 0619, Torulopsis sterata IFO 1953, Hansenula anomala IFO 1150) are cultured in sulphite pulp waste liquor and suspended at concns. of 10-15% to cause autolysis at 45-65 deg.C and pH 5.5-8.5 for 10-20 hrs. The autolysed mixt. is heated to 80-120, pref. 90-100 deg.C to inactivate the intracellular enzyme and mixed with 0.3-3% of cell wall degrading enzyme (e.g. glucanase and mannase) and incubated for 1-5 hrs. The incubated mixt. is heated at 90 deg.C, centrifuged to give a supernatant and added to feeds at concns. of 0.1-20, pref. 0.2-5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Animal feed including fish and fowls. Feeds contg. 0.1-20 wt.% of the yeast extract. Improved aperitive and immunostimulant activities.    In an example, artificial milk for piglet was mixed with the supernatant or commercial feed additives at a concn. of 0.2% and gave 10 piglets for 14 days. The ratio of consumed feed for control gp., the supernatant, commercial yeast extract and grape juice was 100, 117-119, 101 and 103, respectively.
Equipment for the treatment of refuse comprises a treatment vessel into which microorganism contg. material is introduced and mixed with the refuse. A number of treatment methods are available and controlled, automatically or manually, so that they can be used interchangeably.    USE -   The equipment is used for refuse disposal by controlled biodegradation (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The automatically variable operation allows the use of optimally sized vessels and equipment with low energy consumption.
Process for attaining specific temp. behaviour from temp.-dependent controllers for valves or thermostats, which have an operating device opened by the pressure in a pressure chamber, involves (a) producing a zeotropic mixt. of at least 2 substances; (b) filling the pressure chamber with the mixt.; and (c) adjusting the mixing ratio according to the desired temp. behaviour.    ADVANTAGE -   Hazards are reduced drastically, as the mixt. can be prepd. without using toxic cpds. or those which are hazardous to the environment, which also eliminates the need for disposal as special waste. Output signals can be obtd. at temps. which cannot be achieved with pure substances.
The mobile assembly, to turn over compost material, has a wound roll (9) for a compost felting over the lateral frame section (8). In the direction of travel, a laying stirrup (1) guides the compost felting. Alternatively, the lateral frame section has a passage slit to guide the compost felting, with the material roll at the level of the slit on the rear side of the frame.    ADVANTAGE -   The mobile assembly has a simple system to handle compost felting, when the compost is being turned over.
An aerobic fermentation promoting device comprises:(a) a rotatable screw conveyor (1) feeding compost raw materials to its centre where it is delivered to the buckets of an elevator (23);(b) a frame supporting the conveyor, elevator and a drive unit which includes side beams (11), four extension rods (12-15) extending between the side beams, and an elevator support rod for lifting and supporting a compost pouring section of the elevator. The elevator has a compost bucketing section (4) at its front end and the compost pouring section (24) at its rear end which is inclined upwards and backwards with respect to the side beams. A steering device smoothly rotates the fermentation device on guide rails around the fermentation tank whilst reducing friction between the rails and the device. The steering device includes steering rollers.    Also claimed is a fermentation tank connected to an excrement reservoir which has a fermentation promoting device which periodically mixes its contents. After fermentation, compost is discharged through a door. Arcuate guide rails are placed in the corners of the tank to receive steering rollers mounted on side beams of the fermentation device. A centre wall is placed in the tank and is used to supply external air and excrement to the tank. A roof stretches over the tank through which extends an excrement supply duct fitted with a nozzle for spraying excrement into the fermentation tank. Openable curtains in the roof allow temp. control.    USE -   The device makes compost fertiliser from livestock and human excrements together with moisture content control materials such as rice hulls, sawdust, wood pieces, leaves and trunks of plants (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The device promotes aerobic fermentation by periodically mixing the tank contents and exposing them to the atmosphere.
Spent microbial biomass used in the biological extn. of radionuclides and heavy metals from solns. of their salts, is processed by drying the material with air by natural convection at temps. of 90-95C, with the air used heated at the rate of 1.5-2C/min.. This prevents the release of adsorbed radioactive materials and heavy metals into the environment and reduces the final vol. of the biomass thus facilitating its subsequent disposal.    USE -   Used in the biological purificn. of aq. waste contg. radionuclides and heavy metals.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is more efficient.
A new gas selective permeable membrane is made of a specific alkylsulphonated polyaniline which has a repeating structural unit of quinonediimine and phenylenediamine of formula-(I) and a limiting viscosity of at least 0.40dl/g as measured in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone at 30 C. At least parts of N atoms are alkylsulphonated, where m = 0-1, n = 0-1, and m+n = 1.    USE -   For gas selective separation, e.,g CO2 or CH4.    ADVANTAGE -   The new membrane is electrically conductive, having a good selectivity and stability. It is formed on any base material including glass, unwoven cloth, porous ceramics or polymer membrane by coating the soln. dissolving alkylsulphonated polyaniline.
Prodn. of microorganisms that are resistant to organic solvents comprises subjecting a parent strain to mutagenesis and selectively culturing the mutants in the presence of an organic solvent. Also claimed are: (1) an organic-solvent-resistant microorganism obtainable by the above method; and (2) a method for biological desulphurisation of organic S cpds. using the microorganism of (1).    USE -    The microorganisms can be used, e.g., to desulphurise petroleum fractions under microaerobic conditions (i.e. at O2concns. below the explosion limit) in the presence of organic solvents, thus avoiding the need for large vols. of water.
Recycling waste thermoplastic material (I) from domestic, trade and/or industrial rubbish comprises mixing with raw tar or bitumen material (II) to give a useful composite material (III).    USE -   Used for recycling waste plastics to give a cheap composite material suitable for roads, roofing and other building applications, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a low-cost, environmentally acceptable method for recycling waste plastics to give a cheap bitumen-based composite with higher cold elasticity, heat distortion temp., abrasion resistance and frost resistance etc.
The air extractor assembly within a decomposition building is computer-controlled. The foul air is extracted through one or more collector pipes (1) linked to one or more suction modules (2) by means of a flexible hose (3). Each suction module (2) incorporates one or more extractor hoods (4). Each main collector pipe (1) has a throttle flap (6) at the transition to the flexible hose. The modules (2) are adjustable by means of lifting gear (7) and the main collector pipes (1) are linked to an air discharge ventilator.    USE -   The installation extracts foul air from a building in which compost rots.    ADVANTAGE -   The computer-controlled installation is economic, environmentally friendly, the achieves a significant reduction in corrosion to the building and metal installations.
Method to influence the cells of single- and multicellular living organisms. The organisms are placed within a DC field generated between two separate electrodes of opposing poles. They remain in the field for a time span which is long enough for the free electrons contained in the plasma of the mitochondria to be aligned against the field line orientation. They are deflected for collection near the positive polarised conductive layer of the mitochondria.    Also claimed is an appts. with two spaced metal electrodes, of opposing poles, supplied with DC. They are surrounded by an insulating layer to prevent overloading.    USE -    The system can be used for e.g. dung pits, waters soiled by N2including river banks, destruction of algae in water or wine/beer prodn., mfg. of dairy products, yeast prodn..    ADVANTAGE -   The effect on the cells is achieved by applying a DC potential to the electrically conductive cell plasma. The effective field strength is proportional to the force of the developed free electrons.
Agent for treating bio-waste comprises a combination of organic gel former(s) and lime.    USE -   The agent is useful for treating domestic organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The agent inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, such as moulds, yeasts and bacteria, by binding moisture in the waste and thus greatly reduces odours before the waste is collected. The effect is temporary and does not affect decomposition in large composting plants.
The biological decontamination of earth and other materials, contaminated waste and/or other organic matter involves cultivation of bacteria, to give optimum biodegrading of the hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective and natural decontamination action through the cultivation of the bacteria.
Fermentation assembly to break down organic matter into gas comprises an enclosed vessel which contains an inlet (2) for fresh organic matter and the starter mixture, and outlets (4,7) for the products arising from decomposition. The novelty is that a linear mixing assembly (3), in the form of a grid, maintains the ingredients in a mixed condition.    USE -   The assembly generates gas from rotting biomass (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The linear mixing overcomes the problem associated with complex rotating mixing assemblies i.e. high energy consumption, inadequate mixing and less than optimum temp. distribution.
Methane is converted to ethylene and/or ethane by successive and repeated passage of methane- and oxygen-contg. gas over: 1) a catalyst capable of promoting the oxidative conversion; and 2) an adsorbent or absorbent for the ethylene and/or ethane produced which is held at a lower temperature than the catalyst and which will release the retained gas(es) on heating. Also claimed is the use of this process to produce ethylene and/or ethane from methane.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows high conversion of methane with high yield of the required (but more reactive) 2C products.
Organic material, partic. domestic waste, is composted by disintegrating and feeding into the inner lower part of a container so that material is moved upwardly in zones as successive amounts are introduced and compost is withdrawn from the upper end. Air is pref. introduced into the container lower end and the material is forced through a bottom centre inlet in the container by a plunger in a feed tube in which there is a transverse disintegrator knife. The plunger pref. has longitudinal grooves corresponding to the sawtooth-shaped cutting edge of the knife.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides rapid composting and it is easier to withdraw compost.
The following are claimed: (a) a method of producing an optically clear contact lens by treating the lens with a supercritical fluid; (b) a method of dry releasing a contact lens from a mould in which the lens was moulded by treating the contact lens and mould with a supercritical fluid; and (c) a method of extracting incompletely polymerised materials from a contact lens by treating the lens with a supercritical fluid. Pref. the supercritical fluid is supercritical carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ethane or propane; supercritical carbon dioxide is most pref.. An additional cpd. may be added to the supercritical fluid. Pref. in methods (a) and (c) supercritical carbon dioxide is pressurised to 2000-4000 psi while its temp. is 50-80C.    ADVANTAGE -   The treatment does not adversely affect wetting or other physical characteristics of the lens ,can improve the hydrophilicity of a lens and can also provide a dry moulded lens. The supercritical fluid provides a non-toxic, recyclable extraction solvent.
Wood waste can be utilised more efficiently as follows. The waste is ground up to 25 mm. particle size and dried to 8-10% moisture content. Next, additional solid phase fermentation is carried out for 4 days at 28-30 deg. with white mould fungus P.Chrysosporium F 1764, for 4 days at 28-30 deg. in the presence of air. Subsequent addn. of binder such as octamethylene diisocyanate and stirring, is followed by forming and hot pressing for 5 minutes at 150 deg. under 3 MPa.    USE -   In the mfr. of building materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased strength, reduced water absorption of the prod..
Organic waste such as food residues, sewage sludge, night-soil sludge, paper-making sludge, etc. is carbonised in a heating device such as incinerator, etc.; and, after mixing the carbonised material with sewage sludge or night-soil sludge and performing a proper degree of aeration, they are packed in bags having breathability, and they are deposited in a fermentation chamber which is kept at 35-40 deg. C to accelerate natural fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to accelerate the fermentation of organic sludge. The natural fermentation of organic sludge can be accelerated without the use of fermentation machines or fermentation bath..    In an example, the bags including the carbonised material and sewage sludge or night-soil sludge are piled up in several rows, and they are covered with a heat-insulating, waterproof tent to form a temporary fermentation chamber.
Sludge or other organic waste is mixed with high temp. wood burned ash so that the temp. of the mixt. is kept at 40-80 deg. C; immediately after adjustments of moisture content and deodorisation, the mixt. is packed in bags having breathability and deposited for a comparatively short time for natura fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to accelerate fermentation of organic sludge. The natural fermentation of organic sludge can be accelerated without the use of fermentation machines or fermentation bath. Furthermore, no aeration is necessary in fermentation.    As the organic sludge, sewage sludge is used. As the high-temp. burned wood ash, burned pulp ash produced in paper making factories is used.
The device comprises a fractionation unit for separating stockbreeding waste including livestock waste to a fluid part and a solid part, a methane fermentation tank for enabling recovery of bio-gas and methane fermentation fluid from the received fluid part, and a compost fermentation unit for enabling recovery of compost from the received solid part while forming the compost fermentation unit, which is made to accept a portion of the methane fermentation fluid, so as to surround a portion of the outer periphery of the methane fermentation tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used to prevent environmental pollution while generating fertiliser by processing stockbreeding waste especially waste including livestock litter and livestock waste. Stockbreeding waste processing can be performed effectively even in cold districts.    A compost fermentation unit (23) is formed in cylindrical shape and a ceiling member is provided above of a methane fermentation tank (20), whereby the methane fermentation tank (20) is housed in the compost fermentation unit (23) completely and suitable fo ruse in a cold district.
Built-in garbage container (1) sits horizontally and has a semicircular bottom, a jacket (11) around its outer periphery, and a garbage heater. A rotary shaft (12) is pivoted coaxially with the container's semicircular bottom, and has blades (13) to stir the garbage being dried.    A burner (21) operates on combustion air derived from the garbage container and acts as a deodoriser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose water-contg. organic substances such as garbage and sludge without decomposing protein contents. The composter realises efficient garbage agitation during the drying process, leading to rapid composting. Automatic garbage discharge is implemented by stripping plates and the step-by-step thrusting motion derived from the blades (13).
Garbage disposer composed of a treating tank contg. microbes-carriers and a mixer and a heater to agitate and heat the garbage, has a control circuit to cut the power when it is not operated for a specified time.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents inside of body from drying.
A garbage disposer composed of a treating tank contg. microbes-carriers and a mixer to agitate an organic waste and the carriers, is installed so as to contact a wall at the back and is driven at the side.
Fuel prodn. includes introduction of waste into a rotating cracking drum; collection of combustible waste components; and removal of plastics from the collected components.    ADVANTAGE -   Non-toxic fuel can be produced.
Water-soluble surfactant mixts. produced by any of the following methods are new:    (a) partial hydrolysis of microbial biomass with alkaline earth metal hydroxide, sepn. of insolubles, and reaction with fatty acid chloride or fat;     (b) partial hydrolysis of microbial biomass with NH4OH followed by reaction with fatty acid chloride or fat;    (c) partial hydrolysis of microbial biomass with alkali metal hydroxide followed by reaction with fat and propylene oxide, each in an alkaline medium.    Also claimed are surfactant mixts. as above where the prod. of (a) or (b) is further reacted with propylene oxide.    USE -   The prods. are useful as foaming agents, detergents or emulsifiers.    ADVANTAGE -   The surfactants are made from waste materials, e.g. baker's or brewer's yeast or activated sludge, and have good water-solubility and biodegradability.
Conversion of n-paraffins to isoparaffins in a C4 hydrocarbon feed or a C5 and/or C6 hydrocarbon feed comprises passing the feed through at least one reactor contg. a fixed bed of a catalyst comprising 0.1-0.25 wt.% Pt-group metal and 2-10 wt.% Cl on a refractory inorganic oxide support, in which isomerisation is effected at 100-200 deg.C, 7-60 bar and 0.5-12 LHSV.    The isomerisation rate (IR), or a parameter directly related to the IR, is monitored by analysing the reactor effluents, pref. continuously. When the IR has decreased by 10-30%, an upstream portion of the catalyst, corresp. to 1/3-2/3 of the total catalyst wt., is replaced by fresh or regenerated catalyst, after which the feed supply is resumed. Also claimed is an isoparaffin-enriched prod. obtained by a process as above.    Advantage - Catalyst consumption is reduced while maintaining a maximum IR.
Conversion of plant-bound solar energy comprises: (a) fermenting and distilling biomass to produce alcohol and by-products; (b) carbonising wood and simultaneously distilling tar to produce 'jet wash tar' (Strahlwaschteer) and by-products; (c) producing vegetable oil from oil seeds; (d) combining the alcohol from (a), the 'jet wash tar' from (b) and the vegetable oil from (c) to produce fuel; (e) using the by-products from (a) and (b) to generate heat and electrical power; and (f) supplying most of the electrical power to steps (a)-(d) through a network.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste materials are converted to useful prods. in an economic, efficient and ecologically safe manner.
Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils with indigenous microorganisms is improved by application of a hydrocarbon (I) soln. of a surfactant (II) comprising: (a) a mixt. of a sorbitan ester (III) of a 7-22C monocarboxylic acid and a polyoxyalkylene adduct (IV) of (III) (6-50 polyoxyalkylene units); and/or (b) (8-18C) alkyl mono- or di-glycosides.    ADVANTAGE -   The method effectively stimulates the growth and activity of naturally occurring, hydrocarbon-assimilating microflora, rendering the hydrocarbon (esp. petroleum) contaminant in the soil more accessible to the organisms.
System comprises waste fermentation gas generation tank (1) for generating fermentation gas by heating waste, a fermentation gas storage tank (2) for storing the fermentation gas, a desulphurisation unit (3) for removing H2 S contained in the fermentation gas, a methane gas enrichment unit (4) for improving purity of methane gas contained in the fermentation gas, and a chemical power generating unit (5) for generating power by using the methane gas as fuel. The power generating unit comprises a reforming unit (5A) for reforming the enriched methane gas, a blower (5B) for supplying air, and a fuel cell main body (5C) for generating power by using the H2from the reforming unit and the air from the blower.    ADVANTAGE -   Generation of harmful gas e.g. N oxide and S oxide is reduced to a low level. Generation of noise and vibration is also reduced.
Organic wastes are composted and dried on the spot so as to produce a finished product for use as an agricultural improvement material. Organic wastes (19) are put into a bag (11) that has flexible walls permeable to air. Inside the bag is a tube (13), at least partially perforated, and closed at its lower end. The tube is connected externally of the bag to a fan which is activated to create a forced circulation of air in the bag to convert the waste into compost and possibly dry it.    USE -   The method is used to convert solid or muddy organic wastes, pref. mixed with sawdust, into compost used to enrich and fertilise land intended for cultivation.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting and drying can be effected locally thus removing transport costs.
The biological treatment of a compsn. contg. harmful substances and finely divided solids, comprises incorporating one or more silanes into the compsn. to improve the flowability of the fine grain material and subsequently decomposing the harmful substances by means of microorganisms.    USE -   Esp. for treating soils contaminated with mineral oil hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other harmful substances.    ADVANTAGE -   The silanes react to form very strong Si-O-Si bonds with the silicon particles (sand, clay, silt, etc.) in the finely divided solid and the alkane residue protects the soil particles form other solid particles so that the formation of conglomerates is no longer possible and it is no longer necessary to add large amts. of water to give a flowable mixt. Harmful substances previously entrained in the fine particle solid are liberated and are thus available for subsequent decomposition by microorganisms. The residues of the silane remaining after the biological treatment are harmless and no treatment is necessary to remove these before the soil is reused.
Container to hold organic waste temporarily, for conversion into compost through heat, is of plastics or other materials, with a cover.    ADVANTAGE -   The container takes domestic and garden waste, which can be heated by sunlight, which releases no smell, to give an effective composting action. The container is of recycled plastics, and requires min. cleaning.
A batch process for the conversion of organic solid waste material by liquid thermophilic aerobic digestion comprises comminuting a batch of the organic solid waste material, adjusting the moisture content to at least 90% pts.wt. water, mixing with a thermophilic aerobic micro-organism, adjusting the pH of the mixt. to 5.5-7.5, supplying heat and O2 to effect thermophilic aerobic digestion and monitoring the mixt. during digestion to detect when the mixt. has stabilised. The pH level, the phosphate content, the sulphate content and the C/N ratio of the mixt. are monitored and th process is terminated when the stabilisation is detected and the stabilised mixt. is dried.    USE -   The process is esp. useful for the treatment of fruit and vegetable components, grass clippings and other succulent materials and fibre from th pulp and paper industry. The process produces fertiliser or animal feed.    ADVANTAGE -   The process substantially reduces the time required for digestion, compared with prior art processes, by interrupting the digestion process prior to the redn. of cellulose and lignin in the material being processed.
A process for preparing biomass to improve the kinetics of solid-state oxidative biotransformations of the type in which a solid substrate is shredded, mixed with an inoculum contg. microorganisms used for the biotransformation, and if necessary moistened, possibly with liq. substrates, comprises: (a) a shredding stage including a pulverisation stage to produce a solid substrate in pulverised form; (b) a mixing stage at ambient temp; and (c) agglomeration of the biomass obtd. into small granules During stage (b) or (c) or between the two stages, the biomass is satd. with air or O2.    USE -   The biomass is useful for biodegrading and biotransforming natural polymers such as lignin, celluloses etc. into high added value metabolites and are also useful in industry. The technique can be used to prepare organic acids, alcohols, polysaccharides, biopolymers and enzymes to stabilise fruit juices and wines. The biotransformations are also of interest in the medical field (for prepn. of antibiotics, antitumour and antiviral agents and enzymes for medical applications), environmental protection (for prepn. of enzymes for the detoxification of pesticides and toxic and noxious wastes, organic substances for the removal of heavy metals from effluent), and in agriculture (for the prodn. of biological pesticides, biofertilisers and humic acids).    ADVANTAGE -   The method of prepn. of biomass eliminates and/or drastically reduces the technical problems of prior art such as poor, uneven aeration of biomass, fluctuation of the temp during biomass oxidn., unsuitability of the system to use mycelial microorganisms, lack of protection of enzymes/microorganisms from external agents and limited use of the capacity of the bioreactors. The kinetics of the solid state bioreactions are improved and optimal development of mycelial microorganisms is permitted. The process enables the full potential of the biotechnology to be exploited economically.
The sepn. of desired clathrate-forming gases from a gas mixt. involves: (a) providing a gaseous stream of the gas mixt.; (b) contacting the gaseous stream with an aq. solvent to form a solid clathrate hydrate suspension in the aq. solvent, causing the gaseous stream to be leaner in the desired clathrate-forming gases; and (c) subjecting the solid clathrate hydrate suspension and the aq. solvent to elevated temp. and reduced pressure to produce a prod. gaseous stream richer in the desired clathrate-forming gases.    USE -   For sepn. of desired clathrate-forming gases from gas mixt., esp. for recovery of methane from natural gas or methane-contg. streams.    ADVANTAGE -   Economical and effective process that provides high sepn. rates.
Emulsified oils, dissolved solids and particulates are removed from H2O-contg. liq. waste streams as follows: (a) the pH is adjusted to ca. 6; (b) a coagulant (I) is added to ppte. the dissolved solids; (c) the steam pH is adjusted to ca. 6 to separate. (I) and the dissolved solids from the liq. phase; (d) a flocculant (II) is added; and (e) the waste stream is flowed upwards through a vertical plate pack chamber aligned at 50-60 deg. from the horizontal so that the oils and solids settle to the bottom of the chamber, and the sepd. waste stream passes out of the top of the chamber. The chamber comprises a tuning fork sensor capable of producing a signal indicating the amt. of solids in the chamber bottom by changes in the frequency of vibration of the sensor; the signal activates a pump to remove the oils and solids from the chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The method using the vertical plate interceptor allows facilities with very limited space to treat their own waste water without the need to expand the facilities. No air pollution control devices are needed, no moving parts are involved, and emulsified oils and grease may be removed at efficiencies above 95%. The process is esp. useful for the treatment of waste streams from industrial and commercial laundries, and specifically from food processing, plating chemical manufacturing, and petroleum prodn. and refining activities.
Refrigerant compsns. for use as substitutes for R-12 in R-12 refrigeration apparatus, comprise: (A) (i) 61-65 mol.% of R-134a; (ii) 28-32 mol.% of R-124; and (iii) 4-9 mol.% of n-butane; or (B) (i) 53-57 mol.% of R-134a; (ii) 35-59 mol.% of R-124; and (iii) 6-10 mol.% of n-butane.    USE -   Used as replacement for an R-12 refrigerant, typically utilised in automobile air conditioning systems.    ADVANTAGE -   The provided refrigerant compsns. are environmentally safe, have material, oil and equipment compatibility, non-flammability, non-toxicity, a high coefficient of performance and sufficiently reasonable commercial costs.
Appts. for optimising the degradation of biological waste comprises: (a) a module divided into three sections for sorting waste; (b) a module for providing a flow of air; (c) a cylindrical module provided with a section (c1) for transport of air, section (c2) for the addn. and mixing of biological waste, section (c3) for screening, sorting and maximising filling of the appts., and pipe (c4) secured into the insulating mantle and extending into the open end of the cylinder provided with horizontal drop pipe and transmission parts, for carrying out regulating functions; (d) a module for filtering leached water and absorbing water vapour and gases; (e) a module for absorbing water vapour and gases, purifying gases and air- or waterborne microorganisms, condensation of water vapour, and for storing and distributing filter media and additives; (f) module for absorbing water vaapour and gases; (g) module for evacuating incoming air, subjecting incoming air to a heat exchange step, and for recirculating or mixing incoming air; and (d) module for evaporating and pathogenising toilet waste.    USE -   The appts. is used for a variety of domestic waste, including sewage.    ADVANTAGE -   Degradation of waste is optimised. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9530 based on complete specification).
A strain of the bacterium Brevibacterium SP BKPM B-5593, a lysine producer, is new.    USE -   The prod. is useful as a fodder additive.    ADVANTAGE -   The strain gives a high degree of conversion of sucrose into lysine and promotes accumulation of a high level of lysine in molasses medium, with decrease in the concn. of growth factors under moderate aeration conditions. Also, fermenters of low aeration rate and not fitted with stirrers can be used.
Treatment comprises preparing treating water contg. bacteria extracted from soil by water, adding the treating water to the rubbish and griding it to make pulp, sepg. the pulpy rubbish to solid and liq. and adding the sepg. solid to treating media comprising woody strips treated to be soln. retentive and adsorbing nitrogen cpd. and phosphorus cpd., which are used as nutrient of the bacterial, to digest and decompose components in the rubbish by the bacteria increased in the media.    USE -   For improving efficiency in the treatment by woody strips.
The method involves containing the drying refuse which is carried out and it is mixed to an organic nature scum. Moisture regulation of an organic nature scum, reduction of a smell and physical-properties improvement are achieved by using effective supplement materials for organic nature scum processing.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises efficiency of an organic nature scum processing through fermentation; reduces smell due to refuse.
To turn over composting material, it is distributed by tipping and delivering to an ejection surface below the ejection point. The height of the ejection point over the surface is adjusted to keep the dropping distance within a max. level.    Also claimed is an assembly with a bridge conveyor belt (5) to give a lateral movement to the material. A moving trolley moves along the bridge (3), with a take-up and delivery unit with a reversible conveyor belt (11) with height adjustment. A chopping roller (12) is at the conveyor belt (11) in a swing mounting on a cross beam (13) with a variable length. A scraper at the trolley swings at the bridge conveyor belt (5) when the material is being turned over.    ADVANTAGE -   The operation chops and turns over the material to give a good mixing action, without material compression as it is being turned.
This invention discloses a process to overcome the harm of highly concentrated SO4-- to the fermentation of marsh gas. The difficulty of desulfuration of marsh gas resulted from high H2S content.    USE -   This invention is suitable for pretreatment of marsh gas fermentation with molasses (sulfite process) waste water (such as: molasses spirit waste water etc). Other organic waste water of high SO4-- concentration. It overcomes the poison of SO4-- on marsh gas fermentation is relied on addition of Fe++. In front of marsh gas fermentation tank, a pool filled with iron shavings is installed. By controlling the flow of waste water, iron shavings are firstly contacted with air and are oxidized into Fe++ then Fe++ is dissolved in waste water. The requirement of marsh gas fermentation is melted.
A compost bin (20) comprises two opposed vertical, slotted panels (22) and two opposed, vertical door panels (24), joined at their vertical corners to form a rectangular bin, open at the bottom, and having a snug fitting cover (26) at the top. L-shaped slots (42) in the slotted panels (22) permit a tool, such as a garden fork to be inserted substantially vertically, and levered to a horizontal position to assist the aeration process. The slots are about 11.5 inches wide, with the bottom edge of each wall surface spaced upwardly and inwardly relative to the leveraging structure by 1.5 inches and 1.25 inches respectively. Removable doors (60) allow access to the finished compost. The cover (26) incorporates a handle section (72) and two rain collection ramps sloping downwardly therefrom to rail slots (76), which divert rainwater into the bin. The base is open to encourage earthworms and other insects to assist in the composting process, and to allow compost water to soak away. The preferred material is black thermoplastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene, about 0.25 inch thick. The slots (42) permit the ingress of air and sunlight to promote compost action.    USE -   The bin is used to compost organic waste material.    ADVANTAGE -   The bin allows appropriate amts. of air, water and sunlight to enter the compost pile which, together with easy access for mixing, encourages the composting process to proceed efficiently.
Residue from biological purificn. of town waste is passed through an ionite at a vol. ratio of ionite:residue of 1:5-100, then allowed to settle.    USE -   The method is suitable for residues from waste water purificn., and gives cleansed water for commercial uses.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is simple and inexpensive, the filtration is fast, the vol. of residue obtd. is reduced 1.5-2 times, and the concn. of solids in the cleansed water is reduced 3-10 times.
The converter of biostimulators into feed comprises hood (1) with light permeable covering under which there is a cylindrical reservoir (3) with channels (4,5) for the inflow and outflow respectively of liq. media and gas, where the gas supply channel (4) has the form of radially disposed, on the bottom of reservoir (3), pipes (4) with asymmetrically arranged, relative to their longitudinal axes, apertures (7), and the gas discharge channel (5) has the form of an annular manifold (9) mounted on the upper edge (8) of reservoir (3) with tangentially arranged, on the inner side of manifold (9), pipe connections (10) directed to meet the apertures (7) in tubes (6).    USE -   The device is used for the conversion of biostimulators into feed from animal and poultry metabolites by fermentation using algae and may be used on animal and poultry farms.    ADVANTAGE -   The cost of feed prodn. is reduced.
In the method of moulding pellets by means of a die (2) having many moulding holes (4) and extruding rollers (3) in contact with the inner periphery of the die (2); a tapered part (6) is formed in each moulding hole (4) at the outer periphery, and the linear part (7) of moulding hole (4) is set to within 20 mm. An organic fermentation fertiliser having a moisture content of 15-25% is fed into the die (2) to form pellets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to pelletize organic fermentation fertiliser which is obtd. by aerobic fermentation of organic waste such as kitchen refuse, sludge, etc. Pellets having compressive strength of about 1.64 kgf/mm can be obtained, which can be used for mechanical application.    In an embodiment, a die (2) is formed of a material of high strength such as chromium steel, etc., having a thickness of 30-35 mm. The die (2) has many moulding holes (4) extending from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. The linear part (7) of the moulding holes (4) is set within 20 mm, and its dia. is 3.2 mm or less. An organic fermentation fertiliser having a moisture content of 15-25% is fed into the die (2) through a chute (8). Rotating the die (2), the fertiliser is squeezed between the die (2) and the extrusion rollers (3), and pushed into the moulding holes (4). When pushed out from the moulding holes (4), the fertiliser is cut by cutters (9) into pellets of 4.2-7.2 mm length and 3.2 mm dia.
Method comprises fermenting, while deodorising, organic waste by using a fermenting device which contains a fermenter (provided with a heater and a stirrer) to form pellets and drying the pellets to form a fertiliser.    Typically, the device (1) comprises a fermenter (4) which has a material input port (2) and a disposal output port (3) at the upper and lower parts, respectively, fermentation stirring vanes (6) driven by a motor (5) and a heating element (7) and an insulator (8) on the outer periphery.    ADVANTAGE -   The method offers clean working environments and reduces energy loss.
The digesting gas is sepd., to H2 S gas and methane gas by gas sepg. membrane, and H2S gas is introduced to the aerobic treating tank.    ADVANTAGE -   The removing process which does not generate industrial waste as existing process do, and has no problem concerning treating efficiency, is offered by the process of this invention.
Raw refuse treating appts. comprises a turntable (5) to rotate a decomposition tank, first spiral stirring blade (14) to send raw refuse injected in the tank upward, second spiral stirring blade (160 to send raw refuse downward, motor (6) to drive the turntable and stirring blades, and transmitting means to transmit an output of motor to the turntable and each stirring blade and couplers (27, 28) to separate the motor and each stirring blade.    ADVANTAGE -   To stir raw refuse accurately and clean the decomposition tank and stirring blades easily without residues.
Waste is crushed and then liquified by activation with bacteria. Waste liq. is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria after aeration, and then by aerobic bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Odour may be reduced during treatment, so that ozone or active C is not required.
Refuse is treated by crushing (1), preparing liq. contg. crushed and treated refuse (7), aerating in an aerobic digestion tank (9) to decompose a greater part of organics by oxidn., partially drying produced digestion liq. (12) to produce semi-dried digestion cake (37), fermenting in a deposited state to obtain wet compost (38), drying to obtain dried compost beads and deodorising waste gas generated in each process in a deodorising tower (24). Also claimed is the refuse treating appts. comprising crushing means (4,6), aerobic digestion tank, and deodorising tower.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To decompose refuse and deodorise exhaust gas. To decompose refuse at a high decomposition rate to obtain dried compost beads and deodorise generated exhaust gas.
Alkali-treated bagasse (ATB) opt. contg. a nutrient source, prepd. by softening a bagasse while preventing decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose is new. Also claimed are: (a) a process for softening bagasse comprising incorporating CaO into a bagasse opt. with NaOH under the coexistence of water, while preventing decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose; (b) a fermented bagasse feed obtd. by incorporating a nutrient source (NS) and a seed culture of a lactic acid bacterium into the ATB and fermenting; and (c) Enterococcus faecium HL-S (FERM BP4504) bacterium capable of proliferating in an alkaline nutrient culture medium of pH 9.5.    USE -   Bagasse is a squeezed waste of sugar cane contg. cellulose (CE) and hemicellulose (HC). It has been utilised in part as a fuel source. ATB is useful as an animal feed for livestock pref. ruminants such as cattle or monogastric animals such as pigs or poultry. It is also used as an organic fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The ATB feed has good taste and is of high quality. It is produced easily within a relatively short period of time. The ATB saves sugar refineries from the difficulties of treating bagasse which was previously considered as an unutilised industrial waste, and livestock farming industries from the shortage of roughage. The prepn. of ATB establishes a novel technology to save environmental disruption, an overflowing population and a food crisis by allowing prodn. of feeds for livestock and milk prods. from bagasse without any competition without foods. Previously bagasse could not be used as an animal feed due to the high lignin content.
Process for incineration of sewage sludge comprises (a) dewatering the sludge by mixing with a predetermined amt. of absorptive cellulose fibre material (I) until the content of dry matter is at least 55%; (b) mixing with another material (II) to utilise the energy content of the mixt., so that the mixed prod. has a calorific value of at least 11000 kJ/kg; and (c) incineration at a temp. of a least 800 C.    USE -   The coarse and fine ash obtd. is used as fertiliser or for spreading on agricultural and/or forestry land for growing raw materials used in the process or green parkland (claimed). The mixed prod. can be used as solid fuel for commercial heating systems.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple, does not necessitate the use of costly filter presses and can be carried out with conventional heating systems.
A process for methane prodn. by two-phase anaerobic digestion of organic carbonaceous material (30) which is first fermented in an acid phase digester (10), giving a liq./solids effluent (20). This is subsequently passed to a methane phase digester (11) where it is fermented, giving methane gas (21) which is drawn off, and a methane phase liq. effluent (22) which is stripped in a CO2 stripper (12) of CO2 and H2S. The stripper liq. effluent (25) containing dissolved oxygen is introduced to the methane phase digester.    Also claimed is a two phase anaerobic digestion process as above in which oxygen is introduced into a liq. of the methane phase digester.    USE -   The prodn. of methane gas by the anaerobic digestion of organic carbonaceous material.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved digester efficiency by addition of small amount of oxygen to methane phase digester produces gas with a methane content over 80%, compared with known methods producing 55% to 65%. Costs of upgrading the gas mixture to a pipeline quality of 95% are reduced. A wide variety of organic materials can be digested. Separation of the two phases minimises effects of facultative bacteria.
Composter (10) comprises a hollow upper cone (12) and hollow lower cone (14), frictionally coupled to a barrel (16) having rows of apertures (28) parallel to the central axis. Each cone has a number of rows (4) of apertures (44) which register with apertures in the barrel. As air and moisture penetrate the apertures, the upper cone descends in correspondence with decomposition of organic matter.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. improves the efficiency of the process by avoiding the formation of large air spaces within the compost.
A sprayable cosmetic prod. comprises (i) a clear bottle capable of withstanding at least 10 psig and including a spray nozzle at an open mouth; and (ii) a clear, single phase cosmetic compsn. comprising (a) 0.5-20 wt.% of a propellant mixt. consisting of a 1-6C alkyl ether and a 3-6C unsubstd. hydrocarbon propellant in a relative wt. ratio of 10:1-1:10; (b) 0.5-40 wt.% of at least one surfactant in an aq. medium; and (c) 0.5-20 wt.% of a coupling agent of formula HO-(CH2CHRO)m(CH2)n(OCHRCH2)m.-OH where m, m' = integers greater than 1; n = an integer greater than 3; and R = H, 1-12C alkyl and mixts. of these. On actuation of the spray nozzle a creamy foam mousse is expressed from the bottle. Also claimed is the cosmetic compsn. (ii).    Pref. the bottle is made of glass. The ether of the cosmetic prod. is pref. dimethyl ether and it is pref. present in a wt. ratio with the hydrocarbon propellant of 2:1-1:2. The surfactant (b) is pref. a 6-20C alkyl polyglucoside. The coupling agent (C) is pref. PPG-10 butanediol. Humectants, 1-4C monohydric alcohols, 1-20C alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, preservatives, cpds. that produce -hydroxyacids on hydrolysis and minor amts. of vitamins, fragrances, colourants and thickeners opt. may be present.    USE -   The compsn. is used as a cosmetic cleanser, partic. for application to the face.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is an alcohol-free single phase concentrate. It is formulated with a propellant which is readily miscible and does not require special agitation to achieve homogeneity. It has improved phase stability and clarity, lower concentrate viscosity and better foam aesthetics than some previous cosmetic compsns. Foaming does not alter as more of the prod. is discharged. The system provides significant vapour pressure redns. of previous sprayable prods. thereby increasing safety against accidental rupture of the dispenser.
Solid waste composting appts. has a cylindrical chamber formed by a side wall (62) and annular end walls (64, 66) supported between, and rotatable with respect to, end supports (72, 74). Rotary seals (68, 70) are interposed between the chamber end walls (64, 66) and the end supports (72, 74), liq. can be fed into the chamber through the end seals (68, 70) and the end supports (72, 74) and the interior of the chamber is provided with an arrangement, adjustable from outside the chamber to control, to control the flow of waste along the chamber from one end to the other. Also claimed is the above arrangement in combination with specific details of the seals and/or the means for feeding the waste along the interior of the channel.    USE -   The appts. is used in treatment of solid waste to compost organic matter so that it can be used as a soil supplement.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. provides a single chamber which can be used to decompose solid waste aerobically or anaerobically, and reduce plastic or metal to basic components.
Cartridge suitable for purifying an aq. effluent, comprises (a) an open-ended cylindrical casing having at each end, a dished and circular end piece which is also integral with the casing providing a filtering chamber. Each of the end pieces have a central portion and an annular peripheral band, the central portion having several apertures uniformly positioned, and the peripheral bands having a continuous annular debossment defining a seat for a gasket. A foraminous, liq. permeable retainer is arranged in the chamber, in juxtaposition to each of the end pieces and between the particulate bed and the end pieces so as to retain a filtering medium, particulate bed within the filtering chamber.    USE -   Used for adsorption and absorption of contaminants from an aq. stream on filter clay.    ADVANTAGE -   The filtration system has an axial flow cartridge and can remove heavy metal ions, hormones, toxins, viral microorganisms and pesticides whilst preventing clay plugging.
The unit has a housing (1) with a bottom (2) and liq. supply and outlet pipes (3,4) and albumin outlet pipe (5), a drive shaft (6) with upper and lower discs (7,8), a conical perforated baffle (9) fitted between the discs, and baffle oscillations source. The unit also has a cone (10) fitted eccentrically inside the conical perforated baffle. The cone lower edge is connected to the housing bottom. A spiral baffle (12) is placed between the housing (1) and the lower conical section (11), and at one end is connected to the housing wall and at the other to the albumin outlet pipe (5). The spiral (13) is fitted on the bottom (2). The cone eccentricity is directed towards the pipe (5).    USE -   The unit is used in agriculture for albumin treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The sediment unloading is simplified.
The method is carried out by biological decomposition of the wood shavings, their drying, forming a carpet by cold pressing and hot pressing. The biological decomposition is carried out by surface solid phase fermentation by lignite destroying basidiomycetes for 4-6 days at 25-30C.    USE -   the method is used in prodn. of building materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The prodn. time is reduced and the strength is increased.
Residues are fed to filter-screen in centrifugal-force field; residues are slowed down and sprayed from edge of driven-disc. Alternating industrial electric current is passed through screen. Body (1) has effluent-feed/removal pipes (2,3,4), driven hollow shaft (5) with top/bottom discs (6,7), plus flexible conical filter-screen fixed between them, plus means to retard movement of residues, e.g. sequentially-positioned concentric cones (8,9,10) with length increasing from inner cone (10) to outer cone (8). Latter is made from electrical-conducting material, while top and bottom bases of outer cone are connected to commutators (12,13) of source of industrial alternating electric current.    USE -   The method is used as reagent-less microbiological cleaning of effluents from e.g. heavy-metal salts, radioactive elements, phenols, synthetic washing-substs. or petrol-prods. dissolved in them, in local cleaning works with monospecific pollutant, and acting on it by bacterial-population adapted to it.    ADVANTAGE -   Residue quality is raised and regions of use are widened.
Combustible collection comprises removing magnetic metal from wastes; cracking waste; sorting out combustible material; and compressing material.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid fuel can be formed from collected combustible material.
Garbage disposal device includes garbage disposal vessel, with lid, contg. garbage-decomposing microorganism, and duct filled with fixing material composed of offensive odour-decomposing microorganism. Offensive odour generated inside garbage disposal vessel is discharged to outside through fixing material in duct.    ADVANTAGE -   Garbage disposal device is inexpensive, and is easy to maintain.
Garbage is mixed with wooden chips fed from a storage tank sepd. from the mixing tank by an air permeable partition in order to decompose it with microbes.    USE -   For effective disposal of garbage and prevention of malodour.
Garbage disposal device comprises microbial carriers contained in an agitation tank and an aeration pipe with fine holes covered with a porous insecticidal pipe.    USE -   For prevention of invasion of insects into aeration pipes, and effective aeration of organic domestic waste.
Waste plastic is collected as separated by crushing it, reducing the vol. of any expanded polystyrene in it by heating it at a predetermined temp. then finely dividing it, separating the finely divided waste in liquid utilisation differences in specific gravity, and collecting the separated fractions. Also claimed is appts. for collecting waste plastic as separated including a device (2) for crushing it, a device (3) for heating it to reduce the vol. of expanded polystyrene, a device (4) for finely dividing it, and separating-collecting device (6) for separating the finely divided plastic in liquid utilising specific gravity differences.    USE -   Process and appts. are suitable for the collection and separation of waste plastic separated from municipal waste, the polyolefin fractions being suitable for conversion to fuel oil.    ADVANTAGE -   The problem of handling bulky expanded polystyrene is eliminated. Any polyvinyl chloride fraction can be removed so that it does not contaminate the conversion appts. or impair the safety of its operation.
A process for producing ethanol from municipal solid waste comprises removing tyres, bulk ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass and rubber from the waste to give a cellulosic component; shredding the cellulosic component and treating the shredded material with dil. H2SO4 at 40-100C to solubilise substantially the remaining heavy metals to give a soluble component and an insoluble component; sepg. the soluble component from the insoluble component and drying the insoluble component and drying the insoluble component; treating the dried insoluble material with ca. 1:1 conc. H2SO4 to insoluble component by wt. to give a partially hydrolysed mixt.; diluting the partially hydrolysed mixt. with water at 80-100C and agitating the mixt. at ca. 100C to give a digested material; removing the solids from the digested mixt. to give a filtrate which is then sepd. into an acid-contg. soln. and a sugar-contg. soln.; concentrating the sugar-contg. soln. to ca. 12-14% sugar and adjusting the pH to ca. 6; fermenting the resulting soln. with yeast to give a beer; and recovering the ethanol from the beer.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows recovery of reusable rubber, metal, plastics and glass from municipal solid waste with economical, energy efficient prodn. of commercial ethanol from the cellulosic fraction of the waste, thus relieving environmental problems caused by incineration or landfill disposal.
A process for biodegrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants comprises contacting a mixed bacteria culture comprised of Achromobacter (AB) sp. and Mycobacterium (MB) sp. with a material contg. PAH contaminants in the presence of N and P contg. nutrients and oxygen, H2O2 or both, the ratio of AB sp. to MB sp. on a biomass basis being 10:1 to 1:10, the ratio of elemental N to P in the nutrients being 5:1 to 15:1. Also claimed is a method for in situ bioremediation of soil which has been contaminated with PAHs comprising introducing into the contaminated soil an inoculum comprised of a mixed bacteria culture of AB sp. and MB sp. which have been acclimated to PAHs by contacting a growing mixed culture of the bacteria with PAHs along with a nutrient system contg. a N source and a P source for sustaining growth of the bacteria, the ratio of AB sp. to MB sp. being 10:1 to 1:10 on a biomass basis, the ratio of elemental N to P in the nutrient system being 5:1 to 15:1.    USE -   The method can be used for the bioremediation of soil, groundwater and waste effluents contg. PAHs.    ADVANTAGE -   The mixed cultures of AB sp. and MB sp. achieve a synergistic effect, whereby they achieve higher rates of biodegradation of PAHs than would be anticipated based on their individual capacities for metabolising such cpds. The PAH contaminants are completely mineralised by the mixed bacteria culture yielding harmless prods.
