TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Zeolite: The zeolite comprises a biofilm of microorganisms and/or enzymes. It is treated with microorganisms and/or enzymes. The microorganisms are heterotrophic bacteria.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The filter equipment further comprises a compartment with zeolite with a particle size of 0.2-10 preferably 0.2-4 mm, and an additional compartment with zeolite with a particle size of 10-30 mm for pre-filtration purposes. The zeolite is mordenite. The filter equipment comprises an additional compartment comprising zeolite treated with 0.001-2 preferably 0.01-1 wt.% Ag+, and an additional compartment with zeolite treated with 30-70 preferably 40-60 wt.% aluminum-iron-salts (Al-Fe-salts).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The compartment is aerated. The wastewater is re-circulated in the filter equipment.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Plant: The separation plant (1) contains a biogas plant (3).Preferred Method: The biogas is compressed via a gas compressor and subsequently washed under pressure using water or ammonia produced from the separation plant (1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The mixing step comprises blending the fluoropolymer and the adjuvant in a liquid solution comprising a fluorinated solvent. It comprises dissolving the fluoropolymer in a first fluorinated solvent to form a first solution of 0.5-10 wt.% fluoropolymer in the first fluorinated solvent. The adjuvant is dissolved in a second fluorinated solvent to form the liquid solution of the uniform composition dissolved in the fluorinated solvent. The fabricating step comprises evaporating the fluorinated solvent from the liquid solution to produce a solvent free membrane of the composition. It further comprises spraying the liquid solution to a surface of a porous substrate prior to evaporating the fluorinated solvent.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The adjuvant is perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene. EXAMPLE - PDD/TFE/maleic anhydride (MA) and a PP11 oligomer had a polymer to adjuvant ratio of 3. The selectivity achieved by the blend demonstrated superior performance beyond the recognized empirically determined historical maximum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus may include an air supply for introducing air into the decomposition chamber. The apparatus may include an additional conveyor for removing the composting material (claimed).
ADMINISTRATION - 1-10 %, by weight in soil.    EXAMPLE - Trichloroethylene polluted soil was dredged up till 10 m depth and mixed with 2-6 %, by weight of the recovered digested liquid. The mixed soil was covered with a vinyl sheet and allowed to stand for 9 months under anaerobic condition. The residual trichloroethylene was determined with ECD-gas chromatography. No numerical residual rate is disclosed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The saccharide-containing liquid (sugar liquid) in the treatment point (A) is subjected to solid-liquid separation and the solid content is removed. The sugar liquid obtained after the separation is concentrated and conveyed to point (B). The solid content removed is burned and the heat energy released is used for concentrating the sugar liquid. The solid content is conveyed to treatment point (B) and burned. The heat energy released is used for concentrating the sugar liquid. The cellulose waste material is saccharified after the reaction solution is conveyed. The enzyme conveyance and saccharide conveyance are performed using the same conveyance unit. Preferred Products: L-lactic acid and ethanol are produced as fermentation products.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The cellulose group waste material is waste material containing used paper.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Enzyme: The enzyme conveyed is a liquid cellulase containing an end glucanase.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The integration system further comprises cracked distillate drum (32), oil recovery tower (55) connected to the drum through the connection line (51), flow regulating valves (50a-50e) for transduction, connection and branch lines, heating burner (37) which burns the fuel and connected to the oil recovery tower, and control apparatus (60).Preferred Process: The drum guides and stores the decomposition gas. A portion of light gas generated from the drum is introduced to the fuel cell through the transduction line (43). The flow regulating valves are controlled by the control apparatus depending upon the electricity generation load of the fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Properties: The microorganism produces a surface active substance which is capable of decomposing the oil component. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microorganisms are Klebsiella MI29 (FERM P-18089) and Corynebacterium MI148 (FERM P-18090).    EXAMPLE - 1 ml of a pre-culture of Klebsiella MI29 in an LB culture medium and a pre-culture solution of Corynebacterium MI148 were inoculated in 100 ml of modified salt culture medium containing 1 wt.% of used motor vehicle engine oil. The medium was cultivated for 7 days under 30degreesC. The oil components were extracted using a chloroform-methanol solution (3:1), after culture finishing from the culture solution. The residual amount of oil components was measured and the decomposition ratio was calculated. The result showed that the oil component decomposition ratio of Klebsiella MI29 was 15.64% and the oil component decomposition ratio of Corynebacterium MI148 was 17.78%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: Mixture M.1 at a predetermined first temperature is passed through a first catalyst to convert O2 to CO2 and steam and the resultant second mixture (M.2) at a predetermined second temperature is passed through a second catalyst to produce (I) by an endothermal reaction at elevated temperature. A sub-stoichiometric amount of air or gas containing O2 is added to (II). (II) is produced by catalytic conversion of the peak-load gas and (I) by catalytic conversion of (II), preferably according to equations (1) and (2) respectively: Both catalysts are commercially-available combustion catalysts. (I) is passed to the anode side of the fuel cell, preferably to keep the cell at the operating temperature. (II), from which (I) is produced, may be liquefied gas.Preferred Equipment: The array has means of producing M.1 by mixing (II) with air or other gas containing O2 and a unit containing the first and second catalysts.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Device: The compound oxide is especially made by compounding not less than 1 of Mo, W, Re and Zr, in which the atom percentage ratio of Mo, W and/or Re in the compound oxide is higher than that of the noble metal. Such compound catalyst is in the form of a solid-fusion body. The catalyst body (1) is preferably ion-exchanged with or supported on:(i) one or more elements of Fe, Cr, Ce, Re, Mo, W, Cu; and(ii) at least one noble metal of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru and a zeolite.Alternatively the catalyst body (1) is preferably ion-exchanged with or supported on a mixture of the metal oxide or compound oxide containing one or more noble metals of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru and zeolite. The zeolite is composed mainly of silica and alumina, with the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of not less than 4, which can be of Y type, L type, mordenite type, ZSM-5 type or beta type. The compound oxide is particularly made from Fe and Cr, Fe and Ni, or Fe, Cr and Ni. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide, with particle diameter of 10 nm to 1 micrometer, which can contain Fe2O3 and/or Fe3O4 and has magnetism. EXAMPLE - A catalyst was obtained by supporting Mo0.01 Zr0.99 oxide and 0.5 mol.% Pt on e.g. zeolite. When a reformed gas was treated, CO concentration in the purified hydrogen was 0.3 %. When tested at 400 degrees C, the methane concentration was 0.3 %.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The enzymes are from hyperthermophilic Archaea especially Sulfolobus solfataricus. The enzymes are selected from glucose dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase. The alcohol is an aliphatic alcohol (ethanol) or an aromatic alcohol (anise alcohol). The substrate is a monosaccharide selected from D-idose, D-xylose, D-glucose and their combinations and an aldehyde selected from acetaldehyde, anisaldehyde, benzaldehyde and their combinations. The nucleotides are NAD and NADP. The method further comprises the addition of a further substrate where nucleotides are regenerated and additional product recovered. EXAMPLE - The combination of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Sulfolobus solfataricus was used to generate alcohol from glucose. Alcohol synthesis occurred concomitantly with recyclization of NAD+/NADH. Synthesis of other alcohols was also accomplished. Synthesis and recovery was undertaken at approximately 75-80 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The photosystem I is present in thylakoids and the electron donor is one of the electron donors naturally present in the cell and used in the natural photosynthetic electron transfer process as electron donor to photosystem I. The hydrogenase is purified from a cell, and the electron donor is a mixture of dithiothreitol and ascorbic acid. The method further comprises exposing photosystem I to light. In the method, ferredoxin is absent or at a sufficiently low concentration and the hydrogenase is at sufficiently high concentration, so that molecular hydrogen production occurs by direct electron transfer from the photosystem I complex to the hydrogenase at the rate of at least 3.1 micromoles per hour per mg chlorophyll. 49.6% of the molecular hydrogen production occurs by direct electron transfer from the photosystem I complex to the hydrogenase.
EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The intermittent introduction of oxidizing agent gas to the CO selective oxidation device is carried out over a period of 10-200 ms.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The copper group fuel modification catalyst comprises at least one component chosen from platinum, ruthenium, rhodium and iridium, oxide of iron, chromium, zirconium, molybdenum, rhenium, gallium, germanium, magnesium, calcium, yttrium, and lanthanum, gold and silver, along with copper alloy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The contaminated soil purification includes cutting lawn grass after growing lawn grass. EXAMPLE - White-rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKMF-1767, ATCC42725 were inoculated to a potato dextrose agar medium, and was cultivated for 7 days at 24 degrees C. Solution of river sand (100 g), sewage sludge compost (5 g), glucose and peptone were injected to erlenmeyer flask and sterilized. The culture bed was prepared. Microbial cells which spread on plate were inoculated to culture bed. White-rot fungi containing culture bed was prepared. A vent glass growth soil was prepared from the vent glass growth soil, cylindrical core of diameter (2 cm) and depth (5 cm) was sampled and white-rot fungi containing culture bed was spread. Curing and water sprinkling were performed. The growth behavior of white-rot fungi in vent glass growth soil and enzyme activity evaluation were performed. The result confirmed that growth behavior of white-rot fungi was accelerated by growing lawn.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Separator: The projections have an arithmetic average surface roughness, Ra, of 0.01-1.0 micron, and a maximum height, Ry, of 0.01-20 micron. The separator has a BA film of thickness 10-300 nm on the surface of at least some of the projections.Preferred Composition: The alloy includes 0.001-0.1 mass% silver, at most 1 mass% silver, at most 1 mass% manganese, 0.005-0.5 mass% vanadium, and 0.01-0.5 mass% titanium and/or niobium.Preferred Method: The sheet can be cold rolled to another given thickness after annealing and pickling. the surface roughness is adjusted by pickling the separator in aqua regia or an acid mixture before or after cutting. Alternatively, the separator may be press formed in a mold to give a Ra of 0.1-2.0 micron, and Ry of 0.01-50 micron.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: A layer of floating material flows over the partition into a perforated channel in which adhering liquid flows off. The solid material is fed on by a conveyor, e.g. an endless screw, and integrated into the material to be fermented. The liquid is pumped away. Cutter blades periodically remove encrustations from the walls. The base of the fermenter slopes down and the material which sinks can be pumped away. The floating layer and substrate are mixed with liquid from the separator, thus allowing the duration of treatment in the fermenter to be regulated, depending on the liquid level. The partition can be moved to allow batchwise or continuous operation of the fermenter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The starting material is anaerobically digested slurry from a biogas generator. The flocculant is aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or polyacrylic acid and is added as an aqueous solution, especially a 10-20 % aluminum sulfate solution. The ratio of flocculant to slurry is 1:25. Coagulation is effected in screw conveyor with pH control. The liquid and solid fractions are separated by filtration, centrifugation and/or sieving at 20-40 degrees C. Coagulation and/or separation is effected at elevated pressure. The solid fraction contains 0.4-1.2 % total nitrogen, 0.1-0.6 % ammonium nitrogen, 0.4-1.3 % phosphorus and 0.1-0.9 % potassium. The liquid fraction contains 0.1-0.6 % total nitrogen, 0.1-0.6 % ammonium nitrogen, 0.001-0.1 % phosphorus and 0.1-0.8 % potassium. The solid fraction is composted. The process is operated continuously in conjunction with a biogas generator, preferably using a common control system. Part of the liquid and/or solid fraction is recycled to the biogas generator. The slurry (1) and flocculant (2) are coagulated in a screw conveyor (3) and passed to a separator (4) to obtain a liquid fraction (5) and a solid fraction (6).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The composting structure further has a long axis (50x) extending parallel with the walls and the zones extending perpendicular to the long axis, such that the material passing through the composting structure from input end to the output end passes through each of the zones. The solid floor is defined as a surface of granular materials in a pit and tubes are arranged in the granular materials embedded in the surface of the floor. Air is conveyed through the tubes by blower which feeds air to each zone. A valve is positioned between each zone and the blower, to control the flow of air into the zone. The composting structure further has a turning device (57a) supported between the walls and movable by a moving unit. The turning device is extendable between walls to a position just above the floor. The turning device is supported and moved by a pair of wheels (58) riding on the upper surface of the walls. The input and output ends are accessible by a tractor for loading onto the floor and removing materials from the floor. The tubes are separated into zones (I,II) which are adjacent to the input and output ends, respectively.Preferred Process: The process further involves selecting the zone (I) to inject more air to the manure than zone (II), monitoring temperature of the manure and injecting air to the manure to maintain the manure above 50degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: A perforated conduit (34) is placed inside the bag along the top of the filled portion and extended to the unfilled portion, thereby facilitating flow of the gas to the unfilled portion. Aeration tubes are placed in the biomass material in the filled portion, and one end of each aeration tube is extended to the bag exterior. Alternatively, the biomass material is filled with multiple bags. A gas line is interconnected with the multiple tubes of the multiple bags and methane gas is conveyed through the gas line to a collection site. The bag is placed on a heating pad when filled with biomass material and hot water is directed to the heating pad to heat the filled bag and to enhance the reaction of the methane gas production. An insulating robe is placed over the bag and water lines are inserted between the robe and bag. Hot water is flowed through the water lines to achieve specific temperature of biomass material in the bag. The biomass material is subjected to compost treating followed by extraction of methane gas from the biomass material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Material: The major portion of the biomass material is animal waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Coating: The coating is silicate with a formula of (I)-(V).X12((AlO2)12(SiO2)12).xH2O (I)X12(Al12Si12O24).xH2O (II)X43(Al43Si83O24).xH2O (III) X28(Al28Si68O96).xH2O (IV) Y6(AlO2)12(SiO2)12).xH2O (V)X = Li, Na, Rb or Cs;x = integer; andY = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba.The water is taken up in the pores of the coating which have sizes in the nanometer range. The coating comprises alkaline and alkaline earth aluminum silicates i.e. so-called zeolites. It is selected so that the relative humidity of the gases over the system temperature remains constant. Preferred Property: The relative humidity of the gases is ca. 50%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Coating: The coating may comprise polysiloxane or polymer which is provided with acid radicals or alkaline radicals having a chemical affinity for water. The polymer is a modified polyethylene glycol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The system has a hydrogen circuit. The passages and flow chambers are present at the anode side of the fuel cells.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The method is more efficient and provides fertilizer with higher quantities of minerals when coals containing an ash content of 37-45% are used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The process further involves detecting the concentrations of H2 and CO in SG for producing H2 and CO detection signals, calculating the H2/CO ratio from the detection signals to produce an arc current control signal, and adjusting the electric power to be supplied to the electrodes in response to the arc current control signal for controlling arc discharge current, to control the temperature of the arc discharge plasma for adjusting the H2/CO ratio at a given value. The thermal plasma reactor has an upstream side formed with a steam generating zone (34A) and a down stream side formed with a reacting zone. Feed water is supplied into the zone to form steam at the upstream end. SNG is cooled to separate the condensed water which is circulated into the zone to be converted into steam. A portion of SG is circulated into the reactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The gas stream containing nitrogen oxides and laughing gas is reacted with a reducing gas comprising a saturated hydrocarbon, in the presence of the first catalyst. The gaseous product is reacted with the reducing gas in the presence of the second catalyst. The reactions are carried out in a single reactor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The inorganic metal oxide is a zeolite. The support for the first catalyst is a crystalline zeolite having a silicon to aluminum ratio of at least2.5. The second catalyst is a crystalline zeolite having a silicon dioxide to aluminum oxide ratio of less than 100, preferably at most40. The second catalyst comprises a promoted catalyst from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, gold or rhodium.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The reducing gas is methane, propane, natural gas, n-butane, or liquefied petroleum gas. EXAMPLE - A gas composition (10 ml) was prepared from N2O (1500 ppm), NO (500 ppm), water (0.5%), oxygen (2.5%), and propane (1500 ppm) at 5 l/min, GHSV of 30000 l/h and 1 bara. The degrees of conversion of N2O and NO by a stacked bed of cobalt (Co)-ZSM-5 (catalyst I) andiron (Fe)-ZSM-5 (catalyts II) were determined. The results showed a simultaneous efficient conversion of NOx and N2O with the catalyst combination.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS - The size and dimensions of the battery complies with specifications stipulated for AA' size and D' size battery in Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Source: The fuel source is composed of a hydrogen absorber (11) made from carbon based fullerene molecules, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers or metal hydride.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The sulfur-absorbent material includes copper oxide (10-90%, preferably 20-60%), zinc oxide and chromium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Assembly: The means for removing ammonia and BOD includes synthetic organic synthesizing bacteria supported on an inert bio-filter material carried on inclined plates each including a solid divider plate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The organic waste has moisture content of 75 wt.% or less. The mixture has pH of 9 or less.Preferred Condition: The mixture is supplied with preset amount of airflow which does not produce lack of oxygen necessary for microorganisms respiration, without inhibiting the temperature rise by fermentation of the mixture. The surface area of the coal ash and the content of calcium oxide are adjusted depending on the offensive odor component to be inhibited, produced from the organic waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The case has a multi-layer structure which contains at least a portion of metal layer, and a flange for supporting the hydrogen gas outlet and the raw material supply unit. The flange equips a surface with at least a resin and the case main portion equips a contact portion with the flange. The main portion of the case and the flange are subjected to thermocompression bonding. A cooling gas is formed in the chemical reaction portion, and the heat of the gaseous substances is used for heating. The thermal protection structure also isolates the cooling portion (35) thermally from the outside.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Particle: The porous heat-resistant particles are ceramic granules and resin particles arranged in layers. The resin layer is between the case and the particle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The organic substance materials are straw, chaff, sugar millet bagasse, sawdust, bark and sludge.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Compost: The compost is sheep faeces.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: Vents are formed on the wall surface of the component. Space is provided on the lower portion of the component and pipes for circulating air are arranged in parallel. The edge portion of the pipe exposes outward from the component. The opening and closing operation of the edge portion of the pipe is performed. The amount of air introduced is adjusted and convection condition of heated air is controlled.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The solid content, and organic acid are removed from the supernatant liquid. Another fertilizer component free of calcium is added to the supernatant liquid. The supernatant liquid is concentrated to form liquid fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Gasification is performed in absence of oxygen except oxygen contained in fossil fuel and in presence of a catalyst which accelerates gasification of fossil fuel. Alternatively, gasification of fossil fuel is performed in supercritical or subcritical state of carbon dioxide after gasification of at least a portion of fossil fuel in absence of oxygen except oxygen contained in fossil fuel. The fossil fuel is coal, coal char, coal tar, heavy oil, natural gas and/or natural gas hydrate. Molar ratio of water vapor to carbon dioxide during gasification, is 0.01-100.Preferred Apparatus: The gas manufacturing apparatus has a reactor for gasification of a portion of a fossil fuel in absence of oxygen except oxygen contained in the fossil fuel. The carbon dioxide supplied to gasification reactor is liquefying carbon dioxide. At least portions of water vapor and carbon dioxide condensed in water vapor and carbon dioxide condensing plants, respectively, are re-circulated to the gasification reactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The thermal plasma reactor has an upstream side formed with a steam generating zone (34A) and a downstream side formed with a hydrogen rich gas generating zone. Feed water is supplied into the steam generating zone to form steam at the upstream side. The steam is reacted with carbon materials in the hydrogen generating zone in presence of the arc discharge plasma to generate hydrogen rich gas. The hydrogen rich gas is cooled to separate condensed water which is recycled into the steam generating zone to be converted into steam. Impurities containing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are separated from the hydrogen rich gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Hydrogen gas is supplied to the produced gas,such that the amount of hydrogen gas is adjusted to at least twice the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the produced gas. Hydrogen gas is generated through electrolysis of water. An oxygen gas generated through electrolysis of water is supplied as a gasification agent for the biomass. The hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated through electrolysis of water are temporarily reserved separately before use. The water is electrolyzed by electric power obtained by use of natural energy.Preferred Energy: The electrical power obtained by use of natural energy is temporarily stored before use. The natural energy is at least one type of energy selected from sunlight, wind, tidal, hydraulic and solar thermal energy.Preferred Apparatus: The hydrogen gas supplying unit includes water electrolysis unit for electrolyzing water, and hydrogen gas reservoir for temporarily reserving hydrogen gas generated through electrolysis of water. The oxygen gas is temporarily reserved in oxygen gas reversing unit. The water electrolysis unit is operated through power generated by natural-energy-based power generator containing electric power storage unit for temporarily storing electric power.
EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The deodorization device has a concentration apparatus of the processed liquid which has a vaporizer (3) having mesh-like resin boards, a processed liquid circulation pump and a ventilation fan provided in the resin board surface.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carrier: The carrier component of the catalyst is chosen out of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), silicon oxide (SiO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), metallosilicate and zeolite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Carbon monoxide in carbon monoxide reduced gas is oxidized by carbon monoxide selective oxidation reaction which has priority over hydrogen in carbon monoxide reduced gas and a heating gas is formed. Gas containing hydrogen is a portion of hydrogen rich gas, carbon monoxide reduced gas and heating gas.Preferred Components: The fuel reformer further has pressure/voltage rising unit (I), pressure/voltage rising unit (II), pressure/voltage rising unit (III) for rising pressure of hydrogen rich gas, carbon monoxide reduced gas and heating gas, respectively. The fuel reformer has carbon monoxide selective oxidation portion (38) for ejecting heating gas. The fuel reformer has temperature reducing unit (I) and temperature reducing unit (II) for reducing temperature of hydrogen rich gas and carbon monoxide reduced gas, respectively. The temperature of hydrogen rich gas is reduced by exchanging heat between fluid supplied to the modifier and hydrogen rich gas. The temperature of carbon monoxide reduced gas is reduced by exchanging heat between fluid supplied to the modifier and carbon monoxide reduced gas. The fuel cell apparatus further has pressure/voltage rising unit for rising pressure of anode off gas. A portion of anode of gas is used by sprayer for atomizing water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The positive electrode has surface opposite to negative electrode which contacts to water vapor or water vapor-containing atmosphere. Water formed at negative electrode is retained or stored in closed state. The negative electrode is in porous or mesh state. A catalyst layer between proton conductor and positive electrode and/or negative electrode is provided. A porous separator can also be provided between proton conductor and positive electrode and/or negative electrode. The water supplied in vapor or gaseous state is provided at pressure of 267Pa - 267kPa. The temperature during electrochemical decomposition is -50 to 300 degrees C. The proton liberating group is -XH.X = atom or atom group having divalent bonds such as -OH, -OSO3H, -COOH, -SO3H or -OPO(OH)2
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The entire process air stream that is reacted in the reforming step is compressed. It is further compressed before it is fed to the reforming step. Preferably, the hydrocarbon stream and the process air are heated by heat exchanger (11) with discharge gases from the gas turbine before they are fed to the reforming step. Further, the process air is enriched with oxygen and the hydrocarbon stream is saturated with water vapor before they are fed to the reformer step. The reforming step comprises a primary reforming step, in which a major portion of the CH4 in the hydrocarbon stream is converted in the presence of steam to CO, CO2 and H2; and a secondary reforming step, in which the stream obtained in the primary reforming step and the process air stream are converted to CO, CO2 and H2. Preferably, the primary reforming step is preceded by a pre-reforming step in which higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon stream are converted to CH4 and a portion of the CH4 is converted to CO and H2. The heat exchange takes place between the stream obtained in the second reforming step and the stream which is subjected to the primary reforming step. The CO conversion step comprises a high temperature step, in which the stream obtained in the reforming step is reacted at 300-360 degrees C; a medium temperature step, in which the discharge stream from the high temperature step is reacted at 200-250 degrees C; and a low temperature step, in which the discharge stream from the medium temperature step is reacted at 190-200 degrees C. The heat exchange takes place between circulation water used for the saturation of the hydrocarbon stream and the discharge stream(s) from the high, medium and/or low temperature step(s).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Reactant: The hydrocarbon stream comprises natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas or naphtha.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The autotrophic denitrification microorganism is cultivated in the inorganic culture solution containing 1-1000 mg/l of ammoniacal nitrogen and 1-200 mg/l of nitrite nitrogen, under anaerobic conditions having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 mg/l or less. The autolysis of nitrification sludge or denitrification sludge is performed in the above inorganic culture solution. The increase in concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen is stopped at the end of autolysis. The reduction of nitrate nitrogen concentration is stopped at the end of autolysis.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is chosen from copper-zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, rhodium and/or ruthenium groups.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The rare earth metals are selected from group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium and rhodium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The metal powder having lower ionization tendency than aluminum is zinc powder, or iron powder which is blast grain waste material. The powder which mixed aluminum powder or different kinds of aluminum powder, is dust waste material generated from zinc aluminum thermal spraying.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Medium: The cooling medium in heat exchanger is water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The product stream is introduced to the fuel cell when the product stream has a low pollutant concentration, and the product stream is released to the surroundings when its pollutant concentration is high. CO concentration is measured as the pollutant concentration. The CO concentration is reduced by oxidizing with the supply of O2.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The superposition of heat from two heat sources, pyrolyzes the coal in selected section of formation, and temperature of the selected section is maintained within pyrolysis temperature.The hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in non-condensable hydrocarbon are separated and removed.The mixture is produced in the production well (825), and at least about 7 heat sources are disposed in the formation for each production well to inhibit condensation of the mixture within the well bore.The mixture is separated into a gas stream and liquid stream.The minimum pyrolysis temperature is about 270 degreesC.The pressure is reduced to increase production of condensable hydrocarbons and to reduce API gravity, and is increased to increase production of non-condensable hydrocarbons.Preferred Composition: The obtained mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons containing olefin, with API gravity of at least 25 degrees, and non-condensable hydrocarbons containing ethene and ethane in molar ratio of 0.001-0.15.The condensable hydrocarbons comprise (in weight%) olefins (0.1-15), less than 1 wt.% of each of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, phenols (5-30), aromatic compounds (20 or more), multi-ring aromatics with more than two rings (5 or less), asphaltene (0.3 or less) and cycloalkane (5-30).The non-condensable hydrocarbons comprise 10-80 volume% of hydrogen.The mixture comprises ammonia (more than 0.05).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The heat source(s) are electric heaters (803), surface burners, flameless distributed combustors or natural distributed combustors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The pulp-type organic waste processing method further involves recovering a useful product from the liquefied hydrothermal reaction processed material. The recovered useful product is fermented in the presence of sludge containing an anaerobic microorganism. The process recovers methane. The processing method further involves discharge processing which reduces COD of the processed material less than to a concentration of an effluent standard anaerobic treatment or by performing hydrothermal wet oxidation treatment.Preferred Apparatus: The processing apparatus for pulp-type organic waste has a recovery processing apparatus (3) which recovers useful products from the liquefied hydrothermal reaction processed material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Production of Cyanophyta purified water involves subjecting a mixture containing (wt.%) soil (1-5), organic materials (5-7), slaked lime (7-20) and organic scrap material (5-10), to mixed fermentation. The fermented soil is mixed with water (1-10l) and adjusted to pH 7-8. The mixture containing fermented soil and water is then filtered, purified, activated and decomposed with Cyanophyta for 10-30 hours, preferably 10-20 hours. EXAMPLE - Soil (wt.%) (100), bean curd lees (10-30) and slaked lime (3-10), were fermented. The fermented soil (1-5) was added to water (1-10 l) and maintained for 10-30 hours at 20-50 degrees C. The treated water was purified, activated and decomposed by Cyanophyta. The decomposed water was further filtered to remove floating materials. The obtained purified water was analyzed. The results showed that the purified water had biological oxygen demand of 5.2 mg/l, chemical oxygen demand of 3.1 mg/l, sewage sludge of 10.2 mg/l and total nitrogen content of 0.82 mg/l.
EXAMPLE - None given in source material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Process: (II) is wood and/or straw, preferably crushed to a particle size of less than 1 mm (especially less than 0.5 mm) and optionally mixed with additives (specifically fibers or flame retardant). The microorganisms are fungi (especially yeasts) or bacteria. In particular yeasts are cultured in presence of growth promoters (specifically starch or wood sugar) on finely crushed wood, then the wood is cultured with the cultured yeast. Fermentation is effected for less than 72 (preferably less than 24) hours, especially for a time such that a shapable product is obtained. Drying is effected using microwaves or radio waves in the 1 MHz to 3.75 x 1014 Hz region, especially in the 5-20 MHz and 2000-2800 regions. Preferably the fermented material is dried and solidified in a mold. Pores may be formed before heating, using gas generated in the fermentation, chemical additives or introduction of (preferably pressurized) gas.Preferred Product: (I) may be porous, with a pore volume of more than 3% (preferably more than 10%); and/or may have a multilayered (specifically sandwich) structure. (I) typically has a compressive strength of at least 0.1 (preferably more than 2.0) N/mm2 and a transverse tensile strength of at least 0.01 (preferably more than 0.2) N/mm2. EXAMPLE - A solution of 10-30 kg maize starch in 60-100 kg water was mixed with 4-10 kg dry yeast, fermented for 1 hour at 10-40 (preferably 22-28)degreesC, treated with 30-50 kg fine sawdust and 20-35 kg water under stirring and treated with 5-20 kg baking powder under stirring. The obtained dough was cast in a mold and baked at 40-700 (preferably 100-220)degreesC, preferably in a microwave oven, until completely hardened.
EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Apparatus: The alternate fuel of light oil produced by above apparatus is stored and supplied. The card is a prepaid card or a membership card.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus further has a dust collector (72) for collecting dust from the exhaust gas, a deodorization furnace (32) for carrying out thermal decomposition deodorization of the dry exhaust gas, a thermo sensor installed to the portion which contacts the waste material in a molding machine, and damper (66) which is provided to the piping (62). The thermo sensor maintains fixed temperature. The damper controls the amount of dry exhaust gas or air.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The blend ratio of dry exhaust gas and air introduced to the molding machine is controlled. Temperature of the portion of the mixture which contacts the waste material is detected. When the temperature of portion of the mixture reaches the temperature suitable for molding of solidification fuel, introduction of dry exhaust gas is stopped. When the temperature of the portion of the mixture exceeds the temperature suitable for molding of solidification fuel, only dry exhaust gas or air is introduced to the molding machine or driving of the molding machine is stopped. The portion of the mixture which contacts the waste material is cooled to an optimum temperature or pre-heated by using dry exhaust gas. Occlusion substance which remained till last molding time is removed. A portion of dry exhaust gas, portion of exhaust gas used for drying waste material and/or portion of exhaust gas after carrying out thermal decomposition deodorization are introduced into the molding machine. A portion of hot air used for drying waste material is introduced into the molding machine. The crushed waste material is dried and non-combustible substance is removed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The decomposition furnace is a fluid bed thermal decomposition furnace. The bed material is limestone. The solid content is removed using a high temperature dust collector (D). SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The alkaline substance is sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, a potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, limestone, dolomite or natural soda.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The system comprises a raw material supply portion for supplying mixture of metal hydride and strong alkali water as raw material to the reaction portion, a memory unit for storing the relationship of the quantity water or heat applied to the reaction portion, and the hydrogen gas required, and a pH control portion for controlling the pH of reaction portion. The pH of reaction portion is reduced when the hydrogen gas required is increased or the pH of reaction portion is increased when the hydrogen gas required is decreased. A pH desired value setting portion for setting the desired pH value of reaction portion, is comprised. The control portion controls the amount of raw material supplied to reaction portion based on the memory unit.
