Simple Syringe Filtration Methods for Reliably Examining Dissolved and Colloidal Trace Element Distributions in Remote Field Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiller, A. M.

2002-12-01

Methods for obtaining reliable dissolved trace element samples frequently utilize clean labs, portable laminar flow benches, or other equipment not readily transportable to remote locations. In some cases unfiltered samples can be obtained in a remote location and transported back to a lab for filtration. However, this may not always be possible or desirable. Additionally, methods for obtaining information on colloidal composition are likewise frequently too cumbersome for remote locations as well as being time-consuming. For that reason I have examined clean methods for collecting samples filtered through 0.45 and 0.02 micron syringe filters. With this methodology, only small samples are collected (typically 15 mL). However, with the introduction of the latest generation of ICP-MS's and microflow nebulizers, sample requirements for elemental analysis are much lower than just a few years ago. Thus, a determination of a suite of first row transition elements is frequently readily obtainable with samples of less than 1 mL. To examine the "traditional" (<0.45 micron) dissolved phase, 25 mm diameter polypropylene syringe filters and all polyethylene/polypropylene syringes are utilized. Filters are pre-cleaned in the lab using 40 mL of approx. 1 M HCl followed by a clean water rinse. Syringes are pre-cleaned by leaching with hot 1 M HCl followed by a clean water rinse. Sample kits are packed in polyethylene bags for transport to the field. Results are similar to results obtained using 0.4 micron polycarbonate screen filters, though concentrations may differ somewhat depending on the extent of sample pre-rinsing of the filter. Using this method, a multi-year time series of dissolved metals in a remote Rocky Mountain stream has been obtained. To examine the effect of colloidal material on dissolved metal concentrations, 0.02 micron alumina syringe filters have been utilized. Other workers have previously used these filters for examining colloidal Fe distributions in lake and sea water. Filters are pre-cleaned in the lab using clean pH 2 water followed by a clean water rinse and then dried with clean air. Because of the significant pressure that must be placed on the syringe for some minutes to effect a filtration, a simple plastic press and stand has been devised. Polarization artifacts, which can affect this type of ultra-filtration, do not appear to be significant. This may be due to the comparatively large pore size of these filters (equivalent to approx. 40 kDa). These filters, in combination with the 0.45 micron filters, are being used in a multi-year study of trace elements in the Yukon River system.

Wet particle source identification and reduction using a new filter cleaning process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umeda, Toru; Morita, Akihiko; Shimizu, Hideki; Tsuzuki, Shuichi

2014-03-01

Wet particle reduction during filter installation and start-up aligns closely with initiatives to reduce both chemical consumption and preventative maintenance time. The present study focuses on the effects of filter materials cleanliness on wet particle defectivity through evaluation of filters that have been treated with a new enhanced cleaning process focused on organic compounds reduction. Little difference in filter performance is observed between the two filter types at a size detection threshold of 60 nm, while clear differences are observed at that of 26 nm. It can be suggested that organic compounds can be identified as a potential source of wet particles. Pall recommends filters that have been treated with the special cleaning process for applications with a critical defect size of less than 60 nm. Standard filter products are capable to satisfy wet particle defect performance criteria in less critical lithography applications.

21 CFR 113.40 - Equipment and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (3) Pressure gages. Each retort should be equipped with a pressure... should have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (3) Pressure gages. (i) Each... controllers should have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (3) Pressure gages. Each...

21 CFR 113.40 - Equipment and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. A steam controller activated by the... ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Steam introduction. Steam shall be distributed in the bottom of... temperature controllers should have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Bleeders...

21 CFR 113.40 - Equipment and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. A steam controller activated by the... ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Steam introduction. Steam shall be distributed in the bottom of... temperature controllers should have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Bleeders...

21 CFR 113.40 - Equipment and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. A steam controller activated by the... ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Steam introduction. Steam shall be distributed in the bottom of... temperature controllers should have adequate filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (5) Bleeders...

The Problem of Sample Contamination in a Fluvial Geochemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andersen, Charles B.

2001-01-01

Introduces the analysis of a river as an excellent way to teach geochemical techniques because of the relative ease of sample collection and speed of sample analysis. Focuses on the potential sources of sample contamination during sampling, filtering, and bottle cleaning processes, and reviews methods to reduce and detect contamination. Includes…

Plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system

DOEpatents

Cho, Young I.; Fridman, Alexander; Gutsol, Alexander F.; Yang, Yong

2014-07-22

The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.

Pulse cleaning flow models and numerical computation of candle ceramic filters.

PubMed

Tian, Gui-shan; Ma, Zhen-ji; Zhang, Xin-yi; Xu, Ting-xiang

2002-04-01

Analytical and numerical computed models are developed for reverse pulse cleaning system of candle ceramic filters. A standard turbulent model is demonstrated suitably to the designing computation of reverse pulse cleaning system from the experimental and one-dimensional computational result. The computed results can be used to guide the designing of reverse pulse cleaning system, which is optimum Venturi geometry. From the computed results, the general conclusions and the designing methods are obtained.

Advanced lithographic filtration and contamination control for 14nm node and beyond semiconductor processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varanasi, Rao; Mesawich, Michael; Connor, Patrick; Johnson, Lawrence

2017-03-01

Two versions of a specific 2nm rated filter containing filtration medium and all other components produced from high density polyethylene (HDPE), one subjected to standard cleaning, the other to specialized ultra-cleaning, were evaluated in terms of their cleanliness characteristics, and also defectivity of wafers processed with photoresist filtered through each. With respect to inherent cleanliness, the ultraclean version exhibited a 70% reduction in total metal extractables and 90% reduction in organics extractables compared to the standard clean version. In terms of particulate cleanliness, the ultraclean version achieved stability of effluent particles 30nm and larger in about half the time required by the standard clean version, also exhibiting effluent levels at stability almost 90% lower. In evaluating defectivity of blanket wafers processed with photoresist filtered through either version, initial defect density while using the ultraclean version was about half that observed when the standard clean version was in service, with defectivity also falling more rapidly during subsequent usage of the ultraclean version compared to the standard clean version. Similar behavior was observed for patterned wafers, where the enhanced defect reduction was primarily of bridging defects. The filter evaluation and actual process-oriented results demonstrate the extreme value in using filtration designed possessing the optimal intrinsic characteristics, but with further improvements possible through enhanced cleaning processes

Preparing Colorful Astronomical Images III: Cosmetic Cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frattare, L. M.; Levay, Z. G.

2003-12-01

We present cosmetic cleaning techniques for use with mainstream graphics software (Adobe Photoshop) to produce presentation-quality images and illustrations from astronomical data. These techniques have been used on numerous images from the Hubble Space Telescope when producing photographic, print and web-based products for news, education and public presentation as well as illustrations for technical publication. We expand on a previous paper to discuss the treatment of various detector-attributed artifacts such as cosmic rays, chip seams, gaps, optical ghosts, diffraction spikes and the like. While Photoshop is not intended for quantitative analysis of full dynamic range data (as are IRAF or IDL, for example), we have had much success applying Photoshop's numerous, versatile tools to final presentation images. Other pixel-to-pixel applications such as filter smoothing and global noise reduction will be discussed.

Vapor purification with self-cleaning filter

DOEpatents

Josephson, Gary B.; Heath, William O.; Aardahl, Christopher L.

2003-12-09

A vapor filtration device including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a filter between the first and second electrodes is disclosed. The filter is formed of dielectric material and the device is operated by applying a first electric potential between the electrodes to polarize the dielectric material such that upon passing a vapor stream through the filter, particles from the vapor stream are deposited onto the filter. After depositing the particles a second higher voltage is applied between the electrodes to form a nonthermal plasma around the filter to vaporize the collected particles thereby cleaning the filter. The filter can be a packed bed or serpentine filter mat, and an optional upstream corona wire can be utilized to charge airborne particles prior to their deposition on the filter.

Composition of the excimer laser-induced plume produced during LASIK refractive surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glickman, Randolph D.; Liu, Yun; Mayo, George L.; Baribeau, Alan D.; Starck, Tomy; Bankhead, Tom

2003-07-01

Because of concerns about potential hazards to surgical personnel of the plume associated with laser refractive surgery, this study was performed to characterize the composition of such plumes. Filter elements were removed from the smoke evacuator of a VISX S3 excimer laser (filter pore size ~0.3 microns) and from a Mastel Clean Room ( filter pore size ~0.2 microns) used with a LADARVISION excimer laser. The filters from both laser systems captured the laser-induced plumes from multiple, routine, LASIK patient procedures. Some filters were processed for scanning electron microscopy, while others were extracted with methanol and chloroform for biochemical analysis. Both the VISX "Final Air" filter and the Mastel "Clean Room" filter captured material that was not observed in filters that had clean operating room air only passed through them. In the VISX system, air flows through the filter unit parallel to the filter matrix. SEM analysis showed these filters captured discrete particles of 0.3 to 3.0 microns in size. In the Mastel Clean Room unit, air flows orthogonally through the filter, and the filter matrix was heavily layered with captured debris so that individual particles were not readily distinguished. Amino acid analysis and gel electrophoresis of extracted material revealed proteinaceous molecules as large as 5000 molecular weight. Such large molecules in the laser plume are not predicted by the existing theory of photochemical ablation. The presence of relatively large biomolecules may constitute a risk of allergenic reactions in personnel exposed to the plume, and also calls into question the precise mechanism of excimer laser photochemical ablation. Supported by the RMG Research Endowment, and Research to Prevent Blindness

Fibrous Filter to Protect Building Environments from Polluting Agents: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chavhan, Md. Vaseem; Mukhopadhyay, Arunangshu

2016-04-01

This paper discusses the use of fibrous filter to protect the building environments from air born polluting agents and especially of concern chemical, biological and radiological agents. Air-filtration includes removal of particulate from air and toxic gases from air. In air filtration, particulate which are mostly biological and radioactive types of agents can be removed by using mechanical and electrostatic filters. Some biological agents, which cannot be removed by air filtration alone, special techniques like antimicrobial finish, UV germicides, coated filters etc. are required. Biocide agent can be added into the fibre itself by grafting reaction to impart antimicrobial activity. Chemical agents like toxic gases can be removed by integrating adsorbents and sorbents in filters or by fibre modifications. It is also possible to impart catalytic conversion properties into the fibre to remove volatile gasous. Radioactive agents can be removed by particulate filter if present in the form of aerosol or by gas cleaning by the use of specific fibre impregnate.

Application of Pulsed Electrical Fields for Advanced Cooling and Water Recovery in Coal-Fired Power Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young Cho; Alexander Fridman

2009-04-02

The overall objective of the present work was to develop technologies to reduce freshwater consumption in a cooling tower of coal-based power plant so that one could significantly reduce the need of make-up water. The specific goal was to develop a scale prevention technology based an integrated system of physical water treatment (PWT) and a novel filtration method so that one could reduce the need for the water blowdown, which accounts approximately 30% of water loss in a cooling tower. The present study investigated if a pulsed spark discharge in water could be used to remove deposits from the filtermore » membrane. The test setup included a circulating water loop and a pulsed power system. The present experiments used artificially hardened water with hardness of 1,000 mg/L of CaCO{sub 3} made from a mixture of calcium chloride (CaCl{sub 2}) and sodium carbonate (Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) in order to produce calcium carbonate deposits on the filter membrane. Spark discharge in water was found to produce strong shockwaves in water, and the efficiency of the spark discharge in cleaning filter surface was evaluated by measuring the pressure drop across the filter over time. Results showed that the pressure drop could be reduced to the value corresponding to the initial clean state and after that the filter could be maintained at the initial state almost indefinitely, confirming the validity of the present concept of pulsed spark discharge in water to clean dirty filter. The present study also investigated the effect of a plasma-assisted self-cleaning filter on the performance of physical water treatment (PWT) solenoid coil for the mitigation of mineral fouling in a concentric counterflow heat exchanger. The self-cleaning filter utilized shockwaves produced by pulse-spark discharges in water to continuously remove scale deposits from the surface of the filter, thus keeping the pressure drop across the filter at a relatively low value. Artificial hard water was used in the present fouling experiments for three different cases: no treatment, PWT coil only, and PWT coil plus self-cleaning filter. Fouling resistances decreased by 59-72% for the combined case of PWT coil plus filter compared with the values for no-treatment cases. SEM photographs showed much smaller particle sizes for the combined case of PWT coil plus filter as larger particles were continuously removed from circulating water by the filter. The x-ray diffraction data showed calcite crystal structures for all three cases.« less

METAL MEDIA FILTERS, AG-1 SECTION FI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adamson, D.

One application of metal media filters is in various nuclear air cleaning processes including applications for protecting workers, the public and the environment from hazardous and radioactive particles. To support this application the development of the ASME AG-1 FI Standard on Metal Media has been under way for more than ten years. Development of the proposed section has required resolving several difficult issues associated with operating conditions (media velocity, pressure drop, etc.), qualification testing, and quality acceptance testing. Performance characteristics of metal media are dramatically different than the glass fiber media with respect to parameters like differential pressures, operating temperatures,more » media strength, etc. These differences make existing data for a glass fiber media inadequate for qualifying a metal media filter for AG-1. In the past much work has been conducted on metal media filters at facilities such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to qualify the media as High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters. Particle retention testing has been conducted at Oak Ridge Filter Test Facility and at Air Techniques International (ATI) to prove that the metal media meets or exceeds the 99.97% particle retention required for a HEPA Filter. Even with his testing, data was lacking to complete an AG-1 FI Standard on metal media. With funding secured by Mississippi State University (MSU) from National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a research test stand is being designed and fabricated at MSU's Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) Facility to obtain qualification data on metal media. This in turn will support required data needed for the FI Standard. The paper will discuss in detail how the test stand at MSU will obtain the necessary data to complete the FI Standard.« less

Cleaning of Filtering Facepiece Respirators Contaminated with Mucin and Staphylococcus aureus

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

Journal of Infection Control. Document contains color images. Decontamination and reuse of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) has been proposed to...in the area of cleaning FFRs. This study evaluates the cleaning of three surgical N95 FFRs by three commercial wipe products as an initial exploration...significantly higher penetration than the other wipe products. The significance of these data to the concept of decontamination and reuse of FFRs will remain

36. FIFTH FLOOR BLDG. 27, "CLEAN ROOM" AIR FILTERS LOOKING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

36. FIFTH FLOOR BLDG. 27, "CLEAN ROOM" AIR FILTERS LOOKING SOUTH. - Fafnir Bearing Plant, Bounded on North side by Myrtle Street, on South side by Orange Street, on East side by Booth Street & on West side by Grove Street, New Britain, Hartford County, CT

Fan filter cleaning on the CHeCS AAA in the US Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-05

ISS019-E-013710 (5 May 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 19/20 flight engineer, cleans a fan filter on the Crew Health Care System Avionics Air Assembly (CHeCS AAA) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Impact of Air Filter Material on Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Device Characteristics in HF Vapor Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Chih-Wen; Lou, Jen-Chung; Yeh, Ching-Fa; Hsieh, Chih-Ming; Lin, Shiuan-Jeng; Kusumi, Toshio

2004-05-01

Airborne molecular contamination (AMC) is becoming increasingly important as devices are scaled down to the nanometer generation. Optimum ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter technology can eliminate AMC. In a cleanroom, however, the acid vapor generated from the cleaning process may degrade the ULPA filter, releasing AMC to the air and the surface of wafers, degrading the electrical characteristics of devices. This work proposes the new PTFE ULPA filter, which is resistant to acid vapor corrosion, to solve this problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the PTFE ULPA filter can effectively eliminate the AMC and provide a very clean cleanroom environment.

Replacement of fluid-filter elements without interruption of flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kotler, R. A.; Ward, J. B.

1969-01-01

Gatling-type filter assembly, preloaded with several filter elements enables filter replacement without breaking into the operative fluid system. When the filter element becomes contaminated, a unit inner subassembly is rotated 60 degrees to position a clean filter in the line.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF MOBILE SOURCE EMISSIONS CONTROL DEVICES: CLEAN DIESEL TECHNOLOGIES FUEL-BORNE CATALYST WITH MITSUI/PUREARTH CATALYZED WIRE MESH FILTER

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Fuel-Borne Catalyst with Mitsui/PUREarth Catalyzed Wire Mesh Filter manufactured by Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. The technology is a platinum/cerium fuel-borne catalyst in commerci...

Removal of residual particulate matter from filter media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Almlie, Jay C.; Miller, Stanley J.

A method for removing residual filter cakes that remain adhered to a filter after typical particulate removal methodologies have been employed, such as pulse-jet filter element cleaning, for all cleanable filters used for air pollution control, dust control, or powder control.

Removal of residual particulate matter from filter media

DOEpatents

Almlie, Jay C; Miller, Stanley J

2014-11-11

A method for removing residual filter cakes that remain adhered to a filter after typical particulate removal methodologies have been employed, such as pulse-jet filter element cleaning, for all cleanable filters used for air pollution control, dust control, or powder control.

Fabric filter model sensitivity analysis. Final report Jun 1978-Feb 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dennis, R.; Klemm, H.A.; Battye, W.

1979-04-01

The report gives results of a series of sensitivity tests of a GCA fabric filter model, as a precursor to further laboratory and/or field tests. Preliminary tests had shown good agreement with field data. However, the apparent agreement between predicted and actual values was based on limited comparisons: validation was carried out without regard to optimization of the data inputs selected by the filter users or manufactures. The sensitivity tests involved introducing into the model several hypothetical data inputs that reflect the expected ranges in the principal filter system variables. Such factors as air/cloth ratio, cleaning frequency, amount of cleaning,more » specific resistence coefficient K2, the number of compartments, and inlet concentration were examined in various permutations. A key objective of the tests was to determine the variables that require the greatest accuracy in estimation based on their overall impact on model output. For K2 variations, the system resistance and emission properties showed little change; but the cleaning requirement changed drastically. On the other hand, considerable difference in outlet dust concentration was indicated when the degree of fabric cleaning was varied. To make the findings more useful to persons assessing the probable success of proposed or existing filter systems, much of the data output is presented in graphs or charts.« less

iQOS: evidence of pyrolysis and release of a toxicant from plastic.

PubMed

Davis, Barbara; Williams, Monique; Talbot, Prue

2018-03-13

To evaluate performance of the I quit original smoking (iQOS) heat-not-burn system as a function of cleaning and puffing topography, investigate the validity of manufacturer's claims that this device does not burn tobacco and determine if the polymer-film filter is potentially harmful. iQOS performance was evaluated using five running conditions incorporating two different cleaning protocols. Heatsticks were visually and stereomicroscopically inspected preuse and postuse to determine the extent of tobacco plug charring (from pyrolysis) and polymer-film filter melting, and to elucidate the effects of cleaning on charring. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry headspace analysis was conducted on unused polymer-film filters to determine if potentially toxic chemicals are emitted from the filter during heating. For all testing protocols, pressure drop decreased as puff number increased. Changes in testing protocols did not affect aerosol density. Charring due to pyrolysis (a form of organic matter thermochemical decomposition) was observed in the tobacco plug after use. When the manufacturer's cleaning instructions were followed, both charring of the tobacco plug and melting of the polymer-film filter increased. Headspace analysis of the polymer-film filter revealed the release of formaldehyde cyanohydrin at 90°C, which is well below the maximum temperature reached during normal usage. Device usage limitations may contribute to decreases in interpuff intervals, potentially increasing user's intake of nicotine and other harmful chemicals. This study found that the tobacco plug does char and that charring increases when the device is not cleaned between heatsticks. Release of formaldehyde cyanohydrin is a concern as it is highly toxic at very low concentrations. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Cermet materials, self-cleaning cermet filters, apparatus and systems employing same

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C.

2005-07-19

A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool to monitor exhaust air from poultry operations.

PubMed

Druckenmüller, Katharina; Günther, Klaus; Elbers, Gereon

2018-07-15

Intensive poultry operation systems emit a considerable volume of inorganic and organic matter in the surrounding environment. Monitoring cleaning properties of exhaust air cleaning systems and to detect small but significant changes in emission characteristics during a fattening cycle is important for both emission and fattening process control. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometric techniques as a monitoring tool of exhaust air from poultry operation systems. To generate a high-quality data set for evaluation, the exhaust air of two poultry houses was sampled by applying state-of-the-art filter sampling protocols. The two stables were identical except for one crucial difference, the presence or absence of an exhaust air cleaning system. In total, twenty-one exhaust air samples were collected at the two sites to monitor spectral differences caused by the cleaning device, and to follow changes in exhaust air characteristics during a fattening period. The total dust load was analyzed by gravimetric determination and included as a response variable in multivariate data analysis. The filter samples were directly measured with NIR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and factor analysis (FA) were effective in classifying the NIR exhaust air spectra according to fattening day and origin. The results indicate that the dust load and the composition of exhaust air (inorganic or organic matter) substantially influence the NIR spectral patterns. In conclusion, NIR spectroscopy as a tool is a promising and very rapid way to detect differences between exhaust air samples based on still not clearly defined circumstances triggered during a fattening period and the availability of an exhaust air cleaning system. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of two cleaning methods for the removal of asbestos fibers from carpet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kominsky, J.R.; Freyberg, R.W.; Chesson, J.

The research study examined the effectiveness of dry vacuuming and wet cleaning for the removal of asbestos fibers from carpet, and evaluated the potential for fiber reentrainment during carpet cleaning activities. Routine carpet cleaning operations using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered dry vacuum cleaners and HEPA-filtered hot-water extraction cleaners were simulated on carpet artificially contaminated with asbestos fibers. Overall, wet cleaning the carpet with a hot-water extraction cleaner reduced the level of asbestos contamination by approximately 70 percent. There was no significant evidence of either an increase or a decrease in the asbestos concentration after dry vacuuming. The level ofmore » asbestos contamination had no significant effect on the difference between the carpet asbestos concentrations before and after cleaning. Airborne asbestos concentrations were between two and four times greater during the carpet cleaning activities. The level of asbestos contamination in the carpet cleaning activities. The level of asbestos contamination in the carpet and the type of cleaning method used had no statistically significant effect on the difference between the airborne asbestos concentrations before and during cleaning.« less

Wildfire Smoke

MedlinePlus

... keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. ... inside with the windows closed. Use an air filter . Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle ...

40 CFR 60.622 - Standards for volatile organic compounds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., and maintained. (b) Each affected petroleum solvent filter that is installed at a petroleum dry cleaning plant after December 14, 1982, shall be a cartridge filter. Cartridge filters shall be drained in...

40 CFR 60.622 - Standards for volatile organic compounds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., and maintained. (b) Each affected petroleum solvent filter that is installed at a petroleum dry cleaning plant after December 14, 1982, shall be a cartridge filter. Cartridge filters shall be drained in...

Slow-sand water filter: Design, implementation, accessibility and sustainability in developing countries

PubMed Central

Clark, Peter A.; Pinedo, Catalina Arango; Fadus, Matthew; Capuzzi, Stephen

2012-01-01

Summary The need for clean water has risen exponentially over the globe. Millions of people are affected daily by a lack of clean water, especially women and children, as much of their day is dedicated to collecting water. The global water crisis not only has severe medical implications, but social, political, and economic consequences as well. The Institute of Catholic Bioethics at Saint Joseph’s University has recognized this, and has designed a slow-sand water filter that is accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable. Through the implementation of the Institute’s slow-sand water filter and the utilization of microfinancing services, developing countries will not only have access to clean, drinkable water, but will also have the opportunity to break out of a devastating cycle of poverty. PMID:22739748

Interface Engineering to Create a Strong Spin Filter Contact to Silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caspers, C.; Gloskovskii, A.; Gorgoi, M.; Besson, C.; Luysberg, M.; Rushchanskii, K. Z.; Ležaić, M.; Fadley, C. S.; Drube, W.; Müller, M.

2016-03-01

Integrating epitaxial and ferromagnetic Europium Oxide (EuO) directly on silicon is a perfect route to enrich silicon nanotechnology with spin filter functionality. To date, the inherent chemical reactivity between EuO and Si has prevented a heteroepitaxial integration without significant contaminations of the interface with Eu silicides and Si oxides. We present a solution to this long-standing problem by applying two complementary passivation techniques for the reactive EuO/Si interface: (i) an in situ hydrogen-Si (001) passivation and (ii) the application of oxygen-protective Eu monolayers-without using any additional buffer layers. By careful chemical depth profiling of the oxide-semiconductor interface via hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, we show how to systematically minimize both Eu silicide and Si oxide formation to the sub-monolayer regime-and how to ultimately interface-engineer chemically clean, heteroepitaxial and ferromagnetic EuO/Si (001) in order to create a strong spin filter contact to silicon.

40 CFR 60.621 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the Act and in subpart A of this part. Cartridge filter means a discrete filter unit containing both filter paper and activated carbon that traps and removes contaminants from petroleum solvent, together... cleaning facility that uses petroleum solvent in a combination of washers, dryers, filters, stills, and...

40 CFR 60.621 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the Act and in subpart A of this part. Cartridge filter means a discrete filter unit containing both filter paper and activated carbon that traps and removes contaminants from petroleum solvent, together... cleaning facility that uses petroleum solvent in a combination of washers, dryers, filters, stills, and...

40 CFR 60.621 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the Act and in subpart A of this part. Cartridge filter means a discrete filter unit containing both filter paper and activated carbon that traps and removes contaminants from petroleum solvent, together... cleaning facility that uses petroleum solvent in a combination of washers, dryers, filters, stills, and...

40 CFR 60.621 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the Act and in subpart A of this part. Cartridge filter means a discrete filter unit containing both filter paper and activated carbon that traps and removes contaminants from petroleum solvent, together... cleaning facility that uses petroleum solvent in a combination of washers, dryers, filters, stills, and...

40 CFR 60.621 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Act and in subpart A of this part. Cartridge filter means a discrete filter unit containing both filter paper and activated carbon that traps and removes contaminants from petroleum solvent, together... cleaning facility that uses petroleum solvent in a combination of washers, dryers, filters, stills, and...

Contrast Enhancement of the LOASIS CPA Laser and Effects on Electron Beam Performance of LWFA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toth, Csaba; Gonsalves, Anthony J.; Panasenko, Dmitriy

2009-01-22

A nonlinear optical pulse cleaning technique based on cross-polarized wave (XPW) generation filtering [1] has been implemented to improve laser pulse contrast, and consequently to control pre-ionization in laser-plasma accelerator experiments. Three orders of magnitude improvement in pre-pulse contrast has been achieved, resulting in 4-fold increase in electron charge and improved stability of both the electron beam energy and THz radiation generated as a secondary process in the gas-jet-based LWFA experiments.

ETV TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS GLASFLOSS INDUSTRIES EXCEL FILTER, MODEL SBG24242898

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Excel Filter, Model SBG24242898 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Glasfloss Industries, Inc. The pressure drop across the filter was 82 Pa clean and 348 Pa...

Water washable stainless steel HEPA filter

DOEpatents

Phillips, Terrance D.

2001-01-01

The invention is a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter apparatus and system, and method for assaying particulates. The HEPA filter provides for capture of 99.99% or greater of particulates from a gas stream, with collection of particulates on the surface of the filter media. The invention provides a filter system that can be cleaned and regenerated in situ.

14 CFR 27.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 27.997 Section 27... filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the first... fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a screen...

14 CFR 29.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 29.997 Section 29... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the.... This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a...

14 CFR 29.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 29.997 Section 29... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the.... This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a...

14 CFR 29.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 29.997 Section 29... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the.... This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a...

14 CFR 29.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 29.997 Section 29... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the.... This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a...

14 CFR 25.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 25.997 Section 25... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of... fuel tank outlet. This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and...

14 CFR 27.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 27.997 Section 27... filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the first... fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a screen...

14 CFR 25.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 25.997 Section 25... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of... fuel tank outlet. This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and...

14 CFR 25.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 25.997 Section 25... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of... fuel tank outlet. This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and...

14 CFR 25.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 25.997 Section 25... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of... fuel tank outlet. This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and...

14 CFR 29.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 29.997 Section 29... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the.... This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a...

14 CFR 27.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 27.997 Section 27... filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the first... fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a screen...

14 CFR 27.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 27.997 Section 27... filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the first... fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a screen...

14 CFR 25.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 25.997 Section 25... or filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of... fuel tank outlet. This fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and...

14 CFR 27.997 - Fuel strainer or filter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Fuel strainer or filter. 27.997 Section 27... filter. There must be a fuel strainer or filter between the fuel tank outlet and the inlet of the first... fuel strainer or filter must— (a) Be accessible for draining and cleaning and must incorporate a screen...

Backflushing system rapidly cleans fluid filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Descamp, V. A.; Boex, M. W.; Hussey, M. W.; Larson, T. P.

1973-01-01

Self contained unit can backflush filter elements in fraction of the time expended by presently used equipment. This innovation may be of interest to manufacturers of hydraulic and pneumatic systems as well as to chemical, food, processing, and filter manufacturing industries.

Novel Cleanup Agents Designed Exclusively for Oil Field Membrane Filtration Systems Low Cost Field Demonstrations of Cleanup Agents in Controlled Experimental Environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

David Burnett; Harold Vance

2007-08-31

The goal of our project is to develop innovative processes and novel cleaning agents for water treatment facilities designed to remove fouling materials and restore micro-filter and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane performance. This project is part of Texas A&M University's comprehensive study of the treatment and reuse of oilfield brine for beneficial purposes. Before waste water can be used for any beneficial purpose, it must be processed to remove contaminants, including oily wastes such as residual petroleum hydrocarbons. An effective way of removing petroleum from brines is the use of membrane filters to separate oily waste from the brine. Texasmore » A&M and its partners have developed highly efficient membrane treatment and RO desalination for waste water including oil field produced water. We have also developed novel and new cleaning agents for membrane filters utilizing environmentally friendly materials so that the water from the treatment process will meet U.S. EPA drinking water standards. Prototype micellar cleaning agents perform better and use less clean water than alternate systems. While not yet optimized, the new system restores essentially complete membrane flux and separation efficiency after cleaning. Significantly the amount of desalinated water that is required to clean the membranes is reduced by more than 75%.« less

High-temperature sapphire optical sensor fiber coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desu, Seshu B.; Claus, Richard O.; Raheem, Ruby; Murphy, Kent A.

1990-10-01

Advanced coal-fired power generation systems, such as pressurized fluidized-bed combustors and integrated gasifier-combined cycles, may provide cost effective future alternatives for power generation, improve our utilization of coal resources, and decrease our dependence upon oil and gas. When coal is burned or converted to combustible gas to produce energy, mineral matter and chemical compounds are released as solid and gaseous contaminants. The control of contaminants is mandatory to prevent pollution as well as degradation of equipment in advanced power generation. To eliminate the need for expensive heat recovery equipment and to avoid efficiency losses it is desirable to develop a technology capable of cleaning the hot gas. For this technology the removal of particle contaminants is of major concern. Several prototype high temperature particle filters have been developed, including ceramic candle filters, ceramic bag filters, and ceramic cross-flow (CXF) filters. Ceramic candle filters are rigid, tubular filters typically made by bonding silicon carbide or alumina-silica grains with clay bonding materials and perhaps including alumina-silica fibers. Ceramic bag filters are flexible and are made from long ceramic fibers such as alumina-silica. CXF filters are rigid filters made of stacks of individual lamina through which the dirty and clean gases flow in cross-wise directions. CXF filters are advantageous for hot gas cleanup applications since they offer a large effective filter surface per unit volume. The relatively small size of the filters allows the pressurized vessel containing them to be small, thus reducing potential equipment costs. CXF filters have shown promise but have experienced degradation at normal operational high temperatures (close to 1173K) and high pressures (up to 24 bars). Observed degradation modes include delamination of the individual tile layers, cracking at either the tile-torid interface or at the mounting flange, or plugging of the filter. These modes may be attributed to a number of material degradation mechanisms, such as thermal shock, oxidation corrosion of the material, mechanical loads, or phase changes in the filter material. Development of high temperature optical fiber (sapphire) sensors embedded in the CXF filters would be very valuable for both monitoring the integrity of the filter during its use and understanding the mechanisms of degradation such that durable filter development will be facilitated. Since the filter operating environment is very harsh, the high temperature sapphire optical fibers need to be protected and for some sensing techniques the fiber must also be coated with low refractive index film (cladding). The objective of the present study is to identify materials and develop process technologies for the application of claddings and protective coatings that are stable and compatible with sapphire fibers at both high temperatures and pressures.

Automatic Flushing Unit With Cleanliness Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hildebrandt, N. E.

1982-01-01

Liquid-level probe kept clean, therefore at peak accuracy, by unit that flushes probe with solvent, monitors effluent for contamination, and determines probe is particle-free. Approach may be adaptable to industrial cleaning such as flushing filters and pipes, and ensuring that manufactured parts have been adequately cleaned.

Self-Powered Electrostatic Filter with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde Based on Built-in Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

PubMed

Feng, Yawei; Ling, Lili; Nie, Jinhui; Han, Kai; Chen, Xiangyu; Bian, Zhenfeng; Li, Hexing; Wang, Zhong Lin

2017-12-26

Recently, atmospheric pollution caused by particulate matter or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become a serious issue to threaten human health. Consequently, it is highly desirable to develop an efficient purifying technique with simple structure and low cost. In this study, by combining a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a photocatalysis technique, we demonstrated a concept of a self-powered filtering method for removing pollutants from indoor atmosphere. The photocatalyst P25 or Pt/P25 was embedded on the surface of polymer-coated stainless steel wires, and such steel wires were woven into a filtering network. A strong electric field can be induced on this filtering network by TENG, while both electrostatic adsorption effect and TENG-enhanced photocatalytic effect can be achieved. Rhodamine B (RhB) steam was selected as the pollutant for demonstration. The absorbed RhB on the filter network with TENG in 1 min was almost the same amount of absorption achieved in 15 min without using TENG. Meanwhile, the degradation of RhB was increased over 50% under the drive of TENG. Furthermore, such a device was applied for the degradation of formaldehyde, where degradation efficiency was doubled under the drive of TENG. This work extended the application for the TENG in self-powered electrochemistry, design and concept of which can be possibly applied in the field of haze governance, indoor air cleaning, and photocatalytic pollution removal for environmental protection.

40 CFR 86.1434 - Equipment preparation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty Vehicles and New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty... the device(s) for removing water from the exhaust sample and the sample filter(s). Remove any water from the water trap(s). Clean and replace the filter(s) as necessary. (c) Set the zero and span points...

40 CFR 86.1434 - Equipment preparation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty Vehicles and New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty... the device(s) for removing water from the exhaust sample and the sample filter(s). Remove any water from the water trap(s). Clean and replace the filter(s) as necessary. (c) Set the zero and span points...

40 CFR 86.1434 - Equipment preparation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty Vehicles and New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty... the device(s) for removing water from the exhaust sample and the sample filter(s). Remove any water from the water trap(s). Clean and replace the filter(s) as necessary. (c) Set the zero and span points...

40 CFR 86.1434 - Equipment preparation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty Vehicles and New Gasoline-Fueled Otto-Cycle Light-Duty... the device(s) for removing water from the exhaust sample and the sample filter(s). Remove any water from the water trap(s). Clean and replace the filter(s) as necessary. (c) Set the zero and span points...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS, FILTRATION GROUP, AEROSTAR "C-SERIES" POLYESTER PANEL FILTER

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the AeroStar "C-Series" Polyester Panel Filter air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Filtration Group. The pressure drop across the filter was 126 Pa clean and 267...

CRADA opportunities in removal of particulates from hot-gas streams by filtration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, D H

1995-06-01

Our analyses of samples and operating data from the Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC), cyclone, and filtration units of the Tidd Clean Coal demonstration facility show that calcined dolomitic sorbent reacted with SO{sub 2} (and O{sub 2}) to form Sulfates (CaSO{sub 4} and CaMgn [SO{sub 4}]n+1) not only in the PFBC bed, but also in the filtration vessel. Analyses of limited data from the journal literature suggest that the filter-vessel reactions may have produced sulfate {open_quotes}necks,{close_quotes} which bonded the particles together, thus substantially increasing the critical angle of repose and shear tensile strengths of the filtered powders. This proposed mechanismmore » rationalizes the {open_quotes}bridging{close_quotes} and other particle-accumulation problems that caused filter breakage. Engineering services potentially available to resolve these problems include elucidation and modeling of ex-situ and in-situ filter-vessel chemistry, measurement and modeling of particulate materials properties, and measurement and modeling of cleaning back-pulse aerodynamics and cleaning efficiencies.« less

Description of gas/particle sorption kinetics with an intraparticle diffusion model: Desorption experiments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rounds, S.A.; Tiffany, B.A.; Pankow, J.F.

1993-01-01

Aerosol particles from a highway tunnel were collected on a Teflon membrane filter (TMF) using standard techniques. Sorbed organic compounds were then desorbed for 28 days by passing clean nitrogen through the filter. Volatile n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were liberated from the filter quickly; only a small fraction of the less volatile ra-alkanes and PAHs were desorbed. A nonlinear least-squares method was used to fit an intraparticle diffusion model to the experimental data. Two fitting parameters were used: the gas/particle partition coefficient (Kp and an effective intraparticle diffusion coefficient (Oeff). Optimized values of Kp are in agreement with previously reported values. The slope of a correlation between the fitted values of Deff and Kp agrees well with theory, but the absolute values of Deff are a factor of ???106 smaller than predicted for sorption-retarded, gaseous diffusion. Slow transport through an organic or solid phase within the particles or preferential flow through the bed of particulate matter on the filter might be the cause of these very small effective diffusion coefficients. ?? 1993 American Chemical Society.

Laboratory-scale integrated ARP filter test

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M.; Burket, P.

2016-03-01

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently treating radioactive liquid waste with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). Recently, the low filter flux through the ARP of approximately 5 gallons per minute has limited the rate at which radioactive liquid waste can be treated. Salt Batch 6 had a lower processing rate and required frequent filter cleaning. There is a desire to understand the causes of the low filter flux and to increase ARP/MCU throughput. This task attempted to simulate the entire ARP process, including multiple batches (5), washing, chemical cleaning, andmore » blending the feed with heels and recycle streams. The objective of the tests was to determine whether one of these processes is causing excessive fouling of the crossflow or secondary filter. The authors conducted the tests with feed solutions containing 6.6 M sodium Salt Batch 6 simulant supernate with no MST.« less

Effects of Ultra-Clean and centrifugal filtration on rolling-element bearing life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loewenthal, S. H.; Moyer, D. W.; Needelman, W. M.

1981-01-01

Fatigue tests were conducted on groups of 65-millimeter bore diameter deep-groove ball bearings in a MIL-L-23699 lubricant under two levels of filtration. In one test series, the oil cleanliness was maintained at an exceptionally high level (better than a class "000" per NAS 1638) with a 3 micron absolute barrier filter. These tests were intended to determine the "upper limit" in bearing life under the strictest possible lubricant cleanliness conditions. In the tests using a centrifugal oil filter, contaminants of the type found in aircraft engine filters were injected into the filters' supply line at 125 milligrams per bearing-hour. "Ultra-clean" lubrication produced bearing fatigue lives that were approximately twice that obtained in previous tests with contaminated oil using 3 micron absolute filtration and approximately three times that obtained with 49 micron filtration. It was also observed that the centrifugal oil filter had approximately the same effectiveness as a 30 micron absolute filter in preventing bearing surface damage.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS, FILTRATION GROUP, AEROSTAR FP-98 MINIPLEAT V-BLANK FILTER

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the AeroStar FP-98 Minipleat V-Bank Filter air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Filtration Group. The pressure drop across the filter was 137 Pa clean and 348 Pa ...

Industrial filter bags cleaned by high-frequency vibration: A concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kooy, A. V.

1973-01-01

System holds filter bag around fine-mesh metal screen and vibrates screen at its resonant frequency. This removes deposited byproducts and protects bag fibers from damaging forces. Because filter bags represent 20 to 40% of any industrial filtering investment, this method of extending bag life should be of interest to those responsible for plant maintenance.

Whole house particle removal and clean air delivery rates for in-duct and portable ventilation systems.

PubMed

Macintosh, David L; Myatt, Theodore A; Ludwig, Jerry F; Baker, Brian J; Suh, Helen H; Spengler, John D

2008-11-01

A novel method for determining whole house particle removal and clean air delivery rates attributable to central and portable ventilation/air cleaning systems is described. The method is used to characterize total and air-cleaner-specific particle removal rates during operation of four in-duct air cleaners and two portable air-cleaning devices in a fully instrumented test home. Operation of in-duct and portable air cleaners typically increased particle removal rates over the baseline rates determined in the absence of operating a central fan or an indoor air cleaner. Removal rates of 0.3- to 0.5-microm particles ranged from 1.5 hr(-1) during operation of an in-duct, 5-in. pleated media filter to 7.2 hr(-1) for an in-duct electrostatic air cleaner in comparison to a baseline rate of 0 hr(-1) when the air handler was operating without a filter. Removal rates for total particulate matter less than 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) mass concentrations were 0.5 hr(-1) under baseline conditions, 0.5 hr(-1) during operation of three portable ionic air cleaners, 1 hr(-1) for an in-duct 1-in. media filter, 2.4 hr(-1) for a single high-efficiency particle arrestance (HEPA) portable air cleaner, 4.6 hr(-1) for an in-duct 5-in. media filter, 4.7 hr(-1) during operation of five portable HEPA filters, 6.1 hr(-1) for a conventional in-duct electronic air cleaner, and 7.5 hr(-1) for a high efficiency in-duct electrostatic air cleaner. Corresponding whole house clean air delivery rates for PM2.5 attributable to the air cleaner independent of losses within the central ventilation system ranged from 2 m3/min for the conventional media filter to 32 m3/min for the high efficiency in-duct electrostatic device. Except for the portable ionic air cleaner, the devices considered here increased particle removal indoors over baseline deposition rates.

Air Cleaning Devices for HVAC Supply Systems in Schools. Technical Bulletin.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheeler, Arthur E.

Guidelines for maintaining indoor air quality in schools with HVAC air cleaning systems are provided in this document. Information is offered on the importance of air cleaning, sources of air contaminants and indoor pollutants, types of air cleaners and particulate filters used in central HVAC systems, vapor and gas removal, and performance…

RECYCLING A NONIONIC AQUEOUS-BASED METAL-CLEANING SOLUTION WITH A CERAMIC MEMBRANE: PILOT SCALE EVALUATION

EPA Science Inventory

The effectiveness of a zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) membrane filter was evaluated for recycling a nonionic aqueous metal cleaning bath under real-world conditions. The pilot-scale study consisted of four 7- to 16-day filtration runs, each processed a portion of the cleaning bath duri...

Gas stream clean-up filter and method for forming same

DOEpatents

Mei, Joseph S.; DeVault, James; Halow, John S.

1993-01-01

A gas cleaning filter is formed in-situ within a vessel containing a fluidizable bed of granular material of a relatively large size fraction. A filter membrane provided by a porous metal or ceramic body or such a body supported a perforated screen on one side thereof is coated in-situ with a layer of the granular material from the fluidized bed by serially passing a bed-fluidizing gas stream through the bed of granular material and the membrane. The layer of granular material provides the filtering medium for the combined membrane-granular layer filter. The filter is not blinded by the granular material and provides for the removal of virtually all of the particulates from a process gas stream. The granular material can be at least partially provided by a material capable of chemically reacting with and removing sulfur compounds from the process gas stream. Low level radioactive waste containing organic material may be incinerated in a fluidized bed in communication with the described filter for removing particulates from the gaseous combustion products.

[Evaluation of the viability of BEAS-2B cells exposed to gasoline engine exhaust with different particle sizes by air-liquid interface].

PubMed

Yu, T; Zhang, X Y; Wang, Z X; Li, B; Zheng, Y X; Bin, P

2017-06-20

Objective: To evaluate the viability of gasoline engine exhaust (GEE) with different particle sizes on human lung cell line BEAS-2B in vitro by air-liquid interface (ALI) . Methods: GEE were collected with a Tedlar bag and their particulate matter (PM) number, surface and mass concentration in three kind of GEE (filtered automobile exhaust, non-filtered automobile exhaust and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter) were measured by two type of particle size spectrometer including TSI-3321 and SMPS-3938. Five groups were included, which divided into blank control group, clean air group, filtered automobile exhaust group, non-filtered automobile exhaust group and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group. Except the blank control group, BEAS-2B cells, cultured on the surface of Transwells, were treated with clean air or GEE by ALI method at a flow rate of 25 ml/min, 37 ℃ for 60 min in vitro . CCK-8 cytotoxicity test kit was used to determine the cell relative viability of BEAS-2B cells. Results: In the filtered automobile exhaust, non-filtered automobile exhaust and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter, high concentrations of fine particles can be detected, but the coarse particles only accounted for a small proportion, and the sequence of PM concentration was motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group> non-filtered automobile exhaust group> filtered automobile exhaust group ( P <0.001) . Compared with the clean air group, the cell relative viability in the 3 GEE-exposed groups were significantly lower ( P <0.001) . Among the comparisons of GEE exposure groups with different particle size spectra, the sequence of the cell relative viability was filtered automobile exhaust group >non-filtered automobile exhaust group> motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group ( P <0.001) . When took the clean air control group as a reference, the mean of the cell relative viability in the filtered automobile exhaust group, non-filtered automobile exhaust group and motorcycle exhaust without three-way catalytic converter group, was decreased by 26.34%, 36.00% and 49.59%, respectively. Conclusion: GEE with different particle size spectra could induce different levels of toxic effects to the human lung cells BEAS-2B by ALI. After lowering the concentration of particles in the GEE and using the three-way catalytic converter could obviously improve the survival rate of lung cells.

Interface Engineering to Create a Strong Spin Filter Contact to Silicon

PubMed Central

Caspers, C.; Gloskovskii, A.; Gorgoi, M.; Besson, C.; Luysberg, M.; Rushchanskii, K. Z.; Ležaić, M.; Fadley, C. S.; Drube, W.; Müller, M.

2016-01-01

Integrating epitaxial and ferromagnetic Europium Oxide (EuO) directly on silicon is a perfect route to enrich silicon nanotechnology with spin filter functionality. To date, the inherent chemical reactivity between EuO and Si has prevented a heteroepitaxial integration without significant contaminations of the interface with Eu silicides and Si oxides. We present a solution to this long-standing problem by applying two complementary passivation techniques for the reactive EuO/Si interface: (i) an in situ hydrogen-Si (001) passivation and (ii) the application of oxygen-protective Eu monolayers–without using any additional buffer layers. By careful chemical depth profiling of the oxide-semiconductor interface via hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, we show how to systematically minimize both Eu silicide and Si oxide formation to the sub-monolayer regime–and how to ultimately interface-engineer chemically clean, heteroepitaxial and ferromagnetic EuO/Si (001) in order to create a strong spin filter contact to silicon. PMID:26975515

Effectiveness of photocatalytic filter for removing volatile organic compounds in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

PubMed

Yu, Kuo-Pin; Lee, Grace Whei-May; Huang, Wei-Ming; Wu, Chih-Cheng; Lou, Chia-ling; Yang, Shinhao

2006-05-01

Nowadays, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been an important facility for maintaining indoor air quality. However, the primary function of typical HVAC systems is to control the temperature and humidity of the supply air. Most indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cannot be removed by typical HVAC systems. Thus, some air handling units for removing VOCs should be added in typical HVAC systems. Among all of the air cleaning techniques used to remove indoor VOCs, photocatalytic oxidation is an attractive alternative technique for indoor air purification and deodorization. The objective of this research is to investigate the VOC removal efficiency of the photocatalytic filter in a HVAC system. Toluene and formaldehyde were chosen as the target pollutants. The experiments were conducted in a stainless steel chamber equipped with a simplified HVAC system. A mechanical filter coated with Degussa P25 titania photocatalyst and two commercial photocatalytic filters were used as the photocatalytic filters in this simplified HVAC system. The total air change rates were controlled at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5 hr(-1), and the relative humidity (RH) was controlled at 30%, 50%, and 70%. The ultraviolet lamp used was a 4-W, ultraviolet-C (central wavelength at 254 nm) strip light bulb. The first-order decay constant of toluene and formaldehyde found in this study ranged from 0.381 to 1.01 hr(-1) under different total air change rates, from 0.34 to 0.433 hr(-1) under different RH, and from 0.381 to 0.433 hr(-1) for different photocatalytic filters.

40 CFR 63.11507 - What are my standards and management practices?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... distilled/de-ionized water, water filtration, pre-cleaning of parts to be plated, and thorough rinsing of... emissions from the thermal spraying process and transports the emissions to a water curtain, fabric filter... and transports the emissions to a water curtain, fabric filter, cartridge, or HEPA filter, according...

Cleaning process for EUV optical substrates

DOEpatents

Weber, Frank J.; Spiller, Eberhard A.

1999-01-01

A cleaning process for surfaces with very demanding cleanliness requirements, such as extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) optical substrates. Proper cleaning of optical substrates prior to applying reflective coatings thereon is very critical in the fabrication of the reflective optics used in EUV lithographic systems, for example. The cleaning process involves ultrasonic cleaning in acetone, methanol, and a pH neutral soap, such as FL-70, followed by rinsing in de-ionized water and drying with dry filtered nitrogen in conjunction with a spin-rinse.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS: TRI-DIM FILTER CORP. PREDATOR II MODEL 8VADTP123C23

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Predator II, Model 8VADTP123C23CC000 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Tri-Dim Filter Corporation. The pressure drop across the filter was 138 Pa clean and...

Survey monitoring results on the reduction of micropollutants, bacteria, bacteriophages and TSS in retention soil filters.

PubMed

Tondera, Katharina; Koenen, Stefan; Pinnekamp, Johannes

2013-01-01

A main source of surface water pollution in Western Europe stems from combined sewer overflow. One of the few technologies available to reduce this pollution is the retention soil filter. In this research project, we evaluated the cleaning efficiency of retention soil filters measuring the concentration ratio of standard wastewater parameters and bacteria according to factors limiting efficiency, such as long dry phases or phases of long-lasting retention. Furthermore, we conducted an initial investigation on how well retention soil filters reduce certain micropollutants on large-scale plants. There was little precipitation during the 1-year sampling phase, which led to fewer samples than expected. Nevertheless, we could verify how efficiently retention soil filters clean total suspended solids. Our results show that retention soil filters are not only able to eliminate bacteria, but also to retain some of the micropollutants investigated here. As the filters were able to reduce diclofenac, bisphenol A and metoprolol by a median rate of almost 75%, we think that further investigations should be made into the reduction processes in the filter. At this point, a higher accuracy in the results could be achieved by conducting bench-scale experiments.

Assessment of replicate bias in 454 pyrosequencing and a multi-purpose read-filtering tool.

PubMed

Jérôme, Mariette; Noirot, Céline; Klopp, Christophe

2011-05-26

Roche 454 pyrosequencing platform is often considered the most versatile of the Next Generation Sequencing technology platforms, permitting the sequencing of large genomes, the analysis of variations or the study of transcriptomes. A recent reported bias leads to the production of multiple reads for a unique DNA fragment in a random manner within a run. This bias has a direct impact on the quality of the measurement of the representation of the fragments using the reads. Other cleaning steps are usually performed on the reads before assembly or alignment. PyroCleaner is a software module intended to clean 454 pyrosequencing reads in order to ease the assembly process. This program is a free software and is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation. It implements several filters using criteria such as read duplication, length, complexity, base-pair quality and number of undetermined bases. It also permits to clean flowgram files (.sff) of paired-end sequences generating on one hand validated paired-ends file and the other hand single read file. Read cleaning has always been an important step in sequence analysis. The pyrocleaner python module is a Swiss knife dedicated to 454 reads cleaning. It includes commonly used filters as well as specialised ones such as duplicated read removal and paired-end read verification.

40 CFR 61.147 - Standard for fabricating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... dismantling other than opening the device, the presence of tears, holes, and abrasions in filter bags and for... filters, including presence of any tears, holes, and abrasions. (iv) Presence of dust deposits on clean...

Achieving 'excellent' indoor air quality in commercial offices equipped with air-handling unit--respirable suspended particulate.