(A) Method for removing heavy metals bound to solid particles comprises: (a) providing an aq. soln. comprising a reducing agent material or a complexing agent material; (b) contacting the soln. with the solid particles, the solid particles contg. indigenous microorganisms, to mobilise the metals from the solid particles; and (c) sepg. the mobilised metals from the solid particles. (B) Also claimed is a method for removing heavy metals bound to solid particles comprising: (a) providing an aq. soln. comprising a reducing agent material; (b) inoculating the solid particles with microorganisms isolated from the solid particles; (c) contacting the soln. with the inoculated solid particles to mobilise the metals from the solid particles; and (d) sepg. the mobilised metals from the solid particles.    USE -   The method is used for the remediation of contaminated soils and other solid surfaces. It can be used to remove Bi, Cd, Pb, Th, U and other transuranic metals.
Compost vessel for the composting of compostible material, comprises a building block in the form of sheets with one or more male grooves on one side and one or more corresponding female grooves on the other side, which when mated form a self-supporting and self-locking construction in which the blocks are secured into one another. The blocks may be dismantled and used again in a new construction.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple structure requiring no screws, bolts, nails or adhesive, and which can be dismantled and reassembled without any damage to the component parts.
Organic waste is composted by crushing organic waste whose water content is adjusted to 50-65%, to a powder, storing it in a fermentation tank (18) having good air permeability and maintaining the circumferential temp. of fermentation tank at 30-40 deg.C.    Composting appts. comprises a screw type conveyor (3) with a rotation cutter at its front end, (the fermentation tank having good air permeability to store organic waste), and cover (15) having a discharge hole (16) at its top to cover the circumference of fermentation tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost sewer sludges, crude refuse and others. Compost may be mfd. with high quality by treating large quantities of sludge for a short time using the simple appts..
Sludge is composted by injecting feed sludge to the top of vertical tank (10) to stir and mix it with a material being fermented, staying in the tank and contg. less water than the water content of feed sludge to adjust water content of sludge and mix with microorganism for degradation, blowing air to the sludge and stirring by stirring wings in a multistage while lowering the sludge in the tank to ferment them, and discharge fermented prods. as compost from the bottom of tank. Also claimed is the composting appts. comprising a vertical tank, rotation shaft (18) penetrating through the centre of tank from the top to the bottom, stirring wings (24) attached to the rotation shaft in a multistage and aeration tube (34) attached near the stirring wing at each stage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost wet sludge. Capable of adjusting water content of sludge and material in the tank to a water content suitable for composting, and of increasing the efficiency of contact of gas with liq.
Agent comprises petroleum degrading microorganisms and nutrients in an aq. emulsion support.    Petroleum degrading marine microorganisms e.g. yeasts S1EW1 (FERM P-13871), S2EW1 (FERM P-13872), S10W5 (FERM P-13873) and Candida sp. (FERM P-11023) are cultured in a nutrient medium. The cultured cells are used to prepare the removal agent and used at concns. of 0.001-0.1 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for removal of petroleum components on the surface of water. Environmental pollution is prevented.    In an example, in 50 ml. artificial sea water contg. 1.0 g. petroleum model cpd. tetradecane, cultured Candida sp. S1EW1 was added and cultured at 20 deg.C with stirring at a rate of 180 rpm. for 2 weeks. The degradation rate was 55%. A control gp. without addn. of the cultured cells showed no degradation.
Appts. comprises (1) a waste disposal tank (1) having a drain port (14), (2) a drain storage tank (2) connected to the drain port (14) for directly storing drain (23) from the drain port, (3) a heater (3) for heating the drain storing tank (2) to convert the drain (23) within the storing tank into steam, and (4) a steam exhausting port (4) within the storage tank (2), through which the steam is exhausted.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. eliminates drainage and draining directly into sewerage, preventing growth of vermin and killing if generated within or around the tanks by heating of the storing tank.
Microorganisms for use in biological waste treatment are produced in an appts. comprising a cultivation vessel and a feeder for supplying the microorganisms to the waste treatment reactor.    USE -   The waste treatment is esp. of sewage.
A base material for plant compost comprises inertised chaff, esp. of wheat, rye, barley, oats and corn, flax waste, legume shells and/or cocoa husks.    ADVANTAGE -   The inertised cereal grain chaff etc. can be used directly after inertisation as a plant soil base without the necessity for fiberisation as is required with wood residues such as wood chips and bark. The material is used as a replacement for peat and therefore serves to protect the environment.
Utilisation of wood, esp. mature timber, involves shredding the wood (1); removing ferromagnetic metal components (4) (e.g. screws and nails) using a magnet (3); screening the prod. (5); using the coarse particles removed on the sieve (6) for burning and/or prodn. of chipboard; separating the material passing the sieve (7) into coarse (8) and fine (10) fractions; using the coarse fraction (8) as ground cover for riding areas, animal race-tracks or paddocks; and using the fine fraction (10) as litter material (11) in boxes and stalls. The obtd. litter material is claimed, consisting of shredded wood particles of dia. below a defined threshold value (pref. within a defined range). The material is pref. enriched with lactic acid bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste wood is utilised is utilised in an economical and ecologically optimised way. The coarse fraction stabilises and solidifies the ground in paddocks etc., is non-dusting and prevents ice and frost formation in winter (due to heat released by biodegradation). The fine fraction has high specific surface, and high absorptive and binding power for urine and excrement. The high surface and air permeability promote rapid bacterial degradation to give compost with generation of heat. The litter material is cheaper and longer lasting than straw. If the litter material is enriched with lactic acid bacteria, composting is promoted, NH3 in urine is converted into N utilisable by plants, odour, attraction to flies and formation of pathogens are reduced and a warm day humus is formed.
A cpd. fertiliser of soybean oil dregs is made of fermented soybean oil dregs and such additives as N,P, K and trace elements, which are optional based on requirement. It can increase the organic matter content in soil and has long-acting period (2-3 years) for accelerating crops growth and improving the quality of agricultural prods.
Prodn. of feedstuff for poultry and animals uses crop straw as base material and edible hyphae to decompose and transfer cellulose. Urea, gypsum and rice bran are added, and the materials are mixed, fermented, sterilised and refermented to produce a fine feedstuff.    ADVANTAGE -   The feedstuff has high nutrition.
A composter has a hollow body suitable for rolling along a surface, a sealable opening (4) to allow loading and unloading and an aeration device (12) to let air flow into the body. Pref. a tube (20) containing a liq. additive is sealed at a first end (20a) and perforated at the other end (20b) such that when the composter is rolled to one position the additive is at the first end and leaks into the composter when rolled to another position.    Also claimed is a method of composting using a rollable composter in which waste is placed in it, aerating the waste and periodically rolling the composter.    USE -   A composter for garden and kitchen waste, grass clippings, chipped trees and paper.    ADVANTAGE -   Rolling allows easy mixing and transport of compost.
The bin consists of an elongated plastics container (7) with an opening at or near one end, closed by a hinged and latchable lid (8), and a frame (17) designed to stand on the ground and support the container so it can be rotated about a horizontal axle in bearings (22) situated at or near the container's centre of gravity.    The container has a second latch to hold the frame in a raised position, and two ground wheels (12) which allow the container to be moved from one position to another, e.g. for emptying its contents.    ADVANTAGE -   Container can be rotated on frame to mix contents and can be wheeled to a new position for emptying.
A refrigerant medium consists of an azeotropic mixt. contg. (a) 50-95 wt.% fluorinated hydrocarbon and (b) 5-50 wt.% isobutane.    USE -   The refrigerant medium is used in refrigeration circuits as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of these media reduces risks of environmental pollution and depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer which may occur with prior art refrigeration media. The medium does not contain any environmentally noxious fluids that are likely to be banned as unacceptable. The mixts. are pure azeotropic fluids, evaporating constantly at 20C. In refrigeration appts. operating on a compression and expansion cycle, use of the claimed compsns. results in use of a smaller amt. of fluid and reduced energy use cf. conventional refrigerants. Performance capabilities are better than those obtd. with conventional refrigerant fluids.
A composting plant consists of a sealed compartment with an inlet zone and a feeder to advance the waste from a receiving and pre-processing plant through an airtight sluice, a process zone and a discharger with a second sluice. The process zone contains a perforated tube ventilation system (26) linked to a fresh air intake with oxygen and temperature control. The plant also has a heat exchange system for extracting heat generated from the process air and condensing the water from it to dry the compost. The waste material is fed through the process zone by a driven texturing agitator (14) suspended in a travelling trolley above the zone. The agitator, comprising a rotary drum with a drive motor inside it, has a series of spikes in one or more spirals to life the waste material as it rotates. The process temp. in the plant is kept at 55-62C and the waste is composted in 5-25 days.    USE -   The appts. is used for the composting of household waste, organic sludge, wood chippings, straw and farmyard manure.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. makes use of heat generated during composting process.
Compost vessel arrangement for composting domestic or garden waste comprises (i) a pref. cylindrical mantle provided with an opening for removal of the composted material; (ii) a base; and (iii) an openable lid covering a feed opening. The vessel is made of foamed plastic thermal insulation material, pref. foamed polyethene, being attached to the external surfaces of the lid and the mantle, with the mantle insulation being alternatively divisible or foldable in the height direction of the vessel. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9526 based on complete specification).    ADVANTAGE -   A simple and hygienic means of providing a compost vessel with thermal insulation is provided without the need for any large constructions or additional equipment.
The catalyst comprises an active layer of 1 platinum-group metal and/or one oxide of a Group IV transition metal in an amt. of 0.1-0.7%, on a carrier of irregular cellular metal with a structure duplicating an open-structured cellular polymer, in which the ave. dia. of each cell is 1.5-3mm and the apparent density is 0.1-1.0 g/cm3. Suitable carrier is nickel, copper, Ni-Cu alloy with &lt;50% Cu, Ni-Cr alloy with &lt;30% Cr, or steel contg. Ni and/or Cu and &lt;0.4% carbon.    USE -   The catalyst is used in purificn. of waste industrial gases and vehicle exhausts.    ADVANTAGE -    The structure of the catalyst carrier promotes removal of CO, NOxand hydrocarbons from gases to average levels of 91, 72 and 85% respectively, and extends the working life of the catalyst.
2C hydrocarbon (I) is prepd. by oxidn. coupling of methane in the presence of perobuskite (SiC) (II) gp. oxide which is selected of SrCo1-x Lix O2 .25 -3 (x = 0-0.25) and SrCo0 .8 Mg0 .2 O2 .4 -3.    Also claimed is that the prepn. appts. of (I) is consisted of a membrane reactor where membrane moulding that is made from (II), is used.    USE -   (I) is prepd. from methane.    ADVANTAGE -    By using this appts. (I) is given in high selectivity yield (30.6-53.2%) and in high conversion rate (27-32%) for long time without activation of (II) and formation of COx.
The method comprises roughly crushing waste plastic, reducing foam styrene in the waste plastic heated at a preset temp., finely crushing the waste plastic and classifying the fine crushed waste plastic in liq. in accordance with a specific gravity difference.    In a sepg. tank (23), waste plastic lighter than water and suitable for oiling such as polyethylene and polypropylene is floated and vinyl chloride heavier than water and not suitable for oiling is precipitated, so the floated material is only collected.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste plastic suitable for oiling and vinyl chloride not suitable for oiling are separately collected.
In waste treatment, organic waste is supplied into a vertical hollow treatment barrel in which a cooling jacket is placed above a heating jacket, and a feed screw is placed between the jackets.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste can be heated and cooled efficiently.
Nitrile cpd. of formula (I) is decomposed using an incubated soln., with bodies or treated substance of bacteria belonging to genus Alcaligenes, capable of decomposing the nitrile component, as nutrient.    In (I), R1=H or alkali metal atom. R2, R3=H or Me.
Microbe-carriers are suspended in waste water during aeration and settled in a purifier tank during settling.    ADVANTAGE -   The concn. of microbes and the purifying capacity are increased.
Sewage disposal tank filled with suspended immobilised microorganism carriers, has a vertical partition at the centre to circulate sewage, an impeller forming the compulsory flow, and a filter for carriers.    USE -   For uniform flow pattern of carriers.
In aggregation of microbial carriers, microorganisms having one sided or relatively substance-transforming capacity are forced to coat different carriers respectively in accordance with the capacity.    USE -   For efficient and rapid decomposition of pollutants.
Method comprises adding microorganisms which decompose contaminated substances, into contaminated soil, and increasing the capacity of decomposition when the concn. of decomposing microorganisms is less than the min. concn. value of Mmin.    PREFERRED QUANTITY OF GIVEN MICROORGANISMS - The pref. amt. of microorganisms is 100-1000 times the min. concn. value of Mmin.    DECOMPOSING MICROORGANISMS - Bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas, Methylosinus, Methylomonas, Methylobacterium, and Alcaligenes, etc. are used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for purifying soil contaminated with harmful cpds. which are difficult to decompose. The method enables contaminated-soil to be purified efficiently.    In an example the phenol-contaminated soils I, II and III were respectively cultivated at 30 deg. C., and the phenol concn. and the KKO1 count were measured every day for 2 weeks. The phenol concentration of samples extracted from 10 g of soil was measured with the HPLC method, and the KKO1 count was measured with a flow cytometer.
Treating contaminated soil using microorganisms comprises introducing a solvent with reducing power into the contaminated soil and then a solvent or gas with capacity of dissolving oxygen into the contaminated soil, by sprinkling the solvent or gas on the surface of soil so it penetrates into the soil, or by digging a well and letting the solvent or gas flow through the well's hole for penetration into the soil.    USE -   Used for treating soil contaminated by various harmful cpds. which are difficult to decompose.    ADVANTAGE -   The method enables anaerobic bacteria in the contaminated soil to be viable, proliferated, or decomposed.    PREFERRED SOLVENTS - A solvent contg. one of the salt containing Fe2+, formic acid, and oxalic acid and having reducing power.    PREFERRED SOLVENT WITH CAPACITY OF DISSOLVING OXYGEN - Degassed water.    PREFERRED INTRODUCED GAS - Nitrogen.    EXAMPLE - Soil contaminated with PCE (tetrachloroethylene) for 20 years was sampled in the Kanto area, Japan, put into a sealed tank 2 m (width) x 2 m (length) x 3 m (depth), and left as it was for one month. 5 cm-dia. water feed holes of depth 2.5 m were set in four corners of this tank, and four pipes made of vinyl chloride with multiple 0.5 cm-dia. water feed pits were inserted into the respective four holes, and the external periphery of inserted portions were sealed so as to form a water feed line. Then, a 5 cm-dia. pipe was set in the centre of this tank so as to form a water suction line. As the water feed solvent (reductive solvent), a solution of 0.5% FeSO4.7H2O was used. Every four days, the soil (10 g) near the water feed line was sampled. This tested soil was suspended in the medium and vibrated violently with "vortex". The number of anaerobic bacteria existing in this suspension was calculated by the MPN method, and the PCE concn. was measured with hexane extn. method and ECD gas chlomatography, as shown in Figure 2.
Crude refuse is treated by flame-heating a treating tank (5) having a double wall in which water is stored to a suitable temp., mixing the crude refuse injected to the treating tank with thermophilic bacteria, supplying oxygen heated to a suitable temp., at which the thermophilic bacteria function, to the treating tank, and simultaneously burning gas contg. dust formed in the treating tank and stirring the crude refuse during treating.    Also claimed is the crude refuse treating appts. comprising a treating tank having a double wall, heating chambers (2) with burners (4) placed on and under the treating tank, pipe (30) to supply oxygen heated by a heat exchanger (28) of heating chambers, exhust tube (31) to supply gas contg. dust generated in the treating tank as combustion gas of burners, and stirring blades (123) placed in the treating tank.    ADVANTAGE -   To decompose crude refuse effectively without generation of offensive odour.
Machine decomposes crude refuse by aerobic bacteria to reduce its vol. by placing a culture base material (3) in a crude refuse treating tank (1) having stirring blades (2) and ventilation device (25), injecting crude refuse to the treating tank, and stirring them. A dust filter (30) is provided at a suction hole at which the ventilation device is connected to the treating tank, and an ozone generator (27) and ozone decomposition catalyst (28) are placed in an air ventilation duct (26) constituting the ventilation device.    ADVANTAGE -   To decrease the generation of offensive odour and dispersion of duct.
Machine decomposes crude refuse by aerobic bacteria to reduce its vol. by placing a culture base material (3) and aerobic bacteria in a crude refuse treating tank (1) having stirring blades (2) and a ventilation device (25), injecting crude refuse to the treating tank, and stirring them. A dust filter (29) is provided at a suction hole at which the ventilation device is connected to the treating tank and deodorising catalyst (27) is placed in an air ventilation duct (26) constituting the ventilation device.    ADVANTAGE -   Offensive odour is not released to the outside.
Appts. comprises a treating tank (3) to store crude waste and water content adjusting agent e.g. sawdust, to control the water content of crude waste heater (5) to heat the inside of the treating tank, heat controller (82) to control the heating operation of the heater to maintain a temp. of the inside of the treating tank to a temp. accelerating fermentation of crude waste, and injection detector (1S) to detect the injection of crude waste to the treating tank. The heat controller stops heating when the crude refuse is not injected over a set period for waiting according to the detected information of the injection detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Crude waste is fermented with decreased running cost.
Appts. used comprises a sepn. tank(1) to separate the mixt. of plastics to low specific wt. plastics and high specific wt. plastics, injection passage(2) connected to the bottom of sepn. tank, slurry controlling tank(4) to form the slurry of crushed plastic products and pump(6) to send the slurry of crushed plastic products from the slurry controlling tank to the injection passage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recovers only plastics suitable for producing oil from waste plastics. Polystyrene foam does not float and stay at the injection passage to separate low specific wt. plastics suitable for producing oil and high specific wt. plastics, e.g. PVC resin, unsuitable for producing oil accurately.
Treatment of sewage sludge (esp. excess sewage sludge) comprises injecting O2 and simultaneously adding a surfactant (esp. biodegradable) in an amt. sufficient to reduce the solids content of the sludge by 50% by lysis. Both the O2and the surfactant are uniformly dispersed throughout the sludge. Also claimed are: (1) appts. for carrying out the above process; and (2) use of an intermediate and/or end prod. of the above process as a fertiliser, animal feed or the like or as a starting material for or component of such a prod.    ADVANTAGE -   The solids content is reduced substantially in a short time by lysis of microbial cells.
De-compsn. of an organochlorine cpd. (I) with a microorganism that is capable of decomposing (I) when activated by an aromatic cpd. is effected by contacting the microorganism with a water-soluble material (II) extracted from a lignocellulose-contg. plant or with p-coumaric acid (III) to activate the microorganism, the decomposing (I) with the activated microorganism.    Also claimed is a process for reducing the amt. of (I) in a (I)-polluted environment, comprising decomposing (I) with a microorganism using a process as above.    Further claimed is a process for decomposing (I) with a microorganism, comprising exposing the microorganism to a cpd. which induces it to express oxygenase and applying the activated microorganism to a locus polluted with (I).    USE -   The process is esp. useful for treatment of soil or effluents contaminated with chlorinated ethylenes, esp. trichloroethylene (TCE) and/or dichloroethylene (DCE).    ADVANTAGE -   In contrast to prior art inducers, (II) and (III) are harmless, readily available and stable in soil, waste water, etc.
An assembly for the disposal of organic wastes incorporates: (a) a mechanical shredder-mill (2); (b) a pre-fermenter (4) with mixer paddles (22); (c) a pump (3) linked to the shredder-mill (2) and a pre-fermenter (4); (d) a fermenter (5) with heater (42) and mixer paddles (30) joined to the pre-fermenter (4) and pump (3); (e) a cyclone (35) which draws fermented material from the fermenter (5) by means of a suction inlet (36). (f) a discharge unit (6) linked to the fermenter (5); and (f) a de-odorant assembly (52) linked to the shredder-mill, pre-fermenter (4), fermenter (5) and discharge unit (6).    USE -   The arrangement provides for the disposal of organic residues such as domestic rubbish, clear sludge and animal wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides a means by which organic residues may be disposed of in a continual process, making use of the heat resulting from the process, and preventing the release of unpleasant smells.
Processing biological household wastes comprises: (a) comminuting the wastes to a mushy paste; (b) subjecting the paste to sterilising heat treatment at 70-120 C; and (c) setting the pH of the paste to 6.7-7.5 by addn. of additives.    USE -   The process may be used for treatment of food or plant wastes, kitchen wastes, garden wastes, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows quick and hygienic processing of household wastes to give materials which may be used as soil conditioners, etc.
In a process to use a ship as the base to produce valuable materials, organic residues are anaerobically fermented and the resulting foul sludge is composted. The novelty is that the wastes are filled into a fractionating assembly (2), are mixed with water and fractionated. The organic fraction is converted to biogas by anaerobic fermentation, and the resulting foul sludge is de-watered and subjected to intensive composting by worms.    USE -   The process converts organic residues arising from settlements into compost.    ADVANTAGE -   The process can function on board an otherwise unused ship with minimum modifications.
The sieve assembly, for compost, has a dosing unit as a vertical filling shaft (6,6a) leading downwards with an angled continuous drag conveyor (7) fitted with bars or ribs (7a). The passage gap (6b) is between the end of the drag conveyor and the neighbouring filing shaft wall (6a). The recirculating mesh belt (8) is below the drag conveyor (7,7a), at a horizontal gap (H) from it, together with its drive (10), deflection (9,11) and tensioning (12) rollers. A beating/vibrating system is directly below the mesh belt area (8a), with eccentric beaters (14) on a powered rod (13). Two removal conveyors (15,16) are below the mesh belt (8a) and beating unit (13,14) to collect (15) the material falling through the belt (8a) and carry it off (16) outwards to the side at right angles.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly turns over the compost material and removes sieved compost at suitable intervals.
In a process to compost vegetable and other organic wastes, the material is first reduced in size and subjected to a hot composting phase in which it breaks down into a fine mixture of organic and minerals. The novelty is that after the material is reduced in size, it is subjected to an additional structuring phase in an exothermic process which forms part of the hot phase, and that during the hot phase the material is further mixed, loosened with spiked rollers, reduced in size to fibre and sprinkled with water.    Appts. for carrying out the process incorporates a twin helical press (3) which delivers material via a conveyor (4) to compost hoppers (5, 6) with contra-rotating spiked rollers (7, 8).    USE -   The process and assembly prepare organic domestic refuse for disposal as compost.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost is of consistent quality throughout the year.
Composting reactor has composting cells (11,12) which are arranged in overlying circular stages (2,3) sepd. by intermediate plates (4,5) and which are sepd. in each stage (2,3) by radial walls (13). Each cell (11,12) has a segmental or annular shape in plan view. Directly overlying cells (11,12) communicate via intermediate plate openings (16), through which composting matter can pass from an upper cell to an underlying cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The reactor allows large quantities of organic matter to be composted and has low space requirements.
Low-temp. oxidative-coupling catalyst capable of converting methane or other low-grade paraffin hydrocarbon such as natural gas into higher-grade hydrocarbon including ethylene and ethane under the condition of aerobic state, includes at least one of hydroxides of IIIB group or lanthanum system rare-earth metals MOOH as its main active component, and can be matched with at least one of metallic compounds of IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA, IB, IIB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIIIB groups and/or non-metallic compounds of VA, VIA and VIIA groups.    USE -   For converting methane or other low-grade paraffin hydrocarbon such as natural gas into higher-grade hydrocarbon including ethylene and ethane.
A compsn. comprising Bacillus spp. cultures and fungal cellulase is claimed.    USE -   The compsn. is useful for degradation of cellulose, esp. for treatment of sewage (claimed) and partic. in septic tanks to reduce cellulose sediment. The compsn. is also useful in the prodn. of glucose from cellulose (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The combination of the extracellular enzymes produced by bacteria cultures from Bacillus spp. and fungal cellulase results in a synergistic degradation of cellulose, and also degrades carbohydrates, protein and fat present in sewage.
Tablet for producing silage contains Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus, L. salivarius subsp. salivarius, and/or L. delbrueckii subsp. lactics, and when silage is produced, the tablet can produce a large amt. of lactic acid even at 45 deg.C.. The silage produced has pH below 4.2 with good preservation properties.    ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria grow very rapidly, inhibiting the growth of other microbes and preventing formation of butyric acid. Silage can be made from grass effectively even in warm regions in the summer. The silage can be produced from a range of grasses and other fodder materials.    The strains used are L casei rhamnosus SBT-230 (Number B - 13245), L. delbrueckii lactis SBT-2664 (Number - 13246) and L. salivarius STB-2670 (Number 13247).
A vent pipe (4) is disposed in the bottom part of a fermentation tank (1). A blower (5) with a compressor is arranged to the base part of the vent pipe (4) for blowing fresh air contg. soil microorganisms. By compressing the air, temp. is increased to a given value by the compression device, the fermentation condition of shape retention regulating waste accumulated and stored at the upper part of the vent pipe (6) is regulated.    A fermentation composting device comprises the equipment described, a draining part formed such that flow-down of a moisture content of the shape retention regulating waste is regulated with high efficiency in a shorter time than an ordinary time; and a switch conveyance device (9) to convey the shape retention regulating waste in the direction of a discharge port (1b) as the stored waste is switched in a running state.    ADVANTAGE -   Composting disposal of organic waste is continuously executed by assembly-line operation and producing good quality compost.
Refuse disposal device has a disposal container (1) which is charged with a mixture (4) of refuse and a disposing agent to dissolve refuse. The mixt. is agitated to dissolve and dispose the refuse. The disposing container (1) can be rotary driven contg. a rotary shaft (2) with agitating vanes (3). By rotating the disposal container (1), the mixture (4) is agitated and by rotation of the rotary shaft (2), the vanes (3) are rotated to agitate the mixture (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Agitation efficiency is improved, and refuse and fine wood pieces are sufficiently agitated in a short time.
Culture substance (3) such as sawdust and chaff and aerobic bacteria are put in a garbage disposal unit (1) contg. stirring blades (2) and a ventilator. Garbage put in the garbage disposal unit (1) is crushed by a crusher and mixed with culture substance (3). Enzyme for decomposing garbage is provided in the garbage disposal unit (1) in addition to culture substance (3) and aerobic bacteria.    Fibrinolytic enzyme, proteolytic enzyme, lipolytic enzyme, or other enzyme or their combination is used depending on types of garbage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for household garbage disposal. No putrid smell is generated for a long time by suppressing action of anaerobic bacteria regardless of change of various environmental conditions including change of components and quantity of garbage and temp.
Prepn. of a fermented bagasse feed (FBF) comprises: (a) incorporating a nutrient source and a seed culture of a lactic acid bacterium capable of proliferating in an alkaline nutrient culture medium of pH 9.5 or in a nutrient culture medium contg. 6.5% w/w NaCl, into an alkali-treated bagasse; and (b) fermenting and recovering FBF. The FBF prod. is new.    The alkali-treated bagasse is pref. prepd. by softening a bagasse while preventing the decompsn. of cellulose and hemicellulose. The seed culture comprises lactic acid bacteria of the genera Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and/or Pediococcus, esp. Enterococcus faecium FERM BP-4504. The nutrient source is energy sources, proteins, minerals and/or vitamins. The nutrient source is incorporated in an amt. not exceeding the amt. of bagasse on a dry solid basis.    USE -   Bagasse, a squeezed waste of sugar cane, contains cellulose and hemicellulose and is known for use in part as fuel source. FBF provides a high quality feed for cattle or livestock. Other nutrients can be added to FBF to produce a feed for monogastric animals e.g. pigs.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides a use for agricultural waste bagasse, more than 100 million tons per year of which were previously unutilised. Cattle can assimilate bagasse, but previously there was the danger that pieces of the bagasse could be struck into the walls of the rumen. Treating with the bacterium improves the digestibility of the bagasse by decomposing the lignin present to soften the structure of bagasse. Use of the microorganism also reduces the prodn. period of fermented bagasse.
Porous medium, polluted with hydrocarbons, is decontaminated by treatment with an aq. soln. contg. (a) 0.01-99.99% of an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant, and (b) 99.99-0.01% of a glycolipid, but not a sophorolipid, in the crude form or chemically modified, in sufficient amt. and under such conditions as to decontaminate considerably the medium, followed by sepg. (part of) the soln. including (part of) the hydrocarbons.    USE -   For application to soil and to ground surrounding a water well.    ADVANTAGE -   There is max. accessibility of the hydrocarbons to bacteria, resulting in a min. residue of hydrocarbons on the polluted site.
In oil pollution removal from liq., esp. water, by addn. of bacteria which convert oil particles into environmentally compatible prods., the novelty is that the contaminated liq. is subjected to high energy ultrasound to achieve fine colloidal dispersion of the oil.    An oil layer (12) on a water surface (11) is treated by: (a) skimming off the oil-water mixt.; (b) passing, through the mixt., a pipe section contg. electro-acoustic transducers for ultrasound emission; and (c) adding oil-consuming bacteria into or behind the pipe section.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides more thorough mixing of the oil and bacteria, and thus increases the effectiveness of bacterial degradation of the oil.
Recyclable or biodegradable extrudates based on waste paper comprise: (i) 10-60 wt.% waste paper fibres; (ii) 10-70% proteins and/or polysaccharides, esp. animal and/or plant proteins and/or starches or starch carriers and/or glucans and mannans; and/or (iii) 10-20 wt.% pref. plastifiable biotechnical residual material such as fermenter effluent, separation residues, brewers yeast, and extraction grist with a dry solids content of ca. 20 wt.%; (iv) 0-10 wt.% hydrophobic agents such as Na- or K water glass; (v) 0-10 wt.% mineral earths such as marl or air-slaked lime; (vi) 0-0.03 wt.% spore preparations of microorganisms with antagonistic activity; and (vii) 0-10 wt.% (in)organic fertilizers.    USE -   The extrudate is useful in the building industry e.g. as insulating material; in agriculture and horticulture e.g. as a mulch, for encapsulating seeds, a controlled release fertilizer, for release of spores of microorganisms with antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral activity, etc.; and in packaging applications.    ADVANTAGE -   The combination of ingredients gives a compsn. that can be extruded using conventional plastics processing equipment. The extrudate has a controllable degradation time so that mulches etc. can be made which retain their structure for longer periods than previous materials of this type.
Prepn. of culture soils involves mixing building rubble, clarified sludge, excavated earth and compost (or their individual components).    USE -   The soil is used for agriculture, forestry or reclamation (all claimed). Typical applications are as a covering layer for growing higher plants on spoil heaps, as reclamation soil for open cast mining sites, in urban or industrial areas and alongside roads.    ADVANTAGE -   The various waste prods. shows properties required for soil fertility (e.g. water and nutrient content and retention power). The mixts. are widely applicable and readily decontaminated.
The novelty is that a refuse disposal assembly incorporates a central module and a number of working modules, and that the central module incorporates a number of central assemblies for the ingress and egress of air and water plus a central drive unit for the individual working modules. Further that the working modules incorporate assemblies which break down the individual fractionated classes of refuse. Further that the assembly incorporates a number of discrete units which treat the fractionated refuse by washing, drying, chemical, biological and physical treatments as appropriate.    USE -   The assembly reduces domestic or commercial refuse in volume in a pre-sorted and treated condition prior to collection.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly may be located in building cellars, garages or other suitable accommodation close to the location where the refuse arises. Further claimed is that refuse need not be collected so frequently, thus reducing collection charges. Further claimed is that the refuse so treated is of reduced volume, thus extending the life of existing open disposal sites.
The lighter has a reservoir (1000) containing a pressurised mixture (L) of an inflammable volatile liquid and a colouring agent, and a porous filter (1020) which is able to decompress the mixture as it is fed, at least partially in liquid form, to the exterior of the reservoir, where it is burned. It also has a device for supplying the liquid mixture to the filter. A capillary tube (1015) delivers the mixture to the exterior of the lighter after it has passed through the filter, and its internal diameter after the filter is between 0.25 and 0.4 mm. The capillary tube is linked to a vaporisation tube (1055) on the outside of the reservoir which is curved in shape, curling round the axis (U) of the flame and ending in line with the axis.    The lighter burns a mixture of butane gas and methanol or ethanol with the colouring agent, which is either a metal salt or alkaline metal, depending on the colour to be produced.    ADVANTAGE -   Colouring agent and inflammable volatile liquid form a single liquid phase in reservoir.
Particulate-suspending concentrate compsn. for use with a diluent and comprising a carrier and: (a) a cationic cpd.; and (b) a surfactant. The compsn. provides a sanitising level of antimicrobial efficacy upon application.    Also claimed are: (A) a soln. contg. the compsn.; (B) an amine acetate-based conveyor lubricant; (C) a hard surface cleaning compsn.; (D) a clean-in-place compsn.; (E) and a method for suspending particulate matter and sanitising the area of contact.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. when added to a closed or open system, provides increased suspension properties and an antimicrobial character within the system to which it has been added. The systems include tanks and pipelines used to process dairy prods., fruit beverages, carbonated beverages, beers, etc.. Provides a commercially viable means of suspending waste particulates in fluid systems to facilitate removal while simultaneously increasing system hygiene through antimicrobial action. In the case of a conveyor lubricant, lubricity may improve.
A novel solid fuel compsn. is formed by: (a) mixing (i) a biomass of particle size distribution ca 50 % between 250 and 2000 microns and 50 % less than 250 microns; (ii) a heavy hydrocarbon of API gravity at 60 C. between 8 and 12, and (iii) a sulphur sorbent; (b) compacting the resultant slurry to form a solid agglomerate; and (c) baking the agglomerate to form a solid fuel briquette. The compsn. comprises 50-70 wt. % and 30-45 wt. % (b); wt. ratio (c) to sulphur in the hydrocarbon is between 1.5 and 2.5; maximum resistance to compression is at least 22 kg/cm2. The compsn. may be mfd. using heavy or extra heavy crude oil, and industrial or urban waste as the biomass.    ADVANTAGE -   Very heavy crude oils which are difficult to transport are converted to solid fuels, which can more economically be transported. Compressive resistance of the solid is high, density low, and resistance to erosion high.
A fermentation accelerator and soil conditioner is composed of 30-70 wt.% of calcium cyanamide, 40-80 wt.% of calcareous material and 3-30 wt.% of iron oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser can be prepared from the material with reduced labour and N content, for the improvement of crops, and supplies deficient iron and neutralises acidified soil.    In an example, 10 kg of a compsn. contg. 34 wt.% of calcium cyanamide, 40 wt.% of CaO, 18 wt.% of CaCO3 and 5 wt.% of iron oxide were mixed with 100 kg of straw, and fermented and turned over after 2 weeks and further fermented for further 2 weeks.
Prodn. of composite from biological wastes comprises (a) a 1st fermentation of raw material wastes in a solid mass with aerobic microorganisms; (b) treatment with ozone-contg. gas; and (c) fermentation in solid mass with aerobic microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   Well fermented compost is obtd. with degradation of fatty wastes and fibres. 5-50 w/w% ozone gas at concns. of 0.1-10 pm accelerates the fermentation.    In an example, kitchen wastes contg. 25 wt.% of solid mass (15 wt.% of crude fat and 20 wt.% of crude fibres) and 70 wt.% of water were crushed to pieces of about 10 mm sizes and fermented for 2 weeks. The fermented prod. was treated with 100-fold vol. of 0.5 ppm ozone gas. Then, further fermented with aeration oat 35-45 deg. C to give the aimed compost.
The organic garbage processing container (200) has a rugged type upper cover (25) through which a vinyl bag containing organic garbage is input. A fermentation promoting medicine is sprinkled into the container. Thus the organic garbage decomposes at a faster rate thereby forming a fermented slurry. This slurry flows out of the vinyl bag through a hole formed on it and along the rugged sides of the container. The container is made up of such materials that the slurry does not strick to its surface. This slurry accumulated at the bottom portion (80) of the container is removed through a tap part (20).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents stinking of garbage container. Avoids generation of noxious insects. Provides safe and clean garbage processing container.
In treatment of waste water comprising introducing the waste water to a bioreactor to treat it by bacteria and sepg. the waste water to solid and liquid, silica soln. is added to the waste water prior to introduction of waste water to the bioreactor. Alternatively it is added directly to the bioreactor.    USE -   For improving activity of bacteria in a bioreactor.
The apparatus (1) for disposing organic wastes (2) includes (1) No. 1 and No.2 disposing tanks (3,4) for storing and fermenting organic wastes, (2) openings (3a,4a) for allowing the organic wastes to move from the No.1 tank to No.2 tank and then to the No.3 tank. (3) agitating members (17) for agitating the organic wastes (2) within the tanks, and (4) No.2 and No.2 shifters (26,27) for shifting the wastes from the No.1 tank through the No.2 tank to the No.3 tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents the wastes from being piled up higher than the opening (3a), lowering the height of the inlet (6), ensuring the installation of larger size No.1 tank.
The apparatus (1) for disposing organic wastes (2) includes (1). Wastes disposing tanks (6.7.8 etc.) for storing and fermenting organic wastes (2). (2) Agitating members (19) for agitating the wastes within the tanks, (3) An inlet (9) in the No. 1 tank (6), through which the wastes enter the No. 1 tank, (4) As outlet (14) in the No. 3 tank (8), through which the wastes are discharged from the tank (8), and (5) As adjusting member (37) for adjusting the height of the opening of the outlet (14) in the No.3 tank (8) through the repositioning of the adjusting member (37).    ADVANTAGE -   Capable of changing the time of storing the wastes within the last tank, changing the extent of drying the wastes to be discharged through the outlet.
The apparatus (1) for disposing organic wastes (2), includes (1) No. 1 and No. 2 disposing tanks (6,7,8) for storing and fermenting organic wastes; (2) parting walls (4,5) for the No. 1 and No. 2 disposing tanks (6,7,8); (3) openings (4a,5a) allowing the organic wastes to move from the No. 1 tank to No. 2 tank and then to No. 3 tank; (4) agitating members (19) for agitating the organic wastes (2) within the tanks, and (5) a shutter (13) for closing the opening (4a) for preventing new organic wastes from entering the No. 2 tank (7) through the opening (4a) and allowing the organic wastes (2) to be stored up to the upper limit above the opening (4a). After stored up the upper limit, the organic wastes are fermented within the No. 1 disposing tank (6) until a predetermined time before new organic wastes are placed.    ADVANTAGE -   Capable of providing a sufficient amount of fermentation time of the organic wastes, accelerating fermentation.
A system is equipped with diffuser pipes, which are buried n soil, supply pipes which supply stagnant gas such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides to the diffuser pipes, and a gas supply system. Treating heavy and stagnant gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, with microorganisms and bacteria in soil, comprises making them to diffuse into soil.    A pref. appts. includes gas permeable packed layer (10), perforated protector (9), granular water permeable under soil (8), plants (21).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating gases which are heavier than air used to clean spaces such as tunnels where the air apt. to be stagnant. The process is able to decompose carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides simply.    In an example, a flow diagram of this system is shown in fig., in which (1) is the space where the air is stagnant with carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the air is made to flow with multiple compressor or blower (51 and 52) to dust collector (6) then to perforated diffuser pipes (3) which are buried in soil and made to diffuse into it. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air are decomposed with microorganisms and bacteria and purified air is returned to drain pipes (11).
Propagating hydrogen-carbon decomposing bacteria in the presence of hydrogen carbon. The presence of 6-10C linear alkanes promotes the propagation of the bacteria.    USE -   The method can be used for purification of sea water contaminated with oil, for decomposition of hydrogen carbons in model petroleum as well as pure hydrogen carbon.    In an example, seventeen species were collected at various places in an oil factory. These bacteria were propagated in a single hydrogen carbon source. Decomposing activity of the 17 hydrogen carbon decomposing bacteria was determined using a model petroleum as substrate. Seven bacteria species were selected having high activity. The species were cultured in an inorganic medium using the model petroleum and n-decane as a single carbon source. Volume ratio of the model petroleum to n-decane was 100:8. The specific gravity of the model petroleum was 0.77, of n-decane 0.73, and the wt. ratio of the model petroleum to n-decane was 100:7.85.    The model petroleum was used as control.    Propagation of the bacteria was monitored by measuring OD values at 660nm. Results showed that addition of n-decane enhanced propagation velocity and propagation yield by 2 times.
Mass spectrum intensity of methane gas is measured by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The absolute concn. of methane gas is measured by comparing the detected mass spectrum intensity of methane gas and the mass spectrum intensity of nitrogen or oxygen in the air.    ADVANTAGE -   Quantitative analysis of rapidly changing methane gas concn. in the air is performed quickly because the absolute magnitude analysis of methane gas in the air is performed continuously without using carrier gas.
Soil, sludges and waste matter contaminated by not more than 0.5% of oils, their aliphatic or aromatic derivs., and their contaminants are rendered harmless in 2-10 days and fully composted in 2-24 weeks for re-use. This is achieved by addn. of a specially adapted microorganism concentrate, that was prod. of self selections and propagation on an activator sludge contg. relevant oils and/or oil derivs. and their contaminations. The microorganism concentrates are used immediately or are carefully dried below a max temp. of 50C for reactivation within two years provided suitable storage conditions were met.    USE -   For soil, sludges and waste.
Process for decontaminating organic harmful materials contg. in solid or liq. substrates by means of microorganism comprises treating the substrate one or more times with a biocomplex comprising (a) 3-26 wt.% pancreatic degraded protein, (b) 3-20 wt.% P2O5-contg. water soluble phosphate and (c) a balance of desugared molasses soln. with less than 50 g/l. sugar (invert sugar) and more than 30 g/l. nitrogen as well as vitamins and trace elements.    USE -   For decontamination of soils and waste waters, removal of oil contamination from the surface of water, etc., using microorganisms available on site.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows decontamination of easily and difficultly-degradable organic substances such as short chain alkanes, phenols, aromatic cpds., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrophenols, chlorophenols, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxines and -furnaces etc., using locally available microorganism, by adding a nutrient medium low in carbon so that the microorganisms utilise the organic material as carbon source.
A process for disposal of biomass material in which the biomass material is fermented under anaerobic conditions with removal of ammonia from at least part of the biomass during the fermentation.    Also claimed is the appts. for carrying out the disposal of biomass material.    USE -   Esp. for treatment of liq. manures to give improved yields of biogas consisting predominantly of methane.    ADVANTAGE -   Withdrawal of ammonia during the fermentation reduces ammonia inhibition of the biogas generating microorganisms, thus giving improved yields of methane-rich biogas which burns cleanly without causing environmental pollution.
Biological purification of effluent gas and outlet air is effected by passing the gas mixt. through a biofilter and a subsequent adsorption stage, and recycling the harmful substances separated in the adsorption stage to the biofilter.    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives effective removal of a wide range of impurities and odours from effluent gases and air, has a high loading flexibility, has a low energy input requirement due to low loss of press. over the filter bed, and does not give rise to emissions of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi or their spores or viruses.
The generation station has: a) A conversion module (1) producing raw biomass from solar energy, which is substantially free from sulphur, in the form of an area of agrarian land cultivated with plants, especially the so-called C4-plants, which can be grown in the biomass itself for harvesting. b) A gasification module (2) for the thermal gasification of the biomass in the presence of steam, employing the water gas shift reaction, and under pyrometric temperature control, for a given residence time, in order to produce a hydrogen-containing fuel gas. This is expanded downstream into a tar condensation zone. c) A storage module (3) to store the fuel gas or the extracted hydrogen. Further details of Harvesting, pre-treatment, gasification, storage etc. are also claimed.    USE -   To produce hydrogen from sunlight, which can be stored, used to generate electricity or sold, from esp. perennial plants.    ADVANTAGE -   Renewable, transportable, self-supporting energy source, capable of operation with a variety of carbon-containing materials including wastes; capable of storage to iron-out biomass production fluctuations resulting e.g. from zonal and seasonal variations. A number of generators can be worked together if appropriate.
Propylene-propane mixts. are sepd. by selective absorption, using water as absorbent.    Pref. absorption is at between -5 and 90 (10-50) deg.C and up to 5 MPa (4-5 MPa), using deionised water contg. a phase transfer agent, esp. a trimethyl tetradecylammonium salt or dodecyl sulphonate.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and cheap. The hydrocarbons are obtd. in purity suitable for most uses, and loss by chemical conversion is avoided.
It consists mainly of fermentation chamber, feeding pipe, dreg-pressing plate, water passing pipe, solar heat collecting water pressure pool, port pressing plate and dreg outlet pipe. It features that the whole casing of methane generating pit is made of magnesite concrete with water-proof paint coated outside, it is assembled by flange connection, and is buried in ground. Solar heat-collecting pool is semi-underground type, its fermentation chamber provided with dreg outlet pipe, with its outlet in heat-collecting water-pressure pool, and the part from dreg outlet to fermentation chamber bottom is smooth-curved with no-dead corners. It has advantages of assembling on site, thin pit casing, low cost.
