Abstract:
Direct reaction fuel cells (10) and fuel cell batteries (200) with rotating electrodes (18) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (54) and Circular Couette Flows (56) in electrolyte chambers (24) are disclosed.
Abstract:
A system for separating at least one constituent from a liquid suspension such as blood induces high velocity flow by viscous drag about the circumference of a spinner having a filtration membrane with pore sized selected for the desired constituent. The high velocity circumferential flow is bounded by a spaced apart shear wall, with a spacing selected relative to the diameter of the spinner and its rotational velocity, also with respect to the viscosity of the suspension, to establish a flow within the shear gap, as substantial centrifugal forces are exerted upon the suspension. Under these conditions, in contact with the membrane and filtrate passes through the membrane is replenished with minimal adverse effects from deposition and concentration polarization, and with high efficiency because of high shear levels that are maintained. The filtrate is collected within the interior of the spinner in a conduit system and passed to an outlet orifice.
Abstract:
A system for detecting small amounts of hemoglobin in a solution detects the ratio between the light transmissivities at separated wavelengths of a sample solution, one of which wavelengths is in a range at which hemoglobin is highly light absorptive. Through the use of the ratios of the signals, a reading of high sensitivity and linearity is provided in the presence of substantial contamination and turbidity in the sample or the system.
Abstract:
Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
Abstract:
Electrochemical cells (10), such as fuel cells (12) and fuel reformers (14), with rotating elements or electrodes (34, 24) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28, 50) and Circular Couette Flows (58) in fluids such as electrolytes and fuels are disclosed.
Abstract:
Direct reaction fuel cells (10) and fuel cell batteries (200) with rotating electrodes (18) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (54) and Circular Couette Flows (56) in electrolyte chambers (24) are disclosed.
Abstract:
Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
Abstract:
Chemical process accelerator systems comprising viscid fluid Taylor Vortex Flows (98, 50a) with high-shear-rate laminar Circular Couette Flows (58) in contact with catalysts (92, 92′, 30, 32, 32f, 32g, 36, 40, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48), catalytic compositions and structures in chemical reactors and electrochemical cells (e.g. fuel cells, fuel reformers) are disclosed.
Abstract:
A compact self-sterilizable proportioning hemodialysis system alternatively usable with either a coil type or parallel flow artificial dialyzer without material alteration comprises a hydraulic driven dialysate proportioning pump in a positive pressure flow path to provide dialysate in a controlled concentration to a dialysate receiving canister. A coil-type dialyzer within the canister receives dialysate in a recirculating flow from a circulation pump. A venturi in the recirculating flow path provides a negative pressure to pull dialysate through a suction loop, which may alternatively include a parallel flow dialyzer. A conductivity cell, temperature monitor and blood leak detector sample and monitor dialysate from the canister, and to control the dialysate and indicate fault conditions. The system may alternatively function as a recirculating plate-type dialyzer having high dialysis efficiency. In this mode a vortex degasifier recirculating loop and an air separator in the suction loop eliminate entrained gases. Parts of the system may be sterilized by internal means, because the system defines a closed path when certain connections are made. An upright resistive heating steam generator delivers sterilizing steam throughout the liquid flow path which terminates in a pressure relief valve. This increases the steam temperature above the atmospheric water vaporization temperature and maintains the steam at a uniform temperature-pressure equilibrium throughout the flow path. The system requires no central dialysate mixing, yet closely controls the concentration of dialysate utilized.