PubMed

Lam, K S; Chan, F S; Fung, W Y; Lui, B S S; Lau, L W L

2006-04-01

A study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of achieving ultra low respirable suspended particulates (RSP) in commercial offices without major modification of existing ventilation systems by enhancing the particulates removal efficiency of existing central ventilation systems. Four types of filters which include pre-filters, cartridge filters, bag filters and high efficiency particulates air (HEPA) filters were tested in a commercial building in Causeway Bay. The results show that an RSP objective of <20 microg/m3 could be met by removing RSP from both the return air and outdoor air supply simultaneously. This level of performance is classed as 'excellent' by the Hong Kong Government, Environmental Protection Department. Filters with efficiency that exceed 80% placed both in the return air and outdoor air were sufficient to meet the objective. It is not necessary to install HEPA filters to achieve the 'excellent' class. The outdoor air filter has great influence on the steady state indoor RSP concentration while the effective cleaning rate is governed by the return air filter. Higher efficiency filters increased the static drop but the volume flow of the air fan was not affected significantly. The additional cost incurred was <5% of the existing operation cost. This paper reports a field study of RSP control for an indoor office environment. The results are directly applicable to building service engineering in the design of ventilation systems using air-handling units. Field observations indicated that indoor RSP in an office environment could be suppressed below 20 microg/m3 within 1 h by the simultaneous filtration of outdoor air and return air. Outdoor air filtration has a great influence on the steady state indoor concentration and return air filtration governs the cleaning rate. It is believed that the results of this study could be extended to the cleaning of other indoor pollutants such as volatile organic compounds.

Educational Concerns of Implementing Biosand Water Filters in Rural Uganda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spowart, Matthew

2012-01-01

The world is facing a shortage of clean drinking water. Current predictions, due to growing population, urbanization, and climate change estimate access to clean water to be further challenged in the coming years. Research has indicated that point of use (POU) technologies are likely to be the most efficient at delivering clean water (water…

Construction, Testing, and Analysis of Radon Mitigation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jardin, Dan; Schnee, Richard; CDMS Collaboration

2011-10-01

The search for dark matter or other rare events such as neutrinoless double-beta decay is difficult in the presence of background radiation such as the alpha and beta emissions from the 222Rn decay chain. In order to reduce the radioactive background from Rn-daughters, an ultra-low radon clean room is being built at Syracuse University. A vacuum-swing adsorption system is used to mitigate the radon. Air flows through one of two tanks filled with charcoal that the radon adsorbs to, allowing the filtered air to pass into the clean room. Computer-controlled valves direct the airflow so that one tank filters the air while the other tank is purged of radon by circulating a small fraction of the cleaned airflow back through the tank at low pressure. The durations, pressures, and flow rates of each stage of building pressure, filtering, releasing pressure, and purging in the tanks are optimized in order to maximize the reduction of radon from the air. Professor.

Wavelet Analyses of F/A-18 Aeroelastic and Aeroservoelastic Flight Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brenner, Martin J.

1997-01-01

Time-frequency signal representations combined with subspace identification methods were used to analyze aeroelastic flight data from the F/A-18 Systems Research Aircraft (SRA) and aeroservoelastic data from the F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The F/A-18 SRA data were produced from a wingtip excitation system that generated linear frequency chirps and logarithmic sweeps. HARV data were acquired from digital Schroeder-phased and sinc pulse excitation signals to actuator commands. Nondilated continuous Morlet wavelets implemented as a filter bank were chosen for the time-frequency analysis to eliminate phase distortion as it occurs with sliding window discrete Fourier transform techniques. Wavelet coefficients were filtered to reduce effects of noise and nonlinear distortions identically in all inputs and outputs. Cleaned reconstructed time domain signals were used to compute improved transfer functions. Time and frequency domain subspace identification methods were applied to enhanced reconstructed time domain data and improved transfer functions, respectively. Time domain subspace performed poorly, even with the enhanced data, compared with frequency domain techniques. A frequency domain subspace method is shown to produce better results with the data processed using the Morlet time-frequency technique.

Summary of efficiency testing of standard and high-capacity high-efficiency particulate air filters subjected to simulated tornado depressurization and explosive shock waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, P.R.; Gregory, W.S.

1985-04-01

Pressure transients in nuclear facility air cleaning systems can originate from natural phenomena such as tornadoes or from accident-induced explosive blast waves. This study was concerned with the effective efficiency of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters during pressure surges resulting from simulated tornado and explosion transients. The primary objective of the study was to examine filter efficiencies at pressure levels below the point of structural failure. Both standard and high-capacity 0.61-m by 0.61-m HEPA filters were evaluated, as were several 0.2-m by 0.2-m HEPA filters. For a particular manufacturer, the material release when subjected to tornado transients is the samemore » (per unit area) for both the 0.2-m by 0.2-m and the 0.61-m by 0.61-m filters. For tornado transients, the material release was on the order of micrograms per square meter. When subjecting clean HEPA filters to simulated tornado transients with aerosol entrained in the pressure pulse, all filters tested showed a degradation of filter efficiency. For explosive transients, the material release from preloaded high-capacity filters was as much as 340 g. When preloaded high-capacity filters were subjected to shock waves approximately 50% of the structural limit level, 1 to 2 mg of particulate was released.« less

Syringe filtration methods for examining dissolved and colloidal trace element distributions in remote field locations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiller, Alan M.

2003-01-01

It is well-established that sampling and sample processing can easily introduce contamination into dissolved trace element samples if precautions are not taken. However, work in remote locations sometimes precludes bringing bulky clean lab equipment into the field and likewise may make timely transport of samples to the lab for processing impossible. Straightforward syringe filtration methods are described here for collecting small quantities (15 mL) of 0.45- and 0.02-microm filtered river water in an uncontaminated manner. These filtration methods take advantage of recent advances in analytical capabilities that require only small amounts of waterfor analysis of a suite of dissolved trace elements. Filter clogging and solute rejection artifacts appear to be minimal, although some adsorption of metals and organics does affect the first approximately 10 mL of water passing through the filters. Overall the methods are clean, easy to use, and provide reproducible representations of the dissolved and colloidal fractions of trace elements in river waters. Furthermore, sample processing materials can be prepared well in advance in a clean lab and transported cleanly and compactly to the field. Application of these methods is illustrated with data from remote locations in the Rocky Mountains and along the Yukon River. Evidence from field flow fractionation suggests that the 0.02-microm filters may provide a practical cutoff to distinguish metals associated with small inorganic and organic complexes from those associated with silicate and oxide colloids.

Biological sand filters: low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water.

PubMed

Lea, Michael

2014-05-01

Approximately 1.1 billion people in rural and peri-urban communities of developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water. The mortality from diarrheal-related diseases amounts to ∼2.2 million people each year from the consumption of unsafe water. Most of them are children under 5 years of age--250 deaths an hour from microbiologically contaminated water. There is conclusive evidence that one low-cost household bioremediation intervention, use of biological sand filters, is capable of dramatically improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. This unit will describe this relatively new and proven bioremediation technology's ability to empower at-risk populations to use naturally occurring biological principles and readily available materials as a sustainable way to achieve the health benefits of safe drinking water. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Biological sand filters: low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water.

PubMed

Lea, Michael

2008-05-01

Approximately 1.1 billion people in rural and peri-urban communities of developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water. The mortality from diarrheal-related diseases amounts to approximately 2.2 million people each year from the consumption of unsafe water. Most of them are children under 5 years of age-250 deaths an hour from microbiologically contaminated water. There is conclusive evidence that one low-cost household bioremediation intervention, biological sand filters, are capable of dramatically improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. This unit will describe this relatively new and proven bioremediation technology's ability to empower at-risk populations to use naturally occurring biology and readily available materials as a sustainable way to achieve the health benefits of safe drinking water. Copyright 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Characterization of a Regenerable Impactor Filter for Spacecraft Cabin Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agui, Juan H.; Vijayakumar, R.

2015-01-01

Regenerable filters will play an important role in human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. Life Support Systems aboard crewed spacecrafts will have to operate reliably and with little maintenance over periods of more than a year, even multiple years. Air filters are a key component of spacecraft life support systems, but they often require frequent routine maintenance. Bacterial filters aboard the International Space Station require almost weekly cleaning of the pre-filter screen to remove large lint debris captured in the microgravity environment. The source of the airborne matter which is collected on the filter screen is typically from clothing fibers, biological matter (hair, skin, nails, etc.) and material wear. Clearly a need for low maintenance filters requiring little to no crew intervention will be vital to the success of the mission. An impactor filter is being developed and tested to address this need. This filter captures large particle matter through inertial separation and impaction methods on collection surfaces, which can be automatically cleaned after they become heavily loaded. The impactor filter can serve as a pre-filter to augment the life of higher efficiency filters that capture fine and ultrafine particles. A prototype of the filter is being tested at the Particulate Filtration Laboratory at NASA Glenn Research Center to determine performance characteristics, including particle cut size and overall efficiency. Model results are presented for the flow characteristics near the orifice plate through which the particle-laden flow is accelerated as well as around the collection bands.

Evaluation of the ICET Test Stand to Assess the Performance of a Range of Ceramic Media Filter Elements in Support of ASME AG-1 Subsection FO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schemmel, A.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are defined as extended-medium, dry-type filters with: (1) a minimum particle removal efficiency of no less than 99.97 percent for 0.3 micrometer particles, (2) a maximum, clean resistance of 1.0 inch water column (in. WC) when operated at 1,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and (3) a rigid casing that extends the full depth of the medium. Specifically, ceramic media HEPA filters provide better performance at elevated temperatures, are moisture resistant and nonflammable, can perform their function if wetted and exposed to greater pressures, and can be cleaned and reused. This paper describes themore » modification and design of a large scale test stand which properly evaluates the filtration characteristics of a range of ceramic media filters challenged with a nuclear aerosol agent in order to develop Section FO of ASME AG-1.« less

Evaluation of a commercial air filter for removal of viruses from the air.

PubMed

Roelants, P; Boon, B; Lhoest, W

1968-10-01

The effectiveness of a commercial absolute air filter for removal of viruses from air was tested with an actinophage, under the usual conditions of a laminar airflow clean room. A new method of dry phage dispersion is described. The filter showed an average reduction of 99.996% of airborne actinophage.

Concurrent measurements of size-segregated particulate sulfate, nitrate and ammonium using quartz fiber filters, glass fiber filters and cellulose membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Shili; Pan, Yuepeng; Wang, Jian; Wang, Yuesi

2016-11-01

Current science and policy requirements have focused attention on the need to expand and improve particulate matter (PM) sampling methods. To explore how sampling filter type affects artifacts in PM composition measurements, size-resolved particulate SO42-, NO3- and NH4+ (SNA) were measured on quartz fiber filters (QFF), glass fiber filters (GFF) and cellulose membranes (CM) concurrently in an urban area of Beijing on both clean and hazy days. The results showed that SNA concentrations in most of the size fractions exhibited the following patterns on different filters: CM > QFF > GFF for NH4+; GFF > QFF > CM for SO42-; and GFF > CM > QFF for NO3-. The different patterns in coarse particles were mainly affected by filter acidity, and that in fine particles were mainly affected by hygroscopicity of the filters (especially in size fraction of 0.65-2.1 μm). Filter acidity and hygroscopicity also shifted the peaks of the annual mean size distributions of SNA on QFF from 0.43-0.65 μm on clean days to 0.65-1.1 μm on hazy days. However, this size shift was not as distinct for samples measured with CM and GFF. In addition, relative humidity (RH) and pollution levels are important factors that can enhance particulate size mode shifts of SNA on clean and hazy days. Consequently, the annual mean size distributions of SNA had maxima at 0.65-1.1 μm for QFF samples and 0.43-0.65 μm for GFF and CM samples. Compared with NH4+ and SO42-, NO3- is more sensitive to RH and pollution levels, accordingly, the annual mean size distribution of NO3- exhibited peak at 0.65-1.1 μm for CM samples instead of 0.43-0.65 μm. These methodological uncertainties should be considered when quantifying the concentrations and size distributions of SNA under different RH and haze conditions.

Development of Improved Iron-Aluminide Filter Tubes and Elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Judkins, R.R.; Sutton, T.G.; Miller, C.J.

2008-01-14

The purpose of this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was to explore and develop advanced manufacturing techniques to fabricate sintered iron-aluminide intermetallic porous bodies used for gas filtration so as to reduce production costs while maintaining or improving performance in advanced coal gasification and combustion systems. The use of a power turbine fired with coal-derived synthesis gas requires some form of gas cleaning in order to protect turbine and downstream components from degradation by erosion, corrosion, and/or deposition. Hot-gas filtration is one form of cleaning that offers the ability to remove particles from the gases produced by gasification processesmore » without having to substantially cool and, possibly, reheat them before their introduction into the turbine. This technology depends critically on materials durability and reliability, which have been the subject of study for a number of years.« less

Commander Truly cleans ARS filters on middeck

NASA Image and Video Library

1983-09-05

STS008-13-336 (5 Sept 1983) --- On middeck, Richard M. Truly, STS-8 commander, uses vacuum cleaner to remove debris from air revitalization system (ARS) filter assembly. Open panel on middeck floor is the ARS access panel.

NREL and California Air Agency to Test Clean Diesel Fuels

Science.gov Websites

with catalyzed exhaust filters to virtually eliminate diesel smoke, odor and particulate matter low sulfur and low aromatic content may enable the use of catalyzed exhaust filters to reduce diesel

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John; Chen, Hou-Tong

2018-05-01

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importance for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importancemore » for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.« less

Invited Article: Narrowband terahertz bandpass filters employing stacked bilayer metasurface antireflection structures

DOE PAGES

Chang, Chun-Chieh; Huang, Li; Nogan, John; ...

2018-02-01

We experimentally demonstrate high-performance narrowband terahertz (THz) bandpass filters through cascading multiple bilayer metasurface antireflection structures. Each bilayer metasurface, consisting of a square array of silicon pillars with a self-aligned top gold resonator-array and a complementary bottom gold slot-array, enables near-zero reflection and simultaneously close-to-unity single-band transmission at designed operational frequencies in the THz spectral region. The THz bandpass filters based on stacked bilayer metasurfaces allow a fairly narrow, high-transmission passband, and a fast roll-off to an extremely clean background outside the passband, thereby providing superior bandpass performance. The demonstrated scheme of narrowband THz bandpass filtering is of great importancemore » for a variety of applications where spectrally clean, high THz transmission over a narrow bandwidth is desired, such as THz spectroscopy and imaging, molecular detection and monitoring, security screening, and THz wireless communications.« less

Performance Evaluation of Axial Flow AG-1 FC and Prototype FM (High Strength) HEPA Filters - 13123

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giffin, Paxton K.; Parsons, Michael S.; Wilson, John A.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are routinely used in DOE nuclear containment activities. The Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook (NACH) stipulates that air cleaning devices and equipment used in DOE nuclear applications must meet the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (AG-1) standard. This testing activity evaluates two different axial flow HEPA filters, those from AG-1 Sections FC and FM. Section FM is under development and has not yet been added to AG-1 due to a lack of qualification data available for these filters. Section FC filters are axial flow units that utilizemore » a fibrous glass filtering medium. The section FM filters utilize a similar fibrous glass medium, but also have scrim backing. The scrim-backed filters have demonstrated the ability to endure pressure impulses capable of completely destroying FC filters. The testing activities presented herein will examine the total lifetime loading for both FC and FM filters under ambient conditions and at elevated conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Results will include loading curves, penetration curves, and testing condition parameters. These testing activities have been developed through collaborations with representatives from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM), New Mexico State University, and Mississippi State University. (authors)« less

Powerline noise elimination in biomedical signals via blind source separation and wavelet analysis.

PubMed

Akwei-Sekyere, Samuel

2015-01-01

The distortion of biomedical signals by powerline noise from recording biomedical devices has the potential to reduce the quality and convolute the interpretations of the data. Usually, powerline noise in biomedical recordings are extinguished via band-stop filters. However, due to the instability of biomedical signals, the distribution of signals filtered out may not be centered at 50/60 Hz. As a result, self-correction methods are needed to optimize the performance of these filters. Since powerline noise is additive in nature, it is intuitive to model powerline noise in a raw recording and subtract it from the raw data in order to obtain a relatively clean signal. This paper proposes a method that utilizes this approach by decomposing the recorded signal and extracting powerline noise via blind source separation and wavelet analysis. The performance of this algorithm was compared with that of a 4th order band-stop Butterworth filter, empirical mode decomposition, independent component analysis and, a combination of empirical mode decomposition with independent component analysis. The proposed method was able to expel sinusoidal signals within powerline noise frequency range with higher fidelity in comparison with the mentioned techniques, especially at low signal-to-noise ratio.

Electron beam weld development on a Filter Pack Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dereskiewicz, J. P.

1994-06-01

A continuous electron beam welding procedure was developed to replace the manual gas tungsten arc welding procedure on the Filter Pack Assembly. A statistical study was used to evaluate the feasibility of electron beam welding 6061-T6 aluminum covers to A356 cast weldments throughout the joint tolerance range specified on product drawings. Peak temperature exposures were not high enough to degrade the heat sensitive electrical components inside the cast weldment. Actual weldments with alodine coating on the weld joint area were successfully cleaned using a nonmetallic fiberglass brush cleaning method.

Numerical study on self-cleaning canister filter with modified filter cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Akmal Nizam; Zolkhaely, Mohd Hafiz; Sahrudin, Mohd Sahrizan; Razali, Mohd Azahari; Sapit, Azwan; Hushim, Mohd Faisal

2017-04-01

Air filtration system plays an important role in getting good quality air into turbo machinery such as gas turbine. The filtration system and filters improve the quality of air and protect the gas turbine parts from contaminants which could bring damage. This paper is focused on the configuration of the self-cleaning canister filter in order to obtain the minimal pressure drop along the filter. The configuration includes a modified canister filter cap that is based on the basic geometry that conforms to industry standard. This paper describes the use of CFD to simulate and analyze the flow through the filter. This tool is also used to monitor variables such as pressure and velocity along the filter and to visualize them in the form of contours, vectors and streamlines. In this study, the main parameter varied is the inlet velocity set in the boundary condition during simulations, which are 0.032, 0.063, 0.094 and 0.126 m/s respectively. The data obtained from simulations are then validated with reference data sourced from the industry, and comparisons have subsequently been made for these two filters. As a result, the improvement of the pressure drop for the modified filter is found to be 11.47% to 14.82% compared to the basic filter at the inlet velocity from 0.032 to 0.126 m/s. the total pressure drop produced is 292.3 Pa by the basic filter and 251.11 Pa for modified filter. The pressure drop reduction is 41.19 Pa, which is 14.1% from the basic filter.

78 FR 40053 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... filter element for a chip. If the analysis indicates Stage III as defined by the ASB, this proposed AD would require removing and inspecting the oil filter element for a chip within 10 hours TIS. If there are no chips, we propose cleaning the oil filter element and chip detector, inspecting the drive stage...

Evaluation of a Commercial Air Filter for Removal of Virus from the Air

PubMed Central

Roelants, P.; Boon, B.; Lhoest, W.

1968-01-01

The effectiveness of a commercial absolute air filter for removal of viruses from air was tested with an actinophage, under the usual conditions of a laminar airflow clean room. A new method of dry phage dispersion is described. The filter showed an average reduction of 99.996% of airborne actinophage. PMID:5684200

75 FR 42132 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Pursuant to the Clean Air Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-20

... particulate filters. The hydraulic launch assist refuse collection vehicle is designed to be more efficient by... economy. The diesel particulate filters are aimed to reduce particulate matter emissions as well as carbon...

75 FR 42131 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Pursuant to the Clean Air Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-20

... particulate filters. The hydraulic launch assist refuse collection vehicle is designed to be more efficient by... economy. The diesel particulate filters are aimed to reduce particulate matter emissions as well as carbon...

Lessons learned in preparing method 29 filters for compliance testing audits.

PubMed

Martz, R F; McCartney, J E; Bursey, J T; Riley, C E

2000-01-01

Companies conducting compliance testing are required to analyze audit samples at the time they collect and analyze the stack samples if audit samples are available. Eastern Research Group (ERG) provides technical support to the EPA's Emission Measurements Center's Stationary Source Audit Program (SSAP) for developing, preparing, and distributing performance evaluation samples and audit materials. These audit samples are requested via the regulatory Agency and include spiked audit materials for EPA Method 29-Metals Emissions from Stationary Sources, as well as other methods. To provide appropriate audit materials to federal, state, tribal, and local governments, as well as agencies performing environmental activities and conducting emission compliance tests, ERG has recently performed testing of blank filter materials and preparation of spiked filters for EPA Method 29. For sampling stationary sources using an EPA Method 29 sampling train, the use of filters without organic binders containing less than 1.3 microg/in.2 of each of the metals to be measured is required. Risk Assessment testing imposes even stricter requirements for clean filter background levels. Three vendor sources of quartz fiber filters were evaluated for background contamination to ensure that audit samples would be prepared using filters with the lowest metal background levels. A procedure was developed to test new filters, and a cleaning procedure was evaluated to see if a greater level of cleanliness could be achieved using an acid rinse with new filters. Background levels for filters supplied by different vendors and within lots of filters from the same vendor showed a wide variation, confirmed through contact with several analytical laboratories that frequently perform EPA Method 29 analyses. It has been necessary to repeat more than one compliance test because of suspect metals background contamination levels. An acid cleaning step produced improvement in contamination level, but the difference was not significant for most of the Method 29 target metals. As a result of our studies, we conclude: Filters for Method 29 testing should be purchased in lots as large as possible. Testing firms should pre-screen new boxes and/or new lots of filters used for Method 29 testing. Random analysis of three filters (top, middle, bottom of the box) from a new box of vendor filters before allowing them to be used in field tests is a prudent approach. A box of filters from a given vendor should be screened, and filters from this screened box should be used both for testing and as field blanks in each test scenario to provide the level of quality assurance required for stationary source testing.

Inhalation of diesel engine exhaust increases bone mineral concentrations in growing rats.

PubMed

Watanabe, N; Nakamura, T

1996-03-01

Experiments were conducted to determine whether diesel engine exhaust affects bone metabolism in growing rats. The rats were assigned to three groups: those exposed to total diesel engine exhaust with 5.63 mg/m3 particulate matter, 4.10 ppm nitrogen dioxide, 8.10 ppm nitrogen monoxide; those exposed to filtered exhaust without particulate matter; and those exposed to clean air. Dosing experiments were performed for 3 months beginning at birth (6 h/day for 5 days/week). Bone mineral content (BMC) values in lumbar vertebral bone were significantly increased in both groups exposed to diesel exhaust (P < 0.01) compared to that of rats exposed to clean air. Bone mineral density (BMD) values were also significantly increased in both exposed groups, total exhaust (P < 0.01) and filtered exhaust (P < 0.001), compared to that of rats exposed to clean air. BMD values in the mid-femur were also significantly greater in animals exposed to diesel exhaust, total exhaust (P < 0.05), and filtered exhaust (P < 0.01), compared to that of those exposed to clean air. Urinary excretion of deoxypyridinolines, a biochemical marker for bone resorption, was significantly reduced in animals exposed to total diesel exhaust and filtered exhaust (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) compared to control. There was also a significant difference between the two exposure groups of diesel exhaust (P < 0.05). Since these effects were not inhibited by filtration, the gaseous phase of the exhaust was considered more responsible than particulate matter for reducing bone resorption.

Rigid porous filter

DOEpatents

Chiang, Ta-Kuan; Straub, Douglas L.; Dennis, Richard A.

2000-01-01

The present invention involves a porous rigid filter including a plurality of concentric filtration elements having internal flow passages and forming external flow passages there between. The present invention also involves a pressure vessel containing the filter for the removal of particulates from high pressure particulate containing gases, and further involves a method for using the filter to remove such particulates. The present filter has the advantage of requiring fewer filter elements due to the high surface area-to-volume ratio provided by the filter, requires a reduced pressure vessel size, and exhibits enhanced mechanical design properties, improved cleaning properties, configuration options, modularity and ease of fabrication.

Gas cleaning system and method

DOEpatents

Newby, Richard Allen

2006-06-06

A gas cleaning system for removing at least a portion of contaminants, such as halides, sulfur, particulates, mercury, and others, from a synthesis gas (syngas). The gas cleaning system may include one or more filter vessels coupled in series for removing halides, particulates, and sulfur from the syngas. The gas cleaning system may be operated by receiving gas at a first temperature and pressure and dropping the temperature of the syngas as the gas flows through the system. The gas cleaning system may be used for an application requiring clean syngas, such as, but not limited to, fuel cell power generation, IGCC power generation, and chemical synthesis.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION TEST PROTOCOL, GENERAL VENTILATION FILTERS

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification Test Protocol, General Ventilation Filters provides guidance for verification tests.

Reference is made in the protocol to the ASHRAE 52.2P "Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by P...

Metal Artifact Suppression in Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Image Processing Techniques.

PubMed

Johari, Masoumeh; Abdollahzadeh, Milad; Esmaeili, Farzad; Sakhamanesh, Vahideh

2018-01-01

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images suffer from severe metal artifacts. These artifacts degrade the quality of acquired image and in some cases make it unsuitable to use. Streaking artifacts and cavities around teeth are the main reason of degradation. In this article, we have proposed a new artifact reduction algorithm which has three parallel components. The first component extracts teeth based on the modeling of image histogram with a Gaussian mixture model. Striking artifact reduction component reduces artifacts using converting image into the polar domain and applying morphological filtering. The third component fills cavities through a simple but effective morphological filtering operation. Finally, results of these three components are combined into a fusion step to create a visually good image which is more compatible to human visual system. Results show that the proposed algorithm reduces artifacts of dental CBCT images and produces clean images.

Solid state electro-optic color filter and iris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The electro-optic properties of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectric ceramic material are evaluated when utilized as a variable density and/or spectral filter in conjunction with a television scanning system. Emphasis was placed on the development of techniques and procedures for processing the PLZT disks and for applying efficient electrode structures. A number of samples were processed using different combinations of cleaning, electrode material, and deposition process. Best overall performance resulted from the direct evaporation of gold over chrome electrodes. A ruggedized mounting holder assembly was designed, fabricated, and tested. The assembly provides electrical contacts, high voltage protection, and support for the fragile PLZT disk, and permits mounting and optical alignment of the associated polarizers. Operational measurements of a PLZT sample mounted in the holder assembly were performed in conjunction with a television camera and the associated drive circuits. The data verified achievement of the elimination of the observed white-line effect.

Metal Artifact Suppression in Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Image Processing Techniques

PubMed Central

Johari, Masoumeh; Abdollahzadeh, Milad; Esmaeili, Farzad; Sakhamanesh, Vahideh

2018-01-01

Background: Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images suffer from severe metal artifacts. These artifacts degrade the quality of acquired image and in some cases make it unsuitable to use. Streaking artifacts and cavities around teeth are the main reason of degradation. Methods: In this article, we have proposed a new artifact reduction algorithm which has three parallel components. The first component extracts teeth based on the modeling of image histogram with a Gaussian mixture model. Striking artifact reduction component reduces artifacts using converting image into the polar domain and applying morphological filtering. The third component fills cavities through a simple but effective morphological filtering operation. Results: Finally, results of these three components are combined into a fusion step to create a visually good image which is more compatible to human visual system. Conclusions: Results show that the proposed algorithm reduces artifacts of dental CBCT images and produces clean images. PMID:29535920

24. Left side view of equipment used to clean and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

24. Left side view of equipment used to clean and wash sand prior to reuse on the sand filter bed. - Lake Whitney Water Filtration Plant, Filtration Plant, South side of Armory Street between Edgehill Road & Whitney Avenue, Hamden, New Haven County, CT

23. Right side view of equipment used to clean and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

23. Right side view of equipment used to clean and wash sand prior to reuse on the sand filter bed. - Lake Whitney Water Filtration Plant, Filtration Plant, South side of Armory Street between Edgehill Road & Whitney Avenue, Hamden, New Haven County, CT

Polyurethane Filler for Electroplating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beasley, J. L.

1984-01-01

Polyurethane foam proves suitable as filler for slots in parts electroplated with copper or nickel. Polyurethane causes less contamination of plating bath and of cleaning and filtering tanks than wax fillers used previously. Direct cost of maintenance and indirect cost of reduced operating time during tank cleaning also reduced.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

James K. Neathery; Gary Jacobs; Burtron H. Davis

In this reporting period, a fundamental filtration study was started to investigate the separation of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) liquids from iron-based catalyst particles. Slurry-phase FTS in slurry bubble column reactor systems is the preferred mode of production since the reaction is highly exothermic. Consequently, heavy wax products must be separated from catalyst particles before being removed from the reactor system. Achieving an efficient wax product separation from iron-based catalysts is one of the most challenging technical problems associated with slurry-phase FTS. The separation problem is further compounded by catalyst particle attrition and the formation of ultra-fine iron carbide and/or carbonmore » particles. Existing pilot-scale equipment was modified to include a filtration test apparatus. After undergoing an extensive plant shakedown period, filtration tests with cross-flow filter modules using simulant FTS wax slurry were conducted. The focus of these early tests was to find adequate mixtures of polyethylene wax to simulate FTS wax. Catalyst particle size analysis techniques were also developed. Initial analyses of the slurry and filter permeate particles will be used by the research team to design improved filter media and cleaning strategies.« less

75 FR 26898 - Determination of Attainment for PM-10; Fort Hall PM-10 Nonattainment Area, Idaho

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-13

... 2009. \\9\\ FRMs are manual samplers that pull air through a filter for 24 hours (midnight to midnight... of the filter and the volume of air drawn through it. In 2008, an additional filter-based PM-10... Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: EPA is proposing under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to determine...

Orion Emergency Mask Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuan, George C.; Graf, John C.

2008-01-01

Emergency mask approach on Orion poses a challenge to the traditional Shuttle or Station approaches. Currently, in the case of a fire or toxic spill event, the crew utilizes open loop oxygen masks that provide the crew with oxygen to breath, but also dumps the exhaled oxygen into the cabin. For Orion, with a small cabin volume, the extra oxygen will exceed the flammability limit within a short period of time, unless a nitrogen purge is also provided. Another approach to a fire or toxic spill event is the use of a filtering emergency masks. These masks utilize some form of chemical beds to scrub the air clean of toxic providing the crew safe breathing air for a period without elevating the oxygen level in the cabin. Using the masks and a form of smoke-eater filter, it may be possible to clean the cabin completely or to a level for safe transition to a space suit to perform a cabin purge. Issues with filters in the past have been the reaction temperature and high breathing resistance. Development in a new form of chemical filters has shown promise to make the filtering approach feasible.

Orion Emergency Mask Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuan, George C.; Graf, John C.

2009-01-01

Emergency mask approach on Orion poses a challenge to the traditional Shuttle or Station approaches. Currently, in the case of a fire or toxic spill event, the crew utilizes open loop oxygen masks that provide the crew with oxygen to breath, but also dumps the exhaled oxygen into the cabin. For Orion, with a small cabin volume, the extra oxygen will exceed the flammability limit within a short period of time, unless a nitrogen purge is also provided. Another approach to a fire or toxic spill event is the use of a filtering emergency masks. These masks utilize some form of chemical beds to scrub the air clean of toxic providing the crew safe breathing air for a period without elevating the oxygen level in the cabin. Using the masks and a form of smoke-eater filter, it may be possible to clean the cabin completely or to a level for safe transition to a space suit to perform a cabin purge. Issues with filters in the past have been the reaction time, breakthroughs, and high breathing resistance. Development in a new form of chemical filters has shown promise to make the filtering approach feasible.

Reconstruction & Vital Infrastructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Lifestraw , manufactured by the Danish firm Vestergaard-Frandsen, is a tube with seven graduated mesh filters, followed by resin, iodine, and carbon...It filters out 99.99% of bacteria and parasites, enabling the consumer to put Lifestraw into polluted water and drink clean water. It lasts a year

Impact of backwashing procedures on deep bed filtration productivity in drinking water treatment.

PubMed

Slavik, Irene; Jehmlich, Alexander; Uhl, Wolfgang

2013-10-15

Backwash procedures for deep bed filters were evaluated and compared by means of a new integrated approach based on productivity. For this, different backwash procedures were experimentally evaluated by using a pilot plant for direct filtration. A standard backwash mode as applied in practice served as a reference and effluent turbidity was used as the criterion for filter run termination. The backwash water volumes needed, duration of the filter-to-waste period, time out of operation, total volume discharged and filter run-time were determined and used to calculate average filtration velocity and average productivity. Results for filter run-times, filter backwash volumes, and filter-to-waste volumes showed considerable differences between the backwash procedures. Thus, backwash procedures with additional clear flushing phases were characterised by an increased need for backwash water. However, this additional water consumption could not be compensated by savings during filter ripening. Compared to the reference backwash procedure, filter run-times were longer for both single-media and dual-media filters when air scour and air/water flush were optimised with respect to flow rates and the proportion of air and water. This means that drinking water production time is longer and less water is needed for filter bed cleaning. Also, backwashing with additional clear flushing phases resulted in longer filter run-times before turbidity breakthrough. However, regarding the productivity of the filtration process, it was shown that it was almost the same for all of the backwash procedures investigated in this study. Due to this unexpected finding, the relationships between filter bed cleaning, filter ripening and filtration performance were considered and important conclusions and new approaches for process optimisation and resource savings were derived. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of Protein-Protein Interaction Sites with Machine-Learning-Based Data-Cleaning and Post-Filtering Procedures.

PubMed

Liu, Guang-Hui; Shen, Hong-Bin; Yu, Dong-Jun

2016-04-01

Accurately predicting protein-protein interaction sites (PPIs) is currently a hot topic because it has been demonstrated to be very useful for understanding disease mechanisms and designing drugs. Machine-learning-based computational approaches have been broadly utilized and demonstrated to be useful for PPI prediction. However, directly applying traditional machine learning algorithms, which often assume that samples in different classes are balanced, often leads to poor performance because of the severe class imbalance that exists in the PPI prediction problem. In this study, we propose a novel method for improving PPI prediction performance by relieving the severity of class imbalance using a data-cleaning procedure and reducing predicted false positives with a post-filtering procedure: First, a machine-learning-based data-cleaning procedure is applied to remove those marginal targets, which may potentially have a negative effect on training a model with a clear classification boundary, from the majority samples to relieve the severity of class imbalance in the original training dataset; then, a prediction model is trained on the cleaned dataset; finally, an effective post-filtering procedure is further used to reduce potential false positive predictions. Stringent cross-validation and independent validation tests on benchmark datasets demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed method, which exhibits highly competitive performance compared with existing state-of-the-art sequence-based PPIs predictors and should supplement existing PPI prediction methods.

Advanced hybrid particulate collector and method of operation

DOEpatents

Miller, Stanley J.

1999-01-01

A device and method for controlling particulate air pollutants of the present invention combines filtration and electrostatic collection devices. The invention includes a chamber housing a plurality of rows of filter elements. Between each row of filter elements is a grounded plate. Between the grounded plates and the filter elements are electrode grids for creating electrostatic precipitation zones between each row of filter elements. In this way, when the filter elements are cleaned by pulsing air in a reverse direction, the dust removed from the bags will collect in the electrostatic precipitation zones rather than on adjacent filter elements.

Advanced hybrid particulate collector and method of operation

DOEpatents

Miller, S.J.

1999-08-17

A device and method for controlling particulate air pollutants of the present invention combines filtration and electrostatic collection devices. The invention includes a chamber housing a plurality of rows of filter elements. Between each row of filter elements is a grounded plate. Between the grounded plates and the filter elements are electrode grids for creating electrostatic precipitation zones between each row of filter elements. In this way, when the filter elements are cleaned by pulsing air in a reverse direction, the dust removed from the bags will collect in the electrostatic precipitation zones rather than on adjacent filter elements. 12 figs.

30 CFR 7.82 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... apply in this subpart. Brake Power. The observed power measured at the crankshaft or its equivalent when... compression ignition internal combustion engine using the basic diesel cycle where combustion results from the... collected on a specified filter medium after diluting exhaust gases with clean, filtered air at a...

Divergence Free High Order Filter Methods for Multiscale Non-ideal MHD Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, H. C.; Sjoegreen, Bjoern

2003-01-01

Low-dissipative high order filter finite difference methods for long time wave propagation of shock/turbulence/combustion compressible viscous MHD flows has been constructed. Several variants of the filter approach that cater to different flow types are proposed. These filters provide a natural and efficient way for the minimization of the divergence of the magnetic field (Delta . B) numerical error in the sense that no standard divergence cleaning is required. For certain 2-D MHD test problems, divergence free preservation of the magnetic fields of these filter schemes has been achieved.

Flight prototype regenerative particulate filter system development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, D. C.; Garber, P. J.

1974-01-01

The effort to design, fabricate, and test a flight prototype Filter Regeneration Unit used to regenerate (clean) fluid particulate filter elements is reported. The design of the filter regeneration unit and the results of tests performed in both one-gravity and zero-gravity are discussed. The filter regeneration unit uses a backflush/jet impingement method of regenerating fluid filter elements that is highly efficient. A vortex particle separator and particle trap were designed for zero-gravity use, and the zero-gravity test results are discussed. The filter regeneration unit was designed for both inflight maintenance and ground refurbishment use on space shuttle and future space missions.

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from air particulate matter using a temperature programmable injector coupled to GC-C-IRMS.

PubMed

Mikolajczuk, Agnieszka; Przyk, Elzbieta Perez; Geypens, Benny; Berglund, Michael; Taylor, Philip

2010-03-01

Compound specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) can provide information about the origin of analysed compounds - in this case, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In the study, PAHs were extracted from three dust samples: winter and summer filter dust and tunnel dust. The measurement was performed using the method validated in our laboratory using pure, solid compounds and EPA 610 reference assortment. CSIA required an appropriate clean-up method to avoid an unresolved complex in the gas chromatographic analysis usually found in the chromatography of PAHs. Extensive sample clean-up for this particular matrix was found to be necessary to obtain good gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry analysis results. The sample purification method included two steps in which the sample is cleaned up and the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons are separated. The concentration of PAHs in the measured samples was low; so a large volume injection technique (100 microl) was applied. The delta(VPDB)(13)C was measured with a final uncertainty smaller than 1 per thousand. Comparison of the delta(VPDB)(13)C signatures of PAHs extracted from different dust samples was feasible with this method and, doing so, significant differences were observed.

Depletion of liver glutathione levels in rats: a potential confound of nose-only inhalation.

PubMed

Fechter, Laurence D; Nelson-Miller, Alisa; Gearhart, Caroline

2008-07-01

Nose-only inhalation exposure chambers offer key advantages to whole-body systems, particularly when aerosol or mixed aerosol-vapor exposures are used. Specifically, nose-only chambers provide enhanced control over the route of exposure and dose by minimizing the deposition of particles either on the subjects skin/fur or on surfaces of a whole-body exposure system. In the current series of experiments, liver, brain, and lung total glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed following either nose-only or whole-body exposures to either jet fuel or to clean, filtered air. The data were compared to untreated control subjects. Acute nose-only inhalation exposures of rats resulted in a significant depletion of liver GSH levels both in subjects that were exposed to clean, filtered air as well as those exposed to JP-8 jet fuel and to a synthetic jet fuel. Glutathione levels were not altered in lung or brain tissue. Whole-body inhalation exposure had no effect on GSH levels in any tissue for any of the treatment groups. A second experiment demonstrated that the loss of GSH did not occur if rats were anaesthetized prior to and during nose-only exposure to clean, filtered air or to mixed hydrocarbons. These data appear to be consistent with studies demonstrating depletion in liver GSH levels among rats subjected to restraint stress. Finally, the depletion of GSH that was observed in liver following a single acute exposure was reduced following five daily exposures to clean, filtered air, suggesting the possibility of habituation to restraint in the nose-only exposure chamber. The finding that placement in a nose-only exposure chamber per se yields liver GSH depletion raises the possibility of an interaction between this mode of toxicant exposure and the toxicological effects of certain inhaled test substances.

Suppression of stimulus artifact contaminating electrically evoked electromyography.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Li, Sheng; Li, Xiaoyan; Klein, Cliff; Rymer, William Z; Zhou, Ping

2014-01-01

Electrical stimulation of muscle or nerve is a very useful technique for understanding of muscle activity and its pathological changes for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. During electrical stimulation of a muscle, the recorded M wave is often contaminated by a stimulus artifact. The stimulus artifact must be removed for appropriate analysis and interpretation of M waves. The objective of this study was to develop a novel software based method to remove stimulus artifacts contaminating or superimposing with electrically evoked surface electromyography (EMG) or M wave signals. The multiple stage method uses a series of signal processing techniques, including highlighting and detection of stimulus artifacts using Savitzky-Golay filtering, estimation of the artifact contaminated region with Otsu thresholding, and reconstruction of such region using signal interpolation and smoothing. The developed method was tested using M wave signals recorded from biceps brachii muscles by a linear surface electrode array. To evaluate the performance, a series of semi-synthetic signals were constructed from clean M wave and stimulus artifact recordings with different degrees of overlap between them. The effectiveness of the developed method was quantified by a significant increase in correlation coefficient and a significant decrease in root mean square error between the clean M wave and the reconstructed M wave, compared with those between the clean M wave and the originally contaminated signal. The validity of the developed method was also demonstrated when tested on each channel's M wave recording using a linear electrode array. The developed method can suppress stimulus artifacts contaminating M wave recordings.

Development of Test Protocols for International Space Station Particulate Filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert D.; Vijayakumar, R.; Agui, Juan H.

2014-01-01

Air quality control on the International Space Station (ISS) is a vital requirement for maintaining a clean environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of gravitational settling. The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) uses a filtration system that has been in use for over 14 years and has proven to meet this challenge. The heart of this system is a traditional High- Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter configured to interface with the rest of the life support elements and provide effective cabin filtration. Over the years, the service life of these filters has been re-evaluated based on limited post-flight tests of returned filters and risk factors. On earth, a well designed and installed HEPA filter will last for several years, e.g. in industrial and research clean room applications. Test methods for evaluating these filters are being developed on the basis of established test protocols used by the industry and the military. This paper will discuss the test methods adopted and test results on prototypes of the ISS filters. The results will assist in establishing whether the service life can be extended for these filters. Results from unused filters that have been in storage will also be presented to ascertain the shelf life and performance deterioration, if any and determine if the shelf life may be extended.

Results from Evaluation of Proposed ASME AG-1 Section FI Metal Media Filters - 13063

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, John A.; Giffin, Paxton K.; Parsons, Michael S.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration technology is commonly used in Department of Energy (DOE) facilities that require control of radioactive particulate matter (PM) emissions due to treatment or management of radioactive materials. Although HEPA technology typically makes use of glass fiber media, metal and ceramic media filters are also capable of filtering efficiencies beyond the required 99.97%. Sintered metal fiber filters are good candidates for use in DOE facilities due to their resistance to corrosive environments and resilience at high temperature and elevated levels of relative humidity. Their strength can protect them from high differential pressure or pressure spikesmore » and allow for back pulse cleaning, extending filter lifetime. Use of these filters has the potential to reduce the cost of filtration in DOE facilities due to life cycle cost savings. ASME AG-1 section FI has not been approved due to a lack of protocols and performance criteria for qualifying section FI filters. The Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) with the aid of the FI project team has developed a Section FI test stand and test plan capable of assisting in the qualification ASME AG-1 section FI filters. Testing done at ICET using the FI test stand evaluates resistance to rated air flow, test aerosol penetration and resistance to heated air of the section FI filters. Data collected during this testing consists of temperature, relative humidity, differential pressure, flow rate, upstream particle concentration, and downstream particle concentration. (authors)« less

Incident-response monitoring technologies for aircraft cabin air quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magoha, Paul W.

Poor air quality in commercial aircraft cabins can be caused by volatile organophosphorus (OP) compounds emitted from the jet engine bleed air system during smoke/fume incidents. Tri-cresyl phosphate (TCP), a common anti-wear additive in turbine engine oils, is an important component in today's global aircraft operations. However, exposure to TCP increases risks of certain adverse health effects. This research analyzed used aircraft cabin air filters for jet engine oil contaminants and designed a jet engine bleed air simulator (BAS) to replicate smoke/fume incidents caused by pyrolysis of jet engine oil. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) were used for elemental analysis of filters, and gas chromatography interfaced with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze used filters to determine TCP isomers. The filter analysis study involved 110 used and 90 incident filters. Clean air filter samples exposed to different bleed air conditions simulating cabin air contamination incidents were also analyzed by FESEM/EDS, NAA, and GC/MS. Experiments were conducted on a BAS at various bleed air conditions typical of an operating jet engine so that the effects of temperature and pressure variations on jet engine oil aerosol formation could be determined. The GC/MS analysis of both used and incident filters characterized tri- m-cresyl phosphate (TmCP) and tri-p-cresyl phosphate (TpCP) by a base peak of an m/z = 368, with corresponding retention times of 21.9 and 23.4 minutes. The hydrocarbons in jet oil were characterized in the filters by a base peak pattern of an m/z = 85, 113. Using retention times and hydrocarbon thermal conductivity peak (TCP) pattern obtained from jet engine oil standards, five out of 110 used filters tested had oil markers. Meanwhile 22 out of 77 incident filters tested positive for oil fingerprints. Probit analysis of jet engine oil aerosols obtained from BAS tests by optical particle counter (OPC) revealed lognormal distributions with the mean (range) of geometric mass mean diameter (GMMD) = 0.41 (0.39, 0.45) microm and geometric standard deviation (GSD), sigma g = 1.92 (1.87, 1.98). FESEM/EDS and NAA techniques found a wide range of elements on filters, and further investigations of used filters are recommended using these techniques. The protocols for air and filter sampling and GC/MS analysis used in this study will increase the options available for detecting jet engine oil on cabin air filters. Such criteria could support policy development for compliance with cabin air quality standards during incidents.

JSF/F-35 Pollution Prevention Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

Liquid Oxygen •Produces Oxygen-Rich Breathing Gas From Engine Bleed Air Using Molecular Sieve Technology •No Exotic Cleaning Solutions •Military No...Explosion from Bullets/Shrapnel •On-Board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) Replaced Halon 1301 •Filters out Oxygen from Ambient Air to Create...Supply System •Supply System Must Be Perfectly Clean •Best Cleaning Solutions Freon CFC-113 and HCFC-141b •On-Board Oxygen Generating System Replaced

Analysis of UV filters in tap water and other clean waters in Spain.

PubMed

Díaz-Cruz, M Silvia; Gago-Ferrero, Pablo; Llorca, Marta; Barceló, Damià

2012-03-01

The present paper describes the development of a method for the simultaneous determination of five hormonally active UV filters namely benzophenone-3 (BP3), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene) camphor (4MBC), 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino) benzoate (OD-PABA), 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OC) by means of solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-electron impact ionization-mass spectrometry. Under optimized conditions, this methodology achieved low method limits of detection (needed for clean waters, especially drinking water analysis), between 0.02 and 8.42 ng/L, and quantitative recovery rates higher than 73% in all cases. Inter- and intraday precision for all compounds were lower than 7% and 11%, respectively. The optimized methodology was applied to perform the first survey of UV absorbing compounds in tap water from the metropolitan area and the city of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). In addition, other types of clean water matrices (mineral bottled water, well water and tap water treated with an ion-exchange resin) were investigated as well. Results evidenced that all the UV filters investigated were detected in the water samples analyzed. The compounds most frequently found were EHMC and OC. Maximum concentrations reached in tap water were 290 (BP3), 35 (4MBC), 110 (OD-PABA), 260 (EHMC), and 170 ng/L (OC). This study constitutes the first evidence of the presence of UV filter residues in tap water in Europe.

The use of filter media to determine filter cleanliness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Staden, S. J.; Haarhoff, J.

It is general believed that a sand filter starts its life with new, perfectly clean media, which becomes gradually clogged with each filtration cycle, eventually getting to a point where either head loss or filtrate quality starts to deteriorate. At this point the backwash cycle is initiated and, through the combined action of air and water, returns the media to its original perfectly clean state. Reality, however, dictates otherwise. Many treatment plants visited a decade or more after commissioning are found to have unacceptably dirty filter sand and backwash systems incapable of returning the filter media to a desired state of cleanliness. In some cases, these problems are common ones encountered in filtration plants but many reasons for media deterioration remain elusive, falling outside of these common problems. The South African conditions of highly eutrophic surface waters at high temperatures, however, exacerbate the problems with dirty filter media. Such conditions often lead to the formation of biofilm in the filter media, which is shown to inhibit the effective backwashing of sand and carbon filters. A systematic investigation into filter media cleanliness was therefore started in 2002, ending in 2005, at the University of Johannesburg (the then Rand Afrikaans University). This involved media from eight South African Water Treatment Plants, varying between sand and sand-anthracite combinations and raw water types from eutrophic through turbid to low-turbidity waters. Five states of cleanliness and four fractions of specific deposit were identified relating to in situ washing, column washing, cylinder inversion and acid-immersion techniques. These were measured and the results compared to acceptable limits for specific deposit, as determined in previous studies, though expressed in kg/m 3. These values were used to determine the state of the filters. In order to gain greater insight into the composition of the specific deposits stripped from the media, a four-point characterisation step was introduced for the resultant suspensions based on acid-solubility and volatility. Results showed that a reasonably effective backwash removed a median specific deposit of 0.89 kg/m 3. Further washing in a laboratory column removed a median specific deposit of 1.34 kg/m 3. Media subjected to a standardised cylinder inversion procedure removed a median specific deposit of 2.41 kg/m 3. Immersion in a strong acid removed a median specific deposit of 35.2 kg/m 3. The four-point characterisation step showed that the soluble-volatile fraction was consistently small in relation to the other fractions. The organic fraction was quite high at the RG treatment plant and the soluble-non-volatile fraction was particularly high at the BK treatment plant.

Airborne environmental endotoxin: a cross-validation of sampling and analysis techniques.

PubMed Central

Walters, M; Milton, D; Larsson, L; Ford, T

1994-01-01

A standard method for measurement of airborne environmental endotoxin was developed and field tested in a fiberglass insulation-manufacturing facility. This method involved sampling with a capillary-pore membrane filter, extraction in buffer using a sonication bath, and analysis by the kinetic-Limulus assay with resistant-parallel-line estimation (KLARE). Cross-validation of the extraction and assay method was performed by comparison with methanolysis of samples followed by 3-hydroxy fatty acid (3-OHFA) analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Direct methanolysis of filter samples and methanolysis of buffer extracts of the filters yielded similar 3-OHFA content (P = 0.72); the average difference was 2.1%. Analysis of buffer extracts for endotoxin content by the KLARE method and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for 3-OHFA content produced similar results (P = 0.23); the average difference was 0.88%. The source of endotoxin was gram-negative bacteria growing in recycled washwater used to clean the insulation-manufacturing equipment. The endotoxin and bacteria become airborne during spray cleaning operations. The types of 3-OHFAs in bacteria cultured from the washwater, present in the washwater and in the air, were similar. Virtually all of the bacteria cultured from air and water were gram negative composed mostly of two species, Deleya aesta and Acinetobacter johnsonii. Airborne countable bacteria correlated well with endotoxin (r2 = 0.64). Replicate sampling showed that results with the standard sampling, extraction, and Limulus assay by the KLARE method were highly reproducible (95% confidence interval for endotoxin measurement +/- 0.28 log10). These results demonstrate the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the standard procedure proposed for airborne environmental endotoxin. PMID:8161191

IMPROVED BIOSAND METHODOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE CLEAN WATER SOLUTIONS IN NORTHERN HONDURAS

EPA Science Inventory

Both aspects of the project will lead to improved construction and operation of biosand filters in Honduras.  The Hondurans who have taken on the challenge of constructing and distributing biosand filters appreciate the support and expertise that can be provided in imp...

Filtration of water-sediment samples for the determination of organic compounds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sandstrom, Mark W.

1995-01-01

This report describes the equipment and procedures used for on-site filtration of surface-water and ground-water samples for determination of organic compounds. Glass-fiber filters and a positive displacement pumping system are suitable for processing most samples for organic analyses. An optional system that uses disposable in-line membrane filters is suitable for a specific gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, selected-ion monitoring analytical method for determination of organonitrogen herbicides. General procedures to minimize contamination of the samples include preparing a clean workspace at the site, selecting appropriate sample-collection materials, and cleaning of the equipment with detergent, tap water, and methanol.

[Reduction of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in the exhaust air of two piggeries by a bio-trickling filter and a biological three-step air cleaning system].

PubMed

Clauss, Marcus; Schulz, Jochen; Stratmann-Selke, Janin; Decius, Maja; Hartung, Jörg

2013-01-01

"Livestock-associated" Methicillin-resistent Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) are frequently found in the air of piggeries, are emitted into the ambient air of the piggeries and may also drift into residential areas or surrounding animal husbandries.. In order to reduce emissions from animal houses such as odour, gases and dust different biological air cleaning systems are commercially available. In this study the retention efficiencies for the culturable LA-MRSA of a bio-trickling filter and a combined three step system, both installed at two different piggeries, were investigated. Raw gas concentrations for LA-MRSA of 2.1 x 10(2) cfu/m3 (biotrickling filter) and 3.9 x 10(2) cfu/m3 (three step system) were found. The clean gas concentrations were in each case approximately one power of ten lower. Both systems were able to reduce the number of investigated bacteria in the air of piggeries on average about 90%. The investigated systems can contribute to protect nearby residents. However, considerable fluctuations of the emissions can occur.

