Abstract:
The present invention relates to a modified MPD vessel which allows the coupling of identical secondary MPD vessels, which can house either sand filter and/or sand cyclonic MPD internals, to the vessel without the need for any vessel or pipework modifications whereby, a plurality of these MPD vessels can be further coupled using identical inlet and outlet configurations. This configuration of MPD vessels allows for improved means for removing produced solids from a hydrocarbon fluid stream and allows for a vastly more flexible system as a whole.
Abstract:
An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as oil from an oil-water mixture, or cells entrained in a fluid, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of the oil as the oil coalesces, agglomerates, and becomes more buoyant than the water. A driver and controller for the acoustophoretic device accommodate variable loading as the components are separated, thereby improving separation efficiency.
Abstract:
A sluice support for positionally supporting a sluice box within a waterway provides an anchor post, an axially and rotatably movable slide hammer and two adjustably positionable support frames releasably engageable with the slide hammer to adjustably support a sluice box within a waterway.
Abstract:
Method of collecting used cooking oil includes extracting used cooking oil from at least one deep fryer to a container, storing and separating said used cooking oil within the container which is located within the cooking area. The oil from the deep fat fryer is periodically pumped to the container and allowed to settle. The unwanted sludge is then tapped off into a portable container and the wanted oil is pumped to an exterior transportation container. The container is triangular shaped with rear walls converging into a corner of the cooking area and a diagonal front face with side flanges and a bottom flap such that it is located in the corner of an interior wall of a building and contains the pipes and plumbing.
Abstract:
A method and a system for selecting and retaining solids with superior settling characteristics, the method comprising feeding wastewater to an input of a processor that carries out a treatment process on the wastewater, outputting processed wastewater at an output of the processor, feeding the processed wastewater to an input of a gravimetric selector that selects solids with superior settling characteristics, and outputting a recycle stream at a first output of the gravimetric selector back to the processor.
Abstract:
The invention concerns at least one pillar in, or for use in, a microfluidic device wherein said pillar comprises, in cross-section, at least one particle abutment surface and an adjacent space that indents said pillar, or an adjacent groove that indents said pillar, to accommodate said particle; a plurality of such pillars arranged in an array; a method for separating particles in a fluid using said pillar, array or said device; and a diagnostic method involving the separation of particles from a fluid using said pillar, array or said device.
Abstract:
This specification discloses a method to convert a lignin biomass feedstream to a converted lignin stream comprising aromatic compounds. The process comprises combining a lignin biomass feedstream comprising lignin, at least one solvent and at least one catalyst in a reaction vessel. Preferably the ratio of moles of catalyst to moles of lignin is in the range of between 4:1 and 15:1. The lignin biomass feedstream is then deoxygenated to a converted lignin stream at a deoxygenation temperature and a deoxygenation pressure for a deoxygenation time.
Abstract:
This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.
Abstract:
A radial opposed migration classifier is provided for separating particles in a sample, introducing and removing the particles into and out of the classifier at the same potential. A sample passes through a classification channel having two circular walls. The sample is introduced and exits the classifier through the same plane as the first wall, which is at a different potential from the second wall. A cross-flow fluid enters the classification channel through one of the walls. The cross-flow fluid flows at a first velocity and exits in a first direction through the other wall. An imposed field is applied on the particles in a second direction counter to the first direction of the cross-flow. This causes the particles of a desired size and/or charge to migrate at a second velocity opposite and/or equal to a first velocity of the cross-flow. The particles that travel through the channel are discharged.
Abstract:
A method is provided for changing a property of a sample. A sample, comprising particles suspended within a sample fluid, is introduced into a channel which comprises two walls that are permeable to a flow of fluid. A cross-flow is introduced at a predetermined temperature and of a predetermined chemical composition into the channel through a wall. This cross-flow flows at a first velocity and exits in a first direction through the other wall. An imposed field is applied on the particles in a second direction counter to the first direction of the cross-flow. The imposed field causes the particles to migrate at a second velocity opposite and/or equal to the first velocity of the cross-flow. Particles that are approximately balanced by the first and second velocities travel through the channel and are discharged in a fluid of predetermined chemical composition and at the predetermined temperature of the cross-flow.