Bacterial fertiliser includes a carrier and strain soln.. The carrier comprises mud from a pond, river or lake, waste from the canned food industry, waste from the brewery industry, excrement of animals and birds, cpd. fertiliser and active C. The strain soln. is directly sprayed on the carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. is simplified and the cost is reduced. The effective components in the fertiliser may be slowly released or stored according to the surrounding concn. to increase the fertilising effect.
Solid organic waste, previously treated by conventional means, is passed to a plant consisting of 3 units, namely fermenter in which waste supplied by conveyor belt is fermented, the methane gas evolved being collected and compressed in bell which can move vertically; filter and compressor for cleaning and compressing the gas; and storage tanks. The units are connected by piping on which are installed valves, taps, manometers, etc.    USE -   Used to treat organic wastes from houses, factories etc. in urban or rural areas.
The method is based on pumping-in of hydrogel and water into stratum, through pressing wells and extn. of forced-out oil through extn. wells. To improve efficiency, the method comprises pumping-in polymer-gel system contg. 0.5-5.0 hydrogel with immobilised cells of marine aerobic microflora with polycyclic quinones at ratio of components (in wt.%): microbial cells immobilised on gel 10-90, polycyclic quinone 0.01-5.0 and balance gel. Optionally, multifunctional biocide can be pumped into stratum after pumping-in of gel with immobilised bacterial cells.    USE -   In oil extn. industry.    ADVANTAGE -   The method increases oil yield and reduces water content of extracted oil.
This consortium (Devouroil, RTM) oxidises and removes oil and oil prods. from both soil and saline ecosystems, and contains Candida sp., 367-3 BKM Y-2778D, Pseudomonas stutzeri, 367-1 BKM-B-1972D, Rhodococcus erythropolis, 367-6 BKM AC-1502D, Rhodococcus maris, 367-5 BKM AC-1501D and Rhodococcus sp., 367-2 BKM AC-1500D.    USE -    Is used to remove oil and oil prods. from H2O and soil ecosystems.    ADVANTAGE -    Actively oxidises oil and oil prods. in the H2O contact zone and in the oil film.
The device contains tank (1) with layer of bioactive substance (2) on grid (3), chamber between bottom (4) and grid with gas input pipe (5), pipe (6) with sprayer-nozzles (7) on supports (8, 9), guides (10, 11), loops (12, 13) for tractions (14, 15) wound on drums (16, 17), electro motors (18, 19), pipe (2) for water input with valve (21), elastic tube (22), wall contacts (23, 24); additional pipes (25) with sprayer-nozzles (26) in bioactive layer.    USE -   In devices for purificn. of gaseous waste in industry, in particular in prodn. of wood-filler material, plywood, and decorative veneer for furniture.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased degree of purificn. of gases due to more uniform irrigation of bioactive layer.
Organic waste is fermented more efficiently by using more than one row of fermenters sepd. by air gap and connected by common walls so that heat of fermentation can be used to warm up the starting charge. The reactors are of rectangular shape with width : length ratio of 1:1-1.6 and filled with perforated aerating tubes. The heat is carried through the common walls and the air gap, and a 11-13 days cycle produces the compost ready for use.    USE -   The method is used in converting organic waste to compost.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient process, utilising the heat of fermentation to warm up the starting charge.
New system for producing a fuel gas from a digestion gas contg. methane and carbon dioxide by introducing the digestion gas into a desulphurising process. It provides: a first desulphurisation process of removing sulphur cpds. from the exhaust gas through adsorption; a second hydrogenation process of adding a hydrogen contg. gas to a digestive gas introduced after the first process to synthesise methane; a third steam-reforming process of adding steam to part of the prod. gas from the second process; and a fourth shift process of removing carbon dioxide from the prod. gas from the third process to form a gas contg. methane and/or hydrogen.    Pref. the part of the prod. gas from the fourth process is recycled to the forward step of the second process. Pref. LPG is added to part of the prod. gas from the second process to adjust the calorific value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas obtd. is useful for city gas, fuel cells, redn. in iron making and chemical plants. The method gives high purity methane and/or hydrogen gas from a digestion gas.
Raw water is treated by fixed bed bioreactor packed with saddle and/or ring shape porous ceramics packing, and malodour from bioreactor is removed by deodorising tower packed saddle and/or ring shape porous ceramics packing.    ADVANTAGE -   COD material and malodour are removed efficiently and stably.
Appts. has agitation claws for organic waste disposal. One side of a fermentation bath structure (22) accommodates the agitation claw driving system and drive motor (31) while the other side accommodates stationary electric instruments e.g. air blower (40), heater (43), etc. for hot air supply.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the collective disposal of household and business garbage. The separate placement of the motioning drive components from the stationary electric instruments provides a safe maintenance design, because the electric components may be serviced safely without abrupt movement of drive components due to careless manipulation or other accidents. The appts. structure is simpler and the construction cost is reduced.    The drive motor (31) is located in a hollow part (30) for operational safety and space economy.
An intermediate shaft (28) is driven from a geared motor via a small and large redn. gears (33,35). An agitation claw driving shaft (28) is connected to the intermediate shaft via a redn. arrangement of a chain (37) and small and large sprockets (36,38).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the collective disposal of household and business garbage. The gear-and-chain redn. arrangement for the agitation claw driving shaft provides a high redn. ratio. The use of a chain in the claw shaft drive region prevents load variation of the shaft from being transmitted to the motor and gears.    A driven gear (35) and the redn. sprocket are integrated by either forced fitting, a key or spline fitting to eliminate or minimise play.
A T-shaped fermentation bath (22) accommodates under its right and left sides an agitation claw driving shaft (28) and related drive system, a driving motor (31), an air blower (40), a heater (43) and switches and other electric instruments.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the collective disposal of household and business garbage. The spaces beneath the right and left wings of the appts. are used to accommodate instruments to give room for maintenance work. Each instrument is protected from rain water.    A control box (54) contg. control devices has a removable lid for maintenance work.
Raw gas contg. offensive odour is fed into the aq. phase of activated sludge-suspended water near its surface and then is contacted with a stationary bed made of aerobic microorganisms to finally remove the offensive odour by oxidn. with the microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   Deodorising function can be maintained for a long time.
Solid waste and mud contaminated by oily residues are treated by (a) pre-treatment at 40-110 deg. C by at least one extraction with a non-volatile organic solvent (S) in ratio 0.1:1 to 3:1 with the hydrocarbons in the waste, to separate the oily phase from the solid residue (R); (b) washing (R) with a supernatant liquid (L) resulting from step (c), in ratio (L):(S) 5:1 to 15:1, and (c) bio-oxidising the washing medium using a hydrocarbon-oxidising microbic mixture which is a high producer of surfactants.    USE -   The materials treated are wastes from the oil and petrochemical industries, and ground accidentally contaminated with hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   Recycling and recovery of hydrocarbons is maximised. Bio-oxidation is facilitated as the hydrocarbons are present in dissolved or dispersed form; conventional bioreactors can be used as no solid phase is present, and biological processing may be continuous. Surface activity of the fermentation broth is utilized. Residence time in the bio-processing is reduced from the ca.30 days of the prior art to 0.5-1 days, and handling is easier.
The composting assembly is in a variety of suitable geometric shapes made of steel, reinforced concrete, polymer concrete, plastics, wood and the like, to give columns, retention basins, ventilation, passages for the movement of micro life and/or earth bacteria. The composting systems are opened and closed by mechanical drives together with electronic process control. The base grid can be mechanically raised or lowered for fermentation during winter or using solar energy in summer, and can be lowered below the level of the retention basis to increase the rotating process.    USE -   The assembly is for composting organic waste material from homes and gardens.    ADVANTAGE -   The system can be used in large, medium or small installations, to convert organic waste into compost effectively and cheaply.
Method for processing or disposing of used degreasing baths and/or other cleaning baths, using micro-organisms to break down the organic materials contained therein.    USE -   The baths are used to treat industrial goods and mfd. goods, esp. for surface treatments.    ADVANTAGE -   A low cost, environmentally friendly method which reduces surfactant costs and produces low-risk solid waste and inorganic degradation prods.
Comprehensive utilisation technique for garbage includes harmless processing method and resource recovery system. Garbage is broken up and they sprayed bioactivator on the way it is conveyed to processing tank. Under the action of the bioactivator, broken garbage is aerobically and anaerobically treated by acclimated and natural microbes. The resource recovery system features the structure of garbage collecting tank and processing tank and use of multi-stage magnetic dressing, screening, wind classification and electric sorting. Separated substance may be made into decorative building material and solid combustion promoter.
The basicity of rutin dregs is reduced by water replacement, dilute acid neutralisation and microbe fermentation. Rutin dregs after water replacement with a reduced pH value of 8-9 are dewatered, piled naturally for fermentation at 25-45C, and finally stoved. Saccharomycete and Aspergillus of 2-3% are added in fermentation. Rutin dreg fodder through the process has improved taste, no smell and remained nutrients, and as a low-cost quality fodder, it can replace traditional fodder.
Process for the biological treatment of organic substances (esp. composting) is claimed. The process is carried out in a closed reactor (RX1 to RXN) in a silo (or pit) (10) and in the presence of biologically active components, esp. microorganisms. The reactor has several reactor zones comprising the silo (10) and at least one reactor gas spaces adjacent to the silo. There are means to set, maintain, control, adjust and regulate the ambient conditions, change these conditions and/or process parameters within the silo (10) through a steady-state, quasi steady-state, and/or unsteady operation of the reactor (RX1 to RXN).    Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out the process.    USE -   The process and assembly provide for composting organic matter on an industrial scale.    ADVANTAGE -   The process and assembly achieve compost of consistent quality at an economic cost.
A low density, open-cell flexible foam body is claimed whose low density in such that the body is lacking in resilience and shock-absorbing properties, the body being modified to impart resilience and enhanced shock-absorbing properties thereto to render it useful as a protective padding, the foam cells having entrapped therein expanded microspheres, each defined by a soft, gas proof polymeric shell enclosing a compressible petroleum gas whereby the expanded microspheres act as miniature springs which are dispersed throughout the body which, when subjected to an impact force, is deformed thereby and compressed, the body recovering its normal form when the force is withdrawn.    Also claimed is a safety padding for an automotive interior formed by a flexible foam body as above encased in a cover of flexible material, the body being shaped to conform to the interior structure to which it is applied.    USE -   These microspheres may be implanted and expanded in non-woven fabrics to impart shock absorbing properties thereto for use in upholstery, footwear, as cushion carpets and underlay for rugs, in automotive seating and arm rests, automobile door panels and sun visors and other applications. The foam body can be used in interior safety padding for vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   This composite body is dimensionally stable, dissipates enormous amts. of energy upon impact and affords a high order of protection when used as a safety padding in vehicles. It has resilience and has enhanced shock-absorbing and dielectric heat-sealing properties. It can be produced at low cost.
Organic material is aerobically decomposed in a moisture-retentive container (10) with openings (14). One of these openings is connected to an air conduit (16) which supplies high flow rate aeration throughout the container. The container is packed with organic material with releaseable moisture at a pressure of 0.1-10.0 lbs/sq. inch so that it has a density of 10-75 lbs/cubic foot. This ensures that the material is heat retentive but also permits movement of moisture. The material is aerated intermittently at 200-1500 cubic feet per minute to maintain aerobic decomposition. Released moisture percolates throughout the organic material.    The container is a flexible bag (10) which has vents (24) to achieve homeostatic air flow. Air is introduced from perforated conduits (16) inserted through bag openings. Pref. the organic material includes a bulking agent in an amt. of 10-75% w/w. During aeration heat is generated and moisture released from the waste. This percolates through the waste and condenses on the bag walls. With dry waste, water may be initially injected to achieve optimal decomposition.    USE -   For the decomposition of vegetable matter to produce a soil amender, fertiliser and supplementary heat.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is quick and efficient and can handle large volumes of waste in a lightweight, portable appts.
Sealed composting vessel for e.g. garden refuse or household waste, is provided with two or more chambers and one or more intermediate air gaps for aeration and oxygenation of the compost material, so that composting of pref. different phases can be carried out simultaneously.    Also claimed is a method of composting material in a sealed vessel having two or more chambers, with the composting process being divided into several stages and one or more chambers being divided up for each of the composting stages.    (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9522 based on complete specification)    ADVANTAGE -   The vessel can be used all the year round, irrespective of the outdoor temperature, and pre and post-composting takes place within the same unit.
Gas generated through dry distillation of used tyres (9) is recycled once. The gas is stored in a gas tank once and fed according to a load. An engine (18) is driven by the gas and a generator (19) is driven by the engine (18).    ADVANTAGE -   Quantities of used tyres are consumed, resulting in elimination of a waste content, such as used tyres, and prevention of the occurrence of pollution.
Garbage is crushed and then packed in an airtight chamber in which fermentation bacteria is planted. The garbage is then irradiated for fermentation with far-infrared rays from ceramics at ordinary or at almost ordinary temp., and lines of magnetic force form a permanent or electromagnet. The appts. comprises a garbage crusher, a fermentation vessel contg. ceramics for far-infrared ray generation and a permanent electromagnet, a fermentation decomposing box in which the resulting fertiliser liquid is dropped and then stored in a storage chamber at the bottom.    A typical appts. comprises a crusher vessel (7), a fermentation chamber (9) and a fermentation decomposing chamber (11).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To treat mainly vegetable, fish garbage from kitchen by rapid fermentation. The application of far-infrared and lines of magnetic force synergistically work to promote rapid fermentation. Thermal energy is dispensed with. The resulting prod. serve as an efficient fertiliser, garbage volume are reduced for disposal.
Condensed gas of specified component in the natural gas is obtd. by supplying the gas to gas separating membrane module. The appts. uses the membrane module which shows density changing rate of the specified component in condensing gas against density changing rate of the specified component in the natural gas of not more than 1/2. The density of the specified gas in the condensing gas is kept approx. constant by adjusting supply rate of the natural gas.    USE -   The method is applied for sepg. methane, ethane, propane from natural gas at high constant density.    ADVANTAGE -   Period in which the condensing gas be taken out at constant value is shortened.
The appts. to turn over piles of compost, has a rotating roller across the direction of travel along the pile, with a swing shield over the roller length and behind it. The shield gathers up the compost material from the floor to be passed to the roller.    ADVANTAGE -   The system ensures that all the compost material is gathered up to be turned over.
Simultaneous sorption of H2O and organic cpds. from natural gas or process gases is effected by contacting the gas with a sorbent comprising particulate active carbon in an oxide support.    USE -    The process may be used to remove H2 O and 2C+ hydrocarbons from gases contg. CH4 and/or H2(e.g. natural gas or steam reformer off-gas) or to purify waste gases from chemical processes (e.g. phthalic anhydride synthesis).
A process for the thermal conversion of plastics, esp. low-PVC plastic waste (I) into useful gaseous and liq. prods. comprises heating to 320-500 deg.C in a reactor under inert gas, hydrogen or reaction gas, with the pressure in the reactor increasing to and/or adjusted to not above 200 bar, and maintaining the reaction temp. for 1 min. -5hrs.    USE -   Used for the prodn. of useful prods. by thermal conversion of plastic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a simple one-stage process for the thermal conversion of (I) with low energy consumption and inexpensive appts. to give useful, high-grade liq. and gaseous prods. in high yield. This enables the direct recycling of certain plastic waste to give the original starting materials.
Organic substances are treated and composted within a closed rotting reactor (RX1 to RXN) incorporating a stack (10) and in the presence of microorganisms. The novelty is that there is more than one reactor zone both within the stack (10) and in other reactor gas spaces adjacent to the stack. Further that there are means to set, maintain, control adjust and regulate the ambient conditions, change these conditions and/or process parameters within the stack (10) through a steady-state, quasi steady state and/or unsteady operation of the reactor (RX1-RXN).    USE -   The process and assembly provide for composting organic matter on an industrial scale.    ADVANTAGE -   The process and assembly achieve compost of consistent quality at an economic cost.
The catalyst comprises ZrO2 1.0-20 wt.%, Pt and Pd 0-2.0 wt.%, sulphuric acid radical 1.0-3.0 wt.% and H-mordenite balance. Prepn. includes mixing H-mordenite with Zr salt, pulping, addition of ammonia water under stirring, adjusting pH to 5-9, washing, stoving, carrying Pt and Pd, and soaking in sulphuric acid radical.    USE -   The ultra-strong acid catalyst produced is used in C5/C6 isomerisation reaction with isomer yield 80-85 mole % and no splitting product.
Mixed gas cryogenic refrigerants, useful in throttle refrigerators having oil-lubricated compressors which provide high pressures up to 30 atmos at 80-100 deg K comprise: (a) 30-50 mole% N2; (b) less than 20 mole% methane; (c) more than 30 mole% propane; (d) a balance of ethane or ethylene.    USE -   The refrigerant is useful in refrigerators using Joule-Thompson (JT) cycles.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved temp stability and efficiency are obtd, compared to prior refrigerants.
Treatment comprises: (a) establishing a contained area of soil with horizontal and vertical boundaries; (b) pulverising the soil in the contained area to a uniform depth, to distribute the contaminant evenly and to break up large particles; (c) covering the soil with a layer of an anhydrous carbonate salt; (d) applying a layer of dilute ammonium hydroxide to the soil, to dissolve the carbonate salt in the ammonium hydroxide and form a soln.; (e) leaving the soln. to sit on the soil for a period sufficient to let the soln. mix with the soil; (f) applying a layer of dilute organic acid to the soil mixed with the soln.; and (g) drying the soil by evapn. for a period sufficient to let the soil harden.    USE -   Used to treat soil contaminated by petroleum prods..    ADVANTAGE -   The process is carried out on site and renders the soil harmless to plant life within hours of treatment.
The method comprises treatment of solid fuel with microorganisms cultures, followed by liquefying in aliphatic alcohol medium. Bacteria strains Acinetobacter colcoacetious VKPM V-4883. Psueodmonas denitrifications VKPM V-4884, and Pseudomonas longa VKPM V-4885 are used as microorganisms cultures, and liquefying is conducted at 110-275 C. Liquefying is conducted in isopropyl or methyl alcohol medium, at ratio of organic mass of solid fuel to alcohol as 1:(2-4) and 1:(0.03-0.06), respectively.    USE -   In oil processing and petrochemical industry, for prodn. of organic solvents and coal tar from solid fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method produces organic solvents in form of lower aliphatic alcohols, coal tar with high content of phenols and neutral oil, and small amts. of gas with heat-generating capability approx. 40000 kcal/kg.
An organic material and fungi are fed to a fermenter for fermentation; and zeolite is added to dry the fermented material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to remove malodours produced during the fermentation of organic materials e.g. dried grass, straw, fresh refuse, etc. The malodour produced can be removed without environmental contamination.    In an example, an organic material such as dried grass, straw, etc. and fungi were fed to a fermenter (3) through a manhole (4), and fermented at 50 to 65 deg. C for 20 to 30 hours. After fermentation, 5 to 20 wt. % zeolite based on the fermented material is added, for drying at 70 to 85 deg. C for 20 to 30 hours or at 150 to 165 eg. C for 7 to 9 hours.
Decomposing PVA is by using at least one microbe selected from Corynebacterium, Rhodococcus, and Caseobacter. Also claimed is a method for treating waste water contg. PVA with at least one of the three microbes.    Examples of the microwaves are Rhodococcus rhodochrous PVA012 (FERM P-13852), Corynebacterium sp. PVA017 (FERM P-13853), Corynebacterium sp. PVA039 (FERM P-13854), and Caseobacter sp. PVA108 8FERM P-13851.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By this method, PVA can be decomposed with gram-positive microbes under aerobic conditions according to activated sludge method, contact oxidn. method, etc. By using this method singly or in combination with the conventional methods using Gram-negative microbes, PA can be efficiently decomposed while maintaining ecosystem.    In an example, PVA artificial turbid water was prepd. by mixing PVA (5g), NH4NO3 (5g), KH2PO4 (1g), NaCl (0.5g), and MgSO4.7H2O (0.5g) with distilled water (1L), and adjusted to pH 7.3 with 1 N NaOH and HCl. Pre-cultured soln. of each of Corynebacterium, Rhodococcus, and Caseobacter organism was then cultured at 1 ml/200ml at 30 deg. for 8 days. Redn. of PVA was measured by using iodine, and redn. of the total amt. of carbon was also measured. PVA was found to be reduced from 5.08-5.15 to 3.27-4.27g/l in 8 days.
Conversion of lignocellulosic biomaterial to savoury food or fodder prods. or useful industrial prods. comprises (i) grinding the material, (ii) converting lignin and cellulose under aerobic conditions using fungus mycelium and/or under aerobic conditions, (iii) removing or absorbing biogas and absorbing acetic acid, propionic acid etc., (iv) collecting and treating the converted material e.g. by boiling, and (v) subjecting the material to further processing steps such as fermentation, acidification or other processes brought about by microorganisms.
An agent to inhibit unpleasant smells contains (a) 80-95 wt.% of at least one surfactant; (b) 3-12 wt.% of at least one organic acid; and (c) 2-8 wt.% of at least one plant and/or animal oil and/or fat.    Pref. (a) is bentonite, esp. an activated sodium bentonite. (b) is citric acid. (c) is soya oil. The agent can also contain another substance with its own strong smell, esp. juniper extract and garlic extract. The amt. juniper extract is 0.1-0.4 wt.% and the amt. garlic extract is 0.3-3 wt.%    USE -   The agent inhibits the development of unpleasant smells or destroys already existing unpleasant smells. It is esp. useful with organic wastes and is suitable for use with all composting plants, both domestic and commercial. It is esp. useful with 'yellow' rubbish bags used to collect recyclable plastics which are often contaminated with organic waste, nappy bags, bags for cat litter, bags for meat wastes, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The agent can be in the bags, or it can be distributed over the waste, e.g. in the rubbish bin. It binds liquids in the waste and flies and other pests are not attracted, thus the waste does not breed maggots. The waste stays dry and the rotten-smelling liquids are avoided.
Appts. for spreading compost covering material comprises a supply container (3) at the cover (1) of the waste composting silo or pile. The base (13) of the container (3) towards the material has sieve openings ( at least partially), and a number of perforations (17). A rotating system (4) is within the supply container (3), with 2 radial walls (7,10) to rotate round the longitudinal axis (5) of the container (3). The material is shifted and distributed over the composting waste as the system (4) rotates.    USE -   The system is useful for spreading covering material, e.g. lime, over compositing material from domestic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The spreading action of the appts. is simple.
Non-wovens (I) of natural bast or rigid fibres with a (pref. natural) hydrophobic component are new.    Also claimed is a process for removing a lipophilic liq. (II), by allowing (I) to adsorb (II) then, processing (II) charged (I) with microorganisms (pref. adapted for degradation of (II)) under aquatic or terrestrial conditions.    (I) pref. comprises fibres from Miscanthus sinensis, and may consist of several types of fibres.     In the removal of (II) charged with (I), pref. it is: (i) placed in a container of water contg. nutrient salts, with a supply of O2, for microbial degradation of (II) (after which (I) may be re-used); or (ii) comminuted and mixed with soil, opt. together with a nutrients soln. for the microorganisms.    USE -   The use of (I) is claimed for adsorbing lipophilic liq. (II), specifically oil, esp. for removing oil from flat surfaces or water surfaces. Typically (I) is used for removing large or small amts. of oil from water surfaces (e.g. after tanker disasters) or from concrete, asphalt, metal or plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) provides an environmentally friendly process of disposing of split oil, since: (a) (I) are prepd. from natural, renewable sources, esp. the fast-growing, high biomass-producing rush species Miscanthus sinensis; and (b) (I) can be sensed (after biodegradation of (II)) or added (with (II)) to soil to give a structure improving agent after composting. (I) has high absorbing power for (II) and a high surface area for contacting with microorganisms.
Biofertiliser with 20% P2 05 -K20 content is prepd. by e.g. breaking K(P)-contg. ore to fineness of 100 mesh, concentrating, high-temp. sterilising, adding auxiliary materials (including peat, agar, glucose, sulphate, ammonium salt, molybdenum salt and bacteria) in ratio 85-95:2.2-5 of powdered ore to auxiliary materials, reacting in reactor and granulating.    USE -   The compsn. may be used directly or as base fertiliser for compounding special fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser has simple production process, long-acting fertility, and high utilisation rate.
The plant consists of a leaching tank (1) for the initial product, a unit for removing dissolved salts from the leached mixture, and connecting pipes. It has a system for forming a pulp in the leaching tank from the initial product and the leaching liquid, and the resulting mixture is cleaned in a sorption ion-exchange apparatus (3) with constant circulation of the sorbent, while the outlet for the purified product is at the bottom of the leaching tank. The ion-exchange apparatus is in the form of a plate column, equipped with a pulsator for the mixture being cleaned. The pipes taking the mixture from the leaching tank to the column and the sorbent from the column are connected to the bottom of the column, while the pipes for returning the cleaned mixture to the leaching tank and the sorbent to the column are located at the top.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved distribution of sorbent and higher efficiency.
The method for degrading nitrate esters comprises (a) forming a suspension of a nitrate ester; (b) providing a combination of at least one cellulolytic fungus and at least one denitrifying fungus on a culture growing medium (c) contacting the combination (b) with the suspension of nitrate ester so as to support lysis and denitrification of the nitrate ester.    USE -   Used for the degradation of nitrate esters such as nitrocellulose (opt. with diphenylamine stabiliser) or nitroglycerine (claimed). The method can be used for the demilitarisation of nitrocellulose gun propellants and the remediation of soils.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides an efficient, cost effective and safe technique for the destruction of nitrate esters and prodn. of innocuous prods.
The rotary biofilter is for removing and destroying volatile organic cpds. and inorganic toxins from gases and is in the form of a cylindrical vessel (12) with a horizontal axis of rotation. Gases are introduced through an axial dispersion pipe (41) and flow radially outwards through a mass of biofilter material (52) which fills the vessel. The cylinder has a porous lining (31) with perforated gas collection pipes (35) positioned between the lining and cylinder wall for removal of treated gases. A humidifier (11) increases the moisture content of gases entering the vessel. A pump (13) external to the vessel is coupled to either the dispersion or collection pipes to drive gases through the appts..    Also claimed is a similar container for biofilter material.    USE -   The appts. is used for the bioremediation of contaminated vapours, e.g. for the elimination of odours and pollutants from food processing and waste water treatments.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is compact and can be moved to sites to deal with small spills or leaks. Compaction of and the formation of fissures in the filter bed are minimised. There is a reduced pressure drop across the filter and it requires little maintenance.
Densifier for compacting and compressing comminuted waste material has rotatable drum (28) mounted in concentrically spaced relation with a stationary housing (18) and having means (36) for conveying waste material axially along its external surface. Die tubes (100) are rigidly mounted in a circular pattern on the housing at one end of the drum, their inner ends being positioned to receive waste material from the drum and their outer ends being radially outward of their inner ends. Rollers (124) mounted on the drum engage waste material on the inner ends of the die tubes and compress and compact it into the tubes to form dense cubes that are extruded from the outer ends. A housing closure (134) is provided axially outward of the die tubes to prevent material from being discharged past the tubes by the drum and means are provided for varying the entry dimensions of the die tubes and for forming a peripheral trough (112) for receiving waste material from the drum.    USE -   Densifier is used to compact and compress combustible waste material into cubes of desired length and shape to form a fuel for various applications such as firing boilers.
Hydrogen sulphide is oxidised with a soln. contg. complex iron salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, in a mole ratio of ligand to iron of not less than 1:1, in presence of sulphuric acid in an amount ensuring a pH of 2.0-2.5. The soln. can be regenerated by air-blowing.    USE -   The process can be applied in the chemical and petrochemical industries.    ADVANTAGE -   The acid reagent is highly selective, giving a degree of oxidn. of hydrogen sulphide to sulphur of 99%, compared to a previous value of 75%, and allowing a degree of purificn. of 99.75-99.8%.
Cleaning of oil contaminant by the microorganism comprises: (a) spraying a microorganism having surface active material producing capability on the oil contaminant; (b) cleaning and removing contaminated oil stuck on the surface of the contaminant. A combined use of the microorganism and a nitrogen source and a phosphorus source is pref. for effective result. Ceramics, glass, a metal, or plastics is used for cleaning the oil-stuck contaminant.    A microorganism belonging to the Acinetobacter, the Bacillus, the Pseudomonas, the Serratia, or the Candida is used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method cleans the oil contaminant generated by petroleum and finds its application in oceans. The method effectively cleans and removes contaminated oil stuck on the surface of stone or sand at a coast. Traces of the spraying microorganism is allowed, pref. 0.02-0.1 wt. %. Most of the propagated microorganism or the produced surface active material exists in oil, causing no possibility of contaminating sea water.
The removal is carried out by breaking waste plastic material into plastic chips, charging the plastic chip into raw material mixing tank under melted condition, transferring the melted body from the mixing tank to pyrolysis tank and removing hydrogen chloride generated from vinyl chloride mixed into waste plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste plastics can be treated in large amt. in a short time, because hydrogen chloride can be removed continuously from vinyl chloride mixed into waste plastics. As hydrogen chloride can be removed from vinyl chloride mixed into waste plastics, generation of hydrogen chloride caused by condensn of hydrogen chloride gas together with water can be suppressed. Thus corrosion of downstream appts can be reduced and the life of appts can be extended. Further, life of catalyst can be extended sharply and amt of hydrogen chloride mixed into produced low mol hydrocarbon cpd. can be reduced to improve quality sharply.
Coagulation of a suspension comprises (a) adding a water soluble high polymer having carboxylic gp. or microbial polysaccharide to an aq. suspension; and (b) adding at least one or more kinds of polyvalent metal salts to the aq. suspension to coagulate suspended particles. The water soluble high polymer is polyvinyl alcohol type resin, polyacrylic acid or carboxymethyl cellulose. The microbial polysaccharide has beta-1,3-glucan as the main chain which is produced by a microorganism belonging to aureobacidium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for coagulation of muddy water generated in building and civil works, or excess sludge generated in waste water treatment. Good coagulation of suspension and dewatering of coagulated sludge, compared with conventional methods using sodium polyacrylate, polyethyleneamine or polyacrylamide as the coagulant.
Anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge or industrial sludges is effected in two stages in separate reactors. Stage 1 comprises thermophilic digestion at 50-60C with a residence time of 2-10 days. Stage 2 comprises mesophilic digestion at 35C with a residence time of 8-15 days.     The sludge is pref. flash-heated at 85-175C for up to 30 min. between stages 1 and 2 or after stage 2. After flash heating, the NH3concn. is reduced by adjusting the pH, by steam stripping in a basic medium, or by stripping with gas generated during digestion. The process opt. includes a final mesophilic or thermophilic anaerobic digestion stage.    ADVANTAGE -   Pretreatment in stage 1 promotes degradation of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids, promotes formation of volatile organic acids and reduces the viscosity of thick sludges, giving high overall conversions of solids and volatiles (e.g. 60-80%) in short residence times.
A method of alkylating isoparaffins and olefins is claimed. It comprises contacting a feedstock comprising isoparaffins and olefins with a solid superacid catalyst contg. HPA (heteropolyacid components) or POA (polyoxoanion components) under conditions to maintain the feedstock in liq. phase. The conditions include a temp. of -40 to 200 deg.C and a pressure of 1-200 atmos.    Also claimed is a method of alkylating paraffins and olefins.    USE -   High octane components for motor fuel and other valuable products are obtd.    ADVANTAGE -   The method minimises the processing problems of existing commercial methods using sulphuric acid or hydrofluoric acid. The solid catalyst used is superior to previously used catalysts in terms of environment safety and safety concerns, and, when spent, it can be regenerated in the same reactor or reprocessed off-site. The reaction can be carried out at room temp. to provide good yields of alkylated products.
In a process and assembly to treat bio-mass (24) prior to combustion, the novelty is that the biomass is partially treated with biogenic oxygen by the incorporation biological wastes before combustion, the resulting heat being used to generate heat or electrical energy (9).    USE -   The process and assembly generate energy from biological residues arising from agriculture, horticulture, domestic wastes, catering and industry.    ADVANTAGE -   The process and assembly provide an ecologically and economically viable alternative to disposal by composting.
Regulating the respiratory activity of micro-organisms in a fermentation process, esp. an activated sludge process for the purificn. of effluent, comprises rendering part of the nutrient supply (i.e. substrate or effluent contents) inaccessible to the micro-organisms, or degrading part of the supply, by adding substances adsorptive and/or absorptive w.r.t. the nutrient supply, e.g. fine-particle silica derivs., hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic activated carbon, and metal salts.    USE -   The method is useful for removing carbon -, nitrogen- or phosphorus-contg. cpds. from industrial or domestic effluent.    ADVANTAGE -   The accumulation of rapidly growing micro-organisms which convert most C, N and P cpds. into carbon dioxide, ammonium- and phosphate ions rather than incorporating them into their cell structures, is avoided.
The present invention relates to a prepn. of glycerine by using waste distillers' grains as raw material. The main process includes a malt slurry is added in the distillers' grains to implement saccharification.In the saccharified prod. sodium sulphite and yeast are added to make fermentation prod. In the fermented prod. lime is added, heated and filtered. In the filtered liquor sodium carbonate is added to remove superfluous lime. In the above-mentioned material hydrochloric acid is added to implement neutralisation; the neutral soln. is vaporised and concentrated so as to obtain crude glycerine. In order to obtain high-grade glycerine it can include refining processes of decolouring by active carbon and removing metal ions by using positive or negative ion exchange column.
The present invention relates to a bio-organic compound fertilizer integrating organic, inorganic with bacterial fertilizers, and its making method. Firstly the functional microorganism and organic matter are fermented synchronously in a fermentation tank. After having been dried and pulverised the above-mentioned material and inorganic material are mixed and processed to obtain invented product fertilizer containing functional microorganism. The weight ratio of the organic material and inorganic material used in the product fertilizer is (w%) 50-60 and 40-50. Its technological process is short, and can notably raise crop yield and quality.
A discharge system (45) for tyre liquefying processes reacting tyres and oil using a reactor (14) comprises: (a) receiving components include hydrocarbon and metal components; (b) moving means (20) connected to receiving means moves unreacted components through heated area; (c) pyrolysis means (38) heats an area of the system to a temperature sufficient to convert unreacted hydrocarbon components to liquid and gas; (d) means to draw off liquid, and most gas, from pyrolysis; (e) converter converts remaining gas to a condensate; and (f) discharge means (45), connected to pyrolysis means, discharges metal components and draws off condensate.    USE -   The method discharges unreacted components from a reaction process where unreacted components are moved through a pyrolysis reactor (38).    ADVANTAGE -   Unreacted components are heated to a temperature sufficient to convert the unreacted hydrocarbons to a liquid and gas. They are then drawn off and the remaining gas is converted to a condensate and discharges the metal. Condensate is removed for further use.
A device for ventilating windrows includes a frame which defines 1 channel within the windrow.    The frame is constructed and arranged to facilitate transfer of oxygen to the windrow on ventilation of the windrow.    Also claimed are (1) in combination, a device for ventilating a windrow and a cover for the windrow including cover means dimensioned to cover the windrow, stiffening means to provide a desired cover profile and tensioning means; (2) a windrow including a mound formed from organic matter; and (3) a method for digesting waste material including forming 1 channel defined by frame means constructed and arranged to facilitate transfer of oxygen to a windrow to be formed around the channel, forming a windrow of digestible material, introducing worms, ventilating the windrow and maturing to allow the worms to multiply and digest a substantial amt. of material.    USE -   The device is for the ventilation of worm farm windrows or mounds.    ADVANTAGE -   The device allows improved oxygenation of windrows and greater worm activity.
Carbon dioxide is removed from a natural gas feed stream (10) by: (a) passing the feed stream to a gas permeable membrane (14) operating at a pressure such that the gas is separated into a methane-depleted CO2 stream (16) and a CO2 depleted non-permeate stream (17); (b) passing stream (16) to a pressure swing adsorption zone (20) to produce a methane rich stream (21) free of CO2 and a tail gas stream (19) of CO2; and (c) combining stream (B) with the methane rich stream to produce a natural gas stream (27) having a desired concn. of CO2 reduced relative to the feed stream.    USE -   Removal of CO2 from natural gas (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   Pipeline quality natural gas is produced at high pressure. There is no recompression or recycling of carbon dioxide, and essentially no loss of feed stream components. There is no need for additional processes to remove water. Compared with a prior art two-stage gas membrane system, there is a up to 50% reduction in compression horsepower and up to 15% reduction in capital cost.
The prismatic compost container comprises at least three wall components (1-4) releasably connected to each another. Each wall component, at least on a pair of opposite edges, is provided with a flange part (5) bent outwards through &lt;90, and which has at least two oblong openings (9) for insertion of a key-shaped coupling component. At least on one wall (1) of the container, a further wall component (6) with broader flange parts (5) is arranged for establishing a double wall. The container cover and/or bottom is fixed to the wall components through bent-over flange parts provided with oblong openings, arranged to coincide with corresp. openings in the wall components (1-4) and to be locked with a key-shaped coupling component.    USE -   The container is used for composting garden and domestic organic waste matter.(Reissue of the entry advised in week 9519 based on complete specification)
An emptying aid means for removal of composted material (9) from the container (3) is by a pivotable hatch (12) closable at the container lower part where there is an emptying opening (10) in the wall (6). The hatch is located pivotably at a level with an internal bottom part (17) extending horizontally and can be pivoted outwards to at least a horizontal emptying position (I). In this position the hatch acts as a discharge ramp for the composted material (9). The hatch (12) has side gables forming a groove-shaped hatch cross-sectional profile. The gables are arc-shaped and are formed by thin walls extending outwards at right-angles from the hatch. The hatch has a flat or arc-shaped cross-sectional profile.    USE -   For composting organic material.    (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9519 based on complete specification).
Sawdust and organic waste are mixed together to prepare a first raw material. Enzyme is added to the first raw material to prepare a second raw material. The second raw material is compressed. The compressed material is aged.    ADVANTAGE -   Used to mfr. compost by using organic waste, discharged from houses, factories, and cities, and sawdust as a raw material. Generation of a smell from the raw material is suppressed and decomposition and fermentation of a raw material are improved. A large quantity of compost is mfd. with high efficiency.
Crude refuse treatment appts. comprises a treating tank (1) to receive crude refuse and fermentation accelerator (5) from an injection hole (2); switch (4) to detect the opening or closing of lid (3) of injection hole; stirring blades (13) to stir crude refuse and fermentation accelerator; heater (14) to heat treating tank; sensor (18) to detect humidity of air in the treating tank; fan (17) to ventilate in the treating tank; controller (20) to control fermentation treating processes having different environmental conditions and drying treating process by operating the heaters; stirring blades and fans; and reset signal output switch (4) to reset so that control of controller starts again from first fermentation process sequentially while controller operates a given fermentation process among above fermentation processes.    ADVANTAGE -   Ferments and decomposes crude refuse, intermittently injected completely to reduce its volume and produce compost.
Catalyst comprises a specific sepiolite with a SiO2/Al2O3 mole ratio of at least 10. The specific sepiolite contains In and Gp. Ib elements.    A method of removing NOx from combustion exhaust contg. O2 is also claimed, where hydrocarbon is used to reduce NOx in the presence of the catalyst.    Protons are pref. contained in the specific sepiolite. The amt. of In is 0.4-12 wt.% and the amt. of Gp.Ib elements is 0.6-20 wt.%.. Protons are used in an amt. of 0.1-10 equiv. w.r.t. 1 equiv. amt. of Al. The sepiolite has MFI-type structure. Combustion exhaust is contacted with the catalyst heated at 200-800 deg. C.. The amt. of hydrocarbon in the combustion exhaust is 0.2-7 moles as CH4 w.r.t. one mole of NOx.    ADVANTAGE -   NOx may be removed from combustion exhaust contg. O2 and catalyst.
Nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas contg. hydrocarbon (A) and excess oxygen are eliminated using zeolite catalyst contg. Pd and Fe. (A) is methane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For decomposing nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas contg. excess oxygen. Able to decompose nitrogen oxides in the co-existence of oxygen and methane, using methane as reducing agent, with high efficiency.    In an example, (Fe-ZSM-5) type zeolite was prepd. from (ammonia)-(ZSM-5) zeolite with (silica to alumina ratio = 23.3) by making it react with ferrous sulphate in the nitrogen atmos. at 50 deg.C for 20 hours, of which concn. of Fe was 0.61 times of that of alumina. 10g Of (Fe-ZSM-5) was dispersed into 90ml of pure water, of which pH value was adjusted to 10.0 by adding 7% aq. ammonia, then added with (0.1 times mol of alumina) of (Pd-(NH3)4-(Cl2)-(H2O)) and agitated at 30 deg.C for 2 hours, and got a catalyst contg. Pd and Fe. 5g Of the catalyst was made to react with exhaust gas contg. 500 ppm of NO, 500 ppm of CO, 500 ppm of propylene, 10% of carbon dioxide, 5% of oxygen, and 10% of water vapour at the flow rate of 500ml per minute at 400 deg.C. 94% Of nitrogen oxide was decomposed.
Nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas contg. excess oxygen and hydrocarbon (A) is decomposed by treating with zeolite contg. Ni and Pd. (A) is methane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For eliminating nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas contg. excess oxygen. Conventional zeolite catalyst contg. transitional element does not utilise methane as reducing agent in decomposition of nitrogen oxides. Catalyst is able to decompose nitrogen oxides co-existing with excess oxygen and methane.    In an example, Ni-zeolite (Ni-ZSM-5) with silica/alumina ratio of 40, was prepd. from (Ammonium-ZSM-5) by treating it with Ni-acetate aq. soln.. Molar ratio of Ni/alumina in the prod. was 1.15. 10gm Of (Ni-ZSM-5) was dispersed into 90ml of pure water then pH value of the soln. was adjusted to 10.0 by adding aq. ammonia, adding ((Pd(NH3)4)Cl2(H2O) = 0.1 mol of alumina in zeolite), then agitated at 30 deg.C for 2 hours, to give catalyst. 1.2g Of the catalyst decomposed 95% of NO at 400 deg.C under following conditions, i.e., NO concn. = 80 ppm, methane concn. = 1200 ppm, water vapour = 9%, oxygen = 10%, other hydrocarbons = 160 ppm, and flow rate of gas = 500 ml/minute.
A Rhodococcus sp. microorganism, partic. PR4 (FERM P-13804), can degrade aliphatic hydrocarbons of C7 or over, alkyl cyclohexane or alkylbenzene having 3C or over side chain and assimilate them as a sole carbon source for the treatment of polluted sea water.    Rhodococcus sp. PR4 (FERM P-13804) is cultured in NSW medium contg. 0.01-10.0, pref. 0.1-1.0 (w/v)% of pristane at 15-30, pref. 25-30 deg.C at pH 5-9, pref. 6.5-7.5. The dried cells are dispersed at a rate of 1,000g to one square km of sea water.    USE -   Used in treatment of polluted sea water with hydrocarbons.    In an example, in a modified BSM medium contg. 0.4 (w/v)% of 5-30C aliphatic hydrocarbon, pristane, alkyl (cyclohexane or benzene) having 0-19C side chain and phenanthrene was inoculated with Rhodococcus sp. PR4 and cultured at 20 deg.C for 7 days. The cultured mixt. was analysed with gas chromatography and degradation of n-octane, n-tridecane, n-dodecylcyclohexane, n-tridecylcyclohexane, n-hexadecylbenzene and n-heptadecylbenzene at a rate of 56, 59, 52, 66, 60 and 62%, respectively.
An Alcaligenes sp. microorganism, partic. SM8-4L (FERM P-13801), can degrade hydrocarbon and assimilate hydrocarbon as a sole carbon source for the treatment of polluted sea water.    Alcaligenes sp. SM8-4L (FERM P-13801) is cultured in NSW medium contg. 0.01-10.0, pref. 0.05-0.5 (w/v)% of weathering oil at 25-30, pref. 30, deg.C at pH 4-9, pref. about 7. The dried cells are dispersed at a rate of 1,000g to one square km of sea water.    USE -   Used in treatment of sea water polluted with hydrocarbons.    In an example, in a medium contg. 0.5 (w/v)% of weathering oil was inoculated with SM8-4L or a mixed flora SM-8 composed of Pseudomonas sp. KM4, Rhodococcus sp. PR4 and Acinetobacter sp. T4 and cultured at 20 deg.C for 30 days. The degradation rate of satd. hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, resin and asphaltene was 45.95, 5.40, 0.00 and 0.00, respectively for SM8-4L and 50.94, 33.89, 31.38 and 37.12, respectively, for SM8.
In the recovery of polymers, especially old tyres, they are subjected to a dry distillation and the released energy as hydrocarbon vapour is used to heat a boiler assembly for the distillation column.    Also claimed is an assembly with a distillation column in a boiler system.    The distillation column is heated in the overheating register range by the exhaust gas and by radiation in the firing zone. The hydrocarbon vapour released through the dry distillation is maintained at a temp. of 400 C, and mixed directly with the fuel gas on a gas-fired boiler, or consumed by a separate burner in the firing zone of an oil-fired or coal dust heater. The vapour and/or gas in the distillation column is force circulated so that all or part is passed through an external heat exchanger. The air from the entry and outlet locks is compressed by flushing with a permanent or oxygen-free combustion gas. An escape of hydrocarbon vapour through the coke strand, in the cooling chamber, is prevented by a fuel gas flow from the cooling chamber into the retort.    ADVANTAGE -   The technique not only recovers the old tyre material, but also uses the energy byproduct for the process.
