TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The inventive method may also include contacting the cooled solution with a metal and producing hydrogen gas and recovering the hydrogen gas in situations in which the cooled solution is alkaline. It includes treating the cooled solution to regenerate the chemical hydride by electrolysis of the cooled solution in an electrolytic cell that contains an ionic liquid as an electrolyte. The electrolysis is indirect electrolysis with the cooled solution and the electrolyte being in separate compartments of the electrolytic cell and being separated by a barrier that is permeable to ions that can form the chemical hydride. The ions migrate from the compartment containing the cooled solution into the compartment containing the ionic liquid in response to an applied potential. The chemical hydride or a precursor of the chemical hydride form as a gas or as an insoluble compound in the ionic liquid. The chemical hydride or precursor is extracted from the ionic liquid. The step (c) includes heating the metal hydride by at least40, preferably at least50degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The metal is aluminum. The chemical hydride includes lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride (preferred), or dimethyl borane. The aqueous solution of the chemical hydride supplied to step (a) is in the form of a slurry that includes a suspension of chemical hydride particles in water that contains the chemical hydride in solution.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The jacket comprises wall of rigid, foam-plastic material, preferably closed-cell polyurethane foam.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: Each heat mediating structure includes a fluid path having a fluid heat medium. An interface of the heat mediating structure to the cell group includes an insulating layer. A positive charge carrier in the solid electrolyte layer is lithium ions.Preferred Material: The fluid path comprises any of metals and good electron-conductive materials; or insulating material. The heat mediating structure comprises a solid material of good thermal conductivity; or material(s) from metals, silicon carbide or silicon nitride.The solid electrolyte layer comprises any of polymer ion-conducting materials or inorganic ion-conducting materials. The positive electrode comprises lithium cobaltate, lithium nickelate and/or lithium manganate. The negative electrode comprises graphite, hard carbon and/or lithium titanate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The electrochemical cell components such as plates, shims, frames and flow fields are made of metals chosen from stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, titanium or magnesium, whose melting temperature is below 500 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Device: The first of the two master connectors comprises a circular receptacle and several electrical terminals including a central terminal and six additional terminals arranged concentrically about the central terminal. The second master connector comprises several electrical terminals arranged linearly and including three female terminals and a male terminal. The device further includes electrical leads connectable at a first end to the master electrical system and connected at a second end to the body, with the first and second master connectors each presenting electrical terminals connected to and corresponding to at least one of the electrical leads. Each connector is protectively covered by a removable cover (110) connected to the body.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Canister: The canister comprises a number of wafer baffles stacked on the body, and a lid stacked over the baffles, with an opening (56) that corresponds to the aperture of each baffle. The peripheral wall of each baffle has an upper edge with at least one notch, to enhance support strength of the baffles. A second porous tubing is passed through a second aperture in each of the baffles, which corresponds with another opening in the lid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Tubing: The tubing comprises a porous metal sintered tubing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: Excessive sulfuric acid (10-30 weight %) is contained in the modified vanadium compound. Molar ratio of tetravalent vanadium atoms to trivalent vanadium atoms (V4+/V3+) (0.65 -1.5, preferably 0.95-1.05) is contained in the mixed vanadium compound.Preferred Property: The modified vanadium compound is in particle form, and the excessive sulfuric acid is held on surfaces or inside of the particles. The average particle diameter is not more than 30 mm. EXAMPLE - Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) obtained from orimulsion ash (in g) (19.4), sulfur (4.2) and concentrated sulfuric acid (39) were mixed for 10 minutes into a paste form. The paste-formed mixture was then calcined in an electric oven at 300 for 2 hours. The calcined matter after cooling showed lemon-yellow color and its weight was 41.5 g. When subjected to X-ray diffraction, vanadium sulfate (III) (V2(SO4)3) was confirmed. Concentrated sulfuric acid (10) and water (60 ml) were added to (V2(SO4)3) (41.5) and thermally dissolved at 100 for 3 hours to be concentrated. Subsequently cooling was performed to room temperature, followed by solidification, grinding. A modified vanadium compound containing hydrate of vanadium sulfate V2(SO4)3 was obtained. The compound had a green color and its weight was 71.2 g. The amount of excessive SO4 other than sulfate group comprising V2(SO4)3 was 13.5 weight%. The compound 35 g was added to water (50 ml) with various temperature, and time required for dissolving was measured. The solution time (in minutes) was 10, 5, 3, 2 at temperatures (degreesC) 25, 40, 50, 60, respectively
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Compound: The polymer having a swelling rate of 30 weight% or more is a vinylidene-fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer.
Ballast tanks enable submersible operation, while a molded skateboard on the vehicle's bottom enables snow and water surfing. The three identical electric motor generator electromagnetic wheels have an encoded electric servomotor coupled to a hydropneumatic suspension to provide 180 degrees of radial steering freedom, and operation in synchronism to permit parking laterally and provide electric and hydraulic braking. A molded composite material roofrack (13) can be exchanged with a molded composite material module having three identical pivoted electromagnetic propellers that enables vertical take off an landing. The propellers also provide electricity for the fuel cell electrolyzer and enable refueling of the vehicle by harnessing river and ocean currents. The vehicle may operate using coordinate computer software programs, GPS, remote control and optionally laser and infrared guidance for sophisticated applications.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The hydrocarbon fuel is gasoline comprising methanol; or a mixture containing methanol (at most 10 wt.%).Preferred Condition: The process converts 70-90% of the thiophenes in the gasoline. The hydro-treating conditions comprise a reaction temperature of 350-475degreesF; a total pressure of 100-400 psi; and a space velocity of 1.0-4.0 hour-1 LHSV (sic).Preferred Product: The process produces a gasoline which contains less than 1, preferably less than 0.1 ppm sulfur.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The hydro-treating catalyst contains nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum and/or palladium (preferably nickel and molybdenum on an aluminum support).Preferred Component: The solid adsorbent comprises alumina, a zeolite material, a clay material, activated carbon, copper or metal oxides. EXAMPLE - A fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline containing sulfur (40 ppm) and no methanol was hydro-treated under mild conditions to produce a fuel cell fuel containing less than 0.5 ppm total sulfur. The fuel was prepared by running the FCC gasoline through a fixed bed hydro-treater containing 3% cobalt oxide/13% molybdenum catalyst (4.2 g). The operation conditions of the hydro-treater were set at 425degreesF, a pressure of 200 psi, a once-through hydrogen flow rate of 44 cc/minute, and a space velocity of 2 hour-1 LHSV. The mercaptans were removed from the fuel by extraction, and the remaining sulfur components were quantified on a gas chromatography to determine the total sulfur in the fuel. Prior to extraction, the fuel was found to contain 3.1 ppm of total sulfur.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The ignition region ignites at temperatures up to -20 degreesC and contains a larger concentration of catalytically active material. The ignition region is arranged downstream of the reaction region. The catalytically active material of the ignition region has a grain size of 10-1000 microns. The ignition region is electrically heated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The main active material contains a pi-electron conjugated conductive polymer and optionally an inorganic sulfur compound. The conductive substrate is produced from aluminum, titanium, nickel and an alloy of these of density less than copper. The carbon material film has at least1 carbon material selected from natural graphite, artificial graphite, coke, carbon fibers, mesophase carbon microbeads, a difficult graphitizable material based on a synthetic resin, and carbon nanotubes, and a binder having resistance to the organic solvent. The binder is a polymer of a polymer derivative based on an amidoimide, imide etc. EXAMPLE - A slurry is obtained by mixing 20 weight% graphite, 20 weight% carbon black, 20 weight% polyamideimide resin, and 40 weight% N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solvent. After coating the slurry on the conductive substrate surface comprising aluminum, it is heated to 150degreesC and hardened to form a collector.
EXAMPLE - In an EMBODIMENT, the gas is passed through a mesh during its spiral flow. The spiral flow is in a single plane. The radius of the spiral increases with distance from the perforations. The walls (13) of the guide have guide ribs (14). Drains (9) are positioned around the guide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The electrolyte membrane further comprises a structural binder material and a separate conducting material. The electrolyte is water-insoluble. It is thermally stable above 100 degreesC. The electrolyte conducts both protons and electrons.Preferred Property: The electrolyte has a proton conductivity of at least 10 to the power -5 per ohm per cm at the temperature of utilization.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The solid acid includes variable valence element(s). Preferred Definitions:    M = lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), francium (Fr), or ammonium (NH4);    M' = beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), radium (Ra), lead (Pb);    M = scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), terbium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), or lutetium (Lu).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The ingredients of the composite thin-film electrolyte component are conductive with respect to sodium ions. At least ingredient of the first layer is zirconia, yttria stabilized zirconia, magnesia, or preferably beta-alumina, Na3Zr2Si2PO12). The electrically conductive second layer is silicon carbide, graphite, pure metals, metal alloys, or transition metal oxides of transition metals from groups IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, or IIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The electrochemical cell is a sodium-sulfur cell. The anodic reactant comprises liquid sodium and the cathodic reactant comprises a mixture of sulfur and sodium polysulfide. The porous substrate is yttria stabilized zirconia, titanium oxide from TiNO2N-1, tantalum doped-titania, niobium-doped titania, and/or alpha-alumina. The electronically conductive, oxidizable substrate is graphite having a pore size of 5-10 microns.N = 4-10Preferred Method: The drying and sintering are conducted at an atmosphere comprising oxygen (preferably air) and 1200-1650 degrees Celsius. The electronically conductive, oxidizable substrate is a material that can be burned in an atmosphere comprising oxygen.Preferred Property: The porous substrate is less than 100 micrometers in thickness. The ionically conductive layer is less than 50 micrometers in thickness. The composition comprising a precursor to the ionically conductive layer comprises beta-alumina having an average particle size of 0.5-1.0 micrometers and a thickness of less than 100 micrometers.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The structure has a shape of rod, tube, corrugated sheet, flat plate, I-beam, triangular, prismatic, polygonal, saddle, spherical, or multi-sided pyramidal.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The cathode material comprises liquid sulfur/polysulfide mixture
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The thermoplastic resin is polyolefin-type resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The natural gas or methane is subjected to the action of the barrier discharge non-thermal plasma by passing a thin layer of the natural gas or methane in the gap between two elongated concentric electrodes containing a dielectric barrier in between and by producing a discharge of electrical pulses within the gap between the dielectric barrier and one of the electrodes thereby creating the barrier discharge non-thermal plasma in the gap, adapted to decompose the natural gas or methane into hydrogen and carbon.The natural gas or methane is subjected to intimate mixing with the plasma while passing through the gap. The natural gas or methane is preheated to 250-300degrees C before subjecting to the action of the barrier discharge non-thermal plasma.Carbon is separated from the hydrogen and collected in separate storage vessels. Preferred Apparatus: The internal electrode is cylindrical or frustoconical.The apparatus further has a unit for rotating the internal electrode at a predetermined speed.The internal electrode is provided with a continuous groove over its surface, forming a screw-like design.The dielectric barrier is formed of a ceramic material having dielectric constant of 80-20000.The dielectric barrier has a thickness of 0.5-4 mm.The gap between the internal electrode and the dielectric material is 0.25-4 mm wide.The high voltage pulser is capable of producing bi-polar electrical pulses.The apparatus has a separator for separating solid particles of carbon from hydrogen, sensors and/or monitors of operating parameters within the reactor, and a computerized control to adjust and control the parameters within predetermined values.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Stopper: The sealing stopper consists of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene rubber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The thermoplastic resin is polyester, polypropylene and/or viscose rayon.Preferred Method: The attached porous non-woven fabric is pressed to be embedded into the surface of the active material to form a support layer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Support: The porous non-woven fabric is formed from a thermoplastic resin by spun-bonding or thermal-bonding. The porous non-woven fabric comprises 1-20 mum long-fabric filaments. The support layer of the porous non-woven fabric is embedded to a depth of the active material by pressing. EXAMPLE - An electrode was manufactured by embedding non-woven fabric network structures as support layers to a depth of 0.05 mm from the surfaces of the active material. The binding strength to the active materials were thus enhanced. A lead storage battery was assembled using the electrode. An initial performance test and a cycle life test was performed using the lead storage battery. The reserve capacity, cold cranking ampere and 20-hour rate capacity were evaluated. The reserve capacity was 130 minutes (100.3%). The cold cranking ampere was 698 A (110.8%), and the 30-seconds voltage was 7.85 V. The 20-hour rate capacity was 74.9 Ah (99.8%).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Method: The material has several channels defined in it. The method further comprises curing the resin in the material. It further comprises, prior to the molding step, adding an additive to the particles and modifying a physical property of the material which results from the molding step. The molding is performed by die-pressing the uncured particles, isostatic molding the uncured particles, or on the uncured resin-impregnated particles without adding any additional resin to the particles.Preferred Properties: The material has a density of at least 1.3 g/cm cubed. A majority of the particles have a particle size of not more than 14 U.S. mesh.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The additive includes fibers or nanotubes, and a metal fiber to improve electrical conductivity of the material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The additive includes a carbonizing graphite fiber to improve thermal conductivity of the material. EXAMPLE - Uncured epoxy impregnated flexible graphite sheet material is comminuted to produce particles, 100% of which would pass through 50 mesh. The particles were produced from 70 mg/cm squared sheet having a resin content of approximately 30%. The particles were vacuum die-pressed at approximately 4500 psi to form a flow field plate for a fuel cell. The plate had a density of 1.31 g/cm cubed and has food definition.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The water adsorbent is in the form of a monolith, and is a zeolite water adsorbent. It is interspersed with the water-gas-shift reactor catalyst. The zeolite water adsorbent is a type A zeolite. It has an FAU (sic) structure, and a crystalline lattice in which some or all of the silicon or aluminum have been isomorphously substituted-with a different element. The fuel processor is a part of a fuel cell engine having a fuel cell stack for generating electricity from hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. It further comprises a source of dry gas for purging water from a void volume adjacent the water adsorbent during fuel processor shutdown; a preferential oxidation reactor (106) having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the water-gas-shift reactor; and a second water adsorbent (130) located within the flow path between the outlet of the water-gas-shift reactor and an outlet of the preferential oxidation reactor. The preferential oxidation reactor contains a catalyst adapted to convert a portion of the carbon monoxide from the water-gas-shift reactor to carbon dioxide.Preferred Properties: The water adsorbent has a heat of adsorption of at least10 (preferably at least20) kcal/mole H2O. The mass ratio of water adsorbent to water-gas-shift reactor catalyst is 0.02-0.2. The zeolite water adsorbent has a molar ratio of silicon to aluminum of less than 5.Preferred Method: The adsorbent is upstream of the catalyst. The heat is carried into the catalyst by the effluent. The method further comprises positioning the water adsorbent; flowing the effluent through the adsorbent to adsorb the water on the adsorbent and release the heat of adsorption; heating the catalyst with the heat of adsorption; and introducing air or oxygen into the heated catalyst to light-off the catalyst and commence the water-gas-shift reaction.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The flow rate of the mixture is controlled by monitoring a reformer system temperature; reducing the flow rate of the gas mixture when the temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature; flowing the oxidant into the reformer system when the temperature is less than or equal to a second temperature; and reducing the flow rate of the oxidant when the temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature. A fuel to air equivalence ratio in the gas mixture is increased and the flow rate of the gas mixture is increased to a peak flow. Increasing a proportion of an oxidant in the gas mixture and controlling a flow rate of the gas mixture produces a peak operating temperature in the reformer system at a distance of less than 7, preferably at most 5 mm from the inlet of the reformer zone. The flow rate of the mixture is reduced to zero. The flow of the oxidant into the reformer system is repeated and reduced until at least 80% of the contaminants present with the reformer system are removed. The first temperature is at most 1000 degrees C. The peak operating temperature is 800-1000 degrees C. The reformer system is shut down when temperature remains at or below a third temperature.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The oxidant can be air, water and/or carbon dioxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compositions: The concentrates contain 0.05-5 wt.% of the azole derivative and have a maximum conductivity of 50 microS/cm when diluted with deionized water to give a ready-to-use composition comprising by wt. alkylene glycols or derivatives (10-90%); water (90-10%); azole derivative (0.005-5%); and optionally also ortho-silicic esters (2-2,000ppm Si).Preferred Compounds: The azole derivative is benzimidazole, benzotriazole or optionally hydrogenated tolutriazole and the alkylene glycol is monoethylene glycol. EXAMPLE - A coolant containing by volume monoethylene glycol (60%) and water (40%) had its electrical conductivity after 42 days in presence of Amberjet UP 6040 (RTM: ion-exchange resin) reduced from 36.2 to only 3.9 microS/cm on addition of benzotriazole (0.1 wt.%).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The units for removing the sulfur have a high space velocity and are formed as a monolith. Individual components of the device are formed by microstructure technology. The units for removing the sulfur have a regeneration unit (40).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: (I) is decomposed in a solid state to (III) and (II) is captured outside the reaction system.Preferred Properties: (III) has a purity of 80 wt.% or higher and the impurities are of formula (IV). The total amount of impurities is 10 wt.% or less.XCF2CF2OCF(CF3)CF2OCF(CF3)COF (III)XCF2CF2O(CF(CF3)CF2O)nCF(CF3)COF (IV)n = 0-2 EXAMPLE - 14.5g NaCO3 and 20 ml ethylene glycol dimethyl ether were charged into a reactor. 48.8g compound (III) wherein X = -CO2CH3 were added at 40degreesC for 2 hours. After drying at 100degreesC, K salt containing KF was obtained. The product was worked to obtain (II) having X = -CO2CH3 of purity 96 wt.%.    XCF2CF2OCF(CF3)CF2OCF(CF3)COF (III)    XCF2CF2OCF(CF3)CF2OCF=CF2 (II)
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The electrolyte film contains 5wt.% or more coordination water enabling the coordination of protons of sulfonic acid groups. The polymer is a fluorine containing ion conductive polymer wherein the ratio of contents of F in catalyst layers (X) to the contents in the film layer (Y) Y/X is 0.2-2.0. The electrolyte is the sulfonate of a copolymer containing repeat units of formula (I) or (II),A = electron attracting group;B = electron donating group;n = 0 or 1 and benzene rings or derivatives thereof are present; andY = -(DF3)2- or -SO2-.The copolymer contains 10-80 mol% (I) and 90-20 mol% (II). The sulfonate of the copolymer contains 0.5-3.0 mg/g. The sulfonate is dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone to form a film.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is Pt used at 0.01-0.8 mg/cm2 and having an average particle diameter of 10-100 nm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The electroconductive material is selected from the group containing silver, nickel, copper, platinum, iron, stainless steel and oxides of strontium, lanthanum and cobalt.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Applying the current is completed at 400-1000 degrees Celsius (preferably 550-800 degrees Celsius). A reformate is stored in fluid communication with the anode. It is introduced to the anode when the fuel cell has a temperature of 400-1000 degrees Celsius. Introducing the stored reformate occurs before a flow of main reformate from a reformer to the fuel cell or after the flow of main reformate from the reformer to the fuel cell stops. The anode is doped with a dopant which scavenges at least a portion of the oxygen present at the anode. Doping further comprises mixing the dopant with a material to form the anode or coating the anode with the dopant.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The reformate is stored with hydrides and/or carbon nano-tubes. The dopant is ceria, perovskites, zirconia, copper, platinum, rhodium, gadolinium, gold, or palladium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred material: The cathode active material is selected from LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNiO2 and LiCoxNi(1-x)O2 where x is a fractional number between 0-1. The anode active material is selected from graphite, carbon, mesocarbon microbeads. The cathode active material is mixed with conductive powders and glue for coating on the current collector.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred material: The glue is a polymeric epoxy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Matrix: The polymeric matrix is sulfonated and polymerized from polyaniline, and comprises a polymer selected from poly phenylene-vinylene, polypyrrole, poly thienylene-vinylene, polythiophene, polyacetylene and polytriphenylamine.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The active material comprises nanoscale crystals of basic lead sulfate complex or nanoscale crystals of lead sulfate. The battery grid plate is made from lead metal or lead alloy. The nanoscale particles of active material have an average diameter of 100 nm to 1 micron, preferably 5 nm to 100 nm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The micro-component system is in operative combination with a fuel cell that consumes hydrogen and exhausts hydrogen-containing off gas. The combustor burns the fuel cell off gas to provide heat energy source which is interconnected with a heat exchanger for transferring heat to the steam reformer. The steam reformer catalytically reforms the feed stock comprising hydrocarbon composition and water into hydrogen-enriched gas. A flow path is provided between the steam reformer and fuel cell for introducing hydrogen-enriched gas into the fuel cell. The laminar flow unit is a microchannel having a width:depth aspect ratio of 1:10 - 1:100. It includes a catalytically active surface in contact with the fluid flow.The micro-component system also includes a second heat exchanger for cooling the gas from the steam reformer, a water-gas shift reactor (42, 50), a preferential oxidation reactor (60), storage tank(s) for separately storing at least one fuel cell off gas, liquid hydrocarbon composition and water and an in-line Zeolite cracker.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The current collector is selected from a group of iron, steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, nickel, glass, plastics and ceramics.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Metal plate is made of either of stainless steel, iron, aluminum alloy, copper or copper alloy.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - The resin layer is made of either of polyester, nylon or polyolefin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred System: The housing (2) inlet zone (3) acts as a selective oxidation stage. The oxidation pre-stage (6) is a selective oxidation pre-stage receiving oxygen which is introduced within another medium prior to the droplet separator (4). The droplet separator (4) is a knitted mesh (7) either side of a flow guide-baffle (8) which diverts the flow through 90 degrees or more.The zeolite moisture adsorbent (5) is a bulk material sandwiched between two mesh panels and mixed or doped with metal. The metals are lithium, aluminum, copper and/or iron.The housing (2) inner face (11) is insulated with alumina. The housing (2) is formed by two plates forming part of the fuel cell plate reactor. The droplet separator (4), adsorber (5) and oxidation stage (6) are located in a space between plates.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: One side of the heat exchanger comprises a combustor for the generation of heat energy; and a catalyst. The combustor comprises a microchannel for directing laminar fluid flow in which a side segment of the channel is coated with the catalyst; a metal foam catalyst module interconnected with the heat exchanger; and a flame combustor. The hydrogen is combusted in the catalyst module. The heat energy from the combustion is introduced to the first side of the first heat exchanger. The hydrogen gas producing reactor is a steam reformer or an auto-thermal reformer. The heat exchangers (1, 2) include two separately enclosed units; or a pair of spaced wave formed plate separators. Each unit has a central volume separated by a wave formed plate. The volume on one side of the wave formed plate comprises heater channels. The opposite side of the wave formed plate comprises vaporizer channels. The wave formed plate separators are on the volume of the same enclosure. They define a central vaporizer section between facing sides of the wave formed plates, and separate first and second combustor/heater sections on the oppositely facing sides of the plates. A minor portion (3 mass%) of the vaporized hydrocarbons exiting the second side of the second heat exchanger is introduced into the first side of the second heat exchanger, to provide an energy source for the vaporizer on the opposite side of the heat exchanger. It is mixed with fuel cell off-gas.Preferred Property: The micro channels formed in the separator have a width to depth aspect ratio of less than 1:100 (preferably 1:10).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst comprises platinum and/or palladium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The molar ratio of Si-H in organohydrogen polysiloxane to total silicon atom-bonded alkenyl group in organopolysiloxane and resinous copolymer is 0.8:1-5:1. The organopolysiloxane has an average degree of polymerization of 100-2000 and at least 90% of total organic groups attached to silicon atoms are methyl. EXAMPLE - Dimethylpolysiloxane (in weight parts) (68) blocked with dimethyl vinylsiloxy group at each end and having an average degree of polymerization of 500, was mixed with resinous copolymer (50) containing (CH3)3SiO1/2, (CH2=CH)(CH3)2SiO1/2, SiO2 and (CH3)2SiO (20 wt.%) units (with molar ratio of sum of (CH3)3SiO1/2 and (CH2=CH)(CH3)2SiO1/2 units to SiO2 unit of 1.0, and vinyl content of 0.0002 mol/g), Aerosil 300 (RTM; fumed silica) (22) having specific surface area of 300 m2/g, hexamethyl disilazane (3) and water (2.0), at room temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was heated at 150 degrees C, agitated at that temperature for 3 hours and then cooled, to yield a silicone rubber base.    The silicone rubber base (140) was mixed with dimethylpolysiloxane (50) blocked with dimethylvinylsiloxy group at each end and having an average degree of polymerization of 220. Agitation was continued for 30 minutes, after which methylhydrogen polysiloxane (6.6) (having Si-H groups at both ends and on side chains with degree of polymerization of 17 and Si-H content of 0.0060 mol/g) and ethynyl cyclohexanol (0.05) were added. Subsequent agitation for 15 minutes yielded a silicone rubber composition.    The silicone rubber composition was mixed with platinum catalyst (0.1) and cured. The cured sample had hardness of 58, compression set according to JIS K6249 of 10.5% in air and 25.8% in 0.01N sulfuric acid. The sample was immersed in 10% sulfuric acid solution at 100 degrees C for 500 hours. There was no change in appearance of the sample. The weight change of the sample was -1.9%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst accommodated in the longitudinal cavities, is powder, granule, pellet or extrudate selected from the group of mono-, bi-, poly-metallic alloys and oxides of IIIB including rare earth metals and noble metals, transition metal groups, alkali metal groups IA-IVA and IVB-VIIB, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, Te, Bi and Se.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The catalysts in the CO removal system comprises Pt, Rh, Au, Cu/ZnO, Cu/CuO, ABO3 (perovskite), zeolite and Pd.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The thickness of layer (B) is 5-20 micro m and that of layer (A) is 0.1-20 micro m. Further, a hydrogen barrier layer comprising fullerene derivative and polyvinyl alcohol mixture is provided on at least one surface of proton conductor film. The thickness of hydrogen barrier layer is 0.1-10 micro m. A proton dissociation property group or electron withdrawing group is introduced into the fullerene molecule. The proton dissociation property group is -XH or -OH or -YOH, where X and Y are arbitrary atoms or atom having bivalent bond, preferably -OH, -OSO3H, -COOH, -SO3H or -OPO(OH)2. The electron withdrawing group is nitro, carbonyl, carboxyl, nitrile, alkyl halide or halogen. EXAMPLE - A dispersion liquid comprising hydrogen sulfate esterified fullerenol was coated on a carbon electrode and the solvent was volatilized to form a layer (A) of thickness 2.5 micro m. A liquid comprising hydrogen sulfate esterified fullerenol and polyvinyl alcohol was coated on the formed layer (A) to form a layer (B) of thickness 2.5 micro m. A platinum particle was dispersed on the surface of the carbon electrode to form a fuel cell. The obtained fuel cell had excellent output.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: M' is selected from group Va elements, antimony, phosphorus or arsenic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Membrane: A separation membrane is a hydrogen selectively permeable membrane, and is made of polyethylene, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Acid: The acid added to the electrolyte, is chosen from sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and/or acetic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Arrangement: At least a portion of outer surfaces of the multi-element stack is in intimate contact with the inner surface of the container and/or gap between the outer surface of the stack and the inner surface of the container is sealed. The electrolyte, cathode and anode layers are porous and the mixed gas passes from the gas inlet to outlet through the pores in the layers. Alternately, the cathode and the anode layers are porous, and the electrolyte layer is solid having holes (24,24') and the mixed gas passes from inlet to outlet through the pores in anode and cathode layers and hole in the electrolyte layer. The cathode layers have shaped passages (22,22') and the anode layers have shaped passages (26,26'). The passages have a size larger than the diameter of the pores in the cathode and anode layer. The porous layers have a porosity of at least 20%, preferably 30-70%.Preferred Materials: The electrolyte layer is formed of a zirconia which is partially stabilized by an element of group III of periodic table, or a cerium oxide which is doped with lanthanide. The cathode layer is formed of a manganite, gallate or cobaltite compound of lanthanum to which an element of group III of the periodic table is added. The anode layer is formed of the component supporting nickel cermet or platinum to which the electrolyte which forms the electrolyte layer is added. The oxygen-containing gas is oxygen or air. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The mixed gas is hydrogen, methane, ethane, propane and/or butane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: Water added to the reformed gas sets the desired oxygen/carbon ratio for the shift converter. The water feed unit has a controller for controlling the feeding of water to the conduit unit(s). The controller senses the temperature of the reformed gas and the gas stream, and feeds water to the conduit unit(s) in response to the sensed temperature. The fuel cell system also has a unit for collecting water from the fuel cell and recycling at least a portion of the collected water as water source. The fuel cell system is provided with selective oxidizer(s) (24, 26) between the shift converter and the fuel cell. The controller has at least one solenoid valve (46) which opens and closes in response to the sensed temperature. The water feed unit has a water atomizer. Water is fed to both the conduit units.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The conduit unit(s) have a packing of high surface area material chosen from ceramic pellets, steel wool, reticulated ceramic foam, metal foam and honeycomb monoliths.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The aromatic compound is selected from the group containing benzene, phenol, aniline, phenyl acetylene and pyrrole.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred polymer : The impurities contained in the tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) comprise 1 ppm or less of unsaturated and/or 50 ppm or less ( preferably 30 ppm or less, best 10 ppm or less ) of saturated compounds. The TFE most preferably contains impurities comprising 1 ppm or less of unsaturated compounds and 0.8 ppm or less of unsaturated compounds. The saturated compound is represented by general formula, CnHmFjClk, which is at least one compound selected from CH2F2, CHF3, C2H3F3, CF2Cl2 and CHF2Cl.. The unsaturated compound has double and/or triple bonds, and is CF2=CFH, CF2=CFCl, CF2=CH2, CF2=CHCl, CF2-CCl2, CFH=CH2, CFH=CHCl, CFH=CCl2, CFCl=CH2, CFCl=CHCl or CFCl=CCl2. In most cases the impurities comprise CH2F2 and CF2=CFH. EXAMPLE - TFE containing 7.8 ppm of CH2CHF and 0.6 ppm of CF2=CFH was polymerized in the presence of perfluorooctanate ammonium, water, paraffin wax and disuccinic acid peroxide. The obtained PTFE powder had excellent stretchability.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS - The tether includes seven conductors conforming to SAE standard J560 for ground, turn indicators, brakes, marker lights and auxiliary power.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The metal component which forms lithium and alloy is selected from Sn, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ir, Ag, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, In, Ti, Si, Pb, Sb, Bi or Te.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The vessel is a pressure swing adsorber (3).The pressure swing adsorber comprises multiple staged fixed beds.The vessel comprises a layer of desiccant material in the upstream of CO adsorbent.The apparatus further comprises a second reactor which is a water gas shift reactor (2) disposed between the first reaction and the vessel.The water gas shift reactor includes a second adsorbent adapted to adsorb CO.The water gas shift reactor is a high temperature water gas shift reactor.The second adsorbent is adapted to desorb CO at high temperatures.The system further comprises an expander downstream of the vessel. It further comprises a fuel cell stack (4) having an anode exhaust (22).The fuel cell stack is disposed between the vessel and the expander.The expander expands the anode exhaust.The expanded anode exhaust provides the purge gas to be feed back into the vessel.A preferential oxidizer (PROX) is eliminated from the hydrogen fuel cell system.The vessel is pressurized before the passing of the hydrogen-rich gas stream through the vessel. It is depressurized after the passing of the hydrogen-rich gas stream through the vessel.It is purged with a gas having a low CO concentration.The hydrogen-rich gas stream is not passed through PROX.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The adsorbent can be 5A zeolite and/or 13X zeolite. It can also be oxides or salts of copper impregnated or exchanged on activated carbon, alumina, and zeolites; oxides or salts of silver impregnated or exchanged on activated carbon, alumina, and zeolites and/or oxides or salts of tin impregnated or exchanged on activated carbon, alumina, and zeolites.Upstream of the carbon monoxide adsorbent, the vessel comprises a layer of a desiccant material.Preferred Material: The desiccant material can be zeolite molecular sieves, activated alumina and/or silica gels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The solvent is vaporized to form vapor containing dissolved carbon monoxide and is employed to form gas from a reformer. It is restrained in a vehicle. The gas containing hydrogen is scrubbed with a solution for separating carbon dioxide from the gas and separated from the solution containing the scrubbed carbon dioxide to produce a gas containing hydrogen devoid of carbon dioxide. It is concentrated by an adsorbent from activated charcoal and/or structured carbon. The produced gas containing hydrogen devoid of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide contains solvent vapor that is adsorbed in an adsorbent. The adsorbed solvent is vaporized from the adsorbent. The catalyst is heated by electrical elements supplied by electrical energy from a fuel cell. The solvent vapor and water vapor are subject to temperature control to sustain hydrogen production.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The solvent is methanol and/or ethanol, containing dissolved carbon monoxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The solution for separating carbon dioxide is aqueous bases and/or aqueous salts. The adsorbent is silica gel and/or alumina. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: One of the hydrogen formation units is a fuel reformation unit which produces hydrogen from gasoline, alcohol fuel and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The reformation unit is a microorganism-type fuel reformation unit which forms hydrogen from a fuel, using microorganisms. An optical water-splitting unit containing a photocatalyst decomposes water by solar irradiation of light. An electric water-splitting unit performs electrolysis of water to form hydrogen. The hydrogen supply stand has a wind-power unit (8) to supply the electric power for the electric water-splitting unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The setup time of the reformer is variably set after the temperature of the modifier reaches a preset value. The temperature of the modifier is estimated from the water temperature of a fuel-cell system and elapsed time after starting the reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The complex metal hydride is selected from LiBH4, LiAlH4, NaBH4 and NaAlH4.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: When the temperature of the hydrogen occlusion alloy is greater than a predetermined temperature, the hydrogen filling unit lowers the filling pressure of hydrogen. The hydrogen filling unit controls the filling pressure of hydrogen filled to the hydrogen occlusion tank, based on the signal from the degradation unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The non aqueous-electrolyte secondary battery contains an electrolyte and the melamine and/or melamine derivative is added to the electrolyte. The electrolyte contains a mixed solvent of ethylene carbonate and a low-viscosity solvent. The positive electrode active material of the battery is spinel type lithium manganate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The borohydride compound is alternately produced by converting the bicarbonate (YHCO3) to its carbonate (Y2CO3), carbon dioxide and water, reacting the boric oxide (B2O3) with elemental carbon and halogen containing compound to obtain boron halide (BX3) and carbon monoxide, reacting BX3 with hydrogen to obtain diborane hydrogen halide and reacting the carbonate (Y2CO3) with diborane to obtain borohydride (YBH4), (YBO2) and carbon dioxide.The boron halide (BX3) is hydrogenated with an aldehyde selected from formaldehyde, benzaldehyde and/or acetaldehyde, or reacted with silicon hydride to obtain diborane and silicon halide (SiX4).The metaborate (YBO2), carbon dioxide and water are recycled for further use. Preferred Definitions:    Y = alkali metals, preferably sodium, lithium and potassium, pseudo-alkali metals, ammonium ion and/or quaternary amine (NR4+);    R = hydrogen and/or 1-4C alkyl.    EXAMPLE - Sodium borate was reacted with carbon dioxide and water to produce sodium bicarbonate and boric oxide. The sodium bicarbonate was converted into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water. The produced boric oxide was reacted with carbon and hydrogen bromide to produce boron tribromide and carbon monoxide. The boron tribromide was reacted with hydrogen to produce diborane and hydrogen bromide. The produced sodium carbonate was reacted with the formed diborane to obtain sodium borohydride and sodium metaborate (NaBO2). The sodium borohydride was reacted with water to produce hydrogen gas. The actual cost of producing borohydrate was ascertained by adding 6697 BTU from the above process, 1004 BTU (resulting from 15% plant inefficiency), and 8935 BTU (energy equivalent of carbon). Thus the overall energy needed for the above process required 16636 BTU, and the overall efficiency of the process was 65 %.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The electrolyte comprises a carbonate solvent selected from ethylene carbonate and/or dimethyl carbonate, and phosphorus containing non-aqueous solvents. The non-halogenated cyclophosphazene is hexamethoxycyclotriphosphazene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The combustion catalyst layer contains alumina, alumina sol, and platinum. The platinum is present in an amount of 0.5-5 weight% (wt.%) in the combustion catalyst layer such that the combustion catalyst layer has higher concentration of platinum in the upstream side (13) than the downstream side (15) along flow direction of combustion fuel. The combustion catalyst layer present in vicinity of inlet of combustion portion, contains 0.5-2 wt.% of platinum and the combustion catalyst layer present in the vicinity of the outlet of the combustion portion, contains 3-5 wt.% of platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The methane concentration in the fuel cell supply stream is controlled, by varying the temperature and/or pressure at which the methanator is operated; amount of steam supplied to the methanator; or amount of fuel supply stream which is processed using the methanator. A fuel is processed upstream of the methanator to produce the fuel supply stream. The fuel is processed using an autothermal reformer (3), a catalytic partial oxidation reactor, or partial oxidation reactor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The fuel (1) is petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, LNG (sic), an alcohol, or natural gas. It is bioethanol, biodiesel, rapeseed oil, rapeseed methyl ester, canola oil, canola methyl ester, corn oil, hemp oil, switch grass oil, fatty acid methyl esters, linseed oil, linseed methyl ester, sunflower oil, sunflower oil methyl ester, soy bean oil, palmitic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, or lanoleic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Culture: Preferred photosynthetic microorganisms are prochlorophytes, cyanobacteria, green sulfur bacteria, purple bacteria, chloroflexus-type forms, heliobacterium and heliobacillus-type forms and mixtures of 2 or more of these.Preferred luminescent bacteria are Photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi, Pseudomonas lucifera, Beneckea or mixtures of not less than 2 of these.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Composition: The composition contains 0.001-0.1, preferably 0.01-0.05 wt.% hops. It may also contain enzymes, trace elements, polysaccharides, algin derivatives, flocculants, biopolymers and/or other microorganisms.Preferred Process: The composition is added to clarified sludge or compost material. It preferably is added to clarified sludge on pressing, then dried thermally; or added to the expressed liquor after pressing the compost material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The porous structure and/or the catalytically active substance is deposited in the form of nano-granular particles having a diameter of 1-100 mum. The catalytically active substance is a transition metal or a transition metal compound. The support structure is produced from metal compounds, e.g. metal oxides or metal hydrides. The substrate is a monolith or grid, wire braid, steel wool, powder, activated charcoal, carbon nanotubes or balls having a diameter of 100 nm to 1 cm, especially a metallic or ceramic substrate, e.g. aluminum oxide or cordierite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: Each membrane electrode assembly and each plate further comprises coolant manifold opening. Each membrane electrode assembly is in contact with a fuel flow field and oxidant flow field. Each manifold opening has a cross section which is the same as the area defined by the channel surrounding the manifold opening and the periphery of the plate. Sealant channel(s) is interposed between each membrane electrode assembly an each plate or between adjacent plates. Each flow field comprises interconnected grooves extending through a portion of the plate through which material can flow. Each membrane electrode comprises ion conductive layer interposed between two gas diffusion layers which comprise a catalyst. Each membrane electrode assembly comprises a composite membrane electrode assembly having an ion conductive layer interposed between gas diffusion layers and gasket surrounding the periphery of the laminate. The sealant or resin may be introduced into the cassette through sealant holes or sealant channel opening at the periphery of the plates. It may also be introduced by pressure assisted resin transfer or by vacuum assisted resin transfer under a positive pressure of 0-50 psi or partial pressure of 750 torr - 1 mTorr.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The resin and end plates comprise thermoset or thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material consists of thermoplastic olefin elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, plastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, PTFE, fluorinated polypropylene or polystyrene. The thermoset material consists of epoxy resins, urethanes, silicones, fluorosilicones, or vinyl esters. The end plate(s) comprises filled polymer composite consisting of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic or graphite reinforced thermoplastic.Preferred Parameters: The resin has a viscosity of 10000-150000 (preferably 10000-55000) cP.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Cells: The Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell comprises the ACR3 gene that is disrupted by insertional inactivation, or by homologous recombination of the ACR3 gene with a heterologous DNA sequence. The Ycflp overexpression is inducible. The heavy metal is selected from As(V), As(III), cadmium (Cd(II)), Sb(V), Sb(III), Hg(II), and Pb(II). The transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell further comprises an isolated DNA sequence comprising a promoter operably linked to a second nucleic acid molecule comprising an ACR2 gene. The Acr2p is overexpressed from the ACR gene in the transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell as compared to a wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell such that the reduction of As(V) to As(III) in the transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell is not a rate limiting step in the detoxification of arsenic in the transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell. The Acr3p activity is As(III) extrusion. The transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell further comprises an isolated DNA sequence comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule encoding an aquaglyceroporin, where the transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell overexpresses the aquaglyceroporin, where the transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell overexpresses the aquaglyceroporin as compared to a wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell, such that the overexpression of the aquaglyceroporin causes the transgenic yeast cell to have enhanced metalloid uptake from the aqueous medium. The aquaglyceroporin Fps1p, AQP7, or AQP9.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The bacterial cell in any of the methods cited above is contained within wastewater sludge, and/or is contained within1 an environmental sample selected from groundwater and soil. WIDER DISCLOSURE - Also disclosed are polypeptides, vectors, host cells, primers, probes and a variety of isolated strains used in the present invention.    EXAMPLE - The isolation of several strains of bacteria from a wastewater bioreactor was investigated using several types of standard microbiological agar media. The 16S rDNA sequences of the bacterial strains were no more than 95% identical to the 16S rDNA sequences amplified and sequenced by standard PCR. 16S rRNA sequences that have less than 97% identity were most likely derived from different bacterial species. Since the 16S rDNA sequences derived from EMB14A and NBYE13 have less than 96% identity with the most similar 16S sequences already present in the GenBank, the 16S rDNA sequences from EMB14A and NBYE13 are significantly different from any other 16S rDNA or rRNA sequence previously known to art.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The aqueous metal hydride comprises sodium borohydride. The catalyst is a ruthenium catalyst.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The reactor further comprises a hydrophobic membrane (46) lining an interior surface of the reactor. The hydrophobic membrane comprising Goretex or Celgard is permeable to hydrogen gas produced in the reactor. A first hydrophilic membrane comprising a filter screen (42, 44) is at the outlet of the reactor. It prevents the passage of hydrogen gas. A second hydrophilic membrane at the inlet of the reactor prevents the passage of hydrogen gas. A hydrogen gas collection chamber (48) is disposed about the reactor for receiving hydrogen gas passing through the hydrophobic membrane. The hydrogen gas collection chamber provides hydrogen to a fuel cell. The catalyst is disposed in a distribution structure for maintaining spacing of catalyst particles. The distribution structure comprises a catalyst-plated high surface area screen, mesh strips or fibrous material. It may also comprise a multi-cell screen for limiting movement of the catalyst particles. The electrolyte comprises a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The hydrogen reactor temperature does not exceed the boiling point of the aqueous metal hydride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The filter screen is stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The ceramic structure is a monolithic three-dimensional multi-layer ceramic structure comprising thin ceramic layers (14) that provide for a closed heating zone when co-fired.A co-fired porous ceramic support layer may be formed within the ceramic cavity.The porous ceramic support layer has a real surface area greater than the geometric surface area of the ceramic cavity.The catalyst material is formed on the surfaces of the porous ceramic material prior to firing. It is entrapped within voids formed in the porous ceramic material prior to firing.The ceramic structures formed within the ceramic cavity define channels.The porous ceramic support layer is formed on a surface of the channels.A temperature sensor (32) provides feedback control of a feed rate of the input fuel and air.The fuel reformer further includes a fuel vaporization zone.The chemical reactor further includes an air inlet (30) for providing oxygen for the oxidation of the fuel and a fuel inlet (28) to provide fuel to the chemical reactor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Materials: The porous ceramic material is a high surface area support formed of alumina (Al2O3) or zirconia (ZrO2).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The catalyst material is a hydrated metal salt, an active metal, an active metal oxide, an active metal oxychloride, an active metal oxynitride, or a combination of active metal and active metal oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The chemical reactor is chemical combustion heater or steam reformer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Material: The porous ceramic support layer is formed of a porous ceramic material which is a high surface area support, formed of alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, cerium dioxide, lanthanum oxide, or combination of at least two of these high surface area supports.Preferred Component: The ceramic structure is a monolithic three-dimensional multi-layer ceramic structure. It comprises ceramic layers (14) and porous ceramic support layer (18), assembled and co-fired to provide for a closed reaction zone.A porous ceramic felt is positioned within the ceramic cavity and has entrapped catalyst material. It is defined by (non-)woven fibers.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The catalyst material (20) is made of a hydrated metal salt, an active metal, an active metal oxide, an active metal oxychloride, and/or an active metal oxynitride.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: The fuel reforming system further comprises a raw fuel flow rate adjusting mechanism which can adjust the raw fuel flow rate to the reformer, and a gas flow rate adjusting mechanism which can adjust the oxygen-gas containing flow rate to the reformer.The reformer comprises a raw fuel inlet for supplying the raw fuel, a gas inlet for supplying the oxygen-containing gas used in the partial oxidation reaction, a catalyst which produces the hydrogen-containing reformate gas by performing the reforming reaction and the partial oxidation reaction using the oxygen-containing gas and raw fuel, a gas outlet which discharges the produced reformate gas, and a middle gas inlet for supplying the oxygen-containing gas between the gas inlet and the gas outlet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method further includes flowing portion of vent stream from anode and vent stream from cathode to the reformer reactor operating in the regeneration step to produce vent gas, and feeding the vent gas to the HRSG. The anode and cathode vent streams are passed through the condenser before being received by the reformer reactor in the regeneration step. A remainder of the anode vent stream is fed to an auxiliary burner associated with the HRSG to produce additional heat to generate steam. The reformate stream feeding into the shift reactor is mixed with steam from the HRSG, and liquid water from an external source to increase the steam content and to reduce the temperature of the reformate stream. Preferred Components: The reformate stream comprises a mixture of hydrogen, CO, steam and hydrocarbons.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The integrated heat exchanger enables transfer of heat from a product gas output by respective reformer reactors to a feed gas to the respective reformer reactor. It reduces the temperature of the product gas from 700-1000degreesC to 200-700degreesC, thus recovering heat from the product gas. The shift reactor reduces the concentration of CO in the reformate stream to less than 2%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The fuel comprises natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel, naphtha, or other hydrocarbon based fuels and landfill gas, biogas or other bio-fuels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Producing an acidic water vapor comprises:(1) obtaining aqueous water;(2) passing the aqueous water through a reverse osmosis filter one or more times;(3) recovering acidic water from the reverse osmosis filter; and(4) heating the acidic water to produce an acidic water vapor.Recovering the dissociated hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gases comprises locating a cathode at a first position within the interior region of the photolysis bottle to recover the positively charged H2 gas and locating an anode at a second position within the interior region of the photolysis bottle to recover the negatively charged O2 gas.Alternatively, recovering the dissociated H2 and O2 gases comprises:(1) locating a cathode at a first position outside the interior region of the photolysis bottle;(2) electrically coupling the voltage potential of the cathode to the dissociated H2 and O2 gases contained within interior region of the photolysis bottle to recover the positively charged H2 gas;(3) locating an anode at a second position outside of the interior region of the photolysis bottle; and(4) electrically coupling the voltage potential of the anode to the dissociated H2 and O2 gases contained within interior region of the photolysis bottle to recover the negatively charged O2 gas.The wavelength of the light signal is shorter than or longer than 246 nm. Illuminating the acidic water vapor with a light signal comprises injecting the light signal into a photolysis bottle containing the acidic water vapor. The dissociated H2 and O2 gases are radiated with a radio frequency (RF) signal of 5-96 (preferably 48) GHz.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: The photolysis bottle comprises an undulated wall. The undulated wall has a coating that is reflective to the wavelength of injected light.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heaters comprise at least two heaters, preferably electrical heaters, surface burners, flameless distributed combustors, or natural distributed combustors.Preferred Method: Controlling formation conditions involves maintaining a temperature within the selected section within a pyrolysis temperature range. Pressure and temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation are controlled. Pressure is controlled as a function of temperature or the temperature is controlled as a function of pressure. Providing heat from the heaters to at least the portion of formation comprises heating a selected volume (V) of the hydrocarbon-containing formation from the heaters, wherein the formation has an average heat capacity (Cv) and where the heating pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected volume of the formation. Heating energy/day (Pwr) provided to the selected volume is equal to or less than h.V.Cv.rhob, where rhob is formation bulk density and an average heating rate (h) of the selected volume is 10degreesC/day. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to the selected section by conduction. The selected section is heated such that a thermal conductivity of at least a portion of the selected section is greater than 0.5 W/(mdegreesC). The pressure is maintained within the formation above 2.0 bars absolute to inhibit production of fluids having carbon numbers above 25.Preferred Condition: The pyrolysis temperature is 270degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Property: The particles have an average particle size of 2-100, preferably 2-20, nm. The sensing film has a thickness of at most 1, preferably at most 0.7, microns.Preferred Components: The particle is tin or tin oxide and the sensing film is tin oxide.Preferred Condition: The firing is performed at 300-600 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The dispersant is a compound having a group containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, capable of coordinative bonding by a lone electron pair of the atom. It is preferably an amine compound having terminal amino group, especially an alkylamine. The scavenger is a compound which, when heated, achieves reactivity with the group containing a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom. It may be an organic acid, an organic acid anhydride or their derivative.Preferred Composition: The scavenger is present in the paste body at 1-2 times the stoichiometric amount for the reaction with the dispersant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The chutes are capable of automated and manual tasks including hazardous waste detection and surveillance, packing and balancing, preheating and drying the waste, or any number of chutes depending on the desired scale and daily tonnage of customized waste facility may be employed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The two reformate streams are supplied to the first and second hydrogen separators, respectively or to the same hydrogen separator.The primary and secondary fuel processing reactors are steam reformers, partial oxidation reformers, catalytic partial oxidation reformers, autothermal reformers, or plasma reformers.The primary and secondary processing reactors can also be shift reactors.The feed stream comprises synthesis gas, or a reformate stream from a high-temperature reformer.The first and second hydrogen separators comprise membranes.The membranes are palladium (alloy), platinum (alloy), titanium alloy, ceramic, zeolite molecular sieve, carbon molecular sieve, and/or inorganic poly-acid.The membranes preferably comprise palladium (alloy).The membranes are supported.The feed stream is gasoline, diesel, natural gas, ethane, butane, light distillates, dimethyl ether, methanol, ethanol, propane, naphtha, and/or kerosene.The fuel is preferably methanol.The method also comprises supplying water vapor or oxidant to the primary and secondary fuel processing reactors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The methanol is a mixture of methanol and water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Film: The thin layer is a palladium thin film.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Components: Two or more layers of compost are formed over the soil. The compost layer is formed by growing crops in the soil. The pruned-branch leaf of the crops is mainly used as plant waste material. The fermentation promoter is the mixture containing rice bran, bean curd lees, activated microbe and water. 1/5-1/20 times of bean curd lees is added with respect to rice bran.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The protein composition is obtained by adsorbing protein to CMC composition in powder form and/or grain shape. Protein is adjusted for every constant quantity. The CMC composition is fixed to a film and/or a column, and protein solution is poured to the fixed CMC composition. The isolated protein is further purified. After adsorbing protein to CMC composition, it is preserved or conveyed in liquid. The CMC composition is added to culture solution of enzyme protein, protein is adsorbed to CMC, and the protein is preserved or conveyed with the liquid.Preferred Composition: The protein composition in the state of powder, grain shape, semi solid or solid contains:(a) protein and CMC composition; and(b) at least one type of 30C fatty acid ester.The (a) and (b) components do not contact substantially.Preferred Ratio: The ratio of protein to CMC composition is 1:0.1-50.Preferred Components: The protein is enzyme protein, bioactive protein and/or lipid related enzyme. The CMC composition contains bentonite, montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, kaolinite and/or its denatured or baked product. The composition further contains water-soluble high molecular compound, bivalent metal ion, antioxidant and/or protein.Preferred Properties: The CMC composition has particle diameter of 0.01-100 microm. The liquid protein composition has pH 1-12 at the time of preservation of conveyance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The hydrogen occlusion material has hydrogen termination structure and occludes 0.5 weight% or more of hydrogen at room temperature under hydrogen pressure of 10 MPa. The material has powder and/or flake shape, and contains 3-60 atomic% of combined water ingredient. The abundance ratio of sp2 carbon and sp3 carbon of the hydrogen occlusion material is 0-1. Preferred Method: The hydrogen occlusion material is obtained by plasma-chemical vapor deposition method or thermal decomposition polymerization method.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The acriflavine process, which is a antibiotic process, is carried out by microorganism such as Klebsiella bacteria which have antibiotic resistance and are able to decompose metal-cyano complexes. The microorganism carries out the antibiotic process with the help of an added nutrient.Preferred Article: The process-target article is soil or underground water, both are processed in original position.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The carbohydrate is starch. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - Bacillus is Bacillus stearothermophilus NO.10 strain (FERM P-18737).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The ecological-environment improving material is obtained by adding organic materials such as residue of shrimp and/or crab and porous substance. A liquid ecological-environmental improving material is obtained by adding the ecological-environment improving material with water and cultivating at 5-70degreesC under aerobic conditions. The material is obtained by extracting followed by purifying/amplifying the extracted components. Preferred Material: The ecological environmental improving material comprises a gene or an amplifier for amplifying the gene.Preferred Properties: The thermophilus spawn PTA-1773 has resolvability/decomposability of shrimp crab residue. The spawn has ability to produce heat-resistant enzyme and molecular chaperone under aerobic conditions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The functional group (A) is a nitrogen-containing group or has a cyclic structure, preferably a 5-7 membered ring containing nitrogen and/or oxygen. The water-soluble functional group (B) is polyalkylene glycol, an acidic group or its salt. EXAMPLE - Tetrahydrofuran (in g) (11.4) was diluted in an aqueous solution containing isopropenyl oxazoline and methoxy polyethylene-glycol methacrylate, tetrahydrofuran was hydrated and a hydrate having concentration of 60 wt.% was obtained. The hydrate was soaked in water at 20 degreesC and stirred at 200 rpm. After 1 hour from generation of hydrate, stirring was stopped and contents were transferred to a graduated cylinder. The obtained hydrate had excellent fluidity and tetrahydrofuran conversion ratio of 82.5%.
EXAMPLE - Methyl methacrylate type resin containing ultraviolet-absorber with a thickness of 25 microm, was laminated as weather-resistant resin layer on one surface of the polycarbonate board with a thickness of 2 microm, by wet coating method. Ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene group copolymer having a thickness of 40 microm (formed by sputtering method) with a hydrophilic thin layer (4) of silica with a thickness of 5 nm, was laminated on other surface of the polycarbonate board as an ammonia-proof property resin layer using an urethane group adhesive agent, and a board material was obtained. The board material had favorable ammonia-proof property and drip flowability.
EXAMPLE - Nitrified gas (02) from methane fermentation tank (01) was introduced into the photosynthesis tank (03) containing photosynthetic bacteria. Carbon dioxide in the nitrified gas was used as organic substance for the proliferation of bacteria, and hydrogen sulfide in the nitrified gas was used as nutrient for photosynthetic bacteria. The purified gas (04) emitted from the photosynthesis tank contains low concentration of carbon dioxide. The cleaned liquid (05) containing high concentrated photosynthetic bacteria was returned to the storage tank (06), subsequently into the methane fermentation tank and degrades into methane gas and carbon dioxide. The conversion rate of organic substance to methane gas was improved 1.4 times than a method which used alkali liquid instead of photosynthetic bacteria.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Carrier: A polyethylene imine coating layer is provided at a distance not exceeding 0.5 mm from the surface of the carrier. EXAMPLE - A cube of cellulose with sides of 5 mm was mixed in a mole-equivalent amounts of ethylene-glycol glycidyl ether and heated at 60 degreesC in alkali conditions of 0.01 M sodium hydrogen carbonate for 1 hour. The pressure was maintained at 70-75 Torr. Reduced pressure conditions and normal pressure condition were provided 2-3 times alternatively. The cross-linking reaction was fully advanced to the interior of the cellulose cube, by defoaming the interior of the cellulose cube. The residual alkali was removed by neutralizing the alkali with hydrochloric acid and the cellulose material was washed with pure water and dried under reduced pressure at 60 degreesC. Polyethylene imine aqueous solution was added and dried rapidly at 80 degreesC under reduced pressure rapidly and after an appropriate time was dried under normal pressure so that epoxidation was carried out.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred fuel The calorific value of the fuel obtained from waste is approximately 5000 kcal/kg.
EXAMPLE - A particularly effective composition comprises (wt.%): demineralized water (46.5), bronopol (1.2), triethanolamine (22), butylene glycol (7.5), ethanol (7.7) and Reodal (RTM) essential oils (15.1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Stirring treatments for breaking the constitution of the starting material to cause a cracking phenomenon require a stirring rotational speed of at least10000 rpm. The vegetable oil is a filtrate obtained by compressing waste vegetables. The step for filtering out the solid components comprises a step for introducing and using a filtering medium including activated clay, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, activated carbon, and/or bone ash, at 20-25 kg to 1 kL of reaction liquid. The treatment step comprises introducing ozone in a form of ozone-containing air into the cracking reaction, at 500-30000 ppm. Preferred Component: The reducing agent includes ferric oxide compound and/or copper compound, and is used at 0.15 g for 1 kL of reaction liquid. The polymerization inhibitor includes a phosphorus compound and is used at 0.2-0.25 g for 1 kL of reaction liquid. The antifreezing agent includes castor oil and is introduced into the lower-boiling-point oil at 0.05-0.1 wt.%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The rotating propeller plate comprises a propeller having a peripheral portion formed with saw-toothed cutouts.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Compositions: The processed fuel contains 1, preferably 0.1 ppm by volume sulfur. It is more preferably free of sulfur. Preferred Materials: The processed fuel is consisting of bioethanol, bio-diesel, rape seed oil, rape seed methyl ester, canola oil, canola methyl ester, corn oil, hemp oil, switch grass oil, fatty acid methyl esters, linseed oil, linseed methyl ester, sunflower oil, sunflower oil methyl ester, soybean oil, palmitic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, and/or linoleic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The first calibrated holes are mutually aligned and put in correspondence with feeding openings obtained on a peripheral portion of each conductive bipolar plate and that the second calibrated holes are mutually aligned and put in correspondence with discharge openings obtained on that peripheral portion. The calibrated holes are placed at 1 mm from a sealing gasket (107) covering only one face of the peripheral portion. The sealing gasket provides a seat for the current collector and delimits the active area of the reaction cell. It is laid on the peripheral portion by injection molding or compression molding or mechanical anchoring or sticking. Cooling cells (102) are provided, each cooling cell being interposed between a pair of reaction cells. Each cooling cell comprises a rigid peripheral portion (102a) and a hollow central portion. The rigid peripheral portion is provided with feeding openings and discharge openings.Preferred Parameters: The first and second calibrated holes have a diameter of 0.1-5 mm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The sealing gasket is made of soft material comprising silicone or elastomers. The rigid peripheral portion is made of plastics or metal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Composition: A residual sludge in the mix liquor compartment comprises approximately 2 vol.% of the mix liquor compartment. The pump comprises centrifugal pump that is located inside the reservoir near a lower end of the reservoir adjacent to the apertures. The aeration device is a venturi aeration device. An air intake device is provided for supplying oxygen to the aeration device and comprises a hose that extends from an external port down into the reservoir and to the aeration device to provide air that has been drawn from an ambient atmosphere. approximately 30% of the oxygenated effluent is discharged into the trash tank, and a remainder of the oxygenated effluent is discharged into the mix liquor compartment. The effluent is blended with air, oxygen is separated from the other gases in the air, and the oxygen settles to a bottom of the tank, where oxygen, as high as 90% dissolved, inhibits the development of sludge at the bottom of the tank.Preferred Component: The separated sewage travels from the trash tank to the first settling compartment via an opening (430, 461) at a bottom of the first partition.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: Temperature sensor(s) is included for providing feedback control of a feed rate of the input fuel and air (24).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst is an active metal, an active metal oxide, a metal oxynitride, and/or a metal oxychloride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Component: A porous ceramic felt is within the ceramic cavity and has entrapped catalyst. It is defined by (non-)woven fibers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Method: The mixture is incubated in an oven.Preferred Concentration: The concentration of cereal malt in the acetate buffer is 10 gm.% (w/v). The concentration of the acetate buffer is 50 mM. The concentration of ethanol is 40-100%. Preferred Property: The pH of the acetate buffer is 5.0.Preferred Component: The cereal malts are rice malt, maize malt, wheat malt, or ragi malt.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Assembly: The assembly further comprises an electronically conducting cathode flow field and an electronically conducting anode flow field bonded to opposing sides of the assembly. It is bonded using an adhesive or solder. It further comprises a cathode cell frame disposed around a perimeter of the cathode flow field and an anode cell frame disposed around a perimeter of the anode flow field.Preferred Property: The fluid cooled bipolar plate is capable of supporting current densities of 0.8 Amps/cm2.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The two fluid impermeable plates, the flow field and the frame are made from stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, nickel-plated aluminum, nickel-plated magnesium, copper-plated aluminum, copper-plated magnesium and/or gold-plated titanium. The solder is made from tin, silver, zinc, bismuth, lead, indium or their alloys.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The frame is made from polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyether imide and/or polyimide. The fluid permeable flow field, the cathode flow field and the anode flow field are porous electrically conducting sheets made from conducting polymer foam. The assembly has a polymer-to-metal interface, polymer-to-polymer interface or metal-to-metal interface.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The electronically conducting plates and flow field are metals. The fluid permeable flow field, the cathode flow field and the anode flow field are porous electrically conducting sheets made from expanded metal mesh, woven metal mesh, metal foam, perforated metal sheet and/or a porous conductive carbon material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Materials: The auxiliary material further contains microorganisms, a pH regulator, minerals and wood vinegar and/or charcoal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Amount: The rice bran nutrient comprises 4-30% wt.% cultured bacteria. EXAMPLE - Cultured bacteria (100 g) maintained at 20-23 degrees C was mixed with rice bran (1 kg). Protein (100 g) and chlorophyll powder was added to the mixture. The mixture was allowed to ferment at 10-12 degrees C for 2 days and dried to obtain rice bran nutrient. The rice bran nutrient exhibited improvement in growth of flowers and fruits.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS - The bacteria is klebsiella-pneumoniae AN-1 stock specified under FERMP-17792.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Regulator: The moisture content regulator comprises dried refuse of seaweed adhering to sawdust, shellfish shell, volcanic ash, hay, straw and/or fallen leaves.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbe: The anaerobe is Bacillus subtilis, filamentous fungi and/or Actinomyces.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The raw materials from the reservoirs are mixed and filtered and the viscosity is decreased by using supercritical carbon dioxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The raw material comprises waste vegetable and animal oils and fats. The biofuel is methyl ester.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The diesel engine is an Otto engine or Wankel engine. A reactor, to which transesterification is carried out, is located in close relation to the engine or integrated in the engine. A high fractionating device (16) separates recycled alcohol from a distillation device (11). The raw materials and alcohols are transferred by respectively high pressure pumps (6) to a preheater (7). The distillation device separates esters (14), alcohol and glycerine (15) from the transesterification process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The treatment process of the hydrogen and oxygen gases according to separated circuits comprises separation of the gases from the electrolyte, cooling the gases, and separation of condensed steam from the gases.The purification of the hydrogen gas is accomplished by removing any residue of oxygen gas. The transfer of the hydrogen to cylinders is accomplished by using connection mechanism apt to avoid dispersions or leakages and mechanism for measuring the transferred quantity.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: In the separated treatment circuits of the hydrogen and oxygen gases, chambers (25, 26) for separating from the electrolyte the gases produced in the electrolysis process, heat exchangers (29) for cooling the gases, decondensation chambers (30, 31), devices (32) for balancing the pressure of the 2 circuits, condensed steam collectors (36, 37), and discharging devices (38) of the oxygen gas toward the outside.The apparatus comprises a buffer tank (43) positioned at the exit of the compressor (42), and mechanism for measuring the pressure and the quantity of gas flowing through the transfer mechanism.The purification mechanism comprises a chemical absorber of the oxygen gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The degradative disposal of the waste water can be effected in presence of activated sludge, especially using Burkholderia cepacia AIK (FERM-BP-7308). EXAMPLE - Treatment of synthetic waste water with Burkholderia cepacia AIK reduced the oil and fat content from 500 to only 3ppm (parts per million) after 24 hours, whereas in a control using Bacterium Super H (RTM) the decline after 24 hours was only to 264 ppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The plant material is wood, tea, coffee, or buckwheat. It has been extracted with hot water. EXAMPLE - In a test tube, green tea residue (0.5 g) was mixed with standard odor solution (10 microliters) and enzyme (Laccase solution, 100 muL). The test tube was sealed with plastic film and incubated at 25 degreesC for an hour. A sample (50 microliters) was taken from the test tube and analyzed using gas detection tube. Gas detector reading was 5 (ppm of methyl mercaptan). Deodorant efficiency was 96%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The maximum gap between the adjacent packing materials in the packed layer is equal to or smaller than the quenching diameter of the mixed fuel gas.Preferred Material: Powder or granular material, porous material, or tubules made of metal or ceramic, which is stable at the operating conditions of the fuel cell, is used as the packing material. The packing material is a porous material having an open porosity of at least 50%. It can also be tubules having an inner diameter of 100-200 microns.The electrolyte (10) layer is formed of zirconium oxide which is partially stabilized by an element of group III, or a ceramic oxide which is doped with lanthanide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The packing material is formed of titanium, chromium, tellurium, cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminum, molybdenum, rhodium, palladium, silver, tungsten, platinum, gold or their alloys. It can also be formed of ceramic comprising magnesium, aluminum, silicon and/or zirconium.
SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The phenylhydrazine is 4-nitrophenyl hydrazine, and salt of hydroxylamine is chlorinated hydroxyl ammonium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Ingredients: The culture medium further contains rice bran.Preferred Process: Water is added to the composition and the culture is performed at 35-45 degrees Centigrade, for 2-5 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbe: The microbe is Bacillus stearothermophilus No.13 (FERM P-18738)
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: (I) further comprises an attachment or detachment bag (25) in the degradation tank and an ozone gas pack in the double structure formed by covering degradation tank with a casing (10).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The pH-lowering agent contains sulfate, nitrate or hydrochloride, and a carrier. The pH raise inhibitor contains phosphoric acid buffer. The phosphoric acid buffer is a buffer of phosphoric acid dihydrogen salt.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Agent: A natural organic material such as waste material of coconut, and sewage-sludge compost, are also added for adjusting pH of the plant base.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Methods: The first treatment stage is separation stage involving the use of separation device for removing water preferably steam from aqueous water material to partially refine the waste material by forming at least two portions.Preferred Components: The refine portion is in a condition suitable with or without further treatment for use as an energy source. The useful or useable material is hydrophobic material, preferably oil, or oleo-material or oil-like material. The useful or useable material is preferably fat, oil, or grease material, or solid material. The more volatile component or unwanted component is water (vapor), or steam. The waste material contains fats, oils, and greases (up to 20, preferably up to 50%), suspended solids (up to 5, preferably 2%), and water (up to 80, preferably up to 50%). One portion is partially refined portion with useful components. The other portion contains water. The separation device is a cyclonic evaporator. The second treatment stage is a second separation stage using cyclonic evaporator. The partially refined portion from the first treatment stage is further refined into refined portion with the useful component by removing water from the partially refined portion. The waste material is at least partially dewatered prior to introduction into the first treatment stage. The waste material is obtained from manufacturing processes, e.g. food and beverage manufacturing processes, and food preparation processes including restaurant and fast food preparation establishments.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The controller raises, in stages, the temperature of the burnt gas produced by the burner according to the elapsed time from the beginning of the startup processing. It raises the temperature of the burnt gas produced by the burner to an operating temperature, first, of the CO oxidizer, and then of the reforming reactor. It raises the temperature of the burnt gas produced by the burner by decreasing the ratio of the air to the fuel supplied to the burner. The fuel reforming system further comprises an air amount adjuster (5, 13, 14), which adjusts an air amount supplied to the burner; and a fuel amount adjuster (11), which adjusts a fuel amount supplied to the burner, the controller further functioning to raise the temperature of the burnt gas produced by the burner by controlling the air amount adjuster to fix the air amount supplied to the burner, and controlling the fuel amount adjuster so that the fuel amount supplied to the burner increases. It further comprises a supply device, which controls supply of the burnt gas discharged by the CO oxidizer to the fuel cell, and the controller further controls the supply device so that burnt gas discharged by the CO oxidizer is supplied to the fuel cell. The CO oxidizer comprises a shift reactor, which decreases the CO concentration by a shift reaction, and a preferential oxidation reactor which decreases the CO concentration by a preferential oxidation reaction, and the controller further raises the temperature of the burnt gas produced by the burner so that the temperature of the burnt gas reaches operating temperatures of the preferential oxidation reactor, shift reactor and reforming reactor in a sequence starting from the lowest temperature of the three reactors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Method: Opening(s) (34) is formed through the two graphite layers and the sheet metal layer to function as a conduit through the fuel cell, and the two layers of expanded graphite are contiguous within the opening to avoid exposure of the sheet metal layer within the opening. Flow-directing features include walled structures separating channels (18), and the channels formed in one of the graphite layers are aligned with the walled structures of the other of the graphite layers so that the channels can be compressed toward the walled structures to reduce a thickness of the plate.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The sheet metal layer is made of corrosion-resistant electrically conductive metals from stainless steel, titanium or its alloy, or metal nitrides.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The fungi are Penicillium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Phoma, Mucor, Galactomyces, Aspergillus, Botrytis and/or Geomyces species. Fungal treatment is effected at 10-30 degreesC and pH 5.5-9 with slow stirring and aeration to give a dissolved oxygen level of 1-4 mg/l. The treatment time is 1-10 days. Treatment is either continuous, with injection of fungi at a rate of 0.01-10% by volume of sludge per day, or discontinuous, with injection of fungi at a rate of 0.01-15% by volume of sludge per day. The treated sludge is subjected to membrane filtration.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The equalization system comprises a collection tank. The fluid treatment system further comprises an aeration system and an ultrafilter subsystem.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The ozone is contacted with the organic composition at a concentration of at least 0.01, preferably at least 100 parts per million. The plant system comprises plants located in field, perennial plant, man-made wetland, ornamental tree farm, aquatic plant, woody ornamental, annual plants, tree for timber, hydroponics system, or greenhouse flat. The organic composition comprises animal waste.Preferred Methods: The ozone is contacted with the organic compound for 1 second to 20 minutes, preferably 1 second to 5 minutes. The organic composition is transported to the plant system using a close pipe system. The method can also comprise feeding the ozone treated organic composition to a solids separator (60) for removing solids from the composition, and feeding the ozonated composition to bio basin (70, 80) containing microorganisms prior to feeding the organic composition to the plant system. The bio basin utilizes certain components contained in the organic composition. The organic composition is made by combining water with the organic waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Composition: The austenitic stainless steel further contains niobium (0.05-0.5), titanium (0.05-0.5), molybdenum (0.1-4), copper (0.1-4), aluminum (0.01-2.5) and/or calcium (0.001-0.1). The portion contacting combustion gas is produced from ferritic stainless steel containing carbon (0.02 or less), silicon (2.5 or less), manganese (2 or less), phosphorus (0.04 or less), sulfur (0.02 or less), nickel (0.6 or less), chromium (15-25), nitrogen (0.02 or less), aluminum (2.5-4), yttrium and/or rare earth metals (0.001-0.1) and remaining iron. The ferritic stainless steel further contains niobium (0.05-0.5), titanium (0.05-0.5), molybdenum (0.1-4) and/or copper (0.1-4).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metal: R is chosen from yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium and/or lutetium.
SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - (I) is Rhodobacter gluconicum having accession number FERM P-18615.    EXAMPLE - 0.08% of nutrient broth, 10% of activated sludge centrifugation supernatant liquids, and 5 ml of culture medium which contained 5.5% of glucose were sterilized for 10 minutes at 110degreesC in a autoclave. Further sterilized 5% of CaCO3 was added and the culture medium for production of gluconic acid was made. AS-3 strain microbes grown on agar slope culture was taken and inoculated into the culture medium in a shaking incubator at 31.5degreesC for 45 hours. After cultivating, the gluconic acid accumulated in the culture solution was analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis result showed 102% high yield rate of gluconic acid from substrate glucose. Thus novel R.gluconium produced a high yield of gluconic acid from the substrate glucose.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Bioreactor: In (I), the air supplied to the bioreactor uses at least a part of air supplied to greenhouse. The exhaust gas is supplied to (I) after deodorizing with a deodorizing vessel. (I) further comprises thermal accumulator filled with biomass used as a compost and the exhaust gas is passed through the accumulator and comes out of bioreactor which enables heating exhaust gas and greenhouse at the time of fermenting. (I) enables supply of air to the heat retention chamber (13) of deodorizing device and regenerator (12). The heat retention chamber is attached to a transparent sheet or film which takes in the sunlight to the interior of retention chamber to warm the chamber and greenhouse. The average residing time of the biomass in the bioreactor was at least 30 days. Extreme thermophiles which are group of microbes existing in soil are collected, mixed with bulk biomass using sawdust as carrier and maintained at 70degreesC or more. (I) is recently built in the main region of houses and to the interior region.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Conditions: The heating temperature of the waste material in the thermal decomposition process exists in the range of 700 - 1200 degreesC.A retention temperature of the thermal decomposition gas exists in the modification/reformation process.The manufacturing method uses the waste material as a raw material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Arrangement: The hydrocarbon evaporation device is arranged in a base region (22) of the combustion/mixing chamber. The inlet opening is formed in a wall region (18) surrounding the combustion/mixing chamber. The auto-ignition unit extends longitudinally and parallel to the hydrocarbon evaporation device. The hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon-containing liquid is a fossil fuel, preferably diesel fuel or the like.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heating elements allow the control by a thermostat that has an indicator and/or warming on the outside. The complementary devices fitted to the tank comprise an air inlet for the addition of air to the inside of the container by forced air devices, or wind driven exhaust for the removal of gases produced.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The high pressure gas can be produced which has a pressure at least5 times that of the pressure in the reactor before the reaction, and the fluid is a low boiling point fluid. A process is included for separating the hydrogen and other compounds. The low boiling point fluid is e.g. LNG, LPG, liquid carbon dioxide, ammonia, dimethyl ether, alcohol, ether etc.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The steam reforming is performed at 450-650 degrees C.Preferred Apparatus: Each low pressure chamber has a gas-porous metallic membrane support. Each unitary structure and each support facilitate heat transfer with the catalyst. The membrane has a combination of a unitary thin catalyst holder structure (e..g woven glass cloth) carrying a catalytic composition. A reactor mechanism is provided to react a steam-methanol mixture at 200-550 degrees C on the structure to generate a mixture containing hydrogen and carbon oxides. The catalyst-coated screen comprises a stainless steel or aluminum screen holder.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The unitary structure is metallic. The holder is non-flattened expanded metal or metallic screen. The catalytic composition is an oxide, including ceria and supporting a catalyst of copper, iron and/or nickel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The controller is configured to supply the engine with 100% reformate fueling during cold-start, idle, and low engine load operating conditions and is further configured to supply the engine with a combination of the liquid fuel and the reformate as needed to meet engine requirements during vehicle road-load conditions.The system further includes a small supply of reformate to supply the engine and/or the exhaust catalyst with reformate during periods when the on-board reformer is not operational; and an ignition source disposed between the engine exhaust outlet and exhaust catalyst or igniting the engine exhaust and reformate to enable the engine exhaust and reformate to heat the exhaust catalyst.Preferred Method: The method further comprises accelerated heating of the exhaust catalyst during cold start.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Property: The low temperature fuel cell operates at 80-90 degrees C. The mechanism that partially oxidizes fuel reforms the fuel without completely oxidizing the fuel. The air to fuel equivalence ratio is less than approximately 1.5.Preferred Condition: Complete fuel utilization is achieved without mixing fuel-derived carbon dioxide with air-derived stack gases. Both fuel cells are air fired.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The fuel is a hydrocarbon consisting of methane, ethane, propane, butane, components of low sulfur gasoline, and/or components of low sulfur diesel. The remaining reformed fuel from partially oxidizing fuel is syngas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Material: The biomass is ground, and biomass of coarse particle size and biomass of fine particle size are used as a raw material for thermal decomposition. The gas obtained by gasification with oxygen or oxygen and water vapor is used as gasification raw material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The porous support contains at least 2500 pores per square inch and the average diameter of the macropores is 10-400 micron. Mesopores are also present. The porous support comprises a metal oxide, preferably alumina, silica, silica-alumina, titania, zirconia, magnesia or an aluminosilicate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Purification of organic substance derived from organic waste contaminated with organochlorine is composted with aerobic and anaerobic microbes. The substance is decomposed in presence of neutralizing agent or fats and oils and/or surfactant. EXAMPLE - Incinerated ash, microbial formulation and decomposing base containing wood chips were mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1, treated with tap water and 6N hydrochloride acid, adjusted to pH 8.5 and 35 % moisture content and processed at 30-50 degrees C for 3 weeks. The content of dioxin was analyzed by GC/MS method. The content of dioxin was reduced from 80000 pg/g to 220000 pg/g and the decomposition ratio of 45 %.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The liquid resin is water-based fluororubber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The degradation process is performed at 10-30 degrees C.Preferred Components: The propanol amine is monoisopropanol amine or diisopropanol amine. EXAMPLE - Glutamic acid malic acid culture medium and diisopropanol amine (500 ppm) were dissolved in water of 500 ml. Rhodovulum sulfidophilum of 100 mg was inoculated in the culture medium and cultivated for 6 days under aerobic condition at 20 degrees C. The concentration of diisopropanol amine after 3 and 6 days were found to be 440 parts per million (ppm) and 390 ppm, respectively. Hence the result showed the rod bloom Sulfidophilum had an excellent propanol amine degradation effect.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The solid substance ejected from solid-liquid separator, is washed in water by a washing apparatus (4) and the washing waste-water is returned to the decomposition reactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Features: The membrane packets have at least one straight edge which is fixed to the membrane packet holder containing openings for removing permeate gas. The membrane packet holder forms a base surface of the rotationally symmetrical pressure sleeve. The membrane packet holder is circular and the pressure sleeve is cylindrical. The support structure comprises perforated support foils, which support the membranes (4) of each membrane group against the trans-membrane pressure difference, and a supporting plate between the support foils. The support plate is made from a sheet having bars or bends several times to form grooves.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. The polyolefin is polyethylene, especially high-density polyethylene. The thermoplastic elastomer is an ethylene/propylene, ethylene/1-octene or ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymer or a polyetherester.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The chain branching agent or viscosifier is a (poly)carboxylic acid (poly)anhydride, a bis-oxazoline or a bis-caprolactam.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The organometallic compound is a titanate or zirconate of formula (I) or a germanium, tin or lead metallocene:(RO)nM(OXR'Y)4-n (I)n = 1-4;R = a 1-20C linear or branched organic group;R' = a 1-20C aliphatic or aromatic group;M = Ti (IV) or Zr (IV);X = phosphato, pyrophosphato, sulfonyl or carboxyl; andY = acryl, methacryl, mercapto or amino.The filler comprises glass fibers and/or calcium carbonate. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Use of 20 organometallic compounds is specifically claimed, e.g. tetrakis(2-propanolato)titanium(IV), tetrakis(bis(2-propenolatomethyl)-1-butanolato)titanium(IV) and tetrakis(2,2-bis(2-propenolatomethyl)butanolato)zirconium(IV).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The gas permeable membrane (36) functions as a covering for at least a portion of a first side of the fuel flow field. It is liquid impermeable and comprises a first material for blocking gaseous communication through the membrane and a second material for allowing gaseous communication through the membrane. The materials are bonded together to form a single gas permeable membrane and comprise openings. The second material is divided into portions that are spaced apart along the first material. It comprises a web of micromesh for allowing the release of gaseous products. The first material comprises strips positioned intermittently along the second material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The second material comprises Zintex or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The first surface is a planar surface. The planar first surface is coated with a catalyst. It has open-faced channels, and a recessed portion (64, 70) with a fibrous composite material (68, 74). The channeled first surface is coated with the catalyst. Flow fields formed by the open-faced channels (60, 62, 66, 72) of the first and second surfaces are parallel or perpendicular to flow fields formed by the open-faced channels of the second surface. The recessed portion of the first surface has open-faced channels.The electrode plate can be an anode electrode plate or a cathode electrode plate. The anode and cathode electrode plates have opposing first and second surfaces. The first surfaces (52, 56) of both anode and cathode electrode plates have the recessed portion with the open-faced channels and the fibrous composite material. The second surfaces (54, 58) of both anode and cathode electrode plates have the open-faced channels.The electrolyte comprises an absorptive separator and an electrolyte; or a non-absorptive separator and a gelled electrolyte.The absorptive separator is a non-woven sheet formed from fibers from fine glass fibers and/or inorganic fibers that have been rendered hydrophilic.The non-absorptive separator is glass fiber leaf type separators, polyvinyl chloride leaf type separators, cellulosic leaf type separators, synthetic pulp leaf type separators, or phenol formaldehyde resin separators.Preferred Material: The fibrous composite material is a carbon fiber composite material or a polytetrafluoroethylene fiber composite material. The carbon fiber composite material is a rigid, open, monolithic structure with high permeability.Preferred Property: The electrode plate has a degree of porosity of 60-90%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials: The bioactive material is derivative, preferably an enzymatic extract of the genus Alcaligenes. It has selective activity on carbon-sulfur-carbon bonds in the complex sulfur-containing compounds. It contains oxidase.Preferred Microorganism: The platform comprises a strain deposited with ATCC and identified as PTA-4669. It is derived from Alcaligenes xylosoxydans.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: A hydrocarbon in water emulsion of the liquid hydrocarbon is formed having a hydrocarbon-to-water weight ratio of at least 70:30 and then exposed to the bioactive material. Providing the bioactive material comprises providing a water phase for the emulsion containing the bioactive material. The inorganic sulfur compounds are present in the water phase. They are separated from the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon further comprises a at least 15C fraction, wherein the exposing step reduces the at least 15C fraction.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The inorganic sulfur compounds include sulfates and/or hydrogen sulfide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The organic sulfur compounds include dibenzothiophene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials: The bioactive material is an enzymatic extract of the genus Alcaligenes. It has selective activity on carbon-sulfur-carbon bonds in the complex sulfur-containing compounds. It contains oxidase.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: A hydrocarbon in water emulsion of the liquid hydrocarbon is formed having a hydrocarbon-to-water weight ratio of at least 70:30 and then exposed to the bioactive material. Providing the bioactive material comprises providing a water phase for the emulsion containing the bioactive material. The inorganic sulfur compounds are present in the water phase. They are separated from the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon further comprises a at least 15C fraction, wherein the exposing step reduces the at least 15C fraction.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The inorganic sulfur compounds include sulfates and/or hydrogen sulfide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The organic sulfur compounds include dibenzothiophene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The oxygenated hydrocarbon is reacted at not more than 400, preferably not more than 300, degreesC, and at a pressure where the water and the oxygenated hydrocarbon remain condensed liquids. The water and the water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon are further reacted in the presence of a water-soluble salt of an alkali or alkaline earth metal. The water and the oxygenated hydrocarbon are reacted at a pH of 4-10.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst comprises nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Or) or their alloys or mixtures. It is further alloyed or mixed with a metal selected from Group IB, Group IIB, Group VIIB, Group IVA or Group VA metals. It is further alloyed or mixed with copper, zinc, germanium, tin or bismuth. The catalyst is adhered to a support selected from silica, alumina, zirconia, titania, ceria, carbon, silica-alumina, silica nitride and/or boron nitride. The support can also be surface-modified to remove surface hydrogen or hydroxyl moities. The support is modified by treating it with silanes, alkali compounds or alkaline earth compounds. It is preferably silica modified with trimethylethoxysilane, a zeolite, carbon nanotube, carbon fullerene or nanoporous support. The water-soluble salt is an alkali or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate or chloride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon has 2-12C. It is methanol (preferred), ethanediol, ethanedione, glycerol, glyceraldehyde, aldotetroses, aldopentoses, aldohexoses, ketotetroses, ketopentoses, ketohexoses or alditols, preferably ethylene glycol, glycerol, xylose, glucose, xylitol, sorbitol or sucrose.Preferred Composition: The water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon has a carbon-to-oxygen ratio of 1:1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A support including mesh screen(s) is adapted to support the hydrogen-selective membrane.The support engages but is not bonded to, the permeate surface of the hydrogen-selective membrane.The support is made from a porous material including mesh screen(s).The enclosure includes hydrogen-selective membranes mounted on a frame housed within the enclosure.The device includes membrane envelope(s) formed from a pair of hydrogen-selective membranes orientated such that the pair of membranes are spaced-apart from each other with their permeate surfaces generally facing each other to define a harvesting conduit.The device includes glass transport conduits interconnecting the membrane envelopes to deliver the mixed gas stream to the first surfaces of the membranes, remove the permeate stream from the harvesting conduit and remove the by-product stream.Fuel processor is adapted to produce the mixed gas stream by stream reforming a feed stream containing water and at least one carbon-containing feedstock.Preferred Composition: The secondary component contains 5-10 or 10-50 ppm silicon. The primary component includes an alloy of palladium and 35-45 (preferably 40) wt.% copper. The membrane further comprises 5-150 (preferably 5-50) ppm carbon and 5-150 ppm oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises a fuel cell coupled to the endothermic and exothermic hydrogen generators, and a portable electronic device coupled to the fuel cell. The fuel cell is thermally neutral or is endothermic.Preferred Component: The exothermic hydrogen generator comprises a borohydride solution, solid lithium aluminum tetrahydride, and/or a partial oxidation hydrocarbon reformer (preferably sodium borohydride hydrogen generator and a catalyst).The endothermic hydrogen generator comprises metal hydride(s), metal alloy hydride(s), a carbon nanotube system, compressed hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen and a steam hydrocarbon reformer (preferably metal hydrides).Preferred Method: The exothermic process comprises releasing hydrogen from a metal hydride.Preferred Condition: The production of heat by exothermic process and the absorption of heat by the endothermic process are approximately equal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The primary partition comprises a disc (13). The second partition comprises rectangular vanes (21) axially connected to one another or spiral outward to form a pinwheel type orientation on the longitudinal axis (22) of the vessel. The vessel has a restrictive neck forming an opening to the vessel. A porous fiber material is placed below the restrictive neck to secure placement of the hydrogen storage alloy.The compartments are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the vessel.The sub-compartments extend longitudinally through each of the compartments.The sub-compartments are at a minimum width at the longitudinal axis of the vessel and at a maximum width at the inside wall of the vessel.The primary partition comprises a disc configured to fit through a restrictive neck of the vessel.The disc thermal contact with the inside wall of the vessel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The disc and rectangular vanes are made of copper (Cu)/beryllium alloy or phosphor/bronze alloy. The hydrogen storage alloy is magnesium (Mg), Mg-nickel (Ni), Mg-Cu, titanium (Ti)-iron, Ti-Ni, Mm-cobalt (Co), Ti-manganese (Mn) (preferred), Mg-Ni-Co-Mn, and/or Mm-Ni.It has a formula of TiQ-XZrXMnZ-YAY. It comprises Ti0.87Zr0.13Mn1.29V0.17Cr0.18Fe0.24Al0.06. It also comprises Ti0.87Zr0.13Mn1.23V0.16Cr0.17Fe0.23Al0.06. The vessel is made of an aluminum alloy.A = V, Cr, Fe, Ni or Al;Q = 0.9-1.1;X = 0-0.35;Y = 0.3-1.8;Z = 1.8-2.1.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Component: The porous fiber comprises glass wool.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A fluid reservoir (22) is included for storing water and in fluid communication with the condenser and electrolyzer. It is also in fluid communication with the venturi generating gas flow from the reservoir to the venturi.A polisher is included in fluid communication with the reservoir and electrolyzer. A gas storage vessel (38) is included in fluid communication with the reservoir and electrolyzer. It is integral with the electrolyzer, holds hydrogen, and contains metal hydrides, or nanofibers or nanotubes.A phase separator in fluid communication with the electrolyzer removes water from hydrogen gas. The electrolyzer is in fluid communication with fluid reservoir and utilizes a proton exchange membrane to separate hydrogen from oxygen.The condenser is a thermo-electric cooler. The polisher (32) includes activated carbon and a mixed resin ion exchange bed to remove contaminants from the water. A dew point sensor (25) measures ambient temperature and relative humidity. The gas is exhaust gas or air. A valve (20, 27, 37) is in fluid communication with the venturi, air inlet (16), and condenser.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The apparatus further comprises a second outlet comprising a second valve, a second hydrogen gas output port, a second nozzle, a second display panel disposed in operable communication with the second hydrogen gas output port, and a second hose forming fluid communication between the second hydrogen gas output port and the second nozzle, where the second outlet is mechanically connected to the mobile platform.The first outlet further comprises a first breakaway coupling connecting the first flexible hose to the first hydrogen gas output port.The second outlet further comprises a second breakaway coupling connecting the second flexible hose to the second hydrogen gas output port.The two valves are actuatable vales.An electrical ground is in mechanical contact with the first outlet, the electrolysis cell, the mobile platform, and connections.The first outlet is further disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas vent (52).The first outlet further comprises a third hydrogen gas output port, and a third nozzle with a third flexible hose forming fluid communication between the third hydrogen gas output port and the third nozzle.The first outlet further comprises a pressure selector in operable communication with the fist hydrogen gas output port and configured to adjust a hydrogen gas fill pressure to a selected pressure input into the pressure selector by an operator.The first outlet comprises a movable panel capable of sliding or flipping.Preferred Parameter: The first hydrogen output port fill pressure is 2700-4500 psi, and the third hydrogen gas output port fill pressure is 3700-6750 psi.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The hydrophilic resin is a hydrophilic epoxy resin, preferably polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether having an epoxy equivalent of at least300.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - IMAGING AND COMMUNICATION - Preferred Compositions: The composition further comprises surfactant, dispersant or co-solvent. It may include carbon dioxide and colorant. The ratio of surfactant to functional material is 0.1:1 to 500:1 (preferably 1:1 to 100:1). The ratio of compressed fluid to functional material is 1:1asterisk105 to 1:20.Preferred Components: The fluid can be supercritical fluid and/or compressed liquid. The functional material is liquid, and/or solid. It can be (organic, polymer, metallo-organic, or inorganic) molecule, (organic, polymer, metallo-organic, or inorganic) nanoparticle, or (organic, polymer, metallo-organic, or inorganic) microparticle or composite material. It can also be imaging dyes, imaging pigments, ceramic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, or semiconductor nanoparticles. It can also be a particulate.Preferred Parameters: The mean particle size of functional material is 1-1000 (preferably 1-100) nm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The fluid is carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ammonia, or xenon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The fluid an also be ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane, isobutane, chlorotrifluoromethane, monofluoromethane, or sulfur hexafluoride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The surfactant can be fluorinated, perfluoropolyether, or siloxane surfactant. EXAMPLE - 0.01 g Duasyn Acid blue AE-02 and 0.649 g Fluorolink 7004 were placed in high pressure cell at 40degreesC, and the pressure was adjusted to 150 atm. This formulation was kept at 150 atm and 40degreesC in a reservoir, and expanded through a nozzle, with 300 mum throat. The nozzle was actuated at 30 Hz. The distance between the exit of the nozzle and the substrate was set at a gap of 500 mum. A substrate translating speed of 2 inches/second was used. The resulting dashed lines produced have the widths of approximately 100-200 mum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The filler is made of gold, platinum, graphite, conductive carbon, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium or rare earth metals.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred materials: The polymer matrix is selected from epoxies, polyamide-imides, polyetherimides, polyphenols, fluoroelastomers, polyesters, phenoxy-phenolics, epoxidephenolics, acrylics or urethanes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The process includes delivering the second, third, and fourth streams as product streams, and passing these streams in parallel relation through the cold box. It includes delivering the second stream of synthesis gas to an ammonia synthesis process, providing an expander turbine in series with the third stream to produce refrigeration, providing a Joule Thompson valve through which the waste gas stream is passed to drop the gas pressure and produce refrigeration, passing the waste gas to a heat exchanger for cooling of the second stream, and passing the waste gas to the cold box. The process includes recompressing the waste gas prior to the splitting step, and passing the recompressed waste gas through the cold-box before the splitting. The waste gas is also passed through the cold box prior to the recompressing. The process includes providing a separator column to which the recompressed waste gas is passed after its passage through the cold box, and operating the separator column to produce the splitting. It includes fluid from the column to and through the cold box to lower its temperature, and returning the recycled fluid to the column.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus has a fuel conduit and an air conduit in fluid communication with the burner. There is a heat transfer surface on an outside surface of a portion of the feed conduit. It has an extended heat transfer surface within the hollow wall.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Units: The front stage of aerator is equipped with a membrane separator (104) which carries out the membrane separation of methane-fermentation treated substance. The separated liquid from separator, is optionally sent to aerator. The later stage of aerator is equipped with membrane separator which carries out the membrane separation of the methane-fermentation treated substance. The treated substance from aerator is optionally sent to the membrane separator. The apparatus has denitrifying empty hand stage which throws the separated membrane separation liquid, and is provided at the front stage of methane-fermentation tank. A portion or all of organic waste is optionally sent to denitrifying empty hand stage. The apparatus has a solid-liquid separator (108) which separates solid and liquid from portion of methane-fermentation treated substance between fermentation tank and aerator. The obtained dewatered sludge is composted.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: A carbon group precipitate selected from graphite, amorphous carbon, diamond-like carbon, diamond and hydrocarbon is formed on at least one portion of titanium oxide surface.Preferred Properties: The amount of sodium ions measured by time-of-flight type secondary ion mass spectroscopy apparatus (TOF-SIMS) is 10% or more, preferably 20% or more of the total amount of positive ions. The photocatalyst has visible light activity and ultraviolet ray activity. After coating, the photocatalyst layer is heat-dried or heat-processed.Preferred Substrate: The substrate is resin, metal, product made from ceramic or glass.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The residue contains carbon and iron along with alumina, copper or silica. The residue preferably contains 20-60 wt.% of carbon. The carbon-containing powder further contains carbon-containing particles (M4) having a carbonaceous content higher than the residue. The carbon-containing particles modify the gas obtained by heating the waste material, using a gas modifier (41). The particle size of the carbon-containing particles is 1 mm or less. The carbon-containing particles contain 80 wt.% or more of carbon, 2 wt.% or less of iron and 1 wt.% or less of copper.Preferred Process: The metal (preferably, copper) or other substance having a dimension more than preset dimension is removed from the residue, and then used as a raw material of a carbon-containing powder. The removal of metal or other substance from the residue, is carried out using wind force or a sieve having a pore size of 2-4 mm. The carbon-containing powder is granulated into pellets.Preferred Properties: The iron-carbon-containing powder releases heat energy of 3800-7500 kcal/kg.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Oxygen or air of the required quantity is supplied to the gasifier, during thermal decomposition gasification processing of the mixture in the gasifier after mixing the black liquor with the organic substance. A residue (16) is separated and removed from the gasifier after predetermined time.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Properties: The internal diameter of porous hollow fiber membrane is 0.1-4 mm and has thickness of 0.05-2 mm. The average pore size of porous hollow fiber membrane is 3 microm or less. The positive charge is fixed to at least outer surface of porous hollow fiber membrane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The aerobic bacterium is nitrogen fixing microbe, nitrous acid microbe and/or nitrifying bacteria of nitrate forming bacteria.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Wave: The electromagnetic wave is selected from red, blue and/or green emitted from LED.Preferred Process: The bacteria group is activated by supplying heat to the mixture installed in the bottom of the soil having groove.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: Alkali is added to the baked confectionery in the hydrothermal reaction processing. The treated substance obtained in the hydrothermal reaction is subjected to wet-oxidation or anaerobic treatment (for methane fermentation) in the presence of anaerobic microbe.Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises wet-oxidation treatment apparatus (3) and anaerobic treatment apparatus.
EXAMPLE - One kg of small pieces of raw maitake mushrooms were dried at 50 degreesC in warm air for 6 hours and the moisture content was decrease to 45 w/w%. Subsequently, the pieces were dried for 15 minutes at 121 degreesC, followed by drying at 50 degreesC for 16 hours, adjust the moisture content to 5 w/w%. The obtained dry maitake mushroom had decreased proteolytic enzyme activity (10% less).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The retaining liquid layer (5) is arranged at the reverse side of the roof.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The bark chip is mixed with dehydrated sludge cake and subjected to steaming process. EXAMPLE - Chipped bark was subjected to steaming process at 200 degrees C under 20 atmosphere for one hour and subjected to fermentation process to obtain compost. The compost exhibited favorable growth promotion effect in plants.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Excrement liquid subjected to aeration treatment is used as liquid fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Processed excrement liquid having predetermined property, is used as liquid fertilizer for the cultivation of crops.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The ammonia nitrogen acts as an electron donor. The biological denitrification process is carried out using autotrophic denitrifying microorganisms, which makes the nitrite nitrogen as electron acceptor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: When the organic-acid concentration becomes more than a predetermined stable reaction area, fermentation velocity of the organic substance is adjusted by reducing the amount of supply of the organic substance, using a fermentation speed-regulation unit. In accordance with the reduction of the amount of the organic substance, the amount of extraction of the residue produced by fermentation of the organic substance is reduced and vice versa. When the concentration of organic substance goes beyond predetermined ammonia value, the de-ammonia gas (5), preferably methane gas is supplied to organic substance, using a de-ammonia unit. When the organic acid concentration reaches a predetermined caution reaction area, a nutrition salt is supplied to the organic substance, using nutrition salt supplying unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Value: The vibration frequency of the air 20 Hz-1 MHz. Preferred Apparatus: The fermentation processing apparatus has a waste material vibration unit for providing vibration to the organic waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Process: The amount of salt concentration in the liquid organic waste supplied to the methane fermentation tank is adjusted below predetermined value. The methane fermentation process is performed at high temperature. The foodstuffs waste material is dried with the drying machine (1). The biogas collected at the methane fermentation process is used as energy for drying machine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The solid component recovered from the solid-liquid separation process is used in processing of foodstuffs. The liquid component separated from the solid-liquid separation process is then separated to wet-oxidation, using wet oxidation treatment apparatus. Alternately, the liquid component is subjected to methane fermentation in the presence of sludge containing anaerobic microbes in an anaerobic treatment apparatus.
EXAMPLE - Zirconia (in g) (15), zirconia sol (30) and 45 ml of water were mixed, and a slurry was prepared. A cordierite honeycomb was immersed in the slurry, dried, and zirconia was coated on the honeycomb. Subsequently, the coated material was bake-processed at 600 degrees C for 4 hours. The amount of coating of zirconia was 260 g per 1 liter of honeycomb. Tris(acetyl acetonate)iridium (0.102) and cis dinitro diammine platinum (0.033) were heat-dissolved in 1.5 ml of nitric acid, and a solution was prepared. The zirconia coated honeycomb was immersed in the solution, dried, bake-processed at 600 degrees C for 4 hours, and iridium was supported on the honeycomb, and a honeycomb oxidation catalyst was produced. The catalyst had high catalytic activity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The aqueous alkali solution containing 30-1000 mg of sodium hydroxide is added with respect to 20 g of waste material. After recovering the oil components wet oxidation is performed and the chemical oxygen demand in the treated substance is reduced. The treated substance is further treated in presence of an anaerobe.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Absorbent: The zeolite is a faujasite-type zeolite, MFI-type zeolite and beta-type zeolite. The absorbent is a zeolite having alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, copper, zinc, manganese, iron or silver in the ion-exchange sites. The hydrogen sulfide absorbent is copper, zinc, manganese, iron, platinum group element or their metal oxides, and active carbon.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: 2-20 times of inorganic polymer flocculent is added with respect to additional amount of organic polymer flocculent. In the manufacture of compost fertilizer fermentation promoter is added with activated regenerated cellulose.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Flocculent: The inorganic polymer flocculent is iron polysulfate (III), polychlorinated iron (III), polychlorinated aluminum and/or poly aluminum sulfate. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer. No test details are given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - Corrugated cardboard waste paper was roughly ground by a shredder and fragments of 3 mm2 were obtained. The fragments were processed by disentanglement machine for fine grinding and fibrous material was obtained. The fibrous material was dried and activated regenerated cellulose fiber having moisture content of 10 mass% was obtained. Regenerated cellulose fiber (80 g) was added to 20 l of sewage sludge (acquired from sewage purification plant) having moisture content of 96 mass% and mixed for 2 minutes. 1200 ml of 0.2% aqueous solution of polymer flocculent was added and aggregate was formed from the sludge. The treated substance was dehydrated and dehydrated cake having moisture content of 56.1 mass% was obtained. The dehydrated cake was moved to a fermenter (11) and fermented at 60degreesC, pH 8, for 10 days and 10 kg of compost fertilizer, which was fully matured was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Apparatus: In (I), inside the circumferential rotation track, the feed drive unit which conveys the support (64) after cutting is provided. The feeding speed of the support raw material and the rotational speed of the cutting blade are controlled as the support after the cutting turns into a cube.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The reducing gas is hydrogen or methane. The ceramic type catalyst carrier is a zeolite.
EXAMPLE - Isolation of dioxin degradation microbe was done as follows. Soil samples containing microbes were cultured in a medium containing glucose and in a medium containing dioxin. The microbes which proliferated in the dioxin containing medium were isolated and analyzed. The isolated microbes degraded the benzene ring of dioxin and utilized it as a carbon source. Four strains were identified which had 16S rRNA gene with 5'-terminal exhibiting 98%, 99%, 98% and 97% homology to Shingobacterium multivorum, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, P.alcaligenes and P.savastanoi, respectively. Soil microbes were cultured in a synthetic medium containing dibenzofuran (DF) as the carbon source. The microorganism used the DF as the carbon substrate and propagated in the culture and the culture solution became cloudy. The culture solution was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 15 minutes and the microbial cells of the deposit were removed. New W culture medium was added and the DF solution was further added and cultured at 30degreesC. Then, ethyl acetate was added to the medium and stirred. The substrate in the culture medium was absorbed by ethyl acetate layer and degradation by the microbial cells was stopped. The upper ethyl-acetate layer was extracted and anhydrous sodium sulfate was added and dehydrated. The sample extracted with the ethyl acetate was applied to Gas Chromatography (GC)/Mass Spectrometry (MS). The degradation activity was measured. In control, DF was not added to the microbial cells. The substrate was not degraded in control solution. The degradation of DF by the microbial cells was 100% after culturing at 30degreesC for 2 hours.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The solid-liquid separation tank has an opening, which returns sludge to yeast reaction tank. The solid-liquid separation tank is a sedimentation tank (24) having sludge return pipe (33) for returning sludge to yeast reaction tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: GRWM is crushed or ground, slurry (4) is obtained, treated with microorganisms and oxidation-decomposition is carried out by OH radical. GRWM is treated by fenton oxidation by adding 0.01-0.5 mass% of iron and 10-100 mass% of hydrogen peroxide, at 15-120 degreesC. EXAMPLE - Dilution water (2) is added to the garlic residue waste material after squeezing extract, and set as slurry with a solid substance density of 4.7 mass%. 0.001 mass% of iron and 50 mass% of hydrogen peroxide solution were added to the slurry and fenton oxidation was performed at 105 degreesC, for 1 hour. A comparative process without fenton oxidation treatment was set as comparison. Then methane fermentation was performed at 55 degreesC. The accumulated amount of generated biogas was measured in both the processing. The result showed that fenton oxidation treatment, increased amount of biogas generated, compared to process without fenton oxidation treatment, which showed less amount of biogas production.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The fungi used in the microorganism application material is yeast hansenula, filamentous fungi of Aspergillus, Mucor and Rhizopus.Preferred Support: The support is a porous support such as natural mineral, residual matter of foodstuff and compost material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Ganoderma lucidium is cultivated in the presence of anaerobic state and carbon dioxide gas in culture medium containing pruning raw materials, and irradiated at wavelength of 450 nm and 550-650 nm to obtain Ganoderma lucidium containing chitin of 40-60%, polyphenols of 6-15%, protein polysaccharide such as (beta)-D-glucan of 30% and flavonoids of 100-350 mg/100 g of mushroom.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: The tank having a stirring shaft (4) rotated by drive force transmitted through a transmission mechanism (42) from a motor (M), retains microorganism carrier for decomposing organic refuse. The plate arrangement position is broader than other portions of processing apparatus. The plate has fitting unit for lower and upper tanks (1a,1b) of tank (1).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Medium: The medium, which contains aerobic microbe, is aerobic decomposition sludge. Preferred Process: Pre-decomposition treatment is performed by supplying oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of support adhered with aerobic microbe. The microbe propagates on the support. The decomposition product obtained in the aerobic pre-decomposition process is digested using anaerobic digested sludge, which contains acid fermentation microbes and/or methane fermentation microbes. The sludge obtained in the digestive process is reprocessed and circulated to the pre-decomposition process. Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus comprises aerobic pre-decomposition unit (3), digestive processing-apparatus (7), an oxygen-containing gas supplying unit (4), which is attached to the pre-decomposition performing apparatus, and unit for reprocessing processed sludge obtained from the digestive unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Method: The foodstuffs waste material of bean curd lees, rice bran, wheat bran, organic animal refuse and/or organic plant refuse are mixed to obtain an mixture. Then, Clostridium beijerinckii AM21B(FERM BP-3592) is inoculated to the mixture and cultivated at 50degreesC and pH 4-8. The cultivation is performed using sufficient amount of water, for providing favorable proliferation of hydrogen producing bacteria EXAMPLE - Clostridium beijerinckii AM21B(FERM BP-3592) was cultivated in PY liquid medium containing 10 g of peptone, 5 g of yeast extract, 500 mg of L-cysteine hydrochloride, 8 mg of calcium chloride, 8 mg of magnesium sulfate, 40 mg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 400 mg of sodium bicarbonate and 80 mg of sodium chloride in water at 37degreesC to obtain Clostridium beijerinckii AM21B spawn liquid. The spawn liquid was inoculated to 500 g of wheat bran and cultivated at 37-45degreesC for 24 hours to produce 5-7 l of hydrogen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Nature type of fermented material such as saw dust, bean curd lees, rice bran, used coffee powder and shochu liquor waste liquid are mixed with livestock excrements. The waste material conveyed by carbonization apparatus is mixed with fermentation waste material of digested sludge storage tank. The sludge is dehydrated and produced in the shape of waste gas scrubber with drying machine. The waste water is fed into waste water storage tank.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The laminar flow-like drain board is placed on the upper face of the waste material storage pit which embeds the outer air tower (4) for providing underground waste-material storage hole. The apparatus further consists of an air conditioning machine (T) with a temperature control in both side surface of waste-material storage hole, ventilator (B), waste-treatment chamber which provides an exhaust tube at the center of roof (R) and attaches the solar cell module (7) for self electric power generation, deodorizing apparatus (A) for biological treatment at outlet of exhaust tube, dehydration drying machine connected with pit of organic waste, mixing tank, carbonization apparatus connected with waste heat boiler, cooling conveyor, fermenter connected to a stock solution adjustment tank and digested sludge storage tank. The waste material deodorizing apparatus is placed in the periphery line of odorless waste treatment chamber. The fermentation apparatus is equipped with recycling plant. The fermentation apparatus enables the batch production of gastric ulcer prevention egg, prevention of dental caries egg, cholera prevention treatment egg, food poisoning treatment egg, oral infectious disease prevention egg, etc.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The decomposition-resistant organic substance is used as a substrate for cultivation of aerobic microbes.Preferred Device: The apparatus further comprises separation apparatus for isolating the aerobic microbe cultivated in the cultivation tank and the enzyme utilized for producing aerobic microbes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The temperature regulation of the drain board is controlled at 20-30 degreesC by ventilating stored droppings of the hen. An air conditioning pit (3) is attached to the air permeation machine to carry out the regulation of temperature. A nest (6) is attached to the center of drain board for ventilating gas in the outer air through the air conditioning pit. The deodorizing apparatus is used for hen house for raising 10000-20000 chickens. Dehydration or a drying machine is connected to the acceptance pit of droppings of hen for subjecting biological treatment. The apparatus further comprises a mixing tank, carbonization apparatus which is connected with a waste heat boiler and a cooling conveyor (25), a fermented connected to a stock solution adjustment tank and digested sludge storage tank and a wastewater deodorizing machine. The droppings of hen conveyed from acceptance pit of each hen house is collected in the mixing tank and dispensed to the carbonization apparatus. The droppings are conveyed through the waste-heat boiler and treated. The heated droppings are mixed with the fermentation of digested sludge in a storage tank by the cooling conveyor. The sludge is dehydrated with the dehydrator and made as waste gas scrubber with a drying machine. The wastewater is fed to the wastewater storage tank, exhausted through the feeding dust collector and a deodorizing machine to the sludge carbonization apparatus through the dry cake hopper with drying machine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The magnet has north and south magnetic poles formed at substantially curved surface shape of magnet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The nozzle has funnel shaped portion, thin cylindrical portion extending towards the discharge opening direction from the funnel portion and an attachment equipped with blade for spreading the liquid spawn into the culture medium. The nozzle in the inoculator discharges the liquid spawn like shower.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The microbial bed surface of the culture medium is pressed using a plate (half-rotation grade friction rotation), so that water in the culture medium emerges out and the fruiting body of mushroom in the microbial bed surface is scrapped off.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: Filtration component of the solid-liquid separation process is a polymer film and/or dynamic filtration film, which prevents draining of activated sludge. Preferred Method: Microorganism support and/or zeolite compact and activated sludge are made to exist in the denitrification process. Air (9) supply during minute aerobic and/or intermittence aeration conditions is controlled by optical radiated power.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Solubilization of sludge is promoted by combining ozone treatment and trituration process, ultrasonication, pressure reduction-expansion process, heating process and/or processing by protozoa. Biological denitrification is performed using a support having immobilized microorganisms. Preferred support: The support is a solid particle having hollow structure and/or porous structure. The cross section of the support is a hollow cylinder of cross-form having round corners. A microorganism layer is formed inside the cylinder, and the fluid moves inside the cylinder. Microorganisms exfoliated from the support, flow out of the tube.Preferred Component: Organic waste water is human waste and/or purification tank sludge.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Components: The auxiliary material consists of material such as wooden material for adjusting the growth of microorganisms. The fermentation auxiliary material consists of nutrient for microorganisms. The method further involves adding fermentation accelerator such as proteolysis microbe and/or lipid decomposed microbe and thermophilic bacteria during fermentation process and supplying organic waste into the ridge for performing decomposition process continuously.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The compost production is controlled by changing the ventilation flowing time, after fixing air permeability per unit time according to the air content in the ventilation flow pipe. The temperature sensor in the ripening tank measures the temperature of compost raw material. The temperature of compost raw material is not influenced by extrinsic factors. The compost raw material is piled (30-50 cm) to the ripening tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The biological sludge ejected from the biological treatment of organic waste materials is dried in the drying unit and heat processed in the heating unit. The particles are then removed from the treated substance, mixed with biological sludge and the biological treatment process is repeated. EXAMPLE - 4 t of dewatered sludge with 85% moisture content ejected from human-waste treatment facility was dried using 700-800degreesC hot air for 4 hours to obtain 600 kg of dried substance having 20% moisture content. The dried substances were then heat processed at 200degreesC for 6 hours and 50 kg or particles having particle size of 0.5 mm or less were removed, to obtain 550 kg of cured compost material with increased amount of organic substances and decreased salinity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Property: The moisture content of the moisture adjusting material is 30% or less.
EXAMPLE - Bacteria were isolated from activated sludge that was acclimatized to phenol. DNA was isolated and amplified by PCR and the amplified 16s rDNA was subjected to temperature-gradient gel-electrophoresis. The electrophoretogram showed that one band appeared dominantly and was the band corresponding to the dominant strain in the phenol acclimatization activated sludge. The dominant strain was named rN7. The strain was identified to be homologous to Comamonas testosteroniIAM12149. The 16SrDNA of rN7 strain was 96% and the gyrB gene was 89% homologous to the Comamonas testosteroni. The above results showed that the rN7 strain belongs to Comamonas genus. pR01614 which is a multi-host type plasmid and contains the phcTRKLMNOP gene fragment which codes the phenol hydroxylase and its expression control protein derived from Comamonas testosteroni R5 strain. The phc TRKLMNOP was restriction digested using KpnI and Hind III and inserted into Bluescript KS and PBSR501 was produced. PBSR501 and pAG408 was restriction digested by Kpn I and Spe I and ligated to build pAGR503. pAGR503 was transformed into Escherichia coli BW20767. The presence of the transformed gene was confirmed. The stability of the phc gene in the rN7 strain was studied. The results showed that the phc gene is stably maintained by the rN7 strain and the phc gene was effective within an activated sludge. The phenol decomposition activity of the rN7 strain after the gene transfer was measured. The results confirmed that the phenol decomposition activity increased for about 3 times by the phc gene transfer. When the Comamonas sp. rN7-phc strain was introduced to a activated sludge the phenol load of 2g/liter /day substantially completely processed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The odorless gas is hydrogen gas. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The furanone derivative is 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone and/or 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone.    EXAMPLE - 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone (in wt.%) (50) and n-hexane (50) were dehydrated after stir-mixing to obtain an odorization agent. The obtained odorization agent (0.04 mg) was added to hydrogen gas (100 g). The burnt deposits of the gas had a peculiar smell.
EXAMPLE - 1000 kg of water was added to 1100 kg of dry compost (obtained by complete ripe fermentation of organic refuse), 900 kg of fine powder clay, 20 kg of carboxy methyl cellulose powder and 20 kg of gum-arabic powder, and kneaded. The kneaded material was molded into a pot using a mechanical spinning lathe. The pot was heated for 20 minutes at 80degreesC and released from the shaping die. Water-flow hole was made at the bottom, heat dried at 60degreesC for 8 hours and sun-bowls were manufactured.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Layer: The laminate material further contains a nickel-phosphorus alloy layer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Process: The powdered resin is discarded after absorbing water containing microorganism which is capable of degrading the biodegradable resin. The biodegradable resin is classified into resin component and another component by specific gravity difference under water. The biodegradable resin is ground or mixed with lime and then discarded, or lime is added after discarding. The soil of disposal site is mixed with the resin after discarding. The resin and another waste material are classified during mixing. The disposal site is covered with a sheet after resin disposal.Preferred Properties: The water is a hot water having a temperature in which the microorganisms are not inactivated or destroyed. The water is preferably a basic water. EXAMPLE - A covering of motor vehicle component containing polyurethane foam, was crushed and metal with high specific gravity and resin with low specific gravity were separated by wind. The crushed material (1 kg) was mixed with water (20 kg) and frozen using liquid nitrogen, and the frozen material was ground to a particle size of 5 mm and discarded into a garbage dump. The crushed material decomposed at a rate depending upon the size of crushed particles. The biodegradable resin had improved biodegradable velocity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The permeable wall comprises a diffusion channel (10), and impermeable material.No part of the permeable wall is more than 1.25 mm from a gas diffusion channel.The permeable wall has wall segments (16) extending along each fold of the wall and end wall segments (17) at each turn of the wall.The maximum distance from any part of the land area of wall segments extending along each fold of the wall to the nearest gas delivery or gas diffusion channel is less than 0.5 (preferably less than 0.25) mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Enzyme Combinations: The combinations of enzymes comprise enzymes of vegetable or microbial origin deriving from bacteria, yeasts and fungi.Preferably the combination comprises enzymes with protease and/or lipase activity, cellulolytic enzymes, enzymes with phytase, ligninase, xylanase, peroxidase, gluco-amylase and beta-glucanase activity.The percentage of enzymes in the multi-enzyme combination is 0.01-10 vol.%.Preferred Treatment Conditions: The treatment temperature is 15-55 degreesC and more preferably 25-40 degreesC and the pH 5.5-8.5.The bioreactor is preferably equipped with membranes permitting the recycling of the enzymes.Filling of the reactor is carried out according to the desired stage of hydrolysis and layers of enzymes fixed onto a support are disposed within the reactor according to their activity. EXAMPLE - Hydrolysis of a primary sludge with 40 g/l dry matter was carried out with a commercial solution of cellulase (activity 300 IU) at 10% v/v, 50 degreesC and pH 6. After 48 hours 35% of volatile matter had been eliminated. Hydrolysis was carried out on the same sludge under the same conditions using 3% v/v cellulase for 24 hours giving an elimination of 14%. To the effluent from the cellulase treatment was added 3% v/v of a commercial solution of protease (activity 10000 IU) and this was held at 50 degreesC and pH 6 for 24 hours. A further 11% elimination of volatile matter was observed, giving a total of 25%. When a commercial solution of protease and protease resistant lipase 50/50 was used instead at 3% v/v additional elimination of volatile matter was 20% giving a total of 34%. This procedure was repeated in a membrane bioreactor. Because of diffusion of reaction products through the membrane, retro-inhibition was minimized and the yield rose to 42%, making a total of the cellulase and protease-lipase stages of 56%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The rubber comprises antioxidants, preferably quinoline or phenylamine. The antioxidant is 0.5-10 pbw based on 100 pbw of the ethylene-propylene rubber. EXAMPLE - A rubber composition comprising 100 pbw ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, 6 pbw peroxide crosslinking agent, 75 pbw clay, 5 pbw epoxy resin (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether), 100 pbw carbon black, and 60 pbw paraffinic oil had excellent kneading processability by a Banbury mixer and a roll. A specimen from the rubber composition had tensile strength of 13.1 MPa, elongation of 410% and hardness of 72. After the specimen was thermally aged (165degreesC, 240 hours), it had a tensile strength of 9.9 MPa, elongation of 200% and hardness of 80. No visual abnormalities were found. The specimen had a compression set of 42%. The rubber composition had a volume resistivity of 5x1011 OMEGA-cm, surface resistivity of 4x1012 OMEGA, alternating current of 5x1010 OMEGA-cm. Upon extraction with pure water as solvent, the electrical conductivity of the solvent was 14.8 microS/cm and the metal ion concentration was 0.28 ppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Device: This has several photocatalytic elements, e.g. comprising titanium dioxide on chromium-nickel steel fibers, alternating with UV light sources within the housing. The inlet is connected to a humidifier (6) and the outlet is connected to a separation/purification unit (7) providing a hydrogen-rich gas supply to a fuel cell (8).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred support materials include iron, titanium, nickel, chromium and their alloys. There can be an intermediate layer of aluminum, chromium, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, iron or their alloys between the support and the photocatalytic layer. The photocatalytic layer can be doped with nickel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred support materials include alumina, silica, zirconia, titania, yttria and carbides, borides or nitrides of aluminum, silicon, titanium, vanadium and/or chromium. Preferred photosemiconductor materials include oxides of germanium, manganese, niobium, silicon, tin, tantalum, titanium, zinc and/or zirconium, especially anatase titanium dioxide. The photocatalytic layer can be doped with an oxide of niobium, aluminum, iron or nickel. EXAMPLE - A disk of sintered chromium-nickel steel fibers is coated with anatase titanium dioxide by reactive pulsed magnetron sputtering using a pair of titanium targets in an argon-oxygen plasma.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred magnitude The magnitude is the CO concentration. A second given comparison value indicates a maximum CO content of 50 ppm, preferably 20 ppm, for use with a PEM fuel cell. It is 5000 ppm, preferably 2000 ppm in the case of a HTPEM fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The composition of fluidized particles is maintained in the specified range by periodically withdrawing solids and adding alkali metal compound to reactor. The alkali metal compound is dispersed as a fine powder admixed with petroleum residue feedstock at concentration less than 1 mass%, maintained in suspension by agitation, and injected into reactor with preheated injected feedstock. The gaseous product mixture is withdrawn through pair of cyclone separators (14, 17) in series.Preferred Component: The reactor consists of at least2 stages with respect to upwardly flowing gaseous mixture. The fluidized particles are circulated from upper stage (3) to lower stage (2) through standpipes (6, 8), and circulated from lower to upper stages through aerated riser (1). The series consists of primary cyclone separator equipped at the bottom apex of its conical section with a pipe dipleg (15) to discharge the collected fine particles separated from gaseous product mixture. The dipleg of the secondary cyclone separator discharges into a collection zone coupled to the inlet (13) of jet ejector (20). The jet ejector discharges the collected fine particles into the riser below the level of feedstock injection. It is operated with sufficient motive fluid to induce a down flow of gas and entrained solids in dipleg of secondary cyclone separator.Preferred Condition: The mass flow rate of solids in the aerated riser is between 5-20 times the mass flow-rate of injected feedstock. The gas and solids proceed downwardly with superficial velocity of more than 0.1 m/second and less than 1 m/second.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The pressurized gas stream comprises nitrogen gas and an inert gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The pressurized gas stream is a nitrogen-enriched air stream. The pressurization assembly is adapted to deliver into the compartment a pressurized gas stream having oxygen for the feedstock in the compartment to be flammable for explosive when stored under pressure in the compartment. The reservoir is adapted to receive and store in the compartment water along with carbon-containing feedstock. The pressurization assembly maintains the pressure within the reservoir at at least25 preferably 100-300 psig.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The alloy is coated, cladded, plated, or painted with aluminum-containing material. Carbon dioxide is added to the feed containing propane.Preferred Conditions: The reforming conditions include a temperature of at least 800 degrees F (preferably at least 900 degrees F), a steam to carbon ratio of at least 0.5 (preferably at least 1.5).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The alloy comprises at least 10 wt.% nickel and/or cobalt, and at least 1 wt.% aluminum. EXAMPLE - A series of metal alloys containing Al either as part of the alloy or as a surface diffusion coating were placed in a quartz tube and then exposed to a gas mixture containing 7 vol.% ethane, 1 vol.% propane, 2 vol.% carbon dioxide and balance methane. The furnace was heated to 1400 degreesF and steam was introduced into the gas stream to carbon ratio of the process gas was 2.5. The sample was held at 1400 degreesF for 48 hours. The samples were then examined using an optical microscope to gauge the level of coking.    The results showed that the alloy FecralloY (TM) with sum of Ni+Co. wt. of 0%, 0 vol.% CO2, and steam/carbon ratio of 2.5, Al content of 5% showed no coke after 48 hours. In comparison, the alloy Undimet 700 (TM) with sum of Ni+Co. wt. owf 72%, 0 vol.% CO2, and steam/carbon ratio of 2.5, Al content of 4.1% showed heavy (15 microns thick) coke deposition after 48 hours.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The second heat exchanger (36) is configured to condense overhead vapor product. The LNG processing system (10) further includes compressor (32) to compress overhead vapor product (30) before it exchanges heat in second heat exchanger, pump (12) to pressurize condensed overhead vapor product (22), third heat exchanger to exchange heat between ethane-rich product and second heated LNG feed, and fourth heat exchanger to heat third heat LNG feed to desired energy level for feed to distillation column. The distillation column is configured to produce an ethane-rich product.Preferred Process: The fractionation includes producing overhead vapor. The preheating includes exchanging heat from overhead vapor with LNG, exchanging heat from methane-rich product with LNG after compression of methane-rich product, exchanging heat from ethane-rich product with LNG, and exchanging heat from overhead vapor. The recovery of ethane and heavier components from LNG further includes pumping methane-rich product as liquid, compressing overhead vapor product, and pumping condensed overhead vapor product.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The fuel-reforming reactor is an autothermal reforming reactor comprising a catalyst for promoting the partial reaction of reformable fuel with steam and the partial oxidation of reformable fuel in the presence of oxygen. The fuel cell system also includes a heat exchanger system comprising a first heat exchanger (56) for receiving effluent from the first combustor, a steam heat exchanger (206) in a water tank (44), heat-transfer fluid circulating between the first heat exchanger and heat exchanger in the water tank, a second heat exchanger (20) positioned between the fuel-reforming reactor and water-gas shift reactor, and a third heat exchanger (68) provided in the preferential oxidation reactor and coupled to the second heat exchanger to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from to the second heat exchanger. A bypass plumbing is connected to the first combustor, and a bypass valve (49) is provided in the bypass plumbing.The bypass valve is movable from a first position (where the effluent from the first combustor is directed through the first heat exchanger) to a second position (where effluent from the first combustor bypasses the first heat exchanger). A catalytic combustor (82) is provided downstream of the fuel cell stack to combust anode and cathode exhaust from the fuel cell stack. At least one of the first and second combustors includes a housing defining a combustion chamber, a fuel injector positioned to inject fuel into the combustion chamber, an air inlet positioned to inject air into the combustion chamber, an ignition source positioned to ignite air and fuel in the combustion chamber, and a water injector positioned to spray water into an exhaust stream produced from the combustion of fuel and air. A drain opening is provided in the water spray chamber to allow water to drain from the water chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The three major steps are periodically performed in order by using reactors and the cycle of the reactor is shifted from the cycle of the remaining ones of the reactors. The reactor filled with heat storage material, which stores heat energy of the product gas. The carbon dioxide generated within the carbon dioxide absorbent is collected. The heat generated when the carbon dioxide absorbent absorbs carbon dioxide in the reactor is used as the reaction heat of the fuel reforming reaction. A portion of the reformed fuel and the carbon-containing fuel is oxidized, and the reaction heat to this oxidation reaction is used as the reaction heat of the fuel reforming reaction.Preferred Parameters: The absorption temperature of the carbon dioxide absorbent is 400-900 degreesC. The regeneration temperature of the carbon dioxide absorbent is 700-900 degreesC.Preferred Compounds: The carbon dioxide absorbent is a compound, which produces a carbonate by reacting with carbon dioxide, and a mixture obtained by adding to the compound at the carbonate, which can be carbonate of alkaline metal and carbonate of alkaline earth metal. It can be lithium composite oxide, which can be lithium zirconate, lithium ferrite or lithium silicate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Each expansion/separation cycle comprises an isenthalpic expansion of the cooled natural gas streams and the LNG components across a Joule Thompson valve, where the pressure of the cooled natural gas stream and each successive LNG component are reduced by at least by at least 15 psig. The first expansion/separation cycle comprises reducing the pressure of the cooled natural gas stream by at least 30 psig and reducing the temperature of the cooled natural gas stream by at least 10 degrees F. The expanded pressure of the natural gas vapor component and the LNG component from the first expansion/separation cycle step is not less than 75 psia and at least a portion of the natural gas vapor component from the first expansion separation cycle is directed to the converting step. The converting step further comprises:(a) a pre-reforming step for reducing the molar concentration of ethane and higher boiling point hydrocarbon in the natural gas vapor components and producing a pre-reformed natural gas vapor,(b) a reforming step for converting at least a portion of the pre-reformed natural gas vapor to synthesis gas,(c) a downstream GTL product conversion step for converting the synthesis gas into at least one GTL product and a stream of unconverted synthesis gas and(d) a recycling step in which a portion of the stream of unconverted synthesis gas is recycled to the pre-reforming step or the reforming step.At least two expansion/separation cycles are conducted without a processing step for separation and removal of natural gas liquids (NGLs).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The purification catalyst further includes a catalyst layer formed from applying a catalyst slurry having a metal oxide carrying a platinum group metal into a substrate. The platinum group metal results from reducing treatment of salt of the platinum group metal. The second purification catalyst comprises a composite oxide with manganese and element(s) from cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, silver, iron, copper, cerium, or zirconium.Preferred Property: The zirconium dioxide has a specific surface area of at most 50 m2/s and monoclinic crystal system.Preferred Composition: The zirconium oxide carries metal oxide of element from cerium, titanium, molybdenum, terbium, or europium in total amount of 0.5-30 wt.%.Preferred Condition: The temperature of the first purification catalyst is at most 250 degrees C, and the second purification catalyst is adjusted to at most 250 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The system also includes a predetermined secondary filter media around and over each of the support structures. It also includes a dispersal bed (107), or an evapotranspiration-absorption tertiary disposal bed connected to the housing, a porous cover overlying the containment housing and the disposal bed. It also includes plants planted through the porous cover, such that the roots of each plant can grow downward into the secondary filter media, while the leafy portion of the plant remains above the porous cover. The support structures are automobile tires.Preferred Material: The housing is made from plastic, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass, rubber, or wood.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The primary and secondary filter media are polyester and/or polypropylene. The secondary media may be a synthetic material having a coarser consistency than the primary filter media; or may be an inert, non-toxic, or non-biodegradable fibrous material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The process further comprises recirculating a portion of the residue stream to step (A), and recirculating a portion (109) of the permeate stream to step (B).Preferred Component: The permeate stream is also enriched in methane compared with the tail gas stream. The rubbery polymeric membrane comprises silicone rubber. The stream comprises an effluent stream from catalytic reforming, steam reforming, hydrocracking, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, hydrodealkylation or isomerization. The stream further comprises a minor amount of 5-6C hydrocarbons.Preferred Property: The selectivity exhibited in step (C) is at least 4, preferably at least 5.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The alcohol fuel is ethanol or methanol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Catalyst: Catalyst portion (I) contains cobalt, nickel, cobalt aluminate, nickel aluminate, copper, palladium, and/or zinc. Catalyst portion (II) contains rhodium, platinum, ruthenium and/or palladium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred catalyst: The oxide is zirconia and further contains an alkali, rare earth or alkaline earth (preferably potassium, calcium, barium, lanthanum or yttrium) metal in a ratio of 0.01 to 0.1 to oxygen. The noble metal is rhodium, platinum, ruthenium, palladium or iridium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Hydride: The hydride is a compound represented by: AxByHz, where A is alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, B is boron or aluminum, H is hydrogen, x is 0-10, y is 0-20, and z is 1-30.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Organisms: The added microorganisms are Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Cellulomonas or Rhizopus. An enzyme such as a protease, lipase, cellulase, amylase or phosphatase, is added. The decomposition tanks and evaporation tank are maintained at 30-50 degreesC. Air is passed through the tanks at 400 L/minute/m3. The evaporation tank is equipped with a shower apparatus for dispersing the separation water and an air blower.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The mixed oil is created by mixing 75% of (C2H5OH)4 with 25% of a mixed oil quarter which is a test substance.R134A is mixture of chlorofluorocarbon (CH2FCF3) (98.5%) which is a test substance 6 and odorless LPG (C3H8) (1.5%) is the test substance 7.The vaporization oil is a test substance 5 and the mixed gas of a test substance 8 are mixed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The zeolite carrier contains crystalline silicate and ZSM-5 type zeolite, gamma-alumina, beta-type zeolite, A-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, mordenite or anatase-type titania. The base material is a honey-comb shaped cordierite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carrier: The carrier having solid-acid action is chosen from gamma-alumina, theta-alumina, anatase-type titania, zirconia, zeolite, metal silicate, and/or complex oxide of titanium, silicon, aluminum, and zirconium. Preferred Metal: The active metal containing platinum is iron, manganese, zinc, copper, phosphorus, sulfur, cobalt, chromium, tungsten and/or tin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Inoculum: This may also contain one or more strains of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Phoma, Rhizopus and/or Scedosporium, particularly the strains of (5) or strains of R. stolonifer and/or S. agrospermum. Most preferably, the strains are isolated from the effluent being treated.Preparation: In method (1), a sample that may contain the required strains is homogenized, diluted and cultured, then colonies isolated and characterized. The biomass is recovered, diluted, conditioned and the selected, isolated colonies are combined to form an inoculum. This may be used in solution or fixed to a solid support.Preferred Process: In method (3), the preferred FF are Mucor and Geotrichum. In method (4), effluent is transferred to a decantation system and treated anaerobically, then passed to a second system where it is treated with the FF inoculum in presence of oxygen. EXAMPLE - Pig slurry was incubated in a conventional anaerobic digester for 10 days then passed to a second container where it was inoculated with a mixture of Mucor hiemalis and Galactomyces geotrichum containing 104-107 thalli/ml, at 0.1-10 mg/g of effluent. After 10 days the reductions in chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus and total nitrogen were, respectively, 90-95%; 90% and over 70%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Bodies : The bodies are shaped by pressing (especially tabletting) or by a non-pressing method (especially by sintering, casting, hardening of formable compositions, granulation, pelleting, extrusion or agglomeration).Preferred Species : The bacteria are in freeze- or matrix-dried permanent form and are heterotrophic nitrification agents, such as algae, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cephalosporium, Anthrobacter sp., Alcaligenes faecalis or Nocordia sp. and/or heterotrophic denitrification agents, such as Paracocus sp. or Pseudomonas sp..
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Features: The amount of the partial stream of the previously heated nitrogen-rich fraction is not constant. Vaporization of the methane-rich fraction (19) obtained in the nitrogen removal process is carried out at at least two different pressure levels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The (I) mass flow is regulated by increasing or reducing the speed of rotation of the (I) blower. The limiting values are stored in a regulator. The interval between 2 measurements is about 0.5-1 seconds. If the measured value is below the lower limit, the reformer is switched off and, at the same time, the electric blower motor preferably operates with a defined, especially 100%, output. The (I) mass flow sensor is a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) element. The (I) temperature is detected and used as parameter for regulating the (I) mass flow. The amount of fuel fed into the reaction chamber is also regulated or the upper and lower limits are adjusted according to the amount of fuel supplied.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The moisture content, particle size, and applied pressure are chosen to minimize the total cost of fuel preparation and transportation. The biomass is dried to at most 20%, preferably 10-12% moisture content per wet weight. The compression pressure applied is 0.1-5 bar, preferably 2-3 bar. The drying step comprises several stages. The method includes an initial stage of drying the biomass to not more than 30% moisture content. The biomass is in the form of grasses or chips derived from willow coppice, trees, and/or shrubs. The grinding step occurs after at least one drying step but before the other drying step, and/or is succeeded by a screening step.Preferred Properties: The ground particulate material comprises particles, 50% preferably 75% of which have a particle volume of less than 70 mm3. The product has a bulk of energy density of 3-6 GJ/m3. EXAMPLE - After harvesting and chipping the wood source on site, the wood chips were frequently air dried to 30% moisture content. After grinding, the particles were force dried to 10-12% moisture content in the form of 3mm grindings. After drying the particulate material was compressed 1.5-2 times into containers ready for transport to, e.g. power stations.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The method utilizes 0.04-25 (preferably 3-10) ml alcohol/g feedstock, a molar ratio of alcohol to feedstock glyceride content of 3.38-2178:1, or 0.02-0.18 molar of alkali in the alcohol. The method is performed at a reaction time of 2-12 hours and reaction temperature of 20-70degreesC.Preferred Components: The alcohol is 1-4C alcohol. It consists of methanol, ethanol, and/or isopropanol.Preferred Composition: The molar ratio of alcohol to alkaline catalyst is at most500:1. The alkaline catalyst has a concentration of at most0.05N.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The alkali consists of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide (preferably sodium hydroxide). EXAMPLE - Flaked soybean (5 g) was added to screw capped glass bottle as reactor. Methanol (15 ml) and sodium hydroxide (0.22 g) were added. The bottle was then capped and swirled at 60degreesC, thus obtaining fatty acid alkyl ester.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Pollution Control: Reducing agent (I) is ammonia; and (II) is ethane, propane, butane, synthesis gas, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or especially methane. The zeolite (III) is of the FAU or especially BEA type. At least one and preferably all reaction zones charged with (III) have 12-ring ducts. EXAMPLE - The catalyst was a zeolite catalyst of BEA type, charged with iron, in the form of a 0.7-1.4 mm granulate. A tubular reactor was filled with this catalyst so that the gas hourly space velocity was 10000 hour-1. The gas was heated so that the inlet temperature was 340 degrees C. The gas mixture contained 1500 ppm dinitrogen oxide (N2O), 600 ppm nitrogen oxides NOx, 2.5 vol.% oxygen and 0.4% water in nitrogen.    Before entering the catalyst bed, the gas stream was treated with (A) 700, (B) 800 ppm ammonia and (A, B) 450 ppm methane. The residual concentrations were (A) 897, (B) 25 ppm N2O and (A) 16, (B) 0 ppm NOx.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The foam is free of nucleating agent apart from the clay. It has primary cells having cell size of 0.2-2 mm and secondary cells having cell size of less than 0.2 mm with cell sizes determined according to ASTM method D-3576.Less than 1% of the cells contain pinholes.The foam, when fresh, contains carbon dioxide, water and optionally additional blowing agent.The foam also includes a thermally insulating additive.The polymer is a polymer or copolymer of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyester.Preferred Compositions: The blowing agent composition comprises at least 3 wt.% water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Components: The clay is kaolinite-group two-layer minerals, smectite group three-clay-minerals or their salts.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The additional blowing agent is ethanol, propane, n-butane, isobutane, cyclopentane, n-pentane, isopentane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, or 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane. EXAMPLE - Polystyrene (100 wt.parts), additional additives (0.6 wt.parts) consisting of barium stearate, polyethylene, and copper phthalocyanine color concentrate, and halloysite clay (0.7 wt.part) were fed into an extruder. These components were melt-blended at 220 degrees C to form a polymer composition, which were mixed and added with liquid hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent composition. The resulting foamable composition was cooled at 120 degrees C and extruded through a slit die at pressure of 8.1 MPa to atmospheric pressure. Shape the extruded foamable polymer composition into foam board using parallel polytetrafluoroethylene-coated forming plates.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Method: The powder is pressed at least 500 psi. The cold-pressed plate is heated to a temperature for curing the cold-pressed plate.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The powder mixture comprises 70-99, preferably 90-99 wt.% graphite. The powder mixture comprises fewer than 5 forms of graphite.Preferred Property: The graphite comprises graphite particles with a particle size of 2-200, preferably 30-40 micrometers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: Heating/pressurization processing of liquid biomass is performed at 250 degrees C or more and 1 MPa or more to supercritical conditions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The catalyst is selected from any one of metals such as platinum, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, molybdenum, rhenium and tungsten.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The catalyst holder material is selected from any one of carbon fiber, activated carbon, alumina, silica, zeolite and mesoporous material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The methanation reaction unit has methanation catalyst containing rubidium or platinum group noble metals.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Property: The moisture content in 1 kg of plastic before heat processing is adjusted to 20 g or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Alternately, the outer-surface temperature of the reactor is detected and the formation of carbide material inside the reactor is detected from the temperature rise. A control apparatus (10) is provided to stop the running of reactor, when the pressure detected value or the temperature detected value exceeds the predetermined value.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The compartments have different up-flow velocities. One of the compartments comprises the inlet and the other comprises the outlet. The baffle is a curtain baffle. The inlet is positioned in the compartment comprising the inlet adjacent the base (5) of the compartment. The outlet is positioned in the compartment comprising the outlet towards the top of the compartment. The compartment having the inlet has higher up-flow velocity than the compartment comprising the outlet. The outflow of the compartment comprising the outlet is half the up-flow velocity for the compartment comprising the inlet. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for adjusting the internal environment. The baffles are dissecting the compartments at the right angle to the longitudinal axis of the compartment(s), or are placed concentrically to the compartment. The compartment comprising the inlet includes a first microbiological flora that includes microorganisms that precipitate in hydrolysis reactions, acidogenesis reactions, or in methanogenesis reactions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The steam reforming stage is formed as a hollow body, preferably as a hollow cylinder, having a casing chamber, preferably an annular chamber, for receiving the reforming catalyst and a heating device (4) is arranged in the casing chamber.The heating device is a burner.The cross-sectional thickness of the annular chamber is 2-20% of the outer diameter of the hollow body.The catalyst is arranged in one of the annular chambers in a honeycomb structure, preferably on a metal foil delimiting flow channels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The first and second components comprise a fuel cell for generating electrical power, and an emission abatement device for treating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, respectively. The second component comprises an intake of an internal combustion engine. The onboard fuel reformer comprises a plasma fuel reformer having a plasma-generating assembly and a power supply. Preferred Method: Operating the onboard fuel reformer to generate the first reformate gas comprises advancing the first reformate gas, through a catalyst downstream of the plasma-generating assembly; and operating the power supply to supply electrical power at a first power level to the plasma fuel reformer. Operating the onboard fuel reformer to generate the second reformate gas comprises bypassing the second reformate gas around the catalyst, and operating the power supply to supply electrical power at a second power level to the plasma fuel reformer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Parameter: The first reformate gas is richer in hydrogen than is the second reformate gas. Preferred Component: The first and second components comprise a nitrogen oxide trap and a soot particulate filter, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The system further comprises a bypass passage (28) providing fluid communication between the recirculation loop and the combustor inlet. The bypass passage further comprises a check valve to prevent backflow. The recirculation loop further comprises an exhaust valve for selectively providing fluid communication between the recirculation loop and the combustor inlet. A recirculation valve controls fluid communication in the recirculation loop. The system further comprises a fuel cell having an anode inlet in fluid communication with the fuel processor outlet and an anode outlet, the bypass valve including an anode bypass valve operably disposed between the fuel processor outlet and the anode inlet and the combustor inlet. A pressure regulator is operably disposed between the anode outlet and the combustor inlet. A cathode bypass valve (44) is operably disposed between a cathode air supply and a cathode inlet of the fuel cell for selectively providing fluid communication between the cathode inlet and combustor inlet. A condenser is in fluid communication with the fuel processor outlet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactor: The first reactor plate face (115) defines a solution flow field with solution channels. The second face (117) defines a coolant flow field with coolant channels. A pellet form catalyst is located on at least a portion of the solution channels. The reactor plate (200, 200a) also includes solution inlet and outlet defined in the first face and in fluid communication with the solution channels, and coolant inlet and outlet defined in the second face and in fluid communication with the coolant channels (245).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The combustible compound contains a liquid, combustible, organic compound with a boiling point of 20-140degreesC at atmospheric pressure, preferably 50-90degreesC. The organic compound contains an organic solvent chosen from methanol, ethanol, acetone, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate. The compound forms 3-30 wt.%, preferably 5-20 wt.% of the fuel. The combustible gas and gas mixture comprises propane, propene, propadiene, n-butane, isobutane, butene, dimethyl ether, methylacetylene, nitrous oxide and/or nitromethane. The gas mixture comprises 20-80 wt.% (preferably 35 wt.%) of dimethyl ether, 1-15 wt.% (preferably 5 wt.%) of propene and 5-79 wt.% (preferably 60 wt.%) of isobutane. EXAMPLE - A mixture (A) of dimethyl ether (in wt.%) (35), propene (5) and isobutane (60), was prepared. Another mixture (B) comprising methanol (10) was prepared. Equal amounts of the mixtures were sprayed into a combustion chamber and pressure was increased. Mixture (A) had rapid evaporation even at low temperatures.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The wastewater containing 100-1000 mg/l of ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus is processed and the weight proportion of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate ion is adjusted/controlled to 0.45 or more. The phosphorus removal is performed at pH 7.5-9.5. The biological denitrification process is performed at pH higher than the phosphorus removal process. EXAMPLE - 30 l of wastewater containing ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus was placed in ammonia denitrifying and phosphorus removing apparatus. Then, aeration was performed intermittently at 5 minutes interval for 1 hour. Then, sodium hydroxide and magnesium was added and pH of water was adjusted to 8.2. The ammonia denitrification was performed at 3.5 pH and 30degreesC and the phosphorus removal was performed at 8.2 pH and 30degreesC. The ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus removal percentage when evaluated was 87% and 95%, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: A solid-liquid separation is carried out, and alkali chemicals or coagulants (J) are added to isolated supernatant water (I) after performing acid treatment and physicochemical processing.
EXAMPLE - Nickel nitrate (Ni(NO3)2.6H2O) (in g) (58.4) was dissolved in ion exchange water (300 ml). gamma-alumina N-612 (85) was supplied to the aqueous solution. The resulting solution was dried at 120 degrees C for 24 hours under air atmosphere. The dried product was baked-processed at 500 degrees C for 3 hours and a catalyst was obtained with the composition of nickel oxide:alumina in a weight ratio of 15:85. The obtained catalyst was subjected to particle size regulation to 0.5-1 mm and gamma-alumina N-612 which was subjected to particle size regulation of 0.5-1 mm. The catalyst and the alumina were mixed in a weight ratio of 1:1 and a catalyst was obtained. The obtained catalyst was packed in a stainless steel reaction tube with internal diameter of 20 mm and water vapor and dimethyl ether in a molar ratio of 1, were supplied to the reaction tube. The resulting mixture was reacted at 450 degrees C and space velocity of 10000 per hour. The gas chromatograph analyzed the reaction product and unreacted substance. The reaction product contained methane with a yield of 70.9%, carbon monoxide with yield of 8%, carbon dioxide with yield of 21% and hydrogen with yield of 1.7%. The conversion ratio of dimethyl ether was 100%.