Assessment of lube oil management and self-cleaning oil filter feasibility in WSF vessels phases II and III : part 1 report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has proposed an alternative of the propulsion engine lubricating oil (lube oil) filtration systems on : some vessels in their fleet. Currently, WSF uses disposable cartridge filters for oil filtration on most vessels. S...

Assessment of lube oil management and self-cleaning oil filter feasibility in WSF vessels, phases II and III : part 1 report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has proposed an alternative of the propulsion engine lubricating oil (lube oil) filtration systems on : some vessels in their fleet. Currently, WSF uses disposable cartridge filters for oil filtration on most vessels. S...

Generation of Plausible Hurricane Tracks for Preparedness Exercises

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-25

wind extents are simulated by Poisson regression and temporal filtering . The un-optimized MATLAB code runs in less than a minute and is integrated into...of real hurricanes. After wind radii have been simulated for the entire track, median filtering , attenuation over land, and smoothing clean up the wind

7 CFR 58.220 - Drying systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... filter system shall comply with the applicable requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying Systems. The filtering system shall be cleaned or component parts replaced... shall comply with the requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying...

7 CFR 58.220 - Drying systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... filter system shall comply with the applicable requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying Systems. The filtering system shall be cleaned or component parts replaced... shall comply with the requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying...

7 CFR 58.220 - Drying systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... filter system shall comply with the applicable requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying Systems. The filtering system shall be cleaned or component parts replaced... shall comply with the requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying...

7 CFR 58.220 - Drying systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... filter system shall comply with the applicable requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying Systems. The filtering system shall be cleaned or component parts replaced... shall comply with the requirements of the 3-A Accepted Practices for Milk and Milk Products Spray Drying...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS, AIRFLOW PRODUCTS AFP30

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the AFP30 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Airflow Products. The pressure drop across the filter was 62 Pa clean and 247 Pa dust loaded. The filtration effici...

77 FR 40550 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; Revision for the Control...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

... filtered spray booth and enclosed spray gun cleaner. Maryland's 1997 SIP-approved regulation COMAR 26.11.19... equipment and materials storage such as spray booths, spray guns, and sealed containers for cleaning rags... standards include procedures for cleaning the spray gun equipment for applying automotive coatings. Affected...

PICKLEX AS A NON-POLLUTING METAL SURFACE FINISHING PRETREATMENT AND PRETREATMENT/CONVERSION COATING

EPA Science Inventory

The effectiveness of a zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) membrane filter was evaluated for recycling a nonionic aqueous metal cleaning bath under real world conditions. The pilot-scale study consisted of four 7-to16-day filtration runs, each processed a portion of the cleaning bath during...

9 CFR 318.305 - Equipment and procedures for heat processing systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... ensure a supply of clean, dry air. The recorder timing mechanism shall be accurate. (i) Chart-type... filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (ii) Pressure recording device. Each retort shall be... section. (2) Cooling canal water shall be chlorinated or treated with a chemical approved by the...

9 CFR 381.305 - Equipment and procedures for heat processing systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... supply of clean, dry air. The recorder timing mechanism shall be accurate. (i) Chart-type devices... filter systems to ensure a supply of clean, dry air. (ii) Pressure recording device. Each retort shall be... cooling except as provided for in paragraphs (h) (2) and (3) of this section. (2) Cooling canal water...

Development of environmentally conscious cleaning process for leadless chip carrier assemblies. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, B.E.

1995-04-01

A cross-functional team of process, product, quality, material, and design lab engineers was assembled to develop an environmentally friendly cleaning process for leadless chip carrier assemblies (LCCAs). Using flush and filter testing, Auger surface analysis, GC-Mass spectrophotometry, production yield results, and electrical testing results over an extended testing period, the team developed an aqueous cleaning process for LCCAs. The aqueous process replaced the Freon vapor degreasing/ultrasonic rinse process.

Hot gas cross flow filtering module

DOEpatents

Lippert, Thomas E.; Ciliberti, David F.

1988-01-01

A filter module for use in filtering particulates from a high temperature gas has a central gas duct and at least one horizontally extending support mount affixed to the duct. The support mount supports a filter element thereon and has a chamber therein, which communicates with an inner space of the duct through an opening in the wall of the duct, and which communicates with the clean gas face of the filter element. The filter element is secured to the support mount over an opening in the top wall of the support mount, with releasable securement provided to enable replacement of the filter element when desired. Ceramic springs may be used in connection with the filter module either to secure a filter element to a support mount or to prevent delamination of the filter element during blowback.

Adaptive Low Dissipative High Order Filter Methods for Multiscale MHD Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, H. C.; Sjoegreen, Bjoern

2004-01-01

Adaptive low-dissipative high order filter finite difference methods for long time wave propagation of shock/turbulence/combustion compressible viscous MHD flows has been constructed. Several variants of the filter approach that cater to different flow types are proposed. These filters provide a natural and efficient way for the minimization of the divergence of the magnetic field [divergence of B] numerical error in the sense that no standard divergence cleaning is required. For certain 2-D MHD test problems, divergence free preservation of the magnetic fields of these filter schemes has been achieved.

Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Wolverton Environmental Services Inc., founded by longtime government environmental scientist B.C. "Bill" Wolverton, is an environmental consulting firm that gives customers access to the results of his decades of cutting-edge bioremediation research. Findings about how to use plants to improve indoor air quality have been published in dozens of NASA technical papers and in the book, "How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office." The book has now been translated into 12 languages and has been on the shelves of bookstores for nearly 10 years. A companion book, "Growing Clean Water: Nature's Solution to Water Pollution," explains how plants can clean waste water. Other discoveries include that the more air that is allowed to circulate through the roots of the plants, the more effective they are at cleaning polluted air; and that plants play a psychological role in welfare in that people recover from illness faster in the presence of plants. Wolverton Environmental is also working in partnership with Syracuse University, to engineer systems consisting of modular wicking filters tied into duct work and water supplies, essentially tying plant-based filters into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Also, the company has recently begun to assess the ability of the EcoPlanter to remove formaldehyde from interior environments. Wolverton Environmental is also in talks with designers of the new Stennis Visitor's Center, who are interested in using its designs for indoor air-quality filters

Analysis of effluent filtrate in the hydro-entanglement process for producing cotton nonwovens: a progress report

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A number of hydro-entangled cotton nonwoven fabrics were produced on commercial equipment, using UltraCleanTM Cotton (T.J. Beall Company). Polypropylene “sock” filters were used in the production trials to clean the effluent water for recycling it in the hydro-entanglement process. After each trial ...

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING GLASSWARE TO BE USED FOR INORGANIC METALS ANALYSIS (BCO-L-10.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the general procedures to be followed for cleaning glassware used in preparing and analyzing soil, house dust, air filter, surface wipe, or dermal wash samples for inorganic metals. This procedure was followed to ensure consistent data retr...

Intercomparison of Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) NO3 - and HNO3 Measurements with Data from Other Monitoring Programs

EPA Science Inventory

The EPA Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) utilizes an open face filter pack system to measure concentrations of atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen species. The purpose of this study was to estimate the uncertainty in seasonal and annual concentrations of HNO3, NO3 - , ...

IDENTIFYING IONIZED REGIONS IN NOISY REDSHIFTED 21 cm DATA SETS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Malloy, Matthew; Lidz, Adam, E-mail: mattma@sas.upenn.edu

One of the most promising approaches for studying reionization is to use the redshifted 21 cm line. Early generations of redshifted 21 cm surveys will not, however, have the sensitivity to make detailed maps of the reionization process, and will instead focus on statistical measurements. Here, we show that it may nonetheless be possible to directly identify ionized regions in upcoming data sets by applying suitable filters to the noisy data. The locations of prominent minima in the filtered data correspond well with the positions of ionized regions. In particular, we corrupt semi-numeric simulations of the redshifted 21 cm signalmore » during reionization with thermal noise at the level expected for a 500 antenna tile version of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), and mimic the degrading effects of foreground cleaning. Using a matched filter technique, we find that the MWA should be able to directly identify ionized regions despite the large thermal noise. In a plausible fiducial model in which {approx}20% of the volume of the universe is neutral at z {approx} 7, we find that a 500-tile MWA may directly identify as many as {approx}150 ionized regions in a 6 MHz portion of its survey volume and roughly determine the size of each of these regions. This may, in turn, allow interesting multi-wavelength follow-up observations, comparing galaxy properties inside and outside of ionized regions. We discuss how the optimal configuration of radio antenna tiles for detecting ionized regions with a matched filter technique differs from the optimal design for measuring power spectra. These considerations have potentially important implications for the design of future redshifted 21 cm surveys.« less

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATON: TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS AAF INTERNATIONAL DRIPAK 90/95%

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the DriPak 90/95% air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by AAF International. The pressure drop across the filter was 104 Pa clean and 348 Pa dust loaded, and the fil...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATIONTEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS AAF INTERNATIONAL BIOCEL I (TYPE SH)

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the BioCel I (Type SH) air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by AAF International. The pressure drop across the filter was 236 Pa clean and 478 Pa dust loaded, and th...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS:AAF INTERNATIONAL, PERFECTPLEAT ULTRA, 175-102-863

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the PerfectPleat Ultra 175-102-863 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by AAF International. The pressure drop across the filter was 112 Pa clean and 229 Pa dust lo...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION, TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS, COLUMBUS INDUSTRIES SL-3 RING PANEL

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the High Efficiency Mini Pleat air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Columbus Industries. The pressure drop across the filter was 142 Pa clean and 283 Pa dust load...

10. VIEW OF LAMINARFLOW FILTER WALL NEAR SOUTH WALL OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. VIEW OF LAMINAR-FLOW FILTER WALL NEAR SOUTH WALL OF CLEAN ROOM (102). NOTE GROUNDING CABLES NEAR BASEBOARD IN LOWER RIGHT BACKGROUND. WHITE SQUARE IN FOREGROUND IS A FLOOR DRAIN COVERED WITH TAPE. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Vehicle Support Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Evaluating the use of laser radiation in cleaning of copper embroidery threads on archaeological Egyptian textiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Kareem, Omar; Harith, M. A.

2008-07-01

Cleaning of copper embroidery threads on archaeological textiles is still a complicated conservation process, as most textile conservators believe that the advantages of using traditional cleaning techniques are less than their disadvantages. In this study, the uses of laser cleaning method and two modified recipes of wet cleaning methods were evaluated for cleaning of the corroded archaeological Egyptian copper embroidery threads on an archaeological Egyptian textile fabric. Some corroded copper thread samples were cleaned using modified recipes of wet cleaning method; other corroded copper thread samples were cleaned with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation of wavelength 532 nm. All tested metal thread samples before and after cleaning were investigated using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis unit. Also the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was used for the elemental analysis of laser-cleaned samples to follow up the laser cleaning procedure. The results show that laser cleaning is the most effective method among all tested methods in the cleaning of corroded copper threads. It can be used safely in removing the corrosion products without any damage to both metal strips and fibrous core. The tested laser cleaning technique has solved the problems caused by other traditional cleaning techniques that are commonly used in the cleaning of metal threads on museum textiles.

A new approach in dry technology for non-degrading optical and EUV mask cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varghese, Ivin; Smith, Ben; Balooch, Mehdi; Bowers, Chuck

2012-11-01

The Eco-Snow Systems group of RAVE N.P., Inc. has developed a new cleaning technique to target several of the advanced and next generation mask clean challenges. This new technique, especially when combined with Eco-Snow Systems cryogenic CO2 cleaning technology, provides several advantages over existing methods because it: 1) is solely based on dry technique without requiring additional complementary aggressive wet chemistries that degrade the mask, 2) operates at atmospheric pressure and therefore avoids expensive and complicated equipment associated with vacuum systems, 3) generates ultra-clean reactants eliminating possible byproduct adders, 4) can be applied locally for site specific cleaning without exposing the rest of the mask or can be used to clean the entire mask, 5) removes organic as well as inorganic particulates and film contaminations, and 6) complements current techniques utilized for cleaning of advanced masks such as reduced chemistry wet cleans. In this paper, we shall present examples demonstrating the capability of this new technique for removal of pellicle glue residues and for critical removal of carbon contamination on EUV masks.

Ultrasonic filtration of industrial chemical solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cosma, T.

1974-01-01

The practical results obtained as a result of filtering industrial chemical solutions under continuous flow conditions with the aid of an ultrasonic filter are presented. The main part of the assembly consists of an ultrasonic generator with an output power of about 400 W and the filtration assembly, in which there is a magnetostrictive amplifier constructed for 20.5 kHz. In addition to ensuring a continuous flow of filtered solution, ultrasonic filters can be replaced or cleaned at intervals of time that are 8-10 times greater than in the case of mechanical filters. They yield considerably better results as far as the size of the filtered particles is concerned. The parameters on which filtration quality depends are also presented.

Apparatus and method for removing particulate deposits from high temperature filters

DOEpatents

Nakaishi, Curtis V.; Holcombe, Norman T.; Micheli, Paul L.

1992-01-01

A combustion of a fuel-air mixture is used to provide a high-temperature and high-pressure pulse of gaseous combustion products for the back-flush cleaning of ceramic filter elements contained in a barrier filter system and utilized to separate particulates from particulate-laden process gases at high temperature and high pressure. The volume of gaseous combustion products provided by the combustion of the fuel-air mixture is preferably divided into a plurality of streams each passing through a sonic orifice and conveyed to the open end of each filter element as a high pressure pulse which passes through the filter elements and dislodges dust cake supported on a surface of the filter element.

Suppression of Stimulus Artifact Contaminating Electrically Evoked Electromyography

PubMed Central

Liu, Jie; Li, Sheng; Li, Xiaoyan; Klein, Cliff; Rymer, William Z.; Zhou, Ping

2013-01-01

Background Electrical stimulation of muscle or nerve is a very useful technique for understanding of muscle activity and its pathological changes for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. During electrical stimulation of a muscle, the recorded M wave is often contaminated by a stimulus artifact. The stimulus artifact must be removed for appropriate analysis and interpretation of M waves. Objectives The objective of this study was to develop a novel software based method to remove stimulus artifacts contaminating or superimposing with electrically evoked surface electromyography (EMG) or M wave signals. Methods The multiple stage method uses a series of signal processing techniques, including highlighting and detection of stimulus artifacts using the Savitzky-Golay filtering, estimation of the artifact contaminated region with the Otsu thresholding, and reconstruction of such region using signal interpolation and smoothing. The developed method was tested using M wave signals recorded from biceps brachii muscles by a linear surface electrode array. To evaluate the performance, a series of semi-synthetic signals were constructed from clean M wave and stimulus artifact recordings with different degrees of overlap between them. Results The effectiveness of the developed method was quantified by a significant increase in correlation coefficient and a significant decrease in root mean square error between the clean M wave and the reconstructed M wave, compared with those between the clean M wave and the originally contaminated signal. The validity of the developed method was also demonstrated when tested on each channel’s M wave recording using the linear electrode array. Conclusions The developed method can suppress stimulus artifacts contaminating M wave recordings. PMID:24419021

Aerosol emission monitoring in the production of silicon carbide nanoparticles by induction plasma synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Drew; Leparoux, Marc; Jaeggi, Christian; Buha, Jelena; Pui, David Y. H.; Wang, Jing

2013-12-01

In this study, the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles in a prototype inductively coupled thermal plasma reactor and other supporting processes, such as the handling of precursor material, the collection of nanoparticles, and the cleaning of equipment, were monitored for particle emissions and potential worker exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of engineering controls and best practice guidelines developed for the production and handling of nanoparticles, identify processes which result in a nanoparticle release, characterize these releases, and suggest possible administrative or engineering controls which may eliminate or control the exposure source. No particle release was detected during the synthesis and collection of SiC nanoparticles and the cleaning of the reactor. This was attributed to most of these processes occurring in closed systems operated at slight underpressure. Other tasks occurring in more open spaces, such as the disconnection of a filter assembly from the reactor system and the use of compressed air for the cleaning of filters where synthesized SiC nanoparticles were collected, resulted in releases of submicrometer particles with a mode size of 170-180 nm. Observation of filter samples under scanning electron microscope confirmed that the particles were agglomerates of SiC nanoparticles.

Clean Water for Developing Countries.

PubMed

Pandit, Aniruddha B; Kumar, Jyoti Kishen

2015-01-01

Availability of safe drinking water, a vital natural resource, is still a distant dream to many around the world, especially in developing countries. Increasing human activity and industrialization have led to a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological pollutants entering water bodies and affecting human lives. Efforts to develop efficient, economical, and technologically sound methods to produce clean water for developing countries have increased worldwide. We focus on solar disinfection, filtration, hybrid filtration methods, treatment of harvested rainwater, herbal water disinfection, and arsenic removal technologies. Simple, yet innovative water treatment devices ranging from use of plant xylem as filters, terafilters, and hand pumps to tippy taps designed indigenously are methods mentioned here. By describing the technical aspects of major water disinfection methods relevant for developing countries on medium to small scales and emphasizing their merits, demerits, economics, and scalability, we highlight the current scenario and pave the way for further research and development and scaling up of these processes. This review focuses on clean drinking water, especially for rural populations in developing countries. It describes various water disinfection techniques that are not only economically viable and energy efficient but also employ simple methodologies that are effective in reducing the physical, chemical, and biological pollutants found in drinking water to acceptable limits.

Comparison of home lead dust reduction techniques on hard surfaces: the New Jersey assessment of cleaning techniques trial.

PubMed Central

Rich, David Q; Rhoads, George G; Yiin, Lih-Ming; Zhang, Junfeng; Bai, Zhipeng; Adgate, John L; Ashley, Peter J; Lioy, Paul J

2002-01-01

High efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuums, which collect particles > 0.3 micro m, and trisodium phosphate (TSP), a detergent claimed to selectively remove lead, have been included in the HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead Based Paint Hazards in Housing without systematic validation of their effectiveness. At the time the study was initiated, both HEPA vacuums and TSP were relatively expensive, they were not readily found in urban retail centers, and there were environmental concerns about the use and disposal of high-phosphate detergents. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted in urban high-risk homes in northern New Jersey to determine whether a more readily available and less expensive low-phosphate, non-TSP detergent and non-HEPA vacuum could perform as well as TSP and a HEPA vacuum in a cleaning protocol. Homes were randomized to one of three cleaning methods: TSP/HEPA vacuum, TSP/non-HEPA vacuum, or non-TSP/non-HEPA vacuum. Change in log-transformed lead loading was used in mixed models to compare the efficacy of the three cleaning techniques separately for uncarpeted floors, window sills, and window troughs. After we adjusted for baseline lead loading, the non-HEPA vacuum produced larger reductions on hard floors [19%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3-38%], but the HEPA vacuum produced larger reductions on window sills (22%; 95% CI, 11-32%) and larger reductions on window troughs (16%; 95% CI, -4 to 33%). The non-TSP produced larger reductions on window troughs (21%; 95% CI, -2 to 50%), but TSP produced larger reductions on hard floors (5%; 95% CI, -12 to 19%) and window sills (8%; 95% CI, -5 to 20%). TSP/HEPA produced larger reductions on window sills (28%; 95% CI, 18-37%) and larger reductions on window troughs (2%; 95% CI, -24 to 23%), whereas the non-TSP/non-HEPA method produced larger reductions on hard floors (13%; 95% CI, -5 to 34%). Because neither vacuum nor detergent produced consistent results across surface types, the use of low-phosphate detergents and non-HEPA vacuums in a temporary control measure is supported. PMID:12204823

Comparison of home lead dust reduction techniques on hard surfaces: the New Jersey assessment of cleaning techniques trial.

PubMed

Rich, David Q; Rhoads, George G; Yiin, Lih-Ming; Zhang, Junfeng; Bai, Zhipeng; Adgate, John L; Ashley, Peter J; Lioy, Paul J

2002-09-01

High efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuums, which collect particles > 0.3 micro m, and trisodium phosphate (TSP), a detergent claimed to selectively remove lead, have been included in the HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead Based Paint Hazards in Housing without systematic validation of their effectiveness. At the time the study was initiated, both HEPA vacuums and TSP were relatively expensive, they were not readily found in urban retail centers, and there were environmental concerns about the use and disposal of high-phosphate detergents. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted in urban high-risk homes in northern New Jersey to determine whether a more readily available and less expensive low-phosphate, non-TSP detergent and non-HEPA vacuum could perform as well as TSP and a HEPA vacuum in a cleaning protocol. Homes were randomized to one of three cleaning methods: TSP/HEPA vacuum, TSP/non-HEPA vacuum, or non-TSP/non-HEPA vacuum. Change in log-transformed lead loading was used in mixed models to compare the efficacy of the three cleaning techniques separately for uncarpeted floors, window sills, and window troughs. After we adjusted for baseline lead loading, the non-HEPA vacuum produced larger reductions on hard floors [19%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3-38%], but the HEPA vacuum produced larger reductions on window sills (22%; 95% CI, 11-32%) and larger reductions on window troughs (16%; 95% CI, -4 to 33%). The non-TSP produced larger reductions on window troughs (21%; 95% CI, -2 to 50%), but TSP produced larger reductions on hard floors (5%; 95% CI, -12 to 19%) and window sills (8%; 95% CI, -5 to 20%). TSP/HEPA produced larger reductions on window sills (28%; 95% CI, 18-37%) and larger reductions on window troughs (2%; 95% CI, -24 to 23%), whereas the non-TSP/non-HEPA method produced larger reductions on hard floors (13%; 95% CI, -5 to 34%). Because neither vacuum nor detergent produced consistent results across surface types, the use of low-phosphate detergents and non-HEPA vacuums in a temporary control measure is supported.

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING GLASSWARE TO BE USED FOR INORGANIC METALS ANALYSIS (BCO-L-10.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the general procedures to be followed for cleaning glassware used in preparing and analyzing soil, house dust, air filter, surface wipe, or dermal wash samples for inorganic metals. This procedure was followed to ensure consistent data retr...

Manufacturing a low-cost ceramic water filter and filter system for the elimination of common pathogenic bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simonis, J. J.; Basson, A. K.

Africa is one of the most water-scarce continents in the world but it is the lack of potable water which results in diarrhoea being the leading cause of death amongst children under the age of five in Africa (696 million children under 5 years old in Africa contract diarrhoea resulting in 2000 deaths per day: WHO and UNICEF, 2009). Most potable water treatment methods use bulk water treatment not suitable or available to the majority of rural poor in Sub-Saharan Africa. One simple but effective way of making sure that water is of good quality is by purifying it by means of a household ceramic water filter. The making and supply of water filters suitable for the removal of suspended solids, pathogenic bacteria and other toxins from drinking water is therefore critical. A micro-porous ceramic water filter with micron-sized pores was developed using the traditional slip casting process. This locally produced filter has the advantage of making use of less raw materials, cost, labour, energy and expertise and being more effective and efficient than other low cost produced filters. The filter is fitted with a silicone tube inserted into a collapsible bag that acts as container and protection for the filter. Enhanced flow is obtained through this filter system. The product was tested using water inoculated with high concentrations of different bacterial cultures as well as with locally polluted stream water. The filter is highly effective (log10 > 4 with 99.99% reduction efficiency) in providing protection from bacteria and suspended solids found in natural water. With correct cleaning and basic maintenance this filter technology can effectively provide drinking water to rural families affected by polluted surface water sources. This is an African solution for the more than 340 million people in Africa without access to clean drinking water (WHO and UNICEF, 2008).

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION: TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HLVAC SYSTEMS: AEOLUS CORPORATION SYNTHETIC MINIPLEAT V-CELL, SMV-M13-2424

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Synthetic Minipleat V-Cell, SMV-M13-2424 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Aeolus Corporation. The pressure drop across the filter was 77 Pa clean and 348 ...

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION: TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS: AEOLUS CORPORATION SYNTHETIC MINIPLEAT V-CELL, SMV-M14-2424

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Synthetic Minipleat V-Cell, SMV-M14-2424 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Aeolus Corporation. The pressure drop across the filter was 104 Pa clean and 348...

ETV TEST REPORT OF CONTROL OF BIOAEROSOLS IN HVAC SYSTEMS GLASFLOSS INDUSTRIES Z-PAK SERIES S, MODEL ZPS24241295BO

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Technology Verification report discusses the technology and performance of the Z-Pak Series S, Model ZPS24241295B0 air filter for dust and bioaerosol filtration manufactured by Glasfloss Industries, Inc. The pressure drop across the filter was 91 Pa clean and 34...

Rotating drum filter

DOEpatents

Anson, Donald

1990-01-01

A perforated drum (10) rotates in a coaxial cylindrical housing (18) having three circumferential ports (19,22,23), and an axial outlet (24) at one end. The axis (11) is horizontal. A fibrous filter medium (20) is fed through a port (19) on or near the top of the housing (81) by a distributing mechanism (36) which lays a uniform mat (26) of the desired thickness onto the rotating drum (10). This mat (26) is carried by the drum (10) to a second port (23) through which dirty fluid (13) enters. The fluid (13) passes through the filter (26) and the cleaned stream (16) exits through the open end (15) of the drum (10) and the axial port (24) in the housing (18). The dirty filter material (20) is carried on to a third port (22) near the bottom of the housing (18) and drops into a receiver (31) from which it is continuously removed, cleaned (30), and returned (32) to the charging port (36) at the top. To support the filter mat, the perforated cylinder may carry a series of tines (40), shaped blades (41), or pockets, so that the mat (26) will not fall from the drum (10) prematurely. To minimize risk of mat failure, the fluid inlet port (23) may be located above the horizontal centerline (11).

EEG-based auditory attention decoding using unprocessed binaural signals in reverberant and noisy conditions?

PubMed

Aroudi, Ali; Doclo, Simon

2017-07-01

To decode auditory attention from single-trial EEG recordings in an acoustic scenario with two competing speakers, a least-squares method has been recently proposed. This method however requires the clean speech signals of both the attended and the unattended speaker to be available as reference signals. Since in practice only the binaural signals consisting of a reverberant mixture of both speakers and background noise are available, in this paper we explore the potential of using these (unprocessed) signals as reference signals for decoding auditory attention in different acoustic conditions (anechoic, reverberant, noisy, and reverberant-noisy). In addition, we investigate whether it is possible to use these signals instead of the clean attended speech signal for filter training. The experimental results show that using the unprocessed binaural signals for filter training and for decoding auditory attention is feasible with a relatively large decoding performance, although for most acoustic conditions the decoding performance is significantly lower than when using the clean speech signals.

Changes in sample collection and analytical techniques and effects on retrospective comparability of low-level concentrations of trace elements in ground water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ivahnenko, T.; Szabo, Z.; Gibs, J.

2001-01-01

Ground-water sampling techniques were modified to reduce random low-level contamination during collection of filtered water samples for determination of trace-element concentrations. The modified sampling techniques were first used in New Jersey by the US Geological Survey in 1994 along with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis to determine the concentrations of 18 trace elements at the one microgram-per-liter (μg/L) level in the oxic water of the unconfined sand and gravel Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system. The revised technique tested included a combination of the following: collection of samples (1) with flow rates of about 2L per minute, (2) through acid-washed single-use disposable tubing and (3) a single-use disposable 0.45-μm pore size capsule filter, (4) contained within portable glove boxes, (5) in a dedicated clean sampling van, (6) only after turbidity stabilized at values less than 2 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), when possible. Quality-assurance data, obtained from equipment blanks and split samples, indicated that trace element concentrations, with the exception of iron, chromium, aluminum, and zinc, measured in the samples collected in 1994 were not subject to random contamination at 1μg/L.Results from samples collected in 1994 were compared to those from samples collected in 1991 from the same 12 PVC-cased observation wells using the available sampling and analytical techniques at that time. Concentrations of copper, lead, manganese and zinc were statistically significantly lower in samples collected in 1994 than in 1991. Sampling techniques used in 1994 likely provided trace-element data that represented concentrations in the aquifer with less bias than data from 1991 when samples were collected without the same degree of attention to sample handling.

A P-band SAR interference filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Victor B.

1992-01-01

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interference filter is an adaptive filter designed to reduce the effects of interference while minimizing the introduction of undesirable side effects. The author examines the adaptive spectral filter and the improvement in processed SAR imagery using this filter for Jet Propulsion Laboratory Airborne SAR (JPL AIRSAR) data. The quality of these improvements is determined through several data fidelity criteria, such as point-target impulse response, equivalent number of looks, SNR, and polarization signatures. These parameters are used to characterize two data sets, both before and after filtering. The first data set consists of data with the interference present in the original signal, and the second set consists of clean data which has been coherently injected with interference acquired from another scene.

Apparatus for measuring the decontamination factor of a multiple filter air-cleaning system

DOEpatents

Ortiz, John P.

1986-01-01

An apparatus for measuring the overall decontamination factor of first and second filters located in a plenum. The first filter separates the plenum's upstream and intermediate chambers. The second filter separates the plenum's intermediate and downstream chambers. The apparatus comprises an aerosol generator that generates a challenge aerosol. An upstream collector collects unfiltered aerosol which is piped to first and second dilution stages and then to a laser aerosol spectrometer. An intermediate collector collects challenge aerosol that penetrates the first filter. The filtered aerosol is piped to the first dilution stage, diluted, and then piped to the laser aerosol spectrometer which detects single particles. A downstream collector collects challenge aerosol that penetrates both filters. The twice-filtered aerosol is piped to the aerosol spectrometer. A pump and several valves control the movement of aerosol within the apparatus.

Apparatus for measuring the decontamination factor of a multiple filter air-cleaning system

DOEpatents

Ortiz, J.P.

1985-07-03

An apparatus for measuring the overall decontamination factors of first and second filters located in a plenum. The first filter separates the plenum's upstream and intermediate chambers. The second filter separates the plenum's intermediate and downstream chambers. The apparatus comprises an aerosol generator that generates a challenge aerosol. An upstream collector collects unfiltered aerosol which is piped to first and second dilution stages and then to a laser aerosol spectrometer. An intermediate collector collects challenge aerosol that penetrates the first filter. The filtered aerosol is piped to the first dilution stage, diluted, and then piped to the laser aerosol spectrometer which detects single particles. A downstream collector collects challenge aerosol that penetrates both filters. The twice-filtered aerosol is piped to the aerosol spectrometer. A pump and several valves control the movement of aerosol within the apparatus.

Nuclear air cleaning: the need for a change in emphasis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carbaugh, E.H.

1982-11-01

The nuclear industry now has over 35 years of experience in nuclear air cleaning. This experience covers technology development, system design, operations, and maintenance. Much of the past experience has been directed towards technology development with particular emphasis on high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Implementation of this technology has lagged its development by a number of years. A recent study examines the cause and frequencies of HEPA filter changeouts and failures. These data lead to a conclusion that a shift in emphasis from technology development to the training of personnel and the designing and maintaining of such systems ismore » needed. Some highlights of the data and a discussion of topics which should be addressed in training will be presented.« less

Contribution of the backstreaming ions to the Self-Magnetic pinch (SMP) diode current

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mazarakis, Michael G.; Cuneo, Michael E.; Fournier, Sean D.

2016-08-08

Summary form only given. The results presented here were obtained with an SMP diode mounted at the front high voltage end of the RITS accelerator. RITS is a Self-Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) voltage adder that adds the voltage pulses of six 1.3 MV inductively insulated cavities. Our experiments had two objectives: first to measure the contribution of the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode target to the diode beam current, and second to try to evaluate the energy of those ions and hence the actual Anode-Cathode (A-K) gap actual voltage. In any very high voltage inductive voltage addermore » (IVA) utilizing MITLs to transmit the power to the diode load, the precise knowledge of the accelerating voltage applied on the anode-cathode (A-K) gap is problematic. The accelerating voltage quoted in the literature is from estimates based on measurements of the anode and cathode currents of the MITL far upstream from the diode and utilizing the para-potential flow theories and inductive corrections. Thus it would be interesting to have another independent measurement to evaluate the A-K voltage. The diode's anode is made of a number of high Z metals in order to produce copious and energetic flash x-rays. The backstreaming currents are a strong fraction of the anode materials and their stage of cleanness and gas adsorption. We have measured the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode and propagating through a hollow cathode tip for various diode configurations and different techniques of target cleaning treatments, such as heating to very high temperatures with DC and pulsed current, with RF plasma cleaning and with both plasma cleaning and heating. Finally, we have also evaluated the A-K gap voltage by ion filtering techniques.« less

Noise-gating to Clean Astrophysical Image Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeForest, C. E.

I present a family of algorithms to reduce noise in astrophysical images and image sequences, preserving more information from the original data than is retained by conventional techniques. The family uses locally adaptive filters (“noise gates”) in the Fourier domain to separate coherent image structure from background noise based on the statistics of local neighborhoods in the image. Processing of solar data limited by simple shot noise or by additive noise reveals image structure not easily visible in the originals, preserves photometry of observable features, and reduces shot noise by a factor of 10 or more with little to nomore » apparent loss of resolution. This reveals faint features that were either not directly discernible or not sufficiently strongly detected for quantitative analysis. The method works best on image sequences containing related subjects, for example movies of solar evolution, but is also applicable to single images provided that there are enough pixels. The adaptive filter uses the statistical properties of noise and of local neighborhoods in the data to discriminate between coherent features and incoherent noise without reference to the specific shape or evolution of those features. The technique can potentially be modified in a straightforward way to exploit additional a priori knowledge about the functional form of the noise.« less

Noise-gating to Clean Astrophysical Image Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeForest, C. E.

2017-04-01

I present a family of algorithms to reduce noise in astrophysical images and image sequences, preserving more information from the original data than is retained by conventional techniques. The family uses locally adaptive filters (“noise gates”) in the Fourier domain to separate coherent image structure from background noise based on the statistics of local neighborhoods in the image. Processing of solar data limited by simple shot noise or by additive noise reveals image structure not easily visible in the originals, preserves photometry of observable features, and reduces shot noise by a factor of 10 or more with little to no apparent loss of resolution. This reveals faint features that were either not directly discernible or not sufficiently strongly detected for quantitative analysis. The method works best on image sequences containing related subjects, for example movies of solar evolution, but is also applicable to single images provided that there are enough pixels. The adaptive filter uses the statistical properties of noise and of local neighborhoods in the data to discriminate between coherent features and incoherent noise without reference to the specific shape or evolution of those features. The technique can potentially be modified in a straightforward way to exploit additional a priori knowledge about the functional form of the noise.

Accuracy of a new clean-catch technique for diagnosis of urinary tract infection in infants younger than 90 days of age

PubMed Central

Herreros, María Luisa; Tagarro, Alfredo; García-Pose, Araceli; Sánchez, Aida; Cañete, Alfonso; Gili, Pablo

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing urinary tract infections using a new, recently described, standardized clean-catch collection technique. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of infants <90 days old admitted due to fever without a source, with two matched samples of urine obtained using two different methods: clean-catch standardized stimulation technique and bladder catheterization. RESULTS: Sixty paired urine cultures were obtained. The median age was 44-days-old. Seventeen percent were male infants. Clean-catch technique sensitivity was 97% (95% CI 82% to 100%) and specificity was 89% (95% CI 65% to 98%). The contamination rate of clean-catch samples was lower (5%) than the contamination rate of catheter specimens (8%). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of urine cultures obtained using the clean-catch method through the new technique were accurate and the contamination rate was low. These results suggest that this technique is a valuable, alternative method for urinary tract infection diagnosis. PMID:26435675

My School Makes Me Sick: Cheap Solutions to Environmental Problems in Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiley, Robert

This paper presents 19 solutions to problems within the school environment: (1) ventilation (e.g., keep the thermostat fan on whenever the room is occupied); (2) filters (e.g., get rid of 20 percent cheap filters); (3) clean the ductwork; (4) avoid car and bus fumes by keeping vehicles 50 feet from the building; (5) sewer vents (vents must…

Forest water contamination

Treesearch

Roger M. Rowell

2006-01-01

Forests play a key role in cleaning water. Precipitation is “'filtered” through the tree canopy and filtered again throuph the organic matter on the forest floor. The water then seeps into the subsurface to replenish the ground water. Approximately 80% of the freshwater in the United States originates in the 650 million acres (265 million hectares) of forest that...

146. View of oil filter room in basement (Room B1) ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

146. View of oil filter room in basement (Room B-1) where oil used in lubrication in generator room is cleaned and recycled. The two tanks in the foreground each have capacities of 2,100 gallons. Photo by Jet Lowe, HAER, 1989. - Puget Sound Power & Light Company, White River Hydroelectric Project, 600 North River Avenue, Dieringer, Pierce County, WA

Fine urban and precursor emissions control for diesel urban transit buses.

PubMed

Lanni, Thomas

2003-01-01

Particulate emission from diesel engines is one of the most important pollutants in urban areas. As a result, particulate emission control from urban bus diesel engines using particle filter technology is being evaluated at several locations in the US. A project entitled "Clean Diesel Air Quality Demonstration Program" has been initiated by the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) under the supervision of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and with active participation from Johnson Matthey, Corning, Equilon, Environment Canada and RAD Energy. Under this program, several MTA transit buses with DDC Series 50 engines were equipped with Continuously Regenerating Technology (CRTTM) particulate filter systems and have been operated with ultra low sulfur diesel (<30 ppm S) in transit service in Manhattan since February 2000. These buses were evaluated over a 9-month period for durability and maintainability of the particulate filter. In addition, an extensive emissions testing program was carried out using transient cycles on a chassis dynamometer to evaluate the emissions reductions obtained with the particle filter. In this paper, the emissions testing data from the Clean Diesel Air Quality Demonstration Program are discussed in detail.

An improved kit for culturing clean nematode, larvae from faeces.

PubMed

Ndalahwa, J B; Lwambo, N J

1989-03-01

A kit for rapid recovery of clean hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae from faeces was devised. It consists of a 2.0dl perspex cup shaped container 35 x 30 x 24mm in size. A horse shoe stirrup aluminium sheet 54mm long and 20mm wide is inserted into the container so that the free ends stand at the bottom of the apparatus. The back of the stirrup carries a plastic disc 30mm in diameter through which two adjacent crescent shaped openings are cut. A strip of filter paper 40 x 20mm in size passes through the crescent openings astride the stirrup and its loose ends are bound together by means of a stapler. When the kit is assembled, the disk fits firmly in the middle of the container dividing it into lower and upper chambers. The staples free ends of the filter paper hang immersed into water in the lower chamber of the apparatus. A faecal sample is smeared on the upper part of the filter paper. Nematode larvae, if present, crawl from the faeces down the damp filter paper into the water at the bottom of the container.

Porous filtering media comparison through wet and dry sampling of fixed bed gasification products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allesina, G.; Pedrazzi, S.; Montermini, L.; Giorgini, L.; Bortolani, G.; Tartarini, P.

2014-11-01

The syngas produced by fixed bed gasifiers contains high quantities of particulate and tars. This issue, together with its high temperature, avoids its direct exploitation without a proper cleaning and cooling process. In fact, when the syngas produced by gasification is used in an Internal Combustion engine (IC), the higher the content of tars and particulate, the higher the risk to damage the engine is. If these compounds are not properly removed, the engine may fail to run. A way to avoid engine fails is to intensify the maintenance schedule, but these stops will reduce the system profitability. From a clean syngas does not only follow higher performance of the generator, but also less pollutants in the atmosphere. When is not possible to work on the gasification reactions, the filter plays the most important role in the engine safeguard process. This work is aimed at developing and comparing different porous filters for biomass gasifiers power plants. A drum filter was developed and tested filling it with different filtering media available on the market. As a starting point, the filter was implemented in a Power Pallet 10 kW gasifier produced by the California-based company "ALL Power Labs". The original filter was replaced with different porous biomasses, such as woodchips and corn cobs. Finally, a synthetic zeolites medium was tested and compared with the biological media previously used. The Tar Sampling Protocol (TSP) and a modified "dry" method using the Silica Gel material were applied to evaluate the tars, particulate and water amount in the syngas after the filtration process. Advantages and disadvantages of every filtering media chosen were reported and discussed.

DEVELOPMENT OF A LAMINATED DISK FOR THE SPIN TEK ROTARY MICROFILTER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herman, D.

2011-06-03

Funded by the Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management, EM-31, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) partnered with SpinTek Filtration{trademark} to develop a filter disk that would withstand a reverse pressure or flow during operation of the rotary microfilter. The ability to withstand a reverse pressure and flow eliminates a potential accident scenario that could have resulted in damage to the filter membranes. While the original welded filter disks have been shown to withstand and reverse pressure/flow in the static condition, the filter disk design discussed in this report will allow a reverse pressure/flow while the disks are rotating.more » In addition, the laminated disk increases the flexibility during filter startup and cleaning operations. The new filter disk developed by SRNL and SpinTek is manufactured with a more open structure significantly reducing internal flow restrictions in the disk. The prototype was tested at the University of Maryland and demonstrated to withstand the reverse pressure due to the centrifugal action of the rotary filter. The tested water flux of the disk was demonstrated to be 1.34 gpm in a single disk test. By comparison, the water flux of the current disk was 0.49 gpm per disk during a 25 disk test. The disk also demonstrated rejection of solids by filtering a 5 wt % Strontium Carbonate slurry with a filtrate clarity of less the 1.4 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) throughout the two hour test. The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has been working with SpinTek Filtration{trademark} to adapt the rotary microfilter for radioactive service in the Department of Energy (DOE) Complex. One potential weakness is the loose nature of the membrane on the filter disks. The current disk is constructed by welding the membrane at the outer edge of the disk. The seal for the center of the membrane is accomplished by an o-ring in compression for the assembled stack. The remainder of the membrane is free floating on the disk. This construction requires that a positive pressure be applied to the rotary filter tank to prevent the membrane from rising from the disk structure and potentially contacting the filter turbulence promoter. In addition, one accident scenario is a reverse flow through the filtrate line due to mis-alignment of valves resulting in the membrane rising from the disk structure. The structural integrity of the current disk has been investigated, and shown that the disk can withstand a significant reverse pressure in a static condition. However, the disk will likely incur damage if the filter stack is rotated during a reverse pressure. The development of a laminated disk would have several significant benefits for the operation of the rotary filter including the prevention of a compromise in filter disk integrity during a reverse flow accident, increasing operational flexibility, and increasing the self cleaning ability of the filter. A laminated disk would allow the filter rotor operation prior to a positive pressure in the filter tank. This would prevent the initial dead-head of the filter and prevent the resulting initial filter cake buildup. The laminated disk would allow rotor operation with cleaning fluid, eliminating the need for a recirculation pump. Additionally, a laminated disk would allow a reverse flow of fluid through the membrane pores removing trapped particles.« less

Preliminary analysis on the water quality index (WQI) of irradiated basic filter elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif Abu Bakar, Asyraf; Muhamad Pauzi, Anas; Aziz Mohamed, Abdul; Syima Sharifuddin, Syazrin; Mohamad Idris, Faridah

2018-01-01

Simple water filtration system is needed in times of extreme floods. Clean water for sanitation at evacuation centres is essential and its production is possible by using the famous simple filtration system consisting of empty bottle and filter elements (sands, gravels, cotton/coffee filter). This research intends to study the effects of irradiated filter elements on the filtration effectiveness through experiments. The filter elements will be irradiated with gamma and neutron radiation using the facilities available at Malaysia Nuclear Agency. The filtration effectiveness is measured using the water quality index (WQI) that is developed in this study to reflect the quality of filtered water. The WQI of the filtered water using the system with irradiated filter elements is then compared with that of the system with non-irradiated filter elements. This preliminary analysis only focus on filtration element of silica sand. Results shows very nominal variation in in WQI after filtered by non-irradiated, gamma and neutron filter element (silica sand), where the hypothesis could not be affirmed.

Fogging technique used to coat magnesium with plastic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mroz, T. S.

1967-01-01

Cleaning process and a fogging technique facilitate the application of a plastic coating to magnesium plates. The cleaning process removes general organic and inorganic surface impurities, oils and greases, and oxides and carbonates from the magnesium surfaces. The fogging technique produces a thin-filmlike coating in a clean room atmosphere.

Initial experience using the rigid forceps technique to remove wall-embedded IVC filters.

PubMed

Avery, Allan; Stephens, Maximilian; Redmond, Kendal; Harper, John

2015-06-01

Severely tilted and embedded inferior vena cava (IVC) filters remain the most challenging IVC filters to remove. Heavy endothelialisation over the filter hook can prevent engagement with standard snare and cone recovery techniques. The rigid forceps technique offers a way to dissect the endothelial cap and reliably retrieve severely tilted and embedded filters. By developing this technique, failed IVC retrieval rates can be significantly reduced and the optimum safety profile offered by temporary filters can be achieved. We present our initial experience with the rigid forceps technique described by Stavropoulos et al. for removing wall-embedded IVC filters. We retrospectively reviewed the medical imaging and patient records of all patients who underwent a rigid forceps filter removal over a 22-month period across two tertiary referral institutions. The rigid forceps technique had a success rate of 85% (11/13) for IVC filter removals. All filters in the series showed evidence of filter tilt and embedding of the filter hook into the IVC wall. Average filter tilt from the Z-axis was 19 degrees (range 8-56). Filters observed in the case study were either Bard G2X (n = 6) or Cook Celect (n = 7). Average filter dwell time was 421 days (range 47-1053). There were no major complications observed. The rigid forceps technique can be readily emulated and is a safe and effective technique to remove severely tilted and embedded IVC filters. The development of this technique across both institutions has increased the successful filter removal rate, with perceived benefits to the safety profile of our IVC filter programme. © 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Cermet materials

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C [Idaho Falls, ID

2008-12-23

A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Modeling the Sustainability of a Ceramic Water Filter Intervention

PubMed Central

Mellor, Jonathan; Abebe, Lydia; Ehdaie, Beeta; Dillingham, Rebecca; Smith, James

2014-01-01

Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are a point-of-use water treatment technology that has shown promise in preventing early childhood diarrhea (ECD) in resource-limited settings. Despite this promise, some researchers have questioned their ability to reduce ECD incidences over the long term since most effectiveness trials conducted to date are less than one year in duration limiting their ability to assess long-term sustainability factors. Most trials also suffer from lack of blinding making them potentially biased. This study uses an agent-based model (ABM) to explore factors related to the long-term sustainability of CWFs in preventing ECD and was based on a three year longitudinal field study. Factors such as filter user compliance, microbial removal effectiveness, filter cleaning and compliance declines were explored. Modeled results indicate that broadly defined human behaviors like compliance and declining microbial effectiveness due to improper maintenance are primary drivers of the outcome metrics of household drinking water quality and ECD rates. The model predicts that a ceramic filter intervention can reduce ECD incidence amongst under two year old children by 41.3%. However, after three years, the average filter is almost entirely ineffective at reducing ECD incidence due to declining filter microbial removal effectiveness resulting from improper maintenance. The model predicts very low ECD rates are possible if compliance rates are 80-90%, filter log reduction efficiency is 3 or greater and there are minimal long-term compliance declines. Cleaning filters at least once every 4 months makes it more likely to achieve very low ECD rates as does the availability of replacement filters for purchase. These results help to understand the heterogeneity seen in previous intervention-control trials and reemphasize the need for researchers to accurately measure confounding variables and ensure that field trials are at least 2-3 years in duration. In summary, the CWF can be a highly effective tool in the fight against ECD, but every effort should be made by implementing agencies to ensure consistent use and maintenance. PMID:24355289

Fail Save Shut Off Valve for Filtering Systems Employing Candle Filters

DOEpatents

VanOsdol, John

2006-01-03

The invention relates to an apparatus that acts as a fail save shut off valve. More specifically, the invention relates to a fail save shut off valve that allows fluid flow during normal operational conditions, but prevents the flow of fluids in the event of system failure upstream that causes over-pressurization. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with hot gas filtering systems, which utilize ceramic candle filters. Used in such a hot gas system the present invention stops the flow of hot gas and prevents any particulate laden gas from entering the clean side of the system.

Fail save shut off valve for filtering systems employing candle filters

DOEpatents

VanOsdol, John [Fairmont, WV

2006-01-03

The invention relates to an apparatus that acts as a fail save shut off valve. More specifically, the invention relates to a fail save shut off valve that allows fluid flow during normal operational conditions, but prevents the flow of fluids in the event of system failure upstream that causes over-pressurization. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with hot gas filtering systems, which utilize ceramic candle filters. Used in such a hot gas system the present invention stops the flow of hot gas and prevents any particulate laden gas from entering the clean side of the system.

Removal of heavy metals from water with forest based materials

Treesearch

James D. McSweeny; Roger M. Rowell; George C. Chen; Thomas L. Eberhardt; Soo-Hong Min

2006-01-01

For 1.5 to 2.5 billion people in the world, clean water is a critical issue (Lepkowski 1999). In the U.S., it is estimated that 90% of all Americans live within 10 miles of a body of contaminated water (Hogue, 2000). The development of filters to clean our water supply is big business. It is estimated that global spending on filtration (including dust collectors, air...

SU-F-I-73: Surface Dose from KV Diagnostic Beams From An On-Board Imager On a Linac Machine Using Different Imaging Techniques and Filters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ali, I; Hossain, S; Syzek, E

Purpose: To quantitatively investigate the surface dose deposited in patients imaged with a kV on-board-imager mounted on a radiotherapy machine using different clinical imaging techniques and filters. Methods: A high sensitivity photon diode is used to measure the surface dose on central-axis and at an off-axis-point which is mounted on the top of a phantom setup. The dose is measured for different imaging techniques that include: AP-Pelvis, AP-Head, AP-Abdomen, AP-Thorax, and Extremity. The dose measurements from these imaging techniques are combined with various filtering techniques that include: no-filter (open-field), half-fan bowtie (HF), full-fan bowtie (FF) and Cu-plate filters. The relativemore » surface dose for different imaging and filtering techniques is evaluated quantiatively by the ratio of the dose relative to the Cu-plate filter. Results: The lowest surface dose is deposited with the Cu-plate filter. The highest surface dose deposited results from open fields without filter and it is nearly a factor of 8–30 larger than the corresponding imaging technique with the Cu-plate filter. The AP-Abdomen technique delivers the largest surface dose that is nearly 2.7 times larger than the AP-Head technique. The smallest surface dose is obtained from the Extremity imaging technique. Imaging with bowtie filters decreases the surface dose by nearly 33% in comparison with the open field. The surface doses deposited with the HF or FF-bowtie filters are within few percentages. Image-quality of the radiographic images obtained from the different filtering techniques is similar because the Cu-plate eliminates low-energy photons. The HF- and FF-bowtie filters generate intensity-gradients in the radiographs which affects image-quality in the different imaging technique. Conclusion: Surface dose from kV-imaging decreases significantly with the Cu-plate and bowtie-filters compared to imaging without filters using open-field beams. The use of Cu-plate filter does not affect image-quality and may be used as the default in the different imaging techniques.« less

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF FILTERS AND PUF FOR FIELD COLLECTION OF METALS AND PESTICIDES IN AIR (BCO-L-2.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the procedures for pre-cleaning filters and polyurethane foam (PUF) plug prior to air sampling with these media. The sampling media are used for sampling indoor air, outdoor air, and personal air. This procedure was followed to ensure consi...

High Order Filter Methods for the Non-ideal Compressible MHD Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, H. C.; Sjoegreen, Bjoern

2003-01-01

The generalization of a class of low-dissipative high order filter finite difference methods for long time wave propagation of shock/turbulence/combustion compressible viscous gas dynamic flows to compressible MHD equations for structured curvilinear grids has been achieved. The new scheme is shown to provide a natural and efficient way for the minimization of the divergence of the magnetic field numerical error. Standard divergence cleaning is not required by the present filter approach. For certain non-ideal MHD test cases, divergence free preservation of the magnetic fields has been achieved.

Divergence Free High Order Filter Methods for the Compressible MHD Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yea, H. C.; Sjoegreen, Bjoern

2003-01-01

The generalization of a class of low-dissipative high order filter finite difference methods for long time wave propagation of shock/turbulence/combustion compressible viscous gas dynamic flows to compressible MHD equations for structured curvilinear grids has been achieved. The new scheme is shown to provide a natural and efficient way for the minimization of the divergence of the magnetic field numerical error. Standard diver- gence cleaning is not required by the present filter approach. For certain MHD test cases, divergence free preservation of the magnetic fields has been achieved.

