Photo-catalytics, Inc.

Other

Matheson Tri-gas, Inc.

Gerald D Cooper

Matthew A Ratcliff

Dan Fraenkel

Bruce C Wojcik

Charles W Wojcik

Wilfred H Herrett

Reed Goold

Hans Heinrich Funke

William H Jennings

Jeffrey G Sczechowski

A transmission playback device for selectively storing discrete transmission data is configured for use with a telecommunications accessory device. The playback device includes a memory assembly having a pair of identical storage buffers. A first storage buffer has memory designated for continuously recording transmission data, and a second storage buffer has memory designated for selectively storing a discrete message from the transmission data. A controller exchanges the designations of each storage buffer upon a request by a user such that the second storage buffer becomes designated for continuously recording transmission data and the first storage buffer becomes designated for selectively storing a discrete message from the transmission data.

Selective transmission storage and playback for communication device

An apparatus and method for generating moisture standards in gases are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for introducing a preselected amount of water vapor or other vaporized liquid into a flowing gas stream at a constant rate, which comprises a suitable syringe having a needle attached thereto; an evaporator attached to said needle, wherein the evaporator is located in the flowing gas stream; and a means for applying pressure to the syringe, such that water or other liquid may be delivered at a constant rate from the syringe through the needle into the evaporator. The invention also relates to a method for introducing a preselected amount of water vapor or other vaporized liquid into a flowing gas stream at a constant rate, which comprises providing a syringe having a needle attached thereto, wherein the syringe contains the water or other liquid to be vaporized; applying pressure to the syringe, such that water or other liquid is transferred at a constant rate from the syringe through the needle into an evaporator, said evaporator being attached to one end of the needle, and situated in the flowing gas stream; and allowing the water or other liquid to evaporate from the evaporator into the flowing gas stream. The apparatus and method of the invention are useful for the generation of low levels of moisture, and are especially useful where quick and reliable changes of moisture level in the gas is desired. Thus, the apparatus and method are useful in the generation of primary moisture standards for use in the calibration of moisture analyzing instruments, such as FTIR spectrometers.

Apparatus and method for generating moisture standards in gases

A method for removing trace moisture from a gas is disclosed. The method involves heating a zeolite having a high silica-to-alumina ratio to about 400.degree. C. to remove physically absorbed water from the zeolite, followed by heating the zeolite to a temperature in excess of 650.degree. C., to form a superheated zeolite. Heating to temperatures of 650.degree. C. or above is believed to cause dehydroxylation of the zeolite. A method for the preparation of a dehydroxylated zeolite is also disclosed. The superheated zeolite is contacted with the gas, thereby adsorbing water from the gas. A dehydroxylated zeolite for removing trace moisture from a gas wherein the zeolite has a high silica-to-alumina ratio and a low level of metallic impurities is also disclosed. The zeolite and methods of the invention are particularly useful for removing trace water from acid gases such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide.

Methods for removal of water from gases using superheated zeolites

The present invention relates to a replacable cartridge for use in a photocatalytic fluid purification system. The cartridge is capable of modifying impurities in a fluid flowing through the cartridge in the presence of light. The cartridge includes a flexible, porous element having a semiconductor coating associated with it and a rigid support structure which supports the element. The cartridge may be used in a variety of fluid purification applications where photocatalysis has not heretofore been utilized.

Cartridge for photocatalytic purification of fluids

A system for decontaminating the contaminated fluid by using photocatalytic particles. The system includes a reactor tank for holding the contaminated fluid and the photocatalytic particles suspended in the contaminated fluid to form a slurry. Light irradiates the surface of the slurry, thereby activating the photocatalytic properties of the particles. The system also includes stirring blades for continuously agitating the irradiated fluid surface and for maintaining the particles in a suspended state within the fluid. The system also includes a cross flow filter for segregating the fluid (after decomposition) from the semiconductor powder. The cross flow filter is occasionally back flushed to remove any semiconductor powder that might have caked on the filter. The semiconductor powder may be recirculated back to the tank for reuse, or may be stored for future use. A series of such systems may be used to gradually decompose a chemical in the fluid. Preferably, the fluid is pretreated to remove certain metal ions which interfere with the photocatalytic process. Such pretreatment may be accomplished by dispersing semiconductor particles within the fluid, which adsorb ions or photodeposit the metal as the free metal or its insoluble oxide or hydroxide, and then removing the semiconductor particles together with the adsorbed metal ions/oxides/hydroxide/free metal from the fluid. A method of decontaminating a contaminated fluid is also disclosed.

Method of decontaminating a contaminated fluid by using photocatalytic

Apparatus for decontaminating a contaminated fluid by using photocatalytic particles. The apparatus includes a reactor tank for holding a slurry of the contaminated fluid and the photocatalytic particles ultraviolet light irradiates the surface of the slurry, thereby activating the photocatalytic properties of the particles. Stirring blades for continuously agitate the irradiated fluid surface maintaining the particles in a suspended state within the fluid. A cross flow filter is used for separating the fluid from the semiconductor powder after the decomposition reaction is ended. The cross flow filter is occasionally back flushed to remove any caked semiconductor powder. The semiconductor powder may be recirculated back to the tank for reuse, or may be stored for future use. A series of reactor tanks may be used to gradually decompose a chemical in the fluid. The fluid may be pretreated to remove certain metal ions which interfere with the photocatalytic process. Such pretreatment may be accomplished by dispersing semiconductor particles within the fluid, which particles adsorb ions or photodeposit the metal as the free metal or its insoluble oxide or hydroxide, and then removing the semiconductor particles together with the adsorbed metal ions/oxides/hydroxide/free metal from the fluid.