EXAMPLE - Iron nitrate (FeNO3)3.9H2O (in g) (50.6) and chromium nitrate (Cr(NO3)3.9H2O (26.3), were dissolved in ion exchange water (300 ml). gamma-alumina ALO-4 (85) was supplied to the aqueous solution. The resulting solution was dried at 120 degrees C for 24 hours under air atmosphere. The dried product was baked-processed at 500 degrees C for 3 hours and a catalyst was obtained with the composition of iron oxide:chromium oxide:alumina in a weight ratio of 10:5:85. The obtained catalyst was packed in a stainless steel reaction tube with internal diameter of 20 mm and water vapor and dimethyl ether in a molar ratio of 1, were supplied to the reaction tube. The resulting mixture was reacted at 450 degrees C and space velocity of 8000 per hour. The gas chromatograph analyzed the reaction product and unreacted substance. The reaction product contained methane with a yield of 74.1%, carbon dioxide with yield of 25.4% and hydrogen with yield of 1.3%, without carbon monoxide. The conversion ratio of dimethyl ether was 99.5%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Apparatus: The distributor produces a pressure loss of 10-1000 Pa by the passage of gas, irrespective of the presence or absence of dispersed water. The distributor comprises 0.5-10% apertures. The distributor has its own sprinkling system (11) to prevent occlusion
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Condition: The filling factor of the carrier in the organism desulfurization tank is 10-30%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Method: The steam, preferably high-pressure steam having a gauge pressure of not less than 1 MPa, is generated by recovering the steam fed to the polyacrylic acid production process through draining. The steam is used as heat medium in producing acrylic acid. Chilled coolant is prepared by recovering latent heat generated by heat exchange of liquid heat medium which is fed to an evaporator with propylene and/or propane. The chilled coolant is fed to the polyacrylic acid production process.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heat-recovering device is attached to the gas-phase catalytic oxidation device, and the pipeline includes pressure regulator(s) to feed heat medium obtained in the heat-recovering device into the drying device.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Process: The compounding and molding stages are performed under low shear strain conditions.The plastic and graphite powder and fiber fillers are separately fed into the compounding stage, with the resin being fed first.The homogeneous melt is metered and transferred to the molding stage.Preferred Parameters: The shear strain is less than 80000, preferably less than 30000. The plate has a surface roughness of not more than 100 mu-inch.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The plastic consists of thermoplastic, thermosetting plastics, or elastomers. It may be a thermoplastically processable fluorine-containing polymer.The thermoplastic polymer is aromatic-polyester-based liquid crystalline polymer. The graphite powders include synthetic or natural graphite powders in the form of flakes or sphericals. The graphite fibers include pitch based or polyacrylonitrile based graphite fibers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred protease variant: The variant has improved wash performance and/or stability, preferably improved thermostability compared to sequence I. More preferably the variant has improved wash performance at about 20 degrees C, 0.5-1.0 parts per million (ppm) protease and about 3 grains per gallon mixed Ca2+/Mg%2+ water hardness or at about 40 degrees C, 0.3-0.5 ppm protease and about 15 grains per gallon mixed Ca2+/Mg%2+ water hardness, or about 10-30 degrees C, 1.0 ppm protease, and about 6 grains per gallon mixed Ca2+/Mg%2+ water hardness. The substitution is at position 7, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31,73, 85, 88, 90, 93, 139, 148, 149, 150, 178, 231, 233, 267 and 273. Preferred substitutions are 7Asn, 23Ala, 26Ser/Thr, 28Cys/Gly/Ser/Thr, 29Gly, 30Ala, 31Ala/Ile/Thr/Val, 47Asp, 65Met, 66D/Glu, 73Gly/Thr, 82Arg, 85Asp/Gly/Ser/Leu/Val/Tyr, 88Ser, 90Ala/Ile/Met, 92Glu, 93Ala/Gly/Ser/Thr, 105Asp/Glu/Gly/Arg, 113Asp, 139Ala, 148Gly, 149Ala/Phe/Gly/His/Ser/Trp, 150Ala/Cys/Phe/Leu, 151Val, 178Ser/Cys/Leu, 201Cys, 231Gly/Ser, 233Gly/Val, 267Arg/Ile or 273Ser of B. amyloliquefaciens subtilisin. EXAMPLE - No relevant example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The bundle element comprises a multi-sheet layer forming the heat-exchanging surface. The vaporizer further comprises a conduit system having a second conduit in fluid communication with the bundle element and outside the chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The method comprises introducing oxygen-containing gas in the form of air into the wastewater. The butane substrate is introduced into the municipal wastewater to reduce odor prior to introduction of the wastewater into a primary settling tank. It is introduced in a secondary treatment stage comprising an aeration tank or into a sludge tank.Preferred Composition: The butane substrate comprises at least 10, preferably at least 99 wt.% butane. EXAMPLE - Return activated-sludge (RAS) was collected from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. A reactor contained 5 gal of organic wastes comprising water with addition of RAS from treatment plant. Butane was injected through a syringe port into the wastewater. After 3 days, butane injections were halted. The bioreactor was operated with aeration and mixing without butane injection. During pretreatment the total solids wee 2200 mg/l and the settleable solids were 329 ml/l, and after butane treatment the total solids were 1900 mg/l (14% reduction) and the settleable solids were 158 ml/l (52%) reduction. This indicated that butane may be used for odor control in wastewater and other industries.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The complex chemical hydride is of formula MBH4, and is preferably sodium aluminum hydride.M = Na, Li, or K, preferably Na; andB = at least one of the elements in the third column of the Periodic Table, preferably Al.Preferred Method: The decomposing of the complex chemical hydride comprises heating the complex chemical hydride to 50-600 degrees C, preferably 100-200 degrees C to produce a first set of the byproducts, and heating the complex chemical hydride to 200-300 degrees C to produce a second set of byproducts. EXAMPLE - Purified sodium aluminum hydride (1 g) was placed in a stainless steel reaction vessel (16) and heat-treated to a temperature of at most 300 degrees C. The volume of the generated hydrogen was measured using a simple inverted graduated cylinder. The decomposed byproducts were milled using steel balls (28) for 10 minutes. The pressure of hydrogen was adjusted to 100 bar at 160 degrees C isotherm for 3-9 hours. The hydrogen pressure was released to ambient pressure and the sample was heated to 300 degrees C and the released hydrogen was measured again. The cycle was repeated at least 20 times.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The sour natural gas stream has a ratio of hydrogen sulfide to methane of at least 0.1 moles of hydrogen sulfide per mole of methane. The sour gas has a ratio of at least 0.3 moles of hydrogen sulfide per mole of methane.Preferred Catalyst: The reforming catalyst is noble metal based. The sulfur capture catalyst comprises nickel oxide, manganese oxide, cupric oxide, cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide or zinc oxide.Preferred Method: The reforming and regeneration steps are carried out at a temperature of at least 700 degrees C. The pressure during the reforming step is 100 atmospheres. Sulfur dioxide is removed from the vitiated air produced in the regeneration step by passing the vitiated air through a bed of calcium carbonate. The bed of calcium carbonate is fluidized, operated at a pressure of 3-10 atmospheres and used to generate power via a gas turbine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Nucleic Acid: (I) Further comprises a nucleotide sequence from a fully defined nucleotide sequence or full length coding sequence, given in the specification.Preferred Vector: The vector is operably linked to control sequences recognized by a host cell transformed with the vector.Preferred Host Cell: The cell is a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell, an Escherichia coli cell or a yeast cell.Preferred Chimeric Molecule: The heterologous amino acid sequence in the chimeric molecule is an epitope tag sequence or an Fc region of an immunoglobulin.Preferred Antibody: The antibody is a monoclonal, humanized or antibody fragment.Preferred Method: The sample in detecting a PRO polypeptide comprises cells suspected of expressing a PRO polypeptide that are labeled with a detectable label, and attached to a solid support. The bioactive molecule in the method of linking to a cell is a toxin, a radiolabel or an antibody, and causes death to the cell. The cell in the method of modulating at least one biological activity, is killed. The tumor is a lung, colon, breast, prostate, rectal, cervical or liver tumor.Preparation: (I) Is prepared by standard molecular biology techniques. ACTIVITY - None given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - Gene therapy; Antisense gene therapy. No biological is given.    ADMINISTRATION - Dosage of the pharmaceutical composition ranges from 10 ng/kg/day to 100 mg/kg/day, preferably 1 microgram/kg to 10 mg/kg. Routes of administration include intralesional, intraocular, intracerebral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, topical and intraarterial.    EXAMPLE - Experimental protocols are described but no results are given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The surface coating layer of metal elements comprises granule powders such as platinum (Pt), rubidium (Ru), nickel (Ni). The metal porous element consists of materials such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The whole quantity of treated substance obtained in the fermentation-II is subjected to fermentation-III (4) for less than 30 days. Fermentation-I is performed on upper stage of fermenter, which is divided vertically into two stages. Fermentation-II is performed on lower stage of fermenter. EXAMPLE - Dehydrated sludge ejected from sewage works and chaff were mixed (1). The mixture was supplied to upper stage of cylindrical fermenter divided vertically into two stage. The mixture was subjected to fermentation-I (2) for 6 days on the upper stage. The whole quantity of the treated substance was transferred to lower stage and subjected to fermentation-II (3) for 6 days in lower stage. 0.1 m3 air was supplied per minute with respect to 1 m3 mixture, stirred and further subjected to fermentation-III (4) for 30 days in deposition-type fermenter. 0.1 m3 of air per minute was supplied with respect to 1 m3 of mixture. Then ploughed once daily. The fermented product was dried for 42 days to reduce moisture to 35%. Ignition loss, pH, nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and Brassica campestris germination index were measured. The product showed ignition loss of 71%, pH of 7.8, nitrate nitrogen of 0.12%, total nitrogen of 3.4%, BOD of 9 mg/g and Brassica campestris germination index of 99%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The particulate material contains 5 wt.% or more fibrous activated carbon.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The livestock is hen and the livestock product is whole egg liquid, egg-white liquid, egg-yolk liquid, whole egg powder, egg-white powder, egg-yolk powder, degreased whole egg powder and/or defatted egg-yolk powder.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangements: The air purification system has air suction system part, absorption and removal part provided at the downstream side of air suction system and air port part. The air inhaled through air suction system part is circulated and purified in absorption and removal part and the purified air is supplied to air port part (8). The antibody substance is arranged at the absorption and removal part. The absorption and removal part is a filter or a shielding board holding antibody substance. The antibody substance is mixed with solution layer and sprayed in desired area.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Intrinsic Microbe: The intrinsic microbe is yeast belonging to Saccharomycetaceae family, where one of the yeast belongs to Zygosaccharomyces genus of Saccharomycetaceae family.Preferred Metabolite: The desired metabolite is obtained by adding an extract (D1) which contains natural products such as vegetables, fruits, sea weed, animals and plants used as Chinese medicine (D2) or mineral (D3), where the extract is obtained by extracting the natural products in culture solution. EXAMPLE - Culture solution was poured into initial-stage culture tank for carrying out symbiosis culture. The culture solution comprised saccharide solution chosen from polysaccharide, monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, honey etc. The saccharide concentration of culture solution was 2-60 % and the solution had 40-50 % osmolarity. Preliminary culture of microbes was carried out in culture tank. A number of fungi which differ in saccharide assimilation property were inoculated to culture solution in initial-stage culture tank. The fungi of multiple kinds was preferably yeast where one yeast belonged to Zygosaccharomyces genus of Saccharomycetaceae family and symbiosis was carried out. The initial-stage culture was performed in initial culture tank under conditions: humidity of 30-80 %, pH 3-7, temperature of 10-35 degreesC and culture time of 1-7 days. The culture solution after completion of initial-stage culture was poured into culture solution in curing tank. Curing culture was performed under condition such as saccharide concentration of 20-60 % and solution osmolarity of 50-65 %, humidity of 30-80 %, culture solution pH 4-7, temperature of 20-35 degreesC, culture time of 1-3 days. The fermentation produced a useful metabolite efficiently and stably. The removal of microbe was performed by filtration and by sterilization. The culture solution (fermented liquor) was diluted and metabolite was used as preservative, moisturizer etc.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The solubilization (50) rate of the mixed solid substance is 0-100%, which depends on the ratio of capacity of anaerobic and aerobic processing. The solubilization is performed by mechanical, biotic, chemical or physical method. The solubilization rate of the mixed solid substance is controlled to a predetermined value. The solubilization process is based on the microorganism cell originated in the anaerobic surplus sludge (22) and aerobic surplus sludge. High load and high-speed type anaerobic treatment is performed to the waste material. The anaerobic processing is performed by a transduction process, which transforms the methane (23) generated in the processing into heat or electrical energy. The solubilization liquid or anaerobic treatment liquid is added with a phosphorus fixative agent and the phosphorus is collected as an insoluble phosphate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Components: 40-80, preferably 40-50 vol.% of sand-free soil and 20-60 vol.% of compost produced by fermenting grasses or flowers obtained from weeding or grass-cutting works are mixed.Preferred Condition: The fermentation is carried at 50 degreesC or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: Typical amides include 1-methyl-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-isopropyl-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-hydroxymethyl-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-(beta-aminoethyl)-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-(beta-methylthioethyl)-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-(chloromethyl)-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-phenyl-alpha-oxyacid amide, 1-indolylmethyl-alpha-oxyamide and 1-imidazolylmethyl-alpha-oxyacid amide. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microorganism is one or more of Protaminobacter alboflavus, Mycobacterium methanolica, M. smegmatis, Xanthobacter autotrophicus and Rhodococcus erthroporis. Typically, the microorganism is one or more of Protaminobacter alboflavus ATCC 8458, Mycobacterium methanolica FERM P-8825, M. smegmatis ATCC 19420T, Xanthobacter autotrophicus ATCC 43050 and Rhodococcus erthroporis JCM 3201.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Pre-treatment of waste gases is employed to adjust the ratio of H2:CO in gases fed to the reactor and to remove a portion of least one gas such as oxygen, acetylene, olefins and sulfurous gases. The H2:CO ratio of feed gas is adjusted by either shifting or back-shifting the gas prior to introduction to the FT reactor, or either adding or removing H2 from the FT feed gas. The compressed or expanded gases are subjected to hydrogenation step prior to entering the FT reactor. Hydrogen is separated from the tail gas of FT reactor and employed in the FT feed gas hydrogenation step and/or product upgrading. A portion of tail gas from said FT reactor is recycled after separation of hydrocarbons. FT reactors are connected in series and/or parallel.Preferred Parameter: The pressure of the feed gas is 200-450 (preferably 300- 400) psia.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The feed gas comprises 20 % carbon dioxide. The molar ratio of H2:CO in the feed gas is 0.6-3.5 (preferably 1.2-1.8 or 1.8-2.2). The industrial waste gas is acetylene off-gas resulting from the production of acetylene. The acetylene off-gas comprises from H2 (40-80 mole%) and CO (15- 50 mole%). The ratio of H2:CO in the off-gas is 0.7-3.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is iron-based catalyst (preferably copper-potassium promoted, precipitated iron catalyst or a catalyst prepared according to US5504118), cobalt-based catalyst, or ruthenium-based catalyst. The catalyst is contained in slurry.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: A temperature of the conduit reflects an operation temperature of the fuel cell. The conduit includes a flexible tube connecting the fuel source with the anode chamber. The fuel source is a fuel cartridge, a pump or a mixing chamber. The valve is positioned adjacent the flexible tube. A positioning of the switch between the first position and the second position is variable depending upon an operating temperature of the fuel cell.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The fuel comprises methanol. The liquid medium is water and/or methanol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The heat-sensitive valve comprises a bimetal material. The valve comprises a shape memory alloy, preferably nickel-titanium.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The first material comprises Nafion (RTM: Perfluorosulfonate Ionomer).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The gas permeable layer(s) is microporous. The gas delivery layer comprises a base (26) having two major sides. The first side has textured surface. The textured surface of gas delivery layer comprises walls (18) forming flow channels (20). The gas delivery layer further includes microchannels, dual gas delivery layer, mechanism for removing moisture from gas delivery layer, material that is porous and gas permeable, and foam. The layered sheet construction is undulated and/or corrugated in shape. The layered sheet construction further includes microbial population proximate gas permeable layer, microbial support layer(s) (16), and mechanism for supplying gas(es) to gas delivery layer. The microbial support layer comprises absorptive filler material from finely divided fossil lignocelluloses, peat, lignite, mineral coal, coke, charcoal, activated carbon, finely divided distillation residues, granular metal oxides, inorganic fillers, and/or plastic particles.Preferred Dimension: The microporous gas permeable layer has pore sizes of at most 0.5 microns.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The microporous gas-permeable layer is coated with a gas-permeable polymeric layer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The organic substance further comprises oxygen. The organic substance is an alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, hydrocarbon, ether or ketone, especially methanol or ethanol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Solution: The electrolyte solution further comprises water; a conductivity-enhancing agent comprising an acid; and a base comprising a metal hydroxide (preferably an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide). The concentration of the base in the electrolyte solution is at least 1, preferably at least 12 M.Preferred Material: The anode or the cathode includes carbon, nickel, platinum or hydrogen storage alloy.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The magnitude of the voltage is less than 1.0, preferably less than 0.25 V. The electrochemical cell is heated to a temperature above room temperature. EXAMPLE - An electrochemical cell that included an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte solution was assembled within a 250 ml beaker. The anode included platinum (20%) supported on high surface area carbon on a Toray paper substrate. The anode and cathode were separated by 5.5 cm. The electrolyte solution comprised methanol (50 ml) and aqueous solution of sulfuric acid (50 ml). The sulfuric acid was present as a conductivity-enhancing agent and was present at constant concentration during the course of the methanol electrolysis. A voltage was applied from an external source and the current produced in the electrochemical reaction was measured. When there was no reaction, no current flowed through the electrochemical cell. The result of the methanol electrolysis reaction showed that the reaction was initiated at a voltage below 1.1 V and rapidly accelerated at voltages above 1.1 V. Results indicated that appreciable rates of hydrogen production occurred in methanol electrolysis reaction.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The biomass is heated at 250-400 degrees C. The biomass partially carbonized compaction fuel precursor contains 1-5 wt.% of tar. The oxygen-deficient atmosphere is inert-gas atmosphere or atmosphere containing 1% or less of oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Alternately, the oxygen-containing gas or oxygen is supplied by measuring amount of methane gas and/or hydrogen sulfide in the biogas. When the methane gas amount in the biogas decreases the supply of oxygen containing gas or oxygen is stopped. When the hydrogen sulfide content is increased due to the deficiency of the gas, the oxygen-containing gas or oxygen is supplied. The amount of air supplied is 20% or less, preferably 5-7.5% of the biogas produced in methane fermentation reaction. The method is continuous.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The timber wafer is a wood chip or wood shave used as ground floor for horse riding. The fertilizer raw material is a mixture of droppings of hen, bone meal, rice bran and/or bean curd lees. The timber wafer is carbonized at high temperature and fermented by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer. No biological data given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None Given.    EXAMPLE - Wood chip (in kg) (400-600), bakutamon (2.4-3.6), droppings of hen (36-54), potassium sulfate (2.4-3.6), bone meal (1.6-2.4), beer yeast (32-48) and rice bran (24-36) were added. The above mixture of compost raw material was kneaded and stored in a fermenter and made to ferment. Wood chip was carbonized at high temperature. The wood chip served as a porous object by carbonizing. The water retention and the microbe carrying property of the chip was increased. Aerobic fermentation and anaerobic fermentation, were repeatedly performed to the raw material other organic substances, such as wood chip, droppings of hen, which remained without high temperature fermentation were fermented completely and used as manure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The solid-substance slurry is dried until the water-content is suitable for compost. The dried product is then made into a compost by compost reaction. A generator (13) is driven by burning methane-containing gas and performing electricity-generation. The combustion waste-gas is utilized for the heat source for temperature controls in methane-fermentation. The waste-gas and combustion waste-gas are led from the generator to a waste-gas treatment tower (15) packed with a denitration catalyst, and a denitration process is carried out. The solid-substance slurry is dried until the water content is 40-70%. The desalting process is carried out by several film processing at a cascade-type using a dialysate. The desalting process is performed by mosaic charge film, electrodialysis, diffusion dialysis and/or reverse osmosis membrane. The waste liquid obtained by the solid-liquid separation is mixed with desalted treated water, and is processed by a waste-water treatment process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials: The deodorizing materials contain organic substance chosen from chaff, sawdust and straw. The microorganism containing substance is selected from excrements of livestock, activated sludge, sewage and excrements of treatment plant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The heating element further comprises a combustion flow path in the body to correspond to the reaction flow path having a combustion catalyst layer in the path; combustion fluid supplying unit that supplies the fluid to the combustion flow path; and a thermal energy supplying unit that supplies the thermal energy to the reaction flow path by a combustion reaction on the combustion catalyst layer. The apparatus further comprises a heat radiation preventing film covering the outermost surfaces of the body.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The radiation preventing film is a metal film made of gold, aluminum or silver, and a metal oxide film made of tin oxide, indium oxide or zinc oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials: EPH comprises (by weight) 70-80 % free amino acids (taurine, Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, (hydroxy)Pro, Gly, Ala, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Tyr, Phe, ornithine, Lys, His and Arg); 10-20 % bioactive peptides and 3-5 % vitamins and minerals (including cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, cobalt, molybdenum and chromium). It is produced from waste materials of cold-water fish.Preferred Microorganisms: (A) are fungi, yeast or particularly bacteria.Preferred Process: The process improves production of gas (methane) from coal by adding EPH to any mixture of coal-digesting microorganisms, particularly one derived from the digestive tract of termites.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The natural gas liquids comprise at least 2C hydrocarbons.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method may further comprise passing a first portion and/or a second portion of a gas heat exchange fluid in heat exchange contact with at least one of the stream of LNG and the high-pressure liquid stream to produce a liquid heat exchange fluid, pumping the liquid heat exchange fluid to produce a higher-pressure liquid heat exchange fluid, heating the higher-pressure liquid heat exchange fluid to vaporize the higher-pressure liquid heat exchange fluid to produce a higher-pressure gas heat exchange fluid, driving an expander and electric power generator with the higher-pressure gas heat exchange fluid to produce electric power and the gas heat exchange fluid, and recycling the gas heat exchange fluid to heat exchange with the stream of LNG and/or the high-pressure liquid stream.The higher-pressure liquid heat exchange fluid is at 250-400 psig, and the gas heat exchange fluid is at -70 to -100 degrees F.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The process steps are repeated at least two or three additional times. At least one cooling stage further comprises compressing the refrigerated vapor component to produce a compressed vapor component (20), and recycling the compressed vapor component into the feed stream from at least one cooling stage.The inlet pressure of the feed stream is at least 1/3 of the inlet pressure of the feed stream of the immediately preceding cooling stage provided that the inlet pressure of the feed stream of the immediately preceding cooling stage is at least 75 psia.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Shape: The shape of solid fuel is rectangle, sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, semi cylinder, star, spiral, quadrangular pyramid, spherical pellet, cylindrical pellet and tube-like pellet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Conditions: A specific-gravity regulator is added with the coagulant, and the specific gravity is adjusted to 1.1-1.5 after bake-processing. A purification cycle is formed by sludge. The microorganisms are fixed to the contact material before it is supplied to the contaminated water area.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The sewage sludge as main raw material is mixed with chip (2) manufactured by using fermented construction wastes and composted. The waterworks sludge is mixed with powder of konjak and sprinkled into the compost material. 20-40% volume ratio of waterworks sludge is mixed with respect to 60-80% volume ratio of composted greening base materials. 10-30% volume ratio of waterworks sludge is mixed with respect to 70-90% volume ratio of blend of chip and construction waste, which is fermented by fermentation apparatus (4).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The exhaust gas is heated at 20-30degreesC and then contacted with the deodorant containing 20-70 weight% acid-treated clay or activated carbon. EXAMPLE - A deodorant containing magnesium oxide, copper oxide and sulfuric acid treated clay in a ratio of 40:10:50 was filled in a reaction tube having internal diameter of 2 cm. The deodorant when evaluated effectively removed bad odor producing substance in compost exhaust gas and also prevented leak of bad odor from the exits.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Components: The dehydration cake generated in food processing factory contains protein and/or cellulose. The bean curd lees of tofu factory is mixed with food processing residue. The base material is inserted into perforated pipe. The pipe is covered by rubber or synthetic resin-made sheet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The denitrification tank is a nitrate-nitrogen processing system, which utilizes autotrophic sulfur oxidizing bacteria. The gas released from the system is utilized for plant growth without passing through further stirring process in deodorization tank. EXAMPLE - 1500 g of Japanese-cedar sawdust was packed as carrier in 10 l plastic container and a simple processing apparatus (5) was obtained. Slurry (4) containing 200 g of excrements (1) of milk cow and 200 g of pure treated water (2), was inserted into the processing apparatus and uniformly mixed for 2 minutes at 20 rpm using a roll coater at 20degreesC. The process was repeated for 20 days and 90 weight% of the solid substance in the excrement was decomposed into carbon dioxide (6) and wastewater (7). The wastewater ejected was collected in a plastic container and sealed. The sealed container was then passed through a deodorizing tank (8) and carbon dioxide was diffused. Further, the container was sequentially passed through a nitrification tank (10) that carries out nitrification of ammonia to nitrate and then through a denitrification tank (11) containing facultative anaerobic sulfur oxidation bacteria, to obtain pure water containing ammonia, nitrate and phosphorus in free state. The treated water was free from microbes (Escherichia coli). One part of the purified water was recirculated into the slurry and the part was discharged out of the system.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The discharge electrode is formed by forming many conductive carbon fibers into a bundle. The end surface of the carbon fibers is an edge shape. A heater is used for heating the raw material. The device has a skin layer which coats a part where an end part is removed at a region where a pulse discharge is performed from the surface of the discharge electrode. The device has a reaction chamber which houses the discharge electrode and a power source for applying a voltage to the discharge electrode. A catalyst is adhered to the discharge electrode, and comprises ruthenium or ruthenium and another catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method further includes passing the heat transfer fluid circulated through the fuel cell stack and the chemical hydride hydrogen generation system through a heat exchanger (14), and operating the heat exchanger to control the temperature of the solution.The heat exchanger is actuated to maintain chemical hydride solution at a desired temperature once the reactor and the fuel cell stack reach desired operating temperature. Preferred Component: The heat exchanger includes a fan for forcing cooling air to effect heat transfer.A temperature transducer is connected to the fan for actuating the fan in dependence upon the sensed temperature.The system also includes a first level switch (24) on gas-liquid separator (16) for the level chemical hydride solution in the separator and a level control valve connected between the separator and the storage tank and to the first level switch.The control valve is actuated to maintain a desired level of the chemical hydride solution with the separator.A pressure transducer is connected for monitoring the pressure of generated hydrogen. A pressure controller is connected to the transducer and to the first pump for controlling the pressure of generated hydrogen.The fuel cell stack comprises individual fuel cells, and coolant ducks are provided between the fuel cells and connected in the heat transfer circuit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The inoculation includes the utilization of Bacillus sphaericus, B. globisporus, or B. fusiformis.The mixture is added with phosphatase.The pH is adjusted by aeration of the mixture.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The water-soluble magnesium is magnesium carbonate or magnesium acetate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: The first sensor comprises a non-linear mass flow sensor having preset temperature compensation for a first predetermined gas type, a mass flow sensor (40, 50) positioned in a first bore of a first cross sectional area, or a flow sensor having a heated element (42, 52).The second sensor comprises a non-linear mass flow sensor having preset temperature compensation for a second predetermined gas type, a mass flow sensor positioned in a second bore of a second cross sectional area different than the first cross sectional area, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the gas, and a varying mechanism for varying the temperature differential between the heated element and the gas temperature at a constant mass flow rate through the flow sensor, the temperature sensor, a second flow sensor having a heated element, a first maintaining mechanism for maintaining a first temperature differential between the heated element of the first sensor, and a second maintaining mechanism for maintaining a second temperature differential between the heated element of the second flow sensor, or a pressure sensor. The first and second predetermined gas types are different from each other.Both sensors have the preset temperature compensation for the same gas types. They comprise a temperature sensor in contact with the gas or a hot element mass flow sensor. The temperature sensor produces an electrical output signal proportional to the gas temperature. The temperature sensor output signal is coupled as an input signal to the processing unit. The hot element for the flow sensors is mounted in a common housing. The first and second temperature differentials are different from each other. The processing unit comprises a microprocessor having accessible electronic memory, and lookup table(s) stored in the electronic memory.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: Measuring the concentration of a marker gas in gas mixture also includes placing gas mixture sample in a Herriott cell or multi-pass White cell.Preferred Components: The gas mixture sample comprises exhaled breath. The exhaled breath simultaneously includes a biomarker gas characteristic of a disease and a calibration gas. The biomarker gas is nitrogen oxide, dihydrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon disulfide, ethane, methyl oxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, or oxygen carbon sulfide. The calibration gas is carbon dioxide, hydrogen oxide, nitrous oxide or methane. The spectrometer is a mid-infrared tunable laser absorption spectroscopy system. The laser is a IV-VI diode laser (18) further characterized by an emission wavelength of 3-10 micro-m. The gas mixture spectrum is a second harmonic absorption spectrum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: The heater is a resistive heater, or a microcombustion heater. A catalytic combustion microfluidic heat source is also included. A porous getter structure is located at the exit side of porous membrane.Preferred Parameters: The catalyst material covers a surface area of the porous membrane measuring at least 1 m2/cm3. The capillary microchannels support a fuel flow rate of 1-600 microl/minute.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The catalyst material consists of platinum, platinum-ruthenium, nickel, palladium, copper, copper oxide, ceria, zinc oxide, alumina, and/or their alloys. The porous membrane comprises porous thick film consisting of porous silicon, anodic alumina, zerogel, and/or glass. The substrate consists of silicon, glass or ceramic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The metal oxide is tin oxide, silicon oxide, or preferably zinc oxide. The carbon fiber construction is a woven or non-woven carbon fiber construction.Preferred Method: The metal oxide is deposited for not more than 30 minutes. EXAMPLE - Toray carbon paper 060 was treated with Nalco 2327 colloidal silica. When the suspension was diluted to 1 wt.% deionized water, the zeta potential on the particles was found to be -26 mV. The carbon paper was used as the anode of the electrolytic cell and a mild steel plate was used as the cathode. The coated carbon paper had a zero degree of advancing and a zero degree receding contact angle. Wicking of water was almost instantaneous.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The insulating fluid is transformer oil. The gases and vapor are formed from the break down of the fluid and insulating paper. The gases are ethylene, acetylene or methane.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The gases are carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. The vapor is water vapor. The cell is an anodized aluminum tube. The gas cell mechanical support windows are made of barium fluoride crystal.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Membrane: The membrane is a highly permeable and oil resistant polymer, preferably a fluorosilicone or perfluoro polymer. It is supported by a stainless steel sintered frit disk.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Detector: The quad detector comprises four narrow bandpass filters having a specified wavelength corresponding to a specific gas or vapor. The filters are placed between a broad bandpass filter and a pyroelectric device having four elements made of lithium tantalate crystals that are heat sunk mounted to a transistor header. The quad detector signal processor (15) includes a microprocessor amplifying, filtering and balancing the output signal from the detector. It includes a pyroelectric crystal covered with an optical filter that only allows non-absorption infrared band to pass. The infrared source controller maintains the pulse frequency at 2-12 Hz. The analyzing of the portion of extracted and isolated gases detects the presence and concentration of gases up to 6 ppm (v/v) for ethylene, 5 ppm (v/v) for carbon monoxide, and 5% relative humidity for water vapor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The oxygen-containing-hydrocarbon is selected from a group consisting of methanol, dimethyl ether and ethanol. The nuclear reactor is preferably a fast breeder reactor. Steam extraction is performed at 250-350degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The powdered garbage is stirred mechanically, and the volume of the garbage is reduced by thermal drying. Slaked lime or calcined lime (C) is further added to the vegetable matter waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Detector: The cavities of the masking layer are distributed uniformly.The ratio of the area which the electrochemically active material and the solid electrolyte film in the reaction layer contact and the area of the solid electrolyte film is 0.3-0.001.The masking layer consists of material which does not contribute to a hydrogen ionized reaction, CO adsorption, and oxidation reaction.The masking layer consists of silicon dioxide or ethylene fluoride.The electrochemically active material is platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The core material containing biologically active substance (urea fertilizer) is heated at +/- 5 degrees C in still standing state. A coating material containing resin such as olefinic polymer/vinylidene chloride type polymer is then coated on the surface of biologically substance, to obtain coated biologically active material. The coating is performed in roll state, fluid state or jet stream state, preferably jet stream state followed by drying to form a film.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The olefinic polymer is ethylene copolymer chosen from polyethylene/ethylene carbon monoxide copolymer, ethylene propylene copolymer, ethylene butene copolymer, ethylene pentene copolymer, ethylene hexene copolymer, ethylene heptene copolymer, ethylene octene copolymer, ethylene butadiene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate carbon monoxide copolymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer and/or ethylene methacrylate copolymer or propylene copolymer chosen from polypropylene/propylene ethylene copolymer, ethylene propylene butene copolymer, ethylene propylene pentene copolymer, ethylene propylene hexene copolymer, ethylene propylene heptene copolymer, ethylene propylene octene copolymer, propylene butene copolymer, propylene pentene copolymer, propylene hexene copolymer, propylene heptene copolymer and/or propylene octene copolymer. EXAMPLE - A coating material was prepared by mixing (in wt.%) low-density polyethylene (24.5), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (15), talc (60) and polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether (0.5). Urea particles (10 kg) having particle size of 2.0-4.2 mm and circulatory coefficient of 0.8 was heated by passing 80 degrees C hot air at 20 m3/hour, to obtain heated urea granules. The granules were then coated using the obtained coating material until the coverage becomes 8 wt.%, to obtain coated urea granules having excellent controlled elution property.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The gel form polymer in the gas hydrate production controlling agent contains 20-100 mol% of hydrophilic monomer unit and/or amphipathic monomer unit and remaining hydrophobic monomer unit. Preferred Process: The gas hydrate production controlling agent is dispersed in water and/or solvent miscible in water, and is added to system containing gas hydrate or system which produces gas hydrate. The gas hydrate to which gas hydrate production controlling agent is added, is maintained at a pressure of 5 Mpa or less and at 0-20degreesC. EXAMPLE - N-isopropyl methacrylamide (in grams) (20) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (0.2) were polymerized in presence of t-butanol (180) and 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) (0.02) at 70degreesC under nitrogen stream, to obtain a gel form polymer. The gel form polymer was dried under reduced pressure at 60degreesC, and t-butanol was removed. The dry gel polymer (20) was added in water, left overnight and made to absorb water. The gel form polymer was removed and cut into cubes of 1 cm to obtain a gas hydrate production controlling agent. Methane hydrate in cube-like controlling agent was produced at 15.1degreesC. Methane combusted when methane hydrate was ignited directly. Time taken for decomposition of methane hydrate was 20 minutes. Methane hydrate contained in cube-like controlling agent was stored and transported effectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The water purification sludge has moisture content of 40-60% (weight/weight) and hardness of 20 kg/cm2 or less.Preferred Materials: The organic substance is peat moss, pulverized coconut waste and pulverized chaff.Preferred Amount: The culture medium contains 95-50 volume/volume% of water purification sludge and 5-50 volume/volume% of organic substances. EXAMPLE - 70 volume/volume% of water purification sludge, 30 volume/volume% of peat moss and 2500 mg/l of phosphatic fertilizer, were mixed and granulated for 1 minute. The obtained granules were dried at 90 degrees Centigrade for 1 hour to obtain dry granules. The granules, when used in tomato cultivation effectively improved growth of tomatoes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The losses undergone by the initially-aDDSCed trace element mixture are compensated for during the process and the lead salt component is applied separately on stability grounds. EXAMPLE - A digester gas increase of 20.7% and a dry product reduction of 9.6 % was obtained over 7 days at a methane content of 68% in an anaerobic process when there was aDDSCed a solution containing (in approximatelyg/l) CoSO4.7H2O (0.286); Na2MoO4.2H2O (0.126); NiSO4.7H2O (0.029); Na2SeO3.5H2O (0.003); Pb acetate.3H2O (0.183); MnSO4.H2O (0.154); and CrCl3.6H2O (0.257).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The reformer temperature maintenance system includes recycling device that recycles part or all of the reformate gas containing excess hydrogen upstream of the reformer, and reformer temperature maintenance device, which keeps the reformer warm using gas produced through burning of excess hydrogen in the reformate gas recycled by recycling device. The controller further functions to stop the supply of raw material vapor and gas containing oxygen to the reformer when it is determined that excess hydrogen is produced, compute a target flow rate of reformate gas recycled, control the recycling device, compute the target flow rate of recycled reformate gas based on flow rate of excess hydrogen produced, set ration that distributes the reformate gas containing excess hydrogen between the reformer and burner, compute the target flow rate of recycled reformate gas, bias the distribution ratio, equalize the distribution ratio, and supply air for burning the excess hydrogen.The fuel cell system further includes burner that burns hydrogen in the reformate gas and vaporizer that vaporizes raw material by the heat of the burner.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The mechanism for controlling and directing the flow of evolved gases are a pair of inclined barriers placed parallel and opposite to each other inside a hollow pipe having air gap between its free end and its wall. The mechanism for directing the flow of evolved gases from the gas-trapping device to the sensing apparatus is an inclined vertically oriented hollow pipe placed adjacent in-line to a top barrier near a further end of the hollow pipe. The mechanism for controlling the flow of unwanted gases to the sensing mechanism comprises an air release valve at the further end of the pipe. The mechanism of flow of oil in the evolved gases from entering the sensing apparatus comprises a polymeric membrane permeable to gases and impermeable to fluid at a bottom end of the sensing mechanism.The sensing and characterization mechanism are electro-chemical sensors generating output signals in microamperes. The monitoring mechanism is a monitoring unit at an output end of the sensing mechanism for displaying type of fault. The mechanism for corrective actions are computer aided devices that operate and control parameters such as general, thermal, electric, and aging.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butyleneglycol. It is a bicontinuous emulsion comprising a coexisting mixture of 60-40 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro-emulsion and 40-60 vol.% of a hydrocarbon-in-water macro-emulsion.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon is in the boiling range of -1-260degreesC. The water is free of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and Group II elements of the long form of The Periodic Table of Elements. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700degreesC. The microemulsion has a viscosity that decreases at 15-80degreesC. It has a conductivity of 3-25 mhos at 25degreesC. It is stable to freeze thaw cycles at -54-50degreesC. EXAMPLE - Naphtha, a hydrocarbon mixture distilling at 50-400degreesF was used as the hydrocarbon and double distilled deionized water as the aqueous phase. Alkyl ethoxylated triazine surfactant (I) (1 wt.%, R' = 12C, n = 4) was added. Interfacial tension of the solution was determined by pendant drop method. Greater than 96% reduction in interfacial tension was observed indicative of the propensity for spontaneous emulsification of the water and hydrocarbon phases. The solution exhibited an interfacial tension of 0.9 dynes/cm as compared to naphtha/water solution, which was 53.02 dynes/cm. The surfactant decomposed at 250-400degreesC. At 400degreesC, 95% of the surfactant had decomposed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The microemulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butyleneglycol. It is a bicontinuous microemulsion comprising a coexisting mixture of at least 90 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon microemulsion and 1-10 vol.% of a hydrocarbon-in-water micro-emulsion.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon is in the boiling range of -1-260degreesC. The water is free of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and Group II elements of the long form of The Periodic Table of Elements. The surfactant thermally decomposes below 700degreesC. The microemulsion has a viscosity that decreases at 15-80degreesC. It has a conductivity of 0.5-15 mhos at 25degreesC. It is stable to freeze thaw cycles at -54-50degreesC. EXAMPLE - Naphtha, a hydrocarbon mixture distilling at 50-400degreesF was used as the hydrocarbon and double distilled deionized water as the aqueous phase. Alkyl ethoxylated ammonium salicylate (I) (0.8 wt.%, n = 17, x+y = 5) was added. Interfacial tension of the solution was determined by pendant drop method. Greater than 96% reduction in interfacial tension was observed indicative of the propensity for spontaneous emulsification of the water and hydrocarbon phases. The solution exhibited an interfacial tension of 0.78 dynes/cm as compared to naphtha/water solution, which was 53.02 dynes/cm. The surfactant decomposed at 250-700degreesC. All of the surfactants decomposed at 400degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butyleneglycol. It is a bicontinuous emulsion comprising a coexisting mixture of at least 80 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro-emulsion and 1-20 vol.% of a hydrocarbon-in-water micro-emulsion.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon is in the boiling range of -1-260degreesC. The water is free of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and Group II elements of the long form of The Periodic Table of Elements. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700degreesC. The emulsion has a viscosity that decreases at 15-80degreesC. It has a conductivity of 3-15 mhos at 25degreesC. It is stable to freeze thaw cycles at -54-50degreesC. EXAMPLE - Naphtha, a hydrocarbon mixture distilling at 50-400degreesF was used as the hydrocarbon and double distilled deionized water as the aqueous phase. Ethoxylated alkyl amine (I) (0.75 wt.%, n = 11, x+y = 10) was added. Interfacial tension of the solution was determined by pendant drop method. Greater than 96% reduction in interfacial tension was observed indicative of the propensity for spontaneous emulsification of the water and hydrocarbon phases. The solution exhibited an interfacial tension of 0.78 dynes/cm as compared to naphtha/water solution, which was 53.02 dynes/cm. The surfactant decomposed at 250-700degreesC. At 400degreesC, complete decomposition had occurred.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butyleneglycol. It is a bicontinuous emulsion comprising a coexisting mixture of at least 90 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro emulsion and 1-10 vol.% of a hydrocarbon-in-water micro emulsion.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon is in the boiling range of -1-260degreesC. The water is free of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and Group II elements of the long form of The Periodic Table of Elements. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700degreesC. The microemulsion has a viscosity that decreases at 15-80degreesC. It has a conductivity of 3-15 mhos at 25degreesC. It is stable to freeze thaw cycles at -54-50degreesC. EXAMPLE - Naphtha, a hydrocarbon mixture distilling at 50-400degreesF was used as the hydrocarbon and double distilled deionized water as the aqueous phase. Ethoxylated branched alkyl alcohol (I) (1 wt.%, R = 12C branched, n = 10) was added. Interfacial tension of the solution was determined by pendant drop method. A greater reduction in interfacial tension was observed by branched surfactant compared to linear counterpart. This was indicative of higher emulsification efficiency for the branched surfactant over linear counterpart. The solution exhibited an interfacial tension of 0.75 dynes/cm as compared to naphtha/water solution, which was 53.02 dynes/cm and naphtha/water with 1 wt.% ethoxylated linear alkyl alcohol, which had interfacial tension of 3.2 dynes/cm. The surfactant decomposed at 250-400degreesC. All of the surfactants decomposed at 400degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The second layer includes a convex portion which is provided on the first layer. The convex portion is a supporting catalyst. The base body is formed of a porous material.The permeable layer contains a group VA element, the first layer contains Pd, and the second layer contains ruthenium, rhodium, Pd, iridium, platinum, rhenium or nickel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The organic waste is partially de-watered.Preferred Component: The organic waste can be sewage sludge, animal manure, biosolid, pulp, paper waste, fermentation biomass and/or food waste.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The mineral by-products are at least 10 wt.% organic waste.Preferred Property: The mineral by-products comprise a mineral by-product having a pH of less than 9 or mixture of mineral by-products having a combined pH of less than 9.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The mineral by-products comprise coal combustion wastes, wood ash, calcitic and dolomitic limestone, cement kiln, mineral and rock fines, gypsum and/or steel slag. They do not produce ammonia or methyl amines.Preferred Composition: The minimum level of solids is 30-50 wt.% of mixture. The stable, granular bio-mineral product has a solids level of at least 60 % after drying.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The streams of methane and O2 are mixed prior to conveying to the oxidative coupling reactor. The conversion of methane to ethylene in the oxidative coupling reactor takes place between 775-825 (preferably 800) degreesC.The ethylene is reacted in the catalytic reactor between 260-280 (preferably 275) degreesC. The acidic pentasil zeolite catalyst is regenerated in flowing O2 at 450 degreesC, for a time to restore activity.Water is removed from the ethylene-containing product after the step of converting, to decrease water partial pressure to 2.4 torr. Carbon dioxide is removed from the ethylene-containing product. A trap containing silica gel is provided. The process is performed between 1-10 atm.Preferred Parameter: The stream of methane is provided at a flow rate to maintain a constant pressure, where the flow rate is equal to the rate of methane conversion. The effluent stream is recycled at a recycle ratio of 8.6.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst in the oxidative coupling reactor is Mn (2 wt.%) /Na2WO4 (5 wt.%) /SiO2 catalyst.The acidic pentasil zeolite catalyst in the catalytic reactor is H-ZSM-5 zeolite having a silicon/aluminum ratio of 28.5.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The atmosphere of the organic substance is adjusted by supplying water and/or air. The ratio of the carbon content with respect to nitrogen amount of the organic substance is adjusted by supplying nitrogen. The atmospheric temperature is adjusted to high temperature range and medium temperature range alternately. The waste material containing fats and oils, nitrogen and water are supplied by the batch type. The apparatus is equipped with supply unit to supply water, air and nitrogen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The polystyrene has a Melt Flow Index (M.F.I.) between 1.2 - 3.5 g/10 min..The cellulation regulator materials are chosen from talc, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, either individually or mixed together.The inert material consists of glass microbeads having an average particle size 10 - 60 micron.The mineral oil constitutes 0.1 - 2.0% of the mixture.The mixture comprises 1.5 - 2 wt.% of sodium alkyl-(10-18)C-sulfonate.The expanding agent is chosen from normal butane, isobutane and propane.Preferably the expanding agent is a mixture containing the following parts by weight: normal butane 67, isobutane 30 and propane 3.The mixture has the following composition, crystalline polystyrene(100 parts by weight); talc (0.35 - 0.50 parts by weight); hydrocerol compound (0.27 to 0.33 parts by weight); glass microbeads (1 - 2 parts by weight); antistatic concentrate (masterbatch 3.33 parts by weight); vaseline oil (0.67 parts by weight).The polystyrene has a Melt Flow Index of 1.2; the hydrocerol compound is a masterbatch produced by Boeringer and contains a mixture of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate; the antistatic masterbatch comprises 50% of polystyrene and 50% of sodium alkyl-(10-18C)-sulfonate.Preferred Process: The extruder is operated at the following operating conditions: temperature at melting zone 250-300 (preferably 260) degreesC; temperature at first cooling zone 110-125 (preferably118) degreesC; temperature at second cooling zone105-110 (preferably 108) degreesC; temperature at filter changer 145-155 (preferably 145) degreesC; temperature at heat exchanger 135-150 (preferably 143) degreesC; temperature at static mixer 145-155 preferably (145) degreesC; temperature at die120 degreesC; temperature at cooling ring 40 degreesC; rotation speed of screws 20-26 r.p.m; and expanding agent injected 4.25%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The second flow path also has a shift catalyst part, or a shift catalyst part and a CO selective oxidation-catalyst part. The reformer also has a third heat recovery part positioned adjacent the second heat recovery part between the shift catalyst part and the CO selective oxidation part. The reformer has a reforming catalyst part which produces a reformed gas based on hydrogen by a steam reforming reaction of a fuel gas with water vapor, a shift catalyst part which lowers CO in the reformed gas by an aqueous shift reaction, and a CO selective oxidation catalyst part which reduces CO in the reformed gas by reaction with oxygen. The reformer has a combustion gas flow path for heating the reformed catalyst part. The first flow path has a reforming catalyst part and a second heat recovery part for recovering heat in the fuel gas and water vapor sent to the reforming catalyst part by recovering heat from at least 1 of the shift catalyst part, the gas passed through the shift catalyst part and the CO selective oxidation catalyst part. The second flow path has a first heat recovery part which supplies heat to a reforming catalyst part by recovering heat from gas passed through the reforming catalyst part.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The two catalyst beds are enclosed in a common housing (14).Preferred Condition: The hydrogen-producing reaction is a steam reforming reaction or a water gas shift reaction.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The first catalyst comprises an oxidation catalyst (23) including ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, gold, or platinum.The oxygen-sensitive catalyst comprises a reduced catalyst including chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, or vanadium.Preferred Property: The ability of the oxygen-sensitive catalyst to promote a hydrogen-producing reaction in the reactant feed is diminished by exposure to oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The hydrocarbon reforming layer overlies the anode layer to at least partially cover the anode layer. It is provided as a separate layer on the anode side of the electrolyte in at least one part. It is provided upstream of the anode layer, relative to the fuel stream flow to the fuel cell to ensure that all of the hydrocarbons in the fuel stream are steam reformed before the fuel stream contacts the anode layer. The hydrocarbon reforming layer overlies the anode layer and a porous conductive layer is provided over the hydrocarbon reforming layer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The component for alleviating carbon deposition includes cerium oxide, praseodymium oxide, lanthanum oxide, samarium oxide, tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, alkaline earth based materials oxides, alkali based materials, or their precursors. The composition of the hydrocarbon reforming layer is a nickel-zirconia cermet including the component or its precursor for alleviating carbon deposition.Preferred Composition: The proportion of the component for alleviating carbon deposition in the hydrocarbon reforming layer is 1-60 wt.%. The hydrocarbon reforming layer contains at least 30 volume % nickel (approximately 40 wt.%).Preferred Properties: The mean thickness of the hydrocarbon reforming layer is 20-100 microns for an electrolyte or cathode layer-supported fuel cell, and 300-500 microns for an anode layer-supported fuel cell. The hydrocarbon reforming layer has a porosity of 20-70%. The anode layer has a porosity of 7-50%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol. The emulsion is a bi-continuous emulsion comprising a co-existing mixture of at least80 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro emulsion and 1-20 vol.% hydrocarbon-in water micro emulsion.Preferred Materials: The alcohol is methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butylene glycol. The water is free of salts of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and II elements of the Periodic Table.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon boils at -1 to 260degreesC. The emulsion has a viscosity decreases with decreasing temperature at 15-80degreesC. It has conductivity of 3-15 mhos at 25degreesC. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The mixing is conducted for 1 second to 15 minutes by an in-line mixer, static paddle mixer and/or sonicator. EXAMPLE - An emulsion was prepared using Naphtha (a hydrocarbon mixture distilling in the boiling range 10 to 204degreesC) and doubly distilled deionised water. The interfacial tension was measured at 53.02 dynes/cm. The same emulsion was prepared but including 0.04 wt% alkyl sorbitan surfactant (Span 80 RTM structure 1 with R = 18C alkyl) and 0.06 wt% alkoxylated alkyl sorbitan surfactant (Tween 80 RTM structure 2 with R = 18C alkyl, M = C2 and n =20). The interfacial tension was found to have dropped to 1.4 dynes/cm, a drop of more than 96%. It was observed that the surfactants decomposed in the temperature range 250-700degreesC with substantially all the surfactant being dissolved at around 400degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The production of volatile organic acids is carried out in an anaerobic environment, and the polymerization is carried out in an aerobic environment. The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) contain 3-5C or 6-14C monomers. The PHA is preferably poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). The compartments are bioreactors. The barriers prevent mixing of microbial cells, particulates, and water in the two compartments and so maintain different culture conditions in the two compartments.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The PHA producing microbial species are R. eutropha and/or R. oleovorans.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The fuel tube has a tip of finite length at its outflow end that is reduced in diameter gradually along the finite length.The reformer optionally includes a heat source (7) around the cylinder for heating catalyst.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The hydrocarbon gas is a low pressure propane, stored as liquefied propane in a container for safe use abroad recreational vehicles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Attachment: The attachment is a metal oxide.Preferred Support: The monolithic support contains inorganic compound fiber consisting of silica, alumina, boria, zirconia and/or magnesia. The monolith type support consists of inorganic compound chosen from cordierite, mullite, silicon carbide and/or complex oxide of lithium, aluminum and silica.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: A microorganism fixed support which fixed the strain on the support, is arranged in the bioreactor. The easy decomposability substance treatment tank is a biological slime treatment tank.Preferred Microorganism: The strain which decomposes the decomposition resistance substance, is white-rot fungi or filamentous fungi.Preferred Substance: The decomposition resistance substance is dioxin or exogenous endocrine disrupter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: Fermentation and decomposition of organic refuse is performed in the treatment tank. The portion of exhaust gas which is recirculated to the tank, is heated using the waste heat recovered from the portion of exhaust gas which is ejected to the atmosphere.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: The vessel wall is made of porous material having air permeability and the porous layer is made of nonwoven fabric. The gas flowing space connects intake-exhaust holes (109a,109b) formed in the container main portion and intake-exhaust holes (108a,108b) formed in the door. A support (103) is provided for rotating the fermentation container to the direction required for processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A portion of solid is removed from a digestive liquid obtained by performing methane fermentation of organic waste. The ammonia is stripped, concentrated and separated. Ammonia removed digestive liquid is heated, concentrated and separated into concentrated digestive liquor and condensed water. The stripping of ammonia is performed after adjusting the pH of stock solution to alkaline side. The condensed water is obtained after adjusting pH of the liquid to acidic side.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The parameter substance is a substance without translatability to hydrate. The parameter substance improves the fluidity of slurry-like hydrate, and is chosen from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and cellulose. The hydrate formation substance is methane gas. The parameter substance makes the production of methane gas hydrate migrate to high temperature and a low tension side, and is chosen from tetrahydrofuran, furan, cyclopentanol, cyclopentanone, and ethylene oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Process: The released gases including hydrogen and oxygen are gathered and dispensed/distributed for use as fuel or fuel mixture.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The first and second holes provide an inlet zone to easy the entrance of the material, and a discharge or counter-perforation for the exit of the material. The sieve is a vibrating sieve. The pelletization device is a linear or annular pelletization device.Preferred Process: Before reaching the desired humidity conditions of the material sent to the extrusion step, all the extruded material is recirculated to the extruder and new material to be subjected to treatment is not fed. The humidity of the material is reduced by mixing with material recirculated from the extruder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises 10-80 (preferably 20-40) at.% platinum, 2-70 (preferably 20-50) at.% zinc, and 5-80 (preferably 25-40) at.% nickel and/or iron.Preferred Component: The support particles are inorganic supports. The fuel comprises hydrogen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Component: The catalyst can be an alloy comprising platinum, zinc, and nickel and/or zinc.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The support particles are organic supports. The fuel comprises hydrocarbon-based fuel, or methanol. The hydrocarbon fuel is hydrocarbon-based fuel from saturated hydrocarbons, garbage off-gas oxygenated hydrocarbons, and/or fossil fuels.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The support particles are carbon supports or electrically conductive polymer supports. EXAMPLE - A sputtered alloy composition comprising 25.49 at.% platinum, 8.65 at.% zinc, and 65.86 at.% nickel was prepared and evaluated. The results showed -0.821 mA/cm2 end current density, -1.553 end current density/weight fraction of A, and 3.921 relative activity compared to internal platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preparation: The alloy is prepared by milling a mixture of elemental powders and/or pre-alloyed combination of elemental powders of calcium, magnesium, transition metal (M), titanium and nickel, and annealing and/or sintering the so-milled mixture of powders at higher than 800degreesC.Preferred Compositions: The alloy can be single phase alloy or multiphase alloy. It can have a formula of (Ca0.4-xMg0.6-yMx+y)b(Ni1-z)2, or (Ca0.4-xMg0.6-yMx+y)b(Ni1-zTz)5. The Mg and Ca are present in ratio of 0.5-2 (preferably 1.5-1.75). EXAMPLE - Ca0.15Mg0.7M0.15Ni2 (x = 0.25, y = -0.1, x+y = 0.15, b =1, and z = 0) was synthesized by mechanical alloy of elemental powder blends. Isothermal annealing was performed in a tubular furnace under the protection of argon flow. The mechanically alloyed powder was sealed in a stainless steel crucible before annealing. The powder was heated to 1000degreesC at rate of 30degreesC/min, and held at 1000degreesC for 1 hour, then cooled down to room temperature in the furnace. The alloy had hydrogen storage capacity of 1.25 wt.%. The plateau pressure was drastically raised, and plateau slope is was much less than that of Ca0.3Mg0.7Ni2 alloy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The pressurizing chamber is bounded by the cathode which comprises a hydrogen-selective gas impermeable cathodic membrane having a face in contact with and bounding the electrolyte.The anodic chamber is provided with catalytic mechanism for reacting a gaseous or gasified fuel with steam and/or a source of oxygen to provide the relatively low pressure hydrogen.The porous cathode comprises a metallic screen, foam, felt, nonwoven fabric, or a sintered metal.The pressurizing chamber is provided with a steam supply mechanism.The electrolyte is immobilized in a porous matrix.The cathode is provided with an overvoltage-reducing mechanism.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The membrane comprises palladium or a palladium alloy.The cathode comprises high surface area palladium, platinum or nickel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Material: The matrix is made of zirconia or alumina with a thickness of 5-50 mils.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The alkali metal is lithium or potassium. The carbon is in the form of graphite, carbon powder, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, fullerene or activated carbon. The alkali metal and the carbon are in a molar ratio of 5000/1 to 1/200, preferably 500/ to 1/24.Preferred Compound: The alkali-carbon compound is an alkali-C intercalated compound of formula LiC6, LiC12, LiC24, KC8 or KC24.Preferred Method: The alkali-C intercalated compound is formed by pounding carbon with alkali metal under inert gas atmosphere, then pressing into pellets under pressure of 1-100000 atmospheres. The inert gas is argon and/or helium. EXAMPLE - 60 mg of graphite were mixed with 350 mg of lithium metal. The mixture was pounded with a pestle as homogeneously as possible, and then pressed into pellets for testing. 300 mg of the pellets were put into a Pressure Composition Isotherm (PCI) sample container for Auto-soak measurement at 180 degrees C and 30 atmospheres of pure hydrogen. After 3 hours of absorption, 33 mg of hydrogen were absorbed. XRD measurements showed that the product only has lithium hydride (LiH), graphite and weak lithium oxide (Li2O) phases.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Condition: The mechanical vibratory motions are embodied as traveling waves along walls of the passages. They have a frequency of 20-100 KHz. They are intentionally generated ultrasonic vibrations of the supporting structure or of the flow velocity of the reacting substances having frequency of 20-1000 KHz. They are generated by vibration exciters attached to the catalyst supporting structure. The exciter is outside the catalytic reactor, and is connected to the catalytic reactor by a waveguide. The ultrasonic mechanical vibration motions have both longitudinal and transverse components in relation to flows of the substances.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The treatment of waste also comprises condensing the steam and ammonia gaseous mixture to give a condensate, and combining the condensate with the treated waste after converting fatty acids to carbon dioxide and methane. The enzymes form part of a culture of anaerobic mesophilic microorganisms. The culture is obtained from animal or fish waste. The enzyme is obtained from anaerobically digested cattle manure.The waste hydrolyzate mixture is alkaline and has a pH of 7.6-8.5 due to the addition of a base such as sodium hydroxide or lime, during the removal of ammonia. EXAMPLE - A hydrolyzate of fish waste comprising (in g/l): nitrogen (60), ammonia (13), potassium (0.94), phosphorus (0.61) and sulfur (0.28) was treated to obtain a biogas with reduced concentration of organic waste and ammonia.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Metal: The electrodes of the electrolytic cell are made of electroconductive metals selected from iron, aluminum and magnesium or their mixtures.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Apparatus: The system for manufacturing biomass liquefied fuel generates electric current by carbonizing organic substance garbage component, grinding carbonized garbage component, mixing water with ground garbage component and emulsifying/dispersing the mixture in vegetable oil. EXAMPLE - Scrap timber was crushed, heated, carbonized at 600 degreesC and fragmented, to obtain fragmented carbonized particles of mean particle diameter of 150 micron. 100 g of carbonized particles were immersed in 280 g of kerosene, mixed with 30% of an emulsion fuel containing vegetable oil, water and surfactant in ratio of 1:0.8:0.01 and stirred for 5 minutes, to obtain oil impregnated carbonized particle dispersed emulsion fuel. The fuel when burned showed complete combustion, without evolution of harmful nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The pruned branch is aliquoted, supplied to processing container, pressurized by compression along container inner wall and chipped using screw blade in the processing container. MS is itself composted by the role of organic refuse decomposing microbe.Preferred Source: MS is obtained from palm-husk crushed material. EXAMPLE - Chipped pruned branch, which was processed at a speed of 200 kg/hour and 500 kg/hour were used as samples 1 and 2, and unprocessed sample was used as comparative sample. The samples 1, 2 and comparative samples had moisture content of 28.7%, 29.8% and 21%, respectively. Water absorptivity and humus content were measured. Sample 1, 2 and comparative samples showed water absorptivity of 209%, 212% and 106%, respectively. Maximum water capacity of the dried product was 347%, 343% and 161%, respectively. The sample 1 and 2 had high humus content compared to the comparative sample, after processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The contaminated soil containing organochlorine compound such as dioxin is sterilized and pre-treated by spraying/mixing the soil with aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.The pre-treated soil is then treated with microbes such as Pseudomonas and/or Bacillus belonging to basidiomycetes or with white rot fungi. EXAMPLE - 10 g of soil was mixed with 30 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide solution and stirred for 30 minutes. White rot fungi inoculated in a solid culture containing PDA agar medium for 5 days were subjected to stationary culture at 25 degreesC. After culturing 1 day the microbes were aseptically processed with 500 microl of the soil slurry and a stationary culture was formed. A control was performed using soil slurry without pre-treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The culture solutions of the test and control were collected after 12 days and the lignin peroxidase (LIP) activity and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity were investigated. The results showed that LIP activity and MnP activity in the soil slurry by the test were 0.0632 abs/minute and 0.0537 abs/minute, respectively (control showed no enzyme activity). The results concluded that soil pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide effectively decomposed dioxin in soil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carbon: 80 volume% or more of the molecular sieve carbon comprises pillar-shaped carbon with height of 0.5-1.5 mm. The molecular sieve carbon has diameter of 0.5-1.8 mm. The molecular sieve carbon comprises several primary carbon particles with particle size of 0.8-120 mum, which are united irregularly in a three-dimensional manner. The micropore volume measurement of the molecular sieve carbon, shows micropore volume of 0.1-0.7 ml/g, and bulk density of 0.7-1.2 g/cm3. The primary carbon particle contains 80 wt.% or more of the carbon-containing rate. 60 volume% or more of the carbon particles have pore diameter of 2.8-5 Angstrom . The molecular sieve carbon comprises thermosetting property phenol resin powder as main raw material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin Powder: The phenol resin powder comprises spherical primary particle or its secondary aggregate with particle size of 1-150 mum. 50 wt.% or more of the phenol resin particles, pass through sieve of 100 meshes. 50 wt.% or less of the phenol resin powder is soluble in methanol. The phenol resin powder shows highest peak absorption intensity (D1600) at 1600 cm-1, peak intensity (D900-1015) at 900-1015 cm-1, and peak intensity (D890) at 890 cm-1, by infrared absorption spectrum, using potassium bromide tablet method. The phenol resin particle satisfies peak intensity ratios represented by: (D900-1015)/ (D1600) = 0.2-9, and (D890)/(D1600) = 0.09-1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Entrapment Support: The pH indicator provides a color change at pH6-8. EXAMPLE - A support consisting of polyethylene glycol, bromo thymol blue (BTB) as a pH indicator and comprising immobilized activated sludge was cut to a 3 mm cube to obtain entrapment fixation support. The support was transferred to an aerator where a continuous flow of ammonia present in waste-water was provided. The nitrifying bacteria in an activated sludge was acclimatized. The input of support was 10% (U/V), the ammoniacal-nitrogen concentration of waste water was 10 mg/L and the storage time of waste-water in the aerator was 3 hours. The exterior color of the support at the time of continuous water flow was green as the BTB reagent was at neutral pH. As the days of acclimatization increased, the color of the support gradually changed to yellow which showed the acidic nature of BTB reagent. After 7-days of continuous water flow, the exterior color of the support changed completely to yellow, and the quality of treated water became favorable due to the acclimatization by nitrifying bacteria.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Particle: The packing particles are coke, iron ore and/or slag. The gasification installation further includes a heat exchanger.Preferred Arrangement: The melting furnace is upstream side of the dust removal apparatus. The heat exchanger is at a location where the gas inside the dust removal apparatus does not circulate.Preferred Process: The slag emitted from the melting furnace is solidified and crushed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Feedstock (13) is heated counter-current against hot product (8) before flowing down an annulus of first reforming section (3a), packed with 4-5mm pellets of NiO reforming catalyst deposited on calcium aluminate. Hot burner gases flow through the larger bores (6b), counter-current to the feedstock in the catalyst packing. Product gases flow up the bores (6a), which are arranged peripherally around the reactor, alternating with the heating bores (6b). Typically the reactor is operated at 680-740degreesC and 0-1.75 bar.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Features: The channel has a meandering course. Several channels are arranged parallel to each other. The distribution structure has a cooling fluid distribution structure. The channel has a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The electrodes may optionally be adapted to parallel or concentric assemblies of equal surface area.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Materials: The gas stream consists of biogas and natural gas. The contaminant gas is carbon dioxide, the biocatalyst is carbonic anhydrase or its analog, and the solvent contains water. The biocatalyst is in suspension in the solvent, or immobilized on or entrapped in a support.Preferred Methods: Removing the ions from the spent solvent is performed by an ion exchange resin (28). The temperature of the gas is adjusted to avoid killing of the biocatalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The anode comprises substrate, catalyst layer having catalyst applied on substrate, and electrocatalyst layer having electrocatalyst applied on substrate. The purification system further comprises fluid connection between outlet of a cathode and purified fluid outlet port, electrolytic cells having porous bipolar flow field plates in series stack (17), and purge valve connected to cathode. Preferred Condition: The power supply voltage is set greater than 0.6 volts. The electric potential is applied continuously or periodically. It is applied for periods greater than 100 seconds. The electrolytic cell is operated at 80degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The electrocatalyst comprises carbon supported platinum-ruthenium catalyst and perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer. The substrate comprises non-woven carbon fiber paper. The major component comprises gaseous hydrogen. The fluid supply additionally comprises water. The oxidant is oxygen.Preferred Composition: The fluid comprises less than 1% carbon monoxide. The oxygen directed to anode inlet is less than 0.5% of the volume of fluid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The oxidizable impurity is carbon monoxide or methanol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Cell: The electrolytic cell is a solid polymer electrolyte electrolytic cell. The catalyst layer comprises carbon supported aluminum catalyst and polytetrafluoroethylene binder. The electrolyte is perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A manifold (42) is connected with the gas outlet of the heat exchanger so that cylinders may be filled with gas from the heat exchanger. The destination tank may be mobile or stationary. It includes a dispensing line and a dispensing valve. The system also includes a purifier (54, 56) connected with the gas inlet of heat exchanger and including an absorbent.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The recycling of waste organic materials further includes mixing hot inorganic material with the waste material in the first auger. The pressure and temperature of the auger stages are varied to provide selectively one of heavy and light hydrocarbons as products of the process.Preferred Condition: The inorganic material has object sizes between 1/8-1 inch and temperature when put into the first auger between 300-1500 degrees F.Preferred Component: The organic waste recycling and oil production system further includes volume of hot inorganic materials for injection into the steam of organic materials for heating the materials during the processing in the first and second augers. The hopper is closed and is maintained under sub-atmospheric pressure. The gases sucked from the hopper are passed through cleansing solution to atmosphere.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Conditions: The temperature and pressure maintained during fermentation process are 130 degrees Centigrade or more and 0.2 Mpa or less, respectively.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The cylindrical tank is divided into several divisions with partition disc, which has a permeable hole in the center section. The stirring unit fixes the center side of scraper in circular arc shape to the rotary axis constructed over the center section of the cylindrical tank. The feed unit comprises screw conveyer equipped with valve. The automatic control system detects the liquid, which produced from heat exchange unit. The input and injection velocity of the waste material are controlled. EXAMPLE - Hyper thermophilic microbe was added to organic waste and processed at 130 degrees Centigrade or more. The moisture content in the organic waste material evaporates quickly and the cytoplasmic membrane of the organic waste material was destroyed and exposed the protoplasm, which serves as a nutrient for hyper thermophilic microbe. The water vapor produced in the fermentation process was converted into liquid by heat exchanger and cooled to produce liquid fertilizer. The amount of liquid fertilizer was directly proportional to the amount of water vapor. Hence, the fermentation process was automatically controlled, by detecting the amount of water vapor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Bag: The water-permeable bag is stitched with non-woven coconut fiber to tube-shaped form. The board in hydrated and covered with a packing material containing biodegradable starch resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The sludge is heated for 15-22 hours, dried for 10-18 hours and thermally decomposed at 100-200 degrees C for 3-6 hours.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The blended mixture containing fowl excrement, incinerated ash such as sludge (non-chlorine bleached pulp) incinerated ash obtained from paper manufacture and carbide material from paper manufacture is fermented by inoculating with 10-3 or more of Bacillus, preferably B. subtillis, B. coagulans (FERM P-17807), B. circulans (FERM P-17807), B. stearothermophilus (FERM P-17807), B. burevis (FERM P-17807) or Paenibacillus sp. (FERM P-17807) per dry of fermented material. The fermented mixture having moisture content of 40 weight% or less is further heat-dried or dried naturally to adjust the moisture content to 25 weight% or less. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No biological data is given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - One ton of incinerated ashes from paper manufacture sludge was mixed with 1 ton of droppings of hen and the moisture content was adjusted to 60-65 weight%. The mixture was maintained at 40-50 degrees Centigrade for 3 days and then maintained at 55 degrees Centigrade for 2 weight, to obtain fowl excrement processed compost.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The primary side of the membrane faces a first chamber (8a) intended as a reaction chamber for at least a part of the reforming process comprising converting primary fuel to hydrogen and carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide, inter alia.The primary side of the membrane is at least partially coated with a layer of reformer catalyst (9). The system is arranged to supply primary fuel, water, and air to the first chamber. The supply of air is separately arranged so that the proportion of air in the first chamber can be varied. The secondary side of the membrane faces a second chamber (8b) through which a flow of flushing gas, preferably air, is arranged to pass.The flushing gas has a water content that approximately corresponds to the water content in the first chamber. The flow of flushing gas is arranged to pass along the membrane in the opposite direction to a main direction of flow in the first chamber.The system comprises at least one heat exchanger (5) to transfer heat between at least one flow (2, 4) that is leaving a chamber and at least one flow (1, 3) entering a chamber.The membrane exhibits a zeolite or zeolite-like structure, or microporous structure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The process unit includes draining guide gutters to drain lading to outlets and further to a collector tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Properties: The pH of composite preparation is 6-9.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel Cell: The positive and negative electrode liquids are respectively supplied to the positive and negative electrode portions continuously.Preferred Complex: The metal hydrogen complex has general formula:MIMIIIH4-nRn or MII (MIIIH4-nRn)2.MI = alkali metalMII = alkaline earth metal or zincMIII = boron, aluminum or galliumR = hydrocarbon, hydrocarbyl oxy group or acyloxy groupn = 0-3
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred agitator coating material: The agitator is coated with polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide or polyether ether ketone.Preferred filler material: The agitator consists of phenol resin or unsaturated polyester resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganisms resistant to formaldehyde are Paecilomyces (FERM P-18289), Botrytis (FERM P-18288) and Aspergillus (FERM P-18287) genus. EXAMPLE - Culture medium was prepared by compounding (in g) glucose (1), sodium nitrite (0.2), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (0.1), magnesium sulfate (0.05), potassium chloride (0.05), ferrous sulfate (0.001), yeast extract (0.01), chloramphenicol (0.01) and Triton X-100 (RTM) (0.25 ml).    A sample of wastewater containing formaldehyde was inoculated in a culture medium and cultivated at 30 degrees C for 1 week. The growth of microorganisms was isolated. The microorganisms isolated from the culture medium were Paecilomyces sp., Botrytis sp. and Aspergillus sp..    The result revealed that microorganism belonging to genus Paecilomyces sp., Botrytis sp. and Aspergillus sp. had an excellent resistant action against formaldehyde.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Methane fermentation is performed using high temperature methane microbe by Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) processing method. EXAMPLE - Surplus sludge (25 l/day) having a sludge concentration of 8 g/l was concentrated by centrifugal separation to increase the amount of sludge to 42 g/l. The sludge was supplied to a biological liquefying tank and stirred at 300 rpm and 70-78 degrees centigrade. Oxygen containing gas was supplied to the biological liquefying tank and the sludge was aerated. A portion of sludge was oxidized and transferred to a methane fermentation tank for fermentation. The fermented sludge was supplied to an anaerobic digestive tank and ultrasonic waves with an irradiation energy of 20 kHz was irradiated for 20 seconds and the sludge was processed. The processed sludge did not contain solids and had a biological oxidation demand of 0.5 mg/l.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The recycle gas is from the first third of a countercurrent depressurization phase or the last third of a purge phase. Effluents from adsorbers in cocurrent depressurization phase are passed to adsorbers in purge phase. The recycle gas is mixed with a fuel gas of lower hydrogen content than the feed gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The methane biogas produced by the fermentation is drawn off via a safety valve. The fermentation process takes place in a number of pipe-linked tanker trailers or vehicles using either a wet or dry process. The tanks are charged either by an external accessory pump, or an integral pump. The tank temperature is regulated either by insulation, coolant sprinkler or ventilation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst has a BET specific surface area of at least ca. 20 (especially at least ca. 50)m2/g, a gold content of 0.5-8 (especially 2-5) wt.% and an Au cluster diameter below ca. 6 (especially 1-3)nm. The metal oxide support is Fe2O3, TiO2, Al2 O3, CeO2, Ce(Zr)O2, SiO2, ZrO2, Co3O4, NiO, MnOx or Fe2O3-gamma-Al2O3.Preferred Preparation: The reduction temperature is below 200 degrees C for TiO2, Al2 O3, CeO2, Ce(Zr)O2 or ZrO2 supports, below 140 degrees C for Fe2O3 or Fe2O3-gamma-Al2O3 and below 80 degrees C for Co3O4 or NiO. The reduction is followed by calcining in air at at least 300 (especially 300-400) degrees C. EXAMPLE - A gold/titanium dioxide catalyst with Au content 4.48 wt.%, oxide diameter 21.8nm, BET surface area 65m2/g, Au diameter (X-ray) 1.8nm and reaction rate in a preferential oxidation reaction with an idealized reformate of 6.6mmole/(g(Au)s) was obtained by:    (i) aDDSCing a 0.17M aqueous solution of HAuCl4 (10ml) under pH control (5.1-5.4) within 3 minutes to an aqueous dispersion at 60 degrees C of pre-calcined (670 degrees C) TiO2 powder;    (ii) stirring for 0.5 hours at 60 degrees C;    (iii) washing with water, filtering and vacuum drying at room temperature for ca. 16 hours; and    (iv) drying at 200 degrees C under N2 and, after holding for 0.5 hours at 200 degrees C, treating for 0.5-1 hour with 10% H2 in N2 to give a product showing very wide Au (111) and Au (200) reflexes in X-ray differential spectra.    A control which was calcined but not reduced showed a reaction rate in a preferential oxidation reaction with an idealized reformate of only 3.2 mmole/(g(Au)s).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - COMPUTING AND CONTROL - Preferred Components: Gas detection, the removal pump and valve are controlled by two or more sensors (3, 7) or groups of them. On detecting gas, the valve and/or pump are operated, otherwise they are shut off. To detect overpressure and release it, a pressure measurement instrument (12) and excess pressure line or vent (13) are provided. The gas sensors detect different concentrations of one or more gases and a control unit is included to process this information. In the gas path, filters (8, 9) remove impurities.An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a corresponding plant in which a burner (11) recovers energy from the gas and/or a pressure vessel (10) is employed for storage.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The inlet channel for the liquid medium is arranged coaxially to the nozzle outlet. The nozzle outlet is formed by a nozzle bore in a covering plate of the gap of the swirl chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: In the method of generating a transgenic maize plant with an increased leaf starch content in comparison to corresponding wild-type plants, the reduced activity of the R1 protein means an amount of R1 protein which is reduced by 50 % in comparison with corresponding cells which have not been genetically modified. Making a maize silage comprises ensiling transgenic maize plants with a reduced activity of an R1 protein which occurs endogenously in the maize plant.Preferred Nucleic Acid: The foreign nucleic acid molecule comprises:(i) DNA molecules which encode an antisense RNA which brings about reduced expression of endogenous genes which encode R1 proteins;(ii) DNA molecules which, via a cosuppression effect, lead to reduced expression of endogenous genes which encode R1 proteins;(iii) DNA molecules which encode a ribozyme which specifically cleaves transcripts of endogenous genes which encode R1 proteins;(iv) nucleic acid molecules which, in the event of in vivo mutagenesis, lead to a mutation or an insertion of a heterologous sequence in endogenous genes which encode R1 proteins, the mutation or insertion leading to reduced expression of genes encoding R1 proteins, or to a reduced synthesis of active R1 proteins; and(v) DNA molecules which simultaneously encode an antisense RNA and a sense RNA, where the antisense RNA and the sense RNA form an RNA duplex which brings about a reduced expression of endogenous genes which encode R1 proteins.The nucleic acid comprises:(i) a sequence comprising the fully defined sequence having 4329 base pairs (bp);(ii) a sequence encoding a protein comprising the fully defined sequence having 1336 bp;(iii) a sequence having 80 % homology with (a) or (b); and(iv) a sequence that is degenerate in comparison with (a), (b) or (c) owing to the genetic code. EXAMPLE - No suitable example is given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises (in wt.%): platinum (0.1-50, preferably 30-40 or 15-25), rhodium (0.1-50, preferably 5-10 or 15-25), molybdenum (0.1-55, preferably 5-35 or 35-45), and nickel (0.1-55, preferably 25-50) or iron (15-25).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The electrically conductive support particle consists of oil furnace black, acetylene black, graphite paper, carbon fabric, or carbon aerogel. The fuel consists of hydrogen or methanol. The hydrocarbon-based fuel consists of saturated hydrocarbons, garbage off-gas, oxygenated hydrocarbons, and/or fossil fuels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The microorganism may be added in combination with plastics as a filler.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The microorganism may be added in combination with natural organic materials, preferably rice hulls, sawdust or wood chips as a filler or carrier.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The microorganism may be added in combination with inorganic particles, preferably zeolite or ceramics as a filler or carrier. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - Pseudomonas sp. FK 916 strain (accession number KCCM 10350) is specifically claimed.    EXAMPLE - The Pseudomonas sp. FK 916 strain was isolated from sewage that was stepwise diluted with physiological saline solution. A part was applied on Luria Bertani (LB) agar medium and incubated at 25 degrees centigrade. Expressed colonies were separated and cultivated in the proliferation medium (LB) at 25 degrees centigrade. The strain was then applied to plates containing the agar medium for protease assay (skim milk agar medium: peptone 5g/L, bacto yeast extract 3g/L, skim milk 1g/L, agar 15 g,L, pH 7.0) and the agar medium for lipase assay (tributyrin agar medium: peptone 5g/L, bacto yeast extract 3g/L, tributryin 5 ml/L, agar 15 g/L, pH 7.4). The assays produced transparent circles on the agar plates after inoculation with the FK 916 strain, indicating the strain produced protease and lipase. The isolated strain was identified according to the method (Holt et al., 1994).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: An activated sludge treatment is preferably performed at the same time as electrolytic processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The cement type inorganic-fiber back up plate contains 2-8 wt.% of solid component of the pulp fiber. The fertilizer contains 30 wt.% or more of ground material of a cement type inorganic-fiber back up plate having a particle size of 1180 microm (14-mesh plus sieve). The fertilizer has moisture content of 45-55%. The blend material is fermented by adding 2-5 weight parts of aerobic-fermentation microbes. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer. No biological data given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - (In weight parts) Ground material of cement type inorganic-fiber back up plate (116.3), used coffee powders (58.3), saw dust (76.3), fermentation microbe (3.8) with respect to cattle faeces (100) were mixed and installed in a fermentation lane. The above blend was fermented at 60 degrees C or more and ground to obtain a fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The microbe mixed excretion is fermented by solar drying method and is mixed with ammonia as deodorizer. The livestock made to eat the mixed biozeolite in fodder. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No biological details given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The processed earthworm excrement fertilizer is sieved, purified, naturally dried and finally packaged. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No test detail is given in the specification.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Inorganic polymer flocculent (2-20 mass%) such as iron polysuflate(III), polychlorinated iron(III), polychlorinated aluminum and/or poly aluminum sulfate is added along with the organic flocculent. The process also involves adding a fermentation promoter with the recellulose fibers. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No test detail is given in specification.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given in source material.    ADMINISTRATION - 1000-50000 Units/g of compost fertilizer is utilized at ratio of 0.1-10 g/kg in agriculture.    EXAMPLE - Recellulose (2 kg)was mixed with muddy excrements of pig (200 l), after stirring for 2 minutes. The prepared mixture (20 l) was mixed with an aqueous solution of amphoteric polymer flocculent and stirred for 3 minutes, to form sludge floc. Subsequently, the floc was dehydrated, to obtain dehydrated cake (24 kg) having 61.2 mass% of moisture content. The prepared dehydrated cake was fermented with Kurthia microbe (3 g) (Kurthia catenaforma) MH3 mutants for 10 days at 60 degrees C and pH of 8.0+/-0.1, to obtain 23.1 kg of compost fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The polysaccharide comprises glucose, glucuronic acid and rhamnose in the principal chain. Fucose is coupled with the side chain. The polysaccharide is produced from Alcaligenes latus (B-16 strain). The weight-mix ratio of polysaccharide, xanthan gum, and cellulose is 1:1-3:1-5. EXAMPLE - Alcagum (RTM) (polysaccharide) (in g) (0.5), xanthan gum (0.25), CMC Daicel 1330 (RTM) (carboxymethylcellulose) (0.25), Nonion OT-221 (RTM) (polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono oleate) (10), diethylene glycol (30) and water (649), were mixed to obtain a water-phase liquid. 18-24C higher alcohol (200), pentaerythritol distearate (50), paraffin series straight mineral oil (50) having a flash point of 220 degrees Centigrade, and a viscosity of 20 cSt, and Nonion OP-80R (RTM) (sorbitan mono oleate) (10), were stirred at 90 degrees Centigrade to obtain an oil-phase liquid. The water-phase and oil-phase liquids were stirred for 2 hours at 80 degrees Centigrade. Heating was stopped, and stirring while cooling was continued till 30 degrees Centigrade. An emulsion was obtained with a particle diameter of 5-20 microm. A higher alcohol group emulsion antifoamer was therefore prepared. The emulsion degree of separation after 2 weeks and 2 months was reduced. The viscosity was 480 mPa.second at 20 degrees Centigrade, and 470 mPa.second at 20 degrees Centigrade after 2 months.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: During the preparation of nitrogenous fertilizer, an acid is added to reduce the pH and a carbon containing substance is added for deodorization. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No biological data is given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The solubilized sludge is returned to the stirring tank after biologically oxidization by physico-chemical solubilizer. EXAMPLE - Activated sludge (25 d/l) having phosphorus content of 32 g.P/kg and having temperature of 26 degreesC was solubilized and oxidized at 65-67 degreesC by passing oxygen containing gas at rate of 6000-6500 mg/l. The oxidized sludge had 80 % reduction in surplus sludge and had moisture content of 62 %. The oxidized sludge was then solubilized, subjected to biological oxidization at 73-76 degreesC, stirred with oxygen at rate of 6000-6700 mg/l and processed, to recover 205 g/d of magnesium-ammonium- phosphate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol. The emulsion is a bi-continuous emulsion comprising a co-existing mixture of at least 60 vol.% hydrocarbon-in-water macro emulsion and 1-40 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro emulsion.Preferred Materials: The alcohol is methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butylene glycol. The water is free of salts of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and II elements of the Periodic Table. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700degreesC.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon boils at -1 - 260degreesC. The emulsion has a viscosity increases with increasing temperature at 15-80degreesC. It has conductivity of 3-40 mhos at 25degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The mixing is conducted for 1 second to 15 minutes by an in-line mixer, static paddle mixer and/or sonicator. EXAMPLE - An emulsion comprising (g) Naphtha (a hydrocarbon mixture distilled in boiling range 10-204degreesC) (50), water (50) and Caprol 3GO (RTM; compound of formula C17H35-CO-O-CH2-(CHOH)7-CH2OH) (1) was prepared.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The fuel cartridge comprises a byproduct reservoir (106) including a liquid inlet. The fuel reservoir comprises fuel-containing substance, preferably sodium borohydride. The reaction chamber includes an inlet operably connected to the fuel reservoir, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet connected to the liquid inlet. A gas permeable/liquid impermeable structure separates the reaction chamber liquid outlet and gas outlet. The open region is defined by a tubular member. The passive structure creates capillary forces that resist fluid flow. The passive structure is a porous structure (128) comprising capillaries axially aligned with one another.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The third driver generates a third signal for controlling an amount of the second fuel type into the cylinder based on the first signal. The first controller has a memory storing two fuel maps for the first and second fuel types, respectively. The first controller is configured to determine the desired fueling amount based on one of the fuel maps.Preferred Material: The first fuel type is gasoline or diesel fuel. The second fuel is liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or compressed hydrogen.Preferred Method: The process comprises indicating which one of the fuel types is to be injected into the cylinder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The supercritical fluid comprises carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon, krypton, xenon, ammonia, methane, ethane, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethyl ketone, sulfur hexafluoride, carbon monoxide, dinitrogen oxide, forming gas, and/or hydrogen.The composition comprises a co-solvent consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-octylpyrrolidone, N-phenylpyrrolidone, dimethysulfoxide, sulfolane, catechol, ethyl lactate, acetone, butyl carbitol, monoethanolamine, butyrol lactone, diglycol amine, y-butyrolactone, butylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, or propylene carbonate.The composition further comprises co-solvents, co-reactants, surfactants, diluents, and/or deposition-enhancing agents. The surfactant consists of acetylenic alcohols, acetylenic diols, long alkyl chain secondary and tertiary amines, or their fluorinated derivatives. It consists of 3,4-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol; 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol; or fluorinated surfactants. The precursor comprises a barrier layer precursor consisting of tetrakis diethylamido titanium (TDEAT), tetrakis dimethylamino titanium (TDMAT), pentakis ethylmethylamido tantalum (PEMAT), pentakis dimethylamido tantalum (PDMAT), pentakis diethylamido tantalum (PDEAT), or corresponding tungsten and niobium analogs of such titanium and tantalum compounds. The precursor comprises a copper precursor, and the composition further comprises a reducing agent comprising hydrogen, formaldehyde, or alcohols.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The precursor has a concentration not more than 40 wt.% based on the weight of the supercritical fluid in the composition.Preferred Components: The precursor comprises a polymeric, oligomeric or thin film precursor. It may comprise metal precursors or dielectric material precursors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - IMAGING AND COMMUNICATION - Preferred Components: The fluid can also be supercritical and/or compressed fluid. The fluid comprises nitrous oxide, ammonia, xenon, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, (iso)butane, chlorotrifluoromethane, monofluoromethane, sulfur hexafluoride, or preferably carbon dioxide.The functional material is liquid and/or solid. The functional material is organic molecule, polymer molecule, metallo-organic molecule, inorganic molecule, organic nanoparticle, polymer nanoparticle, metallo-organic nanoparticle, inorganic nanoparticle, organic microparticles, polymer microparticle, metallo-organic microparticle, inorganic microparticle, or a composite material. The functional material is functionalized or particulate.The functional groups for functionalization include fluorocarbons, siloxane or hydrocarbon groups. The functional material is free of compressed fluid on delivery to a substrate.The composition also comprises surfactant, dispersant, or co-solvent. The surfactant is fluorinated, perfluoropolyether, or siloxane surfactant. The ratio of surfactant to functional material is 0.1:1-500:1, preferably 1:1-100:1. The co-solvent to functional material ratio is 0.01:1-100:1.The ratio of compressed fluid to functional material is 1:1 x 105-1:20. The mean particle size of functional material is 1-1000 nm. EXAMPLE - C-545T (RTM) of formula (I) (0.0058 g), Fluorolink 7004 of formula (II) (RTM, surfactant), and carbon dioxide (5 g) were placed in high-pressure cell at 25.3 degrees C and 150 atm and mixed for a period of time until the system was visibly homogeneous. The formulation was expanded to ambient condition through needle valve for 5 seconds to deposit C-545T (RTM) on a substrate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The electrolyte comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, e.g. solid polymer comprising sulfonic acid groups. The fuel gas supply is a reformer capable of producing hydrogen-containing gas. The electrochemical cell is provided between the fuel gas supply and fuel cell, or the fuel cell is provided between the fuel gas supply and electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell is arranged as a membrane electrode assembly (120). The electrochemical cell comprises a first catalyst layer forming the cathode, a second catalyst layer forming the anode, and a solid electrolyte between the first and second catalyst layers. The cathode may serve as a reference hydrogen electrode. The fuel cell system also includes first and second gas diffusion layers (190, 200); a second electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode connected with the fuel cell electrode, and an electrolyte connected with the cathode and anode; and a mixing chamber connected with the anode and fuel cell electrode.Preferred Method: Changing the potential of anode includes cycling the potential between first and second potentials, e.g. as a function of time or as a function of detected current.Preferred Parameters: The first potential is at a level sufficient for carbon monoxide to adsorb to the anode. The second potential is at a level sufficient is at a level sufficient for the anode to oxidize the adsorbed carbon monoxide. The potential of the anode is sufficient for the anode to oxidize carbon monoxide. The potential of the anode is zero relative to a reference hydrogen electrode.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The anode or second catalyst layer comprises ruthenium, molybdenum, or iridium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The nanotubes are carbon fullerenes and are impregnated in the first flow field plate or attached to a surface of the first flow field plate by sputtering or chemical vapor deposition. They are placed only on selected areas of the flow field plates. The gaseous fuel delivery system comprises gas inlet channels in the flow field plate to which the fuel can be transferred from an external source. The nanotubes are in fluid communication with the gas inlet channels. The electrolyte is a proton exchange membrane. The nanotubes are impregnated in a carrier placed on the electrolyte face. The nanotubes (94) are embedded in a layer of gas diffusion layer (85) material or in an electrically conductive layer of a gas diffusion layer material (86).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Element: The metal (M) is zinc, aluminum, chromium or lithium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Resin: The thermoplastic resin powder consists of high pressure process low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polystyrene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: A 1st insulating layer (2) consisting of a nonmetal material is between the hydrogen ion permeable layer and the porous electrode (3), and a 2nd insulating layer (5) consisting of a nonmetal material is between the hydrogen ion permeable layer and the hydrogen ionization electrode (6)The hydrogen-ion permeable layer consists of:(1) metal comprising alloy of magnesium and nickel, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, palladium alloy and aluminum alloy; or(2) beta-alumina-based ceramic material.Either one or both of the 1st insulating layer and the 2nd insulating layer comprises fullerene or carbon nanotubes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The organic sludge is concentrated by a mechanical concentration unit (1). The aerobically-digested sludge is solubilized by ultrasonic wave or chemical oxidation.
EXAMPLE - Methane hydrate having mean particle diameter of 2 mm (100 c), iron powder having mean particle diameter of 10 microns (5 cc) and water (2 cc) were added to a stainless steel ball mill. Methane gas (8 MPa) was introduced and the ball mill was rotated for one day at 1 degree C. The methane gas was emitted from the ball mill and nitrogen gas was substituted. Water (300 cc) was further added to the stainless steel ball and shaken well to obtain methane hydrate particle with an average density of 1.3 g/cm3. The obtained methane hydrate particle had a mixture layer of methane hydrate and iron powder formed on the core of methane hydrate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred composition:The catalyst activity agent is selected from group comprising ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethyl ether tetrahydrofuran. The aromatic compound in the hydrogen storage material is selected from benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, methyl naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, phenanthrene, ethyl benzene, tetrahydronaphthalene or alkyl derivatives.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is selected from at least one of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, nickel, cobalt, iron, molybdenum, vanadium or rhenium. The catalyst is supported on activated carbon, a carbon nanotube, a molecular sieve, zeolite, alumina or silica gel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The sulfur compound is dimethyl sulfide, tertiary butyl mercaptan and tetrahydro thiophene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The catalyst for methane decomposition has nickel and a zirconium oxide. The unfixed ratio metallic oxide is at least one type of cerium oxide, complex oxide of cerium and a zirconium, an iron oxide, a tungstic acid compound, and an indium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Ammonia and carbon dioxide separated from the digestive liquor are added to the organic substance. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - An organic waste was subjected to methane fermentation. Ammonia and carbon dioxide were separated from the digestive liquor obtained after methane fermentation. The residual liquor obtained after a reverse osmosis membrane process was made acidic. A precipitate was separated as a fertilizer promoter. An aqueous solution containing the separated ammonia and carbon dioxide, was mixed with the precipitated fertilizer promoter. A fertilizer liquid was prepared using the obtained fertilizer promoter and used for the cultivation test of Brassica campestris. The average living material weight was measured with average leaf length, 45 days after seeding. The manure application amount was 0.2 g/4.4 kg ridging. The fertilizer promoter was 0.42 g/4.4 kg ridging, the average leaf length was 25.4 cm, and the average living material weight was 15.9 g/stock.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Apparatus: The reaction layer is formed by incorporating bentonite into natural soil an amount of 9 kg/m2, forming a layer 20 cm deep and 100-300 cm wide. The depth of material (especially horse manure, optionally with other organic wastes and/or inorganic additives) on the support surface is maintained at 60 cm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The gas stream has an oxygen content of not more than 5 wt.% and preferably comprises circulating gas (I) from the catalytic gas phase oxidation, or a mixture of (I) and air, or a mixture of nitrogen with oxygen or air. The reaction zone for gas-phase oxidation consists of many contact tubes filled with an oxidation catalyst and surrounded by a molten salt coolant. EXAMPLE - A heated, fused silica solid bed reactor was filled with 100 ml of an oxidation catalyst which had been used for 3 months in the first reaction zone of an acrylic acid test plant operating with a loading of 100 Nl propene/l catalyst. The used catalyst was heated to 300degreesC (i.e. to a typical temperature for the first zone) and a shut-down process was simulated by passing circulation gas through the reactor at 100 Nl/hour. The gas used comprised 4.2 wt% oxygen, 89.0 wt% nitrogen, 1.3 wt% water, 3.0 wt% carbon dioxide, 0.8 wt% carbon monoxide, 1.0 wt% propane, 0.6 wt% propene and small amounts (0.05 wt% or less) of acrylic acid and other compounds. There was no uncontrolled combustion. The use of air instead of the above gas resulted in uncontrolled combustion and a catalyst which showed almost no activity when gas phase oxidation was started up again.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - The microorganisms employed are mixed- or pure cultures of the thiobacillus type and/or bacteria isolated from sewage sludge. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for corresponding plant removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas, in which microorganisms immobilized on a stationary phase are continuously wetted and washed by fluid containing oxidant and nutrients to carry away the oxidation products.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The singlet oxygen generator for oxidizing gaseous substances comprises a tube of an electrically non-conducting material. An electrically conducting electrode is inside the tube and a spiral electrode is outside the tube. A high-frequency high-voltage supply (10) is present between first ends of the electrodes. A jacket tube provides a flow channel which houses the spiral electrode. A fan (8) blows air through the flow channel. A corona developing around the spiral electrode breaks up oxygen molecules of the flowing gas to singlet oxygen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: A gas analyzer (21) analyzes the composition of a gas to be cleaned upstream and downstream of a singlet oxygen supply point.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The nonflammable fluid is a fluid that is inert to fuel. It is preferably water and nitrogen gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The burner burns a hydrocarbon fuel at a lean air-fuel ratio to produce the lean combustion gas; and the controller supplies an amount of nonflammable fluid from the nonflammable fluid supply apparatus to the reformer, which is at least 2.0 molar ratio relative to the number of carbon in the lean combustion gas. The nonflammable fluid supply apparatus is a supply apparatus, which supplies the nonflammable fluid upstream of the reformer, or between the reforming reactor and the CO reduction system. The reformer comprises a reforming reactor, which reforms rich raw fuel gas, and a carbon monoxide (CO) reduction system, which reduces the CO concentration in the reformate gas. The controller stops the supply of lean combustion gas from the burner to the reformer, after starting supply of the nonflammable fluid from the nonflammable fluid supply apparatus to the reformer, and starts the supply of nonflammable fluid from the nonflammable fluid supply apparatus to the reformer, after stopping the supply of the lean combustion gas. The fuel reforming system comprises a sensor (18, 19, 20), which detects the outlet temperature of the reforming system, where the controller determines completion of warm-up of the reforming system, based on the outlet temperature of the reforming system; and a hydrogen storage mechanism, which stores hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell during the warm-up operation of the fuel reforming system, where the nonflammable fluid supply apparatus supplies a cathode discharge gas discharged, from the fuel cell after power generation to the reformer, as the nonflammable fluid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The support includes a porous material. The substrate comprises activated carbon, carbon black, fluoridated carbon, alumina, bentonite, clays, diatomaceous earth, synthetic or natural zeolite, magnesia, titania or polymeric materials. The noble metal comprises platinum, palladium, rhenium, ruthenium, osmium or iridium. The noble metal comprises 0.01-10 (1-5) wt.% of the total catalyst weight. The particles further include metals other than noble metals including iron, nickel, copper and tin.Preferred Properties: The support material has surface area of at least 20 m2/g. At least one-half of the crystal phases of the face of the noble metal particles comprise the (111) type of crystal phase. The particle size of the nanometer-sized crystal is less than 5 nm, preferably less than 2 nm.Preferred Method: The dried impregnated support is reduced by hydrogenation at 100-400 degrees C. The solution of sequestered noble metal is treated with a reducing agent comprising hydrogen gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The control and binding agent comprises a metallo-organic sequestering agent comprising polyfunctional low molecular weight carboxylic acids and/or branched polyfunctional polymeric carboxylic acids. The sequestering agent comprises glycolic acid. The solution is an aqueous solution of noble metal and the sequestering agent comprises glycolic acid with a ratio of metal to agent of 1:0.5-1:10.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The biological catalyst comprises photosynthetic or lithotrophic bacteria, and organotrophic cells. The energy source comprises light, organic compounds or molecular hydrogen. Preferred Method: The method further comprises supplementing the anolyte with an energy source that can be used by the biological catalyst; and determining the concentration of the test compound in the sample.Detection of the presence of a specific organic or inorganic test compound in a sample comprises:(a) providing biosensor comprising electrochemical fuel cell system;(b) placing an anolyte in the anode compartment;(c) placing a catholyte in the cathode compartment;(d) allowing oxidation of a portion of any test compound present in the sample and reduction of a portion of oxidized neutral red;(e) allowing the transfer of electrons from reduced neutral red to the cathode;(f) detecting the generation of an electrical current; and(g) determining the concentration of the test compound in the sample.Measuring the chemical oxygen demand in waste water, comprises:(a) providing an electrochemical fuel system;(b) placing an anolyte in the anode compartment;(c) placing a catholyte in the cathode compartment;(d) allowing the neutral red-mediated converison of chemical reducing power to electricity; and(e) measuring the electrical current generated by the fuel cell system.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The hollow shaft has a rotation axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the chamber. It has a helical blade system (14) and is heated by hot air (15). The shaft is driven in rotation by a motor controlled by the controller and sealed from the inside of the chamber. The hot air comprises some of the biogas produced in the reactor chamber burnt by a burner and circulated within each shaft. The shaft may be heated by electric heaters placed within the shaft. Each horizontal tube lies in an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis. Each tube has electrical heaters and is mounted to two flanges, one at each opposite end of the chamber. The flanges rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of the chamber, and sealed from the inside of the chamber. The automatic controller controls rate of discharge. It includes a user interface for specifying operating parameters.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The odorant is a fatty acid including acetic acid or butyric acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The reforming catalyst contains ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh) or platinum (Pt).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The composting apparatus further comprises:(a) gradient and drainage cutter comprising diffusion tube provided at the bottom of mixing apparatus such as mixing tank;(b) unit for supplying liquid ejected from mixing apparatus into fermentation apparatus;(c) aerobic or anerobic treatment apparatus for aerobically or anaerobically processing the ejected liquid from mixing apparatus; and(d) air blowing unit for blowing warm air into fermentation apparatus.