Incrementing data quality of multi-frequency echograms using the Adaptive Wiener Filter (AWF) denoising algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peña, M.

2016-10-01

Achieving acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be difficult when working in sparsely populated waters and/or when species have low scattering such as fluid filled animals. The increasing use of higher frequencies and the study of deeper depths in fisheries acoustics, as well as the use of commercial vessels, is raising the need to employ good denoising algorithms. The use of a lower Sv threshold to remove noise or unwanted targets is not suitable in many cases and increases the relative background noise component in the echogram, demanding more effectiveness from denoising algorithms. The Adaptive Wiener Filter (AWF) denoising algorithm is presented in this study. The technique is based on the AWF commonly used in digital photography and video enhancement. The algorithm firstly increments the quality of the data with a variance-dependent smoothing, before estimating the noise level as the envelope of the Sv minima. The AWF denoising algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in the presence of gaussian, speckle and salt & pepper noise, although impulse noise needs to be previously removed. Cleaned echograms present homogenous echotraces with outlined edges.

Contactor/filter improvements

DOEpatents

Stelman, D.

1988-06-30

A contactor/filter arrangement for removing particulate contaminants from a gaseous stream is described. The filter includes a housing having a substantially vertically oriented granular material retention member with upstream and downstream faces, a substantially vertically oriented microporous gas filter element, wherein the retention member and the filter element are spaced apart to provide a zone for the passage of granular material therethrough. A gaseous stream containing particulate contaminants passes through the gas inlet means as well as through the upstream face of the granular material retention member, passing through the retention member, the body of granular material, the microporous gas filter element, exiting out of the gas outlet means. A cover screen isolates the filter element from contact with the moving granular bed. In one embodiment, the granular material is comprised of porous alumina impregnated with CuO, with the cover screen cleaned by the action of the moving granular material as well as by backflow pressure pulses. 6 figs.

Complex noise suppression using a sparse representation and 3D filtering of images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravchenko, V. F.; Ponomaryov, V. I.; Pustovoit, V. I.; Palacios-Enriquez, A.

2017-08-01

A novel method for the filtering of images corrupted by complex noise composed of randomly distributed impulses and additive Gaussian noise has been substantiated for the first time. The method consists of three main stages: the detection and filtering of pixels corrupted by impulsive noise, the subsequent image processing to suppress the additive noise based on 3D filtering and a sparse representation of signals in a basis of wavelets, and the concluding image processing procedure to clean the final image of the errors emerged at the previous stages. A physical interpretation of the filtering method under complex noise conditions is given. A filtering block diagram has been developed in accordance with the novel approach. Simulations of the novel image filtering method have shown an advantage of the proposed filtering scheme in terms of generally recognized criteria, such as the structural similarity index measure and the peak signal-to-noise ratio, and when visually comparing the filtered images.

A Qualitative Assessment of Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Diarrhea and Water Filtration in Rural Kenya

PubMed Central

Apondi, Rose; Lugada, Eric; Kahn, James G.; Sandiford-Day, Mary Ann; DasBanerjee, Tania

2011-01-01

Objectives. We qualitatively assessed beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to diarrhea and water filtration in rural Kenya. Methods. A public health campaign was conducted in rural western Kenya to give community members a comprehensive prevention package of goods and services, including a personal water filter or a household water filter (or both). Two months after the campaign, we conducted qualitative interviews with 34 campaign attendees to assess their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to diarrhea and use of the filtration devices. Results. Participants held generally correct perceptions of diarrhea causation. Participants provided positive reports of their experiences with using filters and of their success with obtaining clean water, reducing disease, and reducing consumption of resources otherwise needed to produce clean water. Several participants offered technical suggestions for device improvements, and most participants were still using the devices at the time of the assessment. Conclusions. Novel water filtration devices distributed as part of a comprehensive public health campaign rapidly proved acceptable to community members and were consistent with community practices and beliefs. PMID:21680914

A qualitative assessment of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to diarrhea and water filtration in rural Kenya.

PubMed

De Ver Dye, Timothy; Apondi, Rose; Lugada, Eric; Kahn, James G; Sandiford-Day, Mary Ann; Dasbanerjee, Tania

2011-08-01

We qualitatively assessed beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to diarrhea and water filtration in rural Kenya. A public health campaign was conducted in rural western Kenya to give community members a comprehensive prevention package of goods and services, including a personal water filter or a household water filter (or both). Two months after the campaign, we conducted qualitative interviews with 34 campaign attendees to assess their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to diarrhea and use of the filtration devices. Participants held generally correct perceptions of diarrhea causation. Participants provided positive reports of their experiences with using filters and of their success with obtaining clean water, reducing disease, and reducing consumption of resources otherwise needed to produce clean water. Several participants offered technical suggestions for device improvements, and most participants were still using the devices at the time of the assessment. Novel water filtration devices distributed as part of a comprehensive public health campaign rapidly proved acceptable to community members and were consistent with community practices and beliefs.

Active cleaning technique device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shannon, R. L.; Gillette, R. B.

1973-01-01

The objective of this program was to develop a laboratory demonstration model of an active cleaning technique (ACT) device. The principle of this device is based primarily on the technique for removing contaminants from optical surfaces. This active cleaning technique involves exposing contaminated surfaces to a plasma containing atomic oxygen or combinations of other reactive gases. The ACT device laboratory demonstration model incorporates, in addition to plasma cleaning, the means to operate the device as an ion source for sputtering experiments. The overall ACT device includes a plasma generation tube, an ion accelerator, a gas supply system, a RF power supply and a high voltage dc power supply.

Nulling interferometry for the darwin mission: laboratory demonstration experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ollivier, Marc; Léger, Alain; Sekulic, Predrag; Labèque, Alain; Michel, Guy

2017-11-01

The DARWIN mission is a project of the European Space Agency that should allow around 2012 the search for extrasolar planets and a spectral analysis of their potential atmosphere in order to evidence gases and particularly tracers of life. The principle of the instrument is based on the Bracewell nulling interferometer. It allows high angular resolution and high dynamic range. However, this concept, proposed more than 20 years ago, has never been experimentally demonstrated in the thermal infrared with high levels of extinction. We present here a laboratory monochromatic experiment dedicated to this goal. A theoretical and numerical approach of the question highlights a strong difficulty: the need for very clean and homogeneous wavefronts, in terms of intensity, phase and polarisation distribution. A classical interferometric approach appears to be insufficient to reach our goals. We have shown theoretically then numerically that this difficulty can be surpassed if we perform an optical filtering of the interfering beams. This technique allows us to decrease strongly the optical requirements and to view very high interferometric contrast measurements with commercial optical pieces. We present here a laboratory interferometer working at 10,6 microns, and implementing several techniques of optical filtering (pinholes and single-mode waveguides), its realisation, and its first promising results. We particularly present measurements that exhibit stable visibility levels better than 99,9% that is to say extinction levels better than 1000.

Inferior vena cava filter retrievals, standard and novel techniques.

PubMed

Kuyumcu, Gokhan; Walker, T Gregory

2016-12-01

The placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a well-established management strategy for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) disease in whom anticoagulant therapy is either contraindicated or has failed. IVC filters may also be placed for VTE prophylaxis in certain circumstances. There has been a tremendous growth in placement of retrievable IVC filters in the past decade yet the majority of the devices are not removed. Unretrieved IVC filters have several well-known complications that increase in frequency as the filter dwell time increases. These complications include caval wall penetration, filter fracture or migration, caval thrombosis and an increased risk for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Difficulty is sometimes encountered when attempting to retrieve indwelling filters, mainly because of either abnormal filter positioning or endothelization of filter components that are in contact with the IVC wall, thereby causing the filter to become embedded. The length of time that a filter remains indwelling also impacts the retrieval rate, as increased dwell times are associated with more difficult retrievals. Several techniques for difficult retrievals have been described in the medical literature. These techniques range from modifications of standard retrieval techniques to much more complex interventions. Complications related to complex retrievals are more common than those associated with standard retrieval techniques. The risks of complex filter retrievals should be compared with those of life-long anticoagulation associated with an unretrieved filter, and should be individualized. This article summarizes current techniques for IVC filter retrieval from a clinical point of view, with an emphasis on advanced retrieval techniques.

Inferior vena cava filter retrievals, standard and novel techniques

PubMed Central

Walker, T. Gregory

2016-01-01

The placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a well-established management strategy for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) disease in whom anticoagulant therapy is either contraindicated or has failed. IVC filters may also be placed for VTE prophylaxis in certain circumstances. There has been a tremendous growth in placement of retrievable IVC filters in the past decade yet the majority of the devices are not removed. Unretrieved IVC filters have several well-known complications that increase in frequency as the filter dwell time increases. These complications include caval wall penetration, filter fracture or migration, caval thrombosis and an increased risk for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Difficulty is sometimes encountered when attempting to retrieve indwelling filters, mainly because of either abnormal filter positioning or endothelization of filter components that are in contact with the IVC wall, thereby causing the filter to become embedded. The length of time that a filter remains indwelling also impacts the retrieval rate, as increased dwell times are associated with more difficult retrievals. Several techniques for difficult retrievals have been described in the medical literature. These techniques range from modifications of standard retrieval techniques to much more complex interventions. Complications related to complex retrievals are more common than those associated with standard retrieval techniques. The risks of complex filter retrievals should be compared with those of life-long anticoagulation associated with an unretrieved filter, and should be individualized. This article summarizes current techniques for IVC filter retrieval from a clinical point of view, with an emphasis on advanced retrieval techniques. PMID:28123984

Space Shuttle crew compartment debris-contamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodman, Jerry R.; Villarreal, Leopoldo J.

1992-01-01

Remedial actions undertaken to reduce debris during manned flights and ground turnaround operations at Kennedy Space Center and Palmdale are addressed. They include redesign of selected ground support equipment and Orbiter hardware to reduce particularization/debris generation; development of new detachable filters for air-cooled avionics boxes; application of tape-on screens to filter debris; and implementation of new Orbiter maintenance and turnaround procedures to clean filters and the crew compartment. Most of these steps were implemented before the return-to-flight of STS-26 in September 1988 which resulted in improved crew compartment habitability and less potential for equipment malfunction.

Effects of the use of multi-layer filter on radiation exposure and the quality of upper airway radiographs compared to the traditional copper filter.

PubMed

Klandima, Somphan; Kruatrachue, Anchalee; Wongtapradit, Lawan; Nithipanya, Narong; Ratanaprakarn, Warangkana

2014-06-01

The problem of image quality in a large number of upper airway obstructed patients is the superimposition of the airway over the bone of the spine on the AP view. This problem was resolved by increasing KVp to high KVp technique and adding extra radiographic filters (copper filter) to reduce the sharpness of the bone and increase the clarity of the airway. However, this raises a concern that patients might be receiving an unnecessarily higher dose of radiation, as well as the effectiveness of the invented filter compared to the traditional filter. To evaluate the level of radiation dose that patients receive with the use of multi-layer filter compared to non-filter and to evaluate the image quality of the upper airways between using the radiographic filter (multi-layer filter) and the traditional filter (copperfilter). The attenuation curve of both filter materials was first identified. Then, both the filters were tested with Alderson Rando phantom to determine the appropriate exposure. Using the method described, a new type of filter called the multi-layer filter for imaging patients was developed. A randomized control trial was then performed to compare the effectiveness of the newly developed multi-layer filter to the copper filter. The research was conducted in patients with upper airway obstruction treated at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from October 2006 to September 2007. A total of 132 patients were divided into two groups. The experimental group used high kVp technique with multi-layer filter, while the control group used copper filter. A comparison of film interpretation between the multi-layer filter and the copper filter was made by a number of radiologists who were blinded to both to the technique and type of filter used. Patients had less radiation from undergoing the kVp technique with copper filter and multi-layer filter compared to the conventional technique, where no filter is used. Patients received approximately 65.5% less radiation dose using high kVp technique with multi-layer filter compared to the conventional technique, and 25.9% less than using the traditional copper filter 45% of the radiologists who participated in this study reported that the high kVp technique with multi-layer filter was better for diagnosing stenosis, or narrowing of the upper airways. 33% reported that, both techniques were equal, while 22% reported that the traditional copper filter allowed for better details of airway obstruction. These findings showed that the multi-layered filter was comparable to the copper filter in terms of film interpretation. Using the multi-layer filter resulted in patients receiving a lower dose of radiation, as well as similar film interpretation when compared to the traditional copper filter.

Technique for ultrasonic cleaning with volatile solvents eliminates need for hoods or condensers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pipersky, E.

1969-01-01

Technique ultrasonically cleans small quantities of small mechanical parts in organic solvents without the need for vapor removal equipment. Parts are placed in a thin plastic bag with the solvent and then suspended in a cleaning tank containing the water-detergent solution.

Institute for Clean Energy Technology Mississippi State University NSR&D Aged HEPA Filter Study Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jacks, Robert; Stormo, Julie; Rose, Coralie

Data have demonstrated that filter media lose tensile strength and the ability to resist the effects of moisture as a function of age. Testing of new and aged filters needs to be conducted to correlate reduction of physical strength of HEPA media to the ability of filters to withstand upset conditions. Appendix C of the Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook provides the basis for DOE’s HEPA filter service life guidance. However, this appendix also points out the variability of data, and it does not correlate performance of aged filters to degradation of media due to age. Funding awarded by NSR&D tomore » initiate full-scale testing of aged HEPA filters addresses the issue of correlating media degradation due to age with testing of new and aged HEPA filters under a generic design basis event set of conditions. This funding has accelerated the process of describing this study via: (1) establishment of a Technical Working Group of all stakeholders, (2) development and approval of a test plan, (3) development of testing and autopsy procedures, (4) acquiring an initial set of aged filters, (5) testing the initial set of aged filters, and (6) developing the filter test report content for each filter tested. This funding was very timely and has moved the project forward by at least three years. Activities have been correlated with testing conducted under DOE-EM funding for evaluating performance envelopes for AG-1 Section FC Separator and Separatorless filters. This coordination allows correlation of results from the NSR&D Aged Filter Study with results from testing new filters of the Separator and Separatorless Filter Study. DOE-EM efforts have identified approximately 100 more filters of various ages that have been stored under Level B conditions. NSR&D funded work allows a time for rigorous review among subject matter experts before moving forward with development of the testing matrix that will be used for additional filters. The NSR&D data sets are extremely valuable in as much as establishing a selfimproving, NQA-1 program capable of advancing the service lifetime study of HEPA filters. The data and reports are available for careful and critical review by subject matter experts before the next set of filters is tested and can be found in the appendices of this final report. NSR&D funds have not only initiated the Aged HEPA Filter Study alluded to in Appendix C of the NACH, but have also enhanced the technical integrity and effectiveness of all of the follow-on testing for this long-term study.« less

A Novel Technique for Inferior Vena Cava Filter Extraction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnston, Edward William, E-mail: ed.johnston@doctors.org.uk; Rowe, Luke Michael Morgan; Brookes, Jocelyn

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to protect against pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients. Whilst the insertion of retrievable IVC filters is gaining popularity, a proportion of such devices cannot be removed using standard techniques. We describe a novel approach for IVC filter removal that involves snaring the filter superiorly along with the use of flexible forceps or laser devices to dissect the filter struts from the caval wall. This technique has used to successfully treat three patients without complications in whom standard techniques failed.

Estimates of air emissions from asphalt storage tanks and truck loading

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trumbore, D.C.

1999-12-31

Title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act requires the accurate estimation of emissions from all US manufacturing processes, and places the burden of proof for that estimate on the process owner. This paper is published as a tool to assist in the estimation of air emission from hot asphalt storage tanks and asphalt truck loading operations. Data are presented on asphalt vapor pressure, vapor molecular weight, and the emission split between volatile organic compounds and particulate emissions that can be used with AP-42 calculation techniques to estimate air emissions from asphalt storage tanks and truck loading operations. Since currentmore » AP-42 techniques are not valid in asphalt tanks with active fume removal, a different technique for estimation of air emissions in those tanks, based on direct measurement of vapor space combustible gas content, is proposed. Likewise, since AP-42 does not address carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide emissions that are known to be present in asphalt operations, this paper proposes techniques for estimation of those emissions. Finally, data are presented on the effectiveness of fiber bed filters in reducing air emissions in asphalt operations.« less

AR system in Node 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-03

ISS033-E-009199 (3 Oct. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 33 commander, conducts the continuing preventive inspection and cleaning of accessible Atmosphere Revitalization (AR) system bacteria filters in the Tranquility node of the International Space Station.

Modeling the sustainability of a ceramic water filter intervention.

PubMed

Mellor, Jonathan; Abebe, Lydia; Ehdaie, Beeta; Dillingham, Rebecca; Smith, James

2014-02-01

Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are a point-of-use water treatment technology that has shown promise in preventing early childhood diarrhea (ECD) in resource-limited settings. Despite this promise, some researchers have questioned their ability to reduce ECD incidences over the long term since most effectiveness trials conducted to date are less than one year in duration limiting their ability to assess long-term sustainability factors. Most trials also suffer from lack of blinding making them potentially biased. This study uses an agent-based model (ABM) to explore factors related to the long-term sustainability of CWFs in preventing ECD and was based on a three year longitudinal field study. Factors such as filter user compliance, microbial removal effectiveness, filter cleaning and compliance declines were explored. Modeled results indicate that broadly defined human behaviors like compliance and declining microbial effectiveness due to improper maintenance are primary drivers of the outcome metrics of household drinking water quality and ECD rates. The model predicts that a ceramic filter intervention can reduce ECD incidence amongst under two year old children by 41.3%. However, after three years, the average filter is almost entirely ineffective at reducing ECD incidence due to declining filter microbial removal effectiveness resulting from improper maintenance. The model predicts very low ECD rates are possible if compliance rates are 80-90%, filter log reduction efficiency is 3 or greater and there are minimal long-term compliance declines. Cleaning filters at least once every 4 months makes it more likely to achieve very low ECD rates as does the availability of replacement filters for purchase. These results help to understand the heterogeneity seen in previous intervention-control trials and reemphasize the need for researchers to accurately measure confounding variables and ensure that field trials are at least 2-3 years in duration. In summary, the CWF can be a highly effective tool in the fight against ECD, but every effort should be made by implementing agencies to ensure consistent use and maintenance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of filtering techniques in preprocessing magnetic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Haijun; Yi, Yongping; Yang, Hongxia; Hu, Guochuang; Liu, Guoming

2010-08-01

High precision magnetic exploration is a popular geophysical technique for its simplicity and its effectiveness. The explanation in high precision magnetic exploration is always a difficulty because of the existence of noise and disturbance factors, so it is necessary to find an effective preprocessing method to get rid of the affection of interference factors before further processing. The common way to do this work is by filtering. There are many kinds of filtering methods. In this paper we introduced in detail three popular kinds of filtering techniques including regularized filtering technique, sliding averages filtering technique, compensation smoothing filtering technique. Then we designed the work flow of filtering program based on these techniques and realized it with the help of DELPHI. To check it we applied it to preprocess magnetic data of a certain place in China. Comparing the initial contour map with the filtered contour map, we can see clearly the perfect effect our program. The contour map processed by our program is very smooth and the high frequency parts of data are disappeared. After filtering, we separated useful signals and noisy signals, minor anomaly and major anomaly, local anomaly and regional anomaly. It made us easily to focus on the useful information. Our program can be used to preprocess magnetic data. The results showed the effectiveness of our program.

Wood dust particle and mass concentrations and filtration efficiency in sanding of wood materials.

PubMed

Welling, Irma; Lehtimäki, Matti; Rautio, Sari; Lähde, Tero; Enbom, Seppo; Hynynen, Pasi; Hämeri, Kaarle

2009-02-01

The importance of fine particles has become apparent as the knowledge of their effects on health has increased. Fine particle concentrations have been published for outside air, plasma arc cutting, welding, and grinding, but little data exists for the woodworking industry. Sanding was evaluated as the producer of the woodworking industry's finest particles, and was selected as the target study. The number of dust particles in different particle size classes and the mass concentrations were measured in the following environments: workplace air during sanding in plywood production and in the inlet and return air; in the dust emission chamber; and in filter testing. The numbers of fine particles were low, less than 10(4) particles/cm(3) (10(7) particles/L). They were much lower than typical number concentrations near 10(6) particles/cm(3) measured in plasma arc cutting, grinding, and welding. Ultrafine particles in the size class less than 100 nm were found during sanding of MDF (medium density fiberboard) sheets. When the cleaned air is returned to the working areas, the dust content in extraction systems must be monitored continuously. One way to monitor the dust content in the return air is to use an after-filter and measure pressure drop across the filter to indicate leaks in the air-cleaning system. The best after-filtration materials provided a clear increase in pressure drop across the filter in the loading of the filter. The best after-filtration materials proved to be quite effective also for fine particles. The best mass removal efficiencies for fine particles around 0.3 mum were over 80% for some filter materials loaded with sanding wood dust.

Novel diesel exhaust filters for underground mining vehicles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bickel, K.L.; Taubert, T.R.

1995-12-31

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) pioneered the development of disposable filters for reducing diesel particulate emissions from permissible mining machines. The USBM is now evaluating filter media that can withstand the high exhaust temperatures on nonpermissible machines. The goal of the evaluation is to find an inexpensive medium that can be cleaned or disposed of after use, and will reduce particulate emissions by 50 % or more. This report summarizes the results from screening tests of a lava rock and woven fiberglass filter media. The lava rock media exhibited low collection efficiencies, but with very low increases in exhaustmore » back pressure. Preliminary results indicate a collection efficiency exceeding 80 % for the woven fiber media. Testing of both media is continuing.« less

Evaluation of the surface properties of PTFE foam coating filter media using XPS and contact angle measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Byung Hyun; Lee, Myong-Hwa; Kim, Sang Bum; Jo, Young Min

2011-02-01

A newly developed PTFE foam coating filter was developed which can be used for hot gas cleaning at temperatures up to 250 °C. The emulsion-type PTFE was coated onto a woven glass fiber using a foam coating method. The filter surface was closely examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. The XPS results were used to determine the binding force between the carbon and fluorine of PTFE, which imparts coating stability to the filter medium. More than 95% of the bonds of the PTFE foam coating filter were between carbon and fluorine, and this filter demonstrated excellent hydrophobic and good oleophobic properties at the same time. The contact angles of liquid droplets on the filter surface were used to predict the potential wetability of the filter against water or oil. In addition, the very low surface free energy of the filter medium, which was evaluated using the Owens-Wendt method, demonstrates a very stable surface and a high de-dusting quality.

Cleaning of printed circuit assemblies with surface-mounted components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arzigian, J. S.

The need for ever-increasing miniaturization of airborne instrumentation through the use of surface mounted components closely placed on printed circuit boards highlights problems with traditional board cleaning methods. The reliability of assemblies which have been cleaned with vapor degreasing and spray cleaning can be seriously compromised by residual contaminants leading to solder joint failure, board corrosion, and even electrical failure of the mounted parts. In addition, recent government actions to eliminate fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and chlorinated hydrocarbons from the industrial environment require the development of new cleaning materials and techniques. This paper discusses alternative cleaning materials and techniques and results that can be expected with them. Particular emphasis is placed on problems related to surface-mounted parts. These new techniques may lead to improved circuit reliability and, at the same time, be less expensive and less environmentally hazardous than the traditional systems.

Dishwasher For Earth Or Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tromble, Jon D.

1991-01-01

Dishwashing machine cleans eating utensils in either Earth gravity or zero gravity of outer space. Cycle consists of three phases: filling, washing, and draining. Rotation of tub creates artificial gravity aiding recirculation of water during washing phase in absence of true gravity. Centrifugal air/water separator helps system function in zero gravity. Self-cleaning filter contains interdigitating blades catching solid debris when water flows between them. Later, blades moved back and forth in scissor-like manner to dislodge debris, removed by backflow of water.

24. Station Oil Tanks, view to the south. The four ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

24. Station Oil Tanks, view to the south. The four oil storage tanks located along the east wall (left side of photograph) are, from foreground to background: dirty transformer oil tank, clean transformer oil tank, dirty lubricating oil tank, and clean lubricating oil tank. An oil filter system is also visible in background along the far wall. - Washington Water Power Clark Fork River Noxon Rapids Hydroelectric Development, Powerhouse, South bank of Clark Fork River at Noxon Rapids, Noxon, Sanders County, MT

Technical Report Series on Global Modeling and Data Assimilation. Volume 16; Filtering Techniques on a Stretched Grid General Circulation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takacs, Lawrence L.; Sawyer, William; Suarez, Max J. (Editor); Fox-Rabinowitz, Michael S.

1999-01-01

This report documents the techniques used to filter quantities on a stretched grid general circulation model. Standard high-latitude filtering techniques (e.g., using an FFT (Fast Fourier Transformations) to decompose and filter unstable harmonics at selected latitudes) applied on a stretched grid are shown to produce significant distortions of the prognostic state when used to control instabilities near the pole. A new filtering technique is developed which accurately accounts for the non-uniform grid by computing the eigenvectors and eigenfrequencies associated with the stretching. A filter function, constructed to selectively damp those modes whose associated eigenfrequencies exceed some critical value, is used to construct a set of grid-spaced weights which are shown to effectively filter without distortion. Both offline and GCM (General Circulation Model) experiments are shown using the new filtering technique. Finally, a brief examination is also made on the impact of applying the Shapiro filter on the stretched grid.

Fluoride coatings for vacuum ultraviolet reflection filters.

PubMed

Guo, Chun; Kong, Mingdong; Lin, Dawei; Li, Bincheng

2015-12-10

LaF3/MgF2 reflection filters with a high spectral-discrimination capacity of the atomic-oxygen lines at 130.4 and 135.6 nm, which were employed in vacuum ultraviolet imagers, were prepared by molybdenum-boat thermal evaporation. The optical properties of reflection filters were characterized by a high-precision vacuum ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The vulnerability of the filter's microstructures to environmental contamination and the recovery of the optical properties of the stored filter samples with ultraviolet ozone cleaning were experimentally demonstrated. For reflection filters with the optimized nonquarter-wave multilayer structures, the reflectance ratios R135.6 nm/R130.4 nm of 92.7 and 20.6 were achieved for 7° and 45° angles of incidence, respectively. On the contrary, R135.6 nm/R130.4 nm ratio of 12.4 was obtained for a reflection filter with a standard π-stack multilayer structure with H/L=1/4 at 7° AOI.

Air Sampling Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

General Metal Works' Accu-Vol is a high-volume air sampling system used by many government agencies to monitor air quality for pollution control purposes. Procedure prevents possible test-invalidating contamination from materials other than particulate pollutants, caused by manual handling or penetration of windblown matter during transit, a cassette was developed in which the filter is sealed within a metal frame and protected in transit by a snap-on aluminum cover, thus handled only under clean conditions in the laboratory.

Approach to Cultural Asset Preservation "Enzyme Filter Media Has Bactericidal Effect and Bacteriostasis Effect in Air Phase"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isomae, Kazuro

Enzyme air-filter media according to the bactericidal effect as an environmental green technology acquired the high appraisal and the result in the domestic and foreign clean room and the air conditioning field. The mechanism of this enzyme technology, safety, and the bactericidal effect in the real environment are discussed by using the electron microscopic picture etc. And it proposes to apply these technologies to the cultural asset preservation.

Cleaning Process Development for Metallic Additively Manufactured Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tramel, Terri L.; Welker, Roger; Lowery, Niki; Mitchell, Mark

2014-01-01

Additive Manufacturing of metallic components for aerospace applications offers many advantages over traditional manufacturing techniques. As a new technology, many aspects of its widespread utilization remain open to investigation. Among these are the cleaning processes that can be used for post finishing of parts and measurements to verify effectiveness of the cleaning processes. Many cleaning and drying processes and measurement methods that have been used for parts manufactured using conventional techniques are candidates that may be considered for cleaning and verification of additively manufactured parts. Among these are vapor degreasing, ultrasonic immersion and spray cleaning, followed by hot air drying, vacuum baking and solvent displacement drying. Differences in porosity, density, and surface finish of additively manufactured versus conventionally manufactured parts may introduce new considerations in the selection of cleaning and drying processes or the method used to verify their effectiveness. This presentation will review the relative strengths and weaknesses of different candidate cleaning and drying processes as they may apply to additively manufactured metal parts for aerospace applications. An ultrasonic cleaning technique for exploring the cleanability of parts will be presented along with an example using additively manufactured Inconel 718 test specimens to illustrate its use. The data analysis shows that this ultrasonic cleaning approach results in a well-behaved ultrasonic cleaning/extraction behavior. That is, it does not show signs of accelerated cavitation erosion of the base material, which was later confirmed by neutron imaging. In addition, the analysis indicated that complete cleaning would be achieved by ultrasonic immersion cleaning at approximately 5 minutes, which was verified by subsequent cleaning of additional parts.

[Simultaneous determination of zeranols and chloramphenicol in foodstuffs of animal origin by combination immunoaffinity column clean-up and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Wang, Guomin; Xi, Cunxian; Li, Xianliang; Chen, Dongdong; Tang, Bobin; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Hua

2014-06-01

A combination immunoaffinity column (IAC-CZ) clean-up and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical method was successfully developed for zearalenol, beta-zearalenol and zearalenone) and chloramphenicol (CAP) in foodstuffs of animal origin. The samples (fish, liver, milk and honey) were enzymatically digested by beta-glucuronidase/sulfatase for about 16 h and then extracted with ether. The extracts were evaporated to dryness and then the residues were dissolved by 1.0 mL of 50% acetonitrile solution. After filtered and diluted with PBS buffer, the reconstituted solution were cleaned-up with a IAC-CZ and then analyzed by LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Shimadzu Shim-pack VP-ODS column with gradient elution by acetonitrile and 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution. The detection was carried out by electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry in MRM mode. The proposed method was validated by the limit of detection (0.04-0.10 microg/kg), linearity (R2 > or = 0.999 0), average recoveries (70.9%-95.6%) and precisions (2.0% - 11.8%). The developed method is reliable, sensitive and has good applicability. The combination immunoaffinity column was proved to be an effective pretreatment technique to decrease the matrix effect, and it met the requirements of residue analysis of co-occurring zeranols and chloramphenicol.

Plasma Cleaning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hintze, Paul E.

2016-01-01

NASA's Kennedy Space Center has developed two solvent-free precision cleaning techniques: plasma cleaning and supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2), that has equal performance, cost parity, and no environmental liability, as compared to existing solvent cleaning methods.

Development of Test Protocols for International Space Station Particulate Filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vijayakumar, R.; Green, Robert D.; Agui, Juan H.

2015-01-01

Air quality control on the International Space Station (ISS) is a vital requirement for maintaining a clean environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of gravitational settling. The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) uses a filtration system that has been in use for over 14 years and has proven to meet this challenge. The heart of this system is a traditional High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter configured to interface with the rest of the life support elements and provide effective cabin filtration. The filter element for this system has a non-standard cross-section with a length-to-width ratio (LW) of 6.6. A filter test setup was designed and built to meet industry testing standards. A CFD analysis was performed to initially determine the optimal duct geometry and flow configuration. Both a screen and flow straighter were added to the test duct design to improve flow uniformity and face velocity profiles were subsequently measured to confirm. Flow quality and aerosol mixing assessments show that the duct flow is satisfactory for the intended leak testing. Preliminary leak testing was performed on two different ISS filters, one with known perforations and one with limited use, and results confirmed that the testing methods and photometer instrument are sensitive enough to detect and locate compromised sections of an ISS BFE.Given the engineering constraints in designing spacecraft life support systems, it is anticipated that non-industry standard filters will be required in future designs. This work is focused on developing test protocols for testing the ISS BFE filters, but the methodology is general enough to be extended to other present and future spacecraft filters. These techniques for characterizing the test duct and perform leak testing can be applied to conducting acceptance testing and inventory testing for future manned exploration programs with air revitalization filtration needs, possibly even for in-situ filter element integrity testing for extensively long-duration missions. We plan to address the unique needs for test protocols for crewed spacecraft particulate filters by preparing the initial version of a standard, to be documented as a NASA Technical Memorandum (TM).

Ultrasonic Mastering of Filter Flow and Antifouling of Renewable Resources.

PubMed

Radziuk, Darya; Möhwald, Helmuth

2016-04-04

Inadequate access to pure water and sanitation requires new cost-effective, ergonomic methods with less consumption of energy and chemicals, leaving the environment cleaner and sustainable. Among such methods, ultrasound is a unique means to control the physics and chemistry of complex fluids (wastewater) with excellent performance regarding mass transfer, cleaning, and disinfection. In membrane filtration processes, it overcomes diffusion limits and can accelerate the fluid flow towards the filter preventing antifouling. Here, we outline the current state of knowledge and technological design, with a focus on physicochemical strategies of ultrasound for water cleaning. We highlight important parameters of ultrasound for the delivery of a fluid flow from a technical perspective employing principles of physics and chemistry. By introducing various ultrasonic methods, involving bubbles or cavitation in combination with external fields, we show advancements in flow acceleration and mass transportation to the filter. In most cases we emphasize the main role of streaming and the impact of cavitation with a perspective to prevent and remove fouling deposits during the flow. We also elaborate on the deficiencies of present technologies and on problems to be solved to achieve a wide-spread application. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Self-Cleaning Particulate Prefilter Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, Olivia; Lalwani, San-jiv; Sharma, Anjal

2012-01-01

A long-term space mission requires efficient air revitalization performance to sustain the crew. Prefilter and particulate air filter media are susceptible to rapid fouling that adversely affects their performance and can lead to catastrophic failure of the air revitalization system, which may result in mission failure. For a long-term voyage, it is impractical to carry replacement particulate prefilter and filter modules due to the usual limitations in size, volume, and weight. The only solution to this problem is to reagentlessly regenerate prefilter and filter media in place. A method was developed to modify the particulate prefilter media to allow them to regenerate reagentlessly, and in place, by the application of modest thermocycled transverse or reversed airflows. The innovation may allow NASA to close the breathing air loop more efficiently, thereby sustaining the vision for manned space exploration missions of the future. A novel, self-cleaning coatings technology was developed for air filter media surfaces that allows reagentless in-place regeneration of the surface. The technology grafts thermoresponsive and nonspecific adhesion minimizing polymer nanolayer brush coatings from the prefilter media. These polymer nanolayer brush architectures can be triggered to contract and expand to generate a "pushing-off" force by the simple application of modestly thermocycled (i.e. cycling from ambient cabin temperature to 40 C) air streams. The nonspecific adhesion-minimizing properties of the coatings do not allow the particulate foulants to adhere strongly to the filter media, and thermocycled air streams applied to the media allow easy detachment and in-place regeneration of the media with minimal impact in system downtime or astronaut involvement in overseeing the process.

Emergency field water supply system using natural filtration elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vikneswaran, M.; Yahya, Muhamad Azani; Yusof, Mohammed Alias; Ismail, Siti Nor Kamariah

2018-02-01

Water is the most important resource in times of emergency and during military missions. In addition, if there is a war in a country, sources of clean water are essential for life. But, the safety and cleanliness of the river water for the campers and hikers still uncertain. Usually, polluted and contaminated river water is not safe to be directly consumed by human. However, this problem can be partly resolved by using water filter where the river water can be consumed directly after the filtration process. In respect of that, this study was conducted to design the filter media for personal water purification system. Hence, the objective of this work also is to develop a personal, portable dual purpose handy water filter to provide an easier way to get safe, clean and healthy drinking water for human wherever they go. The water quality of samples collected before and after filtration were analyzed. Water samples were taken from a waterfall near Lestari Block and Lake beside Marine Centre UPNM Campus. The experimental results were analyzed based on the assessment of water quality parameters. Overall, the analysis of the results showed that the water filter was designed with basic mix tabs aqua filter water purification tablets is showing a better result where it achieve the class I of water quality index (WQI). In details, the water sample taken from waterfall near Lestari Block shown the WQI around 93 which is higher than WQI of water sample from Lake near Marine Centre UPNM which is 86, class II A which can be used for external purpose only.

Compliance Assurance Monitoring Technical Guidance Document Appendix A: Fabric Filter Control Devices

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Compliance assurance monitoring is intended to provide a reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable requirements under the Clean Air Act for large emission units that rely on pollution control device equipment to achieve compliance.

40 CFR 1054.245 - How do I determine deterioration factors from exhaust durability testing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... emissions before and after this maintenance. If you clean or change an air filter on an emission-data engine... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW, SMALL NONROAD SPARK...

40 CFR 1054.245 - How do I determine deterioration factors from exhaust durability testing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emissions before and after this maintenance. If you clean or change an air filter on an emission-data engine... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW, SMALL NONROAD SPARK...

Compliance Assurance Monitoring Technical Guidance Document Appendix A: Electrified Filter Bed Control Device

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Compliance assurance monitoring is intended to provide a reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable requirements under the Clean Air Act for large emission units that rely on pollution control device equipment to achieve compliance.

Weighted hybrid technique for recommender system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suriati, S.; Dwiastuti, Meisyarah; Tulus, T.

2017-12-01

Recommender system becomes very popular and has important role in an information system or webpages nowadays. A recommender system tries to make a prediction of which item a user may like based on his activity on the system. There are some familiar techniques to build a recommender system, such as content-based filtering and collaborative filtering. Content-based filtering does not involve opinions from human to make the prediction, while collaborative filtering does, so collaborative filtering can predict more accurately. However, collaborative filtering cannot give prediction to items which have never been rated by any user. In order to cover the drawbacks of each approach with the advantages of other approach, both approaches can be combined with an approach known as hybrid technique. Hybrid technique used in this work is weighted technique in which the prediction score is combination linear of scores gained by techniques that are combined.The purpose of this work is to show how an approach of weighted hybrid technique combining content-based filtering and item-based collaborative filtering can work in a movie recommender system and to show the performance comparison when both approachare combined and when each approach works alone. There are three experiments done in this work, combining both techniques with different parameters. The result shows that the weighted hybrid technique that is done in this work does not really boost the performance up, but it helps to give prediction score for unrated movies that are impossible to be recommended by only using collaborative filtering.

Assessment of Snared-Loop Technique When Standard Retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava Filters Fails

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doody, Orla, E-mail: orla_doody@hotmail.com; Noe, Geertje; Given, Mark F.

Purpose To identify the success and complications related to a variant technique used to retrieve inferior vena cava filters when simple snare approach has failed. Methods A retrospective review of all Cook Guenther Tulip filters and Cook Celect filters retrieved between July 2006 and February 2008 was performed. During this period, 130 filter retrievals were attempted. In 33 cases, the standard retrieval technique failed. Retrieval was subsequently attempted with our modified retrieval technique. Results The retrieval was successful in 23 cases (mean dwell time, 171.84 days; range, 5-505 days) and unsuccessful in 10 cases (mean dwell time, 162.2 days; range,more » 94-360 days). Our filter retrievability rates increased from 74.6% with the standard retrieval method to 92.3% when the snared-loop technique was used. Unsuccessful retrieval was due to significant endothelialization (n = 9) and caval penetration by the filter (n = 1). A single complication occurred in the group, in a patient developing pulmonary emboli after attempted retrieval. Conclusion The technique we describe increased the retrievability of the two filters studied. Hook endothelialization is the main factor resulting in failed retrieval and continues to be a limitation with these filters.« less

Quick-change filter cartridge

DOEpatents

Rodgers, John C.; McFarland, Andrew R.; Ortiz, Carlos A.

1995-01-01

A quick-change filter cartridge. In sampling systems for measurement of airborne materials, a filter element is introduced into the sampled airstream such that the aerosol constituents are removed and deposited on the filter. Fragile sampling media often require support in order to prevent rupture during sampling, and careful mounting and sealing to prevent misalignment, tearing, or creasing which would allow the sampled air to bypass the filter. Additionally, handling of filter elements may introduce cross-contamination or exposure of operators to toxic materials. Moreover, it is desirable to enable the preloading of filter media into quick-change cartridges in clean laboratory environments, thereby simplifying and expediting the filter-changing process in the field. The quick-change filter cartridge of the present invention permits the application of a variety of filter media in many types of instruments and may also be used in automated systems. The cartridge includes a base through which a vacuum can be applied to draw air through the filter medium which is located on a porous filter support and held there by means of a cap which forms an airtight seal with the base. The base is also adapted for receiving absorbing media so that both particulates and gas-phase samples may be trapped for investigation, the latter downstream of the aerosol filter.

Novel and Advanced Techniques for Complex IVC Filter Retrieval.

PubMed

Daye, Dania; Walker, T Gregory

2017-04-01

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement is indicated for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a contraindication to or a failure of anticoagulation. With the advent of retrievable IVC filters and their ease of placement, an increasing number of such filters are being inserted for prophylaxis in patients at high risk for VTE. Available data show that only a small number of these filters are retrieved within the recommended period, if at all, prompting the FDA to issue a statement on the need for their timely removal. With prolonged dwell times, advanced techniques may be needed for filter retrieval in up to 60% of the cases. In this article, we review standard and advanced IVC filter retrieval techniques including single-access, dual-access, and dissection techniques. Complicated filter retrievals carry a non-negligible risk for complications such as filter fragmentation and resultant embolization of filter components, venous pseudoaneurysms or stenoses, and breach of the integrity of the caval wall. Careful pre-retrieval assessment of IVC filter position, any significant degree of filter tilting or of hook, and/or strut epithelialization and caval wall penetration by filter components should be considered using dedicated cross-sectional imaging for procedural planning. In complex cases, the risk for retrieval complications should be carefully weighed against the risks of leaving the filter permanently indwelling. The decision to remove an embedded IVC filter using advanced techniques should be individualized to each patient and made with caution, based on the patient's age and existing comorbidities.

Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filter retrieval using a bidirectional loop-snare technique.

PubMed

Ross, Jordan; Allison, Stephen; Vaidya, Sandeep; Monroe, Eric

2016-01-01

Many advanced techniques have been reported in the literature for difficult Günther Tulip filter removal. This report describes a bidirectional loop-snare technique in the setting of a fibrin scar formation around the filter leg anchors. The bidirectional loop-snare technique allows for maximal axial tension and alignment for stripping fibrin scar from the filter legs, a commonly encountered complication of prolonged dwell times.

Spontaneous dewetting of a perfluoropolyether

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shogrin, Bradley; Jones, William R., Jr.; Herrera-Fierro, Pilar

1995-01-01

Eight different production lots of a commercial perfluoropolyether (PFPE) based on hexafluoropropene oxide (HFPO) were applied to polished metal surfaces by spinning. One of the lots repeatedly dewetted from a clean 440C steel surface, forming droplets on the surface, whereas the other seven did not dewet. This dewetting phenomenon also repeatedly occurred on 2024 aluminum and 1018 steel, but not on copper or gold. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (mu-FTIR) was used to determine thickness and uniformity of the PFPE films. The dewetting lot was found to dewet from 440C steel at a film thickness greater than 520 A. A portion of the dewetting lot was heated at 316 C for 12 days in the presence of oxygen and M-50 steel. This fluid did not dewet. Sequentially, samples of the dewetting lot were filtered either with an alumina or a silica cartridge which can remove polar impurities. Neither of the filtered samples dewetted from 440C steel. It was concluded that an unknown impurity, both thermally labile and polar, present at very low concentration and undetected by our analytical techniques (FTIR, proton NMR, or F-19 NMR), was responsible for the dewetting phenomenon.

High efficiency integration of three-dimensional functional microdevices inside a microfluidic chip by using femtosecond laser multifoci parallel microfabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Bing; Du, Wen-Qiang; Li, Jia-Wen; Hu, Yan-Lei; Yang, Liang; Zhang, Chen-Chu; Li, Guo-Qiang; Lao, Zhao-Xin; Ni, Jin-Cheng; Chu, Jia-Ru; Wu, Dong; Liu, Su-Ling; Sugioka, Koji

2016-01-01

High efficiency fabrication and integration of three-dimension (3D) functional devices in Lab-on-a-chip systems are crucial for microfluidic applications. Here, a spatial light modulator (SLM)-based multifoci parallel femtosecond laser scanning technology was proposed to integrate microstructures inside a given ‘Y’ shape microchannel. The key novelty of our approach lies on rapidly integrating 3D microdevices inside a microchip for the first time, which significantly reduces the fabrication time. The high quality integration of various 2D-3D microstructures was ensured by quantitatively optimizing the experimental conditions including prebaking time, laser power and developing time. To verify the designable and versatile capability of this method for integrating functional 3D microdevices in microchannel, a series of microfilters with adjustable pore sizes from 12.2 μm to 6.7 μm were fabricated to demonstrate selective filtering of the polystyrene (PS) particles and cancer cells with different sizes. The filter can be cleaned by reversing the flow and reused for many times. This technology will advance the fabrication technique of 3D integrated microfluidic and optofluidic chips.

Operation RANGER. Volume 5. Program Reports - Operational

DTIC Science & Technology

1952-07-01

1 ream Bond, yellow 1 ream Cellulose, acetate 6 rolls Ditto 7 boxes Staplers 5 Notebooks 58 Clips 260 Paper , duplicating 12 reams Bond 500...cleaned up the area in general. All loose papers were burned in order that no security risk should exist. n. ACTIVITIES VS. DISTANCE AS A FUNCTION OF...Bags 4 doz 3 1 set Slides for impactors Filter paper 8 doz Bottles 100 Applicators 12 Resin solution 2 Motor 1 Tripod 1 Filter Queen 1 Box for

Laboratory demonstration model: Active cleaning technique device. [for removal of contaminants from an optical surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shannon, R. L.; Gillette, R. B.

1974-01-01

The technique which utilizes exposure to a plasma to remove contaminants from a surface was incorporated into a laboratory model which demonstrates active cleaning by both plasma cleaning and ion sputtering modes of operation. The development phase is reported and includes discussion of the plasma tube configuration, device design, and performance tests. A general description of the active cleaning device is provided which includes information on the main power/plasma discharge sensors, and the power, gas supply, and ion accelerator systems. Development of the active cleaning species at high vacuum conditions is described and results indicate that plasma cleaning occurs in the region of a visible plume which extends from the end of the plasma tube. Recommendations are made for research to determine the plasma cleaning mechanism and the plasma species responsible for the cleaning, as well limitations on the type of contaminants that can be removed.

Removal of ozone on clean, dusty and sooty supply air filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyttinen, Marko; Pasanen, Pertti; Kalliokoski, Pentti

The removal of ozone (O 3) on supply air filters was studied. Especially, the effects of dust load, diesel soot, relative humidity (RH), and exposure time on the removal of O 3 were investigated. Some loss of O 3 was observed in all the filters, except in an unused G3 pre-filter made of polyester. Dust load and quality influenced the reduction of O 3; especially, diesel soot removed O 3 effectively. Increasing the RH resulted in a larger O 3 removal. The removal of O 3 was highest in the beginning of the test, but it declined within 2 h reaching almost a steady state as the exposure continued. However, the sooty filters continued to remove as much as 25-30% of O 3. Up to 11% of O 3 removed participated in the production of formaldehyde. Small amounts of other oxidation products were also detected.

Advanced Techniques for Removal of Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iliescu, Bogdan; Haskal, Ziv J., E-mail: ziv2@mac.com

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have proven valuable for the prevention of primary or recurrent pulmonary embolism in selected patients with or at high risk for venous thromboembolic disease. Their use has become commonplace, and the numbers implanted increase annually. During the last 3 years, in the United States, the percentage of annually placed optional filters, i.e., filters than can remain as permanent filters or potentially be retrieved, has consistently exceeded that of permanent filters. In parallel, the complications of long- or short-term filtration have become increasingly evident to physicians, regulatory agencies, and the public. Most filter removals are uneventful,more » with a high degree of success. When routine filter-retrieval techniques prove unsuccessful, progressively more advanced tools and skill sets must be used to enhance filter-retrieval success. These techniques should be used with caution to avoid damage to the filter or cava during IVC retrieval. This review describes the complex techniques for filter retrieval, including use of additional snares, guidewires, angioplasty balloons, and mechanical and thermal approaches as well as illustrates their specific application.« less

Test of precoat filtration technology for treatment of swimming pool water.

PubMed

Christensen, Morten Lykkegaard; Klausen, Morten Møller; Christensen, Peter Vittrup

2018-02-01

The technical performance of a precoat filter was compared with that of a traditional sand filter. Particle concentration and size distribution were measured before and after the filtration of swimming pool water. Both the sand and precoat filters could reduce the particle concentration in the effluent. However, higher particle removal efficiency was generally observed for the precoat filter, especially for particles smaller than 10 μm in diameter. Adding flocculant improved the removal efficiency of the sand filter, resulting in removal efficiencies comparable to those of the precoat filter. Three powders, i.e., two types of perlite (Harbolite ® and Aquatec perlite) and cellulose fibers (Arbocel ® ), were tested for the precoat filter, but no significant difference in particle removal efficiency was observed among them. The maximum efficiency was reached within 30-40 min of filtration. The energy required for the pumps increased by approximately 35% over a period of 14 days. The energy consumption could be reduced by replacing the powder on the filter cloth. The sand filter was backwashed once a week, while the powder on the precoat filter was replaced every two weeks. Under these conditions, it was possible to reduce the water used for cleaning by 88% if the precoat filter was used instead of the sand filter.

VERIFICATION TESTING OF TECHNOLOGIES TO CLEAN OR FILTER VENTILATION AIR

EPA Science Inventory

Because of the importance of indoor air quality, Research Triangle Institute's Air Pollution Control Technology is adding indoor air products as a new technology category available for testing. This paper discusses RTI's participation in previous Environmental Technology Verifica...

Transfemoral Filter Eversion Technique following Unsuccessful Retrieval of Option Inferior Vena Cava Filters: A Single Center Experience.

PubMed

Posham, Raghuram; Fischman, Aaron M; Nowakowski, Francis S; Bishay, Vivian L; Biederman, Derek M; Virk, Jaskirat S; Kim, Edward; Patel, Rahul S; Lookstein, Robert A

2017-06-01

This report describes the technical feasibility of using the filter eversion technique after unsuccessful retrieval attempts of Option and Option ELITE (Argon Medical Devices, Inc, Athens, Texas) inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. This technique entails the use of endoscopic forceps to evert this specific brand of IVC filter into a sheath inserted into the common femoral vein, in the opposite direction in which the filter is designed to be removed. Filter eversion was attempted in 25 cases with a median dwell time of 134 days (range, 44-2,124 d). Retrieval success was 100% (25/25 cases), with an overall complication rate of 8%. This technique warrants further study. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pelletizing/reslurrying as a means of distributing and firing clean coal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conkle, H.N.; Raghavan, J.K.; Smit, F.J.

1991-11-21

The objective of this study is to develop technology that permits the practical and economic preparation, storage, handling, and transportation of coal pellets, which can be reslurried into Coal water fuels (CWF) suitable for firing in small- and medium-size commercial and industrial boilers, furnaces, and engines. The project includes preparing coal pellets and capsules from wet filter cake that can be economically stored, handled, transported, and reslurried into a CWF that can be suitably atomized and fired at the user site. The wet cakes studied were prepared from ultra-fine (95% -325 mesh) coal beneficiated by advanced froth-flotation techniques. The coalsmore » studied included two eastern bituminous coals, one from Virginia (Elkhorn) and one from Illinois (Illinois No. 6) and one western bituminous coal from Utah (Sky Line coal).« less

Investigation of air cleaning system response to accident conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrae, R.W.; Bolstad, J.W.; Foster, R.D.

1980-01-01

Air cleaning system response to the stress of accident conditions are being investigated. A program overview and hghlight recent results of our investigation are presented. The program includes both analytical and experimental investigations. Computer codes for predicting effects of tornados, explosions, fires, and material transport are described. The test facilities used to obtain supportive experimental data to define structural integrity and confinement effectiveness of ventilation system components are described. Examples of experimental results for code verification, blower response to tornado transients, and filter response to tornado and explosion transients are reported.

Experimental system for the control of surgically induced infections, operating and maintenance instructions D203613-004

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tevebaugh, M. D.

1971-01-01

An experimental portable system used to control surgically induced infections is described. The system consists of a portable clean room comprised of a laminar flow filter system consistent with Federal standards; a helmet-shoulder pad assembly; a communication system; a helmet ventilation system; a transparent walled enclosure; and surgical gowns. Guidelines for the set up and operation of such equipment are given along with corrective steps to use in case of system malfunctions. Cleaning procedures, maintenance requirements, and disassembly and transfer particulars are included.

Examination of a newly developed mobile dry scrubber (DS) for coal mine dust control applications

PubMed Central

Organiscak, J.; Noll, J.; Yantek, D.; Kendall, B.