Apparatus for photocatalytic treatment of liquids

An ultraviolet driven photocatalytic post-treatment technique for the purification of waste water distillates, reverse osmosis permeates and spacecraft habitat atmospheric humidity condensates is described. Experimental results show that organic impurity carbon content of simulated reclamation waters at nominal 40 PPM level are reduced to, PPB using a recirculating batch reactor. The organic impurities common to reclaimed waste waters are completely oxidized employing minimum expendables (stoichiometric oxygen). This paper discusses test results and parameteric data obtained for design and fabrication of a bread-board system. The parametric testing includes UV light source evaluation, photolysis vs photocatalysis comparison, oxygen concentration dependence, temperature dependence, reactor mixing, disinfection features, photocatalyst loading, photocatalyst degradation studies and power consumption estimates. This novel post-treatment approach for waste water reclamation shows potential for integration with closed-loop life support systems.

Photocatalytic treatment of water

A photocatalytic slurry reactor is driven by solar or artificial ultraviolet illumination. A cylindrical ultraviolet lamp is suspended by an O-ring within a cylindrical reactor jacket, creating an annular region through which a photocatalytic slurry is pumped. An optional streamlined nose cone at the inlet end of the lamp reduces flow turbulence and increases flow velocity. A helical stainless steel wire wrapped about the bulb acts as a turbulence promotor to disturb the boundary layer for increased radial mixing. A three-electrode charging-arrangement may be used to regulate the charge of the solution. In another embodiment, a reactor uses a solar collection trough to focus solar rays on a C-shaped reactor jacket, the interior of which is provided with ridges or ribs to disturb the boundary layer.

Photocatalytic slurry reactor having turbulence generating means

A system for photocatalytically modifying a chemical composition comprising a semiconductor powder dispersed and entrapped within a layer of Pyrex glass wool interposed between two transparent plates. When a fluid containing the chemical composition flows through the glass wool and around the semiconductor powder, electromagnetic radiation impinging upon the semiconductor powder causes the chemical composition to be modified. A method for modifying the chemical composition and a method of manufacturing a panel for use in the system and method are also disclosed.

System for and method of photocatalytically modifying a chemical

An electrolytic cell comprising a rectangular tank divided into a plurality of adjacent compartments by a plurality of spaced apart parallel electrode plates. The outboard electrodes may form one pair of the opposite tank walls. Alternate electrodes are of opposite polarity and are connected to matching poles of a direct current source. The intermediate electrodes terminate short of the tank ends so that the slurry or solution may pass around both ends of the electrode as it flows through successive cells. An agitator is mounted in each compartment for reciprocation therein. The agitators are shaped and positioned to direct a predetermined volume of tank contents (slurry) against each electrode, the amount being directed against the cathode and anode respectively may be equal or unequal depending on the metal being recovered and the chemical reaction required at the electrode. Strips of non-conductive material are arranged in the cell in spaced overlapping relationship with the peripheral side and bottom edges of each side of each cathode thereby blocking straight line current flow between the cathode edges and the closest anode area while defining a narrowed passage for directing slurry past such edges in a scrubbing action. The agitators and the associated mounting means are designed so the volume of flow against each electrode may be varied to accommodate the different operating conditions required by different ores.

Process for electrowinning metals from a metal-bearing solids slurry

An electrolytic cell comprising a rectangular tank divided into a plurality of adjacent compartments by a plurality of spaced apart parallel electrode plates. The outboard electrodes may form one pair of the opposite tank walls. Alternate electrodes are of opposite polarity. The intermediate electrodes terminate short of the tank ends so that the slurry or solution may pass around both ends of the electrode. An agitator is mounted in each compartment. The agitators are shaped and positioned to direct a predetermined volume of slurry against each electrode, the amount being directed against the cathode and anode respectively may be equal or unequal depending on the metal being recovered and the chemical reaction required at the electrode. Strips of non-conductive material are arranged in the cell in spaced overlapping relationship with the peripheral side and bottom edges of each side of each cathode thereby blocking straight line current flow between the cathode edges and the closest anode area while defining a narrowed passage for directing slurry past such edges in a scrubbing action. The agitators and the associated mounting means can be adjusted to vary the volume of flow against the electrodes. Lifting fins are provided on the agitators for maintaining solids in suspension. An inlet and outlet are provided on opposite sides of the tank and the spaces around the ends of the intermediate electrodes and between the cathodes and the non-conductive strips are selected so that reciprocation of the agitators enhances flow of slurry through successive chambers between the inlet and outlet.

Growing community of inventors

Pocatello, ID, United States of America

Gerald D Cooper