Composting of organic solid waste matter (I) contg. cellulose and/or lignin comprises bringing (I) in a reaction zone connected to a heat exchanger so that the reaction temp. does not drop below 50 C. The developed CO2is used either directly as a nutrient for vegetation or allowed to escape through an exhaust.    ADVANTAGE -    The method recovers heat and CO2from the composting of (I) which can be used, e.g in greenhouses.
For the biological cleaning of a gas, ozone is delivered to the gas flow to be cleaned.    Also claimed is an appts. with a biofilter with a trickle system, and an ozone development unit, followed by radiation with ultra-violet.    USE -   The system is for cleaning the exhaust gas from a composting assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   The action gives an effective gas cleaning effect, with reduction in smell.
Processing of municipal plastics waste comprises: (a) removing metal particles, comminuting the plastics to a particle size of ca. 20 mm and processing the plastics in a screw extruder at 230-300C and 40-80 bar until the HCl content is reduced below 3000 mg/kg; (b) contacting the HCl-contg. gas from the extruder with a countercurrent stream of water in an HCl-resistant absorber to produce aq. HCl; (c) heating the processed plastics from the extruder at 400-500C to produce a melt with a viscosity below 300 mm2/sec; (d) partially combusting the melt in a gasifier at a pressure of 4 bar and an av. gasification chamber temp. of ca. 1600C with an air supply such that the C content of the melt is converted to CO; (e) withdrawing raw gas from the gasifier at 1300-1600C, cooling it to 700-900C by water or gas quenching and then cooling it to 220-300C in a heat exchanger to generate steam; (f) passing the gas through a dry dust separator to reduce the dust content below 20 mg/Nm3; (g) scrubbing the gas with water to remove residual dust and gaseous impurities; and (h) desulphurising the gas.    USE -   The synthesis gas produced by the process may be used to produce Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons, methanol, ammonia or H2, or used as a fuel.
A composting apparatus (20) is mounted on a chassis supported on two wheels (3, 3a), one of which is swivelably mounted. The chassis supports an engine, gear box, radiator and fuel tank enclosed within a cabinet (1). A second cabinet (10) houses two drums (5, 11) equipped with flails (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), incorporates a scraper bar (9) and a flexible curtain (14) disposed at the rear. Spray nozzles (15) are connected via a flexible pipe (16) and a quick release coupling (12) to a water tank located on a prime mover (13), which also tows the composting apparatus (20). As the apparatus moves forward, the drums (5, 11) rotate in the same direction, causing the blade shaped flails (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) to cut and throw the waste material, moving some of it from outer sides towards a middle location, the waste having first been laid out in windrows. By this means, the waste is broken up and aerated, at the same time being sprayed with water.    USE -   For speeding up the composting process.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a means whereby waste, which has been previously laid out in windrows, is cut, broken up, aerated and sprayed with water simultaneously, saving time and using less water than prior art means.
Catalytic process for reaction of a primary reagent, or contaminants in it, comprises (a) preconditioning the catalyst by previous use, as in (c), for the desired reaction; (b) passivating, or maintaining in the preconditioned state, until needed for the reaction; and (c) contacting a carrier gas contg. the reagent in a very minor proportion, together with any other reagents needed for the reaction, with the catalyst under conditions favourable to the reaction.    USE -   The process is of partic. value for prodn. of small quantities of material., esp. radio-labelled prods. and intermediates, most of all those with short life; or to remove contaminants, often themselves radio-labelled. Examples of prodn. of C-11 isotopic prods. are MeOH, CO, or methane from isotopic CO2; HCN from methane; phosgene from CO, or HCHO, Mel and methyl triflate from MeOH; O2-15 from bombardment of N2 can be freed from N oxides and ozone, and the isotopic oxygen converted to O-isotopic water.    ADVANTAGE -   In contrast to conventional small scale chemical reaction techniques, which often require separate stages and work-ups of prods., and a skilled radio-chemist, catalytic reactions are simple and can be automated. Although in catalytic chemistry there is usually a delay between start of contact of reagents and catalyst and appearance of desired prod., which would be unacceptable with limited reagent, this is overcome by preconditioning the catalyst with unlabelled reagents. The conditioned catalyst can be dispensed conveniently as a ready to use kit, contg. a cartridge of suitable size to fit the reactor, and which has been preconditioned and passivated, then sealed under an inert atmosphere to keep in the passive state.
The container contains at least two composting compartments, between which are a number of openings for the movement of worms between the compartments.    A further compartment is provided for recycling cover material for composting and is connected to at least one of the composting compartments between one compartment and a container outer wall or is formed between two composting compartments.    The worm movement openings are formed by through holes in a sepg. wall between the composting compartments and/or by through holes in a sepg. wall between a composting compartment and a cover material compartment.    Releasable sepg. walls are provided between the composting compartments and between a composting compartment and the cover material compartment. The walls are formed by displaceable plates received inwardly in a frame-shaped container body.    USE -   The arrangement is for composting domestic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement promotes the movement of worms to break down the organic material into humus. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9518 based on complete specification).
The microbiological cleaning of gases comprises successive passage through tanks containing solutions of absorbents containing various microorganism cultures.    The inhibition constants of each culture relative to the organic and inorganic impurities are predetermined and the tanks increase in and have residence times in proportion to their inhibition constant in their sequence.    USE -   Used on gases containing organic and inorganic impurities.    ADVANTAGE -   Cleaning of gases containing not more than three components is enhanced.
Novel strain of bacteria Pseudomonas putida B-2950 is used in removal of OP type ethoxylated alkylphenols of formula Cn H-2n+1 C6 H1 O(C2 H1 O)mH (sic), where n = 8-10 and m = 4-10, from aq. waste. The strain is extracted from aq. wastes of petroleum processing plant and shows high destructive activity towards the OP-type surfactants.    USE -   The method is used in microbiology and in purificn. of aq. waste contaminated with non-ionogenic surfactants.
The catalysts are obtd. by adding a high-SiO2zeolite and metal salts as a seeding compsn. to an aluminosilicate gel. The metal salts are selected from a gp. contg. Fe, Ga and B. The modified gel is then crystallised at 130-175C, washed, dried using a decationising procedure, subjected to ion exchange, fired and steam treated at 600C for 2 hrs.. The Fe salt is added with the Ga or B salt, or the B salt is added with the Ga salt at a concn. equal to 0.006-0.06 mole %, and calculated for the reaction material at a salts molar ratio of 1-5:1.    USE -   Used as a catalyst for converting methanol to hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalysts having enhanced stability are obtd..
The process comprises fractionally distilling components which vaporise by pyrolysis and which can be liquefied and sepg. and recovering the liquefied components according to b.pt. of the respective liquefied component.    Process is pref. carried out by using fractionally distilled components as heating fuel for pyrolysis. The catalyst is e.g. silica, alumina, various kinds of zeolite, organic metal complex, etc. which accelerate pyrolysis. The feeding appts. is e.g. biaxial extruder, coil feeder, etc, which can keep constant feeding continuously. Batch system, carried out by throwing a prescribed amt. of raw material into pyrolysis tank, is also possible.    ADVANTAGE -   Satisfactory treatment of waste can be carried out by fractionally distilling oily component produced in pyrolysis tank to recover oil within a specified range of b.pt. particularly heavy oil equivalent oil to perform good treatment of waste.
Prodn. of hydrocarbons comprises contacting hydrocarbon gas with catalyst consisting of alkali metal fluoride supported on samarium oxide to produce hydrocarbon having one more number of carbon.    (1) Hydrocarbon gas is pref. methane gas and hydrocarbon obtd. is pref. ethane and/or ethylene. (2) Alkali metal fluoride(s) is(are) that(those) consisting of one or more of lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, or potassium fluoride. (1) Supporting amt. of alkali metal fluoride to samarium oxide is pref. 20-50 molar %. Catalytic reaction is pref. at 600-850 deg.C in the presence of oxygen gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbons are produced in high yield of C2 cpds. by using catalyst consisting of alkali metal fluoride having good selectivity to C2 cpds. supported on samarium oxide having good conversion rate of methane. Productivity of C2 cpds. is increased using catalyst of long life contg. fluoride having excellent durability.    In an example, water was added to the mixt. of samarium oxide (13.95g) and lithium fluoride (0.25g) to form suspension, which was heated with stirring to be evaporated to dryness, sintered for 2 hrs. at 400 deg.C, further sintered for 2 hrs. at 700 deg.C, moulded, crushed, and sieved to select 16-42 mesh portion.    Catalyst obtd. (2.0g; supporting amt. of lithium fluoride: 30 molar%) was packed into alumina-made reaction tube and reactant gas of CH4:O2:N2 = 2:1:4 was made flow at a rate of 3.5 litre/hr under atmospheric pressure. Reaction temps. adopted were 650, 700, 750 and 800 deg.C.
The system comprises unit for generating electric power or heat by using either generated oil or generated gas and a metal melting unit and/or chlorofluorocarbon thermal decomposition unit operated at 700-1600 deg.C, by using obtd. electric power or heat to enable simultaneous processing of waste materials of different types.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste material processing cost is reduced while making sec. prods. valuable.
Asymmetric gas sepn. membrane comprises rigid polyimides or copolyimides derived from diphenyldi(trifluoromethyl)methane-3,4,3',4'- tetracarboxylic anhydride and one or more monoaromatic metadiamines, has a dense skin and porous substructure and has a theoretical sepn. factor and actual selectivity for CO2 /CH4of 70-110 and 50-90 resp. at room temp..    Also claimed is the prodn. of the membrane by dissolving of the polymer in a volatile solvent; application of a film of polymer soln. onto a support or extrusion of a tube of polymer soln., partially evaporating the solvent, treating the polymer with a coagulant liq. and drying of the coagulated prod..    USE -    The membranes are partic. useful for the removal of CO2from natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are sufficiently soluble to be processed but still have good rigidity and selectivity.
A gaseous effluent contg. organic impurities, H2S and NH3, is purified and bio-deodorised by (a) passing the effluent, at at least 400 m/h, through a bed of inert inorganic granulate opt. a zeolite, supporting a biomass formed by mainly autrophic bacteria able to degrade the impurities, (b) wetting the bed with a liq. and (c) recovering the purified and deodorised gaseous effluent at the outlet from the bed. All the nutrients needed by the biomass are carried by the wetting liq. and/or gaseous effluent. The system of the granulate and the biomass allows of the simultaneous degradation of the impurities physico-chemically and biologically.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly charged gaseous effluents can be treated even with large, frequent alterations in the degree of pollution.
Catalytic detector for a flammable gas comprises a substrate and a sensing structure suspended from the substrate. The substrate includes a heating element, a temp. sensing element in the form of a layer-deposited electrically conductive track terminating in at least two electrically conductive leads and a catalytic bead associated with the temp. sensing element. That portion of the substrate which is directly beneath the sensing structure being etched away so as to isolate thermally the sensing structure, and the temp. sensing structure being supported by the bridging leads. Also claimed is a method of mfg. a catalytic gas detector.    USE -   Mfr. of catalytic gas detectors used in continuous monitoring of methane.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalytic detector uses bridging leads as supports to enhance simplicity of mfr., whilst strength and flexibility of platinum leads gives greater resilience.
Biodegradable organic waste is mixed with a liquid to form a suspension having a dry solids content of 40% v/v. The suspension is placed in a pit lined with an impermeable liner (1) and sealed by a cover (3) to form a gas-tight bioreactor cell. Heat is applied from an external source to raise the temp. above ambient so that a microbial decomposition reaction can commence and continue at an enhanced rate. Gas is drawn off and, on completion of decomposition, the material is removed from the cell.    USE -   The process can be used to treat domestic, commercial and non-hazardous industrial refuse, e.g. containing garden cuttings, paper, food, wood, etc. Manures, agricultural slurries or sewage may be added to accelerate the decomposition.    ADVANTAGE -   The decomposition is accelerated by the provision of additional energy. This enables evolution of biogas to be managed more effectively, esp. at start-up.
Colour is removed from pulp and paper waste H2O by (a) treating the H2O with an enzyme (I) capable of oxidising at least a portion of the colour-forming components; and (b) treating the H2O with a tannin-degrading microorganism (II) capable of degrading at least some of the oxidised colour-forming components.    USE -   Used to remove colour from paper mill effluent before discharge into public waterways.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows colour removal (true and apparent) to be effected more effectively than conventional methods, and may be repeated as many times as necessary.
Gas feed-stream contg. H2S and methane is sepd. by treating with a membrane having a H2S/CH4 selectivity of at least 35 at 500psig feed pressure, to produce a H2S-depleted residue and a H2S-enriched permeate and subjecting the permeate and/or residue to further non-membrane-based treatment(s).    USE -   Process can be used to treat sour natural gas to give pipeline-specification levels of H2S, CO2 and water (as claimed) with minimal loss of methane.
Decontamination involves treating the soil with an aq. suspension of a bacterial culture mixed with a mineral fertiliser in the form of nitroammophoska (ammophoska- a complete fertiliser). The bacterial culture is Rhodococcus erythropolis E-15 in an amt. equal to 1-10 g/m2 of the soil being treated, and the mineral fertiliser is applied at a concn. of 115 g/m2 . The bacterial culture suspension is prepd. as a mixt. with a one third portion of the required amt. of the mineral fertiliser, with the remainder of the nitroammophoska added as the dry prod. The mineral fertiliser may be supplemented with 400g NaNO3 /m2of soil being treated.    USE -   The method is used to decontaminate soils contg. oil and oil prods.    ADVANTAGE -   Biodegradation of oil-derived hydrocarbons is accelerated at low temps.
Solid fuel contg. scrap wood of waste paper and waste plastics is new. Solid fuel contains scrap wood, in which compounded ratio of scrap wood and waste plastics is 15-200 pts. wt. of waste plastics to 100 pts. wt. of waste paper. Solid fuel consists of scrap wood used solid fuel in which at least a kind of bulking filler scrap wood selected from agriculture and forestry waste, rubbers, e.g. old tyre, etc., at least a kind of bulky scrap wood selected from carbon component or ash is compounded to scrap wood used solid fuel.    Compounded ratio of extending scrap wood is 5-50 wt.% of total fuel. Combustion accelerator is compounded to the above scrap wood used solid fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   Scrap wood used solid fuel contains scrap of waste plastics and waste paper as indispensable components and is used again as useful solid fuel.
Prodn. of fermented prod. comprises mixing food waste and animal droppings with aerobic fermenting bacteria while spraying water, and fermenting the mixt. in an atmos. at a humidity of 60% and temp. of 60-90 deg.C until the water content of the fermented mixt. is 15%.    In a mixing step B aerobic fermenting bacteria (12) are mixed with an organic mixt. (18) with water spray (14). In a fermenting step C the mixt. (18) is fermented with water spray (20) to produce a fermented prod. (8). It is mixed with soil.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic wastes are well utilised, without incinerating them and causing air pollution.
A foam is obtd. by foam processing the rigid polyurethane foam mixt. contg. the foaming agent, wherein the foaming agent comprises flame-retardant-compatible fluids contg. (1) hydrocarbon with a b.pt. of 10-30 deg.C and (2) perfluoro-hydrocarbon with a b.pt. of 60-80 deg.C. Also claimed is a foaming agent comprising (1) hydrocarbon of 2-butyene 2-methylbutane, 2,2-dimethylpropane, 3-methyl-butene, 1-pentene or 1,4-pentadiene and (2) perfluoro-hydrocarbon of n-perfluorohexane, perfluorocyclohexane, n-perfluoroheptane or perfluoro(methylcyclohexane). Also claimed dis a thermal-insulating foam obtd. from the foaming agent comprising (3) hydrocarbon with a b.pt. of 60-80 deg.C and (4) perfluoro hydrocarbon with a b.pt. of 10-30 deg.C. Also claimed is a foaming agent comprising (1) hydrocarbon of 6C hydrocarbon or 7C hydrocarbon having tert-carbon gp(s) and (2) perfluoro-hydrocarbon f perfluoropentane, perfluoroisopentane, perfluoro-3-methylpentane or perfluoro-2,2-dimethylbutane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The foam with improved flame-retardance dimension stabilities and thermal-insulating properties, is obtd. with using the new and safety foaming agent.    In an example, a mixt. contg.: 100 pts. wt. of polyetherpolyol (OH value of 500 mgKOH), 40 pts. wt. of the foaming agent mixt. contg. 1 mol of perfluoro(methylcyclohexane) and 5 mol of 3-methyl-1-butene, 3 pts. wt. of a foaming agent (F373 made by Shinetsukagaku) and 2 pts. wt. of a foaming catalyst (Kaoliser made by Kao) are mixed. The mixt. and isocyanate component (amine eq. of 170) are mixed and fed in a mould (1 shown in Fig. 1) to produce the polyurethane foam (2).
Prodn. of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide is performed by reacting methane or natural gas contg. methane with oxygen(-contg. gas) in the absence of catalyst but in the presence of 5-60 vol.% carbon dioxide (w.r.t. total starting gas) at 650-1000 deg.C. The carbon dioxide is e.g. by-product from the reaction.    USE -   Hydrocarbons having 2 or more C atoms and carbon monoxide are useful as a basic starting material for various chemicals. Process produces mainly ethylene and ethane and carbon monoxide by oxidative coupling reaction of methane.    In an example, a starting material gas consisting of a 10:1:4:6 (molar ratio) of CH4:O2:CO2 was subjected to reaction at 800 deg.C under pressure of 1 at. at a flow rate of 100 ml/min. with the results of conversions for CH4 and O2 being 2.37 and 17.2% respectively, selectivity for C2 and COx being 51.8% and 48.2% respectively.
Appts. comprises a fermenting heat receiving and supplying unit to receive the heat produced during fermenting of an organic waste mixt. with aerobic fermenting bacteria and supply the heat to the mixt. The organic waste contain food waste and animal droppings.    A heat receptor (20) to receive the fermenting heat produced during fermenting of an organic mixt. (8) is pref. combined with a heat supplier (22) having a gas feed pipe (34) near a water feed pipe (24) in the mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste mixt. is warmed with the fermenting heat to accelerate the fermentation.
Prodn. comprises mixing crushed pieces of waste building wood with food waste and animal droppings to produce a mixt., mixing aerobic fermenting bacteria with the mixt. and fermenting it to produce a fermented prod..    Pref. incubated aerobic fermenting bacteria (14) are mixed with a mixt. (12) of organic wastes at a ratio of at least 10 tons:1 l. The bacteria are diluted with water to be dispersed in the mixt..    ADVANTAGE -   The waste building wood and other organic wastes are treated with an amt. of energy and at low cost.
Compost is produced from excreta of domestic animals, pref. cows, pigs, horses, and chicken and woody (ligneous) wastes, pref. barks, sawdust, wood chips, etc. by adding charcoal and mixing.    During the prodn. process the intermixing of the piled prod. is pref. carried out at least twice. By mixing and diffusing the powdered charcoal, the grown thermophile bacterium may be dispersed homogeneously. The ratio of excreta of the domestic animals, the wooden wastes and the charcoal is pref. 10-40:30-50:10-60.    ADVANTAGE -   The excreta of domestic animals may be rapidly deodorised, and sawdust, etc. may be used.    In an example, 45 kg cow excreta, 30 kg sawdust and 25 kg powdered charcoal were mixed and the water content was controlled to 60% to prepare material mixt. which was piled to have a height of 2 m. The piled substance had a temp. of 60 deg.C in 3 days. Continued fermentation increased the temp. so that the first intermixing was carried out after 20 days. Then the temp. was lowered to 60 deg.C. Further fermentation increased the temp. and the second intermixing was carried out again after 20 days. The intermixing was carried out 6 times, then the temp. of the piled substance did not further increase. In 6 months from the start, the temp. was set to 30-40 deg.C and no malodour was recognised and the raw material was changed completely to compost.
Prodn. comprises mixing cut pieces of leaves and woods with organic wastes and cattle droppings to produce a mixt., mixing it with fermenting bacteria to produce a fermented prod. and maturing.    In a mixing system (4), organic wastes and cattle droppings are pref. mixed with wood chips and cut leaves at a ratio of 1:1.5 to produce a mixt. (20) and aerobic fermenting bacteria (22) are mixed with the mixt. (20) in a fermenting system (6) to produce a compost material.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic waste and cattle droppings are used, without air pollution or destruction of the environment.
Process comprises multiplying bacteria in warm water at 40-60 deg.C, deactivating and holding them at 5 deg.C, activating the bacteria again in warm water at 40 deg.C, diluting them, mixing them with organic wastes and fermenting the mixt..    Activated fermenting bacteria (14) with warm water at 40 deg.C is pref. mixed with garbage (2) or food wastes with water spray (16) to produce a mixt. (22) and the mixt. is fermented with water spray (26).    ADVANTAGE -   The organic wastes are utilised, without incinerating them, as they are fermented with the bacteria.
Organic fertiliser is prepd. from (A) 50-80 wt.% organic materials contg. at least 20 wt.% arabinoxylan and (B) 50-20 wt.% at least one of absorptive mineral materials and C by (i) 1st fermentation with at least one of Aspergillus flavus, A. oryzae and A. sojae, then, partic. adjusting to pH 6.0-7.5, and (ii) 2nd fermentation, with Actinomycetes of Streptomyces, and bacteria of Pseudomonas and Bacillus under pH 6.0-9.0.    Organic raw materials contg. at least 20% arabinoxylan e.g. wheat bran, rice bran or pellicle of corn; and absorptive mineral materials e.g. zeolite or vermiculite; and C e.g. charcoal, or carbonated husk or bones, are used.    ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser particles without malodour are prepd. in 4-7 days and are partic. useful for lawn grass.    In an example, a mixt. of 50 kg wheat bran contg. 35% arabinoxylan, 14.3 kg commercial charcoal, 3.6 kg each of zeolite and vermiculate, and 27.1 kg of water was pasteurised to give a water content of 40%. The mixt. was mixed with 70 g Aspergillus oryzae IFO 30105 and aerobically fermented at 27 deg. C for 48 hrs. with 2 times mixing during the process. Then 70 g each of Streptomyces flaveolus IFO 12768 and Bacillus circulans IFO 13640 were mixed and aerobically fermented at 25 deg. C for 72 hrs. with 2 times mixing during the process to give the fertiliser.
Prodn. of composted organic material is by adding porous particles of Ca silicate hydrate to neutralise the acidic organic raw material having bacteriostatic activity, followed by fermentation at pH 6.5-7.5.    Acidic raw materials e.g. wastes of tea and coffee, and bark, and porous Ca silicate hydrate are pref. mixed at wt. ratios of 1:0.01-0.5 (esp. 1:0.03-0.2) and the obtd. mixt. is fermented.    ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation is accelerated by reducing the bacteriostatic activity of acidic organic raw material.    In an example, a mixt. of coffee waste contg. 66% water and porous Ca silicate particles were mixed at dried wt. ratios of 0.5:0.05 and mixed with other raw materials e.g. animal proteins. The mixt. was fermented under aeration with mixing every 5 days for 2 weeks and the obtd. mass was crushed. The crushed mass was fermented for 15 days under aeration, then allowed to stand for 1 month to give compost.
Prodn. is by (1) adding and mixing porous particles of Ca silicate hydrate in raw material bark, (2) natural fermentation to give half-matured fermentation prod. and (3) aeration and forced fermentation to produce compost.    Bark is pref. mixed with porous particles of Ca silicate having dia. of up to 3 mm at ratios of 3-10 wt.%. The mixt. is naturally fermented. Then the half matured mixt. is mixed and aerated for a 2nd forced fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is produced without leakage of waste water during fermentation.    In an example, bark of broad leaf tree was mixed with 1% urea and 10% porous Ca silicate having a dia. of less than 3 mm and fermented in open air for 5 months. The half fermented mixt. was then mixed with 5% urea and fermented with mixing in every 15 days for 3 months to give compost.
Prodn. is effected by adding and mixing porous particles of calcium silicate hydrate in raw material bark and fermenting.    Bark is pref. mixed with porous particles of Ca silicate having dia. of up to 3 mm at ratios of 3-10 wt.%. The mixt. is fermented to give compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is produced without leakage of waste water during fermentation.    In an example, bark of broad leaf tree was mixed with 6% urea and 5% porous Ca silicate having a dia. of less than 3 mm. The mixt. was fermented in open air to give compost.
Prodn. involves adding porous particles of Ca silicate hydrate to immature bark and natural fermentation.    Immature bark is pref. mixed with porous particles of Ca silicate having dia. of up to 3 mm and contg. 50-80% water at ratios of 3-10 wt.%. The mixt. is fermented to give composite.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is produced with reduced water dispersion and without leakage of waste water during fermentation.    In an example, bark of broad leaf tree was mixed with 1% urea and 10% porous Ca silicate having less than 3 mm dia. and contg. 70% water. The mixt. was fermented in the open air for 1 month and mixed with 5 wt.% urea and fermented for 2 months to give compost.
Prodn. involves adding porous particles of Ca silicate hydrate having more than equilibrium amt. of water content ratio to raw material bark and fermenting.    Bark is pref. mixed with porous particles of Ca silicate having dia. of up to 3 mm and contg. 50-80% water at ratios of 3-10 wt.%. The mixt. is fermented to give composite.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is produced with reduced water dispersion and without leakage of waste water during fermentation.    In an example, bark of broad leaf tree was mixed with 6% urea and 10% porous Ca silicate having less than 3 mm dia. and contg. 70% water. The mixt. was fermented in the open air for 4 months to give compost.
A new molecular sieve carbon plate consists of fibrous carbon and has a specific micropore size distribution of 0.28 to 0.43 nm. In the prodn. of the carbon plate, infusible pitch fibres are moulded into plates. The plates are stuck together into a given form carbonised at 760-900 deg. C.    Pref. at least one face of the carbon plates is uneven. The infusible pitch fibre contains 10-15 wt.% of oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sepn. or recovery of H2, CH4 and other gases using the pressure swing adsorption technique. Molecular sieve carbon plates with a higher mechanical strength can be obtd. with good reproducibility without activation process in a cost effective manner.
Treatment comprises (a) directing crushed kitchen waste to an anaerobic tank having a support made of glass fibre in which high-temp. microorganisms are adhered and (b) keeping the kitchen waste at 54-56 deg. C. The kitchen waste is crushed into a slurry in a disposer. The support made of the glass fibre is held by a frame made of a resin to form a hollow and cylindrical peripheral wall made of the glass fibre. The anaerobic tank is used for acid fermentation and methane fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   The kitchen waste having a high solid concn. is directly treated in a small anaerobic tank, reducing its heat insulating cost and facility cost compared to conventional treatment requiring diluted water. Treatment by a one-phase system readily adjusts the pH compared to the two-phase system and allows the use of one anaerobic tank. The disposer requires no expensive crusher. The use of cheap glass fibre for the support reduces costs. The method has a high organic matter removing rate and generates a reduced amt. of residue. Generated methane gas is recovered for use as energy.
High molecular hydrogel granules comprising high water-soluble polymer (A) contg. water-insoluble polymer resin (B) are new.    Also claimed are (1) the prepn. of the hydrogel granules by addn. an aq. soln. contg. polymer B precursor into the grain interior of polymer A, and polymerisation of the precursor to give water-insoluble polymer B, and (2) microorganism-immobilisation in water to wet conditions using the hydrogel granules.    Pref. polymer A is acrylic acid-vinylalcohol copolymer, starch-acrylic acid graft copolymer or isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer and the precursor of B is monomer of acrylamide.    USE -   The hydrogel granules contg. microorganism as immobilised are used for cleaning of waste water.    In an example, powder of isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer was added to acrylamide monomer soln. of acrylamide monomer (20%), methylene bisacrylamide (1%), dimethylamino-propionitrile (0.7%) and potassium persulphate (0.6%) and mixed together for 20 mins. to give hydrogel granules of 3-6 mm.
A microorganism deodorant device for deodorising the faeces of cattle has one or more implantation layers formed of a three-dimensional filler of natural fibre and synthetic fibre to which microorganism or enzyme having deodorant action has been attached.    As the natural fibre for microorganism deodorisation, pref. the fruit part of coconuts is compressed in the direction almost at right angles to the fibre bundle, and cut to pieces. An implantation layer has a screen at the bottom, a synthetic fibre porous filler placed on the screen, and a natural fibre such as coconut placed on them. A deodorisation tower has, for example, implantation layers. The bad smell to be deodorised is sucked by a fan to enter in the lower part of the deodorisation tower, and rises upward from the lowermost implantation layer to the next one. Microorganisms or enzymes to make deodorant effect are attached to the implantation layers. For example, by spraying intermittently the treatment soln. of purifying plant (BOD = 20-30 ppm) from the top of the deodorisation tower in 50-80 L/m2 of implantation layer, microorganisms to deodorise hydrogen sulphide are grown on the implantation layers of coconuts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for deodorisation of a breeding firm for hens, pigs, cows, etc. The pressure loss is small, and the deodorant effect is superior.
NAD(H)-combined oxidation-reduction dismutase (formaldehyde dismutase; FDM) having the 399 amino acid sequence given in the specification is new. Also claimed are: (1) the gene encoding the amino acid sequence as above which has the 2952 bp DNA sequence given in the specification; (2) the vector expressing the peptide of the above amino acid sequence; and (3) the recombinant transformant producing the peptide.    USE -    The FDM enzyme can be used in carrying out efficiently the chemical reaction to which a variety of 1C cpds. (e.g. CO, CO2 , CH4 , CH3OH) relate. The recombinant transformant or its multiplied cells or their extract can be used as FDM-active materials in the reaction.
Microorganism decomposing soil contaminating substances and powdered wood is applied to soil. The microorganism comprises fungi, basidiomycetes, or bacteria. The soil contaminated substance comprises a phenolic cpd. or a furan-based cpd. The phenolic cpd. comprises phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, or p-cresol. The furan-based cpd. comprises THF, furfural, furfuryl alcohol, or coumaran. The powdered wood has a grain dia. of 100 microns to several mm.    The microorganism pref. comprises bacteria belonging to Mythylosinus, Pseudomonas, Methylomonas, Alcaligenes, Mycobacterium, Nitrosomonas, Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, Arthrobacter, Lactobacillus, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium or Acinetobacter; yeast belonging to Candida, mildew belonging to Aspergillus or Penicillium or bacteria belonging to Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Coriolus versicolor, Pleurotus sajor-caji, Streptomyces viridosporuos, Streptomyces cyanens, Pseudomonas Ovalis, Pseudomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas putid, Pseudomonas acidovorans, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus, Fusarium solani, Xanthomonas, or Actinomycetes belonging to the Nocardia.    ADVANTAGE -   The microorganism and powdered wood improve contaminated substance decomposition activity.
Microporous activated carbon is derived from lignocellulose material and has at least 50% pore volume in pores of 8-20 and more than 95% pore volume in pores of less than 50. Also claimed are (1) mfr. of a microporous activated carbon by mixing a precursor with alkali soln. at 0.5-5:1 dry wt. ratio, drying to below 25 wt.% moisture, heating at 650-1100C, acid washing, and drying; and (2) storage of hydrocarbon fuel by passing it into a container which contains activated carbon of the specified pore size distribution.    ADVANTAGE -   Better adsorption properties, e.g. for methane, than that produced by activation using other agents such as phosphoric acid or zinc chloride.
The following are claimed: (A) work-up prepn. and utilisation of microbiological, animal or vegetables biomasses (esp. clarified sludges from biological water-treatment plants and lime-treated clarified sludges) contg. 5-90 wt % solids, comprises: (a) for prepn., water-removal (and simultaneous cleaning ) and esp. solidification, mixing the clarified sludge or bio-sludge with (i) water-binding, swellable and ion-exchanging binding agents and (ii) solids, granular powder of porous rock, concrete and/or sawdust; (b) subjecting the mixt. to a mechanical high press. agglomeration process, by action of compression forces on small volume elements followed by rapid subsequent removal of press.The mixt. is heated by the tribomechanical energy release in the compression channels, and are both cleaned and dried (without the need for additional drying, giving an organic-inorganic structure matrix;(B) fertiliser, prepd. by the process given above, in which the binding agent (and water-adsorbing and ion-exchanging component) is (a) volcanic tuffs with a high smectite (esp. montmorillonite) content and a high swelling power, or (b) clay minerals with a high vermiculite or illite content and a micaceous three-layer-structure;(C) soil conditions, prepd. by the above process.    USE -   The process allows prodn. of useful prods. such as fertilisers from biomasses.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is easy/cheap, and allows all the necessary steps (such as water removal, sterilisation and shaping of the prods.) to take place in a single appts. The prods are low in dust and are storage stable. They are capable of providing long-term fertilisation, and are biodegradable.
A feed gas is sepd. into a first supply component (I) and a second supply component (II), (I) having a higher b.pt. than (II), by: (a) providing a first sepn. vessel and a second sepn. vessel arranged such that (I) moves upwardly to the top of the respective vessel as gas and (II) moves downwardly to the bottom of the respective vessel as liq., (b) supplying the feed gas to one of the sepn. vessels, (c) transferring liq. from the bottom of the first vessel to the second vessel and gas from the top of the second vessel to the first vessel and (d) extracting gas from the top of the first vessel as (I) and extracting liq. from the bottom of the second vessel as (II). A recycle fractionator vessel is provided separate from the vessel and the gas is transferred from the top of the second vessel to the recycle vessel and condensed to liq.. The gas is extracted from the top of the recycle vessel and transferred to the first vessel and the liq. is extracted from the bottom of the recycle vessel and transferred to the second vessel.    USE -   Thermodynamic sepn. of gases into components of different b.pt., esp. ethane, methane, propane or CO2 from natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved sepn., thermodynamic efficiencies and improved mixing and heat transfer. Avoids the use of costly turbo-expanders. Needs less energy and less capital cost. Provides improved process control and optimal prod. recovery.
Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons and water by contacting a gas containing methane and a gaseous oxidant with silica at 700-1200C in substantial absence of reducible metal oxides.    The silica may be replaced in general by a non-acidic solid catalyst, pref. of low surface area (less than 50 m2/g), and substantially non-reducible under reaction conditions; suitable materials are MgO, CaO, alpha-Al2O3, La2O3, ThO2, TiO2 and ZrO2. This material may be used as a support for an alkali metal component, esp. a Li or Na cpd. A halogen may be added as promoter, esp. Cl or Br. Phosphorus may also be present.    The oxidant is molecular oxidant and/or oxide(s) of nitrogen, e.g. N2O. Temp. is 800-1000C.    USE -   The method is of use for converting natural gas to more readily transportable materials.
An appts. is used for the batch composting of waste material by aerobic and thermophilic action of microorganisms. It consists of a vessel containing the waste and having a floor and a cylindrical side wall. Aerators (18) introduce an oxygen-bearing gas into the waste.    At least one rotating auger (11) mixes, agitates, breaks and distributes the waste material homogeneously through the vessel. The auger is supported (6) at its lower end for travel on the floor. The auger is moved in a forward direction through the waste along a series of circular paths of different radii.    The auger support (6) has a wheel running on the floor, and a deflection plate which directs the waste material away from the wheel and floor and upwardly into the path of travel of the auger. The auger is mounted at an angle approximately 30 off vertical and imparts a downward force sufficient to keep the support (6) on the floor.    USE -   The appts. may be used to compost waste materials such as animal manure, sewage sludge, food processing waste, sawmill residue, straw and other cellulose-bearing materials, producing a soil conditioner or fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The auger agitates the compost to maximise its porosity and improve its aeration giving improved aerobic activity. It is simple in design and relatively cheap to operate.
An appts. for pyrolysing tyres comprises: (1) a open ended vessel of sufficient size for receiving and containing tyres; (2) a carriage shaped and dimensioned to contain tyres located in the carriage, with tyres located concentrically; (3) a central heating tube extending from one end of the vessel to other through the tunnels formed by the tyres; and (4) a door positioned at the open end of the vessel.    USE -   For recycling used tyres.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require chopping up of the tyres.
Biogas is obtd. by methanol fermentation (MF) of organic substrates in the presence of methanogenesis (MG) stimulators. The MG used are Ni(II) cpds. with ligands, e.g. an Ni(II) acetate/ethylenediamine complex (NAEDC) or a Ni(II)/glycine complex.    USE -   In industries where organic waste of plant or animal origin is produced, e.g. agriculture, microbiology, the food industry, light industry, and town effluent.    ADVANTAGE -   The method can be applied to a wider range of substrates than previously, and can make use of alcohol distillery residues (brewery mash) and cow manure for biogas production, which cannot be fermented by previous processes.
System for collection and processing of liq. manure from animals e.g. cattle comprising a collection space (1) which is connected by a transport line (7) to a fermentation chamber (2). The fermentation chamber (2) is provided with an air inlet (8) and a heater (9) to provide the required temp. and the optimum amt. of oxygen for the fermentation process. Means of agitation of the manure are also pref. provided to speed the process. The nitrogen-containing gases produced during fermentation are extracted through outlet gas line (10) at the upper side of the fermentation chamber (2) and pass to the oxidation chamber (3), which is provided with an air inlet (11) and an electrical heater (12). Heat and oxygen from the air supplied to the nitrogen-containing gases in the oxidation chamber enables partial oxidation to be achieved whereby a reducing gas composition is produced which prevents NOx formation and reduces NOxmolecules already formed. After processing in the oxidation chamber (3), the gas is transported via line (13) to the combustion chamber (4) which is provided with an supply line (14) and outlet (15) for combustion gases to assist in combustion of the nitrogen-containing gases. After processing in the fermentation chamber (2), the treated manure is transported via line (16) to a storage chamber (5) from which it can be removed at the required point in time via an outlet (17) for e.g. spreading on the land.    USE -   For processing liquid dung/manure partic. in intensive cattle/dairy farming.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables rapid extraction and processing of the gases which are present in the liquid dung in a controlled manner to make them safer in respect to the environment. Prevents their escape into the atmosphere and the resultant damage to the environment and atmosphere which would otherwise occur.
In the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (I) in the presence of a catalyst of an active metal, an alkali metal compound and a metal compound as a carrier, is used.    Also claimed is prepn. of methane by this method.    Pref. (II) is prepd. by spray-decomposition of soln. including an active metal compound (e.g. sodium chloride etc) and a metal compound (e.g. zirconyl nitrate etc) followed reduced with a reduction agent (e.g. H2 or hydrazine etc). A metal compound as a carrier is selected of zirconium compounds, aluminium compounds, magnesium compounds, zinc compounds, titanium compounds, and niobium compounds.    In the catalytic hydrogenation of (I), H2 is used as the mol ratio of 0.1-40 pref. 1.0-2.0. The reaction is carried out at a r.t. - 700 deg.C pref. 100-600 deg.C and at 0.1-100 atmospheric pressure pref. 0.5-50 atmospheric pressure (SV=500-500000/hr).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methane etc. which are prepared by catalytic hydrogenation (I), are useful materials for fuel and chemical raw materials. By this economical method (I) is hydrogenated efficiently because (II) whose components are impartial, is used.    In an example, liquid drops which were produced from a soln. including zirconyl nitrate (0.5 mol/l), nickel nitrate (0.059 mol/l) and NaCl(0.029 mol/l) at the speed of 20 ml/h, were supplied to a reactor. They reacted at 1000 deg.C for 1 sec. (II) (the mol ratio of nickel oxide:sodium oxide:zirconium oxide = 10:5:85) was given. Prepared (II) (0.2 g) was reduced with H2 at 400 deg.C for 1 hr. A mixed gas of (I) and H2 (the mol. ratio of (I):H2 = 1:4) was supplied to a reactor where reduced (II) was stuffed at 300 deg.C and at 0.8 atmospheric pressure. Methane was given in 0.48 mmol (Ni-mmol min)-1.
Prodn. of hydrogen comprises treatment of organic waste water with microorganisms in sludge compost by anaerobic culture.    Pref. waste water contg. organic cpds. is treated with sludge compost at initial concns. of 0.01-20 (pref. 0.5-5) w/v% at 40-70 O C with stirring, if necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for waste water treatment and prodn. of hydrogen. Methods prevents pollution.    In an example, 1 l of an artificial waste water contg. 1.5 g KH2PO4, 4.2 g Na2HPO4.H2O, 0.5 g NH4Cl, 0.18 g MgC12.6H2O, 5 g yeast extract and 10 g cellulose powder treated with sludge compost in an amt. of 1 w/v% and cultured at 60 O C in N2 atmos. for 96 hrs. 73% of cellulose was 1.89 mole H2 per mole cellulose.
Biofiltration media comprise peat nodules formed from high density fuel peat. The nodules have bulk density, at 50% moisture content, at least 400 kg/m3and at least 50 wt.% of the nodules have an average size of 10-20 mm.    Prodn. of the biofiltration medium is also claimed.    USE -   Biofiltration of waste gases removes odour in the most environment friendly way known. It uses microorganisms to convert odorous gases to odourless cpds. As the action takes place in a moisture layer, the medium used is a major factor.
Fermentation of biogenic organic raw waste is carried out using several drainage water-discharging bioreactors which are sequentially charged with the waste, the charged waste in each bioreactor being subjected to an initial aerobic phase, then an anaerobic running-in phase with acidic drainage water formation and finally a methane prodn. phase with basic drainage water formation. The process involves the steps of: (a) withdrawing the acidic drainage water from a bioreactor undergoing the anaerobic running-in phase and transferring it for percolation in a bioreactor undergoing the methane prodn. phase; (b) withdrawing the basic drainage water from a bioreactor undergoing the methane prodn. phase and transferring it for percolation in a bioreactor undergoing the anaerobic running-in phase; and opt. (c) delivering water to at least the bioreactor undergoing the anaerobic running-in phase. Also claimed are (i) a similar process in which bio-gas is metered from the bioreactor undergoing the methane prodn. phase in accordance with the methane and/or oxygen content in the bio-gas; and (ii) a plant for carrying out the process.    USE -   Fermentation of e.g. biological waste, garden and park waste, clarification and faecal waste, market waste, food processing waste and the residual garbage left after valuable material sepn.    ADVANTAGE -   The methane prodn. process and yield are improved.
In a soil decontamination process, in which the excavated soil is screened to coarse and fine fractions, the fine fraction is decontaminated by biological treatment in a suspension reactor, the process water is recirculated and the decontaminated soil is refilled (opt. after removing with the coarse fraction) into the excavation, the novelty comprises (a) carrying out soil analysis with special regard to the noxious matter binding and distribution over the particle class sizes; (b) separating a noxious matter-rich fraction from the fine fraction by flotation; and (c) passing the separated soil to a conventional suspension reactor for biological treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Costs are reduced by using a combination of decontamination processes and the treated soil has a lower contaminant (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) content than soil treated by flotation of biological treatment alone.
Method of pasteurising, treatment or stabilisation of green organic material for use as a growing medium or as an ingredient for a growing medium, comprises (i) grinding natural green organic material to a max. dimension of less than 65mm including green organic material having a max. dimension of less than 6mm; (ii) mixing nutrients into the green organic material; (iii) adding water to the mixt. to achieve max. moisture content in the mixt.; (iv) forming a windrow of triangular cross-sectional configuration having a height of 1.5-2.5m, the amt. of nutrient and moisture being such that the internal temp. of the windrow reaches a max. of 70 C, sufficient to destroy pathogenic organisms, insects, fungi, propagative plant material and weed seeds; (v) turning over the outer layers of the windrow to complete the process.    USE -   The method uses all types of green organic material including timber pieces, foliage and grass. The green organic material is converted into a potting mix and allied prods..    ADVANTAGE -   The method is an effective, economical and permanent system for removal of green organic material from the solid waste stream destined for e.g. landfill.
Methane is recovered from a coal bed by: (a) recovering an exhaust gas (I) containing carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon-fuelled internal combustion engine; (b) continuously injecting (I) into injection well(s) extending into the bed; and (c) continuously recovering produced gas including methane, from production well(s) spaced apart from the injection well(s).    USE -   The method is suitable for use when a pattern of wells drilled into a coal bed has been used to produce water and associated gas from the bed; after initial water removal, a portion of the wells can be converted for gas injection.    ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive source of carbon dioxide is used to displace the methane; as the injected gas is hot (3500 F or above), adsorption of carbon dioxide in the critical area around the injection well is minimised.
The installation has a storage-tank for raw manure (2), a methane tank (3), a gas holder (4), a filtering device (5), a 2nd storage tank for cleaned manure (6), and a heat exchanger (7). Connected to the gas holder and heat exchanger is gas turbine equipment (8), plus a super-high frequency generator (13) in the contact zone of which is a non-metallic reservoir (12) linked to a separator (11).    USE -   Used for processing organic wastes from agricultural prodn., to mfr. biogas, electrical energy, quality organic fertilizer, and conc. biological animal fodder, thus guaranteeing conditions to conserve surrounding media.    ADVANTAGE -   Ecologically harmful wastes are reduced.