ACTIVITY - Fertilizer. No biodata is provided in the source material.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: (I) is a facultative phototroph, e.g. a prochlorophyte, cyanobacterium, green sulfur bacterium, purple bacterium, or their mixtures. (II) is e.g. Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, and V. harveyi, and/or their mixtures.Preferred Composition: This also includes as secondary ingredients, plant extracts, enzymes (particularly lipases), trace elements, polysaccharides (e.g. molasses), and alginate, optionally other bacteria, particularly lactic acid bacteria. The composition has pH 3.4-4.2, especially 3.4-3.8, with ratio (I):(II) of 1:10-500, particularly 1:100, and bacterial concentration 2-3%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: To treat water, (A) is added at 1-15 l per week. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Materials: (B) comprises 1-20 wt.% each of proteases, lipases, amylases and cellulases, with the balance water. (I) is particularly Opacifier 621 (RTM) or a pigment that imparts a red color, and (II) is propylene glycol.Preferred Composition: This may also include an acid, base or buffer system, particularly citric acid or potassium hydroxide. Especially it has boiling point 99-101 degrees C and specific gravity 1.005-1.025.Preparation: A stirred batch of water is treated slowly, with continuous mixing, with (B), at 10-30 degrees C; then with (II) and finally with (III), and the pH adjusted.Preferred Process: To decompose animal remains, these are immersed in water, in a closed vessel, and (A) added, particularly at 1 liter per 200-250 kg of animal waste. The mixture is incubated until the waste has decomposed completely, typically a few days. EXAMPLE - A composition comprised 30 kg enzyme concentrate (prepared from 5 kg each of protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase in 80 kg distilled water); 1 kg Opacifier 621 (RTM); 1 kg propylene glycol and 68 kg distilled water. A dead cow (600 kg) was placed in an impermeable pit (3 by 2 by 2 m) and covered completely with tap water. Then 1 liter of the composition was added per 200-250 kg of animal, and allowed to act, ensuring by daily inspection that the animal remained covered by water. Complete disintegration and decomposition occurred within 35 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The superposition of heat from two heat sources, pyrolyzes the coal in selected section of formation, and temperature of the selected section is maintained within pyrolysis temperature. The hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in non-condensable hydrocarbon are separated and removed. The mixture is produced in the production well ), and at least about 7 heat sources are disposed in the formation for each production well to inhibit condensation of the mixture within the well bore. The mixture is separated into a gas stream and liquid stream. The minimum pyrolysis temperature is about 270degreesC. The pressure is reduced to increase production of condensable hydrocarbons and to reduce API gravity, and is increased to increase production of non-condensable hydrocarbons.Preferred Composition: The obtained mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons containing olefin, with API gravity of at least 25degrees, and non-condensable hydrocarbons containing ethene and ethane in molar ratio of 0.001-0.15. The condensable hydrocarbons comprise (in weight%) olefins (0.1-15), less than 1 wt.% of each of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, phenols (5-30), aromatic compounds (20 or more), multi-ring aromatics with more than two rings (5 or less), asphaltene (0.3 or less) and cycloalkane (5-30). The non-condensable hydrocarbons comprise 10-80 volume% of hydrogen. The mixture comprises ammonia (more than 0.05).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The heat source(s) are electric heaters (803), surface burners, flameless distributed combustors or natural distributed combustors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The dry distillation-carbonization of the organic waste material and/or wood type material is performed without performing dehydration or humidity control, and without the addition of supplement materials and auxiliary material. The dry distillation-carbonization method is performed at 550-650 degrees C by heating a drum indirectly from a periphery at deodorizing furnace (3) interior temperature controlled temperature rise burner (34) and cooling blower (35).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Processing organic refuse involves liquefying the crushed organic refuse in a solubilization tank (4), removing impurities/unwanted materials in the liquefied refuse by a separator (5), fermenting the pure refuse in a methane fermentation tank, separating solid-liquid in the fermented mixture in a membrane separation unit (10).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The blend ratio of organic refuse and sludge is 2-6:1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The gas is oxygen and is introduced into the site by way of existing degassing, leachate recycling, irrigation and/or dewatering pipes or through lances inserted into the site, especially horizontal lances inserted into the base of the site. The gas is introduced continuously under a pressure of 1.5-4 bar, optionally together with pollutant-degrading microorganisms and/or nutrients for such microorganism.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The partition comprises a plate having holes, and an edge contacting the wall and the hatch. It also comprises a cage (18) having holes.The first compartment is defined inside the cage. The second compartment is defined between the cage and the wall and the hatch of the tank. A motor reducer (26) is provided for rotating the cage about the axis (A). The cage comprises an end portion (21) having a radial face (21a), and an axial face (21b) hermetically contacting a respective annular portion (23) of the hatch.Pads (22) are located between the wall and the end portion and cooperating with the radial face.Preferred Property: The cage and the tank are cylindrical. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The thin plates (30) and the feed plates (20I, 20S) are made of phenolic resin loaded with graphite.The bipolar plate includes silicone inserts installed on the surfaces of the frame (11) around the fuel and oxidant collectors and at the periphery of the membrane of a membrane/electrodes assembly (1), to provide a hermetic seal between the two bipolar plates.Preferred Process: Manufacture of the bipolar plate involves:(A) Attaching the two plates (30) to each other via segments (32, 34, 35) using a conductive adhesive;(B) Forming with a water jet the circulation channels (21I, 21S) in the two feed plates (21I, 20S);(C) Applying a conductive adhesive around the flat central framework and the feed plates (20I, 20S); and(D) Injecting the dielectric thermoplastic frame (11) and injecting the silicone inserts (4, 5) on the surface of the frame (11).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A reduction in the operating temperature of the reforming zone(s) by 20% takes at least 8 hours (especially at least 24 hours). The heat shield has a thermal conductivity of less than 35 (especially less than 5) W/mK, and preferably incorporates a vacuum and is combined with a heat accumulator (preferably of phase change material and preferably arranged within the heat shield). If the reformer has multiple zone, the heat shields for the different zones may have different conductivity. Specifically the reformer has first, second and third zones for partial oxidation, steam reforming and catalytic product purification respectively, and the heat shield of the third zone has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the second zone but lower than that of the first zone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactor: The honeycomb structure is formed at least partly from metal sheets of thickness less than 0.06 (preferably less than 0.02) mm; contains more than 600 (preferably more than 1000) channels per square inch; and has a catalytically active surface.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - The methane fermenting bacterium is Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, Methyl ocystis sp. M., or Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath). The target genes are the hydroxylase of methane monooxygunase (alpha, beta or gamma-subunit). The expression vector contains a promoter for deriving the protein, and vectors containing Tag sequences for the arrangement of the target genes. E-coli is used to derive the protein expression of the target genes at the down stream of the promoter in the expression vector using a deriving agent containing IPTG.ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - In (6), the recycled protein is dissolved and re-engineered. The protein solvent is N-lauryl sarcosine, urea, or hydrochloride guanisin (sic). The solvent is removed using dialysis.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The cathode comprises a metal or metal oxide and carbon black . The metal oxide is zinc oxide. The anode consists of platinum and carbon black.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The cathode comprises a sulfonic acid group-containing perfluorinated (co)polymer as binder. The anode also comprises a perfluorinated (co)polymer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The fuel cell is operated with a current density of 50-500 mA/cm2 and at 2-40 (preferably 2-15) bar. The oxygen and/or hydrogen is moistened with water vapor prior to entering the fuel cell. EXAMPLE - Membranes having a thickness of 170 and 180 microns were used to produce hydrogen peroxide having a concentration above 10 wt.%. Membranes having a thickness of 40-50 microns produced hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of only about 2 wt.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The valuable resources recovery estimator is calculated based on the allocation with respect to the condition, property and amount of collected waste material for every source of emission. The property of waste material slurry is differed by performing pretreatment process of the organic waste. The pretreatment process determining unit which perform pretreatment process for every source of emission depends on the condition of the waste material. A slurry tank which stores the waste material slurry, is provided between pretreatment process and recovering process unit. Unit quantity value for every valuable resource is calculated. The worth of valuable resources which are recovered from every source of emission is calculated. The valuable resources recovery cost by decided recovering process, is calculated for every source of emission based on the condition, property and amount of collected waste material. Amount of waste material removal is calculated based on the value and recovery cost of valuable resources. The organic waste recycling method includes a bio gas recovery process which recovers bio gas, a solid valuable material collection process which recovers fodder-fertilizer material from organic waste in the recovering process, an energy recovery process for recovering bio gas, organic waste, and transforming bio gas into electric power and high temperature water in the recovering process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The organic refuse from the fermentation tank is passed to screw type grinding apparatus, where the organic refuse is ground. The organic refuse processing apparatus has a cutterwhich is slidably contacted to tip of the screw of the grinding apparatus and at inner phase of the top cover. A slidable resistant rod is arranged in the cylinder, and a water feed zone which supplies water is provided into the cylinder. The stirring blade is operated intermediately using a timer. The fermentation apparatus has a housing which is arranged at outer surface of the fermentation tank, processed substance supply opening which carries out normal opening into the center of the fermentation tank, and a hopper. The fermentation residuum is ejected from a opening during inversion of the fermentation tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The matrix material is a polymer, oligomer or a mixture of two or more polymers or oligomers, chosen from biopolymer(s) or oligomer(s) (such as protein or carbohydrates, or derivatives) and/or synthetic polymer(s). The matrix material is a hydrophilic polymer or a mixture of two or more hydrophilic polymers. The polymer(s) are chosen from starch (native or modified), (cyclo)dextrins, insulin, gelatin, casein, proteins from sources such as wheat, soy, corn or other grains, hydrocolloids such as carragenans, alginates, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar flour, guar gum, agar, tragacanth, karaya, locust bean gum, fibers, modified celluloses, pectin, cellulose esters and/or cellulose ethers.Preparation: The cells or its parts are formulated, by mixing a composition containing the cells with at least one matrix material. During mixing process the matrix material absorbs water from the composition comprising the cells.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The alcohol is a secondary or tertiary organic alcohol, preferably isopropanol. The ketone is acetone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Agents: The enzyme is from a microorganism belonging to the Cellulomonas or Clostridium genus.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The vegetable waste can be rice straw, husk, wheat straw, bagasse, taro leaf or other falling leaves or wood chips.Preferred Method: Before enzymatic digestion, the waste is pulverized, with treatment at 20-50 degreesC, in the field. EXAMPLE - After culturing Cellulomonas sp. K32A in L-Broth, the required enzyme was isolated by centrifugation, precipitation with 80% ammonium sulfate, and dialysis of the protein precipitate against 50 mM morpholinepropanesulfonic acid/10 mM calcium chloride/1 mM sodium azide.    The crude enzyme (concentration at 2 mg/ml; 5 ml) was stirred with powdered rice straw or husk for reaction for up to 1 week at 50 degreesC, with decomposition rate up to 32.1%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process : The O2 is obtained photochemically using sunlight or artificial light in a gaseous O2 containing medium, especially in the presence of a photosensitizer. The photosensitizer is on a greenhouse pane and is used to activate air moisture or condensation water with O2.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials : The photosensitizer used in the production of the O2 is a water-insoluble porphyrin, phthalocyanine, chlorine compound, tetraphenylporphyrin, benzoporphyrin derivative, purpurine, pheophorbide or a metal complex of these. It may be on the surface of a light-conducting carrier in direct contact with the substrate to be acted on. EXAMPLE - Loess soil containing ca. 21% clay, ca. 68% silt and ca. 11% sand (3.04% total ceabon and pH 6.2) which had been set to 0mV redox potential with N2 had its redox potential Eh value increased to ca. 600mV after 14 days treatment with O2-activated moist air, whereas a value of only ca. 540mV was achieved when air containing deionised water vapor was used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The plates are in the form of sleeves. The space between the sleeves is 40 mm. The composter is also provided with wheels and a base consists of special steel profile with two bearings, a manual rotating handle, and a brake system provided with a locking mechanism. The composter is connected via the base to a power take-off system connected to a tractor. The base is provided with a motor with the capacity to rotate the composter. Homogenizers are loaded within the inner space. It can be handle bars welded around the steel circumference of the container.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The outer sleeve is made of galvanized steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The inner sleeve is made from plastic material, e.g. polyvinylchloride. The insulating material is a layer of foamed polyurethane.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The composting is carried out at 50-65 degrees C. The home utilization is performed with continuous filling and the time period for the performance is about 6-10 weeks.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The synthesis gas is methanol synthesis gas, dimethylene ether (DME) synthesis gas, or hydrogen gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Process: The synthesis gas is converted to methanol, comprising combinations of processes, in which the second process below is not directly involved.The processes comprise a first process for conversion of wood to produce pulp utilizing cooking chemicals containing sodium and sulfur based salts and also co-producing a biomass derived, energy rich stream containing spent cooking chemicals; a second process for conversion of the energy in the stream to usable energy for the first process and recycle of the cooking chemicals to the first process; and a third process for conversion of the energy in the stream to methanol and usable energy for the first process and recycle of the spent cooking chemicals to the first process. EXAMPLE - Pulp wood was brought into the mill and was freed from bark before being chopped into wood chips for further processing. The bark was fed to a biomass fired power boiler. In the mill process, the wood chips were converted to pulp and paper. The non-pulp elements of the wood together with the cooking chemicals formed a thin black liquor, which was concentrated and fed to the black liquor gasification with synthetic fuels generation (BLGSF) system. The gasification process within the BLGSF system separated and recycled the used cooking chemicals in the form of green liquor to the mill process. Based on a production of 1000 air dried tonnes (ADT) per day of paper pulp, corresponding to approximately 1800 tDS/d (tonnes per day of black liquor dry solids), the process produced methanol from biomass with an energy efficiency of 67%, which was 15% units higher than state-of-the-art technology.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The treatment is carried out at 300-950 degrees C with a gas containing 1-100 mol% water vapor.Preferred Materials: The metal is Cr, Mo, V, W, Mn, Ti, Zr, Hf, Te, Ru, F, Ru, Os, Cu, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Ag, Ga, Au and/or Pt and the complex is a carbonyl, cyano or isonitrile, preferably Fe pentacarbonyl, NH4-tetracarbonyl ferrate, -tetracyano-palladate or platinate, or -hexacyano-ruthenate, platinate, cobaltate, chromate or ferrate. EXAMPLE - When a catalyst prepared from 340.22 g tetraethyl orthosilicate and 6.19 g ammonium hexacyanoferrate was used to convert benzene, the conversion was 20%, the selectivity was 98% and the activity was 10% after 48 hours.    In comparison, the conversion was 16%, 91% and 74% for a catalyst prepared from 340.22 g tetraethyl orthosilicate and 6.13 g Fe (II) citrate monohydrate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A fuel amount control device is provided for controlling the supplied amount of the raw liquid fuel during the warm-up of the reformer to become larger than the supplied amount of raw liquid fuel during idle operation after completion of the warm-up. The ratio of the increased supplied amount of reformed air controlled by the reforming air amount control device is set larger than the ratio of the increased supplied amount of raw liquid fuel controlled by the fuel amount control device. The temperature corresponding to the warm-up state of the reformer is detected, and when this detected temperature has become higher than a predetermined temperature, the supplied amount of reforming air that is increased by the reforming air amount control device during the warm-up of the reformer is then decreased. The control for decreasing the supplied amount of the reforming air is decreased depending on the detected temperature. The detected temperature is the temperature of the catalyst in the reformer, the temperature of the reforming gas, or the temperature of the case of the reformer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The reforming catalyst is a palladium-type precious metal catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - The gas distribution layer comprises a mesh formed by straight or looped metal wires, or it can comprise a porous material with low flow resistance and good conductivity, preferably stretched/expanded sheet metal with a mesh structure, sintered metal or metallized synthetic foam.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Equipment: The coating inhibition mechanism removes the coating by interaction of metal hydride and water, and has a retention mechanism which holds the metal hydride. The hydrogen gas formation equipment has a water injection mechanism which injects water by high pressure, on the surface of metal hydride. The reaction portion has a structure in which water for hydrolyzation is stored. The coating inhibition mechanism has a water wash mechanism which is a vibration system which is made to vibrate in water while maintaining the lump of metal hydride. The vibration system is vibrated using ultrasonic wave. A pulverization mechanism which pulverizes and supplies metal hydride to the reaction portion, is provided. A water supply mechanism is provided, which sprays water vapor to the metal hydride. Preferred Metal Hydride: The mean particle diameter of the pulverized metal hydride is 50 mum or less. The metal hydride is sodium borohydride (NaBH4).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The complex metal hydride is thermally decomposed at 100-170degreesC in the presence of the catalyst. Preferred Metal: The metal in the complex metal hydride is noble metal microparticle having a mean particle diameter of 1000 nm or less. The catalyst contains a carrier which consists of the substance for supporting the noble metal microparticles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carrier: The carrier is chosen from alumina, titania, silica, zirconia, yttrium type zeolite, mordenite and beta-zeolite. Preferred Element: The element of active metal component is chosen from iridium, gold, rhodium, palladium, manganese, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, iron and/or tin or their alloys.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The organic refuse is heated by exhaust heat energy or energy supplied. The exhaust heat energy or separate apparatus is heat generation product origin selected from refrigerator, dishwasher, tableware drying machine, fuel cell, drying machine hot water supply system, and hot water supply apparatus. The energy supplied is natural energies, such as commercial heat energies, such as electricity and gas, and solar heat. The apparatus has heat release panels (17,33) provided between compressor (31) and a refrigerator (27).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Organic Refuse: The organic refuse is a composite organic refuse containing components selected from saccharides and protein, peptide, amino acid, organic acid, fats and oils, fiber, vitamins, mineral and alcohol. EXAMPLE - 500 g of synthetic organic refuse comprising vegetable (in weight ratio) (40), fruit (30), meat-fish (14), boiled rice (10) and tea dregs (6), was added into a constant temperature apparatus of thermal insulation. The organic refuse was dried at 50 degreesC for 24 hours, 70 degreesC for 12 hours and 130 degreesC for 5 hours, until the constant weight was obtained. The amount of dried organic refuse was 120 g. Water was added and 1 % (V/V) of Lactobacillus rhamunosus was added to organic refuse after sterilization at 120 degreesC under 1 atmospheric pressure for 15 minutes, and lactic acid fermentation was initiated. pH was reduced by adding ammonia every 12 hours. The amount of lactic acid formation during fermentation initiation was 44 g/L. The lactic acid formation rate of organic refuse was 90 % with drying temperature of 50 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The extrusion of the pulp is made through a die having holes of at least8 mm diameter (preferably at least 8 mm) and an under pressure of at least 8 00 bar. The air is circulated in the closed environment with periodic inversion of its direction. It is temperature and humidity-adjusted. The fermenting pulp is supplemented with a fermentation-promoting agent. It is stirred by transferring progressively through successive distinct areas in the closed environment. The dry residue is subdivided into three fractions of different weight. The fragments of inorganic material which are separated during the sorting are again subjected to extrusion in the dies, together with the SCW material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The circulated air is enriched with oxygen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The fermentator is structured as a tower or silo which is subdivided into stacked compartments, with openable shutter mechanism between the compartment. Air conduits are arranged around the silo. The conduits have spaced apertures in communication with the silo interior. The airflow grader comprises a horizontal, diverging tunnel having an air blower (98) and a vent stack. It is equipped with an input hopper (92) with at least two output hoppers (86, 88, 90) arranged at intervals along the tunnel, with pneumatically isolating mechanism associated with the hoppers for allowing passage to the material and preventing the substantial passage of air. The horizontal tunnel is equipped with three output hoppers spaced along the tunnel. EXAMPLE - No example is given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process : The continuos or semi-continuous reaction to produce the H2 is effected at 70-150 degrees C and the amount of H2 generated is controlled by controlling the amount of the aqueous solution used. The Si (alloy) is dissolved as particulate at an increased pressure, especially at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the aqueous alkali solution. The solution, which is especially supersaturated with Si ions, is recycled and its water content is held constant, with at part of the used water being replaced. Deposition of the SiO2 is by seeding, especially with SiO2, and at least part is separated off by sedimentation.Preferred Apparatus : The reactor (1) is pressure-controlled and is connected to the crystallizer (9) via recycle line (8) for the aqueous alkali solution, line (8) having a valve (11) and optionally also a pump (not shown in the drawing below, as are a number of other features such as water valves, recycle lines and latent heat-supplying devices). EXAMPLE - None given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: (a) Cleavage of C-C bonds in organic polymers, especially for the production of liquid and gaseous fuels; (b) cleavage of C-C bonds in long-chain fatty acids, fatty alcohols and their derivatives, especially for the production of fuel mixtures, preferably by heating animal and vegetable materials with water at 420-620 degreesK to give an oily phase containing fatty acids etc. as above which is then separated from the aqueous phase and reacted with SCWV.Preferred Materials: Seeds containing triglycerides, and the parts of plants covering such seeds, for use as in (b) above. EXAMPLE - A mixture of 1400 g rapeseed husks/seeds and 1000 g water was heated for 4 minutes at 590 degreesK (317 degreesC) in an autoclave and then vented through a heat exchanger to give a 2-layer condensate comprising a cloudy aqueous solution of carbohydrates and hydrolysed proteins and a brown oil as the upper layer. A mixture of 1800 g of this oil and 700 g water was heated for 2 minutes at 690 degreesK (417 degreesC) in the same autoclave and then vented and condensed as above. The upper layer of the condensate was a clear, readily-flammable oil with a viscosity appreciably lower than that of the brown oil from the first stage. Oil produced on a larger scale by this method was suitable for use in unconverted diesel engines under winter conditions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst System: The upstream part of the catalyst system is in the form of a metal catalyst carrier provided with a catalytically active material.The metal is a high-temperature resistant metal, preferably an alloy comprising iron, chromium and aluminum, more preferably a fecralloy-type alloy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The hydrocarbon fuel is selected from group consisting of natural gas, methane, ethane, propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, methanol, ethanol and propanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A flow control unit (V2-V4) is provided to control the flow amount of the warmed air and the air having different temperature. The flow control unit is controlled in accordance with a temperature required by the hydrogen occluding alloy. A hydrogen storage tank (19) is provided which contains hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen-using apparatus when the temperature of the warmed air is insufficient to release hydrogen from the hydrogen occlusion tank. The hydrogen in the hydrogen occlusion tank is supplied to the hydrogen storage tank when the hydrogen-using apparatus stops operating. The hydrogen-using apparatus maybe a fuel cell that generates electricity and heat by the chemical reaction of hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. The warmed air maybe a water-containing air exhausted from the fuel cell. Compressed air, which is supplied to the fuel cell as a reaction gas, is used as the air having different temperature. The compressed air having a temperature higher than that of the warmed air is supplied to the hydrogen occlusion tank when the heat from the heating unit is insufficient to release hydrogen from the hydrogen occlusion tank. A coolant cools the heat generated by the fuel cell. The warmed air is feed by a fan, which cools the coolant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The generated hydrogen is collected in a collection vessel. The collected hydrogen is detected and analyzed. The generated hydrogen is fed to an energy producing device as a fuel to enable the device to produce energy and hence enable the device to be a power source. During the production of hydrogen organic acid is continuously fed into the reaction vessel to sustain reaction cycle for the continuous production of hydrogen. Preferred Catalyst: The metal catalyst is iron, aluminum, tin, copper or nickel, preferably iron, more preferably a solid such as wire, chips, shaving, filings, powder or mesh, and the solid is fixed to a surface within the reaction vessel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Acid: The organic acid is ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid or succinic acid. Preferred Composition: The organic acid is gluconic acid which is present in the concentration of 0.5-1.0 M. EXAMPLE - Iron powder (in g) (5) was reacted with 0.5 M degassed gluconic acid (1 l) at a pH of 7.4 and 80degreesC, to produce hydrogen. The reaction was conducted in a reaction vessel which was connected to a housing device. The housing device had an assembly of fuel cell, and was connected to a digital clock by wire. When the generated hydrogen was passed through the housing device, the digital clock was powdered for 32 consecutive days, after which the rate of hydrogen production decreased.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A chloride is separated from residue obtained by azeotropic distillation, and washed with distillate obtained by simple distillation. The resulting liquid is reused as solvent of decomposition liquid. A biphenyl is separated from residue obtained by simple distillation, and washed with ethyl alcohol. Ultraviolet irradiation of the resulting liquid is performed. A biphenyl is separated from residue obtained by simple distillation, and resulting supernatant liquid is neutralized. The chlorine-containing organic compound in the neutralized liquid is decomposed by microorganisms. Alternately, a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyl and trichlorobenzene as chlorine-containing organic compounds, or trichlorobenzene as chlorine containing organic compounds, is decomposed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The alkali earth metal is magnesium, calcium, strontium and/or barium.The inorganic oxide carrier contains alumina or complex oxide of alumina.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Apparatus: The system further comprises mixture (1) for mixing organic waste such as sludge, and calcium oxide, a preheater (3) for preheating the mixture, a solid liquid separator (5) for separating the gas and liquid formed during supercritical waste reaction, a cooler (6) for cooling the liquid discharged from the solid-liquid separator, and gas-liquid separator (7) for separating the gas from the liquid discharge from the cooler. A reclaimer is provided for recycling the calcium oxide collected from the fluid bed furnace to the mixer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The heat exchanger is not positioned within the first reaction zone. The hydrocarbon fuel is preheated by passing through the heat exchanger prior to being introduced to the reaction chamber. A mixture of hydrocarbon fuel, air, and water is preheated by passing through the heat exchanger prior to being introduced to the first reaction zone. The inlet end of the heat exchanger is at the fourth reaction zone and the outlet end is at the second reaction zone. A reaction zone containing more than one catalyst is separated from an adjacent reaction zone and is supported by a permeable plate (206).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The first reaction zone contains autothermal reforming catalysts, a second reaction zone contains desulfurization catalyst, a third reaction zone contains water gas shift catalyst, and a reaction zone module contains preferential oxidation catalyst. The plate is perforated metal, metal screen, metal mesh, sintered metal, or porous ceramic. It is made of inconel, carbon steel, or stainless steel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The hydrocarbon is natural gas, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, liquefied petroleum, methanol, and/or ethanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The conversion zone is a steam-reforming zone, and the fuel stream comprises steam. Regeneration of adsorption zones is accomplished by pressure swing adsorption, thermal swing adsorption, and/or vacuum swing adsorption. The process may include compressing air stream prior to passing in adsorption bed, compressing the adsorption effluent stream prior to the production of first and second oxygen-enriched streams, and mixing a portion of air stream with oxygen-depleted stream prior to combustion. In an alternative process, a steam stream is mixed with a feed stream containing hydrocarbon or oxygenate to provide a feed mixture. The feed mixture is passed to a pre-forming zone, which is indirectly heated with a flue-gas stream to recover a pre-formed stream containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water. The pre-formed stream is passed to the conversion zone as the fuel stream. The reformate comprises carbon monoxide, and the conversion zone comprises a water-gas shift reactor to convert portion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the presence of water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The electrical heating element is formed in a spiral design along one face of the catalyst bed. It may also be weaved through or wrapped around the catalyst bed. The desired temperature is the start-up temperature or the desired reaction temperature during transient operation.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst bed contains autothermal reforming catalysts, partial oxidation catalysts, steam forming catalysts, water gas shifts catalysts, preferential oxidation catalysts, anode tailgas oxidation catalysts, or sulfur absorbents. It consists of pellets, extrudates, spheres, and/or monoliths.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The spout is for spraying the vegetable substances. It is connected to the actuating mechanism. The connector is for moving the spout on the second axis of the container. The actuating mechanism comprises an electric actuator, preferably an electric motor. It generates the angular movement of the spout by a gear reducer. It includes first and second connectors that are connected to each other. The tubular connector transmits the angular movement to the spout. The transfer mechanism comprises a duct (5) for transferring the must from the lower section of the container to the spraying device, and a hydraulic pump (6) for sucking the must from the lower section of the container and transfers it to the device through the duct. The pump includes a filter on the suction duct for preventing solid must particles from transferring to the device preferably it is a suction and/or delivery pump. The container is manufactured with circular, rectangular, and/or square section. The spout is fitted with a diffuser for increasing the jet pattern for lighter spraying. The spraying device is for washing the container.Preferred System: The system also includes a fourth mechanism comprising a compressed air source, which is a turbine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Component: The organic waste consists of liquid waste, which is treated by microbial decomposition by aerobic or anaerobic digestion to produce a clarified liquid and a sludge. The compost comprises fine compost and 1-10% worm castings.Preferred Process: Some of the waste is treated by microbial decomposition by thermophilic composting. The thermophilic composting subjects the material being composted to 70degreesC for 24 hours. The sludge is treated by vermiculture. The liquid waste undergoes a preliminary moisture modification to separate the liquid waste into a liquid and solid parts, which are treated by respective digestion and thermophilic composting. The material to be composted is shredded and mixed together with incoming waste streams. The compost produced by thermophilic composting is separated into coarse and fine fractions. A portion of the fine fraction is passed to vermiculture immediately and the remainder of the fine fraction and the coarse fraction are cured by aerobic storage. Both the microbial decomposition and vermiculture are performed as continuous processes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The microbial decomposition device comprises a thermophilic composting system and aerobic or anaerobic digester for liquid waste. The moisture modification device separates the incoming liquid waste into liquid and solid streams. A screen is arranged to receive compost from the composting system to separate the compost into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction and to pass the fine fraction to the vermiculture device. The shredder is interposed between the screen and the vermiculture device. The vermiculture device has a vermiculture machine with a housing, a grating within the housing supporting a worm bed and mechanism for controlling environmental conditions within the housing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The system has a bioreactor, built with inert material which provokes the liquor's exit and the extrusion of a pasty mass with 35% humidity, that will be dried, sifted and/or ground and packed. It contains a piston that can be put in action by a hydraulic-telescopic mechanism.Preferred System: The inoculate can be changed according to the substrates, the local conditions, the duration of the process, and the intended final result. The anaerobic process is strictly ended after 168 hours transforming the substrate into liquid foliar fertilizer, solid fertilizer, bran and/or animal ration in farinaceous form with high esters levels that have enhanced repellent power against arthropods. The system redirects and optimizes natural phenomena to treat urban garbage and agro-industrial residues, to optimize agriculture productivity, and to preserve nature, using the strictly anaerobic fermentation of substrates. Final products of the system are fertilizer or solid animal ration, and farinaceous, of high protein content, great nutritional value, and liquid foliar fertilizer. They recover soil's fertility by stimulating the microflora growth and action. They add jellifying humic acid, not polluting the atmosphere with odorous gases emission, and are not methanogenic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A sub-system cultivates fermentation-raised bacteria on and/or within the structure and/or with a biological reactor/incubator device. A co-substrate is added to the sub-system to maintain and/or increase the biomass of the fermentation-raised bacteria. Oxidizers are added upstream of one structure, comprising ozone, chlormaines, chloride dioxide, and/or hydrogen peroxide or blends for removing one of OC, DOC and/or MTBE or combinations. The residual soluble aluminium of the settled water is less than 0.2mg/L. The IOC content of the settled water is less than 2mg/L. The process further comprises the addition of an effective amount of at least one aluminium salt or blends. The polyacrylamide comprises the class of anionic, cationic, nonionic or combinations. The alkalinity of the raw unclarified water is 20NTU or less. The ammonium polymer includes DADMAC, preferably, Epi-DMA. The aluminium polymer includes polyaluiminum hydroxychloride. The ammonium polymer contains quarternized nitrogen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: At least one strain of fermentation-raised bacteria is selectively cultured for removal of specific total organic carbon (TOC) and/or dissolved organic carbon (DOC) compound(s). The fermentation-raised bacteria include non-pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria are Acinobactor, Nitrobactor, Enterobactor, Thiobacillus and Thiobacillus denitrificanus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Artobactor, Achromobactor, bdellovibrio, Thiobacterium, Macromonas, Bacillus, Cornebacterium, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, Falvobacterium, Vibrio and/or fungi. The bacteria are thermophiles operating at at least105degreesF; psychrotrophs operating below 90degreesF; or psychrophiles operating below 60degreesF.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The carbonaceous material is heated to 500-600 degreesC, during pyrolysis, to produce PFG comprising carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. Introduction of steam and/or carbon dioxide enables regeneration of the catalyst, which is preferably silica-gel based. The process steps are controlled by an electronic data processing unit programmed to monitor formation of at least one gas phase product comprising hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water or oxygen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - COMPUTING AND CONTROL - Preferred Process: The data processing unit is programmed to determine the concentration of at least three gas phase products and to implement an artificial neural network model based on concentrations utilized as input data. The neural network model is constructed to produce fuel gas product of chosen composition, by controlling the operating parameters of the process stages. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - A material has hetropoly aid, a first metal, and a carbon. The first metal is selected from a group consisting of platinum, ruthenium, an alloy of platinum and ruthenium, nickel, copper, iron, manganese, cobalt, palladium, and cesium. Hetropoly acid, being its a constitution element, has a first element, a second element, hydrogen, and oxygen selected from a group consisting of phosphorus, silicon, and germanium. The second element is selected from a group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The heat of the exhaust gas of motor is used as a heat source for the reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: Liquid organic substances are an organic compound containing liquid, the solid organic substance crushing substance and water or its slurries. Preferred Conditions: Hydro thermal reaction was carried out at pressure of 2 MPa.G, preferably 5-50 MPa.G,liquid linear velocity 1-1.0 cms/second temperature of 200degreesC or more, preferably 250-600degreesC and with a reaction time of 1-3600 seconds. Catalyst is ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, platinum, gold, iridium, osmium, iron, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Carrier is mixture of a zirconium oxide, titanium oxide and zirconia-titania complex oxide. EXAMPLE - The liquid organic substance (methanol 7.5 mol/h, 45.6 mols of water/second hour) was treated in the presence of 100 cc of 2% ruthenium-titania catalyst and a liquid organic substance was supplied to the hydro thermal reactor. The gas composition and the formation quantity of obtained gas. Temperature and pressure were controlled. By changing the contact time of a raw material organic substance and a catalyst layer, hydrogen/methane ratio was controllable. The gas had composition hydrogen (%) (67), carbon monoxide (1), carbon dioxide (23) and methanol (1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The hydro thermal reaction is carried out at a temperature of 200degreesC or more, preferably 300degreesC or more, pressure of 2 MPa.G, preferably 10 MPa.G, liquid linear velocity of 0.1-1 cms/sec which is defined as a ratio of feed liquid quantity and reactor cross section, and in the presence or absence of catalyst. Preferred Materials: The liquid organic substance is organic compound containing liquid, water and solid organic substance crushing component or its slurries. The catalyst is titania, zirconia or titanium-zirconia complex oxide. EXAMPLE - The liquid organic substance was supplied to hydro thermal reactor at a rate of 100 cc and at a space velocity of 7 hr-1. The substance was hydro thermally reacted with super critical water inside the reactor at a temperature of 470degreesC and pressure of 25 MPa to produce heating gas. The rate of methanolysis was 0.08 hr-1, the rate of gas formation was 63 No/hr and liquid linear velocity inside the thermal reaction tower was 0.5 cm / sec. The heating gas had a composition of hydrogen (in %) (58), methane (3), carbon monoxide (26) and carbon dioxide (2).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The reformer further comprises temperature detector to detect temperature of reformer, temperature feed back control unit to corrected amount of oxidizing agent flow rate based on deviation of temperature measured by temperature detector and target temperature, and judging unit for determining whether the target oxidizing agent flow rate is adjusted to predetermined value. The apparatus further comprises oxidizing agent flow rate detection unit to detect the flow rate of oxidizing agent, flow rate vertical limit calculation unit to calculate the most suitable flow rate of the oxidizing agent, based on the fuel flow rate supplied to the reformer, temperature vertical limit calculation unit to calculate the optimal temperature of oxidizing agent in the reformer based on the fuel flow rate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Lactobacillus: The lactobacillus and/or yeast is chosen from Lactobacillus e.g. Lactobacillus brevis, Debaryomyces e.g. Debaryomyces hansenii and Candida e.g. Candida zeylanoides.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Alternatively, the ammonia removal process is performed after biological treatment, to remove ammonia from the biologically-treated liquid. The obtained methane is subjected to desulfurized process (7), in which an alkali (8), is added and hydrogen sulfide is absorbed. The alkali (12) is also used for pH adjustment in ammonia distillation process (11) which removes ammonia. The heat energy produced by methane combustion is used as energy for temperature rise of liquid waste material, directly or indirectly. Sulfuric acid is added to the aqueous ammonia, separated from liquid waste, and liquid ammonium sulfate is formed. The liquid sulfate is dried with high temperature gas to form ammonium sulfate powder. The sulfuric acid used is recovered and recycled. A compost purification process purifies compost (10) obtained from the solid content of solid-liquid separation, and the liquid ammonium sulfate is mixed with the compost. The phosphorus compound collected from the liquid waste, by phosphorus collection process (15), is also added to the compost.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The activated sludge collection process collects the activated sludge which is used by the biological treatment process, performed at a pH of 4-6.3 with the addition of thiourea.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Salt: An alkali magnesium salt which immobilizes ammonia and phosphorus is added to the mixture of supernatant liquid obtained after solid-liquid separation and the dehydrated filtrate obtained after dehydration treatment of sludge, for pH adjustment. Preferred Installation: The metallic salt is added to the mixture of supernatant liquid and dehydrated filtrate using a mineral salt injection apparatus. EXAMPLE - Methane fermentation of cow excrement was carried out using UASB test experiment which had a reaction capacity of 4L. The liquid mixture obtained after solid-liquid separation of heat processed organic waste and the dehydrated filtrate was treated as UASB raw water. The chemical oxygen demand concentration was reduced to 5000-8000 mg/L by circulation of treated water at 35 degrees C. The generation of gas in UASB test equipment was increased by 3.2 times to 800 L/kgVSS. The residence time of the organic waste in the fermentation tank was reduced to approximately 1/9, using UASB tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microbe which ferments the base material is a photosynthetic microbe, Lactobacillus, yeast, gram positive Actinomycetes or gram negative Actinomycetes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Agent: The agent comprises 80-20 % of decomposing agent and 20-80% of fermentation promoter/water content regulator, preferably carbonized coffee lees.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The cylindrical pipe in the culture apparatus is zigzag-shaped.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: The sleeve has a series of crosswise slots and push-fitting end caps (12). The bio-plug floats submerged and is located close to the air/water interface for oxygen transfer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The sleeve is formed of high density polyethylene (HDP). The sleeve comprises a black HDP while the end caps comprise yellow HDP. The fiber fill is hydrophilic spun polypropylene.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The carbon source is glucose powder or syrup.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The hydrogen-enriched carbon monoxide vapor is cooled and partially condensed, and separated to produce a second hydrogen-rich vapor and second carbon monoxide-rich liquid. At least a portion of the second carbon monoxide-rich liquid is vaporized to produce a portion of the refrigeration duty required for the cooling and partially condensing. The resultant vaporized carbon monoxide-rich liquid is recycled to the hydrogen stripping column. A liquid nitrogen refrigerant is added to the second hydrogen-rich vapor to produce cooled hydrogen-rich refrigerant and the cooled hydrogen-rich refrigerant is vaporized to provide a portion of refrigeration duty required to cool and partially condense the feed gas by heat exchange and produce a warmed hydrogen-rich vapor. A methane-rich liquid is combined with warmed hydrogen-rich vapor to produce a fuel gas stream (26). The first and second hydrogen-rich vapors are combined and expanded to provide a portion of refrigeration duty required to cool and partially condense the feed gas and produce expanded hydrogen-rich vapor. The hydrogen-stripped carbon monoxide liquid is separated to produce a carbon monoxide product vapor and methane-rich liquid. At least a portion of the methane-rich liquid is combined with hydrogen-rich vapor to produce a fuel stream. The hydrogen-stripped carbon monoxide liquid is phase separated to produce a gaseous stream and liquid stream. The liquid stream is vaporized by heat exchange, and the vaporized liquid stream is combined with gaseous stream and then fed to the separator column.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrogen-rich refrigerant comprises a portion of first hydrogen-rich vapor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The supply of air to the reformer is stopped after the catalyst layer temperature has reached a predetermined high temperature. Air and fuel may be supplied to the reformer intermittently when the system has stopped.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A sensor is included to detect the catalyst layer temperature of the reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The amount of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in the fuel composition is greater than 50, preferably greater than 90 vol.%. The composition has an olefin content of less than 10, preferably less than 1 vol.%, an aromatic content of less than 35, preferably 10 vol.%, an oxygenate(s) content of less than 5 vol.%, and a sulfur content of less than 10, preferably less than 0.1 ppm. The composition also comprises at least 2 vol.% 8-12C, preferably 8-12C triptane or an alkane, and at least 4 methyl and/or ethyl branches, preferably greater than 95 vol.%. The composition may also comprise 0-40, preferably 20 vol.% reformate and/or 0-30, preferably 15 vol.% Full Range Catalytically Cracked Spirit (FRCCS).Preferred Properties: The fuel composition has a final boiling point of less than 180, preferably 155-175 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method further includes passing the fuel composition through a sulfur trap (24) positioned in the first and/or second conduit. The sulfur trap may also be located in a third conduit, through which the fuel composition is allowed to pass prior to entering the first and/or second conduits (18, 20). Additives for use in internal combustion engines are also provided to the fuel composition in the second conduit, but no to fuel composition in the first conduit. A device is included for preventing additive-containing fuel from contaminating the fuel composition in the reservoir or any fuel destined for fuel cell apparatus. The method may comprise blending 20-80, preferably 60 vol.% iso-paraffin (alkylate), 5-35, preferably 20 vol.% hydrocrackate and 10-50, preferably 30 vol.% isomerate together. EXAMPLE - A hydrocarbon fuel composition comprised 30 vol.% aromatics, 0.5 vol.% olefins, 0.52 vol.% benzene, 87.2 wt.% carbon, 13.2 wt.% hydrogen and 1.9 ppm sulfur. It has a final boiling point of 181 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The injection pressure is less than P-F. The injection fluid rate is 6.7-11 m3/min. The injection time is 10-30 minutes. The shut-in-time is 0.5T-S-SAG - 4T-S-SAG preferably T-S-SAG - 2T-SAG. The injection time is selected, such that the SAG is 50% or more, (preferably 65% or 80% more) of contacted-region-sorbed gas.Preferred Properties: The coal bed has absolute permeability less than or equal to 20 md (preferably 10 or 5 md), before stimulating the injection well. An injected proppant mass per unit thickness is 1063-4250 kg/m.Preferred Components; The SAG is selected from a group comprising carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur trioxide, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorotrifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane, dichloromonofluoromethane, fluoroform ,1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-fluoroethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, hexafluoroethane and/or chloropentafluoroethane. The injection fluid is selected from carbon dioxide, flue gas, nitrogen or water or their combinations. The injection fluid comprises a proppant selected from a group comprising sand, sintered bauxite or sintered ceramics.Preferred Apparatus: The coal bed further has a production well for recovering methane from the coal bed. EXAMPLE - A mixture of carbon dioxide and proppant was injected into injection well for stimulating injection well by hydraulic fracturing. A liquid carbon dioxide was cyclically injected into injection well in 12 injection stages at injection pressure of 13997 KPa. The injection well was shut for 41.37 hours and SAG was sequestered. The process had increased injectivity due to the reduced skin factor and increased apparent fracture length.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The filter system also includes a filter bed support (20), which is porous to air and water; and an outlet for exhausting filtered air to the atmosphere. It also includes roof (28) for covering the filter bed.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The particulate material includes lava rock, pumice, or sandstone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: After regeneration, the solution is used again to dry gas. Regeneration is conducted after the solution has absorbed at least 35 wt.% water based on the original solution. Reaction of natural gas with aqueous solution of potassium formate (KCHO2) is carried out in an absorption tower. When the gas is natural gas, the method includes reacting the gas with a first solution of at least 40 (preferably 40-65) wt.% KCHO2 to absorb moisture, reacting the gas with a second solution of at least 55 (preferably 55-80) wt.% KCHO2 to absorb moisture, and regenerating the first and second solutions in a cavitation regenerator. Drying of gas may be carried out by reacting the gas in a first gas contactor with a solution of KCHO2 to absorb water and form a semi-dry gas and a first dilute solution of KCHO2, concentrating the first dilute solution to form a first regenerated KCHO2 solution, reacting the semi-dry gas with the first regenerated KCHO2 solution to form a dry gas and a second dilute solution of KCHO2, concentrating the second dilute solution to form a second regenerated KCHO2 solution, and passing the second regenerated KCHO2 solution to the first gas contactor.Preferred Composition: The solution contains 40-80% (preferably 70-75%) KCHO2 both initially and after regeneration.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The hydrophobic, olephilic material is a cellulosic biodegradable material, or fibrous melt blown polypropylene. The core contains nutrient material.Preferred Absorbent Device: The absorbent device includes a porous cover containing the matrix.