2017-01-01

The Office of Mine Safety and Health Research of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH OMSHR) conducted laboratory testing of a self-tramming, remotely controlled mobile Dry Scrubber (DS) that J.H. Fletcher and Co. developed under a contract with NIOSH OMSHR to reduce the exposure of miners to airborne dust. The scrubber was found to average greater than 95 percent dust removal efficiency with disposable filters, and 88 and 90 percent, respectively, with optional washable filters in their prewash and post-wash test conditions. Although the washable filters can be reused, washing them generated personal and downstream respirable dust concentrations of 1.2 and 8.3 mg/m3, respectively, for a 10-min washing period. The scrubber’s velocity-pressure-regulated variable-frequency-drive fan maintained relatively consistent airflow near the targeted 1.42 and 4.25 m3/s (3,000 and 9,000 ft3/min) airflow rates during most of the laboratory dust testing until reaching its maximum 60-Hz fan motor frequency or horsepower rating at 2,610 Pa (10.5 in. w.g.) of filter differential pressure and 3.97 m3/s (8,420 ft3/min) of scrubber airflow quantity. Laboratory sound level measurements of the scrubber showed that the outlet side of the scrubber was noisier, and the loaded filters increased sound levels compared with clean filters at the same airflow quantities. With loaded filters, the scrubber reached a 90 dB(A) sound level at 2.83 m3/s (6,000 ft3/min) of scrubber airflow, indicating that miners should not be overexposed in relation to MSHA’s permissible exposure level — under Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations Part 62.101— of 90 dB(A) at or below this airflow quantity. The scrubber’s washable filters were not used during field-testing because of their lower respirable dust removal efficiency and the airborne dust generated by filter washing. Field-testing the scrubber with disposable filters at two underground coal mine sections showed that it could clean a portion of the section return air and provide dust reduction of about 50 percent at the face area downstream of the continuous-miner operation. PMID:28596699

A cost-analysis of two approaches to infection control in a lung function laboratory.

PubMed

Side, E A; Harrington, G; Thien, F; Walters, E H; Johns, D P

1999-02-01

The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) guidelines for infection control in respiratory laboratories are based on a 'Universal Precautions' approach to patient care. This requires that one-way breathing valves, flow sensors, and other items, be cleaned and disinfected between patient use. However, this is impractical in a busy laboratory. The recent introduction of disposable barrier filters may provide a practical solution to this problem, although most consider this approach to be an expensive option. To compare the cost of implementing the TSANZ infection control guidelines with the cost of using disposable barrier filters. Costs were based on the standard tests and equipment currently used in the lung function laboratory at The Alfred Hospital. We have assumed that a barrier filter offers the same degree of protection against cross-infection between patients as the TSANZ infection control guidelines. Time and motion studies were performed on the dismantling, cleaning, disinfecting, reassembling and re-calibrating of equipment. Conservative estimates were made as to the frequency of replacing pneumotachographs and rubber mouthpieces based on previous equipment turnover. Labour costs for a scientist to reprocess the equipment was based on $20.86/hour. The cost of employing a casual cleaner at an hourly rate of $14.07 to assist in reprocessing equipment was also investigated. The new high efficiency HyperFilter disposable barrier filter, costing $2.95 was used in this cost-analysis. The cost of reprocessing equipment required for spirometry alone was $17.58 per test if a scientist reprocesses the equipment, and $15.56 per test if a casual cleaner is employed to assist the scientist in performing these duties. In contrast, using a disposable filter would cost only $2.95 per test. Using a filter was considerably less expensive than following the TSANZ guidelines for all tests and equipment used in this cost-analysis. The TSANZ infection control guidelines are expensive and impractical to implement. However, disposable barrier filters provide a practical and inexpensive method of infection control.

[Evaluation of Medical Instruments Cleaning Effect of Fluorescence Detection Technique].

PubMed

Sheng, Nan; Shen, Yue; Li, Zhen; Li, Huijuan; Zhou, Chaoqun

2016-01-01

To compare the cleaning effect of automatic cleaning machine and manual cleaning on coupling type surgical instruments. A total of 32 cleaned medical instruments were randomly sampled from medical institutions in Putuo District medical institutions disinfection supply center. Hygiena System SUREII ATP was used to monitor the ATP value, and the cleaning effect was evaluated. The surface ATP values of the medical instrument of manual cleaning were higher than that of the automatic cleaning machine. Coupling type surgical instruments has better cleaning effect of automatic cleaning machine before disinfection, the application is recommended.

Evaluation of Improved Pushback Forecasts Derived from Airline Ground Operations Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, Francis; Theis, Georg; Feron, Eric; Clarke, John-Paul

2003-01-01

Accurate and timely predictions of airline pushbacks can potentially lead to improved performance of automated decision-support tools for airport surface traffic, thus reducing the variability and average duration of costly airline delays. One factor which affects the realization of these benefits is the level of uncertainty inherent in the turn processes. To characterize this inherent uncertainty, three techniques are developed for predicting time-to-go until pushback as a function of available ground-time; elapsed ground-time; and the status (not-started/in-progress/completed) of individual turn processes (cleaning, fueling, etc.). These techniques are tested against a large and detailed dataset covering approximately l0(exp 4) real-world turn operations obtained through collaboration with Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Even after the dataset is filtered to obtain a sample of turn operations with minimal uncertainty, the standard deviation of forecast error for all three techniques is lower-bounded away from zero, indicating that turn operations have a significant stochastic component. This lower-bound result shows that decision-support tools must be designed to incorporate robust mechanisms for coping with pushback demand stochasticity, rather than treating the pushback demand process as a known deterministic input.

CCD filter and transform techniques for interference excision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borsuk, G. M.; Dewitt, R. N.

1976-01-01

The theoretical and some experimental results of a study aimed at applying CCD filter and transform techniques to the problem of interference excision within communications channels were presented. Adaptive noise (interference) suppression was achieved by the modification of received signals such that they were orthogonal to the recently measured noise field. CCD techniques were examined to develop real-time noise excision processing. They were recursive filters, circulating filter banks, transversal filter banks, an optical implementation of the chirp Z transform, and a CCD analog FFT.

Evaluation of HEPA vacuum cleaning and dry steam cleaning in reducing levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and house dust mite allergens in carpets

PubMed Central

Yu, Chang Ho; Yiin, Lih-Ming; Fan, Zhi-Hua (Tina); Rhoads, George G.

2014-01-01

Dry steam cleaning, which has gained recent attention as an effective method to reduce house dust mite (HDM) allergen concentration and loading in carpets, was evaluated in this study for its efficacy in lowering levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as HDM allergens. Fifty urban homes with wail-to-wall carpets, mostly low-income and with known lead contamination, were studied in 2003 and 2004. Two carpet-cleaning interventions were compared: Repeated HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air filtered) vacuuming alone and repeated HEPA vacuuming supplemented with dry steam cleaning. Vacuum samples were collected to measure carpet loading of dust and contaminants immediately before and after cleaning. Paired comparisons were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the cleaning protocols in reducing the levels of PAHs and HDM allergens in carpets. The results indicated that both cleaning methods substantially reduced the loading of PAHs and HDM allergens as well as dust in carpets (p < 0.0001). The reductions in loading of dust (64.4%), PAHs (69.1%), and HDM allergens (85.5%), by dry steam cleaning plus repetitive HEPA vacuuming were larger than the reductions by regular HEPA vacuuming alone: dust (55.5%), PAHs (58.6%), and HDM allergens (80.8%), although the difference was statistically significant only for dust and PAHs. We conclude that intensive HEPA vacuum cleaning substantially reduced the loading of PAHs and HDM allergens in carpets in these urban homes and that dry steam cleaning added modestly to cleaning effectiveness. PMID:19137159

Cleaning and Cleanliness Verification Techniques for Mars Returned Sample Handling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mickelson, E. T.; Lindstrom, D. J.; Allton, J. H.; Hittle, J. D.

2002-01-01

Precision cleaning and cleanliness verification techniques are examined as a subset of a comprehensive contamination control strategy for a Mars sample return mission. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Determination of selected UV filters in indoor dust by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Negreira, N; Rodríguez, I; Rubí, E; Cela, R

2009-07-31

A simple, inexpensive sample preparation procedure, based on the matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) technique, for the determination of six UV filters: 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate (Homosalate, HMS), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene) camphor (4-MBC), isoamyl-p-methoxycinnamate (IAMC), 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OCR), in dust from indoor environments is presented and the influence of several operational parameters on the extraction performance discussed. Under the final working conditions, sieved samples (0.5 g) were mixed with the same amount of anhydrous sodium sulphate and dispersed with 2 g of octadecyl bonded silica (C18) in a mortar with a pestle. This blend was transferred to a polypropylene solid-phase extraction cartridge containing 2 g of activated silica, as the clean-up co-sorbent. The cartridge was first rinsed with 5 mL of n-hexane and the analytes were then recovered with 4 mL of acetonitrile. This extract was adjusted to 1 mL, filtered and the compounds were determined by gas chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Recoveries for samples spiked at two different concentrations ranged between 77% and 99%, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) of the method between 10 and 40 ng g(-1). Analysis of settled dust from different indoor areas, including private flats, public buildings and vehicle cabins, showed that EHMC and OCR were ubiquitous in this matrix, with maximum concentrations of 15 and 41 microg g(-1), respectively. Both UV filters were also quantified in dust reference material SRM 2585 for first time. EHS, 4-MBC and IAMC were detected in some of the analyzed samples, although at lower concentrations than EHMC and OCR.

Cost effective modular unit for cleaning oil and gas field waste water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zinberg, M.B.; Nenasheva, M.N.; Gafarov, N.A.

1996-12-31

Problems of environmental control involving conservation of water resources are vital for the development of giant oil and gas condensate fields near Caspian Sea (Russia) characterized by water shortages. One of the urgent tasks of oil production industry is to use all field waste water consisting of underground, processing and rain water. It was necessary to construct a new highly effective equipment which could be used in local waste water treatment. Now we have at our disposal a technology and equipment to meet the requirements to the treated water quality. Thus we have installed a modular unit of 100 m{supmore » 3}/a day capacity to clean waste water from oil products, suspended matter and other organic pollutants at Orenburg oil and gas condensate field, Russia. The unit provides with a full treatment of produced water and comprises a settling tank with adhesive facility, the number of sorption filters, Trofactor bioreactors and a disinfecting facility. The equipment is fitted into three boxes measuring 9 x 3.2 x 2.7 in each. The equipment is simple in design that enables to save money, time and space. Sorption filters, bioreactors as well as the Trofactor process are a part of know-how. While working on the unit construction we applied well known methods of settling and sorption. The process of mechanic cleaning is undergoing in the following succession: (1) the gravitational separation in a settling tank where the floated film oil products are constantly gathered and the sediment is periodically taken away, (2) the settled water treatment in sorption Filters of a special kind.« less

LEACHING OF TITANIUM FROM MONOSODIUM TITANATE AND MODIFIED MST

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor-Pashow, K.; Fondeur, F.; Fink, S.

2012-08-01

Analysis of a fouled coalescer and pre-filters from Actinide Removal Process/Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (ARP/MCU) operations showed evidence of Ti containing solids. Based on these results a series of tests were planned to examine the extent of Ti leaching from monosodium titanate (MST) and modified monosodium titanate (mMST) in various solutions. The solutions tested included a series of salt solutions with varying free hydroxide concentrations, two sodium hydroxide concentrations, 9 wt % and 15 wt %, nitric and oxalic acid solutions. Overall, the amount of Ti leached from the MST and mMST was much greater in the acidmore » solutions compared to the sodium hydroxide or salt solutions, which is consistent with the expected trend. The leaching data also showed that increasing hydroxide concentration, whether pure NaOH solution used for filter cleaning in ARP or the waste salt solution, increased the amount of Ti leached from both the MST and mMST. For the respective nominal contact times with the MST solids - for filter cleaning or the normal filter operation, the dissolved Ti concentrations are comparable suggesting either cause may contribute to the increased Ti fouling on the MCU coalescers. Tests showed that Ti containing solids could be precipitated from solution after the addition of scrub acid and a decrease in temperature similar to expected in MCU operations. FTIR analysis of these solids showed some similarity to the solids observed on the fouled coalescer and pre-filters. Although only a cursory study, this information suggests that the practice of increasing free hydroxide in feed solutions to MCU as a mitigation to aluminosilicate formation may be offset by the impact of formation of Ti solids in the overall process. Additional consideration of this finding from MCU and SWPF operation is warranted.« less

Laser cleaning of steel for paint removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G. X.; Kwee, T. J.; Tan, K. P.; Choo, Y. S.; Hong, M. H.

2010-11-01

Paint removal is an important part of steel processing for marine and offshore engineering. For centuries, a blasting techniques have been widely used for this surface preparation purpose. But conventional blasting always has intrinsic problems, such as noise, explosion risk, contaminant particles, vibration, and dust. In addition, processing wastes often cause environmental problems. In recent years, laser cleaning has attracted much research effort for its significant advantages, such as precise treatment, and high selectivity and flexibility in comparison with conventional cleaning techniques. In the present study, we use this environmentally friendly technique to overcome the problems of conventional blasting. Processed samples are examined with optical microscopes and other surface characterization tools. Experimental results show that laser cleaning can be a good alternative candidate to conventional blasting.

Automated Reflectance Measurement System Designed and Fabricated to Determine the Limits of Atomic Oxygen Treatment of Art Through Contrast Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sechkar, Edward A.; Stueber, Thomas J.; Rutledge, Sharon K.

2000-01-01

Atomic oxygen generated in ground-based research facilities has been used to not only test erosion of candidate spacecraft materials but as a noncontact technique for removing organic deposits from the surfaces of artwork. NASA has patented the use of atomic oxygen to remove carbon-based soot contamination from fire-damaged artwork. The process of cleaning soot-damaged paintings with atomic oxygen requires exposures for variable lengths of time, dependent on the condition of a painting. Care must be exercised while cleaning to prevent the removal of pigment. The cleaning process must be stopped as soon as visual inspection or surface reflectance measurements indicate that cleaning is complete. Both techniques rely on optical comparisons of known bright locations against known dark locations on the artwork being cleaned. Difficulties arise with these techniques when either a known bright or dark location cannot be determined readily. Furthermore, dark locations will lighten with excessive exposure to atomic oxygen. Therefore, an automated test instrument to quantitatively characterize cleaning progression was designed and developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field to determine when atomic oxygen cleaning is complete.

Glow discharge cleaning of vacuum switch tubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hayashi, T.; Toya, H.

1991-10-01

This paper reports that glow discharge cleaning has ben advancing as a means of degassing vacuum chambers constructed for a large accelerator or for nuclear fusion research. To clean the whole surface of parts inside a vacuum switch tube (VST), a new technique is tried which generates glow discharge between the inner electrodes and copper grid surrounding it. Photographic observation reveals that the glow discharge spreads out and cleans the whole surface inside the VST. A breakdown test between the inner electrodes shows the effect of the cleaning with this technique. Higher breakdown voltage between the inner electrodes is attainedmore » by performing this glow discharge cleaning in argon rather than hydrogen gas. The difference of the cleaning effect seems to be attributed to that of the energy transfer from ion species to the absorbed molecules and microprotrusions on the surfaces.« less

The Effect of Selected Cleaning Techniques on Berkshire Lee Marble: A Scientific Study at Philadelphia City Hall

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mossotti, Victor G.; Eldeeb, A. Raouf; Fries, Terry L.; Coombs, Mary Jane; Naude, Virginia N.; Soderberg, Lisa; Wheeler, George S.

2002-01-01

This report describes a scientific investigation of the effects of eight different cleaning techniques on the Berkshire Lee marble component of the facade of the East Center Pavilion at Philadelphia City Hall; the study was commissioned by the city of Philadelphia. The eight cleaning techniques evaluated in this study were power wash (proprietary gel detergent followed by water rinse under pressure), misting (treatment with potable, nebulized water for 24-36 hours), gommage (proprietary Thomann-Hanry low-pressure, air-driven, small-particle, dry abrasion), combination (gommage followed by misting), Armax (sodium bicarbonate delivered under pressure in a water wash), JOS (dolomite powder delivered in a low-pressure, rotary-vortex water wash), laser (thermal ablation), and dry ice (powdered-dry-ice abrasion delivered under pressure). In our study approximately 160 cores were removed from the building for laboratory analysis. We developed a computer program to analyze scanning-electron-micrograph images for the microscale surface roughness and other morphologic parameters of the stone surface, including the near-surface fracture density of the stone. An analysis of more than 1,100 samples cut from the cores provided a statistical basis for crafting the essential elements of a reduced-form, mixed-kinetics conceptual model that represents the deterioration of calcareous stone in terms of self-organized soiling and erosion patterns. This model, in turn, provided a basis for identifying the variables that are affected by the cleaning techniques and for evaluating the extent to which such variables influence the stability of the stone. The model recognizes three classes of variables that may influence the soiling load on the stone, including such exogenous environmental variables as airborne moisture, pollutant concentrations, and local aerodynamics, and such endogenous stone variables as surface chemistry and microstructure (fracturing, roughness, and so on). This study showed that morphologic variables on the mesoscale to macroscale are not generally affected by the choice of a cleaning technique. The long-term soiling pattern on the building is independent of the cleaning technique applied. This study also showed that soluble salts do not play a significant role in the deterioration of Berkshire Lee marble. Although salts were evident in cracks and fissures of the heavily soiled stone, such salts did not penetrate the surface to a depth of more than a few hundred micrometers. The criteria used to differentiate the cleaning techniques were ultimately based on the ability of each technique to remove soiling without altering the texture of the stone surface. This study identified both the gommage and JOS techniques as appropriate for cleaning ashlar surfaces and the combination technique as appropriate for cleaning highly carved surfaces at the entablatures, cornices, and column capitals.

Hollow core waveguide as mid-infrared laser modal beam filter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patimisco, P.; Giglio, M.; Spagnolo, V.

2015-09-21

A novel method for mid-IR laser beam mode cleaning employing hollow core waveguide as a modal filter element is reported. The influence of the input laser beam quality on fiber optical losses and output beam profile using a hollow core waveguide with 200 μm-bore size was investigated. Our results demonstrate that even when using a laser with a poor spatial profile, there will exist a minimum fiber length that allows transmission of only the Gaussian-like fundamental waveguide mode from the fiber, filtering out all the higher order modes. This essentially single mode output is preserved also when the waveguide is bentmore » to a radius of curvature of 7.5 cm, which demonstrates that laser mode filtering can be realized even if a curved light path is required.« less

Multiscale morphological filtering for analysis of noisy and complex images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kher, A.; Mitra, S.

Images acquired with passive sensing techniques suffer from illumination variations and poor local contrasts that create major difficulties in interpretation and identification tasks. On the other hand, images acquired with active sensing techniques based on monochromatic illumination are degraded with speckle noise. Mathematical morphology offers elegant techniques to handle a wide range of image degradation problems. Unlike linear filters, morphological filters do not blur the edges and hence maintain higher image resolution. Their rich mathematical framework facilitates the design and analysis of these filters as well as their hardware implementation. Morphological filters are easier to implement and are more cost effective and efficient than several conventional linear filters. Morphological filters to remove speckle noise while maintaining high resolution and preserving thin image regions that are particularly vulnerable to speckle noise were developed and applied to SAR imagery. These filters used combination of linear (one-dimensional) structuring elements in different (typically four) orientations. Although this approach preserves more details than the simple morphological filters using two-dimensional structuring elements, the limited orientations of one-dimensional elements approximate the fine details of the region boundaries. A more robust filter designed recently overcomes the limitation of the fixed orientations. This filter uses a combination of concave and convex structuring elements. Morphological operators are also useful in extracting features from visible and infrared imagery. A multiresolution image pyramid obtained with successive filtering and a subsampling process aids in the removal of the illumination variations and enhances local contrasts. A morphology-based interpolation scheme was also introduced to reduce intensity discontinuities created in any morphological filtering task. The generality of morphological filtering techniques in extracting information from a wide variety of images obtained with active and passive sensing techniques is discussed. Such techniques are particularly useful in obtaining more information from fusion of complex images by different sensors such as SAR, visible, and infrared.

Multiscale Morphological Filtering for Analysis of Noisy and Complex Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kher, A.; Mitra, S.

1993-01-01

Images acquired with passive sensing techniques suffer from illumination variations and poor local contrasts that create major difficulties in interpretation and identification tasks. On the other hand, images acquired with active sensing techniques based on monochromatic illumination are degraded with speckle noise. Mathematical morphology offers elegant techniques to handle a wide range of image degradation problems. Unlike linear filters, morphological filters do not blur the edges and hence maintain higher image resolution. Their rich mathematical framework facilitates the design and analysis of these filters as well as their hardware implementation. Morphological filters are easier to implement and are more cost effective and efficient than several conventional linear filters. Morphological filters to remove speckle noise while maintaining high resolution and preserving thin image regions that are particularly vulnerable to speckle noise were developed and applied to SAR imagery. These filters used combination of linear (one-dimensional) structuring elements in different (typically four) orientations. Although this approach preserves more details than the simple morphological filters using two-dimensional structuring elements, the limited orientations of one-dimensional elements approximate the fine details of the region boundaries. A more robust filter designed recently overcomes the limitation of the fixed orientations. This filter uses a combination of concave and convex structuring elements. Morphological operators are also useful in extracting features from visible and infrared imagery. A multiresolution image pyramid obtained with successive filtering and a subsampling process aids in the removal of the illumination variations and enhances local contrasts. A morphology-based interpolation scheme was also introduced to reduce intensity discontinuities created in any morphological filtering task. The generality of morphological filtering techniques in extracting information from a wide variety of images obtained with active and passive sensing techniques is discussed. Such techniques are particularly useful in obtaining more information from fusion of complex images by different sensors such as SAR, visible, and infrared.

Prospective study of wound infections in Mohs micrographic surgery using clean surgical technique in the absence of prophylactic antibiotics.

PubMed

Rogers, Heather D; Desciak, Edward B; Marcus, Rebecca P; Wang, Shuang; MacKay-Wiggan, Julian; Eliezri, Yehuda D

2010-11-01

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has a low rate of surgical site infection (SSI) without the use of prophylactic antibiotics. In the studies to date, there has been variation in the steps taken by each surgeon to prevent SSIs but in all cases sterile technique was used during wound reconstruction. We sought to evaluate the rate of SSIs among patients undergoing MMS with the use of clean surgical technique for all steps of MMS including wound reconstruction in the absence of prophylactic antibiotics. We prospectively evaluated 1000 patients undergoing MMS using clean surgical technique for SSIs. Clean surgical technique includes the use of clean surgical gloves and towels and a single pack of sterile instruments for all steps including wound reconstruction. There were 11 SSIs among 1000 patients with 1204 tumors, with an overall rate of infection of 0.91% (95% confidence interval 0.38%-1.45%). Three of the 11 infections were complications of hematomas. Four of the 11 infections occurred in flap closures, which had the highest rate of SSIs of 2.67% (4/150). The study was a prospective, single-institution uncontrolled study. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the rate of SSIs with the use of clean surgical technique, in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis, for all steps of MMS including wound reconstruction. Our rate of SSIs of 0.91% is exceedingly low, underscoring the overall safety of MMS and its performance in the outpatient setting without the use of antibiotic prophylaxis or sterile technique. Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of axial velocity and transmembrane pressure (TMP) on ARP filter performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M.; Burket, P.

2016-02-29

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently treating radioactive liquid waste with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). Recently, the low filter flux through the ARP of approximately 5 gallons per minute has limited the rate at which radioactive liquid waste can be treated. Salt Batch 6 had a lower processing rate and required frequent filter cleaning. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) has a desire to understand the causes of the low filter flux and to increase ARP/MCU throughput. One potential method for increasing filter flux is to adjust the axial velocity andmore » transmembrane pressure (TMP). SRR requested SRNL to conduct bench-scale filter tests to evaluate the effects of axial velocity and transmembrane pressure on crossflow filter flux. The objective of the testing was to determine whether increasing the axial velocity at the ARP could produce a significant increase in filter flux. The authors conducted the tests by preparing slurries containing 6.6 M sodium Salt Batch 6 supernate and 2.5 g MST/L, processing the slurry through a bench-scale crossflow filter unit at varying axial velocity and TMP, and measuring filter flux as a function of time.« less

Nothing Goes to Waste in Arcata's Teeming Marshes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, Doug

1990-01-01

Describes a waste water management system in Arcata, California, that utilizes a series of human-made marshes to filter and clean the city's sewage water. Discusses the development of this project, adaptations of the idea for other cities, key constraints, and related projects. (MCO)

Concrete ensemble Kalman filters with rigorous catastrophic filter divergence

PubMed Central

Kelly, David; Majda, Andrew J.; Tong, Xin T.

2015-01-01

The ensemble Kalman filter and ensemble square root filters are data assimilation methods used to combine high-dimensional, nonlinear dynamical models with observed data. Ensemble methods are indispensable tools in science and engineering and have enjoyed great success in geophysical sciences, because they allow for computationally cheap low-ensemble-state approximation for extremely high-dimensional turbulent forecast models. From a theoretical perspective, the dynamical properties of these methods are poorly understood. One of the central mysteries is the numerical phenomenon known as catastrophic filter divergence, whereby ensemble-state estimates explode to machine infinity, despite the true state remaining in a bounded region. In this article we provide a breakthrough insight into the phenomenon, by introducing a simple and natural forecast model that transparently exhibits catastrophic filter divergence under all ensemble methods and a large set of initializations. For this model, catastrophic filter divergence is not an artifact of numerical instability, but rather a true dynamical property of the filter. The divergence is not only validated numerically but also proven rigorously. The model cleanly illustrates mechanisms that give rise to catastrophic divergence and confirms intuitive accounts of the phenomena given in past literature. PMID:26261335

Concrete ensemble Kalman filters with rigorous catastrophic filter divergence.

PubMed

Kelly, David; Majda, Andrew J; Tong, Xin T

2015-08-25

The ensemble Kalman filter and ensemble square root filters are data assimilation methods used to combine high-dimensional, nonlinear dynamical models with observed data. Ensemble methods are indispensable tools in science and engineering and have enjoyed great success in geophysical sciences, because they allow for computationally cheap low-ensemble-state approximation for extremely high-dimensional turbulent forecast models. From a theoretical perspective, the dynamical properties of these methods are poorly understood. One of the central mysteries is the numerical phenomenon known as catastrophic filter divergence, whereby ensemble-state estimates explode to machine infinity, despite the true state remaining in a bounded region. In this article we provide a breakthrough insight into the phenomenon, by introducing a simple and natural forecast model that transparently exhibits catastrophic filter divergence under all ensemble methods and a large set of initializations. For this model, catastrophic filter divergence is not an artifact of numerical instability, but rather a true dynamical property of the filter. The divergence is not only validated numerically but also proven rigorously. The model cleanly illustrates mechanisms that give rise to catastrophic divergence and confirms intuitive accounts of the phenomena given in past literature.

A Structural and Content-Based Analysis for Web Filtering.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, P. Y.; Hui, S. C.; Fong, A. C. M.

2003-01-01

Presents an analysis of the distinguishing features of pornographic Web pages so that effective filtering techniques can be developed. Surveys the existing techniques for Web content filtering and describes the implementation of a Web content filtering system that uses an artificial neural network. (Author/LRW)

Spectral analysis and filtering techniques in digital spatial data processing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pan, Jeng-Jong

1989-01-01

A filter toolbox has been developed at the EROS Data Center, US Geological Survey, for retrieving or removing specified frequency information from two-dimensional digital spatial data. This filter toolbox provides capabilities to compute the power spectrum of a given data and to design various filters in the frequency domain. Three types of filters are available in the toolbox: point filter, line filter, and area filter. Both the point and line filters employ Gaussian-type notch filters, and the area filter includes the capabilities to perform high-pass, band-pass, low-pass, and wedge filtering techniques. These filters are applied for analyzing satellite multispectral scanner data, airborne visible and infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) data, gravity data, and the digital elevation models (DEM) data. -from Author

Edge Preserved Speckle Noise Reduction Using Integrated Fuzzy Filters

PubMed Central

Dewal, M. L.; Rohit, Manoj Kumar

2014-01-01

Echocardiographic images are inherent with speckle noise which makes visual reading and analysis quite difficult. The multiplicative speckle noise masks finer details, necessary for diagnosis of abnormalities. A novel speckle reduction technique based on integration of geometric, wiener, and fuzzy filters is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The denoising applications of fuzzy filters are studied and analyzed along with 26 denoising techniques. It is observed that geometric filter retains noise and, to address this issue, wiener filter is embedded into the geometric filter during iteration process. The performance of geometric-wiener filter is further enhanced using fuzzy filters and the proposed despeckling techniques are called integrated fuzzy filters. Fuzzy filters based on moving average and median value are employed in the integrated fuzzy filters. The performances of integrated fuzzy filters are tested on echocardiographic images and synthetic images in terms of image quality metrics. It is observed that the performance parameters are highest in case of integrated fuzzy filters in comparison to fuzzy and geometric-fuzzy filters. The clinical validation reveals that the output images obtained using geometric-wiener, integrated fuzzy, nonlocal means, and details preserving anisotropic diffusion filters are acceptable. The necessary finer details are retained in the denoised echocardiographic images. PMID:27437499

Microbiological Aspects of Geothermal Energy: Influence of Microbial Activity on Scaling and Clogging in a Cold Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerm, Stephanie; Alawi, Mashal; Miethling-Graff, Rona; Vieth, Andrea; Seibt, Andrea; Wolfgramm, Markus; Würdemann, Hilke

2010-05-01

The development of strategies to substantially reduce emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is one of the major challenges of the next decades. Therefore, the utilization of subsurface stored energy arouses increasing interest. Corrosion and scaling are major problems in geothermal operation which create significant maintenance and cleaning costs. In the scope of the research project AquiScreen the operational reliability of geothermal used aquifer systems was investigated under microbial, geochemical, mineralogical, and petrologic aspects (see also Alawi et al.; General Assembly EGU 2010). This presentation focuses on the investigation of a cold storage in Berlin (Reichstag building, depth 30-50 m). In order to evaluate the impact of microbial processes in the low saline aquifer (see also Vetter et al.; General Assembly EGU 2010), the microbial communities of fluid and filter samples were investigated by Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and DNA fingerprinting techniques based on PCR amplified partial 16S rRNA genes. Analyses of fluid samples revealed a bacterial community dominated by iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria closely related to Siderooxidans lithoautotrophicus, Gallionella sp. and Thiotrix unzii. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed iron hydroxide formation and precipitation in the filter of the top side facility and the well, corresponding to the abundance of iron oxidizing bacteria. Besides oxidizing bacteria sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were detected as well, indicating the formation of micro-habitats with divergent redox zones. After several years of operation and routine maintenance procedures the injectivity of the injection wells and the endurance of the top side facility filters were reduced drastically due to clogging. Mechanical cleaning and a disinfection treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were successful to re-establish the injectivity of the wells. The results of the microbiological investigations prove that bacteria and their metabolic activities were involved in the decrease of filter endurances. A strong biofilm formation of filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria related to Thiothrix was observed. In the course of the disinfection measure the microbial composition in the process water changed significantly. Thiothrix could not be detected any longer and the biocoenosis in the fluid was dominated now by Flavobacterium, Acidovorax as well as Alcaligenaceae related organisms. In contrast, SRB analyzed by specific dissimilatory sulfite reductase genes were hardly affected by the disinfection measures. However, even if especially SRB are considered as the most important taxonomic group for microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), present operational results indicate that scaling and clogging were the predominant processes for the operation of the shallow cold storage in Berlin.

Simultaneous imaging/reflectivity measurements to assess diagnostic mirror cleaning.

PubMed

Skinner, C H; Gentile, C A; Doerner, R

2012-10-01

Practical methods to clean ITER's diagnostic mirrors and restore reflectivity will be critical to ITER's plasma operations. We describe a technique to assess the efficacy of mirror cleaning techniques and detect any damage to the mirror surface. The method combines microscopic imaging and reflectivity measurements in the red, green, and blue spectral regions and at selected wavelengths. The method has been applied to laser cleaning of single crystal molybdenum mirrors coated with either carbon or beryllium films 150-420 nm thick. It is suitable for hazardous materials such as beryllium as the mirrors remain sealed in a vacuum chamber.

Kinematic and kinetic improvements associated with action observation facilitated learning of the power clean in Australian footballers.

PubMed

Sakadjian, Alex; Panchuk, Derek; Pearce, Alan J

2014-06-01

This study investigated the effectiveness of action observation (AO) on facilitating learning of the power clean technique (kinematics) compared with traditional strength coaching methods and whether improvements in performance (kinetics) were associated with an improvement in lifting technique. Fifteen subjects (age, 20.9 ± 2.3 years) with no experience in performing the power clean exercise attended 12 training and testing sessions over a 4-week period. Subjects were assigned to 2 matched groups, based on preintervention power clean performance and performed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of the power clean exercise at each training session. Subjects in the traditional coaching group (TC; n = 7) received the standard coaching feedback (verbal cues and physical practice), whereas subjects in the AO group (n = 8) received similar verbal coaching cues and physical practice but also observed a video of a skilled model before performing each set. Kinematic data were collected from video recordings of subjects who were fitted with joint center markings during testing, whereas kinetic data were collected from a weightlifting analyzer attached to the barbell. Subjects were tested before intervention, at the end of weeks 2 and 3, and at after intervention at the end of week 4. Faster improvements (3%) were observed in power clean technique with AO-facilitated learning in the first week and performance improvements (mean peak power of the subject's 15 repetitions) over time were significant (p < 0.001). In addition, performance improvement was significantly associated (R = 0.215) with technique improvements. In conclusion, AO combined with verbal coaching and physical practice of the power clean exercise resulted in significantly faster technique improvements and improvement in performance compared with traditional coaching methods.

Waste Oil Burn-Off in Coast Guard Powerplants : Waste Oil Filtering Systems and Diesel Engine Performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-06-01

This report documents two tasks of a continuing study to determine the feasibility of burning waste lubricating oils in Coast Guard powerplants. The first task evaluated the effectiveness of two treatment devices for the clean-up of waste lubricating...

HEPA Help

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rathey, Allen

2006-01-01

Poor indoor air quality in school facilities can detract from the health and productivity of students, teachers and other employees. Asthma--often triggered or aggravated by dust--is the No. 1 cause of chronic absenteeism in schools. Using vacuum cleaners equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to clean education institutions…

The Future of Aircraft Paint Removal Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury , selenium, and silver. We must develop small efficient blast furnaces to burn the media thus reducing the...permit the safe collection, consolidation, and detoxication of stripping waste. This may be as simple as a series of filters to clean the air from

40 CFR 261.3 - Definition of hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... discharged to the refinery oil recovery sewer before primary oil/water/solids separation—heat exchanger bundle cleaning sludge from the petroleum refining industry (EPA Hazardous Waste No. K050), crude oil... oil tank sediment and/or in-line filter/separation solids from petroleum refining operations (EPA...

40 CFR 261.3 - Definition of hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... discharged to the refinery oil recovery sewer before primary oil/water/solids separation—heat exchanger bundle cleaning sludge from the petroleum refining industry (EPA Hazardous Waste No. K050), crude oil... oil tank sediment and/or in-line filter/separation solids from petroleum refining operations (EPA...

40 CFR 261.3 - Definition of hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... discharged to the refinery oil recovery sewer before primary oil/water/solids separation—heat exchanger bundle cleaning sludge from the petroleum refining industry (EPA Hazardous Waste No. K050), crude oil... oil tank sediment and/or in-line filter/separation solids from petroleum refining operations (EPA...

A Fixed-Lag Kalman Smoother to Filter Power Line Interference in Electrocardiogram Recordings.

PubMed

Warmerdam, G J J; Vullings, R; Schmitt, L; Van Laar, J O E H; Bergmans, J W M

2017-08-01

Filtering power line interference (PLI) from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings can lead to significant distortions of the ECG and mask clinically relevant features in ECG waveform morphology. The objective of this study is to filter PLI from ECG recordings with minimal distortion of the ECG waveform. In this paper, we propose a fixed-lag Kalman smoother with adaptive noise estimation. The performance of this Kalman smoother in filtering PLI is compared to that of a fixed-bandwidth notch filter and several adaptive PLI filters that have been proposed in the literature. To evaluate the performance, we corrupted clean neonatal ECG recordings with various simulated PLI. Furthermore, examples are shown of filtering real PLI from an adult and a fetal ECG recording. The fixed-lag Kalman smoother outperforms other PLI filters in terms of step response settling time (improvements that range from 0.1 to 1 s) and signal-to-noise ratio (improvements that range from 17 to 23 dB). Our fixed-lag Kalman smoother can be used for semi real-time applications with a limited delay of 0.4 s. The fixed-lag Kalman smoother presented in this study outperforms other methods for filtering PLI and leads to minimal distortion of the ECG waveform.

Comparative study of pulsed laser cleaning applied to weathered marble surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, P.; Antúnez, V.; Ortiz, R.; Martín, J. M.; Gómez, M. A.; Hortal, A. R.; Martínez-Haya, B.

2013-10-01

The removal of unwanted matter from surface stones is a demanding task in the conservation of cultural heritage. This paper investigates the effectiveness of near-infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses for the cleaning of surface deposits, iron oxide stains and different types of graffiti (black, red and green sprays and markers, and black cutting-edge ink) on dolomitic white marble. The performance of the laser techniques is compared to common cleaning methods on the same samples, namely pressurized water and chemical treatments. The degree of cleaning achieved with each technique is assessed by means of colorimetric measurements and X-ray microfluorescence. Eventual morphological changes induced on the marble substrate are monitored with optical and electronic microscopy. It is found that UV pulsed laser ablation at 266 nm manages to clean all the stains except the cutting-edge ink, although some degree of surface erosion is produced. The IR laser pulses at 1064 nm can remove surface deposits and black spray acceptably, but a yellowing is observed on the stone surface after treatment. An economic evaluation shows that pulsed laser cleaning techniques are advantageous for the rapid cleaning of small or inaccessible surface areas, although their extensive application becomes expensive due to the long operating times required.

The trickle-down theory of cleaner air.

PubMed

Frazer, L

2000-04-01

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments prompted an increased urgency to find new ways to treat airstreams containing volatile organic compounds, which affect the nitrogen photolytic cycle and help produce ground-level ozone, hazardous air pollutants, and odorous air emissions such as hydrogen sulfide. Scientists at the New Jersey company Envirogen have adapted traditional biofiltration technology to perform airborne waste stream cleanup. Preliminary research on pollutants such as phenol, methylene chloride, benzene, and toluene indicates that Envirogen's biotrickling filter may remove an average of about 94% of total hazardous air pollutants. Scientists are working to identify microbes that will clean up more stubborn pollutants.

Clean Room Apparel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

American Hospital Supply Corporation (AHSC), Baxter Healthcare Corporation's predecessor, used the NASA informational base on contamination control technology to improve industrial contamination control technology. When a study determined that microscopic body particles escaping through tiny "windows" in woven garments worn by workers were the greatest source of contamination, AHSC developed TYVEK. This non-woven material filters 99% of all particulate matter larger than half a micron. Baxter Healthcare added a polyimide coating which seals and ties down any loose fibers, providing greater durability. Stress points along seams have been minimized to make the garment almost tearproof. Micro-Clean 212 garments are individually packaged and disposable.

Predicting water filter and bottled water use in Appalachia: a community-scale case study.

PubMed

Levêque, Jonas G; Burns, Robert C

2017-06-01

A questionnaire survey was conducted in order to assess residents' perceptions of water quality for drinking and recreational purposes in a mid-sized city in northcentral West Virginia. Two logistic regression analyses were conducted in order to investigate the factors that influence bottle use and filter use. Results show that 37% of respondents primarily use bottled water and that 58% use a household filter when drinking from the tap. Respondents with lower levels of environmental concern, education levels, and lower organoleptic perceptions were most likely to perceive health risks from tap water consumption, and were most likely to use bottled water. Income, age, and organoleptic perceptions were predictors of water filter use among respondents. Clean water for recreational purposes was not found to be significant with either of these models. Our results demonstrate that bottle use and filter use are explained differently. We argue that more education and better communication about local tap water quality would decrease the use of bottled water. We demonstrate that household filters could be used as an alternative to bottled water.

Personal computer (PC) based image processing applied to fluid mechanics research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cho, Y.-C.; Mclachlan, B. G.

1987-01-01

A PC based image processing system was employed to determine the instantaneous velocity field of a two-dimensional unsteady flow. The flow was visualized using a suspension of seeding particles in water, and a laser sheet for illumination. With a finite time exposure, the particle motion was captured on a photograph as a pattern of streaks. The streak pattern was digitized and processsed using various imaging operations, including contrast manipulation, noise cleaning, filtering, statistical differencing, and thresholding. Information concerning the velocity was extracted from the enhanced image by measuring the length and orientation of the individual streaks. The fluid velocities deduced from the randomly distributed particle streaks were interpolated to obtain velocities at uniform grid points. For the interpolation a simple convolution technique with an adaptive Gaussian window was used. The results are compared with a numerical prediction by a Navier-Stokes commputation.

Personal Computer (PC) based image processing applied to fluid mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cho, Y.-C.; Mclachlan, B. G.

1987-01-01

A PC based image processing system was employed to determine the instantaneous velocity field of a two-dimensional unsteady flow. The flow was visualized using a suspension of seeding particles in water, and a laser sheet for illumination. With a finite time exposure, the particle motion was captured on a photograph as a pattern of streaks. The streak pattern was digitized and processed using various imaging operations, including contrast manipulation, noise cleaning, filtering, statistical differencing, and thresholding. Information concerning the velocity was extracted from the enhanced image by measuring the length and orientation of the individual streaks. The fluid velocities deduced from the randomly distributed particle streaks were interpolated to obtain velocities at uniform grid points. For the interpolation a simple convolution technique with an adaptive Gaussian window was used. The results are compared with a numerical prediction by a Navier-Stokes computation.

Pelletizing/reslurrying as a means of distributing and firing clean coal. Final quarterly technical progress report No. 5, July 1, 1991--September 30, 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conkle, H.N.; Raghavan, J.K.; Smit, F.J.

1991-11-21

The objective of this study is to develop technology that permits the practical and economic preparation, storage, handling, and transportation of coal pellets, which can be reslurried into Coal water fuels (CWF) suitable for firing in small- and medium-size commercial and industrial boilers, furnaces, and engines. The project includes preparing coal pellets and capsules from wet filter cake that can be economically stored, handled, transported, and reslurried into a CWF that can be suitably atomized and fired at the user site. The wet cakes studied were prepared from ultra-fine (95% -325 mesh) coal beneficiated by advanced froth-flotation techniques. The coalsmore » studied included two eastern bituminous coals, one from Virginia (Elkhorn) and one from Illinois (Illinois No. 6) and one western bituminous coal from Utah (Sky Line coal).« less

Ultra-Low Background Measurements Of Decayed Aerosol Filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miley, H.

2009-04-01

To experimentally evaluate the opportunity to apply ultra-low background measurement methods to samples collected, for instance, by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty International Monitoring System (IMS), aerosol samples collected on filter media were measured using HPGe spectrometers of varying low-background technology approaches. In this way, realistic estimates of the impact of low-background methodology can be assessed on the Minimum Detectable Activities obtained in systems such as the IMS. The current measurement requirement of stations in the IMS is 30 microBq per cubic meter of air for 140Ba, or about 106 fissions per daily sample. Importantly, this is for a fresh aerosol filter. Decay varying form 3 days to one week reduce the intrinsic background from radon daughters in the sample. Computational estimates of the improvement factor for these decayed filters for underground-based HPGe in clean shielding materials are orders of magnitude less, even when the decay of the isotopes of interest is included.

40 CFR 1054.125 - What maintenance instructions must I give to buyers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... schedule cleaning or changing air filters or changing spark plugs at the least frequent interval described... (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW, SMALL NONROAD SPARK-IGNITION ENGINES AND... aftertreatment devices, pulse-air valves, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, electronic control units, superchargers...

40 CFR 92.104 - Locomotive and engine testing; overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... restriction within 1 inch of water of the upper limit of a typical engine as installed with clean air filters...; overview. 92.104 Section 92.104 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES Test Procedures § 92...

40 CFR 92.104 - Locomotive and engine testing; overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... restriction within 1 inch of water of the upper limit of a typical engine as installed with clean air filters...; overview. 92.104 Section 92.104 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES Test Procedures § 92...

40 CFR 1054.125 - What maintenance instructions must I give to buyers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... schedule cleaning or changing air filters or changing spark plugs at the least frequent interval described... (CONTINUED) AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM NEW, SMALL NONROAD SPARK-IGNITION ENGINES AND... aftertreatment devices, pulse-air valves, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, electronic control units, superchargers...

A LOW COST CATALYTIC FILTER FOR SIMULTANEOUS VOC AND PARTICULATE REMOVAL - PHASE II

EPA Science Inventory

Emissions of VOC's are subject to control by the EPA both because VOC's are regarded as ozone precursors and because many specific VOC's are hazardous air pollutants (HAP's) under the Clean Air Act Amendments. A number of industries generate offgases with both fine particul...

40 CFR 420.21 - Specialized definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... control system that utilizes filters to remove iron-bearing particles (fines) from blast furnace or... level is 10 pg/L per EPA Method 1613B for water and wastewater samples. (d) The term pg/L means... pollution control system means an emission control system that utilizes water to clean process or furnace...

40 CFR 420.21 - Specialized definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... control system that utilizes filters to remove iron-bearing particles (fines) from blast furnace or... level is 10 pg/L per EPA Method 1613B for water and wastewater samples. (d) The term pg/L means... pollution control system means an emission control system that utilizes water to clean process or furnace...

40 CFR 420.21 - Specialized definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emission control system that utilizes filters to remove iron-bearing particles (fines) from blast furnace...-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, the minimum level is 10 pg/L per EPA Method 1613B for water and wastewater samples. (d) The term... term wet air pollution control system means an emission control system that utilizes water to clean...

40 CFR 420.21 - Specialized definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... control system that utilizes filters to remove iron-bearing particles (fines) from blast furnace or... level is 10 pg/L per EPA Method 1613B for water and wastewater samples. (d) The term pg/L means... pollution control system means an emission control system that utilizes water to clean process or furnace...

Bioenvironmental Engineer’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality Surveys

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

housekeeping practices •Fresh air intake located near contaminant source •Check for sewer line leak, septic tank leak, fuel tank leaks...make-up air •Dirty coils/filters •Sewer gas, drain traps, sanitary vents •Leaky tanks , spills •Cleaning products, pesticides •Poor

Runoff and sediment reduction from integration of native prairie filter strips into row-crop agriculture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Agroecosystems provide multiple benefits including food, fiber, fuel, clean water and air, habitat, carbon sequestration, recreation, and aesthetics. But most agricultural landscapes are managed for only a few of these benefits. This project aimed to evaluate how the integration of diverse perennial...

40 CFR 60.620 - Applicability and designation of affected facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Performance for Petroleum Dry Cleaners § 60.620 Applicability and designation of affected facility. (a) The provisions of this subpart are applicable to the following affected facilities located at a petroleum dry... pounds): Petroleum solvent dry cleaning dryers, washers, filters, stills, and settling tanks. (1) When...

The use of linear programming techniques to design optimal digital filters for pulse shaping and channel equalization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houts, R. C.; Burlage, D. W.

1972-01-01

A time domain technique is developed to design finite-duration impulse response digital filters using linear programming. Two related applications of this technique in data transmission systems are considered. The first is the design of pulse shaping digital filters to generate or detect signaling waveforms transmitted over bandlimited channels that are assumed to have ideal low pass or bandpass characteristics. The second is the design of digital filters to be used as preset equalizers in cascade with channels that have known impulse response characteristics. Example designs are presented which illustrate that excellent waveforms can be generated with frequency-sampling filters and the ease with which digital transversal filters can be designed for preset equalization.

Vibrato in Singing Voice: The Link between Source-Filter and Sinusoidal Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arroabarren, Ixone; Carlosena, Alfonso

2004-12-01

The application of inverse filtering techniques for high-quality singing voice analysis/synthesis is discussed. In the context of source-filter models, inverse filtering provides a noninvasive method to extract the voice source, and thus to study voice quality. Although this approach is widely used in speech synthesis, this is not the case in singing voice. Several studies have proved that inverse filtering techniques fail in the case of singing voice, the reasons being unclear. In order to shed light on this problem, we will consider here an additional feature of singing voice, not present in speech: the vibrato. Vibrato has been traditionally studied by sinusoidal modeling. As an alternative, we will introduce here a novel noninteractive source filter model that incorporates the mechanisms of vibrato generation. This model will also allow the comparison of the results produced by inverse filtering techniques and by sinusoidal modeling, as they apply to singing voice and not to speech. In this way, the limitations of these conventional techniques, described in previous literature, will be explained. Both synthetic signals and singer recordings are used to validate and compare the techniques presented in the paper.

Quantitative filter forensics for indoor particle sampling.

PubMed

Haaland, D; Siegel, J A

2017-03-01

Filter forensics is a promising indoor air investigation technique involving the analysis of dust which has collected on filters in central forced-air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or portable systems to determine the presence of indoor particle-bound contaminants. In this study, we summarize past filter forensics research to explore what it reveals about the sampling technique and the indoor environment. There are 60 investigations in the literature that have used this sampling technique for a variety of biotic and abiotic contaminants. Many studies identified differences between contaminant concentrations in different buildings using this technique. Based on this literature review, we identified a lack of quantification as a gap in the past literature. Accordingly, we propose an approach to quantitatively link contaminants extracted from HVAC filter dust to time-averaged integrated air concentrations. This quantitative filter forensics approach has great potential to measure indoor air concentrations of a wide variety of particle-bound contaminants. Future studies directly comparing quantitative filter forensics to alternative sampling techniques are required to fully assess this approach, but analysis of past research suggests the enormous possibility of this approach. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Guenter Tulip Filter Retrieval Experience: Predictors of Successful Retrieval

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turba, Ulku Cenk, E-mail: uct5d@virginia.edu; Arslan, Bulent, E-mail: ba6e@virginia.edu; Meuse, Michael, E-mail: mm5tz@virginia.edu

We report our experience with Guenter Tulip filter placement indications, retrievals, and procedural problems, with emphasis on alternative retrieval techniques. We have identified 92 consecutive patients in whom a Guenter Tulip filter was placed and filter removal attempted. We recorded patient demographic information, filter placement and retrieval indications, procedures, standard and nonstandard filter retrieval techniques, complications, and clinical outcomes. The mean time to retrieval for those who experienced filter strut penetration was statistically significant [F(1,90) = 8.55, p = 0.004]. Filter strut(s) IVC penetration and successful retrieval were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.043). The filter hook-IVC relationshipmore » correlated with successful retrieval. A modified guidewire loop technique was applied in 8 of 10 cases where the hook appeared to penetrate the IVC wall and could not be engaged with a loop snare catheter, providing additional technical success in 6 of 8 (75%). Therefore, the total filter retrieval success increased from 88 to 95%. In conclusion, the Guenter Tulip filter has high successful retrieval rates with low rates of complication. Additional maneuvers such as a guidewire loop method can be used to improve retrieval success rates when the filter hook is endothelialized.« less

Plasma cleaning and analysis of archeological artefacts from Sipán

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saettone, E. A. O.; da Matta, J. A. S.; Alva, W.; Chubaci, J. F. O.; Fantini, M. C. A.; Galvão, R. M. O.; Kiyohara, P.; Tabacniks, M. H.

2003-04-01

A novel procedure using plasma sputtering in an electron-cyclotron-resonance device has been applied to clean archeological MOCHE artefacts, unearthed at the Royal Tombs of Sipán. After successful cleaning, the pieces were analysed by a variety of complementary techniques, namely proton-induced x-ray emission, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. With these techniques, it has been possible to not only determine the profiles of the gold and silver surface layers, but also to detect elements that may be relevant to explain the gilding techniques skillfully developed by the metal smiths of the MOCHE culture.

Engineering Design and Testing of a Novel High-Resolution Trace-Metal Clean Sampler for Profiling and Long-term Deployment Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, A. V.; Crusius, J.; Carlson, K.; Chapin, T. P.

