Abstract:
Systems and methods for reducing or eliminating corrosion of components of a reactor system, including a supercritical water gasification system, are described. The reactor system may include various system components, such as one or more pre-heaters, heat exchangers and reactor vessels. The system components may be configured to receive a reactor fluid corrosive to an inner surface thereof and to separately receive a protective fluid that has a higher density and is substantially immiscible with the reactor fluid. A rotating element may be configured to generate a rotational force that forces at least a portion of the protective fluid to flow in a layer between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface, the layer operating to reduce corrosion by forming a barrier between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface.
Abstract:
Systems, devices and methods for providing temperature control and/or regulation are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one endothermic reactant, which can be activated to control a local temperature. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one gas producing material, which can allow for the production of gas, which can be trapped for the provision of an insulating volume.
Abstract:
Packaging materials including at least one copolymer sheet containing a first polymer having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second polymer having a low coefficient of thermal expansion are described. In some configurations, the copolymer sheet includes one or more sections of a bimorph structure having a first layer of the first polymer and a second layer of the second polymer. Methods of making a packaging material by bonding the first layer and the second layer to form a copolymer sheet; and heating the copolymer sheet at discrete sections to destroy the layer definition forming discrete sections having a bimorph structure of the first layer and the second layer are also described, as are kits useful for preparing the packaging material.
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein provide for terahertz tags and methods of making and using them. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and a saturated hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A humidity sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A temperature sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material; and a polymer overlay having thermally controlled water permeability disposed on the anhydrous hygroscopic material. Some embodiments relate to a tag identification device configured to transmit an incident signal toward the tag, and to receive a reply signal from the tag in response to the incident signal.
Abstract:
The embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems and methods for produce scanning, wherein the produce scanning devices comprise a light source, a produce stage, and a detector array positioned on the opposing side of the produce stage to the light source, wherein the light source and the detector array form a scanning assembly, and the transmitted light from the light source can reach the detector array. In some embodiments, the light source is a collimated light source, and only the directly transmitted light may reach the detector array. In some embodiments, a collimating filter is positioned between the produce stage and the detector array.
Abstract:
In some examples, a method to monitor an animal may include determining a physiological status of the animal based on a tattoo that includes intelligent ink injected into skin of the animal. The method may also include recording the physiological status of the animal. The method may also include, in response to the physiological status indicating a physiological event or condition, triggering an alert to address the physiological event or condition.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for providing localized cooling of a surface are described. Localized cooling devices may include a thermal element configured to generate a temperature gradient in a cooling interface in contact with the surface. Temperature gradient may operate to facilitate conductive heat transfer from the surface, through the cooling interface, and out into the ambient environment. The thermal elements may include thermoelectric cooling elements (TECs), such as Peltier cooling elements. In some embodiments, the localized cooling devices may be configured to treat swelling associated with periorbital edema by providing convenient, efficient, and continuous cooling of the affected area.
Abstract:
Methods of making optical circuits or waveguides and optical circuits and waveguides made by such methods are disclosed. Optical circuits may include a substrate, a first polymer layer, and a second polymer layer. A first portion of the first polymer layer has a higher refractive index than a second portion of the first polymer layer. Optical waveguides may include a first polymer layer on a surface of a substrate. A first portion of the first polymer layer has a higher refractive index than a second portion of the first polymer layer.
Abstract:
Ultrasound thin film tags are disclosed. The tags include a pattern of regions, wherein the pattern is configured to create thin film interference when scanned with ultrasound energy. The tags can be placed in various locations within the article including interior surfaces and they can be used to encode a variety of information about the article. Devices and methods for scanning and decoding the tags are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for reducing corrosion of components of a reactor system, such as a supercritical water gasification system are described. A current carrying element may be arranged about the outside surface of a system component, such as a valve, conduit, heater, pre-heater, reactor vessel, and/or heat exchanger. The current carrying element may be in the form of a continuous solenoid, rings, tubes, or rods, including a conductive material, such as copper. A current may be applied to the current carrying element to generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The current may generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The electromagnetic field may force corrosive ions moving within a fluid flowing through the system component to move in pathways away from an inner surface of the system component.