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The core contains bacteria (such as Pseudomonas, Candida, Geatriclum, or Actinomucor) as microbes. The absorbent device is configured as an elongated package for use as a bilge or sump oil absorber.Preferred Arrangement: A single core is centrally located within the matrix. The core and the matrix are elongated and have a generally circular cross-section. The core is contained in a matrix which is shaped as a flat pillow.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The microbes are contacted with the accumulation of hydrocarbons by wicking the released microorganisms into the matrix for reduction by the action of the microbes. At least one core is surrounded with the absorbent hydrophobic, oleophilic material of the matrix, and the core and matrix are confined within a cover of absorptive material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The controller calculates an amount of carbon accumulated in the reformer, based on a history of an operating condition of the reformer, and executes the carbon removal process when the amount of the accumulated carbon exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It selects carbon removal modes that are prepared in advance, depending upon the amount of the accumulated carbon, and the carbon removal process is carried out in selected carbon removal mode. It varies at least one parameter depending upon the amount of carbon accumulated in the reformer, the parameter including at least the amount of the raw fuel supplied during the carbon removal process, the amount of the oxygen supplied during the carbon removal process, length of period for which the carbon removal process continues, or the number of execution of the carbon removal process. It executes the carbon removal process when a required output of the fuel cell is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, or upon a start of the fuel reforming apparatus.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The superposition of heat from two heat sources, pyrolyzes the coal in selected section of formation, and temperature of the selected section is maintained within pyrolysis temperature. Pressure of the formation is controlled as function of temperature, or vice versa. The average heating rate of selected section of formation is controlled to less than 1 degrees C/day during pyrolysis. The heat is transferred by conduction, and the formation is heated such that the selected section has thermal conductivity of greater than 0.5 W/m(degreesC). The pressure of the selected section is controlled to 2 bar absolute. A portion of hydrogen in the mixture is recirculated, and portion of mixture produced is hydrogenated using the hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in non-condensable hydrocarbon is separated and removed.Preferred Composition: The obtained mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons containing 0.1-15 weight% (wt.%) of 1-25C olefins with API gravity of at least 25 degrees, and non-condensable hydrocarbons containing ethene and ethane in molar ratio of 0.001-0.15 and olefins. The condensable hydrocarbons comprises less than 1 wt.% of each of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, 5-30 wt.% of phenols, greater than 20 wt.% of aromatic compounds, less than 5 wt.% of multi-ring aromatics, less than 0.3 wt.% of asphaltene, and 5-30 wt.% of cycloalkane. The non-condensable hydrocarbons comprises 10-80 volume% (vol.%) of hydrogen. The mixture comprises greater than 0.05 wt.% of ammonia which is used for fertilizer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The heat source(s) are electric heaters, surface burners, flameless distributed combustors and/or natural distributed combustors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The pile manifolds are positioned at intervals along the length of the both elongated suction and discharge manifolds. The suction manifold is connected with a drain, a noise reduction medium or fresh air inlet. The discharge manifold is connected with a multiple stage biofilter. The apparatus has aerated static composting piles and lances connected with the piles manifolds. One of the aerated static composting piles acts as the biofilter for another static composting piles. The suction manifold, discharge manifold, pile manifolds, blower, and aerated static composting piles are installed above the ground level on an unpaved surface.Preferred Method: The method includes biofiltration of air and fluid condensate withdrawn from the pile under negative or positive air pressure, varying the rate of the withdrawal of the air and fluid condensate from the pile and adjusting the rate at which air is forced into the pile. Organic matter is placed in the piles on an unimproved surface and re-stacked in the piles at 10-20 day intervals.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Composition: A pressure indicator is provided in the coke oven chamber and in the combustion chamber. The indicator switches the damper by a pressure differential of each pressure indicator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The porous carrier is rare earth element and beta-alumina or lanthanum and beta-alumina, and is coated with monolysis structure which consists of ceramics, cordierite and/or mullite. The catalyst used in the fuel reformation method is a uniform mixture of hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst comprising porous carrier supporting noble metals and water vapor reformation catalyst comprising carrier made from ceramics supporting nickel, cobalt, iron, silver, copper, zinc, chromium and/or rare earth element.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Structure: The methane modification catalyst is connected with heater for accelerating catalytic reaction. Preferred Process: Hydrogen and carbon monoxide extraction process are alternately performed for every fixed time.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The heat absorption amount of coolant in heat exchanger is estimated. The temperature of the coolant flowed among the heat exchanger portion of carbon monoxide removal apparatus is calculated by coolant temperature arithmetic unit based on estimated heat absorption amount, and the temperature of coolant flowed into the heat exchanger is controlled such that temperature of the coolant in the carbon removal apparatus is set to predetermined value. The temperature of coolant (B) is set to more than the temperature of catalyst layer of carbon monoxide removal apparatus.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A heat exchanger common to circulation apparatuses (I,II) is provided. A flow rate adjustment unit adjust flow rate of coolant (A) flowed into the heat exchanger and a temperature detection unit detects temperature of reformed gas flowed into carbon monoxide removal apparatus. The flow rate of coolant (A) is adjusted by flow control unit such that the temperature of the reformed gas is set to predetermined value, based on the detected value of temperature detection unit. The circulation apparatus (I) circulates coolant (A) to the fuel cell stack. The circulation apparatus is equipped with by-pass flow path for supply of coolant to the heat exchanger.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Manufacture of organic fertilizer involves processing organic waste such as livestock excrements, organic refuse, agriculture and fisheries processed waste material or sewage, with a process base containing useful microbes. EXAMPLE - No relevant example given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The gas for temperature raise is air.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: Water vapor is mixed with light hydrocarbon containing gas in the ratio of 0.0-1.0. The light hydrocarbon gas is natural gas containing methane, petroleum group synthetic natural gas, coal thermal decomposition gas, coke oven gas, added to gas containing methane and/or liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, and pre-reformed gas of gasoline. Preferred Conditions: The temperature of air and light hydrocarbon gas is reused to 400-600degreesC by oxygen deficient air and methane partial oxidation gas. The ceramic film type reactor is operated at 800-950degreesC. The pressure of air and light hydrocarbon gas supplied as feed, is 1-2 atmospheric pressure.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst is Nix/CaySr1-yTiO3, where x = 0.1-0.3, y = 0.0-0.8, or Nix/BaTiO3, where x = 0.1-0.3, or a catalyst with respect to the catalysts weight made to carry 0.1-1000 weight ppm of rhodium, ruthenium or platinum. The catalyst is arranged in three dimensions at the downstream of a raw material gas stream and upstream of ceramic film.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The fuel contains hydrocarbon (in vol%) saturated portion (70 or more), aromatic (30 or less), olefin (4 or less) and naphthene (35 or less). The fuel contains 80 mass ppm of sulfur. Preferred Properties: The fuel has a density of 0.83 g/cm3 or less, at 15degreesC, flash point at 0degreesC or more, smoke point of 18 mm or more for hydrocarbon compound, heat capacity at 1 atmospheric pressure and 15degreesC of 2.5 kJ/kgdegreesC or less and latent heat of 350 kJ/kg or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The desulfurized bio gas (11) is contacted with an aerobic microorganism suspension. The microorganism suspension is maintained aerobically after contacted with bio gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The sulfur removal apparatus has packed column-type scrubber (1) and desulfurizing apparatus (2) which contains microorganism suspension. EXAMPLE - A bio gas containing 200 parts per million (ppm) of hydrogen sulfide was passed through a packed column-type scrubber filled with polyvinyl chloride. The original gas flow rate was 1.1 cubic-m/minute and the amount of water sprinkled was 3 l/cubic-m. The desulfurized gas was treated with sodium hydrogen sulfite. The concentration of sulfur in the bio gas was reduced to 22 ppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The pretreated slurry is stored in pretreatment tank, and decomposed in gasifier by adding ozone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Material: The filter base material is strip-shaped nonwoven fabric, felt or paper material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Temperature: The compressed air is contacted with activated carbon at -50 degreesC to 70 degreesC.The temperature at which oxygen and nitrogen are separated from air at the hollow fiber polymer film, is higher than the temperature at which air is contacted with activated carbon.Preferred Process: The mist and humidifying components contained in compressed air are separated using a mist separator (8) and dehumidifier (5), before contacting the compressed air with activated carbon.The air subjected to nitrogen and/or oxygen separation contains a low boiling 5C or less organic substance gas.Preferred Pore Radius: The activated carbon has average pore radius of 0.5-1.6 nm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Film: The hollow fiber polymer film is hollow fiber polyimide film.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The air further contains 5C or less low boiling organic substance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Ratio: The shell or steel-making sludge or slag is added to the reactor such that sulfur and shell or steel-making sludge/slag are mixed at a ratio of 4:1-2:1.Preferred Component: The shell is dried, or preferably burnt.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The external carbon source is methanol, ethanol, or acetate. EXAMPLE - Reactors were inoculated using an aerobic return sludge from municipal sewage treatment plant. After a contact time of 24 hours, the columns were operated continuously for 20 days at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20 hours. An artificial inflow wastewater was composed of potassium nitrate (600 mg N/l), ammonium chloride (2 g/l), KH2PO4 (sic) (2 g/L), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.8 g/l), sodium bicarbonate (2 g/l), a trace of metal solution, methanol, and ethanol. An influent alkalinity concentration of calcium carbonate (930 mg/L), which was insufficient to remove nitrate nitrogen wholly, was used. The actual wastewater containing nitrate nitrogen (250 mg/l), and phosphorus (20.1 mg/l) was used. The mixture of sulfur particles and shell in a ratio 3:1, was added. Result showed that nitrate nitrogen was removed by more than 98% at 8 hours (HRT), while phosphorus was removed by 10 mg/l, showing the removal rate of 40-50%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A pump is included for pressurizing the air stream above atmospheric pressure to promote the transfer of oxygen from the air stream to the sludge. A venturi device (17) is provided to aid re-circulation of the exhaust air. An ultrafiltration device (7) is included comprising a membrane for separating water and solutes from the biomes and organic content of the sludge. A heat recovery system is provided for recovering heat from the reaction chamber and transferring at least a portion of the recovered heat to untreated sludge. A holding chamber is included for receiving untreated sludge and containing the untreated sludge while a heat transfer process takes place. The reaction vessel is maintained at 45-75, preferably 55-65 degrees C for 5-25, preferably 7-15 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The chemical is dissolved in pyroligneous acid and mixed with the organic substance raw material. The raw material mixture is heat processed in a sealing container. The evaporated component is cooled-liquefied and collected by a condenser (24). The organic substance raw material is plant waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Salts: The fused salt comprises metallic salt of alkaline earth metals such as magnesium, calcium and strontium as anion and alkali metal salts such as lithium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate as cation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Apparatus: In ultrafiltration or microfiltration, the plate modules have a gap with of more than 2 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Fuel Processor: Processor assembly (A) comprises:(a) an oxidation core vessel containing an oxidation catalyst,(b) a reforming vessel surrounding this and forming a first annular space filled with autothermal reforming catalyst,(c) a desulfurizing vessel surrounding this and forming a second annular space filled with desulfurization catalyst,(d) a shift vessel surrounding this and forming a third annular space filled with water gas shift catalyst and(e) a preferred oxidation vessel surrounding this and forming a fourth annular space filled with preferred oxidation catalyst.The oxidation core vessel oxidizes fuel cell anode tail gas to produce a hot exhaust gas which preheats the hydrocarbon fuel. An electric heater preheats the anode tail gas before it is introduced to the oxidation core vessel. A second desulfurizing vessel (e.g. a replaceable canister) may be located outside the processor assembly for desulfurizing the hydrocarbon fuel feed. The hydrocarbon fuel feed is sequentially introduced into the four annular spaces. Cooling coils may be provided to remove heat from each of the spaces. A circulating coolant (e.g. air, water or hydrocarbon fuel feed) flows through the coils. Each annular space may be surrounded by heat resisting refractory.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The reactor is a fixed bed reactor. A flow distribution manifold is in fluid communication with the reactor inlet for evenly distributing flow into the reactor. A flow collection manifold is in fluid communication with the reactor for directing the hot reactor product to the reactor outlet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Ratio: The ratio of homofermentive lactic acid bacteria and heterofermentive lactic acid bacteria in the silage inoculant is 1:8-1:12, preferably 1:10.Preferred Inoculant: The inoculant comprises at least two heterofermentive bacteria, a viable culture of Enterococcus faecium and a carrier.Preferred Culture: The isolated and purified viable culture of L.buchneri which is in a solid or liquid form comprises at least 102 viable organisms per gram.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Feed: The feed comprises whole plant corn silage or high moisture corn. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The L.plantarum is LP286 (ATCC Accession No.53187), LP287 (ATCC Accession No.55058), LP329 (ATCC Accession No.55942), LP346 (ATCC Accession No.55943), LP347 (ATCC Accession No.55944) or its functional mutant. The Enterococcus faecium is EF301 (ATCC Accession No.55593), EF202 (ATCC Accession No.53519) or its functional mutant.    EXAMPLE - A silage inoculant containing high moisture corn, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP286, LP287 and LP329) and Enterococcus faecium (SF202 and SF301) was applied to a forage at a rate of 1ml/lb. The mixed silo were packaged and preserved in an environmentally controlled room. Two pre-ensiled forage samples were analyzed for pH, dry matter, digestibility and aerobic stability. The results showed that the silage inoculant showed improved aerobic stability (34-41 hours) (5000 ppm improved aerobic stability 24 hours, when compared with uninoculated controls), showed sufficient low pH during anaerobic storage and also showed adequate fermentation to effectively preserve ensiled grains.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - The fuel cell stack comprises polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preparation: A method of producing the new gas absorbent comprises dissolving the compound of formula (I) and a metal salt of copper, chromium, molybdenum, rhodium, palladium, or tungsten in an organic solvent so as to deposit the metal complex. EXAMPLE - Copper formate (300 mg) was dissolved in methanol (100 ml). Trimesic acid (1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid, 300 mg) was dissolved in methanol (250 ml), then formic acid (20 ml) was added. These methanol solutions were mixed and left over one day. The resultant precipitates were collected by centrifugation, washed with methanol, and vacuum-dried at 120 degreesC for 1 hour to obtain a copper-trimesic acid complex.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Waste Material: The waste material contains resin which functions as caking additives. 5-40 weight% of water is mixed with the waste material and solidification is carried out using the water.Preferred Process: The solidified fuel is burnt under low oxygen atmosphere and carbonized in absence of air and cooled under oxygen free atmosphere to obtain charcoal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Material: The compost casting, preferably a flower plant, a planter or a fixing tool, for fixing tee for golf, comprises an embedding part for fixing the plant and a retainer for maintaining the plant in a fixed position.Preferred Method: Compost casting manufacture involves processing organic waste containing woody material and animal excrement, compression-molding the processed organic waste at 4900-68600 Pa pressure, and molding the processed compost into rod shaped form. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Waste Material: The waste material contains industrial waste organic material comprising wood and/or foodstuff waste and/or plant fiber, or material prone to cause environmental pollution when burnt.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant comprises a compound including R-32, R-125, R-134a, R-143a, or their mixtures. It can be one of the compositions listed in Table III and IV as disclosed. It includes R-404A, R-407C, R-410A, or R-507A. The solubilizing agent is butane or isobutane. It can be pentane or dimethyl ether. The composition further comprises a lubricating oil including mineral or hydrocarbon oil, alkyl benzene oil, white or paraffinic oil, or their mixtures.Preferred Composition: The composition comprises 80-99.9 wt.% R407C or R410A and 0.1-10 wt.% butane. EXAMPLE - Actual testing in a refrigeration machine of the inventive composition comprising 22.5 wt.% R-32, 24.5 wt.% R-125, 51 wt.% R-134a, and 2 wt.% butane was performed. Testing was performed in a 2 ton air conditioner system setup similar to the unit reported in Report DOE/CE/23810-71 Study of Lubricant Circulation in HvAC Systems, March 1995-April 1996 (author Frank R. Biancardi et. al., prepared for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute Under ARTI/MCLR Project No. 665-53100 except that instead of equal size risers, three different size risers (3/4, 7/8, and 11/8) were used. Using a hand pump, 90 cc of oil from the sump was injected into the compressor discharge line. The rate and time required for oil return was respectively measured to be 2.7 cc/min and 46 minutes for the test mixture, and 2.4 cc/min and 65 minutes for R-407C, demonstrating that both capacity and efficiency of the system were enhanced over R-407C and the oil return was improved.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Adsorbents: The nitrifying and sulfating bacteria are particularly at a high density of not less than 109 (cells/ml). The nitrifying bacteria have a nitrification rate of not less than 1 mg/g.hour, at water temperature of 10 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Adsorbents: Such microorganisms are fixed onto the adsorbent via a binder which is insoluble or sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvent, e.g. polyvinylpyridinium halide. The adsorbent is particularly a non-woven fabric. EXAMPLE - A non-woven polyester fabric was grafted with 4-vinylpyridine and monovinyl monomer before quaternization to give polyvinylpyrdinium halide and application onto a fill-and-draw type culture tank to form a closed circulatory system with nitrifying bacteria fixed at high density after culturing for use.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Hybrid: The chemical hydride is lithium hydride, sodium hydride, calcium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, lithium boron hydride, sodium aluminum hydride or sodium boron hydride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The organic substance is silicone rubber, silicone grease, silicone oil, paraffin or paraffin oil.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The organic substance is polyethylene or epoxy resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - The filter is made of metallic glass, ceramic or glass.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred composition: This is particularly in solid form and contains 103-109, preferably 104-108, cells of (M)/g. Particularly at least one of (M) and (I) is encapsulated in a water-soluble coating as spheres or capsules, or microencapsulated as a free-flowing powder, especially both are encapsulated together. Optionally component (iii) is also encapsulated. Alternatively, the solid composition is shaped like a golf ball, brick, donut, fish or large golf tee. Preferred microbes: About 20 are specified, e.g. Bacillus subtilis, B. coagulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Preferred materials: Component (iii) contains at least one source of carbon and nitrogen, especially dextrose, sucrose, molasses, soya proteins, milk amino acids and/or yeast extract. It may also include at least one vitamin and/or trace element.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred dyes: (I) impart a blue, green or blue-green color to the treated water, and are particularly FDandC dyes, e.g. Blue 1 or 2, or Green 3, optionally combined with dyes of other colors. EXAMPLE - About 5x108 spores each of Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the same number of microencapsulated cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens were mixed with pregelatinized starch (353 g), water (21 g), sodium benzoate (19 g), crospovidone (17 g), dextrose (4 g), milk amino acids (6 g), soya peptone (4 g) and a 50:50 mixture of the dyes FDandC Blue 1 and Green 3 (75 g). The mixture was then formed into a brick-shaped article of 500 g.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The digesting is plug flow or mechanical continuous flow digesting.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred method: (I) involves fermenting grain in an aqueous medium to produce ethanol. The wet grain residue comprises 25-80% of a feed ration of the livestock on a dry weight basis. The manure produced by the livestock is collected from beneath the slatted floor. The collected manure is digested anaerobically with microorganisms to produce the bio-gas containing methane and, as a residue, a bio-fertilizer. The bio-gas is combusted to produce heat. The grain is dry milled utilizing the heat produced by combustion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A purifier is also provided to remove the CO and CO2 from the stream of H2. The protons of hydrogen pass through a membrane of the fuel cell, while electrons that do not pass form electricity. The protons that pass through the membrane combine with electrons to form hydrogen atoms that combine with atmospheric oxygen to produce water vapor or hot water at elevated temperature. A heat exchanger is further provided to transfer heat from the water vapor to another useful fluid, thus cogenerating thermal energy in the useful fluid while the fuel cell is generating the electricity. A switching converter is connected to the fuel cell for converting the electricity generated into useful voltage levels. A heat source is provided around the cylinder for heating the catalyst.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrocarbon gas is a low pressure propane. It is storable as liquefied propane in a container for a safe use aboard recreational vehicles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Products: The organic liquid hydrogen storage body consists of an aromatic compound polymer. The organic liquid hydrogen supply body consists of a hydrogen supply polymer consisting of the hydrogenated derivative of the aromatic compound polymer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - A solid high molecule type fuel battery has a porous insulation film layer (20) formed at the inner periphery of a gas diffusion electrode layer I and/or the outer periphery of s gas diffusion electrode layer ii. The inside diameter of the gas diffusion electrode layer I is 0.5 - 10 mm. A vacancy rate of a porous insulation film layer is 20 - 80%. The thickness of the porous insulation layer is up to 100 mu m.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: At least one portion of the charcoal obtained by carbonization is mixed with the organic refuse by using an acceptance apparatus (1). The impurities is mixed with the dehydration sewage residue prior to carbonization. The organic sludge is mixed with the organic refuse prior to energy production.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Apparatus: An electric heater in the heat source of the vaporizer heats the water-insoluble liquid fuel. The heat source in the vaporizer utilizes exhaust heat from a modifier (9). The heat source is equipped with the electric heater and an unit for utilizing exhaust heat from the modifier.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is chosen from Epistylis, Euglypha, Arcella and Vortiella.Preferred Organic Substance: The decomposition-resistant organic substance is a dye stuff chosen from acid dye, direct color, basic dye, mordant dye, vat dye, sulfide dyes, ice dye, developed dye and oxidation dye.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Amount: 5.0-50.0 weight% (wt.%) of ground blues stones, 0.1-10.0 wt.% of thermally expandable pearlite and/or vermiculite, and 94.9-40.0 wt.% (residual amount) of ground oyster shell, are blended, and added with water-soluble binder in a quantity of solid content of 1.5-8.0 wt.% with respect to the total amount of the 3 components which are blended.Preferred Properties: Each of oyster cell and blue stones, is pulverized to 2 mm or less.Preferred Binder: The water-soluble binder is lignin compound and/or waste-molasses fermented waste liquid.Preferred Process: The compounds are granulated into a globular form with a diameter of 1-6 mm. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substance: The substance contains carbon contents, such as charcoal and activated carbon.Preferred Process: The undesired odor substance is subjected to heat-retention maturation, and then deodorized.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Component: The mineral elution component of the fertilizer is ground oyster shell material. The fertilizer further contains micro-organism raw materials.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred refrigerant : The cooling unit uses a refrigerant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane, ethane, methane, ethylene, propylene, glycol or liquid nitrogen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred System: The detachable anode/cathode system is screwed to a base and provided with a sealed joint on which a magnetic separator is seated to remove any particles of iron perchloride present in the water.The electrodes are parallel iron plates separated by a membrane to avoid premature mixing of the gases formed.The water flow is controlled by a level detector at the top of the electrolysis chamber with electrical connection to the water pump.The NaOH distribution system allows progressive distribution of NaOH in the water to facilitate electrolysis.The unit comprises a cylinder containing a stick of solid NaOH supported on a grill with an inlet for water at the base; a spring at the top of the cylinder ensures contact with the water flow. The gas mixing unit comprises a spherical chamber with inlet and outlet for the gas mixture.The gas is aspirated by the pump (Pg).Homogeneous mixing of the gases is ensured by a system of rotating paddles on an axis mechanically coupled to the pump to synchronize and optimize production.The speed of the rotary system is controllable to avoid overheating and pressurizing of the gases.The gas mixture is aspirated to the engine via a system of anti-return valves.The evacuation, cooling and recycling of water vapor resulting from combustion comprises a radiator (Rad) provided with an exhaust valve on the upper part to evacuate excess heat. Finally the cooled water is directed to the reservoir for re-use.The apparatus is also fitted with temperature and pressure sensors which are coupled to the electrical supply to the sparking plug, ensuring a safety cut-out in the event of excess temperature or pressure. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Device: The air-introducing device carries out the correction based on the deviation between the measured temperature of the raw fuel and the set temperature of the raw fuel to control the flow amount of the air used to be reformed, or based on the output from the fuel cell to control the flow amount of the air used to be reformed, in addition to the correction based on the deviation. It restricts the upper limit of the flow amount of the air used to be reformed based on the output from the fuel cell. The fuel cell system further comprises a carbon monoxide (CO) remover (3b) which removes CO utilizing the air from the first reactant gas having been reformed in the reformer, and the air-introducing device further introduces the air used for the removal of CO into the CO remover in such a manner that the flow amount is controlled based on the output from the fuel cell.
EXAMPLE - 0.1 ml of a sludge suspension prepared by dispersing collected sludge with a blender for 10 seconds was diluted by 0.6 % saline water 100 times, ten thousands times and a million times. Each diluted solutions were spread on an agar plate consisting of Medium A containing 8 g nutrient broth, 8 g glucose, 6 g NaCl, 0.2 g dry yeast extract and 14 g agar in 1000 ml DW and cultured at 32 degrees C. The microbe was distinguished by colony form, microscopic observation and biochemical test. The presence of spore formation in each colony microbe strains was judged 2 to 5 days after the formation of colony. When a plural of strains were present in the colony, they were separated by dilution. The starch-decomposing activities of the colonies were tested. X-1 showed a highest amylase activity.
EXAMPLE - Sludge suspension (0.1 ml) prepared by dispersing collected sludge with a blender for 10 seconds was diluted by 0.6 % saline water 100 times, ten thousands times and a million times. Each diluted solutions were spread on an agar plate consisting of Medium A containing 8 g nutrient broth, 8 g glucose, 6 g NaCl, 0.2 g dry yeast extract and 14 g agar in 1000 ml DW and cultured at 32 degrees C. The microbe was distinguished by colony form, microscopic observation and biochemical test. The presence of spore formation in each colony microbe strains was judged 2-5 days after the formation of colony. When a number of strains were present in the colony, they were separated by dilution. The protein-decomposing activities of three strains, X-1, X-2 and X-3, were tested. X-2 showed as highest a protease activity as 81 %.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred device: The device also comprises a crushing device, and an exhaust duct, which is fitted with a deodorizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Blades (53,54) are arranged mutually as double helix structure, along the rotational axis of a shaft (52) inside a container (51). The ratio of projection areas of the blades (54,53) along the rotational axis is set to 1.1-1.3.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Catalyst: The amount of iridium supported on zirconium oxide is 0.5-20 wt.% (preferably 1-5 wt.%) based on the zirconium oxide (100 wt.%).Another catalyst comprises Ir and Pt supported on zirconium oxide. The amounts of Ir and Pt supported on zirconium oxide are 0.5-20 wt.% (preferably 1-5 wt.%) and 2-10 wt.% (preferably 5-50 wt.%), respectively, based on the zirconium oxide (100 wt.%).Preferred Process : The method for purifying a combustion gas containing methane and excess O2 comprises passing the gas through a solution containing the Ir, with and without Pt supported on zirconium oxide dissolved in pure water or in an organo-metallic compound/organic solvent such as acetone, or bringing the gas into contact with catalyst tablets comprising Ir (with or without Pt ) supported on zirconia. WIDER DISCLOSURE - Method for purifying a combustion gas containing methane and excess oxygen comprises using the invented catalyst.    EXAMPLE - Tris(acetylacetonato)iridium (Ir(acac)3:acac=CH3COCHCOCH3- ) ( 0.305 g ) was dissolved in 69 wt.% HNO3 (8 ml) while heating.    The solution was diluted in 5 ml of water. Zirconia TZ-O (RTM) (6 g) was soaked in the obtained solution. The water was evaporated, and the Ir supported on the zirconium oxide was dried and baked at 500 degrees C for 4 hours so as to obtain 2% Ir/zirconia. The 2% Ir/ zirconia was molded into tablets.    A combustion gas comprising 1000 ppm of CH4, 10 wt.% of O2, 10 wt.% of H2O, 8 ppm of SO2 and N2 (the rest ) was brought into contact with the catalyst by passing through the catalyst at a rate of GHSV 40000 /hour. 25% and 19% of CH4 were removed from the gas after contacting the gas with tablets for 1 hour and 30 hours, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Materials: The fibrous material is ground cotton trash, ground peanut hulls, or ground corn stalks.Preferred Method: The method further includes mixing a gas with pig waste and fibrous material in blending conveyor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The ACQ-tolerant fungus is preferably Meruliporia incrassata TFFH-294 or Antrodia radiculosa MJL-630, or more preferably A. radiculosa FP90848-T. The lignocellulosic substrate is sawdust, wood chips, rice straw, corn stalks or wheat straw. The nutrient supplement is corn steep liquor, cornmeal or wheatbran. The inoculated wood is aerated and hydrated in dark aerobic conditions at a relative humidity of about 70% and at about 20-35, more preferably 27-32 degrees C. WIDER DISCLOSURE - Also disclosed as new are:    (1) a fungal inoculum; and    (2) preparation of the fungal inoculum.    EXAMPLE - The ability of fungal strains to degrade preservative-treated wood was determined by placing a sterile 1 x 1 x 0.3 inch block of wood from southern pine treated with ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ) according to American Wood Preservers Association standard on a fungal inoculum in a glass bottle. The blocks were incubated for 10 weeks at 27 degrees C, 70% relative humidity, then removed and their dry weight loss measured. Antrodia radiculosa FP-90848-T degraded ACQ-treated wood at an average of 29.9% of the original dry weight. Meruliporia incrassata TFFH-294 and Antrodia radiculosa MJL-630 reduced the dry weight of the wood by an average of 9.7 and 6.7% respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Waste: Preferably, the waste to be decomposed is organic waste including agricultural waste, food residue, sludge, human waste, or wooden waste.Preferred Product: The product obtained from the method is a mixture of decomposed waste and mycelial carrier support, which is used to enrich the soil.
EXAMPLE - No suitable example given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The direction of flow of gas in modified layer and combustion layer is same. Preferred Arrangement: The modified layer and combustion layer are alternately laminated. Several compressed tubes (3) are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, in the container. The ends of each compressed tubes are fixed to end faces (H3, H4) of container. The container and the bellows are integrally expanded to longitudinal direction of compressed tubes. The bellows are formed at edge portion of container near the outlet side of combustion layer. A support for catalyst is provided in modified layer and combustion layer. Combustion layer inlet (11) is provided to the upstream of combustion layer. The combustion gas is separated into heating gas and oxygen containing gas. The separated hydrogen gas is introduced in combustion layer, through hydrogen gas inlet. The flow rate of heating gas is controlled by a control unit. A flame propagation prevention layer is provided outside the container of modifier. The flame propagation layer consists of double metal mesh, foam metal or sintered metal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The acid is an organic acid. 2-98 weight% of organic acid is present in the solution. Hydrolysis of the alkaline earth metal hydride is performed in the presence of a catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Process: An aerobic useful microorganism is provided to the particulate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The resin used is ethyl cellulose.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Inorganic Binder: The inorganic binder which comprises 5-15 weight% of silica hydrolyzes the alumina powder and ethyl silicate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The copper halide adsorbent used for adsorbing residual carbon monoxide is supported on a substrate. The substrate is alumina, carbon, zeolite or their mixtures, preferably alumina. The adsorbent selectively adsorbs carbon monoxide more preferentially, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen. The reformate contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen. Preferred Process: The adsorbent carries out pressure swing adsorption or vacuum swing adsorption, conducted in switching parallel connected adsorption beds of copper halide. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The copper halide adsorbent is copper chloride.    EXAMPLE - Copper chloride (in weight%) (15) on alumina support was produced according to US 5175137 and was used as adsorbent. 4-bed pressure swing adsorber(PSA) cycle with 2 pressure equalizations was simulated at a feed temperature of 80degreesC and feed pressure of 4.5 atm absolute. The bed was desorbed at 1.5 atm absolute with product gas from PSA. The feed composition was 65%, hydrogen (H2) 25%, carbon dioxide (CO2), 1.1 carbon monoxide (CO), 6% nitrogen (N2), and 3% methane (CH4). The PSA product had a composition of 84% H2, 6% CO2, 7% CH4, 3% N2, and 10 ppm CO. The overall H2 recovery from the system was 75%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The reactor is a ceramic lined reactor. It consists of two sections. The lower section is made of mild steel lined with ceramic bricks and alumina tiles. The upper section is annular made of stainless steel coated with aluminum. The hot gas exits through the annular portion in the upper section of the reactor for drying the biomass. The cooled gas is filtered through a filter consisting of quartz bed on polymeric fiber mat which is reusable. The gas is sucked by the blower and supplied to the engine in a controlled manner to generate power. The blower is protected from the high temperature of gas by injection of water to the blower. A compact twin lobed burner is provided to burn the gas leaving no traces of the unburned fuel so that the gas produced is used directly when clean hot gas is required. A water sump, and a lifting table are provided at the bottom of the reactor. The gate is motorized and a char cabin is provided at the bottom of the reactor for collecting charcoal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The aerator has a recess (3) in the base. The diffuser includes a grid (5) or cellular structure. The cellular structure includes two perforate planar members maintained in a fixed spaced relationship by spacers having a load bearing capacity to allow vehicle transport. The aerator is rectangular and extends through the length of the area holding the compostable mass. The system includes several aerators arranged in parallel. The aerator is connected to an oxygen-containing gas supply manifold to deliver air via a branch pipe. The branch pipe includes a controller to achieve desired flow of oxygen-containing gas to the aerator. The aerator has a width less than that of a vehicle delivering the compostable material. A protective grid overlies the cellular structure. A mesh screen is arranged between the cellular structure and the protective grid. The system includes a drain communicating with a gas recycle manifold. Gas is drawn through the drain by suction of a blower. A biofilter deodorizes a gas portion drawn from the drain, prior to discharge to the atmosphere.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Portion(s) of biomass feed stock is converted to char in gasifier, and the char is transferred out of gasifier through entrainment in fluidized particulate material. Portion(s) of char is transferred to combustor and combusted to heat fluidized particulate material. The product gas is transferred to combustor and combusted to heat fluidized particulate material. The fluidized particulate material are made to form a high and low density regions in the lower and upper portions of gasifier, respectively during biomass gasification. The biomass gasification method further involves formation of an entrained mixture of fluidized particulate material, char formed by gasification of biomass feed stock and product gas, in low density region; gradual and continuous removal of entrained mixture from low density region to a separator; separation of particulate material and char from product gas; and combustion of char in combustor to produce heat. A portion of product gas is combusted in combustor to produce heat. Preferred Conditions: The gasifier has biomass feed stock throughput of 100-4400 lb/ft2-hr, preferably 500-4400 lb/ft2-hr. The gasifier receives inlet gas having inlet velocity of 0.5-7 ft/second, preferably 0.8-2 ft/second. The average residence time of biomass feed stock in gasifier is 0.5 seconds-3 minutes, preferably 10-20 seconds.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: CO2 is separated from (II) by physical scrubbing with methanol at -70 to -20 degrees C. The O2-rich starting gas contains at least 70 vol. % O2. CO-containing gas is separated from the synthesis gas in a gas scrubbing stage operated using liquid nitrogen and fed to the catalytic conversion. The N2-H2 mixture is supplied to the NH3 synthesis via at least two catalyst-containing reactors such that the mixture in one reactor acts as medium for indirectly cooling the catalyst. (II) has H2:CO volume ratio 2.5-3.0 (dry basis). The natural gas stream, at a pressure of 10-100 bars, is passed into the gas scrubbing stage operated using liquid nitrogen, where it is depressurized by at least 8 bars. EXAMPLE - The apparatus shown in the figure, with a nickel oxide reforming catalyst and an iron-chromium conversion catalyst, was used to produce ammonia at 3000 t per day or urea at 5263 t per day.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Amines : The odorant is an amine(s, preferably trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, n-butylamine, n-pentylamine, n-hexylamine, n-heptylamine, n-octylamine, n-decylamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane and 1,7-diaminoheptane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The composition may consist of a mixture of propane/nitrogen, propane/ether, ammonia/nitrogen or difluoromethane/isobutane, or single components such as difluoromethane or ammonia.The process for supply of the propellant with fuel comprises the following stages:(a) filling of the first section of the tank with fuel;(b) filling of a second section of the tank with the pressurizing composition; and(c) expulsion of the fuel from the first part by the force of the pressurizing composition.The two sections of the tank are separated and sealed by a membrane allowing a pressure exchange without passage of material from the pressurizing composition. The system also comprises control valves for regulating the emptying of the tank.The membrane material is chosen from an ethylene propylene terpolymer, a nitrile, rubber or metallic compound. EXAMPLE - Characteristics of the pressurization of difluoromethane and ammonia: The comparative physical properties of the compounds were as follows (data for ammonia shown in parenthesis): Molar mass (g/mol): 52.02(17.03); saturation pressure (x105) at 10 degrees C: 11.0(6.1); 23 degrees C: 16.0(9.4); 50 degrees C: 31.5(20.3); density of saturated liquid (Kg/m3) at 23 degrees C: 965.2(835.9): 50 degrees C (562); density of saturated vapor at 10 degrees C (Kg/m3): 28.65(4.7); density of saturated vapor at minimum temperature/density of saturated liquid at maximum temperature: 0.0343 (0.00836);    The data show that a greater degree of pressurization is obtainable with difluoromethane than with ammonia. Nevertheless, the saturation vapor density at 10 degrees C and the ratio of saturation vapor density at 0 degrees C and saturated liquid at 50 degrees C is favorable for ammonia.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The formation is heated using two or more heat sources and superposition of heat from two heat sources pyrolyzes some hydrocarbons within the selected section of formation. The heat sources comprise electrical heaters, surface burners, flameless distributed combustors or natural distributed combustors. The pressure and temperature are controlled within at least majority of selected section of formation, where the pressure is controlled as function of temperature and vice versa. Heating at least a portion of formation involves heating a selected volume (V) of formation having average heat capacity of Cv, where the heating pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected volume of formation and heating energy per day provided to the volume is equal to or less than Pwr. Pwr is calculated from the following equation, Pwr = hxVxCvxrhoB, where h is average heating rate of formation (less than 10degreesC per day) and rhoB is formation bulk density.Preferred Compounds: The mixture produced from the formation after treatment comprises condensable hydrocarbons having (API) gravity of at least 25degreesC and non-condensable hydrocarbons. About 0.1-15 weight percent (wt.%) of the condensable hydrocarbons are olefins. The molar ratio of ethene to ethane in the non-condensable hydrocarbons is 0.001-0.15. The condensable hydrocarbons comprise 5-30 wt.% of oxygen containing compounds comprising phenols, less than 3 wt.% of asphaltene and less than 1 wt.% (on atomic basis) of sulfur. The mixture further comprises 0.05 wt.% or more of ammonia.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The fuel mixing unit is a spraying unit which sprays fuel for combustion in the direction of overall flow of fuel mixed gas.The evaporator has an oxygen-containing gas supply unit which supplies oxygen-containing gas in the direction of overall flow of fuel mixed gas in 90 degrees.The evaporator has a starting material mixing tank (32) for oxygen-containing gas containing reformation starting material and oxygen.The starting material mixing tank is made of a porous material, and has a stirrer for stirring reformation starting material and oxygen-containing gas.The combustion flow path is formed in spiral form.The evaporator has a reformation raw material supply tank formed of porous material.The cross-section of reformation raw material supply tank is bigger than that of supply port (40) of evaporation flow path.The evaporation flow path comprises several flow paths communicated mutually.The hydrocarbon group fuel is methanol.Preferred Reformer: The fuel reformer has carbon monoxide reduction part which reduces carbon monoxide concentration in hydrogen rich gas and a shift reaction part which performs shift reaction of carbon monoxide and water produced by reformation reaction.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - A glass solder is employed, which is viscous at the temperature of operation. Mica is included.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - The gas distribution layers comprise woven carbon fibers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The foamed structure is plated with gold, iridium, copper or silver.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Frame: The distribution frame comprises nylon 6,6, derivative of nylon 6,6, polyetheretherketone, acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS) styrene, mylar, textar or kevlar.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The refrigerant composition contains (in wt.%, based on the total composition) propane (32-33) and propylene (65-67). It may further contain an additive in an amount of less than 5 (preferably 1-2) wt.% to prevent flammability and increase the mobility of the refrigerating oil and the cooling capacity of the refrigerant.Preferred Components: The additive is carbon dioxide and/or trifluoromethyl iodide. EXAMPLE - A refrigerant composition was prepared comprising (in wt.%) propane (32.5), propylene (66) and carbon dioxide (1.5). The refrigerant composition was non-toxic and had a molecular weight of 42.6, a boiling point of -41.8degreesC, an ignition temperature of 680degreesC, a thermal conductivity of 0.109 W/m-K (liquid) and 0.015 W/m-K (vapor), a heat of vaporization of 372.9 kJ/kg at 0degreesC, zero ozone layer destruction potential, and a global warming potential of 3.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The refrigerant composition contains (in wt.%, based on the total composition) isobutane (25-35, preferably 29-31) and 1,1-difluoroethane (65-75, preferably 68-70). It may further contain an additive in an amount of less than 5 (preferably 1-2) wt.% to prevent flammability of the hydrocarbon refrigerant.Preferred Components: The additive is carbon dioxide and/or trifluoromethyl iodide. EXAMPLE - A refrigerant composition was prepared comprising (in wt.%) isobutane (29.5), 1,1-difluoroethane (69) and carbon dioxide (1.5). The composition was non-toxic and had a molecular weight of 63.3, a boiling point of -20.3degreesC, an ignition temperature of 725degreesC, a thermal conductivity of 0.115 W/m-K (liquid) and 0.013 W/m-K (vapor), a heat of vaporization of 303 kJ/kg at 0degreesC, zero ozone layer destruction potential, and a global warming potential of 96.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The organic refuse is taken in an accommodation unit (23) having a bag formed of metallic foil or a metal basket-like container (22). Air in the accommodation unit is extracted and a vacuum is created. The organic refuse is heated to 150-700 degrees C and carbonized.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further has a suction unit to extract air from accommodation unit and a heater (21) to heat and carbonize organic refuse. A portion of metallic foil bag is connected to suction unit by an exhaust port. The metal container is sealed with a lid (24) which has an air vent linked to the suction unit. The heater has a concave portion in which the metal container is mounted. The apparatus further has a grinding machine which grinds the carbonized organic refuse and a deodorizer to remove the smell produced during carbonization.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: Charcoal is used for carbonization and as a source for a second heater.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Alloy: The preferred hydrogen occlusion alloy is body centered cubic structure alloy. Preferred Supplement Hydrogen Occlusion: The alloy is AB2 type alloy, where A is Zr or Ti and B is Cr, Ni and Mn.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbe: The microbial bed supports bacteria such as Bacillus in humus solid such as saw dust.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The fats and oils adsorbent is a polypropylene resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method for de-inking is carried out in the concentration region of the cellulase in which the pulp-swelling activity (PSA) is 25 U or higher. The method is performed at the maximum value of PSA in that concentration region of the cellulase.Preferred Cellulase: The cellulase is an endoglucanase, and is SCE3 originating from Trichoderma, NCE4 originating from Humicola, or RCEI originating from Rhizopus. WIDER DISCLOSURE - Disclosed is a method for evaluating a cellulase effect for de-inking and the effective concentration of the added cellulase that does not lower the paper strength of waste paper, comprising measuring the swelling level of the pulp after the cellulase reacts with the pulp. This involves measuring the water-retention value (WRV) of pulp after reacting with the cellulase at a concentration of 1% weight/volume (W/V) at an optimal cellulase pH and at an optimal temperature for 60 minutes. In the evaluation method the PSA that produces a 1% increase in the WRV of the pulp, which is equal to 10 U of cellulase activity, is measured after dry pulp ( 0.5 g ) is reacted with cellulase at a pulp concentration of 1% (W/V), at an optimal temperature and at optimal pH for 60 minutes.    EXAMPLE - Waste paper was dispersed in a citric acid buffer solution (pH5) to obtain a 1% weight/volume pulp dispersion. Cellulase, EGII or CBHI, originating from Meicellase TP60 was added to the dispersion at 50degreesC for 60 hours. The WRV was measured and the estimated PSA was to be 35U and 0U for EGII and CBHI, respectively. So the EGII (additional amount = 0.001%, 0.01% and 0.1%) exhibited an excellent de-inking effect for waste paper.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The aeration of the waste material is achieved by physically turning the waste material by forking. Step (i) is effected by digging a hole in the ground surrounding the hole serving as the container. The waste material is placed in a trench, trough or furrow in the ground. Step (iv) is effected using a plough, offset plough or spading machine. The method also includes the initial separation of biodegradable waste material from non-biodegradable material, e.g., metal, glass or plastics. It also includes mechanically comminuting or macerating the waste material before step (i), where the comminution step is carried out until all the waste material is reduced to a particle size of not more than 5 cm. Step (ii) is effected by mixing soil into the waste material and/or covering the waste material with soil. The ratio of soil added to the waste material is 1:5. A feedstock(s) containing nutrients and/or substrates for the soil bacteria is provided to the waste material. The liquid content of the waste material is maintained within predetermined limits during the process by periodic addition of the liquid and/or feedstock in liquid form. The pH of the biodegrading waste material is maintained at 4.5-9, preferably 6-8.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The feedstock is a sugar containing solution, e.g. beer or softdrink. The liquid contains methanol, ethanol or other alcohol or liquid organic chemicals, which serve as substrate for the soil bacteria. It is of water, sugar, or starch containing solution, a nitrogen containing solution, beer, softdrink or effluent from the paper industry.Preferred Composition: The liquid is at least 40, preferably 40-60% weight of the dry waste material but less than the amount required to saturate the waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The catalyst has the composition of copper/zinc (Cu,Zn) or Cu/Zn/M, where M is at least one of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), Gallium (Ga), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reformer: The deoxidation device is a catalyst combustor which removes oxygen contained in the original fuel by combustion, and hydrogen contained in the reformed gas.Preferred Catalyst: The desulfurization catalyst of the normal temperature desulfurizer is zeolitic catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Apparatus: The bypass flow path is long or short depending upon the arrangement of the combustion catalyst in the catalyst combustion section. A fuel feed zone (32) adjoining the catalyst combustion section, supplies fuel through fuel supply holes (11). A liquid fuel heating section, CO oxidation section, combustion section, reformation section and the feed zone are piled up sequentially in the fuel reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The airflow path forming plate is chosen from the Hastelloy, stainless steel, nickel, molybdenum, copper, aluminum, iron, silver, gold, platinum, tantalum and titanium.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The airflow path forming plate is also chosen from polycarbonate, acrylic resin and carbon.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Regeneration Material: The waste plastic regeneration material is paving stone, artificial wood, flower bed blocks, benches or flower pots.