EXAMPLE - Clostridium stick ATCC12662 were grown in a pure YS culture medium containing yeast extract (8 g), peptone (8 g) and water (1 litre). Same amount of surplus sludge was added and shaking culture was performed. MLSS (undefined) was measured in the solubilized rate was compared with the MLSS. The solubilized rate of the sludge by the microbes was 25%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The hydrogen gas is cooled to -10 to 40 degreesF. The vessel is maintained within specification pressure while filling of a hydrogen gas vessel at a rate that would fill a 5-kg vessel with the hydrogen gas in at most 10 (preferably at most 5) minutes.The temperature and/or pressure of the hydrogen gas vessel are monitored.The temperature is controlled based upon the monitored temperature and/or monitored pressure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The emulsion further comprises up to 20 wt.% alcohol. The emulsion is a bi-continuous emulsion comprising a co-existing mixture of at least 70 vol.% water-in-hydrocarbon macro emulsion and 1-30 vol.% hydrocarbon-in water micro emulsion.Preferred Materials: The alcohol is methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, n-pentanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or butylene glycol. The water is free of salts of halides, sulfates and carbonates of Group I and II elements of the Periodic Table.Preferred Properties: The hydrocarbon boils at - 1 - 260 degrees C. The emulsion has a viscosity decreases with decreasing temperature at 15-80 degrees C. It has conductivity of 3-15 ohms at 25 degrees C. The surfactant thermally decomposes at 250-700 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The mixing is conducted for 1 second to 15 minutes by an in-line mixer, static paddle mixer and/or sonicator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel: The 4-14C alkane includes e.g. n-butane, pentane, isopentane, heptane and octane. The aromatics can be light aromatic hydrocarbons other than benzene, e.g. toluene, xylene or their mixture, with the modifying agent being petroleum ether, diethyl ether, methyl tert.-butyl ether, methyl tert.-pentyl ether or ethyl tert.-butyl ether. The cosolvent can be a mixture of Span-80 (RTM) and Tween-80 (RTM) in 8:1 ratio. The alcohol is particularly methanol or ethanol. EXAMPLE - A composite fuel was formulated from (wt.%) straight-run oil (58 oil from the refinery; 30), 4-14C alkane mixture (light oil; 30), toluene (25), methanol (12.5), methyl tert.-butyl ether (2) and isobutanol (0.5). No de-mixing was observed at -25degreesC, with water-proofing capability reaching 1%. The fuel was produced at 1/10 the cost of conventional gasoline.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The combustion catalyst comprises platinum, palladium, cobalt, or copper.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The furnace interior gas-glowing resistant coefficient is calculated, based on the main tuyere blast pressure. When the resistant coefficient exceeds a predetermined value, the input of carboniferous system coke is increased with respect to the supplementary fuel.Preferred Composition: The input of the petroleum type coke is 50 wt.% or less with respect to the supplementary fuel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: 80 wt.% or more of the petroleum-type coke has a particle size of 30 mm or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: 100 kg or more of organic waste is heated at 100-200degreesC and cooled in an indirect cooling device to obtain cured compost. EXAMPLE - 4 t of dehydrated sludge (having moisture content of 85%) ejected from human waste treatment apparatus was heated at 700-800degreesC by supplying hot air for 4 hours. The dried sludge (having moisture content of 20%) was heated for 6 hours 200degreesC. 600 kg of the heat-processed sludge was then cooled in cooling device for 1 hour at 50degreesC, to obtain cured compost. The obtained compost contained increased amount of stable organic substances (85 kg), decreased salinity and less moisture content.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials: The compost raw material contains wooden leaf, pruned branch, timber chip, charcoal, rice bran, chaff, Lactobacillus, minerals, zeolite and/or pyroligneous-acid liquid. The raw material further contains excrement of livestock, microorganisms and sea water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Manufacture of compost involves heating (P2) the compost at 80-120degreesC; cooling (P3) the compost using forced air and water; adjusting moisture content (P4) to 40-50% W.B; adjusting pH (P5) to 7-9; and supporting the compost on a pearlite support containing microbes. The support is obtained by immersing pearlite in a culture solution containing useful microbes such as Bacillus subtilis and drying the liquid component.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - The separation device comprises a curved pipe (2) containing at least one retardation device (3) for slowing down the flow velocity.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Heat Exchanger: The bent portion comprises two opposing bent portion formed on each of both edge of the partition board. Projected heights of the tank formation portions joined to each other are different from each other. Fin heights of the outer fins stacked in each of the spaces are different from each other. There are an odd number of outer fins stacked in each of the spaces. The outer fins and partition board carry a catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The system further comprises: a hydrogen storage section in the hydrogen supply channel, which stores hydrogen generated from the battery; an oxygen supply channel that extracts oxygen generated from the battery; an oxygen storage section provided at a midpoint in the oxygen supply channel, which stores oxygen generated from the battery; a fuel gas generating mechanism for generating the fuel gas by allowing fuel containing at least carbon to produce a steam reforming reaction with water; carbon monoxide (CO) reducing mechanism for reducing CO contained in the fuel gas by converting the CO into carbon dioxide through an oxidation catalyst; a water supply channel that supplies water generated during power generation by the fuel cell to the battery.The hydrogen supply channel is connected to the negative electrode of the fuel cell. The oxygen supply channel is connected to the positive or negative electrode of the fuel cell. It is connected to the CO reducing mechanism. The hydrogen and/or the oxygen is generated from the battery by allowing the battery to produce an overcharge reaction. The overcharge reaction is produced through output from the fuel cell, or through power from an external source in grid connect with the fuel cell. The battery is a flood type lead acid battery. The fuel cell is any one of polymer electrolyte type, direct methanol type or solid electrolyte type.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Catalyst: The steam reforming catalyst is a nickel-based catalyst. The thickness of the catalyst layer is 50-200 mum, preferably 80-150 mum. The catalyst is deposited through a wash-coating technique from a suspension of catalyst and a supporting material, and is calcined.Preferred Process: The fluid requiring reforming is a methane/steam mixture. The steam-reforming process is performed at a temperature of 500-1100 degrees C, preferably 650-950 degrees C.Preferred Apparatus: The fluids (A, B) pass through the passages in cross flow. The shell comprises an inlet space (13a) for fluid (A) between the inlet (4) and heat exchanger; an outlet space (13b) for fluid (A) between the outlet (5) and heat exchanger; an upper space (14a) for entry of fluid (B), located above the heat exchanger and connected with the exterior through the inlet (6); and a lower space (14b) for exit of the fluid (B) between the heat exchanger and connected with the exterior through outlet (7). Inlet space (13a) and outlet space (13b) for fluid (A) are separated from upper space (14a) and lower space (14b) of fluid (B) by separating unit (18). The heat exchanger comprises a number of corrugated plates facing each other in pairs in a mirror-image manner to form a number of parallel passages for each pair of plates. Each pair is formed by welding along the flat sides of the plates, and is arranged in sets to form a number of passages. Two adjacent passages are connected by transverse connecting conduits. The passages have an undulating course in the cross, countercurrent or co-current directions of flow with respect to the direction of flow in the passages between each pair of plates.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The carbon monoxide removal device comprises an oxidizing agent supply mechanism (6A-C, 15, 16, 18), which supplies oxidizing agent separately to the upstream part and the downstream part. The oxidizing agent supply mechanism comprises a supply passage of the oxidizing agent and an oxidizing agent supply valve, which distributes the oxidizing agent from the supply passage into the upstream part. The controller is programmed to determine a target supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the downstream part, and to the upstream part, so that an amount of carbon monoxide flowing into the downstream part corresponds to an oxidation potential of the downstream part. It controls the oxidizing agent supply mechanism to cause a supply amount of the oxidizing agent, to the downstream part to coincide with the target supply amount of oxidizing agent to the downstream part, and to cause a supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the upstream part to coincide, with the target supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the upstream part. It is programmed to determine a ratio of the oxidation amount in the upstream part with respect to the oxidation amount in the downstream part, and to reduce the supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the downstream part, to prevent a temperature of the downstream part from exceeding a predetermined temperature due to oxidizing reactions in the downstream part. It stores a map presetting a target supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the downstream part, and a target supply amount of the oxidizing agent to the upstream part in response to the power generation load on the fuel cell power plant.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Oxidizing Agent: The oxidizing agent is air.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The autothermal reformer combines catalytic partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions. The concentration of methane in the fuel cell supply stream is controlled by controlling the temperature of the reformer aspect of the autothermal reformer. The extent of catalytic partial oxidation is controlled by adjusting the amount of oxygen or water available for the reaction. The methane concentration in the output of the autothermal reformer is controlled by adjusting the temperature and/or pressure at which the autothermal reformer is operated. At least one catalyst in the autothermal reformer is provided with a series of optionally catalyst-coated channels configured in such a way that the fuel supply stream may be caused to flow through selected channels based upon the required degree of contact between the fuel supply stream and catalyst in the autothermal reformer to control the methane concentration in the fuel cell feed stream. The extent of steam reforming in the autothermal reformer is adjusted by controlling the steam to carbon ratio in the fuel supply stream.Preferred Components: The autothermal reformer includes a catalyst whose activity varies with the steam to carbon ratio or oxygen to carbon ratio in the fuel supply stream. The fuel supply stream is natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or diesel.Preferred Parameter: The methane concentration of the fuel cell supply stream is at least 10 % by volume.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred System: The mixer comprises a manifold which collects gas from the reforming reactor, a pre-mixer into which gas is led via the manifold, a water injection device which injects water into the gas led into the pre-mixer, and a communicating passage which leads the mixture of water injected from the water injection device and the gas into the shift reactor. The system further comprises a sensor which measures the temperature of the pre-mixer, and a controller to estimate the temperature of the pre-mixer based on the water amount to be injected from the water injection device and increase the water injection amount from the water injection device when the measured pre-mixer temperature is higher than the estimated pre-mixer temperature. It comprises an electrical heater which heats gas introduced to the pre-mixer. A water collection chamber which collects water not vaporized in the pre-mixer is installed midway in the communicating passage. A porous body which traps water not vaporized by the pre-mixer is installed in the communicating passage. The porous body is a mass of fine metal wire or a foam material comprising small holes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Effluent: The effluent has a ratio N.NH4/DBO5 above 2.2 and preferably above 4.4.Preferred Support: The support is rods, grains, Raschig rings, compartmented tubes, filaments or threads. Most preferably it consists of interlinked filaments or threads.Preferred Process Parameters: The process is conducted at 15-30degreesC and preferably at 20- 25degreesC. The retention time of the effluent in the reactor is 0.3-3 days and preferably 1-1.5 days.Preferred Alkalinity Regulation: The process comprises a further step of regulating the alkalinity of the effluent. This is carried out by measuring on entry to the reactor a parameter representing the alkalinity of the effluent, preferably the complete alkalimetric content, and in parallel the amount of ammonium and where necessary adding an alkaline reagent to stabilize the pH to 6.5-8.5 and preferably 7-8. The pH is measured in the reactor and an alarm is triggered when the alkalinity and/or pH of the effluent deviate from predetermined parameters.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The process further comprises passing at least a portion of the first permeate stream as fuel into a combustion zone of a gas engine driving a compressor where gas streams are compressed. The membranes provide a transmembrane pressure-normalized nitrogen flux during the process of at least 10 gpu. The first feed temperature provides a nitrogen methane selectivity of 2-5 and a transmembrane pressure-normalized nitrogen flux of at least 1 gpu.Preferred Components: The product stream contains at least 70% of the methane of the gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The gas stream comprises natural gas. It also comprises at least 10% nitrogen. It further includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide or water vapor. The product stream contains not more than 4% nitrogen, not more than 2% carbon dioxide, not more than 4% ppm hydrogen sulfide and not more than 140 ppm water vapor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The first and/or second membrane comprises a polymer having repeating units of a fluorinated, non-aromatic ring structure having at least 5 members and further contains a fractional free volume not more than 0.3.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The bag of a scarce material with water permeable bag is used for packing the chip.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The carbonized waste material is activated using exhaust gas containing 1-5% oxygen and 34-50% water vapor content, and at 800-950 degreesC for 45-90 minutes. The carbonized waste material is dried at a higher temperature by combusting exhaust gas or thermal decomposed gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The activation apparatus in the organic waste reclaiming system is a rotary kiln or fluidized bed furnace, where the combustible exhaust gas and carbonized material (27) contact directly. The organic waste is dried using desulfurized devulcanized agent, such lime in the furnace, to obtain a dried product (26). Heat supplying space in the carbonization apparatus is introduced with high temperature gas from coke oven chamber, for drying the waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The organic waste is sequentially ripened in the primary yard is supplied to the secondary yards.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: Crushing processing of organic waste is performed and then fermentation-decomposition treatment is performed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The biocatalyst layer has anode (2) comprising an electroconductive material which consumes electron acceptor and cathode (3) comprising an electroconductive material which consumes electron donor. The water treating unit has a water treatment tank (5) comprising the biocatalyst layer on the support, and pumps (8,10). The biocatalyst layer has dividing wall by which the cross-section of the layer become divided honey-comb structure.Preferred Property: The amount of waste water supplied to the biocatalyst layer is 1-150 m3/m2.day and the electric current which is applied to the water is 1 mA-10000 A.
EXAMPLE - Culture medium comprising (in g) K2HPO4 (1.4- 1.6), KH2PO4 (0.4-0.6), MgSO4.7H2O (0.1-0.5), NaCl (0.1-0.5), CaCl2.2H2O (0.1-0.5), agar (10-15) and distilled water (1 l) was prepared, and feather of a hen was added to 30 ml of culture medium. The bacterium D1 (acceptance number FERM P-18481) was added and cultured for 2 days at 20 degrees Centigrade in the culture medium, and the keratin decomposing activity of the bacterium was evaluated. The results clearly showed that the novel bacterium decomposed keratin efficiently.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus preferably incorporates a means to move the lower part of the bag up and down.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The feeding of biomass is performed on a feeding platform (1), constituted by an inclined helical conveyor (2), and the biomass is compacted to a density of 300 kg/m3. The device is flooded with an acidic solution corresponding to 1.7% of the biomass, which is pre-heated upto 80 degrees C in the heat exchanger and in the liquid/solid ratio = 2 with heating between 150-170 degrees C, preferably 160 degrees C, and pressurizing at about 0.62 MPa. The pre-hydrolysis is performed for 30 minutes with simultaneous oscillation and purging of steam. The purging of steam maintains the temperature around 150-170 degrees C, preferably around 160 degrees C. The heat of the escape steam in the degassing is recovered in the heat exchanger by the acidic solution of the following reaction. Filtered water and de-ionized water are used for washing to produce normal cellulignin and clean cellulignin, respectively. The washing water meets the specifications of fresh water and is discarded in a water stream.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The fodder loop remains in the mouth for at least15-20 minutes for embedding the cud. At least four separated fodder loops are inserted in the mouth of four cattle/buffalos to get cellulase, protease concentrate. The quantity of the buffer nutrient solution depends upon the number of cattle/buffalos used to get cellulase, protease concentrate cud liquor.Preferred Component: The fodder loop comprises stem and leaves of fodder.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The buffer nutrient solution contains a first solution and a second solution in a ratio of 100:1. The first solution contains disodium hydrogen phosphate (3.7 g); and sodium bicarbonate (9.8 g). The disodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium bicarbonate are mixed to make a volume of 1 L with ammonia free distilled water. The second solution contains sodium chloride (4.7 g); potassium chloride (5.7 g); calcium chloride (0.4 g); and magnesium chloride (0.6 g). All four ingredients of the second solution are mixed to make a volume of 100 ml with ammonia free distilled water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Component: The cellulase and protease enzyme complex cud liquor comprises inoculum containing cellulase impregnated undigested residue and microbial protein such that the dilution rate of the inoculum varies between 0.716-0.774 as compared to rumen liquor 0.550-0.574.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The high temperature fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell. The energy recovery mechanism comprises a gas turbine, a free-spooling turbocharger, or a reciprocating heat engine such as Stirling engine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Process: In the catalyst substrate, each body is a wire braid. The body is metal, especially steel. Each sieve is hard soldered, brazed or welded to the walls of the main channel (1).Preferred Components: The catalyst is a noble metal, especially palladium, platinum and/or ruthenium.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The catalyst is copper-based, especially a copper oxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Process: Pre-heating is provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: Casuarina plants are grown at a density of 10000-42000 stems/hectare. They are harvested within 2-4 years, preferably 3 years, from planting. Re-growth of the Casuarina plant is fostered following harvesting of the plantings. Preferred Components: The Casuarina plant variety is Casuarina cunninghamiana, Casuarina glauca, Casuarina obesa, or a hybrid developed from these varieties.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The whey is used in an amount of 5-20 g, as dry substance, per gram of chemical oxygen demand (COD) corresponding to the chlorinated contaminants contained in the water to be treated. A series of whey inlet points are pre-arranged upstream of or inside the polluted area, normally positioned with respect to the flow of the groundwater.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The organic waste material comprises livestock excrement, human excrement, cattle feces, pig feces, bird droppings, organic waste from factories and homes and foodstuffs garbage. The sunlight is direct sunlight or reflected light. The moisture content in the organic waste material before and after processing comprises 85-95 wt.% and upto 70 wt.%, respectively. The organic waste material before composting is in the form of sol or gel in fluid form. The organic fermented material is decomposed into inorganic substance by aerobic fermentation.Preferred Process: The stirring process of organic waste material in the fermenter is effected by increasing the frequency of fall count, when the moisture content in the organic waste is more and decreasing the frequency of fall count, when moisture content in the organic waste is less. The total frequency of stirring process is constant irrespective of change in normal temperature or average humidity. The composting process is effected at 24-30degreesC under humidity of 50-70% in 2-3 weeks. The required days of decomposition are changed according to the change in normal temperature or average humidity.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The waterproof sheet along the sides is extended to a height higher than the ground surface around the fermenter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The active oxygen supply material is alkali metal compound, alkaline earth metal compound or rare earth-metal compound. The alkali metal compound is potassium, cesium, rubidium, sodium or lithium. The alkaline earth metal compound is barium, calcium, strontium or magnesium. The rare earth metal compound is lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium or gadolinium. Preferred Metal: The noble metal is platinum or ruthenium. Preferred Support: The support is alumina, titania, silica or zirconia.
EXAMPLE - 30 kg of adult used paper nappy was thrown into garbage carbonization apparatus and carbonized at 340 degrees C. After carbonization, residue of non-carbonized material was not observed in the apparatus. Complete carbonization was ensured and reproduction of microorganisms was not observed. 10 ml of acetic acid was filled in an Erlenmeyer flask and carbonized material was taken in another Erlenmeyer flask. 15 ml of acetic acid vapor from acetic acid containing flask was collected and injected into the flask containing carbonized material and sealed with polyvinylidene film. Acetic acid concentration in the flask was measured after preset time and the deodorizing rate of the carbide material with respect to acetic acid was measured to be 96%. The obtained carbide material had pH of 10 equivalent to soil improvement material and particle size of 10-2000 microns which ensures air permeability in soil when used as soil improvement material. The gas produced during carbonization was analyzed and the amount of polychlorinated dibenzo para dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) were respectively found to be 0.0028 ng-TEQ/m3N and 0.0041 ng-TEQ/m3N, which were well below the accepted levels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Components: The functional organic materials comprise plant type compost and animal type compost in a mixed ratio of 90:10, with respect to 100 weight parts of mixed compost. The anti-microbial substance producing microorganism is Burkholderia cepacia. The concentration of microorganism in the compost is 10 to the power 10 colony forming unit/g. The seed compost is diluted and mixed with secondary mixing compost to form product materials. ACTIVITY - Plant-antibacterial.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Components: The raw material further contains fermentation adjuvants such as thermoduric bacteria which utilizes wheat bran and/or powder.Preferred Conditions: pH of the organic substance is adjusted to 6.0-8.5. The wheat bran and/or powder are contained in a ratio of 60 mass% or more based on the total mass of fermentation auxiliary. The microbes can survive at a temperature of 55-80 degreesC for 10 minutes and 1 g of fermentation auxiliary consists of 150 or more colony forming units of the bacteria. The fermentation adjuvant comprises 0-2.5 mass% of humic acid or its derivatives.Preferred Amount: The organic fertilizer comprises 5-25 mass parts of incineration ashes, 10-40 mass parts of alkaline metallic compound, 10-40 mass parts of fermentation adjuvants and 0-200 mass parts of calcium silicate with respect to 100 mass parts of organic substance. 1-30 mass parts of organic substance, calcium silicate, incineration ashes and alkaline metal compound are added with respect to 100 mass parts of fermented raw material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: The lignocellulosic waste is bagasse. The liquid waste is sewage sludge and is added in an amount of 20 wt.% (dry basis) to give a carbon/nitrogen ratio of 40. The pH is adjusted to 5.2 with iron chloride, phosphoric acid or propionic acid or with vinasse. The mixture is aerated at an initial rate of 8 l/h/kg solids, increasing to 15-20 l/h/kg solids over 7-10 days, giving a residual oxygen content of 6-9 %. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer; Fungicide.    No biological data given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Features: The porous region runs along the sides of the bipolar plate adjoining the electrode chambers. The inlet and outlet lines are arranged on different sides of the bipolar plate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: A gasifier pressure in the gasifier is 0.05-1.5 atm above an operating pressure of the combustor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Flow of whole amount of hydrogen to hydrogen consuming device is prevented. Flow of hydrogen is controlled using a composition that changes from a first state to a second state depending on ammonia. The first state includes a first color, and first size or first density, and second state includes a second color, and second size or second density. Flow of hydrogen is controlled by:(1) monitoring second color;(2) regulating a valve device using second size;(3) neutralizing ammonia using composition in control device;(4) exchanging ammonia with another substance using composition in control device;(5) forming metal amine complexes using composition of control device;(6) using a first composition of control device and further including filtering ammonia using second composition of control device; and(7) using first composition of control device and further including capturing vapor produced by first composition using second composition of control device.Flow of feed gas is controlled by chemically sequestering contaminated gas through heterogeneous phase reactions with solid phase transition metal complexes.Preferred Gases: The contaminant gas include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, phosphine, chlorine, oxygen, carbon dioxide, acetylene, ethylene and/or water.Preferably, the feed gas includes hydrogen, the contaminant gas includes ammonia and feed gas consuming device includes fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Apparatus: The organic refuse apparatus comprises a processing part which decomposes the organic refuse, the recovery part which collects the treated substance and the deodorizing exhaust part which deodorizes the odor from the processing or recovery parts.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Air or oxygen is supplied in multi-stages with respect to the lamination direction of the catalyst layer, and at equal intervals with respect to the circumference of the catalyst layer.Preferred Arrangement: Alternately, a combustion catalyst layer is arranged at the side of the inner tube, and hydrocarbon, and air or oxygen is injected into this combustion catalyst layer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The decomposition tank is equipped with a ventilation blower (5) for sucking the air, suction blower (2) for sending the combustible gas produced by decomposition of organic refuse to the combustion room, and a heater (1f) for heating the organic refuse initially. The stirrer in the decomposition tank is equipped with a stirring blade which is arranged such that the refuse is transferred in the tank center direction. The stirring blade has fluororesin sheet at the outer edge portion so that the refuse adhering to the inner surface of decomposition tank is raked. The treatment apparatus further includes a cooler (4a) and unit for recirculating the exhaust gas to decomposition tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: The residual liquor is concentrated with a pressure reduction evaporative concentration apparatus and dried to a powder using a spray dryer.Preferred Condition: The concentration and drying process are performed at 80 degrees C or less.Preferred Composition: The fertilizer further contains at least one type of fertilizer component. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - Organic waste was subjected to methane fermentation, and the residual liquor (in kg) (59.9) was supplied to the evaporation concentration apparatus, and heated to 110 degrees C. The residual liquor was evaporated at 50 degrees C in vacuum and concentrated liquid (6) was obtained. The obtained concentrated liquid (1.8) was spray dried and a fertilizer powder (114.2 g) containing fertilizer-effect promoter was obtained. The obtained powder fertilizer contained 0.61 wt.% of nitrogen, 31.1 wt.% of phosphorus pentoxide, 63.2 wt.% of potassium oxide, 3.9 wt.% of organic substance and 2.4 wt.% of moisture content. The obtained fertilizer was used for plant cultivation, and promoted plant growth.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The hydrogen-enriched stream is then cooled and excess water is removed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Condition: The different solvation properties of the subsequent fluids are obtained through the use of different pressures or temperatures; or different temperatures, pressures and/or modifier concentrations. Preferred Component: The biomass contains microbial cells and/or fermentation broth. Preferred Method: One of the steps of forming subsequent extraction fraction(s) is a final extraction step, and the final extraction step utilizes a noncritical fluid. EXAMPLE - Extract or extract fractions (10-20 microL) were applied to filter paper disks 7mm in diameter. The disks were dried under vacuum overnight to evaporate the solvent. Bioassays were carried out with the target organism Bacillus subtilis. The target organisms were grown in a nutrient broth and adjusted to a A600 of 0.1. The cell suspension (100 microL) was applied to the surface of a nutrient agar plate and was spread uniformly. After the liquid had absorbed into the agar, the disks were placed on the surface, 1 cm apart. The plates were incubated at 25-30 degreesC for 24-36 hours. Antimicrobial activity was indicated by, a zone of inhibition around a disk where bacterial growth was prevented. Because this assay required diffusion of the active ingredients into the agar, a positive reading showed that the active ingredients were at least partly hydrophilic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Devices: The first and second porous metal flow fields and the microporous layers have structure consisting of metal foam (102), metal grids, sintered metal particles, and/or sintered metal fibers. The subassembly is a monolithic structure. The gas barrier is a fluid cooled plate. The electrochemical cells are fuel cells or electrolyzer cells. Preferred Components: The gas diffusion matrix comprises conductive carbon fiber. The subassembly has electrocatalyst layer formed onto the diffusion matrices.Preferred Methods: The microporous layer(s) is treated with wet proofing agent. The diffusion matrix is applied as a paste to one side of the microporous layer. The paste is dried at room temperature under vacuum and further dried at 60degreesC and heat treated in an argon atmosphere.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: Each of the fields is made of metal from nickel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, magnesium, and/or titanium. A portion of the metal foam is coated with a second metal consisting of gold, nickel, and/or copper.Preferred Methods: The metal foam is compressed by 40%.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The gas diffusion matrix comprises polytetrafluoroethylene. The wet proofing agent comprises fluoropolymer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Condition: The fermentation, high temperature and ripening process are performed for 1-5 days.Preferred Source: An electric power is utilized as a heat source. The apparatus further comprises heat pump in order to utilize the exhaust heat as a heat source produced during ripening process.Preferred Process: The method further involves adding one portion of compost to the fresh waste material added to the apparatus.Preferred Properties: The fermented mixture contains moisture content of 85% or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Natural ventilation of final fermentation is effected in an air path formed in the upper direction including a perpendicular air path (23) drawn into the organic waste from the bottom portion air path (22) which leads to the outer air. An air path which molds a reticulate sheet and an air path which makes a hole in the tube surface of a hollow tube is formed. The air path is formed by a slow setting component which loosely connects a wafer material or by a three dimensional net like form of a plastic. A porous substance which has a route where air flows inside the fermentation process is mixed in organic waste, by passing air by natural gas passage organic waste.The fermentation is effected in a transportation unit which is transported to a transportation place of a compost. The final fermentation is effected at a different place and initial fermentation is effected by forced gas-passage using power.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: (I) Can grow in a culture medium having a salt concentration of 5 weight% or more, preferably 10 weight% or more.Preferred Apparatus: In (II), the container comprises a culture solution containing a carbohydrate group organic substance. The pressure is reduced in the container by maintaining the boiling point of water in the container to 50-70 degrees C. The heating unit provides a temperature of 60-80 degrees C in the container. The microorganisms that process the organic waste are symbiotic microorganisms. Preferred Method: Method of obtaining microorganism comprises fermenting mixture comprising organic waste and (I) for 1-3 hours, and drying for 0.5-1 hour. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - (I) Is Pichia burtonii (FERM BP-7504), P.farinosa (FERM BP-7505) or Staphylococcus (FERM BP-7506) (claimed).    EXAMPLE - A culture solution (1 kg) consisting of an extract obtained by mixing rice bran (500 kg), 50 % Sedum aizoon, 50 % of brown sugar and humus (100 kg) extracted from bamboo grove was placed in the container of an apparatus for obtaining microorganisms. The container sealed was and heated to 120-140 degrees C, and fermentation was carried out at 60 degrees C at a pressure of 0.4 mPa. The mixture was cultivated for 1.5 hours with stirring. Microorganisms such as Pichia burtonii (FERM BP-7504), P. farinosa (FERM BP-7505) or Staphylococcus (FERM BP-7506) were obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: Especially, alkaline carbonate or calcium carbonate, and sulfur are used for coating the porous particulate material. One or two or more kinds of positive ion and/or anion exchange ability maintenance material and flame retardant material are co-existed with the composition. Alternately, the alkaline porous particulate material has coating adhesion and/or impregnation of sulfur.Preferred Particulate Material: The low specific gravity porous particulate material is pearlite. EXAMPLE - (In wt.pts) calcium carbonate NSK-100 (RTM) (100) (with maximum particle size of 0.1 mm or less) and powdered sulfur (200 meshes) (100) were mixed, and heated at 180degreesC. The sulfur was melted to form a slurry. A pearlite P-1 (RTM) (45) (having particle size of 0.1-5 mm) was added to the slurry and stirred to form composition having particle size of 0.523 mm. The composition was used for processing treated water of fertilizer waste water containing nitrate nitrogen and phosphoric acid. Sulfur oxidation bacteria (obtained by assimilating kuroboku soil extract, in thiosulfuric acid culture medium). The concentration of nitrate nitrogen in the treated water was reduced. The phosphoric acid concentration in the treated water was reduced. There was no occlusion in the downward flow of the treated water, thereby the need of stirring and filtration processes were eliminated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The support is kept under a supply of fine gas bubbles of a gas containing oxygen, which is air or .a gas containing oxygen at a concentration higher than air. The support of porous ceramics is molded by adding and bake-processing an air-hole forming material to clay, silica and/or aluminum hydroxide. The support uses 10-80 vol.% of porous ceramics and 20-90 vol.% of carbon content. EXAMPLE - Sawdust, water and foam-formation material were mixed with a mixture of clay, silica, and aluminum hydroxide. The mixture was dried and bake-processed at 1300degreesC. The obtained porous ceramic contained silica (in wt.%) (69), alumina (21), iron oxide (Fe2O) (0.8), potassium oxide (0.93), calcium oxide (0.45), magnesium oxide (2.5), sodium oxide (0.35) and titania (0.3). The porosity was 82% and the relative bulk density was 0.35. The porous ceramic was ground and classified to a particle size of 1-2 mm. The porous ceramic with a particle size of 1 mm was used for activated carbon. The mixture of porous ceramic and activated carbon were sterilized and dissolved in phosphoric acid buffer. A seeding microbe suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was added. The bacteria growth inhibition was investigated. Proliferation of microorganisms was suppressed significantly.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The generated gas is diluted using air, based on the concentration of the odor component. The air supply is minutely crushed by high-speed water and is supplied as fine bubbles, to activate microbes in the sewage and efficiently perform aerobic and/or anaerobic processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The drainage-treatment portion further comprises a deodorizing unit such as a deodorizing microbe.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The sludge produced by the aerator is modified with a deodorizing microbe and the modified sludge is composted by the sludge compost portion. The odor generated during composting and drainage treatment of sludge, is deodorized by using the deodorizing microbe. EXAMPLE - Ferric polysulfate (in mass parts) (15) and amphoteric polymers (0.6) were added with respect to 100 mass parts of solid content of sludge modified with a deodorizing microbe. The sludge was dehydrated in a screw-press dehydrator at a screw speed of 3.75 rpm for 30 minutes in the morning and for 30 minutes in the afternoon, for 6 days. The dehydrated sludge had a moisture content of 77.8 % on the 1st day, 78 % on the 2nd day, 77.6 % on the 3rd day, 77.9 % on the 4th day, 77.2 % on the 5th day and 78.1% on 6th day.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The food oil is added to the grounded plants during compression grinding process. The fermented material further comprises pulp, fiber material, herbicide, fertilizer and soil improvement material. The fertilizer component is nitrogen.Preferred Process: The fermented material or mulch material is molded into a sheet which is in shape of cylindrical, globular or ellipse. The fermented material or mulch material is packed in a bag and laid over on the surface of the earth.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The heating treatment of the base material is preferably maintained at a constant temperature. (I) has an external temperature detection means which is accounted for when calculating the moisture content in the tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The mass of biological waste slides from the input space (1) into a narrowed input opening of the fermentation tube (2). The waste slides from the fermentation tube (2) downward, towards the outlet at the lower end of fermentation tube where the output space (3) is located. From the output space, the fermented waste is removed by an elevator (5). A gas tube (4) for conducting the gas generated in the fermentation process is provided at the highest point of the fermentation tube (2).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The process is carried out at at least 20, more preferably 40-65degreesC and 25-90 bara. It also involves regenerating the loaded solvent, which is flashed of at 1-15 bara, followed by regeneration at 1-2 bara.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The sec. amine is diethanolamine, mono methyl ethanolamine, preferably diisopropanolamine. The tert. amine is diethyl methyl ethanolamine (DEMEA), preferably methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). The prim. or sec. amine compound is methyl ethanol amine, (2-aminoethyl) ethanol amine, preferably piperazine.Preferred Composition: The amount of carbon dioxide is 1-45 mol.%, and the COS is 0-2 mol.%.The prim. or sec. amine compound is 2.5-10 wt.%, or at least 0.8 preferably 1-3 mol piperazine/l. Preferred Property: The prim. or sec. amine compound has a pKb below 5, preferably below 4.5 at 25 degrees C in water.The prim. or sec. amine compound reacts at least twice as fast with carbon dioxide then amine reacts with carbon dioxide.Preferably, it is reacting 5, preferably 20 times as fast as the amine.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The amount of hydrogen sulfide is 0-25 mol.%.The washing solution comprises (pbw) water (20-45), sulfolane (20-35), and amine (40-55). EXAMPLE - A natural gas stream comprising 11.9 vol.% carbon dioxide was washed with an absorbent solution comprising (wt.%) MDEA (35), sulfolane (18), and water (43). A commercial absorber was also used. At a liquid/gas ratio of 4.4, the carbon dioxide was removed until a level of 3.1 vol.%. Addition of 1 wt.% piperazine resulted in further reduction of the carbon dioxide (1.7 mol.%). Addition of another 1 wt.% piperazine resulted in a further reduction of carbon dioxide (1.3 vol.%).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The seams comprise a multiple tube including two or more tubes. The abutting rim of the plate is formed by folding toward the outside of the casing giving the form of a flange. An abutting rim of a third plate is inserted between the cylindrical end of the casing and then abutting rim of the plate to be overlapped with the cylindrical end. A sealing member is inserted between the cylindrical end of the casing and the abutting rim of the plate to be overlapped with the cylindrical end. The sealing member is a thin film of an organic material or a paste of an organic or inorganic material. The sealing member is a thin film or a paste of a brazing material that is formed after being inserted, folded, and molten by thermal treatment. The folding is with caulking, rolling-compacting, or curling process. The plate is an end plate closing either one end of the outer cylindrical casing or both ends.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The system further comprises a mixing chamber adjacent to the inlet. The chamber has a means for preheating the waste. The system also has a clarifier adjacent to the outlet to provide a settling tank to separate solids from liquids. The heating device includes a pipe containing heated water, and is placed adjacent to the divider of the digestor. The heating device may alternatively comprise gas in a pipe, which may have holes to emit gas to mix the waste.Preferred Process: The waste processing method comprises:(a) supplying the high solids agricultural animal waste to a digestor for biological treatment, to produce methane and waste sludge;(b) supplying sludge from an effluent opening to a sludge drying device to remove water, producing a fertilizer;(c) supplying methane from the digestor to an engine for producing electrical power, where the engine is a turbine for producing electricity and heated gas; and(d) using the heated gas to supply heat to the waste in the digestor.The method further comprises using the heated gas from the turbine to supply heat to the sludge in the drying device. The drying device is a fluidizing bed drier.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Leafy plants (139) are planted on the evapotranspiration absorption tertiary disposal bed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The steam injection well and the gas extraction collector each comprise push-in screens and risers.Preferred Method: The method further comprises determining an ideal location for the steam injection well and the gas extraction collector are installed using a piezo-penetrometer test rig. The source of steam is a boiler, a heat exchanger on a gas flare, exhaust steam from a power plant or liquid water from a flooded pportion of the landfill that is boiled using heat from a submersible heater. A gaseous fertilizer such as ammonia or ammonia nitrate is injected into the landfill. Nitrous oxides may alternatively be injected into the landfill. The steam temperature is raised to 400-600 degreesF. Moisture and temperature sensors a placed within the landfill to monitor liquid accumulation on a dense layer below the injection well. Methane extracted from the landfill is used to fire the boiler.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The austenitic stainless steel further contains aluminum, yttrium, calcium, rare earth element, niobium, titanium, molybdenum and copper.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Support: An aluminum oxide layer is formed on the surface of the support.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The sludge is further treated by biological treatment process, in a purification tank with a biological treatment unit (17), human-waste injection process, which supplies human waste into the biological treatment unit, mixed process, which mixes the sludge ejected from biological treatment unit and the human waste which is not fed into the biological installation unit, dehydration treatment for the sludge mixed by the above mixing process, composting process, which composts the sludge obtained by the dehydration treatment by using the composting unit and feedback process which returns the liquid component containing the human waste obtained by the dehydration treatment. The ratio of the biological oxygen demand (BOD) with respect to the nitrogen amount in biological treatment unit is adjusted to 3 or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The control system (8) is equipped with a counter (9) and this control system is activated when the lock detection mechanism (7) operates after re-supplying electricity. When the rotation mechanism is carried out after re-supplying electricity, the counter (9) is reset. When the counter indicates the preset value, warning unit is operated. A deceleration mechanism (6) is made to interpose between motor and the stirrer (4). The sprocket (6a) of the deceleration mechanism is connected to the rotary shaft (4a) of the stirrer. A vortex spring (12) is equipped between the rotary shaft and the sprocket. One end of the vortex spring is fixed to sprocket and another end is fixed to the rotary shaft.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The cutting back processing and the removal of foreign material is performed just prior to the production of the compost material. After the foreign material is removed, the material is returned to the stirring apparatus. The processing facility comprises hoppers that divide and hold the waste material for composting.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The superficial velocity of gas passing through support layer is 0.3 m/second or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The cooled waste gas is introduced into a hot blast stove burner (28), a hot blast stove outlet and/or a hot blast stove (12), and deodorized. The waste gas is deodorized after removing dust from the waste gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Properties: The novel microbe produces lecithinase, protease and urease. The novel microbe is artificially separated by forming a cooked meat liquid medium using reverse piece dried animal, inoculating the excretion of panda and separating the microbe which produces protease by decomposing a liver piece. Alternatively, the novel microbe is artificially separated by forming a liquid medium containing raw starch, inoculating the excretion of panda and separating the microbe which produces raw starch degradation enzyme by decomposing the starch. The growth of bacteria is measured by adding xylose and methyl cellulose. The reaction container has a stirrer connected to a control unit (10) for controlling the drive of the stirrer.Preferred Method: The organic material and the microorganisms are stirred to promote the decomposition of the organic material. The temperature of the decomposition process is adjusted to promote the decomposition.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The Agaricales fungi culture medium contains Schizophyllum commune, shiitake mushroom (Lenthinula edodes), Lyophyllum shimeji (Lyophyllum aggregatum), bunashimeji mushroom (Hypsizigus marmoreus), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), Celtis sinensis var. japonica (Collybia velutipes), Agaricus (Agaricus brazilie), nameko mushroom (Pholiota glutinasa) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The plastic is polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, rayon, polyester or polylactic acid. The plastic contains decomposition resistant waste material.Preferred Process: The culture bed is prepared using the extract of the fruiting body of Agaricales fungi. The action to the plastic of the culture bed is performed to the bottom of coexistence of the nutrient of the culture bed. EXAMPLE - A culture bed containing 2 kg of brown mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) was prepared. 1 l of 0.1% urea water was sprayed to the culture bed. A thermostat containing polyurethane film was placed in the middle of the culture bed. The thermostat was kept at 25 degrees C for 30 days. The polyurethane film was removed after 30 days and the change of weight before and after the test was measured. The result showed that the culture bed was effective in decomposing the plastic.
EXAMPLE - Surplus activated sludge generated by distillation of foodstuff was concentrated to 15000 mg/l. The sludge was decomposed using sodium hydroxide having pH of 12 for 1 hour, and subjected to ultrasonification. 1 l of process liquid was injected to methane fermentation tank at 50 degreesC. The biogas generation amount was measured after 24 hours and was 9.2 l/24 hour.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: An adhesion auxiliary material of microorganisms, selected from charcoal, magma, iron ore, converter-slag cotton, chaff and polymer-emulsion bonded with particulate of wood meal, is mixed with the porous concrete.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The spiral-shaped structure further has a concave-shaped component (4) and a convex-shaped component (5). When the fluid gas passes through the rhombus-form conduction path of the purification apparatus, a wave and eddy current are produced. The fluid gas is submicron particlized, a potential is produced and the fluid gas is thus purified.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Condition: A granule sludge formed in a methane fermentation, or its crushed material, is used as the carrier. EXAMPLE - A nitrification process of ammonia-containing water was carried out under aerobic conditions. Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) granule sludge with a mean particle diameter of 2 mm was used as the carrier. The formation of biological slime was found to be quick. Ammonia was efficiently oxidized to nitric acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: Organic refuse is held by the dry portion (B) of a drying chamber whose periphery is surrounded by a hot air moving space (4). The blower blows air to a thermogenesis chamber (1) which is heated by a burner (2). The water vapor and odor are guided to the thermogenesis chamber from the drying chamber. A flow direction switch is constructed with a shut-off valve (22) for regulating the flow direction in the bypass pipe. A regenerator (23) increases the heating effect of water vapor and odor discharged towards the bypass pipe whose terminal is connected to an exhaust pipe (8) which discharges smoke from the hot air moving space.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The integrated ethanol production and cattle feedlot system has a unit for vaporizing liquid product obtained from the liquid-solid separation unit. Two complementary molecular sieves are used in the system, one sieve is operated under vacuum and the other sieve is operated under pressure. The molecular sieve is a hollow column which contains several molecular sieve sheets. The system further includes a pair of vaporizing unit. The distillation unit is a hollow column filled partially with glass spheres.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The ethanol product obtained from the molecular sieve unit is denatured and delivered to a denatured ethanol storage unit. The solids and the alcohol-lean liquid obtained from the fermentation product are transported to a high protein feed storage unit to feed cattle in the feedlot. The de-alcoholized fluid from the fermentation unit is delivered to a storage unit and used as liquid for a cattle feedlot. The cereal used is barley.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: Treatment and/or reforming of the gaseous fuel is carried out at 25-600 degreesC. The electron source has a field emitter.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Window: The window is made from a ceramic of thickness (d) of 300 nm - 1 micron. The window is made from silicon nitride produced from a silicon wafer using semiconductor process technology.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The system also comprises second, third, fourth (and fifth valves) (4, 8, 16); and burner (13). The second valve interposes further upstream than the first passage. The third and fourth valves divide the gas delivered under pressure from the pressure mechanism between the fuel cell and the reformer. The controller also decreases the opening of the second valve and lead oxygen-containing gas by using the third valve when fuel vapor is purged, purges fuel vapor absorbed by the canister when the reformer is at a temperature at which the reforming reaction is possible, and determines if the fuel cell system has to be warmed up.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The composition further comprises rheological modifier to prevent phase separation between the resin and the conductive filler during molding.The rheological modifier comprises Group II oxides, hydroxides, carbodiamides, aziridines, polyisocyanates, polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoropolyether, polyethylene, or fumed silica. The conductive filler comprises a crystalline graphite particles, and the unsaturated prepolymer resin is resin from 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, or unsaturated isocyanurate vinyl ester resin.Preferred Property: The composition is molded into a product having an intricate pattern and has a thickness of 0.050-0.200 inches.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The conductive filler (at least 50, preferably at least 60 wt.%) comprises a graphite filler. EXAMPLE - A conductive molding composition was prepared from (wt.%) 042-2641 (TM) resin (19.63), Triginox BPIC (TM) (0.2),2,6-di-tertbutyl-p-cresol (0.1), FN-510 (TM) (1.25), calcium stearate (1.2), Asbury 4172 (TM) (74) and polyisocyanate (3.62).The results showed non-cracking molding compound, better hot strength out of the mold, lower production costs, shorter cycle times, better overall electrical conductivity, increased mechanical properties, or better rheological characteristics.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The bacteria treat the contaminants under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The controller further introduces nutrients for the growing bacteria. The nutrients comprise a carbon source. The apparatus also comprises a nitrification vessel heated to 10-40degreesC. The bacteria are introduced upstream of the nitrification vessel. The growing bacteria are in the log growth stage or denitrifying bacteria.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The aqueous solution comprises carbohydrate(s).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Impurities: The low boiling point impurities are hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, silane, phosphine, arsine or germanium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The water and antifreeze in the hydrate is separated using a net-like article. The hydrate is vaporized in the storage tank by dispensing water or warm water, when the fluidity of the hydrate is less. The hydrate is vaporized in the vaporization tank when the fluidity is favorable. A hydrate feed pump for circulating the hydrate in storage tank, and hydrate cooling device are installed in the storage tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The dissolved oxygen concentration in the aerator is 0.5 mg/l or more. Liquid medium containing lipolysis splitting microbe is added to the aerator. Lipolysis splitting microbe is made to acclimatize in the pre-culture tank before adding to the aerator. Lipolysis splitting microbe has flocculation ability. The organic refuse solid part having particle size of 2 mm or more is prevented from flowing out to settling tank by draining prevention unit (7).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The inorganic binder is gamma-aluminum oxide, bentonite, kibushi clay, glass fiber or original potter's clay.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Binder: The organic binder is a mixture containing methyl cellulose and glucose.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The organic substance is fermented in the state deposited in the shape of a pyramid. An auxiliary material for water content adjustment, such as dry plant waste material including saw dust and chaff and ripened organic material, is added to the organic waste, and water content of the organic waste is adjusted.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The earth and sand are heated. The layer (D) having low gas permeability is provided to earth and sand. Poles are then penetrated in earth and sand. The earth and sand are excavated using a drill. The gas-hydrate form earth and sand are scanned using a physical sensor (27). The gas-hydrate form earth and sand is refrigerated.Preferred Apparatus: The simulation apparatus further has heater (26), pole penetrating equipment (28), excavator (29), physical sensor and frozen device.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The sealing function is performed by the flammable agents which move inside the flammable supply structures.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The microorganisms are protein digestive microbe, cellulose digestive microbe, Actinomyces, starch digestive microbe, animal and vegetable-fats digestive microbe, and a blend microbe of Bacillus group microbial species.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Source: The source of biological oxygen demand is biologically treated water containing organic matter. EXAMPLE - A mixed gas comprising specified amount of nitrogen gas and oxygen gas with a partial pressure of 0.3-0.7% was produced. A tap water was aerated using the gas. Ammonia (1000 mg/l) and nitrous acid (1200 mg/l) were added to the liquid and the waste water containing trace amount of dissolved oxygen was produced. The raw water and the waste water were supplied into a denitrification tank at velocities of 1-100 ml/day and 20 l/day, respectively. The oxygen consumption coefficient of denitrification tank was measured and the amount of waste water was adjusted. When the amount of waste was 1-8 ml/day, 10-50 ml/day and 100-200 ml/day the oxygen consumption coefficient in the tank was less than 0.05 mg/l/hour, 0.1 mg/l/hour and 1 mg/l/hour, respectively. The removal activity of ammonia was stable for 6 months when the oxygen consumption coefficient was more than 0.1 mg/l/hour.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The cleaning/purification process takes place at increased pressure with simultaneous cooling, depending upon the nature of the components to be removed from the gas. The compression/cleaning fluid employed is chosen for its ability to dissolve the component selected for removal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: In the process the substrate is largely deodorized and gaseous substances present are stripped out. This stage may be followed by follow-on composting of the de-watered material. following the mechanical/biological treatment of municipal waste, it may be treated by biological stabilization in the liquid reactor to the point that the follow-on composting process of de-watered wastes produces refuse which does not exceed the maximum threshold for Class II landfill sites. The aerobic liquid reactor is a continuous or sequential batch reactor with sludge return at between 10 and 90C. The dry matter content is low enough to permit pumping. Aeration is by mechanical means or a pump.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Composition: The support contains 10-30 wt.% of each of diatomaceous earth, pumice and glass quartz sand and 10-70 wt.% of quartz sand or chamotte.Preferred Materials The support diameter is 4-12 mm. EXAMPLE - A support was prepared from 20 wt.% diatomaceous earth, 15% pumice, 15% glass quartz sand and 50% of quartz sand.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Device: The arm blades comprise a plurality of inner arm blades which each has an inner arm plate having an end portion engaged to the shaft and an inner end plate engaged to the other end portion of the inner arm plate and including a center portion, which are installed at a regular interval with respect to an axial direction of the shaft. The outer arm blade preferably comprises an end engaged to the shaft, an outer end plate engaged to the other end portion of the outer arm plate and having a center portion and a sub-plate engaged to an upper portion of the outer arm plate at a certain slanted angle and which is installed at both ends of the shaft. The device further comprises a cover which is adapted to protect the shell casing. The solid-liquid separator is formed of a filter-fabricating hollow fiber film. The gas-liquid separator includes an air inlet pipe adapted to aerate water flow in the through the outlet pipe.Preferred System: The hopper includes an air supplier adapted to supply air for downwardly moving a remaining substance sucked in the hopper. The hopper includes a filter bag capable of eliminating a foreign substance from the air supplied through the air supplier. The hopper includes a rotary valve which is installed in a lower portion of the hopper and is adapted to adjust the amount of remaining substance supplied to the twist screen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Materials: (i) Is decomposed by known chemico-thermo-physical methods. (ii) Comprises sawdust from soft wood or grindings from the final treatment of chipboard. Particularly these components each comprise 50% of the mixture. The nutrient additives comprise calcium, added as the carbonate in an amount of up to 8 (preferably 2) g/l or individual salts or a nitrogen-free complete fertilizer in an amount of 0.4-1.5 (preferably 0.5) g/l.Preferred Process: Optionally to fix ammonia and formaldehyde released during the initial stages of composting, the mixture also includes at least 10% bark mulch or chips, compost and/or pulped waste paper. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The fluidized bed reactor is heated to 500-700 degreesC. The reaction is carried out under atmospheric pressure. The flow rate of the air falls at 1000-4000 mumol/minute. The flow rate of the steam is not less than 1111 mumol/minute.Preferred Composition: The cerium oxide of the catalyst is not less than 35, preferably not less than 60 wt.%.Preferred Property: The silicon dioxide has a specific surface area not less than 380 m2/g.Preferred Dimension: The catalyst has a particle diameter of 74-240 mum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The biomass is cellulose. Preferred Definitions:    M = SiO2.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The substrate is made from a material exhibiting significantly reduced absorption of the electromagnetic energy generated by the source than the catalyst material. The source of electromagnetic radiation is embodied as an induction coil (25) powered from an external generator (26) of high frequency current. It is also embodied as a microwave generator. The induction coil is packaged inside or outside the catalytic reactor. The microwave generator is connected to the catalytic reactor by a waveguide. The source is activated only for a cold start of the catalytic reactor. The external high frequency generator is also used for generating mechanical ultrasonic vibrations of the reacting medium. The catalyst is attached to electroconductive or ferromagnetic carrier particles that are in turn attached to the supporting structure. The ferromagnetic carrier particles have their Curie point temperature close to the specified catalyst temperature.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst comprises finely dispersed particles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The inert gas comprises nitrogen and steam.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Methods: The separation mechanism provides absorption of the C compound in pressurized fluid that allows passage of the fuel to a collection mechanism. It involves pressurizing the fluid to provide preferential absorption of the C compound, mixing the compound with the fluid, collecting the fuel that remains after the absorption of the compound, and expanding the pressurized fluid to produce work on a motor. Heat is added to the fluid after absorption. The fluid is cooled before the pressurizing step. Feedback information from a gas detector mechanism is provided to a controller, and if a trace amount of methane is detected, the voltage is applied between two electrodes for process control for a time period until methane production is depressed, the time until methane traces are detected again, or a time period slightly longer than that for depressing the traces of methane production. The voltage level is variably reduced to provide an adaptively adjusted control. The dissociation of methane is accomplished by using a mechanism that provides C as crystalline C or that operates at reduced pressure. A portion of the delivered H is used to produce energy. A portion of formed methane is stored in depleted natural gas formation, depleted oil formation, pressurized storage tanks, liquefied storage mechanism, or geological formation that provides containment and porosity for storage.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Energy Source: The voltage is generated by H fuel cell and/or engine using H for fuel or thermoelectric generator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: The drying steps (b) and (c) can be omitted, as can the sterilization step (g).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The reformed gas in hydrogen refiner, contains methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The process is carried out at 550 degrees to 1,200 degreesC. The hydrogen is continuously generated depositing carbon on the surface of the nano horn.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Composition: All microorganisms are present in equivalent amounts. The microorganisms in the composition are absorbed by a biodegradable porous material, where each one is separately adsorbed to the biodegradable porous material or the porous material comprises two or more types of microorganism. The composition further comprises Paenibacillus sp. KB-06 (FERM P-18368).Preferred Method: Decomposition of organic waste using (I) further comprises stirring the mixture at regular intervals. The moisture content of the mixture is 40-65 mass %. The organic waste includes rice bran, defatted rice bran, (dry) bean curd lees, soybean meal or degreasing soybean meal. The organic waste is a biological material. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - B. subtilis (FERM P-18363), B. vallismortis (FERM P-18365), B. licheniforms (FERM P-18366) and B. pumilus (FERM P-18367) are specifically claimed.    EXAMPLE - Cryopreserved strains (10 microl) of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp. KB-02 (FERM P-18364), B. vallismortis, B. licheniformis and B. pumilus were inoculated in 100 ml of liquid medium (pH 7.0) containing yeast extract (2.5 g/l), peptone (5.0 g/l) and glucose (1.0 g/l), in a 200 ml Erlenmeyer flask. The microbial solution contained 80 % of the strains (250 microl) in 750 microl of glycerol aqueous solution. A shaking culture was carried out at 45 degrees Centigrade, 150 rpm for 48 hours. After the culture was collected, the solution was centrifuged (4000 rpm, 30 minutes) and the microbial cells were collected. Each microbial cell was suspended in 10 ml of 0.89% sodium chloride solution and stirred. The moisture content of the solution was eliminated. The amount of each microbe in the solution was as follows: Bacillus subtilis (0.5 ml), Bacillus sp. KB-02 (FERM P-18364) (0.5 ml), B. vallismortis (1.0 ml), B. licheniformis (1.0 ml) and B. pumilus (1.0 ml).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Composition: The agent for processing soil, underground or waste water containing cyanide compound, comprises (I) cultivated in a culture medium containing ferrocyanide or ferricyanide ion or cell extract of (I) containing supernatant liquid obtained by crushing and ultrasonicating (I) with an alumina. The agent further comprises a bivalent iron ion or cobalt ion. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microbe is Alcaligenes sp. F4B4m strain or its mutant (specifically claimed).    EXAMPLE - Potassium ferricyanide (K3(Fe(CN)6) was added to BM liquid medium containing glucose (0.25 %), disodium hydrogen phosphate (0.35 %), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.15%), sodium chloride (0.025%), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (1 m %), ferric chloride hexahydrate (1 m %) and vitamin solution (0.1%). Alcaligenes sp. F4B4 strain (FERMP-17742) was inoculated in the above medium and cultivated at 30 degrees centigrade for 2 weeks. The microbial cells were collected and suspended in a reaction solution containing KPB, potassium cyanide (KCN) and distilled water. The microbial decomposability of KCN was evaluated. Formic acid the metabolite of KCN and ammonia concentration were measured. The microbial cells cultivated in the culture medium containing K3(Fe(CN)6) was inoculated into soil, waste-water or underground water containing KCN. A control was performed using ammonium chloride solution. KCN decomposability with respect to the K3(Fe(CN)6) and ammonium chloride were evaluated. The microbial cells cultivated in the test showed high KCN decomposition when compared with the control. The results confirmed that the microbe showed high KCN decomposition with respect to K3(Fe(CN)6).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The temperature within the vessel is 150-190, preferably below 180 degrees C and at 2x10 to the power 5, preferably 4x10 to the power 5 - 6x10 to the power 5 Pa. The high pressure and temperature are maintained for 35-50 minutes. The small particles are separated by the separation unit having a maximum dimension of less than 15, preferably less than 6 mm. The textile and similar material is removed from the processed waste material before to separation of the small particles. The separated small particles are treated to reduce their moisture content. The moisture content of the separated material is reduced to below 10, preferably 4-6%. Glass shards and other deleterious material are removed from the separated particles. The separated material is formed into blocks or logs. The treated material not removed by the small particle separation system is further processed by sorted for recycling or re-use.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: Each of the hermetically sealable vessel is movable between a first position in which the axis of the vessel is horizontal for treatment of the waste material, and a second position in which the axis of the vessel is inclined to the horizontal for loading and unloading the vessel. The axis of the vessel is inclined at 6-45 degrees. The horizontal position of the vessel during processing is 1 degrees. The vessel is an internal helix.Preferred Dimension: The vessel has a diameter of 2, preferably 3 m and a length of 12 m. Each helix has a depth of 350-450 nm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The hermetically vessel is made of carbon steel or stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The electric current of the arc is continuous, alternating, or pulsing.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The processed gas is made by recirculating the original gas in a pressure resistant piping system by compressing the original gas to a desired pressure, and by subjecting the recirculated gas to generated electric arcs created by at least one pair of electrodes within an interior of the piping system. The processed gas is MagH when hydrogen is the original gas and MagO when oxygen is the original gas. It is separated using a mechanism for cryogenically liquefaction of remaining components. Preferred Components: The processed fuel includes the processed hydrogen gas in the presence of carbon and oxygen, and the processed hydrogen is MagH.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Property: The combustible gas generated from the refuse during heat processing is collected and utilized for heating fuel.Preferred Apparatus: The garbage disposal equipment comprises unit to collect the combustible gas generated from the refuse during heat processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The waste treatment equipment further includes:(1) a solid fuel supply apparatus (52);(2) a burner (50) for reheating the waste gas to 800-900degreesC by using a solid fuel as a heat source;(3) an oxidizing agent supply apparatus (54) for supplying oxidizing agent to the burner (50);(4) a product transportation line (56) for conveying the product from the chamber (42) to the solid fuel supply apparatus (52);(5) a by-pass line (62); and(6) a catalyst containing metallic oxide provided in the burner (48).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Acid: The acid is an inorganic acid.Preferred Conditions: The carbon nanotube sample is heat-processed at a temperature below the boiling point of the mixed solution, preferably 40degreesC or more. The heat-processed carbon nanotube is further heat-processed in vacuum.Preferred Process: The carbon nanotube sample is oxidized after heat-processing or before heat-processing. The carbon nanotube is subjected to centrifugation after heat-processing. EXAMPLE - Non-refined carbon nanotube sample (200 mg) containing impurities such as amorphous carbon, micro graphite particle, iron, cobalt, nickel and their oxides was dry ground and charged in a flask. Hydrogen peroxide solution (200 mm) and water (100 ml) were mixed with nitric acid (100 ml) to obtain a mixed solution. The mixed solution was added to the flask and the non-refined sample was uniformly dispersed. The flask was heated at 150degreesC for 8 hours. The heat-processed carbon sample was filtered, washed with water and dried at 120degreesC for 12 hours and pure carbon sample without amorphous carbon, catalyst metal and micro graphite particle was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The amounts of carbon and nitrogen contained in the organic substance in the culture solution are adjusted to 16 wt.% or more of carbon with respect to nitrogen. The culture solution is heat-sterilized. A chemical-producing microbe is mixed in the culture solution and microorganism reaction is initiated. A neutralizing agent is added to maintain pH of the culture solution as neutral during the reaction. Solid and liquid are separated with a centrifuge (9) and the solid is returned to a culture solution after progression of the microorganism reaction. A coagulant is added to the liquid separated with the centrifuge and chemical-producing microbe is aggregated. The aggregated material is filtered and chemical-containing aqueous solution is recovered from the culture solution. The chemical may be an ionic material which can be separated using an ion exchange resin. A reaction solution containing hetero ferment-lactic acid microbe is neutralized. Subsequently, the microbe is aggregated and removed. The obtained aqueous solution is distilled and ethanol is separated and recovered. Hydrochloric acid is adsorbed as distillation residual liquor by strong anion exchange resin and lactic acid is absorbed by the weak anion exchange resin, which is then separated with water. Lactic acid forms concentrated sodium lactate through the cation exchange resin. The resulting lactic acid is heated, water content is evaporated and lactic acid is recovered. The salt is removed by grinding the organic substance and an aqueous-based liquid is separated from a fiber and other solid portion as raw materials such as compost. The microorganism is decomposed or hydrolyzed into monosaccharide-disaccharides and the fiber and other solid portions contained in the organic substance are utilized for a culture solution.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Material: The soil improvement material is chosen from coconut husk, Japanese-cedar bark, peat-moss, vermiculite, coconut-husk charcoal, charcoal, and fine coal. The sludge fermentation fertilizer comprises 25-35 weight parts (wt.pts) of bark compost, 20-30 wt.pts of sludge, 25-35 wt.pts of stock raising manures and 8-15 wt.pts of soil improvement materials. Organic compound and shellfish-shell incinerated ashes are blended with a raw material mixture. The organic compounds are rice bran, oil cake, fishmeal, treacle and an organic refuse. The microorganisms produce a lactic acid by acid-fastness and do not produce butyric acid. The microorganism does not have a virulence and having competition value of 50 or more. The microorganisms are added to a raw material mixture to form a demi-tint. The demi-tint is a sludge fermentation fertilizer, which includes 0.15-0.25 weight% of treacle. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - (In weight parts) bark compost (30) from thinning wood tree, sludge (25) ejected from the sewage treatment, stock-raising manure (30), coconut husks (8) and Japanese cedar bark (5) were mixed. The water content of the above raw material mixture was 75 wt.% and pH was found to be 6.8. Demi-tints (2) were added to the above mixture and mixed. Demi-tint was prepared by adding effective microbe to the 20 kg of rice bran, 7.0 kg of oil cakes, 7.0 kg of fishmeal, and 0.05 kg of treacles and fermented. Then, the mixture was packed, sealed to a plastic bag and stored for 2.5 months. The mixture was fermented to obtain sludge fermentation fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Bacteria: The bacteria are Azobacteriaceae, Pseudomonaceae or Rhizobiaceae, especially ecotypes of Azotobacter chroococcum Berjerinkcii. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - The inorganic nitrogen content of soil incubated in the presence of 1 wt.% maize waste inoculated with Azotobacter chroococcum Berjerinkcii isolated by the above method (no concrete details given) was 68 mg/kg, compared 59 and 62 mg/kg using other strains.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Evaporator: The evaporator comprises a first evaporator section (18) with a water or steam inlet (20), and a second evaporator section (22) with a steam outlet (24). The second section is inside the first section, and outside the gas passage. The evaporator sections are separated by a wall (21) with at least one opening (23). The evaporator sections are preferably cylindrical. The first section has a flow passage restrictor along the edge, to define the water or steam flow passage, which is preferably helical. At the lower end of the evaporator is a temperature sensor unit. Heat exchange is enabled between the steam and the combustion gas in a path from an outlet of the steam formed in the second evaporation section. A combustion gas passage is outside the first evaporation section. A water preheating unit heats water or steam to be supplied to the first evaporation section, using the combustion gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Reactor: A bio-liquor recirculation pumping system raises liquids accumulating in the base of the container, to recirculate them over the feedstock.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The gases stored are hydrogen, nitrogen, noble gases, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and compounds which synthesis or generate these gases. The hydrogen is in a gas mixture containing hydrogen, a substance which surrenders or generates hydrogen, and incorporates a substance which supplies and/or generates hydrogen.Preferred Metal: The metal ions are from the elements in Groups Ia, IIa, IIIa, VIIIa and Ib to VIb. The metal-organic matrix material is brought into contact with a medium which increases the storage capacity and is selected from the group consisting of solvent agents, complexes, metal hydrides, metal alloys, or mixture of two or more of these substances.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The gas stored can be methane. The bivalent organic bonds are selected from substituted or non-substitutes aromatic polycarbonic acids with one or more nuclei, or non-substituted aromatic polycarbonic acids with one or more hetero atoms and one or more nuclei. The metal-organic matrix has a specific surface area of 20 m2/g , as measured by BET absorption in accordance with industrial standard DIN 66131. Also claimed is a commensurate fuel cell for e.g. automotive and/or other mobile applications,
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Properties: The fluoropolymer has a glass transition temperature of at least 160degrees C.It has a thickness of 1-10 microns.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The substrate is quartz crystal, lithium niobate, or aluminum nitrite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Compound: The desulfurizing agent contains nickel and/or copper.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The rare earth element is lanthanum or yttrium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The carbon material is chosen from sintered graphite rod, sintered graphite board, plate-shaped graphite nano-fiber, cylindrical graphite nano-fiber, plate-shaped carbon nano-tube or cylindrical carbon nano-tube.Preferred Method: Hydrogen occlusion is performed at 0-30degreesC and atmospheric pressure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Fuel Cell: The pressurization container is accommodated in the battery case holding the electric-power-generation portion. The container is detachably provided with respect to the electric-power-generation portion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The fuel composition contains tertiary butyl alcohol (in volume%) (20-55, preferably 40-50), diisopropyl ether (15 or less preferably 10 or less), and methyl and/or ethyl tertiary butyl ether (20 or less preferably 7 or less). EXAMPLE - Tertiary butyl alcohol (in vol%) (47), diisopropyl ether (5), methyl tertiary-butyl ether (4) and gasoline (45) were mixed to obtain a fuel composition. The amount of hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide exhausted from the vehicles were 37ppm and 14.9%, respectively when the obtained composition was used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: 3% or less concentration of oxygen as steam or inert gas is supplied to the carbonized oven, when the temperature of the oven reaches to 240-260 degrees C. The pressurized state is maintained by sealing pot, which produces bubbles of the steam or inert gas and emits smoke from carbonized oven. The pot is sealed in a liquid. The apparatus further consists of smoke removing unit at the smoke-emitting duct connected to the carbonized oven. The smoke removing unit is used to dissolve a smoke component in liquid and to remove the smoke component.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The accumulated fermented material is supplied to a container for cargo collection, and is fermented along the cargo. A seed compost is mixed with the accumulated fermented material in an amount of 20-40 weight%, and fermented. The seed compost contains livestock dung and humus ferments. The accumulated fermented material is then mixed with urine and humus of livestock, and a processing liquid containing a supernatant liquid for improving fermentation. The water content in the accumulated fermented material is replenished so that the moisture content falls within 55-70 weight% with respect dehydrated material.Preferred Arrangement: The container for storage has number of through-holes at the bottom portion in which a detachable plate is provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The soil improvement material further contains rice straw.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The improvement material is chosen from inorganic group fiber, inorganic group microparticle, metal fiber, metal microparticle and synthetic resin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The material-humidifying device humidifies the material by using the moisture contained in the reformed gas output from the carbon monoxide (CO)-removal device or by using the moisture contained in an off-gas discharged from a fuel cell operated by the reformed gas output from the CO-removal device. The material-humidifying device has a transmission film for transmitting moisture and for forming a boundary between the path of off-gas or reformed gas and the path of material, a hydrophilic proton conductor for forming the boundary between the path of off-gas and the path of material, and a voltage-applying mechanism for applying voltage to the hydrophilic proton conductor. The transmission film also transmits hydrogen. The off-gas is used to heat the reformer, and the voltage-applying mechanism controls the temperature of the reformer by adjusting the voltage to be applied to the hydrophilic proton conductor. The material-humidifying device may include a hydrothermal carrying body for supplying water to the material, and a circulating mechanism for making the hydrothermal carrying body circulate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The decomposition step is a destructive treatment using mechanical and/or acoustic mechanisms. It includes an oxidation treatment with an oxidation agent, e.g. ozone or hydrogen peroxide, optionally in the presence of a catalyzing agent. A part of the water/sludge mixture is removed during the anaerobic phase or in the anaerobic compartment of the biotreatment. It is sent to a separate treatment for removal of the phosphorus with the addition of chemicals, while the sludge and water are returned to a biotreater. The process further comprises measuring the amount of nutrients present in the separated liquid fraction; adjusting the rate of the decomposition as a function of the demand in BOD and COD needed for the improved nutrient removal; adjusting the introduction of a separate sludge stream in the mechanical or chemical decomposing step for adjusting the amount of BOD; and supporting the biosludge on a support.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Component: The nutrient comprises nitrogen and/or phosphorus compounds.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The aeration tank comprises separate anoxic and anaerobic (3a) basins. The aerobic biological treatment unit comprises a rectangular reactor divided in at least two sequentially arranged, hydraulically connected multifunctional compartments. The compartments have a dual function in the course of a purification process. The dual function is alternating as an aeration compartment and as a settling compartment. The compartments are arranged in a circular configuration.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Compositions : Aqueous solution (A) is prepared at 40-70 degrees C and (B) at 90-120 degrees C, optionally with addition of an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, potassium nitrate or tetrasodium diphosphate decahydrate or a water-soluble zinc, magnesium, copper, iron or manganese salt. The ratio (A):(B) is 1:10-50, with the temperature during mixing kept at below 80 degrees C and with air, carbon dioxide or oxygen being fed into the mixture. The conditioner is used at water dilution 1:100-10,000 optionally along with conventional fertilizers, dung, liquid or stable manure, compost, clarified sludge, biodegradable domestic or garden waste or (especially wood) ash. Magnetized water is used in the mixing of (A) and (B) and/or in the dilution of the mixture.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Culture: Preferred pigments/adsorbents include active carbon, carbon black, lime and titanium dioxide (many others listed). The matrix is in the form of capsules or gel spheres with a diameter of 100-5000 microm. The matrix material is a natural or synthetic polymer, e.g. agarose, cellulose, gelatin, ethyl cellulose, polyaniline, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polystyrene or polyethylene (many others listed). The matrix has a multilayer structure comprising alginate and a film-forming polymer, especially cellulose sulfate, polyethyleneimine or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). The matrix includes a zeolite. The chemolithoautotrophic bacteria are nitrifying bacteria, especially Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter species (many specific species listed). The culture also includes heterotrophic nitrifying fungi, algae and heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria (many species listed). The bacteria are immobilized in the form of a cell suspension containing 5 times 10 to the power of 8 - 6 times 10 to the power of 9 cells/mL. The bacteria comprise ammonia-oxidizing, nitrite-oxidizing and optionally nitrate- and nitrite-reducing bacteria. The matrix includes an acetate, bicarbonate, phosphate, bisulfate, citrate or lactate buffer or solid calcium carbonate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is Caldothrix satsumae, especially Caldothrix satsumae YM081(FERM-BP8233). The base sequences based on 16Sr DNA are fully defined in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The core comprises a single stack of metal plates which are diffusion bonded in face-to-face contacting relationship. Each reaction zone is defined by aligned apertures in adjacent plates of the stack. The reaction zones constitute combustion zones, and are charged with a catalyst that enables catalytic combustion of the first and second reactants. The plates are stacked in repeating groups of six superimposed plates. The second and fifth plates have a thickness that is less than that of the other plates in each group. The channel elements that form the second channel arrangement have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than that of channel elements that form the first and third channel arrangements. The reaction zones are in two parallel rows, and the catalyst receiving zones are in three parallel rows. The reactor forms a part of the fuel processor, and incorporates at least one pre-reformer stage incorporating at least one of the catalyst-receiving zones. The fuel processor incorporates at least one pre-reformer that is heated by a hot syngas or hot flue gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Methods: Water and oxygenated hydrocarbon are reacted at 100-450, preferably 100-300 degrees C and at a pH of 4-10.They are reacted in presence of water-soluble salt of an alkali or alkali earth metal.They are further reacted at a pressure where they are gaseous or remain as condensed liquids.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The metal comprises nickel, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, and/or their alloys.The catalyst is further alloyed or mixed with a metal consisting of Group IB metals, Group IIB metals, Group VIIB metals, Group IVA metals, or Group VA metals, preferably copper, zinc, rhenium, germanium, tin, or bismuth.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The catalyst is adhered to a support consisting of silica, alumina, zirconia, titania, ceria, carbon, silica-alumina, silica nitride, and/or boron nitride.The water-soluble salt is consists of alkali or alkali earth metal hydroxide, carbonate, nitrate, or chloride salt.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The support is surface-modified to remove surface moieties consisting of hydrogen or hydroxyl.It is modified by treating with a modifier consisting of silanes, alkali compounds, or alkali earth compounds.It is silica modified with trimethylethoxysilane.Preferred Materials: The support is consists of zeolites, carbon nanotubes, carbon fullerenes, or nanoporous supports.The water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon is consists of ethanediol, ethanedione, glycerol, glyceraldehyde, aldotetroses, aldopentoses, aldohexoses, ketotetroses, ketopentoses, ketohexoses, or alditols, preferably aldohexoses or corresponding alditols, more preferably glucose or sorbitol, most preferably sucrose.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Component: The alloy is physically bonded to a support by compaction and sintering, and wound into a coil. The support in the form of disks or plates comprises mesh, grid, matte, foil, foam or plate.Preferred Material: The support is formed from nickel, aluminum, copper, iron and/or their alloys. SPECIFIC MATERIALS - 14 Alloys are specifically claimed, e.g. Ti0.9Zr0.1Mn1.3V0.45Ni0.26.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus further comprises an evaporation section for the reforming fuel. The evaporation section is provided in front of the reforming section in the stacked structure. The apparatus has a stacked structure of thin sheets (1) comprising pairs of passages and spacers (3) having fluid channels. A channel for cooling air is provided in the oxidation section in order to cool the oxidation section to a temperature for a carbon monoxide oxidation reaction. The oxidation section is arranged downstream of the reforming section. The cooling air used for cooling the oxidation section is utilized as the air for the methanol combustion after the air of the oxidation section has been cooled. A heat of the fluid that has passed through the reforming section, is used for heating the reforming fuel evaporation section.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The CCA-tolerant fungus can be Meruliporia incrassata (TFFH-294) (preferably), Antrodia radiculosa (MJL-630), Meruliporia incrassata (Mad-563) or Antrodia radiculosa (FP-90848-T).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The lignocellulosic substrate can be sawdust, wood chips, rice straw, corn stalks or wheat straw.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Method: The inoculated wood is aerated and hydrated in dark, aerobic conditions at a relative humidity of 70% at 20-35, preferably 27-32 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The nutrient supplement can be corn steep liquor, cornmeal or wheatbran. EXAMPLE - Fungi strains were collected after an extensive screening of the fungal library. The screening process was initiated by searching the library for fungal strains collected from specific wood products treated with wood chemical preservatives. Other strains were isolated from wood samples collected from field plots. The selected fungal strain were then retrieved and analyzed to determine their tolerance. The tolerance was performed by placing a preservative-treated wood sample at one edge of a Petri dish while a non-treated wood was placed at the opposite edge. The plates were incubated at 27 degrees C and at 70% relative humidity for 14 days where fungal was monitored. After 14 days, most fungal strains showed a primary growth preference towards the non-treated wood with no growth toward the treated wood. The strains exhibited the greatest amount of growth towards wood treated with CCA and were considered CCA-tolerant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred System: The aerosol fluorescence spectrum analyzer (AFSA) comprises an optical element which transfers light from a particle detection region in a first focal plane to a second focal plane. The AFSA further comprises an aerodynamic flow system which moves particles to and through the trigger and detection regions. The trigger region is defined by the intersection of the first and second trigger beams. The pulsed laser emits a pulse of light centered on a particle detection volume substantially in the first focal plane and downstream of the trigger region. A spectral dispersing element is positioned in the second focal plane and is optically connected to the spectral detector.Preferred Component: The photosensor comprises a charge coupled device (CCD) array and a multiple anode photomultiplier tube (PMT). The optical element is preferably a lens, a reflective objective, or both a reflecting objective and a spherical reflector positioned opposite the reflecting objective. A reflective objective may comprise a Schwartzchild optical element, a parabolic optical element, or an elipsoidal objective. The pulsed laser is Q-switched and emits light in the UV range. The wavelength selective photodetectors comprise single channel analyzers (60, 70) operating in a window mode. The aerodynamic flow system includes a mechanism to control the direction and speed of the particle. At least one of the wavelength selective photodetectors is responsive to light of a predetermined range of intensities.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The promoter is substituted by Escherichia coli promoter by homologous recombination.The binding site of a negative control factor is lost due to mutation by homologous recombination. EXAMPLE - The genome of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrading microbes such as Pseudomonas sp. strains such as KKS102 and KKS103, was genetically manipulated as follows. DNA was extracted from the microbes, and the PCB gene cluster (11 kb) was identified, which starts with bphE gene, and the expression of the genes bphE-bphA4 was initiated from pE promoter which exists upstream of the bphA gene. Specific master plasmid (pKH966) which was used to integrate any one of the heterologous promoter such as tac promoter, rrnB promoter pEcore promoter, etc., upstream of the biphenyl degradation gene cluster, was constructed. The promoter were integrated into the promoter area of bphE by homologous recombination to produce recombinants KH968 (tac promoter), KH952-04 (pEcoli promoter), KH981 (pEcore promoter) were obtained. The transformants were tested for their PCB degradation activity and the results showed that the activity of KH981 (pEcore promoter) was 3.6 times the activity of Pseudomonas sp. KKS103 strain, and the activity of the KH952-04 strain (pEcoli promoter) was 1.8 times the activity of Pseudomonas sp. KKS103 strain. The strain KH981 was thus identified to be the most suitable strain for PCB degradation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: Mutation of the structural gene is carried out by homologous recombination. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - (I) is Pseudomonas KKS DELTAS (claimed).    EXAMPLE - Biphenyl decomposition activities of Pseudomonas strains KKSDELTAS and KKS103 were measured as follows. Each strain was grown in nutrient medium and suspended in a buffer solution. One ml of microbial solution was added to a test tube with a cap and biphenyl was added. After 3 minutes 1 ml of hexane was added, and undecomposed biphenyl was calculated. The results showed a highly efficient decomposition of biphenyl by KKSDELTAS strain (4 times or more greater) than decomposition of biphenyl by KKS103 strain.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The basophilic microorganism is Bacillus sp. M-7 strain (FERM P-18482).Preferred Conditions: Cultivation is performed at pH 9-11. EXAMPLE - 4 ml of culture liquid containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) was adjusted to pH 2-3 using 1N hydrochloric acid solution. 2 ml of ethyl acetate was added and mixed. Ethyl acetate layer was aliquoted after standing. The whole quantity was made up to 4 ml and sodium sulfate was added and ethyl acetate layer was dehydrated. HPLC analysis was performed. Bacillus sp. M-7 strain (FERM P-18482) having capability to decompose aromatic chlorine compound was cultivated in the medium. The results showed that the medium completely decomposed PCB in 7 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The material containing carbon and carbon dioxide absorbing material are pulverized and mixed before pelletization. The unreacted carbon is burned by blowing oxygen into calcination apparatus. Heating decomposition of carbonate contained in unreacted substance is performed to convert the carbonate into carbon dioxide absorbing material. The oxygen separated from air is blown into the calcination apparatus to remove the calcining calcium carbonate from the moving bed. Calcium oxide absorbs carbon dioxide and produces calcium carbonate via calcium hydroxide. Preferred Materials: The carbon dioxide absorbing material is calcium oxide. The material containing carbon is coal, plastic, biomass and/or organic waste. Preferred Conditions: The calcination is performed at 850-950degreesC and 10 atmospheric pressure or less. The main reaction apparatus is a moving bed reactor, whose outer wall is maintained at 600degreesC or less.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The used tea leaves are extracted with pure water at 80-90degreesC to remove 70% of catechin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: Purification of contaminated soil involves mixing matured soil microbes obtained by natural fermentation of black soil or compost with a nutrient containing rice bran for improving biological activity of microbes in contaminated soil. EXAMPLE - 0.1 wt.% of rice bran was added to contaminated soil. The amount of contaminated oil component in the soil was measured. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents were adjusted to 10% and 1%, respectively. Decomposition microbes were added to the contaminated soil, further additives were mixed with the contaminated soil and placed in a sealed bottle. Gaseous phase in the bottle was substituted with oxygen gas and sealed. Water was maintained at 30degreesC. The change in oxygen content was measured. Preliminary experiment was performed to confirm the correlation between oxygen demand and decomposition of oil component in soil. Increase in oxygen demand showed the reproduction and growth of microorganism in the soil, thereby increase in biological activity and decomposition of nutrients. The result also showed that the biological activity of the microorganisms, which decomposed the oil component, which existed universally in the soil, was increased.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The culture medium further contains inorganic material and hardening material. The inorganic material is coal ash, incinerated ash, sand, shellfish ground material and/or diatoms. The hardening material is cement, water glass, lime and/or gypsum. The incinerated sewage sludge ash is free from heavy metals.Preferred Amount: The culture medium comprises (in weight parts) incinerated sewage sludge ashes (10 or more, preferably 5-20) and hardening material (10-50).Preferred Process: The heavy metals in the incinerated ashes are removed by melting sewage sludge ashes and injected to water. EXAMPLE - (In weight parts) Pearlite (10), coal ash (20), cement (100) and incinerated sewage sludge ash were mixed by using water to produce raw material mixture. The raw material for porous layers was inserted between the outer side pipe and intermediate pipe. A double structural compact casting was produced by extrusion molding with hollow portion (7). The extrusion molding was cured for 24 hours and hardened at 120degreesC. The diameter of hollow portion produced in the aquatic organism culture medium was 6 mm and length was 1 mm. The outer diameter of the porous layer was 1 mm and thickness of the low penetrating layer was 2 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A unit is provided for circulating at least one portion of gas produced in reactor (II) to reactor (I) as gas not containing oxygen. A unit is provided for circulating at least one portion of the ejection liquid generated in reactor (II) to reactor (I) as a vitamin- containing liquid. The reactor has a constant-temperature unit. A unit is provided for treating the ejection liquid by oxidation. The submarine sludge is the sludge collected from the base of an oyster fishery.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The solvent is coconut oil. The liquid mixture is stirred by compressed air agitation unit having machine stirring unit or sound stirring unit. The stirring unit has an air pump (9) for blowing air through the diffusion tube. The microorganisms and the solvent are supplied simultaneously.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The controller carries out transpiration promotion, when the maximum value of moisture-content is detected, and carries out transpiration suppression, when the minimum value of moisture- content is detected. A dry tank (2b) carries out the drying process of the residue and the microorganism support. The dry tank is placed within the decomposition tank and separated via a partition wall (2c). The partition wall is equipped with a temperature detector (72). The controller detects the temperature of the microorganism support and organic refuse, based on the output value of the temperature detector. A ventilation unit (63) inhales and emits gas in the decomposition tank. The controller is controlled to increase the air ventilation of the ventilation unit, so that the temperature of the microorganism support and organic refuse becomes higher. Stirrers (50-54) mix the microorganism support and organic refuse in the decomposition tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The processing container preferably has a permeability of 6.5-500 cm3/cm2/second. The processing container is a flexible, reticulate bag made of a porous sheet containing synthetic resin, synthetic fiber, or natural fiber. A stirrer is provided to stir the materials and the organic refuse in the processing container. The stirrer is connected to the end portion of a pushing-up component (25) actuator. The plate-shaped pushing-up component thrusts the bottom portion of the processing container up, when it rises. The actuator carries out the raising operation of the pushing-up component. The pushing-up component is arranged in a vertically movable manner with a posture which faces the bottom portion of the processing container. The processing container comprises a cylindrical network and a product made from a hard material. A rotating apparatus is provided for rotating the axial center of the processing container.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The hygroscopic material is water-absorbent ceramics or fiber, and is molded in the shape of a honeycomb.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Material: The paper has diameter of 1-5 mm and is crushed with fermented chaff or pulverized chaff. The above crushed material is disentangled and hydrated. the nursery materials are obtained by adding a 30-170 weight parts of fertilizer to dried paper with respect to 100 weight parts of chaff, mixed uniformly and dried.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The pH is above 8 at the time of acclimatization. The sludge decomposing microorganisms are maintained under alkaline conditions, under moderate to high warm conditions. The process is carried out under aerobic conditions. The microorganism capable of decomposing sludge is Bacillus. EXAMPLE - Sludge decomposing microorganisms were added to a 2 l treatment tank having 1 l of processing liquid. The solid content of the liquid was adjusted to 20 g/l. An aerobic treatment was carried out at 45 degrees C with the rate of liquid flowing into the tank being maintained at 100 ml/day and pH is controlled uniformly. The pH of the solution was gradually raised from 8.8 to 9.0, 9.2 and 9.4, and volume detection was carried out. After one week of processing, the decomposition ratio of sludge and solubilization of microorganism were measured. The solubilization rate was found be 37% at pH 9.2, 29% in pH 9.0, and 28% at pH 8.8. The decomposition rate was found be 18%-34% at pH 9.4.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Powder: The inorganic powder in the mixture comprises fumic acid, fulvic acid, iron or iron compound, nutrient containing sea weed, bentonite powder, montmorillonite powder, dolomite powder, diatomaceous earth powder, kaolin powder and/or soil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The rotation, air- permeability and water-sprinkling control are performed based on the information of moisture content set for every processing zone.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The controller controls the water supply and dilutes the contents in the tank so that the ammoniacal-nitrogen concentration in the tank is below 5000 mg/L. A mist separator (5) which separates moisture content from biogas produced from the tank, is provided. The water supplier is connected to the mist separator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: An alkali is added to soluble compound to adjust the pH to 8-10 and then solubilized. The alkaline soluble compound is retained in a flushing tank (11) for removal of large portions of ammonia. The soluble compound is cooled by a cooler (20), by exchanging heat with the compound using a heat transfer fluid (21). EXAMPLE - A slurry of pig feces and urine containing 90% of moisture and having T-N concentration of 8000 mg/l, was subjected to hydrothermal processing for 10 minutes at 200 degreesC and solubilized in a hydrothermal processing container to obtain a soluble compound. The pressure was reduced and the compound was transferred to a digester. The T-N and concentrations of the compound in digester at 1,2,5,10,20 and 60 minutes were 5315 mg/l, 3564 mg/l, 2289 mg/l, 1853 mg/l, 1502 mg/l and 1109 mg/l respectively. The ammonia concentrations at 1,2,5,10,20 and 60 minutes were 4517 mg/l, 3136 mg/l, 2060 mg/l, 1667 mg/l, 1322 mg/l and 987 mg/l respectively. The pressure in the hydrothermal processing container was brought to atmospheric pressure after 10 minutes and the soluble compound was digested to obtain biogas. The amount of nitrogen removed as ammonia from the soluble compound was 80%. Since the concentration of ammonia in soluble compound was below 1667 mg/l, the activity of methane microbe was not inhibited.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Solution: The chemical solution for digestion is alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The bran koji (malt) is obtained by alcohol fermentation and/or methane fermentation.Preferred Process: Ashes containing carbonic acid alkali as main component is recovered during concentration of the pulp waste liquor, regenerated as caustic alkali and further digestion is carried out. EXAMPLE - Pineapple was cut and the juice was removed to produce a lump (in kg) (300). The lump was decompose-treated in bran koji (malt) (1.5) at 95 degrees C. Remaining koji (malt) was added and decompose elution of starch, pectin, fats and oils and protein was carried out. Crude fiber (84.4) in the shape of a hemp was obtained. The crude fiber was digested in chemical solution containing sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, anthraquinone, alkyl anthraquinone and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), at 125 degrees C for 2 hours. Long fiber pulp was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Reactor Details: The external means of heating are arranged on the outer side of the surrounding wall of the reactor.The heater comprises a radiant catalytic burner; alternatively it consists of heat transfer tubes which are arranged within the structure of the catalyst in the terminal region of the reaction zone. Or, the transfer tubes may be exhaust tubesform a catalytic radiant burner.The heating is in contact with the exit region of the reaction zone.In a variant of the process, the reaction zone comprises a primary partial zone and a second partial zone down stream, with intermediate heating of the reformate current.The intermediate heating is by a radiant catalytic burner and a gas/gas heat exchanger.The autothermal reforming process comprises endothermic reactions (reaction of the hydrocarbons with water vapor) and exothermic reactions (reaction of hydrocarbons with oxygen), all producing H2, CO2 and CO.Unwanted CO is converted to CO2 by a catalytic exothermic conversion with water vapor. The exothermic reactions take place in the entry zone of the reactor and the endothermic reactions in the major part of the reaction zone resulting in the lowering of the temperature. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The fuel cell system further includes product absorbing portion (16) for absorbing fuel oxidized product discharged from fuel electrode, and gas detecting mechanism for detecting the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by product absorbing portion. The product absorbing portion absorbs fuel oxidized product by physical or chemical adsorption. The product absorbing portion is of exchangeable cartridge type. The product absorbing portion and fuel accommodating container are integrated.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The fuel-oxidized product contains carbon dioxide, compound having carboxyl group, compound having aldehyde group, and compound having ketone group.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The aerobic process is carried out in an active-sludge system with a separation device and an ultra-filtration device for separating and ultra-filtering the biomass being processed by using semipermeable membranes either immersed or not in oxidation basins. The biomass may be separated by settling and recirculating the sludge. An anaerobic process is performed before the aerobic process or treatment for reducing the organic materials and forming biogas. Settling and/or filtration step is carried out downstream of the aerobic process. The nitrate-rich concentrate material is subjected to a stripping step for stripping heavy metals present in the concentrate material. The concentrate material is used for spraying composting waste masses.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The chemical reaction is the oxidation of hydrocarbons (preferably short chain alkanes or alkenes), the oxidation of carbohydrates, the oxidation of aromatic amines or the reduction of hydrocarbons (preferably short chain alkenes or alkynes), Ethylene oxide is formed from ethylene and oxygen; propylene oxide is formed from propylene and oxygen; 2-keto-L-gulonic acid is formed from L-sorbose and oxygen; diazonium salts are formed from primary aromatic amines and an oxidizing agent; hydroperoxide ions are formed from hydroxide ions and water; ethane is formed form ethylene and hydrogen; or ethylene is formed from ethyne and hydrogen.An electrolyte (8), preferably a liquid electrolyte, is brought between the electrical conductors. The conductors are of carbon. The conductor at which the reaction occurs is a gas diffusion electrode (2). An electrolysis reaction and a chemical reaction are carried out in parallel to yield the same product (P). The voltage applied is chosen such that the conversion due to the electrolysis reaction is less than 10 (less than 2) % of the overall conversion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The heat treatment duration is at least 30 minutes ( preferred 90 minutes) in A, B or C, and at least 90 minutes (preferred 120 minutes) in D, E or F. The hydrogen-generating bacteria is Clostridium.The organic waster and water waste is the waste and waste water from food production suing microorganism industry, agricultural waste, sewerage, lakes, swamps or ponds. EXAMPLE - Sewerage waste soil was subjected to anaerobic-treatment for 3 months. The treated waste soil (20 ml) was heated at 90degreesC for 60 minutes after the pH was adjusted to 4.0 - 10. The heat-treated waste soil (pH = 5.5) was cultured in a cultural bed containing glucose at 35degreesC for 4 weeks. The yields of CH4 and H2, represented by CH4/glucose and H2/glucose, respectively, are 0.00 and 1.20.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The nanostructured storage material is adapted to absorb hydrogen without a chemical bond formation or with Van Der Waals interactions. It is BxCyNz, boron nitride, BC2N (sic), magnesium boride, beryllium nitride, beryllium boride, boron oxide, boron, beryllium oxide, aluminum chloride, peraluminum chloride, aluminum sulfide, magnesium silicide, magnesium nitride, lithium nitride, lithium sulfide, sodium sulfide, or sodium persulfide. It comprises a network of light elements coupled with covalent bonds comprising sp2 bonds (24).x, y, z = integers.Preferred Property: The desorption temperature of hydrogen in relation to the nanostructured storage material is greater than the liquefaction temperature of nitrogen. The hydrogen has a desorption temperature in relation to the nanostructured storage material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The product stream comprises at least 11C hydrocarbons.The catalyst further comprises a promoter from rhenium, ruthenium, platinum, silver, and/or lanthanum.Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises 2-35 wt.% cobalt. EXAMPLE - Silicon dioxide-zirconium oxide (SiO2-ZrO2) (30 g) was treated in a rotary evaporator at 70 degreesC with an aqueous solution containing cobalt nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO3).6H2O) (24 g) followed by calcination at 250 degreesC in 1.5 l/minute air. This material was treated at 70 degreesC with an aqueous solution containing Co(NO3).6H2O and platinum(IV) ammonia nitrate (30 mg) followed by calcination at 250 degreesC in 1.5 l/minute air to obtain a catalyst with a nominal composition of 25%Co/0.1%Pt/SO2-ZrO2. A pressure vessel was heated at 225 degreesC under 1000 psig and maintained at that temperature and pressure for 1 hour. Catalyst (20 mg) and n-octane (1 ml) were added to the vessel. After 1 hour, the vessel was cooled, vented, and an internal standard of di-n-butylether was added. The product was analyzed and showed 120 g at least 11C/hour/kg catalyst, which was better compared to that of a comparative sample with a nominal composition of 20%Co/ZrO2 having 100 g at least 11C/hour/kg catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Species: The sulfur containing species of the organic fuel is selected from the group of mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, tetrahydro thiophene, thiophenes, benzothiophene and their mixtures.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The fuel further comprises 0.5-10 wt.% hydrocarbon fuel to improve rate of combustion of the material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The subsequent process is a heat exchange process of an electrical generation process.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The spilled material is recovered by pressing the material for a time, temperature, and pressure to remove a portion of the hydrocarbon to form an intermediate material; and steam treating the intermediate material t remove all the hydrocarbon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - PHARMACEUTICALS - Preferred Component: The composition may comprise and a reagent comprising a fertilizer, a plant growth promoter, and/or a biocide. The biocide is an insecticide, anti-bacterial agent, fungicide, herbicide, pre-emergent herbicide, and/or anti-viral agent. EXAMPLE - A cup of material was soaked in diesel fuel to form a diesel saturated material, which included the amount of water present in the fresh material which can vary at 1-5 wt.%.