2016-02-01

Design, assembly, and testing of a novel in-situ sampler for automated high-frequency trace-metal clean sampling at ocean moorings was undertaken with the goal of improving marine data density for iron (and other metals) by up to a factor of ten relative to existing samplers. Target characteristics are: modular, flexible use (profiling, static moorings, AUV-deployed), high capacity (100-200 samples), low power, low cost ($3k per 100-samples), ability to collect filtered + unfiltered samples, and simple assembly. Smaller sample volumes (10mL) are enabled by recent innovations in analysis techniques, while use of off-the-shelf components enables lower cost and faster development time, although attention must be taken to verify trace-metal cleanliness of materials in commercial products. Standard polypropylene syringes (tips with lock fittings) are adapted as sample chambers through fabrication of a dual (viton) o-ring replacement plunger to prevent barrel contamination between acid washing and sample collection. Syringes are mounted along a (pumped) sampling channel machined into a modular custom-designed 7.5in. HDPE ring; successive rings stack, fitted around the central 3 in. PVC pressure housing containing the pump, batteries, and temperature and pressure sensors. Optional filtering (0.45um) is easily added at the inlet to the pumped sampling line. Syringes, pre-filled with acid for sample preservation, are held "closed" using plastic zipties connected to the plunger pull; individual syringes are selected for filling by breaking a 0.003in. wire (e.g., stainless steel, gold-plated tungsten/rhenium) with a pulse of current or by melting the ziptie loop using a nichrome wire. Multiplexed addressing minimizes required microcontroller output pins and wires between the free-flooded collection chamber and the pressure housing. A novel, custom rotating inlet mounting scheme ensures that the pump tubing inlet remains positioned approximately 1m upstream of the sampler.

Substantiation of basic scheme of grain cleaning machine for preparation of agricultural crops seeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giyevskiy, A. M.; Orobinsky, V. I.; Tarasenko, A. P.; Chernyshov, A. V.; Kurilov, D. O.

2018-03-01

The article presents data on the feasibility of the concept of a high-efficiency seed cleaner with the consistent use of the air flow in aspiration and the multi-tier placement of the sorting grids in grating mills. As a result of modeling, the directions for further improvement of air-screen seed cleaning machines have been identified: an increase in the proportion of sorting grids in the mills up to 70 ... 80% and an increase in the speed of the air flow in the channel of the pre-filter cleaning up to 8.0 m / s. Experiments have established the competence of using mathematical modeling of airflow in the pneumatic system with the use of a finite-volume method for solving hydrodynamic equations for substantiating the basic parameters of the pneumatic system.

Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Trauma Patients: Prevalence and Management of Thrombus Within the Filter.

PubMed

Pan, Y; Zhao, J; Mei, J; Shao, M; Zhang, J; Wu, H

2016-12-01

The incidence of thrombus was investigated within retrievable filters placed in trauma patients with confirmed DVT at the time of retrieval and the optimal treatment for this clinical scenario was assessed. A technique called "filter retrieval with manual negative pressure aspiration thrombectomy" for management of filter thrombus was introduced and assessed. The retrievable filters referred for retrieval between January 2008 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of filter thrombus on a pre-retrieval cavogram. The clinical outcomes of different managements for thrombus within filters were recorded and analyzed. During the study 764 patients having Aegisy Filters implanted were referred for filter removal, from which 236 cases (134 male patients, mean age 50.2 years) of thrombus within the filter were observed on initial pre-retrieval IVC venogram 12-39 days after insertion (average 16.9 days). The incidence of infra-filter thrombus was 30.9%, and complete occlusion of the filter bearing IVC was seen in 2.4% (18) of cases. Retrieval was attempted in all 121 cases with small clots using a regular snare and sheath technique, and was successful in 120. A total of 116 cases with massive thrombus and IVC occlusion by thrombus were treated by CDT and/or the new retrieval technique. Overall, 213 cases (90.3%) of thrombus in the filter were removed successfully without PE. A small thrombus within the filter can be safely removed without additional management. CDT for reduction of the clot burden in filters was effective and safe. Filter retrieval with manual negative pressure aspiration thrombectomy seemed reasonable and valuable for management of massive thrombus within filters in some patients. Full assessment of the value and safety of this technique requires additional studies. Copyright © 2016 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of ultraviolet filters in bathing waters by stir bar sorptive-dispersive microextraction coupled to thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Benedé, Juan L; Chisvert, Alberto; Giokas, Dimosthenis L; Salvador, Amparo

2016-01-15

In this work, a new approach that combines the advantages of stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE), i.e. stir bar sorptive-dispersive microextraction (SBSDµE), is employed as enrichment and clean-up technique for the sensitive determination of eight lipophilic UV filters in water samples. The extraction is accomplished using a neodymium stir bar magnetically coated with oleic acid-coated cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as sorbent material, which are detached and dispersed into the solution at high stirring rate. When stirring is stopped, MNPs are magnetically retrieved onto the stir bar, which is subjected to thermal desorption (TD) to release the analytes into the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The SBSDµE approach allows for lower extraction time than SBSE and easier post-extraction treatment than DSPE, while TD allows for an effective and solvent-free injection of the entire quantity of desorbed analytes into GC-MS, and thus achieving a high sensitivity. The main parameters involved in TD, as well as the extraction time, were evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, the method was successfully validated showing good linearity, limits of detection and quantification in the low ngL(-1) range and good intra- and inter-day repeatability (RSD<12%). This accurate and sensitive analytical method was applied to the determination of trace amounts of UV filters in three bathing water samples (river, sea and swimming pool) with satisfactory relative recovery values (80-116%). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The applied technologies to access clean water for remote communities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabindra, I. B.

2018-01-01

A lot of research is done to overcome the remote communities to access clean water, yet very little is utilized and implemented by the community. Various reasons can probably be made for, which is the application of research results is assessed less practical. The aims of this paper is seeking a practical approach, how to establish criteria for the design can be easier applied, at the proper locations, the simple construction, effectively producing a volume and quality of clean water designation. The methods used in this paper is a technological model assessment of treatment/filtering clean water produced a variety of previous research, to establish a model of appropriate technology for remote communities. Various research results collected from the study of literature, while the identification of opportunities and threats to its application is done using a SWOT analysis. This article discussion is looking for alternative models of clean water filtration technology from the previous research results, to be selected as appropriate technology, easily applied and bring of many benefits to the remote communities. The conclusions resulting from the discussion in this paper, expected to be used as the basic criteria of design model of clean water filtration technologies that can be accepted and applied effectively by the remote communities.

Cleaning Physical Education Areas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffin, William R.

1999-01-01

Discusses techniques to help create clean and inviting school locker rooms. Daily, weekly or monthly, biannual, and annual cleaning strategies for locker room showers are highlighted as are the specialized maintenance needs for aerobic and dance areas, running tracks, and weight training areas. (GR)

Wavelet Transform Based Filter to Remove the Notches from Signal Under Harmonic Polluted Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Sukanta; Ranjan, Vikash

2017-12-01

The work proposes to annihilate the notches present in the synchronizing signal required for converter operation appearing due to switching of semiconductor devices connected to the system in the harmonic polluted environment. The disturbances in the signal are suppressed by wavelet based novel filtering technique. In the proposed technique, the notches in the signal are determined and eliminated by the wavelet based multi-rate filter using `Daubechies4' (db4) as mother wavelet. The computational complexity of the adapted technique is very less as compared to any other conventional notch filtering techniques. The proposed technique is developed in MATLAB/Simulink and finally validated with dSPACE-1103 interface. The recovered signal, thus obtained, is almost free of the notches.

Cleaning Our World through Reverse Graffiti

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randazzo, Gabe; LaJevic, Lisa

2013-01-01

Over the last decade artists have begun to experiment with "reverse pollution" techniques, such as reverse graffiti, which focuses on cleaning environmental surfaces. Having recently been introduced to the works of Moose, the artist known for inventing the reverse graffiti technique, the authors decided to design a curriculum to increase…

A Comparison of Retrievability: Celect versus Option Filter.

PubMed

Ryu, Robert K; Desai, Kush; Karp, Jennifer; Gupta, Ramona; Evans, Alan Emerson; Rajeswaran, Shankar; Salem, Riad; Lewandowski, Robert J

2015-06-01

To compare the retrievability of 2 potentially retrievable inferior vena cava filter devices. A retrospective, institutional review board-approved study of Celect (Cook, Inc, Bloomington, Indiana) and Option (Rex Medical, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania) filters was conducted over a 33-month period at a single institution. Fluoroscopy time, significant filter tilt, use of adjunctive retrieval technique, and strut perforation in the inferior vena cava were recorded on retrieval. Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test were used for comparison. There were 99 Celect and 86 Option filters deployed. After an average of 2.09 months (range, 0.3-7.6 mo) and 1.94 months (range, 0.47-9.13 mo), respectively, 59% (n = 58) of patients with Celect filters and 74.7% (n = 65) of patients with Option filters presented for filter retrieval. Retrieval failure rates were 3.4% for Celect filters versus 7.7% for Option filters (P = .45). Median fluoroscopy retrieval times were 4.25 minutes for Celect filters versus 6 minutes for Option filters (P = .006). Adjunctive retrieval techniques were used in 5.4% of Celect filter retrievals versus 18.3% of Option filter retrievals (P = .045). The incidence of significant tilting was 8.9% for Celect filters versus 16.7% for Option filters (P = .27). The incidence of strut perforation was 43% for Celect filters versus 0% for Option filters (P < .0001). Retrieval rates for the Celect and Option filters were not significantly different. However, retrieval of the Option filter required a significantly increased amount of fluoroscopy time compared with the Celect filter, and there was a significantly greater usage of adjunctive retrieval techniques for the Option filter. The Celect filter had a significantly higher rate of strut perforation. Copyright © 2015 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Advanced Curation Protocols for Mars Returned Sample Handling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, M.; Mickelson, E.; Lindstrom, D.; Allton, J.

Introduction: Johnson Space Center has over 30 years experience handling precious samples which include Lunar rocks and Antarctic meteorites. However, we recognize that future curation of samples from such missions as Genesis, Stardust, and Mars S mple Return, will require a high degree of biosafety combined witha extremely low levels of inorganic, organic, and biological contamination. To satisfy these requirements, research in the JSC Advanced Curation Lab is currently focused toward two major areas: preliminary examination techniques and cleaning and verification techniques . Preliminary Examination Techniques : In order to minimize the number of paths for contamination we are exploring the synergy between human &robotic sample handling in a controlled environment to help determine the limits of clean curation. Within the Advanced Curation Laboratory is a prototype, next-generation glovebox, which contains a robotic micromanipulator. The remotely operated manipulator has six degrees-of- freedom and can be programmed to perform repetitive sample handling tasks. Protocols are being tested and developed to perform curation tasks such as rock splitting, weighing, imaging, and storing. Techniques for sample transfer enabling more detailed remote examination without compromising the integrity of sample science are also being developed . The glovebox is equipped with a rapid transfer port through which samples can be passed without exposure. The transfer is accomplished by using a unique seal and engagement system which allows passage between containers while maintaining a first seal to the outside environment and a second seal to prevent the outside of the container cover and port door from becoming contaminated by the material being transferred. Cleaning and Verification Techniques: As part of the contamination control effort, innovative cleaning techniques are being identified and evaluated in conjunction with sensitive cleanliness verification methods. Towards this end, cleaning techniques such as ultrasonication in ultra -pure water (UPW), oxygen (O2) plasma, and carbon dioxide (CO2) "snow" are being used to clean a variety of different contaminants on a variety of different surfaces. Additionally, once cleaned, techniques to directly verify the s rface cleanliness are being developed. Theseu include X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) quantification, and screening with- contact angle measure ments , which can be correlated with XPS standards. Methods developed in the Advanced Curation Laboratory will determine the extent to which inorganic and biological contamination can be controlled and minimized.

Actuation of atomic force microscopy microcantilevers using contact acoustic nonlinearities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Torello, D.; Degertekin, F. Levent, E-mail: levent.degertekin@me.gatech.edu

2013-11-15

A new method of actuating atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers is proposed in which a high frequency (>5 MHz) wave modulated by a lower frequency (∼300 kHz) wave passes through a contact acoustic nonlinearity at the contact interface between the actuator and the cantilever chip. The nonlinearity converts the high frequency, modulated signal to a low frequency drive signal suitable for actuation of tapping-mode AFM probes. The higher harmonic content of this signal is filtered out mechanically by the cantilever transfer function, providing for clean output. A custom probe holder was designed and constructed using rapid prototyping technologies and off-the-shelfmore » components and was interfaced with an Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM, which was then used to evaluate the performance characteristics with respect to standard hardware and linear actuation techniques. Using a carrier frequency of 14.19 MHz, it was observed that the cantilever output was cleaner with this actuation technique and added no significant noise to the system. This setup, without any optimization, was determined to have an actuation bandwidth on the order of 10 MHz, suitable for high speed imaging applications. Using this method, an image was taken that demonstrates the viability of the technique and is compared favorably to images taken with a standard AFM setup.« less

An automatic taxonomy of galaxy morphology using unsupervised machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hocking, Alex; Geach, James E.; Sun, Yi; Davey, Neil

2018-01-01

We present an unsupervised machine learning technique that automatically segments and labels galaxies in astronomical imaging surveys using only pixel data. Distinct from previous unsupervised machine learning approaches used in astronomy we use no pre-selection or pre-filtering of target galaxy type to identify galaxies that are similar. We demonstrate the technique on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Frontier Fields. By training the algorithm using galaxies from one field (Abell 2744) and applying the result to another (MACS 0416.1-2403), we show how the algorithm can cleanly separate early and late type galaxies without any form of pre-directed training for what an 'early' or 'late' type galaxy is. We then apply the technique to the HST Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) fields, creating a catalogue of approximately 60 000 classifications. We show how the automatic classification groups galaxies of similar morphological (and photometric) type and make the classifications public via a catalogue, a visual catalogue and galaxy similarity search. We compare the CANDELS machine-based classifications to human-classifications from the Galaxy Zoo: CANDELS project. Although there is not a direct mapping between Galaxy Zoo and our hierarchical labelling, we demonstrate a good level of concordance between human and machine classifications. Finally, we show how the technique can be used to identify rarer objects and present lensed galaxy candidates from the CANDELS imaging.

Retrieval of Tip-embedded Inferior Vena Cava Filters by Using the Endobronchial Forceps Technique: Experience at a Single Institution.

PubMed

Stavropoulos, S William; Ge, Benjamin H; Mondschein, Jeffrey I; Shlansky-Goldberg, Richard D; Sudheendra, Deepak; Trerotola, Scott O

2015-06-01

To evaluate the use of endobronchial forceps to retrieve tip-embedded inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. This institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included 114 patients who presented with tip-embedded IVC filters for removal from January 2005 to April 2014. The included patients consisted of 77 women and 37 men with a mean age of 43 years (range, 18-79 years). Filters were identified as tip embedded by using rotational venography. Rigid bronchoscopy forceps were used to dissect the tip or hook of the filter from the wall of the IVC. The filter was then removed through the sheath by using the endobronchial forceps. Statistical analysis entailed calculating percentages, ranges, and means. The endobronchial forceps technique was used to successfully retrieve 109 of 114 (96%) tip-embedded IVC filters on an intention-to-treat basis. Five failures occurred in four patients in whom the technique was attempted but failed and one patient in whom retrieval was not attempted. Filters were in place for a mean of 465 days (range, 31-2976 days). The filters in this study included 10 Recovery, 33 G2, eight G2X, 11 Eclipse, one OptEase, six Option, 13 Günther Tulip, one ALN, and 31 Celect filters. Three minor complications and one major complication occurred, with no permanent sequelae. The endobronchial forceps technique can be safely used to remove tip-embedded IVC filters. © RSNA, 2014.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M.; Burket, P.

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently treating radioactive liquid waste with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). Recently, the low filter flux through the ARP of approximately 5 gallons per minute has limited the rate at which radioactive liquid waste can be treated. Salt Batch 6 had a lower processing rate and required frequent filter cleaning. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) has a desire to understand the causes of the low filter flux and to increase ARP/MCU throughput. SRR requested SRNL to conduct bench-scale filter tests to evaluate whether sodium oxalate, sodiummore » aluminosilicate, or aluminum solids (i.e., gibbsite and boehmite) could be the cause of excessive fouling of the crossflow or secondary filter at ARP. The authors conducted the tests by preparing slurries containing 6.6 M sodium Salt Batch 6 supernate, 2.5 g MST/L slurry, and varying concentrations of sodium oxalate, sodium aluminosilicate, and aluminum solids, processing the slurry through a bench-scale filter unit that contains a crossflow primary filter and a dead-end secondary filter, and measuring filter flux and transmembrane pressure as a function of time. Among the conclusions drwn from this work are the following: (1) All of the tests showed some evidence of fouling the secondary filter. This fouling could be from fine particles passing through the crossflow filter. (2) The sodium oxalate-containing feeds behaved differently from the sodium aluminosilicate- and gibbsite/boehmite-containing feeds.« less

Clean Assembly of Genesis Collector Canister for Flight: Lessons for Planetary Sample Return

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allton, J. H.; Stansbery, E. K.; Allen, C. C.; Warren, J. L.; Schwartz, C. M.

2007-01-01

Measurement of solar composition in the Genesis collectors requires not only high sensitivity but very low blanks; thus, very strict collector contamination minimization was required beginning with mission planning and continuing through hardware design, fabrication, assembly and testing. Genesis started with clean collectors and kept them clean inside of a canister. The mounting hardware and container for the clean collectors were designed to be cleanable, with access to all surfaces for cleaning. Major structural components were made of aluminum and cleaned with megasonically energized ultrapure water (UPW). The UPW purity was >18 M resistivity. Although aluminum is relatively difficult to clean, the Genesis protocol achieved level 25 and level 50 cleanliness on large structural parts; however, the experience suggests that surface treatments may be helpful on future missions. All cleaning was performed in an ISO Class 4 (Class 10) cleanroom immediately adjacent to an ISO Class 4 assembly room; thus, no plastic packaging was required for transport. Persons assembling the canister were totally enclosed in cleanroom suits with face shield and HEPA filter exhaust from suit. Interior canister materials, including fasteners, were installed, untouched by gloves, using tweezers and other stainless steel tools. Sealants/lubricants were not exposed inside the canister, but vented to the exterior and applied in extremely small amounts using special tools. The canister was closed in ISO Class 4, not to be opened until on station at Earth-Sun L1. Throughout the cleaning and assembly, coupons of reference materials that were cleaned at the same time as the flight hardware were archived for future reference and blanks. Likewise reference collectors were archived. Post-mission analysis of collectors has made use of these archived reference materials.

The Design of Exhaust Systems and Discharge Stacks [With Comments].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, John H.

1963-01-01

An important part of ventilating for safety consists of providing the necessary exhaust systems to remove building contaminants safely. Further, the effluent must be cleaned within practical limits by means of filters, collectors, and scrubbers. Where recirculation is not safe or feasible, the effluent must be discharged to the outside in a manner…

40 CFR 60.2265 - What definitions must I know?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... means an add-on air pollution control device used to capture particulate matter by filtering gas streams... in the air pollution control devices used to comply with the emission limits for the affected CISWI... definitions must I know? Terms used but not defined in this subpart are defined in the Clean Air Act and...

NATIONAL INCINERATOR TESTING AND EVALUATION PROGRAM: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF REFUSE-DERIVED FUEL (RDF) COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY - MID-CONNECTICUT FACILITY,

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of an environmental characterization of refuse-derived, semi-suspension burning technology at a facility in Hartford, CT, that represents state-of-the-art technology, including a spray dryer/fabric filter flue gas cleaning (FGC) system for each unit. The ...

MST Filterability Tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M. R.; Burket, P. R.; Duignan, M. R.

2015-03-12

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is currently treating radioactive liquid waste with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). The low filter flux through the ARP has limited the rate at which radioactive liquid waste can be treated. Recent filter flux has averaged approximately 5 gallons per minute (gpm). Salt Batch 6 has had a lower processing rate and required frequent filter cleaning. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) has a desire to understand the causes of the low filter flux and to increase ARP/MCU throughput. In addition, at the time the testing started, SRRmore » was assessing the impact of replacing the 0.1 micron filter with a 0.5 micron filter. This report describes testing of MST filterability to investigate the impact of filter pore size and MST particle size on filter flux and testing of filter enhancers to attempt to increase filter flux. The authors constructed a laboratory-scale crossflow filter apparatus with two crossflow filters operating in parallel. One filter was a 0.1 micron Mott sintered SS filter and the other was a 0.5 micron Mott sintered SS filter. The authors also constructed a dead-end filtration apparatus to conduct screening tests with potential filter aids and body feeds, referred to as filter enhancers. The original baseline for ARP was 5.6 M sodium salt solution with a free hydroxide concentration of approximately 1.7 M.3 ARP has been operating with a sodium concentration of approximately 6.4 M and a free hydroxide concentration of approximately 2.5 M. SRNL conducted tests varying the concentration of sodium and free hydroxide to determine whether those changes had a significant effect on filter flux. The feed slurries for the MST filterability tests were composed of simple salts (NaOH, NaNO 2, and NaNO 3) and MST (0.2 – 4.8 g/L). The feed slurry for the filter enhancer tests contained simulated salt batch 6 supernate, MST, and filter enhancers.« less

Nano-metal oxides: Exposure and engineering control assessment.

PubMed

Garcia, Alberto; Eastlake, Adrienne; Topmiller, Jennifer L; Sparks, Christopher; Martinez, Kenneth; Geraci, Charles L

2017-09-01

In January 2007, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a field study to evaluate process specific emissions during the production of ENMs. This study was performed using the nanoparticle emission assessment technique (NEAT). During this study, it was determined that ENMs were released during production and cleaning of the process reactor. Airborne concentrations of silver, nickel, and iron were found both in the employee's personal breathing zone and area samples during reactor cleaning. At the completion of this initial survey, it was suggested that a flanged attachment be added to the local exhaust ventilation system.  NIOSH re-evaluated the facility in December 2011 to assess worker exposures following an increase in production rates. This study included a fully comprehensive emissions, exposure, and engineering control evaluation of the entire process. This study made use of the nanoparticle exposure assessment technique (NEAT 2.0). Data obtained from filter-based samples and direct reading instruments indicate that reactor cleanout increased the overall particle concentration in the immediate area. However, it does not appear that these concentrations affect areas outside of the production floor. As the distance between the reactor and the sample location increased, the observed particle number concentration decreased, creating a concentration gradient with respect to the reactor. The results of this study confirm that the flanged attachment on the local exhaust ventilation system served to decrease exposure potential.  Given the available toxicological data of the metals evaluated, caution is warranted. One should always keep in mind that occupational exposure levels were not developed specifically for nanoscale particles. With data suggesting that certain nanoparticles may be more toxic than the larger counterparts of the same material; employers should attempt to control emissions of these particles at the source, to limit the potential for exposure.

International Space Station (ISS) Bacterial Filter Elements (BFEs): Filter Efficiency and Pressure Testing of Returned Units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert D.; Agui, Juan H.; Vijayakumar, R.

2017-01-01

The air revitalization system aboard the International Space Station (ISS) provides the vital function of maintaining a clean cabin environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of sedimentation due to the microgravity environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system architecture in the U.S. Segment uses a distributed particulate filtration approach consisting of traditional High-Efficiency Particulate Adsorption (HEPA) media filters deployed at multiple locations in each U.S. Segment module; these filters are referred to as Bacterial Filter Elements, or BFEs. These filters see a replacement interval, as part of maintenance, of 2-5 years dependent on location in the ISS. In this work, we present particulate removal efficiency, pressure drop, and leak test results for a sample set of 8 BFEs returned from the ISS after filter replacement. The results can potentially be utilized by the ISS Program to ascertain whether the present replacement interval can be maintained or extended to balance the on-ground filter inventory with extension of the lifetime of ISS beyond 2024. These results can also provide meaningful guidance for particulate filter designs under consideration for future deep space exploration missions.

Bacterial treatment effectiveness of point-of-use ceramic water filters.

PubMed

Bielefeldt, Angela R; Kowalski, Kate; Summers, R Scott

2009-08-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted on six point-of-use (POU) ceramic water filters that were manufactured in Nicaragua; two filters were used by families for ca. 4 years and the other filters had limited prior use in our lab. Water spiked with ca. 10(6)CFU/mL of Escherichia coli was dosed to the filters. Initial disinfection efficiencies ranged from 3 - 4.5 log, but the treatment efficiency decreased with subsequent batches of spiked water. Silver concentrations in the effluent water ranged from 0.04 - 1.75 ppb. Subsequent experiments that utilized feed water without a bacterial spike yielded 10(3)-10(5)CFU/mL bacteria in the effluent. Immediately after recoating four of the filters with a colloidal silver solution, the effluent silver concentrations increased to 36 - 45 ppb and bacterial disinfection efficiencies were 3.8-4.5 log. The treatment effectiveness decreased to 0.2 - 2.5 log after loading multiple batches of highly contaminated water. In subsequent loading of clean water, the effluent water contained <20-41 CFU/mL in two of the filters. This indicates that the silver had some benefit to reducing bacterial contamination by the filter. In general these POU filters were found to be effective, but showed loss of effectiveness with time and indicated a release of microbes into subsequent volumes of water passed through the system.

Swarm Intelligence for Optimizing Hybridized Smoothing Filter in Image Edge Enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, B. Tirumala; Dehuri, S.; Dileep, M.; Vindhya, A.

In this modern era, image transmission and processing plays a major role. It would be impossible to retrieve information from satellite and medical images without the help of image processing techniques. Edge enhancement is an image processing step that enhances the edge contrast of an image or video in an attempt to improve its acutance. Edges are the representations of the discontinuities of image intensity functions. For processing these discontinuities in an image, a good edge enhancement technique is essential. The proposed work uses a new idea for edge enhancement using hybridized smoothening filters and we introduce a promising technique of obtaining best hybrid filter using swarm algorithms (Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)) to search for an optimal sequence of filters from among a set of rather simple, representative image processing filters. This paper deals with the analysis of the swarm intelligence techniques through the combination of hybrid filters generated by these algorithms for image edge enhancement.

Denali, Tulip, and Option Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval: A Single Center Experience.

PubMed

Ramaswamy, Raja S; Jun, Emily; van Beek, Darren; Mani, Naganathan; Salter, Amber; Kim, Seung K; Akinwande, Olaguoke

2018-04-01

To compare the technical success of filter retrieval in Denali, Tulip, and Option inferior vena cava filters. A retrospective analysis of Denali, Gunther Tulip, and Option IVC filters was conducted. Retrieval failure rates, fluoroscopy time, sedation time, use of advanced retrieval techniques, and filter-related complications that led to retrieval failure were recorded. There were 107 Denali, 43 Option, and 39 Tulip filters deployed and removed with average dwell times of 93.5, 86.0, and 131 days, respectively. Retrieval failure rates were 0.9% for Denali, 11.6% for Option, and 5.1% for Tulip filters (Denali vs. Option p = 0.018; Denali vs. Tulip p = 0.159; Tulip vs. Option p = 0.045). Median fluoroscopy time for filter retrieval was 3.2 min for the Denali filter, 6.75 min for the Option filter, and 4.95 min for the Tulip filter (Denali vs. Option p < 0.01; Denali vs. Tulip p < 0.01; Tulip vs. Option p = 0.67). Advanced retrieval techniques were used in 0.9% of Denali filters, 21.1% in Option filters, and 10.8% in Tulip filters (Denali vs. Option p < 0.01; Denali vs. Tulip p < 0.01; Tulip vs. Option p < 0.01). Filter retrieval failure rates were significantly higher for the Option filter when compared to both the Denali and Tulip filters. Retrieval of the Denali filter required significantly less amount of fluoroscopy time and use of advanced retrieval techniques when compared to both the Option and Tulip filters. The findings of this study indicate easier retrieval of the Denali and Tulip IVC filters when compared to the Option filter.

The trickle-down theory of cleaner air.

PubMed Central

Frazer, L

2000-01-01

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments prompted an increased urgency to find new ways to treat airstreams containing volatile organic compounds, which affect the nitrogen photolytic cycle and help produce ground-level ozone, hazardous air pollutants, and odorous air emissions such as hydrogen sulfide. Scientists at the New Jersey company Envirogen have adapted traditional biofiltration technology to perform airborne waste stream cleanup. Preliminary research on pollutants such as phenol, methylene chloride, benzene, and toluene indicates that Envirogen's biotrickling filter may remove an average of about 94% of total hazardous air pollutants. Scientists are working to identify microbes that will clean up more stubborn pollutants. PMID:10753107

Speeding Up the Bilateral Filter: A Joint Acceleration Way.

PubMed

Dai, Longquan; Yuan, Mengke; Zhang, Xiaopeng

2016-06-01

Computational complexity of the brute-force implementation of the bilateral filter (BF) depends on its filter kernel size. To achieve the constant-time BF whose complexity is irrelevant to the kernel size, many techniques have been proposed, such as 2D box filtering, dimension promotion, and shiftability property. Although each of the above techniques suffers from accuracy and efficiency problems, previous algorithm designers were used to take only one of them to assemble fast implementations due to the hardness of combining them together. Hence, no joint exploitation of these techniques has been proposed to construct a new cutting edge implementation that solves these problems. Jointly employing five techniques: kernel truncation, best N-term approximation as well as previous 2D box filtering, dimension promotion, and shiftability property, we propose a unified framework to transform BF with arbitrary spatial and range kernels into a set of 3D box filters that can be computed in linear time. To the best of our knowledge, our algorithm is the first method that can integrate all these acceleration techniques and, therefore, can draw upon one another's strong point to overcome deficiencies. The strength of our method has been corroborated by several carefully designed experiments. In particular, the filtering accuracy is significantly improved without sacrificing the efficiency at running time.

Does the Use of Clean or Sterile Dressing Technique Affect the Incidence of Wound Infection?

PubMed

Kent, Dea J; Scardillo, Jody N; Dale, Barbara; Pike, Caitlin

The purpose of this article is to examine the evidence and provide recommendations for the use of clean or sterile dressing technique with dressing application to prevent wound infection. In all persons with acute or chronic wounds, does the use of clean or sterile dressing technique affect incidence of wound infection? A search of the literature was performed by a trained university librarian, which resulted in 473 articles that examined any age group that dealt with application of a wound dressing using either sterile or nonsterile technique. A systematic approach was used to review titles, abstracts, and text, yielding 4 studies that met inclusion criteria. Strength of the evidence was rated using rating methodology from Essential Evidence Plus: Levels of Evidence and Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, adapted by Gray and colleagues. Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Appraisal Tool was used to rate the quality of the evidence. All 4 studies reported no significant difference in the rate of wound infection when using either clean or sterile technique with dressing application. The strength of the evidence for the identified studies was identified as level 2 (1 level A, 3 level B). The study sizes were variable, and the wounds included do not represent the continuum of wounds clinically encountered across the board. Evidence indicates that the use of clean technique for acute wound care is a clinically effective intervention that does not affect the incidence of infection. There is no recommendation that can be made regarding type of dressing technique for a chronic wound due to the lack of evidence in the literature.

A preliminary study of a new endodontic irrigation system: Clean Jet Endo.

PubMed

Nouioua, F; Slimani, A; Levallois, B; Camps, J; Tassery, H; Cuisinier, F; Bukiet, F

2015-03-01

The purpose of the present study was to assess the irrigant penetration and cleaning ability of a new irrigation system, the Clean Jet Endo (Produits Dentaires SA, Switzerland) in comparison to conventional irrigation followed or not by sonic activation. Irrigant penetration was evaluated on resin blocks simulators by measuring the methylene blue absorbance thanks to a UV/visible spectrophotometer and cleaning ability was assessed in an ex vivo experiment according to the debris score in an artificial canal extension before and after the final irrigation protocol. A statistical analysis was carried out in order to highlight the significant differences between the irrigation techniques. Clean Jet Endo permitted to better eliminate the methylene blue into the simulated canals. A significant difference between the 2 techniques was observed in the middle third (p = 0.005) as well as in the apical third (p < 0.2). An additional microscope observation (16X) confirmed that Clean Jet Endo@ usage led to a better penetration of irrigant within the lateral canals of the simulators. Likewise, this irrigating system permitted to better eliminate the debris in the lateral groove than the other techniques. In conclusion, our findings implied the potential of this new irrigation system to enhance root canal debridement and disinfection.

Improved antifouling potential of polyether sulfone polymeric membrane containing silver nanoparticles: self-cleaning membranes.

PubMed

Rana, Sidra; Nazar, Umair; Ali, Jafar; Ali, Qurat Ul Ain; Ahmad, Nasir M; Sarwar, Fiza; Waseem, Hassan; Jamil, Syed Umair Ullah

2018-06-01

A new strategy to enhance the antifouling potential of polyether sulfone (PES) membrane is presented. Chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used to prepare a mixed-matrix PES membrane by the phase inversion technique. Primarily, AgNPs synthesis was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance at 410-430 nm using UV-Visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that AgNPs were crystalline with a diameter of 21 ± 2 nm. Furthermore, PES membranes were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to confirm the incorporation of AgNPs in membranes. Hydrophilicity of the membranes was enhanced, whereas roughness, mechanical strength and biofouling were relatively reduced after embedding the AgNPs. Antibacterial potential of AgNPs was evaluated for E. coli in the disc diffusion and colony-forming unit (CFU) count method. All of the membranes were assessed for antifouling activity by filtering a control dilution (10 6  CFU/ml) of E. coli and by counting CFU. Anti-biofouling activity of the membrane was observed with different concentrations of AgNPs. Maximum reduction (66%) was observed in membrane containing 1.5% of AgNPs. The addition of antibiotic ceftriaxone enhanced the antibacterial effect of AgNPs in PES membranes. Our practicable antifouling strategy may be applied to other polymeric membranes which may pave the new way to achieve sustainable and self-cleaning membrane reactors on large scale.

Symmetric Phase Only Filtering for Improved DPIV Data Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernet, Mark P.

2006-01-01

The standard approach in Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) data processing is to use Fast Fourier Transforms to obtain the cross-correlation of two single exposure subregions, where the location of the cross-correlation peak is representative of the most probable particle displacement across the subregion. This standard DPIV processing technique is analogous to Matched Spatial Filtering, a technique commonly used in optical correlators to perform the crosscorrelation operation. Phase only filtering is a well known variation of Matched Spatial Filtering, which when used to process DPIV image data yields correlation peaks which are narrower and up to an order of magnitude larger than those obtained using traditional DPIV processing. In addition to possessing desirable correlation plane features, phase only filters also provide superior performance in the presence of DC noise in the correlation subregion. When DPIV image subregions contaminated with surface flare light or high background noise levels are processed using phase only filters, the correlation peak pertaining only to the particle displacement is readily detected above any signal stemming from the DC objects. Tedious image masking or background image subtraction are not required. Both theoretical and experimental analyses of the signal-to-noise ratio performance of the filter functions are presented. In addition, a new Symmetric Phase Only Filtering (SPOF) technique, which is a variation on the traditional phase only filtering technique, is described and demonstrated. The SPOF technique exceeds the performance of the traditionally accepted phase only filtering techniques and is easily implemented in standard DPIV FFT based correlation processing with no significant computational performance penalty. An "Automatic" SPOF algorithm is presented which determines when the SPOF is able to provide better signal to noise results than traditional PIV processing. The SPOF based optical correlation processing approach is presented as a new paradigm for more robust cross-correlation processing of low signal-to-noise ratio DPIV image data."

Application of a modified complementary filtering technique for increased aircraft control system frequency bandwidth in high vibration environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garren, J. F., Jr.; Niessen, F. R.; Abbott, T. S.; Yenni, K. R.

1977-01-01

A modified complementary filtering technique for estimating aircraft roll rate was developed and flown in a research helicopter to determine whether higher gains could be achieved. Use of this technique did, in fact, permit a substantial increase in system frequency bandwidth because, in comparison with first-order filtering, it reduced both noise amplification and control limit-cycle tendencies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ottney, T.C.

Filtration systems that are incorrectly selected, installed and maintained can cause excessive particulates in occupied spaces. This article describes how to identify and correct problems. Particulate matter can be removed from ventilation air at several sites within a building. These sites include: on heat exchanger surfaces; inside ductwork, ceiling tiles and diffusers; and in the air filter. The cost associated with removing these unwanted contaminants is unavoidable. However, this removal cost varies depending on where the particulates have been deposited. Not all particulates that are generated by work-related activities are transported to the filter bank by return air currents beforemore » being deposited on other surfaces. Accordingly, walls still have to be repainted at varying intervals and carpeting vacuumed. Ceiling tiles will discolor at a rate that is influenced by their texture, the air outlet velocity, the amount of dirt in the ventilation air and how much contaminant is being generated in the room. It is estimated that 15% of ventilation air escapes the air filtration process. This leakage results in higher utility, janitorial and redecorating costs as well as contributing to employee absenteeism. When building management does not prevent it, air-conditioning coils and ductwork become an unintended part of the building's air filtration system. In time, this is much more expensive both in energy and cleaning costs than the steps available to keep them clean. Good particulate control can lower the total cost of building operation. However, a building operator may not have to upgrade to a higher efficiency filter to achieve higher system efficiency. Simply eliminating the source of leaks and better management of the existing filters may be all that is necessary.« less

Characteristics of a high extinction ratio comb-filter based on LP01-LP11even mode elliptical multilayer-core fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiao; Liu, Shuo; Li, Yang; Liu, Zhibo; Jian, Shuisheng

2015-01-01

We experimentally characterized an all-fiber microstructure Mach-Zehnder comb-filter (MZ comb-filter), which based on homemade elliptical multilayer-core fibers (EMCF) and consisted of an EMCF-SMF-EMCF (ESE) structure. To the best of our knowledge, the dual-mode elliptical multilayer-core fiber was the first time to produce and apply in MZ comb filer. The EMCF, in which only two modes could be propagated, can be easier to fabricate a filter with clean comb spectrum than many fibers, such as multimode fibers, thin-core fibers, PCFs and et al. A comb-filter with extinction ratio (˜25 dB) was successfully achieved with an EMCF-SMF-EMCF structure. The wavelengths of the lead-out light shifted with the changing of surrounding refractive indexes (SRI) and temperature. Thus, this MZ comb-filter had potential for improving the SRI and temperature measurement resolutions. A maximum sensitivity of 53.744 nm per refractive index unit (RIU) within a linear range of 1.333-1.383 and 59.875 pm/°C within temperature range of 0-80 °C were experimentally achieved, respectively.

Effects of reducing exposure to air pollution on submaximal cardiopulmonary test in patients with heart failure: Analysis of the randomized, double-blind and controlled FILTER-HF trial.

PubMed

Vieira, Jefferson L; Guimaraes, Guilherme V; de Andre, Paulo A; Saldiva, Paulo H Nascimento; Bocchi, Edimar A

2016-07-15

Air pollution exposure could mitigate the health benefits of exercise in patients with heart failure (HF). We tested the effects of a respiratory filter on HF patients exposed to air pollution during exercise. Ancillary analysis of the FILTER-HF trial, focused on the exercise outcomes. In a randomized, double-blind, 3-way crossover design, 26 HF patients and 15 control volunteers were exposed to clean air, unfiltered dilute diesel engine exhaust (DE), or filtered DE for 6min during a submaximal cardiopulmonary testing in a controlled-exposure facility. Prospectively collected data included six-minute walking test [6mwt], VO2, VE/VCO2 Slope, O2Pulse, pulmonary ventilation [VE], tidal volume, VD/Vt, oxyhemoglobin saturation and CO2-rebreathing. Compared to clean air, DE adversely affected VO2 (11.0±3.9 vs. 8.4±2.8ml/kg/min; p<0.001); 6mwt (243.3±13.0 vs. 220.8±13.7m; p=0.030); and O2Pulse (8.9±1.0 vs. 7.8±0.7ml/beat; p<0.001) in HF patients. Compared to DE, filtration reduced the particulate concentration from 325±31 to 25±6μg/m(3), and was associated with an increase in VO2 (10.4±3.8ml/kg/min; p<0.001 vs. DE) and O2Pulse (9.7±1.1ml/beat; p<0.001 vs. DE) in patients with HF. Filtration was associated with higher VE and CO2-rebreathing in both groups. VE/VCO2 Slope was higher among patients with HF. DE adversely affects exercise capacity in patients with HF. A simple respiratory filter can reduce the adverse effects of pollution on VO2 and O2Pulse. Given the worldwide prevalence of exposure to traffic-related air pollution, these findings are relevant for public health especially in this highly susceptible population. The filter intervention holds great promise that needs to be tested in future studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Meibomian Gland Expression Methods on Human Lipid Analysis Results.

PubMed

Kunnen, Carolina M E; Brown, Simon H J; Lazon de la Jara, Percy; Holden, Brien A; Blanksby, Stephen J; Mitchell, Todd W; Papas, Eric B

2016-01-01

To compare the lipid composition of human meibum across three different meibum expression techniques. Meibum was collected from five healthy non-contact lens wearers (aged 20-35 years) after cleaning the eyelid margin using three meibum expression methods: cotton buds (CB), meibomian gland evaluator (MGE) and meibomian gland forceps (MGF). Meibum was also collected using cotton buds without cleaning the eyelid margin (CBn). Lipids were analyzed by chip-based, nano-electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Comparisons were made using linear mixed models. Tandem MS enabled identification and quantification of over 200 lipid species across ten lipid classes. There were significant differences between collection techniques in the relative quantities of polar lipids obtained (P<.05). The MGE method returned smaller polar lipid quantities than the CB approaches. No significant differences were found between techniques for nonpolar lipids. No significant differences were found between cleaned and non-cleaned eyelids for polar or nonpolar lipids. Meibum expression technique influences the relative amount of phospholipids in the resulting sample. The highest amounts of phospholipids were detected with the CB approaches and the lowest with the MGE technique. Cleaning the eyelid margin prior to expression was not found to affect the lipid composition of the sample. This may be a consequence of the more forceful expression resulting in cell membrane contamination or higher risk of tear lipid contamination as a result of reflex tearing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PDF-based heterogeneous multiscale filtration model.

PubMed

Gong, Jian; Rutland, Christopher J

2015-04-21

Motivated by modeling of gasoline particulate filters (GPFs), a probability density function (PDF) based heterogeneous multiscale filtration (HMF) model is developed to calculate filtration efficiency of clean particulate filters. A new methodology based on statistical theory and classic filtration theory is developed in the HMF model. Based on the analysis of experimental porosimetry data, a pore size probability density function is introduced to represent heterogeneity and multiscale characteristics of the porous wall. The filtration efficiency of a filter can be calculated as the sum of the contributions of individual collectors. The resulting HMF model overcomes the limitations of classic mean filtration models which rely on tuning of the mean collector size. Sensitivity analysis shows that the HMF model recovers the classical mean model when the pore size variance is very small. The HMF model is validated by fundamental filtration experimental data from different scales of filter samples. The model shows a good agreement with experimental data at various operating conditions. The effects of the microstructure of filters on filtration efficiency as well as the most penetrating particle size are correctly predicted by the model.

A highly efficient, stable, durable, and recyclable filter fabricated by femtosecond laser drilling of a titanium foil for oil-water separation.

PubMed

Ye, Sen; Cao, Qiang; Wang, Qingsong; Wang, Tianyuan; Peng, Qing

2016-11-21

It has been a long standing challenge to efficiently separate oil and water since prehistoric times, and now it has become even more desirable in oily wastewater purification and oil spill cleanup. Here we introduce a super oil-water separation filter with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity, fabricated using femtosecond laser micro-hole drilling of a titanium foil. Such a simply-made filter, without any modification, can achieve a separation efficiency exceeding 99% in eight typical oil-water mixtures. It remains highly efficient after 40 cycles of recycling and after suffering erosion by corrosive media. Furthermore, the used filter, polluted with oil, could be recovered by ultraviolet illumination. The flux of filtered water is tunable by simply selecting the aperture of the microhole or the spacing between adjacent microholes. Such advanced functionality is due to roughness and the TiO 2 layers on the ablated surface during fabrication. With superhydrophilic and superoleophobic surfaces, this oil-water filer is also suitable for applications in anti-fouling, anti-smudge, anti-fog, and self-cleaning.

A highly efficient, stable, durable, and recyclable filter fabricated by femtosecond laser drilling of a titanium foil for oil-water separation

PubMed Central

Ye, Sen; Cao, Qiang; Wang, Qingsong; Wang, Tianyuan; Peng, Qing

2016-01-01

It has been a long standing challenge to efficiently separate oil and water since prehistoric times, and now it has become even more desirable in oily wastewater purification and oil spill cleanup. Here we introduce a super oil–water separation filter with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity, fabricated using femtosecond laser micro-hole drilling of a titanium foil. Such a simply-made filter, without any modification, can achieve a separation efficiency exceeding 99% in eight typical oil–water mixtures. It remains highly efficient after 40 cycles of recycling and after suffering erosion by corrosive media. Furthermore, the used filter, polluted with oil, could be recovered by ultraviolet illumination. The flux of filtered water is tunable by simply selecting the aperture of the microhole or the spacing between adjacent microholes. Such advanced functionality is due to roughness and the TiO2 layers on the ablated surface during fabrication. With superhydrophilic and superoleophobic surfaces, this oil-water filer is also suitable for applications in anti-fouling, anti-smudge, anti-fog, and self-cleaning. PMID:27869194

Scale-by-scale contributions to Lagrangian particle acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalescu, Cristian C.; Wilczek, Michael

2017-11-01

Fluctuations on a wide range of scales in both space and time are characteristic of turbulence. Lagrangian particles, advected by the flow, probe these fluctuations along their trajectories. In an effort to isolate the influence of the different scales on Lagrangian statistics, we employ direct numerical simulations (DNS) combined with a filtering approach. Specifically, we study the acceleration statistics of tracers advected in filtered fields to characterize the smallest temporal scales of the flow. Emphasis is put on the acceleration variance as a function of filter scale, along with the scaling properties of the relevant terms of the Navier-Stokes equations. We furthermore discuss scaling ranges for higher-order moments of the tracer acceleration, as well as the influence of the choice of filter on the results. Starting from the Lagrangian tracer acceleration as the short time limit of the Lagrangian velocity increment, we also quantify the influence of filtering on Lagrangian intermittency. Our work complements existing experimental results on intermittency and accelerations of finite-sized, neutrally-buoyant particles: for the passive tracers used in our DNS, feedback effects are neglected such that the spatial averaging effect is cleanly isolated.

A model-free method for mass spectrometer response correction. [for oxygen consumption and cardiac output calculation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shykoff, Barbara E.; Swanson, Harvey T.

1987-01-01

A new method for correction of mass spectrometer output signals is described. Response-time distortion is reduced independently of any model of mass spectrometer behavior. The delay of the system is found first from the cross-correlation function of a step change and its response. A two-sided time-domain digital correction filter (deconvolution filter) is generated next from the same step response data using a regression procedure. Other data are corrected using the filter and delay. The mean squared error between a step response and a step is reduced considerably more after the use of a deconvolution filter than after the application of a second-order model correction. O2 consumption and CO2 production values calculated from data corrupted by a simulated dynamic process return to near the uncorrupted values after correction. Although a clean step response or the ensemble average of several responses contaminated with noise is needed for the generation of the filter, random noise of magnitude not above 0.5 percent added to the response to be corrected does not impair the correction severely.

PHASE I PILOT AIR CONVEYANCE SYSTEM DESIGN, CLEANING, AND CHARACTERIZATION

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a project to develop and refine surface and airborne contamination
measurement techniques that can be used to evaluate air conveyance system (ACS) cleaning.
(NOTE: ACS cleaning is advertized to homeowners as a service having a number of benefits...

Change Semantic Constrained Online Data Cleaning Method for Real-Time Observational Data Stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Yulin; Lin, Hui; Li, Rongrong

2016-06-01

Recent breakthroughs in sensor networks have made it possible to collect and assemble increasing amounts of real-time observational data by observing dynamic phenomena at previously impossible time and space scales. Real-time observational data streams present potentially profound opportunities for real-time applications in disaster mitigation and emergency response, by providing accurate and timeliness estimates of environment's status. However, the data are always subject to inevitable anomalies (including errors and anomalous changes/events) caused by various effects produced by the environment they are monitoring. The "big but dirty" real-time observational data streams can rarely achieve their full potential in the following real-time models or applications due to the low data quality. Therefore, timely and meaningful online data cleaning is a necessary pre-requisite step to ensure the quality, reliability, and timeliness of the real-time observational data. In general, a straightforward streaming data cleaning approach, is to define various types of models/classifiers representing normal behavior of sensor data streams and then declare any deviation from this model as normal or erroneous data. The effectiveness of these models is affected by dynamic changes of deployed environments. Due to the changing nature of the complicated process being observed, real-time observational data is characterized by diversity and dynamic, showing a typical Big (Geo) Data characters. Dynamics and diversity is not only reflected in the data values, but also reflected in the complicated changing patterns of the data distributions. This means the pattern of the real-time observational data distribution is not stationary or static but changing and dynamic. After the data pattern changed, it is necessary to adapt the model over time to cope with the changing patterns of real-time data streams. Otherwise, the model will not fit the following observational data streams, which may led to large estimation error. In order to achieve the best generalization error, it is an important challenge for the data cleaning methodology to be able to characterize the behavior of data stream distributions and adaptively update a model to include new information and remove old information. However, the complicated data changing property invalidates traditional data cleaning methods, which rely on the assumption of a stationary data distribution, and drives the need for more dynamic and adaptive online data cleaning methods. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper presents a change semantics constrained online filtering method for real-time observational data. Based on the principle that the filter parameter should vary in accordance to the data change patterns, this paper embeds semantic description, which quantitatively depicts the change patterns in the data distribution to self-adapt the filter parameter automatically. Real-time observational water level data streams of different precipitation scenarios are selected for testing. Experimental results prove that by means of this method, more accurate and reliable water level information can be available, which is prior to scientific and prompt flood assessment and decision-making.

Possibilities of creating a pure coal-fired power industry based on nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyryanov, V. V.

2015-08-01

A concept of distributed multigeneration during combustion of homogenized solid fuels with the addition of oxygen-enriched (to 30-50%) air is proposed. To implement this concept, application of medium-temperature δ-Bi2O3/Ag-nanocermet-based membranes is suggested under low pressures and sweeping of oxygen by the cleaned exit gas or the air. The primary product of the multigeneration is microsphere materials. The heat, the AC and the DC electric energy, the cleaned exit gases with a high CO2 content, and volatile elements adsorbed by the filters are the secondary products. To completely clean the exit gases, which is necessary to implement the distributed multigeneration, an array of successive passive plants is proposed. A thermoelectric module based on a BiTeSb-skutterudite nanocomposite is effective in generation of the DC electric energy at microthermoelectric power plants.

Contactor/filter improvements

DOEpatents

Stelman, David

1989-01-01

A contactor/filter arrangement for removing particulate contaminants from a gaseous stream includes a housing having a substantially vertically oriented granular material retention member with upstream and downstream faces, a substantially vertically oriented microporous gas filter element, wherein the retention member and the filter element are spaced apart to provide a zone for the passage of granular material therethrough. The housing further includes a gas inlet means, a gas outlet means, and means for moving a body of granular material through the zone. A gaseous stream containing particulate contaminants passes through the gas inlet means as well as through the upstream face of the granular material retention member, passing through the retention member, the body of granular material, the microporous gas filter element, exiting out of the gas outlet means. Disposed on the upstream face of the filter element is a cover screen which isolates the filter element from contact with the moving granular bed and collects a portion of the particulates so as to form a dust cake having openings small enough to exclude the granular material, yet large enough to receive the dust particles. In one embodiment, the granular material is comprised of prous alumina impregnated with CuO, with the cover screen cleaned by the action of the moving granular material as well as by backflow pressure pulses.

Tidd hot gas clean up program. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

This Final Report on the Tidd Hot Gas Clean Up Program covers the period from initial Proof-of-Concept testing in August, 1990, through final equipment inspections in May, 1995. The Tidd Hot Gas Clean Up (HGCU) system was installed in the Tidd Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC) Demonstration Plant, which is the first utility-scale PFBC plant in the United States. Detailed design work on the project began in July, 1990, and site construction began in December, 1991. Initial operation of the system occurred in May, 1992, and the hot gas filter was commissioned in October, 1992. The test program ended inmore » March, 1995, when the Tidd Plant was shut down following its four-year test program. Section 1.0 of this report is an executive summary of the project covering the project background, system description, test results and conclusions. Section 2.0 is an introduction covering the program objectives and schedule. Section 3.0 provides detailed descriptions of the system and its major components. Section 4.0 provides detailed results of all testing including observations and posttest inspection results. Sections 5.0 and 6.0 list the program conclusions and recommendations, respectively. Appendix I is a report prepared by Southern Research Institute on the properties of Tidd PFBC ash sampled during the test program. Appendix II is a report prepared by Westinghouse STC on the performance of candle filter fail-safe regenerator devices.« less

Investigation of image enhancement techniques for the development of a self-contained airborne radar navigation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phatak, A. V.; Karmali, M. S.