EXAMPLE - In an EMBODIMENT organic material is separated from other usable material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The thermodynamic cycle is an inverted Brayton cycle with steam injection and condensation. This uses gas turbine plant, especially with gas turbine and compressor. (I) is expanded in the gas turbine, with performance of work, then passed through a waste heat boiler and recompressed in a first compressor. A generator driven by the gas turbine generates current. (I) is cooled in a cooler/condenser between the waste heat boiler and first compressor to separate water, cooled between the first and second compressors and compressed in the second compressor to a pressure above 50 bar suitable for methanol synthesis. (I) leaves the reformer at a temperature at least 850degreesC and pressure at least 12 bar. Reforming is carried out with steam in a first stage and oxygen in a second stage. Plant: (claimed) The plant has a reformer with inlet for gas containing methane; means of introducing steam, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide; and an outlet for (I). It is followed by a gas turbine plant with gas turbine(s), coupled with a first compressor, and a generator driven by the gas turbine. Preferred Plant: A waste heat boiler, preferably followed by a cooler/condenser, is placed between the gas turbine outlet and first compressor inlet. The gas turbine plant is followed by a second compressor and then equipment for methanol production, optionally with a cooler between the gas turbine outlet and second compressor inlet. EXAMPLE - The industry standard for methanol production at a rate of 1 million tones/year (dry synthesis) gives 33.6 MW gas turbine mechanical power and 70.9 MW process heat with heat-power coupling and a gas and steam turbine power of 54.6 MW mechanical power, compared with only 30.1 MW mechanical power in a pure steam process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The tubular reaction chamber comprises a tube having outer diameter(s) of 0.75-4 inches along the length of the tube. It has legs (1a, 1b) and an arc-shaped bend (1c) connecting the legs. The radiant burner comprises a supported porous ceramic material having extended life at operating temperatures up to 2100 degrees F. It can also comprise a supported metal fiber material consisting of an alloy having extended life at operating temperatures up to 2100 degrees F and containing iron, chromium, aluminum and smaller quantities of yttrium, silicon and manganese.Preferred Condition: The tubular reaction chamber is sized for creation of mass velocities of 400-1500 lb/ft2/hour. It can also be sized to have a capacity to generate hydrogen plus carbon monoxide product in volumetric quantities ranging from 50 scfh to between 500 and 1500 scfh. The catalyst in the tubular reaction chamber has an average particle diameter of 1/8 to 1 inch for producing gas pressure drops of 1-8 psi during flow through the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has a gas exit end temperature of 1150-1400 degrees F when heated by the radiant burner. It has an average heat fluxes of 3000-10000 btu/ft2/hour when heated by the radiant burner. The legs and bend of the tubular reaction chamber have maximum tube wall temperatures of 1300-1600 degrees F when heated by the radiant burner. The radiant burner is configured to direct radiation at an included angle of radiation of 45-180 degrees. It has surface temperatures of 1500-1900 degrees F in operation. It has an operating combustion intensity (defined as the higher heating value of the fuel combusted divided by the permeable radiant burner surface area) of 150000-350000 btu/ft2/hour. It has an operating excess air ratio (defined as percent combustion air in excess of the stoichiometric amount required for complete combustion of the burner fuel) of 30-100%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The cooled hydrocarbon gas stream is separated by distilling it in a demethanizer column (201). The ethane/propane rich stream is separated by distilling the stream in a deethanizer column (203). The hydrocarbon gas stream is cooled in a cryogenic heat exchanger (223). The methane rich stream is compressed and cooled, and the cooled and compressed stream is turboexpanded.Preferred Composition: The hydrocarbon gas stream contains 40-80 mol%, preferably 50-75 mol%, of methane, 10-50 mol%, preferably 15-40 mol%, of ethane and 0.5-10 mol%, preferably 1-4 mol%, of propane. The ethane rich stream contains at least 90 mol%, preferably at least 96.5 mol%, of ethane, less than 0.5 mol% of methane and less than 3 mol% of propane. The methane rich stream contains at least 95 mol% of methane. EXAMPLE - (In mole fraction) A rich hydrocarbon feed stream comprising nitrogen (0.001), carbon dioxide (0.0748), methane (0.53160, ethane (0.3575), propane (0.0350) and other higher hydrocarbons (0.0003) was supplied at a pressure of 68 kg/cm2 and at 26 degreesC. The stream was processed using a demethanizer column maintained at an overhead temperature of -82.4 degreesC and bottom temperature of -0.8 degreesC. The method yielded an ethane rich stream with 95.9% recovery of ethane at 100% capacity and 97% at 70% capacity. The consumed methane gas compressor power was 2713 HP. The total number of equipments utilized for the process was 13 at 100% capacity and 70% capacity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The first electrode is formed of porous material so that it can be wet by the organic fuel. It includes an additive that increases wetting properties by decreasing interfacial tension of an interface between the liquid organic fuel and a catalyst on the first electrode.Preferred Method: The fuel cell is operated to transport protons from first electrode through the electrolyte to the second electrode, and to form a flow of electrons through the load.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The second component includes oxygen-containing gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The proton-conducting membrane comprise solid polymer material. It includes co-polymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinyl ether sulfonic acid. The additive and the membrane are made of the same material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The organic fuel is a combination of aqueous methanol derivative, which can be dimethoxymethane mixed with water to a concentration of 0.1-2 M. The methanol derivative includes a dimethoxymethane forming an electrochemical reaction of (CH3O)2CH2 + 4H2O to form CO2 + 16H+ + 16e-, (CH3O)3CH + 5H2O to form 4CO2 + 20H+ + 20e-, or (CH2O)3CH2 + 6H2O to form 3CO2 + 12H+ + 12e-.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The super strong acid catalyst is synthesized from tungsten oxide and zirconia. EXAMPLE - Zirconyl nitrate (in g) (10) dissolved in 250 ml of distilled water was heated to 80degreesC. 25 ml of ammonia was dropped slowly and zirconium hydroxide precipitate was formed. The precipitate was washed, dried and bake-processed for 3 hours at 30degreesC. The obtained zirconium hydroxide (2) was mixed with ammonium metatungstate (0.539) and 100 ml of distilled water, and stirred for 3 hours at 80degreesC. The mixture was evaporated, bake-processed for 3 hours at 60degreesC and left overnight at 100degreesC, to obtain tungsten oxide carrying zirconia (2.1). Chromium nitrate (1.616) dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water was mixed with the oxide and stirred for 3 hours at 80degreesC. The mixture was dried by evaporation at 100degreesC and bake-processed for 3 hours at 600degreesC, to obtain chrome/tungsten oxide carrying zirconia catalyst (2.2). The catalyst (1) and quartz sand as diluent (2) were reacted with n-butane in presence of nitrogen, at 500degreesC. Reaction was performed for 30 minutes and isobutene was formed at 9.1% of n-butane conversion ratio and 34.2% isobutene selectivity. Absolute yield of isobutene with respect to n-butane was 3.11%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The catalyst also contains (c) an alkaline earth metal component. The alumina support contains 5-40 weight% cerium oxide and 95-60 weight% alumina. Component (a) is supported in an amount of 0.1-8 weight% based on metal. Component (b) is supported in an amount of 0.1-20 weight% based on metal. Component (c) is supported in an amount of 1-20 weight% based on metal. EXAMPLE - Ce(NO3)3.6H2O (126g) is dissolved in pure water (200ml) and impregnated into an alumina support (200g). It is dried at 80degreesC for 3 hours and baked at 750degreesC for 3 hours to form a support containing cerium oxide. To this support (40g), ruthenium trichloride (4.3g) and Co(NO3)2.6H2O (9.1g) dissolved in water (30ml) are impregnated. It is dried at 80degreesC for 3 hours. The catalyst is impregnated in NaOH aqueous solution to dissolve the impregnated compound.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The separation involves partial conversion of the tar. The conversion is catalytically assisted by the char. The separation may also be carried out by adsorption on the solid particle or by decomposition during burning of the solid particles. The product gas is separated off after the intermediate stage. The stages take place in a single reactor housing.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The separation chamber comprises a separation device for tar and product gas. The device includes a housing (2) in which the chambers are arranged. The separation chamber is arranged above the first and/or second reaction chamber. The first and second reaction chambers are arranged adjacent to one another.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The microorganisms in the liquid culture at least consists of fungi.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Chemicals: Calcium carbonate and/or ammonia are used as pH controlling agent in the equipment.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The shift reaction catalyst has a catalyst layer. One portion or catalyst layer is provided with catalyst metal, and other portion is water vapor adsorbing portion containing water vapor adsorbing material. The water vapor adsorption portion is porous. The catalyst layer provided with catalyst metal is formed on predetermined support. The water vapor adsorption portion is formed between support and catalyst layer. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The water adsorbing material is zeolite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The sulfur compound is added to the pre-treatment stage of the anaerobic tank so that the oxidation-reduction potential is maintained less than -270 mV (silver/silver chloride reference standard). The treated water in the aerobic tank is circulated to the anaerobic tank. The aerobic and anaerobic tanks are used continuously for multi-stage process. The carrier which adheres sulfur and/or sulfur containing compound is added to the anaerobic tank. The additional amount of carrier with respect to sulfur compound is adjusted so that the red-ox potential of anaerobic tank is maintained at 0 to -200 mV. The nitrite nitrogen concentration in water and nitrate nitrogen concentration in liquid ejected out from anaerobic tank are measured. The sulfur compound is added to the anaerobic tank so that the sulfur component/nitrogen component (sum of nitrogen component of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen) is set to 3.5-4 mass ratio. The sulfur oxidation bacteria from activated sludge is used in anaerobic tank. A microorganism fixed carrier is thrown into the anaerobic tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Components: The compost in the fertilizer comprises rice straw, reed, wild rice, wheat straw, mountain-field grass, deciduous litter, crop residuum, organic refuse and waste. The aerobic bacteria in the fertilizer is yeast, Actinomycetes, acetic acid bacteria, gluconic acid microbe, filamentous fungi and/or Aspergillus. The anaerobic microorganisms are Lactobacillus, gram positive fermentable bacteria and/or gram negative fermentable bacteria. The pH of the fertilizer containing chelate compound is set to 6.0-7.5, by mixing with water containing (in parts) metal compound (0.1-4), amino acid mixture (5), potassic fertilizer (2-8), nitrogenous fertilizer (0.1-1) and phosphorus fertilizer (0.01-2). The amino acid mixture is a mixture of saccharic acid and an amino acid, and/or fatty acid. The metal compound in the fertilizer is calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, iron, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, titanium, gallium, selenium, germanium, vanadium, chromium, silver, strontium, indium, tin, gold and/or zirconium. The pH of the fertilizer is set to 6.3-7.0 by adding water containing selenium trioxide (0.03-2), amino acid (0.5-1.5), pentalic acid (0.5-1.5), acetic acid (0.5-1.5), potassic fertilizer (3-5), nitrogenous fertilizer (0.3-0.8), phosphorus fertilizer (0.5-1), acetic acid germanium (0.05-2) and glyceric acid (1.5-2.5). ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No supporting data provided.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No supporting data provided.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The adsorption unit contains an adsorbent including magnesium silicate, alumina, silica gel, molecular sieves, or zeolites. The impurities include hydrogen, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, methane, ethane, carbon dioxide, silane, chlorosilane, and dimethylsilane. The source of methylsilane and the adsorption unit are at -20 to - 40degreesC. The methylsilane is collected in a collection unit at -170 to -190degreesC. The adsorption unit is purged with an inert gas preferably helium prior to introducing the methylsilane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The oxidized hydrocarbon (I) is methanol. The gases formed, i.e. hydrogen and carbon dioxide, are separated; and the carbon dioxide is recycled to the reformer or used to obtain synthesis gas. The reformer may be replaced by an electrolysis apparatus, including several hollow microfibers carrying separate catalytic anodes and catalytic cathodes on their solid electrolyte wall surfaces. Preferred Apparatus: The tubular catalyst (A) includes several hollow staple microfibers (preferably textile fibers), bonded in dimensionally stable manner at their ends. The catalyst may consist exclusively of metal oxides (or mixed oxides); or may consist of a tubular textile carrier coated with a catalytic mixed oxide layer. A direct ohmic charge is incorporated in the spaces and the hollow microfibers, such that isothermal heating is possible. EXAMPLE - None given in the source material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The filter system also includes a filter bed support (20), which is porous to air and water; and an outlet for exhausting filtered air to the atmosphere. It also includes a roof (28) for covering the filter bed.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The particulate material includes lava rock, pumice, or sandstone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Support: The support is zinc oxide, ceria, titania, zirconia, alumina and/or oxides of iron, preferably zinc oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Inorganic Binder: Hydrolysis ethyl silicate are used as inorganic binder. The inorganic binder consists of 5-15 weight% (wt.%) of silica to metallic oxide powder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The cell is a microorganism cell or an animal cell. The microorganism cell is a protozoal cell of Tetrahymena pyriformis, soil microbe cell and Escherichia coli. The far infrared rays are radiated using a planar heating panel (11) which comprises a ceramic flame spraying layer on a base material. The culture container (10) is opened to a predetermined distance and far infrared is radiated into the culture solution or culture medium. EXAMPLE - A culture of Tetrahymena pyriformis (PYD culture medium (containing proteose peptone (1%), yeast extract (0.5%) and dextrose (0.87%)) was filled in a plastic culture bottle and placed in a culture device. The number of microbial cells in the culture solution was 10000 cells/ml. The culture was cultivated at predetermined culture condition and far infrared rays were irradiated. The live cells were stained and number of cells were measured. The result showed that the number of cells of Tetrahymena pyriformis was increased and the proliferation of cell was promoted.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Industrial Wastes: The plant derived waste is degreased filter-cakes of oil seeds (sunflower, rape or soy), degreased filter-cakes of other seeds (cotton, maize), and waste originating from raw materials (barley, maize, wheat, rice) used in fermentation industries (production of bioalcohol, beer).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substance: The fiber containing organic substances is paper.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The sludge is pressurized at 0.03-0.5 MPa and is supersaturated by dissolution of gas. Pressured gas in supersaturated sludge is reduced by a pressure reduction unit arranged at the end of gas dissolution unit. The floating bacteria in reduced sludge is removed by floatation unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: Water vapor cooling is performed until temperature of carbonized material becomes less than 600degreesC. Carbon dioxide gas is also used for cooling of the carbonized material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The chlorine absorbed substance reacts with reactant in aqueous solution and the obtained product gets dissolved in aqueous solution. The waste paper and plastic is obtained during waste paper regeneration process. The washed waste material is further backwashed with water and then dehydrated. Preferred Solution: The aqueous solution is acidic aqueous solution such as hydrogen chloride, nitric acid, hydrogen iodide and/or hydrogen bromide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactor: The side sections are mantle sections, which form a pressure-tight square block with the plates and collectors for the process fluid and heat transfer medium. The channels for the process fluid contain corrugated or folded fins forming passages for the process fluid. These fins preferably are perforated, to form a flow connection between the passages. Both sides of the fins are (partly) coated with catalyst. The catalyst layer is 1-500, preferably 10-100 mum thick and preferably contains a support material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The reactor is made from aluminum. EXAMPLE - Selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene was carried out in this reactor at 31 bar, 70-80degreesC and a throughput of 170000 kg/hour. Liquid butane was used for cooling. The reactor had a volume of 13 m3 (length 6 m, width 1.2 m, depth 1.8 m) and weighed 16 tonne without catalyst. The pressure drop in the catalyst-coated channels was about 150 mbar. A comparable standard reactor had a volume 4-10 times larger. Direct removal of heat minimized side reactions (e.g. formulation of ethane or oligomers such as anthracene oil or green oil) and resulted in a high ethylene yield with safe operation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preparation: Preparation of (I) comprises:(i) preparing a culture medium;(ii) culturing three kinds of bacilli;(iii) mixing with peat; and(iv) stacking, fermentation and breaking. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The inert gas is helium, nitrogen, light ends, argon, methane and/or natural gas. The hydrogen based stripping gas comprises less than 0.5 mole% hydrogen sulfide and less than 50 mole% hydrogen. The feedstream is a hydrodesulfurized feedstream produced by hydrodesulfurization (preferably SCANfining). The stream contains C5+ mercaptans. The feedstream contains less than 30ppm of non-mercaptan sulfur and more than 30ppm of mercaptans. Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is alumina, silica alumina and/or magnesium oxide or cobalt/nickel promoted molybdenum. The three phase system is concurrent or countercurrent. The catalysts are sulfided. EXAMPLE - A fixed bed reactor was loaded with 5cc of commercial gamma-alumina or cobalt promoted molybdenum sulfide and hydrotreated cat naphtha with a total sulfur content of 60 weight ppm (wppm) was reacted over the bed at 260degreesC, 235 psia and 2.0 LHSV with 675 SCF/B (122 m3/m3) hydrogen or nitrogen as stripping gas. The products were as follows: alumina/H2, 36 wppm sulfur, bromine number of 18.5; alumina/N2, 53 wppm sulfur, bromine number of 18.8; CoMoS/H2, 5 wppm sulfur, bromine number of 12.8; CoMoS/N2, 20 wppm sulfur, bromine number of 18.7.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The decomposition in the fuel decomposition unit is performed by hydrolysis. The fuel decomposition unit operates so that an oxygen fed is used to partially oxidize the first hydrocarbon-based fuel, and heat evolved by the oxidation is used to pyrolyze the remaining fuel. It comprises a controller for regulating a rate of entire reaction occurring the in the decomposition unit in response to a feed rate of the fuel. It includes a catalyst for promoting decomposition reaction and a plasma-generating unit to generate low-temperature plasma. The first fuel is a higher hydrocarbon-based fuel with a carbon number of at least 4, preferably gasoline, naphtha, or light oil. The reactor includes a porous article or a honeycomb tube whose surface supports the reforming catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The sample wells are open ended cup-like members. The tray includes a planar member having the sample wells. The wells are deformable for dispensing the biological samples, and support a solid phase material for retaining the sample. The solid phase material is dispensable from the wells upon the deformation of the wells.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Reactor: Platinum is added to the oxygen ion conductor.The amount of platinum (a), material (b) chosen from rhodium, ruthenium, nickel, cobalt and/or iron and oxygen ion conductor (c) satisfies:a/c = 8/2,b/(a+b+c) = 0.3-0.8.The anode consists of mixture of platinum, ruthenium and the oxygen ion conductor, which is YSZ of complex oxide of zirconium and yttrium of structure ZrO2-xmol%Y2O3, CSZ of complex oxide of zirconium and calcium of structure ZrO2-ymol%CaO, or MSZ of complex oxide of zirconium and magnesium of structure ZrO2-zmol%MgO.x = greater than 4 and less than 10;y = greater than 8 and less than 20;z = greater than 8 and less than 20.Preferred Solid Electrolyte: The solid electrolyte has cylindrical or reverse base cylindrical shaped end openings.The reactor has a heater having the exhaust heat of high temperature gas cooled reactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The tablet comprises:(1) potassium formate (5-99.5, preferably 5-15wt. %); and(2) desiccant salts (balance) comprising predominantly of calcium chloride (0.5-95wt. %).The tablet can further comprise a surfactant (0.1-1wt. %), preferably sodium lauryl sulfonate.Preferred Component: The gas is natural gas. The desiccant salts include lithium chloride or cesium chloride.Preferred Method: At least some of the solution is permitted to remain in contact with the bed of tablets and to contact the gas, thus the solution continues to remove moisture from the gas until the tablets are dissolved. The bed of tablets is then replaced with new tablets comprising solid potassium formate. This method is iterated. The separation is accomplished by draining. Contacting the gas with the bed of tablets is accomplished by flowing the gas upwardly through the bed of tablets. EXAMPLE - No example given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Process: The heat-boiling process is performed to lamination paper and/or general paper used as containers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The control unit controls the air and/or water vapor quantity blown for ejecting the exhaust gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The co-generation installation which generates electric power and heat by using methane generated from methane fermentation tank, aerates activated sludge treatment tank and controls temperature of the fermentation tank. EXAMPLE - Organic waste water (sewage) having biological oxygen demand of 95-110 mg/l and solid sludge of 115-160 mg/l at 25 degreesC, was treated with hot spring water (90 degreesC), at 80 degreesC under anaerobic condition in a stoppered glass bottle, for 7 days. The pH of the sludge was maintained at 6.5-8.0 during processing. The processed sludge was then subjected to methane fermentation at 80 degreesC, for 3 days. The percentage reduction in sludge after methane fermentation was 40-50%. The process thus showed effective disposal of organic sewage.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The gas generated from the mixture in the fermentation tank within a short fermentation period is supplied to the mixture during a long fermentation period, intermittently. A temperature of predetermined range is maintained during the fermentation process to kill harmful microorganisms and to ensure survival of useful microorganisms. The moisture content during fermentation is adjusted to a predetermined range by spraying water on the exposed surface of the mixture. Alternately the moisture is adjusted by dissolving many kinds of microorganisms and minerals in magnetizing water and supplying into the mixture. The mixture is fermented by a pre-stage process in a closed space for a short period. The pre-processed mixture is then fermented for a period longer than the pre-processed time until the mixture reaches maturity.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangements: The air supplying unit comprises an inlet which absorbs the gas generated from the mixture in the tank and an exhaust port which returns the absorbed gas to the inlet into the mixture. The inlet port is provided to the side of injection unit in the exhaust port. The system is equipped with a sprinkler for spraying water into the mixture, and a microorganism addition apparatus which adds microorganism to the water for sprinkler. The injection unit has a distribution apparatus for depositing the mixture in the fermentation tank in the shape of a ridge. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer. No test details are given in the specification.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The bio-degradable organic substrate is converted to H2 and carbon dioxide CO2, the H2 partial pressure being controlled by drawing off the H2. The substrate is a flowable aggregate of gas- and/or liquid-permeability, especially a natural biomass or a genetically-modified biomass with a higher H2 content than a natural biomass. Domestic waste or like waste can also be used. The substrate is first aerobically degraded and then the H2 is produced by biological fermentation, the H2 being drawn-off by pressure differential, pressure- or temperature-swing adsorption, membrane separation and/or cryogenic processes.Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus has comminution and/or classification and/or homogenizing devices, as well as air-circulating devices (7, 5; 9) for recycling exhaust air to the fermentation vessel (1). It also has rinsing and H2 post-treatment equipment. EXAMPLE - A plant operating for 250 days 24 hours per day produced 123 kg H2 from a 120,000 t/a feed with 40,000 t/a water evaporated, the heat production being 3,551,000 kcal.
EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The water-gas shift reaction is carried out by contacting an input gas stream comprising carbon monoxide and water vapor, with the inventive low-pyrophoricity water-gas shift reaction catalyst; and catalyzing the water-gas shift reaction with the reaction catalyst.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The metal oxide comprises oxides of vanadium, molybdenum, neodymium, praseodymium, titanium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, and/or preferably cerium and chromium. The support particles are activated alumina. The catalytic agent is platinum, copper (preferably), palladium, iron, rhodium, gold or their oxide. Preferred Property: The alumina has a Brunauer Emmett Teller effective surface area of at least 10 m2/g. The input gas stream is characterized by a space velocity of at least 500/hr volume hourly space velocity. Preferred Composition: The catalytic agent is at 4-20, preferably 4-14 wt.% calculated as copper oxide. The metal oxide is at 0.5-35 wt.%. The input gas stream includes 1-10 vol.% carbon monoxide, at least 10 vol.% hydrogen, and at least 10 vol.% water. EXAMPLE - A catalyst comprising 0.5 wt.% platinum/20 wt.% cerium oxide/alumina was evaluated for pyrophoricity measurement by heating the catalyst in a 7% hydrogen/nitrogen stream to 350degreesC at 10degreesC/min for 20 minutes, switching gas flow to nitrogen and cooling to 100degreesC for 15 minutes, switching gas flow to air and holding the temperature for another 15 minutes, and purging with nitrogen. The results showed a differential thermal analysis of 8.4 muV.s/mg, estimated temperature rise of 50degreesC, and a temperature to achieve 50% conversion of reactant (T(50)) of 210degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The porous titanium silicate is ETS-4, ETS-6, ETS-10, ETAS-10, or crystalline titanium silicate-1 (CTS-1). It is preferably CTS-1, having an effective pore size of less than 4 Angstrom , formed by thermal treatment of ETS-4.The CTS-1 has a composition (in terms of mole ratios of oxide) of 1.0+/-0.25 M2/nO : TiO2 : ySiO2 : zH2O, (where M = cation (preferably strontium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, sodium, hydrogen, barium, yttrium, lanthanum, and/or zinc) having a valence n; y = 1-10; z = 0-10). The fluid mixture is natural gas comprising methane and nitrogen.The porous, crystalline titanium silicate has interpenetrating pores that are large enough to allow selective passage of nitrogen, and small enough to prevent passage of methane.The fluid mixture further contains polar species including water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur dioxide. Preferred Method: The membrane may be heated to 50-125degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The isolated edible plant is exposed to an acidic agent for inducing methylselenocysteine or Se in its edible portion. The acidic agent is an organic acid, preferably citric, acetic, malic, salicylic or succinic acid. A plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, preferably Brassica juncea, B. oleralea or B. carinata is cultivated in a growth environment containing iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, Se, vanadium, molybdenum, boron, titanium and/or germanium, to increases availability of Se in the plant. The harvested plant comprises at least two metals.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Foodstuff: The nutritional supplement containing the genetically engineered edible plant comprises at least 400 ppm of nutritionally valuable Se. EXAMPLE - Brassica juncea plants were grown hydroponically for 4 weeks, with the addition of different levels (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg) of sodium selenate in a growth medium. Plants were grown additionally for 1 week, shoots were harvested and total selenium (Se) concentration was determined. By treatment with 20 mg of sodium selenate, the maximum concentration of Se was 2500 mg/kg. The results also showed increase in Se treatment did not increase accumulated Se concentration in shoots. The species of Se accumulated in the plants, determined by HPLC, showed that 20% of the Se accumulated in the plant was in Se-methylselenocysteine form. The solubility of the Se accumulated in the plants was 85% i.e. a significant improvement in bio-availability of Se.
ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No test detail is given in the specification.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given in the source material.    EXAMPLE - None given in the source material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Bacteria: These can tolerate up to 1 g/l As(III) without loss of oxidative capacity; oxidize As(III), in a bioreactor, at least 12 mg/l/hr; have specific activity for As(III) oxidation at least 0.5 mug/cell/hr, and can reduce residual As(III) levels to below 50, especially 10, microg/l.Preferred Isolation: To isolate (A), a sample suspected of containing (A), especially one contaminated by arsenic, is treated with a selection medium that contains no added carbon source and having As(III) as only source of energy.Preferred Medium: The medium for selecting (A) contains: ammonium at not over 14 mg/l, as nitrogen; di- and mono-potassium phosphates (also serving as buffers) at below 0.5 g/l; magnesium and calcium salts that are not oxidizable biologically at not over 0.1 g/l (preferably magnesium sulfate and calcium chloride); sodium and chloride (especially as sodium chloride) at below 0.5 g/l; traces metals; traces of vitamins and arsenite at 50-500 mg/l. This medium is also used for maintaining (A).Production: To oxidize arsenite to arsenate, the material being treated in incubated with (A) in a bioreactor, especially using about 106 bacteria/ml. Optionally (A) are at least partly concentrated by attachment to a support and oxidation may be accelerated by adding inorganic nutrient salts to the aqueous medium being treated and/or by aeration. The process is operated continuously or batchwise. EXAMPLE - The bacterial strain CAs01 was isolated on a selection medium containing arsenic(III) as only energy source; it showed phenotypic divergence of at least 6.2% from the most closely related known species. The strain was grown on medium containing 100 mg/l As(III), then used to inoculate (at 10%) solutions containing various amounts of As(III). The concentration of As(V) in the medium was measured periodically; for a sample originally containing 500 mg/l As(III), the As(V) concentration after 300 hr was over 600 mg/l.
EXAMPLE - No relevant examples are given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: Preparation of (I) comprises:(1) adding degradable medium in plant fibre powder;(2) stirring uniformly until the degradation reaction takes place;(3) adding beneficial microbe; and(4) mixing uniformly to form (I). EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The metal fibers of the burner are manufactured from a Fecralloy steel containing iron, chromium, yttrium, silicone, manganese, copper and carbon. The burner operates simultaneously with more than one fuel, preferably with hydrocarbon such as liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel as one fuel, and a mixture of gases containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen as the other fuel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The device also contains a temperature detection means which detects the temperature of the conversion catalyst.The device can also contain a temperature adjusting means which adjusts the temperature of the hydrogen gas supplied to the conversion part from the reforming part.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Purification: A filter and a reverse osmosis water purifier purify the water supplied from the water source.Preferred Converter: The converter is oxide or steam electrolyzer, multiphotochemical device, multi-band gap photochemical cell or photoelectrolysis device.Preferred Storage Tank: A hydrogen storage device that stores the hydrogen generated by the converter, has a compressor and a storage tank. The storage tank is metal hydride tank, carbon nanotube tank, vacuum insulated composite tank or slush storage tank.Preferred Power Source: The power source is a solar power source, furnace steam source, wind power source, water drag power source, nuclear power source, human power source or on-shore power source. The power plant is a hydrogen consuming fuel cell. A hydrogen burning mechanical engine that converts the hydrogen into mechanical energy, is a hydrogen burning internal combustion engine, mixed hydrogen fossil fuel burning engine or mixed hydrogen/biodiesel fuel burning engine. A heat exchanger removes excess heat from fuel cell and converter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The conversion part has a cooling part for making the temperature of the downstream side 150-300 degrees C. The amount of noble metal per unit area of the conversion catalyst is made so that of the upstream side is smaller than the downstream side. The speed of flow of the hydrogen gas is made so that of the upstream side is larger than that of the downstream side. The vertical cross-section to the flow of hydrogen of the conversion catalyst is made so that of the upstream side is made larger than the downstream side.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The noble metal layer is all or partly Pt, Pd, Rh or Ru. The metal oxide is a complex oxide in which Zr and/or Al is complexed to Ce. The composition ratio of elements excluding oxygen in the complex oxide is Ce 5-90 atom.% and the rest Zr and/or Al.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The controller increases the raw material amount supplied from the raw material supply part by a fixed amount during operation of the hydrogen generator. The produced gas from the hydrogen generator is led to the burner and the air amount supplied to the burner is controlled based on signals from the raw material supply part and signals from the reforming temperature detector part.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Degradation of fat and oil. MECHANISM OF ACTION - Microbiological decomposition of oil.    ADMINISTRATION - 100-1,000 ppm of the microorganisms in kitchen waste.    SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - Microbacterium saperdae SIID440-1 (FERM P-17974), Sphingomonas sp. SIID440-3 (FERM P-17976), Microbacterium esteraroticum SIID440-3 (FERM P-17976) and Bacillus cereus SIID440-4 (FERM P-17977).    EXAMPLE - The following examples were carried out: (1) isolation and identification of the microorganisms from soil, (2) culture of the isolated microorganisms, (3) decomposition of waste oil, and (4) decomposition of kitchen waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Treatment of organic wastes. MECHANISM OF ACTION - Microbiological decomposition of organic wastes.    ADMINISTRATION - No ratio of the microorganism and organic waste is disclosed.    SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - Bacillus subtilis ST10 (FERM P-17931), Bacillus licheniformis SLP8 (FERM P-17932), Bacillus sp. PR15 (FERM P-17930) and Bacillus thermodenitrificans SL20 (FERM P-17933).    EXAMPLE - The following examples were carried out: (1) analysis of microorganisms in organic wastes, (2) isolation of complex microorganisms, and (3) test decomposition of kitchen waste. Bacillus subtilis ST10-1 to ST10-3 effectively decomposed proteinous and starch wastes at 50 degreesC, Bacillus licheniformis SLP8 effectively decomposed starch at 50 degreesC, Bacillus sp. PR15 effectively decomposed starch at 65 degreesC, and Bacillus thermodenitrificans SL20 effectively decomposed fat at 65 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The inorganic stratified substance is hydrotalcite, and porous carbonaceous material has a thickness of 25-50degreesA.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Organic Anion: The organic anion is obtained from organic sulfonic acid with carbon number of 8-25, organic carboxylic acid or aqueous solution of organic sulfonic or carboxylic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is of bacteria genus Rhodcoccus, Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas.
EXAMPLE - No relevant example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The process liquid is treated by organic solvent in presence of synzyme. The process liquid is obtained by extracting contaminated soil with water. A decomposition promoter, such as at an oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide or mCPBA) or imidazole compound is further added during treatment.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred synzyme: The synzyme is organic solvent soluble dentritic porphyrin.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: An synzyme extracting unit which extracts enzyme by organic solvent is provided below the mixing unit. EXAMPLE - No relevant example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Composition: The composition comprises 100-150 kg of defiberized vegetable origin straw, 30-50 kg of fungal biomass, 12-20 liters of alginates and enough water to produce 1500 liters of solution.Preferred Components: The straw is preferably defiberized and has form of staples 2-5 cm long. Fungus biomass is a dry mycelium obtained during production of penicillin by fermentation, the latter comprising following stages:(a) fermentation of organic products such as soya flour, lactose, beet sugar and cotton seed flour;(b) adding water to form paste, sterilizing;(c) inoculation with penicillin strain;(d) fermentation over few days;(e) separation of fungal biomass and solution;(f) washing of biomass;(g) drying and;(h) addition of potash to produce granules.Polysaccharides are supplied in form of vegetable origin colloidal matter containing at least 80% polysaccharides, and are preferably alginates.Preferred Equipment: The mixer preferably also contains return conduit starting between the pump and the valve and arriving at upper part of tank (2).Preparation: The mulching composition is prepared by mixing the components in aqueous medium. The tank is placed in depression during mixing of components (claimed). EXAMPLE - No relevant example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: When the operating temperature of the steam reforming is reached introduction of the oxygen-containing gas is interrupted. The steam reformer is heated using a heating device.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The polymeric materials comprise polysaccharide, protein, lipid, or polyhydroxy alcohol. They are from a natural origin, and can be obtained from algae, bacteria, or crustacea. They may comprise chitosan or its branched N-acyl derivative, particularly N-lauroyl chitosan; or xanthan gum.Preferred Parameters: The polymeric materials have an average molar mass greater than 5000, preferably greater than 90000 daltons. The first polymeric material is branched and negatively charged.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The contaminated liquid is contacted consecutively or simultaneously with the first and second polymeric materials. The flocs are separated by membrane filtration.Preferred Components: The contaminants comprise metals and organic compounds. EXAMPLE - A contaminated wastewater was treated using a mixed blue-green algae-derived, negatively charged, branched polymeric material, in combination with a positively charged chitosan. The contaminated water comprised (ppm) total organic compounds (TOC) (17500), aluminum (3100), cobalt (9), chromium (6), copper (90), iron (610), manganese (4720), nickel (14), antimony (35), titanium (76), and zinc (2270). After the first treatment, the water comprised (ppm) TOC (1450), aluminum (1.4), cobalt (0.2), chromium (less than 0.1), copper (0.9), iron (0.1), manganese (120), nickel (0.2), antimony (less than 0.1), titanium (1.5), and zinc (25). After the second treatment, the water comprised (ppm) TOC (180), aluminum (less than 0.01), cobalt (less than 0.01), chromium (less than 0.01), copper (0.02), iron (less than 0.001), manganese (34), nickel (less than 0.01), antimony (less than 0.01), titanium (less than 0.01), and zinc (4).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The process includes periodically flushing waste from the barn with water, routing the total flush volume of the waste to a first anaerobic digester for controlled anaerobic digestion of the waste, routing effluent from the first digester to the solid concentrator for the separation of the liquid and solid portions and routing the sludge from the concentrator to the first digester until the first digester contains 10% solids. When the first digester contains 10% solids, the sludge is route from the concentrator to a second anaerobic digester until the end of the first growth cycle and until the second digester has 1% solids. When the second digester has 15 solids, the total flushed solids and liquids is route to the first digester and the cycle is repeated. A first clarified liquid is moved and incubated to the sludge reactor to obtain an activated sludge portion. The solids are separated from the liquids to obtain a second clarified liquid portion, which is then used to flush the additional solid and liquid from the barn. The solid detention time in the anaerobic digesters is 20 days.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The animal housing unit is a hog nursery barn.The system can be constructed using plywood tanks comprising wood shell, which can be reinforced with wire cable.Each anaerobic digester has a capacity of 42,000 gal.Each solid concentrator has a capacity of 2,300 gal.Each sludge reactor has a capacity of 9,500 gal.Each complete mix digester has a capacity of 2,600 gal.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The wood shell is lined with a polymer material, preferably high density polyethylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: Compound (a) is a mixture of dipropylene glycol methyl ether and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether or propylene glycol n-propyl ether. The non-ionic surfactant is a primary or secondary alcohol ethoxylate. The foam breaks or the bubbling action lasts for 5 or minutes or more of application to the carpet. The hydrotrope is sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, di-sodium mono- or di-alkyl disulfonate diphenyoxide, or n-octane sodium sulfonate. EXAMPLE - A carpet cleaning composition consisted of 82.45% deionized water, 4.5% dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 12.5% dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 0.2% primary alcohol ethoxylate, 0.3% sodium benzoate, and 0.05% ammonium hydroxide. A second carpet cleaning composition consisted of 82.45% deionized water, 17% propylene glycol n-propyl ether, 0.2% primary alcohol ethoxylate, 0.3% sodium benzoate, and 0.05% ammonium hydroxide. The first composition was statistically better than the second for removing red ink, and at parity with a commercial product comprising 5% propellant, 16-17% butyl cellosolve solvent, 0.8% monoethanolamine borate/monoisopropanolamine borate mixture, 0.26% sodium benzoate, 0.15% nonyl phenol type non-ionic surfactant with water to 100%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Polyol Esters: (2) is one or more of the polyolesters of formulae (1), (2) and (3).(R1-CH2)2C(CH2OCO-R2)2 (1)R1-CH2C(CH2OCO-R2)3 (2)C(CH2OCO-R2)4 (3)R1 = 1-3C alkyl; andR2 = 5-12C alkyl.The polyhydric alcohol of the esters is e.g. neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane or pentaerythritol. The fatty acid of the esters is e.g. pentanoic, hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic, 2-methylbutanoic, 2-methylpentanoic, 2-methylhexanoic, 2-ethylhexanoic, iso-octanoic and/or 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Microbial Bed: The microbial bed is a food microbial bed or waste microbial bed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Microbial Bed: The microbial bed is an edible microbial bed or a waste microbial bed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Material: A shape retaining means such as labyrinth structure (1), fiber for reinforcement and a non-woven fabric is provided on the outer or inner side of the compact for processing polluted substance.Preferred Microbial Bed: The microbial bed is a food or a waste microbial bed.
SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microorganism belongs to Bacillus stearothermophilus of strain No.12 (FERMP-17907).    EXAMPLE - An oil component decomposition microbe was produced by shaking the cultures at 60degreesC. Then measurement of oil component decomposition activity (lipase activity) of microbe Bacillus stearothermophilus of strain No.12 (FERMP-17907) was performed according to Biotechnology Letters Vol.20, No.10, p997-1000 (1998). The results showed that the microbe was found to have excellent oil component decomposition effect at 60degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The meal is moistened with water before burning and formed into pellets having an average diameter of 1 mm to 10 cm and a length of 1-50 times the diameter. The additive is fiber material recovered during paper manufacture, recovered stock or rejected stock. The fiber material has a length of less than 1.2 mm. The additive contains 20 wt.% lime and has a dry content of 20-90%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The cluster is a noble metal or mixture of them, especially platinum or gold. The plate body is a passivated stainless steel.
SPECIFIC PROTEINS - The saccharotransferase is cyclodextrin glucanotransferase.    EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The organic waste such as organic refuse is decomposed for several hours at high temperature fermentation by adding soil microbes and dried. EXAMPLE - The soil microbes such as Bacillus coagulans and/or Bacillus carculanns (FERM P-17807), where cultivated in a culture medium containing (in g) yeast extract (2.0), peptone (5.0), sodium chloride (5.0) and agar (15.0). The pH of the medium was set to 7.4 and sterilized for 15 minutes at 121degreesC. Cultivation was carried out for 2 days at 55degreesC. Soil microbes having excellent storage property were cultivated. The microbes were preserved by adding 10% skimmed milk and a 10% sodium glutamate. Microbial cells were collected from the medium. Bean curd lees were added in a rotating drum and waste from tofu manufacture was added. Suitable amount of soil microbes were added to the drum and rotated slowly for 90 minutes at 60-80degreesC. The treated fertilizer was obtained. The obtained fertilizer was mixed with the soil which was acidified with agro chemical or chemical fertilizer. The acidified soil was found to gradually improve by fine alkalinity due to the proliferation of soil microbes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The deformation of the zeolite is the result of a temperature change, a change in adsorbent pressure, cation exchange and/or level of hydration. A force resulting in a pressure of mN/mm2 is exerted on the crystal.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The zeolite is zeolites having 8-ring apertures of oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Sieve: The sidewall panels (5) are held together as a bin basket by detachable side-fittings (22). In a disassembled condition, the sidewall panels may be used as part of a fence.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Additive: The additive also includes cellulose and methylcellulose. EXAMPLE - Coffee grounds with a water content of 17-20% are mixed with 3-5 wt.% of an additive comprising 50% silicic acid, 10% silica, 25% methylcellulose and 15% cellulose. The mixture is either burned in a sawdust-burning boiler or is compacted at a pressure of 200 kN/cm2 to produce briquettes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Compounds: The ceramic fiber is made from alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia or silica. The solid particle is non-sintered ceramic particle chosen from alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia or silica; or glass particle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is a Lactobacillus species including Lactobacillus brevis, L. bulgaricus, L. delbrueckii, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. fermentum, L. lactis, L. pentosus, L. plantarum, or L. thermophilus; or Kluveromyces marxianus or Saccharomyces cerevisiae.Preferred Enzyme: The cellulase is partially purified or is contained in or obtained from a solid substrate cultivation of a cellulolytic fungus, including Trichoderma reesei, Rhizopus oryzae, or Aspergillus niger. EXAMPLE - Spent cellulose casings were added with cellulase at 1 ml/50 ml reaction volume inoculated with 5 ml bacterial inoculum of 6 g cells/L. Up to 90% lactic acid was produced per gram spent cellulose casing using Lactobacillus plantarum in a 26-hour incubation at 37degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The adsorbent bed (26) contains a single adsorbent material or multiple adsorbent materials. The photo-catalyst is TiO2 or is from oxides of Cu, Zn, La, Mo, V, Sr, Ba, Ce, Sn, Fe, W, Mg and Al. The photo-catalytic oxidation is carried out using UV radiation, preferably of wavelength 250 nm. The humidity level in the confined space is 0-100%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The adsorbent bed (26) contains a single adsorbent material or multiple adsorbent materials. The photo-catalyst is TiO2 or is from oxides of Cu, Zn, La, Mo, V, Sr, Ba, Ce, Sn, Fe, W, Mg and Al. The photo-catalytic oxidation is carried out using UV radiation, preferably of wavelength 250 nm. The humidity level in the confined space is 0-100%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The metallic oxide contains cerium, zirconium and/or zinc. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The noble metal is platinum or rhodium.    EXAMPLE - None given
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Modification Region: The modification region comprises:(1) a mixing zone which produces heating gas by combustion at high temperatures or oxidized gas, water vapor, and an organic carbon mix; and(2) a catalyst region which performs the water vapor modification reaction at high temperatures.The heat generation region comprises a thermo sensor. Gas of greater than 400degreesC is made to flow in.Preferred Heating Gas: The heating gas is made to oxidize as a flame by reaction with an oxidizing agent in the heat generation region. When oxidizing as a flame, the part of the flame with the highest temperature is covered with a heat-resistant material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: Container comprises nickel group alloy or iron group alloy. The heat-resistant material is tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, and/or its alloys and has airtight high heat resistance. Ceramic component comprises alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia, thoria, beryllia, and/or yttria.Preferred Catalyst: Catalyst (region) comprises rare earth element e.g. rhodium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel and/or lanthanoids. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: A fiber reinforcing material is mixed with the granular or powder charcoal which carbonized organic flammables.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The dropping lid is descended in the heating container until the apparent specific gravity of the waste material is set to 0.1-0.7.Preferred Method: The gas generated during decomposition is condensed, and separated into acidic water phase and oil phase. The oil phase is recovered, and the acidic water phase is neutralized. The non-aggregate formed during condensation, is absorbed and decomposed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metals: The pentavalent transition metal is vanadium, niobium and/or tantalum. The trivalent transition metal is chromium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The catalyst layer includes a coating of the same resin as an electrolyte as one of components of the catalyst layer. It includes pores having a pore size and a pore amount that are smaller at the upstream portion than at any other portion of the catalyst layer. It has a thickness that is greater at the upstream portion than at any other portion of the catalyst layer. The diffusion layer includes a fluororesin and carbon particles as components of the water repellant layer. A structure of the diffusion layer also may differ between at the upstream portion and at the downstream portion. The diffusion layer includes at least one of (1) a ratio in amount of the fluororesin to all of the components of the water repellant layer smaller at the downstream portion than at any other portion of the diffusion layer, (2) a hydrophilicity of carbon of the water repellant layer stronger at the downstream portion than at any other portion of the diffusion layer, and (3) the substrate layer of the diffusion layer having a hydrophilic procedure applied at the downstream portion, in order to weaken the hydrophobicity of the water repellant layer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The fuel processor further comprises a vaporization zone with this and the reaction zone including parallel channels and/or serpentine channel(s). The generator further comprises an integrated heat source, preferably an electrically driven resistive heater or a chemical heater with a catalyst which oxidizes fuel to produce heat. The chemical heater further includes an air inlet to provide oxygen with an opening for fuel. The integrated heater is coupled to the reaction zone by thermally conductive structures. The ceramic carrier is a monolithic three dimensional multilayer structure. The fuel processor is a fuel reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reformer:The water-supply mixing portion is bent vertically by 180 degrees such that shift reaction portion is arranged upwards compared to the reformation portion. The injection nozzle is positioned downwards from the vertical upper portion by a predetermined angle. The mixing portion is provided with a water-pool (24) at the base, and a water-drain mechanism (23). An air-current generator (33) is provided with a propeller (36), to accelerate air-current of reformed gas with respect to sprayed water. A heater having a catalyst of high oxidation activity is supported by the propeller surface. The mixing portion is also equipped with a controller (40), to control the water-spraying angle of the nozzle, based on the temperature of the fixed position on the sides of the mixing unit. The flow of reformed gas in the mixing portion is controlled by arranging several parallel fins (44) facing downwards from the vertical portion along the sides, by a predetermined angle.