EXAMPLE - Refrigerant composition was prepared comprising difluoromethane (HFC-32) (83.7) and cyclopropane (16.3).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The alcohol is selected from either ethanol, methanol or propanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: Several gas removal portions (4) are provided at the side in the anaerobic tank along the tank depth direction. A screw blade (8) is attached near the extracting side of the rotation axis which is extended from the stirring blade, on the extracting side. The sludge insertion portion (3) in the anaerobic tank is provided at the bottom and the extraction portion (2) is provided at the upper portion, so that the sludge transfer is performed in the upward direction. The anaerobic tank is at reduced pressure, preferably less than 400 mHg.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A dissolved oxygen reduction component containing a water permeable material is arranged around the nitrate nitrogen removal layer. The dissolved oxygen reduction component is coral sand or porous material containing rock wool.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The electrodes of the electrode assembly are constructed by the stacking catalyst layer formed from an alloy having platinum (Pt).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Details: The cuttings have size of 1 inch.Preferred Process: The approximately 1/10 of the batch has a mass, m1, and is added to the empty reactor. The angular speed of the mixer correlates with a Froude number greater than 2.5. Data of the weight of content of the reactor, electrical current flow to the heater system and the motor are continuously collected, to determine the period of time for completion of pyrolysis. After completion of pyrolysis of the first part, the angular velocity of the mixer is adjusted to the minimum torque value. The rest of the batch is then added at a rate given by m1/t1, where t1 is the requested time for completing the pyrolysis of the first part. The cuttings are pyrolyzed with their content of metal and mineral which cannot be pyrolyzed.Preferred Reactor: The edge at the end of each paddle close to the inner surface of the reactor, on the side moving the material, is angular and sharp. The angle of the rim of the paddle and the inner surface of the reactor is not less than 5degrees, and is preferably 5-15degrees. A spike is one each paddle, on the downstream edge relative to material flow, close to the inner surface of the reactor, and pointing to the direction of rotation of the reactor. Another spike is on the inner surface of the reactor, closed to the passing pikes of the paddle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The method also involves neutralizing the solution or suspension obtained from the alkali treatment step, and comminuting the solid or semi-solid organic waste material. The photo-irradiation step involves batch or continuous processing step.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The wood particles are wood chips recovered from waste timber that is a by-product of mining activities. These wood chips are in form of timber mine props disintegrated in blasting operations.Preferred Methods: The wood particles are pre-treated with nitric acid. They are applied in form of a coating to a top surface of the tailing body. These are dug into the body to a level of 30 cm below an outer surface of the body. The particles are applied to an existing tailing body in form of a dam to rehabilitate the dam. These are intermittently applied to the tailing body during its development. These are further applied at 60-90 tons/hectare of tailing dam surface. The wood particles are composted (vermicomposting) prior to application to the body. The composting step includes mixing the particles with another source of organic material (sewage). The particles and the sewage are mixed in a ratio of 3:1-3:2 and allowed to form compost after which the compost is inoculated with worms, Eisenia fetida, and allowed to form vermicomposted medium. Selected plants (Cenchrus ciliaris variety Molopo, C. ciliaris variety Gayndah, Eragrostis lehmanniana , and E. curvula) are planted on the treated tailing body.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The metal structure is made of material from iron, nickel, chrome, silicon, tin, manganese, copper, magnesium, aluminum, and/or other metal materials.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The filler is a conductive or non-conductive polymer, graphite, or other materials capable of preventing leakage of gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The metal structure has an upper portion where the filler is not impregnated, and is capable of wire connecting. Cooling water channel(s) of metal structure cooling plate, extends from a cooling water inlet to a cooling water outlet, to allow cooling water to flow in the cooling plate and to cool heat of the unit cells.Preferred Method: The filler is impregnated into the metal structure through pressing, cutting, or injection molding.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heater heats the sludge within the upstream vessel only. The downstream and intermediate vessels are thermally insulated to maintain the sludge within the temperature range as it passes from the upstream vessel to the downstream vessel. The apparatus comprises at least three sequential incubation vessels including upstream and downstream vessels and at least one intermediate vessel. Each vessel is provided with an agitator for the sludge. The agitator comprises a pressurized gas inlet (11) to inject pressurized gas into the sludge within the respective vessel. The pressurized gas inlet receives bio-gas generated by the sludge treatment process. The transfer mechanism includes gas lift pumps powered by a pressurized gas. It at least partially empties each vessel of sludge prior to filling the respective vessel with further sludge. The gas lift pumps transfer the sludge continuously in sequence from the upstream vessel to the downstream vessel via any intermediate vessel. A digestion reactor, preferably a mesophilic anaerobic digester (2), receives the incubated sludge from the downstream vessel. A mechanism draws biogas off from each incubation vessel and delivers it to the downstream digester.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The guard bed is down stream of a nickel absorbent.The first bed comprises a metal oxide such as zinc oxide.The guard bed comprises copper-zinc absorbent.The desulfurization unit further comprises a second absorbent connected to the first bed. The second bed comprises an absorbent selected from metal oxides and zeolites. The desulfurization unit is configured to allow one of the first and second beds to be disconnected during operation while the other bed remains in service. The first and second beds are fluidly connected in series or in parallel and the desulfurization unit is configured to selectively direct the fuel stream through one of the first and second beds.The unit further comprises first and second nickel absorbent beds downstream of the first bed. The unit is configured to allow the first or second nickel absorbent beds to be disconnected. The beds may be fluidly connected or in parallel.The unit further comprises a heating element. The heating means comprises heat exchange elements.Preferred Process: The fuel stream is heated to at least 150 (preferably 250) degrees C. The guard bed is maintained at an operating temperature within the range of 150-750 (preferably 260-400)degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The apparatus also includes breaker devices each is adapted to agitate the composted material with the drawers; and breaker device comprising a handle that can be gripped by a person and into which a grid is coupled. It also includes doors (50a-b) having recessed regions (51). Each drawer has spacer element that spaces a rear wall of the drawer from a wall of the housing. The apparatus also includes air vents in the housing, and climate control for controlling the climate within the housing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The mixed gas stream contact surface of membrane, is made of palladium and copper alloy.The retainer is made of nickel and copper alloy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The noble metal is platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: A portion of dewatered sludge is returned to the methane fermentation process. Waste water treatment of the supernatant liquid is performed to obtain a treated water (7).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A preprocessor (2) for removing impurity and/or suspended solids from organic waste, is provided at the front stage of the apparatus (3). A solid-liquid separation processing apparatus (5) is provided at later stage and/or front stage of the wastewater treatment apparatus (4). The apparatus (5) separates sludge component and supernatant liquid. The supernatant liquid separated in the apparatus (5) is injected to the apparatus (4). High degree processing apparatus (6) for complete treatment of organic waste, is provided at the later stage of apparatus (4). The physicochemical wastewater treatment apparatus is pollutant separation unit, aggregation unit, deodorizing processing unit and/or high voltage pulse processing unit. The preprocessor contains a mechanical solid-liquid separation processing apparatus and membrane separator. The solid-liquid separation processing apparatus is gravity precipitator, machine separation apparatus, membrane separator or dynamic filter. The apparatus (6) is ammonia stripping apparatus.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The amount of cerium with respect to cerium and palladium is 0.1-10 mass% (preferably 0.5-5 mass%), where the molar ratio of Ce/Pd is 0.04-4 (preferably 0.2-3). EXAMPLE - gamma-alumina powder (19.6 g) was dispersed in ion exchange water (100 cc). Ammonium-cerium nitrate ((NH4)2Ce (NO3)5) with cerium equivalence of 0.02 g was added to the obtained slurry. The slurry was concentration-dried, and bake-processed at 450degreesC for 2 hours. The obtained powder was dispersed in ion exchange water (100 cc), to which palladium nitrate with palladium equivalence of 0.4 g was added. The slurry was concentration-dried, and bake-processed at 450degreesC for 2 hours. The obtained catalyst (2 g) was installed inside the reaction tube of an exhaust gas purification performance-evaluation apparatus. Purification rate of methane was evaluated and was found to be favorable.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: An inorganic acid is added to the digestive liquor before concentration to convert ammonia in the liquor into ammonium salts. The methane fermentation processed liquid is a concentrated liquid obtained by reduced pressure evaporating concentration apparatus. Subsequently, the concentrated liquid is dried by a frame drier to form powder at 80 degrees C. At least one type of fertilizer is further mixed. ACTIVITY - Plant growth promoter. Methane fermentation process of the excrements of pig was carried out. The digestive liquor obtained from the above process was supplied to the centrifugation-type thin film vacuum evaporation concentration apparatus. 77.4 kg of digestive liquor was transmitted through the ultra filter and liquid containing 78.6 kg of ammonium phosphate solution ammonia and 2.33 kg of phosphorus acid liquid (52%) was added as fertilizer. The above liquor was heated at 110 degrees C and evaporated at 50 degrees C under degree of vacuum of 12 kpa. 6.9 kg of concentrated liquid was obtained. The concentrated liquid was dried at 60 degrees C in a drier to obtain 1.06 kg of fertilizer containing a fertilizer effect promoter. The powder fertilizer obtained was added to cultivation soil of Brassica campestris. The result showed that the plant had excellent growth within 25 days.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Digestion of waste material is performed in the presence of anaerobic digested sludge. The anaerobic digested sludge contains acid fermentability microorganism and/or methane fermentation property microorganism, and photosynthetic bacteria. The anaerobic sludge is mixed with processed material containing 50-85% of moisture content. The mixture is digested, and the digested product is separated into liquid phase and solid phase portion. The solid phase portion obtained is recovered in detachment process which is used as organic fertilizer. During digestion, a gaseous phase portion containing methane is produced, which is used as fuel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The air is sucked from the inlet pipe near the lid of the grease trap in the liquid surface of waste-water. The diaphragm blower is accommodated in a box.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus (12) is connected to deodorizing purifier. The purifier is equipped with jet pump (70) by which the vapor from apparatus (12) is sucked. Ejection liquid in-flow portion of the injection nozzle is connected with the ejection opening of circulation pump which circulates the storage liquid in the purifier. The outlet of the diffuser pump of the jet pump is connected to the bottom of the storage liquid. A vertical fin and a screw blade are provided on the circumference of the stirring rod. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No biological data given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The ammonia nitrogen contained in the stock solution is converted to nitrate nitrogen and then separated by fractionation with ion-exchange resin. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer; Plant Growth Regulant.    No supporting data provided.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - Plant Growth Regulant
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The composting and bio-thermal treatment are conducted batchwise in a common tunnel composting plant, such that the thermal economy is managed jointly, and the heat produced by the other batches is utilized in the treatment of a new batch. The non-combustible fraction is composted for 2-4 weeks at 45-60 degrees C, and the bio-thermal treatment of the combustible fraction is composted for 3-8, preferably 4-6 days and nights at 45-60 degrees C without any stabilizing substance from the compost. A small combustible part of the composted mass of the non-combustible fraction may be separated for adding to the combustible fraction.Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus also includes equipment for separating mainly plastic material from the composted mass of the non-combustible fraction. EXAMPLE - The dry solid waste from households in a recycled fuel (REF) plant yielded 35% of mass for composting, 60% of REF and 5% of recoverable metal. The yield of recycled fuel from the dry solid waste depended on the composition of the raw waste material. Composting and bio-thermal treatment of masses took place batchwise in tunnels. Before composting, the mass was transferred into tunnels after being admixed with peat, wood chips or other stabilizing substance. Composting took 2-4 weeks at 50-55 degrees C. Sanitary treatment was done at 50-55 degrees C during 2 days and nights. Water was added to the mass during composting to maintain the biological process. After composting, some of the combustible material including plastic material was separated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Stream: The gaseous stream obtained at the top of the separator vessel is used in the production of hydrogen, or synthesis gas used in the production of liquid hydrocarbons.The gaseous stream is used as feed and/or as fuel in the production of hydrogen by steam methane reforming, preferably as feed.The hydrogen is purified by PSA (phase shift analysis).The synthesis gas is made by partial oxidation and/or steam methane reforming.The separator vessel is provided with internals to improve the separation of low boiling point components and the liquid products stream.Any off gas from the hydrocarbon synthesis is used for the production of power to be used in the liquefaction process.Surplus energy produced in the partial oxidation process and/or the hydrocarbon synthesis process is used for the production of power to be used in the liquefaction process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The conductive separator plate has, in the peripheral portion, a pair of fuel gas manifold apertures (13), a pair of oxidant gas manifold apertures (12) and a pair of cooling water manifold apertures (14). The anode-side and cathode-side separator plates are combined with each other such that the other sides which do not have the gas flow path face each other, and a cooling water flow path is formed between the combined anode-side and cathode-side conductive separator plates. The difference in height between the main portion and the peripheral portion surrounding the main portion is 80-400 microns.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The metal screen, mesh or felt comprises iron and/or chromium. The metal screen, mesh or felt may also comprise iron-based ferritic steel. The perovskite is doped lanthanum chromate. The perovskite coated metal screen, mesh or felt connects cell(s) (100) of an electrochemical device to other cell(s) (110). The cells are the same electrochemical devices. The perovskite is a compound of formula (I). The oxide is an oxide of formula (II).La1-xSrxCrO3 (I)A1-xA'xB1-yB'yO3 (II)A = lanthanide series element;A' = Ba, Ca or Sr;B = Cr;B' = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, V, Ti, Mn, Ce, Ta, In, Ir or A; andx and y = at least 0 at most 1, preferably at least 0.1 at most 0.5.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The volume ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen in the gaseous mixture is 95% hydrogen to 5% nitrogen up to 5% hydrogen to 95% nitrogen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method further comprises incorporating the catalyst within a porous insulating layer exposed on one side to the ambient atmosphere and dispersing the gaseous mixture through the porous insulating layer and into contact with the catalyst. It includes dispersing the gaseous mixture through equally spaced apart holes in a dispersion plate located below the opposite side of the insulating layer, feeding the mixture through a plenum chamber before being dispersed through the holes in the dispersion plate, and passing the mixture through a baffling medium between the dispersion plate and the insulating layer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The solvent used in extraction is capable of dissolving the heterocyclic compounds, to form an extract of a hydrolysate devoid of heterocyclic compounds for recycling to the vessel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The solvent capable of dissolving the heterocyclic compounds and insoluble in aqueous solutions is organic solvents and/or cyclic compounds. The solvent capable of dissolving the heterocyclic compounds is an organic halide. They are derived from hemicellulose in the biomass. The biomass forms hydroxymethylfurfural from cellulose contained within the biomass. The solids remaining from the hydrolysis contain lignins derived from a biomass. The separating means is an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the heterocyclic compounds forming a hydrolysate devoid of heterocyclic compounds for recycle to the vessel and adsorbed heterocyclic compounds. The adsorbed heterocyclic compounds are desorbed by water forming a solution of heterocyclic compounds and adsorbent. The heterocyclic compounds are liquid fuels derived from a biomass.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The filtered solids containing acid are neutralized by inorganic bases and/or inorganic salts. They are also neutralized by addition of calcium carbonate. The acid for the hydrolysis is inorganic acids and/or organic acids. It is also a sulfuric acid at 1-10%. The adsorbent comprises activated charcoal, fullers earth and/or alumina. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Compounds: The heterocyclic compounds are specifically claimed to be hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural. The acid is specifically claimed to be sulfuric acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The sum total concentration of iron in the tank liquid of anaerobic fermenter is adjusted preferably to 2000-5000 mg/l. EXAMPLE - A waste water containing total sludge concentration of 60000 mg/l and chemical oxygen demand of 53800 mg/l, was added into an anaerobic fermenter having a volume of 0.1 m3. The added wastewater was subjected to anaerobic fermentation process. Ferric chloride coagulant was added to the adjustment tank to adjust the total concentration of iron in the fermenter liquid. Acid or alkali was added to the adjustment tank to adjust the pH of the anaerobic fermenter liquid to 6.8. The resultant liquid was subjected to membrane separation process at 100 kPa. The processing method utilized only small amount of iron coagulant and produced sufficient transparent flux in the membrane-separation process by adjusting the total concentration iron in the fermented liquid to 500 mg/l. The processing method needed less running cost.
SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - Pichia farinosa S-1 KCTC 0852BP, Pichia anomala ST KCTC 0968BP and Galactomyces sp. 59KCTC 09798BP.    EXAMPLE - Pichia farinosa S-1 and Pichia anomala ST exhibited survival rate of 0.7% and 60% in an anaerobic condition at 30 degrees C for 2 days. While control Saccharomyces cerevisiae KCTC 7248 showed corresponding rate of 0.003%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Fermentation Chamber: In operation, the lower gas seal (6) is closed by a motor and spindle (7) and the hatch opened to admit a fresh charge of organic refuse. The hatch is closed, the closure is opened, and the fermentation chamber recharged through the aperture (2).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - In lieu of a continually operated blower, an assembly is employed which continually introduces pressurized gas into a gas bubble dispenser (2). Effluent water is introduced into a container of any convenient geometry, where it comes into contact with the gas necessary for the biological treatment stage. The container has internal water flow baffles and/or guide vanes. The container further incorporates substrate material which acts as a surface for a colony of micro-organisms. In the simplest case, the gas distributor is an open-ended tube. The assembly can process the effluent water arising from 50 persons or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Energy Source: The fillers are spherical bodies (14) and are coated, especially with titanium dioxide, the coating being interrupted at two opposing regions to allow dipole formation. Alternatively, the fillers are permanent (especially cylindrical) magnets (16). The sphericalbodies (14) are arranged such that they can undergo movement relative to each other. When the microorganisms are those generating hydrogen (e.g. by photocatalysis) during the organic degradation, then a device for removing such bio-generated hydrogen is provided in the reactor, the removal especially being via a membrane forming part of the reactor wall. A wide range of e.g. photosynthesizing and photogenic bacteria can be used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Method: The maximum pH value of 6 is maintained in the evaporator within the mixture of bio-filtrate and acid, by the admixture of acid at a maximum absolute pressure of 0.5 bar. The bio-filtrate acid mixture is concentrated within the evaporator up to a mean dry matter content of at least 12 per cent. The bio-filtrate and process acid are each directly dosed into the evaporator. The concentration of dissolved ammonium is at least 1000 mg/L. The acids employed are mineral acids, e.g. sulfuric, phosphoric and or nitric acids.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred method: A 50% aqueous acrylate ester copolymer dispersion is preferably added to the mixture as a binder. EXAMPLE - A mixture of slaughterhouse waste (44.1%), sewage sludge (15.5%), animal meal (38.1%), sand trap residue (0.4%), soiled plastic film (0.8%), animal fat (0.6%) and dispersant (0.5%) was mixed in a drum for 5 minutes, dried to constant weight, and ground to a powder and/or shaped to give a product with a specific gravity of 0.93.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The hydrogen separator with a permeable membrane has a membrane made up of polydimethylsiloxane.
EXAMPLE - Both surfaces of a proton electroconductive solid polymer film were polished to provide a roughness. The film was then washed with distilled water and immersed in 5% hydrogen-peroxide solution. The film was heat-processed for 30 minutes with sulfuric acid. The film was then washed about 4 times with distilled water and set as an electrolyte film. Pasting of cathode catalyst powder containing platinum, and anode catalyst powder containing ruthenium as catalyst component and platinum, was carried out with distilled water, 60% of polytetrafluoroethylene solution and 5 wt.% nafion solution. The paste was applied to a water-repellent processed diffused layer, to obtain cathode and anode. The obtained electrolyte film was clamped, to form a membrane/electrode contact material. The arrangement was joined by applying a pressure of 60 kg/cm2 at 146 degrees for 3 minutes. The contact material was used in a direct methanol type fuel cell, and electric-current-voltage characteristic was found to favorable.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Purification of soil contaminated with petroleum containing heavy oil with 0.1 weight% or more of carbon residues or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with boiling point of 330 degreesC or more involves supplying aqueous solution enriched with oxygen and replenished with nutrient to petroleum contaminated soil, mixing the soil with water and/or soil containing composite microbes containing aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and purifying the petroleum contaminated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The catalytic burner foam structure is a stainless steel, preferably iron chromium aluminum yttrium (FeCrAlY), steel or a conductive ceramic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The fiber filament has a functional group on its surface, comprising a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a quinonyl group and a lactone group.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The carbon fibers comprises carbon having an average interlayer distance of (002) carbon layers measured by X-ray diffraction method, by at most 0.342 nm. The fine carbon fiber further comprises boron or a boron compound.Preferred Component: The boron is contained (0.01-5 mass%), in carbon crystals constituting the carbon fiber.Preferred Method: The method further comprises, before the wet-grinding, adding or not adding boron or boron compound to the vapor grown carbon fiber and subjecting to heat treatment at 2000-3500degrees C. EXAMPLE - Vapor grown carbon fiber (2 g) having an average diameter of 25 nm, an average length of 10000 nm, and an aspect ratio of 400 and containing branched vapor grown carbon fiber in an amount of 30 mass%, ethanol (50 g), and zirconia beads (1.0 mm diameter) were placed in an agate-made planetary mill. The carbon fibers was subjected to grinding treatment for 4 hours and was dried at 150degrees C for 3 hours. The resultant vapor grown carbon fiber was observed under a scanning electron microscope, and the lengths of the carbon fiber filaments were measured to be 250 nm. The resulting carbon fibers had a diameter of 25 nm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The cellulosic components of the processed products are classified and separated from other components, based on particle size and density. The larger size components of the processed products are separated and recycled through the vessel for more processing. The steam from the depressurized vessel is introduced into a second vessel containing diverse pulp and paper materials for purging gases from the second vessel prior to sealing the vessel for treatment of the material within the second vessel. The processed products from each vessel are discharged into a common conveyed steam. The larger components are separated from smaller components in the stream, and recycled. Depressurizing the vessel includes recovering any steam remaining in the vessel. It also includes cooling and drying the processed products, and capturing volatile organic compounds or air pollutants remaining in the vessel. The volatile organic compounds or air pollutants are treated to render the volatile organic compounds or other air pollutants harmless. Recovering steam further includes the steps of condensing the steam and treating any condensable pollutants to render them harmless. It also includes recycling the steam.Preferred Component: The vessel includes a common opening serving as an inlet and outlet, through which the steps of feeding the diverse pulp and paper materials into the vessel and discharging the processed products from the vessel are both accomplished. The vessel includes two or more internally mounted helical flights, the rotation of which agitates the pulp and paper products.Preferred Condition: The saturating step occurs at 140-160 degreesC and 275-450 kPa. The temperature and pressure are maintained for 30-60 minutes for the products to be uniformly mixed and transformed into the homogeneous cellulosic product.Preferred Property: The pulp and paper materials have 20-60 wt.% moisture prior introducing the steam.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The aqueous stream is obtained from sea water, reaction water in a Fischer-Tropsch GTL process, spent cooling water from Fischer-Tropsch GTL process, river water, non-potable water, and/or water recovered from hydrocarbon production. Prior to contact with the gas stream, the aqueous stream has a pH of at least 7.The terrestrial formation comprises hydrocarbonaceous formation, and/or a non-hydrocarbonaceous formation.Preferred Condition: Disposal of the CO2-enriched aqueous stream is at conditions to ensure that at least 75% of the CO2 removed from the gas stream remains dissolved in the aqueous stream. EXAMPLE - CO2 was removed from a natural gas source by scrubbing with seawater. A CO2-rich source of natural gas was obtained from an undersea source. The natural gas was composed of 80% methane, 20% CO2, and traces of hydrogen sulfide. The gas was scrubbed in counter-current contact with de-aerated seawater at 0-30 degrees C and 300 psig to remove approximately 90% of the CO2 and to produce a gas having only 2% CO2. Result showed that scrubbing with seawater effectively removed CO2 without causing an unacceptable loss in methane. Because hydrocarbon loss was minimized and water flow requirements were reduced at lower temperatures, it was preferable to conduct the inventive process at low temperature.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The lift inlet is connected for flow of media from a lower most portion of the fluidized bed. It is for motive fluid comprises a liquid inlet for introducing motive liquid to produce pressure to urge the portion of the slurry through the lift. The bioreactor further comprises a separator connected to the reaction chamber for receiving a portion of the media from the fluidized bed. A biomass discharge is connected adjacent to the separator for flow of biomass from the portion of the slurry urged through the lift. The slurry discharge is connected adjacent to the separator for flow of slurry from the portion of the slurry urged through the lift.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The frame is provided with a temperature controller and a timer. The top cover is provided with a handle and the top of the frame has two opposite seats adapted to receive two ends of the hand. The seats each provided with a micro-switch electrically connected with a power source of the disposer. The treating trough is divided into three chambers by two partitions each having a notch (321, 331) at an upper edge of the trough.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The reservoir structure (54) has a longest dimension and the free rise wick height of the reservoir structure is greater than at least one half of the longest dimension. The system further comprises a pump with outlet passageway to pump liquid fuel out of the container through the outlet passageway, and air inlet (44) through the container. The inlet has a one-way valve to permit gas flow into the volume of the container. The reservoir structure conforms in shape to the volume within the container. The container forms a cylindrical cartridge. It has flexible sidewalls, and envelope (40) formed from sheets of plastic film or plastic-coated film. It is flexibly bendable when filled with liquid fuel, and the reservoir structure into which the liquid fuel has wicked remains within the volume of the container. The system further includes a removable tape that covers the outlet passageway when the container is shipped or stored prior to use. The reservoir structure has a gradient capillarity. It is formed as a composite of components. At least two of such components have different capillarities.Preferred Parameters: The reservoir structure comprises polyurethane foam with a density of 0.5-25 lbs/ft and pore sizes of 10-200 pores/linear inch. It is formed of felted reticulated polyurethane foam with 2-45 lbs/ft3 and compression ratio of 1.1-30.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The reservoir structure is formed from a material is foam, bundled fiber and nonwoven fiber. The material can be polyurethane foam, felted polyurethane foam, reticulated polyurethane foam, felted reticulated polyurethane foam, melamine foam, non-woven felt or bundles of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polyacrylonitrile.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The low boiling point impurities are nitrogen and oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The catalyst further comprises oxide (III) which has solid basicity higher than that of oxide (I). Oxide (II) and oxide (III) are same, chosen from magnesium oxide, magnesium aluminate, cerium oxide, yttrium oxide, neodymium oxide and zirconium oxide. Oxide (II) forms 1-50 wt.% of the total oxide content. EXAMPLE - Alumina powder (in wt.pts) (90) was impregnated with aqueous palladium-nitrate solution and dried by evaporation. The component was bake-processed at 500degreesC for 1 hour, to obtain palladium supported on alumina catalyst. Magnesium oxide powder (10) was mixed with palladium/alumina powder. Aluminum nitrate, pseudo-boehmite and pure water were added and a slurry was prepared. The slurry was applied on a honey-comb base material of cordierite and bake-processed at 500degreesC for 1 hour. The obtained catalyst was evaluated and was found to have an endurance for 5 hours at 1000degreesC. Purification rate of methane was favorable.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The algae in water is treated with Brevibacillus microbe and Sphingomonas microbe (105 cells/cm3) supported on a porous support, to decompose and detoxify the algae. Then, the algae is treated with an activated sludge, to remove BOD components of water bloom. EXAMPLE - Brevibacillus microbe (algal dispersion property microbe) was cultivated in a medium containing 2 g of peptone, 1 g of yeast extract and 0.5 g of glucose at 27degreesC under aerobic conditions. A polyethylene support was immersed in the microbial liquid containing 106 cells/ml for 24 hours, to obtain Brevibacillus support (I). Similarly, Sphingomonas microbe was cultivated, to which polyethylene support was immersed for several days, to obtain Sphingomonas support (II). The porous support (I) was thrown into algal dispersion tank, and the porous support (II) was thrown into microcystine decomposition tank. The microcystine and BOD component concentrations in untreated and treated water were measured. Initially the microcystine and BOD concentrations were 80-100 microg/L and 4.5-5.5 mg/L, respectively, whereas after 50 days, the values were decreased to 1 microg/L and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. The results concluded that the method effectively reduced the microcystine and BOD component concentration of water bloom and provided harmless water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The liquid fats and oils is separated from fats and oils containing waste material obtained from waste water. The liquid fats and oils and an organic waste slurry are mixed and a fats-and-oils mixed slurry is obtained. The obtained slurry is decomposed by anaerobes and sewage gas is produced. The liquid fats and oils and organic waste slurry are stir-mixed within a tubular-shaped mixer and the mixed slurry is obtained. The fats and oils mixed slurry is put into the fermentation tank after carrying out partial return of the anaerobes in the tank.Preferred Composition: The organic waste slurry having TS concentration of 5-10% is used. The mixed slurry having TS concentration of 10-20% is produced by dispersing fats and oils having TS concentration of 20-80%. Compound of iron, nickel and/or cobalt is added to the fats and oils mixed slurry.Preferred Conditions: The fats and oils are decomposed in the fermentation tank at 35-60degreesC and TS concentration of 3-7%.Preferred Slurry: The organic waste slurry is sewage sludge slurry or organic refuse slurry.Preferred Apparatus: The fats and oils in the methane fermentation tank is stirred using machine stirring unit and gas stirring unit. EXAMPLE - Fats and oils containing waste water screen dregs collected in the screen unit is stir-mixed with a slurry of sewage sludge having TS concentration of 7%. The TS concentration was adjusted to 11% and fats-and-oils mixed slurry was obtained. The mixed slurry was decompose-treated in a fermentation tank at 55degreesC. The decomposed sludge had TS concentration of 53.6%, VS concentration of 60.6%, decomposition ratio of 90.2% and contained 65% of methane gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Plants: The soil improvement material is pulverized material of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar), Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress), Thujopsis dolabrata, Hondai eucalyptus and coconut waste. The putrefactive bark comprises incinerated ashes, activated charcoal and kanuma soil of animals and plants having particle diameter of 1000 microns, preferably 500 microns. The soil improvement material further comprises fermented material to perform fermentation process. The putrefactive bark further comprises carbonized material (1 part). Preferred Amount: The soil improvement material is present in an amount of 1% or more, preferably 3% or more.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Preferably, the contents of the secondary constituents of the mixture are reduced to less than 10 ppm, more preferably less than 1 ppm molar. The reaction unit comprises a hydrocarbon vapor reforming unit, CO2 reforming unit, methanol cracking, or a unit for partial oxidation of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen. Secondary constituents formed may thus include (apart from water, CO2, CH4, N2 and Ar) carboxylic or mineral acids, anhydrides, chlorinated and sulfurized compounds, alcohols, ketones, phenols, ammonia, amines and metal carbonyls. The gaseous mixture is purified by using an adsorbent material distributed in two bottles connected in series, and also by water washing.Preferred Installation: The installation comprises a purification unit (24) preceding the membrane permeation unit (20), and which comprises two bottles containing adsorbent interlinked by conduits and valves. The unit may alternatively comprise a water wash column. The installation also comprises, downstream of the reaction unit (4), a treatment unit (6) comprising a single solvent (such as dimethyl ether, amine, polyethylene glycol etc.) wash column. In an alternative arrangement, the wash columns of the purification unit and treatment unit may form a single wash column. Recovery of solvents may be achieved by dissolution in water from the purification circuit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Method: A silicon membrane is between the zone for the water to be monitored and the PEM.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Compost Bin: The other part of the bin rim and lid have a mirror-image wedge shaped detents and projections which perfect the alignment of the lid and bin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred System: The element is a pipe, multilayer pipe, reservoir vessel, connector, adapter, filter or pump or valve part.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The polyester molding composition is based on polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene 2,6-naphthalate, polypropylene 2,6-naphthalate, polybutylene 2,6-naphthalate, poly(1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane terephthalate) and poly(1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane 2,6-naphthalate). It preferably has an antistatic finish.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The hydrocarbon is a lower alkane, alkene, alkyne, alcohol, aldehyde, ketone or organic acid having up to 30, preferably 20 carbon atoms.The endothermic cracking is carried out in the presence of a Pd/gamma-aluminum oxide catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Component: The fuel cell cassette also includes a non-porous separator plate having manifold opening(s) and sealant manifold opening(s), and a coolant flow fluid with at least two manifold openings and sealant manifold opening. The resin is in contact with at least a portion of the sealant.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: At least one of the sealant and resin is a thermoset material or thermoplastic material, preferably silicone. At least one of the end plates is composed of a filled polymer composite that is a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic or a graphite reinforced thermoplastic.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The pumping devices are arranged in the treatment unit to feed water from a lower section of the water tank using a pipe to an upper section of the treatment unit so that water is driven by gravitational force through the treatment device. A sieve (11) is fitted to the treatment unit at the water inlet port of the pipe (9). The treatment unit comprises a filter unit (12) for filtering the water particles. The filter unit is a grid-filter unit with a pore size of 90 microm. Disinfection takes place in the device for supply of ozone in the chamber. A biological filter is arranged in a chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Device: The gas sensor includes circuit components to electrify the heater through the circuit electrodes and process an electric signal that is generated at the gas-sensitive film. The circuit components include a C-MOSFET.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The gas sensor further includes circuit electrodes which are made of metal, preferably aluminum or aluminum alloy, and located outside the sensing membrane.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The electrodes of the C-MOSFET are made of polycrystalline silicon.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The vertical shell, jacket and reservoir are made of steel selected from the group consisting of 304, 316, 21/4 Cr-1/2 Mo, and KCS steel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The high temperature catalyst is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, chromium oxide and mixture. The low temperature catalyst is selected from the group consisting of copper-promoted zinc oxide and gold-promoted titanium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: An assay chamber (41) having a preset capacity is interposed between a lid and a lower lid (43). The apparatus has an insertion opening for waste material. The opening of an upper cover and the opening of the lower lid become point-symmetrical in the center about the rotary shaft.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The growth promotion agent is hydroxylamine. EXAMPLE - Sludge was collected from sewage and added to the reaction vessel of a batch culture system. Hydroxylamine, hydrazine, divalent iron ion and methanol were added to the 10 mg/l of synthetic medium and added to the continuous culture. The continuous culture was performed and the denitrification speed of ammonia-removal effect was investigated. The result showed that the ammonia was removed in a short period of time.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Method: A drive state detector and a transmitter are arranged in each primary fermenting apparatus to monitor the drive state and to transmit to a centralized controller. The centralized controller receives the control for monitoring.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Method: The thermocouples and moisture content meters for each zone are arranged inside the tumbling barrel, so that the power supply to them and data signal extraction from them are carried out by the control circuit in non-contact manner.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The fermentation treatment tank has a fermenter (2a) and dry tank (2b) having a discharge port (9). The organic waste processing apparatus performs drying by the dry tank and ejects compost from the discharge port. The direction of helix of stirring arm on the side of the dry tank among several stirring arms in the fermenter, is reverse direction to helix direction of stirring arms at both sides. The number of stirring arms whose helix direction is a reverse direction, is smaller than the number of stirring arms at the side of insertion opening where the multiple stirring arm and direction of helix differ from each other. The organic waste processing apparatus has partitions (8) arranged at the reverse side without arranging a partition at the insertion-opening side.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The aerator in the fat and oil containing waste water treatment apparatus is equipped with a filter medium (2). The aerator supplies air with higher concentration of oxygen or pure oxygen gas into the lipolysis/fat splitting tank, where organic waste water containing plant and/or animal fats and oils are treated with the microbes. The apparatus further comprises a catalytic oxidation tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: A bioreaction tank is either among an aerator, in which the floating carrier carries out the microorganisms was thrown, and the catalytic oxidation tank in which the contact filter medium which installs the microorganisms. Aeration unit is an unit which supplies more than one in an aeration tank, the air which raised oxygen concentration, and pure oxygen gas. The apparatus has a lipolysis splitting unit (6), in which the organic waste water and the aerobic bacteria having lipase activity are made to contact. The organic bacteria which has the lipase activity are Bacilluspickettii B-4.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Apparatus: The upper and lower air supply pipes have openings which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of fermenter. A pair of sealing units (23,24) are provided to seal the openings of upper and lower air supply pipes, in which an intake hole (51) and a discharge hole (52) are provided. A condenser (55) is provided to adjust the humidity of air supplied from the discharge hole. An air heater adjusts the temperature of the air. A fresh air intake (56) is provided to discharge surplus air through an exhaust passage (59), into ejected condensed water which is carried out from the condenser.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The hydrogen manufacturing apparatus further includes a temperature controller for adjusting the temperature of container (20), stirrers (7,24) for promoting decomposition of organic material in containers (2,20), respectively, microbial bed in the container (20), and fall-transfer unit.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The organic material is starch material, green vegetable, root vegetable, fruit, grain, internal organs of livestock, blood of livestock, bony portions of fish, waste paper and/or viscera of scallop.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The energy collection equipment is a fuel cell which generates an electric power and high temperature water from biogas. The recycling apparatus further has a heat retention unit (6) provided to the bioreactor and maintained at active temperature of methanation microbe, a heating unit (12) for heating the mixture of wood-type waste material and fermented liquor to a temperature suitable for decomposition and a water-removal device (17) for separating salt water from fermented liquor and for reducing concentration of salt. High temperature water is supplied to heating unit and heat retention unit. The grinding unit and crushing unit are driven with electric power. EXAMPLE - Foodstuffs type waste material (10 t) was made into slurry and slurry obtained was decomposed in a bioreactor having volume of 250 t into a biogas (1500 m3) and a fermented liquor. Organic sludge (wood-type waste material) (15) was crushed and mixed with the fermented liquor obtained. The mixture was decomposed and a compost material was obtained. The biogas obtained was refined in a biogas utilization plant and was supplied to a fuel cell to generate electric power (120 kW/h). High temperature water (172000 kcal/hour) was recovered from the fuel cell. A portion of the obtained high temperature water was supplied to heat retention unit and heating unit of the mixed recycling apparatus. Also, surplus heat energy (100000 kcal/h) was supplied externally to the mixed recycling apparatus.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: Excrement decomposing apparatus further comprises a deodorizer (2), electrothermal heater, thermosensor, pilot lamp (6) and lid (5). The apparatus is maintained at +/-60degreesC using the heater and thermosensor. The heater is automatically turned off with an automatic adjustment unit. If the lid is not opened or closed for 30 hours or more the electric power unit will get shut off automatically.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The pressure energy-utilizing unit comprises mechanical drive device(s) for generating mechanical energy, compressor for compressing further operating agent of fuel energy converter, or coupling device (10, 11) for coupling drive device to the compressor.It is arranged, in respect of the flow, between the fuel pressure reservoir and fuel energy converter, or after the fuel energy converter.Electric generator(s) is arranged on the drive device.The coupling device has gear unit(s) for mechanically matching compressor to the drive device.A separate pressure-reducing element is arranged at least before the fuel energy converter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A pump (2) is provided for pumping the liquid from the first conduit through the venturi aerator. Another pump (9) is provided downstream of the degassing chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Fuel extraction devices A variety of designs for fuel extraction and re-filling are described. In these, pressure is applied e.g. by spring-loading, or contents are extracted by a micropump. The corresponding cartridge mounting is claimed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The center section can be of titanium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process : The waste, especially as an aqueous sludge or in comminuted form, is brought into intensive contact with the microorganisms at 65degreesC, the vitality of the microorganisms being controlled by a magnetic or electromagnetic field. The resulting product is treated with a sterilizer or disinfectant such as a 1-12C carboxylic acid, eg citric-, sorbic-, L-ascorbic-, salicylic-, benzoic-, tartaric- or propionic acid or a salt or ester of such an acid optionally together with H2O2, a typical composition being benzoic acid (0.3-4g/l) and sorbic acid (0.3-3g/l) together with 30% H2O2 (0.5-3%). Preferred Apparatus : Treatment of the waste with the microorganisms is effected in a heat-insulated vessel with a rotating device for regeneration of the microorganisms. EXAMPLE - None given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The water is mixed with ethanol in a ratio of 4:1 - 1:1 by weight. A voltage of the DC electric field is not less than 6 V.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The evaporator is an airtight container through which the heating pipe passes in the center. The mixture of water and ethanol in the evaporator is separated from the material in the heating pipe. The heating pipe of the evaporating system us an exhausting pipe of a heat engine. The riser pipe and the negative electrode in the riser pipe and the positive electrode out of the riser pipe in the DC electric field are connected in a tandem, parallel or combined manner to construct a combined type DC electric field system, which is connected to the reserving vapor pipe and the output is connected to the fuel gas collecting pipe via the fuel gas pipe (4) and to the exhaust gas collecting pipe (5) via the exhaust pipe. The negative electrode in the riser pipe is a tower-like winding with larger underpart and smaller underpart or a strip made of a conductive material. The positive electrode opposite the negative electrode is fixed outside the riser pipe. It is a tube electrode formed by winding a plate or a strip of a conductive material around the riser pipe. The negative electrode in the DC electric field syst5em may be a tube electrode made of a conductive material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - The seal material is made up of alumina such as Kaowool.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The solids in the reactor are fluidized using high temperature steam and syngas.The solids in the second reactor are fluidized using high temperature steam and oxygen. The temperature in the first fluidized bed reactor is 400-450degrees C and the pressure is 100-500 pounds per square inch (psig).The temperature in the second fluidized bed reactor is 800-1200degrees C and the pressure is 100-500 psig.The rate of solids circulation between the first and second fluidized beds is such that the ratio of ferrous oxide entering the second bed to oxygen in the second gas mixture is greater than 4:1 but less than 5:1.The ratio of atoms of iron present as ferrous oxide, Fe3O4 and ferric oxide in the circulating mixture of solids is 1.5-2.Preferred Component: The syngas entering the first fluidized bed reactor includes hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with ferrous oxide and calcium oxide to form ferrous sulfide and calcium sulfide.The solids and gases exiting the first fluidized bed reactor are separated into a gaseous steam comprising essentially pure hydrogen and steam, and a solid stream comprising principally of ferrous oxide, ferric oxide, Fe3O4, ferrous sulfide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and calcium sulfide.Preferred Apparatus: The first fluidized bed reactor is operated in a bubbling or entrained flow mode, while the second fluidized bed reactor is operated in a counter flow mode.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The expandable metal shell is made of copper or stainless steel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The outer compartment receives hot water to enable endothermic reaction of the metal hydride within the hydrogen source to effectively discharge the hydrogen at a fixed pressure. The hot water maintains the pressurized bottle at a predetermined temperature, subjecting the pressurized bottle to discharge hydrogen at 50-300 psi.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The sulfur scrubber bed is formed from Group I metal supported on large surface area material. The scrubber bed is potassium-promoted activated carbon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Methods: The gas stream contains 1 vol.% CO and the reacting step is carried out at 85-177 degreesC. CO is derived from the anode exhaust stream, CO reduction station or reformer exhaust stream of fuel cell power plant stack assembly.The removal of sulfur further comprises combusting the COS in the desulfurizing station effluent gas stream.Preferred Devices: There are at least 2 scrubber stations and there are separate lines connecting the anode exhaust line to each of the scrubber stations. Each of the lines is provided with respective valves which can be selectively opened and closed to allow sequential regeneration of each of the scrubber stations.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Inducing electro-oxidation of the organic fuel is accomplished by applying an anode catalyst on the anode, the catalyst consisting of platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), Pt-Ru alloy or Pt-Ru particulate mixture. The anode catalyst is applied on the anode at a loading of 0.1-4 mg/cm2. Inducing electro-reduction of the protons is accomplished by applying a cathode catalyst on the cathode, the catalyst including platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst comprises ruthenium and/or platinum supported on an inorganic oxide which is a complex oxide containing magnesium oxide and/or calcium oxide.The complex oxide is silica magnesia or a silica calcia.Preferred Method: Ratio of oxygen and the carbon monoxide in materials gas is 0.5-3 in molar ratio.The materials gas is obtained in a hydrocarbon, alcohol, or ether desulfurization reaction, modification reaction, and by carrying out a water gas shift reaction.The carbon monoxide concentration in the material gas is 0.1-2 volume %.The carbon monoxide concentration in the generated gas after oxidation treatment is less than 100 volume ppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Complex: The metal-cluster complex is an iridium cluster complex.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Arrangement: A hydrogen-acetone fuel-cell portion carries out a reaction which dissociates hydrogen to an electron and a proton. Acetone is reacted with the dissociated proton and converted to 2-propanol, and electrical energy is produced. A propanol-acetone fuel-cell portion dehydrogenates acetone. Electrical energy is also produced in the propanol-acetone fuel-cell portion. The mixed solution containing the reaction product in the hydrogen-acetone fuel-cell portion, and the mixed solution containing the reaction product in the propanol-acetone fuel-cell portion, are heated to a temperature below the boiling point of 2-propanol. The mixtures are separated in the solution which has gaseous-phase hydrogen, liquid-phase acetone, and 2-propanol as a main component. The solution having liquid-phase acetone and 2-propanol, is supplied to the propanol-acetone fuel-cell portion. The gaseous-phase hydrogen and liquid-phase acetone are supplied to the hydrogen-acetone fuel-cell portion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Method: The granule sludge in the reaction vessel is drawn out and crushed from the reaction vessel, after that, the sludge is returned to the reaction vessel.Preferred Coagulant: The organic coagulant is a cationic water-soluble organic coagulant. EXAMPLE - Granule sludge was extracted from a reaction vessel. A pure water was added to the level of 500 ml of the vessel and the contents was stirred. The sludge after 24 hours was evaluated. The sludge amount in the treated water, a nitrogen rejection and a reaction vessel, and a mean particle diameter of granule sludge was investigated. The result showed that while adding polymer, after drawing out and crushing granule sludge from a reaction vessel, the floating by enlarging the granule sludge was prevented by returning to the reaction vessel. Granule sludge was stably maintained in the reaction vessel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Ammoniacal nitrogen and/or nitrite nitrogen are added to the nitrification tank so that the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen is more than 500 mg/l at the initial stage of nitrification process. pH during the process is controlled to 6-8 so that the ratio of ammoniacal nitrogen concentration to nitrite nitrogen concentration in the liquid drained from nitrification tank is 2:1-1:2. Aeration is carried out so that dissolved oxygen concentration in the tank is 0.5-4 mg-N/L and water temperature in the tank is controlled at 10-40 degrees C. EXAMPLE - Supernatant liquor of pH 7, containing 100 - 10000 mg-N/L of ammoniacal nitrogen obtained by anaerobic digestion of sewage, was supplied into an aerator containing nitrification sludge. At least one portion of the raw water was used as source of alkali for pH adjustment in the range of 6-8. When pH reduced below the predefined value, the source of alkali was replenished by increasing the amount of raw water. Nitrification processing of the raw water was carried out stably. The digestive fluid ejected as treated water had ammoniacal nitrogen concentration to nitrite nitrogen concentration ratio of 1:1 - 1:1.3, ammoniacal nitrogen concentration of 500 - 1500 mg-N/L and nitrite nitrogen concentration of 500 - 2000 mg-N/L. Denitrification processing of the treated water was then carried out using autotrophic microorganisms.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: Waste materials such as sewage, human waste, livestock experiments, and sludge are mixed with the organic refuse as the organic substance is processed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The mixture (80) is dried using the heat generated from primary fermentation and secondary fermentation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The biological treatment apparatus further comprises duct (11), center foundation nozzle (10) which supplies oily waste water, hole of porous upper board (12) on the ceiling which supports the adhesion unit, porous under plate (13), circulation pump (17) and blower (19) in lower stage channel (14), mixer (18), filamentous fungi settling tank (6) for separating the fungi by drainage pipe (22) and activated sludge aerator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The humidity is maintained to 50% or less in drying machine during drying process. Antagonistic microorganisms are used at a ratio of 0.01-70% with respect to 100 weight% of surplus sludge having a moisture content of 80-85%. The surplus sludge is ejected from a foodstuffs factory or a sewage works. The antagonistic microorganism is cultivated in solid culture method by using organic plant scum. EXAMPLE - 103 cells/g Bacillus (KN-2 strain) having an antagonism with respect to Rosellina nacatrix and Helicobasidium monapa was inoculated in 10 kg of bean curd lees containing pathogenic microbes of white root-rot of an apple or a violet root rot. The culture medium was cultivated for 7 days at 27degreesC. The obtained culture was mixed with surplus sludge ejected from a foodstuff industry at a weight ratio of 1:1. The mixture was dried until the moisture content became 15% and humidity was 40%, at 30degreesC to obtain a biological pesticide. The pesticide was added to trees and the pesticidal effect was evaluated. The result showed that the compound has excellent pesticidal action.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The catalyst comprises palladium, zinc, and chromium and/or gallium. The atomic ratio of palladium/zinc is 0.004-2.2 and the atomic ratio of the sum of chromium and gallium/zinc is 0.03-2 (preferably the atomic ratio of copper/zinc is 0.01-1.6, and the atomic ratio of chromium/zinc is 0.03-2).Preferably, the catalyst comprises palladium, zinc, and indium and/or bismuth. The atomic ratio of palladium/zinc is 0.004-2.2, the atomic ratio of indium/zinc is 0.025-2, and the atomic ratio of bismuth/zinc is 0.025-20.The catalyst comprises palladium, zinc, chromium, and indium and/or bismuth. The atomic ratio of palladium/zinc is 0.004-2.2, the atomic ratio of chromium/zinc is 0.03-2, the atomic ratio of indium/zinc is 0.025-2, and the atomic ratio of bismuth/zinc is 0.025-20.The catalyst comprises zinc oxide, palladium and platinum. The catalyst contains 10-50% zinc, 0.01-40% palladium and 0.01-30% platinum based on the total number of metal and oxygen atoms. The molar ratio of steam to methanol is 1 to 10 mol, and the molar ratio of air to methanol is 0.3 to 5.0 mol. The catalyst is supported on a carrier and an auto thermal reformer is used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The catalyst comprises platinum, zinc oxide and chromium oxide, with a zinc/chromium atomic ratio of 2-30. The catalyst further comprises lead, bismuth and/or indium. The molar ratio of steam to methanol is 1-10, and the molar ratio of air to methanol is 0.3-5. The catalyst ingredients are supported on a carrier, and an auto thermal reaction reactor is used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The electrode pairs are sequentially arranged on a vertical column. The electrodes are disposed within a container (10) having an outlet (16) for directing aqueous solution away from the electrodes to avoid immersion of the electrodes by a build up of the solution within the container. The container comprises a separable lid (13) having an outlet (15) for gases generated within the container. The lid is a gas-tight push-fit onto the container such that a build up of gases within the container is adapted to drive off the lid at a predetermined pressure.Preferred Method: The metering of the delivery of aqueous liquid to the electrodes is controlled in dependence upon the rate of generation of the combustible mixture from the electrodes. The surplus aqueous liquid is removed from a container containing the electrodes to prevent the electrodes from being immersed in the liquid during generation of the combustible mixture. The removed aqueous liquid is recirculated for metering application to generate the combustible mixture. The delivery of aqueous solution to the electrodes is controlled for generation of hydrogen and oxygen on-demand in dependence upon the rate of consumption of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis of the aqueous liquid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process (A): The catalyst comprises platinum on a porous cerium oxide support. The hydrocarbon gas is contacted with the catalyst at about 400 degrees C and 1-20 bar.Preferred Process (B): The hydrogen-rich gas is passed through a cooler (3) and a trap (4) to remove any impurities harmful to the fuel cell, including traces of carbon monoxide. The fuel cell is of the proton-exchange membrane (PEM) type. Off-gas from the fuel cell, containing unconverted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor (2).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Component: The reactive component is an antigen, antibody, receptor, enzyme or micro-organisms. EXAMPLE - Sodium alginate (2-3 g) was dissolved. Iron oxide (10-20 g) was added and stirred. The mixture was added into 1 % calcium chloride solution to form 2-10 mm magnetic globular gel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The respective internal manifolds, which are positioned at a center of the separator plate for taking in the fuel gas and the oxidant gas are formed, such that the manifolds have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the intake internal manifolds. The internal manifolds for the oxygen gas are contacted to a center plate and a mask plate, so that only the oxidant gas used for air electrode gas passes through these internal manifolds. The internal manifolds for the fuel gas are contacted to the center plate (6) and the air electrode mask plate, so that only the fuel gas passes through these internal manifolds. The center plate and the anode mask plates (4a, 4b) are joined at peripheral of the separator plate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The wicking material is foam, bundled fiber or non-woven fabric fiber, preferably polyurethane foam, felted polyurethane foam, reticulated polyurethane foam, felted reticulated polyurethane foam, melamine foam, non-woven felt, bundles of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene and/or polyacrylonitrile.Preferred Components: The sheet has hole(s) in thickness direction formed by perforating the sheet, and channels (28,40) formed by cutting, scribing, thermoforming or convoluting. The reservoir structure further includes a conductive layer attached or crimped to the surface of the sheet. The conductive layer is metal screen, metal wool or expanded metal foil and is a conductive coating of metals, carbon and carbon-containing materials, conductive polymers or their suspensions coated on the surface of sheet. The sheet has component (A) having high capillarity than component (B), and has gradient capillarity. The conductive layer is in communication with current circuit (44).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred composition: The metal component is silver, copper, zinc, tin, lead, cadmium, bismuth, mercury, platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, gold, manganese and/or rhodium. The inorganic oxide is an oxide of titanium, zirconium, cerium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, calcium, barium and/or phosphorus.Preferred Form: The compound is a particulate of 3nm to 3mm or a molding of globular, cube, rectangular, parallelpiped, pellet, plate, acicular or honeycomb shape. The compound is supported on a fiber, inorganic oxide, metal, resin or ceramic.Preferred Process: the contact temperature in the claimed process is -30degreesC to 50degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The solid superstrong-acid catalyst is upstream of the hydrocarbon compound flow and the catalyst containing a group VIII metal is downstream. The solid superstrong-acid catalyst comprises zirconium oxide supporting sulfur oxide or a tungstic acid compound. The group VIII metal is ruthenium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The fluid bed boiler is a circulation fluid bed boiler. The additional amount of magnesium compound is 20-100% w.r.t the ash content of the chlorine-containing flammables. The additional amount of magnesium compound is 2-10% of RDF, by magnesium oxide equivalent amount. The chlorine-containing flammables are municipal solid wastes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The magnesium compound is chosen from oxide, hydroxide and carbonate of magnesium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The amount of base material reduced by digestion of microorganisms is supplemented by replenishing a fiber. Log of organic waste process is recorded for every base material in each container.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The organic-waste processing system further has an unit for recording the log of organic-waste process and an unit for separating a foreign material from matured kneaded material and for determining amount of foreign material. The log of fermentation temperature in the maturing process is included in the log of organic waste process. EXAMPLE - No suitable example.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Material: The Basidiomycetes are Bjerkandera, Coriolus, Ganoderma, Gleophyllum, Irpex, Lentinus, Naematoloma, Phlebia, Pholiota, Pleurotus, Polyporus, Pcynoporus, Schizophyllum, Trametes, Phanerochaete.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - The biogas generator is made from high density polyethylene or other plastic material, the level monitor pipe is e.g. of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred process: vegetal components are selected that can develops flavors and scents, and also to give vitamins A, E and C at harvesting time. The raw materials are comminuted to below grain or rice size, then mixed with one another. A dose of pasteurized milk is added to the mixture at below 60 degreesC in a 1:1 weight ratio relative to the mixture. The amount of enzyme preparation added to the heap is 0.1-2 kg. per m3 of heap, forming a surface layer that filters to the outlet of gasses produced inside, thus reducing the smelling emissions. The concentration conditions (pressure) of the oxygen in the biomass is lower than the atmospheric pressure created inside the heap under the surface layer, causing the growth and development of microaerophile microorganisms that carry out maturing and stabilisation under aerobic conditions. The process is carried out under thermophile conditions without thermal changes typical during turning, so that the operation is controlled. The temperatures reached inside the heap are the same as those during turnings, but not so high as to sterilize composting microorganisms, but high enough to sterilize pathogens. Degradation develops with a not detectable amount of methane and carbon dioxide rate reduced to levels little higher than those in the atmosphere. EXAMPLE - The temperature of the heap was measured at a depth of 40 cm. at the same sites in which drawings were made. After 3 days, the temperature of the treated heap was 65 degreesC, whilst the untreated heap was at 63 degreesC. After 15 minutes, the levels were 58 degreesC and 46 degreesC respectively. After 30 minutes, the levels were 48 degreesC and 28 degreesC respectively. After 39 minutes, the levels were 48 degreesC and 49 degreesC respectively. After this, the treated heap temperatures fall to 5 degreesC after 97 minutes, whilst the untreated heap rises to 49 degreesC after 57 minutes, the falls to 10 degreesC after 97 minutes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The optimum temperature range when using mesophilic microorganisms is 15-45 (especially 30-40) degrees C, this range being achieved by:(i) throttling of the aqueous percolation medium;(ii) controlled addition of pre-warmed aqueous medium, especially by recycling of the warmed process water; or(iii) controlled cooling of the percolation medium or of the air stream, this cooling method especially involving punctuated addition of aqueous percolation medium or air. EXAMPLE - 21 days treatment of a sediment ('Weissen Elster') (67 % solids) (1,500 kg) containing (mg/kg) lead (323), cadmium (34), chromium (517), nickel (277), copper (315) and zinc (3,000) in a 1.3 m high bed in a pilot-scale fixed bed reactor also containing sulfur (2 kg) by continuous introduction of air (600 l/hour) and a number of 50 l batches of percolation water with throttling and cooling to keep the solids temperature at 30-40 degrees C for optimum bacterial activity resulted in a dry product containing (mg/kg) lead (326), cadmium (7), chromium (529), nickel (110), copper (218) and zinc (583).    By contrast, operation without temperature control led to a rise in temperature to 50 degrees C and a limitation on the bioleaching achieved (no values given in the specification).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Components: The fuel cell power plant also includes a sensor which detects (i) pressure in the hydrogen supply passage, (ii) power generation load on the fuel cell stack and (iii) hydrogen flow rate in the hydrogen supply passage; a programmable controller programmed to control the opening of the valve to prevent the pressure in the hydrogen supply passage from exceeding a predetermined pressure (S1 - S3, S11 - S13, S21 - S27, S31 - S33, S41 - S43, S51 - S57); and a bypass passage (11) bypassing the ejector. The valve is disposed in the bypass passage. An orifice is disposed in the bypass passage in series with the valve. The valve comprises a throttle continuously varied between open and closed states.The controller is further programmed to open the valve when the pressure is greater than a first predetermined pressure, and to close the valve when the pressure is less than a second predetermined pressure which is less than the first predetermined pressure. The controller is also programmed to control the valve to increase the opening of valve corresponding to increases in power generation load or hydrogen flow rate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Methods: The hydrogen clathrate is isobarically quenched from the first (77-250 degrees K) to the second cryogenic temperature. It is isothermally quenched from the first pressure (100-600 MPa) to a quenched pressure of 35 MPa - 10 kPa. A seed material (clathrate) and a stabilizer material are added to the containment volume at at most 5 vol.%. The containment vessel is partially filled with water (20-70%). It is then cooled to the first cryogenic temperature. The hydrogen hydrate is maintained at 35-0.01 MPa to effect storage. Pressurizing the containment vessel is performed using a compressor. A calibration material is added to the containment volume during the step of partially filling the containment with water. The maintaining step is performed using liquid nitrogen.Preferred Properties: There are at least 2 different cage structures. The unit cell is an sI, sH or sII unit cell. There are about 50 g/l of H2 molecules stored for later recovery. The sII unit cell includes 136 H2O molecules that form frameworks around 8 hexakaidodecahedron and 16 pentagonal dodecahedron cages in which some of the cages are more than doubly occupied with H2 molecules.