A method of obtaining and regenerating a sulphate soln. for underground leaching using mainly the bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans (TF) under conditions of continuous culturing in a liquid medium contg. iron (II) sulphate is new. The bacteria are grown under periodic conditions at pH 1.4-1.7 in an apparatus filled 50% or more with a porous carrier of surface area exceeding 1000 m2 /m3.    USE -   For hydrometallurgy, esp. underground leaching of sulphides and variable valence metals.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is simpler and quicker than previous methods in the production and regeneration of sulphate leaching soln. contg. cpds. of trivalent iron by oxidation of ferrous sulphate by a high concn. TF culture.
Agent is based on a mixt. comprising perlite powder, wood powder and oil-decomposing bacteria.    Pref. the agent contains urea as an auxiliary material. The agent esp. contains silica as an additional auxiliary material.    Pref. oil-decomposing bacteria include Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter, Candida, Debaryomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Rhodotorula, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Monilia, Cephalosporium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Acremonium, Mucor and Absidia microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   The agent recovers waste oils, improves soil by adjustment of the water content and/or neutralisation of acidic soil and acts as a fertiliser, or a source of potassium and nitrogen. It eliminates special treatment as a waste.
Sprayable pressure sensitive adhesive compsn. (P) consists of pressure sensitive adhesive fine particles (A), which are obtd. by aq. suspension polymerising a monomer mixt. contg. alkyl (meth)acrylate(s) (A1), water-soluble monomer (A2) copolymerisable with (A1), and oil-soluble polyfunctional monomer (A3) contg. at least two polymerisable unsatd. gps. in a mol. in the presence of oil-soluble polymerisation initiator (B) and surfactant (C) and have average particle dia. of 5-100 microns, solvent (D), and aerosol propellent (E), in which monomer mixt. contains 0.08-0.15 pt.wt. of (A3) to 100 pts.wt. of (A1), (D) consists of 5-7C hydrocarbons, and (E) is either liquefied natural gas or a mixt. of liquefied natural gas and dimethyl ether.    Pref. (P) contains opt. cyclised rubber (F) or a mixt. of (F) and butyl rubber grafted with vinyl acetate (G).    More specifically (A1) is selected pref. from 4-9C alkyl (meth)acrylates. Examples of (A2) are (meth)acrylic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, and their salts. A suitable (A1) to (A2) wt. ratio is 100/1-10. Examples of (A3) are divinyl benzene and triallyl isocyanurate.    (A) is obtd. by separating (A) from (A) contg. emulsion by leaving after having added acetone or alcohol into the (A) contg. emulsion.    Examples of (B) are azo cpds. like azobisisobutylonitrile and peroxides like benzoyl peroxide. Suitable amt. of (B) is 0.05-0.5 pt.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of the monomer mixt. (C) may be selected from the gps. of ionic and nonionic surfactants. Examples of (D) are n-pentane, n-hexane, and isohexane. A suitable liquefied natural gas/dimethyl ether wt.% ratio is more than 30: less than 70. A suitable (A) to ((F) or (F)+(G)) is 100/2-20.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (P) is applied to paper, even to heat sensitive paper. (P) contains no solvent, use of which is not regulated by ozone protection law, and does not cause any colouring even if it were sprayed on any heat-sensitive paper and adhesive transfer.
Process comprises contacting air with liq. obtd. by dehumidifying exhaust gas from a fermenting system, to humidify the air, and feeding the air to a fermenting system. The fermenting is aerobic while the wastes are statically piled or stirred.    EMBODIMENT- A vertical deposit type of fermenting tank (10) pref has a humidifying tank (20) at the bottom and air spray nozzle (21) at the bottom of the tank (20).    ADVANTAGE -   Matured compost is obtd. rapidly, as the water content of the wastes is held uniformly in the fermenting system.
Composting sewage/cattle droppings comprises preparing a fermenting bed of composted organic wastes in a fermenting tank having a fermenting condition adjuster, mixing the sewage/dropping with the bed, and actuating the adjuster to feed natural soil bacteria and enzymes into the bed and adjust the temp. and water content therein so that the sewage/dropping may be fermented into a compost.    Pref. a fermenting condition adjuster has an air compressor to warm sucked air, air feeder to feed the warmed air to a fermenting tank and air feed rate adjuster.    ADVANTAGE -   The fermentation is forcibly accelerated owing to the fermenting condition adjuster.
Appts. includes framework body having legs with casters, two-vessel structure microorganism-activating vessel having gas-permeable kneading barrel spaced from outer barrel, and circulating type purifying vessel. Microorganism-activating vessel is assembled in upper side of framework body, and includes lateral axis type rotary shaft with arm rods having stirring vanes in central portion of vessel. At least gas-permeable kneading barrel has U-shape in section orthogonal to said rotary shaft, and is curved upwardly at opposite sides in section along extending direction of rotary shaft. Gas-feeding space between kneading barrel and outer barrel in activating vessel communicates with exterior at appropriate locations. Drain pipe is provided at lowermost position of outer barrel, and is connected to purifying vessel detachably attached at location immediately under activating vessel at lower side of framework body.    ADVANTAGE -   Drain having decreased BOD value can be discharge outside.
Appts. to ferment and dry organic waste in one fermentation tank continuously, comprises a fermentation tank (1) having stirring blades (8) supported by a horizontal rotation shaft (4) rotatably, panel heater (20) at a given region of its outer surface and jacket (25) placed at the other region of its outer surface to form a high temp. fluid passage to heat the fermentation tank. During the fermentation and drying the fermentation tank is heated by using both direct heating by the panel heater and indirect heating by high temp. fluid or selecting one from both.    ADVANTAGE -   To increase an amt. of fermentation treatment of organic waste at one batch in the fermentation tank.
The extn. of peat fibre comprises: (a) preparing milled peat; (b) blending the milled peat to provide a feedstock milled peat; (c) breaking up the milled peat; and (d) screening the prod. of step (c) to extract peat fibres having an av. length of 2-10 cm, at least 60% of the fibres having an av. dimension of greater than 5 mm..    Peat fibres prepd. by the above process, and biofiltration media including these fibres are also claimed.     The milled peat is broken up in a hammer mill, then screened by passing the peat over at least two screens (e.g. finger deck screens) arranged in series. The screened peat is further processed to extract peat fibre having a loose bulk density of 100-150 kg/m3at 50% moisture. The screened peat is then passed up an inclined conveyor means.     The peat fibre has a moisture content of 40-60 w/v% and a loose bulk density (at 50% moisture) of 110-130 kg/m3. 82.5% of the fibre has an av. size of 5 mm or more. The fibre is primarily the root residue of eriophorum (cotton grass plants). The biofiltration medium comprises a mixt. (esp. a 50:50 (vol) mixt.) of the peat fibres and heather (mainly Calluna Vulgaris).    The appts. for carrying out the above process comprises a silo (1) (contg. feedstock milled peat), conveyor (2), hammer mill (3), conveyor (4), first screening station (5), conveyor (6), second screening station (7), further conveyors (8-11) and storage silo (12).    USE -   The process (A) can be used in the prodn. of peat fibres which are useful in biofiltration media, and may be used for cleaning gas streams originating from a variety of industrial and waste treatment activities, e.g. animal by-product rendering, fishmeal processing, and sewage treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The media provide a good environment.
The composting of organic matter by biological decomposition in a closed container supplied with air, in which at least part of the waste air is re-supplied to the matter, is controlled such that the relative humidity in the organic matter is maintained between upper and lower limits, pref. by cooling the waste air and condensing out at least part of its water vapour content. Also claimed are (i) a similar process in which the cooling power and/or the fan power are adjusted to produce a certain condensate amount per unit time; (ii) a process for determining the energy produced microbiologically by the composting process; (iii) processes for determining the amount of water produced microbiologically by the composting process; and (iv) a process for controlling and/or regulating the composting process.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows trouble-free maintenance of the relative humidity required for microorganism activity.
Solid waste is compressed by the application of high pressure into blocks giving a volume reduction of 9:1. The blocks are stackable in a sanitary landfill. Leachate can percolate through the waste and biogas can escape. Recyclable material is separated from the waste prior to compression. The waste is compressed in an appts. which has V-shaped hopper which guides the waste into screw feeders (HSP1) of underlying compression units. These include two hydraulic presses, one horizontal (HHP3) and one vertical (VHP2). The pressure exerted is regulated to produce blocks of dimensions 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 m and density 1400 kg/m3. The generation of biogas can be regulated with the use of a suitable catalyst. The processed products are also claimed, suitable for transfer by truck, rail or vessel.    USE -   The process is used to treat domestic refuse in urban or rural areas, giving storage for future use if technology advances permit it, and the controlled generation of biogas (both claimed) allowing better exploitation.    ADVANTAGE -   The blocks are of optimum size for handling. Transportation costs are reduced and landfill operations are optimised with control over biogas generation and collection.
In a process to clean effluent air with a membrane, solvent is removed from air in a multistage process. A large part of the solvent is 1st removed from the air in a regenerative cleaning unit (3) which is a gas membrane sepn. unit and effluent air then passes through a 2nd irreversible cleaning unit (4) in which it is treated by means of a biological breakdown process during which the effluent content is reduced to below the required max. permissible value.    USE -   The process removes, recovers and recycles pollutants esp. solvents from effluent air, esp. in the mfr. and application of paints and chemicals, esp. benzene, surface treatment, textiles, adhesives, foils, self-adhesive coatings, core mfr., etc..    ADVANTAGE -   Chemicals recovered are not converted into other substances and may be reused for the original purpose.
In O2 recovery from life support systems by (a) concn. of CO2, (b) conversion of CO2 to CH4 and (c) electrolysis of H2O, a low temp. catalyst (I) is used in stage (b), esp. at 20-200C. Zeolite is used as adsorbent in stage (a).    (I) is a RuOx/TiO2 catalyst. Stage (a) involves gas permeation, pref. using a liquid membrane; or adsorption/desorption with solid amine, activated charcoal or hydrophobic zeolite as adsorbent, which can be regenerated with steam/purging gas or vacuum. The cell used in stage (c) may have a KOH electrolyte (mobile or immobile), electrolyte contg. H3PO4 or solid electrolyte; or proton-exchange membrane (PEM); or may be a molten carbonate cell (MCC).    USE -   The process is esp. useful for space travel applications.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) gives a higher CH4 yield than Ru/Al2O3 catalysts, e.g. in the Sabatier process at temps. below 100C, since equilibrium is established at lower temp.; requires less energy for the heat-up phase; has better O2 compatibility, i.e. there are fewer problems with the air in the CO2 from stage (a); and requires less appts..
Refrigerant comprises pentafluoroethane; tetrafluoroethane; and isobutane and/or propane.    ADVANTAGE -   All components are non-toxic and ozone-friendly. The compsn. is compatible with conventional lubricants.
Biocomposite (I) which comprises a microorganism capable of degrading an organic environmental contaminant and an additive in a formulation matrix is new. Also claimed are: (1) a method for bioremediation of an organic environmental contaminant; and (2) a bioreactor comprising (I) as an inoculant.    USE -   (I) may be used for the degradation of organic environmental contaminants by bioremediation, e.g. soil slurry reactors, land farming and composting, or in an immobilised cell bioreactor in combination with a groundwater circulation well (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The advantage of (I) lies in its superior storage properties and capacity for degradation of organic contaminants such as high mol. wt. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW PAHs) and organic pesticides.
Organic waste treatment appts. includes a treatment chamber assembly in which a compost bed may be formed. Organic waste may be added to the compost bed and ventilation is provided to promote aerobic digestion of the compost bed. Drainage is provided to prevent waste material in the treatment chamber from becoming anaerobic. Provision is made for access and removal of compost formed in the treatment chamber assembly.    USE -   The appts. is used for disposal and treatment of waste organic material.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides an efficient and reliable treatment of organic waste without a requirement for high energy input and without environment health problems.
Purificn. plant for the removal of organics and nutrients from sewage has a process tank divided into aerobic and anaerobic chambers by a partition plate. Mixers are located in each chamber and aeration equipment is installed in the aerobic chamber. Recirculation between the aerobic and anaerobic chambers is carried out by turbulence in a hydraulic boundary layer in 1 openings in the partition plate.    USE -   The plant is used for purificn. of sewage sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   The process according to the invention requires one process tank only and pumps are not necessary. A high degree of recirculation is attained and capital and operational costs are small.
A membrane process for treating a gas stream (I) comprising hydrogen sulphide and methane and having relative humidity at least 70%, comprises (a) passing (I) across the feed side of a membrane; (b) withdrawing from the feed side a reside stream (II) having relative humidity not greater than 10%; and (c) withdrawing from the permeate side a permeate stream (III) enriched in hydrogen sulphide and water vapour compared with (I). The membrane has a selectivity for hydrogen sulphide over methane of at least 35, measured with a stream containing at least hydrogen sulphide, methane and water vapour at a feed pressure of at least 500 psig.    Relative humidity of (I) is at least 90%. (I) additionally contains CO2. (II) contains less than 500 (less than 80 or 20) ppm water vapour, and less than 20 (less than 4) ppm H2S. (II) meets pipeline specification for H2S and H2O, and opt. also for CO2. (II) may be submitted to an additional membrane separation, using a membrane as specified above, or a membrane having H2S/CH4 selectivity below 35. (II) and/or (III) may be submitted to non-membrane treatment steps.    USE -   The method is of use for removal of hydrogen sulphide, together with water vapour and/or carbon dioxide, from gas streams, esp. natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Membranes here used have a higher H2S/CH4 selectivity. The use of a combination of the two types of membrane is in many cases esp. advantageous.
Appts. for waste disposal comprises: a cutter (11) for forming a trench; a receptacle from which the waste is dispensed (20) into the trench; a backfiller (30) for returning soil removed by the cutter (11) to the trench, and; a mixer (40) behind th dispenser (20) and backfiller (30) for mixing backfilled soil with the waste.Also claimed is a method of waste disposal by cutting a trench in the ground and mixing the waste with soil backfilled into the trench.    Disposal of solid biodegradable wastes, e.g. newspaper, cardboard, insulation and other cellulosic materials, chicken litter, animal and plant waste and fly ash. Improvement of soil quality.    Decomposition is speeded. Landfill disposal is avoided. Disposal into agricultural land enhances subsequent crop production.
Bioreactor charge consists of a base fixed on both sides, on which a complex thread is fixed. This thread consists of elementary threads, which may be of various cross-sections, e.g. hexagonal or circular.    USE -   The reactor is used for biological cleaning of sewage.    ADVANTAGE -   The reactor has greater surface area and sorption capacity.
The container comprises a rectangular tank (1) provided with wheels (9) and tightly fitting cover (3), to the inner side of which are secured trays (4) with partitions (5). The latter ensure uniform flow of fresh air around the processed manure and give the trays (4) rigidity.    The cover has on its outer surface air inlet pipes (6) connected to air supply system and also hand holes (7) tightly sealed by covers.    USE -   The container is used in farming in treatment of manure and of droppings of invertebrate animals by larvae of houseflies.    ADVANTAGE -   The container enables higher productivity combined with simpler exploitation and more reliable segregation of manure from the working space.
Treatment plant has a methane acidifying bacteria cultivation chamber (20) above the acid (18) and alkaline (19) fermentation chambers, to both of which it is connected. It is divided by horizontal partitions (21) into sub-chambers (22), connected by transfer tubes (23) and each having a perforated bottom (24), forming a methane supply cavity between them and the bottom partition of one sub-chamber (24a).    USE -   The plant is used for producing biogas with high methane content and processing it to produce a protein and vitamin additive for use in agriculture.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher output and more complete treatment of manure are obtd.
Cleaning soil from radionuclides includes introduction of non-organic cpds. and periodic processing of soil by water solns. of ammonium nitrate with additives of micro-organisms, before planting of annual and perennial plants to collect and extract radionuclides.    USE -   The method is used to remove radionuclides from soil.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced capital and energy expenditure and simplification of process are obtd.
Prodn. of liq. hydrocarbon from methane comprises: reforming methane with carbon dioxide to produce synthetic gas; sepg. hydrogen from the gas to adjust the H2 to CO mol. ratio to a stoichiometric mol. ratio suitable for the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis; and preparing hydrocarbon from the adjusted gas by the FT synthesis.    Also claimed is prodn. having the first, second and third processes and a fourth process of carrying out the shift reaction of CO.    Pref. the methods have a process of sepg. carbon dioxide from the prod. of the FT synthesis, and the sepd. carbon dioxide is introduced into the first process. Alternatively, the methods pref. have a process of sepg., from the prod. of the FT synthesis, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon based on ingredients of a b.pt. of up to -0.5 deg.C under ordinary pressure and the sepd. carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon are introduced into the first process.    ADVANTAGE -   The methods convert methane to liq. hydrocarbon with high utilisation of carbon and are economical.
An organic fertiliser is formed by fermenting a mixt. of oil cake and/or bean cake, bone dust, and water.    Also claimed is its mfr. by putting 10 to 20 wt.% oil cake and/or bean cake, 1 to 5 wt.% of bone dust, and 75 to 89 wt.% of water in a container, fermenting them at room temp. for 7 to 30 days, and by taking out the supernatant liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to make organic fertiliser. The effective components from oil cake, bean cake, bone dust, etc. are in a condition which can be easily absorbed. By spreading the fertiliser, it can be absorbed from the roots of plants as liquid fertiliser of quick effectiveness.
Organic material e.g. human or animal refuse, etc. is fermented using bacteria. A mixt. of a silicate mineral and C is added to the organic material to accelerate the fermentation.    In an example, the silicate mineral pref. comprises a mixt. of 40-60 wt.% zeolite and 60-40 wt.% C powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to compost human or animal refuse, sludge, etc. The fermentation rate of the organic material is increased, and the time required for composting is reduced. Generation of malodorous material during fermentation is reduced, and malodour is absorbed by the silicate mineral.
An ink-jet paper composed of no-chlorine bleached pulp is new. The pulp is bleached by microbe SKB-207 stock or microbe SKB-111 stock with pulp bleaching performance.    ADVANTAGE -   The ink-jet paper has good ink acceptability and printing quality.    In an example, hard wood pulp oxygen-bleached by 2% sodium hydroxide and 0.5% magnesium carbonate at 95 deg.C, pulp density 20%, oxygen pressure 5kg/cm2 for 40 minutes was sterilised at 120 deg. C for 15 minutes and inoculated with mycobiont suspension of SKB-207 stock.    The obtd. pulp was given 1.5% sodium hydroxide and water to arrange pulp of the density 10% and treated at 70 deg.deg C for 40 minutes. After washing it was treated with 2% hydrogen peroxide and 0.5% sodium hydroxide at 60 deg.C and the pulp density 10% for 120 minutes.    The obtd. pulp 100 pts. wt. talc 13 pts. wt., rosin sizing agent 0.6 pts. wt. and aluminium sulphate 2.5 pts. wt. were mixed to produce paper of 78g/m2 and dried.    Base paper for ink-jet was produced. Then a mix. of porous pigment 100 pts. wt., polyvinyl alcohol soln. 350 pts. wt., polyamide resin soln. 30 pts. wt. and water 420 pts. wt. was coated on the base paper to get an ink-jet paper of the smoothness 120 seconds.
Domestic sewage or raw sewage is washed with oxidised soln taken from an anode chamber for electrolysis using a diaphragm, then filtered to remove sludge and deodorised. It is then mixed by stirring with fermented compost, humic acid or carbon powder to further deodorise and ferment it, then heated at 70 deg C with immersion of a porous ceramic rod and sepd by a centrifugal separator into solids and filtrate, which is mixed with alkaline water from a cathode chamber and released to a river.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not cause sec pollution.
Process comprises biological contact of (1) spoiled soil, and (2) binding composites of microorganisms decomposing organo chlorine cpds., nutritive salts for the micro-organisms, and their carriers.    The contact is carried out in oxygen-contg. gas. The carriers are industrial waste, and/or its processed prod.    The microorganism pref. belongs to methylomonas or nitrosomonas gp. The nutritive salts are nitrate, ammonium salts, phosphate, and/or minerals. The industrial water is coffee residue, or rice bran. The spoiled soil is spoiled by trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, or perchloroethylene.    USE -   The spoiled soil recovery may be carried out rapidly with high efficiency, using industrial waste.    In an example, a mixt. (100kg/1m3) of coffee residue, perchloroethylene-biodegradable microorganism, and nutritive substance of N, and P was added to perchloroethylene-spoiled soil with feed of air through a pipe. Perchloroethylene concn. of the soil was reduced from 3530 ppb to 76 ppb after 27 days.
The appts. comprises a stirrer to stir the garbage at the boundary of a mixing zone in the tank, and coupler to couple the stirrer with a mixer disposed at the mixing zone.    USE -   For treating garbage.
The appts. comprises a cover plate to cover a garbage inlet hole of a treating tank, stirrer to stir the garbage at the boundary of a mixing zone in the tank, and coupler to couple the stirrer to the plate.    USE -   For treating garbage.
The device comprises an analytic column (6) of a chromatograph, an enriching tube (7) for enriching sample gas containing objective component, a sample gas inlet channel (9), a purging gas inlet channel (10), a carrier gas inlet channel (11), a sample gas discharge channel (12), a purging gas discharge channel (13), and switching cocks (V1, V2 and V2). A sample gas enriching circuit from the sample gas inlet channel (9) to the sample gas discharge channel (12) through the enriching tube (7), a purging circuit from the purging gas inlet channel (10) to the purging gas discharge channel (13) through the enriching tube (7), and a analytical circuit for opening a column introducing line from the carrier gas inlet channel (11) to the analytic column (6) through the enriching tube (7) while using the enriching tube (7) in the direction opposite to that of the sample gas enriching circuit are established by turns by using a sequence control and data processing unit (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide with level of ppb or less than ppb level is gas are detected.
The prod. utilises a mix of organic waste for a series of microbiological fermentation steps in order to produce a valuable fertiliser, comprising microorganism, for agricultural purpose.
In treating biogenic residues, esp. sludge forming in biological purification of waste water, liq. manure and other microbiological and renewable biomasses as well as biogenic residual waste fractions, (a) the mass, esp. sewage sludge, is subjected to anaerobic rotting and recovery of biogas, (b) the decomposing slime is subjected to temp.-pressure hydrolysis (TPH), and (c) after withdrawal of hydrolysis gas, disposable residue and a pptd. heavy metal fraction, the remaining hydrolysate is recycled to the anaerobic rotting.    ADVANTAGE -   The highest possible amt. of utilisable gas is obtd., and the amt. of residue for disposal is small.
An appts. for turning compost in a tunnel pit has a vehicle, which runs on the floor at both sides of the pit, and a horizontal turnover device, which is arranged transversely to the travel direction and which extends into the pit. The novelty is that the turnover device is mounted on a support element located in the longitudinal central plane of the vehicle (5); and the support element can be withdrawn, together with the turnover device, out of the pit to above the floor (3).    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. allows turning of the compost over the entire width of the pit, can reverse freely without affecting compost turning and can be transported without hindrance by the turnover device.
The treatment of discontinuously occurring bio-degradable substrates, esp. bio-waste, involving fermentation in a putrefaction stage in the presence of anaerobic biomass, comprises: (a) a putrefaction stage (6) preceded by a conditioning stage (2), into which at least part of the anaerobic biomass is returned from the putrefaction stage (6); (b) a conditioning stage (2) where aerobic conditions are maintained at least intermittently and/or locally; (c) homogenisation of the substrates; and (d) the production of hydraulic equilibrium in the conditioning stage (2), between the discontinuous charging of the conditioning stage with fresh substrates and the continuous charging of the putrefaction stage (6) with conditioned substrates.    ADVANTAGE -   The process ensures stable continuous operation of the putrefaction stage in an efficient manner.
A material compaction or compression device has a portal-like frame with a crossbeam (20), in which a mechanism is guided for pressing solids in an underlying container.    The novelty is that a pressing tube (7), rotatably and displaceably mounted in the crossbeam (20), is fitted with a flange (8) and a pressing plate (9) at the container-side and, on operating the drive mechanism, can move through the opening in the crossbar (20) in the vertical direction to compact solids in the container.    USE -   As a domestic or industrial solids press esp. for compaction of recycle and waste materials. It can be used to compact garden waste before composting or disposal. Device may be used in juice prodn. from fruit and vegetables.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is maintenance-free, manually operated and less expensive than commercial presses, has high compaction power and can reduce domestic waste disposal costs.
H2 energy storage process comprises converting a mixt. of H2 and CO2 into CH4 and/or MeOH in a reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   CH4 and esp. MeOH are easily stored and handled, in contrast to H2, and the energy content/unit vol. of MeOH is about twice that of liq. H2. The process also reduced CO2 emissions.
A composter (1) comprises an assembly defining three composting compartments vertically disposed, sepd. by a series of downwardly sloping shelves (50,40,22) with an inclined back face (63) at the bottom. Said shelves extend approx. two-thirds of the distance across the container leaving gaps through which the compost material may progressively descend. The first shelf (50) is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 30, second and third shelves (40,22) are inclined at an angle of from 15 to 45, whilst the back face (63) is inclined at an angle of from 45 to 80. Pref. a closable lid (70) is provided, as is also a closable door (31) for removing the fully composted material. Drain apertures may be provided in the floor panels (61), and vent holes provided in the lid (70). The appts. may be made by moulding plastics, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene, in sections which are nestable for packaging, to be erected on site and joined by conventional means, e.g. screws, nut and bolts, rivets, welding and the like. Other suitable materials may alternatively be used.    USE -   For composting garden and kitchen waste prods.    ADVANTAGE -   Separates older material from more recently introduced material, enabling the older material to be withdrawn first.
Making an ethylene polymer foam structure comprises: (a) heating an ethylene polymer material comprising greater than 50 wt.% ethylene monomeric units to form a melt polymer material; (b) incorporating into the melt polymer material at an elevated pressure a blowing agent comprising a prim. blowing agent of isobutane and a sec. blowing agent selected from 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and a blend thereof to form a foamable gel; and (c) expanding the foamable gel at a lower pressure to form a foam structure.    Pref. the blowing agent comprises about 5-95 (25-75) wt.% of the prim. blowing agent and about 95-5 (75-25) wt.% of the sec. blowing agent, based on the total wt. of blowing agent. The ethylene polymer material comprises a polyethylene homopolymer. The foam structure further comprises a stability control agent.    USE -   The foam may take the form of sheet, rods, tubes, planks or coalesced-strand planks.    ADVANTAGE -   The blowing agent combination of isobutane and the hydrofluorocarbons substantially maintains the processability of a blowing agent comprised solely or entirely of isobutane. Desirable physical properties were also maintained to an acceptable or substantial degree. This process provides enhanced compressive recovery over a corresponding foam structure blown solely or entirely with isobutane. This foam structure exhibits excellent dimensional stability.
Water soluble lignin sulphate impurity is removed from aq. wastes of paper production plant more efficiently as follows. The waste is first left to stand over the common rushes for 5-10 days, and then inoculated with long-term adaptable natural consortium contg. mainly the green-blue algae and lignolytically active, added in amounts of 3-4%/l, and with micellae of mould fungus Alternaria alternata I(Fs) Kussler added in amounts of 1-1.5%/l. The mixt. is then left to stand for 47 days in order to decompose lignin sulphate.    USE -   In biological purification of aq., lignin-contg. wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency of process.
Odourless rubbish fuel is made by shaping and solidifying a mixt. of a dry crushed prod. of rubbish from household and offices and crushed coal of grain sizes of up to 2.5 mm and a water content of up to 20%.    Pref. the fuel contains fine adhesive granules. Pref. the content of humic acid in the coal is 60-80 wt.%..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuels are useful e.g. for power generation under nearly consistent burning conditions. The easy method provides odourless fuels easy to transport and store, reduces occurrence of HCl on burning and improves heat recovery efficiency. It also achieves a vol. redn. of rubbish.    In an example, the coal has high deodorising performance based on adsorption and high resistance to wetting. To improve deodorising performance further, ordinary adsorbing materials, such as bentonite and/or zeolite, may be added.
New oxidn. of methane in a gas uses a Co-Pd coprecipitation prod. as a catalyst.    The coprecipitation prod. is typically prepd. from a soln. contg. Co and Pd by evapn. to dryness, coprecipitation, hydrolysis or thermal decomposition. The Pd/Co atomic ratio of the catalyst is usually 0.001-1. Available Co sources include the acetate, nitrate, oxalate, and chloride. Available Pd sources include the nitrate, chloride and amine complex. The catalyst may be in the form of powder, pellets or a honeycomb material. The catalyst may be also shaped with a binder such as alumina sol., silica sol. or clay used as aq. slurry or applied to the surface of fire-resistant substrates such as alumina, magnesia and cordierite. The concn. of the target methane is pref. 0.01-10%. The oxidn. is typically done at a space velocity of 100-500,000 hr.(-1) and 200-800 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is useful for reducing the amt. of NOx produced and for removing CH4, a cause of the global greenhouse effect, in a gas, such as gases from lakes, marshes and wells of natural gas and combustion exhaust gases. The method ensures efficient removal of methane.
A refuse disposing container comprises a body (1) which has texture and appearance like a garden stone and openings (1a,1b) formed in a bottom and a top part, and contains refuse and is placed on the ground; and covers (2,3) are removably placed in the opening (1b) of the top part of the body (1).    ADVANTAGE -   The container blends in with the garden. Even during winter season, the refuse is easily decomposed and corroded to produce compost.
The waste disposal device has a unit for microbial treatment; a container to hold a nutrient soln. for the microbes, and a controller for supplying the nutrients to the microbial treatment unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used to dispose of waste from individual homes. The device works effectively even when waste is introduced only occasionally.
Waste disposal device includes a mixer in disposal vessel with a treating medium. Waste is fed down into the device mixed with the treating medium using the mixer, and decomposed with microorganisms propagating in the treating medium. A detector is provided to detect overload of microorganism in the device.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is effectively decomposed by making the environment suitable or the microorganisms to propagate.
Waste disposal device includes a mixer inside a disposal vessel with a treating medium, with a device to attract insects and device to kill insects. The two devices face each other. The vessel has a space for receiving treating medium. Garbage is fed into the disposal vessel, mixed with treating medium, and decomposed with microorganisms propagating in the treating medium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is for disposal of domestic waste Garbage is effectively decomposed, and water and carbon dioxide only are discharged outside.
Waste disposal device includes a mixer, that rotates around a lateral shaft in a disposal vessel contg. treating medium, and a stirrer for stirring the boundary portion of the area in which waste is mixed with the treating medium. Waste is decomposed with microorganism propagating in the treating medium.    ADVANTAGE -   Solidified layer of treating medium is appropriately broken.
Nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon are removed from oxygen-excess exhaust gas contg. nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon. Nitrogen oxide-removing catalyst of cobalt-contg. zeolite, cobalt:silver-contg. zeolite, or cobalt:palladium-contg. zeolite is arranged in a foregoing part. Hydrocarbon-oxidising catalyst which consists of co-precipitation prod. of cobalt and palladium is arranged in the latter part.    Pref. the principal component of hydrocarbon contained in exhaust gas is methane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon is removed efficiently from oxygen-excess exhaust gas.    In an example, cobalt-contg. zeolite was packed in a foregoing part of the reactor. Cobalt:palladium-contg. zeolite was packed in the latter part of the reactor. Gas was passed through the reactor. The purifying degree of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and methane was 29%, 100%, and 98% at 500 deg. C..
Method comprises (1) anaerobic enrichment culture of ground intestine of termite in the presence of Cx cellulase, cellulose substrate and inorganic salts, (2) adding the cultured mixt. to a slurry of pulverised plastics to degrade the plastics and produce H2 and (3) treating the degraded slurry biologically. Intestines of termites are pref. ground to give H2 producing, cellulose degrading bacteria other microorganisms e,g, Teratonympha, Holomastigotoides, Enterobacter, Clostridium, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas. The prods. are cultured in a slurry of plastics and cellulose wastes.    In an example, in a 5 L culture vessel, 10 ml/L/day of enrichment culture of ground termite intestine and 25 g/day each of cellulose and polyurethane were supplied and cultured at 25 deg.C. for 5 days. Total degrading rate of 74.7% including 89.1% of cellulose and 76.0% of polyurethane were obtd. with evolution of H2 and CO2 gas at a rate of 6,130 ml/day and 2,430 ml/day, respectively.
A microalgae of Chlorococcum dorsiventrale (Specifically: Chlorococcum dorsiventrale Kurano et Chihara sp. nov.) resistant to high concn. carbon dioxide is new.    Also claimed is a method for trapping highly conc. carbon dioxide with a microalgae of Chlorococcum dorsiventrale.    EMBODIMENT - Chlorococcum dorsiventrale Kurano et Chihara sp. nov. was isolated from the sea water near the Gaum and has the following physiological properties: (1) aggregated on an MC medium contg. no Ca. suggesting that it is low Ca-necessitating strain: (2) grows well in a sea water medium or artificial sea water medium, but markedly poor in plain water media; (3) grows without light to reserve starch: (4) photosynthesis typical alga pigments including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, lutein, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin; (5) grows at 15-30 deg.C; (6) grows at pH 4 - 9; and (7) grows at 1% - 10% Nacl conc.    USE -   The microalgae are resistant to high concn. carbon dioxide (up to 60% conc. (partial pressure); no damage at 20% conc.), lower pH ranges (pH 4 - 9) and high salt concn. (1% - 10%) and they are more effective than other algae in trapping carbon dioxide in exhaust gases.    In an example, the alga (pre-cultured broth, 100 ml) was incubated in an MC medium (1.25 g KNO3, 1.25 g MgSO4.7H20, 1.25 g KH2P04, 1.0 ml Fe mixt., 1.0 ml As metal mixt., 1000 ml 75% sea water) under intermittent irradiation with a fluorescent lamp at 25 deg.C with 0.25 vol/vol/min aeration and 200 rpm agitation.
A handling lift is assembled for a carbonising furnace integrated with a smoke exhaust unit.    ADVANTAGE -   The carbonising furnace can be transferred to a ground work site.
The mixed refrigerant contains a mixt. of (A) ethane (HCl70) and one or both of (B) trifluoromethane (HFC23) and (C) hexafluoroethane (FC116) in a predetermined blend ratio.    Pref. the mixed refrigerant contains a mixt. of (B), (C) and (A) in a predetermined blend ratio. The blend ratio is specified by points 1 to 7 in a triangular diagram shown by attached fig. and includes those within an area bounded by lines joining 7 points in the diagram where (B) : (C) : (A) blend ratios are (0.429 : 0.242 : 0.330), (0.405 : 0.232 : 0.363), (0.312 : 0.303 : 0.385), (0.242 : 0.430 : 0.328), (0.299 : 0.452 : 0.246), (0.350 : 0.420 : 0.230) and (0.425 : 0.307 : 0.268) by weight respectively. The mixed refrigerant contains (B) trifluoromethane and (A) ethane in a blend ratio of (0.35 : 0.65) to (0.3 : 0.7) by weight. The mixed refrigerant contains (C) hexafluoroethane and (A) ethane in a blend ratio of (0.7 : 0.3) to (0.55 : 0.45) by weight.    ADVANTAGE -   The mixed refrigerant has a standard boiling point of below -90 deg.C and shows azeotropic mixt.-like behaviour. It makes it possible to obtain a low temp. of below -85 deg.C required for environment tester, blood storage, etc.
A polyolefinic resin, a foaming gent, and a bubble nucleus adjusting agent are supplied to an extruder, and are heated and kneaded. The obtained molten gel is extruded to a lower pressure zone. An (a) ester of fatty acid having 21 or more C with a polyhydric alcohol having 3-7 hydroxyl groups and (b) an ester of fatty acid having 18 or less C with a polyhydric alcohol having 3-7 hydroxyl groups are supplied to the extruder.    (a) and (b) are preferably the monoglyceride of behenic acid and of stearic acid, respectively. The foaming agent is pref. a mixture of 1,1-difluoroethane and isobutane. The bubble nucleus adjusting agent is eg, talc, clay or silica.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For packing. Little shrinkage after extrusion giving precisely sized objects. The additives contained in the resin do not migrate onto the packed articles. The foam acquires compressive strength in a shorter ageing time.
In the prepn. of 2C hydrocarbons (e.g. ethane, ethylene, etc.) by dimerisation of methane (I) in the presence of metal/metal oxide gp. catalyst, a mixed gas of (I) (or gas including (I)) and O2 (or gas including O2) is supplied to a reactor where the catalyst is melted continuously.    Also claimed is the process where Pb is used as metal in the catalyst.    Pb/PbO Bi2O3 gp. catalyst or Pb Bi/PbO gp. catalyst is used as the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is a useful material for 2C hydrocarbons. 2C hydrocarbons are given in high selectivity and yield (69-76%) and in high yield for long time without reclamation of the catalyst.    In an example, a mixed gas (air: 6.3%) of (I) and air was supplied to a reactor where prepd. catalyst (Pb/PbO) was stuffed at 800 deg.C in a ratio of 100 mmol/hr. and 6.7 mmol/hr. respectively. After 1 hr. passed, ethylene and ethane were given in a ratio of 0.080 mmol/hr. and 0.200 mmol/hr. respectively. Ethylene plus ethane: 0.280 mmol/hr.). The produced amt. of CO was 0.180 mmol/hr. 2C hydrocarbons were given in 76% selectivity yield.
LPG and/or dimethylether as spraying agent is compounded in a cosmetic material base contg. 2.0-30.0 wt.% 8-24C fatty acid and 0.05-40.0 wt.% basic amino acid.    ADVANTAGE -   The spraying agent has good compatibility with the cosmetic material base. It gives a good and curable foaming effect. Irritation to the skin is reduced.
Prodn. of organic fertiliser from wastes mainly composed of wasted paper such as newspaper and corrugated paper with added kitchen wastes and minerals is by fermentation with microorganisms.    In an example, wastes of newspaper and corrugated paper sheets were cut in and made into paste, mixed with kitchen wastes, minerals and faeces of domestic animals. Mixt. was fermented to give the fertiliser.
The composting device comprises one or more cylinders each with a screw plate mounted in a rotating cylinder. The waste is delivered, and dehydrating treatment and fermentation treatment are continuously effected.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the waste is automatically transferred between the treatment cylinders, compost produced from organic waste is mfd. at a low cost by sharply reducing costs and saving labour. Dehydration, heating, cooling, deodorizing, and aeration are simple, treatment speed is increased, and quality is improved through homogenisation of a substance to be treated.
Activated nickel ferrite(a) has oxygen atom deficiency. Carbon can be deposited on it.    The prodn. of activated nickel ferrite loaded with carbon(b) is also claimed, where activated nickel ferrite is reacted with an oxygen-contg. carbon cpd., esp., CO or CO2.    CH4 prodn. is also claimed, where CO2 and H2 are reacted in the presence of (a) or H2 is reacted wth (b). H2 and CO prodn. is also claimed, where steam is reacted with (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the prodn. of CH4, H2 or CO or removal of CO2 from gases. The activated nickel ferrite has higher activity.    In an example, 1g of raw nickel ferrite prepd. in a wet process was put in a quartz tube; 20x10-3 dm3/min H2 was passed through the tube over 2 hrs. at 300 deg.C. A mixed gas of CO2 and H2 (4:1) was passed through the tube under a pressure of 0.1 MPa at 300 deg.C. Still higher CH4 conversion of around 30% was maintained even after 360 min. continuous operation.
A mixture of soil bacterium (a), nitrification bacterium (b), oxidase (c), and humic acid is added with saw dust and thermally treated, which is added to garbage and their mixture is mixed, aerated. (a) and (b) have metabolic function of phenol system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating garbage with aerobic fermentation. Able to decompose garbage into water and carbon dioxide in a short time without generating smells.
In the treating of volatile organic material, a reactor of a closed system includes gene recombinant bacteria having decomposing effect against volatile organic material given or intensified and their nutrient source. A gas including the volatile organic material is introduced into the reactor to contact with the reactant bacteria, thereby decomposing the volatile material in the gas by the recombinant bacteria. The treated gas after contact, is discharged from the system after being sterilised.    USE -   Used to treat volatile organic material partic. halogenated hydrocarbon such as chloromethane, chloroethylene, chlorobenzene, etc. which contaminate ground water, soil, etc. and are difficult to decomposed by the general activated sludge method.    ADVANTAGE -   By contacting the gas contg. volatile organic material with the gene recombinant bacteria, volatile organic material can be decomposed efficiently, and the amt. of bacteria required for the treatment is small. Further more sterilising can be performed more easily and inexpensively compared with cases using liquid or solid.    In an example - liquid (6) to be treated is introduced into a stripping tower (1) through a passage (5a), and remains there. Gas is introduced from a passage (7a) and is sprayed onto the liq. via a gas supplier (8) thereby moving the volatile organic material in the liq. to the gas. Liquid to be treated is discharged from the system through a passage (7b). The gas to be treated including the volatile organic material is introduced into a reactor (3) through passage (7c, 7b).
Anaerobic digester for treating organic waste has reception hopper (3) into which the waste material is fed and a vessel (1) in which the digestion is carried out. A conduit connects the reception hopper to a perforate member (5) along which the waste material is advanced by an advancing means (15) while a means generates a back pressure to the advance so that fluid is expressed from the material to escape from the perforate member into the vessel. An exit pipe connected to the perforate member allows treated waste material to be expelled.    Also claimed is a method of treating organic waste material by feeding a slurry of the waste to the perforate member immersed in liquor undergoing anaerobic digestion. The advancing slurry is subjected to back pressure so that its solids content is exposed to anaerobic digestion and at least part of its fluid phase can escape. The solids portion is discharged from an outlet under controlled pressure.    USE -   The appts. is used for treating farm waste including faecal material, urine, washing water, and bedding material to reduce its toxicity and produce potentially useful by-products such as methane and slurry for use as fertiliser. It can also be used for treating domestic sewage and waste products from abattoirs, sugar processing, food processing, brewing, and the petrochemical industry.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste of relatively high solids content, e.g., straw bedding, may be treated. The risk of material passing through the digester with little or no treatment is reduced.
Methane is produced by methanogenic bacteria under controlled conditions in a vertical modular digester. Material passes through each module in a U-shaped path.    Anaerobic digestion of vegetable matter to produce methane and a compost type fertilizer. Domestic or agricultural wastes, including straw, farmyard manure and vegetable leaves can be used. Also material from the forest floor (leaves, twigs etc.) can be treated, and the compost returned to the trees.    Waste is used to produce methane which can be used to heat water and/or produce electricity in a very cost effective and environmentally friendly way. The treated solids also produce a useful fertilizer.
A Ti-Cu based alloy catalyst material comprises at least one of V, Ni, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe or Co as a partial substitute element for Ti and/or Cu in Ti100-aCua where 30a50. 0.1-20 at.% is substituted with at least one element, in which a fine Ti-Cu intermetallic cpd. of mean particle size 10nm is uniformly precipitated in an amorphous phase and/or -Ti matrix. Also claimed is a process for producing the Ti-Cu based alloy catalyst material.    USE -   Used as a catalyst material for the hydrogenation of CO.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalytic activity is increased and the mechanical properties improved by refining the size of the microcrystalline structure and stabilising the presence of Ti-Cu based alloy.
A catalyst comprising silica and an acid phase contg. H2 SO4 and HB(SO4 )4 is claimed. The silica is impregnated with the acid phase and consists essentially of particles of mean dia. 0.1-30 m. The silica (before impregnation) has a total porous vol. of 0.1-0.6 cm3 /g and the acid phase comprises 0.4-68.8% of HB(HSO4 )4 and 31.2-99.6% of H2 SO4 . It contains neither SO3 nor H3 BO3.    Also claimed is the prepn. and use of the catalyst.    USE -   The catalyst is used in the alkylation of iso-paraffins (isobutane and/or isopentane) by at least one 3-6C olefin. The reaction requires a strongly acidic catalyst to suppress side reactions such as H abstraction from the olefin, polymerisation, cracking etc. The alkylate prod. is mainly used for high octane fuel compsns. for high compression internal combustion engines.    ADVANTAGE -    Catalysts contg. HB(HSO4 )4 as additive have been found to give improved performance compared with those contg. other cpds. such as H3 PO4 , B(OH)3 , SO3 etc. The cpd. HB(HSO4 )4 is easily obtainable by the reaction of 1 mole of B(OH)3 with 3 moles of SO3 and 1 mole of H2 SO4.
Catalyst (I) for treating exhaust gases contg. dioxins comprises Pt, Pd and/or Ir or their oxides on a support (II) of a SiO2/boria/alumina composite oxide or zeolite with a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of above 30. 0.1-10 g of the active component is supported per litre of (II). (I) is obtd. by spraying or dripping a soln. or dispersion of the active components onto a powder of (II).    USE -   Exhaust gas (III) contg. dioxins at concns. below 10 ng/m3 is contacted with (I) at 150-280C to eliminate the dioxins (claimed). Dioxins are typically polychloro or polybromo dioxins or benzofurans. PB's, chloroethanes, phenols and methanes, MeBr, etc. are also eliminated from (III). Source of (III) is waste incinerators, metal refining or steel mfr.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) has long life and reduces dioxin concn. in (III) to below 0.1 ng/m3 thus alleviating atmos. pollution. (I) also suppresses additional dioxin formation in (III) by precursors. Process can be retrofitted, gives higher removal ratios and lower running costs.