EXAMPLE - Alcaligenes eutrophus PHB-4/pJRDEE32d13 (FERM P-15786) (Aed13) was cultured in a nutrient medium with stepwisely added 4 w/v % of palm oil, palm kernel oil or coconut oil, for 20 hrs at 30 degreesC and 400 rotations per minute (rpm) under aeration of 1.8 L/min. The productivity of the polymer was 12.8, 13.1 and 24.7 g/L, respectively, with a 3HH ratio of 5.4, 8.2 and 8.6, respectively.
EXAMPLE - Organic refuse (80 % water content), wheat bran (10 % water content), dry bean curd lees, rice bran, and crab wastes were mixed well and added with pyroligneous acid (pH 4). Trichoderma viride was inoculated in the above mixture and solid fermentation was performed for 20 days to obtain a antagonistic microorganism containing fermented material used in agricultural field.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The carbon precursor obtained is subjected to heat processing at 500-3000degreesC in inert gas atmosphere, to obtain a porous carbon material with a pore diameter of 1-50 nm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The pulp is separated into liquid and solid components. Before heating, at least part of the aqueous liquid containing fermentable components is separated, and treated by fermentation and/or anaerobic digestion. In the initial heating stage, the macromolecular structures in the feed are degraded and/or depolymerized while producing no hydrocarbon-containing products. Heating involves introducing an oxygen-containing gas. The resulting gas and hydrocarbon-containing phases are separated. After the reaction step, the mixture is cooled by flashing the mixture containing the product.Preferred Product: The hydrocarbon phases are separated further into light and heavy fractions, the latter of which is further converted in a plug flow reactor.Preferred Feed: The biomass feed has a water to biomass ratio of at least 3.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The air passages comprise a series of hollow perforated tubes (20) having open ends so that air passes between the open ends and the perforations. The apparatus has a water impermeable roof (18). The side and end walls are formed of an air permeable material, e.g. metal screen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - PHARMACEUTICALS - Preferred process : The reduction of the amount of lactic acid in steps (c-1) and (c-2) is carried out through propionic acid fermentation. The temperature for sterilization in steps (b-1) and (b-2) lies between 60 and 95 degreesC ( excluding 95 degreesC and preferably 75 - 85 degreesC ). Food garbage collected at irregular intervals over a number of days is utilized in this method. The food garbage charged into the second fermentation tank in step (a-2) is collected after step (c-1) starts. The heat generated by burning the garbage is utilized for maintaining the temperature needed to carry out steps (b-1) and (b-2). EXAMPLE - Food garbage ( 2 tons/day ) was sterilized with steam or hot water in a first fermentation tank maintained at 80 - 90 degreesC, was then subjected to propionic acid fermentation for 2 days so as reduce the amount of lactic acid, and was then subjected to lactic acid fermentation for 3 days. The produced lactic acid was recovered, and new food garbage was charged into the first fermentation tank and the above processes was repeated. A portion of the fermentation solution containing the microbes used for the propionic acid fermentation in the first cycle was introduced to the second fermentation tank for the second cycle. A portion of the fermentation solution containing the microbes used for the lactic acid fermentation in the first cycle was introduced to the second fermentation tank for the second cycle. The steps of the second cycle were carried out after a certain delay from those of the first cycle. From this process a 30 % lactic acid solution (6 tons) was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The organic acid and/or its salt is citric acid and/or its salt. The organo chlorine compound is tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene or dichloroethylene. The citric acid concentration is made more than 30 mg/l, by diluting a concentrated solution of citric acid with water. The pH of the solution is adjusted to 6.3-7.5.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The system has a rotating cutter (8) which crushes the decomposed organic waste in the rotating drum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The moisture content of fermented organic waste (used as raw material for fertilizer or livestock feed) is adjusted to predetermined value and dried, subsequently growth of soil microbe is activated by the heat of drum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The oxide maybe aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or silicon dioxide (SiO2).Preferred Composition: The platinum is present at at least 0.1, preferably 3-20, wt.%. The oxide(s) is present at at most 15. The Al2O3 and SiO2 are preferably present at 0.1-10 wt.% and 1.5-11 wt.%, respectively.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The retainer member of the reactor maybe a container that houses the shift catalyst comprising pellets. It can also be a honeycomb monolith, and the shift catalyst is retained by a coating on a porous surface of the honeycomb monolith. EXAMPLE - Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) gel was mixed with titanium hydroxide (Ti(OH)) gel, and baked to form a powder of TiO2 containing 4 wt.% Al (in terms of Al2O3). Aluminum sol (10 wt.% based on solid content) was added to the powder to form a slurry. A honeycomb monolith was coated with the slurry to form a porous body of TiO2, dried at 120degreesC for 24 hours and baked in air at 350degreesC for 2 hours. Using a dinitrodiamine platinum nitrate salt solution, the body was loaded with platinum at 12 g/L. The body was then dried and baked to obtain a shift catalyst (1). A comparative Pt/TiO2 catalyst (c1) was prepared in the same manner as the catalyst (1) but in the absence of Al2O3. Each of the catalysts was employed in a shift reaction under a test gas composition consisting of (%) nitrogen gas (34.7), H2 (46.8), CO (6.27) and CO2 (11.9); H2O/CO ratio of 6.3; and a space velocity of 3,700/h. The catalyst (1) exhibited higher CO reduction rate as compared to the catalyst (c1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The environmental-condition sensors provides measurements on the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen, the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of ammonia in the production chamber. The quality sensors provides measurements on the temperature, water content, and pH of the compost, and the concentration of ammonia at which the compost is produced. The input/output modules collects information from the sensors for measuring the environmental conditions in the production chamber. A display is further provided for displaying the environmental-condition measurement results or the quality measurement results collected by input/output modules.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The mixture of solid and liquid food waste materials, are crushed and classified by sieving. Then plastic contained in the waste is removed. The waste is deodorized by adding aqua regia to the waste material. Sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate is mixed with the waste material before mixing in a microbial bed to form sodium nitrate or calcium nitrate. The dried food waste material is recycled as secondary microbial bed. A feed is formed by sterilization-drying of waste after fermentation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The photocatalyst comprises compounds selected from amorphous type titanium oxide, anatase type titanium oxide, broolite type titanium oxide, rutile type titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zirconia, barium titanate, strontium titanate, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, ruthenium oxide, cadmium oxide, platinum, gold, silver, copper, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, selenium, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, tin, hafnium, tungsten, silica, alumina, zeolite and/or fluoro resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: The fermentation method further involves adding a fermentation auxiliary to the vegetable production material, and fermenting.Preferred Auxiliary: The fermentation auxiliary satisfies the requirements:(i) the fermentation auxiliary contains wheat bran and/or powder, and a heat-resistant microbe which utilizes the vegetable production material, and is adjusted pH to 6.0-8.5;(ii) 60 weight% or more of wheat bran and/or powder is present with respect to the total weight of the fermentation auxiliary;(iii) the heat-resistant microbe can survive at 55 degrees Centigrade after a 10 minute process at 80 degrees Centigrade, and 105 colony forming units (CFU) or more of the microbes are contained in 1 g of fermentation auxiliary; and(iv) the fermentation auxiliary contains 2.5 weight% of humic acid or its derivative with respect to the total weight of the fermentation auxiliary.Preferred Composition: 0.5-100 weight parts (wt.pts) of wheat bran and/or powder, and 0.1-10 wt.pts of fermentation auxiliary, are added with respect to 100 wt.pts of vegetable production material.Preferred Property: The fermentation is performed by adjusting the moisture content of the mixture containing the vegetable production material, added with wheat bran and/or powder, and optionally added with the fermentation auxiliary, to 50-80 weight%.Preferred Material: The vegetable production material is chipped vegetable production material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The Bacillus is 4pgm6, 4pg2, 4pg4m 4pgm2, 4pgm3 and/or 1pg2 (Agency of Industrial Science and Technology National Institute of Bioscience and Human Technology, Acceptance Number FERM P-17867, FERM P-17869, FERM P-17870, FERM P-17865, FERM P-17866 and/or FERM P-17868, respectively. The Rhodococcus is 4pgm8 (Agency of Industrial Science and Technology National Institute of Bioscience and Human Technology, Acceptance Number FERM P-17871). EXAMPLE - Dried peat-moss was impregnated with various kinds of sample. The sample was filled in a cylindrical plastic container and a mineral liquid containing (in g) potassium hydrogen phosphate (2), calcium chloride (1), magnesium sulfate (0.1), cobalt chloride (0.44) in 1000 ml of distilled water, was added. Several columns were prepared and malodorous gas produced in the composting process of organic refuse were supplied for 3 weeks. The gas passed through the column was collected and the smell was evaluated. The sample without odor was collected and the microbes were separated. The microorganism was cultivated in an agar medium containing peptone, malt extract, sodium chloride, agar and distilled water. The strains were screened and was found to be 1pg2, 4pgs2, 4pgm2, 4pgm3, 4pgm6 and 4pgm8 (FERM P-17868, FERM P-17869, FERM P-17870, FERM P-17865, FERM P-17866, FERM P-17867 and FERM P-17871, respectively). The microbial cells of the above strains were separated and placed in an odor removal filter. The exhausted gas from the filter was collected and the deodorizing ability was measured. The result showed that the strain 4pgm6 was found to have strong deodorizing effect.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The membrane comprises synthetic polymer material, or a layer of a flash-spun bonded plexifilamentary polyolefin material comprising fibrous nonwoven and/or waterproof porous films, preferably a fibrous nonwoven polyolefin sheet. The grid layer comprises synthetic polymer, preferably polyolefin polymer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The system further comprises a mechanism for introducing fresh air into organic matter being composted within the enclosure.Preferred Component: The grid layer forms a repeating pattern of a quadrilateral geometric shape, defined by walls between the repeating shape (preferably a rectangle).Preferred Condition: The grid layer is at least 50% open. The walls have height of 0.5-40, preferably 0.5-15 mm. The roof of the enclosure is sloped at an angle of 20-45 degrees.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The raw feed gases are collected from sour natural gas streams. The reaction within the reactor proceeds through the dissociation of CH4 and H2S by energetic electrons according to the following reactions:(a) CH4 dissociates to form CH3 and hydrogen (H); and(b) H2S dissociates to form HS and H. The recombination of the radical species proceeds according to the following reactions:(i) CH3 and HS recombines to form CH3SH; and(ii) H and H recombines to form hydrogen gas (H2).The reactor includes high voltage pulses, which produce short-lived microdischarges that accelerate the electrons without imparting significant energy to the ions.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The reactor walls are made from membrane materials (preferably palladium coated substrates or carbon), which allow selective permeation of hydrogen for continuous removal of hydrogen through the membrane materials. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The heated zone is at 800-2500 degreesC, preferably 1000-1700 degreesC. The reactor is operated at an internal pressure of 0.1-100 atm, preferably 1-100 atm.Preferred Parameter: The heat is a transient thermal wave, which is coupled to the flow of the reactant mixture.Preferred Component: The fixed-bed comprises 0.5-10 mm pellets, and has a porosity of 10-90%. Further, it may comprise 0.001-10 wt.% of a catalyst.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Reactants: The reactant mixture comprises oxygen and 1-5C hydrocarbon(s).Preferred Concentration: The reaction mixture has an equivalence ratio of hydrocarbon to oxygen of greater than 1.2-20, preferably 3-10.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The pellets of the fixed-bed are made from alumina, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, or quartz.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The inactive gas is chosen from nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon.Preferred Material: The hydrogen occlusion material comprises carbonaceous material chosen from fullerene, carbon nano fiber, carbon nano tube, carbon soot, nano capsule, buckyonion and carbon fiber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Substances: The carrier-to-noise ratio of organic waste is adjusted by adding a fiber-containing organic substance (3) such as paper and/or grass to the organic waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Waste: Organic waste (A) is organic refuse. The organic waste (B) is live-stock waste, pruned branches or mowed grass.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Structure: The recycle system has unit for reducing the agricultural products, which is used as organic waste (A).
ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The light olefin is propylene and/or butene.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: Polymerization of light olefin is performed using a catalyst consisting of aluminum chloride, boron trifluoride, an organic aluminum complex, zeolite, silica-alumina complex and/or a solid phosphorus acidic catalyst. Hydrogenation is performed using a catalyst containing palladium, ruthenium, platinum and/or nickel. Preferred Method: Hydrogen is obtained by steam reforming, auto-thermal reforming or partial oxidation of the fuel oil. EXAMPLE - 150 g of a mixture containing aluminum chloride catalyst (0.45g), isobutane (in weight%) (5.6), n-butane (19.5), 1-butene (8.4), isobutene (22.8) and 2-butene (43.7) was prepared, and polymerized for 20 minutes at 120degreesC. The obtained liquid was washed in water at normal temperature and pressure, followed by washing with an alkali. The oil layer was separated and a polymer was obtained by drying for 12 hours using anhydrous calcium chloride. Hydrogenation of the polymer was performed for 3 hours at 2.5 MPa and 230degreesC, using a palladium catalyst. The catalyst was separated and the reaction product was distilled, to obtain a fuel oil having a boiling range of 170-270degreesC. The fuel oil contained 99.5 volume% (vol.%) of saturated hydrocarbons, 0.5 vol.% of olefins, and less than 0.1 ppm of sulfur content. The fuel oil did not contain any aromatic compounds.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is Pt, Pd and/or Rh or their alloys. The catalyst additionally contains Ru, Co, Cr, W, Mo, V, Fe, Cu and/or Ni.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Ionomer: The ionomer is a tetrafluorovinyl ether copolymer with acid groups.
EXAMPLE - In an EMBODIMENT the stirrer is electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven and its axis of rotation is parallel to the pivot. The stirrer arm consists of a rectangular frame whose sides are mounted on two coaxial pivots. The stirrer comprises a cylindrical motor housing and a two-bladed propeller. The stirrer arm can be brought up parallel to the tank lid for maintenance through a sealable aperture in it. A control lever or cable for the stirrer arm is fitted through a sealed passage in the tank lid. The pivot may be mounted on a slide on the tank wall which allows its height to be adjusted.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The unsaturated prepolymer resin is epoxy vinyl resin, bisphenol fumarate resin, modified bisphenol fumarate polyester resin, unsaturated polyester resin, urethane modified vinyl ester resin, bisphenol-epoxy vinyl ester resin, elastomer-modified vinyl ester resin, epoxy novolac vinyl ester resin and/or unsaturated isocyanurate vinyl ester resin. Preferred Composition: The composition further comprises rheological modifiers such as group II oxides and hydroxides, carbodiamides, aziridines, polyisocyanates, polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoropolyether, polyethylene and/or fumed silica, to prevent phase separation between the resin and the conductive filler.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Filler: The conductive filler comprises crystalline graphite particles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Composition: The fluorocompound abatement medium comprises steam and 2-15 (preferably 2.5-7) vol.% catalyst.Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is metal, spark generating device, glow plug, hydrogen, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, reducing agent, base, or catalytically active organic compound. The catalyst may be alkanol or isopropyl alcohol.Preferred Method: The abatement of gaseous fluorocompounds is conducted in an oxidizer zone of an effluent treatment facility comprising the oxidizer zone. The gas is heated before injection of the fluorocompound abatement medium (26) and cooled after injection of the medium. The method is conducted at 120-300 degrees F.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heat source comprises a cartridge heater (20). A cooler (32) is thermally coupled to the elongate flow passage between the reaction zone and the discharge end. The flow passage is constructed as a throughbore passage in a block. The block further comprises a water flow steam generation passage which terminates at a steam entrance (30) connecting with the throughbore passage at the reaction zone. The block also comprises a cartridge heater passage.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred apparatus: The gas producer has an excessive height to keep the top of the fuel bed relatively cool so any hydrocarbon vapors and/or gases produced are not thermally destroyed before that can be drawn off. The producer has a detachable and/or droppable bottom on gas producers and water gas generators to facilitate repair, cleaning etc similar to cupola practice. The gas producer and generators have their sides, tops, bottoms, etc. cooled with air, gas and/or steam before the air/gas/steam is injected into the fuel bed within it carrying the absorbed heat back into the fuel bed. EXAMPLE - No examples are given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The aeration-regeneration of the process liquid is carried out at 35-55degreesC. The pH of the processed liquid supplied to the absorption tower is maintained within 8-9.5. At least a part of the purified methane gas from the absorption tower is returned to the fermentation tank. EXAMPLE - Methane fermentation gas containing 75% methane, 20% carbon dioxide, 0.5% hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen and nitrogen, was supplied to an absorption tower at a flow rate of 5 m3/minute. The gas contacted a process liquid (sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at a pH of 8.6 and containing 10 mg per liter phthalocyanine sodium sulfonate) supplied at a flow rate of 60 l/minute from the upper part. CO2 and H2S were absorbed in the process liquid. Purified gas was discharged from the absorption tower and contained reduced carbon dioxide content of 6%, and hydrogen sulfide content of 0.1 mg/l. 40% of the gas was returned to the methane fermentation tank. The remainder was stored in a storage tank. The process liquid was heated at lower part of the absorption tower to 50degreesC and supplied to a regeneration tower. Air, at a flow rate of 0.23 m3/minute was supplied to regeneration tower such that sodium sulf-hydrate in the process liquid is oxidized to sulfur. Sodium hydrogen carbonate was oxidized, carbon dioxide was released and process liquid containing sodium hydroxide is returned to the absorption tower.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The mean particle diameter of the crystals of rutile-type titania is 20 nm or less. The rutile-type titania has a specific surface area of 60 m2/g or more.Preferred Metals: The noble metals are platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The oxygen concentration in the reserve oxidation process is higher than that in the modification process. The number of carbon and oxygen elements during processing of organic waste satisfy the relations: Oa1/(Cd+Ca1)at least2, and (Oa1+Oa2+Og)/(Cd+Cg+Ca1+Ca2) = 1-2, where Cd is the number of carbon elements in the unoxidized waste in reserve oxidation process, Og is the number of oxygen elements in organic waste, Cg is the number of carbon elements in the organic waste, Oa1 and Oa2 are the number of oxygen elements in oxidizing agent (II), (I) respectively and Ca1 and Ca2 are the number of carbon elements in oxidizing agent (II), (I) respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred polymer: The water-soluble cationic polymer is obtained by polymerizing a material monomer containing at least an acrylic cationic monomer of formula CH2=C(R1)-CO-X-Y-N+(R2)(R3)-R4 Z- (I) by using a salt water solution as a reaction medium and by the seed polymerization or the emulsion polymerization. The content of the acrylic cationic monomer is 5 mol % or more.R1 = H or methyl;R2, R3 = methyl or ethyl;R4 = H, methyl, ethyl, or benzyl;X = O or NH;Y = 2-4C alkylene or hydroxyalkylene;Z = counter anion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Plant: The distillation column comprises a de-ethanizer (106) or a demethanizer. The feedstock is at a pressure of 1000-2000 psig. At least part of it is expanded in a turboexpander (102) . Expanding the bottoms product stream reduces its pressure to 100-250 psi and its temperature to -95 to -125 deg. F. Alternatively, the feedstock is at 550-800 psig, it is fed into the absorber without passing through a turboexpander, and the expanded bottoms product stream has a pressure of 100-250 psi and a temperature of -50 to -70 deg. F. The expanded absorber bottoms product stream is fed as the distillation column feed stream into the column at a position that is at least three trays below the top tray. It also provides cooling for the distillation column overhead stream. This stream is compressed, cooled, and fed into the absorber as the reflux stream. The feedstock comprises propane and the distillation column produces a product stream that comprises at least 95% of the propane in the feedstock. External refrigeration may be coupled to the distillation column.The feedstock may be split into first and second portions, with external refrigeration being applied to (part of) the first portion. Side reboiler(s) may be coupled to the distillation column, fluidly coupled to the demethanizer between the top tray and the eighth tray, to provide (i) heat for stripping CO2 from the product stream, (ii) reboiling of the distillation column and (iii) cooling of the first portion of the feedstock. The absorber and the distillation column may be configured into a single tower. The column produces a product stream containing not more than 500 ppm CO2.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A second and a third preferential oxidation reactor stage are provided on the reactor. The flow control element is an actuator-operated flow control valve. The actuator is cyclically driven between two predetermined positions by a mechanically linked feed-back system which throttles or opens the valve in inverse relationship to the pressure to that of the first-gas stream. The flow control element can be a feedback-loop based flow-control valve whose actuator is cyclically driven between two predetermined positions by incorporating a zero-dampening factor in its feed-back control system.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The surface movement unit (32) is a rotating drum having hydrophilic surface (32a). The rotating drum has a temperature control unit (33) to adjust its hydrophilic surface to preset temperature. The water film layer formation unit (34) has a water spraying nozzle (34a), a slit (34b), a water bath for soaking a portion of rotating drum, a water content absorption roller, a water transfer roller for transferring water to the hydrophilic surface of the drum, and a water bath for providing water to the water transfer roller. The water spraying nozzle sprays water on to the hydrophilic surface of rotating drum. The slit interrupts the sprayed water partially, and changes the amount of water adhered to the hydrophilic surface. The water content absorption roller absorbs the excessive water content of the water film layer formed on the hydrophilic surface. A dehydrator dehydrates the gas hydrate removed from the hydrophilic surface of rotating drum. A screw extrusion molding machine cools the dehydrated gas hydrate while compressing, and produces a compact. Alternatively, the gas hydrate manufacturing device (3) comprises several rotating drums rotated within the device main body, and an endless belt spanned between the rotating drums.
EXAMPLE - No relevant example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The water swellable resin is a water swellable thermoplastic polyurethane resin.Preferred Composition: The carrier contains the water swellable resin and the compatible resin in a weight ratio of 90:10 or 10:90
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Bed: The microbial bed for fermenting waste water comprises protein composite and Bacillus bacteria.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The amount of microorganism substance added is adjusted, so that the higher fatty acid concentration in the reaction vessel is maintained to a value less than predetermined amount (1000 mg/l or less). Decomposition of higher fatty acid is accelerated by introducing anaerobic or aerobic microorganism substance during aversion process. The ratio of higher fatty acid concentration to microorganism substance is maintained at 0.4 or less. The liquid ejected from anaerobic process is applied to aerobic treatment. The microorganism substance is introduced into anaerobic process by returning surplus aerobic sludge generated from aerobic treatment process of lower aversion fermentation sludge. The anaerobic treatment is carried out at 45-75degreesC. The anaerobic treatment tank is filled with the microorganism carrier. The lipolysis is accelerated by adding an emulsifier to the waste water or performing ultrasonication or crushing. The apparatus further comprises a unit to adjust the quantity of anaerobic or aerobic microorganism substance added to the reaction vessel. EXAMPLE - Lipase (500 U/L) was used for the decomposition of neutral fat (630 mg/L) derived from Candida cylinndracea, having a stability at 55degreesC. The above enzyme was added to fats and oils containing waste water at 50degreesC for 1 day. The above solution was cooled to 5degreesC and higher fatty acid content was analyzed. The methane fermentation processed liquid was extracted from the above liquid and the quantity of fat content was measured. The higher fatty acid concentration was found to be 300 mg/L and the neutral fat content was reduced.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Solvent: The organic solvent is selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and butane diol. The solvent is present in an amount of 5-25 wt.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A carbonization furnace (31) is provided for generating a dry-distilled gas and a carbide (C) by heating a biomass-containing organic substance (B1) with the generated superheated steam. The superheated steam generator maybe constituted by an electrically powered superheated steam generator that uses electric power generated by the electric generator as heating energy, or a combustion type superheated steam generator that generates superheated steam from hot water by combusting the dry-distilled gas generated in the carbonization furnace. The carbonization furnace is configured to heat superheated steam using an exhaust gas from the engine of the co-generation and/or an exhaust gas from the combustion type superheated steam generator as a heat source. The electrically powdered superheated steam generator is of a heat storage type in which a heat transfer pipe (17) and an electric heater (18) are provided in a high temperature heat storage reservoir having a heat storage material (19). The engine of the co-generation is a rotary engine.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: At least a part of the carbide generated in the carbonization step maybe utilized in the gasification step. The organic substance for carbonization is molded into granules before it is heated with the superheated steam in the carbonization step. The superheated steam is at at most 400 degreesC during the generation of carbide in the carbonization step.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The reactor also comprises a conduit for removal of effluent of the catalyst bed; a spiral mixing channel (9) for obtaining the gaseous mixture of reactants; and an inlet channel for supplying part of the mixture to the upstream surface of the catalyst bed. The spiral mixing channel has an inlet (10) for the reactants, and an outlet (11) which is in fluid communication with the inlet of the distribution chamber. The inlet channel also has an outlet which opens into the covering surface, and further contains an igniter. Further, the reactor comprises a catalytic reaction zone for water-gas shift conversion of the effluent of the catalyst bed. Optionally, it comprises a catalytic reaction zone for selective oxidation of carbon monoxide in the effluent of the catalytic reaction zone for water-gas shift conversion.Preferred Dimensions: At least part of the covering surface has a conical or a frusto-conical shape. Its cone half angle (8) is at least 45degrees, preferably at least 75degrees. The distance between the upstream surface and the covering surface is less than 1 mm, preferably zero. The ratio of the diameter of the upstream surface to the largest distance between the upstream surface and the covering surface is at least 6, preferably at least 15.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Features: Each fuel-feed plate has spaces and interconnecting channels allowing one fuel-feed plate to provide fuel for two adjoining sub-fuel cells. The fuel cell uses an 80 % methanol-water mixture at 3 % concentration as fuel.Preferred Materials: The anode unit cells are coated with platinum and ruthenium, and the cathode unit cells are coated with platinum. An organic compound (preferably uracil or a derivative) is added to the platinum, and the fractal dimension is increased to 2.7 by mixing the platinum with a less active material, preferably carbon. The proton conducting polymer membrane comprises Nafion (RTM: ion exchange resin), preferably Nafion-117. The thin polymer film is Mylar (RTM: polyester film), preferably plated with pre-patterned line of electrical leads (preferably gold leads). The fuel-feed plates comprise a polymer, preferably phenolic resin or polychlorotrifluoroethylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred complexes: The bidentately coordinated organoligand is selected from triethylenediamine and 3,6-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine.The (dicarboxylic acid)-metal complex is that having three-dimensional channel structure.Preferred Process: The (dicarboxylic acid)-metal complex is prepared by reacting dicarboxylic acids (I) and a metal salt selected from salts of copper, rhodium, chromium, molybdenum, palladium, tungsten, and zinc in organic solvent solution and further reacting reaction product with organoligand of pKa of at least 4 bidentately coordinated to precipitate (dicarboxylic acid)-metal complex.Preferably, the compound incorporated in crystals of the complex is added before reacting with organoligand.The metal salt is a salt of formate, acetate, sulfate, nitrate, or carbonate. EXAMPLE - A solution (30 ml) of Cu(CH3COO)2.H2O (199 mg) in ethanol, fumaric acid (116 mg), and a solution (20 ml) of formic acid (1 ml) in methanol were mixed at room temperature with stirring and allowed to stand for 4 days. Precipitates were then sucked off, mixed with a solution (20 ml) of triethylenediamine (Teda; 56 mg) in dimethylformamide, and refluxed for 3 hours.    The precipitate was separated, washed thrice with methanol, and heated for 2 hours at 120 degrees C in a vacuum to obtain 118 mg of desired product, Cu(OOCCH=CHCOO).1/2Teda.    BET specific surface area: 606 m2/g, pore volume: 0.35 ml/g.    From powder X-rays, magnetic susceptibility, and result of elemental analysis, the complex was proved to form three-dimensional structure shown in Figure 1, and hence possible to store gas in this intramolecular space.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A slurry is formed by adding water to the obtained precipitate, and slurry is coated on a honeycomb carrier to form the catalyst. Alumina or zirconia sol as binder component is added during the formation of slurry. EXAMPLE - 125 ml of 7.7 wt.% of sodium carbonate aqueous solution and 150 ml of mixed aqueous solution containing copper formate and zinc formate were mixed, and a precipitate was formed. The precipitate was matured for 1 hour, stirred at 60degreesC, filtered and washed with water 4 times, followed by baking at 80degreesC for 2 hours and drying at 300degreesC for 10 hours. The catalyst having weight ratio of copper and zinc of 1:1 and BET specific surface area of 74 m2/g, was obtained. Press forming of catalyst powder was performed, and catalyst was cut to 2-3 mm. 1.5 ml of catalyst was used for treatment of a gas containing 10.9% carbondioxide, 7% carbon monoxide, 29.9% water vapor and 52.2% hydrogen, at 200degreesC. Carbon monoxide conversion ratio was measured and was found to be 93.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The materials having microorganisms contained in the reaction product as the seed microbes are mixed before the fermentation or during fermentation of the reaction product. The pH of the above reaction product is made to 10 or less. The introduction of carbon dioxide is stopped and blow-in of air/oxygen is started. The carbon dioxide is an exhaust gas from various kinds of burners.Preferred Microorganism: The bacteria groups consist of a bacteria which starts the proliferation at pH 11-12, a bacteria of the second group satisfactorily grown between pH 9 and 11, and a bacteria of third group satisfactorily grown in the pH 9 or less.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The fermentation space is formed on a fermentation floor (4) made of a material such as permeable concrete which constitutes a structure for adhesion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Process: The process includes electrostatically charging the belt, providing a vibratory dispensing apparatus, and dispensing the material on the belt with the vibratory dispensing apparatus. The material is preheated during the air-removing step. The formation of master element includes the step of milling, etching or engraving a predetermined pattern on a bronze or copper plate, and electroforming thin nickel metal having a thickness of 0.06 inches.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: After removing the heat generated when preparing the synthesis gas, a low-BTU tail gas is generated and combusted.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The water treatment subsystem is a multistage flash distillation unit. EXAMPLE - The synthesis gas is prepared by sequentially delivering and reacting a compressed oxygen-containing gas, a light hydrocarbon stream and steam in an autothermal reformer. The synthesis gas is converted into heavier hydrocarbons by delivering the synthesis gas to a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, and reacting the synthesis gas with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. Water stream is treated by preheating a contaminated water stream, and further heating the water stream with thermal energy from the conversion of synthesis gas into heavier hydrocarbons. The heated water is then flashed in stages to create a purified water. The purified water is collected and the remaining untreated water is disposed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The reactant particles and the initial reagent are fed to the bioreactor until the reactant particles adhere to the surface, or until the surface or portions of the surface in the flow pathway is coated with layers of the reactant particles. The flow pathway is a spiral pathway. The processing method includes recycling the feedstock through the bioreactor until no measurable amount of phenolic components is detectable.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Component: The reactant is an aerobic or anaerobic biocatalyst, preferably enzymes, bacteria, organelles, yeasts, leukocytes, hemocytes, or fungi. It is an aerobic bacteria or activated sludge which is screened to have a particle size of less than 300 micro m.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The initial reagent is the reagent in the feedstock to be processed. It is an oxidizing agent, preferably oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The fatty acid is lactate, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, or maltate.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The process is carried out in situ or carried out in the bioreactor. The microorganism is indigenous to the aqueous system. The fatty acid is introduced in the microorganism. The microorganism and the fatty acid are introduced directly into the ground. The bioreactor utilizes the fixed film to carry the microorganism. The microorganism is contacted with a metal.Preferred Component: The microorganism is a Nocardioform bacteria, preferably Nocardia luteus and Rhodococcus erythropolis. It is a metal oxidizing bacteria.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The fixed film is iron filings or a metal, which is an iron, manganese or vanadium.