Preferred Definitions;    A' = Sr or Ca;    A = La;    B = Cr;    y = 0.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The first chamber or set of channels conveying the fluids performing the shift reaction is provided with catalyst. The catalyst is provided as a layer on the walls of the first chamber or set of channels. The layer of catalyst is provided as a washcoat. The rate of flow of coolant through the second chamber or set of channels is controlled dependent upon the temperature of the first chamber or set of channels.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The fluorinated aliphatic alcohol is a 3-7C linear or branched fluorinated aliphatic alcohol of fluorine content 30-80 weight%.The fluorinated aliphatic alcohol is 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propanol.The non-fluorinated organic solvent has a 1-15C linear or branched structure and a boiling point of 30-250 degreesC.The non-fluorinated organic solvent is a non-fluorinated aliphatic alcohol solvent and/or a non-fluorinated aliphatic ketone solvent such as 2-propanol and/or acetone.The content of fluorinated aliphatic alcohol is at most 30 weight%.The organic dye compound is at least one from cyanine dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, porphyrin dyes, azo dyes, azo metal complexes having an azo compound of formula (I) as a ligand and formazan metal complexes having a formazan compound of formula (II) as a ligand.Z1 = optionally substituted complex ring or an aromatic ring;Z2 = the same or different ring as Z1;Z3 = pyridine ring;Z4 = optionally substituted complex ring or aromatic ring;Z5 = optionally substituted complex ring, aromatic ring or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. EXAMPLE - The solvent composition comprises is 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propanol, acetone and 2-propanol in the weight ratio of 1:1:2. The organic dyes are mixed in the weight ratio of compound (V), compound of formula (IV) and compound of formula (III) of 10:1:1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Concentration: The zeolite has a mole ratio greater than 10, preferably at least 30 of silicon oxide to aluminum oxide.The zeolite is predominantly in the hydrogen form, and is free of acidity.Preferred Property: The zeolite has a crystallite size of at most 0.5 mum, preferably at most 0.1 mum. The aluminum hydroxide has a particle density of less than 1 g/cm3, and a particle size of less than 40 mum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The methanol and/or dimethylether and ammonia are present in amounts to provide a carbon/nitrogen ratio of 0.2-1.5. EXAMPLE - N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantammonium hydroxide (7 g), solid sodium hydroxide (0.18 g), and Reheis F-2000 (TM) aluminum hydroxide gel (0.112 g) formed a clear solution. HiSil 233 (TM) silica source (1.63 g) was added. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that the product had the CHA structure with noticeable line broadening over conventional SSZ-13.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The composting is carried out by worms, larvae, micro-organism or heat. It includes discharging contents of the receptacle upon a substrate of earth at 15 cm depth and seeded with E. foetida at 1:1.5 earthworm biomass to earth ratio, and allowing sufficient time for the earthworms to migrate to and digest the excrement. The contents may be discharged into a blend containing manure, peat moss, and soil. The contents and blend are combined to form a mixture. The moisture content is adjusted until the mixture is damp. Earthworms e.g., Eisenia Foetida are added to the damp mixture and allowed to migrate to and digest the excrement. The content of the blend is adjusted such that the ratio of manure, peat moss and soil is approximately 1:1:1 by volume.Preferred Parameters: The ratio of excrement and blend in the mixture is approximately 1:3 by weight. The temperature of the damp mixture at the time earthworms are allowed to migrate to the damp mixture and digest the excrement is maintained in 4-30degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The reducing agent is hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide.The solid catalyst is nickel oxide-zirconia, nickel oxide-cobalt oxide-magnesium oxide, nickel oxide-iron oxide-thorium oxide, nickel oxide-cerium oxide, nickel oxide-yttrium oxide, nickel oxide/silica, nickel oxide/alumina oxide, nickel oxide/silica-alumina, nickel oxide/uranium oxide, nickel oxide/Y-zeolite, nickel oxide/MCM-41, nickel oxide/mordenite zeolite, nickel oxide/ZSM-5 zeolite and/or nickel oxide/beta zeolite.The group VIII metal oxide(s) is nickel oxide, cobalt oxide and/or iron oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Sensors: The methane detection gas sensor and the hydrogen detection gas sensor are contact combustion-type gas sensors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The fuel composition contains 24-91 mass%, preferably 24-87 mass%, of dimethyl ether, and 9-76 mass%, preferably 13-76 mass%, of 1-4C hydrocarbons. The fuel composition further comprises an antioxidant and a rust-preventive agent.Preferred Properties: The Wobbe Index of the gas composition is 49.2-57.8 MJ/Nm3, and the rate of combustion of the fuel composition is 34-47 cm/second. EXAMPLE - A domestic fuel containing dimethyl ether (in mass%) (84.9), propane (0.2) and butane (14.9) was burned in a hot-water supplier. The gas composition had a Wobbe Index of 55.6 MJ/Nm3, and a rate of combustion of 47 cm/second. The characteristics of waste gas were measured and found to be nitrogen oxide (81 ppm) and total hydrocarbon (13 ppm). The capacitance ratio (carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide) was 0.001.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The catalyst carrier of honeycomb structure is made of stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Conditions: Various microorganisms are sterilized while preventing extinction of excrements-processing microbe by partial overheating and promoting propagation by carrying out circulation of warm water at a microbe-growth temperature of 70-90degreesC. An excrements-processing microorganism culture solution is used as a deodorization liquid. After propagation, the mixture is moved to a fermenter, and excrements are decomposed for a short period of time. Surplus water and volatile foul smell substance in excrements are transpired in the pre-treatment step. The foul smell substance is removed by a deodorizing machine. Aerobic high-temperature fermentation is carried out at 70-90degreesC, and production of foul smell substance is restrained. The air-permeability with respect to the volume of excrements sediment of the primary fermenter is 20-100 l/m3.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: Actinomyces thermophilus is added to livestock-excrements as excrements-processing microorganism.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Fiber: The cellulose fiber is a bacteria cellulose fiber or a parenchyma-cell cellulose fiber, which undergoes micronization process to form the coagulant.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The aluminum hydroxide is a hydrated aluminum hydroxide, and the iron hydroxide is a ferric hydroxide. EXAMPLE - A 0.5 weight% (wt.%) of bacteria cellulose suspension was prepared using Acetobacter xylinum ATCC10245 strain. Five samples were taken, each with 400 ml of 0.1 wt.% of kaolinite. To the first 4 samples, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 ml of bacteria cellulose suspension was added respectively, and to the fifth sample the bacteria cellulose suspension was not added. All the samples were stirred vigorously. After 5 minutes, the stirred samples were tested for turbidity in wave-length of 660 nm, and was found that as the added amount of bacteria cellulose suspension increased, the turbidity reduced. The aggregation of kaolinite and sedimentation had also taken place. The samples were more clear as the amount of bacteria cellulose suspension increased, and most of the suspended kaolinite had precipitated. The samples other than the portion extracted to the quartz cell were kept standstill for 5 minutes and 350 ml of supernatant liquid was removed by decantation and dried in hot-air at 105 degrees Centigrade and the solid content was obtained. The sample to which 1 ml of bacteria cellulose suspension was added, 96% of the total solid content of the used kaolinite was collected and the bacteria cellulose was recovered, and the sample to which the bacteria cellulose suspension was not added, only 47% of solid content of the used kaolinite was collected.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Process: The process further involves sterilization process in sterilization tank (3) at 60-70 degrees Centigrade for 24 hours to remove other microorganism except Actinomyces. The aeration process activates the Actinomyces microbe. The biological preparation liquid is added to the propagation tank (12) for treating water after removing the microbial bed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The foodstuffs waste material is crushed in the holding device during transportation. Methane fermentation of the waste material is carried out, and methane gas is generated. Lactic acid fermentation of the waste material is carried out, and lactic acid is generated. The conveyed foodstuffs waste material cultivates and produces Torula type yeast. EXAMPLE - Discarded lunch was collected and used as foodstuffs waste material. A paste-like sample was produced by stir-mixing the waste material. The waste material was mixed in a container and heated to 70 degrees C in a water bath. The number of living microbes was evaluated and found to be 2x10 to the power 2 pieces/gram initially, 4x10 to the power 2 pieces/gram after 1 hour and 1x10 to the power 2 pieces/gram after 5 hours. Methane fermentation of the obtained sample was performed for 20 days and the formation rate of methane was measured and found to be 0.49 m3/kg.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The silicate contains silicon, oxygen, and metal(s) with or without hydrogen. The silicate is defines as SiO2:yM2O; or xSiO2:yM2O:zAl2O3.M = Na, K, or Li;X:y = molar ratio of SiO2 and M2O, 0.1:1-10:1, preferably 1.6:1-4:1;x:y:z = molar ratio between SiO2, M2O, and Al2O3;x, y, or z = 0.1-10.The aerosol product has an active formulation and/or propellant which has more than 50 ppm, and water. It comprises a base, preferably ammonia which is volatile at room temperature. EXAMPLE - A aerosol composition was composed of (%) Texapon 101 AR(TM) (7.514), Crodasinic LS30(TM) (2.496), citric acid (0.0087), Crystal 0075(TM) (0.05), ammonium (0.025), and deionized water (86.9173). The composition was degassed with butane propellant with a ratio concentrate-propellant = 94/6 wt/wt, and unlacquered canisters were used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Pipe Mounting: The cover strip is made from an impact-resistant plastic which is easy to machine, especially polyamide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Equipment: The ratio of biomass to sodium alginate is 10000:1; the biomass contains sodium alginate and water in 1:200 dilution ratio; or the sodium alginate is in liquid form. The fermenter can be sealed air-tight with a siphon-type air lock.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The outlet conduit includes a pressure relief device. The fuel chamber includes a bladder and a piston. The system also includes a pump between the fuel chamber and the catalyst chamber.It further includes a main spent fuel tank connected to the spent fuel chamber; a volume exchange tank having fuel area portion, spent area portion, and movable partition; and tanks connected the fuel chamber and the spent fuel chamber.The fuel chamber comprises fuel sensor and main fuel tank connected to a fuel pump. The fuel area portion has an outlet line connected to the fuel chamber and an inlet line connected to the spent fuel chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A first heat transfer layer is arranged between the first and second sections. A second heat transfer layer is arranged on the second section. A combustion catalyst is disposed in the combustion chamber. A liquid evacuation system comprising a wick is arranged in the exhaust channel. A preheating chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of the combustion chamber is disposed on a side of the combustion chamber opposite the separation plate.Preferred Material: The fluid is a mixture comprising water and hydrocarbon.Preferred Condition: The combustion reaction is performed at at most 425degreesC and the reforming reaction is performed at at least 325degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The reactor comprises a lower part (2) for the bubbling fluidized bed and an upper part (4) larger in cross-section for the circulating fluidized bed. The separator is a cyclone. Two heat exchangers (19, 20) are in succession in the flow direction for gradual cooling of product gas (e.g. 600-720 degrees C in first heat exchanger and subsequently at most 450 degrees C in second heat exchanger) led from the separator. The cooled gas passes through a filter (23). A sorbent (21) for binding ash particles is added to the product gas in the first heat exchanger.Preferred Dimensions: The bubbling fluidized bed contains fluidized material particles having a size of 0.2-1.5 mm. The circulating bed contains circulating fluidized material particles having a size of 50-300 micrometers. The product gas removed from the separator contains solid particles having a size of 10-70 micrometers.Preferred Conditions: The gas flow rate in the circulating bed is equal to or lower than that of the bubbling fluidized bed. The gas flow rate in the circulating bed is 1-1.5 m/s.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The particles to be added are lime particles.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The low temperature water gas shift catalyst is copper, copper oxide, zinc, platinum, rhenium, palladium, rhodium and gold. The high temperature water gas shift catalyst is ferric oxide, chromic oxide, copper, iron silicide, platinum and palladium. The oxidation catalyst is selected from group consisting of platinum, palladium, iron, chromium, manganese, iron oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, ruthenium, palladium and gold.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: A sound attenuator is provided upstream of an air supply duct with respect to the direction of the intake air flow (18).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The sound insulation comprises an open-celled foam material (32). It comprises polyurethane foam.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Component: The sound insulation comprises braided metal or a random metal structure comprising metal ribbons.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The hydrogen storage compound comprises benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, an anthracene, a biphenyl, phenanthrenes and alkyl substitution products.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Granule Path: The granule path is formed continuously as a slot in the contaminated soil. The granule path is in the form of grating-shaped nest. A cylindrical wall having air permeability and water permeability is provided to granule path. A portion of granule path is filled with soil not having air permeability and water permeability.Preferred Granule: The granules are river-sand, sea-sand, chipping sand and artificial sand.Preferred Property: The water permeability coefficient of granule is more than 10-4 cm/second.Preferred Composition: The carbonization molding of waste culture medium of mushroom and iron powder are mixed with granule.Preferred Latch Pipe: The latch pipe has numerous holes in the surrounding surface and is provided with pollutant capturing component.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Apparatus: The reformer (1) is also parallelipipedal, at least on the side next to the catalyst stage, and matches the rectangular flow cross-section.The heat exchanger consists of parallel tubes (5), preferably with vanes (6) to improve heat transfer.A certain flow direction is defined for each tube to improve heat transfer in adjacent tubes with opposite flow.The tubes (5) preferably have common feed distributor(s) and common discharge collector(s).The heat exchanger between the reformer and catalyst stage is made from stainless steel, whilst a heat exchanger between 2 catalyst stages is made from copper.The flow cross-section is square.The discharge cross-section of the reformed corresponds to the rectangular feed cross-section of the catalyst stage and a heat exchanger of suitable cross-section is placed between these.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Operation resembles that of a rotary sleeve valve.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Rotation is controlled by a stepper motor or by a DC servomotor with angle encoder.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The olefin stream further comprises carbon dioxide (CO2) and propane.Fraction (I) further contains at least a majority of CO2 in the provided olefin stream. Fraction (II) comprises at least 5 wt.% of C4+ olefin, based on the total weight of fraction (II).Fraction (I) comprises at least a majority of ethylene, propylene and propane present in the olefin stream, and fraction (II) comprises at least a majority of propylene and propane present in the olefin stream.Fraction (II) comprises at least 1000 wppm of acetaldehyde.Preferred Method: Acid gas treatment of fraction (I) involves contacting fraction (I) with caustic.The olefin stream is separated by distillation which is an extractive distillation using an extractant.The method of treating ethylene and/or propylene containing stream made from an oxygenate to olefin, involves contacting oxygenate with a molecular sieve catalyst to form olefin stream comprising ethylene, propylene and acetaldehyde, separating the olefin stream into fractions (I,II) and acid gas treating fraction (I).Preferred Extractant: The extractant is a polar composition having an average boiling point of at least 38degrees C at 1 atm.The extractant is preferably methanol.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Method: Ethylene and propylene in fraction (I) are separated before or after acid gas treatment, and polymerized to form polyethylene and polypropylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The synthesis gas from the gasification unit is converted in a chemical reactor into useful hydrocarbon products. A major portion of the water is condensed from the first half-cell exit gas using a condenser (50). The carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the condensed water is passed to the gasification unit to adjust the hydrogen to carbon ratio of the combined carbonaceous feedstock and greenhouse gas stream is sufficient to result in a synthesis gas and green house gas stream in sufficient to result in a synthesis gas having optimum ratio for the reactor.Preferred Compositions: The synthesis gas has hydrogen to carbon ratio in the range of 1.2-1.75.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The gasification unit contains rotary kiln and operates at exit temperatures of 1100-1600 (preferably 1650-2900)degreesF. The chemical reactor is a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The first half-cell of the fuel cell contains an electrolyte surrounding a porous catalytic anode electrode. The fuel cell contains an electronically conducting electrolyte surrounding a catalytic cathode electrode. The two half-cells are separated by an ionically conducting membrane that will not allow passage of components from the respective half-cells.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Reactants: The greenhouse as stream is carbon dioxide. The oxygen-containing gas is air and the nitrogen portion as a result of the electrical reduction is exited into the atmosphere.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The dehydration portion comprises metal or metal alloy of group VIII transition metal(s). The oxidation portion comprises a ceramic oxide powder and a dopant selected from rare earth metals, alkaline earth metals and/or alkali metals. The ceramic oxide powder comprises zirconia, ceria, bismuth oxide, bismuth vanadate and/or lanthanum-gadalonium complex oxide (LaGdO3). The hydrodesulfurization portion comprises group IV rare earth metal sulfides, group IV rare earth metal sulfates and/or their sub-stoichiometric metals. The reforming of sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is performed at less than 1000degreesC, preferably less than 800degreesC and at a pressure of less than 10 atmospheres. EXAMPLE - Catalyst (20 g) comprising platinum (0.5 weight%) on Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9, was placed in a tubular reactor. The temperatures in the catalyst bed were maintained at 760-800degreesC and pressure was maintained at 5 psig. Carbonaceous fuel, water and air were supplied to the reactor at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/minute, 0.3 ml/minute and 515 sccm, respectively. The carbonaceous fuel was a blended gasoline containing isooctane (74 wt.%), xylene (20 wt.%), methyl cyclohexane (5 wt.%) and pentene (1 wt.%). Benzothiophene was introduced into the blended gasoline feed to provide 50 wppm sulfur level. After 1700 hours of operation, the hydrogen production decreased to less than 10%, which showed that the catalyst had both sulfur tolerance and coking resistance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The catalyst is supported on a flat plate, preferably metallic, preferably aluminum, stainless steel or copper. Aluminum is oxidized at the anode of the modifier. An integrated spacer is used to control the gas flow. The hydrogen permeation membrane is metallic or ceramic.Preferred Fuel: The fuel modified is a fuel and water vapor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The carbon material is chosen from sintered graphite, powder-like carbon nano-tube, powder-like graphite nano-fiber, cylindrical graphite nano-fiber or plate-shaped graphite nano-fiber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The storage and transportation of aromatic compound and hydrogenated aromatic compound are carried out using a portable type container. A heating unit to dissolve solidified substance of aromatic compound and/or hydrogenated aromatic compound, is provided to the container. The hydrogen is separated under same temperature and pressure conditions of dehydrogenation reactions, using membrane reaction which can perform dehydrogenation reaction and hydrogen separation. The recovering unit of hydrogenation heat energy is a heat engine which utilize heat energy on driving force or heat engine which converts heat into electrical or mechanical energy or thermal-storage system or chemical heat pump. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The aromatic compound is benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, biphenyl and/or naphthalene. The hydrogenated aromatic compound is cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, ethyl cyclohexane and/or decalin.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Source: The carbon source is chosen from graphite, cellulose, carbohydrate, starch, fatty acid and/or saccharides.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Components: Fermentation of coffee extraction lees is carried out in the presence of fermentation auxiliary material. The lees is the coffee extraction lees itself or materials containing coffee extraction lees. The soil disease prevention material further comprises chemical fertilizer and/or organic fertilizer. ACTIVITY - Plant antibacterial. No test details are given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - (In volume%) coffee extraction lees (15), moisture content (60) and chaff (50) were mixed uniformly. The mixture was fermented in anaerobic condition for 2 weeks to 4 months to obtain fermented organic-substance compost.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: A massing-prevention material during drying is mixed with the system after washing and before drying the compost. While mixing the flow-suppressing material before washing the compost, the massing-prevention material is mixed after washing and before drying the compost. EXAMPLE - 10 liters of horticulture cultivating soil was used as spawn. 1 liters of inorganic porous ceramics was used as a flow-suppressing material of microbe. Both the materials were stirred in a tank. Water was added to a dog food, and the moisture content was adjusted to 70%. The dog food was put in a processing apparatus for 6 months on 1 kg/day conditions. All microbial beds were removed from the processing apparatus after 6 months. After removing an undecomposed residue, 15 liters of distilled water was added and stirred. Filtration was carried out, and the material was dried. The dry microbial bed was again put into the processing apparatus. The dog food was provided for 1 more month. The process speed was found to be stabilized for a long period of time.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Process: The organic waste is accommodated in a horizontal paddle-type fermenter (1) having closed-type fermentation container equipped with heat insulation cover (2). Forced extensive air is supplied for predetermined time from bottom portion of the fermenter. The fermenter has an inner cover (7) which corresponds to the volume reduction of processing material during fermentation. The fermentation-processed article is obtained by mixing paper, timber and inorganic substance with fermented material. The fermentation-processed article is mixed with ridging and is packed with seed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: A heat exchanger (16) having no or only a small catalyst coating is connected to the converter. The heat exchanger and the converter have a common cooling cycle (22) and together form one unit. A high temperature converter (12) for carrying out adiabatic and isothermic reactions is connected to the heat exchanger.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: The sensor is arranged in a guiding element (8) in the flow direction after the further dosing arrangement. A mixing chamber (12) is arranged after the collection of all volume streams. The volume stream flows from the mixing chamber into a storage tank (9). The mixing chamber has inserts acting as mixing elements.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Preparation: The modified theta-Al2O3-supported Ni reforming catalyst is prepared by coating a modified zirconia on theta-Al2O3 base support and coating Ni and cocatalyst on it.Ni (3-20 wt.%) is added to theta-Al2O3.Each alkali metal cocatalyst, preferably 0-1 and 0.01-1 molar ratios based to zirconium. Zirconia, preferably 0.01-1 molar ratio is added based to theta-Al2O3.Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises 3.2 wt.% Ni against theta-aluminum oxide (Al2O3); 0-0.2 molar equivalent M1 and 0-4 molar equivalent of M2 cocatalysts against Ni; 0-0.1 molar equivalent of M3 and 0.01-1 molar equivalent of M4 against zirconium; and 0.01-2 molar equivalent of zirconium oxide against theta-Al2O3.The theta-Al2O3 support is modified with modified zirconia (M3-M4-ZrO2) m1423) precipitation or sol-gel method.The Ni and cocatalyst (M1-M-2-Ni) is supported on the modified support (M3-M4-ZrO2/theta-Al2O3) through molten-salt or impregnation.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Property: For steam reforming, methane-to-oxygen molar ratio is 1-6; for oxygen reforming, methane-to-oxygen molar ratio is 0.1-1 and for steam-methane-to-oxygen molar ratio is 0.1-1. EXAMPLE - Modified theta-Al2O3 support was prepared by diluting zirconyl chloride to 1 M aqueous solution and purified by recrystallization from hydrochloric acid. After mixing the result with 1 M alkaline earth metal nitrate solution. The mixture was strongly stirred at 60 degreesC for 6 hours. After adding theta-Al2O3 support and 29.8% ammonia water until pH reached 10. The precipitate was filtered and washed with 5% ammonia water until no chloride ion was detected. Then, it was washed with distilled water. The filtered precipitate powder was finely ground in mortar and calcined in 900 degreesC. The obtained modified theta-Al2O3 supports.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The superheater and cooler are combined as single component in which the starting material vapor is capable of being superheated by the thermal energy content of the reformate stream, while simultaneously cooling the reformate stream. the burner is connecter to the evaporator so that the thermal energy content of exhaust gas of the burner is used for the evaporation of the feed material.The burner is a catalytic burner. It comprises a gas stream comprising exhaust gas from cathode and anode chamber of fuel cell.The device further comprises a gas purification system capable of reducing the carbon monoxide content of the reformate stream located downstream with respect to the flow direction of the reformate gas stream, of the water gas shift stage.Preferred Parameters: During normal operation of the high temperature reformer, the temperature in the high temperature reformer is 400-600 degreesC, and the temperature in the water gas shift stage is 200-300 degreesC.Preferred Method: The reformer is operated as partial oxidation stage for a period of time immediately following start-up, and then as steam reformer once a predetermined operating temperature is reached.A product stream is directed to the burner and not to any fuel cell.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrocarbon-containing substance is ethanol or methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Compositions: The composition comprises 1-25 (preferably 5-15) parts by weight (pbw), at least5 pbw blowing agent, and 0.05-4 pbw (based on 100 pbw of polyester polyol). It further comprises less than 20 wt.% aromatic or aliphatic amine-initiated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols or polyester polyols other than phthalic anhydride initiated polyester polyol. It further comprises assistants and additives. Preferred Components: The polyester polyol has hydroxyl number of at least200 meq polyol/g KOH.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The blowing agent isopentane, n-pentane, neopentane, and/or cyclopentane. EXAMPLE - A clear resin blend was prepared to contain (pbw) phthalic anhydride-initiated polyester polyol having nominal functionality of 2 and hydroxyl number of 240 (100), tris(chloro propyl)phosphate as flame retardant (10), silicone surfactant polymer as surfactant (2), potassium octoate catalyst (2.5), long chain fatty acid initiated oxyethylate having average of 8 ethylene oxide units per molecule and HLB of 10 as compatibilizer (5) and PURE CYCLOPENTANE (25).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The water transfer membrane comprises poly(perfluorosulfonic) acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The filter device also includes a pre-filter and/or a vacuum relief valve, and a connection pipe (7) where the microorganism filter element, the vacuum relief valve and water well opening are connected either directly or indirectly. The pre-filter comprises a pre-filter element (21) having pores with a size larger than that of the microorganism filter element. The pre-filter is connected to the housing in such way that the pre-filter element is positioned ahead of the microorganism filter element in the airflow pathway from open air (28) to inner side of the well. The pre-filter element is connected to the housing in an airtight manner so that air flowing into the well has to pass through the pre-filter element before reaching the microorganism filter element. The pre-filter can be assembled into and disassembled from the housing. The vacuum relief valve is connected to the inner side of the well.Preferred Dimension: The largest pore of microorganism filter element have a size of at most 10 (preferably at most 1) microns.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: A solidified complex containing fixed gaseous hydrocarbon is heated to decompose and separate solidified complex into its original metal aliphatic carboxylate and gaseous hydrocarbon, and recovering them. An aqueous solution of an inorganic salt containing the same material as in the metal aliphatic carboxylate is added. The solution is stirred, and gradually cooling the solution. EXAMPLE - Sodium pentadeconoate (132 mg) and pure water (4.5 ml) were heated at 95 degreesC. An aqueous solution was prepared by completely dissolving sodium chloride (58.5 mg) in pure water (4.5 ml), and heating at 95 degreesC. The solution were mixed at 95 degreesC, and vigorously stirred for 20 minutes during which it was cooled to room temperature. Very fine and uniform fibrous crystal aggregates were precipitated throughout the solution. By leaving it at room temperature for 1 day, the aggregates gather on the water by attraction of the aggregates to one another in the form of crystals. The liquid in which the aggregates were dispersed, was cooled at -10 to -20 degreesC with a freezing mixture of ice and sodium chloride. N-butane (2 g) was added, and the mixture was placed in a sealed vessel. The mixture was gently stirred while its temperature was returned to room temperature, adsorbing n-butane into the fibrous crystal aggregates to form white and spherical complexes as a whole, while an aqueous solution of sodium chloride was separated from the liquid. The separated aqueous solution of sodium chloride was free of sodium pentadeconoate and n-butane and completely colorless and transparent.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fluid: Alternatively, the foam drilling fluid comprises a liquid phase comprising an aqueous solvent, a polysaccharide and a surfactant; and a gas phase selected from the group consisting of air, nitrogen, natural gas and/or carbon dioxide.Preferred Compounds: The surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol sulfate chosen from ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, triethanol amine lauryl sulfate and/or sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate.Preferred Composition: The drilling fluid further comprises a salt, preferably a monovalent salt. The salt is chosen from potassium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium acetate and/or sodium acetate, preferably potassium chloride.The amount of polysaccharide in the fluid is 1.5-3 w/v%, the surfactant is 0.3- 1 w/v% and the salt is 0.1-0.5 w/v%.Preferred Properties: The foamed fluid has viscosity of 1.15-5 ppg, or 25-50 cP for qualities between 80-95% at temperatures up to 180degrees F.The foamed fluid is stable when exposed to oil and salt contaminants or when mixed with up to at least 50 w/v% of crude oil.The foamed fluid has a half life time of at least 17 minutes, and is stable at up to 180degrees F.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Compounds: The polysaccharide is derived from a galactomannan gum chosen from hydroxypropyl guar, guar gum and/or hydroxypropyl carboxymethyl guar, preferably hydroxypropyl guar. EXAMPLE - A drilling fluid containing (in w/v%) sodium lauryl ether sulfate (surfactant) having 3 mols of ethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl guar polymer (0.2) and potassium chloride (0.5), was prepared using water as an aqueous solvent. The drilling fluid reached a foam level of 400 ml, and maintained the foam level for a half life time of 26.7 minutes. The foam obtained using the drilling fluid was more stable even in the presence of crude oil.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The rubber is either synthetic rubber, natural rubber or a mixture of the two in the ratio preferably 90:10. The additive is soot. The ratio of rubber to soot is in the range 6.5 : 3.5 to 8.0 : 2.0. The substrate is preferably a mixture of ground rubber particles drawn from automotive and truck tire wastes. From time to time the rubber particles are removed for brush cleaning and are then returned to the reactor for re-use.
EXAMPLE - Animal waste is treated by first breaking it up into 80-50 mm pieces, more finely comminuting in a shredder, colloid mill or homogenizer to below 10 mm, sterilizing at 133 degrees Centigrade and 3 bar minimum pressure for at least 20 minutes and then treating aerobically and anaerobically (no parameters given in the specification), with exhaust gases being electro-filtered and the biogas used in part to heat the evaporator and in part being recycled to the sterilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The polymeric material is polyimides, polyethers, polyesters, or polyamides. Preferably the polymeric material is fluorine-containing polyimides.Preferred Membrane: The membrane has an asymmetric structure composed of a non-defective surface skin layer and a porous layer which supports the surface skin layer, and at least a part of the surface of the surface skin layer is modified by ion bombardment. The asymmetric structure composed of a non-defective surface skin layer and a porous layer which supports the surface skin layer is formed by casting on a support a solution obtained by dissolving the polymeric material in a solvent mixture composed of a good solvent with a low boiling point, a good solvent with a high boiling point and a poor solvent, evaporating the solvent from a surface, and conducting immersion into a coagulation bath to induce phase separation. The modification by ion bombardment is conducted by ion implantation in a dose phi range of 1010-1016 ions/cm2.Preferred Method: A method of producing a gas separation membrane comprises:(a) casting on a support a solution obtained by dissolving the polymeric material in a solvent mixture composed of a good solvent with a low boiling point, a good solvent with a high boiling point and a poor solvent;(b) evaporating the solvents from a surface; conducting immersion into a coagulation bath to induce phase separation, thereby forming a membrane having an asymmetric structure composed of a non-defective surface skin layer and a porous layer which supports the surface skin layer; and(c) conducting ion implantation in a dose phi range of 1010-1016 ions/cm2.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The oxygen-containing hydrocarbon is an alcohol hydrocarbon, ether hydrocarbon and/or glycol ether.The alcohol is methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-butanol, isobutyl alcohol, 2-butanol, t-butyl alcohol, 1-pentanol, isoamyl alcohol, s-amyl alcohol, t-amyl alcohol, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-butanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, isohexyl alcohol, methyl-1-pentanol, s-hexanol, 1-heptanol, isoheptyl alcohol, 2,3-dimethyl-1-pentanol, 1-octanol, 2-ethyl-hexanol, iso-octyl alcohol, 2-octanol, 3-octanol, 1-nonanol, isononyl alcohol, 3,5,5-trimethyl-hexanol, 1-decanol, isodecyl alcohol, 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol, cyclohexanol, methyl-cyclohexanol, allyl alcohol, propargyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and/or trimethylene glycol.The ether is dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, methyl propyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, di-isopropyl ether, methyl-t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, dibutyl ether, divinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, allyl ether and/or polyoxy ether.The glycol ether is ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, oxymethylene dimethyl ether, dioxane and/or diethylene glycol.The liquid hydrocarbon for fuels is gasoline, kerosene, light oil and/or heavy oil. EXAMPLE - Methanol is used as an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon and methane gas is used as a gas based on methane. After dissolving the methane gas in methanol, the heat generation amount is calculated per unit weight. Normal temperature methane gas is dissolved in methanol cooled to -50degrees C to form a semi-suspension state by pressurizing to 8.5 atmospheres. The methanol-methane composition is returned to normal temperature and pressure so a methanol-methane composition is obtained of methane content 9 weight%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The oxidizer assembly also includes a pre-cooler disposed upstream of the injector for supplying the feed gas to the feed gas inlet at a temperature at or above the ignition temperature of the catalyst.Preferred Properties: The metal foam support has a pore size of 10-40 (preferably about 10) ppi. The catalyst bed has front and back portions, and the metal foam support in the front portion has a smaller pore size relative to the metal foam support in the rear portion. The metal foam support in the front portion has a pore size of either less than 10 ppi or 20-40 ppi, and the metal foam support in the rear portion has a pore size of 10 ppi. The catalyst bed has a first loading in the front portion that is greater than a second catalyst loading in the rear portion.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The metal foam support comprises iron-chromium-aluminum-ytterbium alloy. The selective oxidation catalyst comprises platinum. The oxygen-containing gas stream is air.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The crystalline silicate is zeolite. The catalyst layer contains a catalyst exhibiting catalytic properties at 80-200 degrees C. It contains ruthenium and/or platinum. The zeolite is MFI-type zeolite, preferably ZSM-5, mordenite or beta-zeolite. Mole ratio of silica to alumina silicon dioxide/aluminum oxide in the zeolite is at least 50, preferably at least 100. The mass ratio of the crystalline silicate to silica contained in the silica sol is 90:1-70:30 in the first slurry.Preferred Properties: The adhesive layer has a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 280-350 m2/g. Peaks of a micropore distribution of the adhesive layer exist at 1.7-3.7 or 3.7-85 nm. Mean diameter of particles of silica which is acidic sol contained in the silica sol is 5-60 nm, preferably 2-6 micron.Preferred Method: The first slurry uses zeolite as the crystalline silicate and it has a pH of 3-8.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The use amount of the hydrated iron oxide particles and/or iron oxide particles is 0.01-50 weight % based on the waste containing resin. The specific surface area of hydrated iron oxide particles and/or iron oxide particles is at least 5 m2/g. The reaction temperature is 300-2000 degrees C and the reaction pressure is 0.001-1000 atmospheres. The hydrated iron oxide is goethite (alpha-FeOOH), lepidocrosite (gamma-FeOOH) and/or delta-FeOOH, and the iron oxide is hematite (alpha-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3), an iron oxide in an oxidation state between hematite and magnetite, and/or an iron oxide in an oxidation state between maghemite and magnetite. A dispersant can be coated on the iron oxides in an amount of 0.1-500 weight % based on the iron oxide. EXAMPLE - A sample (3.8 weight parts) where goethite particles (30 weight parts) are dispersed in polyethylene (70 weight parts), and water (6.5 weight parts) are introduced into a Pyrex glass tube, and reduced to a vacuum and sealed. This is introduced into a stainless steel tube and introduced into an electric furnace at 600 degrees C for 20 minutes. After cooling, the gas component of the tube is analyzed and hydrogen is 27 volume parts, methane is 13 volume parts, and ethylene is 6 volume parts.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: Drawstrings (16, 18) are provided for at least partially closing top and/or bottom openings. The support comprises a self-supporting liner to be inserted into the flexible sheet material to hold at least part of the sheet material in the erected condition. The liner comprises a sheet of plastics material which can be rolled to form a collar. A clip or other retaining fastener is provided to retain the liner in the form of the collar. The support may comprise a frame (32) having resiliently deformable pre-shaped component(s). Each pre-shaped component is resiliently deformable from a position in which the composting container is erect to a position in which the composting container is compressed. Releasable retainers are provided to retain the frame/composting container in its compressed condition. The releasable retainers comprise clips or a cap of flexible material which surrounds the frame in its compressed state. A lid is insertable into the body through the top opening to rest against the material being composted in the body in use to limit ingress of rain.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The flexible sheet material is a mesh type plastics material, preferably a polyethylene mesh fabric having a grade of 40-550 g/m2 or a polypropylene net of 1-5 mm thickness and 1-10 mm hole size. The pre-shaped frame component may be plastics material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The pre-shaped frame component may be metal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The system further comprises a cooler feed line connecting the reformer to the cooler and a cooler discharge line connecting the cooler to the shift stage. The cooler feed line and the cooler discharge line are coated with a line coating. The line coating exhibits greater soot-inhibiting activity and lesser activity with respect to the water-gas shift reaction than the cooler coating. The cooler coating comprises a first material of the same composition as the line coating, and a second material that exhibits greater catalytic activity with respect to the water-gas shift reaction and a lower soot-inhibiting activity than the material. The surfaces of the cooler that come into contact with the reformate stream are coated with a layer(s) of base material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The base material comprises a metal-containing substance such as chromium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, titanium, rare earths, compounds of chromium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, titanium and rare earths, and alloys of chromium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, titanium, or rare earths.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: A return line (20) directs residual water vapor and hydrogen gas from the fuel cell to the water vapor generator. The water vapor generator comprises a chamber(s) partially filled with water vapor. The water vapor generator is partially filled with ice. The hydrogen gas generator comprises a chamber. An inert gas is within the water vapor generator, hydrogen generator, and fuel cell.A pump(s) (22) is provided for pumping hydrogen gas and water vapor between the water vapor generator and the fuel cell. A valve(s) regulates the passage of hydrogen gas and water vapor between the water vapor generator and the fuel cell. Porous plugs (24) are provided adjacent to the water vapor generator, impeding the flow of liquid water from the water vapor generator and allowing the flow of hydrogen gas and water vapor into and out of the water vapor generator. The fuel cell is partially surrounded by a thermal insulator. A heater is adjacent to the fuel cell. A tensile membrane is within the water vapor generator which exerts pressure directing water vapor from the water vapor generator to the hydrogen gas generator.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The inert gas comprises nitrogen, and/or argon. Hydrogen gas is initially loaded within the water vapor generator, hydrogen gas generator, fuel cell, and the optional conduits. The non-fluid substance comprises alkali metals, calcium hydride, lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, and/or preferably sodium borohydride. A hydrogen generation catalyst comprising cobalt, nickel, and/or ruthenium, is combined with the non-fluid substance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The surface burner has a burner mat (2) and is equipped with catalyst. The oxygen-containing gas is air. The ratio of oxygen and carbon during partial oxidation is 0.5-1. The partial oxidation is performed in the presence of water vapor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The distillation sludge is maintained at 50-70degreesC after ejecting from the source of release. The evaporator maintains the distillation sludge at 50-70degreesC in the storage tank and the water content is transpired under reduced pressure without heating.Preferred Process: The high temperature state is maintained by adding an additive which produces a hydration reaction in the storage tank and transpiring the water content in the distillation sludge. Microorganisms which performs fermentation to the distillation sludge are inserted into the storage tank. The pressure reduction operation of pressure reduction storage tank is performed using the driving source of vehicle. The fermentation product of the distillation sludge in the treatment tank is fodder or water content adjustment material which is thrown in the storage tank with distillation tank. The additive comprises calcium oxide and magnesium oxide as main component.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The storage tank is a pressure-reduction, constant-temperature tank, pressure-reduction storage tank or normal-pressure storage tank. The high temperature state is maintained by heating the storage tank by a heating unit while conveying the distillation sludge. The heating unit uses a heat source produced while running the vehicle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The methane-fermentation process is performed with a fixed methane microbe or anaerobic or anoxia portion of a biological treatment process of an organic waste water (20) is supplied and the supernatant liquid of solid-liquid separation is processed. Alternately, the anaerobic digester processes the solubilized sludge. The digested sludge (13) obtained after anaerobic digestion is sent to a solubilization process as a return digested sludge (15).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The volume reduction apparatus further contains an anoxia portion or anaerobic portion to an upward-flow anaerobic sludge-blanket apparatus (17) of supernatant liquid from solid-liquid separator of later sludge of the acid fermenter or a piping. The piping supplies solubilized sludge to the anaerobic digester. EXAMPLE - A surplus activated sludge ejected from an activator-sludge treatment facility of sewage was treated in an anaerobic digester. The surplus sludge processing amount was 100 l/d and surplus sludge solid concentration was 0.7%. Acid fermentation was performed at 35degreesC and separation liquid water amount was 75 l/d. Upward-flow anaerobic sludge blanket treatment was performed at 35degreesC of water temperature. Ultrasonic wave irradiation was performed with an ultrasonic wave frequency of 20 kHz. The sludge amount reduction rate was 93% and water quality of treated water was 230 mg/l.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The anaerobic fermentation processing system further includes a membrane separator (5) for separating the solid and liquid from treated water of denitrification tank, and secondary treatment tank (6) for processing the supernatant liquid from the membrane separator. The solid is recycled to the denitrification tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The surplus water from the fermentation tank is filtered and separated using wood chip. The organic waste contains aqueous slurry of organic waste and/or edible waste oil. The water content for the processor is derived from organic waste. The organic waste utilized by the processor is 10/1-5/1 mass ratio with respect to wood chip. The amount of wood chip in the processor is more than 1 m3. Air is supplied to the processor with high force. The surplus water is circulated, so that the water content of the wood chip is maintained at 50% or more. The processed waste is circulated through the wood chip after completion of decomposition by microorganism. The wood chip obtained after decomposition, is used as a compost raw material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: A stirring transfer apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for supplying circulated water and/or organic waste from the circuit of water storage tank to the processor through the stirring apparatus. The stirrer is movably installed inside the fermentation tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The deodorizing processing system further includes a fermenter (15) for fermenting the organic waste to generate a biogas which is used as a fuel for gas turbine, ammonia removal apparatus (12) for removing the ammonia from the odor gas, and desulfurizer for removing the sulfur content of the biogas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The drying apparatus further includes an organic refuse container (3) mounted on a belt, and a deodorizer. The dry air manufacturing chamber comprises silica gel and dehumidification coil. The humidity of the dry air is 20-40%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Sieve Assembly: The angle of the sieve surface (16) is especially adjustable with respect to the horizontal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The organic materials comprise lignocellulosic material, proteinaceous material, carbohydrate, and/or chitin. These may also comprise animal waste, food industry waste, paper industry waste, petroleum refining waste, tire waste, or municipal solid waste. The aqueous solution comprises waste water. The product comprises alcohol or organic acid. It could also comprise vitamin, aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, lipids, peroxides, or pigments, preferably glucan. The metabolic product comprises a pigment. The plant contacted with the ozonated solution comprises red algae. The metabolic product also comprises metabolic gas that is methane.Preferred Methods: The size of the organic materials are reduced. Ozone is contacted with the aqueous solution at 0.01 ppm by flowing the solution through a venturi where the ozone is fed. The solid wastes materials are placed into porous container and water is circulated in the container to form the aqueous solution. This solution is contained in a slurry that is fed through an auger. Any solid materials contained in the solution is separated prior to contacting with microorganisms. The ozonated aqueous solution is contacted with the microorganism in a packed tower. Ethanol is separated from the solution by distillation. The solution is cooled during contact with the ozone. It is heated after being cooled. Ethanol is converted to hydrocarbon gas by contacting it with a second microorganism. The cellular process comprises respiration or photosynthesis, preferably fermentation. The amount of metabolizable substrates (comprise sugar) in the solution is monitored during ozonation.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microorganism is Zymomonas mobilis and/or Saccharomyces cerevesiae.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The product further comprises polyhydroxybutyrate and/or polyhydroxyvalerate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The reactor is internally divided into four portions, where the first portion is adjacent to the base of the reactor which provides a reservoir of absorbent liquid and which does not contain mixing units, a second portion extends from the top of the first portion to the level of the liquid outlet and contains mixing units and in use is filled with the absorbent liquid, a third portion immediately above the second portion contains mixing units and provides an overflow zone in use, and a fourth portion is at the top of the reactor in communication with the gas outlet. The fourth portion contains sheets of wire mesh for removing droplets of absorbent liquid from gas leaving the reactor. The gas inlet terminates inside the reactor in spaced spigots at or just below the junction between the first and second portions. Each mixing unit comprises an open-ended cylinder, the walls of which are pierced by cutouts which are bent into the interior of the cylinder, forming curved walls within the cylinder. The regenerator comprises a container which incorporates heating mechanism in its base and/or walls. The heating mechanism comprises an electrically-heated plate positioned relative to the liquid outlet from the reactor, such that in use liquid entering the regenerator from the reactor flows over the surface of the plate. The plate is cylindrical or a flat plate vertical in the regenerator. The regenerator incorporates a heat exchanger.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Unburnt carbon produced in the gasification of combustible material is burnt and the resultant heat is utilized. The gasification device comprises a gasification chamber which has a fluidized layer and a combustion chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The first supply device comprises first (10), second (12), and third (8) passages for transferring the combustion gas from the combustor to the reforming catalyst section and first (11), second (13), and third (9) valves provided in the first, second, and third passages, respectively, in order to regulate a flow rate of the combustion gas. The combustor produces a lean combustion gas not containing fuel. The reforming system further comprises a sensor (17) for detecting a pressure applied to the separator.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - TEXTILES AND PAPER - Preferred Process: The waste paper is pulped, and the obtained pulp suspension is converted into fiber pulp. The retention time of the process is kept short by minimizing the total liquid volume Vp of the process and by increasing the amount of water F-B being passed from the process to water treatment. Water is passed from the process to biological treatment, and purified water is used for rinsing to reduce its microbe content. The water (5-50, preferably 6-30 m3/fiber ton) recovered is passed to biological treatment. Solids are removed from the biologically treated water to be returned to the process, and chemically or physically sterilized. The fiber pulp is washed and the ash content of the pulp is controlled and adjusted in connection with the washing. It is dispersed at 100-130degreesC and a consistency of 30-40%, after it is held, depending on the sterilization temperature, at least for 2-120 minutes at a raised temperature and consistency, where the norms set for the sterilization of foods are met. It is bleached and dried to destroy the microbes present. Polyvinyl alcohol plastics and/or aluminum are/is removed from the process. The waste is crushed and heavy material is removed from it.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Property: The catalyst has an alpha value of at least 0.87, a carbon monoxide conversion of at least 24%, and a cobalt surface area per gram catalyst of at least 16 m2/g.The carrier material has an average pore size distribution of 50-300 Angstrom.Preferred Composition: The catalyst also includes up to 1 wt.% second metal from rhenium, ruthenium, platinum (preferably), silver, and/or boron.The first metal comprises 5-20 wt.% cobalt.Preferred Component: The silica compound is silica, silica-titania, silica-alumina, silica-zirconia, silica-vanadia, or silica-magnesia.Preferred Process: The catalyst is made by contacting a cobalt precursor in a solution with a silica-containing support material at at least 80 (preferably 80-120) degreesC for 1-20 minutes, drying the cobalt-deposited support material, and calcining the dried material at 200-900 (preferably 275-350) degreesC for at most 2 hours, and optionally, reducing the cobalt-deposited silica-based catalyst.The carrier material is pre-treated by adding structural promoter(s), calcination, or chemical treatment. It is calcined at 20-900 degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is contacted with the novel catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions EXAMPLE - A cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst was prepared by impregnation at 80degrees C using cobalt amine carbonate precursors. A silica support having an average pore diameter of 53 Angstrom was used. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of the support was 533 m2/g and the pore volume was 0.89 cc/g. The catalyst was prepared having 17.7 wt.% cobalt. The catalyst was calcined at 350degrees C for 2 hours. It had a cobalt surface area of 25.8 m2/g, 21.5% dispersion, 27% conversion, and 0.89 alpha.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The heat sources comprise at least two heat sources, and superposition of heat from the two sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation. The formation conditions are controlled by maintaining the temperature within pyrolysis temperature range. Heating at least a portion of the formation involves heating so that at least some of the hydrocarbons are pyrolyzed. The heating energy per day (Pwr) is calculated from the relation, Pwr = hxVxCvxrhoB, where V is selected volume of the oil shale formation, Cv is average heat capacity of the formation, h is average heating rate of the formation and rhoB is bulk density of the formation.Preferred Heaters: The heat sources are electrical heaters, surface burners, flameless distributed combustors or natural distributed combustors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The digestive speed of the sludge is adjusted based upon the amount of sludge supplied to the processing zones.
EXAMPLE - Pseudomonas medocina was isolated from aqueous phase of oil-in-water product derived from petroleum resources. A solution containing 700 ml of distilled water and 300 ml of aqueous bacteria solution was used for treating stock solution containing 1400 parts per million (ppm) of total amount of dioxin and having toxic equivalent (TEQ) of 180 micrograms-TEQ/ml for 10 - 0.5 hours, and also for decomposing chlorobenzene with or without (comparison) fluorescent light irradiation (20 W). The bacteria efficiently decomposed dioxin in the stock solution. 2 ml of the sample was collected after 1.5, 3 and 6 hours and tested. The result showed that the half life of chlorobenzene was reduced to 2 hours in the non-irradiation group and 1.8 hours in the light-irradiation group, after treating with bacteria.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: The method further involves inserting an organic substance into the first soil region after harvesting the plant. The solar heat which the solar energy system collects preferably accelerates composting of the organic substance. Weeds which germinate during the collection of solar energy are inhibited from growing by the shading effect from the solar energy collection part. Preferably the germination capacity of the rough grass species of child which exists in the first soil region is inhibited.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The anaerobic bacteria is Clostridium paraputrificum M strain. The waste material contains shell of shrimp, crab, or lobster. The waste material is previously grounded and/or treated with acid or alkali before processing.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Apparatus: At least one of the lamps is positioned inside the reactor. A filter system is fitted between the reactor and its outlet which contains a biomass recirculator (5) and recirculation pump (4). At least one lamp is a medium pressure lamp and at least one is a low pressure lamp. The lamps are mounted in double-walled mountings (2) integrated into the outlet. Optical sensors (6, 7) are mounted between the pump and lamp and in front of the outlet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Bioreactor: A pump (40) and recirculation line (37) feeds biomass from the base of the main tank to a position above the surface of the biomass. The top end of the line is fitted with a baffle plate (23). The main tank has a capacity which is 20 - 30 times that of the prereactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The spores are activated, by germination and/or elicitation (by varying the stage of germination, the penetration depth of the spores into the groundwater course can be adjusted). After the spores have passed to the contaminated area, a block on ground water flow is established by pumping out water through a well positioned in the contaminated area. Preliminary determinations are made of the surface charge (particularly negative) and dimensions of the spores and the granule size of the groundwater course. The speed and direction of the groundwater is determined by a tracer-dilution method. The sediments are particularly loose layers of sand and gravel, with pore size over 5 micron.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Fungi: At least one of the fungal species has mono- and/or-dioxygenase activity, particularly Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus or Phanerochaete chrysosporium; and/or at least one has glutathione-S-transferase activity, preferably Cephalosporium, Penicillium, Trichoderma or Mucor, best M. hiemalis f. irnsingii. EXAMPLE - Spores of Phanerochaete chrysosporium were electrically negative at pH below 4 and when passed through a bed of quartz sand (0.5-1.5 mm) they eluted as a distinct band over 25-50 cm, with recovery up to 80%. Spores of M. hiemalis f. irnsingii showed a similar rate of recovery from the bed, and both types of spores could be detected simultaneously in the water-sediment fraction by flow cytometry.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The fast pyrolysis conditions are such that 40-80 wt.% oil and 10-30 wt.% char are produced from the biomass. The char is washed with water before slurrying it in the oil. High-ash coke and/or a powdered mineral is added to the slurry as a slagging agent. The gasifier is operated at 25-200 bar and 1200-1800degreesC with a substoichiometric amount of oxygen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: Incineration ashes and/or a coal ash, are supplied to a heating process with a form molded in shape of a briquette. The melting process is performed by heating incineration ashes and/or a coal ash more at 1550-1650 degrees C for 30 minutes or more in inert gas atmosphere. The component in the powder-form inorganic material is adjusted during formation process. Microorganisms culture nutrient is included in the powder-form inorganic material prior to molding. The heating curing process is performed at 100 degrees C or more.Preferred Composition: The microorganisms culture nutrient consists of a phosphorus, iron and a compound containing at least 1 type of element of nitrogen. The powder-form inorganic materials prior to molding contains (in weight%) (0.1 or less) of iron, (0.01 or less) of chromium, (0.006 or less) of lead, (0.006 or less) of zinc and (0.0001 or less) of mercury. The content of a dioxin in the powder-form inorganic material prior to molding is less than 0.3 ng/g.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heat retention component has a ventilating fan (55) for emitting the exhaust gas to the atmosphere. The deodorizing medium in the deodorizer is same as process medium in treatment tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The organic-refuse disposer further has a container heating unit provided to the periphery of the medium container, a temperature detecting unit (81) for detecting the temperature of deodorization medium in the medium container, and a control unit (32) for controlling the exhaust heater or container heating unit, based on the detected result of the temperature detecting unit. The deodorization medium is same as process medium in the treatment tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Power systems The unit has a mains electricity connection (17) and electrolysis system (4). It also includes a source of energy (14) which is preferably self-powered, e.g. a fuel cell. Monitoring and control A control unit (15) monitors hydrogen generation, storage and/or tank filling. A transmission unit (16) sends relevant data back to an external receiver.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process : The steam-reformer (17) is a fluidized fixed bed gasifier and the work-up of the aqueous phase is effected using plasma resonator. The flotation separation (7) is effected in at least 2 sequential tanks. The biogas is fed to a turbine and the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas are converted into nitrogen and oxygen using titanium dioxide and sunlight. During the process and/or during removal of the solids in the floating separation (7) any plastics present are separated for further processing, especially to classify them and separate off polyvinylchloride (PVC), the remaining plastics being recycled to the pelletization or extrusion stage (10). EXAMPLE - None given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The analyzing gas is a product of gasifying biomass.Preferred Condition: The porosity of the aerosol filter allows the gas to diffuse through, but prevents a solvent in the upper section to run down into the lower section.Preferred Apparatus: Cooling jackets (19, 20), with different coolants or coolant with different cooling temperature, are on the outer side and around the upper and lower sections.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The analyzing gas contains tar, another hydrocarbon, or salts. The solvent in the lower section comprises ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, dichloromethane or methoxypropanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Condition: The high vapor substance has a higher vapor pressure than that of the liquid at 30 degrees C. Its vapor pressure increases by at least 600% with a temperature change of 20-55 degrees C. The pressure within the second pouch is 50-300 mbar, and the pressure within the housing is not greater than 700 (preferably not greater than 100) mbar. The pressure in the first pouch is at least 100 times greater than the housing.Preferred Component: The evaporator comprises a wicking material that is impregnated with a freezing point suppression agent. The reservoir also includes a flow-restriction device for restricting the flow of liquid to the evaporator. The flow-restriction device has porous membrane, a capillary tube having a diameter of 1-1000 micro meters, and a porous plug. The vapor passageway comprises a thermally insulating material having a thermal resistance of at least 2.8 K.m2/W at a pressure of 4 mbar.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The freezing point suppression agent comprises sodium chloride, calcium chloride, barium chloride, magnesium chloride, iron(III) chloride, magnesium nitrate, sodium bromide, and/or zinc chloride. The liquid comprises water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The non-flammable high vapor substance is ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, n-hexane, or fluorocarbon. The freezing point suppression agent may also comprise an organic solvent.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The refrigerant composition comprises 50-70 wt.%, preferably 50-60 wt.% of difluoromethane, 10-20 wt.% of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, 10-30 wt.% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 5-15 wt.% of the component (B). The amount of butane is preferably 5-12 wt.%, and the amount of 1,1-difluoroethane is 10-30 wt.%. EXAMPLE - A refrigerant composition comprising (in wt.%) difluoromethane (HFC-32) (50), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) (20), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) (20) and isobutane (R-600a) (10), was prepared. The refrigerant composition was applied to a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator.    The main factors for evaluating refrigerant performance such as coefficient performance, volumetric capacity of the refrigerant, pressure in the condenser and pressure in the evaporator were measured and found to be 5.05, 4420.7 kJ/m3, 1829.1 kPa and 635 kPa, respectively.    The results showed that the refrigerant composition could be effectively used as substitute for HCFC-22.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The organic refuse disposer further contains a moisture content detector to detect the moisture content of a deodorizing medium in the deodorizing apparatus and a controller to control the deodorizing medium stirring unit based on the detected result of the detector. A water supply unit (78) to supply water to the deodorizing medium is provided and a controller operates the water supply unit and drives the deodorizing medium stirring unit. A timer unit to set up the time interval which starts and stops the deodorizing medium stirring unit is provided. The organic refuse disposer further contains a handle provided to the rotation axis of the stirring unit. A common drive source which drives a stirring unit in a treatment tank to stir the process medium in the treatment tank and the deodorizing medium stirring unit is provided. The disposer further contains a decelerating unit and a clutch. The decelerating unit decelerates and transmits the drive velocity of the stirring unit in the treatment tank to the deodorizing medium stirring unit. The clutch is intermittent in transmission for the deodorizing medium stirring unit of drive force of the stirring unit in the treatment tank. A deodorizing medium in the deodorizing apparatus is similar to the process medium in the treatment tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Polymer: The synthetic polymer chip consists of a non-biodegradable polymer chosen from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, a polystyrene (PS) resin, a non-olefin-type resin and their mixture. The porous synthetic polymer chip consists of a biodegradable polymer chosen from polyhydroxy alkanoate, polyhydroxy butylate, and their mixture, and a photolysis property polymer.Preferred Properties: The synthetic polymer has specific gravity of 0.7-1.0 g/cm3 and water absorption amount of 20-145%. The synthetic polymer chip is not decomposed by the enzyme added for organic waste processing.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Foaming Agent: The foaming agent is sodium hydrogencarbonate or a diazo compound. 10-15 weight parts (wt.pts) of foaming agent are added for 100 wt.pts of resin pellet. EXAMPLE - Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (in weight parts) (1) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (10-20) were mixed at 200 degrees C and molded. The mixture was compacted at 180-230 degrees C and reduced pressure of 2.6x10 to the power 4, and a molded product was obtained. The product was washed using water and a washed synthetic polymer chip was obtained. The synthetic polymer chip was dried at 6 degrees C and then dried at temperature ranging from room temperature at 80 degrees C. The synthetic polymer chip had water absorption of 128-141%, after immersing in water for 3 hours at 60 degrees C. The synthetic polymer chip had specific gravity of 0.83-0.73. A tube was added with 0.15 g of synthetic polymer chip, 5 g of carrot, 5 ml of 10 mM phosphoric acid buffer and 0.025 g of boron nitride microbe formulation and sealed using micro filter. The tube was incubated for 2, 4, 6 and 8 days at 45 degrees C with rotation. The decomposition ratio per unit weight was not reduced after incubation of 8 days, showing the excellent supporting power of microorganisms.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The resulting heat energy heats the reactor compartment (2). The pressure (1-2 bar) within the reactor compartment (2) is greater than that of the oxidation compartment (1). The catalytic reaction (2) takes place at 650-980 degrees C, preferably 840 degrees C. The catalyst substrate is aluminum, lithium, magnesium, zinc, titanium oxides or a combination of these. The active component is nickel, iron and cobalt, or a combination.The reaction in the oxidation compartment (1) takes place at 750-950 degrees C, preferably 870 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: After drying, volume-reduction of the waste material is carried out.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: After supplying the organic waste to the methane fermentation tank, a nest of heating tubes is arranged in the acceptance tank. Warm water heated by using the waste heat produced during the electric power generation and heat-use, is supplied to the nest of heating tubes and organic waste is heated. An anaerobic digestion is performed in the methane-fermentation tank and methane fermentation is promoted, after performing souring of organic waste. After drying the straw separated, the dry installation and fermentation installation are heated using the waste heat produced in the electric power generation and/or heat-use. A heat-ray type flowmeter is provided to a pipe which removes methane gas from the methane-fermentation tank. The condensed water in the gas produced is removed and the dehumidified gas is heated in a pipe provided in front of the flowmeter and flowmeter is stabilized. The slurry from the methane-fermentation tank is divided during desulfurization of slurry by using microorganisms. A portion of slurry is introduced to the de-sulfuring apparatus without requiring power and remaining slurry is used as liquid fertilizer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The organic waste materials is from cattle feces, pig feces, hen droppings, agricultural waste material, life waste material or timber.Preferred Content: The moisture content of the compost is 70-75%. The compost comprises chaff, rice bran or wood chip in an amount of 10-30 weight% with respect to organic waste material. EXAMPLE - Bacillus cultured solution of 400 ml was cultivated in a culture medium containing dried milk-cow excrements of 4 L and sterilized water of 200 ml for 2 days at 55 degrees C. The cultured product was air dried, mixed with raw cattle feces, saw dust and rice bran in a ratio of 7:2:1 and the moisture content was adjusted to 60% to obtain a compost. The compost effectively deodorized the ammonia smell produced in the organic waste material was observed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Artificial Ridging: The artificial ridging contains peat-moss and bark compost, and woody-plant seed and/or herb seed. The artificial ridging contains compost (20 mass % or more) containing erosion control material (2 - 15 kg/m3). EXAMPLE - (In mass %) organic refuse (40), livestock excrement (30) and pruned branches (30) were stirred and fermented to form compost which contained carbon (21.3) with carbon rate of 10.6 C/N, nitrogen (2), water-soluble phenol (2.2 mM) and reducing sugar (13). Peat-moss and bark compost were mixed in a mass ratio of 1:1. The mixture was made into native substrate material. The native substrate material was mixed with the obtained compost to form a growth substrate. Nitrogen (6), phosphoric acid (38) and potassium (6) were added to the growth substrate to form a fertilizer. Chestnut coat CP-810 (RTM; polyvinyl acetate resin) (erosion control material) (4 kg/m3) was add-mixed with the fertilizer. The obtained growth substrate material was provided on a climax bush-clover, and seeds were dropped into the clover. The ground length of the climax bush clover was measured after 125 days. The ground length of the clover was 15 cm after 25 days, 32 cm after 50 days, 42 cm after 75 days, 51 cm after 100 days, and 52 cm after 125 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The proliferation medium of Actinomyces and/or mold contains calcium-, sodium-, potassium-compound and/or incineration ashes. The Actinomyces is high-, medium-, and/or low-temperature Actinomyces. The mold is Aspergillus and/or Penicillium microbe.Preferred Process: After completing culture of Actinomyces and/or mold, oil-based substance such as waste oil is added. The culture is stirred by stirring apparatus. The decomposition-treating agent is spread on the decomposition resistant organochlorine compounds. EXAMPLE - The actinomyces proliferation culture medium was obtained by inoculating Streptomyces fungicidus (IFO13344) in the culture medium containing and cattle feces (100 L), chaff (50 L), hardness bean jam lees and adzuki bean (50 L), incineration ashes (2 kg) and slaked lime (1 kg). The inoculum was cultivated for 7 days and stirred well once daily. A proliferation culture medium was obtained. 1% polychlorobiphenyls (PCB) dissolved in waste tempura oil was poured into the decompose-treating agent such that the medium contained 1000 ppm of PCB per proliferation culture medium. The medium was stirred well twice daily for 8 days at 20-25 degrees C, until the medium contained 2 ppbs of PCB per cultured medium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Anode gas: Fuel gas is taken from the anode chamber of the fuel cell and the burner is catalytic.Cathode gas: Air from the compressor passes through the cathode chamber and the cooled component (8) of the gas generator, before reaching the burner.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Materials : The monosaccharide is glucose and the medium can also contain other carbohydrates. The further buffers are hydrogen phosphate salts (especially K2HPO4 at 0.2 - 0.6 wt.%) and/or peptones (especially at 0.6 - 1.5 wt.%), with both wts. based on amount of water in the medium. The heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria are of the Lactobacillus genus, especially Lactobacillus buchneri Lb98c (DSM 13573) or a subspecies. The initial density of the homofermentative lactic acid bacteria is 0.05 - 0.15 % of the initial density of the heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria, the homofermentative lactic acid bacteria being of the Lactobacillus or Pediococcus genii, especially Lactobacillus plantarum B 5 (DSM 3676) or Lactobacillus plantarum W 2 (DSM 3677). EXAMPLE - A dry nutrient medium which could be shaken in non-chlorinated water (1l) with ca. 20 mg of freeze-dried heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria based on Lactobacillus buchneri Lb98c of bacterial density 5 x 10 to the power of 11/g (or of a freeze-dried culture containing homo- and hetero-fermentative lactic acid bacteria) and then incubated for 4 days at 24 degrees Centigrade to give a pH of 4.26 and a bacterial count of 4.1 x 10 to the power of 9/ml comprised glucose (12g), digested casein-derived peptone (10g), yeast extract (5g), Na acetate (3g), diammonium hydrogencitrate (2g), dipotassium hydrogenphosphate.3H2O (4g), MgSO4.7H2O (200mg) and MnSO4.4H2O (50mg).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Polymers: The polymer crosslinked product is a unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer containing repeat units of formula (I) or (II).R1, R2 = H or methyl;X1 = H, alkali metal or ammonium;Y1 and Y2 = H or COOX2;X2 = as for X1;Z = group of formula (III);R3 = one of R3 is amino, amide or -OR, and the rest is 1-8C hydrocarbon, halogen, -SR, -COOX3, -SO3,X3, -CHO, -NO2, OR -CH;R = H or 1-4C hydrocarbon;X3 = H, alkali metal or ammonium;R4 = H, methyl or ethyl;Ar = 18C or less aromatic hydrocarbon or hetero ring; andk = 1-5.The polymer contains structures (IV) or (V). The polymer also contains repeat units of formula (i) or (ii),R6 = H or methyl;R7 = H, methyl or ethyl;R8 = 1-8C hydrocarbon or amino,R9 = H or 1-4C hydrocarbon and at least one of R8, R9 is amino or OR9;m, n = 0-5; and(m+n) = 1-5.Preferred Composition: The amount of (ii) is 0.25-30 mol %. The aid is used at 0.01-30 wt.% based on the compost. The amount of (II) is 30 mol % or less. EXAMPLE - Acrylic acid (3.6 g), N-(4-hydroxylphenyl)acrylamide (0.82 g), and methanol (22 ml) were mixed. Azobisisobutyronitrile (0.18 g) was added and the polymerisation lasted for 5 hours. The product contained 5.0 mol% of (II).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst bed comprise non-noble metals consisting of chromium, manganese, cobalt, iron or nickel, or noble metals consisting of palladium, platinum, rhodium or gold, supported on cerium oxide or zirconium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The plastic material is copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile. The ligneous material has mean dimension of 0.5-2 mm. The mean dimension of microspheres is preferably 25-35 mum. The composition has proportion of void or hollow spaces filled with air or fluid of more than 50 %. The stopper comprises natural cork particles (1-87 %), closed cellular structured plastic material (4-60 %) and glue (9-70 %) selected from polyurethane or acrylic, and further comprises latex emulsions and pigments. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The hydrocarbon expansion agent is isobutane or n-pentane.    EXAMPLE - Microspheres of copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile (in mass %) (4-6), cork powder and/or granules (40-50), polyurethane glue (30-40) and latex and wax or water and catalyst (less than 15) were mixed and molded to obtain a stopper. The stopper had appearance of natural cork and contacted efficiently with the wine bottle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Organic refuse disposer: The processing medium is used as deodorizing medium which removes the odor and microorganism included in the exhaust gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Bio-type waste disposer: Bio-type waste disposer has a stirring blade (19) for mixing inclusions with stored organic refuse, at prescribed stirring speed, stirring time, stirring halt and stirring direction to correspond with fixed temperature switch of the sheet-like heater (17). The dry fan (15) and suction fan (30) respectively produce an airflow and perform ventilation of stored organic refuse, with the blast weight of fan, ventilation time and halt set to correspond with the fixed temperature switch of heater. The catalyst deodorizing apparatus (31) which reduces or removes odor generated from organic refuse housing (11), has its deodorization capability set relatively to temperature of heater. A remote control such as changeover switch regulates temperature of heater arbitrarily. The disposer uses the measured operational time, detected amount of organic refuse gas concentration and odor, detected humidity or moisture content rate of inclusion, weight or volume of inclusion for automatically switching the set-up temperature of heater. The disposer has a culture tank (45) for cultivating microorganism, a conveyor for supplying cultivated microorganism to the organic refuse housing. Temperature setting partitions and tanks are provided respectively to breed and decrease or eliminate microorganism, along with conveyors for transferring processed material between the partitions or tanks. The organic refuse is heat dried to 50-80%. The fermentation process is carried out by microorganisms decomposition after organic refuse is preferably dried to 60-80%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: A fermentation active liquid is ad-mixed with shochu-liquor dregs which is then fermented. The readily-mixable concrete washed sludge or a ground stone powder is mixed to the neutral or fermented shochu-liquor dregs and dried. EXAMPLE - Treacle (in g) (10) was dissolved in hot water (30) at 40-50 degrees C. Shochu-liquor dregs (150) was mixed into the liquid by stirring. Effective microorganisms (10) were added to the mixture. The liquid mixture was placed in a plastic container and sealed with a stopper. The plastic container was stored in a room at normal temperature of 20-30 degrees C. A gas was produced from the liquid mixture before or after 15-30 days and plastic container expanded. When plastic container expanded, stopper was loosened and gas was removed. After 6 months, ester smell was eliminated. The shochu-liquor dregs and readily-mixable concrete washed sludge were mixed with ground stone powder and shochu-liquor dregs were neutralized. The processed material was effectively used as soil improvement material and germination promotion material. The obtained processed material was packed in a molding frame and a wooden seedling was grown. The grown wooden seedling was separated from molding frame provided in water edge of river or bank and vegetation or greening was obtained. Contamination of soil or river was prevented.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Sheet: The moisture permeable sheet has air permeability of less than 3000 second/100 cc, and consists of a porous thermoplastic resin film, a porous cloth or a laminate of porous thermoplastic resin film and porous cloth. The porous thermoplastic resin film and/or porous cloth contains light-shieldable pigment. The porous thermoplastic resin film is porous polyolefin resin film. The light-shieldable pigment is carbon black. EXAMPLE - 12-hydroxy stearic acid (in weight parts) (2) was mixed with calcium carbonate NS1000 (RTM) (100) with mean particle diameter of 1.2 microm, and processed at 100 degrees C for 10 minutes. Polyethylene resin (100), linear low density polyethylene FG20G (RTM) (84) with density of 0.921 g/cm3 and melt index of 1 g/10 minutes, carbon black masterbatch (16) consisting of 60:40 low density polyethylene and carbon black and having melt index of 2 g/10 minutes, dipentaerythritol hexaoctanoate G-600 (RTM) (2), hindered amine group optical stabilizer Tinuvin 622LD (RTM) (2), ultraviolet absorber Cyasorb UV-531 (RTM) (1) and surface-treated calcium carbonate (165) were mixed uniformly at 220 degrees C using a tandem-die kneading extruder, and processed in the shape of a pellet. The pellet was melt-extruded at 200 degrees C. The film formed was uniaxially stretched to obtain a 50 microm thick porous polyolefin resin film. The resin film was bonded to a nylon group spun bond nonflammable cloth with fabric weight of 80 g/m2 and a moisture-permeable sheet was obtained. The moisture-permeable sheet had water vapor permeability of 3300 g/m2/24 hours, air permeability of 250 seconds/100 cc and color difference (Lasterisk) of 30. When excrements sediment was coated with moisture-permeable sheet, drying and fermentation sediment were enhanced effectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Components: 0.5-15 weight% (wt.%) of amino acid solution is also added to the fermentation processing apparatus.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The artificial ridging comprises another soil improvement material or general ridging apart from the composite and a fertilizer. EXAMPLE - Organic refuse (in mass %) (40), livestock excrements (30) and pruned branches (30) were mixed and compost was produced. The compost had a carbon content of 21.3%, nitrogen 2.0%, ratio of carbon-nitrogen of 20.6%, water-soluble phenol of 2.2 mM and reduced sugar ratio of 13%. The prepared compost was mixed with amber soil in various proportions of 0%, 30%, 80% and 100%. A growth substrate containing nitrogen (6), phosphoric acid (38) and potassium (6) was prepared. Dianthus caryophyllus L was seeded in the amber soil mixed with the compost and the obtained growth substrate. The number of flower settings of the seeded plant was found to be 4 after 100 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Waste: The organic waste is sewage sludge, organic waste water sludge, human waste sludge, livestock excrement and/or organic refuse. Organic waste is fermented under a reduced pressure of 650 mm/Hg. EXAMPLE - Human waste sludge containing 15 % of total solids was fed to a methane fermentation tank. The tank was maintained at 55 degreesC, and methane fermentation was continued for 15 days. The total solid decomposition ratio was 40 %, and the methane recovery amount was 1 Nm3/kg.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - The fermented material mixed with the slurry preferably comprises shredded paper, optionally mixed with other cellulosic materials, e.g. manure, straw or grass, that has been fermented with cellulase-producing bacteria, e.g. Clostridium and certain Bacillus species.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The units for exothermically converting the gas components are arranged inside the reactor vessel and introduce reaction partners into the vessel. The conversion is accelerated using a catalyst (6) which is arranged in the vessel. The vessel is surrounded by a pipe system through which a part of the gas stream is passed. The pipe system has a feed pipe for the reaction partners.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Method: Mushrooms are grown and the waste from this is converted into humus by earthworms. These are used as food in raising fish, crayfish and poultry and the humus is used to grow vegetables in greenhouses and in the open. The vegetables are used in growing mushrooms and also in raising poultry.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The sensor assembly detects a first and second triggering events, the first is related to one of water and carbon-containing feedstock delivered to the reservoir and the second is related to the remaining water and carbon-containing feedstock. Each triggering event includes measurable event in predetermined threshold value or range of values representative of water, carbon-containing feedstock or total liquid in reservoir is reached or exceeded. The feedstock delivery system produces a feed stream containing a mix ratio of water and carbon-containing feedstock. It produces feed stream containing 10-50 (preferably at least 100)% more water than stoichiometric mix ratio of water to carbon-containing feedstock.The sensor assembly includes sensor external or internal the reservoir. It can be a gravimetric or volumetric reservoir. he sensor can be refractive index sensor, densitometer, viscometer, spectrophotometer, or electrical conductive sensor. The reservoir includes partition for segregating reservoir into two regions such as neck having reduced cross-sectional area compared to the rest of the region. The reservoir including a mixing device to promote mixing of carbon-containing feedstock and the water in the reservoir. The carbon-containing feedstock is soluble in water or emulsion with water and may further include surfactant.The system further comprises computerized controller for regulating the flow of the streams into the reservoir in response to triggering events detected by the sensor assembly.The system comprises a fuel cell stack to receive product hydrogen stream and to produce an electric current, and energy consuming device to draw a portion of electric current produced by fuel cell stack.Preferred Method: The two feedstock components are mixed to form an emulsion before being delivered as feed stream to the fuel processor. The feedstock components are delivered to a reservoir.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Aerator: The internal motor and gearbox are mounted on said stationary shaft. The stationary shaft extends through the first and said second ends of the drum, and the first and said second ends contain sealed bearings for supporting the stationary shaft. The support frame includes support shaft receptors for the stationary shaft. The support frame also includes fastening devices to secure the floatation devices to the support frame. The paddles are affixed to the continuous side surface in a staggered sigmoidal pattern. Preferably, the paddles are perforated, are elliptically shaped - formed by progressive bends in the paddles - have a series of generally fan shaped bends, and are wider at the base and narrower at the ends.Preferred Method: The method comprises:(a) electrical operation of the motor mounted internally within the drum, where the motor turns the gears of the geardrive, which in turn rotates the sealed drum; and(b) rotation of the elliptical and perforated paddles through the liquid medium, causing the liquid medium to be agitated and exposed to increased levels of the gaseous medium surrounding the liquid medium, and causing mixing of the stratified bands.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Corn Composition: The corn material comprises solid corn material and/or corn oil. It also includes corn waste. The nutrients comprise compound(s) which releases nitrogen and phosphorus. The compost comprises animal manure. The corn material is present, on a weight basis, at 0.01-18 solid corn material/total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), 0.02-20/carbon and 0.01-8 corn oil/TPH, or 0.01-10 corn oil/carbon.Preferred Method: The hydrocarbonaceous material is contacted with the corn material in the presence of bacteria or nutrient(s) for the bioremediation at a carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratio of 300:1:1 to 10:1:1. The hydrocarbonaceous material is in contact with a solid substrate, a particulate solid substrate, or preferably water. The oil is applied by spraying. The solid corn material comprising corn waste and compost are mixed with the hydrocarbon contaminant. The corn material is mixed in the hydrocarbonaceous material to cause at least an initial increase in the volume of the material being treated of at least 5%, preferably 5-50%. The bioremediation is conducted until at least 50% of the hydrocarbon material is bioremediated. EXAMPLE - Corn material (100 g) as waste was blended in a contaminated waste mix. The corn waste comprised the stalks, leaves, and husks and was 30 vol.% of the volume of the contaminated sludge waste mix. The C:N:P ratio was 64:0.9:1. A white fungus was present in the corn material and contributed to the microbiological activity. Infra-red analysis, for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), showed that the corn material exhibited a total TPH % degradation rate significantly higher than control experiments using straw or pine wood chips (about 82%, 77% and 74% respectively).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Alternately, a controlled mixture of light hydrocarbon gases and oxygen containing oxygen and carbon in molar ratio of not more than 1, is passed through bed (B2) irradiated with microwaves; and bed (B2) is further exposed to preset amount of water vapor required for steam reforming reaction with light hydrocarbons, (or) light alcohol is passed through microwave irradiated bed (B2) comprising carbonaceous material and bed is exposed to preset amount of water vapor required for hydrogen production by microwave catalysis.The water vapor comprises steam, and enters bed (B2) in the form of liquid water. The gas exiting the bed is below 400degreesF. The microwave comprises radio frequency energy of 500-5000 MHz.Preferred Material: The carbonaceous material is activated carbon, char, soot, pyrolytic carbon, carbon black, activated charcoal or metal carbides. The bed is fluidized, fixed, semi-fluidized, suspended or moving bed.The bed (B2) is composed of an oxidation catalyst energized by carbonaceous material, which further comprises mixture of metal carbide and catalyst material or conventional substrate impregnated with metal carbides consisting of silicon carbide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The light hydrocarbon is chosen from group of hydrocarbons consisting of not more than 6 carbon atoms per molecule, preferably methane. EXAMPLE - A microwave reactor comprising microwave passing quartz tube packed with a bed containing oxidation/reduction catalyst (Pro VOC-7) mixed with fine silicon carbide particles, was fed with steam, oxygen and methane at flow rate of 1.2 g/minute, 0.0378 mol/minute and 0.0446 mol/minute, respectively. The reactor was found to produce hydrogen at 64.78%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The superposition of heat from two heat sources, pyrolyzes the coal in the 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 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 - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Properties: The pH of the sludge after alkali treatment is 10-12 and the pH of the neutralized sludge is 6-8.Preferred Conditions: The temperature of the alkali-treated activated sludge is 35-40degreesC. Preferred Method: Alternately, organic waste containing alanine, glucose and/or carbohydrates which is decomposable by alpha-amylase is processed in an aerator containing activated sludge. A portion of activated sludge is transferred to activation tank and organic waste water is added to the activated tank after alkali treatment. Further the Bacillus bacteria spore in the activated sludge is converted into vegetative cell and returned to the aerator. EXAMPLE - 100 ml of sludge, collected from an aerator (4) was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. The sludge was added to 100 ml of sterilized sewage. 6 samples of the sludge was adjusted to pH 9,10,10.5,11,12 and unadjusted at 7.3, respectively, and shook for 1.5 hours at 25degreesC. 5 ppm of glucose and 10 ppm of L-alanine were added to each sample. The sludge was adjusted to pH 7 at 25degreesC and shook for 1.5 hours. The number of microbes in the sample after shaking was measured. The total number of microbes was reduced as pH was increased by alkaline treatment. The number of bacteria Bacillus spores were found to increase in the alkaline sludge, as the spores were resistant. The vegetative cell were found to increase by reducing the pH during neutralization. Bacillus bacteria proportion was found to be 16%, 24%, 41%, 81%, 85% and 93% at pH 7.3, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, and 12, respectively. The vegetative cell proportion in Bacillus bacteria was found to be 9.2%, 11%, 28%, 60%, 82% and 81%, respectively at pH 7.3, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, and 12, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The swollen base material is dismantled and supplied in processing container. The necessary time elapsed in the swelling of microorganism base material is measured. The base material is a ground material of fiber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The generated compost in the high pressure tank is ejected out. Then, fresh EWM of same amount is put into the tank and processed. The unprocessed material after completion of process is again placed in the tank. The EWM is heated and placed in the tank. The EWM is pre-heated in the pre-heating tank.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: 30-40 parts of organic waste containing potassium is added to 60-70 parts of fragment-like plant waste material and mixed to adhere the organic waste containing potassium on to the surface of the fragment-like plant waste material, and organic substance raw material having moisture content of 50-60% is obtained. 40-60 weight parts (wt.pts) of the organic substance raw material is subjected to aeration-fermentation with 40-60 parts of the mixture The product is subjected to fermentation as above.Preferred Material: The plant waste material is waste obtained by pruning trees, waste material of building, cut plants and saw dust. The organic waste containing potassium is foodstuff waste material such as sauce, liquid, dregs of bean curd, coffee bean, livestock domestic fowl and human waste.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbes: The super aerobic thermophilic bacteria is Bacillus FERMP-15085, FERMP-15086, FERMP-15087, FERMP-15536, FERMP-15537, FERMP-15538, FERMP-15539, FERMP-15540, FERMP-15541 and/or FERMP-15542. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    No biological data given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.    EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The dioxins containing medium is contacting with microorganism. The medium contains waste material incinerated type contaminant and 0.1 ng-TEQ/g of dioxins.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The organic waste is inoculated and supplied to a treatment tank or breeding. The actinomycetes from the treatment tank is in active state and the crushed organic waste is supplied to the treatment tank. The reaction mixture is stirred and the organic waste is composted. The number of active actinomycetes contained in the organic waste is 200000-10000000000/g.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The biogas production system further comprises an energy recovery unit (6) for recovering energy produced during liquefaction, electrical power generating device (7), and pipeline (9) for transporting the biogas. The purification device removes the impure gases contained in the biogas, and has liquefier for liquefying the biogas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: A biocapacity detector detects amount of supply of biogas. A calorific value detector detects the calorific value of biogas, and comprises a carbon dioxide densitometer. A controller controls the supplementary fuel gas supply apparatus and the air mixer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The temperatures are 650-850degreesC in the first reactor, 1000-1100degreesC in the second, and 1400-1600degreesC in the third. The solids in the second reactor are fluidized using high temperature steam and the solids in the third reactor are fluidized using compressed air. The pressure in the reactor system is 2-20 atmospheres. The ratio of calcium atoms to iron in the solids circulating between the fluidized beds is 1.5-2. The rate of solids circulation between the second and third reactors is such that the ratio of iron(II) oxide entering the third reactor to oxygen in the air entering the third reactor is 4:1-5:1 mole of oxygen. The pressure of the superheated steam is 7 atmospheres.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The low temperature shift effluent stream is passed to a shift effluent cooler and the low temperature shift effluent stream is cross-exchanged with a third water stream, comprising deionized water, to provide a cooled low temperature shift effluent stream and a partially vaporized preheated water stream and combining the vaporized preheated water stream with a desulfurized fuel stream to provide a feedstream to a hydrogen generation zone. The hydrogen generation zone comprises a reaction from steam reforming and/or autothermal reforming.Preferred Condition: The high temperature shift conditions are at 400-450 degreesC. The low temperature shift conditions are at 180-220 degreesC. A temperature difference between an inlet and an outlet of the low temperature shift reaction zone is 40-70 degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The high temperature shift catalyst is iron oxide and/or chromic oxide. The low temperature shift catalyst comprises cupric oxide and zinc oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The electricity generator uses the biodiesel fuel other than biogas as a fuel for electric-power generation. The biodiesel fuel throughput of the biodiesel producer is more than 0.5 t/day.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The animal and vegetable fats are vegetable oils, unused oil and/or used oil. EXAMPLE - Organic refuse and waste edible oil were processed at 20 t/day and 2.5 t/day, respectively. The biogas amount produced from the organic refuse was 700 m3/day. The amount of glycerol produced from waste edible oil was 0.125 t/day. The amount of biogas produced from the glycerol was 1300 m3/tonne. The biogas generation amount by glycerol was 160 m3/day. The total biogas generation amount was 860 m3/day. The electric-power generation amount by biogas was 1720 KWhour/day. The electric-power balance after power consumption was 470 KWhour/day.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: A microbe having dioxin decomposability is contacted with the dioxin containing solid waste. A heavy metal fixative (H) is used, while processing the solid waste containing dioxin and heavy metal. EXAMPLE - White-rod fungi were cultivated by a liquid medium for filamentous fungi. Microbial cells were separated by filtration and used as dioxin degradation enzyme liquid. The liquid (1 l) was put into a beaker. A dust-collection board was immersed to the liquid and pH was adjusted to 7. Reaction at 30 degrees C for 24 hours was performed. The board was washed in water and dried. The dioxin level of the board surface was measured. The dioxin adhered were efficiently decomposed and removed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Apparatus: The enzyme is chosen from protein, starch, cellulose, lipid, cellulase, hemicellulase, xylanase, mannanase, pectinase, lipase, protease, amylase, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, catalase, lactase and papain.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The microorganism groups passing through the organic substrate is resisted and allowed to propagate in the bioreactor. The bioreactor is a complete-mixing type bioreactor of the passing away type. The organic substrate is stirred and the dissolved hydrogen gas is made to release in a gaseous phase. The organic substrate is organic waste. The hydraulic-study residence of time as the microorganism group is 0.01-3.0 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The gas for partial combustion is oxygen, air or water vapor. The gas for gasification is water vapor which is supplied at an amount of 20-60% based on the amount of biomass.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The ignition combustion zone is provided at the upstream side of the gasifier at which the biomass supply and gas supply unit (I) are connected. The gasification region is provided at the downstream side of ignition region at which the gas supply unit (II) is connected. The gasifier has a burner nozzle which has an outer-side nozzle connected to the gas supplying unit (I), an inner-side nozzle connected to the gas supplying unit (II) and a center nozzle connected to the biomass supply unit. The outer-side nozzle and inner-side nozzle are provided along same axis and have same length. The center nozzle is further provided along same axis and has a length shorter than the inner-side nozzle. The space between the center nozzle and the inner-side nozzle forms the ignition combustion zone and the downstream side of the burner nozzle forms the gasification region.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The hydrocarbon feedstock is a hydrocarbon stream boiling at 50-110degreesC. The hydrocarbon stream is an alkylate stream, or a naphtha stream. The naphtha stream comprises at least30 wt.%, preferably 60-90 wt.% of 7C hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon feedstock comprises 2-60 vol.%, preferably 10-30 vol.% cyclic hydrocarbon(s) having 5C and/or 6C ring. The cyclic hydrocarbon(s) comprises naphthenes and aromatic compounds, optionally substituted, with 1-6C alkyl substituents, preferably less than 3C alkyl substituents.The naphthenes comprise 6-20C, preferably 7-12C. The cyclic hydrocarbon(s) is cyclopentane; methyl cyclopentane; dimethyl cyclopentanes such as 1,1-dimethylcyclopentane, 1,2-dimethyl cyclopentane, and 1,3-dimethyl cyclopentane; ethyl cyclopentane; cyclohexane, methyl cyclohexane; dimethyl cyclohexane; ethyl cyclohexane; n-pentyl cyclohexane; benzene; toluene; dimethyl benzene; ethyl benzene; or n-butyl benzene.The hydrocarbon feedstock comprises (vol.%) n-heptane (25-40), mono-branched 7C (10-28), di-branched 7C (5-15), naphthenes (20-40), and aromatics (0-5). The ring-opening catalyst contains both a metal function and an acidic function.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The metal function is performed by using a Group VIII metal, preferably iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, and/or palladium. The acid function is provided by a zeolitic material. The isomerization catalyst is a superacid which is a Lewis acid of formula MXn.M = element from Group 13, 14, 15, or 16 of the periodic table;X = halo;n = 3-6.The Lewis acid is employed in combination with a Bronsted acid which is HX, fluorosulfuric acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, and/or trifluoroacetic acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The second portion of the synthesis gas is separated from the first effluent before being subjected to Fischer-Tropsch process. The second hydrocarbonaceous product is processed into jet fuel, diesel fuel, other distillate fuel, lube base stock, or lube base feed stock. The high octane aromatic gasoline and high octane gasoline range alkylate are mixed to produce a high octane gasoline blend component comprising 5-10C material including greater than 10% aromatics and greater than 10% dimethyl iso-paraffins. The synthesis gas is provided from methane, light hydrocarbons, coal, and/or petroleum products. The unreacted portion of the synthesis gas is separated from the first effluent before the alkylating step. The dual functional syngas conversion process is conducted at 50 atm and 400degreesC and using a dual functional synthesis gas conversion catalyst.The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process is conducted at 20 atm and 245degreesC using a cobalt catalyst. The alkylation step is conducted at 20degreesC over sulfuric acid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The first hydrocarbonaceous product includes high octane aromatic gasoline. The iso-paraffins of the first hydrocarbonaceous product are iso-butane. The second hydrocarbonaceous product includes linear alcohol, linear acid, and naphtha, and linear olefins (e.g., 3-5C). It includes at least10C material comprising greater than 70% paraffins. The first effluent and the second portion of synthesis gas include unreacted synthesis gas (20).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The dual functional synthesis gas conversion catalyst comprises zinc, chromium, ZSM-5 zeolite in acidic form.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The mixture further includes water. The catalyst comprises a noble or transition metal, preferably nickel. It can be a metal oxide, metal or metal hydride alloy.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The combining step causes a reaction between the hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon and the base in the liquid phase.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon compound is an alcohol, preferably methanol or ethanol. It can be an aldehyde. The base is in the form of an aqueous solution. It can be an alkali metal hydroxide compound, preferably sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. EXAMPLE - Methanol (40 ml) was mixed with a solution containing water (20 ml) and potassium hydroxide (40 g) in the reaction flask in the presence of a catalyst. A platinum supported on high surface activated carbon (Pt/C) catalyst was used. At reaction temperature above 65 degreesC, a gas was observed to evolve from the catalyst surface. The gas was collected and determined to be hydrogen gas. The presence of hydrogen gas indicated that hydrogen production occurred at a measurable rate in the presence of the base and catalyst above 65 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The hydrocarbon fuel used for the fuel cell is selected from methane, natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, naphtha and mixtures.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The hydrogen separation member comprises a base designed as a porous body formed by a thin metal plate, and a coat formed on opposed faces of the base and allowing penetration of hydrogen.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Material: The base is made of a five metal alloy. The coat is made of palladium or its alloy, vanadium, niobium or tantalum. The flow channels are made of stainless steel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The additive further includes petroleum amines, aromatic hydrocarbon(s), and anionic and ionic surfactants.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The flow field plate forms a part of a fuel cell stack. A manifold aperture of the flow field plate forms of a portion of a reactant inlet manifold (210) of the fuel cell stack. The system further comprises catalyst pellets housed in the manifold, where the first catalyst material forms a portion of the catalyst pellets. The flow field plate comprises reactant flow field channels (240) where the first catalyst material is disposed on the reactant flow field channels. The system further comprises a gas diffusion layer that forms a portion of the reactant circulation path, where the first catalyst material is disposed on the gas diffusion layer. It further comprises a water transport membrane that has a first surface that forms a portion of the reactant circulation path, where the first catalyst material is disposed on the first surface of the water a transport membrane. A catalyst material is disposed on the monolith. The water transport membrane with a second surface adapted to receive a flow of a gas comprising water vapor.Preferred Condition: The operating temperature of the fuel cell is less than 100 or 100-200 degrees C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Components: The system further comprises a ceramic monolith housed in the manifold, where the first catalyst material is disposed on the monolith.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The fuel cell comprises polybenzimidazole polymer electrolyte membrane(s). It also comprises a polyether ether ketone polymer electrolyte membrane(s).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The first catalyst material is suitable for reducing carbon monoxide in the reactant circulation path to less than 5000 or 10000-2000 to less than ppm.Preferred Material: The first catalyst material comprises copper, zinc or platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Transverse grooves are formed on one of the opposed surfaces in a preselected pattern. The sheet is impregnated with a resin, and a predetermined pattern of transverse grooves is embossed. The sheet is cured, and sintered.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The water resistant additive comprises a fluoropolymer, or a 2-10 wt.% (preferably 2-30 wt.%) polytetrafluoroethylene material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The gas is selected from a group consisting of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, N2H2 and other deuterated forms of these gases.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Preparation: The catalyst is made by impregnating zirconia with a solution containing ruthenium and potassium, calcining, and reducing.Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises ruthenium (0.1-10 wt.%) and potassium (0.1-10 wt.%). At least 20% of catalyst's pore volume comprises pores having a diameter of 0.1-300 micron.Preferred Method: Hydrogen is produced using water gas shift reaction by flowing a reactant gas mixture containing carbon monoxide (3-20%), carbon dioxide (3-20%), hydrogen (10-60%) and water (3-60%), for a contact time of 3-100 ms and at a temperature of 200-420 degreesC (preferably 250-350 degreesC).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The hydrogen-production system also includes a fuel cell to form a fuel-processing system, and a secondary carbon monoxide clean-up system. EXAMPLE - Zirconium oxide was ground and sieved into 70-100 mesh. Ruthenium was impregnated onto the zirconium oxide support to its incipient wetness point (0.4 cc/g) from an aqueous solution of ruthenium (III) chloride hydrate. The impregnated sample was set at room temperature for 30 minutes and dried under vacuum at 100 degreesC overnight. The resulting catalyst was calcined under ambient conditions with a ramping rate of 5 degreesC/min to 350 degreesC and held at this temperature for 1 hour. The catalyst was tested using a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide (8%), carbon dioxide (7%), hydrogen (38%) and water (47%) at 25 ms contact time. Results were as shown in figure 1.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred System: The fermentation housing is sealed, such that the chamber interior is interrupted with supply of outer air. A stirring unit and an air feed pipe are in a fermenter, to stir the organic refuse and to promote aerobic fermentation of the organic refuse by oxygen supply. A ventilation hole (22) attracts outer air into the housing. A suction fan (62) draws and ejects internal room air to the atmosphere, after passing through deodorizer (26). The air blower is connected to the air feed pipe. The wall of the housing is made of light transmission material. A waste water tank is near the housing, to collect waste water of organic refuse in the fermenter, before processing by a piping connected with a sprayer. The sprayer is in the housing, which has waste extraction opening connected to the piping.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The concentrated plankton culture water is dehydrated using a dehydrator (9). The dehydrated water is used as feed for culture tank.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Parts: A diffuser (13) is arranged in the algae culture tank for releasing the base of the rectangular box of hollow shape arranged horizontally and air jet nozzles which form a triangular weir on the aperture edge of the both surfaces of the rectangular box formed in a predetermined space.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The adjustment of pH before adding dioxin decomposition microbe is performed by adding organic acids, such as wood vinegar and bamboo acid liquid. EXAMPLE - Bromus japonicas (dog wheat), Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), Erigeron philadelphicus (hull dione), Tradescantia reflexa, Rumex acetosa, Lapsana apogonoides, Artemisia princeps (mugwort), Vicia angustifolia, Miscanthus sinensis (pampass grass), Eleusine indica, Taraxacum officinale, Poa annua, Brassica campestris (rapeseed plant), Sagina japonica (clover) and Cayratia japonica were mixed, crushed and thrown into a composting apparatus. The moisture content was controlled to 55-70%, the temperature was 45degreesC, and primary fermentation was performed for 72 hours. After completion of primary fermentation, the temperature was 20-35degreesC and the pH was 7. Pleurotus osteatus, Trametes versicolor, Hypoxylun deustrum were added as white-rot fungi for logarithmic proliferative culture liquid. Secondary fermentation was performed at 20-35degreesC, pH of 7-8 and a moisture content of 55-70%. 10 kg of obtained white-rot fungi addition compost was thrown into a small composting apparatus and 9 kg of dioxin contaminated soil was added and stirred at 20degreesC. The stir operation was continued for 3 weeks at 12 times per day for 3 minutes. As a result, octachloro dibenzodioxin decomposed at an average rate of 46.5% and octachloro dibenzofuran decomposed at an average rate of 28%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - The high molecular compounds of hollow fiber is selected from cellulose group compound, polypropylene group compound, aromatic polyimide group compound and aromatic polyamide group compound.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The gas feed drive has a gas conveyance path (21) which connects the organic-substance process chamber and the plant-cultivation chamber. Carbon dioxide gas is conveyed to the plant-cultivation chamber through the gas conveyance path. A storage chamber (22) is provided in the middle of the gas conveyance path. Carbon dioxide gas is stored in the storage chamber. A pump (24) is provided in the middle of the gas conveyance path. The pump is controlled by the amount of sunshine detected by a detector to detect the amount of sunshine to the plant-cultivation chamber. The gas conveyance path is connected to a discharge port (10) which connects the outside of the processing chamber. An inflow port (18) is connected to the outside of the plant-cultivation chamber. A separator (23) is provided to separate gas and water content, in the middle of the process chamber or the gas conveyance path. A one-way valve (9) which accepts only gas inflow, is provided to the organic-substance process chamber. A one-way valve (17) which accepts only gas effusion, is provided to the plant-cultivation chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The water vapor is obtained using the heat generated in the process.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The water vapor supply unit has a water circulation unit provided in the gasifier for circulating water (3) in the gasifier. The water circulation unit comprises pipings (14a,14b) having spiral provided along longitudinal direction of the gasifier. The wall of the gasifier has lattice-form circulation line. The gasifier has several heat accumulation units having thermal storage material, and a switching unit for changing circulation of water and gas alternately. The inner space of the gasifier is divided by a partition plate which is provided from radial direction to longitudinal direction in a gasification furnace of the gasifier. The gasifier has switching unit for supplying biomass and oxygen to one side or other side of partition plate, alternately. The gasifier has two heat accumulation units, in which one of the unit is connected to one side of the partition plate and other unit is connected to other side of the partition plate. The apparatus has water introduction unit for supplying water towards the heat accumulation unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Features: Each heat exchanger is formed as a double helix and has a rectangular flow profile. The reformer, catalyst stages and heat exchangers are arranged in a cylindrical housing (17) having a cover (18) and a base (19).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Reactor: The helical feed tube and core are flexible to allow inclined or siphon-like presentation to the reactor. The feed spiral has an integral heater and is heat-insulated. The flexible spiral fed pipe discharges into the reactor at the top. A second helical abstraction tube is in the reactor base. Both inlet and outlet spirals are powered by the same motor. The discharge tube has double walls and a perforated inner tube. The fermenter reactor base terminates in a channel between inclined sidewalls. The inlet spiral discharge aperture has a back-flow prevention flap.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The molar ratio of (a) to (b) is 0.05-0.25, the molar ratio of (b) to (c) is 28-20, and the molar ratio of (e) to (a) is 8-24.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Film: The single gas permeation in the gas mixture is different from one another in the film.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The device comprises a second manifold connected to the other end of the subsystem modules for receiving process fluids from a fluid source and distributing the fluids among the subsystem modules. At least two elongated chambers are formed in the interior of elongated tubular members. Fluid streams from the subsystem modules are combined in fluid channels in at least one of the manifolds. The output of the device is controlled by controlling the valves to change the operational status of the subsystem modules in response to demand where the output of the device can be throttled while the subsystem modules to function at a desired output level. The control comprises a sensor(s) from hydrogen sensors or fuel cell electrical output sensors. Each sensor is connected to control logic circuitry for passing an output signal to control logic circuitry. The control logic circuitry produces an output signal for operating the valve in response to the output signal. The subsystem modules comprise nested tubes (14-18). Preferred Process: The process conducted in the device comprises steam reforming of a hydrocarbon to produce an output stream enriched in hydrogen. The output stream is connected to a hydrogen fuel cell. The processes can be heat exchange, flow mixing or flow splitting which is carried out in the manifolds.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The AC joule heating electrodes (30A, 30B, 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B) are coupled to the source of AC power via transformers comprising a primary winding and a pair of secondary windings wound around a magnetic core. Each pair of secondary winding comprises a first end coupled to a respective AC joule heating electrode, and a second end coupled to the DC power source. It has the same number of turns and the same size conductor but each wound in a direction for canceling a DC magnetic flux in the magnetic core when DC current flows in the pair of secondary windings. The DC power source comprises silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) having a positive and negative output. The apparatus also includes a diode having anode and cathode connected across the positive and negative outputs of the rectifier. Series of primaries are coupled to the source AC power via SCR static switch.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: The catalyst is coated on the anode using a polycationic substance e.g. polymixin as adhesive. The current produced by the fuel cell is greater than 1 mA/cm2 of surface area of the electrode.Preferred Method: The fuel cell is maintained at at least 30 degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Property: The partial pressure of hydrogen at the anode is greater then 1x104 Pa.Preferred Material: Part of the surface of the anode is made of carbon or graphite.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Component: The hydrogenase is Allochromatium vinosum (nickel-iron) hydrogenase. At least 50 % of the hydrogenase is in its active form.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Additive: The factors are of biological original and preferably are nutrients and/or growth factors, minerals, proteins, enzymes, biocides and/or fungicides. The ratio between the substrate and factors is 0.01-99, preferably 1-10, especially 0.1-0.3. The additive is in the form of particles, granulate or fibers. It may also contain stabilizers, fillers and other suitable additives, e.g. sedimentation aids.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substrates: Suitable substrates include inorganic material selected from plaster, cement, zeolite and/or bentonite.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Substrates: Suitable substrates include natural and/or synthetic organic polymers, preferably cellulose (poly-beta-(1.4)-D-glucose), regenerated cellulose and/or cellulose derivative, especially cellulose xanthate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The exposure to ultraviolet radiation and high-energy ionizing radiation is conducted sequentially or concurrently. The fluid is first exposed to ultraviolet radiation then to high energy radiation, or vice versa. The fluid is gravity fed through a treatment zone comprising the first and second zones, and open channel, and closed chamber.Preferred Components: The open channel comprises a flow of the fluid. The closed chamber confines the fluid within a predefined maximum distance from ultraviolet source and/or high-energy ionizing radiation source. The ultraviolet radiation source and/or high-energy ionizing radiation source is submersible in the fluid being treated. The ultraviolet radiation source is elongate and is disposed parallel or transverse to the direction of the flow or fluid. It comprises a low or medium pressure ultraviolet radiation source. The high-energy ionizing radiation comprises point source, spherical source, annular source or flat source. It is remote from the flow of fluid. It comprises high-energy electrons, gamma radiation or X-ray radiation.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Material: The single-cell protein material is derived from the biomass of a culture of bacteria including methanotrophic bacteria, and optionally at least one species of heterotrophic bacteria. The culture comprises Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) (strain NCIMB 11132), Ralstonia sp. DB3 (strain NCIMB 13287), and Brevibacillus agri DB5 (strain NCIMB 13289), optionally in combination with Aneurinibacillus sp. DB4 (strain NCIMB 13288).Preferred Method: The culture is produced by fermentation on hydrocarbon fractions or on natural gas, preferably fermentation on natural gas. EXAMPLE - Methanotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria including Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) (strain NCIMB 11132), Ralstonia sp. DB3 (strain NCIMB 13287), Brevibacillus agri DB5 (strain NCIMB 13289), and Aneurinibacillus sp. DB4 (strain NCIMB 13288) were cultivated, and the resulting biomass harvested and treated to produce a spray-dried, particulate homogenizate or a spray dried autolysate. The homogenizate or autolysate was suspended in sea water at 10-1000 ppm. This suspension of feed was circulated through a tank containing shellfish for 1-3 weeks.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Component: The Gux1 peptide may be an isolated polypeptide molecule comprising a 153, 640, 85, or 101 amino acid sequence, given in the specification, or an amino acid sequence having at least 70 % sequence identity with them. EXAMPLE - Genomic DNA was isolated from Acidothermus celluloticus and purifies on cesium chloride gradients. It was digested to produce DNA fragments at 9-20 kilobase pairs. The genomic DNA was ligated into the Bam H1 acceptor site of purified EMBL3 lambda phage arms. Phage DNA was packaged and plated with Escherichia coli LE392 that contained soluble cellulose analog, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Subsequent subcloning efforts employed the SL-3 clone that contained in 14.2 kilobase fragment of acidothermus celluloticus genomic DNS. Template DNA was constructed using a 9 klobase Bam H1 fragment obtained from 14.2 kilobase lambda clone SL-3. The templated DNA was polyethylene glycol precipitated and suspended in de-ionized water and adjusted to a final concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. Templates and sequencing primers were sequenced. Sequencing data from primer and subclones were assembled together. The product of sequencing was the novel Gux1 having thermal tolerance.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The reactant gas comprises acetylene and/or ethylene.Preferred Method: Ammonia gas is introduced into the chamber to activate the catalytic coating. The carbon nanotubes are grown in an orthogonal direction to a longitudinal axis of the substrate, or in a radial direction of the rod. Air is evacuated from the chamber by forming a vacuum in the chamber, or by displacement with an inert gas. The substrate is heated to 650-900 degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Coating: The catalytic coating is chosen from cobalt, nickel, iron, chromium and/or their alloys.Preferred Substrate: The substrate is made of at least one material chosen from carbon, metal and a ceramic, and is in the form of a rod or fiber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carrier: The zeolite carrier comprises crystalline silicate, ZSM-5 type zeolite, gamma-alumina, beta-type zeolite, A-type zeolite, Y-type zeolite, mordenite or anatase-type titania.
SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Hydrocarbon: The lower hydrocarbon is methane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: In addition to water or vapor which is supplied to the inlet of the heat exchanger, a chemical agent for decomposing impurity is supplied. EXAMPLE - A coke oven gas comprising nitrogen (in volume%) (8) having melting point of 221 degrees C and boiling point of 195.8 degrees C, methane (28) having melting point of -183 degrees C and boiling point of -161 degrees C, benzene (0.3-0.5) having melting point of 5.5 degrees C and boiling point of 80.2 degrees C, toluene (0.045-0.06) having melting point of -95 degrees C and boiling point of 111 degrees C, xylene (0.02-0.04) having melting point of 13 degrees C and boiling point of 138 degrees C, and water, nitrous oxide, oxygen and C4H6 was supplied to the hydrogen gas purifier. Benzene and xylene in the gas, precipitated in a heat exchanger (I) of the cooling installation of the purifier at a rate of 3360 m3-N/week. Without suspending the purifier, heat exchanger was switched and purification was performed. The heat exchanger (I) was washed during standby. The gas composition from the outlet of cooling installation comprised nitrogen (7.1), methane (23.22), benzene, toluene and xylene (0.5), and nitrogen oxide, oxygen and C4H6, and hydrogen gas was purified easily without reducing purification efficiency.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Gas: The natural gas is pure methane or mixed gas containing methane as main component. Preferred Liquid Material: The liquid material is chosen from paraffin hydrocarbons having molecular diameter of 0.75-0.98 nm or methyl cycloalkane. Preferred Process: The reaction raw material is continuously supplied into the container. A unit to collect reaction product continuously is provided to the pressure container. EXAMPLE - Methylcyclohexane (100 cm3) and water (500 cm3) were transferred to a reaction container. Methane gas was supplied to the container and the pressure of the container was set to 2.5 MPa. The container was sealed and water was sprayed in form of cone. The unreacted water was removed from lower part of water and H-shaped clathrate hydrate (0.46 g/minute) was obtained.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The components are aldehyde, carboxylic acid, amino acid, carbohydrate and saccharides. EXAMPLE - Acetaldehyde (0.1mM), 0.1M of sodium hydrogen carbonate, 0.1M of tris-hydrochloric acid buffer (pH 8.0), 1 unit of pyruvate-decarboxylase and 1 microM of its coenzyme carboxylase, 1 unit of L-lactate-dehydrogenase derived from mammal and 1 microM of its coenzyme NADH were added to 1 ml of deionized water and stirred at 20 degrees C for 12 hours. Subsequently after adding 1M hydrochloric acid to the above mixture, 22.8% of L-lactic acid is produced.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The back pressure regulating valve is controlled so as to maintain a constant percentage recovery of methane in the product gas. The gas flow (I) is passed as a recycle gas flow (I) from the low pressure rectification column to the high pressure rectification column. The recycle gas flow (I) is compressed, cooled in the main heat exchanger, liquefied in the condenser-reboiler and introduced into the high pressure rectification column. A methane product stream is withdrawn in liquid state from the low pressure rectification column, raised in pressure, and vaporized in the main heat exchanger(s) portion. A recycle gas flow (II) is taken from the low pressure rectification column, compressed, cooled in the main heat exchanger, and introduced in liquid state(s) into top of the high pressure rectification column. The recycle gas flow (II) is compressed to a higher pressure than the recycle gas flow (I). The recycle gas flows (I,II) are compressed in the same compressors, and the recycle gas flow (II) is taken from the downstream of the compressor from which the recycle flow (I) is taken. A vent stream is taken from the compressed recycle gas flow (I) and vented. The pressure in the low pressure rectification column is adjusted so as to maintain a constant percentage recovery of methane in the product gas. The bottom fraction obtained in the high pressure rectification column is withdrawn and sent to the low pressure rectification column.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Features: The wall foundations are cast in situ, using locally-mixed concrete. The connection between trough section and wall is interlocking and frictional. Steel- or reinforced concrete straps (5) are uniformly spaced, by a fraction of the system length.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Device: The main fuel cell comprises a polymer electrolyte cell (PEM), and the auxiliary cell is solid oxide type (SOFC).The auxiliary cell ensures a more rapid oxidation of CO than of H2, and the purification unit (12) is connected between the auxiliary cell (7) and the main cell (2).The auxiliary cell is connected to an auxiliary electrical supply circuit, the main cell being connected to a main electrical circuit (6).The auxiliary electrical circuit supplies electricity to an air supply module (3) which feeds the auxiliary and main cells.The device may also incorporate a gaseous permeation membrane for separation of H2 from the other gases; this is connected to the reformer (4), the purifier (12) and the auxiliary cell.The H2 is thus separated from the other gases, including CO, which are supplied to the auxiliary cell.The auxiliary cell may be branched electrically in parallel with the main cell and an electrical interface (17) for supply of electricity in a main circuit (16) is connected to the two cells.Preferred Process : Process for the supply of a gaseous mixture containing H2 and CO (not exceeding 100 ppm) which comprises a reforming stage for the conversion of a fuel into a gaseous mixture of H2 and CO and a purification stage to lower the CO content.The process also includes a stage of conversion of part of the chemical energy of the CO to electrical energy. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Parameter: The physical absorption process is carried out at low temperatures, preferably -30 to -10degreesC.Preferred Method: The physical absorption process is carried out by contacting the light products stream in a counter-current upward flow with the liquid absorbent. The carbon dioxide is removed from the synthesis gas by a continuous, regenerative physical absorption process using a liquid absorbent, such that the regeneration step of the two or more physical processes are combined.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The liquid absorbent is ethanol, acetone, dimethyl ether, methyl i-propyl ether, polyethylene glycol, xylene, or preferably methanol. The light hydrocarbons in the light product stream comprise 1-6C hydrocarbons, preferably 1-4C hydrocarbons, and the heavy product stream comprises 6C+ hydrocarbons, preferably 5C+ hydrocarbons. The absorbed hydrocarbons are 3-6C hydrocarbons, preferably 4-5C.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst used is a cobalt-based catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrated alumina component comprises boehmite, pseudoboehmite, or their mixtures.The transition alumina is gamma, delta, theta, eta, chi, or rho alumina or their mixtures.Preferred Process: The organic modifier is removed by solvent extraction and/or thermal treatment. The liquid or gas stream is a hydrocarbon preferably petroleum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The organic modifier component is a non-ionic surfactant including polyethylene oxide block co-polymer, an alkylene amine, an alkylene polyamine, a polypropylene oxide amine, a polypropylene oxide polyamine, or their mixtures. EXAMPLE - 21.78 g Al13 oligomer solution was mixed with 4.2 g of Pluronic P84 surfactant for 5 minutes. The mixture was aged at 25-45degrees C for 24 hours. The temperature of the mixture was elevated to 70degrees C for 6 hours. 3.02 g concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution was introduced to give a final overall Al/OH- ratio of 1:3. The gels were allowed to age at 70degrees C for an additional 6 hours and at 100degrees C for 24 hours. The as-synthesized mesostructured surfactant-boehmite composite composition (MSU-S/B) was air dried. The XRD (sic) powder patterns of the product exhibited low angle diffraction peaks indicative of a wormhole mesostructure with crystalline Boehmite walls and ammonium chloride as a by-product. The air-dried product was calcined in air at 325degrees C for 3 hours and at 550degreesC for 4 hours to completely remove the surfactant and the ammonium chloride by-product and to form a surfactant-free mesostructured MSU-gamma-alumina with atomically ordered walls. As illustrated by the diffraction pattern in Figure 1, the as-made MSU-S/B composite exhibited a well-defined basal reflection peak in the small angle region 0.5-10 (2theta)degrees, indicating the periodicity of the mesostructured pores.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The container includes baffles (26) protruding in the interior for breaking up the organic material. A breakup bar (78) is attached to the aeration tube for breaking up the organic material. A screen surrounds a portion of the aeration tube which is outside and inside the bottom of the container. It surrounds a portion of the aeration tube which is flush with the bottom of the container. An axle (32) supports the container rotatably on a stand (40). It transverse the interior of the container and going through two first ventilation openings of the aeration tube.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Metallic Oxide: The metallic oxide is cerium oxide, complex oxide of cerium and zirconium, iron oxide, tungstic acid compound and/or indium oxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Processes: A gasifier is heated to a predetermined high temperature by inert gas fluidization process. An inert gas is supplied to the heated gasifier, and an inert gas atmosphere is formed. A waste material is introduced into the gasifier and is fluidized by inert gas. A bed material is supplied to the gasifier and is further fluidized.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The firing unit is an auxiliary burner provided near the burner. The burner further has a liquid-fuel ejection nozzle for ejecting the liquid fuel, and an oxidizing-agent ejection nozzle for ejecting the oxidizing agent. The burner further has a supplementary-fuel ejection nozzle for ejecting supplementary fuel which is different from the liquid fuel, and an auxiliary oxidizing-agent ejection nozzle for ejecting auxiliary oxidizing-agent for burning the supplementary-fuel. The burner further has an extinguishing-fire monitoring unit for monitoring combustion flame of the burner and for detecting extinguishing fire. The flow amount of liquid fuel is measured and component of the liquid fuel is analyzed. When the flow amount and flammable-component amount in the liquid fuel are less than a predetermined amount, the monitoring unit estimates generation of extinguishing fire, by analyzing components of combustion gas ejected from combustion furnace (11) which has the burner. The burner further has an internal mixing chamber for mixing and particulating the liquid fuel supplied to the cone pedestal-shaped combustion room of the combustion furnace, and a spraying-liquid supply route for supplying spraying liquid. The oxidizing-agent ejection nozzle ejects the oxidizing agent for performing partial oxidation of the liquid fuel in the combustion room.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The hydrocarbon oil containing organic sulfur oxidation compound is LPG, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene oil, light oil, fuel oil, asphaltene, oil-sand oil, coal liquid, petroleum, shale oil, GTL, waste-plastic oil or bio fuel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The desulphurizing agent includes metallic component chosen from nickel, silver, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, palladium, iridium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium and gold.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The aqueous layer comprises magnesium ions (greater than 1300 mg/l), carbonate ions (greater than 16 mg/l), sulfate ions (greater than 2600 mg/l), and calcium ions (greater than 2600 mg/l).The concentration of sodium chloride is in excess of that found in normal seawater.The sulfate ions are derived from magnesium and/or ammonium sulfate.The sedimentary layer is corrugated and comprises grains having a size equal to or less than that of the sand.The pores between particulate matter is filled with aqueous medium.The composition also contains alkali metal compound such as potassium and/or sodium hydroxide, and nutrient material to encourage growth and/or reproduction of microbial community or culture.The composition has a pH of at least 8.5.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Components: The microbial community or culture is a benthic microbial community or culture.The decomposer microorganisms can degrade cyanobacterial material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The method also includes:(1) performing a chemical analysis of aqueous layer and/or aqueous medium present in the pores of sedimentary layer; comparing with predetermined values of ion concentrations, organic matter levels and/or microbial community or culture specification; and adjusting the levels of ion concentration and/or organic matter; and(2) monitoring levels of nutrients compounds for microbial community or culture; comparing with predetermined minimum levels; and optionally adjusting to comply with the minimum levels by addition of additional nutrient compounds.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Features: The oxygen amount in the inner surface of the reactor is produced up to a depth of 0.5 micrometers which is twice as large as the nickel amount in the inner surface. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The oxidant is specifically claimed as a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
EXAMPLE - A raw material containing ethane, propylene, propane and water was passed into a fractionating column (I). The feed temperature into column (I) was 24degreesC. The reflux ratio of the fractionating column (I) was higher. The pressure at the top of fractionating column (I) was 1.73 MPaG. The water content concentration in the fractionating column (I) was 900 mol ppm. A tower bottom liquid was obtained from the column (I). The liquid contained water content concentration of 0.06 mol ppm and ethane concentration of 1 mol ppm or less. The bottom liquid was purified in a fractionating column (II). The water content concentration in the propylene product obtained at the top of the tower of column (II) was restrained. The water content concentration in the propylene product was 1 mol ppm or less. The water content adsorption load of a dehydration device installed in a downstream was reduced. A long-term stable continuous operation was performed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: At least a portion of the piston binds to the sacrificial metal.The sacrificial metal is mixed with the catalytic metal.The sacrificial and catalytic metals are impregnated on a support or on different supports.Preferred Components: The poison comprises sulfur.The sacrificial metal is bismuth, indium, mercury, thallium, calcium, copper, magnesium, silver, tin, antimony, cadmium, lead, molybdenum, and/or tungsten.The catalytic metal is elements from group 8, 9 or 10. It comprises cobalt.Preferred Composition: The feed stream comprises not more than 10 ppm sulfur.At least 50 wt.% of the poison binds the sacrificial metal.The cobalt to sacrificial metal ratio is 2:1.Preferred Property: The pKsp of a sulfur compound of the sacrificial metal is about 25.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A manifold (400) positioned adjacent the sixth module recovers the hydrogen rich gas from the sixth module and distributes coolant to and collects coolant from the second, fourth, and fifth modules.The processing core of each module is enclosed by ceramic casting.The fourth module comprises a third heat exchanger positioned in the water gas shift catalyst bed. The third heat exchanger comprises a cooling coil.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The desulfurization catalyst comprises zinc oxide.The water gas shift catalyst bed comprises a low temperature water gas shift catalyst that can be copper, copper oxide, zinc, platinum, rhenium, palladium, rhodium, and/or gold. It can comprise high temperature water gas shift catalyst that can be ferric oxide, chromic oxide, copper, iron silicide, platinum, and/or palladium.The preferential oxidation catalyst bed comprises a catalyst from platinum, palladium, iron, chromium, manganese, iron oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, ruthenium, and/or palladium gold.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: Preferably the platinum group metal is platinum. Preferably the reducible metal oxide is cerium oxide. Preferably the support contains activated aluminum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Unit: An auxiliary pressure raising unit increases the pressure of the hydrogen gas produced before introducing to the heat exchanger. Refrigerant vapors vaporized by an internal cold-storage tank is heated in the hydrogen storage apparatus. The cold-storage tank stores a liquefying refrigerant which cools the hydrogen storage portion. The cold-storage tank contains a heat exchanger. The refrigerant vapors are compressed with a compressor and are introduced into the heat exchanger and cooled. Partial liquefaction is performed by expansion and a portion is introduced into the heat exchanger. A recycle path which supplies the liquefied refrigerant to the cold-storage tank is provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The organic solvent added to human waste is selected from group containing limonene, dibenzyl ether, triethyleneglycol, diethyl phthalate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Features: Mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-ethylene glycol dimethyl ethers or their mixtures having an average molar mass of 134-178 g/mol are used as the gas scrubbing agent. Scrubbing is carried out at -20 to -40 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Ratio: The weight ratio of the polypropylene resin to polyethylene resin is 75/25 - 25/75.Preferred Properties: The immobilized microorganism carrier has a hollow cylindrical shape and has a specific gravity of 0.9 - 1.1. One hundred ml of liquid containing immobilized microorganism having a solid content of 1000 mg/l, when subjected to aeration at a flow rate of 1L/minute, shows that 80 % or more of the immobilized microorganism carrier is carried out, after 5 hours of aeration.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The electrochemical hydrogen generating cell is an electrolysis cell which is a water electrolysis cell.The protons are generated at the first anode.The hydroxide ions and hydrogen gas are generated at the first cathode.The ionic conductive membrane is a proton-exchange membrane or a solid alkaline membrane.The first and second stacks are unitized between a single set of end plates.The first stack comprises a first number of electrochemical hydrogen generating cells connected electrically in series.The second stack comprises a second number of electrochemically hydrogen compressor cells connected electrically in series.Each of the first and second numbers is greater than one.The hydrogen pressure between the first cathode and second anode is regulated by causing different levels of current to flow through the first and second stacks.The system comprises a direct current power source and a resistor shunted between the first anode and the first cathode, and between the second anode and second cathode.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: Each of the anodes and cathodes comprises a noble metal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: Multiple sensors are arranged within the reactor for sensing the height of the catalyst bed and waste material, temperature, gas flow rate in reactor and temperature of gas exhausted from reactor.The apparatus further comprises an electrical energy generator which includes evaporator connected to exhaust port for removing water from gas exhaust through the exhaust port. A scrubber is connected to the evaporator for cleaning the gas which is compressed. A gas turbine to the compressor for producing electricity from the compressed gas is further included.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The inventive method may also include contacting the cooled solution with a metal and producing hydrogen gas and recovering the hydrogen gas in situations in which the cooled solution is alkaline. It includes treating the cooled solution to regenerate the chemical hydride by electrolysis of the cooled solution in an electrolytic cell that contains an ionic liquid as an electrolyte. The electrolysis is indirect electrolysis with the cooled solution and the electrolyte being in separate compartments of the electrolytic cell and being separated by a barrier that is permeable to ions that can form the chemical hydride. The ions migrate from the compartment containing the cooled solution into the compartment containing the ionic liquid in response to an applied potential. The chemical hydride or a precursor of the chemical hydride form as a gas or as an insoluble compound in the ionic liquid. The chemical hydride or precursor is extracted from the ionic liquid. The step (c) includes heating the metal hydride by at least40, preferably at least50degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The metal is aluminum. The chemical hydride includes lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride (preferred), or dimethyl borane. The aqueous solution of the chemical hydride supplied to step (a) is in the form of a slurry that includes a suspension of chemical hydride particles in water that contains the chemical hydride in solution.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: The mechanism for electrolysis comprises a vessel containing spaced parallel plates of conductive material. Alternating plates are connected to a source of direct current, such that an electric field exists between alternating pairs of plates, where the salt in the vessel is electrolyzed, releasing ionized chlorine. The mechanism for exposing a stream of air to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation comprises an elongated tube lined with UV-reflective material.Preferred Function: The plates remove heavy metals through chemical reaction.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The elongated tube comprises an aluminum tube fitted with caps. The plates comprise aluminum, stainless steel, rhodium, other rare metals, or rare earth metals.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Promoter: The promoter comprises copper, silver or gold.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The hydrogen occlusion alloy is selected from metals like lanthanum, magnesium, nickel, titanium, palladium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred process: The melanospore is separated and extracted by wall breaking of the mycelium with acetone or ethanol, concentrating and/or purifying.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: A heat pipe (504, 508) transmits the heat generated in the selective oxidation reactor to pre-heat the fuel. The reforming reaction is steam reforming and serves as a heat sink for a heat pipe. The heat source for reforming reaction heat pipe is an anode tail gas oxidizer for a fuel cell. The heat pipe can be a simple heat pipe, variable conductance heat pipe or preferably a self-regulating variable conductance heat pipe. It is a copper/water heat pipe or stainless steel/sodium heat pipe. A desulfurization reactor includes a catalyst for reacting the hydrogen containing gaseous mixture under desulfurization conditions. An anode tail gas oxidizer includes a catalyst for reacting the unconverted hydrogen from a fuel cell under oxidation conditions.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The hydrocarbon fuel is natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene and/or diesel.Preferred Composition: The hydrogen rich gas contains less than 50 ppm carbon monoxide. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Fuel: The hydrocarbon fuel is methane, ethane, propane, butane, methanol, ethanol and/or propanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - IMAGING AND COMMUNICATION - Preferred Composition: The fluid is a mixture of compressed liquid and supercritical fluid. The mean particle size of the functional material is 1-1000 nm. The ratio of compressed fluid to functional material is 1:100000-1:20.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The fluid is ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane, isobutane, chlorotrifluoromethane or monofluoromethane. The functional material is an organic molecule, a metallo-organic molecule, organic nanoparticle, metallo-organic nanomolecule, organic microparticles or metallo-organic micromolecule. It can be imaging dyes or imaging pigments.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The fluid is carbon dioxide (preferably), nitrous oxide, ammonia, xenon, or sulfur hexafluoride. The particulate functional material is an inorganic molecule, inorganic nanoparticle, inorganic microparticle or a composite material. It can be ceramic, magnetic or semiconductor nanoparticles.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The functional material is a polymer molecule, polymer nanoparticle or polymer microparticle. EXAMPLE - Duasyn Acid blue AE-02 (RTM) (0.01 g) of formula (I) , Fluorolink 7004 (RTM) (0.649 g) of formula Cl(CF2CF(CF3)O)nCF2COOH and carbon dioxide (6.82 g) were placed in a high pressure cell at 40 degrees C and the pressure was adjusted to 150 atmospheres. Visual examination of the view cell suggested that the formulation was a homogeneous, single phase. The formulation was kept at 150 atmospheres and 40 degrees C in the reservoir. It was expanded through a nozzle with a 300 microns throat. The nozzle was actuated at 30 Hz. The distance between the exit of the nozzle and the substrate was set at a gap of 500 microns. A substrate translation speed of 2 inches/second was used. Dashed lines were produced with widths of 100-200 microns.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The surfactant is ethylene propylene styrene biopolymer product by microorganism Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and is present in concentration of 5-50 weight% (wt.%), preferably 30-50 wt.% and in the form of microgranules having dimension of less than 5 microns.The organic carrier is paraffinic mineral oil or ester of fatty acid of natural origin and natural hydrocarbons, preferably methyl oleate, biodiesel, limonene and white mineral oil. EXAMPLE - Crude oil (in ml) (5) from which volatile portion had been removed by distillation at 150degreesC and exo polysaccharide surfactant (fine suspension in organic carrier limonene) (200) were deposited in a separating funnel containing sea water (250). After 1 minute, the mixture was stirred at 33 revolutions/minute for 2 minutes. Water (50) containing the dispersed crude oil was removed from the bottom after 1 minute. The dispersed oil contained in the water sample was extracted with dichloromethane. The dispersing efficiency of the oil was 36%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: Heat is provided to the heated reaction vessel by combustion of produced synthesis gas. The char and steam are forced through the reaction vessel by a cyclone feeder (16). Diluent synthesis gas is added to the char and steam in the cyclone feeder. Heated air from the combustion of produced synthesis gas is directed to the feed hopper (12).The feed is devolatilized in a series of devolatilization reaction zones (42, 44, 46, 48). Each subsequent devolatilization reaction zone is heated to a higher temperature than the preceding devolatilization reaction zone. The devolatilization reaction zones are heated by exhaust gas produced by the combustion of produced synthesis gas.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The heater comprises a burner (22) connected to a synthesis gas output line. The devolatilization section includes a first devolatilization zone in communication with the feed hopper and a last devolatilization zone in communication with the gasification section. Each devolatilization zone includes a rotating auger (50) adapted to direct material from an inlet to an outlet. The first devolatilization zone communicates with the feed hopper by a rotating feed mechanism.A mechanism synchronizes rotation of the augers and the feed mechanism. The cyclone feeder includes a steam inlet and a char inlet from the last devolatilization reaction zone. The gasification section comprises an elongated reaction coil (18). An eductor (96) is adapted to direct produced synthesis gas to the cyclone feeder to provide required flow velocity in the reaction coils.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The water supplied to the fuel cell uses water recovered from the fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The air supply unit is equipped with a chimney (3) for an exhaust gas produced from the installation surface and a supply tube installed in the horizontal condition to the installation surface. The supply tube introduces air in the organic substance accumulated space. Air introduced in the accumulated space is ejected through the chimney. The air supply unit further contains an air flow groove formed in the installation surface. The groove exceeds the circumference of the protection sheet and is prolonged to the outer side. The air supply unit further contains an air feed pipe and an aspirator. The air feed pipe is prolonged from the organic substance to the outside through the protection sheet. The fermentation processing apparatus further comprises a unit to supply air forcedly in the organic substance through the air supply groove or the air feed pipe. The aspirator emits the air forcedly from the organic substance covered by the protection sheet. The processing apparatus further contains a deodorizing apparatus which sucks air by the aspirator and deodorizes and releases the air.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Condition: The higher nitrogen mole fraction values are not less than 0.40.The pressure in the lower pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column of the first double rectification column is adjusted to maintain a constant percentage recovery of methane in the product gas.Preferred Method: The method further comprises periodically increasing the operating pressure of the lower pressure rectification column.The product methane stream is withdrawn in liquid state from the lower pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column, is raised in pressure, and is vaporized at least in part in the main heat exchanger.The second recycle gas flow is compressed to a higher pressure than the first recycle gas flow, preferably the first and second recycle gas flows are compressed in the stage compressors, the second recycle flow being taken from a stage of the compressor downstream of the one from which the first recycle flow is taken.A vent stream is taken from the first recycle gas flow upstream of its compression and is vented.The pressure in the lower pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column is adjusted so as to maintain a constant percentage recovering of methane in the product gas.All the bottom fraction obtained in the higher pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column is withdrawn and is sent to the lower pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column.Preferred Apparatus: There is a back pressure regulating valve associated with the lower pressure rectification column of the first double rectification column, which back pressure regulating valve is operable to increase the pressure in the lower pressure rectification column.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Materials: (I) is from tomato and the optionally additional regulators in (Ia) are transcription, termination and/or polyadenylation signals. In (Ia), (I) may be present in sense or antisense orientation.Preferred Process: Method (3) comprises incorporation of (Ia) into plants or cells, then optional regeneration of the cells.Preferred Plants: Plants of (5) have, compared with the wild type, increased FER protein content and increased uptake of inorganic ions, especially of iron.Preparation: The tomato line T3238fer is unable to activate a typical iron-deficiency response, and under conditions of iron deficiency shows neither increased reductase activity nor physiological/morphological changes. F2 hybrids between this line and Lycopersicon pennelli have already been subjected to chromosome walking to identify clone YAC 337 spanning the entire fer region. This clone was used to identify two BAC clones, the sequences of which were determined by shotgun methods. The full-length sequence for the fer gene was determined and encodes a 34 kD protein. Once isolated, the fer gene is cloned into pBINAR, under control of the 35S promoter, and the recombinant plasmid used conventionally for plant transformation. FER is a DNA-binding regulatory protein that, in the roots of strategy I plants, controls iron uptake at the transcriptional level, especially by inducing the genes for iron transporters and iron reductase. ACTIVITY - Plant Growth Stimulant. No biological data is given.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The injection formation is separated from the ground surface by at least 3 pairs of alternating high-permeability and low-permeability layers. Degradation of biosolids generates a gas, e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and/or hydrogen sulfide (H2S), or methane (CH4). The method may include monitoring pressure in alternating layers before, during and/or after injection of biosolids, creating fractures within the injection formation before injecting the biosolids into the formation, transporting the biosolids to an injection site via pipe before injection, monitoring pressure in injection formation before, during and/or after biosolid injection, decreasing the rate of CO2, SO2 and/or H2S generation, and increasing the rate of CH4 generation. Generation of CO2, SO2 and/or H2S is decreased and generation of CH4 is increased by blending at least one waste stream with the provided biosolids, inoculating biosolids with at least one species of bacteria, changing biosolid temperature, changing biosolid salinity, and/or adding at least one chemical (preferably potassium) to biosolids.Preferred Components: The low-permeability layer comprises shale. The injection formation is a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone.Preferred Properties: The injection formation is at least 100, preferably 500-3000 meters below the ground surface. It has a temperature of greater than 25 degrees C and a porosity of greater than 15 %.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The electrically insulating material is made of silicone polymer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The atomic ratio of Mg to Al contained in the porous composite oxide carrier is 1.0:1.0 - 4.0:1.0, preferably 1.2:1.0 - 3.0:1.0. The catalyst comprises 10 - 50%wt magnesium; 5 - 30%wt aluminum; 2 - 55%wt nickel; and 55 - 80%wt total amount of magnesium, aluminum and nickel. The catalyst has a specific surface area of 55 - 250 m/g, and the fine nickel metal particles have an average particle diameter of 1 - 8 nm. The catalyst has an average major axis diameter of at most 10mm. 1.3 - 3.0 moles of steam is used per mole of carbon contained in the hydrocarbon, the gas hourly space velocity of the hydrocarbon is 2,500 - 250,000 hr, and the hydrocarbon and steam are reacted at 600 - 850 degreesC. The hydrocarbon has from one to four carbon atoms.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The support has a specific surface area of over 50 m2/g, the support comprises 1-10 wt.% TiO2 and 0.1-10 wt.% gold and ruthenium (claimed).Preferred Process: The production of the catalyst comprises coating an inert catalyst with an aqueous suspension, drying, calcining, coating with gold and rutheniumby impregnating with them in solution, drying calcining and reducing (claimed). EXAMPLE - Al2O3 (specific surface area 140 g/m2) was suspended in water, homogenized to 3-10 mu (solids content 30 wt.%), applied to corderite and calcined. The support was impregnated with a solution of tetrachloro gold acid and ruthenium trichloride for 3 hrs. This was calcined and dried to give a catalyst containing 1.6 wt.% gold and ruthenium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The acidic electrolyte is sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, organic acids, sulfonic acid, sulfonated fluoropolymer and/or nitric acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Method: The mixture of the feed material and the fermentation agent sealed in the air-tight plastic bag is fermented at 5-40degreesC for 10-20degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The air-tight bag is formed of plastic film material having a multilayer structure of different materials. EXAMPLE - A fermentation agent (1 Kg) was added to 230 kg water and well stirred. To the resulting solution, 500 kg mixture of grains, stems of crops and grass powder and 500 kg excrement of domestic animals or industrial fermentation waste were slowly added and stirred so that the components would be homogeneously mixed with each other. When the resulting mixture was massed into a lump and squeezed in one's hand as hard as one can, if water flowed out between fingers, it was the best condition for the preparation of a fermentation mixture (a water content of 40-70, preferably 50%). Water or dry powder may be added or reduced to accomplish such condition. The fermentation mixture prepared was sealed in an air-tight plastic bag provided with a check valve and fermented at 5-40degreesC for 10-20 days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The anode catalyst comprises platinum and ruthenium, and the cathode catalyst comprises platinum.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The proton conducting membrane is made of perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer or a co-polymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluorovinyl ether sulfonic acid. The wetting agent is selected from polymeric perfluorosulfonic acid, polyhydrocarbon sulfonic acid, polyetherketonesulfonic acid, polyethersulfone sulfonic acid, polybenzimidazole, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and a co-polymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinylether sulfonic acid (FVS). The oxygen solvent consists of a co-polymer of TFE, FVS and PTFE.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The catalyst is formed of a substance which is an oxide of an alloy comprising copper, nickel, platinum, iron, chrome, titanium, or vanadium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Components: The mixture containing sake cake is dried while processing. The mixture further comprises fodder components, such as cereals, beans, potatoes, plant oil cakes, production dregs and animal fodder. The sake cake and defatted rice bran are mixed in a ratio of 0.1-3.0:0.1-6.0. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Instrument: The temperature of the heater insulation coating controls the heating value of the heater. The center of the cylinder also contains multiple temperature sensors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Features: A latent heat accumulator is provided which contains sodium acetate, barium hydroxide or other phase-changing materials as the storage medium (22). The heat accumulator is integrated in the gas purification step.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Process: Electrical supply to the process is monitored to measure heat input.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The conversion is carried out in a gasification zone. The gasification accelerator, on which byproducts such as chars are adsorbed, is removed from the gasification zone, and subjected to burning or a combination or partial burning and carbonaceous-gas formation in the recycle zone so as to free it from the adsorbed materials, and is recycled to the gasification zone. The gasification is carried out at 400-800 degrees C (preferably 400-750 degrees C, most preferably 450-600 degrees C). The gasification accelerator comprises finely granulated clay having a mean particulate diameter of 10-500 microns (preferably 60-120 microns) which contains at least one of smectite, vermiculite and kaolin-serpentine. The clay may further contain minerals, diatomite, shell-fish shells, silica alumina catalysts, transition metal-carrying inorganic catalysts, metal oxides or a mixture of these. The gasification accelerator contains water vapor. The method contains a process for utilizing at least a part of the heat and wastes generated in the recycle zone. The gases generated in this method contain carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), and are utilized for producing methanol after removing carbon dioxide (CO2). EXAMPLE - Gas was produced by subjecting cellulose powder to gasification in a fluidized state at 650 degrees C, under a flow of steam and N2 in the presence of granulated clay, which was produced by granulating wet clay and drying at 600-650 degrees C, so as to obtain gas (65%), tar (1.5%) and char (33%).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Zones: The zones are separated by trays (41-45). The reactors and distillation stages operate simultaneously. The reaction vessel further comprises zones (C-E) with reactors (III-V) and distillation stages (IIIa-Va). The distillation zones comprises tray with at least one of bubble caps (13,14), weirs, filters, sieves or sintered metal sieves.Preferred Property: The total conversion of reactants to alcohol products in the catalytic distillation reactor exceeds the thermodynamic limit of the single zone conversion of the reactants to the alcohol products, preferably at least 94% of total conversion.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst Material: The catalyst material (61-65) comprises a catalyst chosen from copper-zinc alloys, copper-rare earth alloys, group 8 elements, group 9 elements and/or group 10 elements. At least one catalyst material further comprises a promoter chosen from chromium, aluminum, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, silver and/or alkali metals, and a catalyst support. The catalyst materials are in the form of at least one of particles, pellets, monoliths, honeycombs, packed bed, foams and aerogels.Preferred Reactants: The reactants comprises hydrogen and a carbon oxide chosen from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Alcohol: At least one alcohol or the alcohol product, is chosen from methanol and higher alcohols.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The mixture of gas is town gas. The gas is hydrated to produce butane hydrate, propane hydrate, ethane hydrate and methane hydrate. The hydrated compounds are preserved in their corresponding preservation containers and mixed to produce town gas in preset composition ratio.Preferred Process: High content of city gas-hydrate of a heavy component is produced using the initial stage of hydration and a small amount of city gas-hydrate is produced during the second-half of hydration. The produced hydrate is preserved in a number of preservation containers. The preservation container is mixed with the final container during the removal of town gas from city gas-hydrate and the city gas-hydrate is decomposed. The decomposed town gas is mixed and removed. The hydrated methane, ethane and propane are decomposed to produce their corresponding gases which are mixed to produce town gas at preset composition ratio.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The gas hydrate manufacturing apparatus further includes a pressure adjustment unit and a flow rate adjustment unit in the downstream side of line mixer which generates five air bubbles of the gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The fuel cell is a solid polymer fuel cell. The fuel-cell built-in type hydrogen fermentation bioreactor further has a desulfurizer (23) provided to the fuel flow path. A methane fermentation microorganisms group is maintained in a flowable state and is made to pass through. The microorganisms group is piled up in the hydraulics study-residence time longer than the propagation time of the hydrogen generating microorganisms in microorganisms group in an organic substrate such as organic waste and shorter than the propagation time of the hydrogen consumption microorganisms in the microorganisms group. The hydrogen gas produced by microorganism group when passed through the organic substrate is resisted and propagated in the bioreactor. Photosynthesis microorganisms which produces hydrogen under irradiation of light are maintained in the bioreactor. The fuel-cell built-in type hydrogen fermentation bioreactor further has an irradiation-of-light unit for irradiating light on photosynthesis microorganisms for producing hydrogen.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Method: Raw materials such as sweet potato are inserted to a mash in a large quantity of shochu liquor yeast and fermented. The fermented product is placed into distillation still and the vapor from a distillation still is cooled. The shochu liquor (condensates) is collected from a shochu liquor tank. The remaining shochu liquor dregs in the distillation still are distilled. The collection of condensate is stopped when the shochu liquor has a predetermined concentration. The liquid is collected from the shochu liquor tank in a predetermined amount.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The supply means comprises a device for supplying a fluidizing gas having a relatively low mass velocity and device supplying a fluidizing gas having a relatively high mass velocity. The fluidizing furnace comprises a discharge opening (5) for discharging incombustible matter contained in the combustible matter and the fluidized medium, and an elevator for transferring the fluidized medium discharged from the discharge opening to the fluidized bed. The incombustible matter and the fluidized medium discharged are classified and the fluidized medium is returned to the fluidized bed furnace. The fluidized medium is returned through a rock hopper. The apparatus includes a valve for supplying combustible matter into the fluidized bed furnace while sealing pressure of the furnace.The melting furnace has a nozzle for supplying oxygen and/or air, and a water chamber for cooling rapidly molten ash to slag. The furnace further includes a discharge opening for discharging molten ash in the lower part of the furnace and an exhaust opening for discharging an exhaust gas disposed above the discharge opening for discharging molten ash.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The lanthanum chromite has a formula La1-xSrxCr1-yNiyO3, preferably La0.85Sr0.15Cr0.9Ni0.1O3.The lanthanide is praseodymium.The electrolyte is yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) or ceria.The anode layer is obtained by providing the substituted lanthanide chromite as a perovskite powder; depositing layer(s) comprising the perovskite powder on SOFC electrolyte component to form a stratified structure; and sintering the stratified structure at 1000-1300degrees C (preferably 1100degrees C).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Methanol produced is continuously removed from the system and collected by cooling. The conversion of methanol to carbon dioxide via formaldehyde and formate is inhibited by the addition of cyclopropanol or other inhibitor that is effective at the temperature of use. The heat of reaction is used to maintain the working temperature of the reactor.Formate is added to the system. Formate is recovered by electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide arising from the system. Formate is produced in a separate part of the reactor that is separated by a membrane that allows passage of small molecules but which is impermeable to microorganisms.Biomass formed from the reaction is removed from the reactor and used as a protein source for other purposes. Methane is added in a mixture with air, oxygen enriched air or oxygen. The gas mixture is maintained at a constant mixing ratio. The reactor is operated continuously and under pressure.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The molecular sieve (I) is stripped at 210-240 degreesC. The gas is passed downwards through the column, using a volume ratio of (4000-8000):1 and flow of 10-2100 l/hour-l (I). Regeneration is continued until hydrocarbons or other organic compounds can no longer be detected in the waste gas stream. (I) is regenerated in the column in which was originally used, without removing it from the column, and is exposed to temperatures no higher than 280 degreesC during regeneration. (I) preferably is used for separating alkanes from alkenes at temperatures below 100 degreesC and is regenerated every 1-4 years, preferably every 2 years. No oxygen and/or no hydrocarbons are used in regeneration. EXAMPLE - A molecular sieve (IA) used for separating n-butenes from n-butane had a residual capacity of 52.8% after 1521 days operation. Its pores contained longer-chain oligomers, which blocked the active centers. (IA) then contained 9.5% carbon (C), whilst its BET surface area had dropped from 515 m2/g to 66 m2/g. 350 ml (IA) were regenerated with 5 l/hour nitrogen, superheated to 220 degreesC, for 100 hours. After regeneration, the capacity was 84% of the original value and the BET surface area was 450 m2/g, i.e. 87.4% of the original value. The C content on the surface was 2% and 79% of the oligomers had been removed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The purging device (14) feeds the exhaust gases from the afterburner (10) to the pyrolysis chamber and to a first discharge chamber connected to the pyrolysis chamber (4). A second discharge chamber (26) receives gases from the first discharge chamber (22). The purging device comprises a system of conduits (12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 32, 34, 36, 40) and pump for pumping the exhaust gases from the afterburner along the conduits. A drier (38) is positioned upstream of the feed chamber (6) and dries the waste material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Monomers: The monomer is hexafluoropropylene (HFP), polystyrene, polypropylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, terpolymers, or olefins.Preferred Composition: The composite comprises 13-20 wt.% nanotubes comprising carbon fibrils having a constant diameter, a length greater than 5 times the diameter, an ordered outer region of catalytically grown, multiple, continuous layers of ordered carbon atoms having an outside diameter of 3.5-70 nm, and a distinct inner core region. Each of the layers and the core are concentrically about the cylindrical axis of the fibrils. The fibrils are free of pyrolytically deposited thermal carbon. The nanotubes may comprise single walled carbon fibrils. The composite further comprises graphite as a filler.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The solvent is acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, tetramethyl urea, dimethyl sulfoxide, trimethyl phosphate, 2-pyrrolidone, butyrolacetone, isophorone, or carbitor acetate. The precipitating component is water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Alloy: The low melting metal used for hydrogen gas production is an alloy of indium and gallium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - The magnetic material is a rare earth sintered magnet of neodymium iron boron group.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The plant derived material is aqueous hot or cold water extract of coffee bean, tea leaves, spices and/or galenicals such as jujube, ginseng, epimedii herba and/or Sasa veitchi. The hot or cold water extract or alcohol extract of spices is chosen from anise, paprika and/or fennel.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The organo-chlorine decomposing microbe is M07 strain (FERM BP-5624) or N16-1 strain (FERM BP-5504). EXAMPLE - MO7 strain of organo chlorine compound decomposing microbes (FERM BP-5624) were cultured in a medium containing yeast extract and 5 mM glucose added to the phenol culture medium, for 1 day at 30 degreesC. Finely ground coffee beans (100 g) were extracted with 2 l of hot water, 30-60 ml of the extract was further mixed with hot water for 30 minutes and filtered, to obtain coffee extract. The obtained coffee extract (200 micro l) was mixed with cis-dichloroethylene (DCE) (10 ppm), stoppered and sealed in a vial. The vial was subjected to shaking culture for 12 days at 30 degreesC and 160 rpm. The concentration of DCE in the gaseous phase of the vial was measured by gas chromatography. The results showed that DCE was more than 90% decomposed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Fuel Cell: The fuel cell is a solid polymer fuel cell or a phosphoric acid fuel cell.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Metal: The noble metal hydrogen separation membrane is a palladium-group hydrogen separation membrane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganism: The microbe is fixed by the adsorption and adjustment material. The agent further comprises a pH regulator. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - The microbe having oil component decomposition ability is Bacillus stearothermophilus No.12 (FERM P-17907) strain and/or No.38 (FERM P-17939) strain.    EXAMPLE - A liquid culture containing Bacillus stearothermophilus (No.38) was added to SCD culture medium and cultivated for 1 day. The microbes were collected. The supernatant liquid was removed and fresh SCD culture medium was added and the microbes were suspended. The number of microbes were 3.5x10 to the power 6 cell/ml. 500 g of pearlite was added into the microbial liquid. The pearlite was swollen by absorbing the culture solution. The culture solution was poured on a metal bat and dried at 60 degrees C for 1 day. The microbes were fixed by the adsorption and adjustment material (pearlite) to obtain agent for organic waste water treatment. The above agent was placed in a treatment tank. Organic refuse containing high oil component of 20 %, by weight of fish meat was added to the tank at a ratio of 1 kg per day. The treatment was performed at 60 degrees C. The result showed that the decomposition efficiency was favorable, and continuous for 3 months and the process was completed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The fluid-flow regulator is a baffle. The first and/or second compartment includes a heat exchanger for adjusting its internal environment. The inlet and outlet are positioned at the base of the tank, respectively. The first and second compartments are formed by a pair of concentric tubular members.Preferred Properties: The relative volume of first and second compartments can be adjusted to meet the flow requirements between the two compartments. The volume of first compartment is greater than the volume of second compartment.Preferred Parameter: The temperature of the tank is 30-80 (preferably 55)degreesC. The first and second rates are equal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The main biofilter chamber is fluidly connected to a disinfection unit comprising an ozonizer. The disinfection unit may utilize an ultraviolet light. The main biofilter chamber is fluidly connected to an instrument for measuring a nitrogen content, a phosphate content, organic carbon content and/or a pH level of a biofilter content. The bacteria are carried by a solid support in the main biofilter chamber. The solid support may be a biotower or a rotating biological contactor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Materials: The solid support comprises media particles for cell immobilization and retention. The media particles may be hydrophilic, anionic, or porous. The media particles are ceramic spheres of less than 1 mm. The solid support may further comprise coarse stones or slats.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The solid support may further plastic media. It may comprise reticulated foam.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microorganisms: The bacteria may be present in the main biofilter chamber in suspension. They are capable of growth in aminobenzene, phenol, monoethylamine, and/or diisopropylamine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The compound with a quinone structure preferably has an anthraquinone structure. EXAMPLE - Two kinds of white-rot fungi, such as Phanerochaete subceracea P-18188 and Pleurotus ostreatus, were cultivated in potato dextrose broth containing (in weight/weight%) potato extract (2.4) and agar (2), at 28 degreesC. The white rot fungi were inoculated into 22 ml vial containing 3 ml of potato dextrose culture medium added with remazol brilliant blue-R salt (RBBR) (an anthraquinone derivative, used here as a quinone compound) at a concentration of 1 g/l. A control was maintained without adding quinone compound. The vials were sealed and stationary culture was performed at 28 degreesC for 1 week. Vial gaseous phase was substituted by 10 times of oxygen gas (filtered with sterilized filter) for 1 week using injection needle. 10 ppm of 1,3-dichloro benzene dissolved in dimethyl formamide was added to the culture medium and stationary culture was performed at 28 degreesC for 2 weeks. Subsequently 1 drop of 10M hydrochloric acid was added to the vial and pH of the culture solution was adjusted to 1.5. Quantitative analysis of residual 1,3-dichlorobenzene was performed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The result revealed that white-rot fungi effectively decomposed 1,3-dichlorobenzene in the presence of RBBR.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: The Actinomycetes and/or mold proliferation culture medium are made to absorb the waste oil. The waste oil is made to decompose and is utilized. The culture is stirred by stirring apparatus.Preferred Materials: The Actinomycetes are selected from high-temperature Actinomycetes, medium-temperature Actinomycetes and low-temperature Actinomycetes. The mold is selected from Aspergillus genus microbe and/or Penicillium genus microbe. The culture medium contains a calcium compound, sodium compound, potassium compound and/or incinerated ashes. EXAMPLE - Dried cattle-feces (100 L), chaff (50 L), hardened bean jam lees of an adzuki bean (50 L), and 3 kg of slaked lime were mixed in a culture tank. Streptomyces fungicidicus (IFO13344) was inoculated in cattle feces and spread on to the culture medium in the above culture tank. The mixture was cultivated for 7 days and stirred once daily for 7 days to obtain Actinomycetes proliferation culture medium. The obtained Actinomycetes proliferation culture medium was then used to treat waste-oil. 20 L waste cow's milk was poured into the Actinomycetes proliferation culture medium in a culture tank and the waste cow's milk was absorbed by the culture medium. The mixture was stirred and cultivated for 5 days and decomposed. Gas chromotographs showed that polymeric fatty acids had largely decomposed to give carbon dioxide and water.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Microbe: The microbe for decomposing mineral oil, fats-and-oils and organic compounds which are difficult to decompose, is a yeast and/or fungi. EXAMPLE - 0.1 cc of the microbe was added to 0.2 cc of C heavy oil and cultured at 25degreesC at pH 5-6. After 4 days incubation, the heavy-oil lump started to reduce. After 6 days incubation, the heavy-oil lump disappeared.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The biogas is generated from anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge or wastewater. It is generated by degradation of organic matter. In the process of catalytic conversion, the biogas is subjected to the stages of being heated and pressurized, mixed with steam, and converted in a reformer to synthesis gas which is then cooled, compressed, heated and synthesized to methanol. The synthesis gas is synthesized to methanol in a reactor at which steam is caused to be generated by the exothermic heat of the reaction, and steam generated at the reactor is used for mixing with biogas prior to conversion of the biogas to synthesis gas in the reformer. EXAMPLE - An anaerobic digester system treated 100 tons/day of liquid sludge containing 5% dry solids. The raw sludge also consisted of 5000 kg dry solids per day, 75% volatile solids, 3750 kg volatile solids per day, 45% volatile solids destroyed and 1687 kg volatile solids destroyed per day. Digester gas produced was 1687 kg per day. The gas produced (on a dry basis) contained 70% methane, 27% carbon dioxide, and 3% remainder being nitrogen, hydrogen and sulfides. The method produced 2 tons per day of 96% methanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The process gas inlet has a length extending at least partially to the process portion, and has openings spaced apart from each other for creating small bubbles of process gas and for dispersing bubbles escaping along length. The heat exchanger further has dividers positioned above the process gas inlet for dispersing process gas throughout the process portion. The process liquid inlet has a trap for preventing process gas from passing through process liquid inlet. The system for facilitating calculation of steam-carbon ratio, further has a process gas inlet for directing a hydrocarbon gas to process portion and is provided below water level in process portion such that hydrocarbon gas entering process portion bubbles through at least some water. The system further has a heat exchanger bypass line (44) for routing water to reformer or vaporizer, without passing water through heat exchanger.Preferred Method: The water level in the heat exchanger is maintained by measuring a liquid level in an external level indicator coupled to the heat exchanger and adjusting flow of water to the heat exchanger. The method further involves introducing hydrocarbon gas into the heat exchanger and bubbling the hydrocarbon gas through water to absorb water vapor from water and supplying water vapor to the reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The catalytic reactor has an electrical heater for passing electric current through the sheets. The gas flow channels are less than 8 mm deep in the direction normal to the adjacent metal sheets. A catalyst metal is deposited directly onto the material of the permeable metal heat-transfer layer. The catalytic is not provided in the portions of the permeable metal heat-transfer layer that will be coated by the liquid phase.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The odorant further contains mercaptan or sulfide.
EXAMPLE - Fresh seaweed as a raw material was washed and extracted with acidic or alkaline water. The above mixture was filtered to obtain intercellular stickiness polysaccharide. The above filtered residue was washed with water to remove acid or alkali, and the residue was soaked in fresh water for 2 days to remove hemicellulose. The residue was frozen and ground into a fine natural cellulose powder. The natural cellulose powder was subjected to ozonide hydrolysis process by using hydrogen peroxide to obtain glucose. The obtained glucose was subjected to alcoholization to obtain a alcohol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Alloy: The nickel-cobalt alloy is a Raney nickel-cobalt alloy which contains at least 5 mass % cobalt.Preferred Metal-hydrogen Complex Compound: The metal-hydrogen complex compound is preferably at least one selected from compounds of formulas (in claim 4). Formulas (in claim 4)-pM1 = alkali metal;M2 = alkaline earth metal and/or Zn;M3 = B, Al, and/or Ga;R = hydrocarbon, hydrocarbyloxy, and/or acyloxy group; andn = 0-3.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The carrier is made of acid modified thermoplastic resin such as propylene-maleic-anhydride copolymer and ethylene-methacrylic acid-copolymer (ionomer resin).
EXAMPLE - Crushed mangel and crushed ensilage were mixed and water was supplied. The biomass was disintegrated and hydrolyzed at 20degreesC. The oxygen and nitrogen in the biomass were removed through the gas outlet by supplying carbon dioxide. The hydrolyzed biomass was transferred to mesophile fermentation tank comprising methane mesophile bacteria and wetted using water at 35degreesC. The proportion of water to dry mass of biomass was adjusted to 5:1, and the redox potential of the mixture was adjusted to less than 250 mV.    The fermented biomass was stirred for 10 minutes in 24 hours to produce a biogas (A) containing methane (85%), and carbon dioxide (15%). After 96 hours of methane fermentation, the amount of biomass was decreased to 25% and supplied to thermophile fermentation tank and fermented to produce biogas (B) comprising methane (80%) and carbon dioxide (20%). After 96 hours, biomass was removed from fermentation tank, dehydrated and finally fermented using methane psychrophile bacteria at 23degreesC and composted to produce biogas (C) comprising methane (70%) and carbon dioxide (30%). The biogases were mixed and desulfurized. Carbon dioxide from the biogas was dissolved in cold water and methane. Water solution saturated by carbon dioxide was returned to saturator under a pressure of 800 kPa. Carbon dioxide was condensed and the condensed gas was accumulated in a tank. The condensed carbon dioxide was supplied through hydrolyzer to remove air used in the hydrolysis. 73% of methane was condensed and 27% of methane flows to the gas mixture to produce a gas fuel having a methane number of 1044 and heat value of 86 kWhour/m3. The fuel was used for engine of current generating unit and thermogenerating cell generating electric energy and heat. The conversion of biomass into biogas was easily controlled and methane and energies were produced in a shorter duration.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Membrane: The membrane of the gas permeation module consists of aromatic polyimides or aromatic polyethers.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus comprises a compressor for pressurizing the feed gas before passing it to the feed gas inlet. The feed gas inlet is connected to main line for feed gas and the outlet for the gas stream containing hydrocarbons higher than 1C is connected downstream to the main feed gas line in order to pass the gas stream containing hydrocarbons higher than 1C back into the main line for feed gas. A suction unit for drawing off the gas stream contains purified methane from the permeate side of the module. The suction unit is a compressor. The retentate gas outlet of the superposed gas permeation module is connected to the feed gas inlet of the gas permeation module in order to pass the retentate gas stream of the superposed gas permeation module into the gas permeation module. The outlet for the gas stream containing hydrocarbons higher than 1C of the module is connected via a duct comprising a pressure-reducing valve with a permeate gas duct of the superposed gas permeation module. The gas permeation modules are arranged in parallel or in series. The apparatus has operating temperature of 10-100 (preferably 40-60) degrees C. The process is performed at a temperature lower than the glass-transition temperature of the membrane of the gas permeation module.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The water adsorbent is in the form of a monolith, and is a zeolite water adsorbent. It is interspersed with the water-gas-shift reactor catalyst. The zeolite water adsorbent is a type A zeolite. It has an FAU (sic) structure, and a crystalline lattice in which some or all of the silicon or aluminum have been isomorphously substituted-with a different element. The fuel processor is a part of a fuel cell engine having a fuel cell stack for generating electricity from hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. It further comprises a source of dry gas for purging water from a void volume adjacent the water adsorbent during fuel processor shutdown; a preferential oxidation reactor (106) having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the water-gas-shift reactor; and a second water adsorbent (130) located within the flow path between the outlet of the water-gas-shift reactor and an outlet of the preferential oxidation reactor. The preferential oxidation reactor contains a catalyst adapted to convert a portion of the carbon monoxide from the water-gas-shift reactor to carbon dioxide.Preferred Properties: The water adsorbent has a heat of adsorption of at least10 (preferably at least20) kcal/mole H2O. The mass ratio of water adsorbent to water-gas-shift reactor catalyst is 0.02-0.2. The zeolite water adsorbent has a molar ratio of silicon to aluminum of less than 5.Preferred Method: The adsorbent is upstream of the catalyst. The heat is carried into the catalyst by the effluent. The method further comprises positioning the water adsorbent; flowing the effluent through the adsorbent to adsorb the water on the adsorbent and release the heat of adsorption; heating the catalyst with the heat of adsorption; and introducing air or oxygen into the heated catalyst to light-off the catalyst and commence the water-gas-shift reaction.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The flow rate of the mixture is controlled by monitoring a reformer system temperature; reducing the flow rate of the gas mixture when the temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature; flowing the oxidant into the reformer system when the temperature is less than or equal to a second temperature; and reducing the flow rate of the oxidant when the temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature. A fuel to air equivalence ratio in the gas mixture is increased and the flow rate of the gas mixture is increased to a peak flow. Increasing a proportion of an oxidant in the gas mixture and controlling a flow rate of the gas mixture produces a peak operating temperature in the reformer system at a distance of less than 7, preferably at most 5 mm from the inlet of the reformer zone. The flow rate of the mixture is reduced to zero. The flow of the oxidant into the reformer system is repeated and reduced until at least 80% of the contaminants present with the reformer system are removed. The first temperature is at most 1000 degrees C. The peak operating temperature is 800-1000 degrees C. The reformer system is shut down when temperature remains at or below a third temperature.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The oxidant can be air, water and/or carbon dioxide.
EXAMPLE - The upper portion of raw material was detected using a thermometer in the side wall of carbonization furnace. The amount of raw material supply or carbonized product removal was fluctuated and the upper portion was maintained at a preset level to stabilize quality of charcoal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The organic compound is chosen from acetone, 2-butanol and acetaldehyde. EXAMPLE - Waste emulsion (reaction material) having total oxygen content of 27,000 ppm and acetone (supplementary fuel) having solubility parameter of 9.9 and dielectric constant of 20.7 were supplied into a reactor. Hydrogen peroxide solution used as oxidizing agent was pre-heated to 370 degrees C and injected into the supply port of the reactor. The reaction material was supplied at the rate of 2 ml/minute and the temperature of the reaction fluid was 650 degrees C. The pressure of the reactor was adjusted to 24 MPa and the hydrothermal reaction was continued for more than one hour. The pressure of the reaction fluid was reduced, and processed gas and processed liquid were obtained. The organic substance was decomposed almost completely. The processed liquid was colorless and transparent and had total oxygen content of 10 ppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Arrangement: Nitrification microbes and de-nitrifying bacteria are made to inhabit in a porous wooden filter medium (13). The upper face of the filter medium carries out water sprinkling of the wash-water after odor-washing. The filter medium is made to contact the odor and the wash-water, after washing. Deodorizing and wash-water purification are carried out.