In a membrane module for gaseous substance removal from a gas stream, having membrane pockets of gas-permeable liq.-tight material arranged parallel to one another and to the gas steam flow direction, the novelty is that (a) each membrane pocket (11) is edge-sealed to the bottom (8) of a prefabricated support plate (1) with liq. supply and discharge openings (7), the top (16) of the support plate (1) having a series of adjacent parallel flow channels (12) for the gas stream, the channel walls being formed as spacer elements by parallel ribs (5) in a region of the top (16) of the plate (1); (b) common feed and discharge bores (6), for all the membrane pockets (11), are provided in the plate side regions adjacent the ribbed region; (c) the support plates (1) are stacked such that the membrane(s) (9) of each membrane pocket (11) are supported on the free edges (17) of the ribs (5) of an adjacent support plate (1) and such that the open tops of the flow channels (12) are covered; and (d) the feed and discharge bores (6) of the plates (1) are aligned to form channels passing completely through the stack. Pref. each membrane (9) consists of a first hydrophobic layer of micro-porous stretched PTFE foil, joined to a second hydrophilic layer which may be a polyurethane coating, a polyether-polyurethane layer on a perfluorosulphonic acid membrane.    USE -   E.g. for cleaning waste gas (or possible liqs.) using microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   The membrane module has a simple construction and has mass exchange properties providing increased efficiency over extended operating times.
Prodn. of a storage-stable and biologically active soil improving agent from organic materials, e.g. bio and green waste and opt. also liq. components such as clarification sludge, involves press-moulding the materials and composting the mouldings by storage in compost heaps in air.    Composting is carried out in one or more cells (1-9) which are isolated from one another as regards heat and aeration; and the temp. in the cells (1-9) or heaps is regulated at a certain value by corresp. control of the air supply (11) and air withdrawal (21) during air circulation and addn. of fresh air (collection line, (10)).    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides optimally and uniformly reproducible composting and ensures good utilisation of the available space in the composting shed.
Claimed, is a compsn. which comprises: (a) cellulase; (b) sodium bicarbonate; and (c) citric acid.    Also claimed, a process for increasing fibrous material degradation which comprises: (a)' providing a compsn. consisting of (a), (b) and (c); and (b)' adding (a)' to the fibrous material.    Further claimed, a process for increasing the degradation of fibrous material in a waste tank which comprises: (a)" providing a compsn. which consists of 0.01-0.03 gms/L cellulase, 0.04-0.1 gms/L sodium bicarbonate and 0.06-0.2 gms/L citric acid; and (b)" adding (a)" to the waste holding tank.    USE -   As a cleaning soln.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. increases the cellulase activity and improves the breakdown of fibrous materials such as toilet tissue in waste holding tanks. This helps to reduce clogging of drains and frees probes used to measure the level of waste. Also, the redn. in the concn. of cellulase required for tissue degradation provides substantial cost savings.
(A) Au is recovered from ores as follows: (A) one or more microorganisms (I) capable of producing CN- are cultured; (b) the CN-contg. culture is contacted with the Au ore to dissolve out the Au and form Au ion/CN- complexes (II); (c) (II) are removed from soln. to the culture by biosorption, thus driving the Au dissolution reaction forward; and (d) biosorped Au is reclaimed from the culture by further refining. (B) Au is recovered from carbonaceous ores by culturing one or more microorganisms capable of degrading CN-; mixing the culture with the ore; treating the resulting slurry with CN- to produce (II); then following (c) and (d) above.    ADVANTAGE -   The method allows for the selective reclamation of Au in high yield. The process does not pollute the air or H2O and is environmentally safe and sound. In addn., Au may be recovered from certain types of low grade material in a cost effective manner, while some C-contg. ores not previously processable may be used. In partic., the method is most useful for in situ and with surface mineable ore.
Organics are rapidly fermented by compressing and cutting organics using V-shaped roll cutters (3), mixing them with bio fluid, comprising fermentation accelerator and deodoriser fluid, stirring them by blowing hot air to ferment the organics at a high speed and decrease the vol. and water content to obtain dried beads of organics and removing odour during fermentation completely by using the combustion and deodorising appts. using Pt(II).    Also claimed is a rapid fermentation appts. for organics comprising an appts. housing (1) divided into four tanks (13,15,17,19), screw conveyor (2) placed under tank, V-shaped roll cutters, and combustion and deodorising appts. using Pt.    ADVANTAGE -   To obtain bead shaped compost from organic residues discharged from restaurants and other.
A particulate detergent laundry compsn. contains (a) 1-50 wt.% of anionic and/or nonionic detergent(s), (b) a lipase in amt. sufficient to remove fatty soil from a stained fabric, and (c) a polymer which removes soil, in amt. sufficient to remove fatty soil from a stained fabric. The compsn. may also contain zeolite A.    Washing and re-washing tissues stained with fatty soil, in an aq. soln. contg. the compsn. is claimed.    The capacity for removing dirt is better, and is greater than that of compsns. contg. components (a) and (b), or (a) and (c).
To compost a mixt. of organic and non-degradable matter, esp. organic waste and rubbish, it is degraded biologically in a closed vessel with forced ventilation. It is then passed to a separator where the heavy matter sinks. The material which has not sunk, in the separator, is further degraded in a closed vessel with forced ventilation. Also claimed is an assembly with a closed vessel and a separator to separate heavy matter by sinking (4-6).    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives a process for organic matter mixed with stones, glass or ceramic fragments, to compost the organic content by biological degrading.(PHP).
Flue-gas desulphurisation process comprises (a) passing flue gas (12), absorbent (204) and water (52) to an absorber (202); (b) passing spent absorbent (208) to a digester (210) containing sulphur-reducing bacteria to regenerate the absorbent; and (c) returning regenerated absorbent (224) to the absorber.    Also claimed is a set of apparatus for carrying out the process.    ADVANTAGE -   Process replaces complicated and expensive equipment currently used with cheap and simple reactors.
A mobile process for the prodn. of soil improvers and fertilisers comprises conducting the processes necessary in devices which are completely or partially mobile and so that the tasks can be performed on different sites.    USE -   The process is used to produce soil improvers and fertilisers, locally.    ADVANTAGE -   Using the mobile process, it becomes more economical to work with small and average amts. of starting material, unlike stationary processes which have large operating capacities. The end prods. are prepd. immediately at or in the close vicinity of the origin of the starting materials. Starting materials which arise as by prods. or end prods. of various processes, but only in small amts. can now be processed. The need to use interim dumps for waste material which will later be processed is reduced and hence contamination of ground water and gaseous emissions due to the use of such dumps is reduced.
For the disposal of rubbish, after biologically degradable material has been separated, it is processed at a temp. of about 1600C as a heavy rubbish fraction.    USE -   The method is for the disposal from communal and industrial sites, after the biologically degradable material has been sepd. to leave a heavy fraction contg. little biological matter but significant quantities of plastic and the like.    ADVANTAGE -   The usable material has been recovered and the remainder has a reduced bulk which requires less energy for disposal. The heated material is reduced to a molten mass with a glassy character, for disposal without problems.
Soils polluted with hydrocarbons (I) are rehabilitated by stimulating the activity of endogenous microbial flora able to degrade (I). This is done by adding deficient nutrients to obtain a ratio, ideal for bacterial growth, of C:N:P 100:20:1 by treating the soil with an olephilic N/P type fertiliser (A); a hydrophilic N/P/K fertiliser (B) and a texturing agent (C) to improve aeration.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of both oleophilic and hydrophilic fertilisers, ensures that the proper nutritional statues is achieved throughout the soil, including localised sites of (I) pollution. (C) fixes some (I), providing favourable conditions for degradation. Depending on the degree of pollution and nature of (I), the process requires 6-18 months to reduce contamination to below 500 mg/kg (the legal norm for decontaminated soil).
Rotary solids heating chamber, esp. a waste pyrolysis drum (8), has internal parallel heating tubes (12b), the novelty being that the tubes (12b) are arranged in a continuous row along the wall (33) of the chamber interior (13). Pref. the tubes (12b) are round and are spaced by less than half their dia. from the wall (33) and from one another.    ADVANTAGE -   The design provides a sufficiently large heating surface for heating or pyrolysis of the charged waste and avoids trapping of metal parts and other solid so that the heating tube side, facing the chamber inner wall can be optimally utilised.
Fluoroalkanes are removed from an alkane stream (I) by contact with alumina contg. at least 0.1 wt.% sulphur under conditions effective to convert a major proportion of at least one fluoroalkane to a prod. alkane having a higher number of carbon atoms. (I) comprises at least one 3-10C alkane and at least one 3-10C, 1-2F fluoroalkane.    USE -   (I) is an alkane stream, e.g. n-butane stream, from an HF catalysed alkylation. Presence of fluorocarbon impurities may cause downstream operational problems e.g. catalyst poisoning.
3-10C paraffins are disproportionated under suitable conditions by contacting with MCM-36 catalyst.    USE -   The process is useful for upgrading 6-10C and 4-6C prods., esp. for the disproportionation of isopentane to isobutane and branched hexanes (claimed process).    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst gives higher conversion than, e.g., ZSM-5 and gives no aromatics with lighter and minimal cracking with heavier feeds.
Bodies of H2O contg. spilled organic chemicals (I) are cleaned by absorbing the spilt (I) onto cotton gin trash (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The normally hazardous and useless cotton gin trash (II) is valuable in a practical method of absorbing organic chemicals spilt on fresh or salt H2O. After absorption, the chemicals are degraded by virtue of the dormant microorganisms normally present on (II) which are revived by the H2O.
The methane production plant comprises a settling tank (1), a bio-reactor and a circulation system including pipelines (2,3) for the mass being fermented and the gas respectively. The bio-reactor is divided by a baffle (4) into two parts. The upper part includes communicating acid fermentation chambers (5,6,7) and alkaline ones (8,9,10), and a perforated bottom (11) above the baffle, forming a cavity (12) to collect the sludge. The lower part, for methane fermentation, contains sections (14) with solid (15) and mesh (16) bottoms, connected by cross-flow tubes (13).    USE -   To produce fuel gas from agricultural waste matter.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher methane output due to more complete fermentation.
The processing plant comprises a mixing tank (1) and a fermentation tank divided into communicating acid (2) and alkaline (3) fermentation chambers. The latter has a perforated bottom (4), under which there is a sludge cavity (5) contg. a plunger (6) to alter the sludge level. Above the bottom, there is a pusher (7) to displace the solid sediment to the unloading outlet (8). The body of the methane tank (9) is divided by solid (10) and perforated (11) baffles into sections (12).    USE -   The plant is used for prodn. of methane, compost and fodder additive.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher degree of decomposition and increased yield of the gas are obtd.
The unit contains loading section (1), transporter (2), metering slide (3), mixing drum with hollow shaft (4) and hollow blades (5), jacket (6) with output neck (7), distributor (8) with slit (9), cavities (10) in blades through openings (11) connected to channel (12) in shaft and atmosphere; ring limiter (13) inside shaft with two radial partitions (14, 15), openings (16), and metering transporter (17).    USE -   The appts. is used in agricultural machinery, esp. in devices for the prepn. of composts.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. increases uniformity of mixing of components in the process of prepn.
Better quality organic fertiliser is obtd. by mixing chicken's droppings (I) ground to 0.5-1 mm particle size with moisture-absorbing material (II) in proportion 3&gt;Q1/Q2&gt;0.1 where Q1, Q2 are the dry wts. of (I) and (II) respectively. Aerobic fermentation of the mixt. in self-heating thermophilic mode is followed by drying and cooling. Additional psychrophilic fermentation carried out without access of air for 60-90 days, completes the process.    USE -   The method is used in the mfr. of organic fertilisers.    ADVANTAGE -   Better quality prod. is obtd.
Composting of organic waste comprises controlling feed rate of air into a fermenting tank w.r.t. measured temp. in the tank or measured CO2 in an exhaust gas exhausted from the fermenting tank, so as to ferment and compost the waste effectively. The heat of the exhaust gas at 60-70 deg. C is rendered thereby obtaining warm water or warm air at 50-60 deg. C.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is fermented and composted at a high rate, since CO2 concn. is measured to control air feed rate.
Garbage treating appts. comprises a fermenting tank divided into 2 chambers into which garbage is alternately thrown, and water content detecting sensors disposed in the chambers. The air flow rate, warm air temp. heater temp., and stirrer rotation speed are independently controlled according to the detected water contents in the chambers.    In an embodiment, 2 fermenting chambers 1a, 1b of a garbage treating machine X are provided with water content detecting sensors 18 to compute the water contents to control the machine for optical fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   Garbage is always fermented and decomposed in good conditions, as the fermenting conditions are controlled optimum.
Garbage treating appts. comprises a fermenting tank divided into 2 chambers into which garbage is alternately thrown. The temp., stirrer rotation speed, stirring time, and air feeding and exhausting times are independently controlled at the respective chambers.    A control box (9) is disposed at one side of a fermenting tank (E) mounted on a table (10). The control box has a stirring motor (M1), blowers (8, 9) etc. the motor (M1) is controlled by a control circuit in the control box.    ADVANTAGE -   A large vol. of organic wastes is treated in a small vol. of the fermenting tank efficiently owing to the control of the fermenting conditions.
In composting of garbage including fats and oils through aerobic fermentation, aerobic fermentation is performed in the presence of lecithin and/or higher fatty acid sodium.    ADVANTAGE -   Possible to compost garbage including fats and oils.    In an example, fatty garbage including 29 wt.% of solid content (moisture content = 71 wt.%) included 35 wt.% of fats and oils in a dry basis was used. Garbage was added with 0.03 wt.% of soybean lecithin (0.1 wt.% in a dry basis), and they are crushed to 10 mm to homogenise. As the fermentation tank, a vertical cylindrical tank was used. Low fatty garbage was previously fed as the seed compost.
The redox potential of fermentation liq. is maintained at -100 to -200 mV.    H2 fermentation is pref. carried out under a reduced pressure or while the gas generated is sepd. into H2 and CO2 with gas sepn. membranes. The organic waste is preliminary subjected to mild aeration, so that the redox potential is regulated to a specific value. The redox potential is monitored with a sensor and is controlled by regulating the aeration.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for H2 gas prodn. by fermentation of organic waste e.g. human waste or sewage. Methane fermentation which produces methane and CO2 may be eliminated.    In an example, sewage sludge having a redox potential of -350 to -450 mV was aerated to increase the redox potential to -100 to -200 mV. The sludge was fermented with H2 producing bacteria of Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium thermocellum or Ruminococcus alba, at pH=5.5-5.8 and 25-30 deg.C.
Oxide such as alumina, silica, titania and zirconia supporting rare earth oxide, Pd oxide supporting alkali earth oxide and binder are mixed to form slurry, then coated on honeycomb support to form oxidn. catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Used as a combustion catalyst for methane, CO and H2 with high activity.    In an example, Pd oxide supporting 10% MgO, alumina supporting 10% La oxide and silica sol were mixed, coated on honeycomb support and burnt at 1100 deg.C for 1000 hrs. to form combustion catalyst.
The machine (A) comprises: a fermentation tank (B) having stirrers (3) and air supply nozzles (12a) to supply air to the fermentation tank; one exhaust gas blower (18) to suck exhaust gas discharged from the fermentation tank and supply it to a heating device (21) in which the exhaust gas is heated and catalytically burned; and a deodorising device (19) in which the exhaust gas is passed through a thermal cracking catalyst to thermally decompose the exhaust gas to convert it to treated gas without odour and toxicity.    ADVANTAGE -   The compact deodorising device is easy to operate and deodorises exhaust gas from a fermentation tank of a crude refuse treating machine completely by thermally cracking the exhaust gas.
Circulation water is sprinkled intermittently over the layer in which a carrier of microorganisms is filled. Ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrite which are produced by reacting ammonia with microorganisms is cleaned.    In the bio-deodorising tower, water sprinkling is carried out as inflow ammonia amts. to the filled layer does not exceed 200g-N/m3 between the water sprinkling at one time and the next sprinkling.    Ammonia is removed by microorganisms which glows in the carrier of the filled later 2. When ammonia compsn. in the raw material gas was 200 ppm, the optimum water sprinkling frequency was about 12 times per a day.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ammonia smell of a sewage disposal plant is deodorised. Degeneration of bio-activity is prevented. Lowering of deodorising effect is inhibited.
H2 prodn. is effected by H2 fermentation of organic wastes at least with microorganisms obtd. by anaerobic and enrichment culture of enteric microorganisms of termites in the presence of Cx cellulase.    Organic wastes are pref. fermented with enteric microorganisms of termites, e.g., Rhodopseudomonas Rhodospirilum or Chromatium.    In an example, cellulase producing microorganism, e.g. Trichoderma viride ATCC 8678, was cultured in potato dextrose medium with added cellulose at a rate of 30 g/l and at 25 deg.C for 3-5 days. Termites were washed and ground, and cultured together with the cultured cellulase-producing microorganisms and the produced H2 gas was collected.
In utilisation of municipal or industrial sewage sludge with a high water, by briquetting, the wet sludge, from a preceding mechanical drying, is mixed with dried lignite with residual water content 10-30% and/or lignite coke, in a ratio by wt. of sludge: lignite or lignite/coke mixt. of 1:3 - 3:1 (1:2.5 - 2.5:1), followed by compression to dimensionally stable mouldings at above 50 (100-150) bars.    USE -   The moulded bodies are used as combustion aid in a power station boiler, or are pyrolised or gasified to obtain heat or synthesis gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The dimensionally stable prod. is an additional fuel, of low heating value, for use, e.g. in power stations. Extensive drying of the sludge, and use of additives and high pressure are avoided, as is the risk of explosion and self-ignition when dealing with dry sewage sludge. Microorganisms in the sludge are killed.
Fermentation of bio waste comprises (a) sorting, mixing and grinding; (b) applying heated fluid; and (c) passing to the fermenter. Step (b) enables fermentation to start before step(c). Also claimed is an assembly with a liquid feed channel between a basin (3) and a heat exchanger (4). After the heat exchanger (4), a distributor connection leads to the feed shaft. The basin (3) is divided by an intermediate wall. Hydraulic piston pumps with automatic suction are at the feed and take-off units.    ADVANTAGE -   The method reduces the time before fermentation begins which ensures fermentation stability. The fermentation process is improved and energy consumption at the fermenter is reduced.
Refrigerant (I) for domestic and industrial compression refrigeration plant consists of halogen-free cpds., e.g. C3 H8 , C4 H10 and cyclopropane, which can be used with lubricating oil or similar lubricants. (I) contains at least 30% C3 H8 , rest C4 H10or similar halogen-free hydrocarbon(s).    USE -   (I) is used for refrigeration plants ranging from very small to industrial plants.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is neutral to the environment, can completely replace fluorochlorohydrocarbons and is also suitable for reaching temps. down to below -80C. The favourable enthalpy of vaporisation results in better efficiency and lower energy consumption than usual.
Prodn. of an organic fertiliser from fish, comprises (a) prepg. a raw material contg. more than 80% of fish heads; (b) boiling to obtain a stock; (c) removing solids and oil from the stock to give a stock liq.; (d) treating the liq. in a tank with enzyme to cause decomposition; (e) filtering the decomposed stock liq., to produce a clarified liq. organic fertiliser; (f) condensing to produce a condense organic fertiliser; and opt. (g) drying to produce a dried organic fertiliser; is new.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides a superior plant fertiliser to prior art prods from fish raw material. Removal of fats improves absorption by the plants, and enzyme treatment improves the processing by removal of liq. thickening gelatin and protein. The final concentrate is stable and resistant to decomposition.
A composting vessel comprises at least one inner region for storing compostible material and a means of supporting the vessel on a removable stand comprising a tube (14) extending through the vessel which is provide with two end sections (15, 16) projecting from the vessel that are supported by the stand. A perforated (17) mantle surface is located in the region inside the vessel. At least one of the end section openings is connected to the atmos. in order for air to be passed through the tube to the compostible material via the perforations.The vessel is characterised by at least two chambers, pref. machined plastic containers (5, 6), which are inserted one after the other into the length axis of the cylindrical region (1-3) defined by the vessel so that they cover each other widthwise. The tube (14) extends though the chamber-forming containers.    USE -   Useful for converting household waste to compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Cheap and simple to mfr. with improved composting due to enhanced air flow through the waste.
A fat-contg. waste water from e.g. food industry can be purified more efficiently as follows. The waste is treated with the culture of Aspergillus niger strain 288, at pH 4.5-5 and 28-30C, for 48-50 hours. The strain is non-pathogenic and produces valuable protein for use in animal feeds.    USE -   The method is used in purificn. of aq. waste from food processing and prodn.    ADVANTAGE -   The process produces higher yields of quality feed protein using a non-pathogenic microorganism, and is effective with wastes resisting the purification by traditional methods.
A vapour pressure reducing method of mixed refrigerants comprising R-22 and n-butane by adding a certain amt. of ethanol as a pressure reducing agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mixed refrigerants comprising R-22, n-butane, and a certain amt. (e.g. 15%) of ethanol has vapour pressure similar to R-12 and so can completely replace R-12. Can adjust vapour pressure of mixed refrigerants comprising R-22 and n-butane nearly equal to the vapour pressure of R-12 which are widely used in refrigerators and airsols.
Appts. comprises a dewatering unit to remove the water content of waste and decomposing tank to disperse the dewatered waste and aerobic bacteria in an organic carrier.    USE -   Used for treating wastes.
Cpd. comprises (A) silicone oil by 70-99.9 wt.%; (B) thermoplastic organic resin hollow fine powder by 0.1-10 wt.%; and (C) thickener by 0-20 wt.%.    Prepn. of the cpd. comprises heating a compsn. composed of: (A) silicone oil by 70-99.9 wt.%; (D) thermoplastic organic resin fine powder expanding irreversibly by heat so as to become hollow granule by 0.1-10 wt.%; and (C) thickener by 0-20 wt.% and then heating the compsn. so as that the component (D) expands to form plastic balloon.    ADVANTAGE -   The cpd. has superior vibration isolating characteristics.    In an example, 86 pts. wt. of dimethylpolysiloxane, whose both terminals are blocked with trimethylsiloxy gp., having a viscosity of 5000 centistokes and 4 pts. wt. of vinylidenechloride/acrylonitrile copolymer fine powder contg. isobutane as expander and having particle dia. of 16-32 microns were heated at 145 deg. C and agitated together for 10 min., so that aimed cpd. was obtd..
Garbage disposal device comprises a disposal tank (21) having an opening (36) for charging garbage; a treating medium (43) to culture microorganisms to effect decomposition treatment of garbage; and an agitator (24) to agitate the garbage and the treating medium (43). The disposal tank (21) is arranged under the floor of a house and a purifying tank (40) to store and purify drainage from the disposal tank (21) is arranged under the floor.    Alternatively, a garbage disposal device comprises a disposal tank having an opening for charging garbage and contg. a treatment medium to culture microorganisms which decompose the garbage; an agitator to agitate the garbage and the treating medium; a garbage charge port formed in a housing and a disposing tank to store and purifying drain from the disposing tank. The disposal tank and the purifying tank are arranged under a floor and the garbage charge port is connected to the disposing tank through a damp passage.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the disposal tank and a purifying tank are arranged under a floor i.e. the dead space of a house, garbage is decomposed and treated without affecting residents. By purifying drain by a purifying tank, the generation of smells does not occur.
The Fe-catalysers carried by alumina wool are contained in three cells of the electric furnace. Temp. of each cell is set to 950,1000 and 1050 deg.C at starting period as to deposit a lot of C at the highest temp. position, and set to 1000 deg.C at end period to deposit a lot of C at entrance position.    ADVANTAGE -   The uniform distribution of formed C is achieved and the catalyser exchange frequency is decreased by the process.
Solar-heated air between thermo-permeable roof and ceiling members of a dung fermentation house is circulated to underfloor of piled dung by a blower while being controlled by a controller with sensors.    USE -   Used for dung fermentation by solar energy and fermentation heat.
Waste water of shochu is treated by Actinomyces and/or its cultured product.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste water of shochu is treated in a very short time, and with continuous efficiency, and the treated material can be used as a fertilizer.    In an example, the culture medium was prepd. from crushed crab shell and oil cake. Thermoactinomyces was inoculated into this culture medium, and waste water of shochu was added. Treatment was completed in two days.
A water recycling purifying appts. is equipped with filter, and washing agent supplier. The filter is made of granite porphyry or activated carbon. The washing agent contains organic-, inorganic-, and mixed-acids or chelate agents.    ADVANTAGE -   The heavy metal deposited on the purifier can be removed easily, preventing degradation of purifying agent.
A system comprises a treatment tank (1) containing the medium (2) for culturing microorganism to decompose and treat garbage, and stirring fans (11) to mix the medium (2) with garbage using an electric motor. A water passage (31) is provided across the treating section (3) and clarifying section (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Drain failure is freed despite a large volume of garbage discharged.
Appts. comprises rotation shaft support plates erected on the left and right sides of chassis frame pulled by a tractor; rotation shafts supported between both rotation shaft support plates and numerous claws (18,19,20) for stirring attached to the rotation shafts. One of rotation shafts is connected to a PTO shaft of tractor and a rotation force of the rotation shaft is transmitted to the other rotation shafts through chains.    ADVANTAGE -   used to effectively turnover compost by rotation of rotation shafts with claws for stirring ? compost is finely cut, gas in compost is purged and oxygen is supplied to compost.
Hazardous, high fat level-contg. animal waste is rendered harmless by microbiological means. The waste is mixed with organic compostable vegetable matter in a 1:3-1:6 preparation depending on the fat concn. of the waste, and with a mixed starter culture having a 107 -108cells/ml germ count. The following mixt. parameters apply: C:N = 15, pH 5-8, pref. 2, moisture content 50-70 pref. 60 wt.%.    This compost is homogenised and then rehomogenised at least once (in three month intervals).    USE -   The completed compost may be used to improve soil.    ADVANTAGE -   Substantial quantities of hazardous fatty material may be decontaminated within a six months period, given closely controlled conditions and it may be reused.
Wastes contg. perchloroethylene and/or trichloro-ethylene are degraded and converted to soil improving composts by a biological process comprising: (i) mixing contaminated waste with stable-manure and/or vegetable waste and a decomposition aid; and (ii) composting for a given time with opt. remixing.
The fitting, to link the walls of a compost silo together in a multi-part assembly, is a slitted and rigid and one-piece clamping sleeve (6). The sleeve (6) is fitted over the two joint flanges (4) of adjacent wall sections (2) to give a shaped fit grip on them by rotation or sliding on the sleeve longitudinal axis, so that both flanges (4) are clamped together.    ADVANTAGE -   The fitting allows the compost silo walls to be erected and dismantled as required, with a long life and a simple action.
A rapid fermentation appts. has a main vessel body with an inlet and outlet. Organic material to be treated is stirred and agitated within the vessel which is heated to a controlled fermentation temp.. A blower unit discharges gas from the main body of the vessel and air is admitted.    The main body (1) of the appts. is formed by connecting a first container (T1) with a second container (T2). Hot water circulates through a rotary shaft (3) which carries a paddle assembly (4). The appts. has inlets (5) and lower outlets (6). Motors (7) drive the appts. A blower (11) is fixed to the main body (1) to discharge gas from the main body (1) and take air through openings (29) into the main body (1). A sheath heater is provided on the exterior surface of each of the containers (T1) and (T2) and a control system maintains the surface temp. of the main body at 60-80C.. A hot water jacket in the form of a U-shape is also provided for the containers (T1, T2).    USE -   For the rapid fermentation of organic industrial waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. provides a rapid and efficient process for the fermentation of industrial waste. Running costs are low and fermented manure can be produced every day.
To remove and/or degrade concentrations of toxic matter in environments which are fluid or fluid/solid or water-permeable. One or more permeable shafts are prepared in the contaminated area. They are filled with a solid material which degrade the contamination and accumulate microorganisms, with ventilation, as required and/or subjected to oxygen and/or pumped through with a fluid.    The unsaturated areas are ventilated by blocking the exhaust air from the single and pref. alternate shafts at the time. The ground water flow is controlled hydraulically. The microorganisms are metal oxidising types or heterotrophic metal and/or sulphur reducing types. The shafts containing metal and/or sulphur reducing microorganisms are filled with an organic oxidising material. The shafts are regenerated periodically where their contaminated contents are removed and they are refilled with regenerated material.    USE -   The method is for contaminated ground or seepage water, soiled by coal or other mineral products, explosives, pesticides, etc. which can contain nitrogen, phosphor or sulphur.    ADVANTAGE -   The technique gives an on site decontamination action, and prevents toxic matter from seeping into the ground water.
In a process in which waste plastics are thermally degraded in the absence of added reactive gases in an extruder and the prod. is added to a refinery feed stream in an amt. of up to 20 wt.%, coke formation in the refinery is reduced by: (a) operating the extruder so that the temp. increases to up to 475 deg.C over the first 2/3 of its working length and decreases to 200-280 deg.C over the last 1/3; and (b) adding a fouling inhibitor at the end of the extruder head or before a subsequent static mixer in an amt. such that the refinery feed stream contains 10-200 ppm of the inhibitor.
Processing scrap plastics or mixts. thereof (I) for use in refineries comprises decomposing in an extruder without the addn. of reactive gas, with a temp. profile rising to not more than 475 0 C over 2/3 of the effective length of the extruder and then falling to 280-3800 C in the final 1/3, followed by adding 10-50 wt.% asphalt-free petroleum prod. (II) at 280-3800C at the end of the extruder. The mixt. is then transferred to a flange-mounted static mixer in one batch with at least 4 changes of direction, and fed into the main stream of a refinery either directly or after granulation and interim storage.    USE -   Used for recycling useful raw materials from waste plastics, in the form of secondary refinery feedstock.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables the decompsn. of (I) to give prods. without functional gps. which are readily incorporated in the bypass in the prodn. of petroleum intermediates; and the special processing enables refineries to be operated for longer periods with plastic waste prods.
Processing scrap plastics or mixts. thereof for raw material recycling comprises removing metals and coarse impurities, melting in an extruder and heating at more than 4000 C over the whole length of the extruder, transferring to a stirred reactor and continuing the decompsn. at above 4000C opt. with injection of reactive gas. Gaseous cleavage prods. and harmful prods. are removed via degassing devices on the extruder and/or the stirred reactor, and appropriate additives are added directly to the extruder and/or the stirred reactor when processing halogen-contg. material and/or where there is an increased tendency to charring.    USE -   Used for recycling raw materials from industrial or domestic plastic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a simple, economical process for the decompsn. of plastic waste to give useful raw materials. The process is very flexible and adaptable, so that changes in the compsn. of the feedstock are readily countered by changing process temp. residence time or quantities.
Pretreatment of mixed plastics waste (I) contg. a halogenated fraction, for utilisation as raw material in a refinery, involves pulverising (I); freeing from impurities; and predegradation at elevated temp. and with shear in an extruder, until the viscosity approaches that of the refinery feedstock. The novelty is that a conc. aq. soln. (II) of a mixt. (III) of prim. alkyl-amine (IV) and aminoalcohol (V) with pH 11.0-12.0 is added, in amts. of 100-1000 ppm w.r.t. (I), at a point 1-5 C (D = dia. of the extruder) before the degassing vent.    USE -   The process is used for treating a light polyolefin fraction of household plastics waste (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   Corrosion during elimination of most the halogens is greatly suppressed.
Prepn. of halogen-contg. mixts. of plastic scrap for further processing comprises crushing, removing impurities, and pre-decomposing in an extruder at elevated temp. under the action of shearing forces. After removing the gaseous cleavage prods. at the end of the extrusion process, alkali or alkaline earth cpds. (I) are added and the mixt. is homogenised in an attached static mixer.    USE -   Used for recycling halogen-contg. plastic mixts. (I) from domestic rubbish.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables the pre-decompsn. of (I) by thermal dehalogenation, so that residual halogen is immobilised with (I) and the material obtd. can then be processed further without problems, e.g. by visbreaking.
Assembly to clean waste or ground water, soiled by organic matter which can be sepd. by biological degrading and adsorption/desorption, has a fermentation system. The system has a preceding or following regenerative polymer adsorbent in an absorber system, with a feed and outflow and steam feed. There are also outflows for the desorbate and cleaned water. A feedback connects a system to the preceding system.    ADVANTAGE -   The combination of two processes gives an effective cleaning action on the waste or ground water.
Fluid biomass in the presence of mesophilic and/or thermophilic microorganisms occurs simultaneously with the production of methane gas in two phases. In a first phase biomass under gas pressure in a bioreactor (5), or vacuum in tank (1) rises through central ascent pipe (2) from the reactor (5) into an upper tank (1) where biomass swelling (growth) occurs. In a second recirculating phase the swollen biomass, either under hydrostatic pressure or increased gas pressure in the upper tank (1), is returned to the upper layers of biomass in the bioreactor (5). Method and apparatus are claimed.    USE -   In the anaerobic fermentation, with generation of biogas, of sewage sediments, liquid manure, slaughter waste etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Mixing during recirculation can be significantly more efficient than produced by mechanical stirring, without energy supplied from outside since it uses the energy of gas compressed during fermentation of the biomass, and without breaking sediment flocs.
The composite material (A) for extracting target biological cpds. (I) from aq. soln. comprises one component (C7) with binding affinity for proteins and peptides and a second (C2) with binding affinity for nucleic acids. The material can be formed as a body through which the soln. is passed to remove (I) and bind them in such a way that passage of further soln. will not cause them to be released.    Also claimed is a filter for removing (I) comprising a filter matrix of 2 components (the second being a water-soluble high mol.wt. substance) with a charge-carrier component distributed throughout it to provide numerous charged sites to which (I) bind.    USE -   (A), formed as one or more filter beds, is used to remove (I), including those with radioactive or fluorescent labels from particular laboratory waste solns..    ADVANTAGE -   (A) has a relatively long working life and is easily disposed of when spent.
Composting garbage comprises oozing cytoplasm liq. from a mixt. of the garbage with a material contg. seed bacteria due to the biochemical decomposing action of the bacteria and high mol.wt. hydrolysing enzymes contained in the material, thereby dehydrating the garbage and then aerobically fermenting it.    Crushed seed aerobic bacteria for oxidising organic components of garbage and dry compost are mixed with the garbage in a fermenting tank (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Effective composting is ensured by the bacteria and hydrolysing enzymes.
Appts. comprises a control unit to control a garbage stirrer and warm water feeder according to the detected temp. of the garbage, such that the stirrer and feeder are started when the detected temp. is lower than a starting temp. and stopped when it rises on a stopping temp..    A temp. sensor (3S) detects the temp. of garbage in a fermenting tank (3) having a stirrer (4) controllable by a control unit (8).    ADVANTAGE -   The garbage is composted for reduced time as its temp. is well controlled for accelerating the fermentation.
Crude refuse is treated by injecting it into a tank (2a), transporting the crude refuse to a fermentation tank (2b), fermenting the crude refuse under suitable conditions, transporting the crude refuse from the fermentation tank to a storage tank (2c) and maturing and fermenting it.    Also claimed is the crude refuse treating appts. having a treatment chamber (2) comprising dividing walls (4) to divide it to the injection tank, fermentation tank and storage tank providing the space at the upper part of the chamber, rotation shaft (6) penetrating through each tank and fitted with stirrers (5) at each tank and pipe (14) placed at the fermentation tank to supply hot air.    ADVANTAGE -   To reclaim the crude refuse of supermarkets or restaurants as organic fertiliser or soil conditioner.
Composite catalyst is composed of noble metal layer or transition metal layer and metal oxide layer mutually laminated and equipped with several trenches.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst amount is controlled precisely in this composite catalyst.    In an example Si wafer substrate is coated Pt and Fe oxide mutually laminated (film thickness of each layer is 10 nm) and equipped with trenches by photolithography method to form composite catalyst to convert CO2 to CO, CH4 and C.
The process for treating (M) methane gas from (F) a fermentation vessel comprises: introducing methane gas into a desulphurising appts. to remove hydrogen sulphide, burning it, introducing (G) the exhaust gas contg. CO2 and NOx into (T) a tower for catalytic reaction to remove NOx by selective reducing decomposition in the presence of (C) a catalyst, with mixing (G) exhaust gas and (M) methane gas; opt. further introducing the exhaust gas of (T) tower into an appts. for absorbing CO2 by an alkali soln. to fix as sodium carbonate, which is introduced into the water treating system to promote the denoxing, and is introduced into (F) vessel to adjust pH.    (C) catalyst is pref. V2O5 or zeolite, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for inhibiting contamination of atmos. by CO2, SOx and NOx, etc. in combustion gas of fermentation methane gas. The process gives reasonable and efficient adjustment of pH in the fermentation vessel and promotion of denoxing of the water treatment system.
Treatment consists of a first stage in which a tip site (10) is filled with the material; a second stage (20) in which it is left to compost, e.g. for ten years; a third stage (30) in which the tip is emptied and the composted waste separated from non-biodegradable waste; a fourth stage (40) determines whether the tip site seal is complete before re-filling.    The site can be partitioned into a series of sections which contain waste materials at different stages, and fresh waste entering the site can go through a pre-sorting stage (12) to remove non-biodegradable waste before it goes for composting, e.g. after a grinding process (13).    ADVANTAGE -   Makes better use of space available for waste disposal.
To compost biological waste matter (1), it is distributed evenly over a number of horizontal shafts (6) for decomposition, arranged over each other in a composting zone (2). The material is carried through the shafts (6) in alternating directions and at different speeds. As required, the material is given an oxygen feed and heated air. The material is held in the shafts (6) until rotted, with alternating dwell periods and, while being transferred from one shaft to a lower shaft, the material is turned over and mixed through, until removed as compost from the composting zone (2).    Also claimed is an assembly where the composting zone (2) has a number of horizontal shafts (6), a feed opening (10) and outlet opening (11), with at least one of each as closable apertures. Each shaft (6) has an identical conveyor belt (4). Feed systems control the moisture level, the temp. of the process air and oxygen feed. Inner flaps (7) close the horizontal shafts (6).    ADVANTAGE -   The system makes full use of the available composting space, with a simple recirculation, turning over and mixing action, temp. controlled ventilation and wetting. The electric and electronic components are effectively shrouded against the process air for trouble-free operation.
The appts. to grab and mix compositing material has two grabbing pans (1). The base of each pan is arranged as a grinder (2) with several parallel shafts (2.1) rotating from the side walls (1.2). The side walls are fitted with a number of chopping wheels (2.3) and/or discs (2.2) connected to a drive (3). The drive can give reverse rotation together with an infinitely variable speed and/or torque. A closing drive at the holder (4) acts on both grabbing pans (1). The holder is at the lower end of a mast or jig of a travelling crane moving over the compost pile.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly can be moved over the whole surface area of the compost pile and deliver material for composting while grinding it during the feed. Unwanted matter, e.g. bottles, tins, and stones are automatically retained. It can mix and homogenise the composting material, turn it over, and transfer it or remove it when rotted into compost. It is fully automatic, with a program control for working the material and also for its transfer and removal.
Aerosol foam compsns. comprise water, a water-soluble surfactant (I), a water-soluble polymer (II) and a propellant gas. (I) is an alkyl glycoside of formula R1 O(C6 H10 O5 )x H, where R1= 8-22C alkyl and x = 1-10.    USE -   When provided with appropriate ingredients, the compsns. may be used for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or cleaning purposes, e.g. as hair styling or conditioning mousses, shaving foams, shampoos, or foams for delivery of topical medicaments (e.g. antiseptics).    ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. generate rich, creamy, stable foams.
The composter has side sections (1-4) fitted with guide stubs (12) for coupling together, and held in place by rods (12) passed through them and pressed into the ground. One end of the sides (1-4) can be uncoupled to swing at the other end so that the composter is extended forwards and backwards from the original structure (10).    ADVANTAGE -   The composter covers a compost heap totally, and can be altered according to changes in the pile of compost material easily and as required.
A material-feeding mode where oxidation and methane mix exist is implemented. The catalyst has a molecular formula: AB1-x CxO3-, where A is Gp. 2A elements; B is Ti; C is Gp. 1A-, 2A- or 3A element, and x is 0.05-0.3. Catalyst has high activity, selectivity and stability of C2 yield rate, wide range of reaction space speed, and industrialised production.
Gas sensor (20) comprises a sensing element in the form of a porous semiconducting metal oxide layer (38) which gives an electrical output signal dependant on the effect of a target gas on the sensing element's resistance. The layer (38) has at least one of the following features: thickness greater than 50 and uniform across the sensor element to within 20%; porosity in the inclusive range 30-60%; freedom from macroscopic flaws larger than five times the layer's mean pore size. When the sensor (20) is one of several nominally identical sensors having a substantially uniform baseline value of resistance in the absence of a target gas: baseline sensor resistance is repeatable to less than 5%, common simple mathematical relationship to target gas concn., the output signals define a characteristic curve as a function of gas concn. which varies between the sensors by less than 15%, optimum sensor temp. varies between the sensors by less than 30C.    Also claimed is a gas sensing appts. comprising at least one sensor (20) having electrodes (22) for conveying sensor output signals, output signal processing circuit, wires (24, 26) suspending sensor (20) in housing (22). The electrodes (22) are electrically connected to the processing circuit.    USE -   Gas sensor comprising sensing element made of gas sensitive semiconductor metal oxide layer for determining the presence and concn. of a gas e.g. propane or CO in ambient air for alarm applications.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved repeatability between devices in baseline resistance, calibration, response law, response and recovery times; stabilisation against baseline and calibration drift; minimisation of power drain and influence of variations in relative humidity on sensor output. Sensor has low humidity effects, and rapid response and recovery times.
Refrigerant compsns. comprising     (a) at least one flame-retardant constituent chosen from SF6, R-22 (CHClF2 ), R-218 (C3 F8 ) and R-134A (C2 H2 F4),     (b) at least one flame -retardant refrigerant chosen from R-124 (C2 HClF4 ), RC-318 (C4 F8 ) and R-123 (C2 HCl2 F3),    (c) at least one hydrocarbon chosen from propylene, propane, i-butane and n-butane.    USE -   The compsns. are useful in automobile air-conditioning as drop-in replacements for chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) partic. R-12 and R-11.    ADVANTAGE -   The ozone depletion and global warming potentials of the compsns. are superior to those of R-12 (claimed). Existing equipment can be used without expensive retrofitting. The new non-toxic compsns. have high coefft. of performance, contain readily available, cheap materials and are compatible with current lubricants.
Passivation of a metal-contaminated, zeolite-contg. catalyst pref. used in cracking a hydrocarbon-contg. oil feed at 800-12000 F in absence of added H2 gas is effected by either: (A) contacting the catalyst with Li2 SO4 so as to incorporate at least 0.01 (pref. 0.01-5) wt.% Li as passivator and then calcining at 500-8000 C; or (B) adding Li2 SO4 to the oil feed so as to incorporate at least 0.01 (pref. 0.01-5) wt.% Li as passivator into the cracking catalyst at 800-12000F. In either case an additional passivating agent comprising an alkaline earth metal, Al, In, Ge, Sn, P, Sb (esp. prefd.), Bi, Se, Te, Zr W and/or Mn cpd. is present.    ADVANTAGE -    Ni and/or V-cpd.-contaminated catalysts comprising 2 zeolite embedded in an SiO2 /Al2 O3 matrix can be passivated for use in cracking 400-12000 F boiling range hydrocarbon oils contg. above 0.01 ppm Ni and above 0.01 ppm V. Such passivation results in higher gasoline yields and generally also higher feed conversion and/or lower H2generation and/or lower coke generation and/or higher isobutane yield.
Recovering methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation having prodn. and injection wells in fluid communication with the formation, comprises (a) injecting a gaseous fluid contg. at least 60 vol.% nitrogen and at least 15 vol.% oxygen into a bed of adsorptive material. which pref. adsorbs oxygen over nitrogen to establish a total pressure on the bed; (b) removing a raffinate of an oxygen-depleted effluent from the bed; (c) injecting the oxygen-depleted effluent into the formation through the injection well; (d) recovering a fluid methane through the prodn. well; and (e) operating the prodn. well so that a pressure in the prodn. well at a wellbore location adjacent the formation is less than an initial reservoir pressure of the formation.    USE -   Recovering coalbed methane from a solid carbonaceous formation.    ADVANTAGE -   The method uses PSA sepn. of oxygen enriched nitrogen, withdrawing oxygen depleted effluent and injecting it into the formation, and recovering formation methane.
Method for recovering methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation having both prodn. and injection wells in fluid communication with the formation, comprises: (a) passing a gaseous fluid contg. at least 60 vol.% nitrogen and at least 15 vol.% oxygen through a membrane separator to produce an oxygen-depleted effluent; (b) injecting the oxygen-depleted effluent into the formation through the injection well; (c) recovering a fluid contg. methane through the production well; and (d) operating the prodn. well so that a pressure in the prodn. well at a wellbore location adjacent to the formation is less than an initial reservoir pressure of the formation.    USE -   Recovering coalbed methane from a solid carbonaceous formation.    ADVANTAGE -   Coalbed methane is recovered by membrane sepn. of oxygen enriched nitrogen, withdrawing the oxygen depleted effluent and injecting it into the formation, and recovering methane.