EXAMPLE - Tap water was added to ground rice straw in 6-1 wt.% ratio. The ground rice straw were heated in a pressure cooker for 2 hours at 60 degrees C, 90 degrees C, and 110 degrees C. Chemical treatment was carried out with 58% ammonium hydroxide solution. The amount of ammonia used was 2% based on the dry weight of the strew digested. Results showed that the method was viable and highly effective for biogasification of biomass materials such as rice straw.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: (a) is collected on a floor located beneath chickens in a high rise chicken house. The pile is turned for every day or with a horizontal augur. The saw dust is added for at least once a week and is added in the proportion of 1 part saw dust to 3 - 4 parts of (a) during warm weather or in the proportion of 1 part saw dust to 1 - 2 parts of (a) during cold weather. The step (2) and (3) further involves forming piles, which are at least 10 inches deep, 2 feet wide and several feet long. The method additionally involves taking the temperature of the pile on a recurring basis to verify the pile has reached the required temperature or removing a substantial portion of (a) composting in the structure, leaving the composting (a) in the structure to continue composting and maintain the heat of the pile at 100 degrees F and depositing the substantial portion of the composting (a) removed into a secondary composting facility and continuing the composting of the substantial portion removed with the step (1) - (4). The substantial portion of the composting (a) is removed for at least every four weeks. WIDER DISCLOSURE - A system for composting the manure is also disclosed.    ACTIVITY - Fertilizer; Insecticide.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - None given in the source material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Liquid: The washing liquid is a mineral oil-based light or heavy fuel oil, or it can be a tallow oil produced in a sulfate bleaching plant, or it can be an oil derived from soap.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The binder is a phenol resin obtained by adding 20-100 wt.% phenol of the resol type to phenol of the novolak type. The separator contains 50 wt. pts. or less binder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Dimension: The organic matter is of at most10 mum. Preferred Materials: The organic matter can be agricultural waste including waste straw, or wood waste including bark.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Composition: The composition preferably contains 60-90 (preferably 80) wt.% of bacterial strain Klebsiella Oxytoca, 5-20 (preferably 10) wt.% of Serratia Odorifera strain, and 5-20 (preferably 10) wt.% of Aeromonas Hydrophyla strain (with total of all strains adding to 100 wt.%).Preferred Process: The dilution rate obtained in biological reactor is inversely proportional to initial concentration of fatty substances in effluents to be pre-treated, and it is 0.528/h- 1.056/h for 1 g/l initial concentration in effluents entering tank (1), this concentration being preferably below 40 g/l, and especially 0.5-10 g/l.Recirculated water arrives in (1) by means of sprinkler (4).Pre-treated effluents are evacuated preferably via decanter (5), with flotation pump provided in its upper part to eliminate non-decanted floating muds.Such muds can be re-injected into, or upstream of, tank (1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The withdrawn sample is degassed and filtered prior to acidification. Filtration is done by crossflow microfiltration, followed by crossflow ultrafiltration. The retentate from the ultrafiltration is recirculated to the process fluid. The acid is added to the sample using a displacement pump. The cleaning fluid is flushed back through the filter for repeated determinations of the volatile fatty acids. The samples are periodically withdrawn and successively acidified and filtered in a conduit.Preferred Property: The cleaning fluid has a pH of 0-2 units above the pH of the process fluid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The equipment also comprises an interconnected flow mechanism from the process plant to the filter. It also comprises degassing mechanism, droplet catcher, and mechanism for circulating the retentate. It further comprises an obconical sample vial equipped with an overflow pipe through which foam and excess flow of sample can be removed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Waste wood is separated and processed to a raw material for particle board or equivalent. The process water(s) is/are treated and re-circulated. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is separated from the plastics fraction before processing the plastics to plastic oil.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Method: Energy is produced in a fluidized bed boiler. The boiler generates heat needed in the pyrolysis of plastics, and utilizes the solid combustion residues produced in the pyrolysis. The boiler also burns the process rejects. The PVC plastics are passed to energy production.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Before slushing, the waste is pre-treated to reduce the size of pieces in it and to remove any undesirable waste fractions. After slushing, the fiber suspension is coarse screened using a perforated screen, centrifugally cleaned, fine screened, and washed. Finally, the washed pulp is compressed to a dry matter content of 50%. The non-defibrable material is moved from the pulper into a reject drum, and is washed first in the screw conveyor and then in the reject drum. Washing waters are passed so as to be mixed with the fiber suspension. The waste waters produced in different stages of the process are treated and returned to the process. The clean water required by the process is introduced to a pulp washing stage.Preferred Condition: The waste is slushed at 60 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Dimension: The diameter of holes of the screen plate is 8-15 mm, preferably 10 mm, while that of holes of the perforated screen is 2-4 mm, preferably 3 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features : The additional separator wall (131) is an ion- and electron-conductive ITM ceramic or is an only ion-conductive ceramic (e.g. ZrO2/YO2) with gas-permeble electrodes (A,K) with positive and negative connections respectively. Means are provided for maintenance of an O2 partial pressure drop from one chamber (31) to the other chamber (32). There is also a device (especially a high temperature unit) with a fuel cell connected to a cell (30) and fed with synthesis gas and O2 from the cell (30) and chamber (32).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The first liquid stream is processed by vaporizing a portion of it (by heating it in exchangers) and then separating the vaporized first liquid stream to generate a first vapor stream and a second liquid stream. The separation step involves contacting the vaporized stream with a condensed portion of the feed gas. The condensed stream is obtained by cooling the feed gas stream, separating the cool feed gas stream into a vapor portion and a liquid portion, splitting the vapor portion into at least two portions, i.e. a main vapor portion and a first vapor portion, and cooling and condensing the first vapor portion to obtain the condensed stream. The vaporizing step further includes raising the pressure of the first liquid stream prior to the vaporizing step. The process further includes cooling the second liquid stream and directing this stream to the distillation column.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus for processing the side liquid or vapor draw includes a device for raising the pressure of the liquid or vapor draw, a heat exchanger and a separator for separating the side liquid or vapor draw in the separation stages to generate the reflux stream for the distillation column.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The pre-drier utilizes solar heat at high temperature to carbonize organic refuse. The container in the carbonizer is sealed with carbon dioxide and heated by high frequency heat processor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: Rice bran (moisture content regulator of food waste material) is mixed with the organic waste such as food waste material or livestock waste material, to perform the moisture content regulation process.Preferred Properties: The ratio of organic waste and rice bran, when the moisture content of rice bran is 20%, is set to 6:4 or 4:6. EXAMPLE - Bean curd lees (organic waste) and rice bran (moisture content regulator), were blended in a ratio of 6:4, and moisture content regulation process was performed. The obtained mixture was added with Lactobacillus raw materials in weight ratios of 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% with culture medium set to 100. The starting of fermentation of the above mixture was confirmed after 24 hours, and fermented additive was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The aromatic compound containing a carbon source is xylene, toluene or phenol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Cultured microbial cells or processed a microbial material obtained by cultivating Rhodococcus, is contacted with the aromatic compound. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microbe is Rhodococcus sp.X6 (FERM P-17835).    EXAMPLE - Suspension of Rhodococcus sp.X6 (0.5 ml) was cultivated in a medium containing (in grams) ammonium sulfate (1.2), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.1), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (0.2), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (0.1), ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (0.002), calcium chloride dihydrate (0.1), yeast extract (3.0) and water (1200 ml). The pH of the culture medium was maintained at 7.0. To the obtained culture (2 microl), xylene was added and the culture was shaken at 30degreesC for 24 hours. To the finished culture ethyl acetate was added and toluene was extracted. When analyzed by gas chromatography toluene was not detected. Thus, Rhodococcus had effectively decomposed toluene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Composition: (I) contains at least 5, preferably 60-85 %, by weight. The weight ratio of algal cream to vegetable material is 0.2-1, preferably 0.25-0.75, and the ratio of bacteria to algal cream is 0.05-0.08. (I) optionally further contains 20-35 %, by weight, dispersants, and/or one or more of calcareous marine algae, plant extracts, dried blood, fish meal, dried milk powder and sugar production residues, especially (by weight) 2-30, preferably 10-25, % calcareous marine algae, 2-20, preferably 5-15, % plant extracts, 30-55 % dried blood and/or fish meal, 30-55 % dried milk powder and/or 2-30, preferably 10-25, % sugar production residues. ACTIVITY - Plant growth stimulant; fertilizer.    No biological data is given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    ADMINISTRATION - (I) is specifically applied to plants by spraying, especially at 3-18 liters per ha (claimed).    EXAMPLE - A foliar composition was prepared by mixing 200 kg algal cream, 500 kg fern compost, 50 kg 'Lithothamne des Glenans' (calcareous marine algae), 10 kg azotobacteria, 50 kg molasses and 30 kg liquid or powdered Flobond (RTM; polyacrylamide dispersant).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The metal plate is made of aluminum (99.5% pure) or an aluminum alloy. The corrosion-resistant layer may be a dense anodized aluminum layer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The separator (51) has a dense anodized aluminum layer (61) having a porosity of less than 5% and a thickness of 5-50 microns. A porous anodized aluminum layer having a porosity of at least 5% is provided on the dense anodized aluminum layer. A heat-resistant polymer layer is disposed on the anodized aluminum layer. A conductive film (71) is disposed on the contact face. A corner portion formed between surfaces of the flow channel (81) is in shape of a curved surface having a curvature radius of at least 0.3 (preferably 0.5) mm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The corrosion-resistant layer may be a water repellent heat-resistant polymer layer. The polymer is vinyl resin, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, aromatic polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polystyrene, copolymer of styrene and another monomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone resin, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, rayon, cupra, acetate resin, promix, vinylon, vinylidene resin or acrylic resin.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The conductive film is made of platinum, gold, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and/or silver. It may also be carbon or a conductive carbide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The liquid anhydrous ammonia is vaporized to produce gaseous ammonia for gaseous ammonia stream. The hydrogen and nitrogen mixture is supplied to an alkaline fuel cell. Gaseous ammonia is used at a pressure of 2 bar or less, for production of hydrogen and nitrogen mixture. Dissociation of the gaseous ammonia stream is performed in the ammonia cracker with a short start up time and low specific weight per kW of hydrogen produced.Preferred Apparatus: The heating unit comprises a catalytic burner or a lean gas combustor to convert a portion of the off gas of hydrogen electrode into heat. A three-plate rectangular cracker having three plates positioned within the cracker is preferably used so as to control flow of ammonia within the cracker.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The membrane reactor is comprised of module(s). Each module has(a) a reforming zone and a combustion zone separated by a membrane,(b) a distribution and collection mechanism for the reforming and combustion zones,(c) membrane element(s),(d) flow channels between the membrane elements, and(e) a seal between combustion and reforming zones. The membrane is an asymmetric membrane, comprising a porous support (42) having a thickness of 0.1-10 mm and pores of 0.05-30 mum. On one side of the membrane, a diffusion layer (43) having a thickness of 100 Angstrom -500 mum is provided.Preferably, the membrane is a catalytic membrane, where a catalyst (41, 48) is incorporated on either of its surfaces or within or on its pore structures.Preferred Conditions: The feed is provided at 1-300 bars, preferably 5-50 bars. The reforming reaction is conducted at 400-1400degreesC, preferably at 700-1300degreesC. The pressure of the reforming zone is 0-100 bar higher than that of the combustion zone. The pressure of the combustion zone is 0-50 bar higher than that of the reforming zone.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The membrane is fabricated from alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, lanthanum oxide, silicon dioxide, perovskite, hexaaluminate, high nickel content alloys, hastelloys, and/or cermets, such that it has a hydrogen permeance of 1-1000000 moles/(m2-day-atm H2). The catalyst is a noble metal, a noble metal oxide, a transition metal, a transition metal oxide, a Group VIII metal, silver, cerium, copper, lanthanum, molybdenum, tin, titanium, yttrium, and/or zinc. Preferably, the catalyst is nickel, nickel oxide, rhodium, and/or platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gasification Promoter: The gasification promoter is alkali or alkaline earth metal oxide, hydroxide or carbonate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: A small amount of oxygen is added to activate the oxidation of methane. EXAMPLE - A getter comprising 22-25 wt.% Fe and 75-78 wt.% Zr was evacuated and saturated with nitrogen at 0.17 MPa. The getter was installed in the lower part of a purification column and a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst was installed in the upper part of the column, which was maintained at 400 degrees C. Nitrogen containing 235.5 ppm carbon monoxide, 195.9 ppm carbon dioxide and 218.8 ppm methane was fed into the column at 25 degrees C and 0.6 MPa at a flow rate of 0.17 L/minute. The nitrogen passed through the getter bed at 400 degrees C and was discharged at 4.1 MPa.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The refrigerant comprises 10 wt. ppm - 0.5 wt.% odorant. The purity of the hydrocarbon or flammable hydrocarbon fluoride is at least 99.0 vol.%. The content of unsaturated hydrocarbon is not more than 0.01 wt.% and the entire sulfur content is not more than 0.1 wt. ppm.Preferred Materials: A refrigerating device oil in the compressor having a viscosity of 5-300 cSt (40 degreesC) includes a metal inactivating agent, and moisture- and acid trapping agents, antioxidants, and extreme pressure additives.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The refrigerating circuit includes a drying device. Residual oxygen in the refrigerating circuit is not more than 0.1 vol.% of an internal capacity of the refrigerating circuit. A residual moisture content in the refrigerating circuit is not more than 500 wt. ppm with respect to a total of refrigerant and refrigerating device oil.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The drying device includes a synthetic zeolite having an effective diameter of 3-6 Angstrom.Preferred Material: The refrigerating circuit is made of copper or copper alloy. EXAMPLE - A refrigerating device comprised isobutane refrigerant (99.7 vol.% purity, 0.001 wt.% unsaturated hydrocarbon, 0.05 wt. ppm sulfur), tetrahydrothiophene (0.1 wt.% with respect to the refrigerant), paraffin oil as refrigerating device oil (15 cSt at 40degreesC; volume specific resistivity of 1015 OMEGA.cm), refrigerating device oil additives, and synthetic zeolite as drying agent (effective diameter of 3 Angstrom). The refrigerating device oil additives comprised (in wt.% with respect to refrigerating device oil) silicone defoaming agent (10 ppm), ditertiary butylparacresol as antioxidant (0.3), epoxy compound as moisture- and/or acid-trapping agent (0.25), tricresylphosphate as extreme pressure additive (1), and benzotriazole as copper inactivating agent (5 ppm).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: (A) contains dimethyl ether as propellant and/or contains 25-50 wt. n-pentane. EXAMPLE - A hair-spray composition consisting of 30 wt. % Luviskol 37 I(TM) (vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer), 68.5% ethanol, 1.7% polysilicone-9 and 0.3% perfume was mixed in weight ratio 35:65 with a propellant mixture of 45 wt. % n-pentane and 55 wt. % dimethyl ether, in an aluminum monoblock aerosol dispenser as shown in the figure. The spray nozzle of the dispenser included a 45 mm long, 0.8 mm diameter extension, providing a spray jet having an angle of emergence of 15-18 degrees. This allowed accurate dispensing of the spray at the part of the hair to be fixed, to facilitate styling.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The oxidation catalyst is cerium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The organic waste in primary solubilization tank, is stirred, solubilized by unspecified microorganisms, and primary solubilized material is formed. A buffer tank (8) is provided between dehydrator (5) and methane-fermentation tank (10) to mix primary and secondary solubilized liquids. The waste liquid formed in the methane-fermentation tank, is separated into sludge (15) and waste water. A portion of sludge is recycled to the methane-fermentation tank, and the remaining sludge is introduced into secondary solubilization tank. The primary solubilized residuum from dehydrator is also introduced into secondary solubilization tank. An enzyme or microorganism that can decompose fiber, ozone, and alkali chemicals are added to the secondary solubilization tank. The plant cells and microbial cells contained in organic waste are destroyed in the secondary solubilization tank using a fine crusher, and solubilized in presence of heat and pressure. The secondary solubilization tank is heated by a heater to high temperature or optimal temperature of microorganism or enzyme.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Dimension: The water channels are 50-100 microns wide, 100-300 microns deep, and are separated by a distance of 200-1000 microns.Preferred Component: A cathode side gas distribution layer (5) is a porous structure which is enclosed by a coplanar, sealing plate (6). The water channels are provided with a hydrophobic coating. A bipolar plate is provided with a cathode gas channel(s), an anode gas channel(s), and a water inlet(s).Preferred Method: A water-methanol mixture is distributed such that one part of the anode catalyst layer is in contact with a thin film of liquid methanol-water mixture, and a remaining part of the anode catalyst layer is in contact with a gas phase free from liquid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The oxygen evolving compound is hydrogen peroxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Cooling and introducing the feed to the recovery column involves separation into cooled vapor and cooled liquid portions, the latter containing any condensed components. The cooled vapor is divided into two parts, the first of which is cooled further to condensation prior to its introduction into upper part of recovery column as middle reflux. The second vapor and cooled liquid is fed to recovery column at at least one feed stage for separation into first gas stream comprising more volatile components, rich in methane, and a first liquid stream comprising less volatile components. A refrigeration stream is withdrawn from the recovery column to provide at least some of the refrigeration in first cooling stage. This stream is partially vaporized by the cooling, and is separated into gas and liquid phases, where the former is reintroduced to recovery column. The second gas stream is compressed before cooling, by the refrigeration stream, to partial condensation, prior to introduction to the top of purification column as overhead reflux. The rest of the vapor is fed to top of recovery column as overhead reflux after further cooling. The pressurized LNG stream is expanded in at least one stage to produce LNG stream for storage and producing overhead reflux from part of flashed vapor generated in the expanding stage(s).Preferred Refrigeration: The mechanical refrigeration cycle includes a single- or multi-component refrigerant. At least one mechanical refrigeration cycle is used in cooling the second gas stream and liquefying the first gas stream.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The process use closed two- or three-stage propane, and ethane or ethylene, and open methane refrigeration cycles, employing tow or more flash stages to produce a methane-rich gas stream with high concentrations of C2+ hydrocarbons.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The sensors and water and air pipes are laid on the pit at regular intervals in a specified pattern between the wood chip material. The devices and supply/discharge lines (6) are also connected to a winder, located outside the pit. On the basis of temperature detected by temperature sensor, the wood material chips inside the pit are ventilated by the air pipe. After completion of composting, the devices and water and air supply pipes are wound and removed from the composting pit by the winder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The inorganic material is dried at 40 degrees C. A humic acid is added to the aeration process. The microorganism group used in the process is an activated sludge. The solid concentration in the aeration process is 1-15 mass%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Oxide: Gamma-alumina or alumina sol of high porous activity are used as oxide.Preferred Composition: The methanol modification catalyst contains 30-80 weight% of oxide. The ratio of copper/zinc in the modification catalyst, is 1/1-5/1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The refuse process medium consists of ceramic piece having the hole in which the microbe which decompose/degrades refuse, inhabits. The salt concentration for the growth of Bacillus sphaericus was 9% or less and the temperature was 22-60degreesC. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Microorganism - The Bacillus sphaericus having an acetoin production and positive nitrate production properties.    EXAMPLE - Various refuse material was crushed and thrown into the refuse process machine containing 10 kg of refuse process medium. A ceramic piece was washed in water and the refuse process medium was made to adhere. The medium was formed by adding Bacillus sphaericus and a photosynthetic bacteria in a medium containing meat extract, yeast extract and polypeptone inside the container at 20degreesC. The refuse material was effectively decomposed in 24 hours.
ACTIVITY - Antioxidant. The antioxidant activity of lignan containing sesame seed extract, was evaluated by rhodan iron method using linoleic acid substrate. The antioxidant activity evaluated by the graph using retention time along X-axis and absorbance at 280 nm along Y-axis, showed increased antioxidant property due to microbial processing of extract.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - Degreased sesame seed lees (10 g) was suspended in water (200 ml) and mixed with a liquid medium containing Absidia ramosa (microorganisms) and subjected to a shaping culture at 30degreesC. After 34 hours, the culture was stopped and the moisture content in the culture was removed by filtration under reduced pressure. The obtained solid content was then extracted thrice with methanol (100 ml) and filtered. The obtained extract was further extracted thrice with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The obtained extract was further concentrated, to obtain a concentrated extract (1.25 g). The obtained concentrated extract was dissolved in ethyl acetate (150 ml), mixed with water (150 ml) and the aqueous phase was separated. The ethyl acetate in the separated aqueous phase was distilled, to obtain a sesame seed extract containing lignan (961 mg).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The waste material of plaster board is crushed and plaster and paper are separated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The circulation pipe is equipped with a fan (32) for circulating the water vapor, a steam separation chamber (40) for separating water from water vapor, and a steam separation waste water drain (42) for ejecting the waste water separated from the water vapor. The fan exhausts water vapor forcibly from the circulation pipe through the exhaust unit. The water vapor driven by the fan is passed through a deodorizer and the water vapor is deodorized. A pressure detector (66) detects the exhaust pressure.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Manure: The fermented refuse is molded and solidified.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The bark layer is obtained from tree bark of broad leaved tree, and is mixed with shell fossil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Apparatus: The temperature control unit is primary and secondary temperature control units which adjusts the temperature of primary and secondary reaction zones respectively, using primary and secondary coolant. The primary coolant is oily, and secondary coolant is reformed feedstock comprising hydrocarbon fuel (such as methanol) and water. The primary temperature control unit adjusts the pressure of flow path of primary coolant such that the boiling point of primary coolant is at a temperature higher than predetermined temperature. The secondary temperature control unit adjusts the pressure of flow path of secondary coolant such that the boiling point of secondary coolant is at a temperature lower than predetermined temperature. The temperature control unit is a heat conduction unit which conducts heat between the primary and secondary oxidation reaction zones. A cooling unit is provided to cool the secondary oxidation reaction zone. The temperature control unit adjusts the temperature of primary and secondary oxidation reaction zones to 130-190degreesC and 80-130degreesC, respectively.Preferred Composition: The primary oxidation catalysts is a platinum group or platinum-ruthenium group catalyst. The secondary oxidation catalyst is ruthenium group or platinum-ruthenium group catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The organic substance in the soil is decomposed by treating with microorganism, before or after supplying ozone to the soil to be processed. The moisture content of the dried soil to be processed is 5-10%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The flow rate of gas fuel or vapor in the liquid fuel is corrected and supplied depending on the correction value of the ratio of the flow rate of gas fuel or liquid fuel to the flow rate of the gas containing the oxygen.Preferred Method: Before a liquid fuel is supplied, its required flow rate is determined according to a memorized fuel flow rate correction coefficient. After adjusting flow rate of the gas, the fuel flow rate correction coefficient is determined according to the determined first correction coefficient.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The resin is selected from polypropylene copolymers, high density polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyether etherketone, polycarbonates, polyphenylene oxide, polyester amide, epoxy, pitch and vinyl ester resins.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The temperature in the reaction chamber is provided by a plasma arc. The biomass material is entrained in a stream of hydrogen, and the resulting metal carbide is separated from the reaction products. The quenching step uses water. The metal carbide is hydrolyzed to produce acetylene, methylene acetylene, or propadiene. Ethylene is produced from acetylene, and propylene is produced from methyl acetylene or propadiene.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The biomass contains sodium, and the reaction products further include sodium, sodium hydroxide, sodium peroxide, or sodium sulfide. The metal oxide is calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. The metal carbide is calcium carbide, magnesium carbide, or calcium carbide. The reaction products further comprise carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Preferred Composition: At least 10% of the sodium in the biomass is recovered as elemental sodium. At least 10% of sulfur in the biomass is recovered as sodium sulfide. At least 50% of the carbideable carbon in the biomass is converted to metal carbide. EXAMPLE - Dried black liquor char (DBLC) with powdered calcium oxide (CaO) was premixed in a molar ratio of 4.6:1, and delivered to a carrier gas. The resulting DBLC/CaO/Ar mixture was conveyed into a non transferred arc established between a graphite cathode and a graphite anode. Carbides were assayed by hydrolysis of solids recovered from the reactor. By shutting down the quench gas, a yield of 80.7% conversion of CaO to calcium carbide was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The blowing agent comprises 45-55 wt.% isobutane and 45-55 wt.% n-butane, and propane.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The polyolefin is low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, and/or polypropylene.Preferred Product: The foam is a sheet or plank, 0.25-4 inches thick and has a density of 1-10lb/ft3. EXAMPLE - Foam sheets 0.5 inches thick and having a density of 1.2 lb/ft3 (pcf) were made by extrusion from LDPE and either 100% butane or a blend of 50/50 wt.% isobutane/n-butane, and tested for their ability to maintain dimensional stability over time (the ability to resist changes in size and foam as the foam ages). The foam sheets comprised LDPE (2 MI, 0.919 g/cc density), talc, and glycerol monostearate, with either 100% butane or the 50/50 blend. Four sheets of each foam were laminated together to form a 2 inch thick foam laminate. Evaluation results showed that the foam made with the 50/50 blend stabilizes sooner (5 days of curing) and shrinks less (1.25%) than the foam made with 100% isobutane (12 days of curing, 1.56% shrinkage).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The carbon dioxide absorber is calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The carbon-containing substance is coal, petroleum, plastic, biomass, sludge, and/or organic waste. Water is supplied in the form of steam which provides reaction conditions of 600-900 degrees C and 30 or more atmospheric pressure.Preferred Process: The carbon dioxide absorber and carbon-containing compound together form a carbonate which is thermally decomposed into the carbon dioxide absorber and is recycled to hydrogen generation process. The heat released from the reaction between calcium oxide and water is used for reducing water and thermally decomposing the carbon-containing substance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The catalyst substance contains copper and zinc. Methanol is modified, after performing partial oxidation of methanol in an atmosphere containing oxygen.Preferred Manufacture: The alumina film of thickness 50-100 microns is obtained for methanol modification which is performed using sulfuric acid, oxalic acid or chromic acid. The BET surface area of the catalyst material is 20,000 times greater than the appearance surface area of the catalyst material. Hydration of alumina layer is performed by immersing it in water or aqueous solution of pH 7-12, at 50-120 degrees C for 30 minutes or more, followed by baking at 300-600 degrees C. A solution containing 0.01-0.5 mol/l of copper and a solution containing 0.1-0.5 mol/l of zinc, are impregnated alternately and repeatedly in the alumina layer or a mixed solution containing copper and zinc is impregnated repeatedly in the alumina layer. The impregnation time of the copper containing solution is 3-9 times more than that of the zinc containing solution. The molar concentration of copper in the mixed solution is 5-50 times greater than the molar concentration of zinc.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The fuel oil contains preferably less than 10 weight ppm of alkyl dibenzothiophene. EXAMPLE - 50.9 g of nickel chloride was dissolved in 500 ml of water, and 0.6 g of alumina carrier and 20 ml of nitric acid aqueous solution of concentration 1 mole/litre were added to the resulting solution, and pH was adjusted to 1, to prepare a liquid (A). 33.1 g of sodium carbonate was dissolved in 500 ml of water, 11.7 g of water glass and silica were added to the resulting solution to prepare a liquid (B). Liquids (A,B) were heated to 80degreesC, and were mixed and stirred. The resulting mixture was filtered, and product obtained was washed with water, dried at 120degreesC for 12 hours, and baked at 300degreesC for 1 hour. A desulfurizing agent comprising 63 weight% (wt.%) of nickel supported on silica-alumina carrier, was obtained. 15 ml of the agent was filled in a reaction tube, and activated by maintaining at 380degreesC for 1 hour. The reaction tube was then maintained at 150degreesC, and JIS No.1 kerosene having sulfur concentration of 15 wt.%, and containing 5.16 weight ppm of alkyl dibenzothiophene, 82 volume% (vol%) of saturated portion, 16.8 vol% of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 1.1 vol% of bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and 0.1 vol% or more of tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was supplied to the reaction tube at liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 10 h-1, under a normal pressure. The sulfur concentration of kerosene was reduced to 0.2 wt.% or less. The kerosene was contacted with 30 ml of ruthenium group reforming catalyst containing 0.5 wt.% of ruthenium, and steam reforming was performed under atmospheric pressure, water vapor/carbon molar ratio of 2.5, and LHSV of 1 h-1. Conversion ratio of kerosene was measured, and was found to be 100%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The fuel oil comprises 0.2 vol.% or less of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds with three or more rings. EXAMPLE - 50.9 g of nickel chloride were dissolved in 500 ml of water. 0.6 g of alumina carrier and 20 ml of nitric acid aqueous solution of concentration 1 mole/liter were added, and pH was adjusted to 1 to prepare a liquid (A). 33.1 g of sodium carbonate were dissolved in 500 ml of water. 11.7 g of water glass and silica were added to prepare a liquid (B). Liquids (A, B) were heated to 80 degreesC, mixed and stirred. The mixture was filtered, and the product was washed with water, dried at 120 degreesC for 12 hours, and baked at 300 degreesC for 1 hour. A desulfurizing agent comprising 63 weight% (wt.%) of nickel supported on silica-alumina carrier was obtained.    15 ml of the agent were filled in a reaction tube, and activated by maintaining at 380 degreesC for 1 hour. The reaction tube was then maintained at 150 degreesC, and JIS No.1 kerosene having sulfur concentration of 15 wt.%, and containing 82 vol.% of saturated portion, 16.8 vol.% of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 1.1 vol.% of bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and 0.1 vol.% or less of tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was supplied to the reaction tube at liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 10 h-1, under normal pressure. The sulfur concentration of kerosene was reduced to 0.2 wt.% or less. The kerosene was contacted with 30 ml of ruthenium group reforming catalyst containing 0.5 wt.% of ruthenium. Steam reforming was performed under atmospheric pressure, water vapor/carbon molar ratio of 2.5, and LHSV of 1 h-1. Conversion ratio of kerosene was found to be 100%.
EXAMPLE - Pellets with a width of 9 mm and a length of 45 mm were produced by pressing a mixture of 80% meat meal, 4% lignite fines, 4% coal fines, 1% sawdust, 3% metal powder, 1% gypsum, 1.5% cellulose, 5% sewage sludge and 0.5% denaturant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Fuel: The fuel contains 50 ppm or less of sulfur components, 5 mole% or less of hydrocarbons having a carbon number of two or less, 90 mole% or more 4-3C hydrocarbon and 5 mole% or more of hydrocarbons having five or more of carbon atoms. The fuel has a vapor pressure at 40 degreesC of 1.55 MPa or less, a density at 15 degreesC of 0.500 - 0.620 g/cm3, and a heat capacity at 15 degreesC of 1.7 kJ/kg.degreesC or less. The corrosion degree of the fuel at 40 degreesC for 1 hour is 1 or less. EXAMPLE - A fuel comprising mainly propane obtained from a naphtha fraction using an improved and modified distillation system generated 31140 KJ/kg energy initially and 31110 KJ/kg after 100 hours running. The fuel coefficient was 67 %. The CO2 generation was low.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises a conduit for withdrawing a product gas stream from the radial product collection zone; a boiler vessel (100); an inert catalyst zone (12) between the oxidation zone and the reaction zone base; and a hollow cylinder.Preferred Component: The radially permeable reaction zones comprise a high-temperature shift zone, a low temperature gas shift zone and/or a preferential oxidation zone. The catalyst zones comprise catalyst monoliths.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The essentially isothermal fluid comprises boiling water, or steam and/or water at its boiling point.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The expander is a turbine. The system further comprises a burner exhaust conduit, a carbon monoxide removal system (52), a heat exchanger(s) (26, 34, 46, 56), and a radiator (66) for cooling the fuel cell coolant. The burner exhaust conduit is configured to permit heating of the fuel reformer by the burner exhaust and then to direct the exhausts through the expander. The carbon monoxide removal system produces an output comprising less than 10 ppm carbon monoxide on a time-averaged basis.Preferred Method: The air/steam mixture is preheated before injection into the burner, and used as a humidified oxidant of a fuel cell. An additional water is injected into the air/steam mixture after the mixture has emerged from the fuel cell. The steam containing exhaust is a heat source for the fuel reformer that conducts steam reforming, partial oxidation, and/or autothermal reforming. The method further comprises treating a reformate to reduce carbon monoxide concentration by water gas shift, preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide, preferential methanation of carbon monoxide with hydrogen on a catalyst, separation of hydrogen in a pressure swing absorption bed, separation of hydrogen in a temperature swing absorption bed, or separation of hydrogen by a hydrogen-selective membrane. The reformate may be heated before or after driving the expander. The water is removed from the air/steam mixture at a selected point in the path before injection of the mixture in the burner.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The pump comprises a peristaltic pump mounted to the pressure tank. It is operatively connectable to the supply tube assembly to incrementally feed alkaline metal contained, the supply tube assembly includes sealed end and an open end, which is sealingly connectable to an opening of the pressure tank. The alkaline metal introduction system includes a pump drive assembly (107) connected to the peristaltic pump. The pump drive assembly is powered by hand using a hand crank. The alkaline metal introduction system further includes a tube retaining assembly, which retains the supply tube assembly in a stationary position during operation of the peristaltic pump. The tube retaining assembly comprises a hand operated lever having a cam portion which is engageable with the sealed end of the supply tube assembly to retain the sealed end in position using camming action. The end plug includes a gripping tab.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The outer tube is made of plastic.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The alkaline metal comprises sodium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Construction: The plastic frames (2, 12) are extruded or injection molded around each membrane electrode unit (1) and each bipolar plate (10), or the bipolar plates may be formed from plastic as an integral component. The bipolar plates have at least one cavity for a coolant and the plastic frames for these plates are provided with distributor (5) and collector (8) channels for the coolant, with connections to the cavity, especially side-branches. The bipolar plates are double-walled, filled with non-woven fabric (9) (especially fabric based on electrically conductive plastic) and/or provided with cooling channels. All the channels (3-8) are formed by injection molding, preferably with the distributor channels (3, 5, 6) and the collector channels (4, 7, 8) on diametrically opposite sides of the frames. The end plates have connections for gas supply, cooling and tapping electrical current.Preferred Materials: Electrically non-conducting plastics are used for the frames for membrane electrode units; conductive plastics are used for the frames for bipolar plates, for the end plates themselves and possibly for the fabric (9) between (10) and (1) (or this fabric (9) may be made of metal). The bipolar plates may be in the form of a honeycomb structure of metal or two conductive metal foils. Preferred non-conductive plastics comprise cis- or trans-polyacetylene, poly-p- or poly-m-phenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, poly-p-phenylene sulfide or poly-azasulfene. Preferred conductive plastics are doped polymers as listed above.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst in the electrode units (1) consists of precious metal, Raney nickel, tungsten carbide, molybdenum or tungsten sulfide, phthalocyanine complexes or other chelate complexes. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The reducing of the ruthenium (Ru) composition comprises contacting the composition with a reducing gas at 300-500 degrees C. An oxidation step is at less than 500, preferably less than 300 degrees C.Preferred Property: The alumina carrier comprises a bimodal pore size distribution. It comprises a pore distribution comprising peak(s) having an average pore diameter of 800-1500 Angstrom. It comprises an average bulk density of 0.3-0.7 g/cm3. EXAMPLE - A solution containing Ru (III) nitrosyl nitrate solution (247 g)containing 1.5% Ru (III) was diluted with 153 g of deionized water and added to an alumina support. The support and solution were kept at room temperature for 15 minutes. Steam was introduced for 4 hours. The impregnated catalyst was placed in a quartz tube surrounded by a ceramic-lines tube furnace and a flow of air was introduced to the tube at ambient temperature and 6L/min for 15 minutes. It was raised at 5 degrees C/min to 110 degrees C and held for 2 hours. The air flow was shut off and a nitrogen purge was commenced at a flow rate of 1 L/min at 110 degrees C for 30 minutes. The nitrogen flow was terminated and a hydrogen flow was introduced over the catalyst at 3 L/min. It was raised at 5 degrees C/min to 500 degrees C while continuing hydrogen flow. It was maintained at 500 degrees C for 1 hour. Hydrogen flow was stopped and nitrogen was introduced as the temperature was slowly brought down to room temperature.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The shell fish shell is an oyster shell (2) which is ground to a grain size of 2 microm or less. The crushed used paper is cut into a size of 10 microm before adding to the dehydrated cake. 100-200% volume ratio of the mixture is added to the dehydrated cake.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Structure: The vinyl house has an oxygen reservoir (22) which stores the oxygen generated by electrolysis of water, and then the stored oxygen is supplied for plant cultivation and fuel cell. The solar battery is combined with wind power apparatus (26) as source of natural energy. The control circuit uses electric power of main power supply (8) for electrolysis of water, and uses hydrogen of hydrogen reservoir for fuel cell in case of emergency.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Hydrides: At least two types of hydride are selected from complex metal hydride, salt-type hydride and polymerization type hydride having covalent bond property. The hydrides are lithium aluminum hydride, lithium borohydride, sodium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, potassium aluminum hydride, potassium borohydride, magnesium borohydride, calcium borohydride, strontium borohydride, barium borohydride, ferrous borohydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride, magnesium hydride, calcium hydride, strontium hydride, barium hydride, and aluminum hydride, preferably lithium aluminum hydride, lithium borohydride, sodium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride or calcium hydride. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metals: The alkali metal is potassium, cesium, rubidium, sodium or lithium. The alkaline earth metal is barium, calcium, magnesium or strontium. The rare earth metal is lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium or gadolinium.Preferred Support: The support is alumina, titania, silica or zirconia.Preferred Method: The selective oxidation reaction of CO is performed at 80-200 degreesC. The methanol residual concentration in methanol reformed gas is 10% or less. EXAMPLE - Alumina support was immersed in an aqueous solution of potassium acetate and dried at 150 degreesC to form K/Al2O3 which contained 1 wt.% of potassium. Into a mixed aqueous solution containing ruthenium nitrate and dinitro diammine platinum, K/Al2O3 was immersed and dried at 150 degreesC for 4 hours to form Pt-Ru/K/Al2O3. A mixed gas containing 50% of methanol, 17% of carbon dioxide and 1% of carbon monoxide was contacted with Pt-Ru/K/Al2O3. The concentration of carbon monoxide over a temperature range of 120-140 degreesC was reduced to 40 ppm or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: Propulsion agent A is selected from dimethyl ether, propane, n-butane, isobutane, pentane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, chloropentafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethane, and their mixtures, preferably from dimethyl ether, isobutane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.Hydrofluorocarbon propulsion agent A1 is preferably 1,1,1,2- tetrafluoroethane, while non-hydrofluorocarbon propulsion agent A2 is dimethyl ether or isobutane.Fluorine compound B is selected from methoxy- (or ethoxy) nonafluorobutane, propoxyundecafluoropentane, perfluoropentane (or hexane), 4-trifluoro-methyl-perfluoromorpholine, and their mixtures, and is preferably perfluoropentane (or hexane) or 4-trifluoromethyl-perfluoromorpholinePreferred Composition: The amount of B is 5-95 (preferably 10-90) wt.% per total weight of A+B.The composition contains 10-100 (preferably 20-80) wt.% of A+B mixture, and preferably also contains at least one cosmetic or dermatological additive selected from film-forming polymers, plasticizers, fillers, colorants, wax, thickeners, surfactants, preservatives, oils, perfume, solvents, water, alcohols, polyols and cosmetic or dermatological active components. EXAMPLE - Aerosol spray comprising 58 g of perfluoropentane (PF-5050(TM)) and 42 g of tetrafluoroethane was distributed onto skin in form of spray producing effect of freshness with no burning sensation. The jet temperature 5 cm from nozzle was 0 degreesC compared to (-17)degreesC for spray of only tetrafluoroethane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The housing first pathway includes a boiling chamber (12) thermally coupled to the heater and a condensing chamber (14) thermally coupled to the cooler. The housing defines a second pathway through which the stream of ionizable gas is passed. The second pathway converges with the first pathway at least through the condensing chamber, where the condensing of the working fluid separates the ionizable gas from the working fluid. The ion conductive material is a proton conductive membrane. The housing includes an elongated conduit having an external shell, wicking mechanism.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The ionizable gas is oxygen, hydrogen or sodium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The reaction is performed at 0.2-1,000 MPa, at temperature higher that the reaction when conducted at normal pressure. The enzyme can be selected from cellulase, glucoamylase, tannase, phytase, protease and chitinase. Substrate is preferably in powder, sheet or granular form. The cellulase is particularly produced by Acremonium genus microorganism, e.g. Acremonium sp. Y-94. Such cellulase is especially in an enzyme composition mixed with an enzyme having improved endoglucanse (CMCase) activity in pressurized state which is produced by Aspergillus microorganism, preferably with a mixture ratio of the Acremonium enzyme to the enzyme having CMase activity at higher pressure equivalent to CMCase activity at 7:50:50:1.Both cellulose and cellulase are pressurized to 0.2-1,000 MPa, with the substrate at the already specified form. The cellulase used per 1 g of cellulose is equivalent to CMCase activity at 0.0005-10,000 international units (IU). EXAMPLE - Whatman No. 1 filter paper (FP) (RTM; 150 mg) as substrate in small pieces in 2 ml 40 mM Britton-Robinson buffer of pH 4.5 was mixed with Acremonium cellulolyticus-produced cellulase preparation Acrmozym (RTM; FP saccharification activity at 0.0078 IU) at 60 degrees Centigrade, in a pressure-resistant vessel at 150 MPa for up to 72 hrs. to give acceleration rate of 780% (compared to 299% at normal pressure at 0.1 MPa).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The first chamber comprises a vertical orientation and a progressively increasing layer of insulation (74) from upper end to the lower end. The flue gas vent includes a flue gas damper (70). A fourth catalyst zone (76) is arranged in the boiler vessel and in fluid communication with the shift effluent conduit and a second effluent conduit (78) for withdrawing a hydrogen product gas stream. An igniter is in the center zone of the first chamber. A fluid level control device (82) is arranged in the boiler vessel to maintain a fluid level at least partially submerging the third chamber. It comprises a stand pipe in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and a height of the fluid level. Steam conduits terminate at a point at or above the upper insulation zone and below the fluid level.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Components: The anode gas flow passage geometry comprises several small diameter, closely spaced contact points which are present at a density of 10-25 contact points per square centimeter. The contact points are round and have a diameter of 0.5-1 mm. The cathode gas flow passages comprise deep flow passages to promote oxidant mixing and a large surface area for optimum heat transfer to the cathode gas stream. They have a depth of 1 mm, a surface area of 2-4 times the projected area of the second face of the base sheet. The interconnect further comprises a conductive coating disposed on at least one face of the conductive base sheet. The conductive coating is selected to enhance electrical conductivity between the interconnect and mating fuel cell surfaces. A yielding layer is disposed on at least one face of the conductive base sheet and is selected to enhance conformity of the interconnect to mating fuel cell surfaces. Through passages are arranged along outer perimeters of the interconnects to form integral inlet and outlet manifolds when stacked. The fuel cell assembly further comprises gas supply manifolds comprising external stamped sheet metal manifolds secured to outer surfaces of the fuel cell stack assembly. Preferred Method: The anode and cathode gas flow passages are prepared by etching the conductive base sheet, preferably by photochemical etching, electrochemical etching, cutting, laser cutting, or their combinations.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The first residue vapors are contacted with the cooled 2C containing-liquid in a light ends fractionation column that includes fractionation mechanism for vapor/liquid counter-current contact. The 2C containing liquid is cooled before it is delivered to the light ends fractionation column. The recovered fourth residue and the second 3C containing liquid from the light ends fractionation column are directed into heat exchange. The third and fourth residue gases are combined before their discharge.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The fractionation mechanism in light ends fractionation column includes vapor-liquid contacting mechanisms, which are equivalent to theoretical distillation stage. The first residue is received in an expansion mechanism having elements for reducing the pressure and temperature of the first residue. The light ends fractionation column is arranged so as to direct receive the fourth residue vapors and second 3C containing liquids through a heat exchanger. EXAMPLE - None-given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - The biofuel contains ca. 10 % binder and the amount of cellulosic material is chosen to give a moisture content of ca. 50 %. The cellulosic material is preferably fresh sawdust with a moisture content of ca. 50 %, or it can be sawdust, wood flour, peat, shredded paper or a mixture thereof. The biofuel particles are essentially the same size. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The desulfurized naphtha is desulfurized light and/or heavy naphtha. The alcohol is methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The de-sulfurizing agent has a support such as silica, alumina, silica-alumina, titania, zirconia, zeolite, magnesia, diatomaceous earth, clay or zinc oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: A connecting tunnel (6) is joined to the same end of all the tunnels and a carriage in it transfers the fermenter between the composting tunnels. The mixer is a motor driven screw that pivots between a vertical position so the screw is inserted into the waste ands a horizontal position so the screw is lifted clear of the waste when the fermenter transfers between tunnels. Alternatively, the mixer moves between two horizontal positions in which its blades are immersed or clear of the waste. Each tunnel is formed by a flexible film (23, 24). The gas collection device includes a manifold.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The extraction agent for step (A) is N-methylpyrrolidone, preferably containing 8-10 (8.3 ) wt.% water. The heterogeneous catalyst for step (B) is a TLC packing. Preferred Equipment: The low boiling components condensed from the vapor stream in the condenser (H) are partially recycled to the head of the separating wall column (TK) and the remaining material is led away as low boiling stream (A). The hydrogen is recycled to the sump evaporator (5) not to the lower section (6). The column (TK) contains reactive installations in section (5a) arranged between inlet (F) and outlet (B). Reactive installations are contained in the upper parts of sections (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b), preferably in (3a) and (3b). The process is step (A) and (B) are carried out in thermally coupled columns with intrinsic sump evaporator and condenser.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - COMPUTING AND CONTROL - In the computerized control system (15) heat evolution from composting is determined from the thermal fluxes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The fluid stream passes along both sides of plate-type partition(s), so that at least one endothermic reaction occurs on one side and at least one exothermic reaction on the opposite side, and the partition comprises heat-conducting material. One or more reactants taking part in a later reaction are added to the fluid stream in the zone(s) where the flow reverses and/or along the partition. The kinetically preferred reaction takes plate in a first zone and other reactions in later zones. Both sides of the partition are completely coated with suitable catalysts.Preferred Reactor: The reactor has a pressure-tight housing and removable insert(s) comprising plates (partly) coated with catalysts. The plates are separated by spacers, shaped e.g. like horseshoes. The inlets and outlets for fluid streams pass through the spacer(s). The inlets and outlets preferably are near the middle of the length of the plates in the flow direction and the reversing zone is at each end of a plate. The plates, which consist (partly) of metal, are (partly) folded like a concertina in the flow direction of the fluid stream and/or are structurized, e.g. corrugated, ribbed, folded and/or embossed. The reactor has several (almost) parallel plates, each with a baffle at one end for turning the fluid stream from one side to the back of the plate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Substrate: The combustion catalyst of the gas transferring device is based on an expanded metal of iron-chromium made stainless steel, as a substrate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbes: These convert hydrogen and produce either methane (especially Methanobrevibacterium smithii) or acetic acid (especially Acetitomaculum spp.). ACTIVITY - Antiinflammatory; antiflatulant; gastrointestinal. No biodata is provided in the source material.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - Microbial metabolism of hydrogen. Rats (known to contain hydrogen-producing, but not methane-producing, bacteria in the gut) were inoculated, in the cecum, with a culture of Methanobrevibacterium smithii having in vitro activity 50 micromole hydrogen/min. When the animals breathed a mixture of 10.8 atm helium and 0.2 atm oxygen, some methane was produced, and this could only be the result of M. smithii metabolizing hydrogen. When the breathing mixture also contained hydrogen, the amount of methane produced increased, in line with the hydrogen pressure in the mixture, i.e. hydrogen had diffused into the intestines and was being metabolized. When hydrogen was removed from the breathing mixture, the rate of methane production declined. Animals with no M. smithii in their gut did not produce methane.    ADMINISTRATION - (A) are administered orally in a form that passes through the stomach and releases its contents in the intestines, especially an enterically coated, slow-release formulation. No dose is suggested.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Filter: The filter (120) is made of stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Alternately, the dried squeeze-filtrated residuum is dry-distilled, and formed into charcoal, or the filtrate of crushed waste vegetables is heated to more than 40degreesC, solid content of the filtrate is squeeze-filtrated, residuum is dry-distilled, and charcoal product is obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Agent: The desulfurizing agent is a nickel group desulfurizing agent. Preferred Method: The washing process is performed for 1-10 hours at 120 degreesC in liquid phase solvent in the absence of air.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Solvent: The organic solvent is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound such as benzene, toluene or xylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The molecular proportions of Cu, Zn and Al in the starting solution (Cu+Zn)/Al is 2-5. The oxygen/methanol molar ratio in the manufacture of hydrogen is 0.20-0.50. The reaction temperature for hydrogen gas formation is 200-245 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The injector comprises a gas-water separating mechanism that separates a water fraction from a cathode-off gas from the fuel cell, and a water-supplying mechanism that supplies the reactor with the water separated by the gas-water separating mechanism. The gas-water separating mechanism comprises a water storage tank and a gas separating mechanism that supplies the cathode-off gas into the water storage tank. The injector can be a heat medium circulating mechanism comprising piping and pump that circulates a predetermined heat medium between the fuel cell and the reactor. The system further comprises water level sensors for maintaining water level above an opening portion of the gas supplying mechanism, a battery and a relay for electrifying the metal hydride, a steam generating mechanism, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the reactor. The reactor has a honeycomb monolith loaded with a catalyst that accelerates the hydrolysis. A cavity of the honeycomb monolith forms a passage of a mixed liquid of water and metal hydride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is a titania-based catalyst or a ruthenium-based catalyst. Preferred Material: The metal hydride is sodium borohydride or sodium aluminum hydride.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The process power is not less than 50 kWs/g. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used. Only structures similar to wiring traces are graphitized. EXAMPLE - A carbonized sheet material, comprising a pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber fleece with a mass/unit area of 60 g/m2, was graphitized with a carbon dioxide laser with a ray diameter of 14 mm and continuous power of about 1000 W at an advance of 6 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: There are at least two sets of tangential openings spaced apart from each other axially along the mixing tube and operable to create clockwise and counter-clockwise swirling oxygen and fuel reactant mixture in the mixing tube bore. The clockwise and counter-clockwise swirls are operable to null each other out by the time the oxygen and fuel reactant mixture reaches the catalyst bed. The oxygen source includes air or steam. The hydrocarbon fuel stream includes a vaporized fuel with a higher molecular weight than ethane or methane. It includes steam.Preferred Property: The tangential opening enters the mixing tube bore at an included angle phi of 45-90 degrees, preferably 60-90 degrees.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The cathode contains lithium-treated nickel oxide as a catalyst.The anode contains nickel or its alloy as a catalyst.Preferred Gas: Oxygen or air is used as an oxidizing gas.Hydrogen, synthesis gas, methane or natural gas is used as a fuel gas.Preferred Carbonate: The molten carbonate is a mixture of lithium, potassium and sodium carbonate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: A phase containing extractive based compounds, preferably a surface phase, is separated from the pyrolysis liquid. The extractive based compounds separated from the pyrolysis liquid is 5-60, preferably 20-40 vol.%. The separation of extractive based compounds is performed mechanically in a decanter, sedimentation basin, centrifuge, or extraction apparatus (preferably via solvent extraction). The separated fraction containing extractives is processed by distilling it into fractions. An emulgator is produced from the resinoic and/or fatty acids of the fraction containing extractives via esterification. The pyrolysis oil obtained is mixed with the emulgator produced from the fraction containing extractives and/or with light fuel oil to produce an emulsion and to improve the quality of the pyrolysis oil. The pyrolysis liquid has been produced from forest waste, bark, peat, wood and/or waste plastic.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The apparatus also includes a control device for setting delay, the number of extractive based compounds to be separated and/or controlling the separation of a desired fraction containing extractives. A distiller is provided for fractionating a fraction containing extractives. A feeder passes the fraction containing extractives or a part of it and/or an emulgator and/or other chemical produced from it into the pyrolysis oil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The surface fraction is separated from the pyrolysis liquid after condensation in the condenser. The surface fraction is separated after a delay period during which phase separation has taken place in the pyrolysis liquid, preferably within 1 hour to 5 days. The solid matter contained in the separated surface fraction maybe removed, or at least part of the surface fraction is passed into an energy production stage in the pyrolysis process. Preferred Condition: The predetermined time delay is 1-720, preferably 1-60 minutes. The separated surface fraction constitutes 1-30, preferably 1-20 vol.% of the pyrolysis liquid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The separator device preferably consists of three solid matter separators. The solid matter separator maybe sedimentation or flotation device. The separator device can also include an extraction pipe (10) for bringing the separated surface fraction out of the solid matter separator and into another solid matter separator (5), or to a direct utilization stage.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The air is pressed or drawn through the reactor element with a capacity corresponding to a retention time of 0.1-0.3 seconds for the reduction of dust and ammonia and 1-10 seconds for the reduction of odor in the air. The water in the container is replaced from time to time with new water, on the basis of conductivity measurement, so that the nitrogen-containing water removed is used for application as fertilizing water. It is inoculated with bacteria, particularly nitrous bacteria, which can convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrate at high concentrations. The air discharged from the reactor element is exposed to a further processing, e.g. with ozone for further reduction of odor in the air.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The container is 0-02-0.1 L/m3/air/hour. The device further comprises a mechanism for detecting conductivity of the water and the emission of a signal at a determined maximum value of the conductivity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The hydrogen electrode plate (1) and oxygen electrode plate (21) are formed in their peripheries with a plurality of selectively cuttable connecting pins (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H). Some of connecting pins are properly cut, and the plurality of unit feed cells are internally connected through the other connecting pins, whereby a fuel battery which generates desired electromotive force is formed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The total amount of oligomers having x + y carbon and of oligomers having 2x or 3x carbon is at least 45 (preferably 55) wt.% of the oligomeric product based on total weight of the alkenes in the feedstock. Preferred Process: The process is performed at 5-10 (preferably 6-8) MPa, and weight hourly space velocity of 0.1-20 (preferably 1.1-7.5 wt/wt.hr. Preferred Ratio: The molar ratio of alkenes having x carbon relative to alkenes having y carbon is 10:90-90:10 (preferably 45:55-55:45).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The alkenes are propene, butenes or mixture of butenes and pentenes. The feedstock includes 0.05-0.25 mole % (preferably 0.1-0.2) mole % water. The zeolite is ZSM-57 (sic) in proton form. It may include a mixture of alkenes of same carbon number (preferably butenes) and isobutylene of 12-34 (preferably 12-20) wt.%. Preferred Product: The oligomeric product contains 8-25 (preferably 8-16) wt.% trimethylpentenes. It may be further submitted to fractionation, hydrogenation, hydroformylation, oxidation, carbonylation, etherification, epoxidation or hydration. EXAMPLE - Synthesized H-ZSM-57 (sic) crystals were calcined in air for 16 hour at 510degreesC exchanged with ammonium chloride aqueous solution and calcined again. The crystals were granulated by compressing into particles (1.1-2 mm). A feedstock containing 50 wt.% hydrocarbon, 40 wt.% n-butane and 10 wt.% iso-butane was hydrated at 27degreesC through thermostated water before it was placed in the reactor. The hydrated feedstock was passed over catalyst particles and reactor effluent was analyzed for olefin conversion and product selectivity. The reactor was operated for 88 days. The total conversion was 92.75 wt.% with 0.11% pentene, 3.24% hexene, 1.14% heptene, 1.71% octene, 71.96% nonene and decene-undecene selectivities and 4.63 wt.% cracking.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The hydrogen gas containing carbon monoxide is manufactured by modification of an organic compound.Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst for oxidizing the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen gas uses a meso-pore molecular sieve and alumina as a support. The meso-pore molecular sieve contains aluminum and an organic carbon group.