EXAMPLE - The stoppage of reforming of MeOH using a noble metal (Pd) 400-cell honeycomb catalyst with a carrier (200g/l) was effected by air introduction at catalyst temperature 300degreesC, water : EtOH ratio = 1.5 and LHSV = 1, the results for the change in catalyst temperature over time being shown in the graph below in comparison with a control run using a much slower cooling Cu catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred System: The catalyst chamber has a hydrogen generator catalyst for reacting with a hydride solution to create hydrogen. The solution is a metal hydride solution, especially NaBH4 solution.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The steam is superheated with energy recovered from the combustion reactor flue gas and/or the pyrolysis off-gas.The steam is used to fluidize the heat transfer medium in the cracking reactor.The heat transfer medium is ash from the combustion reactor.The cracking reactor is supplied with a catalyst (especially coke from the pyrolysis reactor and/or ash from the combustion reactor) and steam.The off-gas in purified to produce synthesis gas, from which hydrogen is separated.The cracking reactor can be part of the pyrolysis reactor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The aerosol dispenser and the spray formulation deliver the spray formulation in the form of a visible directional spray. The step of delivering comprises delivering a spray discharge for 1-3 seconds.Preferred Component: The visible directional spray serves as a visual aid for directing spray at the explosive gas detector under test and to visually confirm delivery of the spray including the propellant substance to the explosive gas detector.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The spray formulation includes a trimethicone compound or a phthalate compound. The propellant substance comprises a flammable or explosive gas, preferably a hydrocarbon gas. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Propellant: The hydrocarbon propellant is butane, iso-butane or propane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The catalytic layer is made using water- based hydrophilic inks. Prior to formation of the membrane electrode element, the polymer- electrolyte membrane is pre- soaked in solvent used for the catalytic layer. The carbon substrate is 1- 30% loaded with PTFE, with respect to the water- repellent carbon substrate total weight. The bond between the polymer- electrolyte membrane and the catalytic layers with carbon substrate, is created in two stages. Preferred Method: In the first stage, the two parts are brought together at a temperature of 70- 100degrees C and pressure of 1- 5 bar. In the second stage, the temperature is raised to between 120 and 145degrees C and pressure of 10- 120 bar, in each case for a period of 1- 10 minutes. also claimed is a commensurate polymer- electrolyte membrane catalyst.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The oxidant gas from the combustor is directed to the cathode of the fuel cell. A portion of the exhaust gas from the anode is directed to the gasifier. The combustor is concentric around the gasifier to increase efficiency by reducing heat losses from the gasifier. The system has a gas velocity of 0.5-7.0 ft/sec, and permits biomass throughputs of 100-4400 (preferably 500-4400) lbs/ft2-hr. The carbonaceous char from the gasifier is returned to the combustor when the char and combustible gases are exothermically combusted, to reheat a heat transfer medium in the combustor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The system further includes a burner (30). The reformer is a steam reformer.Preferred Method: The heavy fuel stream is burned in the burner to generate thermal energy.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The composition comprises component (a) (in weight parts) (30-80), component (b) (15-25), component (c) (10-20) and component (d) (10-20). Component (b) is phthalic anhydride-initiated polyester polyol. Component (d) comprises n-pentane. Further, a polyether polyol other than component (a), comprising toluene diamine-initiated propylene oxide polyether polyol is comprised. The composition further comprises flame retardant, crosslinking agent, chain extender, ultraviolet stabilizer, surfactant and/or filler. EXAMPLE - Sucrose and dipropylene glycol co-initiated polyether polyol (in parts weight) (70), butanol-initiated propylene oxide polyether compatibilizing agent (25), B8462 Trade Mark surfactant (4), potassium octoate (5), pentamethyl diethylene triamine blowing catalyst (0.5), phthalic anhydride initiated polyester polyol (30), tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate flame retardant (15) and n-pentane hydrocarbon blowing agent (26) were blended to obtain a polyol resin composition. The composition was mixed with a polymeric methylene diamine isocyanate (192.24) with an index of 250, to obtain a polyurethane foam. The foam was cured and the reactivity properties were recorded. Time for mixing was 5 minutes, for creaming was 10 minutes, for gelling was 21 minutes and for tack-free property was 30 minutes. Cup density was 1.9.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A metal is made to exist in water while irradiating the radiation into water. Preferred Metal: The metal is iron, copper, lead, aluminum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum, gold, tantalum, palladium and/or rare earth metals. The metal has hydrogen occlusion property. Preferred Radiation: The radiation is X-ray, alpha-ray, beta-ray, gamma-ray, electron beam, neutron beam and/or particle beam. EXAMPLE - Distilled water (15 ml) was transferred to a stainless steel container. Tantalum (37.035 g) was transferred to the container. After sealing the container, gamma-ray of energy 3.9 kGy/hour was irradiated for one hour into the water. The hydrogen generation amount was determined and found to be 5.16 mumol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The processing apparatus further contains an alkali chemical addition device (4) which adds an alkali chemical to adjust pH of the acid formation tank. The apparatus further comprises a filtration device (2) to sludge and filtrate the process liquid between the acid formation tank and methane-fermentation tank. The filtration device separates the filtrate ejected from the acid formation tank. A return device which returns the sludge to the acid formation tank after the separation is provided.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Raw Material: The modification raw material contains field fuel, water and air.Preferred Arrangement: The field fuel, water and air are each provided with a heat exchanger, a heat exchange flow path, a bypass flow path and a flow rate controller. The modifier has a carbon monoxide reduction portion provided to the downstream side of a reformation portion. The heat exchanger is provided between the reformation portion and the carbon monoxide reduction portion, or is provided inside the carbon monoxide reduction portion. The measured quantity measured by the sensor is the coolant temperature in the outlet of the heat exchanger. The coolant temperature in the outlet of the heat exchanger is set as the boiling temperature of the coolant. The fuel reformer is stabilized by the flow rate controller when showing a change whose measured value is not preferable for running condition. The modifier has an evaporation portion (141) for evaporating the modification raw material supplied from the supply port. The measured quantity is the temperature of the modification raw material, and pressure of at least one side of the evaporation portion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The metal of the metal supported catalyst is selected from nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, vanadium, osmium, chromium, cobalt and/or iron. The carrier of the metal supported catalyst is selected from activated carbon, carbon nano tube, molecular sieve, zeolite, silica gel and/or alumina.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The hydrogen storage and supply system further has a controller for controlling conditions of the hydrogenation reaction and/or the dehydrogenation reaction in reactor. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The aromatic compound is selected from benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, phenanthrenes and/or their alkyl derivatives.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The carrier which supports the metal is a conductive material or partial conductive material. The metal of the catalyst is nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, vanadium, osmium, chromium, cobalt and iron.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The hydrogen storage and supply system further comprises a controller (10) for controlling hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reaction conditions.Preferred Compound: The aromatic compound is benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, phenanthracene and their alkaline derivatives. EXAMPLE - 0.5 weight% platinum was supported on an activated carbon support to produce a metal supported catalyst which was accommodated in a reactor. A high frequency current was passed in an electromagnetic induction coil and the catalyst was heated to 240-270 degreesC. Cyclohexane (6 ml) was supplied and a hydrogen generation rate was 36 l/minute after 30 minutes. The conversion ratio of cyclohexane to benzene was 80% and the benzene was collected. For storing hydrogen, the catalyst temperature was increased to 70-120 degreesC, and benzene 9 ml was supplied. The conversion ratio of benzene to cyclohexane was 50% after 30 seconds.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The hydrogen storage and supply system further comprises a controller (10) which controls the conditions of hydrogenation reaction and/or dehydrogenation in the reactor. A metal supported catalyst is coated to the tube surface of the cylindrical component or the catalyst is packed in a pipe.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The metal supported catalyst comprises metal which supports the metal chosen form nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, molybdenum, rhenium, tungsten, vanadium, osmium, chromium, cobalt and iron. Carrier which supports a supporting metal is chosen from activated carbon, carbon nanotube, molecular sieve, zeolite, silica gel and alumina.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The aromatic compound is chosen from benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, phenanthrene and its alkyl derivative. EXAMPLE - Metal carrying catalyst (25 g) which contained porous activated carbon and which supported 0.5 weight% of platinum was used. Dehydrogenation of cyclohexane and hydrogenation of benzene were performed using the catalyst. The catalyst was packed in a cylindrical component of a reactor of 16 cm length and 2 cm internal diameter. High frequency current was passed and the catalyst was directly heated by electromagnetic induction heating. Catalyst temperature was raised to 240-270 degreesC and cyclohexane was continuously supplied to the reactor. Hydrogen generation rate after 30 minutes was 22 l/minute. The conversion ratio from cyclohexane to benzene was 95% and benzene was recovered by a reaction material recovery unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The methane fermentation process is performed before or after stripping process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Amount: The molar ratio of predetermined substance such as molybdenum and rhenium, with respect to amount of platinum, is 0.1-5, preferably 0.3-3. The molar ratio of predetermined substance such as niobium, with respect to amount of platinum, is 0.05-10, preferably 0.1-5. Another oxide porous substance supported on the platinum is at least one kind of titanium dioxide, aluminum trioxide, zirconium dioxide, magnesium oxide and cerium dioxide. The amount of cerium oxide derived from cerium oxide sol with respect to the entire porous layer is 1-30 weight%, preferably 3-10 wt.%.Preferred Method: The oxide porous substance is supported on a honeycomb carrier to form a porous layer. The platinum is supported on the porous layer. The binding energy of the electron in the platinum is increased. SPECIFIC MATERIALS - The predetermined substance is at least one of molybdenum, rhenium and niobium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Carrier: The carrier is further supported with an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal component.Preferred Condition: Heat processing of the carrier is performed at 200-800 degreesC for 15 minutes to 12 hours. Heat processing is performed in presence of water vapor or in the presence of a gas selected from oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with water vapor. Heat processing is performed in an atmosphere of water vapor having concentration of 10-100 volume%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The heat processing is performed in presence of water vapor and optionally a gas chosen from oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for 15 minutes to 12 hours at 200-800 degreesC. The carrier is chosen from silica, alumina, silica-alumina, zirconia, titania, magnesia and zeolite, preferably alumina. The metal component in the carrier is preferably ruthenium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The compost contains water-purifying sludge or industrial water sludge as the raw material of source of nitrogen. The wooden materials are pulp, chip dust and bark. The raw material used as a source of nitrogen is cattle feces, pig feces, and/or droppings of hen. The wooden material is mixed with the solid content of the raw material.Preferred Process: The ratio of total carbon weight to total nitrogen weight in the raw material is 20-35. The compost is subjected to fermentation at 55-60degreesC for 3 days. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Arrangement: The fuel cell is a solid polymer fuel cell. The electricity generation system uses the eliminated sewage gas for a gas working mold internal combustion engine. The sewage gas contains methane and hydrogen gas. The gas working mold internal combustion engine is a micro gas turbine and/or a gas engine.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Condition: The fuel cell operates at 120-200, preferably 160-180 degrees C. The cathode exhaust is flowed from the cathode outlet to the reactor inlet. It is maintained at a temperature over 100 degrees C. The steam is flowed into the reactor to maintain a molar ratio of water to methane at 2.0-5.0.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The cathode blower flows ambient air directly through the fuel cell. The controller modulates the first control signal to maintain a molar ratio of oxygen to methane at 0.4-0.7 in the reactor inlet. It modulates the second control signal to prevent hydrogen starvation in the fuel cell. It measures a voltage of the fuel cell stack and modulates the second control signal in response to the voltage measurement. The cathode outlet is connected to a conduit that is connected to the reactor inlet. The conduit comprises a by-pass vent.Preferred Device: The fuel cell system also includes a mixing vessel having a first inlet receiving an air flow from the cathode outlet, a second inlet receiving a fuel flow from the fuel blower, and an outlet for flowing a mixture of the air flow and fuel flow into the fuel processing reactor. The mixing vessel further comprises a third inlet receiving a flow of ambient air, and a fourth inlet receiving a flow of steam.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The carbon monoxide flowing from the fuel processing reactor to the fuel cell has a concentration of at least 1000, preferably 3,000-10,000 ppm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The fuel cell comprises polybenzimidazole PEM.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst is chosen from the oxide of elements in the group silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), ferrous (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt).
EXAMPLE - A simulated kitchen waste was prepared and a methane fermentation reactor was operated at a COD load of 5 g/l. The hydrogen sulfide gas concentration in the evolved gas is measured. The change in organic acid concentration is measured. The relationship between propionic acid concentration and hydrogen sulfide concentration is measured. The methane fermentation reactor was also operated semicontinuously.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst further comprises an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal on the carrier. The halogen is chlorine.Preferred Amount: The weight ratio of titania and alumina in the carrier is 0.1:99.9-90:10. The halogen content of the catalyst is preferably less than 0.1 wt.%.Preferred Gas: The hydrogen-containing gas is gas used for fuel cells.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The fluororesin containing 60 mol% or more of VDF is polyvinylidene fluoride, vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoro ethylene copolymer (VDF-CTFE), vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoro ethylene copolymer, vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoro propylene copolymer, tetrafluoro ethylene-vinylidene fluoride-propylene copolymer or tetrafluoro ethylene-hexafluoro propylene-vinylidene fluoride copolymer. The fluororesin preferably contains VDF and CTFE in the molar ratio of 98/2-85/15. The thermoplastic resin is polyamide or polyolefin, where the polyamide is chosen from polyamide 6, polyamide 46, polyamide 66, polyamide 610, polyamide 116, polyamide 612, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide TMHT, polyamide 6I, polyamide 6T/6I, polyamide PACM 12, polyamide MXD 6, polyamide 11T and/or polyamide 11T(H). An electroconductive agent is added to the fluorine resin layer.Preferred Hose: The fuel hose has a protective layer containing arbitrary resin material or rubber material on the outer surface, and has corrugations at least in one portion. EXAMPLE - A fuel hose comprising adhesion laminate and a protective layer, was prepared. The adhesion laminate comprised VDF/CTFE in the molar ratio of 95/5, and polyamide 12 having 5x10 power -5 end amino groups. The fuel hose was found to have excellent fuel barrier property and adhesion powder of 73 N/cm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Unit: The two hydrogen storage units contain a unit for storing hydrogen in a gaseous or liquid form and the unit for storing hydrogen in solid form with a metal hydride. The container is cylindrical and has an axial opening (17). The hybrid tank further contains a heat exchanger containing metallic grid, fiber or porous metallic structure (21) extending transversally within the container. Each grid is in direct contact with the axial heat pipe, metallic liner and hydride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The hydride of the outer container has low or high equilibrium plateau pressure, preferably more than 40 bar at the operating temperature of the tank.Preferred Hydride: The hydride is a titanium or alanate (AlHx) based hydride. The hydride is chosen from sodium alanate (NaAlH4), lithium alanate (LiAlH4), lanthanum nickel complex (LaNi5H6) and magnesium complex (MgH2) or titanium-chromium (TiCr1.8), titanium-manganese (TiMn2-y), hafnium-copper (Hf2Cu), zirconium-palladium (Zr2Pd), titanium-copper (TiCu3) and vanadium-chromium (V0.855Cr0.145). EXAMPLE - A hydrogen storage tank of 1 l volume was filled with a powder of nanoparticles of lanthanum-nickel (LaNi5) hydride having an average diameter of 5 nm. The powder occupied 50 volume.% of the tank. The tank was then filled with gaseous hydrogen at 10-700 bars. The amount of hydrogen in gaseous phase at 3600 psi was 15% of the total amount of hydrogen within the tank. When the pressure reached equilibrium plateau of the hydride, preferably 2 bars at room temperature using fuel cell or generator, no hydrogen in gaseous phase was observed. Refilling up of the tank was performed at reduced time compared with metal hydride tanks. The hydrogen storage capacity was improved.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Device: The device has a hydrogen sulfide removal body provided in the reforming catalyst body.The reforming catalyst is provided at a fixed spacing from the top flow side to the bottom flow side of the flow of raw materials.The hydrogen sulfide removal body is provided in a space.The device has a temperature detector for the reforming catalyst, and a temperature controller for the reforming part.The metal oxide of the catalyst is at least zirconium oxide.The device has a hydrogen sulfide removal part composed by a metal oxide or metal provided directly after the reforming part.A metal sulfide is formed by reacting the hydrogen sulfide and the metal oxide or metal.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Ammonium hydroxide is added to the acidic solution of hematite in alcoholic medium.The precipitate is separated when a semisolid mass is formed, deposited on hematite and powdered to 300 mesh.Alternatively, acidic solution of magnetically separated hematite is added to hematite base, the resulting solution is ammoniated till the formation of a semisolid mass, and semisolid mass is neutralized with an acid, dried and powdered.The semisolid is neutralized by adding acetic acid and dried under infrared rays.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The hydrogen end product known as hydrogen dioxide is re-cycled to combine with oxygen and atmospheric air to bring it back to original state of water that can be re-used.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Membrane: The increase in porosity through the thickness of the membrane is due to an increase in the size of metal particles, or a decrease in the degree of compaction. The coating is a metal coating. A layer of ceramic particles are between the metal particles and the metal coating. The transmission member includes a catalytic enhancer, comprising catalytic material particles mixed with the metal particles of the porous body to increase the concentration of hydrogen in the output gas stream. The transmission member includes a ceramic-based washcoat, opposite the coating, on which is formed a layer of catalytic material. The catalytic enhancers includes a coating of catalytic material on the outer surface of at least one of the material particles in the body. The transmission member is supported on, is adjacent to, or extends through a support structure, comprising a metal mesh and/ora metal plate.Preferred Material: The catalytic enhancer comprises perovskite, zeolite and/or spinel. The catalytic material includes platinum, palladium or rhodium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The oxidized and unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds are chosen from standard alcohols or monoalkenes, or mixtures of these. The hydrocarbon flow preferably contains at least 0.5 wt.% standard alcohols with a b. pt. of ca. 50-350 degrees C or at least 5 (25) wt.% monoalkenes with a b. pt. of -105 to 350 degrees C. The hydrocarbon flow comprises a low b. pt. fraction with a b. pt. of ca. -65 to 350 degrees C. Hydrogen is obtained from a hydrogen producing unit or it is recycled from a hydrogen processing operation, and is preferably in the form of synthesis gas. The first hydrogen gas is added in an amount less than ca. 500 (50) standard cubic feet per barrel (SCFB) and the second hydrogen gas is added in an amount more than ca. 750 SCFB. The mixed flow is heated to ca. 120-300 degrees C and the hydroconversion feed flow is heated to ca. 250-400 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOTECHNOLOGY - Preferred Components: Microorganism containing material is an activated sludge, fertilizer or soil. SPECIFIC MICROORGANISMS - (I) Comprises Pseudomonas bacteria having the acceptance number FERM P-18235.    EXAMPLE - Isolation of 23 strain of dioxin decomposition microbe K was effected by seeding 1 ml activated sludge in 100 ml of CFMM culture medium. 1 ml of carbazole solution was added to the medium. Shaking was performed at 30degreesC, integration culture was performed, and the 23 strains of Pseudomonas bacteria K which had carbazole decomposability were isolated. The microorganism which had the acceptance number FERM P-18235 was then deposited.    The bacteria was then evaluated for its dioxin degradable property. The bacteria was inoculated in CFMM culture medium, and 1 ml of carbazole solution was added. Shaking culture was performed for 3 days at 30degreesC, and the microbial cells were recovered by centrifugation. The cells were resuspended in CFMM medium after washing, and shaking culture was performed. The microbial cells suspension of 23 strains of K was then obtained. 10 ppm of dioxins was added to the suspension, and shaking was performed at 30degreesC for 2 hours. The obtained reaction solution was vigorously mixed with double the amount of ethyl acetate under hydrochloric acid (pH 3). 100 micro-l of ethyl acetate was added to the solution to dissolve the ethyl-acetate layer formed, after evaporating to dryness with the separatory funnel. The dioxins were not detected in the aliquots, which confirmed that the microbial cells of 23 strains of K had dioxin decomposability.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The methane fermentation process of excretion is carried out using high speed low type methane fermentation process.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The chopped stems with moisture contents of 3-18, preferably 12 % are compressed into briquettes of intended thickness and shape, while lignin as a binder is naturally found in the raw material. The biomass is produced from the stems of Sida hermaphrodita Rusby mixed with other chopped up substances of plant origin, preferably wood constituting less than 60 % of dry matter. A natural binder having molasses of 0.3-2, preferably 0.3 % of dry matter is added, and undergoes compression.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The support contains alumina and zirconia in a molar ratio (Al2O3:ZrO2) of 99:1-90:10. EXAMPLE - Alumina and zirconia were mixed in a ratio of 99:1 and the mixed powder was dissolved in distilled water to prepare mixed aqueous solution. Gradually 5 weight% of sodium hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution was dropped and stirred. Dropping was completed when the pH was set to 7-8. The obtained deposit was centrifuged and dried at 120 degrees C for 24 hours after several washing with distilled water. The obtained alumina-zirconia support powder was impregnated with predetermined amount of palladium nitrate aqueous solution of preset concentration. Subsequently evaporation and baking were performed to prepare the catalyst powder. 2 weight% of palladium was contained in the catalyst powder. The catalyst powder was formed into a pellet. The pellet catalyst was filled in predetermined amount in an evaluation apparatus in which temperature of a model gas containing methane (4140 ppm), carbondioxide (5.936%), carbon monoxide (0.184%), oxygen (13.4%), water (7.7%), nitrogen oxide (NOx) (349 ppm) was raised from room temperature to 500 degrees C at 20 degrees C/min. Purification of methane was continuously performed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substance: The ion source supplying substance is sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium hydroxide when the solid electrolyte is a sodium conductive material.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The bubbles of aerosol washing agent are discharged at 30degreesC. The aerosol washing agent is creamy, and has favorable elasticity and mild durability. EXAMPLE - Aqueous water based aerosol face washing material was prepared by mixing components (A) and (B). The component (A) comprised (in weight parts) 1,3-butylene glycol (3.5), glycerol (10), behenyl alcohol (0.7), cetanol (0.7), peroxy butyl benzoate (0.1), sodium citrate (0.05), peroxy methyl benzoate (0.2), d-delta-tocopherol (0.05), decaglycerol monolaurate (2), polyethylene glycol monostearic acid (0.2), polyoxyethylene behenyl ether (0.2), polyether modified silicone (0.4), stearic acid (0.3) and pure water (77.6). The component (B) was a mixed gas (4) containing isobutane and propane in the ratio of 50:50. The washing material was found to have excellent stability and cosmetic effect.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: 2 mass% or more of the caking material is added to the mixture formed by compounding waste material and less than 97 mass% of coal and mixed at predetermined mixing rate. The mixture is inserted as layers into the coke oven chamber up to 30% or less of the furnace area, longitudinally from the furnace base of the coke oven chamber.Preferred Caking Material: The caking material is coal tar, soft pitch and/or petroleum pitch.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The granules contain a coloring material, preferably a pigment. The granules are pigment granules.Preferred Process: The polyhydroxyalkanoate-synthesizing enzyme is produced by a microorganism, or a transformant into which a gene that contributes to the production capability has been introduced. The microorganism is Burkholderia cepacia KK01 (FERM BP-4235), Ralstonia eutropha TB64 (FERM BP-6933), and/or Alcaligenes sp. TL2 (FERM BP-6913).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The hydrogen-rich gas flow is recirculated to the fuel gas production step. The methane-rich gas production method further involves a carbon dioxide separation step which involves separating at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the methane-containing gas flow. The carbon dioxide separation step is performed such that the methane-rich gas flow undergoes no or only a slight pressure decreases. The carbon dioxide separation step is performed after or before the hydrogen separation step, by using a membrane and/or by performing a washing step. The hydrogen separation step is performed by using a membrane. During the hydrogen separation step, water is also separated from the methane-rich gas flow by using a membrane. The production method further involves a carbon dioxide pre-separation step. The carbon dioxide pre-separation step involves separating at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the fuel gas to form carbon dioxide-rich gas prior to the methanization step. The carbon dioxide-rich gas is guided to the carbon dioxide separation step. The methanization step is carried out at 250-600degreesC, preferably 350-500degreesC, most preferably 375-425degreesC, under pressure of at 1-100 bar, preferably 1-50 bar, most preferably 1-15 bar, in an uncooled reactor using a nickel-based catalyst. The fuel gas flow, the methane-containing gas flow, the methane-rich product and/or the hydrogen-rich gas flow, are cooled. The released heat and/or the heat is released in the methanization process is usefully employed, preferably for the production of high pressure steam. The heat recovered upon cooling is used for driving a heat pump.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The hydrocarbon and/or oxygenate is pre-treated prior to the reforming step (a) by heating to 300-700 degrees C or by pre-reforming in a pre-reformer (32) to produce methane. The reforming step (a) is performed at 1-30 bars (preferably 5-10 bars) and 700-1000 degrees C (preferably 775-825 degrees C). The product stream produced in step (a) comprises carbon monoxide which is converted to carbon dioxide by:(i) reacting with an oxygen-containing gas,(ii) reacting with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen and/or(iii) contacting with an oxygen-containing gas under partial oxidation conditions to oxidize carbon monoxide in preference to hydrogen.The hydrogen is fed to a storage system e.g. tank and/or metal hydride storage system.Preferred Apparatus: The combustion chamber can be positioned concentrically within the reforming reactor. The heat transfer mechanism comprises heating conduits positioned in the vicinity or in intimate contact with the exterior of the reforming reactor. The apparatus further includes pre-heating units (10, 12, 14) for heating the reactant feed for the reformer reactor; and a partial oxidation reactor and/or a water-shift reactor (22).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The micro-component system is in operative combination with a fuel cell that consumes hydrogen and exhausts hydrogen-containing off gas. The combustor burns the fuel cell off gas to provide heat energy source which is interconnected with a heat exchanger for transferring heat to the steam reformer. The steam reformer catalytically reforms the feed stock comprising hydrocarbon composition and water into hydrogen-enriched gas. A flow path is provided between the steam reformer and fuel cell for introducing hydrogen-enriched gas into the fuel cell. The laminar flow unit is a microchannel having a width:depth aspect ratio of 1:10 - 1:100. It includes a catalytically active surface in contact with the fluid flow.The micro-component system also includes a second heat exchanger for cooling the gas from the steam reformer, a water-gas shift reactor (42, 50), a preferential oxidation reactor (60), storage tank(s) for separately storing at least one fuel cell off gas, liquid hydrocarbon composition and water and an in-line Zeolite cracker.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Materials: The first material comprises a zeolite, preferably type X zeolite.The second material comprises an H2S absorbent.The COS hydrolysis catalyst comprises a material including titania, zirconia, thoria, lanthanide oxide, alumina, ceria, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, manganese oxide, cobalt oxide, iron oxide, or nickel oxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compound: The odorant compound comprises a material including tetrahydrothiophene, tert. butyl mercaptan, isopropyl mercaptan, propyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, or methyl ethyl sulfide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The method further involves reacting the gas with a COS hydrolysis catalyst, to convert a COS sulfide component of the gas to H2S after removing the odorant and prior to removing the H2S in the second step.The method further involves heating a third material to greater than 10 degreesC, where the third material adsorbs H2S; and flowing the gas through the third material prior to contacting the gas with the first material. It involves flowing the gas from the second material through a fourth material to provide a visual indication of H2S detection; maintaining the first material at a first temperature and maintaining the second material at a second temperature which is different from the first temperature; absorbing the odorant component into the first material and replacing the first material with fresh first material while not replacing the second material; absorbing H2S into the second material and replacing the second material with fresh second material while not replacing the first material; and/or flowing the gas through a cold-start material comprising nickel during a system start-up step and by-passing the gas away from the cold-start material when a temperature of the first material rises to a predetermined level.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The carbon dioxide fixing material is calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium oxide, strontium hydroxide, allanite, andralite, ankerite, anorthite, aragoniter, calcite, dolomite, clinozoisite, huntite, hydrotalcite, lawsonite, meionite, strontianite, vaterite, jutnohorite, minrecordite, benstonite, olekminskite, nyerereite, natrofairchildite, fairchildite, zemkorite, butschlite, shortite, remondite, petersenite, calcioburbankite, burbankite, khanneshite, carboncernaite, brinkite, pryrauite and/or strontio dressenite. The reforming catalyst is nickel, platinum, rhodium, palladium and/or ruthenium, and is supported on a high surface area support, chosen from alumina, titania and/or zirconia.Preferred Process: Reaction is performed at 400-800 (500-650) deg. C. The hydrogen-rich gas has a CO concentration of less than 10 wppm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Composition: The polar polymer contains 0.1-30% of carbonyl group. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The solvent is chloronaphthalene.
SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The aliphatic secondary alcohol is 2-butanol.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus : There can be a second heater for the stirred (16) reactants or the heater (14) can be used for this purpose. A valve arrangement (46, 48, 54, 64) selectively connects the inlet or outlet (44) with a feed tank (40) for a vegetable oil such as rapeseed oil triglyceride and/or this arrangement can also be applied to an alcohol and/or caustic tank (42), a fatty acid alkyl ester storage tank (68) and/or a glycerol and/or water storage tank (72). There is also a storage tank (80) for acid and/or water which are fed via a valve arrangement (82, 92) to the reactor (12). A condenser (30) separates off materials such as alcohol or water drawn off from reactor (12). EXAMPLE - None given in the specification.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Ultrasonic atomization may assist combustion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Reaction of mercaptan-containing gas and catalyst is carried out at 200-700 degrees C (preferably 300-550 degrees C). About 1-1000 (preferably 10-100) standard cubic centimeters of mercaptan is contacted with a gram of SAPO catalyst per hour. The SAPO catalyst is preferably SAPO-34. EXAMPLE - Methanethiol (1000 ppm) was diluted in helium and fed to a reactor through glass tubing connected with Teflon (RTM) fittings. The lines were heated to 70 degrees C to prevent condensation. SAPO-34 catalyst was contacted with methanethiol-containing helium stream at 25 standard cubic centimeter per minute. Mercaptan conversion was 32% at 300 degrees C and 92% at 600 degrees C. The reaction product obtained at 600 degrees C contained 188 ppm methane, 16 ppm ethane, 1 ppm propane and 777 ppm elemental carbon, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The volatile gas fraction is heated, compressed and cooled under pressure to condense a portion of it. The volatile residue gas fraction comprises a major portion of methane, lighter components and 2-3C components.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The silicate is preferably a sodium, magnesium and/or lithium silicate.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Propellant: This comprises dimethyl ether, C3-5 alkanes and/or halogenated hydrocarbons, especially dimethyl ether and/or C3-5 alkanes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Fixing Polymer: This is selected from polymers of unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids, polymers comprising sulfonic acid units (e.g. vinylsulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid or acrylamido alkylsulfonic acid units), vinylpyrrolidone or vinylcaprolactam (co)polymers, polyalkyloxazolines, vinyl acetate homopolymers and copolymers with acrylate esters, ethylene or maleate esters, ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymers, alkyl (meth)acrylate (co)polymers, acrylonitrile copolymers, alkyl acrylate/urethane copolymers, polyamides, cationic cellulose derivatives and trialkylammonium guar derivatives.Preferred Thickening Polymer: This is selected from (meth)acrylic acid copolymers comprising alkyl acrylate and/or urethane units, e.g. acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymers or carboxyvinyl polymers. EXAMPLE - An aerosol hair spray comprises Laponite XLS (RTM) (0.4%), Luviset Si Pur (RTM) (10%), ethanol (19%), water (10.6%) and dimethyl ether (60%).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: One side of the heat exchanger comprises a combustor for the generation of heat energy; and a catalyst. The combustor comprises a microchannel for directing laminar fluid flow in which a side segment of the channel is coated with the catalyst; a metal foam catalyst module interconnected with the heat exchanger; and a flame combustor. The hydrogen is combusted in the catalyst module. The heat energy from the combustion is introduced to the first side of the first heat exchanger. The hydrogen gas producing reactor is a steam reformer or an auto-thermal reformer. The heat exchangers (1, 2) include two separately enclosed units; or a pair of spaced wave formed plate separators. Each unit has a central volume separated by a wave formed plate. The volume on one side of the wave formed plate comprises heater channels. The opposite side of the wave formed plate comprises vaporizer channels. The wave formed plate separators are on the volume of the same enclosure. They define a central vaporizer section between facing sides of the wave formed plates, and separate first and second combustor/heater sections on the oppositely facing sides of the plates. A minor portion (3 mass%) of the vaporized hydrocarbons exiting the second side of the second heat exchanger is introduced into the first side of the second heat exchanger, to provide an energy source for the vaporizer on the opposite side of the heat exchanger. It is mixed with fuel cell off-gas.Preferred Property: The micro channels formed in the separator have a width to depth aspect ratio of less than 1:100 (preferably 1:10).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The catalyst comprises platinum and/or palladium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Production: The production: At least one catalyst layer is produced by using a mixture containing at least the carbon powder, the surface active agent, and the polymer electrolyte.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred Process: The carbonaceous material is dispersed to the surface of the excrement. The floor of the barn is covered with a carbonaceous material. The mixture of excrement and carbonaceous materials are collected and used as fertilizer and used for breeding for livestock. 30-70 mass% of the carbonaceous material is activated and used. The specific surface area of the carbonaceous material is 25-500 m2/g and has a diameter of 1-50 mm.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The catalyst optionally includes platinum supported on a strong acid-processed tin oxide. EXAMPLE - Tin chloride (in g) (48) was dissolved in pure water (500 ml), aqueous ammonia was added and stirred at 60 degreesC. The addition of aqueous ammonia was stopped when the pH became 9.5 and the liquid was filtered. The filtered solid was washed in water and dried to obtain tin hydroxide. Tin hydroxide (6.2) was immersed in aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate for 15 hours and evaporated to dryness. The solution was baked for 4 hours at 550 degreesC in air and a sulfated tin oxide was obtained. Palladium (5.35) was added to aqueous solution containing sulfated tin oxide (0.27). The mixture was baked at 500 degreesC for 4 hours in air and a 5% palladium/sulfated tin oxide (catalyst) was obtained. The catalyst had Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area of 58 m2/g. The methane conversion ratio was 62% and 64% after 5 hours and 30 hours, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst accommodated in the longitudinal cavities, is powder, granule, pellet or extrudate selected from the group of mono-, bi-, poly-metallic alloys and oxides of IIIB including rare earth metals and noble metals, transition metal groups, alkali metal groups IA-IVA and IVB-VIIB, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, Te, Bi and Se.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The apparatus further includes a water condenser for receiving the stream of air from the fuel cell, for condensing water from that stream; and a control system for monitoring electrical power produced by the fuel cell and used in the electrolysis.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The water removed from a stream of air is returned to the water storage zone so as to return it to electrolysis.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Component: The penta-tolerant fungus comprises Meruliporia incrassata (Mad-563), Antrodia radiculosa (FP-103272-sp), Antrodia radiculosa (FP-90848-T), preferably Antrodia radiculosa (L-11659-sp).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The inoculated wood is aerated and hydrated in dark, aerobic conditions at preferably 27-32 degrees C.Preferred Material: The lignocellulosic substrate is sawdust, wood chips, rice straw, corn stalks, or wheat straw.Preferred Composition: The volume lignocellulose substrate is 25-33 vol.% of sterile water. The volume of nutrient supplement is 1-5 vol.% of the sterile water.Preferred Property: The degradation product exhibits a loss in a dry weight of more than 2.5% of the dry weight of the wood.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Component: The nutrient supplement comprises corn steep liquor, cornmeal and wheatbran. EXAMPLE - Fungal inoculum containing Meruliporia incrassata was added to malt extract liquid media supplemented with 1, 2.5, and 5 % of sterile corn steep liquor (CSL). Media containing no CSL was used as a control. Cultures were grown at 27 degrees C and 70 % RH for 30 days. After 30 days, mycelia were separated from liquid culture, dried, and weighed. The dry weight was determined as percentage dry weight for the inoculum without CSL concentration. The addition of the corn steep liquor to the growth medium had profound effect on fungal growth. Various concentrations of CSL were tested. The results showed at CSL concentration of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 %; the percentage dry weight gain was 100, 321, 256, and 196 %, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Compounds: The combustible gas processing system further comprises a storage battery (32) which accumulates the electricity generated from device (18), wind power equipment (34) and solar power generation device (36), gas sensor (20) for detecting the concentration and capacity of combustible gas supplied to equipment (16), gas sensor (22) for detecting the concentration and capacity of combustible gas from equipment (16), and supply apparatus (10) for supplying the combustible gas. The control unit has a communication function which communicates with a remote server through a communication network. The equipment (16) performs reciprocating motion combustion or catalyzed combustion. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The combustible gas is methane or nitrogen dioxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Feed Stream: The feed stream is a fluid or water vapor.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The proton conducting membrane comprises a proton conductor and a phase material (B). The proton conductor comprises lanthanide element group (VIA) element and a metal ion selected from group (IA) and/or group (IIA) elements.The proton conductor preferably contains cerium, oxygen and group (IIA) element selected from barium and/or strontium, and yttrium.The phase material (B) is selected from platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, vanadium, silver, gold, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, niobium, zirconium and/or tantalum, preferably nickel, palladium and/or niobium.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Bead: The bead is a ceramic bead or a waste material. The bead has mean particle diameter of 0.5-10 mm. EXAMPLE - A tile waste material comprising (in mass%) silica (69.7), alumina (17.7), iron oxide (0.7), calcium oxide (7.3), magnesium oxide (2.8), potassium oxide (1.0), sodium oxide (0.2) and titanium dioxide (0.6), was ground to produce beads with mean particle diameter of 0.5-10 mm, water absorption of 5-15% and bulk density of 0.001-2.0 g/cm3. The organic waste liquid ejected from waste water treatment apparatus where methane fermentation was performed, was separated into solid and liquid and methane fermentation of the separated solid was performed. The separated liquid and tile beads were added to aerator and aeration was performed. The organic substance in the waste liquid was absorbed by the bead and oxidized by microorganisms. The concentration of organic substance in the waste liquid was reduced. A fertilizer component was supported on the bead and used for cultivation of oyster mushroom. Favorable yield of oyster mushroom was observed.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Substance: The inorganic porous substance is carbide material. EXAMPLE - Pig feces having total solid content of 20% and carbon/nitrogen ratio of 15, was taken as organic waste in a mixing tank. 10 weight percent of granular charcoal was mixed with the organic waste in the mixing tank. The formed mixture having total solid content of 25% and carbon/nitrogen ratio of 35, was supplied to a fermentation tank, after heating to 55degreesC using steam. Dry-type methane fermentation was carried out continuously for 35 days. The amount of generation of methane gas and total solid content of the sludge were found to be 13.2 VS kg/ton/day and 22%, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Systems: A reformed gas supplying device for a fuel cell uses the CO concentration reducing device.A coolant is supplied to the coolant passing portions.Reformed gas for fuel and oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the CO-containing gas passing portions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: When the reactant gas is a synthesis gas and granular flowable catalyst is rhodium, nickel, thoria or magnesium oxide, the product is methane. When the reactant gas is a synthesis gas and the catalyst is metal iron, metal cobalt, metal nickel, thoria, magnesium oxide, alumina, or potassium oxide, the product is paraffin or olefin. When the reactant gas is synthesis gas and the catalyst is zinc oxide, chrome oxide, metal copper or alumina, the product is methanol. When the reactant gas is synthesis gas, and the catalyst is rhodium, metal iron or silica, the product is ethanol. When the reactant gas is synthesis gas, and the catalyst is zinc oxide, chrome oxide, metal copper or alkali metal, the product is higher alcohol. When the reactant gas is synthesis gas, and the catalyst is metal rhodium, metallic potassium or cerium, the product is ethylene glycol. When the reactant gas is hydrocarbon and water vapor, and the catalyst is metal nickel supported by alumina, the product is synthesis gas. When the reactant gas is carbon dioxide and water vapor, and the catalyst is metal iron or metal nickel, the product is hydrogen. When the reactant gas is hydrocarbon and nitrogen and the catalyst is metal iron, alumina or potassium oxide, the product is ammonia.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The gas-making device further has a fuel cell main component which produces electric power from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The electrode (I) is arranged at the inner wall of the reactor and the electrode (II) is arranged in the flow path. The gas-making method further involves supplying heat energy to the gas-reacting substance by the low-temperature plasma.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The waste water is treated using the microorganism and the solid content is removed by precipitation process. The remaining untreated waste water is subjected to biological treatment for decomposing organic substance. Glucose is introduced into the reaction vessel as a carbon source and ammonium sulfate is introduced as a nitrogen source. Precultivated strains of LM-12 microbe is introduced into the reaction vessel. Repetition culture of LM strain is substituted to the culture medium. EXAMPLE - A liquid medium containing human waste pigment was prepared and activated carbon was made to absorb. The pigment was made to elute from activated carbon during human-waste processing. The concentration was adjusted to 0.8-1.0. Glucose (5.0 g/L) and ammonium sulfate (0.6 g/L) was added to the adjusted liquid. The pH was adjusted to 6.5 with hydrochloric acid. The liquid was dispensed in a test tube. The soil sample, sewage and sludge collected by the sewage works was inoculated with a loopful of broth and cultivated in the test tube containing the liquid medium. The above solution was cultivated for 10 days at 30degreesC with the both-way shaking-culture vessel. The subculture of the sample with proliferation was observed and sequentially cultured in 2 days and LM 12 strain was isolated. The potato dextrose agar (PDA culture medium) containing 0.1 g/L yeast extract in a agar slant culture was cultured with 12 strain of LMs. The Czapek agar medium and the malt-extract agar medium were used to the flat-plate culture medium for a classification of LM12 strain and an identification. The LM12 strain was cultivated in the liquid medium. The decoloring effect LM12 strain was judged from the variation in time course of decoloring.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The method involves oxygenation process, where oxygen is added to the soil interstitial water. Substance that inhibits removal of organic substances is naphthalene or its derivative. The absorbent is activated carbon.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The propellant is selected from    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - The composition can also contain fixing or non-fixing polymers and silicones. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Propellant: The propellant is specifically dimethyl ether (DME), 3-5C alkanes, e.g. n-butane, propane or isobutane, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. 1,1-difluoroethane, mixtures of DME and 3-5C alkanes and mixtures of 1,1-difluoroethane and DME and/or 3-5C alkanes.    EXAMPLE - An aerosol spray comprises barium sulfate (0.5%), ethanol (34.5%) and dimethyl ether (65%).
EXAMPLE - In an EMBODIMENT the biomass is mixed by a stirrer (9, 10) driven by the power take-off shaft of a tractor. The gas produced is fed to energy-producing equipment.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The sieve portion is a removable bag. It is joined to the inner container by a collar that may be adjusted against an inner surface (1s) of the wall and/or protrusions of the wall. The bottom comprises outlet opening(s) beyond the sealing rim for condensed water to remove the water being accumulated beyond the sealing rim from the composter. The outlet opening(s) is provided with a filter (8) to treat condensed water. A lower container (3) is placed under the bottom, and comprises drainage opening(s) (9). The cover and/or the wall comprises conical orifice(s) (11) for the passage of composting air. The mesh size of the sieve portion of the inner container is 0.5-2.5 mm.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The composter is cast from an expanded polypropene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The heat sources comprise at least two heat sources, and superposition of heat from the two sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation. The formation conditions are controlled by maintaining the temperature within pyrolysis temperature range.Heating at least a portion of the formation involves heating so that at least some of the hydrocarbons are pyrolyzed. The heating energy per day (Pwr) is calculated from the relation, Pwr = hxVxCvxrhoB, where V is selected volume of the oil shale formation, Cv is average heat capacity of the formation, h is average heating rate of the formation and rhoB is bulk density of the formation.Preferred Heaters: The heat sources are electrical heaters, surface burners, flameless distributed combustors or natural distributed combustors.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Properties: The relative volatility of permeate versus working fluid is at least1.05 (preferably at least1.2). The fluid leaving the venturi-type nozzle is at 0-150degreesC.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The working fluid is solvent(s) having an affinity for the permeate molecules, preferably propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, N-methyl pyrrolidone, tetramethylene sulfone, tetraethylene glycol, N-formyl morpholine, furfural, nitrobenzene, dipropylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, or n-butyl-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Fuel Composition: The fuel composition further contains additional compound(s) and an electrolyte. The fuel composition contains 2-60 weight% (wt.%) of primary fuel and 1 wt.%-to saturation of the auxiliary fuel. The surface active compound is a compound with a hydroxyl functional group. The auxiliary fuel contains hydrides, formates, thiosulfates, sulfites, phosphates or hypophosphites. The electrolyte is substantially an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide.Preferred Properties: The electrolyte has a pH of above 7 or 8. The concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide is 3-12 M, preferably 6 M. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The primary fuel is methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, ethylene glycol or glycerine. The auxiliary fuel is chosen from lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, sodium aluminum hydride, calcium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium hydride, sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfite, sodium hypophosphite, sodium phosphate, potassium thiosulfate, potassium sulfite, potassium hypophosphite and potassium phosphate. The alkali metal hydroxide is potassium hydroxide.    EXAMPLE - A fuel cell having an anode and a cathode was constructed. A fuel composition comprising a primary fuel containing a surface active compound such as methanol and an auxiliary fuel containing sodium borohydride as a reducing component was supplied as an anolyte into the fuel chamber. 6 M potassium hydroxide was put in the electrolyte chamber and a mixture of methanol (20%) and 3 M potassium hydroxide (80%) was introduced into the fuel chamber. A current of 5+/-1 mA was measured over 60 minutes.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The methane-rich gas is used as a heating gas for boiler, gas engine or fuel cell (13). The digestive gas is supplied in alternate fixed time periods. At least two carbon dioxide fixed units equipped with the carbon dioxide fixing device are arranged, and gas is supplied. In one fixed unit, it leads the cathode of a direct current power source with the cathode of the fixing device in the unit, and its anode with the anode of the fixing device, and carries out separation-fixation to the cathode of the fixing device by making the carbon dioxide in the gas into carbonate, without supplying fuel gas. In the other carbon dioxide unit, it leads the cathode of the same electric power source with the anode of the fixing device, and the cathode with the cathode of the same carbon dioxide fixing device cathode. The separate-fixed carbon dioxide is discharged out of the apparatus. The solid electrolyte is formed in the shape of device. The anode is covered in the hollow surface and the cathode is covered by the outer wall surface. The ion supply source substance is filled in the hollow portion. The carbon dioxide fixed unit carries out suspending support of the carbon dioxide fixing device, and comes into the pipe interior in which gas containing carbon dioxide and oxygen circulates. A damage unit is provided to detour the flow of gas which passes through the lower end of the diacid carbonizing fixing device. The supported carbon dioxide fixing device penetrates the piping. The fixing device is provided in a container with which gas containing carbon dioxide and oxygen is supplied, and is the opening of the container. A piping for introducing the gas containing carbon dioxide and oxygen, and a piping for emitting the gas in the container are attached. Multiple fixing devices are installed. The fixed unit is provided with a heater to raise the temperature of the fixed unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The outer diameter of the pressure container is smaller than the internal diameter. The periphery wall portion and a low-wall portion are formed of porous material. A cartridge (3) which accommodates a hydrogen occlusion material, and a holder which holds the cartridge in the pressure container, are provided. A low-wall portion of the cartridge separates the base (2b) and the space of the pressure container. The holder holds the cartridge so that it is positioned by the periphery wall portion separating the inner surface (2a) and the space of the pressure container. A gas passage way is connected to the pressure container and a valve is provided to the gas passage way. A hydrogen gas supply source (14) is connected by the gas passage way in the pressure container. The cross-section of the cartridge is annular. The inner peripheral wall portion of the cartridge is formed of porous material. A heating unit is provided to heat the pressure container. Change valves (I,II) (13,15) are provided to the gas passage way. The hydrogen gas supply source is connected to the gas passage way through change valve (I). A supply source of inactive gas is connected to the gas passage way through change valve (II). Change valve (III) is provided to the gas passage way. A supply source of reducible gas is connected to the gas passage way through change valve (III). The holder provided to the low-valve outside surface of the cartridge, has at least three leg portions (6). The leg portions are formed of porous material. A projection portion is provided to the outer wall portion of the cartridge, and an engagement portion is provided to the inner face of the pressure container.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Method: The reconversion of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell is carried out under pressure. The operating pressure of the fuel cell is slightly lower than that of the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer is in direct communication with the tanks to which hydrogen and oxygen obtained through water electrolysis are directly sent. The tanks are in direct communication with the fuel cell. The hydrogen is directly fed to the anodic compartments and the oxygen to the cathodic compartments, respectively. The liquid phase of the electrolyzer entrained into the tanks by the hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected in the tanks and recycled to the electrolyzer, after having been previously cooled in a heat exchanger (7, 19). The hydrogen and oxygen in excess fed to the fuel cell are discharged from the cell, where portions of the liquid phase entrained in hydrogen and oxygen are separated. The portions are recycled in part to the cell and in part to the electrolyzer, after having been cooled or warmed in heat exchangers.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The liquid phase consists of an alkaline aqueous solution. It also consists of water or aqueous solutions of electrolytes, preferably strong alkali.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Method: The method also involves washing the rehydrated alpha-alumina formed body with water at at most 100 degreesC before calcining.Preferred Property: The gibbsite-phase aluminum hydroxide has a median particle size of at most 15 mum, and a packed bulk density of at least 0.8 g/cm3. EXAMPLE - A dried gibbsite-phase aluminum hydroxide with 8 mum median particle size and 0.92 g/cm3 packed density was calcined in a hot gas flow at 700degreesC. The obtained alumina powder was a rehydratable alumina powder having an ignition loss of 7%. It was formed into spherical grains with 2-4 mm diameter, while spraying 60 parts of water based on 100 parts of the powder. 1 Kg of the obtained grains was put in glass beaker, which was then placed in a 5-liter autoclave. The grains were maintained in saturated water vapor atmosphere for 4 hour while adding water into the autoclave and raising the temperature to 130 degreesC. The rehydrated grains was then aged, and about 200 g of which was heated to 300degreesC/hr to 1300 and maintained for 2 hours to calcine the grains. The crystal phase of the calcined product was examined and found to had a BET surface area of 6.4 m2/g, an alpha-crystal phase, a crashing strength of 110 daN/cm2, and a pore volume of 0.6 cm3/g.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: A vent stream is taken from the recycle stream and is vented. The size of the vented recycled stream is controlled.The second part of the recycled gas is compressed to a sub-critical pressure and is liquefied in the main heat exchanger.It is compressed to its critical pressure or above and cooled in the main heat exchanger to a low temperature that is liquefied on expansion to the operating pressure of the high pressure rectification column.It is introduced in the higher pressure rectification column.At least 75% of the feed gas stream is liquefied upstream of the higher pressure rectification column.The partially liquefied feed stream is subjected to phase separation.At least part of the resulting liquid phase is introduced in an intermediate mass exchange region of the higher pressure rectification column.Both recycled gas are compressed in the same stage compressor (48).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The extraction agent medium is homogeneous.The hydrocarbon is propane and/or butane. where the weight ratio of propane to butane is in the region of 1:1 - 7:3, preferably 55:45 - 65:35.The water content of the mixture in the supercritical state is less than 4.5 ppm.The weight ratio (a) of carbon dioxide to 1-4C hydrocarbons and (b) the extraction pressure, temperature, and time are so adjusted that the monomer is obtained at a purity of more than 99.5% relative to the total weight of extracted substance. EXAMPLE - A mixture containing 1000 g highly viscous MDI (sic) prepolymer (polyester) of 21.5% MDI monomer content was used with supercritical CO2 (water content less than 4.5 ppm) with addition of 3.5% dry propane/butane mixture (water content less than 4.5 ppm) as extraction medium for extraction of MDI monomers, and gave a very high extraction efficiency, such that the residual monomer content was less than 0.05%.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: Water added to the reformed gas sets the desired oxygen/carbon ratio for the shift converter. The water feed unit has a controller for controlling the feeding of water to the conduit unit(s). The controller senses the temperature of the reformed gas and the gas stream, and feeds water to the conduit unit(s) in response to the sensed temperature. The fuel cell system also has a unit for collecting water from the fuel cell and recycling at least a portion of the collected water as water source. The fuel cell system is provided with selective oxidizer(s) (24, 26) between the shift converter and the fuel cell. The controller has at least one solenoid valve (46) which opens and closes in response to the sensed temperature. The water feed unit has a water atomizer. Water is fed to both the conduit units.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The conduit unit(s) have a packing of high surface area material chosen from ceramic pellets, steel wool, reticulated ceramic foam, metal foam and honeycomb monoliths.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Properties: The thermophilic reaction temperature is 46-76, preferably 56 degreesC. The mesophilic reaction temperature is 25-45, preferably 35 degreesC. The hydraulic retention time in the thermophilic digester is 1-8 days, and that in methanogenic digester is 4-15 days.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: An exterior pump is provided on the digesters to draw fluid from the bottom of the digester and pump it to a funnel shaped outlet. EXAMPLE - A substrate high in sugar was fed to a stand-alone digester system to produce biogas. Small mounts of ammonia was added for pH adjustment. Mesophilic bacteria at 21-40 degreesC and thermophilic bacteria at 41-50 degreesC were maintained in the digester. The sugar had COD content of 780000 mg/kg and BOD content of 520000 mg/kg. 1 pound of COD reduced to gas yielded 20 cubic feet of biogas containing 70 % methane. From 1 lb of sugar, 15.29 cubic feet of biogas was obtained. The digester had several advantages like renewable electricity generation, cost competitiveness, non-fossil fuel, reliability, dispatchability, power quality, safety, non-energy benefits (agriculture and sugar industries), storability and availability.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The catalyst comprises 80 weight percent (wt.%) or more of gamma-alumina and 2-20 wt.% of copper. The catalyst further comprises 2-20 wt.% of zinc and copper in the ratio of 1/1-1/9, or palladium and copper in the ratio of 1/1-1/9.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Preset portion of the pipe network is replenished with hydrogen gas and hydrocarbon group gas supply.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Structure: The first consumer is equipped with hydrogen gas storage unit for storing isolated hydrogen gas, and the second consumer is equipped with isolated blasting fumes storage unit for storing isolated blasting fumes. The hydrogen gas separating device comprises a hydrogen separation membrane and a gas meter.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The shift catalyst selected from noble metal or its compound, is arranged at a hydrogen-rich gas supply surface (102) of the inner wall of the pore and not arranged at the hydrogen-rich gas release surface (104) of the inner wall of the pore. The temperature of the shift catalyst arranged at the positions except at the inner wall of the pores, is made into reference temperature of 250 degreesC. The temperature of the shift catalyst arranged at the inner wall of the pore is higher than the reference temperature. The porous component has a porous layer (I) and a porous layer (II).Preferred Properties: The pore of the porous layer (II) has a diameter larger than the pore of porous layer (I) and the porous layer (I) has a thickness lower than the thickness of the porous layer (II). The porous component is formed in a shape of honey comb or flatly. The diameter of the pore is less than the mean free pass of gas molecule of carbon dioxide and water vapor, preferably less than 0.1 microns.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The mixed refrigerant also contains leak-detection adjuvant of odorant or coloring agent.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Equipment: The equipment with refrigerating cycle operates at critical temperature of carbon dioxide, and has compressor (11) containing lubricating oil with viscosity of 5 centistokes or more at 100degreesC. The compressor is linear or oilless compressor. The equipment with refrigerating cycle has auxiliary heat exchanger (16) which exchanges heat between heat releasing side refrigerant flow path formed between outlet of heat radiator (12) and inlet of pressure reduction device (13), and evaporating side refrigerant flow path formed between outlet of evaporator and suction portion of compressor. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The hydrocarbon is propane, cyclopropane, isobutane or butane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises a second connected process units positioned within the container. The second connected process unit comprise an anode tail gas oxidation catalyst bed, and a pre-heat exchanger positioned adjacent to the anode tail gas oxidation catalyst bed.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The desulfurization agent bed is a zinc oxide bed. The oxygen-containing gas is air. The hydrogen rich gas contains less than 50, preferably less than 10 ppm CO2.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The cylinder is oriented vertically with the manifold end of the cylinder being on top. The first reaction zone contains autothermal reforming catalyst, a second reaction zone contains desulfurization catalyst, a third reaction zone contains water gas shift catalyst, and a fourth reaction zone contains preferential oxidation catalyst. The fuel processor further comprises an air injection mechanism for injecting air into the zone of ceramic beads. It also comprises a second cylinder having an anode tail gas (T) oxidation catalyst bed (216) for oxidizing the anode tail gas from fuel cell to produce an exhaust gas. The air injection mechanism is connected to the manifold. The reaction zone containing catalyst(s) is separated from an adjacent reaction zone by a permeable plate. The second cylinder further comprises a pre-heat exchanger (214) for heating. The pre-heat exchanger is positioned within the anode tail gas oxidation catalyst bed.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CERAMICS AND GLASS - Preferred Components: The zone of ceramic beads is positioned between the third and fourth reactions. Preferred Material: The permeable plate is porous ceramic.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The permeable plate is perforated metal, metal screen, metal mesh or sintered metal.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Material: The permeable plate is made of inconel, carbon steel, stainless steel, hastelloy, or other material for the temperature, pressure and composition.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Grass Plant: The grass plant is bahiagrass, Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, panic grass, switch grass, kikuyu grass, elephant grass, Miscanthus, giant reed, weeping love grass, corn, sorghum, sorghum-Sudan grass, tall fescue, reed canary grass, canary grass, smooth brome grass, perennial ryegrass, bamboo, Arundo, annual ryegrass, wheat, rye or oats.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Process: The activation period is less than 3 months, preferably 2 - 6 weeks, and temperature is maintained at 30 - 60 degrees C. After the first decline in temperature to 35 degrees C, any subsequent increase above this is prevented.Preferred Components: The mixture of TGM and compost/sludge may also include at least one of (50 vol.% of the total) lignite; plant materials (particularly nitrogen-rich legumes, grasses or weeds); agricultural or food wastes; compost; yeast; algae; nutrients and/or substrates for mushroom cultivation.The mixture preferably comprises (vol.%): sludge (5 - 80) and TGM (20 - 95), or TGM (20 - 80, preferably 30 - 70) and matured compost (20 - 80, preferably 30 - 70). The final product may be dried (by aeration at 25 - 45 degrees C), milled, screened and/or granulated to facilitate handling, and/or, after drying to 70 - 90% dry matter, lumps of TGM are crushed to powder.To produce a product with greater activity, the activated material is treated as a thin (3 - 10 cm thick) layer with seeds which are allowed to germinate and grow (until cotyledons are fully developed), typically for 10 - 20 days at 23 - 25 degrees C at moisture content 50 - 80%. The material is dried, the seedlings are mixed in, and the mixture is matured further at 60 - 70% moisture and 23 - 25 degrees C external temperature, 45 - 50 degrees C internal temperature for 10 - 20 days. ACTIVITY - Fertilizer.    When plants (unspecified) were grown on untreated clay/crushed stone material, their dry weight was 7.2 g, but when grown on the same material that had been incubated with compost the yield was 15.5 g. On the treated material, the plants had good color and uniform growth.    MECHANISM OF ACTION - Plant Growth Stimulant.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS - The clean workbench confirms to Japanese air cleaning association (JACA) standards.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Conditions: The processing method eliminates organic refuse using bacteria while crushing and stirring. The amount of water disassembled by the garbage disposal is measured. The state of microbial bed is controlled based on the measured value.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Support: The support is silica, alumina, silica-alumina, zeolite, titania, zirconia, magnesia, zinc oxide, clay, diatomaceous earth and/or activated carbon.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Fuel Oil: The organosulfur compound-containing fuel oil contains at least one of natural gas, alcohol, ether, liquid petroleum gas, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, light oil, fuel oil, asphaltene oil, coal liquid, petroleum heavy oil, shale oil, synthetic liquid fuel (GTL), waste-plastic oil, and bio-fuel.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: A desulfurizing apparatus (2) desulfurizes gasoline supplied to the hydrogen generation equipment. A gas pressure adjustment pressure-reduction valve (74) decompresses hydrogen in the hydrogen cylinders (6) to preset pressure. The pressure of hydrogen is increased to a comparatively high value and stored in the cylinder (6). A hydrogen temperature control unit controls the temperature of hydrogen supplied to the motor vehicle.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The carbon monoxide removal apparatus has an oxidizing feed zone which supplies an oxidizing agent in the upstream side of the catalyst portion. The water feed zone equipped with the oxidation catalyst shows an activity at low temperature. A water supply controller controls the supply of water through the water supply apparatus. Oxidation catalyst rich portion is formed in the upstream portion of the oxidation catalyst. Based on the temperature of the carbon monoxide reduction catalyst, the supply of water is controlled. The water supply apparatus sprays the water in the gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The LPG and DME, are mixed in a ratio of 60-80:40-20.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The hydrogen manufacturing apparatus further comprises ejector (14) for absorbing the recycled gas, a drive, liquid mixture branch line (18) which supplies a portion of pressurized liquid mixture to direct evaporator (16) in the middle of recycle line.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The method also involves introducing oxygen-containing gas, which is in the form of air, into the wastewater.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The alkane comprises butane which stimulates the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Component: The butane-utilizing bacteria comprise aerobic or anaerobic bacteria. EXAMPLE - Return activated-sludge (RAS) collected from municipal wastewater treatment plant consisted of settled mixture of old and new aerobic bacterial cells. It was introduced into a bioreactor that contained approximately 5 gallons of organic waste. Prior to butane injections, the solids were thoroughly mixed and a composite sample was drawn for analysis of total solids. The bioreactor was then operated (200 l/h) with brief stops every hour to conduct butane injections (500 ml n-butane). After approximately 3 days, butane injections were halted. Bioreactor was again operated with aeration and mixing and without butane injection. The RAS slurry immediately thinned (within 10 hours) after the butane injections. The RAS appeared less dense with a flocculant consistency. All odors associated with the RAS sludge sample were not detectable after the first three butane injections conducted on Day 1. The total solids (mg/l) and settleable solids (ml/l) for Day 1 (pretreatment) were 2200 and 329; and after Day 5 (butane treatment) were 1900 (14% reduction), 158 (52% reduction), respectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The first and second metals are preferably the same. The metal oxides and metals are solid particulates.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The reducing gas is generated by reacting carbon dioxide with carbon to form carbon monoxide.Preferred Process: The carbon dioxide is generated by contacting the reducing gas with the first or second metal oxide and is recycled back to the step of generating the reducing gas. The steps of contacting the reducing gas and steam are at 700-900 degreesC or 300-800 degreesC. The metal is contacted in a molten state with steam by injecting steam into the molten metal. The composition of at least one of the reactors is monitored. Water is extracted from the hydrogen gas stream. SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - Specific Gas: The reducing gas comprises carbon monoxide.    Specific Metal: At least of one of the metals/metal oxides is iron oxide or tin.
EXAMPLE - A fixed quantity raw material was supplied to a steady state from a raw material supply apparatus. When the raw material layer upper face level was more than the upper limit level or below a minimum level, the raw material feed rate was adjusted. When the raw material layer upper face level was greater than the upper limit level, the detection meter was turned off, hence the raw material feed rate was reduced. When the raw material layer upper face level was below the lower limit level, the detection meter was set on, hence the raw material feed rate was increased. Hence continuous carbonization was performed in the carbonization furnace. A stable homogeneous charcoal was continuously manufactured.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The liming drainage liquid mixed with waste gas containing carbon dioxide is fed into activated sludge tank after removing formed calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is converted into calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2). EXAMPLE - 80 l of liming drainage liquid was aerated with waste gas containing 11.8% carbon dioxide, 0.6% oxygen and 87.6% nitrogen, at a rate of 32 l/minute. The pH of the liquid was adjusted to 9.0 after 4 hours of gas passage. White precipitate containing calcium carbonate was obtained. The supernatant liquid of the process liquid was diluted with 10 times of water and fed into an activated sludge tank. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the process liquid was 50 ppm and the adhesion amount of calcium to the support per month was less than 1 mg/g. The carbon dioxide in the waste gas was fixed as calcium carbonate.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Compounds: The transition metal(s) is iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, rhodium or iridium. The support is zeolite.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Apparatus: The apparatus further comprises a drying machine which heats the dewatered sludge and dries fermenter has a pneumatic pressure for heating, using machine exhaust gas ejector from the drying machine (12). The apparatus further installs the water purifying disposal plant which has an electricity generation facility. The disposal plant is used to prepare a plant-cultivation culture medium from the sedimentation basis of this water purifying disposal plant. The plant residues as the heat source which supplies the waste heat for electricity generation for drying machine.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Method: The plant cultivation culture medium is prepared by first fermentation process in which fermentation is promoted for dewatered sludge and second fermentation is carried out. The secondary fermented product is granulated and dried by heat. The moisture content of the first fermented dewatered sludge is 45-65%. The first fermentation process maintains the temperature at 60-70degreesC and maintains the moisture content of a fermentation start point in time. The dewatered sludge is dried at 60-100degreesC. The hardness of granulated substance is 2 mm or more, water proof aggregate is 60% or more and a water retention is more than 60 g/100 ml.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: Extraction of carbon dioxide gas occluded on the electrode (12b) makes the electrodes conduct power supply.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The water-repelling component contains silicon or silicon-containing material, fluorinated polymers or materials containing fluorinated polymers, epoxy resin or materials containing epoxy resin, phenol resin or materials containing phenol resin, acrylic resin or materials containing acrylic resin, PUR adhesive materials or materials containing PUR materials or artificial resin/shellac mixture.
SPECIFIC COMPOUNDS - The process stream comprises hydrogen, methane, ethylene, nitrogen and ethane.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Method: Substrate-specific Methanobacter are grown in the second fermenter, and before they are added to the inactivated biomass, the pH of this is adjusted to 7.2-6.8. Inactivation may include adjusting pH to over 7.2; it protects the biomass against Methanobacter and acetic acid-producing bacteria, and the water content of the biomass from (b) is kept constant before addition of Methanobacter. In step (d), natural and/or genetically modified Methanobacter are replicated in oxygen-free nutrient medium, especially one comprising homogenized stomach or viscera from ruminants. The culture is then added, as required, to an anaerobic fermentation tank. The anaerobic stage may be done in many reactors, optionally arranged as a cascade, which are started up in turn by adding a composition containing aceto- and methano-bacteria. The initial aerobic fermentation uses ubiquitous or cultured bacteria to form alcohol, acids etc. Step (a) is for 12-36, typically 24, hr and step (e) is for 12-24, typically 18, days.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Method: The solvent is vaporized to form vapor containing dissolved carbon monoxide and is employed to form gas from a reformer. It is restrained in a vehicle. The gas containing hydrogen is scrubbed with a solution for separating carbon dioxide from the gas and separated from the solution containing the scrubbed carbon dioxide to produce a gas containing hydrogen devoid of carbon dioxide. It is concentrated by an adsorbent from activated charcoal and/or structured carbon. The produced gas containing hydrogen devoid of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide contains solvent vapor that is adsorbed in an adsorbent. The adsorbed solvent is vaporized from the adsorbent. The catalyst is heated by electrical elements supplied by electrical energy from a fuel cell. The solvent vapor and water vapor are subject to temperature control to sustain hydrogen production.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The solvent is methanol and/or ethanol, containing dissolved carbon monoxide.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The solution for separating carbon dioxide is aqueous bases and/or aqueous salts. The adsorbent is silica gel and/or alumina. EXAMPLE - None given.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Conditions: The sludge residence time (SRT) in the acid fermenter or hydraulics study-residence time (HRT), is 5 days from 0.5 days, preferably 3 days from 1 day.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Coagulant: The flocculent is cationic polymer flocculent or amphoteric polymer flocculent. EXAMPLE - Raw water containing a sludge was supplied to anaerobic digester and the cationic polymer flocculent was added. The solid and liquid in the effluent was separated and the sludge was returned to digester. A portion of biodegradable liquid was modified and returned to digester. The volume of the sludge was reduced effectively.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The concentration process is performed using heat energy. When the concentration process is performed before ammonia dissipation process, the gaseous phase after concentration process is condensed. The condensed water obtained is dissipated. The waste gas from the decomposition process is utilized as a heat source for the gasification process. EXAMPLE - Waste water containing ammonia (2500 mg/l) and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) (3000 mg/l) was inserted from the top portion of an ammonia dissipation portion at a rate of 800 l/hour. 150degreesC hot air was supplied at a rate of 850 m3/hour from the lower portion of the dissipation portion. The TMAH waste water ejected from the lower portion of a dissipation portion was concentrated until the TMAH concentration was 6% in the condensation portion. Air containing ammonia gas emitted from upper portion of dissipation portion was introduced to a heating portion. A fuel was supplied to the heating portion and the temperature was raised to 500degreesC. A hot gas was introduced to the gasification portion. The TMAH concentrated liquid was sprayed in the gasification portion at a rate of 40 l/hour. Decomposition of TMAH was performed to produce trimethylamine and methanol during the gasification process and gasification of trimethylamine and methanol was performed. Ammonia emitted from the gasification portion, trimethylamine and methanol gas were introduced to decomposition portion. Catalyst inlet temperature of the decomposition portion was set to 330degreesC. The gas emitted from the decomposition portion contained 15 ppm of nitrogen oxide and 2600 ppm of carbon dioxide, and reduced amount of trimethylamine, methanol, ammonia and carbon monoxide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: One of the hydrogen formation units is a fuel reformation unit which produces hydrogen from gasoline, alcohol fuel and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The reformation unit is a microorganism-type fuel reformation unit which forms hydrogen from a fuel, using microorganisms. An optical water-splitting unit containing a photocatalyst decomposes water by solar irradiation of light. An electric water-splitting unit performs electrolysis of water to form hydrogen. The hydrogen supply stand has a wind-power unit (8) to supply the electric power for the electric water-splitting unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: The setup time of the reformer is variably set after the temperature of the modifier reaches a preset value. The temperature of the modifier is estimated from the water temperature of a fuel-cell system and elapsed time after starting the reformer.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: A gas blowing-in opening of the combustion furnace is installed at a position higher than the gas exhaust port of the kiln. A cover for airflow prevention is installed in the clearance of the kiln or the ends of the drier and mantle portion. The rotary kiln or the heating outlet of the drier has a double damper structure.Preferred Kiln: The rotary kiln or drier is the kiln or drier for cement production.Preferred Conditions: The gas generated by heating is burnt at 800-1000 degrees C.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The alkaline earth metal is magnesium. The another metal is silicon. The reducible gas is at least one kind chosen from hydrogen gas and low-molecular-weight hydrocarbon gas.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Oscillator: The oscillations are generated by piezo-electric components which operate in a given electro-magnetic range. The oscillating body is formed by spherical or cylindrical ceramic packing material (6, 20). The piezo-electric packing material (6) with a titanium oxide coating (10) which is interrupted by two opposite poles (12, 14). The packing material (6, 20) is arranged in layers forming a packing material colony (1) behind an inlet filter (4).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration at the outlet and inlet is monitored, respectively. The VOC concentration in the output is monitored, and when the VOC concentration exceeds a pre-set limit, recirculation is carried. Recirculation is also carried out when the level of VOCs removed by the biofilter is not enough to maintain the microorganisms within the filter media bed. The biofilter throughput rate is determined with regard to the volume of effluent gas to be processed. The amount of filter media is chosen with regard to optimum operation below a chosen base inlet VOC concentration, and air is recirculated when the concentration exceeds the chosen base concentration. When the inlet concentration of VOC falls below a preset limit for a predetermined time, VOCs are added to the filter media bed by delivering liquid containing dissolved VOCs across the filter media bed at 20-50 (preferably 30) L/m3 media/min. The rate increases depending on the levels of VOC passing through the filter media bed. The liquid is stimulated electromagnetically. The filter media is kept moist by delivering liquid across the filter media bed.Preferred Components: The filter media comprise spent shell of shellfish (preferably half mussel shell). The mussel shell is of Mytilus edulis species. The calcarous material is mixed with an acid-resistant binding agent, preferably keratin. The packing includes additional packing materials, preferably heather, peat nodules, activated carbon, alumina and/or plastics media.Preferred Property: The filter media has a bulk density of less than 900 (preferably approximately 500 g/L).
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The azeotrope-like composition comprises (wt.%):(a) 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (65-98), water (1-34) and isobutane (1-34), and has a boiling point of -15.17 degrees C at 14.25 psia.(b) 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (65-98), water (1-34), and n-butane (1-34), and has a b. pt. of -7.37 degrees C at 14.25 psi.(c) 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (1-85) and propane (15-99), and has a vapor pressure of 123 +/- 3 psia at 70 degrees F.(d) 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (71-98) and isobutane (2-29), and has a boiling point of -15.17 degrees C at 14.25 psia. EXAMPLE - A polyether (100 g, hydroxyl value = 380) which was obtained by adding propylene oxide to a solution of saccharose, propylene glycol and water, was mixed with 2 g of siloxane polyether copolymer as foam stabilizer and 3 g of dimethylcyclohexylamine. The resulting mixture (100 g) was thoroughly mixed with 15 g of an azeotrope-like composition comprising 71-98 wt.% 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 2-29 wt.% isobutane. The mixture was foamed with 152 g of crude 4,4'-diisocyanato diphenylmethane. The resulting rigid foam was found to be of good quality.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The zirconia insulation layer is rigidified and serves as a gas seal for edges of the catalyst bed. The zirconia insulation material is non-acidic oxygen donor which inhibits carbon deposition in the catalyst well.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The high surface area material is selected from steel wool, ceramic pellets, ceramic foam, metal foam and honeycomb monoliths.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred System: The organic waste material processing system comprises a mixing chamber (30) adjacent the inlet, which includes a mechanism for preheating the waste material before the waste material passes through the inlet to the closed container. It further comprises a clarifier (50) adjacent the outer that receives waste material from the second passage and provides a settling tank for separation of solids from liquid. It also includes a heating device positioned in at least a portion of one of the two passages to heat the waste material that comes in contact with the heating device to cause thermal mixing of the waste. The heating device is positioned adjacent a wall or the divider of the digester (40). It includes a pipe containing a heating medium which is preferably water or a gas. Gas outlets are provided in the pipe to emit gas to cause mixing of the waste.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - BIOLOGY - Preferred Bacteria: (b) is able to survive at 55 degreesC and after treating at 80 degreesC for 10 minutes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - The accelerator further comprises humic acid (at most 2.5 wt.%). ADMINISTRATION - The accelerator is applied by spraying to the floor of a livestock barn (claimed). No dosage given.    EXAMPLE - A composting accelerator (A) comprising (wt.%): wheat bran (1000 wt.%), BST-9 (microorganism material) (108 CFU), nitrohumic acid (10) and slaked lime (10) was prepared. To fowl dung (10 kg) was added (A) (100 g) by thorough mixing. The resulting mixture was charged and stirred once a week for composting to obtain an organic fertilizer (B). The result showed that (B) could be produced in a short time while preventing the emission of an offensive odor and emitted a small amount of ammonia. It was also found that when (B) was applied on Brassica Rapa var. Pervidis it exhibited a growth degree as high as at least 4. This showed that (B) had excellent fertilizing efficiency.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Acid: The acid can be boric acid, preferably hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Acid: The acid can be citric acid.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The precipitated sludge is separated and returned to the aeration treatment tank (7) via liquid feed-pipe (17) provided with cytoclasis apparatus (16). The cytoplasmic membrane of the microorganism contained in the precipitated sludge is destroyed by cytoclasis. The cytoclasis-processed precipitated sludge is returned to the aeration treatment tank and the supernatant is ejected externally. Water from solid-liquid separator (3) is: passed on radial brush of rotation brush-type solid-liquid separator (equipped with rotary unit provided with radial brush) and filtered through the gap between the brushes; passed through screen belt of screen belt conveyor-type solid-liquid separator and filtered through screen belt; or poured on inclined screen of screen inclination-type solid-liquid separator and filtered through screen. After filtration the microorganisms remaining on the brush, screen belt or screen, are separated.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ENVIRONMENT - Preferred Process: The pyroligneous acid obtained by carbonization is used as raw material for pharmaceuticals.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The process further involves burning the gas component obtained from gas-solid separation to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas and recovering waste heat of exhaust gas. The calcium chloride is present in an weight ratio of 0.4-4 with respect to the waste material. The waste material is thermally decomposed at 350-600 degreesC.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Conditions: When the temperature of the hydrogen occlusion alloy is greater than a predetermined temperature, the hydrogen filling unit lowers the filling pressure of hydrogen. The hydrogen filling unit controls the filling pressure of hydrogen filled to the hydrogen occlusion tank, based on the signal from the degradation unit.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Plate: The protrusions comprise sealing features (7,8,9). The plate may includes protrusions or indentations that engage complementary features on an adjacent plate. The plate comprises at least one electrically conductive insert in a non-conductive frame, in which fluid manifolds are formed. The flow field (6) is branched.Preferred Stack: The plates are welded by ultrasonic welding. At least one membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the panels. The engaging features may be on the membrane electrodes.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The plate is made of material that may be welded, preferably an electrically conductive polymer comprising a polymer matrix, a conductive filler and carbon nanofibers.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - FOOD - Preferred Ingredients: The mold is koji mold or added in the form of koji, or comprises Apergillus, Monascus, Mucor or Rhizopus.The waste comprises raw garbage, excrement, waste from the seafood industry, or distillatory effluent. Feed is dried to 30 wt.% or less.Treatment comprises disintegration of organic wastes, optionally with the addition of a matrix material in forming a mixture.The matrix is a fibrous material (e.g. sawdust and/or wood shavings) or a starchy material.The matrix can be added with mold sores in amount 0.01-0.1% relative to the dry weight.The oil used is a waste oil, edible oil, or cutting oil. Organic waste is added to a water content of 20-70 wt.%.Mold is allowed to grow by adjusting to 50 degreesC or less using blow hot air from a ventilator. EXAMPLE - 50 l of liquor effluents, 30 l of cutting oil, and 100 g of seed koji were mixed into 100 kg. wood shavings and stirred well to a water content of 35%. This was placed in a container with good warmth-retaining properties, and stood at 30 degreesC. Heat was generated after 12 hours to a product temperature of 35-40 degreesC, then controlled at 50 degreesC or less with appropriate ventilation. 40 hours after the addition of koji, the heat had receded and the water content fell to 25% or less. Upon adding 70 l liquor effluents, the water content became 50% and eat generation more active 30 minutes after addition. Ventilation was resumed to control the product temperature at 50 degreesC or less. After 24 hours, the heat had subsided and the water content evaporated to a content of 25% or less. These operations were repeated daily, such that 70 l. of liquor effluent could be processed each day to perpetuity. When the heat became weak, it was found that heat generation immediately resumed with the addition of new waste oils. Additionally, 3.5 l waste oils were sufficient to treat 70 l of liquor effluents.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The tube line is made from a thermoplastic, preferably PVDF or polymers containing PDVF, polyphenylene sulfide or polymers containing polyphenylene sulfide, polyketones or polymers containing polyketones, polyolefins or polymers containing polyolefins, or polyolefin copolymers or copolymers containing polyolefins.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Sensor: The reference wire electrode is Pt.The sensing wire electrode is Au, Ag, Pd, or Rh.The ceria-based electrolyte is Ce1-xAxO2-x/2.x = 0-0.25; andA = Y, Sc, or lanthanide.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The ion-exchange membrane superposes at least a portion of the sealing region. The preformed sheet is an electrically conductive mesh. The mesh contains an electrically conductive filler in the active region or a metal. The mesh is an electrical insulator. The fluid-impermeable sheet material is a graphite foil.Preferred Method: The sheet material is rendered fluid-permeable by perforating the sheet material in the active region. The fluid distribution layer is electrically insulated in the sealing region. At least one channel is formed in the major planar surfaces of the fluid distribution layer. The channel traverses the active region. It is adapted to direct a fluid reactant stream in contact with the layer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - METALLURGY - Preferred Materials: The metal is nickel, stainless steel, niobium, or titanium.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Materials: The mesh consists of a polymeric material, preferably polyethylene, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - AGRICULTURE - Preferred process: Apparatus has concrete platform, slatted floor, vessel for storing thermophilic leaven and for collecting excessive liquid, and measuring equipment. Excessive liquid collecting tray placed under slatted floor is made slanted toward mid portion and toward vessel and is communicated with it. Electric pump fixed on end of slatted floor has suction branch pipe equipped with filter. Suction branch pipe is plunged into vessel. Pressure pipeline is positioned for periodic uniform spraying of compost storage pile with thermophilic leaven and excessive liquid by means of telescopic head extending along guide. Apparatus is used for producing vermicomposts in animal houses.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Composition: The combustion catalyst layer contains alumina, alumina sol, and platinum. The platinum is present in an amount of 0.5-5 weight% (wt.%) in the combustion catalyst layer such that the combustion catalyst layer has higher concentration of platinum in the upstream side (13) than the downstream side (15) along flow direction of combustion fuel. The combustion catalyst layer present in vicinity of inlet of combustion portion, contains 0.5-2 wt.% of platinum and the combustion catalyst layer present in the vicinity of the outlet of the combustion portion, contains 3-5 wt.% of platinum.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: Further, the synthesis gas is cooled and water content is removed as condensed water. The condensed water is circulated to arc plasma reactor. The synthesis gas is pressurized and supplied to methanol synthesis reaction vessel. Dimethyl ether is introduced into fractionating column (DT) and separated into dimethyl ether and recyclable methanol aqueous solution. Methanol and water are separated from methanol aqueous solution and water is recycled to arc plasma reactor. The arc plasma reactor has a cooling portion distributed in the periphery of arc plasma reaction chamber.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The cylinder which supplies the field fuel is a butane cassette cylinder. Air introduced to carry out the temperature control of the reformer, is heated through the outer wall of the reformer. The cylinder turns a supply port up. While carrying out the parallel establishment of two or more cylinders in the chamber, guide plate (I) leads the introduced hot air to each cylinder, and guide plate (II) passes the hot air along the peripheral edge of the cylinder to the peripheral portion of each cylinder. The guide plates are arranged in a higher order than the upper end of the hot air inlet which the upper end formed in the side wall of the chamber. The lower end is arranged more nearly in a low-order than the lower end of the hot air inlet.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Catalyst: The catalyst contains rhodium, nickel, cerium oxide and platinum in weight ratio of 0.05-0.5:3-10:2-8:0.3-5, respectively.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Hydrocarbon: The normal temperature hydrocarbon liquid is n-hexane or gasoline.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Component: The driving condition of the hydrogen production system is warming-up condition of the system. The control portion performs control, based on hydrogen requirement. The chemical-reaction portion has sub-chemical-reaction portions for performing shift reaction of carbon monoxide and water to form hydrogen. The adjustment mechanism switches the number of operation of the sub-chemical-reaction portions. The control portion increases the number of operations with the increase in the hydrogen required and controls amount of raw material supplied to the sub-chemical-reaction portion, based on the hydrogen required, and maintains the relationship between the hydrogen required and the number of operation. The sub-chemical-reaction portions are crossed orthogonally in the form of polygon in the direction of flow of gas, and are at the edge of the polygon. The hydrogen production system further has a multi-stage unit for performing different chemical reaction, a reformation portion (100) for performing steam-reforming or oxidation reaction of the raw material, and a reformed-gas process portion for processing the reformed gas produced in the reformation portion. The hydrogen production system further has a reaction portion shared between sub-chemical-reaction portions, a shift-reaction portion (115,117) for performing shift reaction, and an oxidation-reaction portion (118) for performing oxidation of carbon monoxide contained in the gas formed in the shared reaction portion. The hydrogen production system has a heat insulation layer for suppressing transfer of heat between the sub-chemical-reaction portions having voids, and heat feed zone for supplying heat for heating the sub-chemical-reaction portions.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The mixed heating unit mixes the raw material and water in the same container, and heats the mixture to obtain a heated mixed air. The mixed heating unit is a flow path for obtaining the mixture supplied to the raw material supplying unit and the water feed zone. A heating unit heats the mixture and obtain heated mixed air. The mixed heating unit has an inner cylinder portion and an outer cylinder portion, such that the periphery of the inner cylinder portion is covered. A heating unit heats at least the inner cylinder. The mixture is stored temporarily in the hollow portion between the inner and outer cylinder portions. The mixed heating unit is a spiral flow path through which the mixture passes. A heating unit heats the spiral flow path. A spiral projection is on the wall surface which faces at least one hollow circle of the inner and outer cylinder portions. The spiral projection is a portion of the inner and outer cylinder portions. The spiral projection is also on the wall surface which faces the outer side of the hollow portion.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The composting equipment further comprises fire extinguishing smoke elimination equipment (25,26), and exhaust hole (29A) connecting the exhausting tube (29B) to the upper portion of stir tank. The stir tank has an auxiliary heat source for heating the base material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: A slaked lime is mixed to the base material before or during pre-heating period. The temperature of base material during constant drying rate period is maintained at 30-60degreesC and the fermentation is accelerated. A microorganism is added, and the temperature is maintained at 60-70degreesC for more than 1 hour and the pathogenic microbes in the base material are destroyed during the falling rate period. The falling rate period is judged by the change of detection temperature of base material from constant drying rate period, and the amount of hot air supplied to the falling rate period is reduced.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The organic substance processing apparatus has a temperature detector, unit for adjusting the temperature based on the detection result, electromagnetic shut-off valve, temperature sensor and control portion for controlling the valve based on the result of sensor.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Arrangement: The exhaust gas emitted from the electrical power generating device is sent to the drying unit. After carrying out the conditioning of the waste material ejected from the ejection worker, only the organic waste is inserted in the drying unit. A solid electrolyte type fuel cell is used as the fuel cell.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRONICS - Preferred Features: The porosity of the support structure is more than 30 vol.%, preferably more than 40 vol.%. The pore size of the edge zone is less than 10 microns, preferably less than 3 microns.The porosity of the edge zone is less than 30 vol.%, preferably less than 10 vol.%. The thickness of the edge zone is less than 100 microns, preferably less than 30 microns.