Method for reducing the amt. of an inert methane-desorbing gas present in a methane-contg. gaseous mixt. produced from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation, comprises (a) injecting an inert methane-desorbing gas into the formation; (b) thereafter suspending injection of the methane-desorbing gas; (c) recovering a first methane-contg. gaseous mixt. from the formation during at least a portion of the injection step, the mixt. having a first methane-desorbing gas vol.%; and (d) recovering a second methane-contg. gaseous mixt. from the formation after performing the suspending step, the second gaseous mixt. having a second methane-desorbing gas vol.% less than the first methane-desorbing gas vol.%.    USE -   Reducing concn. of inert methane-desorbing gas in methane-contg. mixts.    ADVANTAGE -   The concn. of inert methane-desorbing gas is reduced by injecting inert gas into solid carbonaceous subterranean coalbed formations, mitigating cost of removing inert gas from methane prod.
Method for increasing the production of methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation having a standard initial production rate of methane-containing gas of X standard cubic feet per unit time, where X is a positive number, comprises: (a) injecting an inert methane-desorbing gas into the formation; (b) recovering greater than X standard cubic feet per unit time of a first methane-containing gas from the formation during the injecting step; (c) terminating injection of the methane-desorbing gas; and (d) recovering greater than X standard cubic feet per unit time of a second methane-containing gas from the formation. Also claimed is a process, in which the inert methane-desorbing gas into the coalbed at a formation location while recovering a methane-containing gas during at least a portion of the injecting step. A first methane-containing gas is recovered from the coalbed at a rate greater than the product of 1.5 multiplied by X standard cubic feet per unit time in the absence of inert methane-desorbing gas injection into the formation location. A second methane-desorbing gas is injected into a second formation location to recover a second methane-containing gas at a rate greater than Y standard cubic feet per unit time from the second well, while recovering a third methane-containing gas at a rate greater than X standard cubic feet per unit time from the first well. The injection into the formation is through a first well and the methane-containing gas is withdrawn from the formation through a second well.    USE -   Method for improving the natural gas production rate from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation by injecting a gas capable of desorbing methane.
An acid gas (A) is recovered from a gas stream (1) containing A, normally gaseous hydrocarbons (HC) and hydrogen (H2 ) by (a) contacting (1) with a lean aq. solution (3) in an absorption zone (2) to produce a gaseous stream (4) comprising HC, H2 and a reduced concn. of A; (b) receiving a rich aq. stream (5) comprising at least a portion of A, HC and H2from (2); (c) contacting at least a portion of stream (5) with a hydrogen-rich gas stream (13) to selectively strip at least a portion of HC from (5), and produce a hydrogen rich gas stream (12) containing HC, and a rich aq. stream (14) comprising A and a reduced concn. of HC; (d) introducing at least a portion of stream (12) into zone (2); and (e) recovering stream (14).    USE -   The method is of use in petrochemical and petroleum industries. (A) is a water-soluble acid gas, e.g. HCl, HBr or HF. HC is methane, ethane, propane or butane. A specific application is treatment of reactor effluent from a hydrogenation process used to convert halogenated organic cpds. and produce hydrocarbons and acid gas.
The reactor has a body (1) with pipes (2,3) for the supply of air to be cleaned and clean air outlet, a device for mineral medium supply, and biocatalyst (6) layers which are staggered and each one at one end is connected to the body wall and at the other end forms a gap with the body opposite wall. The reactor has rods (8) for fixing of conglomerate based on flexible chemical fibres with immobilised microorganism cells. The rods are fixed in the space between the biocatalyst layers and are situated perpendicular to the air flow. The biocatalyst layers are made as shelves fixed in pairs inside the reactor forming a channel for air passage from the centre to the periphery and back.    USE -   Used for biological reactors for air cleaning from toxic and smelling cpds..    ADVANTAGE -   The air cleaning efficiency is increased.
Gas utilisation is carried out by cultivating methane-oxidising bacteria in feeding medium contg. sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, microelements and methane-air mixt. of degassed shaft as carbon and oxygen source. The bacteria is cultivated in technological or shaft water which is initially cleared of microflora, except the bacteria, and then is corrected by adding mineral components of the bacteria feed compsn. The culture seeded in the fermenter (6) is bubbled with methane-air mixt. of degassed shaft until the methane oxidising fermenting activity of the bacteria reaches 30 nmol O2/min.mg. Prior to supply to the fermenter, the methane-air mixt. flow rate and compsn. is stabilised and it is dispersed in the feeding medium liq. phase. The methane-air mixt. supplied to the fermenter is stabilised by adding methane.    USE -   The method is used to form albumin in bacteria cultivation process.    ADVANTAGE -   The output and efficiency are increased.
The biohumus prodn. module contains upper cylinder (1) with lid (2), lower cylinder (3) with unloading window (4), sepn. ring (5) supporting biomass in upper section, and openings (6) for aeration.    USE -   The module is used in devices for prodn. of organic fertilisers as biohumus.
Prodn. comprises sepg. heavy matter from wastes, crushing the wastes, melting thermoplastic materials in the wastes into a mud-like prod. and adding an alkaline material to this prod.    USE -   Used for treating city wastes.
Agricultural waste is sepd. into solid and liq. waste. The liq. waste is treated in an at lest 1 biological liq. vessels. Wind energy is converted to thermal energy which is applied to the vessels to warm them. Methane gas produced by the warming is supplied to an engine type generator for cogeneration as a gas engine fuel.    Pref. the heat-converting means is a heat pump driven by wind energy from a Darius windmill.    The wind energy from the windmill is converted to thermal energy through thermal exchange was compressed air. The capacity of the converting means is 20-30 kW.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost of power is reduced, stable utilisation of the unstable energy source may be effected.
Prodn. of compost by fermentation of mixts. of chips and straw at wt. ratios of 2:8-8:2 with added 2-0.1 wt.% of soil microorganisms.    Starting material is hydrothermally treated chips, straw and soil microorganisms. Mixts. of hydrothermally treated chips and straw at ratios of 2:8-8:2 is mixed with 1 wt.% of soil microorganisms (e.g. Bacillus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Rhizopus, Pseudomonas, Cellulomonas and Azotobacter) and fermented.    ADVANTAGE -   Chips or straw which has not been used for prodn. of compost can be used.    In an example, in 10 l of water, 30 kg of barn waste, 10 kg each of chips and microorganisms mixt. contg. 60,000 cells/g were added and fermented for 3 weeks with occasional mixing to give the compost.
Treatment for sewage separates organic sludge from the sewage which is anaerobically digested to form methane gas in admixture with contaminants. Water sepd. from the sludge is discharged but some water in brought, in liq. phase, into contact with the gaseous contaminated methane in a scrubber. The contaminants transfer to the liq. phase and are discharged with the liq. while the methane gas is removed for use.    USE -   To remove contaminant gases from anaerobic digestion methane gas production.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a relatively low cost method of reducing hydrogen sulphide concn. in the methane gas.
Biologically decomposable material is composited in containers (3) mounted on a base plate (2) above ground level, leaving a space between the lower edge (6) of the containers and the base plate for free passage of a discharging device (7) comprising a feed screw (11) supported by a drive mechanism (12,12') positioned at least on region projecting beyond the container cross-section.    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform layering of material passing through containers.(PHP).
Waste to be treated is hydrolysed and the hydrolysed material stream is screened into relatively coarse organic material which is processed separately, or discharged and a slurry stream from which dissolved organic material is converted into biogas by anaerobic fermentation. The slurry stream has the sand fraction between 2 and 1000 removed from it.    USE -   For the biological treatment of waste material.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention is advantageous in providing sand removal and not relying on the use of unpleasant chemicals. Also the waste is separated into fractions which each have different concentrations of heavy metals and micro-contaminants and may immediately comply with standards for reuse.
Membrane (I) which removes impurities from gases has a carbon layer(s) deposited on a porous metal substrate (II) where the layer is modified to present active sites which include at least partially deoxygenated metal species chemically bonded to the carbon layer. (I) is mfd. by depositing the carbon layer onto (II) then depositing a precursor metal species onto this layer and heating to form the active sites. Gas streams are purified by flowing the gas through (I) then stopping the flow and heating (I) above 300C in a redn. atmos. to regenerate the active sites followed by restarting the gas flow.    USE -   (I) removes O2, H2O, CO, CO2 or CH4 etc. from e.g. inert gases or trace contaminants in exhaust gases obtd. during electronic mfg. processes e.g. trace silanes, As, Hg, cyanide etc. or to remove moisture from reactive gases.    ADVANTAGE -   Contamination of gas stream and clogging of membrane pores is avoided. Carbon gives a more uniform layer on (II) than on ceramics. Wide choice of membrane geometry is available.
Compsn. comprises (wt.%) 30-90 leonardite, 2-40 clay, 0.01-20 lime and balance as an inorganic salt mixt. which contains a phosphorus source, which is an organic and/or an inorganic P-contg. cpd. and a nitrogen source which is an ammonium and/or nitrate salt. Also claimed is a compsn. of leonardite, bentonite, Ca(OH)2, ammonium nitrate and potassium hydrogen phosphate and dihydrogen phosphate.    USE -   The compsn. is used as a biofilter to improve air quality by removing organic material from air flows at greater efficiency e.g. than soil and compost biofilters. Can be used for industrial applications e.g. in petroleum refining.
The process includes a two-stage acid and alkaline anaerobic fermentation with formation of biogas, and addition of CO2 derived from the biogas at 27-60 C. CO2can be added at the alkaline stage, or at both the acid and alkaline stages.    USE -   The method is useful in anaerobic processing of outflow, communal and industrial waste, in treatment plants and in agriculture. It also helps in the preservation of the environment.    ADVANTAGE -    The use of CO2, methane output, and productivity is increased.
Crystalline silicate, such as zeolite, used for converting low grade hydrocarbon of ethane, ethylene, propane, or propylene to liq. hydrocarbon is prepd. by mixing (A) a silicon cpd., (B) a cpd. of alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal, (C) a cpd. of at least one of the IV, V, VIB or VIII gp. metals, and (D) water to obtain a mixt. The mixt. in the presence of a catalyst is maintained at a temp. for prodn. of a crystalline silicate and for a period therefor to obtain a crystalline silicate.    The catalyst consists of an oxide cpd. of formula aM2/mO.bZ2/mO.SiO2 where M is at least one of H, alkali metal, or alkali earth metal. Z is at least one of the III, IV, V, VIB, or VIII gp. metal. m is atomic value of M. n is atomic value of Z, a is up to 0.1. b is up to 0.1.
Material comprising chitin, an organic substance contg. a chitinous substance or chitosan and zeolite and/or shell, and Streptomyces cyanogenus or Streptomyces olivaceus.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is useful for controlling and preventing soil borne disease. Streptomyces cyanogenus or Streptomyces olivaceus may be fixed stably in soil for a long period to prevent soil borne diseases. The material is cheap, has no odours due to fermentation and prevents environmental pollution caused by conventionally used chemical agents etc..    In an example, Streptomyces cyanogenus, and Streptomyces olivaceus were grown with a mixt. of chitin, chitosan (0.5% or higher), organic substance contg. chitinous substance (shell etc., 5-80%) and zeolite (99.5-20%). The prepd. seed bacterium (10%) was mixed with zeolite (25%) and chitin, chitosan, crab shell, shellfish shell (50-0%) to prepare 2 types of material for controlling soil borne disease.
A microbiological agent for agricultural use, comprises (a) a bacterium belonging to genus Bacillus, producing lipopeptide which lower surface tension of water, and which can be grown in soil under anaerobic conditions in the presence of a plant fibre and (b) a bacterium belonging to genus Bacillus or Clostridium, which produces cellulases and which can be grown in soil under anaerobic condition in the presence of a plant fibre.    Pref. lipopeptide-producing bacteria are Bacillus subtilis, B.licheniformis, and the cellulase producing bacteria are pref. B.subtilis, B. licheniformis, B.circulans, B.polymyxa, Clostridium cellulolyticum, and C. aerotolerans.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The agricultural microbiological agent is useful as a soil reforming agent as well as a deodorising agent for faeces and urine of domestic animals. Soil aggregate can be efficiently and economically produced in a short time. As a deodorising agent, the agent can almost completely remove bad smells from the animal houses at low cost.
Also claimed is the associated appts. including raw material throwing chamber, prod. discharging chamber with an outlet supported rotating drums driven by a motor and a through chamber supported by both chambers which has I-shaped pipes to take in and send out the heated air and which has deodorant near the exhaust pipe. The hot air is brought into the rotating drum with a burner and a fan placed at the discharging chamber which is exhausted by a blower through I-shaped pipes and the deodorant while raw materials are sent forward with screw blades in the rotating drums.    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively promotes drying and fermentation of raw materials for compost without the need of a separate deodorising device.
Appts. has a tank to decompose pulverised garbage with anaerobes; a solid-liq. sepg. bed to separate the decomposed garbage into solids and liq. and an air supply to the liq. layer.    USE -   The appts. is used for treating domestic waste.
Quasi-azeotropic mixts. comprise: (1) 20-59 wt.% CF3-CHF2 (R-125); 40-75 wt.% CHClF2 (R-22); and 1-10 wt.% cyclopropane (RC-270); (2) 20-42 wt.% CF3-CH3 (R143a); 57-75 wt.% R-22; and 1-5 wt.% propane (R-290); (3) 5-30 wt.% CH2F2 (R-32); 68-90 wt.% R-22; and 1-5 wt.% R-290; (4) 49-60 wt.% R-125; 35-49 wt.% R-143a; and 1-5 wt.% RC-270 or R-290; (5) 5-10 wt.% R-143a; (6) 20-50 wt.% R-125; 5-20 wt.% R-143a; 1-5 wt.% R-290; and 40-60 wt.% R-22; (7) 2-8 wt.% R-32; 88-97 wt.% CF3-CH2F (R-134a); and 1-5 wt.% dimethylether (DME); (8) 3-10 wt.% R-143a; 85-96 wt.% R134a; and 1-5 wt.% DME; or (9) 5-20 wt.% R-125; 75-90 wt.% R-134a; and 1-5 wt.% DME.    USE -   The mixts. are useful as refrigerating fluids (claimed), esp. in circuits working according to the Rankine cycle.    ADVANTAGE -   The quasi-azeotropic mixts. are non-flammable and are characterised by vapour pressure curves such as to make them particularly suitable as substitutes for refrigerants R-12 or R-502. The environmental impact of the mixts. w.r.t. ozone depletion and global warming is very low or null.
A membrane module (10) removes gaseous materials from a flow of gas, esp. the cleaning of gas with the help of micro-organisms. The novelty is that the bag (12) is made of an endless flexible material which is arranged folded together or wrapped, together with a flexible supporting spacing structure (14) within a housing and largely fills the inner space within the housing. Further that the winding or stack of membrane material is fixed within the housing, and that the membrane bag (12) is charged with a liquid reactant through a single inlet (18) and discharges through a single outlet (20). Further that the flow of gas flows through the housing and supporting structure arranged between the individual membrane bag layers.    The module assembly removes gaseous substances from a gas flow esp. gas effluent discharge.    The module is of simple construction and therefore cheap to fabricate by virtue of the fact that there is a single wound bag in lieu of a multitude of single bags. Further claimed is that arrangement provides defined operating conditions over a long period of time.
Method for reducing pollutant and ammonium contents, also chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), of waste water from composting comprises:(a) sepg. solids and sludge from the water;(b) allowing the water to trickle down, at least once, under gravity, through a heap of biomass( from composting) of particle size &gt;25mm; (c) collecting the water at the bottom of the heap and freeing it of solids and sludge; and (d) discharging part of the water; (e) passing the off- air from the composting operation upwards through the heap to provide conditions for aerobic fermentation and to keep the water at 25-35C; (f) purifying the gas in a biofertiliser before discharging it into the environment.    USE -   The method is used to reduce contamination of waste water to levels allowing its further treatment in activated sludge systems.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical with low consumption of energy and auxiliary chemicals; all materials used are derived from the composting operation and, when spent, can be recycled to it. Because of the relatively large particle size in the heap, the pressure drop of the air stream is low, obviating the need for high compression. The heap retains its shape well, does not become contaminated as quickly as layers of other materials, and the system requires only weekly inspection of the pressure drop and biofilter.
The filter for biological exhaust gas cleaning, with shape stability, uses packaged units for the materials and material mixts.. The packages are as sacks and mattresses, with shape stability, with a coarse-mesh and air permeable shrouding of jute/sisal/coconut or other natural and/or synthetic fibres. The filling is of peak and/or bark compost and/or waste compost and/or wood fibres and/or wood chips and/or foam concrete and/or similar natural materials which can be colonised for a microbial action and/or a mixt. of these materials and/or active carbon and/or similar adsorbents.    ADVANTAGE -   The filter material can be deployed in a variety of thicknesses, with easy handling, with an increased to bio-filtering action.
The container, to form a compost from waste material, has a frame (111) for at least one side wall (11), filled with a thermal insulation material. The outer walls (11) are mounted between corner posts (12) in a release fitting.    USE -   The container, for composting, is as a kit for assembly into the number of required compost containers.    ADVANTAGE -   The container is easily filled, turned over and emptied, with good thermal insulation to prevent heat loss and maintain the required internal decomposition temps.
A process for the electrolytic redn. of CO2 in an aq. saline soln. at a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and satd. in CO2using a Cu or Ag cathode. The cathode is subjected to an electro-chemical activation by the application of at least one potential sweep cycle. This comprises a linear increase to a positive potential (relative to the initial electrolysis potential) and then a linear decrease to the original electrolysis potential.    USE -   The process is used as a route to the prodn. of the liq. and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels methane ethylene, ethanol and methanol.    ADVANTAGE -    Until now the electrolytic redn. of CO2to yield methane, ethylene and ethanol using copper electrodes has produced low yields: poisoning of the electrodes gave a rapid drop in prodn. of hydrocarbons and hydrogen was the predominating product. The present invention describes a technique which prevents electrode poisoning and gives improved hydrocarbon yields.
Process for the improvements of chemical-physical-technological characteristics of fuels obtained by thermochemical conversion comprises: (a) the fuels are subjected to irradiation or activation by electrons; (b) the fuels are derived from biomasses, or from industrial-municipal wastes,. or from coal, lignite, peat or other fuel oils; (c) the fuels being subjected to the irradiation in the liq. or vapour state; (d) the fuels are irradiated with electrons having an energy of 0.055 - 1.0 Mev; and (e) before the electron irradiation, the fuels are mixed with an additional sec. substance able to supply hydrogen and/or carbon (H.C. donors).    Also claimed is plant for carrying out fast pyrolysis of biomasses.    USE -   Upgrading oils from pyrolysis, liquefaction, catalysis of biomass fuels.    ADVANTAGE -   Upgrading fuels from biomasses and industrial wastes, by irradiation with electrons to improve prod. quality and economy of pyrolysis and the upgrading conversion processes. These processes reduce the water content, the oxygen content of such pyrolysis oils to improve their heating value, stability and compatibility with conventional fuels.
A process and assembly converts vegetable matter such as ripe cereals into solid pressings (1) for fuel in the presence of changing harvesting conditions, where the nature of the solid mass is independent of the degree of moisture in the raw material. The novelty is that the raw material is compressed (1) using a corrugated (3, 4) structure (6). Further that the outer surface of the pressing (1), determined by extrusion, is more firmly compressed than the central cross-section region, in which longer fibred mass components lie in slightly corrugated array (21), conferring elasticity on the pressings (1).    USE -   The process and assembly convert vegetable matter such as ripe cereals into solid pressings for fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   The quality esp. elasticity of the resulting pressings is largely independent of the moisture content of the raw vegetable matter, and changing harvesting conditions.
A catalyst comprises (i) an acidic solid prod. obtd. by modifying a Gp. IVB metal oxide with an oxyanion of a Gp.VIB metal and (ii) a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component deposited on the solid prod. Prodn. of the catalyst comprises: (a) contacting the hydroxide or hydrated oxide of a Gp.IVB metal with an aq. soln. of a source of oxyanion and (b) depositing a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component of the obtd. solid prod. A process for isomerising a 4-8C paraffin feed involves contacting the feed with the above catalyst.    USE -   Catalyst is useful in a 4-8C paraffin isomerisation esp. to higher octane gasoline blending components.    ADVANTAGE -   Maintains high activity over time with high 5+C yield and selectivity esp. to high-octane dimethyl butanes.
Aerobic microbial decompsn. of soil contaminants is enhanced by (i) continuously injecting oxygenated fluid into the soil; (ii) injecting a microbe nutrient fluid into the soil to increase their concn.; (iii) withholding the nutrient fluid so that the microbes are forced to degrade the contaminants; (iv) when the microbe concn. has fallen again, repeating (ii) and (iii) as often as needed. Injection (i) is in such a way that there is a generally aerobic environment with anaerobic pockets.    USE -   Chlorohydrocarbons, esp. tri- and tetra-chloroethylene are broken down.    ADVANTAGE -   Process prevents soil and groundwater contamination.
Biomass fuels e.g. corn are burnt in a system comprising an outer chamber (12) formed by a housing (14), with opening (36) for a combustion air blower (38), and a firebox (40) defining a trough-like combustion chamber. End walls have slots through which a belt may extend. Fuel is fed from a hopper (72) via a chute (78). A fuel directing bar evenly distributes the fuel. A hinged access panel (30) allows ash to be removed, as sepd. by a gate device.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates or reduces need for periodic shut-down.
The process of purificn. is by contact of gas with a liq. spray contg. 0.05-100 g/l of wetting agent: salts of 10-16C fatty acids; salts of alkyl aromatic sulpho-acids as anionic surfactant; 3-16C alcohol or iso-alcohol; or tri-butylphosphate. The salts of fatty acids can be in the form of liq. potassium soap in an amt. 0.05-10 g/l, the salts of alkyl aromatic sulpho-acids in the form of sulphanol or sulphite-alcohol distillery waste in an amt. 0.05-10 g/l, and alcohol in the form of propanol or iso-propanol in an amt. 5-100 g/l. Tributylphosphate is in an amt. 1-50 g/l. The capillary angle can be reduced to 3-11 with increased capture of solid particles to 99.5-100% due to hydrophilic properties. The velocity of the gas flow can be reduced to 0.5-2.5 m/s, and so the energy consumption reduced by a factor of 8-48.    USE -   Used in chemical technology of purificn. processes, mainly in purificn. of exhaust gases in metallurgy of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, chemical, petroleum and other industries.    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives increased efficiency of capture of solid polluting particles and reduced energy consumption.
The unit has a device for raw material prepn., methane tank (17), pumping system pipelines, automatic regulation device and biogas outlet. The unit also has a feeder-preparer (2), heater (7) and preparing device heating elements. The arrangement forms two successive pumping systems, and one cyclic system. The first system is formed by feeder-preparer and heater, and the second by heater and the methane tank. The cycling system is formed by heater and the prepn. device heating elements. Each pumping system has a pump. The unit also has liq. phase separator (31) connected to the methane tank. The liq. phase separator has a device (29) for flow averaging, a centrifuge (36) and centrifuge effluent collector (38), connected to methane tank and forming a pumping system which consists of collector (38), methane tank and device (29) and/or the centrifuge, and a cyclic pumping system through device (29). Each system has a pump.    USE -   The method is used for biomass fermentation in agriculture to form biogas and organic fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The efficiency and reliability are increased.
Composting of biodegradable material and/or waste comprises feeding the material into a vessel which is rocked, tipped, overturned and/or shaken to achieve the desired position of the waste material.    Also claimed is a universally installable, power-driven collection vessel for carrying out the process.    USE -   Useful for the disposal of household waste, esp. food scraps or garden refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   Optimum composting conditions are achievable for a wide range of different materials.
(JP6349511-A)   NOVELTY - The laminate structure has anode pole, cathode pole and inter-connector. The gas collection-and-delivery section has branched gas-negotiation way to supply gas to the gas-manifold provided in the inter-connector of the laminate structure.    USE - For fuel cell applications.
In a gas collecting passage for discharging exhaust gas of agricultural prods in a treating or producing plant, a gas supply device is provided to mix with air, O2 or CO2. The evaporator of a heat pump is provided downstream of the gas supply device of the gas collecting passage. The condenser of the heat pump is provided in a ventilation pipe connected with the evaporator of the gas collecting passage and the ventilation pipe is connected with a suction pipe of the agricultural product treating or producing plant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to recover heat in agricultural prods. treating or producing plant such as compost manufacturing device, drying device, greenhouse, etc. Since the exhaust can be used repeatedly the heat of vaporisation in the exhaust gas can be recovered easily, saving energy. The operation is simple and is easy to control with a computer.
Appts. comprises a fermenting condition adjuster having an air compressor to compress outside air to warm, air feed pipe line to guide the warmed air to a fermenting tank through air jet holes of air feed pipes, and air jet adjusters attached to the feed pipes.    A fermenting conditioner has an air compressor to compress air contg. soil bacteria enough to warm at 30-40 deg.C which is fed to a fermenting tank through an air feed line.    ADVANTAGE -   Feeding always warmed air to the fermenting tank, together with microbes in the air, reduces the fermenting time for organic wastes to produce compost.
Appts. comprises an upper chamber formed on a fermenting tank. The upper chamber has a roof stretched across posts, light-permeable synthetic resin sheets stretched across side openings of the side walls of the chamber, and warm air pipes meanderingly laid on the floor of the chamber. The pipes are coupled with air blowing holes of the floor.    Light-permeable synthetic resin sheets are openably stretched across openings of an upper chamber formed on a concrete-made fermenting tank.    ADVANTAGE -   The sunshine heat, earth heat and fermenting heat are well utilisable for fermenting and drying cattle droppings.
Prepn. of an ethylene polymer foam comprises: (a) heating the ethylene polymer, having a greater than 50 wt.% ethylenic monomer units, to form a melt polymer, (b) incorporating into the melt, at an elevated pressure, a blowing agent to form a formable gel; and (c) expanding the foamable gel at a lower pressure to form a foam structure. The blowing agent contains a primary blowing agent (i) of isobutane and a secondary blowing agent (ii) of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and/or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.    ADVANTAGE -   Isobutane is a common blowing agent but it is a volatile organic cpd., which may be subject to environment regulation. This process uses a mixt. of isobutane with another blowing agent therefor using less of the harmful substance, whilst still producing foams with desirable properties. The foam can be used in cushion packaging.
In a process for the redn. of NOx , SOx , CO or CO2 waste flue gas with H2 in an electric field, two photovoltaic cells (1) are positioned as parallel plates in a non-electric conducting container, the cells comprising n-type and p-type semiconductors. Gas stream contg. flue gas (4) contacts H2 (3) in the electric field generated by the cells and external voltage of 14V or more supplied by a DC source (2), so that H2is converted into a plasma which reduces the gas.    ADVANTAGE -    Produces N2, C or methanol, methane and solids from gas.
A catalyst with increased activity in the dehydrochlorination of 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane is prepd.    Pref. (4-Methylen-1,3-dioxolanyl)butylamine and amyl bromide are reacted at 56-58 deg.C in acetone in molar ratios of 1:(2.0-2.5).    USE -   The cpd. is used as a catalyst in the dehydrochlorination of 1,1,2,2,3-pentachloropropane.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has activity comparable to, and in some cases superior to, the prototypes (e.g. tetrabutylammonium bromide) and is suitable for industrial use. It is prepd. in a 93% yield.
The system includes farm (1), outflow line (2) to collector (3) with pump (4), separator (5) with pipe (6) for solid fraction to grinder (7), pipe (8) for disintegrated solid and pipe (9) for liquid fraction to intermediate reservoir (10) with pump (11), heat-exchangers (12, 13), tank (14) for anaerobic fermentation, methane gas line (15) to drying chamber (16), separator as e.g. centrifuge (17), pipe (18) for liquid fraction to flotation appts. (19), pipe (20) for water to pond-collector (21), algae, crawfish, fish, and purified water ponds (22-25), botanic platform (26), open water reservoir (27); pump (28) to line (29), disinfection unit (30) in line to farm; pipe (31) for solid fraction and pipe (32) for foam from flotation appts. to transporter (33), pipe (34) to granulator (35), drying chamber (36), and packing unit (37).    USE -   In systems for complex processing of highly concentrated waste waters and outflows from animal farms in closed cycles with utilisation of prods. of treatment and prevention of pollution of environment.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency due to improved utilisation of solid and liquid fractions and enhanced no-waste technology.
Methane (I) is prepd. by reaction of CO2 with H2 in the presence of a metal cpd. (II) including rare earth metal, as a catalyst. (II) are, e.g. LaNi5, LaNi4Cr or LaNi4Cu etc. The reaction is carried out at 0-600 deg.C pref. 150-400 deg.C, 1-100 (10-60) atmos. and SV = 1000-10 power 5 ml/g-cat.h, pref. 2000-20000 ml/g-cat.h.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is obtd. in high yield (58-94%) under mild conditions, with high selectivity (95-98%) and high conversion ratio (78-90%) under high speed reaction conditions due to long activity of the catalyst.    In an example, a mixed gas of CO2 and H2(H2/CO2=4) was supplied to a reactor contg. LaNi5 (1g) (SV=3000 ml/g-cat.h). The mixt. was reacted at 300 deg.C and at 50 atmos. pressure. (I) was obtd. in 93% yield.
Reduced Cu contg. lanthanum oxide is obtd. by reducing a lanthanum cpd. contg. Cu oxide, (MxCuy)70ZAW which has the cubic crystal structure, where M is a lanthanide element including Dy, Ho, Er, Tb, Tm, Yb, or Lu. A is halogen and/or NO3 x+y = 1, x/y is more than 0 to less than 10. z = 6-8, w = 5-9.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a reducing catalyst for ethylene hydrogenation, NO reduction or MeOH synthesis.    In an example, Yb oxide: 3.59g and Cu nitrate trihydrate: 26.4g were mixed and heated at 330 deg.C for 2 hrs. in air stream to obtain (Yb1/7Cu6/7)7OZNO3. The product was put in a glass tube; was reduced to Yb oxide contg. metallic copper by flowing H2 gas through the glass tube at 300 deg.C. for 2 hrs. In another example, (Er1/7Cu6/7)yOZNO3 prepd. from 5.52g of Er oxide and 41.8g of Cu nitrate trihydrate was reduced with H2 at 300 deg. C for 2 hrs. to obtain Er oxide contg. metallic copper.
Appts. for converting thermoplastics waste into oil by thermal decomposition consists essentially of a reactor (1) in which a heated plastics melt (21) is stirred while decomposition gases are extracted for further processing through discharge duct (6). Reactor (1) has a semi-spherical base and is mounted on furnace (4) which is heated by burner (5) to a temperature sufficient to melt and decompose plastic waste supplied from hopper (8). The melt (21) is agitated by a base-shaped multi-blade stirrer (14) on hollow shaft (19) and driven by motor (13) through gears (11, 12). Non-plastics matter (22) such as metal or glass collects by gravity at the reactor base centre and is extracted periodically through suction pipe (15) and discharge duct (23) under vacuum supplied by pump (20). The matter collects in container (2). Thermal decomposition gases from melt (21) are extracted through duct (6) and pass to known catalyst processes for further decomposing hydrocarbons. The resulting gas is cooled and forms a light oil condensate.    USE -   The appts. produces a useful oil prod. from mixed and impure plastics waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Extraneous matter can be extracted without halting the process or cooling the reactor, so improving efficiency and saving energy.
Rendering reaction gases from the prepn. of aluminium molten salts harmless by grinding the molten salts then sieving and dissolving at approx. 100C and releasing the gases NH3 , AsH3 , HCN, CO2 , CH4 , PH3 H2 S and H2 comprises (a) cooling the gases to below 50C; (b) reacting the gases in a 1st scrubbing step with H2 SO4 , so that the NH3 is bound, and discharging the soln.; (c) reacting the remaining gases in a 2nd subsequent scrubbing step with NaOH to bound H2 S and HCN and remove as Na-salt soln.; (d) reacting the residual gases in a 3rd subsequent step with a H2 SO4 -contg. NaBrO3 soln. to convert PH3 and AsH3 to Na-phosphate and -arsenate and producing small amts. of free Br2 ; (e) reacting the Br-contg. residual gases with KOH soln. to bound the Br2 and remove it; (f) injecting the remaining gases CH4 and H2into a conventional combustion plant, e.g. power station.    ADVANTAGE -   Each individual gas is chemically converted and bound in a scrubbing soln.
The following are claimed: (A) microbial removal of NO comprising: (a) contacting NO or an NO-contg. gas with microorganisms; and (b) supplying the microorganisms with a mono- or polyhydric alcohol. (B) appts. for carrying out the above process, comprising a reactor (through which NO or an NO-contg. gas is passed) which contains microorganisms (in suspension or fixed to a carrier) and a mono- or polyhydric alcohol.    USE -   The process is esp. useful for purifcn. of air, e.g. tunnel exhausts.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is easy to carry out and gives non-toxic nitrogen cpds.
Sealed biofilter container for purification of exhaust air of waste gas streams which have a strong odour and/or contains hazardous substances consists of a stackable, gas-tight, insulated corrosion-resistant container which allows flow through the filter material from top to bottom and from bottom to top, such that flow reversal can take plate in a short period and can be periodically varied. Pref. the container is a standard Iso Sea contains which can be transported.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows removal, replacement and proper disposal of large amounts of material.
A storage unit, partic. for sorting organic domestic waste, has a base and an outer container with an openable lid and air circulation vents. A carrier attached to the container, or formed as a separate insert, can mount a woven or perforated outer supporting bag and an inner paper bag to receive the waste. The vents are pref. covered externally by a plastic or metal mesh to prevent entry of flies, and 1 vent may have a valve snap-fitted into a round wall aperture. The container may be formed with compartments, each to hold bags supported by the carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit allows emission of water vapour from the waste and entry of air to improve hygiene and sanitary conditions.
A contaminated heterogeneous soil region is treated by the introduction of material for treating the contaminants. A direct electric current is transmitted through at least one low permeability region between two electrodes having opposite charges. The electrodes may be located at opposite ends of the contaminated heterogeneous soil region, or at opposite ends of the low permeability regions. The current causes an electroosmotic flow between the electrode, and/or electromigratory movement of ionic contaminants.    A hydraulic gradient is applied across the contaminated heterogeneous soil region to cause a hydraulic flow from the high pressure to the low pressure ends of the region.    USE -   For the in-situ remediation of soils contaminated with toxic organic cpds., and/or toxic ionic contaminants, e.g., metals and radionuclides.    ADVANTAGE -   The treatment is commercially and economically practical even where the site is heterogeneous. It does not suffer from the normal problems associated with electrokinetics, hydraulic flow and biological or physiochemical degradation.
Removal of BOD, NH3 and P from waste water is effected by: (a) mixing the waste water with active sludge contg. P-utilising microorganisms in an anoxic zone; (b) passing the mixt. to an anaerobic zone and adding volatile fatty acids; (c) aerating the mixt. in an aerobic zone; and (d) clarifying the mixt. to separate activated sludge from effluent waste water.    ADVANTAGE -   Growth of the P-utilising microorganisms is promoted by denitrification in the anoxic zone and by adding fatty acids in the anaerobic zone.
A process for making iron involves: (i) introducing shredded tyres into a melter gasifier; (ii) forming a 1st fluidised bed of coke particles from the tyre particles; (iii) reacting tyre particles, O2 and ferrous material in the gasifier to produce redn. gas; (iv) mixing CO2 with CO to give a mixed gas contg. 85% CO; (v) combining the mixed gas with a side stream of cooling gas; and (vi) mixing the cooled mixed gas with ferrous material in a redn. furnace to reduce the ferrous material to iron and to increase the carbon content of the iron. In (iii), O2-contg. gas is blown into the gasifier to burn the tyre particles to form the coke particles.    USE -   Allows disposal of rubber tyres while providing a source of carbon for making molten iron and steel.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a soln. to the disposal of an environmentally objectionable material and a source of improved fuel for melter gasifiers which at least partially replaces coal.
Pseudomonas editabidus, an organic aminocarboxylic acids decomposing bacteria is new.    USE -   Waste liquor contg. organic aminocarboxylic acids is treated by mixing or contacting organic aminocarboxylic acids - decomposing bacteria, Pseudomonas editabidus, into or with waste liquor contg. organic aminocarboxylic acids.    Waste liquor contg. organic aminocarboxylic acids is treated by suspending and acting organic aminocarboxylic acids - decomposing bacteria, Pseudomonas editabidus, in waste liquor contg. organic aminocarboxylic acids, then carrying out solid-liquid sepn. by means of ultrafiltration membrane.    Organic aminocarboxylic acids - decomposing bacteria, Pseudomonas editabidus is preferably used on fixed condition in the process described in the first process above.    The waste liquor is pref. subjected to pretreatment advantageous for biological decomposition and then mixed or contacted with organic aminocarboxylic acids - decomposing bacteria. Pseudomonas editabidus in the above processes.
The covering material comprises (a) a mineral portion contg. water, sand, mud, clay, agglomerants, fertiliser and trace elements; (b) an organic portion with turf, fertiliser, straw, lignified structures, seeds, bio-activators of bacterial flora and humic and fulvic acids; and (c) a synthetic portion with polypropylene fibres, soil-binding polymers and acrylic copolymers.    The process involves uniform distribution over the embankment of humic acid and micro-organisms, anchoring of the reticular support on the embankment and spraying of the material together with water.    ADVANTAGE -   The covering assists drainage, retains soil elements and creates a vegetable surface layer.
Ligno-cellulosic residues are mixed with materials with a high degradable organic content which acts as a source of nitrogen and other nutrients as well as a natural micro-organism inoculant. Degradation takes place under a cover to prevent flooding with rain water and requires periodic turning.    USE -   As an organic soil corrective in agriculture and forestry.    Use is made of a source of organic material instead of present destructive methods of disposal. The process is simple and does not require complex equipment.
Bulk granular solids rest on a floor made up of a adjacent rectangular boards in 2 layers sepd. by a space. The lower (17) and upper layer (16) of boards, and the spacers (10,11,13) are made of injection moulded plastic, spacers (10,11,13) are joined to both the upper (16) and lower (17) boards by plug-in connectors and the upper and lower boards overlap each other in 1 direction.    USE -   The floor supports bulk granular solids esp. organic materials while they are composted, aerated or drained.    ADVANTAGE -   The base is easy and cheap to fabricate, has a long life, and can support a heavy load.
A method of detoxicating waste water from the process of bleaching pulp with chlorine dioxide or with a mixture of chlorine dioxide and molecular chlorine, in which less than 20% of the active chlorine in mixture is molecular chlorine, the method comprising treatment of waste water with a phenol oxidising enzyme system.    Pref. the phenol oxidising enzyme system is a peroxidase and a hydrogen peroxide source; the peroxidase is horseradish peroxidase, soybean peroxidase or a peroxidase enzyme derived from Coprinus, e.g. C. cinereus, or from Bacillus, e.g. B. pumilus; the amount of peroxidase is in the range from 1-200 PODU per ml of waste water. The hydrogen peroxide source is hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide precursor, e.g perborate or percarbonate, or a hydrogen peroxide generating enzyme system, e.g. an oxidase and its substrate or a peroxycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof.
In the treatment of waste water for cleaning smoke chambers by physical and chemical treatment with acid addn., the novelty is that only waste water system-compatible chemicals are employed in the physical and chemical treatment. Pref. after the treatment, the waste water is subjected to biological treatment with special microorganisms which are selective for destruction of organic cpds. from smoking chamber cleaning, the microorganisms pref. being of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Actinomyces, Aeromonas, Rhodococcus and the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium.    USE -   For treating water for cleaning food smoking chambers.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste treatment is optimised so that COD loading is reduced, the content of noxious chemicals (polycyclic aromatics and phenols) is minimised and damage to the waste water system (esp. the fat separator) is avoided.
In a process for the prodn. of a reusable raw material from scrap plastics consisting chiefly of PE and PS, a final sorting stage involves centrifuging the plastic to separate off heavier plastics with heteroatoms, esp. PVC and other contaminants. The remaining mixt. is then given a post-treatment to convert the plastic into a raw material which can be used instead of oil or petrochemical prods..    USE -   Used for the conversion of scrap plastics, chiefly polyolefin or polyolefin/polystyrene mixts. from household waste, packaging, electronics etc., into a raw material for use as a fluid.    ADVANTAGE -   The process separates off PVC before post treatment and therefore prevents dioxin formation.
The assembly to give an anaerobic and/or aerobic composting action is in a silo structure, with a number of layers, with gas and fluid sealed entry and outlet openings. It is fitted with gas extraction suction and protective gas overlay.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly gives an anaerobic and/or aerobic rotting action in the same structure for biowaste, vegetation cuttings, domestic waste, sludge, contaminated soil etc..
In a process for the disposal of thermoplastic scrap, the plastic is added to and melts into bitumen or a similar material. Plastics with a higher m.pt. which do not completely melt in the bitumen are sepd. from the mixt. and stored for disposal.    USE -   Used for the disposal of thermoplastic scrap, e.g. PS, polyethylene, PP or nylon.    ADVANTAGE -   The process produces a bitumen prod. with higher physical properties, e.g. compressive strength and avoids dumping of plastic.
Sepn. of 4C hydrocarbons from a gaseous mixt. contg. them, lower hydrocarbons and hydrogen, comprises (a) cooling the gaseous mixt. to a temp. between -60 and +32F. until a portion of the 4C hydrocarbons is condensed; (b) phase sepg. a mixt. of gas and liq. 4C hydrocarbons thus produced in a first phase sepn.; (c) withdrawing liq. from the first phase sepn. as 4C hydrocarbons prod.; (d) withdrawing gas from the first phase sepn. and further cooling it until all the remaining 4C hydrocarbons are condensed but not the hydrogen; (e) subjecting the latter material to a second phase sepn.; (f) withdrawing liq. from the second phase sepn. as liq. 4C hydrocarbon prod.; (g) withdrawing vapour from the second phase sepn. and expanding it isentropically in a first expansion engine to produce a mixt. of liq. and vapour; (h) subjecting the mixt. to a third phase sepn.; (i) withdrawing liq. from the third phase sepn. as liq. 4C hydrocarbon prods. (j) expanding a portion of vapour sepd. in the third phase sepn. isentropically in a second expansion engine; and (k) recovering refrigeration from vapour from the second expansion engine by indirect heat exchange with the original mixt. of gases.    Also claimed is an appts. for sepg. 4C hydrocarbons from their gaseous mixt..    USE -   Sepn. of 4C hydrocarbons, such as isobutene, from their gaseous mixts..    ADVANTAGE -   Isobutene is produced by the catalytic dehydrogenation of isobutane, thereafter sepg. and used in the prodn. of methyl tert. butyl ether, replacing tetraethyl lead as an additive in motor gasoline.
The filter mass, for a biological gas filter, is a loose fragments of fruit pits, taken from opened stone fruit and/or opened shells of hard nuts.    ADVANTAGE -   The filter mass gives a consistent flow-through it, over long periods, with a high cleaning rate in degrading harmful matter.
A coating compsn. for a bi-remediation nutrient contains (a) a satd. fatty acid and (b) an unsatd. fatty acid, in ratio of 70:30-30:70 by wt.    USE -   A compsn. encapsulated in the coating is used to treat oil spills.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. provides slow release of nutrients to microorganisms, e.g. bacteria, yeasts and fungi which degrade oil.
A gas desulphurisation process comprises (a) contacting a gas stream contg. an H2S-contg. natural gas with a liq. scrubber oil under conditions such that the H2S is removed from the gas into the oil, (b) sepg. a prod. gas stream of lowered H2S content and a liq. H2S-contg. scrubber oil, (c) emulsifying the oil with water, (d) adding SO2 to the water-in-oil emulsion and (e) reacting the added SO2 with the H2S in the emulsion.    ADVANTAGE -   Economical method for selective removal of H2S from natural gas at the site of prodn. esp. off shore.
Sludge collector comprises a collector box (1) with an upper inlet (52) and a lower reservoir (54), a guide frame (50) located between the inlet and the reservoir, a weir crest (56), mounted on a weir frame slidably mounted in the guide frame, and a float operatively connected to the weir frame and having a portion located in the lower reservoir of the collection box. Also claimed are the above features in combination with various features of the preferred embodiment, such as the construction of the guide frame (50) and weir frame, a pump (16) located in the lower reservoir and having a single spiral vane impeller, and a pump (20) which recirculates water from the downstream end of the sludge tank (14) back to the upper inlet (52).    USE -   In municipal waste treatment facilities, food preparation, crude oil treatment, to remove floating material form liquids, and in waste water treatment from water wash spray painting facilities.    ADVANTAGE -   Weir operates automatically and continuously to maintain flow rate into the collector box equal the flow rate out, and which is simple to construct, install and maintain.
The method comprises thermally decomposing thermoplastic resin in a thermal decomposition device and cooling and liquefying obtained decomposition gas in a cooling device to be recovered as oil content.    Thermoplastic resin to be treated is supplied to a crusher (2) via a supply means (1) such as a conveyor and guided, after crushed, through a pipe passage (3) into a thermal decomposition device (4) which consists of a thermal decomposition kiln (5) to thermally decompose the thermoplastic resin and a heating furnace (6) to heat it.    ADVANTAGE -   There is no need for exhaust gas treatment to noncondensable gas and emission of treated gas into the atmosphere.