EXAMPLE - Hydrogen was manufactured from town gas as raw material. The town gas was processed using a modifier such as desulfurizer, water vapor modifier and carbon monoxide (CO) transformer, CO removal device such as CO selective oxidation apparatus and PSA apparatus. Steam reforming and CO transformation were performed followed by desulfurization. Oxygen was added to reformed gas and CO was selectively oxidized in the presence of a catalyst. Subsequently, the reformed gas from the CO removal gas was supplied to PSA apparatus. Hydrogen was obtained with a purity of 99.9% or more at a rate of 100 m3/hour.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Carbon dioxide is removed further, after the removal of hydrogen sulfide, using hydrophobic hollow fiber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The superstructure material is made of stainless steel comprising 12-30 weight% (wt.%) of chromium, 7-35 wt.% of nickel, 1-4 wt.% of silicon and 2 wt.% or less of niobium.Preferred Process: The surface of superstructure material in the inlet side of raw material gas is subjected to pre-oxidation treatment or residual stress.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Thickness: The thickness of the surface layer part, is 550 mum or less. Preferred Process: Oxidation is performed by circulating oxygen containing gas with oxygen concentration equal to oxygen concentration of air, to aggregate maintained at 170degreesC or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The molecular ratio of Cu, Zn, Al, and Zr in the starting solution during the production of the CuZnAlZr oxide catalyst satisfies the condition (Cu + Zn)/(Al + Zr)= 2 to 4.In the production of hydrogen gas, the oxygen/methanol molar ratio employed is 0.1-0.5, the steam/methanol molar ratio is 0.8-2, and the reaction is carried out at 200-250 degrees C. EXAMPLE - Water/methanol mixture (molar ratio= 1.3) was introduced into a layer of CuZnAlZr oxide catalyst at 1.6-2.5 cm 3/h. The catalyst was prepared from CuZnAlZr layered double hydroxide (precursor catalyst) containing (atomic ratio) Cu (1.4), Zn (1.65), Al (0.45) and Zr (0.55). Air (oxygen= 20.2%) was introduced at 10-20 cm 3/min, and argon was introduced at 43 cm 3/min. The reaction product and unreacted matter were then analyzed by 2 gas chromatographs connected on line. A 2 m long separation column packed with Porapak Q Trade Mark was attached to 1 gas chromatograph and the water and methanol were analyzed. A 2 m long separation column packed with active charcoal was attached to second gas chromatograph, and hydrogen (H 2), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO 2) were analyzed.    Results showed that when the reaction temperature was 230 degrees C, 85.4 mol% methanol conversion rate, 1626 mmol/kg.s H 2 production rate, 1.1 mol% CO selectivity, and 99.2 mol% CO 2 selectivity were obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Aggregate: The membrane is a structural unit of the aggregate, preferably in the fuel supply, especially a reformer or fuel cell. In particular, the gas mixture is produced by a reformer, especially a methanol-steam reformer supplied with methanol. The membrane is in the reformer, which preferably is a component of the fuel cell.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Membrane: The membrane has pores with diameters in the nm range and especially such that hydrogen can permeate but not other gases or liquids. It is produced from poly furfuryl alcohol, especially by pyrolysis.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The leachate contains 10-2000 parts per million (ppm) ammonia and at least 90% of the ammonia is denitrified. The nitrified aqueous product is returned to the landfill by distributing the nitrified aqueous product over the landfill surface or by injecting the nitrified aqueous product into the landfill mass. Nitrifying organisms are added to the attached growth nitrification unit before directing leachate into the attached growth nitrification unit. A sludge including nitrification organisms is combined with a substrate in a vessel to form an attached growth nitrification unit.Preferred Condition: The pH of the leachate directed to the attached growth nitrification unit is 7.0-8.5.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The nitrifying organisms are Nitrosomonas and/or Nitrobacter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Water produced in the reduction step is non-reactable.The hydrocarbon decomposition catalyst comprises Ni, Co or Fe supported on a support comprising silica, alumina or magnesia.The metal oxide is alumina, zinc oxide, magnesia, active carbon, silica, or titanium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The hydrogen storage alloy rods are formed from compacted powered hydrogen storage alloy materials, preferably from compacted hydride powered alloy materials. The rods are 5 mm to 6 cm in diameter and are up to 12 inches long. The porous encapsulating material surrounding the hydrogen storage alloy plates is a thin, porous metal sheet. The porous metal sheet is formed from at least a metal consisting of nickel, aluminum, copper, and/or their mixtures or alloys.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The porous encapsulating material surrounding the hydrogen storage alloy rods is a thin, porous sheet wrapped around the rods. It is a thin, porous polymer sheet, preferably a polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene sheet.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The porous encapsulating material surrounding the hydrogen storage alloy plates is a thin, porous graphite sheet.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Unit: The casing is thermally insulating and resists hydrogen diffusion. The storage unit further includes an enclosed central opening disposed within the interior of the casing. The central opening is isolated from the interior of the unit via a central opening wall. The central opening houses a heating unit within the central opening wall. The heating unit is a catalytic combustor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Alcohol: The alcohol has is of formula ROH.R = 1-6C alkyl preferably 1-4C alkyl.The alcohol is an aqueous alcohol or a mixture of alcohols.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metal Hydride: The metal hydride is a simple metal hydride of lithium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zirconium and titanium or a complex metal hydride represented by formula M2vM3wHy.M2 = Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe or Zr;M3 = aluminum, boron, beryllium or titanium;v = 1-3;w = 1-3; andy = 4-8.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Generator: The flow unit has a control unit for controlled delivery of alcohol from one container (14) to the other container (12).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The increase in oxygen concentration of exhaust gas ejected from desulfurizing column is detected, based on which regeneration is completed. The desulfurization is performed in two or more sequential columns and the regeneration of used desulfurizing agent is performed in at least one of remaining column.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Substrate: The substrate is a mixed crystal of Al2O3 and SiO2. It is alternatively a mixed crystal of Al2O3 and MgO.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Catalyst: The platinum content of the active material is between 0.5 wt.% and 10 wt.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Features: The bioreactor contains the strain carboxidothermus hydrogenformans DSM 6008 and is operated at 35-90 degrees Centigrade, a pH of 5.0-8.0 and at pressures of 1-10 bar. The fuel cell is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell or a phosphoric acid fuel cell. The reformate is treated in an additional non-biological process step for converting the carbon monoxide before being fed to the bioreactor. The microorganism strain is cultivated on yeast extract, peptone or substrate containing other proteins.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Fertilizer: Particles (a) have a total protein content of at least 90 wt.%. The fertilizer further comprises a yeast extract and autolysates dispersed in the liquid carrier (preferably agitated liquid carrier) such that the yeast extract and the autolysates are 0.1-1%.Preferred Method: The method further involves the step of agitating the dispersed fertilizer within the liquid carrier prior to the step of spraying the fertilizer. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    ADMINISTRATION - The sprayable organic fertilizer is administered to the plant or plant soil.    EXAMPLE - A turf grass was grown on a soil, which was applied with a sprayable organic fertilizer (BioSOF plus) and an inorganic fertilizer at the same rate of nitrogen per 1000 square foot and both were compared to an untreated control plot. Turf quality assessment of turf grass grown on the 70% USGA (United States Golf Association)/30% Native Soil Profile for four sampling periods over a growing season. The turf quality measurement numbers appeared were based upon standardized comparative testing protocols developed by the 'National Turf grass Evaluation Program'. The results obtained on 06/20/2000, 07/10/2000, 08/10/2000 and 08/31/2000 for inorganic fertilizer were 4.67, 7.5, 7.33 and 7.83; for untreated control were 5, 5.17, 4.33 and 3.67; and for BioSOF plus were 4.83, 7.17, 7.17 and 7.17 respectively. It was concluded that the BioSOF Plus was able to provide equivalent growth nutrients to traditional, soluble inorganic fertilizers, without leaching from the soil profile to harm adjacent ecosystem.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactors: The U-shaped cold tubes (b) in the cold-tube internals (Cb) are formed into concentric rows in different diameters, which are connected to the circular tubes (c) as the downward-running cold tubes, particularly in groups e.g. of 2 at specific positions. Ratio of area of the downward-running cold tube to that of the upward-running cold tubes in each row is 0.5-3. The gas after leaving the reactor is supplied to a tube-shell type reactor for further reaction. Such reactor is particularly equipped with a cylindrical gas separator and gas collector both with holes at top, and the gas leaves the separator hole and passes through the catalyst layer (K) toward the gas collector prior to discharging from the bottom gas-outlet tube (2) out of the reactor. EXAMPLE - A reactor with a U-shape tube synthesis tower was used for low-pressure methanol synthesis, with internal diameter of the tower of 2 m, height of 8.5 m, being packed with NC306 or C302 copper-based methanol catalyst at 20 m3, tube area of 300 m2, and synthesis pressure of 5 MPa. Gas components charged into the tower were: H2 = 76.4%, CO = 10.53%, CO2 - 3.16%, H2O = 0.02%, N2 = 4.99%, CH4 = 4.35%, CH3OH = 0.5%, at 150,000 Nm3/hr, with catalyst layer heat-point temperature difference of 250 degrees C, and temperature difference of not more than 10 degrees C. Methanol production was 330 ton/day.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The sample is chemically or biologically treated before irradiating. The radiation minimizes fluorescence from the coal. A focal length of the sample interface is adjusted to mitigate a noise level or to increase the detected characteristic radiation. The sample passes through a filter (14) and is brought inside the housing.Preferred Property: The wavelength of the radiation source (5) is lower than a wavelength producing maximum fluorescence in the coal.Preferred Component: The sample is a face of the coal bed, a face of a wellbore, a volume of water in the well at or near the depth down the well, a collected gas from depressurized water, or a bacterium or bacterial community. The sample interface includes at least one lens. The radiation source is a tunable or a diode laser with a wavelength 450-580 nm. The detector (6) is an optical fiber (8) transmitting characteristic radiation to a charge-coupled device. A probe (15) is optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation. A positioner positions the probe near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3). The radiation source is an ultraviolet (UV)/Vis spectrometer, a near infrared spectrometer, a Raman spectrometer, infrared spectrometer, fluorimeter, and a charge-coupled device. The detector includes photomultiplier tube(s), a photo-diode array, an avalanche, a charge injection device, and a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor image.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The target rate for injecting the oxidant is determined by flowing a fuel gas including carbon monoxide (CO) through the preferential oxidizer stage and into the fuel cell stack. The rate of airflow into the preferential oxidizer stage is modulated to affect the oxidation of CO. A voltage output of the fuel cell stack is measured as a function of the rate of air flowing into the preferential oxidizer stage. An optimum rate of air flowing into the preferential oxidizer stage is determined by determining the maximum of the voltage output as a function of the rate of air flow. Injection of oxidant at a rate determined by the stored results includes cross-referencing the stored result to establish an optimum flow rate. The cross-referencing includes interpolating between different stored operating parameters. The stored result includes a series of parameters each relating a power output to an optimum flow rate. The process further comprises determining the status of an auxiliary battery supply. Preferred Components: The conditioning system includes a reformer, a shift reactor and a preferential oxidizing reactor. The fuel cell generator system further includes a monitoring system for sensing the output characteristics of the fuel cell stack.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The waste material is chicken ejected from a meat processing factory, or animal waste. The feathers of the chicken are shredded in the grinding vessel. Bean curd lees are supplied into the conditioning tank containing the ground waste, before grinding. The content of oil in the waste after dehydration is adjusted, and the processed waste is used as a coal substitute. The pressure reduction-dehydration is performed by primary, secondary and tertiary pressure reduction processes, at 50-300 mmHg, 400-700 mmHg and 700-750 mmHg, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Water used for cleaning the metallic mold of the press-forming machine is filtered, recovered and utilized as solution for mixing the waste paper material and the carbonized material. The solidified fuel also contains dried plant mugwort which radiates far infra-red radiation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactor: The screening unit (26) through which water can be passed-through, is present in the gas hydrate formation container. The screening unit divides the container vertically. A drainage pipe (27) is provided parallely below the container (21), and is connected to several communicating tubes (28).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The catalyst further contains cobalt and/or nickel components.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Clay: The clay mineral is bentonite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The solid denitrification agent consists of 12 carbon or more higher fatty acid and 12 carbon or more higher alcohol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Salt: The iron salt is iron chloride or iron sulfate. The aluminum salt is aluminum chloride, polychlorinated aluminum (12) or aluminum sulfate.Preferred Method: The denitrification agent is obtained by adding organic compounds such as higher fatty acid, higher alcohol and/or paraffin, and an iron and/or an aluminum salt, to a dephosphorus promoter. Iron and/or aluminum salt is present in the solid substance containing the organic compound.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metallic Oxide: The metallic oxide having silicon as base metal component, is an inorganic organic hybrid meso-pore molecular sieve.Preferred Composition: The load of ruthenium catalyst used for forefront stage and final stage is 0.05-5 weight% (wt.%) and 6-30 wt.%, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The shafts have opposite rotating directions. The paddles are moved toward opposite tanks during the rotating action of the rods upward from a lower portion to an upper portion of the tanks. The junction ridge is positioned under the shafts within the tanks. The agitator includes a sealed housing (2) having a bottom wall designed to form two parallel semicircular parts defining the two agitating tank parts within the housing; and two helical impellers having different spiral directions. The impellers are held by the ends of the rods within the tank parts, respectively. They have notches at positions around the rods; and curved blades. The blades are held by the rods such that the two first curved blades extend from opposite sides of an outer end of an upper rod part of each vertical rod to ends of inside and outside rod parts of neighboring horizontal rods, and the two second curved blades extend from opposite sides of an outer end of a lower rod part of each vertical rod to ends of outside and inside rod parts of the neighboring horizontal rods. The rods are perpendicularly attached to each shaft, and are formed such that they transversely penetrate the shaft or are separately attached to the shaft at opposite sides. Each rod is angular spaced apart from neighboring agitating rods of the same shaft at angles of 90 degrees C. One of the rods of one shaft is in horizontal state when a corresponding rod of another shaft is in vertical state.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: In tubular device, the perforated metal plates are fixed to a cylindrical surface and is coated with hydrogen-permeating membrane (16). The hydrogen gas passes through the hydrogen-permeating membrane into a cavity inside the perforated plates and flows through the takeout pipe (12) to the outside.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The spacers (13) and the perforated metal plate (14) are made of ferritic stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The reaction surface is (i) an Al-Cr-Fe alloy wire netting or rolled-up sheet or (ii) a Si or SiC ceramic monolithic honeycomb, preferably a ceramic of porosity 20-80 (especially 40-70)% and specific resistivity 0.001 OMEGAcm-10 MOMEGAcm fitted with electrical contacts.The ceramic can take the form of a tube coated with Cu, Zn or a Group VIII metal to catalyze the endothermic reformation reaction. Such a tube can also be surrounded by a non-porous, gas-tight metal or ceramic tube which may be coated with a Cu or Group VIII metal to catalyze exothermic reaction between the anode off-gas and air or O2, the reactants for the synthesis gas either (a) flowing through the gap between the tubes and also inwardly through the porous, catalyst-coated and electrically-heated SiC matrix in the inner tube or (b) outwardly from the inner tube into the gap.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Materials: The reaction surface can be of a Si or SiC ceramic monolithic honeycomb, especially a ceramic of porosity 20-80 (especially 40-70)% and specific resistivity 0.001 OMEGAcm-10 MOMEGAcm fitted with electrical contacts, the ceramic especially being in tube-form.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials : The reaction surface can be an Al-Cr-Fe alloy wire netting or rolled-up sheet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: K1 is a rectification column and is supplied at the top with the reflux stream, which comes from a downstream column (K2), preferably a deethanizer, depropanizer or debutanizer, used to process the C2+-rich fraction from K1. The reflux stream is withdrawn from K2 in liquid and/or gaseous form, the gaseous stream being liquefied before being passed to K1. When K2 is operated as a deethanizer, at least part of the C3+-rich fraction from K2 is added to the reflux stream. The partially liquefied feed stream is separated into gas and liquid fractions, the liquid fraction being passed to K1 while the gas fraction is either passed to K1 or expanded in a turbine.
WIDER DISCLOSURE - A proton exchange membrane is used as the electrolyte.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprise more than 92 (preferably more than 98) wt.% nitrile-containing monomers. The nitrile containing monomers are acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile. The softening temperature of the polymer shell is 80-200 degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The propellant comprises more than 60 (preferably more than 70) wt.% isooctane. It also comprises isobutane, isopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, petroleum ether or n-heptane.Preferred Property: The propellant has a boiling point (range) such that a temperature above 50 degreesC would be required to evaporate at least 50 wt.% of the propellant at atmospheric pressure. EXAMPLE - A dispersion of 7 parts of magnesium hydroxide and 340 parts of water was prepared. A mixture of 2 parts of initiator, 60-65 parts of acrylonitrile, 30-35 parts of methacrylonitrile, 0.5-5.5 parts of one or two of mono-, di- or tri-functional methacrylate monomer and 21 parts of propellant was added to form a reaction mixture, which was homogenized to a monomer droplet size. The initiator was dilauroyl peroxide or 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile). The mixture was transferred to a 300 ml bottle which was sealed and heated while agitating the mixture during polymerization. After 15-20 hours at 60-65 degreesC the microspheres obtained were filtered, washed, and dried.    Expansion of the microspheres was measured. The results showed that at least 50 wt.% isooctane used as propellant obtained high T-start and low density at high temperature (220 degreesC).
EXAMPLE - Metallic cesium was heated and molten completely in a nickel crucible in a helium atmosphere. A sheet of natural graphite was immersed in the molten cesium for one hour to obtain a graphite intercalation compound. The graphite intercalation compound was placed in a sealed container and then was brought into contact with methane gas at 25 degrees C and 3 MPa.    The weight of the graphite intercalation compound increased gradually and it was found that methane gas was absorbed by the graphite intercalation compound.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The temperature inside the reactor is maintained at 374 degrees C or more and the pressure is maintained at more than 22 MPa.G. The liquid linear velocity of the feed liquid in the reactor is 0.01-1 cm/second. Sulfur compounds present in liquid organic mixture are oxidized by dissolved oxygen in the liquid organic mixture and/or oxygen in the supply gas.Preferred Components: The catalyst activity component is selected from ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, platinum, gold, iridium, osmium, iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese and/or cerium, or a partially water-soluble compound. The catalyst support is titania, zirconia, titania-zirconia, alumina, silica or alumina-silica.
EXAMPLE - Processing liquid containing 150 mg/l of ammoniacal nitrogen was supplied to an organic substance decomposing tank with 30 ml of phosphoric acid. Subsequently, nitrification and denitrification were performed. Methanol was injected into the denitrification tank in a range 2.5-3.3 times that of the nitrogen substrate. Solid-liquid separation was performed for 30 days resulting in a sludge concentration of +/- 500 mg/l in the nitrification tank. After regular operation, sludge from the denitrification tank was removed at a rate of 50 g-VSS/d, subjected to ozone treatment and again introduced into the denitrification tank. The mean nitrification activity and T-N concentration of the treated water for the last 5 days was respectively 0.01 g-N/g-VSS/d and 24-100 mg/l. Oxygen concentration of the nitrification tank was 0.2 mg/l.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The solubilization of crushed material is performed by souring, enzymatic decomposition, alkali hydrolysis, thermolysis or alkali thermolysis. EXAMPLE - 1000 kg/day of organic refuse containing vegetable waste and fish-meat eliminated from food processing factory and having biological oxygen demand (BOD) of 500 mg/l was crushed finely until the waste became porridge-like and introduced into processing tank-I containing microbial dispersion (10 kg of spawn). The treatment tank-I which performed bacterial processing in the presence of water supply showed dissolved oxygen concentration of 5 mg/l. Then the liquid processed by tank-I was introduced into treatment tank-II, two-phase activated sludge treatment was performed, and treated water having BOD concentration of 10 mg/l and surplus sludge quantity of 195 g/day, was obtained. The result showed suppression in amount of sludge formation. When the sludge was observed visually, fragments of organic refuse was not observed. The obtained processed liquid was pure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The moisture content required for hydrothermal process is supplied by the moisture content contained in the inflammable refuse. Compaction of the mixture and hydrothermal process are carried out simultaneously using a compaction hydrothermal processing apparatus. A solidified material obtained is coated with a resin after hydrothermal process to form a wrapped solidified material. A scavenger which captures the harmful component contained in the inflammable refuse is added to the resin for coating.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The pulverized biomass is added with water to form a slurry. The biomass slurry is decomposed to a low molecule glucose level by maintaining in a subcritical or super-critical condition of water. The decomposed liquid is arbitrarily fermented by adding yeast and a microbe to obtain fuel. The fuel is separated and concentrated. Then, the residual water is recycled. The temperature of subcritical or super-critical condition of water is 250-400 degrees C and the pressure is 10-30 MPa. The fermentation is alcoholic fermentation or methane fermentation. EXAMPLE - Cellulose powder (2 g) was added with distilled water and filled in a container. The container was closed tightly and placed in an autoclave. The temperature of the autoclave was raised to 200-300 degrees C and forced cooling was carried out at predetermined time. Peptone, yeast extract, magnesium sulfate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate, were added to the decomposed liquid from the reactor and filtered using activated carbon having a concentration of 1.0, 0.5, 0.2, 0.5 and 0.5 weight%, respectively. The of the liquid was adjusted to 8 by sodium hydroxide. The liquid was fermented by adding 1x107 cells/ml of yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae) for 25-40 hours. The obtained product was ethanol at a concentration of 18.2 weight%, which was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substances: The poisoning substance is an acidic base ion such as chloride ion and/or sulfate ion. The poisoning substance reduction unit has a poisoning substance collection component which supports a collection substance which can collect and acidic base ion.Preferred Support: The poisoning substance collection component supports a collection substance through a porous substance.Preferred Collection Substance: The collection substance is at least alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or rare earth metal.Preferred Porous Substance: The porous substance is zirconium oxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or titanium oxide (TiO2). Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is a copper-zinc group catalyst    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The hydrocarbon group fuel is methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The components are mixed and aggregated in a treatment tank with an agitator. The circumferential speed of the stirring blade in the tank is 15 m/s or less. Agitation is performed continuously or intermittently. Agitation power with respect to 1 kg of the processed material is 0.2-0.8 kw.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The catalyst is prepared by washing, drying and calcining the support, depositing nickel oxide (NiO) on the surface by impregnation using a solution of Ni salts, calcining at 900-1300 (1100) degrees C and reducing at 750-900 (865) degrees C using H2 (claimed).Preferred Materials The support has an average granulometry of 250-600 (425) mum (claimed). Preferred Composition The support comprises:(a) 28-35 (30.5) wt.% Mg;(b) 18-22 (19.6) wt.% Si;(c) 1-10 (7.1) wt.% Fe;(d) 0-0.5 (0.19) wt.% Ni;(e) 0-0.5 (0.20) wt.% Ca;(f) 0-0.5 (0.07) wt.% Al; and(g) 0-0.5 (0.08) wt.% Cr.2.5-5.5 (2.8) wt.%NiO is present. EXAMPLE - The catalyst was used with biomass at 820 degrees C and gave a conversion of water of 46% and a final dry product comprising 53% H, 25% CO, 20% CO2 and 6% CH4.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The fuel cell system includes a system for supplying the reforming gas to the combustor and for burning the reforming gas. The reforming gas is surplus in the fuel cell portion. When the value obtained by subtracting the boiling point temperature from the vapor temperature becomes below the predetermined value, electric power taken out from the fuel cell portion is suppressed to increase an amount of heat generated in the combustor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Construction : The radial spacings of two of the mixing elements (3a,3b and 3c) from the vertical axis (4) are different, with a first part of at least two (especially four) of the mixer arms (10a,b,c,d) extending away from the axis (4) into the fermentation space. These first parts can be of different lengths and the arms (10a,b,c,d) can be fixed in pairs to reinforcing elements (15a,b,c,d). The drive (26) is external to the tank. The outer construction of the tank is as per DE19756485. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Composition: The culture comprises photosynthetic microorganisms, especially prochlorophytes, cyanobacteria, green sulfur bacteria, purple bacteria, Chloroflexus, Heliobacterium and/or Heliobacillus, and phosphorescent bacteria, especially Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi, Pseudomonas lucifera and/or Beneckea, and is frozen or freeze dried before being mixed with the polymer in a ratio of 10:1. The composition also contains plant extracts, enzymes, trace elements, polysaccharides, alginate and/or other microorganisms. The polymer is a conjugated (semiconducting) polymer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Features: Storage and release of biogenic heat, compensates temperature fluctuations of untreated effluent air, which is sent to the purification unit. The quantity of air passing through the compost is controlled during the thermal storage phase, such that following a defined interval, a desired temperature rise is achieved in it. The quantity of heat stored by the desired temperature rise, corresponds to that released during a following heat release operation, in which a defined quantity of air is raised to a required temperature. The quantity of air passed through the compost during heat release, is controlled in accordance with its desired exit temperature. The air delivery and extraction system can handle the entire quantity extracted from the composting installation. During the thermal storage phase, as necessary, a controlled quantity of cooler air is mixed with the air leaving the compost. This promotes a desired constant air temperature before the effluent air purification process. The quantity of air passing through the compost is set to the desired level, using controlled blowers or valves in the supply and/or effluent lines.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The upstream reaction state detectors are in multiple positions, with a detection signal switcher that operates the oxygen feed corrector. The detectors detect a temperature as a reaction state, or at a spot of the catalyst unit where the maximum temperature is generated, to operate the oxygen feed corrector based on the output of the maximum temperature selector.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The temperature inside the reactor is maintained at 374 degrees C or more and pressure is maintained at more than 22 MPa.G. The liquid linear velocity of the feed liquid in the reactor is 0.01-1 cm/second. Sulfur compound present in liquid organic mixture is oxidized by the dissolved oxygen in liquid organic mixture and/or oxygen in supply gas.Preferred Components: The catalyst activity component is chosen from ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, platinum, gold, iridium, osmium, iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese and/or cerium, or a partially water soluble compound. The catalyst support is titania, zirconia, titania-zirconia, alumina, silica or alumina-silica.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The pH of fermentation residue is increased by increasing ratio of nitrogen contained in the fermentation residue by consumption of acid, such as organic acid by microorganism. The microorganism which consumes acid is separated from fermentation residue in step (ii). The consumption of acid by microorganism is performed at 30-60 degrees Centigrade and at 85% RH or more, for more than 12 hours, preferably 72 hours. EXAMPLE - Lactic acid fermentation of organic refuse ejected from hotels and hospitals was carried out. Solid-liquid separation of fermentation product was performed to separate fermentation residue from fermentation liquid. The fermentation residue was left for 1 day at 37 degrees Centigrade and 95% RH, to increase the pH from 4.5-7.2. The lactic acid remained in fermentation residue was almost consumed. Proliferation of yeast was observed in the residue. The residue was analyzed for content of water, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and ammonium which were found to be 38 weight% (wt.%), 7 wt.%, 0.13 wt.%, 0.22 wt.% and 0.005 wt.%. Butanol was added into the fermentation liquid and esterification was performed. The esterified residue was separated and analyzed for the content of phosphorus and potassium which were found to be 3.4 wt.% and 4.6 wt.% respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Resources: The agriculture and marine products type resources are vegetables, grains, tea leaves, meat, seaweeds, fish, and their processed goods or waste materials.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The gaseous fraction from the head contains a lighter gas formed largely of methane and/or nitrogen and/or hydrogen. The gaseous mixture for separation contains water. Rectification takes place in the presence of methanol. Water is separated from the methanol by contacting the solvent phase containing water, with at least a fraction of the gas charged.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The inorganic mixed catalyst is a mixture of compounds of group Ia and IIa elements and/or group VIII elements containing ash additives.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: A stream of sample gas is directed through a column that allows selective permeation of the impurity.Preferred Component: The column comprises a semipermeable membrane that is preferentially permeable to the sample gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The carrier gas is argon, helium, or nitrogen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Features: The scrubber further comprises a packed bed of carbon pellets saturated with phosphoric acid, an alumina or zeolite molecular sieve, or a cation exchange resin. The electrolyte is a proton exchange membrane.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: A process oxidant blower (36) is included to increase the pressure of the oxidant stream entering the fuel cell. The oxidant passes along a passage between the blower and the cell, and has an extension to the reformer. A fuel cell coolant loop directs cooling fluid through the cell and heat exchanger to maintain the temperature of the coolant at at least 74degreesC. The oxidant stream passes through the stripping bed from a cathode exhaust valve.Preferred Scrubber: The ammonia scrubber may comprise a cool water bed in communication with reformer, and reformate treatment heat exchanger. An ammonia stripping warm water bed contacts the heat exchanger, and ammonia is removed in a coolant loop passed between the warm and cool water beds, and the heat exchanger. The oxidant stream is directed through the stripping bed to remove ammonia from coolant. Alternatively, the scrubber may comprise two regenerable scrubbers using valves to direct the oxidant and fuel into one scrubber or other, and through heat exchanger such that oxidant stream is heated to 149-371degreesC, or a single regenerable scrubber, again with valves to direct either the fuel or oxidant stream to the scrubber.Preferred Details: The fuel cell includes a water transport plate (40) secured in fluid communication with the cathode to receive some of the water electrochemically generated by the fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The superficial gas velocity of the mixture of hydrogen-rich gas stream and molecular oxygen-containing gas is at most 2 (preferably at most 1.5) m/s. The catalyst is coated on the monolithic structure. The monolithic structure is contained in a reactor and has thermal contact with a wall of the reactor.Preferred Property: The monolithic structure has a thermal conductivity of at least 80 (preferably at least 150) W/m-K, and a void fraction of 0.4-0.98 (preferably 0.6-0.95).Preferred Material: The monolithic structure is a silicon carbide. The catalyst in the form of particles comprises noble metal supported on a refractory oxide carrier material. The refractory oxide carrier material is alumina, preferably alpha-alumina. The noble metal is ruthenium and/or platinum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The monolithic structure can also be a metal, preferably an aluminum-containing alloy.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The monolithic structure can also be a foam having a number of pores of 4-40 (preferably 8-25) per cm. EXAMPLE - A cylindrical piece of a foam of Duocel (aluminum alloy) was coated with a catalyst comprising platinum and ruthenium on alpha-alumina. The coated foam containing 62 g catalyst was placed in a reactor tube, and contacted with a stream of gas mixture comprising (vol.%) carbon monoxide (0.29), oxygen gas (0.58), hydrogen gas (39), water (14.6), carbon dioxide (14.6), and nitrogen gas (30.9). The superficial velocity of the gas mixture was 1.2 m/s, and the temperature of the gas mixture in the inlet of the foam was 120-140 degrees C. The concentration (in ppmv) of carbon monoxide at the outlet of the foam was determined and found to be 9, 12, and 14 at 120, 130, and 140 degrees C, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The environmental purification material comprises 30-70 mass% of the carbonaceous powder and 5-70 mass% of the binder.Preferred Property: The environmental purification material has a diameter of 0.5-50 mm, and has a granular or an aggregated form.Preferred Process: The mixture containing carbonaceous powder and binder is washed with water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The hydrocarbon fuel is methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The porous ceramic is baked at 1000-1300 degrees C.Preferred Amount: The porous ceramic contains 40-60 weight % (wt.%) of silicon oxide, 10-18 wt.% of ferrous oxide, 10-17 wt.% of magnesium oxide and 3-10 wt.% of titanium oxide.Preferred Properties: The porous ceramic has pH of 3-4.5. EXAMPLE - Fifty five weight% (wt.%) of silicon oxide, 14 wt.% of ferrous oxide, 13 wt.% of magnesium oxide, 5 wt.% of titanium oxide, and 13 wt.% of clay were ground, mixed, baked at 1100 degrees C and porous ceramic was obtained. The porous ceramic was formed as granules having diameter of 7 mm. The porous ceramic has pH of 4. Agar cultured acid-resistant microorganisms and blood cultured acid-resistant microorganisms in soil were added to 200 weight parts (wt.pts) of water, and 100 wt.pts of porous ceramic was added. Bubbles were produced in the porous ceramic and the acid-resistant microbes were carried into the holes of the porous ceramic. When bubble generation stopped, the porous ceramic was air dried, and isolated. 1 kg of organic refuse was added to 3 kg of air dried porous ceramic and mixed. Within 10 minutes the organic refuse containing mixture became dark colored and maximum amount of the organic refuses disappeared after 1 hour, and bad smell was hardly observed even after 6 hours.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The moisture content of the residuum-II after dehydration in a high pressure dehydrator (13), is reduced to 40-60%. EXAMPLE - A lactic acid fermentation processed material was subjected to primary boiling in a centrifuge followed by secondary boiling in a high pressure dehydrator. After solid-liquid separation, the moisture content of the primary and secondary residuum was effectively reduced from 72.00% to 49.90%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The lactic acid of organic refuse is reduced in presence of microorganism which decomposes lactic acid. The propionic acid souring (fermentation) is performed during fermentation with microorganism, in anaerobic condition and pH of 3-7. The reduced lactic acid is fermented by controlling consumption of substrate. EXAMPLE - One hundred grams of refuse (ejected from fruit, fish and fish waste) was stored for 1 day. Same amount of water was added to the refuse. Subsequently propionic acid microbe, Propionibacterium acidipropionici (10 (to the power of 6) CFU/ml) was added to the above mixture and incubated at 37 degrees Centigrade in anaerobic condition. The pH of the solution during incubation was 4.4 and the pH (2 days after incubation) of the solution after adding ammonia was increased to 6.5. Further Lactobacillus rhamnosus (10 (to the power of 6) CFU/mal) was added to the culture solution and incubated at 37 degreesC. The fermented liquid was recovered and lactate was separated and hydrolyzed to obtain lactic acid, preferably L-lactic acid with 99.8% optical purity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Promoter: The fermentation promoter is nutrition agent of a microbe group.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: Bacillus subtilis is AT-3 strain of FERMP-16073. The bacteria is fermented with hen droppings.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The larva of fly present in the livestock dung is killed by spraying Bacillus subtilis at warm temperature and Bacillus stearothermophilus at high temperature. EXAMPLE - 45 L Bacillus subtilis, 30 L Bacillus stearothermophilus, hen droppings, 30 kg beer yeast and 3 kg of glucose were charged into a fermenter. Fermentation was performed by passing warm air, maintained at 37-40 degrees C for 72 hours and subsequently at 55 degrees C for 72 hours to obtain a fermented product which exterminates larva of fly. 1-1.5 kg of cattle feces was deposited with the agent containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus stearothermophilus. The results showed that the agent was found to destroy larva completely and effectively controlled formation of flies.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Process: The laminated membrane is treated with organic and inorganic acids and bases, during, before or after a permeation process by passage of acids or bases reversibly through the membrane. EXAMPLE - Laminated polyaniline films were prepared by mixing a solution of polyaniline (emeraldine base) in N-methylpyrrolidone with around 5 wt.% ethyl cellulose, polyetheramide/-imide, polyvinylidene difluoroide, cellulose acetate or polyacrylonitrile. The mixture was then cast onto a suitable substrate and the solvent evaporated to yield a highly porous structure that could be detached from the substrate by soaking in a mixture of isopropanol and water. The resulting films (0.05-5 micron thick) had a 5-10 fold higher gas permeability than conventional polyaniline films.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials : Among the oils listed in the claims are those from rape- or rapeseed-rich or -poor erucic acid, yellow, brown or black mustard, radish, dodder seed, sunflowers, soya beans, safflowers, milk thistles, cotton, hemp and marigolds (25 types listed), the contents of such oils including myristic-, palmitic-, stearic-, arachic-, behenic-, oleic-, eicosenoic-, erucic-, linoleic- or linolenic-acid or glycerol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Materials : Among the oils listed in the claims are those from rape- or rapeseed-rich or -poor erucic acid, yellow, brown or black mustard, radish, dodder seed, sunflowers, soya beans, safflowers, milk thistles, cotton, hemp and marigolds (25 types listed), the contents of such oils including myristic-, palmitic-, stearic-, arachic-, behenic-, oleic-, eicosenoic-, erucic-, linoleic- or linolenic-acid or glycerol. EXAMPLE - None given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The channeling step comprises concurrently flowing the mixture through the reactors. The method further comprises discharging the mixture from the reactor. The discharging step comprises removing the carbon dioxide from the reactors. The regenerating step occurs continuously.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The bifunctional material comprises a support having a specific surface area of 20-300 m2/g.Preferred Materials: The support comprises alumina, titania, silica, zirconia, and/or ceria. The bifunctional material also comprises a monolith or a foam substrate constructed of cordierite, alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium.Preferred Compositions: The bifunctional material comprises a noble metal present at 0.2-15 wt.% of the combined weight of the noble metal and support materials. It may also comprise a transition metal present at 0.5-40 wt.% of the combined weight of the transition metal and support materials. It may also comprise bimetallic material having noble metals or transition metals.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Metal zinc and magnetite mixed in the molar ratio of 1.5 is reacted with water vapor at 600degreesC, as per reaction (I) and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) is synthesized. The formed zinc ferrite is decomposed as per reaction (II) and oxygen is produced during the reaction. Zinc atom in zinc ferrite volatilizes independently in connection with oxygen atom released with reduction of trivalent iron (Fe3+). Solar energy is supplied as heat source for the decomposition of zinc ferrite. Hydrogen formed by the oxidation of zinc and hydrogen formed when all iron ions are oxidized to trivalent iron accounts for the total hydrogen produced during the decomposition of water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The moisture content of the combustible target component is adjusted, such that gasification of the component is performed at 800degreesC or more for generating hydrogen. A fuel cell for generating electricity from pure gas containing hydrogen is included. The electrical power obtained from the electrical power generating device or the fuel cell is supplied to the melting furnace.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The hydrogen storage element consists of magnesium alloys.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The internal combustion engine system further comprises a temperature sensor (32) to detect temperature in the reformer, and a pressure sensor (32) to detect pressure of reformed gas formed by the reformer. When the temperature in the reformer is less than a preset value, the amount of supply of fuel to the reformer is increased. When the temperature in the reformer is more than a preset value, the amount of supply of fuel to the reformer is decreased. During stoppage of engine, the amount of supply of fuel and water to the reformer is adjusted such that the temperature in the modifier and the pressure of reformed gas are high. The storage unit of reformed gas, comprises a reservoir (gas holder) (20) provided to the supply path of reformed gas between reformer and intake passage (2) of engine, and a gas valve (23) provided between reservoir and intake passage of engine. An air pump (13) to supply air for performing partial oxidation reaction, is connected to the reformer via an air valve (15). The air and gas valves are closed during stoppage of engine. The stored reformed gas is used for restarting the engine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus has an organic fertilizer yard (11) arranged at first floor and an unit for supplying organic fertilizer from the fertilizer yard to the head conveyor. The fermentation conveyors are arranged in the second floor. The crushing unit is provided at the ejection end of the fermentation conveyor for crushing the compost. A compost drying tank (32), fragmentation unit (33) and sieving machine (34) are arranged continuously following the last conveyor. A fermentation microbe spraying unit is provided to the fermentation conveyor (21). The fermentation conveyor is a stainless steel band conveyor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The microbial bed is recycled and is reused.