1983-01-01

This study was devoted to an investigation of the feasibility of applying advanced image processing techniques to enhance radar image characteristics that are pertinent to the pilot's navigation and guidance task. Millimeter (95 GHz) wave radar images for the overwater (i.e., offshore oil rigs) and overland (Heliport) scenario were used as a data base. The purpose of the study was to determine the applicability of image enhancement and scene analysis algorithms to detect and improve target characteristics (i.e., manmade objects such as buildings, parking lots, cars, roads, helicopters, towers, landing pads, etc.) that would be helpful to the pilot in determining his own position/orientation with respect to the outside world and assist him in the navigation task. Results of this study show that significant improvements in the raw radar image may be obtained using two dimensional image processing algorithms. In the overwater case, it is possible to remove the ocean clutter by thresholding the image data, and furthermore to extract the target boundary as well as the tower and catwalk locations using noise cleaning (e.g., median filter) and edge detection (e.g., Sobel operator) algorithms.

Green biocides, a promising technology: current and future applications to industry and industrial processes.

PubMed

Ashraf, Muhammad Aqeel; Ullah, Saleem; Ahmad, Irshad; Qureshi, Ahmad Kaleem; Balkhair, Khaled S; Abdur Rehman, Muhammad

2014-02-01

The study of biofilms has skyrocketed in recent years due to increased awareness of the pervasiveness and impact of biofilms. It costs the USA literally billions of dollars every year in energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections. But biofilms also offer huge potential for cleaning up hazardous waste sites, filtering municipal and industrial water and wastewater, and forming biobarriers to protect soil and groundwater from contamination. The complexity of biofilm activity and behavior requires research contributions from many disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, mathematics and microbiology. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging novel antimicrobial techniques, including those using myriad organic and inorganic products as well as genetic engineering techniques, the use of coordination complex molecules, composite materials and antimicrobial peptides and the use of lasers as such or their modified use in combination treatments. This review also addresses advanced and recent modifications, including methodological changes, and biocide efficacy enhancing strategies. This review will provide future planners of biofilm control technologies with a broad understanding and perspective on the use of biocides in the field of green developments for a sustainable future. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficient and Scalable Graph Similarity Joins in MapReduce

PubMed Central

Chen, Yifan; Zhang, Weiming; Tang, Jiuyang

2014-01-01

Along with the emergence of massive graph-modeled data, it is of great importance to investigate graph similarity joins due to their wide applications for multiple purposes, including data cleaning, and near duplicate detection. This paper considers graph similarity joins with edit distance constraints, which return pairs of graphs such that their edit distances are no larger than a given threshold. Leveraging the MapReduce programming model, we propose MGSJoin, a scalable algorithm following the filtering-verification framework for efficient graph similarity joins. It relies on counting overlapping graph signatures for filtering out nonpromising candidates. With the potential issue of too many key-value pairs in the filtering phase, spectral Bloom filters are introduced to reduce the number of key-value pairs. Furthermore, we integrate the multiway join strategy to boost the verification, where a MapReduce-based method is proposed for GED calculation. The superior efficiency and scalability of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated by extensive experimental results. PMID:25121135

Efficient and scalable graph similarity joins in MapReduce.

PubMed

Chen, Yifan; Zhao, Xiang; Xiao, Chuan; Zhang, Weiming; Tang, Jiuyang

2014-01-01

Along with the emergence of massive graph-modeled data, it is of great importance to investigate graph similarity joins due to their wide applications for multiple purposes, including data cleaning, and near duplicate detection. This paper considers graph similarity joins with edit distance constraints, which return pairs of graphs such that their edit distances are no larger than a given threshold. Leveraging the MapReduce programming model, we propose MGSJoin, a scalable algorithm following the filtering-verification framework for efficient graph similarity joins. It relies on counting overlapping graph signatures for filtering out nonpromising candidates. With the potential issue of too many key-value pairs in the filtering phase, spectral Bloom filters are introduced to reduce the number of key-value pairs. Furthermore, we integrate the multiway join strategy to boost the verification, where a MapReduce-based method is proposed for GED calculation. The superior efficiency and scalability of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated by extensive experimental results.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nudel, A.M.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of ion exchange resins used in cleaning condensates at nuclear power stations by removing dissolved and suspended impurities,- and also to check the design of individual units of the filters, an experimental plant with separate H-cation exchange and OH-anion exchange filters (diameter 2m) in series was installed and tested on the bypass circuit of a VK-50 plant. The investigation was conducted in two stages, the first coinciding with reactor startup after a long shutdown, the second, carried out under settled water conditions. Radioactivity levels of the following isotopes, reponted during investigation of the filters,more » are tabulated: /sup 24/ Na, /sup 18/P, /sup 65/Zn,/sup 59/Mn, /sup 131/I, /sup 140/Ba, /sup 60/Co, /sup 99/M o, and /sup 64/Cu. It was found that the ion exchange filters, put into operation after establishing stable water conditions, ensure satisfactory removal of all impurities from the condensate over a lengthly period of time. (JGB)« less

Design of order statistics filters using feedforward neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslennikova, Yu. S.; Bochkarev, V. V.

2016-08-01

In recent years significant progress have been made in the development of nonlinear data processing techniques. Such techniques are widely used in digital data filtering and image enhancement. Many of the most effective nonlinear filters based on order statistics. The widely used median filter is the best known order statistic filter. Generalized form of these filters could be presented based on Lloyd's statistics. Filters based on order statistics have excellent robustness properties in the presence of impulsive noise. In this paper, we present special approach for synthesis of order statistics filters using artificial neural networks. Optimal Lloyd's statistics are used for selecting of initial weights for the neural network. Adaptive properties of neural networks provide opportunities to optimize order statistics filters for data with asymmetric distribution function. Different examples demonstrate the properties and performance of presented approach.

Assessing clogging processes caused by biofilm growth and organic particle accumulation in constructed wetlands using time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahjoub, Himi; Tapias, Josefina C.; Lovera, Raúl; Rivero, Lluís; Font, Xavier; Casas, Albert

2016-04-01

Constructed wetlands for removing pollutants from wastewater in small communities are growing rapidly in many regions of the world. The advantages over conventional mechanical sanitation systems, where land availability is not a limiting factor, are low energy requirements, easy operation and maintenance, low sludge production and cost-effectivity. Nevertheless, with time the cleaning process can result in gradual clogging of the porous layer by suspended solids, bacterial film, chemical precipitates and compaction. The clogging development causes decrease of hydraulic conductivity, reduced oxygen supply and further leads to a rapid decrease of the treatment performance. As the investment involved in reversing clogging can represent a substantial fraction of the cost of a new system it is essential to assess in advance the evolution of clogging process and detect potential failures in the system. Since there is a lack of experiences for monitoring the functionality of constructed wetlands time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography studies have been conducted at horizontal sub-surface flow municipal wastewater treatment wetlands of Catalonia (Spain). The results of this research show that electrical resistivity tomography can be a very useful technique for assessing the extent of silting up processes that clog the subsurface flow constructed wetlands through the gravel layer. In the unsaturated zone, the electrical resistivity is greater at the end of the filter, since the pores contains air which is dielectric, while at the beginning of the filter the resistivity is lower because the electrical conduction of organic matter around the mineral grains. Conversely, in the saturated zone, the electrical resistivity is lower at the end of the filter, since pores contain a higher proportion of high ionic conductivity wastewater, while at the beginning of the filter the electrical resistivity is higher because of the lower porosity due to the clogging process.

Monorail system for percutaneous repositioning of the Greenfield vena caval filter.

PubMed

Guthaner, D F; Wyatt, J O; Mehigan, J T; Wright, A M; Breen, J F; Wexler, L

1990-09-01

The authors describe a technique for removing or repositioning a malpositioned Greenfield inferior vena caval filter. A "monorail" system was used, in which a wire was passed from the femoral vein through the apical hole in the filter and out the internal jugular vein; the wire was held taut from above and below and thus facilitated repositioning or removal of the filter. The technique was used successfully in two cases.

NuSTAR timing of NGC 300 ULX-1 / Supernova Impostor SN2010da

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachetti, Matteo; Grefenstette, Brian W.; Walton, Dominic J.; Fuerst, Felix; Heida, Marianne; Kennea, Jaime A.; Lau, Ryan

2018-02-01

NuSTAR observed NGC 300 on UT 2018-01-31T01:23:50 - 2018-02-01T06:39:02. We used the cleaned event files provided by HEASARC, ran barycorr to refer the times to the Solar System Barycenter, and filtered a region of 30" around the transient source.

TH-CD-202-04: Evaluation of Virtual Non-Contrast Images From a Novel Split-Filter Dual-Energy CT Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, J; Szczykutowicz, T; Bayouth, J

Purpose: To compare the ability of two dual-energy CT techniques, a novel split-filter single-source technique of superior temporal resolution against an established sequential-scan technique, to remove iodine contrast from images with minimal impact on CT number accuracy. Methods: A phantom containing 8 tissue substitute materials and vials of varying iodine concentrations (1.7–20.1 mg I /mL) was imaged using a Siemens Edge CT scanner. Dual-energy virtual non-contrast (VNC) images were generated using the novel split-filter technique, in which a 120kVp spectrum is filtered by tin and gold to create high- and low-energy spectra with < 1 second temporal separation between themore » acquisition of low- and high-energy data. Additionally, VNC images were generated with the sequential-scan technique (80 and 140kVp) for comparison. CT number accuracy was evaluated for all materials at 15, 25, and 35mGy CTDIvol. Results: The spectral separation was greater for the sequential-scan technique than the split-filter technique with dual-energy ratios of 2.18 and 1.26, respectively. Both techniques successfully removed iodine contrast, resulting in mean CT numbers within 60HU of 0HU (split-filter) and 40HU of 0HU (sequential-scan) for all iodine concentrations. Additionally, for iodine vials of varying diameter (2–20 mm) with the same concentration (9.9 mg I /mL), the system accurately detected iodine for all sizes investigated. Both dual-energy techniques resulted in reduced CT numbers for bone materials (by >400HU for the densest bone). Increasing the imaging dose did not improve the CT number accuracy for bone in VNC images. Conclusion: VNC images from the split-filter technique successfully removed iodine contrast. These results demonstrate a potential for improving dose calculation accuracy and reducing patient imaging dose, while achieving superior temporal resolution in comparison sequential scans. For both techniques, inaccuracies in CT numbers for bone materials necessitate consideration for radiation therapy treatment planning.« less

Video-signal improvement using comb filtering techniques.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. D.; Stuber, F. M.; Panneton, R. J.

1973-01-01

Significant improvement in the signal-to-noise performance of television signals has been obtained through the application of comb filtering techniques. This improvement is achieved by removing the inherent redundancy in the television signal through linear prediction and by utilizing the unique noise-rejection characteristics of the receiver comb filter. Theoretical and experimental results describe the signal-to-noise ratio and picture-quality improvement obtained through the use of baseband comb filters and the implementation of a comb network as the loop filter in a phase-lock-loop demodulator. Attention is given to the fact that noise becomes correlated when processed by the receiver comb filter.

Clinical validation of robot simulation of toothbrushing - comparative plaque removal efficacy

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Clinical validation of laboratory toothbrushing tests has important advantages. It was, therefore, the aim to demonstrate correlation of tooth cleaning efficiency of a new robot brushing simulation technique with clinical plaque removal. Methods Clinical programme: 27 subjects received dental cleaning prior to 3-day-plaque-regrowth-interval. Plaque was stained, photographically documented and scored using planimetrical index. Subjects brushed teeth 33–47 with three techniques (horizontal, rotating, vertical), each for 20s buccally and for 20s orally in 3 consecutive intervals. The force was calibrated, the brushing technique was video supported. Two different brushes were randomly assigned to the subject. Robot programme: Clinical brushing programmes were transfered to a 6-axis-robot. Artificial teeth 33–47 were covered with plaque-simulating substrate. All brushing techniques were repeated 7 times, results were scored according to clinical planimetry. All data underwent statistical analysis by t-test, U-test and multivariate analysis. Results The individual clinical cleaning patterns are well reproduced by the robot programmes. Differences in plaque removal are statistically significant for the two brushes, reproduced in clinical and robot data. Multivariate analysis confirms the higher cleaning efficiency for anterior teeth and for the buccal sites. Conclusions The robot tooth brushing simulation programme showed good correlation with clinically standardized tooth brushing. This new robot brushing simulation programme can be used for rapid, reproducible laboratory testing of tooth cleaning. PMID:24996973

Clinical validation of robot simulation of toothbrushing--comparative plaque removal efficacy.

PubMed

Lang, Tomas; Staufer, Sebastian; Jennes, Barbara; Gaengler, Peter

2014-07-04

Clinical validation of laboratory toothbrushing tests has important advantages. It was, therefore, the aim to demonstrate correlation of tooth cleaning efficiency of a new robot brushing simulation technique with clinical plaque removal. Clinical programme: 27 subjects received dental cleaning prior to 3-day-plaque-regrowth-interval. Plaque was stained, photographically documented and scored using planimetrical index. Subjects brushed teeth 33-47 with three techniques (horizontal, rotating, vertical), each for 20s buccally and for 20s orally in 3 consecutive intervals. The force was calibrated, the brushing technique was video supported. Two different brushes were randomly assigned to the subject. Robot programme: Clinical brushing programmes were transfered to a 6-axis-robot. Artificial teeth 33-47 were covered with plaque-simulating substrate. All brushing techniques were repeated 7 times, results were scored according to clinical planimetry. All data underwent statistical analysis by t-test, U-test and multivariate analysis. The individual clinical cleaning patterns are well reproduced by the robot programmes. Differences in plaque removal are statistically significant for the two brushes, reproduced in clinical and robot data. Multivariate analysis confirms the higher cleaning efficiency for anterior teeth and for the buccal sites. The robot tooth brushing simulation programme showed good correlation with clinically standardized tooth brushing.This new robot brushing simulation programme can be used for rapid, reproducible laboratory testing of tooth cleaning.

The cascaded moving k-means and fuzzy c-means clustering algorithms for unsupervised segmentation of malaria images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul-Nasir, Aimi Salihah; Mashor, Mohd Yusoff; Halim, Nurul Hazwani Abd; Mohamed, Zeehaida

2015-05-01

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic infectious disease that corresponds for nearly one million deaths each year. Due to the requirement of prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria, the current study has proposed an unsupervised pixel segmentation based on clustering algorithm in order to obtain the fully segmented red blood cells (RBCs) infected with malaria parasites based on the thin blood smear images of P. vivax species. In order to obtain the segmented infected cell, the malaria images are first enhanced by using modified global contrast stretching technique. Then, an unsupervised segmentation technique based on clustering algorithm has been applied on the intensity component of malaria image in order to segment the infected cell from its blood cells background. In this study, cascaded moving k-means (MKM) and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithms has been proposed for malaria slide image segmentation. After that, median filter algorithm has been applied to smooth the image as well as to remove any unwanted regions such as small background pixels from the image. Finally, seeded region growing area extraction algorithm has been applied in order to remove large unwanted regions that are still appeared on the image due to their size in which cannot be cleaned by using median filter. The effectiveness of the proposed cascaded MKM and FCM clustering algorithms has been analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by comparing the proposed cascaded clustering algorithm with MKM and FCM clustering algorithms. Overall, the results indicate that segmentation using the proposed cascaded clustering algorithm has produced the best segmentation performances by achieving acceptable sensitivity as well as high specificity and accuracy values compared to the segmentation results provided by MKM and FCM algorithms.

A data variance technique for automated despiking of magnetotelluric data with a remote reference

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kappler, K.

2011-02-15

The magnetotelluric method employs co-located surface measurements of electric and magnetic fields to infer the local electrical structure of the earth. The frequency-dependent 'apparent resistivity' curves can be inaccurate at long periods if input data are contaminated - even when robust remote reference techniques are employed. Data despiking prior to processing can result in significantly more reliable estimates of long period apparent resistivities. This paper outlines a two-step method of automatic identification and replacement for spike-like contamination of magnetotelluric data; based on the simultaneity of natural electric and magnetic field variations at distant sites. This simultaneity is exploited both tomore » identify windows in time when the array data are compromised, and to generate synthetic data that replace observed transient noise spikes. In the first step, windows in data time series containing spikes are identified via intersite comparison of channel 'activity' - such as the variance of differenced data within each window. In the second step, plausible data for replacement of flagged windows is calculated by Wiener filtering coincident data in clean channels. The Wiener filters - which express the time-domain relationship between various array channels - are computed using an uncontaminated segment of array training data. Examples are shown where the algorithm is applied to artificially contaminated data, and to real field data. In both cases all spikes are successfully identified. In the case of implanted artificial noise, the synthetic replacement time series are very similar to the original recording. In all cases, apparent resistivity and phase curves obtained by processing the despiked data are much improved over curves obtained from raw data.« less

Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Pressure Differentials for Clean and Loaded Wire Meshes Used in Zeolite Retention

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knox, James C.

2004-01-01

Following failure of the carbon dioxide removal assembly (CDRA) on the ISS, a CDRA teardown, test, and evaluation (TT&E) effort found that the sorbent material was not retained as intended by the packed beds and that presence of the sorbent in the check valve and selector valve was the cause of the failure of these components. This paper documents the development of design data for an in-line filter element. The purpose of the in-line filter is to provide temporary protection for on-orbit CDRA hardware until the bed retainment system can be redesigned and replaced.

An optimized algorithm for multiscale wideband deconvolution of radio astronomical images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Offringa, A. R.; Smirnov, O.

2017-10-01

We describe a new multiscale deconvolution algorithm that can also be used in a multifrequency mode. The algorithm only affects the minor clean loop. In single-frequency mode, the minor loop of our improved multiscale algorithm is over an order of magnitude faster than the casa multiscale algorithm, and produces results of similar quality. For multifrequency deconvolution, a technique named joined-channel cleaning is used. In this mode, the minor loop of our algorithm is two to three orders of magnitude faster than casa msmfs. We extend the multiscale mode with automated scale-dependent masking, which allows structures to be cleaned below the noise. We describe a new scale-bias function for use in multiscale cleaning. We test a second deconvolution method that is a variant of the moresane deconvolution technique, and uses a convex optimization technique with isotropic undecimated wavelets as dictionary. On simple well-calibrated data, the convex optimization algorithm produces visually more representative models. On complex or imperfect data, the convex optimization algorithm has stability issues.

Laser Ablation Cleaning of Self-Reacting Friction Stir Weld Seam Surfaces: A Preliminary Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nunes, A. C., Jr.; Russell, C. K.; Brooke, S. A.; Parry, Q.; Lowrey, N. M.

2014-01-01

Anodized aluminum panels were cleaned by three lasers at three separate sites with a view to determining whether more economical laser cleaning might supplant current manual cleaning methods for preparation of surfaces to be welded by the self-reacting friction stir process. Uncleaned panels yielded welds exhibiting residual oxide defect (ROD) and failing at very low stresses along the trace of the weld seam. Manually cleaned panels yielded welds without ROD; these welds failed at nominal stress levels along an angled fracture surface not following the weld seam trace. Laser cleaned panels yielded welds failing at intermediate stress levels. The inadequacy of the laser cleaning processes leaves questions: Was the anodized aluminum test too stringent to represent actual cleaning requirements? Were the wrong laser cleaning techniques/parameters used for the study? Is the laser cleaning mechanism inadequate for effective preweld surface cleaning?

Contribution of the backstreaming ions to the self-magnetic pinch (SMP) diode current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazarakis, Michael G.; Bennett, Nichelle; Cuneo, Michael E.; Fournier, Sean D.; Johnston, Mark D.; Kiefer, Mark L.; Leckbee, Joshua J.; Nielsen, Dan S.; Oliver, Bryan V.; Sceiford, Matthew E.; Simpson, Sean C.; Renk, Timothy J.; Ruiz, Carlos L.; Webb, Timothy J.; Ziska, Derek; Droemer, Darryl W.; Gignac, Raymond E.; Obregon, Robert J.; Wilkins, Frank L.; Welch, Dale R.

2018-04-01

The results presented here were obtained with a self-magnetic pinch (SMP) diode mounted at the front high voltage end of the RITS accelerator. RITS is a Self-Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) voltage adder that adds the voltage pulse of six 1.3 MV inductively insulated cavities. The RITS driver together with the SMP diode has produced x-ray spots of the order of 1 mm in diameter and doses adequate for the radiographic imaging of high area density objects. Although, through the years, a number of different types of radiographic electron diodes have been utilized with SABER, HERMES III and RITS accelerators, the SMP diode appears to be the most successful and simplest diode for the radiographic investigation of various objects. Our experiments had two objectives: first to measure the contribution of the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode target and second to try to evaluate the energy of those ions and hence the Anode-Cathode (A-K) gap actual voltage. In any very high voltage inductive voltage adder utilizing MITLs to transmit the power to the diode load, the precise knowledge of the accelerating voltage applied on the A-K gap is problematic. This is even more difficult in an SMP diode where the A-K gap is very small (˜1 cm) and the diode region very hostile. The accelerating voltage quoted in the literature is from estimates based on the measurements of the anode and cathode currents of the MITL far upstream from the diode and utilizing the para-potential flow theories and inductive corrections. Thus, it would be interesting to have another independent measurement to evaluate the A-K voltage. The diode's anode is made of a number of high-Z metals in order to produce copious and energetic flash x-rays. It was established experimentally that the back-streaming ion currents are a strong function of the anode materials and their stage of cleanness. We have measured the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode and propagating through a hollow cathode tip for various diode configurations and different techniques of target cleaning treatment: namely, heating at very high temperatures with DC and pulsed current, with RF plasma cleaning, and with both plasma cleaning and heating. We have also evaluated the A-K gap voltage by energy filtering technique. Experimental results in comparison with LSP simulations are presented.

[Femorotomy and cleaning for infected hip prostheses: report of 30 cases].

PubMed

Lortat-Jacob, A; Nourrissat, G; Cadu, C

2001-10-01

We report infected hip prostheses treated by an original technique: frontal femorotomy after trochanterotomy. This extensive technique enables perfect cleaning of the femur and truly effective freshening of the endomedullar canal. We report 30 cases operated since 1991 use of femorotomy has been systematic from 1995. We were able to reimplant 25 of these 30 hips. Our results after infection were rather good with 4 recurrent infections in difficult cases (multi-operated patients and multiresistant germs in half of the cases). Fusion of femorotomy was obtained in all cases. The mechanical outcome was not improved by femorotomy. The main problem was trochanter nonunion with 5 cases, all of them having had a trochanteromy during the first procedure. We use femorotomy as our routine technique for femoral cleaning in case of hip prosthesis infection. In less complicated cases, we do not remove the trochanter from the femoral valve, limiting trochanteric complications, the main problem with this technique.

Laser Techniques in Conservation of Artworks:. Problems and Breakthroughs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimbeni, Renzo; Siano, Salvatore

2010-04-01

After more than thirty years since the first experiment in Venice, only in the last decade laser techniques have been widely recognised as one of the most important innovation introduced in the conservation of artworks for diagnostics, restoration and monitoring aims. Especially the use of laser ablation for the delicate phase of cleaning has been debated for many years, because of the problems encountered in finding an appropriate setting of the laser parameters. Many experimentations carried out on stone, metals and pigments put in evidence unacceptable side effects such as discoloration and yellowing after the treatment, or scarce cleaning productivity in respect of other techniques. Many research projects organised at European level have contributed to find breakthroughs in laser techniques that could avoid such problems. The choices of specific laser parameters better suited for cleaning of stone, metals and pigments are described. A series of validation case studies is reported.

Cryogenic Cathode Cooling Techniques for Improved SABRE Extraction Ion Diode Li Beam Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, D. L.; Johnston, R. R.; Cuneo, M. E.; Menge, P. R.; Fowler, W. E.; Armijo, J.; Nielsen, D. S.; Petmecky, D.

1997-11-01

We are developing techniques for cryogenic cooling of the SABRE extraction ion diode cathode that, combined with source cleaning, should improve the purity and brightness of Li beams for ICF light ion fusion. By liquid helium (LHe) cathode cooling, we have been able to maintain A-K gap base pressures in the range of 5 - 7x10-8 Torr for about 45 minutes. These base pressures extend the monolayer formation time for the worst beam contaminants (H2 and water vapor) to 10 - 100 sec or longer, which should allow the accelerator to be fired without significant Li source recontamination. This technique is compatible with He glow discharge cleaning, laser cleaning, and in situ Li deposition. We are also developing techniques for Ti-gettering of H2 and for cryogenic cooling of cathode electrodes to delay cathode plasma expansion.

D and 18O enrichment measurements in biological fluids in a continuous-flow elemental analyser with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer using two configurations.

PubMed

Ripoche, N; Ferchaud-Roucher, V; Krempf, M; Ritz, P

2006-09-01

In doubly labelled water studies, biological sample enrichments are mainly measured using off-line techniques (equilibration followed by dual-inlet introduction) or high-temperature elemental analysis (HT-EA), coupled with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Here another continuous-flow method, (CF-EA/IRMS), initially dedicated to water, is tested for plasma and urine analyses. The elemental analyser configuration is adapted for each stable isotope: chromium tube for deuterium reduction and glassy carbon reactor for 18O pyrolysis. Before on-line conversion of water into gas, each matrix is submitted to a short and easy treatment, which is the same for the analysis of the two isotopes. Plasma is passed through centrifugal filters. Urine is cleaned with black carbon and filtered (0.45 microm diameter). Tested between 150 and 300 ppm in these fluids, the D/H ratio response is linear with good repeatability (SD<0.2 ppm) and reproducibility (SD<0.5 ppm). For 18O/16O ratios (from 2000 to 2200 ppm), the same repeatability is obtained with a between-day precision lower than 1.4 ppm. The accuracy on biological samples is validated by comparison to classical dual-inlet methods: 18O analyses give more accurate results. The data show that enriched physiological fluids can be successfully analysed in CF-EA/IRMS. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

3D printed cat tongue is a self-cleaning, tangle-teasing brush

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noel, Alexis; Hu, David

A cat's tongue is covered in an array of spines called papillae. These spines are thought to be used in grooming and rasping meat from bones of prey, although no mechanism has been given. We use high-speed video to film a cat grooming. We show that the spines on the tongue act as low pass filters for tangles in hair. The tongue itself is highly elastic, while the spines are rigid. We 3D print a cat tongue mimic and show that the nonlinear force applied by the spines helps to increase efficacy of grooming. The tongue also provides frictional anisotropy with backward-facing spines, allowing for self-cleaning properties post-groom.

Rehabilitation of birds oiled on two mid-Atlantic estuaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Perry, Matthew C.; Ferrigno, Fred; Settle, Fairfax H.

1978-01-01

An estimated 52,500 birds died as a result of 7 major oil spills on 2 mid-Atlantic estuaries between 1973-78. Ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) constituted 98% of 12,500 birds known to have died from 5 spills on the Delaware River. Seventy-six percent of 40,000 dead birds from 2 Chesapeake Bay spills were horned grebes (Podiceps auritus) and oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis). Oiled waterfowl that were captured alive (6% of the estimated mortality) were cleaned with a variety of cleaning agents and techniques. High mortality occurred during and shortly after cleaning, and was apparently due to hypothermia and to toxicity of solvent cleaning agents. Eighty-two percent of the 3,113 birds that were cleaned died prior to or at time of release. The fate of the remaining 18% is unknown. Petroleum solvents used as cleaning agents were toxic to the birds. Most detergents left a surfactant (wetting agent) on the feathers which resulted in subsequent wetting of released birds. Although rehabilitation techniques have improved in recent years, high bird mortality can be expected following future oil spills.

Focus-based filtering + clustering technique for power-law networks with small world phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutin, François; Thièvre, Jérôme; Hascoët, Mountaz

2006-01-01

Realistic interaction networks usually present two main properties: a power-law degree distribution and a small world behavior. Few nodes are linked to many nodes and adjacent nodes are likely to share common neighbors. Moreover, graph structure usually presents a dense core that is difficult to explore with classical filtering and clustering techniques. In this paper, we propose a new filtering technique accounting for a user-focus. This technique extracts a tree-like graph with also power-law degree distribution and small world behavior. Resulting structure is easily drawn with classical force-directed drawing algorithms. It is also quickly clustered and displayed into a multi-level silhouette tree (MuSi-Tree) from any user-focus. We built a new graph filtering + clustering + drawing API and report a case study.

Multiwavelength absorbance of filter deposits for determination of environmental tobacco smoke and black carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawless, Phil A.; Rodes, Charles E.; Ensor, David S.

A multiwavelength optical absorption technique has been developed for Teflon filters used for personal exposure sampling with sufficient sensitivity to allow apportionments of environmental tobacco smoke and soot (black) carbon to be made. Measurements on blank filters show that the filter material itself contributes relatively little to the total absorbance and filters from the same lot have similar characteristics; this makes retrospective analysis of filters quite feasible. Using an integrating sphere radiometer and multiple wavelengths to provide specificity, the determination of tobacco smoke and carbon with reasonable accuracy is possible on filters not characterized before exposure. This technique provides a low cost, non-destructive exposure assessment alternative to both standard thermo-gravimetric elemental carbon evaluations on quartz filters and cotinine analyses from urine or saliva samples. The method allows the same sample filter to be used for assessment of mass, carbon, and tobacco smoke without affecting the deposit.

Wipe selection for the analysis of surface materials containing chemical warfare agent nitrogen mustard degradation products by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Willison, Stuart A

2012-12-28

Degradation products arising from nitrogen mustard chemical warfare agent were deposited on common urban surfaces and determined via surface wiping, wipe extraction, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detection. Wipes investigated included cotton gauze, glass fiber filter, non-woven polyester fiber and filter paper, and surfaces included several porous (vinyl tile, painted drywall, wood) and mostly non-porous (laminate, galvanized steel, glass) surfaces. Wipe extracts were analyzed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) and compared with high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) results. An evaluation of both techniques suggests UPLC–MS/MS provides a quick and sensitive analysis of targeted degradation products in addition to being nearly four times faster than a single HPLC run, allowing for greater throughput during a wide-spread release concerning large-scale contamination and subsequent remediation events. Based on the overall performance of all tested wipes, filter paper wipes were selected over other wipes because they did not contain interferences or native species (TEA and DEA) associated with the target analytes, resulting in high percent recoveries and low background levels during sample analysis. Other wipes, including cotton gauze, would require a pre-cleaning step due to the presence of large quantities of native species or interferences of the targeted analytes. Percent recoveries obtained from a laminate surface were 47–99% for all nitrogen mustard degradation products. The resulting detection limits achieved from wipes were 0.2 ng/cm(2) for triethanolamine (TEA), 0.03 ng/cm(2) for N-ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA), 0.1 ng/cm(2) for N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and 0.1 ng/cm(2) for diethanolamine (DEA).

Impact of different supply air and recirculating air filtration systems on stable climate, animal health, and performance of fattening pigs in a commercial pig farm

PubMed Central

Wenke, Cindy; Pospiech, Janina; Reutter, Tobias; Altmann, Bettina; Truyen, Uwe

2018-01-01

Biosecurity is defined as the implementation of measures that reduce the risk of disease agents being introduced and/or spread. For pig production, several of these measures are routinely implemented (e.g. cleaning, disinfection, segregation). However, air as a potential vector of pathogens has long been disregarded. Filters for incoming and recirculating air were installed into an already existing ventilation plant at a fattening piggery (3,840 pigs at maximum) in Saxony, Germany. Over a period of three consecutive fattening periods, we evaluated various parameters including air quality indices, environmental and operating parameters, and pig performance. Animal data regarding respiratory diseases, presence of antibodies against influenza A viruses, PRRSV, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and lung health score at slaughter were recorded, additionally. There were no significant differences (p = 0.824) in total bacterial counts between barns with and without air filtration. Recirculating air filtration resulted in the lowest total dust concentration (0.12 mg/m3) and lung health was best in animals from the barn equipped with recirculating air filtration modules. However, there was no difference in animal performance. Antibodies against all above mentioned pathogens were detected but mostly animals were already antibody-positive at re-stocking. We demonstrated that supply air filtration as well as recirculating air filtration technique can easily be implemented in an already existing ventilation system and that recirculating air filtration resulted in enhanced lung health compared to supply air-filtered and non-filtered barns. A more prominent effect might have been obtained in a breeding facility because of the longer life span of sows and a higher biosecurity level with air filtration as an add-on measure. PMID:29558482

Simultaneous determination of suspended particulate trace metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in seawater with small volume filtration assisted by microwave digestion and flow injection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Nakatsuka, Seiji; Okamura, Kei; Norisuye, Kazuhiro; Sohrin, Yoshiki

2007-06-26

A new technique for the determination of suspended particulate trace metals (P-metals >0.2 microm), such as Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, in open ocean seawater has been developed by using microwave digestion coupled with flow injection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FI-ICP-MS). Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was collected from 500 mL of seawater on a Nuclepore filter (0.2 microm) using a closed filtration system. Both the SPM and filter were completely dissolved by microwave digestion. Reagents for the digestion were evaporated using a clean evaporation system, and the metals were redissolved in 0.8 M HNO3. The solution was diluted with buffer solution to give pH 5.0 and the metals were determined by FI-ICP-MS using a chelating adsorbent of 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized on fluorinated metal alkoxide glass (MAF-8HQ). The procedure blanks with a filter were found to be 0.048+/-0.008, 10.3+/-0.3, 0.27+/-0.05, 3.3+/-1.8, 0.02+/-0.03 and 0.85+/-0.09 ng L(-1) for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, respectively (n=14). Detection limits defined as 3 times the standard deviation of the blanks were 0.023, 0.90, 0.14, 5.3, 0.078 and 0.28 ng L(-1) for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, respectively. Accuracy was evaluated using certified reference materials of chlorella (NES CRM No. 3) and marine sediment (HISS-1). The method was applied to the determination of vertical distributions for P-Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the Western North Pacific.

A Few Easy Steps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, Tom

2000-01-01

Examines tested techniques that can keep a school's carpeting in good condition. Cleaning with hot water extraction, removing spills and spots, handling emergency cleanups, and cleaning soft surface flooring are addressed. (GR)

Low-frequency interferometry: Design, calibration, and analysis towards detecting the epoch of reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsons, Aaron Robert

Low-frequency interferometry provides us with the possibility of directly observing, via red-shifted 21cm emission, the ionization of the primordial intergalactic medium by radiation from the first stars and black holes. Building such interferometers presents daunting technical challenges related to the cross-correlation, calibration, and analysis of data from large antenna arrays with wide fields-of-view in an observing band below 200 MHz. Addressing cross-correlation data processing, I present a general-purpose correlator architecture that uses standard 10-Gbit Ethernet switches to pass data between flexible hardware modules containing Field Programmable Gate Array chips. These chips are programmed using open-source signal processing libraries developed to be flexible, scalable, and chip-independent. This work reduces the time and cost of implementing a wide range of signal processing systems, and facilitates upgrading to new generations of processing technology. This correlator architecture is supporting the incremental build-out of the Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization. Targeting calibration concerns, I present a filtering technique that can be applied to individual baselines of wide-bandwidth, wide-field interferometric data to geometrically select regions on the celestial sphere that contain primary calibration sources. The technique relies on the Fourier transformation of wide-band frequency spectra from a given baseline to obtain one-dimensional "delay images", and then the transformation of a time-series of delay images to obtain two-dimensional "delay/delayrate images." These filters are augmented by a one-dimensional, complex CLEAN algorithm has been developed to compensate for data-excision effects related to the removal of radio frequency interference. This approach allows CLEANed, source-isolated data to be used to isolate bandpass and primary beam gain functions. These techniques are applied to PAPER data as a demonstration of their value in calibrating a new generation of low-frequency radio interferometers with wide relative bandwidths and large fields-of-view. Finally, I describe PAPER's overall architecture and summarize two PAPER deployments: a 4-antenna array in of Western Australia and an 8-antenna array in Green Bank, WV. After reporting on system characterization and data analysis techniques, I present an all-sky map synthesized between 139 MHz and 174 MHz using data from both arrays that reaches down to 80 mJy (4.9 K, for a beam size of 2.15e-5 steradians at 154 MHz), with a 10 mJy (620 mK) thermal noise level that indicates what would be achievable with better foreground subtraction. I calculate angular power spectra (Cℓ) in a cold patch and determine them to be dominated by point sources. Although the sample variance of foregrounds dominates errors in these power spectra, I measure a thermal noise level of 310 mK at ℓ = 100 for a 1.46-MHz band centered at 164.5 MHz. This sensitivity level is approximately three orders of magnitude in temperature above the expected level of 21cm fluctuations associated with reionization.

Tonopah Test Range Air Monitoring: CY2015 Meteorological, Radiological, and Airborne Particulate Observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nikolich, George; Shadel, Craig; Chapman, Jenny

2016-09-01

In 1963, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (formerly the Atomic Energy Commission [AEC]), implemented Operation Roller Coaster on the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) and an adjacent area of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) (formerly the Nellis Air Force Range). The operation resulted in radionuclide-contaminated soils at the Clean Slate I, II, and III sites. This report documents observations made during ongoing monitoring of radiological, meteorological, and dust conditions at stations installed adjacent to Clean Slate I and Clean Slate III, and at the TTR Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) Range Operations Control (ROC) center. The primary objective ofmore » the monitoring effort is to determine if winds blowing across the Clean Slate sites are transporting particles of radionuclide-contaminated soil beyond the physical and administrative boundaries of the sites. Radionuclide assessment of airborne particulates in 2015 found the gross alpha and gross beta values of dust collected from the filters at the monitoring stations are consistent with background conditions. The meteorological and particle monitoring indicate that conditions for wind-borne contaminant movement exist at the Clean Slate sites and that, although the transport of radionuclide-contaminated soil by suspension has not been detected, movement by saltation is occurring.« less

Gold cleaning methods for preparation of cell culture surfaces for self-assembled monolayers of zwitterionic oligopeptides.

PubMed

Enomoto, Junko; Kageyama, Tatsuto; Myasnikova, Dina; Onishi, Kisaki; Kobayashi, Yuka; Taruno, Yoko; Kanai, Takahiro; Fukuda, Junji

2018-05-01

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been used to elucidate interactions between cells and material surface chemistry. Gold surfaces modified with oligopeptide SAMs exhibit several unique characteristics, such as cell-repulsive surfaces, micropatterns of cell adhesion and non-adhesion regions for control over cell microenvironments, and dynamic release of cells upon external stimuli under culture conditions. However, basic procedures for the preparation of oligopeptide SAMs, including appropriate cleaning methods of the gold surface before modification, have not been fully established. Because gold surfaces are readily contaminated with organic compounds in the air, cleaning methods may be critical for SAM formation. In this study, we examined the effects of four gold cleaning methods: dilute aqua regia, an ozone water, atmospheric plasma, and UV irradiation. Among the methods, UV irradiation most significantly improved the formation of oligopeptide SAMs in terms of repulsion of cells on the surfaces. We fabricated an apparatus with a UV light source, a rotation table, and HEPA filter, to treat a number of gold substrates simultaneously. Furthermore, UV-cleaned gold substrates were capable of detaching cell sheets without serious cell injury. This may potentially provide a stable and robust approach to oligopeptide SAM-based experiments for biomedical studies. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intensity transform and Wiener filter in measurement of blood flow in arteriography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, Polyana F.; Franco, Marcelo L. N.; Filho, João. B. D.; Patrocínio, Ana C.

2015-03-01

Using the arteriography examination, it is possible to check anomalies in blood vessels and diseases such as stroke, stenosis, bleeding and especially in the diagnosis of Encephalic Death in comatose individuals. Encephalic death can be diagnosed only when there is complete interruption of all brain functions, and hence the blood stream. During the examination, there may be some interference on the sensors, such as environmental factors, poor maintenance of equipment, patient movement, among other interference, which can directly affect the noise produced in angiography images. Then, we need to use digital image processing techniques to minimize this noise and improve the pixel count. Therefore, this paper proposes to use median filter and enhancement techniques for transformation of intensity using the sigmoid function together with the Wiener filter so you can get less noisy images. It's been realized two filtering techniques to remove the noise of images, one with the median filter and the other with the Wiener filter along the sigmoid function. For 14 tests quantified, including 7 Encephalic Death and 7 other cases, the technique that achieved a most satisfactory number of pixels quantified, also presenting a lesser amount of noise, is the Wiener filter sigmoid function, and in this case used with 0.03 cuttof.

IVC filter retrieval in adolescents: experience in a tertiary pediatric center.

PubMed

Guzman, Anthony K; Zahra, Mahmoud; Trerotola, Scott O; Raffini, Leslie J; Itkin, Maxim; Keller, Marc S; Cahill, Anne Marie

2016-04-01

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are commonly implanted with the intent to prevent life-threatening pulmonary embolism in at-risk patients with contraindications to anticoagulation. Various studies have reported increases in the rate of venous thromboembolism within the pediatric population. The utility and safety of IVC filters in children has not yet been fully defined. To describe the technique and adjunctive maneuvers of IVC filter removal in children, demonstrate its technical success and identify complications. A retrospective 10-year review was performed of 20 children (13 male, 7 female), mean age: 15.1 years (range: 12-19 years), who underwent IVC filter retrieval. Eleven of 20 (55%) were placed in our institution. Electronic medical records were reviewed for filter characteristics, retrieval technique, technical success and complications. The technical success rate was 100%. Placement indications included: deep venous thrombosis with a contraindication to anticoagulation (10/20, 50%), free-floating thrombus (4/20, 20%), post-trauma pulmonary embolism prophylaxis (3/20, 15%) and pre-thrombolysis pulmonary patient (1/20, 5%). The mean implantation period was 63 days (range: 20-270 days). Standard retrieval was performed in 17/20 patients (85%). Adjunctive techniques were performed in 3/20 patients (15%) and included the double-snare technique, balloon assistance and endobronchial forceps retrieval. Median procedure time was 60 min (range: 45-240 min). Pre-retrieval cavogram demonstrated filter tilt in 5/20 patients (25%) with a mean angle of 17° (range: 8-40). Pre-retrieval CT demonstrated strut wall penetration and tip embedment in one patient each. There were two procedure-related complications: IVC mural dissection noted on venography in one patient and snare catheter fracture requiring retrieval in one patient. There were no early or late complications. In children, IVC filter retrieval can be performed safely but may be challenging, especially in cases of filter tilt or embedding. Adjunctive techniques may increase filter retrieval rates.

Space Vehicle Pose Estimation via Optical Correlation and Nonlinear Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rakoczy, John M.; Herren, Kenneth A.

2008-01-01

A technique for 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) pose estimation of space vehicles is being developed. This technique draws upon recent developments in implementing optical correlation measurements in a nonlinear estimator, which relates the optical correlation measurements to the pose states (orientation and position). For the optical correlator, the use of both conjugate filters and binary, phase-only filters in the design of synthetic discriminant function (SDF) filters is explored. A static neural network is trained a priori and used as the nonlinear estimator. New commercial animation and image rendering software is exploited to design the SDF filters and to generate a large filter set with which to train the neural network. The technique is applied to pose estimation for rendezvous and docking of free-flying spacecraft and to terrestrial surface mobility systems for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. Quantitative pose estimation performance will be reported. Advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of this technique are discussed.

Space Vehicle Pose Estimation via Optical Correlation and Nonlinear Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rakoczy, John; Herren, Kenneth

2007-01-01

A technique for 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) pose estimation of space vehicles is being developed. This technique draws upon recent developments in implementing optical correlation measurements in a nonlinear estimator, which relates the optical correlation measurements to the pose states (orientation and position). For the optical correlator, the use of both conjugate filters and binary, phase-only filters in the design of synthetic discriminant function (SDF) filters is explored. A static neural network is trained a priori and used as the nonlinear estimator. New commercial animation and image rendering software is exploited to design the SDF filters and to generate a large filter set with which to train the neural network. The technique is applied to pose estimation for rendezvous and docking of free-flying spacecraft and to terrestrial surface mobility systems for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. Quantitative pose estimation performance will be reported. Advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of this technique are discussed.

Oral Hygiene Practices and Teeth Cleaning Techniques Among Medical Students

PubMed Central

Fatima, Syeda H; Ghazanfar, Haider; Haq, Sana; Khan, Najeeb A; Mehmood, Moeez; Ghazanfar, Ali

2017-01-01

Objectives Oral health is essential for general health and quality of life. It is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infections and sores, periodontal disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity to bite, chew, smile, and speak; it affects psychosocial well-being too. The objective of our study was to assess teeth cleaning techniques and oral hygiene practices among medical students. Methods The data of the study were collected in two stages. The first stage involved the administration of a self-constructed questionnaire among medical students. In the second step, the students were asked to demonstrate their teeth cleaning techniques on a model. A standard teeth cleaning checklist was used to evaluate the students. The students were then given the checklist and a video on teeth cleaning techniques was shown to them. The data obtained was analyzed on IBM's statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21.  Results Out of a total of 444 students, 256 (57.7 percent) were males while 188 (42.3 percent) were females. About 254 (57.2 percent) participants were preclinical medical students while 190 (42.8 percent) were clinical year medical students. A majority of medical students used medium consistency toothbrushes (177; 39.9 percent) and soft consistency toothbrushes (137; 30.9 percent). Most medical students (248; 55.9 percent) brushed two times a day while 163 (36.7 percent) brushed only one time. About 212 (47.7 percent) of the medical students used mouthwash along with a toothbrush while only 36 (8.1 percent) used floss along with a toothbrush. About 157 participants (35.4 percent) changed their toothbrush once in two months while 132 (26.7 percent) changed their toothbrush once in three months. The mean duration that participants brushed their teeth was 134.99 ± 69.01 seconds. Conclusion Medical students were found to have a faulty teeth cleaning technique. There is a dire need to spread awareness about correct teeth cleaning techniques because poor oral hygiene can have a detrimental effect on the overall health and quality of life of an individual. PMID:28944126

Atomic Oxygen Treatment Technique for Removal of Smoke Damage from Paintings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rutledge, S. K.; Banks, B. A.

1997-01-01

Soot deposits that can accumulate on surfaces of a painting during a fire can be difficult to clean from some types of paintings without damaging the underlying paint layers. A non-contact technique has been developed which can remove the soot by allowing a gas containing atomic oxygen to flow over the surface and chemically react with the soot to form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The reaction is limited to the surface, so the underlying paint is not touched. The process can be controlled so that the cleaning can be stopped once the paint surface is reached. This paper describes the smoke exposure and cleaning of untreated canvas, acrylic gesso, and sections of an oil painting using this technique. The samples were characterized by optical microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy.

Advanced Oil Spill Detection Algorithms For Satellite Based Maritime Environment Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radius, Andrea; Azevedo, Rui; Sapage, Tania; Carmo, Paulo

2013-12-01

During the last years, the increasing pollution occurrence and the alarming deterioration of the environmental health conditions of the sea, lead to the need of global monitoring capabilities, namely for marine environment management in terms of oil spill detection and indication of the suspected polluter. The sensitivity of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to the different phenomena on the sea, especially for oil spill and vessel detection, makes it a key instrument for global pollution monitoring. The SAR performances in maritime pollution monitoring are being operationally explored by a set of service providers on behalf of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), which has launched in 2007 the CleanSeaNet (CSN) project - a pan-European satellite based oil monitoring service. EDISOFT, which is from the beginning a service provider for CSN, is continuously investing in R&D activities that will ultimately lead to better algorithms and better performance on oil spill detection from SAR imagery. This strategy is being pursued through EDISOFT participation in the FP7 EC Sea-U project and in the Automatic Oil Spill Detection (AOSD) ESA project. The Sea-U project has the aim to improve the current state of oil spill detection algorithms, through the informative content maximization obtained with data fusion, the exploitation of different type of data/ sensors and the development of advanced image processing, segmentation and classification techniques. The AOSD project is closely related to the operational segment, because it is focused on the automation of the oil spill detection processing chain, integrating auxiliary data, like wind information, together with image and geometry analysis techniques. The synergy between these different objectives (R&D versus operational) allowed EDISOFT to develop oil spill detection software, that combines the operational automatic aspect, obtained through dedicated integration of the processing chain in the existing open source NEST software, with new detection, filtering and classification algorithms. Particularly, dedicated filtering algorithm development based on Wavelet filtering was exploited for the improvement of oil spill detection and classification. In this work we present the functionalities of the developed software and the main results in support of the developed algorithm validity.

A class of systolizable IIR digital filters and its design for proper scaling and minimum output roundoff noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lei, Shaw-Min; Yao, Kung

1990-01-01

A class of infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters with a systolizable structure is proposed and its synthesis is investigated. The systolizable structure consists of pipelineable regular modules with local connections and is suitable for VLSI implementation. It is capable of achieving high performance as well as high throughput. This class of filter structure provides certain degrees of freedom that can be used to obtain some desirable properties for the filter. Techniques of evaluating the internal signal powers and the output roundoff noise of the proposed filter structure are developed. Based upon these techniques, a well-scaled IIR digital filter with minimum output roundoff noise is designed using a local optimization approach. The internal signals of all the modes of this filter are scaled to unity in the l2-norm sense. Compared to the Rao-Kailath (1984) orthogonal digital filter and the Gray-Markel (1973) normalized-lattice digital filter, this filter has better scaling properties and lower output roundoff noise.

Monitoring by Control Technique - Fabric Filters

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Stationary source emissions monitoring is required to demonstrate that a source is meeting the requirements in Federal or state rules. This page is about fabric filter control techniques used to reduce pollutant emissions.

Collaborative study of an enzymatic digestion method for the isolation of light filth from ground beef or hamburger.

PubMed

Alioto, P; Andreas, M

1976-01-01

Collaborative results are presented for a proposed method for light filth extraction from ground beef or hamburger. The method involves enzymatic digestion, wet sieving, and extraction with light mineral oil from 40% isopropanol. Recoveries are good and filter papers are clean. This method has been adopted as official first action.

METHOD 200.5 - DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN DRINKING WATER BY AXIALLY VIEWED INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA-ATOMIC EMISSION SPECTROMETRY

EPA Science Inventory

2.0 SUMMARY OF METHOD
2.1. A 50 mL aliquot of a well-mixed, non-filtered, acid preserved aqueous sample is accurately transferred to clean 50-mL plastic disposable digestion tube containing a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids. The aliquot is heated to 95 degrees C (+ o...

Experimental system for the control of surgically induced infections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The experimental system is described, and the procedures for surgery usage and maintenance are outlined. Basically the system consists of the following: (1) a portable clean room comprised of a horizontal laminar flow filter system and a transparent walled enclosure, (2) a helmet-shoulder pad assembly, (3) a communications system, (4) a helmet ventilation system, and (5) surgical gowns.

An assessment of the performance of Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA): a semi-continuous method for soluble compounds

EPA Science Inventory

Ambient air monitoring as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA’s) Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) currently uses filter packs to measure weekly integrated concentrations. The U.S. EPA is interested in supplementing CASTNet with semi-continuou...

Elimination of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in Clam by Using Zeolite in a Station of Depuration.

PubMed

Gdoura, Morsi; Sellami, Hanen; Khannous, Lamia; Ketata, Najib; Neila, Idriss Ben; Traore, Al Ibrahim; Chekir, Zouhair; Gdoura, Radhouane

2017-09-01

  The application of natural zeolite for water and wastewater treatment has been carried out and is still a promising technique in environmental cleaning processes. Natural zeolite can be used to improve the purification process of clams (Ruditapes decussatus). Thus, our study aimed at improving the clam purification system in order to reduce Escherichia coli and eliminate Salmonella in samples artificially contaminated with this bacterium using a natural zeolite to replace the biological filter. The results showed that zeolite used in a depuration system improved the clam purification process. Moreover, natural zeolite exhibited high performance in the adsorption of bacteria and allowed to reduce the Escherichia coli abundance in 24 h, thus ensuring purified clams conformity with the ISO 16649-3 standard. These results indicate the beneficial effects of using zeolite in the adsorption of bacteria and the reduction in the abundance of Escherichia coli and set the Salmonella from marine organisms.