Polypropylene resin composition comprises (a) 100 pts. wt. of a propylene-ethylene block copolymer (PEBC) containing a crystalline polypropylene part (A part) and an ethylene-propylene random polymer part (B part), where the A part amts. to 60-95 wt.% of PEBC and has an MFR of 5-300 g/10min and a density of more than 0.9070 g/cm3, and B part amounts to 5-40 wt.% of PEBC and has an ethylene content of 20-80 wt.% and the PEBC has an MFR of 3-200 g/10min and a ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw)/number average molecular weight (Mn) of 5-10, (b) 3-100 pts. wt. of a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer having a styrene content of 10-20% an Mn of 10,000-50,000, and an MFR of 50-250 g/10 min, (c) 3-100 pts. wt. of at least one filler surface treated with 0.01-8 wt.% of at least one cpd. selected from formulae (I), (II) and (III) and selected from a talc having a length of less than 15 microns and an average aspect ratio of more than 5 and an inorganic whisker having an average dia. of less than 2 m and an average aspect ratio of more than 5, (where R1=hydrocarbon gp. with a molecular weight of 250-500 or hydroxy group-containing monovalent hydrocarbon group. M: Li, K, Sr, or Ba.) and (d) 0-20 pts. wt. of an ethylene rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4100deg. C) of 10-100 and an ethylene content of 40-85 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polypropylene resin compsn. is used for car parts and electrical and electronic parts. It has a balanced mechanical properties, good appearance, and good mouldability.
Producing fertiliser and feed is claimed. Water and brans of corns are added to a dry organic material contg. dead plants or animals to adjust for a water content of 40-70%, mixed bacteria contg. Gram-positive spore-contg. bacteria SKS-1 and -2 and Actinomyces and organic fertiliser-maturing agent contg. SKS-4 and -5 are added to the organic material and it is stirred at 3-60 deg.C.    A mixt. of SKS-1, -2, -4 and -5 which decompose proteins into amino acids, vitamins and hormones is added to chips of woods used for incubating mushrooms.    USE -   For making fertilisers and feeds largely contg. amino acids, vitamins, and hormones.
Waste water contg. carbohydrate e.g. waste water of shochu, or sake e.g. excrement of animals, e.g. waste water of fish or domestic animal treating, is mixed with powder (mixing ratio of 10-80 wt. %) of volcanic rock e.g. shirasu, sand, or city water treatment residue e.g. and clay, and burnt e.g. at 500-1200 deg. C.    ADVANTAGE -   Harmless solid is obtd., and large scale treatment is effected simply. The evapn. of water is unnecessary.
Filler layers upon which deodorising microorganism is fixed are arranged at two stages. The offensive odour gas is passed upwardly through first filler layer, while the gas is being contacted with a controlled amt. of sprayed neutral water during its passage so that the pH of the drain water is not more than 3.0. Exhaust gas from first layer is passed upwardly through a second layer, while exhaust gas is being contacted with a controlled amt. of sprayed neutral water during its passage so that the pH of drain water is 6.0-7.0.    ADVANTAGE -   The deodorising effect is increased using a reduced amt. of sprayed water.
Contaminated air purifier, includes container, soil layer filled in container and allowing propagation of microorganism with air ventilation, air-humidifying unit and device for passing air from humidifier unit through soil layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Air-purifying power possessed by microorganism and soil is effectively exhibited.
A microbe SKB-111 strain excellent in pulp bleaching activity and a method for bleaching pulp in which SKB-111 is inoculated to pulp and then cultured are new.    USE -   The method can be used for the industrial applications of decomposing or degrading lignin and also for wood saccharification.    In an example, SKB111 was cultured in a potato dextrose medium contg. 0.4% potato juice and 2% glucose for 1 week. Then, the microbe body mat formed was pulverised in a Waring blender and the resultant microbe suspension was added to an oxygen-bleached pulp previously sterilised at 120 deg.C for 15 min. to a final pulp concn. of 20% and the mixt. was stood at 30 deg.C for 7 days. Then, 500 ml water was added and the mixt. was opened by a mixer and a sheet was prepd.. The whiteness and the Kappa number of the sheet were measured as 77.5 and 5.1 resp., compared to resp. 57.6 and 9.2 for a control using Coriolus versicolor. The optimum pH range for SKB-111 is 3 to 9. The optimum temp. for SKB-111 is 24 to 37 deg.C. It is positive to phenol oxidase reaction.
A catalyst for the redn. of NOx by methane or any mixt. contg. methane (such as natural gas) in an oxidising atmos., which comprises an MFI-type zeolite exchanged with 0.3-2.0% of Pd, relative to total wt. of catalyst.    Also claimed is the redn. process which gives selective redn. of Nox to N2 and simultaneous oxidn. of CO toCO2 and CH4 to CO2.    USE -   The catalyst can be used in an oxidising medium with CH4-natural gas or petrol in the presence of water and with a low concn. of Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   Former process for redn. of NOx have used other catalysts (such as V2O5 or WO3 or TiO2) which have a limited life, and reducing agents such as NH3 which is difficult to stock. Co-contg. catalysts have been used but these produce cobalt carbonyl cpds., which are toxic.    The catalyst of the invention does not produce toxic cpds. and can thus be used in catalytic convertors in vehicles functioning with natural gas.
Photocatalyst comprises inorganic porous particles (I) with photosemiconductor particles (II) and opt. microorganisms having water purificn. activity deposited on at least part of the surfaces, and at least part of the walls of the pores of (I).    USE -   The photocatalyst is used for purifying water by irradiation with light contg. UV radiation when in contact with water. The catalyst may be conveniently used in processes to kill harmful organisms such as algae, fungi and bacteria, decompose contaminants and deodorise and decolourise H2O.    ADVANTAGE -   The photocatalysts are stable for extended periods and may be used for a variety of photocatalytic reactions. The catalyst is easily sepd. from treated H2O.
The oxidative coupling of methane onto a Mn molecular sieve comprises (a) passing methane through a microwave plasma activation flow reaction zone onto a Mn oxide molecular sieve catalyst to produce polymer-free methane coupled prods. and (b) recovering the prods.    USE -   For oxidative coupling of methane to hydrocarbons esp. ethylene, ethane, propane, acetylene and 4-5C hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   High selectivity and good control of the coupling reaction. The catalyst has high thermal stability and resistance to coking under microwave conditions. Polymer-free prods. are obtd.
Continuous decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons (A) in a gas comprise passing this through a biofilter in which methylotrophic bacterial have been deposited on a carrier, with the help of air contg. EtOH or other C2 cpds.    USE -   The method is used to treat waste gas or air contaminated by (A) that are only poorly absorbed by active charcoal, specifically vinyl chloride.    ADVANTAGE -    The bacteria convert vinyl chloride to HCl and CO2and do not require adaptation to chlorinated hydrocarbons.
A process and assembly aerate bulk grain solids. The assembly consists of at least one stand-alone modular container (125-127) surrounded by a wall with an inlet (131) and outlet (132), and two or more supporting surfaces which are at different levels and on opposite sides to the inlet (131). These surfaces sub-divide the bulk contents of the modular container into two. The lower surface is positioned above the lower container end. The novelty is that the bulk solids are aerated by air flow reversal, and that the raw air may be fully saturated with moisture (Fig. 7).    USE -   The process and assembly aerate organic or inorganic bulk grain solids such as biofilters and traditional composting.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowers costs by simplifying assembly and disassembly, raises the flow resistance by particle separation, controls humidity levels, and lengthens the period in which filters remain effective, minimises space requirements, investment and operating costs.
Compost that contains microorganisms of the type Bacillus subtilis before, during or after its prodn.    USE -   The compost is used. e.g. in agriculture, gardening, municipal works, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The Bacillus subtilis has an antagonistic action on phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi present in the compost, so that the compost need not be steamed or treated with soil disinfecting agents prior to use. This avoids an expensive processing step and gives a compost free from microorganisms causing plant disease whilst retaining benign microorganisms.
Method for cleaning solid industrial and domestic surfaces and articles which are contaminated with organic or lipophilic wastes comprises applying liposomes to the surface or article. The liposomes modify the physical properties of the wastes to increase their polarity and wettability.    USE -   The method is useful for cleaning up sites contaminated with hydrocarbons, esp. petroleum and other wastes, e.g. PCB, pesticides. Also used for cleaning oils, grease, food residues and carbonaceous combustion prods. from domestic articles and surfaces e.g. from floors, tiles, soot-covered kerosene heaters, dishes, glasses, utensils.    ADVANTAGE -   Sites contaminated with hydrocarbons can be cleaned up efficiently at low cost and without affecting the ecology.
An automatic fuel gas monitoring device additionally contains a calculation unit of the instantaneous in integral concn. of gas and a correction for the reading of the concn., a constant memory unit, an energy-independent operative memory unit, a digital indicator, an interface modulator and optron isolation units.    USE -   Testing of fuel gas component in mine atmos., and oil-processing plant.    ADVANTAGE -   Better accuracy, reliability and extended functional, capability.
The removal of spillage oil by a mould fungi comprises; (a) Spraying the mould fungi on spilled oil on a water surface; (b) Forming oil balls; and (c) Collecting and removing the oil balls.    The amt. of the mould fungi is pref., 0.01-0.1 wt.% per oil. A combination of the mould fungi and a nitrogen source or a phosphorus source provides effective spillage oil removal. The oil balls are formed in 1-3 days, at the latest, 10 days.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to remove oil spilled from a tanker. The method efficiently forms the various spilled oil due to tanker accidents into oil balls. The mould fungi exists in the oil balls. The mould fungi prevent contamination in water. The formed oil balls are readily collected.
Agent contains (A) 2-30C fatty acid and/or (B) oil soluble organo P-contg. cpd. and (C) demulsifying agent.    For treatment of oil spill, the treating agent is sprayed over spilled oil in situ and demulsified oil is degraded by natural microorganisms, or water which contg. nutrients for microorganisms is sprayed over the demulsified oil. The treating agent is applied to spilled oil in an amt. of 1 - 50 wt.%.    Pref. (A) are oleic, caproic, octanoic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, valeric, butyric, propionic, erucic and sorbic acids, vegetable oil fatty acid or animal oil fatty acid. (B) includes 8-30C alkylphosphoric ester, alkyl ether phosphoric ester, alkenylphosphoric ester or phospholipid. (A) and/or (B) is used in an amt. of 0.1-20 wt.%. (C) includes alkylene oxide adduct of higher alcohol, alkylene oxide adduct of alkyl-phenol, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer, polyoxyalkylenepolyamine deriv., etc. and it is used in an amt. of 1-50 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oil spill treating agent is used for in-situ biodegradation of spilled oil washed on the shore of the sea or river to prevent pollution.
Environmental protection by dispersion of agrochemicals including bactericidal, insecticidal and herbicidal agents followed by dispersion of cultured soln. of photosynthetic bacteria.    Pref. photosynthetic bacteria (e.g. Ectothiorhospriaceae and Rhodospirilaceae) are aerobically cultured in a conventional nutrient medium at 25-30 deg.C for about 70 hours, and the cultured mixt. is dispersed 2-5 days after dispersion of agrochemicals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Decomposition of agrochemicals within 10 days can be attained by dispersion of the cultured soln. of photosynthetic bacteria 2-5 days after dispersion.    In an example, agrochemicals contg. diazinone at concns. of 34% was dil. to 1000-fold and dispersed and the changes of organic carbon concn. was determined with progress of days. The concn. at day 0, 2, 5 and 10 was 203, 65, 12 and less than 1ppm, respectively, indicating the decomposition of diazinone.
A catalyst carrier (A) made of composite oxide of aluminium and titanium carries at least one metal or its oxide of Ib, Va, VIa, VIIa and VIII group, oxide of rare earth metal, oxide of alkaline earth metal, and zirconium oxide. (A) has a honey comb structure. A honeycomb structured catalyst carrier made of cordierite, mullite, or crystalline composite oxide of MgO, Al2O3, and TiO2 carries the catalytic component.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to oxidise methane efficiently at low temp., under high gas flow rate. This catalyst which has high activity for the oxidn. of methane and high thermal resistance.    In an example, a catalyst carrier (wt. ratio of Al2O3/TiO2 = 50/50) was obtained by filtering, drying and heating (at 500 deg.C), the precipitation formed by the reaction between an aq. soln. contg. aluminium nitrate, and titanium chloride and another aq. soln. of sodium carbonate. The catalyst carrier was pelletised (dia. = 2-4 mm), immersed into an aq. soln. contg. lanthanum nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and zirconium oxy-nitrate (impregnated with 5 wt.% of oxides) then further immersed into an aq. soln. of palladium nitrate (impregnated with 0.5 wt.% of palladium oxide) then heated at 500 deg.C to form a catalyst.
Dust collecting device (7) is composed of a water tank (8) at the bottom, a dust collecting chamber (9) with dusty air intake and clean air exhaust at upper section, and a water shower supplying device (15) connected to the water tank (8). A conveyor (10) is provided in the dust collecting chamber (9) to convey the chaff to some definite thickness. The bottom of the conveyor (10) is a mesh so as to circulate the shower water to the water tank (8) through the grain layer. The inlet edge of the conveyor (10) is connected to the chaff storing chamber (3), while its outlet edge is connected to the fermentation tank (23) to produce compost. An exhaust duct (30) is provided at the dryer (28) to send dry air to the bottom (27) of the fermentation tank (23).    ADVANTAGE -   The device effectively utilises the chaff and the dryer's exhaust heat without generating bad smell and sludge.
Candida sp. M 23-2 which is capable of decomposing petroleums is new.    Candida sp. M 23-2 was registered as FERM P-13540, prepd. from sea soil of Okaya-Mizushima in Japan, showing the colony of white.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The yeast Candida sp. M 23-2 has strong capability of decomposing crude oil, and is used to prevent water pollution of crude oil in the sea, and industrial plants.    In an example, Candida sp. M 23-2 (0.1 ml) prepd. in YM broth at 20 deg.C for 3 days was added to a cultural medium consisting of a base of ammonium nitrate (1g), dipotassium phosphate (20 mg), iron citrate (20 mg), yeast extract (50 mg), sea water (800 ml) and pure water (200 ml), and weathering crude oil (5 mg/ml), and cultured at 20 deg.C for 3 days. The residual oil component was analysed to show the decomposition rate of weathering oil at 20 deg.C was 0.55 mg/ml/day.
Hyphomycetes belonging to Trichoderma gp. are capable of decomposing petroleum.    Pref. the hyphomycetes is Trichoderma sp. A 5-2 registered as FERM P-13541 prepd. from the sea soil in Okayama of Japan, which shows colony of green in centre, and white in circle, and has the ability to decompose petroleum.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The hyphomycetes is useful for decomposition of petroleum, and prevention of water-pollution in rivers and the sea.    In an example, Trichoderma sp. A 5-2 was added to a cultural medium consisting of NSW base (ammonium nitrate 1g, dipotassium phosphate 20 mg, iron citrate 20 mg, sea water 800 ml, and pure water 200 ml), Tween 80 (0.1 mg/ml), and aromatic hydrocarbon (1 mg/ml), and cultured at 30 deg.C for 10 days. The residual oil component in the cultural medium was analysed to show 44.8% decomposition rate of aromatic component.
Treatment of industrial and/or domestic waste comprises a pyrolysis step and a sepn. step in which inert mineral materials are sepd. from carbonaceous materials (to be recovered) on the basis of the difference in their hydrophobicity.    Also claimed is appts. for the above purpose, comprising means for drying, degasification, and sepn. as above.    ADVANTAGE -   Low-ash solid fuel can be recovered from the pyrolysis char.
Composting of organic matter, esp. waste (e.g. domestic or similar waste) by microbial breakdown while supplying a mixt. of pure O2 and waste air, comprises: (a) re-supplying the CO2 present in the waste air to the composting material; and (b) sepg. the water content from the waste air to leave the composting material. Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out the above process, consisting of a closed container with air feed and exhaust equipment, through which the waste air is re-supplied to the container, where a waste air-filter is not provided.    ADVANTAGE -   The process avoids the costs of CO2 removal from the waste air without deleterious effect on microbial breakdown by the increasing CO2 content in the waste air circuit.
A thickened aq. sulphamic acid compsn. contains, as thickener, a succino-glycan-type hetero-polysaccharide stabilised by potassium sulphamate.    Pref., the hetero-polysaccharide is obtained from fermentation of a carbohydrate by a strain of microorganisms belonging to the Agrobacterium genus, esp,. the Agrobacterium radiobacter, Agrobacterium rhizogenes and Agrobacterium tumefaciens species.    USE -   For treatment of surface covered with mineral and/or organic deposits (claimed), e.g., for descaling sanitary ware.    ADVANTAGE -   The thickener has long term effectiveness.
Facility for removal, or rather for separation, of materials of different density from a mixture of materials, particularly foreign bodies such as stones, pieces of wood, pottery or plastics fragments, etc. from comminuted crude compost, being novel in that it possesses an essentially horizontally arranged sieve screen (14) for receiving the crude mixture, that executes vibrating or oscillating motion counter to the throughput direction of the material to be separated and is provided with moving guide vanes (27) arranged essentially transverse to the referred material throughput direction, above the vibrating screen (14), where a laterally extending belt conveyor (4) is provided below the vibrating screen (14) to carry away the undersize falling through the screen (14), and where at least one blowing duct (12) from a blower (43) is arranged below the end face (11) of this conveyor rejecting foreign material.    USE -   Solids separation, particularly removal of e.g. stones; pieces of wood, metal or glass; and plastics material from comminuted crude refuse in the production of horticultural compost products.    ADVANTAGE -   Removal both of components which are more dense and less dense than the desired mainstream product material.
The continuous process for the elimination of hydrocarbons in a gas recirculates the laden washing soln. in a washer (1) and a bioreactor to degrade the hazardous matter. Ethanol and ether as used as the washing soln..    USE -   The process is for the processing of active carbon soiled with hydrocarbons in cleaning exhaust gas or air, and for processing exhaust gas laden with monochlorethene.    ADVANTAGE -   The technique removes the light volatile hydrocarbons from the stripping, or generally from all exhaust gases, with immediate degrading of the hazardous matter.
Converting lignocellulosic biomass-to-ethanol comprises: (a) providing a biomass material selected from: unmodified carbohydrate material, chemically modified carbohydrate material, derivatised carbohydrate material and mixts. of these; (b) providing a glucose-contg. fluid from the carbohydrate material by enzymatic, chemical, physical or mechanical pre-treatment or a combination of these; (c) treating this fluid in a fermenter with a fermentative microorganism selected from: yeasts e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Brettanomyces custersii, bacteria e.g. Clostridium thermocellum, Zymomonas mobilis and Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus, and Fungi; at 20-50C. and pH 3.0-7.0; (d) sepg. the cell mass from the material and solns. surrounding the cell mass and recycling back to the fermenter to provide a source of nutrients for the fermentative organism; and (e) extracting ethanol from the fermentation broth by distn., an extracting solvent or by using membranes.    ADVANTAGE -   Recycling part or all of the effluent stream of fermenters minimises exogenous addn. of nutrients to the fermenter, reducing nutrient costs, and reduces the vol. of process effluents that require waste treatment.
Solid organic waste and sludge are admitted through an opening into a vessel where they are mixed together. The vessel also has a gas input, temp. control, a gas outlet and an outlet for a biodegradable prod. First growth conditions are imposed on the mixt. These are a temp. of 165-200F, a gaseous water concn. of 25-40% and an oxygen gas concn. which promotes the growth of thermophilic microorganisms to produce a thermophilic biodegradation prod. Should the prod. contain insufficient mesophilic microorganisms, a second mixt. is formed of a mesophilic microorganism and the thermophilic biodegradation prod. Second growth conditions are imposed on this mixt. These are a temp. of 145-164F, a gaseous water concn. of 25-45% and an oxygen gas concn. sufficient to promote the growth of one or more mesophilic microorganisms to form a mesophilic biodegradation prod.    USE -   Solid organic waste materials, e.g. agricultural, industrial or municipal organic solid waste are co-processed with sludge derived from agricultural, industrial or municipal sources. The resulting prod. is suitable for application to soil.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is completed in a continuous 3-5 day period in a single vessel. The use of a single vessel eliminates rodents, flies and odours.
A culturing substrate for gp. Pleurotus fungi contains, among others, ex distillery herbal plant residues. The substrate contains (all wt.%): 50 coriander fruit waste; 47 fir tree needles, these may be substd. by pine needles; 3 calcium carbonate. The growing medium is placed in perforated polyethylene sacks, polyethylene lined crates or polyethylene covered cans.
In the mfr. of fermented fertiliser from fowl droppings and waste liquor of low-class distilled spirits: waste liquor is added continuously to fowl droppings in the range where a fermentation temp. against fowl droppings can be maintained, and they are mixed; and, repeating the adding and the mixing, they are fermented for a given period of time, increasing the added waste liquor until a desired amt. of waste liquor is reached.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to mfr. fermented fertiliser from fowl droppings and waste liquor of low-class distilled spirits. By the use of this method: (1) fermented fertiliser including the fertiliser components derived from the waste liquor about twice conventional ones can be obtd.: and (2) the time required for one fermentation treatment can be reduced by about 2/3.
Appts. is composed of a lateral tank equipped with two horizontal rotating shafts (20,20'), each having an agitating blade (30,30') to transport the raw garbage. Slits (70) or holes for drainage are provided along the bottom of the garbage throwing tank. The fore- slit (70) or hole has a form enlarging from inside towards the outside of the tank, and compressed water spouting devices (80) are provided near the slits (70) or holes outside the tank to facilitate cleaning.    ADVANTAGE -   Composting appts. facilitating water drainage from the garbage disposal tank, promoting composting in the succeeding stages.
Compost process appts. is composed of a lateral tank equipped with two horizontal rotating shafts (20,20'), each having an agitating blade (30,30') transporting raw garbages. The central distance L of the rotating shafts (20,20') is made to range from the shortest one to avoid contact between blades (30,30') to the longest one to prevent remainder of garbage between the outermost circular arcs formed by rotating blades (30,30'). The inside wall of the tank below the horizontal plane FF' contg. the two rotating axes PP' has a slight clearance C between the outermost circular-arc-shaped loci of the blades (30,30'). The inside walls of the tank above the plane FF' are inclined inward with the angle theta-. The ratio L to 2r is 0.65-1.05, where r is radius of agitating blade (30,30'); the foregoing clearance C ranges from 10-50 mm, and the foregoing angle theta ranges from 5-30 deg..    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively prevents remainder of garbage in tank.
A furnace, for reduced pressure pyrolytic destruction of organic industrial waste, has a sealed tubular chamber (1), a pump assembly (4) connected to the chamber via a condenser (2), a waste charging system (11,18) and a heating system (15).    The novelty is that the heating system consists of bare electrical resistances (15) extending rectilinearly parallel to the main axis within the chamber (1), the resistances (15) being heated to at least 1200C by passage of current supplied by an external source (19).    ADVANTAGE -   The furnace produces practically complete pyrolysis of the waste at reduced pressure and at a mean chamber temp. of 400-600C, any molecules which are stable at this temp. being dissociated by the radiation emitted by the resistances.
In a horizontal fermenter with a stirrer fixed on a shaft, the shaft is divided and supported, the centre-bearings (2,3) of the divided shaft being located in a bearing shaft (4) of the fermenter, the bearing shaft (4) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stirrer shaft.    USE -   Esp. in large capacity fermenters, pref. for fermenting bio-waste such as biogenic organic kitchen and garden waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The centre-bearings are accessible and opt. replaceable in the operating state of the fermenter.
Selective decontamination of heavy metals from ecotoxic, risk-associated media, esp. water, sludge, sediment, silt or soil contaminated with heavy metals, comprises contacting the medium with treated vitalised or devitalised biomaterial obtd. from marine macro-algae.    ADVANTAGE -   The algae are easily sepd. from water and from sludge and may be used for the decontamination of media permeable to light.
(AT9300926-A)      (To be reissued in later week based on complete specification).
In an oil extracting device, a thermal decomposition device (1) comprises a heating oven (5); an agitating member (10) to agitate synthetic resin in the heating oven (5); and a heating furnace (6) to heat the heating oven (5). The thermal decomposition device (1) is coupled to a discharge device (30) having a forced delivery member (30B) to forcibly discharge scales in the discharge cylinder (30A). The discharge cylinder (30) has a gap closing member (30) or is provided with a piston (3D). Scales accumulated on the bottom of the heating oven (5) are agitated by the agitating member (10) and transferred to the feed side of the discharge cylinder (30A) and discharged by the forced delivery member (30B).    ADVANTAGE -   Scales thermally decomposed to produce residues are efficiently discharged by a discharging device. The thermal decomposition device is continuously operated and waste plastic is efficiently treated to extract oil through very simple maintenance.
A garbage disposer has three fermenter chambers (41, 42, 43) each having an independent stirring/transfer device (57, 48, 59), which is designed to operate at different speed according to the condition of the garbage in that chamber. Garbage initially enters the first fermenter chamber (41); it is progressively fermented during its sequential transfer from the first (41) to the last chamber (43).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to dry and process various garbage items into fine powder. This set-up with independent control for each chamber provides optimum operational speed throughout the process for efficient garbage fermentation.
A garbage disposer has three neighbouring fermenter chambers (41, 42, 43) each heated to a different temperature by individual heaters (48, 9, 50). Garbage initially enters the first fermenter chamber (41) to be heated and stirred, before being transferred to the neighbouring chambers (42, 43) in which the garbage undergoes heating and stirring for progressive fermentation under optimum temperatures, until it is dried into fine powder and discharge from an outlet (47).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to dry and process various garbage items into fine powder. This set-up realises efficient fermentation owing to the optimum temperature setting in each chamber.
Dewatered garbage is continuously moved inside a treating vessel divided into sections in the presence of fermenting microbe, while stirring under heating. The obtd. dried fine powder is automatically discharged from the treating vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Garbage may be continuously dried and converted to finely powdery organic compost or soil improver.
Garbage disposer has a garbage storage hopper freely disconnectable from the disposer body; a rotary blade capable of turning within the hopper to stir and granulate the garbage; a blower sending air into the hopper to promote the dehydration of the garbage. Garbage is placed in the hopper together with aerobic soil bacteria and peat moth, before the rotary blade is rotated and the blower started with the hopper maintained at a certain temp. by the heater. The garbage will be decomposed by the soil bacteria, stirred and dehydrated into solid granules.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to dispose household garbage and produce stink-non-odorous solid fertiliser granules. Unlike conventional designs with insufficient garbage decomposition or with large structure intended for complete decomposition, this simple set-up is designed for reasonable stink-free garbage decomposition and for producing granules easy to handle as fertiliser or for disposal. Also, the original weight and volume of garbage are greatly reduced.
A partial oxidn. process for the prodn. of synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas comprises reacting a hydrocarbonaceous fuel comprising a solid hydrocarbonaceous fuel opt. with liq. liq. or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, also contg. halide, alkali metal cpds., S, N and inorganic ash-contg. cpds., by partial oxidn. with a free-oxygen contg. gas in a free-flow vertical refractory-lined partial oxidn. gas generator to produce a hot raw gas stream of temp. 980-1650 deg.C and contg. H2, CO, CO2, H2O, CH4, NH3, HCN, HCl, HF, H2S, COS, N-2, Ar and also contg. particulate matter and vapour phase alkali metal cpds. and molten slag.    The process is characterised by: (a) splitting the hot raw gas stream into two streams (A) and (B), (b) introducing (A) into a gas deslagging zone, removing molten slag and a slipstream of hot raw gas, sepg. molten slag from the slipstream in a gas quenching zone to produce a quenched slag-free raw gas stream G and removing a hot raw gas stream E free from particulate matter and molten slag, (c) quenching (B) in water, sepg. slag and particulate matter and sepg. a clean stream of water-satd. raw gas C, (d) dewatering and demisting (C) to produce a raw gas stream (D) and mixing (E) and (D) to produce a raw gas stream (H) at temp. 930-1260 deg.C, cooling by indirect heat exchange to 820-1010 deg.C and (e) mixing together raw gas streams (G) and (H).    USE -   For prodn. of hot clean synthesis, reducing or fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas is free from entrained particulate solids and gaseous impurities including ammonia, halides, vapour phase alkali metal cpds. and S. Does not contaminate the atmos. when combusted as fuel gas in e.g. a gas turbine. Does not deactivate synthesis catalyst during synthesis reaction.
Conversion of waste plastics to useful prods. is effected by: (a) melting the plastics; (b) degassing the melt to remove volatiles, e.g. water, inorganic acids and cracked prods.; (c) adding corresp. additives if the plastics contain halogen or have a high coking tendency; (d) mixing the melt with a side stream of visbreaker feed at a temp. below 300 C such that the wt. ratio of plastics to visbreaker feed is more than 1:1; (e) recombining the side stream with the main visbreaker feed stream in a ratio of 1:10-40 to give a combined feed contg. up to 10 wt.% plastics; and (f) subjecting the combined feed to visbreaking in known manner.    ADVANTAGE -   Addn. of waste plastics as above does not upset the operation of the visbreaker.
A waste treatment system chops and grinds waste, and passes it into an enzyme bath (10) with pH and temp. adjustable by a controller to maintain conditions for killing microorganisms and reducing waste vol. before removing it (28) from the bath. Different enzymes may be introduced into the bath at various times, or the material may be transferred between the bath and a second enzyme bath. Waste containers are pref. opened using a vacuum source or a fluid-filled tank to prevent the escape of microorganisms.    USE -   The system is used partic. for disposal of medical waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The system can destroy a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and viruses on a wide variety of objects, and can significantly reduce waste vol.
Simpler hydrocarbons (I) are obtained from complex hydrocarbons (II) by (a) charging (II) to a reactor; (b) heating (II) to 95-260C or to a temp. approaching the softening point of (II) in a substantially oxygen-free environment; (c) irradiating (II) with radiation of wave length 1-400 nm and intensity 50-450 MJ/cm2 to excite and break chemical bonds and produce (I); irradiation is carried out for sufficient time to vaporise a substantial proportion of (II); and (d) recovering (I).    USE -   (II) is esp. waste plastics (organic polymers); it may be oil shale or tar sand material. Product (I) is suitable for use as a fuel.
Solid organic matter is composted in an airtight thermally-insulated composter with an air supply and moist outlet air cooled so that a major part of the ammonia is absorbed by the condensate, which is returned to the composter.    Also claimed is a composter comprising air-tight thermally insulated walls (4) and a top (6) which delineate a space for holding the compost mass, There is at least one opening (1), pipe or similar intake for the entry of the inlet air to the composter and at least one exit opening (7), pipe or similar outlet for the exit of air from the composter.    The composter communicates with a cooler (9, 15)of the outlet air and with an ammonia absorber (8, 14).    ADVANTAGE -   The composter provides more complete composting in a shorter time without tumbling or mixing the material, reduces moisture and nitrogen losses, and minimises odour nuisance.
A plant for composting material, which is introduced into a number of initial zones (4) and conveyed through intermediate zones (5,6) to final zones (7) from where it is removed, has: fresh air conveyed (22,23) through the intermediate zones (5,6), and part of the discharged air conveyed (25) through at least one initial zone (4) to heat it. Air discharged from the initial and intermediate zones (5,6) is passed through the final zones (7) for odour purification before discharge from the plant.    Also claimed is a process for composting material by conveying it through successive zones and recirculating air discharged from intermediate zones to initial zones, and passing air through final zones for odour purificn. before discharge.    USE -   Organic waste is composted, with discharged air being deodorised.    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid and efficient heating of waste to process temp. is obtd. Process rate and efficiency are significantly increased. An external odour-purificn. plant is unnecessary, reducing down-time.
The refuse is passed through the heating chamber (1), where the organic material undergoes thermal decomposition, forming volatile products. The volatile products are removed through the channels (3, 4) and are condensed in the cooling chamber (2) and recovered. The refuse is fed into the heating chamber by the screw feeder (0) and the solid residue, mainly metal and glass, is removed by the unloading screw (5). The condensed products are removed from the cooling chamber by the unloading screw (6).    USE -   For treating domestic and industrial refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced energy consumption.
Organic component is mixed with C-contg. components and a part of the recirculated product, and the mixt. is adjusted to 60-65% moisture content and 3-10 mm. particle size by additional stirring and grinding, sieving and blowing through with air. Subsequent fermentation is followed by leaving the mixt. in the open. The product is collected in a bunker, from which it is transferred to a dugout.    USE -   The compost is used in the mfr. of fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher quality product is obtd. more efficiently.
A batch type activated sludge tank with a pH meter is changed over either an anaerobic operation or an aerobic one in accordance with the detected pH.    USE -   For automatic selection of anaerobic operation, basing on the concn. of organic materials.
Deodorisation of animal excreta comprises contacting the faeces with an aq. compsn. contg. (a) H2O2, (b) an organic peroxide and (c) 1 mineral acid.    USE -   The deodorised excreta is used as agricultural fertiliser (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and harmless. The compsn. is stable, needs no pre-treatment before application, and does not harm the environment.
To decompose the organic components of a material, held within an enclosed container for composting, the amount of air fed is used as a setting value to bring it close to the composting temp. (19). During the temp. increase phase (14), the ventilation is set to come to a temp. level with max. increase rate to reduce the heating time. The decomposition rate of the product is set through the given decomposition time within a decomposition phase (17).    ADVANTAGE -   The decomposition temp. is achieved with a min. time delay, and the composition of the rotted material can be structured.
Container for composting the organic components of the contained material comprises an air guide channel (14) along at least part of 1 side wall (15) of the container (6), near an inner surface (36). It is linked to an opening within the container (6) for an air feed.    ADVANTAGE -   The container assembly can be fed with heated air during the winter and thus can continue with intensive decomposition of material into a compost.
An polyethylene foam structure comprises a substantially linear polyethylene having: (a) melt flow ratio (I10/I2) at least 5.63; (b) mol.wt. distribution (Mw/Mn) greater than ((I10/I2)-4.63); and (c) a critical shear rate at onset of surface melt fracture at least 50% greater than that on a linear olefin polymer having about the same I2 and Mw/Mn.    USE -   In the prodn. of foam structures for sporting and leisure applications, as well as cushioning.    ADVANTAGE -   The foams have foam quality similar to conventional LDPE but with enhanced toughness and elasticity
The plant comprises a container (1) with necks (2-16), divided into chambers for acid, alkaline and methane fermentation, with mixing and heat-exchange devices (17). The acid and alkaline fermentation chambers are divided into communication sub-chamber sections (18, 19) for fat decomposition, and (20-22) for protein and carbohydrate decomposition.    USE -   For the production of methane.
Appts. comprises a pyroligneous acid extracting unit branched at the outside of a tubular carbonising chamber contg. a rotatable screw having pressure rings, and pyroligneous acid drain nozzle attached to the wall of the chamber.    USE -   For treating wood wastes.
In the mfr. of microbial organic fertiliser, the droppings of domestic fowls to which fused phosphate, oil cake, rice bran, fish droppings, powder of bones, and powder of crustacea are added are mixed properly, and fermented.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in soil improvement. The fertilizer has a large effect on crops having fruit, and the degree of sugar is raise by 3 to 4 degrees.    In an example, as the materials 70.0 wt.% of droppings of domestic fowls, 12.0 wt.% of fused phosphate, 5.0 wt.% of oil cake, 5.0 wt.% of rice bran, 1.5 wt.% of fish droppings, 5.0 wt.% of powder of bones, and 1.5 wt.% of crustacea powder are mixed. They are fermented at a fermentation temp. of 60 to 65 deg. C injecting air being stirred periodically.
Compost compsns. prepd. by fermentation of a mixt. of porous calcium silicate hydrate (partic. having pore sizes of 15 mm or less), and coffee and/or various tea wastes are new. Further details of 6 calcium silicates are disclosed in the claims.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Obtd. compost compsns. have pH 8.0 or lower for soil conditioning with improved water retention, and water and air permeability.
Device comprises a disposing tank (5) having a charge port (2); a disposing medium (20) contained in the disposing tank (5) and culturing bacteria to decompose and dispose of the garbage; an agitating vane (9) in the disposing tank (5) and rotationally driven by an electric motor (13) to mix the disposing medium (20) and the garbage; and fixed teeth (19) near the agitating vane (9) and crushing the garbage between the agitating vane (9) and the fixed teeth.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Garbage is crushed between an agitating vane and the fixed teeth, so that garbage is decomposed and disposed of rapidly and simply and garbage disposing efficiency may be improved. Durability is improved.
The phosphoric acid type fuel battery device uses carbon dioxide materials gas which is burnt in combustion part (3) and the modifier (2) is heated to form hydrogen from materials gas and steam. The combustion part and modifier also generate part of the hydrogen using the catalyst tank (6) using fuel such as methanol, methane etc. Also hydrogen is generated by the electrolytic tank (7) using dump power when demand for power is low. The hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage device (8) for use when power demand increases.    The carbon dioxide at the modifier outlet and the surface hydrogen from the phosphoric acid type fuel battery are made to react to form the fuel. As the carbon dioxide is recycled, the amount of environmental discharge of carbon dioxide is reduced.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency of battery due to transformation of carbon dioxide to fuel and recycling. Simplifies control system. Improves reliability.
Desulphurisation of (G) an exhaust gas contg. hydrogen sulphide comprises introducing (G) gas into (M) a culture medium contg. a (M1) an eosinophil and high temp. stable bacteria capable of oxidising sulphur, with maintaining temp. of 70-95 deg.C and pH of 1.5-3.    (M2) an iron ion can be added into (M) culture medium in an amt. of 50-200 ppm.    The geothermal power plant comprises sepg. hot water took out from the producing well into steam and (G) exhaust gas contg. hydrogen sulphide, desulphurising (G) gas by the method to give sulphuric acid is returned into the reducing well together with hot water generated by producing power.    (M1) bacteria for oxidising sulphur is e.g. Sulfolobus acidocaldarius strain 7.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method gives effective and simple treatment of a lot of exhaust gas contg. hydrogen sulphide in a geothermal power plant, resulting in reduced air pollution.
The plant to process solid organic waste has a container to hold the waste, with a mechanism to grind it, and a processing unit to move and ferment the ground material. An external heat exchanger takes the steam, contained in gas extd. from the processing unit, to condense the steam and pass out the liq. condensation. The gas is recirculated in a path within the processing vessel and through the heat exchanger and part of the generated gas is released into the ambient environment.    USE -   The plant is for communal organic waste and waste from the foodstuff industry, to be given an aerobic processing to convert the waste for further use.    ADVANTAGE -   The system gives a continuous waste processing, without damage to the environment and without smell or noise emissions.
A mobile material processing machine is carried by a support frame on a wheeled undercarriage with a tandem axle, with temporarily releasable connectors between frame and undercarriage permitting relative lengthwise adjustment. The connectors are pref. bolts extending through facing longitudinal members of frame and undercarriage. The frame may include I-beams with series of spaced elongate bolt holes in the lower flanges. The tandem axle pref. includes a pair of wheels engaged by a pair of drive rolls connected via respective shafts to a common drive motor.    USE -   The machine can be used e.g. as a sieving or shredding unit. The waste material to be shredded includes boughs, branches and pieces of trees.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine allows an effective load to be maintained on a towing vehicle on shift in the centre of gravity due to addition or removal of equipment.
A cooling device is equipped with a system contg. a compressor, a damper and connecting pipes and is filled with a cooling medium. The cooling medium comprises a mixt. of a Cl-free cooling agent, a mineral lubricating oil and one or more of propane, isobutane, cyclopropane or dimethyl ether.    A method for the fabrication of the cooling device is also claimed, in which the above cooling agent replaces a Cl-based cooling material.    USE -   A cooling device which utilises a Cl-free cooling agent e.g. R-134a.    ADVANTAGE -   Cl-free cooling agents e.g. R-134a are more environmentally acceptable and can replace chlorofluorocarbons.
An emptying device for the mixing container of a waste treatment biogas plant is arranged at the lower end of the mixing container and comprises a lock with inclined valves at the inlet and outlet ends. The valves are inclined to prevent the discharged material from jamming them.    USE -   For the controlled, periodic discharge of the mixing container in a biogas plant.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a means for the removal of undesired components from the biogas plant mixing container continually and periodically without interrupting the actual process.
Moving floor conveyor has a conveying surface formed by longitudinally movable planks arranged side by side and supported on guides (2). Several planks are moved forward as a unit and then moved back one by one or successively a small number at a time. Air passages (3) have knives or scrapers (7) to remove material infiltrating them as the planks move.    Pref., the passages are recesses in the upper surfaces of the guide with cover wings (6) on at least one edge of the planks to close them off. The knives or scrapers (7) protrude into the recesses.    USE -   Used for composting manure or waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Air passages in floor do not become blocked.
Metal salts are removed from geothermal brine or sludge by: (a) preparing a mixt. of microorganisms including at least one Thiobacillus strain that solubilises metal salts at temps. of at least 50 deg.C; (b) contacting the brine or sludge with the mixt. in an aq. environment at a temp. of at least 50 deg.C; (c) incubating until the metal salts are solubilised; and (d) removing the solubilised metal components.    Also claimed are biologically pure cultures of T. ferrooxidans ATCC 53987 and T. thiooxidans ATCC 55020.    The Thiobacillus strain is T. ferrooxidans ATCC 53982-53987 (esp. 53987) or T. thiooxidans ATCC 55019, 55020, 53990 or 55009 (esp. 55020). The microorganism mixt. is cultured to maximum growth and then added to the brine or sludge. The aq. environment has a pH of 1-2 and a temp. of 50-80 (esp. 50-60) deg.C. The incubation time is 14-25 hr..    USE -   The process may be used to remove toxic metals (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cu and Mn) by converting their insoluble sulphides to soluble sulphates.
The waste material (3) is loaded into the annular chamber between the central inner shell (5) and the outer concentric shell (2) with external heating element (1). Steam is admitted through the pipe (14) and the surplus pyrolysis gas is removed by the pipe (15). The sleeve (18), with apertures corresp. to the apertures in the shell (5), allows the pyrolysis gases to pass through the layer of inert material (9) and after mixing with the steam, to pass through the layer of inert material (8). Perforated plates (10, 11) support the layers of inert material (8, 9) in the shell (5). The perforated plate (12) improves the distribution of the pyrolysis gases. The bottom of the shell (2) is supported by the conical fitting (19) on the fixed support (20). The shell (2) is closed by the lid (4).    USE -   Used for treating waste material contg. organic substances.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved effectivenss of the treatment.
The tank (1) is divided by partitions (2) into a pit (I), sections of acidic fermentation (II), regression of acidic fermentation (III), alkaline (IV) fermentation, water clarification (V), methane fermentation and water collector. The sections (II,III,IV) have pipes (6) connected to gas fans (7), and the sections (II,IV) are provided with sewage gas closed circulation systems. The sections (I,II,III,IV,V) one covered by individual impermeable low strength partitions, above which is located an additional partition. The sections (II,III), (III,IV) and (IV,V) are sepd. by rows of bundles of elastic strings (13) located above the perforated pipes (6).     Diluted effluent at 80-90 deg.C is charged continuously via the pipe (3) into the section (1), and from the latter into section (11). In the latter, organic material mixed by jets of gas ejected through the pipes (6) perforations is converted by bacteria into acids, alcohols, and gases. The strings (13) and gas jets form screens allowing through liq. and gaseous cpds. only. Proteins and carbohydrates are decomposed in the sections (III,IV), and in the section (V), watered sludge passes through a filtering bed. In the methane fermentation section, CO2 is reduced to methane by H2formed by decomposition of water.    USE -   Prodn. of sewage gas rich in methane from pigsty effluent mixed with chicken droppings.    ADVANTAGE -   The produced gas has higher calorific value due to increased methane content.
(JP6267564-A)   NOVELTY - An oxidizing-agent supplying-flow board (40) comprises an oxidizing-agent flow path (39) whose width is decreased gradually along down-stream flow-path region, to emit water content produced by reaction of fuel and oxidizing agent, from cathode pole at favorable flow rate.    USE - Solid-polymer-electrolyte fuel cell (SPFC).    ADVANTAGE - Stable cell reaction is maintained.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the front and side views of the solid-polymer-electrolyte fuel cell. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    electrolyte (32)    catalyst electrodes (33,34)    carbon electrodes (35,38)    oxidizing-agent flow path (39)    oxidizing-agent supplying-flow board (40)
Prodn. of a carbon molecular sieve suitable for use in the sepn. of gases comprises (a) treating a thermoset phenolic resin with Gp. IA cations in a total quantity of 1x10-6 to 1x10-2 moles per mole of carbon in the final molecular sieve prod.; and (b) carbonising the thermoset phenolic resin by heating to 600-1000C while maintaining a reduced pressure over the material being carbonised at least while the carbon is being heated at above 500C. A method for sepg. oxygen and nitrogen by pressure swing adsorption using the carbon made as above is also claimed.    USE -   These molecular sieves are partic. suitable for use in the sepn. of gases, esp. the sepn. of nitrogen and oxygen by pressure swing absorption, or of carbon dioxide and methane.    ADVANTAGE -   This process does not require the use of expensive organic pore forming polymers and uses a synthetic starting material which can be produced under controlled conditions.