EXAMPLE - A-side premix components containing isocyanate and 75% blowing agent were mixed and cooled to 10 degreesC. B-side premix components containing polyol, surfactant, fire retardant, and 25% blowing agent were also mixed and cooled at 10 degreesC. The blowing agent contained 20% chlorodifluoromethane and 80% blend (60/40 cyclopentane/i-pentane). The premixes were mixed for 20 seconds, and catalyst was injected. The mixing was continued for 15 seconds, then the mixture was poured into a box. The resultant foam was tested for its k-factors. At 24 degreesC, the k-factor was 0.151, and at 0 degreesC, the k-factor was 0.148. Another foam composition comprising pure pentane had k-factor of 0.173 and 0.192 for 24 degreesC and 0 degreesC, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The metal oxide can be titanium dioxide (TiO2), vanadium oxide (VO), or zirconium oxide (ZrO), preferably TiO2. The TiO2 concentration is twice, preferably four times the phenol concentration of the hydrolyzate.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The adsorbed complex is a lignin-derived phenol compound. The hydrolyzate is a softwood. The dissolved sugar fraction includes less than 1 mg/ml of lignin-derived compounds.Preferred Process: The pH is adjusted at 6-9.2 and the process further includes, after adjusting, heating the hydrolyzate at 80-100 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganisms can be Zymomonas mobilis, Saccharomyces cerevisae D5A, or Lactobacillus rhamnosus. EXAMPLE - A sample was prepared by mixing 50 ml aliquot of a well-mixed hydrolysis liquor, containing a large amount of suspended solids, in contact with 10 g titanium dioxide, high surface area, in a 100 ml beaker. 20 ml of the liquid sample was retained in contact with titanium dioxide overnight. The beaker was covered with aluminum foil to minimize evaporation. After 20 hours, the remaining liquid sample was decanted from the titanium dioxide adsorption complex and filtered through a glass filter. The filtrate was diluted with dilute sulfuric acid and analyzed for their phenol concentrations by measuring ultraviolet absorbency at 204 nm and for their glucose concentrations using Yellow Springs Instruments glucose analyzer. The results showed more than 90 %reduction of both lignin and glucose concentrations from that of the original liquor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The propellant is nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The foam promoting non ionic surfactant is ethoxylated vegetable oil (preferably ethoxylated castor oil), and the foam promoting amphoteric surfactant is alkyl dimethylamine oxide. The aqueous foaming composition further comprises a fragrance masking or flavoring agent (preferably essential oils); thickeners and foam stabilizers consisting of alkanolamides, strongly ionizable salts, and anionic surfactants (preferably coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, sodium chloride, and sodium lauryl ether sulfate); bactericidal agent consisting of triazines, benzoisothiazolinone, and chloromethyl isothiazolinone; and coloring pigment(s).Preferred Composition: The aqueous foaming composition comprises (in wt.%) ethoxylated castor oil (10-30), coco amido propyl betaine (0.1-0.5), triazine (0.05-3), essence (0.2-0.8), and water and propellant (balance). It may also comprise alkyl dimethylamine oxide (0.5-3), coco amido propyl betaine (1-3), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (10-30), sodium chloride (0.01-0.2), coconut fatty acid diethanolamide (1-5), triazine (0.05-3), and water and propellant (balance). SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The propellant can also be propane and butane gas. The foam controlling amphoteric surfactant is betaine (preferably coco amido propyl betaine).    EXAMPLE - An aqueous foaming composition comprising (wt.%) alkyl dimethylamine oxide (0.6), coco amido propyl betaine (2.5), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (20), fatty acid diethanolamide (3), sodium chloride (0.1), triazine (0.9), propane (4.9), and water (balance), was prepared. The composition was clear and homogeneous, and had a density of 0.910-1.120 g/cm3 and a pH of 5.5-9.5.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The porous resin is cylindrical in shape in which the core part has a cavity. The covering material covers the inner side curved surface of the cavity. The expansion ratio of foam in the porous resin is 5-24. The air bubble in the foam has communicating structure. EXAMPLE - Low density polyethylene (in weight parts) (100), talc (1.0) and amide (1.2) were mixed and supplied into an extruder having an aperture diameter of 40 mm. The above mixture was melt-mixed and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane were press-fixed to the injection hole near the end of the extruder. The mixture was gelatinized and pushed out. The extruded material was pre-heated at 100 degrees C. A low density polyethylene was heated less than the softening point and welded to the outer side of the obtained porous resin. The obtained microorganism adherence object was cut into 10 mm of length and had cylindrical shape. The outer side of the porous resin having 20 times or more of expansion ratio, was covered with a covering material with a thickness of 0.5 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The waste gas oxidizer (WGO) assembly includes inner and outer walls defining an annular space (56) which forms a water flow path. The annular space has a water inlet near its lower end and a water/steam outlet near its upper end. The water flow path comprises a limpet coil about the WGO chamber or an internal heat-transfer coil within the WGO chamber. The WGO inlet comprises a first connector pipe for introducing anode off-gas from a fuel cell and a second connector pipe for introducing cathode off-gas from a fuel cell. The WGO assembly also includes a mixing chamber for mixing anode and cathode off-gases, an ignition mechanism (68) (e.g. spark plug, glow plug, or ignition source) for initiating combustion within the WGO assembly, and a surface radiator connected with a combustion flame holder for radiating heat within the WGO chamber. The autothermal reactor assembly (ATR) assembly comprises an inner chamber and an outer wall, both defining an annular space where process gases flow toward the catalyst bed. The annular space receives thermal energy from hot gases produced in the WGO chamber. The ATR catalyst bed comprises a partial oxidation catalyst (30) and two sequentially-arranged steam methane reformer catalysts (32, 34). The ATR assembly also includes separate air, fuel and water inlets which are converged into a single inlet having a heat exchanger where thermal energy from the WGO chamber is received. The reactor may include a shift reactor, carbon monoxide polishing assembly, a valve for directing reacted gases back to the WGO assembly or the fuel cell, and heat pipes or wedge-shaped conductors to facilitate spread of thermal energy within the ATR assembly.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes and density of at most 0.78 g/cm3. The initial temperature of distillation is 24-50 degrees C, the 10 vol.% distillation temperature is 35-70 degrees C, the 90 vol.% distillation temperature is 100-180 degrees C and the final distillation temperature is 130-210 degrees C. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil has a sulfur content of 0.3 vol.%, C4 content of 1.6 vol.%, C5 content of 12.5 vol.%, C6 content of 19.7 vol.%, C7 content of 20.9 vol.%, C8 content of 24.3 vol.%, C9 content of 18.5 vol.% and at least C10 content of 2.5 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C is 45.2 vol.%. The composition has a saturation component of 92.8 vol.%, olefin component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 6.6 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 85.5 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 44.4 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.1 vol.%, C4 content of 5.4 vol.%, C5 content of 42.2 vol.%, C6 content of 49.2 vol.%, C7 content of 3.1 vol.%, C8 content of 0.1 vol.%, C9 content of 0 vol.% and at least C10 content of 0 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C is 3.2 vol.%. The composition has a saturation component of 98.9 vol.%, olefin component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 1.1 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 92.6 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 37.2 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.2 vol.%, C4 content of 0 vol.%, C5 content of 0.3 vol.%, C6 content of 7.2 vol.%, C7 content of 28.1 vol.%, C8 content of 33.1 vol.%, C9 content of 26.4 vol.% and at least C10 content of 4.9 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C was 61.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 91.7 vol.%, olefin component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 8.3 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 79 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 48.6 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes and density of at most 0.78 g/cm3. The initial temperature of distillation is 40-100 degrees C, the 10 vol.% distillation temperature is 50-120 degrees C, the 90 vol.% distillation temperature is 110-180 degrees C and the final distillation temperature is 130-210 degrees C. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.2 vol.%, C4 content of 0 vol.%, C5 content of 0.3 vol.%, C6 content of 7.2 vol.%, C7 content of 28.1 vol.%, C8 content of 33.1 vol.%, C9 content of 26.4 vol.% and at least C10 content of 4.9 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C was 61.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 91.7 vol.%, olefin component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 8.3 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 79 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 48.6 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The fuel contains at least 5 vol.% hydrocarbon oil based on fuel total weight. The initial temperature of distillation is 24-50 degrees C, the 10 vol.% distillation temperature is 25-50 degrees C, the 90 vol.% distillation temperature is 45-130 degrees C and the final distillation temperature is 55-150 degrees C. Fuel comprises at most 15 vol.% 4C hydrocarbon compound, at least 5 vol.% 5C hydrocarbon compound, and at least 10 vol.% 6C hydrocarbon compound. The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes and density of at most 0.78 g/cm3. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.1 vol.%, C4 content of 5.4 vol.%, C5 content of 42.2 vol.%, C6 content of 49.2 vol.%, C7 content of 3.1 vol.%, C8 content of 0.1 vol.%, C9 content of 0 vol.% and at least C10 content of 0 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C was 3.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 98.9 vol.%, olefin component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 1.1 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 92.6 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 37.2 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: Fuel for fuel cell system comprises at most 15 vol.% 4C hydrocarbon compound, at least 5 vol.% 5C hydrocarbon compound, at least 10 vol.% 6C hydrocarbon compound, at least 20 vol.% 7C and 8C hydrocarbon compound and at most 20 vol.% at least 10C hydrocarbon compound. The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes and density of at most 0.78 g/cm3. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.3 vol.%, C4 content of 1.6 vol.%, C5 content of 12.5 vol.%, C6 content of 19.7 vol.%, C7 content of 20.9 vol.%, C8 content of 24.3 vol.%, C9 content of 18.5 vol.% and at least C10 content of 2.5 vol.%. The content of 7C + 8C was 45.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 92.8 vol.%, olefin component of 0.6 vol.%, aromatic component of 6.6 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 85.5 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 44.4 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, and the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.1 vol.%, C4 content of 5.4 vol.%, C5 content of 42.2 vol.%, C6 content of 49.2 vol.%, C7 content of 3.1 vol.%, C8 content of 0.1 vol.%, C9 content of 0 vol.% and at least C10 content of 0 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 98.9 vol.%, unsaturated component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 1.1 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 92.6 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 37.2 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The content of 7C + 8C hydrocarbon compounds is at least 20 vol.% and the content of at least 10C hydrocarbon compounds is at most 20 vol.%. The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The heat capacity at 1 atmosphere and 15 degrees C is at most 2.6 kJ/kg degrees C. The latent of vaporization is at most 400 KJ/kg, the vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa, the research method octane value is at most 101.0, the oxidation stability is at least 240 minutes and the density is 0.78 g/cm3. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.2 vol.%, C4 content of 0 vol.%, C5 content of 0.3 vol.%, C6 content of 7.2 vol.%, C7 content of 28.1 vol.%, C8 content of 33.1 vol.%, C9 content of 26.4 vol.% and at least C10 content of 4.9 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 91.7 vol.%, unsaturated component of 0 vol.%, aromatic component of 8.3 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 79 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 48.6 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The saturated component is at least 30 vol.%. The olefin component is at most 35 vol.%. The aromatic component is at most 50 vol.%. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%, especially at least 60 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.3 vol.%, C4 content of 1.6 vol.%, C5 content of 12.5 vol.%, C6 content of 19.7 vol.%, C7 content of 20.9 vol.%, C8 content of 24.3 vol.%, C9 content of 18.5 vol.% and at least C10 content of 2.5 vol.%. The total of C7 + C8 was 45.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 92.8 vol.%, unsaturated component of 0.6 vol.%, aromatic component of 6.6 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 85.5 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 44.4 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The sulfur content is at most 50 weight ppm. The proportion of paraffin component in the saturated component is at least 50 vol.%. The proportion of branched paraffin in the paraffin component is at least 30 vol.%. The vapor pressure is 10-100 kPa. EXAMPLE - An example of the fuel oil had a sulfur content of 0.3 vol.%, C4 content of 1.6 vol.%, C5 content of 12.5 vol.%, C6 content of 19.7 vol.%, C7 content of 20.9 vol.%, C8 content of 24.3 vol.%, C9 content of 18.5 vol.% and at least C10 content of 2.5 vol.%. The total of C7 + C8 was 45.2 vol.%. The composition had a saturation component of 92.8 vol.%, unsaturated component of 0.6 vol.%, aromatic component of 6.6 vol.%, paraffin component in the saturated component of 85.5 vol.% and a branched paraffin component in the paraffin component of 44.4 vol.%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fluid: The critical fluid is propane, ethane, monofluoromethane, and/or trifluoromethane. It can be in a near-critical state, in critical state, or in supercritical state.Preferred Components: The chemical components in the aqueous effluent comprises a surfactant, an alcohol, and an organic contaminant. The surfactant is nonionic, cationic and/or anionic, and preferably comprises nonylphenol ethoxylate, sodium diamyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and/or its derivatives. The alcohol is isopropanol and/or ethanol. The organic contaminant comprises a non-aqueous phase liquid, a dense non-aqueous phase liquid, and a light non-aqueous phase liquid. The dense non-aqueous phase liquid comprises chlorinated compound consisting of trichloroethylene and/or perchloroethylene. The light non-aqueous phase liquid comprises kerosene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, gasoline, motor oil, lubricating oil, cleaning solvents, and/or dry cleaning solvents. The aqueous effluent is from a contaminated groundwater site that is treated with a surfactant enhanced groundwater remediation (SEAR) process, or with a surfactant enhanced groundwater remediation at neutral buoyancy (SEAR-NB) process.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fluid: The critical fluid can be carbon dioxide or sulfurhexafluoride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Parameters: The temperature is 0.9Tc (preferably 15-70 degrees C), and the pressure is 0.25Pc (preferably 1379-20684 kPa). Preferred Method: The critical fluid is contacted with the aqueous effluent in a high pressure vessel. The recovered process chemicals may be pumped and recycled to the process chemical feed. The recovered water from the remaining aqueous effluent is recycled back to the process water feed. EXAMPLE - No relevant example given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred System: Further, other waste material such as organic sludge from a waste water treatment plant (7) can be recycled and mixed with the refuse generated from kitchen. Steam from a waste heat boiler is stored temporarily in an accumulator (11), in a co-generating plant (5), which is connected to the steam sterilizing and drying unit (65) and/or fermenting unit, and is used as heat-source.A hopper (45) stores the organic waste material temporarily, and contains a crusher (55) for crushing and stirrer (59) for mixing the organic refuse uniformly. The steam sterilizing unit and/or the hopper are connected to a raw water tank of the waste water treatment plant, such that the water drained from the steam sterilizing unit or the organic waste storage hopper, is refluxed to the raw water tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - The fuel cell unit uses an electrochemical process for converting a fuel gas into electrical energy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The permeation layer contains palladium, niobium, vanadium and/or their alloys, preferably a palladium-silver alloy. The support layer is made from rust-free steel, copper, copper alloys or aluminum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The support layer is made from PTFE.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The inlet forms a combined conductive or non-conductive flexible plate that includes a flexible graphite plate, a flexible plate which impregnates rubber into an expanded metal, a flexible plate which impregnates rubber into a nickel wire or a flexible plate which mixes a rubber powder with a powder of copper and graphite. The plate is formed by combining a conductive material or a non-conductive material, with an expanded metal or a conductivity improving material frame.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Pinhole (11) are provided on evaporation part and reforming part orthogonal to the flow direction of fuel. The pinhole is densely provided in the upstream side of flow direction and sparse in the downstream side.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The fuel feed zone has fuel injection nozzle (8) in the entrance side of the metal honey-comb of evaporation part.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst contains 0.1-10 weight% (wt.%) of palladium component based on palladium element conversion. The active type component of the catalyst comprises palladium and/or palladium oxide (PdO) or its alloy, and palladium, platinum and/or copper. The methanol modification catalyst is maintained at 300-500 degrees C.Preferred Process: The oxidation reaction of methanol is carried out as side reaction. The heat of formation generated from the oxidation reaction is used as reaction heat for water vapor modification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Structure: The crushing apparatus consists of a spiral blade having two rotation axis. The spiral blade is rotated focussing on an axle line, to crush the wooden material to predetermined size. The peripheral edge of spiral blade is provided with several protrusions which are protruded in the radial direction centering around the axle line. Preferred Composition: The flammable material also includes a liquid material such as organic waste or waste oil, water-soluble saccharides and microparticle of synthetic resin such as styrene foam. A water-soluble inorganic substance is also mixed with inorganic caking material and flammable material. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The inorganic caking material is bentonite.    EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Structure: The contact surface of combustion gas is provided with heat insulating member such as heat resistant tile.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The chemical reaction in the reactor chamber comprises at least partial oxidation of the volatile fuel components formed by pyrolysis of solid fuel. Oxygen is supplied into the reactor chamber in a manner that the gaseous products discharged through the layer of solid fuel contains no free oxygen. The fuel in the bed is heated by the discharged gaseous products. The method further comprises gasification of char formed by the heating of the solid fuel. The solid fuel is heated to 200-1300, preferably 1000-1100 degrees C, to cause the pyrolysis of the solid fuel. The reactants are passed into the reactor chamber in a manner that the volatile components are whirled up from the fuel bed and into the reactor chamber. Gas flows are directed towards the upper surface of the fuel bed to cause turbulence within the chamber.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The reactant comprises oxygen, or water vapor and/or carbon dioxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The hydrocarbon is a 3-5C. especially a 4-5C hydrocarbon. EXAMPLE - Propylene oxide containing 0.2 wt.% water, 0.2 acetoaldehyde, and 0.02 wt.% methanol were fed into a 60 stage distil tower. Meanwhile, butane was fed from the lower part of the tower. Acetoaldehyde, methanol, water and butane were distilled from the top of the tower and the propylene output from the bottom of the tower contained 10 ppm aldehyde, 5 ppm methanol, 10 ppm water and 10 ppm butane. The pressure on the top of the tower was 0.7 Mpa, temperature 63degreesC and the operational reflux amount was 3 fold of the propylene supplied.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The intermediate product maybe formed by employing technological manufacturing of a green body, which is sintered through heating so that the powder grains coalesce to a consolidated body. This maybe carried out through pressing of the powder in a tool, which comprises punch that is subjected to impact action, so that kinetic energy is transferred via the punch to the powder, causing then the powder to plasticize and form into the consolidated body. The powder maybe preheated to at least 70 degrees C prior to the formation of the intermediate product. The intermediate product can also be formed through plastic working of a flat plate. The flat plate contains the quantity of material that shall be included in the finished plate.The material is caused to flow out from the first portion to the second portions, so that (i) the remaining quantity of the material within the region of the first portion corresponds to the quantity within the high relief patterned field of the finished plate, and (ii) the resulting quantity in the region of the second portions corresponds to the quantity which shall be included in those portions of the finished plate. The intermediate product can also be formed by machining a plate within the first portion. During formation of the relief pattern, an impact member is stricken against the punch, which transfers impact energy to the intermediate product.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Material: The ceramic material maybe graphite.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The metal material is maybe a light metal e.g., stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or magnesium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Catalyst: The cloth comprises sufficient rhodium such that the catalyst promotes partial oxidation with hydrogen selectivity of at least 70 (preferably 90) mol%, carbon monoxide selectivity of at least 90 mol%, and fuel conversion rate of at least 90 mol%. The catalyst comprises a cloth (15), a gauze (preferably at least 5 layers) or felt (preferably at least 5 layers) of rhodium. The gauze or felt comprises wires (18) of 0.025-0.25 mm in diameter. The catalyst is heated to 300-1200 (preferably 900-1000) C in air for 1 1/2 - 5 hours to oxidize the rhodium. The catalyst has a catalytic half-life of 6-24 months. The carbon selectivity of the catalyst for carbon monoxide is at least 80%, the hydrogen selectivity is at least 70 (preferably 100) %, and hydrocarbon conversion is at least 97%. Preferred Process: The feed stream is preheated above 30 (preferably 50-700, more preferably 400-500) C. The reaction zone is held at 500-3000 kPa. The molar ratio of methane to oxygen in the feed stream is 1.5-2.2:1. The hydrogen feedstock comprises at least 50 vol% methane. The feed stream is contacted with the catalyst at a space velocity of 150,000-10,000,000 per hour.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Processor: The carbon monoxide removal zone is contained in the vessel. The processor has a fourth fluid flow path (24) extending from the outlet of the carbon monoxide removal zone to the outlet of the vessel. An auxiliary water-gas shift reaction zone (7) has an inlet and outlet and a catalyst for the water-gas shift conversion reaction. The third fluid flow path extends from the outlet of the water-gas shift reaction zone via the auxiliary water-gas shift reaction zone to the inlet of the carbon monoxide removal zone. It has a cooler between the outlet of the auxiliary water-gas shift reaction zone and the inlet of the carbon monoxide removal zone. The auxiliary water-gas shift reaction zone and the hydrocarbon conversion zone are contained in the vessel. It is an annular reaction zone arranged around the cooler. The inlet of the hydrocarbon conversion zone is connected with the outlet of the first fluid flow path. The vessel has partly double-walled side wall having an inner shell (2) and an outer shell (3) between which the first fluid flow path is defined. The hydrocarbonaceous conversion zone has a catalyst in a fixed arrangement for partial oxidation of the fuel with an oxygen-containing gas and/or to steam reform the fuel. The steam generator is an evaporator (11) in the form of a doubled-walled receptacle in which the walls are defined by water reservoir (29). The carbon monoxide removal zone is mounted on a flange which is the bottom of the vessel. The water-gas shift reaction zone and the hydrocarbon conversion zone are located at the other side of the flange. The vessel has a volume of at most 40 (preferably at most 15) liters.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst in the carbon monoxide removal zone is coated on a metal support (preferably on an aluminum-containing foam).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The hydrogen separation layer (200) and/or the porous layer has a preventive element that prevents the whole surface of separation layer from contacting with the porous layer. The separation layer comprises small base members with hydrogen separating metal and frame having recesses for supporting small base members in a two-dimensional arrangement. A gas-tight casing (100) having manifolds (101 - 103) is used to cover the whole laminate structure. The gas is allowed to flow through the laminate structure. The manifolds have gas flow rate regulator. A steam is allowed to flow through the leakage prevention element. The inlet and outlet of gaseous mixture layer and hydrogen extraction layer are sealed by a sealing element. The gaseous mixture comprises catalyst. A carbon monoxide concentration reduction layer is provided in a flow path of the hydrogen rich gas.Preferred Arrangement: A cushioning member is interposed between the separation layer and adjoining porous layer. The casing member comprises a gas leakage prevention element in a space between the gas inlet and outlet of the extraction layer, between the outlet of gaseous mixture layer and inlet of extraction layer, and between the outlet of gaseous mixture layer and outlet of extraction layer. A cushioning member is interposed between the casing member and laminate structure. The porous layer comprises a regulation structure that controls the flow direction of the gas in the porous layer. The extraction layers are at both ends of the laminate structure.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The catalyst is a methanation catalyst of monoxide. It contains nickel, ruthenium, or rhodium.
EXAMPLE - An expression vector of Coriolus hirsutus (Fr.) Quel-derived manganese peroxidase gene was constructed by using Coriolus hirsutus (Fr.) Quel-derived ras gene promoter. A Coriolus hirsutus (Fr.) Quel transformant pCHRPMP/OJI-1078 highly producing manganese peroxidase was prepared. Pentachlorophenol was decomposed by using the transformant. An expression vector of manganese peroxidase gene was constructed by using glyceraldehydee-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The temperature of the refinement zone can also be reduced by blowing carbon dioxide, water mist, vapor and nitrogen, or exhaust gases ejected from furnace, to the non-flammable zone.
EXAMPLE - In an EMBODIMENT the micro-organisms are preconditioned. The temperature, oxygen content, pH, osmosis, volume and content of the water are varied. The lengths of the submerged and non-submerged stages are different. A group of tanks connected in series or in parallel is used for processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The laccase producing microbes are Aspergillus, and Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor (Coliolus versicolor), Pycnoporus coccineus, oyster mushroom (Pleurotus octreatus), and/or Perenniporia fraxinea (Fomitella fraxinea). Preferred Phenol Group: The phenol group environmental hormone is biphenol derivative or alkyl phenol derivative. The bisphenol derivative is bisphenol A, 4,4'-dihydroxy biphenyl, or 4-hydroxy biphenyl. The alkyl phenol derivative is butyl phenol, octyl phenol or nonyl phenol. EXAMPLE - No suitable biological data was provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred process: F1 occurs at 40-90degreesC in two stages lasting 5-15 days separated by a process stop of 2-10 days. F2 occurs in the presence of heterotrophic and homeofermenting bacteria. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The use of 90 microorganisms is claimed including e.g. Bacillus polymyxa 21551, and Lactobacillus acidophilus 33199.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The composition further comprises sawdust in a mass ratio of dung:sawdust of 4:1-99:1; and an adjunct selected from organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, microorganisms, nutrients, enzymes, and/or bases. The dung is dried by exposure to sunlight or by contact with a hot gas prior to the comminuting step. The liquid pollutant is contacted with the sorbent composition by spreading or blowing the composition over the polluted surface of the water body, and collecting and removing the composition. The polluted soil and the solid sorbent composition are added with water to facilitate biodegradation of the pollutant by the microorganism. Preferred Properties: The dung, which is a horse dung, has a moisture content of at most 4 % mass, and a maximum particle size of at most 1 mm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The microorganism or enzyme is capable of biodegrading some organic materials. EXAMPLE - Horse dung having 20 %mass saw dust was exposed to direct sunlight, comminuted, and screened. The dung particles retained on the screen was collected for use as compost, and the particles passing through the screen was used as a solid sorbent composition. The composition (7 kg) was worked into a 1 m2 soil polluted and contaminated with oil. After 48 hours, the color of the soil changed from dark wet look to a dry lighter color with almost no oil visible.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: A heat transfer system (25) comprising a heat source transfers heat to or from one mass of hydrogen absorbent material. A heat differential device creates a temperature differential between the first mass of hydrogen absorbent material and the second mass. The heat differential device comprises a heat source associated with the first mass of hydrogen absorbent metal material and a heat sink associated with the second mass. The first and second masses of hydrogen absorbent material comprise hydrogen absorbent metal material. The material may be in liquid form.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The micro elements include micro-studs (34) including nanotubes. Preferably, the nanotubes include open-ended, single carbon nanotubes. The channels are located between the micro-studs or inside the micro-studs.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The steerable pods and mining module are ballast-controlled. The mining module includes a gas hydrate agitator, preferably heated, mechanical, or hydraulic agitator. The apparatus also includes a control cable (18) for connecting the mining module with the cover, gas detector(s) (24) for monitoring the gas generated from the gas hydrate, and sensor(s) (26) for monitoring the inflation of the cover.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The cover is made of Mylar (RTM), Kevlar (RTM), canvas, or plastic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Fermenter: The upper portion of the fermenter is divided in a longitudinal direction with a movable curtain, and forms a space which is closed in the material injection side, and opened in the other end of the supplied air pipe which leads to the bottom portion of the fermentation tank, in the space.The fermenter consists of two pairs provided side by side, and divided by a small gap to form a closed chamber.The other end of the supplied air pipe which leads to the bottom portion of the fermentation tank passes through the closed chamber which is formed between two pairs of fermentation tanks, to the atmosphere.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: Second and third inlets are located at the fuel gas stream inlet end of the reactor vessel. A mixing zone is located upstream of the partial oxidation catalyst. The mixing zone consists of a series of non-catalyzed monolith slices spaced apart, so that the resonance time within the slice-space combination is 50-200% of the cycle time of the pulsing. The pulsating mechanism is a flow control element, a rotating gas compressor, or a peristaltic flow movement device. The flow control element is an actuator operated flow control valve whose actuator is cyclically driven between two predetermined positions by a pre-programmed control logic, or by a mechanically linked feed-back system; or a feedback loop based flow-control valve whose actuator is cyclically driven between two predetermined positions by incorporating a zero-dampening factor in its feed-back control system. Downstream components are included to propagate or dampen pulsed flow characteristics developed in the reactor into the fuel cell.Preferred Catalysts: The partial oxidation catalyst comprises nickel-based catalyst, precious metal-based catalyst, and precious metal-based catalyst with a metal-oxide promoter. The steam methane reforming catalyst is a metal-oxide-based catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The blowing agent is n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane, hexane and/or isohexane. The co-blowing agent is preferably 4-6C hydrocarbon.Preferred Composition: The blowing agent is present in an amount of 50-99 wt.%. The 4-6C hydrocarbon is present in an amount of 1-50 (preferably 1-10) wt.%. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The co-blowing agent is 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane.    EXAMPLE - A mixture of (wt.%) polyester polyol (70.08), polysiloxane polyether copolymer (surfactant) (1.4), inorganic potassium based amine (catalyst) (0.84) and a trimerization catalyst (4.06) was stirred at 1500 rpm until a homogeneous blend was achieved which was refrigerated at 32 degrees F. A blowing agent comprising a mixture of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124) (11.56) and cyclopentane (co-blowing agent (12.05) was stored in pressure bottles at 32 degrees F. The isocyanurate composition (A-component) was kept at 70 degrees F. The pre-cooled blowing agent was added to the mixture, stirred for 2 minutes at 1000 rpm. The resulting mixture (B-component) was again cooled to 32 degrees C for 10 minutes. A-component was added to the B component for 10 seconds at 3000 rpm and poured into cake box and allowed to rise. The foam was allowed to cure for at least 24 hours at room temperature. A comparative foam formulation was prepared similarly but using only HCFC-124 (31.45 wt.%) as the blowing agent. After ensuring both the test and comparative foams met the density specifications, the foams were tested for k-factor according to ASTM C518. The results showed k-factor at 75.2 degrees F test/comparative as 0.153/0.148. Thus the test foam had better k-factor than a comparative foam.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangements: The apparatus further comprises a humidity control apparatus for controlling humidity of the raw gas, reset units (10) for supplying odor-removed gas from discharge port to inlet for carrying out further low-temperature plasma discharge, and a frequency controller (11) which controls frequency of low-temperature plasma discharge device.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The organic sludge is chosen from sewage sludge, anaerobic treatment sludge and industrial waste water treatment sludge. The process temperature is 50-70 degrees C and process time is 24-250 hours. The initial stage water content of the mixture is 40-70 weight %. The mixing ratio of organic sludge with the contact support is 0.005-0.1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The ultra-high concentration liquid food processing waste material has pH of 7.5-9. The carbon/phosphorus (C/P) ratio is 50/1-70/1 and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio is 5/1-5/2. Magnesium, salt and yeast extract are added as per necessity. Adsorption maintenance of photosynthetic bacteria is performed by a chemically inactive carrier material. A precipitate tank is provided after each treatment tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: Treated water is obtained by condensing the vaporized water obtained during processing of vegetable oil. The condensed water comprises chemical-oxygen demand of 100 ppm or less. The solid layer separated from suspension is further treated with microorganism.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The polymer is a polyaminoacid containing glutamic acid, leucine, alanine and phenylalanine or a polymer containing sugar component having fructofuranosyl group formed by beta-2,6 linkage, preferably a polymer is polyamino acid. The polymer is used along with a cationic mineral salt.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is chosen from genus Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Aeromonas, Rhizobium, Sphingomonas, Arthrobacter, Frateuria, Flavobacterium and Bacillus. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microorganism is chosen from genus Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Aeromonas, Rhizobium, Sphingomonas, Arthrobacter, Frateuria, Flavobacterium and Bacillus.    EXAMPLE - Polyglutamic acid was produced by inoculating Bacillus natto strain. 5 weight% (wt.%) of calcium chloride was added to the polyglutamic acid and mixed with 1 wt.% of commercially available microorganism agent to obtain treating agent. An incinerated ashes containing dioxin was dispersed in 20 ml water and filtered. To the filtrate, 10 g of treating agent was added followed by addition of 50 g of polyglutamic acid. The solution was shaken and the decomposed amount of dioxin was measured. The dioxin concentration was 6 mg/g.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The fermentation product of algae is added to the denitrification tank and/or anaerobic tank of the sewage treatment plant. A water-bloom or Cyanophyta is used as the fermentation product of algae. The fermentation product is obtained by self aversion fermentation, lactic acid fermentation or alcoholic fermentation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A concentration regulator to adjust the concentration of surplus sludge is also provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The organic solvent is alcohol and ketone (such as ketone, methyl ethyl ketone).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The microorganism is Pseudomonas sp E618-15 (FERM) P-17729.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Process: The culture solution containing Pseudomonas or Pseudomonas processed material is made to contact with organic solvent, aldehydes or carboxylic acids, at 15-40degreesC, pH 4-9. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microorganism is Pseudomonas sp E618-15 (FERM) P-17729.    EXAMPLE - 1 ml of Pseudomonas sp E618-15 cultured suspension was added to 9 ml of main culture medium containing 0.01 g of ammonium sulfate, 0.1 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.25 g of yeast extract, 0.05 g of hydrated magnesium sulfate, 0.01 ml of carboxylic acid and 8.99 ml of water, adjusted to pH 6 or more.    Shaking culture was performed for 24 hours at 35degreesC and sample was collected at regular intervals. Carboxylic acids concentration in culture medium was assayed by gas chromatography.    The residual percentage of propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid and hexanoic acid was found to be 13.4%, 12.4%, 33%, 42.2%, 55.3%, and 65.2%, respectively, after 16 hours of culture, whereas the residual percentage of carboxylic acid after 24 hours culture was found to be nil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Device: The external diameter of the needle electrode is between 0.5-1 mm and the internal diameter is 0.2-0.7 mm.The ionized gas is ultimately analyzed by a chromatograph linked to the outlet.The discharge gas is chosen from Ar, H2, He, N2 or a mixture of gases, the impurities comprising CO, CO2, CH4, N2, H2O and O2 or mixtures.The ionization chamber is coupled to an expansion chamber, the distance between the free extremity of the electrode and the communicating orifice being between 3-5 mm.The flow rate of the discharge gas is between 0.5-1.5 l/min (preferably 1 l/min) and the flow rate of the gas to be analyzed is between 0.1-0.5 l/min, preferably 0.2 l/min. EXAMPLE - For the detection of impurities in oxygen, the discharge gas comprised a mixture of Ar and H2 or He and H2. The ions created were ArH+ which were capable of reacting with impurities having a protonic affinity greater than ArH+, particularly CO, CH4, N2, H2O and O2. The flow rate of the O2 in the electrode was regulated to obtain a dwell time sufficient in the discharge to allow diffusion of the ionized species form the discharge gas to the gas to be analyzed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Properties: The ground LB has particle size of 15-30 mm, and humidity content of 10-15%. The introduced solid fraction has a solid/liquid ratio of 8-15% weight/volume. The Kluyveromyces marxianus CECT 10875 inoculant is at a concentration of 10 % volume/volume.Preferred Process: The cellulase and beta-glucosidase are dissolved in citrate buffer having pH 4.8. The Kluyveromyces marxianus CECT 10875, is obtained by chemical mutagenesis of Kluyveromyces marxianus strain DER-26. The deposit with culture suspension mixture is shaken at 150 r.p.m.Preferred Components: The cellulase is CELLUCLAST 1.5L, and the beta-glucosidase enzyme is NOVOZYME 188, both from NOVO-NORDISK company.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Process: The spermatogonium is disrupted by a rotating-knife type crusher or sonicator.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Process: The spermatogonium is from squid or pollack. The process further comprises effectuating acylation reaction of the mixture obtained by adding the alkaline solution. The acylation is performed using anhydride compounds, preferably acetic anhydride. The salt contained in the alkaline solution is monovalent salt. The salt is sodium nitrate, sodium carbonate, or sodium phosphate. The process further comprises a step for lysis of RNA, preferably performed by the alkali or RNase. EXAMPLE - Twenty-five grams of pollack spermatogonium were added into 300 ml of a solution containing 4 M NaNO3, and 0.1 M Na2CO3. The solution was ground with a conventional mixer for 5 minutes, crushed with a sonicator for 1 hour at 4 degrees Centigrade and then filtered. two ml of acetic anhydride was added to each filtrate obtained. The acylation reaction was effected for 1 hour at 4 degrees Centigrade. Two ml of acetic anhydride was added again to each reaction mixture. The acylation reaction was effected at 4 degrees Centigrade for 2 hours. Ethanol was added to each mixture until the final concentrations reached 50 -60 % v/v, while stirring at 4 degrees Centigrade, for 30 minutes, to precipitate DNA. DNA was collected from each mixture by centrifugation, washed twice with 5 ml of 70 % ethanol solution and then dried in air.