Electropolishing effect on roughness metrics of ground stainless steel: a length scale study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakar, Doron; Harel, David; Hirsch, Baruch

2018-03-01

Electropolishing is a widely-used electrochemical surface finishing process for metals. The electropolishing of stainless steel has vast commercial application, such as improving corrosion resistance, improving cleanness, and brightening. The surface topography characterization is performed using several techniques with different lateral resolutions and length scales, from atomic force microscopy in the nano-scale (<0.1 µm) to stylus and optical profilometry in the micro- and mesoscales (0.1 µm-1 mm). This paper presents an experimental length scale study of the surface texture of ground stainless steel followed by an electropolishing process in the micro and meso lateral scales. Both stylus and optical profilometers are used, and multiple cut-off lengths of the standard Gaussian filter are adopted. While the commonly used roughness amplitude parameters (Ra, Rq and Rz) fail to characterize electropolished textures, the root mean square slope (RΔq) is found to better describe the electropolished surfaces and to be insensitive to scale.

Bioregenerative system components for microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nevill, Gale E., Jr.; Hessel, Michael I., Jr.

1992-01-01

The goal of the class was to design, fabricate, and test prototype designs that were independent, yet applicable to a Closed Loop Life Support System. The three prototypes chosen were in the areas of agar plant growth, regnerative filtration, and microgravity food preparation. The plant growth group designed a prototype agar medium growth system that incorporates nutrient solution replenishment and post-harvest refurbishment. In addition, the unit emphasizes material containment and minimization of open interfaces. The second project was a filter used in microgravity that has the capability to clean itself. The filters are perforated plates which slide through a duct and are cleaned outside of the flow with a vacuum system. The air in the duct is prevented from flowing outside of the duct by a network of sliding seals. The food preparation group developed a device which dispenses and mixes ingredients and then cooks the mixture in microgravity. The dry ingredients are dispensed from a canister by a ratchet-operated piston. The wet ingredients are dispensed from plastic bags through tubing attached to a syringe. Once inside the mixing chamber, the ingredients are mixed using a collapsible whisk and then pushed into the cooking device.

Evaluation of environmental filtration control of engineered nanoparticles using the Harvard Versatile Engineered Nanomaterial Generation System (VENGES)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Candace S.-J.; Echevarría-Vega, Manuel E.; Sotiriou, Georgios A.; Santeufemio, Christopher; Schmidt, Daniel; Demokritou, Philip; Ellenbecker, Michael

2012-05-01

Applying engineering controls to airborne engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is critical to prevent environmental releases and worker exposure. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two air sampling and six air cleaning fabric filters at collecting ENPs using industrially relevant flame-made engineered nanoparticles generated using a versatile engineered nanomaterial generation system (VENGES), recently designed and constructed at Harvard University. VENGES has the ability to generate metal and metal oxide exposure atmospheres while controlling important particle properties such as primary particle size, aerosol size distribution, and agglomeration state. For this study, amorphous SiO2 ENPs with a 15.4 nm primary particle size were generated and diluted with HEPA-filtered air. The aerosol was passed through the filter samples at two different filtration face velocities (2.3 and 3.5 m/min). Particle concentrations as a function of particle size were measured upstream and downstream of the filters using a specially designed filter test system to evaluate filtration efficiency. Real time instruments (FMPS and APS) were used to measure particle concentration for diameters from 5 to 20,000 nm. Membrane-coated fabric filters were found to have enhanced nanoparticle collection efficiency by 20-46 % points compared to non-coated fabric and could provide collection efficiency above 95 %.

Separation of particulate from flue gas of fossil fuel combustion and gasification

DOEpatents

Yang, W.C.; Newby, R.A.; Lippert, T.E.

1997-08-05

The gas from combustion or gasification of fossil fuel contains fly ash and other particulates. The fly ash is separated from the gas in a plurality of standleg moving granular-bed filter modules. Each module includes a dipleg through which the bed media flows into the standleg. The bed media forms a first filter bed having an upper mass having a first frusto-conical surface in a frusto-conical member at the entrance to the standleg and a lower mass having a second frusto-conical surface of substantially greater area than the first surface after it passes through the standleg. A second filter media bed may be formed above the first filter media bed. The gas is fed tangentially into the module above the first surface. The fly ash is captured on the first frusto-conical surface and within the bed mass. The processed gas flows out through the second frusto-conical surface and then through the second filter bed, if present. The bed media is cleaned of the captured fly ash and recirculated to the moving granular bed filter. Alternatively, the bed media may be composed of the ash from the combustion which is pelletized to form agglomerates. The ash flows through the bed only once; it is not recycled. 11 figs.

Separation of particulate from flue gas of fossil fuel combustion and gasification

DOEpatents

Yang, Wen-Ching; Newby, Richard A.; Lippert, Thomas E.

1997-01-01

The gas from combustion or gasification of fossil fuel contains flyash and other particulate. The flyash is separated from the gas in a plurality of standleg moving granular-bed filter modules. Each module includes a dipleg through which the bed media flows into the standleg. The bed media forms a first filter bed having an upper mass having a first frusto-conical surface in a frusto-conical member at the entrance to the standleg and a lower mass having a second frusto-conical surface of substantially greater area than the first surface after it passes through the standleg. A second filter media bed may be formed above the first filter media bed. The gas is fed tangentially into the module above the first surface. The flyash is captured on the first frusto-conical surface and within the bed mass. The processed gas flows out through the second frusto-conical surface and then through the second filter bed, if present. The bed media is cleaned of the captured flyash and recirculated to the moving granular bed filter. Alternatively, the bed media may be composed of the ash from the combustion which is pelletized to form agglomerates. The ash flows through the bed only once; it is not recycled.

Evaluation of environmental filtration control of engineered nanoparticles using the Harvard Versatile Engineered Nanomaterial Generation System (VENGES)

PubMed Central

Echevarría-Vega, Manuel E.; Sotiriou, Georgios A.; Santeufemio, Christopher; Schmidt, Daniel; Demokritou, Philip; Ellenbecker, Michael

2013-01-01

Applying engineering controls to airborne engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is critical to prevent environmental releases and worker exposure. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two air sampling and six air cleaning fabric filters at collecting ENPs using industrially relevant flame-made engineered nanoparticles generated using a versatile engineered nanomaterial generation system (VENGES), recently designed and constructed at Harvard University. VENGES has the ability to generate metal and metal oxide exposure atmospheres while controlling important particle properties such as primary particle size, aerosol size distribution, and agglomeration state. For this study, amorphous SiO2 ENPs with a 15.4 nm primary particle size were generated and diluted with HEPA-filtered air. The aerosol was passed through the filter samples at two different filtration face velocities (2.3 and 3.5 m/min). Particle concentrations as a function of particle size were measured upstream and downstream of the filters using a specially designed filter test system to evaluate filtration efficiency. Real time instruments (FMPS and APS) were used to measure particle concentration for diameters from 5 to 20,000 nm. Membrane-coated fabric filters were found to have enhanced nanoparticle collection efficiency by 20–46 % points compared to non-coated fabric and could provide collection efficiency above 95 %. PMID:23412707

International Space Station (ISS) Bacterial Filter Elements (BFEs): Filter Efficiency and Pressure Drop Testing of Returned Units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert D.; Agui, Juan H.; Vijayakumar, R.; Berger, Gordon M.; Perry, Jay L.

2017-01-01

The air quality control equipment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and future deep space exploration vehicles provide the vital function of maintaining a clean cabin environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of sedimentation. The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system architecture in the U.S. Segment uses a distributed particulate filtration approach consisting of traditional High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters deployed at multiple locations in each U.S. Seg-ment module; these filters are referred to as Bacterial Filter Elements, or BFEs. In our previous work, we presented results of efficiency and pressure drop measurements for a sample set of two returned BFEs with a service life of 2.5 years. In this follow-on work, we present similar efficiency, pressure drop, and leak tests results for a larger sample set of six returned BFEs. The results of this work can aid the ISS Program in managing BFE logistics inventory through the stations planned lifetime as well as provide insight for managing filter element logistics for future exploration missions. These results also can provide meaningful guidance for particulate filter designs under consideration for future deep space exploration missions.

Filter Efficiency and Pressure Testing of Returned ISS Bacterial Filter Elements (BFEs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert D.; Agui, Juan H.; Berger, Gordon M.; Vijayakumar, R.; Perry, Jay L.

2017-01-01

The air quality control equipment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and future deep space exploration vehicles provide the vital function of maintaining a clean cabin environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of sedimentation. The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system architecture in the U.S. Segment uses a distributed particulate filtration approach consisting of traditional High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters deployed at multiple locations in each U.S. Seg-ment module; these filters are referred to as Bacterial Filter Elements, or BFEs. In our previous work, we presented results of efficiency and pressure drop measurements for a sample set of two returned BFEs with a service life of 2.5 years. In this follow-on work, we present similar efficiency, pressure drop, and leak tests results for a larger sample set of six returned BFEs. The results of this work can aid the ISS Program in managing BFE logistics inventory through the stations planned lifetime as well as provide insight for managing filter element logistics for future exploration missions. These results also can provide meaningful guidance for particulate filter designs under consideration for future deep space exploration missions.

Lipophilic Super-Absorbent Swelling Gels as Cleaners for Use on Weapons Systems and Platforms

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

disruptive solid state cleaning technology to overcome limitations of currently employed cleaning techniques. Results were com- pared with a commercially...cleaners developed in this research will allow drastic reduction in the use of VOC containing sol- vents and HAP release. DISCLAIMER: The contents of...Grease cleaning .............................................................................................................. 12 4 Results and

Statistical, Graphical, and Learning Methods for Sensing, Surveillance, and Navigation Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-28

harsh propagation environments. Conventional filtering techniques fail to provide satisfactory performance in many important nonlinear or non...Gaussian scenarios. In addition, there is a lack of a unified methodology for the design and analysis of different filtering techniques. To address...these problems, we have proposed a new filtering methodology called belief condensation (BC) DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution approved for public release

Fundamentals of digital filtering with applications in geophysical prospecting for oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mesko, A.

This book is a comprehensive work bringing together the important mathematical foundations and computing techniques for numerical filtering methods. The first two parts of the book introduce the techniques, fundamental theory and applications, while the third part treats specific applications in geophysical prospecting. Discussion is limited to linear filters, but takes in related fields such as correlational and spectral analysis.

Modern Display Technologies for Airborne Applications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

the case of LED head-down direct view displays, this requires that special attention be paid to the optical filtering , the electrical drive/address...effectively attenuates the LED specular reflectance component, the colour and neutral density filtering attentuate the diffuse component and the... filter techniques are planned for use with video, multi- colour and advanced versions of numeric, alphanumeric and graphic displays; this technique

Monitoring by Control Technique - Electrified Filter Bed

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Stationary source emissions monitoring is required to demonstrate that a source is meeting the requirements in Federal or state rules. This page is about electrified filter bed control techniques used to reduce pollutant emissions.

Real-time optical signal processors employing optical feedback: amplitude and phase control.

PubMed

Gallagher, N C

1976-04-01

The development of real-time coherent optical signal processors has increased the appeal of optical computing techniques in signal processing applications. A major limitation of these real-time systems is the. fact that the optical processing material is generally of a phase-only type. The result is that the spatial filters synthesized with these systems must be either phase-only filters or amplitude-only filters. The main concern of this paper is the application of optical feedback techniques to obtain simultaneous and independent amplitude and phase control of the light passing through the system. It is shown that optical feedback techniques may be employed with phase-only spatial filters to obtain this amplitude and phase control. The feedback system with phase-only filters is compared with other feedback systems that employ combinations of phase-only and amplitude-only filters; it is found that the phase-only system is substantially more flexible than the other two systems investigated.

Process for making ceramic hot gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, Elizabeth Sokolinski; Forsythe, George Daniel; Domanski, Daniel Matthew; Chambers, Jeffrey Allen; Rajendran, Govindasamy Paramasivam

2001-01-01

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during backpulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Ceramic hot-gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, Elizabeth Sokolinski; Forsythe, George Daniel; Domanski, Daniel Matthew; Chambers, Jeffrey Allen; Rajendran, Govindasamy Paramasivam

1999-01-01

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during backpulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Ceramic hot-gas filter

DOEpatents

Connolly, E.S.; Forsythe, G.D.; Domanski, D.M.; Chambers, J.A.; Rajendran, G.P.

1999-05-11

A ceramic hot-gas candle filter is described having a porous support of filament-wound oxide ceramic yarn at least partially surrounded by a porous refractory oxide ceramic matrix, and a membrane layer on at least one surface thereof. The membrane layer may be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer and inner surface of the porous support. The membrane layer may be formed of an ordered arrangement of circularly wound, continuous filament oxide ceramic yarn, a ceramic filler material which is less permeable than the filament-wound support structure, or some combination of continuous filament and filler material. A particularly effective membrane layer features circularly wound filament with gaps intentionally placed between adjacent windings, and a filler material of ceramic particulates uniformly distributed throughout the gap region. The filter can withstand thermal cycling during back pulse cleaning and is resistant to chemical degradation at high temperatures.

Laguna Madre Water Purification using Biochar from Citrus Peels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, C.; Al-Qudah, O. M.

2017-12-01

Laguna Madre is an important lagoon in the coast of Texas. It is one of the seven hypersaline lagoons in the world. Due to inflow of water with extreme amounts of phosphorus and nitrates and the low inflow of freshwater, the lagoon has high amount of phosphorus and nitrates which can be harmful for fish and plants situated in the lagoon. The goal is to be able to perform a filtration method with citrus peels biochar, and then to evaluate and compare the produced biochar, zeolite, and activated carbon as an infiltration filter by assessing reductions of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, as well as sum selected trace elements. Furthermore, the current research will investigate how long the cleaning capacity of biochar lasts and how the performance of the filter changes under an increased load of contaminants. The performance of biochar from different parent materials and recycling options for the used filter materials are also included in this research.

Virus removal efficiency of Cambodian ceramic pot water purifiers.

PubMed

Salsali, Hamidreza; McBean, Edward; Brunsting, Joseph

2011-06-01

Virus removal efficiency is described for three types of silver-impregnated, ceramic water filters (CWFs) produced in Cambodia. The tests were completed using freshly scrubbed filters and de-ionized (DI) water as an evaluation of the removal efficiency of the virus in isolation with no other interacting water quality variables. Removal efficiencies between 0.21 and 0.45 log are evidenced, which is significantly lower than results obtained in testing of similar filters by other investigators utilizing surface or rain water and a less frequent cleaning regime. Other experiments generally found virus removal efficiencies greater than 1.0 log. This difference may be because of the association of viruses with suspended solids, and subsequent removal of these solids during filtration. Variability in virus removal efficiencies between pots of the same manufacturer, and observed flow rates outside the manufacturer's specifications, suggest tighter quality control and consistency may be needed during production.

Water recovery in a concentrated solar power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raza, Aikifa; Higgo, Alex R.; Alobaidli, Abdulaziz; Zhang, TieJun

2016-05-01

For CSP plants, water consumption is undergoing increasing scrutiny particularly in dry and arid regions with water scarcity conditions. Significant amount of water has to be used for parabolic trough mirror cleaning to maintain high mirror reflectance and optical efficiency in sandy environment. For this specific purpose, solar collectors are washed once or twice every week at Shams 1, one of the largest CSP plant in the Middle East, and about 5 million gallons of demineralized water is utilized every year without further recovery. The produced waste water from a CSP plant contains the soiling i.e. accumulated dust and some amount of organic contaminants, as indicated by our analysis of waste water samples from the solar field. We thus need to develop a membrane based system to filter fine dust particulates and to degrade organic contaminant simultaneously. Membrane filtration technology is considered to be cost-effective way to address the emerging problem of a clean water shortage, and to reuse the filtered water after cleaning solar collectors. But there are some major technical barriers to improve the robustness and energy efficiency of filtration membranes especially when dealing with the removal of ultra-small particles and oil traces. Herein, we proposed a robust and scalable nanostructured inorganic microporous filtration copper mesh. The inorganic membrane surface wettability is tailored to enhance the water permeability and filtration flux by creating nanostructures. These nanostructured membranes were successfully employed to recover water collected after cleaning the reflectors of solar field of Shams 1. Another achievement was to remove the traces of heat transfer fluid (HTF) from run-off water which was collected after accidental leakage in some of the heat exchangers during the commissioning of the Shams 1 for safe disposal into the main stream. We hope, by controlling the water recovery factor and membrane reusability performance, the membrane design could be used for water conservation in CSP plants.

Chemical exposure among professional ski waxers--characterization of individual work operations.

PubMed

Freberg, Baard Ingegerdsson; Olsen, Raymond; Thorud, Syvert; Ellingsen, Dag G; Daae, Hanne Line; Hersson, Merete; Molander, Paal

2013-04-01

Preparation of skis prior to skiing competitions involves several individual work operations and the use of a wide variety of chemically based ski waxing products to improve the performance of the skis, including products used after skiing for wax removal and ski sole cleaning. Modern ski waxes consist mainly of petroleum-derived straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, perfluoro-n-alkanes or polyfluorinated n-alkanes. The wax cleaning products contain solvents such as neat aliphatic hydrocarbons (aliphates) or a mixture with limonene. Different ski waxing work operations can result in contaminated workroom atmospheres. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical exposures related to the individual ski waxing work operations by investigating the specific work operations in controlled model experiments. Four main work operations with potential exposures were identified: (i) application of glider waxes, (ii) scraping and brushing of applied glider waxes, (iii) application of base/grip waxes, and (iv) ski sole cleaning. Aerosol particle masses were sampled using conical samplers equipped with 37-mm PVC, 5-µm pore size filters and cyclones equipped with 37-mm PVC, 0.8-µm pore size filters for the inhalable and the respirable aerosol mass fractions, respectively. For measurements of particle number concentrations, a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer was used. Mean aerosol particle mass concentrations of 18.6 mg m(-3) and 32.2 mg m(-3) were measured during application of glider wax powders in the respirable and in the inhalable aerosol mass fractions, respectively. Particle number concentration of ~900 000 particles cm(-3) was measured during application of glider wax powder products. Ski sole cleaning with products containing aliphates displayed solvent air concentrations up to 62.5 p.p.m. This study shows that the potential exposure to generated particles during ski waxing and ski preparation is considerable, especially during work using glide wax powders.

Novel Hollow Fiber Air Filters for the Removal of Ultrafine Particles in PM2.5 with Repetitive Usage Capability.

PubMed

Li, Manqing; Feng, Yingnan; Wang, Kaiyu; Yong, Wai Fen; Yu, Liya; Chung, Tai-Shung

2017-09-05

Severe air pollution has become a global concern, and there is a pressing need to develop effective and efficient air filters for removing airborne particulate matters (PMs). In this work, a highly permeable poly(ether sulfone) (PES) based hollow fiber membrane was developed via a one-step dry-jet wet spinning. For the first time, a hollow fiber membrane was used in removing the ultrafine particles (PMs with aerodynamic equivalent diameters of less than 100 nm) in PM 2.5 . The novel air filter was designed to possess the synergistic advantages of porous filters and fibrous filters with a sievelike outer surface and a fibrouslike porous substrate. A filtration efficiency of higher than 99.995% could be easily achieved when the self-support hollow fiber was challenged with less than 300 nm particulates. Without losses of the structural advantages, we have demonstrated that the permeation properties of the hollow fiber membrane can be facilely tailored via manipulation of the dope and bore fluid formulations. Various cleaning strategies were explored to regenerate the membrane performance after fouling. Both water rinse and backwash showed effectiveness to restore the membrane permeance for repetitive usage.

The tropospheric distribution of formaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowe, D. C.; Schmidt, U.; Ehhalt, D. H.

1981-12-01

A measurement technique for determining the very low formaldehyde concentrations in clean air is described. The method is based on the standard derivation of formaldehyde with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The derivative is separated, using high performance liquid chromatography, and detected at 254 nm with a conventional UV absorption detector. The sampling and analysis technique was used to measure tropospheric mixing ratios at various places in Europe and New Zealand as well as during a cruise in the North and South Atlantic. The results of the measurements show that formaldehyde mixing ratios in clean air are very low. In clean maritime air no significant difference in the formaldehyde mixing ratio between the hemispheres is observed.

Development and application of new positively charged filters for recovery of bacteriophages from water.

PubMed Central

Borrego, J J; Cornax, R; Preston, D R; Farrah, S R; McElhaney, B; Bitton, G

1991-01-01

Electronegative and electropositive filters were compared for the recovery of indigenous bacteriophages from water samples, using the VIRADEL technique. Fiber glass and diatomaceous earth filters displayed low adsorption and recovery, but an important increase of the adsorption percentage was observed when the filters were treated with cationic polymers (about 99% adsorption). A new methodology of virus elution was developed in this study, consisting of the slow passage of the eluent through the filter, thus increasing the contact time between eluent and virus adsorbed on the filters. The use of this technique allows a maximum recovery of 71.2% compared with 46.7% phage recovery obtained by the standard elution procedure. High percentages (over 83%) of phage adsorption were obtained with different filters from 1-liter aliquots of the samples, except for Virosorb 1-MDS filters (between 1.6 and 32% phage adsorption). Phage recovery by using the slow passing of the eluent depended on the filter type, with recovery ranging between 1.6% for Virosorb 1-MDS filters treated with polyethyleneimine and 103.2% for diatomaceous earth filters treated with 0.1% Nalco. PMID:2059044

A tool for filtering information in complex systems

PubMed Central

Tumminello, M.; Aste, T.; Di Matteo, T.; Mantegna, R. N.

2005-01-01

We introduce a technique to filter out complex data sets by extracting a subgraph of representative links. Such a filtering can be tuned up to any desired level by controlling the genus of the resulting graph. We show that this technique is especially suitable for correlation-based graphs, giving filtered graphs that preserve the hierarchical organization of the minimum spanning tree but containing a larger amount of information in their internal structure. In particular in the case of planar filtered graphs (genus equal to 0), triangular loops and four-element cliques are formed. The application of this filtering procedure to 100 stocks in the U.S. equity markets shows that such loops and cliques have important and significant relationships with the market structure and properties. PMID:16027373

A tool for filtering information in complex systems.

PubMed

Tumminello, M; Aste, T; Di Matteo, T; Mantegna, R N

2005-07-26

We introduce a technique to filter out complex data sets by extracting a subgraph of representative links. Such a filtering can be tuned up to any desired level by controlling the genus of the resulting graph. We show that this technique is especially suitable for correlation-based graphs, giving filtered graphs that preserve the hierarchical organization of the minimum spanning tree but containing a larger amount of information in their internal structure. In particular in the case of planar filtered graphs (genus equal to 0), triangular loops and four-element cliques are formed. The application of this filtering procedure to 100 stocks in the U.S. equity markets shows that such loops and cliques have important and significant relationships with the market structure and properties.

Frequency tracking and variable bandwidth for line noise filtering without a reference.

PubMed

Kelly, John W; Collinger, Jennifer L; Degenhart, Alan D; Siewiorek, Daniel P; Smailagic, Asim; Wang, Wei

2011-01-01

This paper presents a method for filtering line noise using an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) technique. This method effectively eliminates the sinusoidal contamination while achieving a narrower bandwidth than typical notch filters and without relying on the availability of a noise reference signal as ANC methods normally do. A sinusoidal reference is instead digitally generated and the filter efficiently tracks the power line frequency, which drifts around a known value. The filter's learning rate is also automatically adjusted to achieve faster and more accurate convergence and to control the filter's bandwidth. In this paper the focus of the discussion and the data will be electrocorticographic (ECoG) neural signals, but the presented technique is applicable to other recordings.

Comparison of Factorization-Based Filtering for Landing Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCabe, James S.; Brown, Aaron J.; DeMars, Kyle J.; Carson, John M., III

2017-01-01

This paper develops and analyzes methods for fusing inertial navigation data with external data, such as data obtained from an altimeter and a star camera. The particular filtering techniques are based upon factorized forms of the Kalman filter, specifically the UDU and Cholesky factorizations. The factorized Kalman filters are utilized to ensure numerical stability of the navigation solution. Simulations are carried out to compare the performance of the different approaches along a lunar descent trajectory using inertial and external data sources. It is found that the factorized forms improve upon conventional filtering techniques in terms of ensuring numerical stability for the investigated landing navigation scenario.

SPONGY (SPam ONtoloGY): Email Classification Using Two-Level Dynamic Ontology

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Email is one of common communication methods between people on the Internet. However, the increase of email misuse/abuse has resulted in an increasing volume of spam emails over recent years. An experimental system has been designed and implemented with the hypothesis that this method would outperform existing techniques, and the experimental results showed that indeed the proposed ontology-based approach improves spam filtering accuracy significantly. In this paper, two levels of ontology spam filters were implemented: a first level global ontology filter and a second level user-customized ontology filter. The use of the global ontology filter showed about 91% of spam filtered, which is comparable with other methods. The user-customized ontology filter was created based on the specific user's background as well as the filtering mechanism used in the global ontology filter creation. The main contributions of the paper are (1) to introduce an ontology-based multilevel filtering technique that uses both a global ontology and an individual filter for each user to increase spam filtering accuracy and (2) to create a spam filter in the form of ontology, which is user-customized, scalable, and modularized, so that it can be embedded to many other systems for better performance. PMID:25254240

Design of coupled mace filters for optical pattern recognition using practical spatial light modulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rajan, P. K.; Khan, Ajmal

1993-01-01

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are being used in correlation-based optical pattern recognition systems to implement the Fourier domain filters. Currently available SLMs have certain limitations with respect to the realizability of these filters. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the SLM constraints in the design of the filters. The design of a SLM-constrained minimum average correlation energy (SLM-MACE) filter using the simulated annealing-based optimization technique was investigated. The SLM-MACE filter was synthesized for three different types of constraints. The performance of the filter was evaluated in terms of its recognition (discrimination) capabilities using computer simulations. The correlation plane characteristics of the SLM-MACE filter were found to be reasonably good. The SLM-MACE filter yielded far better results than the analytical MACE filter implemented on practical SLMs using the constrained magnitude technique. Further, the filter performance was evaluated in the presence of noise in the input test images. This work demonstrated the need to include the SLM constraints in the filter design. Finally, a method is suggested to reduce the computation time required for the synthesis of the SLM-MACE filter.

SPONGY (SPam ONtoloGY): email classification using two-level dynamic ontology.

PubMed

Youn, Seongwook

2014-01-01

Email is one of common communication methods between people on the Internet. However, the increase of email misuse/abuse has resulted in an increasing volume of spam emails over recent years. An experimental system has been designed and implemented with the hypothesis that this method would outperform existing techniques, and the experimental results showed that indeed the proposed ontology-based approach improves spam filtering accuracy significantly. In this paper, two levels of ontology spam filters were implemented: a first level global ontology filter and a second level user-customized ontology filter. The use of the global ontology filter showed about 91% of spam filtered, which is comparable with other methods. The user-customized ontology filter was created based on the specific user's background as well as the filtering mechanism used in the global ontology filter creation. The main contributions of the paper are (1) to introduce an ontology-based multilevel filtering technique that uses both a global ontology and an individual filter for each user to increase spam filtering accuracy and (2) to create a spam filter in the form of ontology, which is user-customized, scalable, and modularized, so that it can be embedded to many other systems for better performance.

Contamination control through filtration of microorganisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stabekis, P. D.; Lyle, R. G.

1972-01-01

A description is given of the various kinds of gas and liquid filters used in decontamination and sterilization procedures. Also discussed are filtration mechanisms, characteristics of filter materials, and the factors affecting filter performance. Summaries are included for filter testing and evaluation techniques and the possible application of the filters to spacecraft sterilization.

Miniaturized dielectric waveguide filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandhu, Muhammad Y.; Hunter, Ian C.

2016-10-01

Design techniques for a new class of integrated monolithic high-permittivity ceramic waveguide filters are presented. These filters enable a size reduction of 50% compared to air-filled transverse electromagnetic filters with the same unloaded Q-factor. Designs for Chebyshev and asymmetric generalised Chebyshev filter and a diplexer are presented with experimental results for an 1800 MHz Chebyshev filter and a 1700 MHz generalised Chebyshev filter showing excellent agreement with theory.

Assessment of Hygiene Habits in Acrylic Denture Wearers: a Cross-sectional Study

PubMed Central

Aoun, Georges; Gerges, Elie

2017-01-01

Objectives: To assess the denture hygiene habits in a population of Lebanese denture wearers. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-two (132) patients [71 women (53.8%) and 61 men (46.2%)] wearing their acrylic dentures for more than two years were included in this study. The hygiene methods related to their dentures were evaluated and the data obtained were analyzed statistically using the IBM® SPSS® statistics 20.0 (USA) statistical package. Results: Regardless of the cleaning technique, the big majority of our participants [123 out of 132 (93.1%)] cleaned their dentures daily. The two mostly used denture cleaning techniques were rinsing with tap water (34.1%) and brushing with toothpaste (31.8%). Nearly half of our patients (45.5%) soaked their dentures during the night; most of them with cleansing tablets dissolved in water (28.8%). Conclusions: Within the limitations of our study, it was concluded that in a sample of Lebanese population surveyed about denture hygiene habits, the daily frequency of denture cleaning is satisfactory, but the techniques and products used were self-estimated and, consequently, not sufficient. PMID:29109670

Process and apparatus for obtaining samples of liquid and gas from soil

DOEpatents

Rossabi, J.; May, C.P.; Pemberton, B.E.; Shinn, J.; Sprague, K.

1999-03-30

An apparatus and process for obtaining samples of liquid and gas from subsurface soil is provided having filter zone adjacent an external expander ring. The expander ring creates a void within the soil substrate which encourages the accumulation of soil-borne fluids. The fluids migrate along a pressure gradient through a plurality of filters before entering a first chamber. A one-way valve regulates the flow of fluid into a second chamber in further communication with a collection tube through which samples are collected at the surface. A second one-way valve having a reverse flow provides additional communication between the chambers for the pressurized cleaning and back-flushing of the apparatus. 8 figs.

Process and apparatus for obtaining samples of liquid and gas from soil

DOEpatents

Rossabi, Joseph; May, Christopher P.; Pemberton, Bradley E.; Shinn, Jim; Sprague, Keith

1999-01-01

An apparatus and process for obtaining samples of liquid and gas from subsurface soil is provided having filter zone adjacent an external expander ring. The expander ring creates a void within the soil substrate which encourages the accumulation of soil-borne fluids. The fluids migrate along a pressure gradient through a plurality of filters before entering a first chamber. A one-way valve regulates the flow of fluid into a second chamber in further communication with a collection tube through which samples are collected at the surface. A second one-way valve having a reverse flow provides additional communication between the chambers for the pressurized cleaning and back-flushing of the apparatus.

Large-scale generic test stand for testing of multiple configurations of air filters utilizing a range of particle size distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giffin, Paxton K.; Parsons, Michael S.; Unz, Ronald J.; Waggoner, Charles A.

2012-05-01

The Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) at Mississippi State University has developed a test stand capable of lifecycle testing of high efficiency particulate air filters and other filters specified in American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (AG-1) filters. The test stand is currently equipped to test AG-1 Section FK radial flow filters, and expansion is currently underway to increase testing capabilities for other types of AG-1 filters. The test stand is capable of producing differential pressures of 12.45 kPa (50 in. w.c.) at volumetric air flow rates up to 113.3 m3/min (4000 CFM). Testing is performed at elevated and ambient conditions for temperature and relative humidity. Current testing utilizes three challenge aerosols: carbon black, alumina, and Arizona road dust (A1-Ultrafine). Each aerosol has a different mass median diameter to test loading over a wide range of particles sizes. The test stand is designed to monitor and maintain relative humidity and temperature to required specifications. Instrumentation is implemented on the upstream and downstream sections of the test stand as well as on the filter housing itself. Representative data are presented herein illustrating the test stand's capabilities. Digital images of the filter pack collected during and after testing is displayed after the representative data are discussed. In conclusion, the ICET test stand with AG-1 filter testing capabilities has been developed and hurdles such as test parameter stability and design flexibility overcome.

Importance of Adjunct Delivery Techniques to Optimize Deployment Success of Distal Protection Filters During Vein Graft Intervention.

PubMed

Kaliyadan, Antony G; Chawla, Harnish; Fischman, David L; Ruggiero, Nicholas; Gannon, Michael; Walinsky, Paul; Savage, Michael P

2017-02-01

This study assessed the impact of adjunct delivery techniques on the deployment success of distal protection filters in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). Despite their proven clinical benefit, distal protection devices are underutilized in SVG interventions. Deployment of distal protection filters can be technically challenging in the presence of complex anatomy. Techniques that facilitate the delivery success of these devices could potentially improve clinical outcomes and promote greater use of distal protection. Outcomes of 105 consecutive SVG interventions with attempted use of a FilterWire distal protection device (Boston Scientific) were reviewed. In patients in whom filter delivery initially failed, the success of attempted redeployment using adjunct delivery techniques was assessed. Two strategies were utilized sequentially: (1) a 0.014" moderate-stiffness hydrophilic guidewire was placed first to function as a parallel buddy wire to support subsequent FilterWire crossing; and (2) if the buddy-wire approach failed, predilation with a 2.0 mm balloon at low pressure was performed followed by reattempted filter delivery. The study population consisted of 80 men and 25 women aged 73 ± 10 years. Mean SVG age was 14 ± 6 years. Complex disease (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association class B2 or C) was present in 92%. Initial delivery of the FilterWire was successful in 82/105 patients (78.1%). Of the 23 patients with initial failed delivery, 8 (35%) had successful deployment with a buddy wire alone, 7 (30%) had successful deployment with balloon predilation plus buddy wire, 4 (17%) had failed reattempt at deployment despite adjunct maneuvers, and in 4 (17%) no additional attempts at deployment were made at the operator's discretion. Deployment failure was reduced from 21.9% initially to 7.6% after use of adjunct delivery techniques (P<.01). No adverse events were observed with these measures. Deployment of distal protection devices can be technically difficult with complex SVG disease. Adjunct delivery techniques are important to optimize deployment success of distal protection filters during SVG intervention.

Control of aerosol contaminants in indoor air: combining the particle concentration reduction with microbial inactivation.

PubMed

Grinshpun, Sergey A; Adhikari, Atin; Honda, Takeshi; Kim, Ki Youn; Toivola, Mika; Rao, K S Ramchander; Reponen, Tiina

2007-01-15

An indoor air purification technique, which combines unipolar ion emission and photocatalytic oxidation (promoted by a specially designed RCI cell), was investigated in two test chambers, 2.75 m3 and 24.3 m3, using nonbiological and biological challenge aerosols. The reduction in particle concentration was measured size selectively in real-time, and the Air Cleaning Factor and the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) were determined. While testing with virions and bacteria, bioaerosol samples were collected and analyzed, and the microorganism survival rate was determined as a function of exposure time. We observed that the aerosol concentration decreased approximately 10 to approximately 100 times more rapidly when the purifier operated as compared to the natural decay. The data suggest that the tested portable unit operating in approximately 25 m3 non-ventilated room is capable to provide CADR-values more than twice as great than the conventional closed-loop HVAC system with a rating 8 filter. The particle removal occurred due to unipolar ion emission, while the inactivation of viable airborne microorganisms was associated with photocatalytic oxidation. Approximately 90% of initially viable MS2 viruses were inactivated resulting from 10 to 60 min exposure to the photocatalytic oxidation. Approximately 75% of viable B. subtilis spores were inactivated in 10 min, and about 90% or greater after 30 min. The biological and chemical mechanisms that led to the inactivation of stress-resistant airborne viruses and bacterial spores were reviewed.

Shear stress cleaning for surface departiculation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musselman, R. P.; Yarbrough, T. W.

1986-01-01

A cleaning technique widely used by the nuclear utility industry for removal of radioactive surface contamination has proven effective at removing non-hazardous contaminant particles as small as 0.1 micrometer. The process employs a controlled high velocity liquid spray inside a vapor containment enclosure to remove particles from a surface. The viscous drag force generated by the cleaning fluid applies a shear stress greater than the adhesion force that holds small particles to a substrate. Fluid mechanics and field tests indicate general cleaning parameters.

Experimental investigation of the effect of inlet particle properties on the capture efficiency in an exhaust particulate filter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viswanathan, Sandeep; Rothamer, David; Zelenyuk, Alla

The impact of inlet particle properties on the filtration performance of clean and particulate matter (PM) laden cordierite filter samples was evaluated using PM generated by a spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engine fuelled with tier II EEE certification gasoline. Prior to the filtration experiments, a scanning mobility particle spectrometer (SMPS) was used to measure the electrical-mobility based particle size distribution (PSD) in the SIDI exhaust from distinct engine operating conditions. An advanced aerosol characterization system that comprised of a centrifugal particle mass analyser (CPMA), a differential mobility analyser (DMA), and a single particle mass spectrometer (SPLAT II) was used to obtainmore » additional information on the SIDI particulate, including particle composition, mass, and dynamic shape factors (DSFs) in the transition () and free-molecular () flow regimes. During the filtration experiments, real-time measurements of PSDs upstream and downstream of the filter sample were used to estimate the filtration performance and the total trapped mass within the filter using an integrated particle size distribution method. The filter loading process was paused multiple times to evaluate the filtration performance in the partially loaded state. The change in vacuum aerodynamic diameter () distribution of mass-selected particles was examined for flow through the filter to identify whether preferential capture of particles of certain shapes occurred in the filter. The filter was also probed using different inlet PSDs to understand their impact on particle capture within the filter sample. Results from the filtration experiment suggest that pausing the filter loading process and subsequently performing the filter probing experiments did not impact the overall evolution of filtration performance. Within the present distribution of particle sizes, filter efficiency was independent of particle shape potentially due to the diffusion-dominant filtration process. Particle mobility diameter and trapped mass within the filter appeared to be the dominant parameters that impacted filter performance.« less

Coupling detergent lysis/clean-up methodology with intact protein fractionation for enhanced proteome characterization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharma, Ritin; Dill, Brian; Chourey, Karuna

2012-01-01

The expanding use of surfactants for proteome sample preparations has prompted the need to systematically optimize the application and removal of these MS-deleterious agents prior to proteome measurements. Here we compare four different detergent clean-up methods (Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation, Chloroform/Methanol/Water (CMW) extraction, commercial detergent removal spin column method (DRS) and filter-aided sample preparation(FASP)) with respect to varying amounts of protein biomass in the samples, and provide efficiency benchmarks with respect to protein, peptide, and spectral identifications for each method. Our results show that for protein limited samples, FASP outperforms the other three clean-up methods, while at high protein amountmore » all the methods are comparable. This information was used in a dual strategy of comparing molecular weight based fractionated and unfractionated lysates from three increasingly complex samples (Escherichia coli, a five microbial isolate mixture, and a natural microbial community groundwater sample), which were all lysed with SDS and cleaned up using FASP. The two approaches complemented each other by enhancing the number of protein identifications by 8%-25% across the three samples and provided broad pathway coverage.« less

A simple novel device for air sampling by electrokinetic capture

DOE PAGES

Gordon, Julian; Gandhi, Prasanthi; Shekhawat, Gajendra; ...

2015-12-27

A variety of different sampling devices are currently available to acquire air samples for the study of the microbiome of the air. All have a degree of technical complexity that limits deployment. Here, we evaluate the use of a novel device, which has no technical complexity and is easily deployable. An air-cleaning device powered by electrokinetic propulsion has been adapted to provide a universal method for collecting samples of the aerobiome. Plasma-induced charge in aerosol particles causes propulsion to and capture on a counter-electrode. The flow of ions creates net bulk airflow, with no moving parts. A device and electrodemore » assembly have been re-designed from air-cleaning technology to provide an average air flow of 120 lpm. This compares favorably with current air sampling devices based on physical air pumping. Capture efficiency was determined by comparison with a 0.4 μm polycarbonate reference filter, using fluorescent latex particles in a controlled environment chamber. Performance was compared with the same reference filter method in field studies in three different environments. For 23 common fungal species by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), there was 100 % sensitivity and apparent specificity of 87%, with the reference filter taken as “gold standard.” Further, bacterial analysis of 16S RNA by amplicon sequencing showed equivalent community structure captured by the electrokinetic device and the reference filter. Unlike other current air sampling methods, capture of particles is determined by charge and so is not controlled by particle mass. We analyzed particle sizes captured from air, without regard to specific analyte by atomic force microscopy: particles at least as low as 100 nM could be captured from ambient air. This work introduces a very simple plug-and-play device that can sample air at a high-volume flow rate with no moving parts and collect particles down to the sub-micron range. In conclusion, the performance of the device is substantially equivalent to capture by pumping through a filter for microbiome analysis by quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing.« less

A simple novel device for air sampling by electrokinetic capture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gordon, Julian; Gandhi, Prasanthi; Shekhawat, Gajendra

A variety of different sampling devices are currently available to acquire air samples for the study of the microbiome of the air. All have a degree of technical complexity that limits deployment. Here, we evaluate the use of a novel device, which has no technical complexity and is easily deployable. An air-cleaning device powered by electrokinetic propulsion has been adapted to provide a universal method for collecting samples of the aerobiome. Plasma-induced charge in aerosol particles causes propulsion to and capture on a counter-electrode. The flow of ions creates net bulk airflow, with no moving parts. A device and electrodemore » assembly have been re-designed from air-cleaning technology to provide an average air flow of 120 lpm. This compares favorably with current air sampling devices based on physical air pumping. Capture efficiency was determined by comparison with a 0.4 μm polycarbonate reference filter, using fluorescent latex particles in a controlled environment chamber. Performance was compared with the same reference filter method in field studies in three different environments. For 23 common fungal species by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), there was 100 % sensitivity and apparent specificity of 87%, with the reference filter taken as “gold standard.” Further, bacterial analysis of 16S RNA by amplicon sequencing showed equivalent community structure captured by the electrokinetic device and the reference filter. Unlike other current air sampling methods, capture of particles is determined by charge and so is not controlled by particle mass. We analyzed particle sizes captured from air, without regard to specific analyte by atomic force microscopy: particles at least as low as 100 nM could be captured from ambient air. This work introduces a very simple plug-and-play device that can sample air at a high-volume flow rate with no moving parts and collect particles down to the sub-micron range. In conclusion, the performance of the device is substantially equivalent to capture by pumping through a filter for microbiome analysis by quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing.« less

A simple novel device for air sampling by electrokinetic capture.

PubMed

Gordon, Julian; Gandhi, Prasanthi; Shekhawat, Gajendra; Frazier, Angel; Hampton-Marcell, Jarrad; Gilbert, Jack A

2015-12-27

A variety of different sampling devices are currently available to acquire air samples for the study of the microbiome of the air. All have a degree of technical complexity that limits deployment. Here, we evaluate the use of a novel device, which has no technical complexity and is easily deployable. An air-cleaning device powered by electrokinetic propulsion has been adapted to provide a universal method for collecting samples of the aerobiome. Plasma-induced charge in aerosol particles causes propulsion to and capture on a counter-electrode. The flow of ions creates net bulk airflow, with no moving parts. A device and electrode assembly have been re-designed from air-cleaning technology to provide an average air flow of 120 lpm. This compares favorably with current air sampling devices based on physical air pumping. Capture efficiency was determined by comparison with a 0.4 μm polycarbonate reference filter, using fluorescent latex particles in a controlled environment chamber. Performance was compared with the same reference filter method in field studies in three different environments. For 23 common fungal species by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), there was 100 % sensitivity and apparent specificity of 87 %, with the reference filter taken as "gold standard." Further, bacterial analysis of 16S RNA by amplicon sequencing showed equivalent community structure captured by the electrokinetic device and the reference filter. Unlike other current air sampling methods, capture of particles is determined by charge and so is not controlled by particle mass. We analyzed particle sizes captured from air, without regard to specific analyte by atomic force microscopy: particles at least as low as 100 nM could be captured from ambient air. This work introduces a very simple plug-and-play device that can sample air at a high-volume flow rate with no moving parts and collect particles down to the sub-micron range. The performance of the device is substantially equivalent to capture by pumping through a filter for microbiome analysis by quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing.

Development of a new photocatalytic oxidation air filter for aircraft cabin.

PubMed

Ginestet, A; Pugnet, D; Rowley, J; Bull, K; Yeomans, H

2005-10-01

A new photocatalytic oxidation air filter (PCO unit) has been designed for aircraft cabin applications. The PCO unit is designed as a regenerable VOC removal system in order to improve the quality of the recirculated air entering the aircraft cabin. The PCO was designed to be a modular unit, with four UV lamps sandwiched between two interchangeable titanium dioxide coated panels. Performances of the PCO unit has been measured in a single pass mode test rig in order to show the ability of the unit to decrease the amount of VOCs (toluene, ethanol, and acetone) entering it (VOCs are fed separately), and in a multipass mode test rig in order to measure the ability of the unit to clean the air of an experimental room polluted with the same VOCs (fed separately). Triangular cell panels have been chosen instead of the wire mesh panels because they have higher efficiency. The efficiency of the PCO unit depends on the type of VOCs that challenges it, toluene being the most difficult one to oxidise. The efficiency of the PCO unit decreases when the air flow rate increases. The multipass mode test results show that the VOCs are oxidized but additional testing time would be necessary in order to show if they can be fully oxidized. The intermediate reaction products are mainly acetaldehyde and formaldehyde whose amount depends on the challenge VOC. The intermediate reaction products are also oxidized and additional testing time would be necessary in order to show if they can be fully oxidized. The development of this new photocatalytic air filter is still going on. The VOC/odor removing adsorbers are available for only a small proportion of aircraft currently in service. The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technique has appeared to be a promising solution to odors problems met in aircraft. This article reports the test results of a new photocatalytic oxidation air filter (PCO unit) designed for aircraft cabin applications. The overall efficiency of the PCO unit is function of the compound (toluene, ethanol, and acetone) that challenges the unit and toluene appears to be the most difficult compound to oxidize. Test results have shown the influence of the design of the PCO unit, the air flow rate and the type of UV on the efficiency of the PCO unit. The results obtained in this study represent a first attempt on the way to design a filter for VOC removal in cabin aircraft applications. The PCO technique used by the tested prototype unit is able to partially oxidized the challenge VOCs but one has to be aware that some harmful intermediate reaction products (mainly formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) are produced during the oxidation process before being partially oxidized too.

A Comparative Study of Different Deblurring Methods Using Filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srimani, P. K.; Kavitha, S.

2011-12-01

This paper attempts to undertake the study of Restored Gaussian Blurred Images by using four types of techniques of deblurring image viz., Wiener filter, Regularized filter, Lucy Richardson deconvolution algorithm and Blind deconvolution algorithm with an information of the Point Spread Function (PSF) corrupted blurred image. The same is applied to the scanned image of seven months baby in the womb and they are compared with one another, so as to choose the best technique for restored or deblurring image. This paper also attempts to undertake the study of restored blurred image using Regualr Filter(RF) with no information about the Point Spread Function (PSF) by using the same four techniques after executing the guess of the PSF. The number of iterations and the weight threshold of it to choose the best guesses for restored or deblurring image of these techniques are determined.

Estimation of single plane unbalance parameters of a rotor-bearing system using Kalman filtering based force estimation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrivastava, Akash; Mohanty, A. R.

2018-03-01

This paper proposes a model-based method to estimate single plane unbalance parameters (amplitude and phase angle) in a rotor using Kalman filter and recursive least square based input force estimation technique. Kalman filter based input force estimation technique requires state-space model and response measurements. A modified system equivalent reduction expansion process (SEREP) technique is employed to obtain a reduced-order model of the rotor system so that limited response measurements can be used. The method is demonstrated using numerical simulations on a rotor-disk-bearing system. Results are presented for different measurement sets including displacement, velocity, and rotational response. Effects of measurement noise level, filter parameters (process noise covariance and forgetting factor), and modeling error are also presented and it is observed that the unbalance parameter estimation is robust with respect to measurement noise.

Use of hydrodynamic cavitation in (waste)water treatment.

PubMed

Dular, Matevž; Griessler-Bulc, Tjaša; Gutierrez-Aguirre, Ion; Heath, Ester; Kosjek, Tina; Krivograd Klemenčič, Aleksandra; Oder, Martina; Petkovšek, Martin; Rački, Nejc; Ravnikar, Maja; Šarc, Andrej; Širok, Brane; Zupanc, Mojca; Žitnik, Miha; Kompare, Boris

2016-03-01

The use of acoustic cavitation for water and wastewater treatment (cleaning) is a well known procedure. Yet, the use of hydrodynamic cavitation as a sole technique or in combination with other techniques such as ultrasound has only recently been suggested and employed. In the first part of this paper a general overview of techniques that employ hydrodynamic cavitation for cleaning of water and wastewater is presented. In the second part of the paper the focus is on our own most recent work using hydrodynamic cavitation for removal of pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, carbamazepine), toxic cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa), green microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris), bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) and viruses (Rotavirus) from water and wastewater. As will be shown, hydrodynamic cavitation, like acoustic, can manifest itself in many different forms each having its own distinctive properties and mechanisms. This was until now neglected, which eventually led to poor performance of the technique. We will show that a different type of hydrodynamic cavitation (different removal mechanism) is required for successful removal of different pollutants. The path to use hydrodynamic cavitation as a routine water cleaning method is still long, but recent results have already shown great potential for optimisation, which could lead to a low energy tool for water and wastewater cleaning. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the plugging of the systems autonomy demonstration project brassboard filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clay, John C.

1989-01-01

A fine gray powder was clogging the brassboard filters. The powder appeared to be residue from a galvanic corrosive attack by ammonia of the aluminum and stainless steel components in the system. The corrosion was caused by water and chlorine that had entered into the system and combined with the ammonia. This combination made an electrolyte and a corrosive agent of the ammonia that attacked the metals in the system. The corroded material traveled through the system with the ammonia and clogged the filters. Key conclusions are: the debris collecting in the filters is a by-product of galvanic corrosion; the debris is principally corroded aluminum and stainless from the system; and galvanic corrosion occurred from water and chlorine that entered the system during normal and/or extreme operating and servicing conditions. Key recommendations are: use only one metal in the ammonia system-titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel; make the system as air-tight as possible (replace fittings with welded joints); and replace electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) O-rings with neoprene O-rings, and do not use freon to clean system components.

Carbon nanotube filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, A.; Srivastava, O. N.; Talapatra, S.; Vajtai, R.; Ajayan, P. M.

2004-09-01

Over the past decade of nanotube research, a variety of organized nanotube architectures have been fabricated using chemical vapour deposition. The idea of using nanotube structures in separation technology has been proposed, but building macroscopic structures that have controlled geometric shapes, density and dimensions for specific applications still remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of freestanding monolithic uniform macroscopic hollow cylinders having radially aligned carbon nanotube walls, with diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. These cylindrical membranes are used as filters to demonstrate their utility in two important settings: the elimination of multiple components of heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum-a crucial step in post-distillation of crude oil-with a single-step filtering process, and the filtration of bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli or the nanometre-sized poliovirus (~25 nm) from water. These macro filters can be cleaned for repeated filtration through ultrasonication and autoclaving. The exceptional thermal and mechanical stability of nanotubes, and the high surface area, ease and cost-effective fabrication of the nanotube membranes may allow them to compete with ceramic- and polymer-based separation membranes used commercially.

Carbon nanotube filters.

PubMed

Srivastava, A; Srivastava, O N; Talapatra, S; Vajtai, R; Ajayan, P M

2004-09-01

Over the past decade of nanotube research, a variety of organized nanotube architectures have been fabricated using chemical vapour deposition. The idea of using nanotube structures in separation technology has been proposed, but building macroscopic structures that have controlled geometric shapes, density and dimensions for specific applications still remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of freestanding monolithic uniform macroscopic hollow cylinders having radially aligned carbon nanotube walls, with diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. These cylindrical membranes are used as filters to demonstrate their utility in two important settings: the elimination of multiple components of heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum-a crucial step in post-distillation of crude oil-with a single-step filtering process, and the filtration of bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli or the nanometre-sized poliovirus ( approximately 25 nm) from water. These macro filters can be cleaned for repeated filtration through ultrasonication and autoclaving. The exceptional thermal and mechanical stability of nanotubes, and the high surface area, ease and cost-effective fabrication of the nanotube membranes may allow them to compete with ceramic- and polymer-based separation membranes used commercially.

Efficiency of Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) Filters for Production of Clean Potable Water

PubMed Central

Mahlangu, Oranso; Mamba, Bhekie; Momba, Maggie

2012-01-01

The Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) filter is a product of the Tshwane University of Technology manufactured for the production of safe drinking water at a household (home) level. Two SIPP devices were assessed for the reduction efficiency of chemical contaminants such as calcium, magnesium, iron, arsenic, fluorides and total organic carbon (TOC) as well as microbial contaminants from environmental samples. Turbidity change after filtration, together with correlation between chlorophyll a in the feed water and SIPP’s flow rates were also evaluated in order to give comprehensive guidelines on the quality of intake water that could be filtered through the filter without causing a significant decrease in flow rate. The SIPP filters removed contaminants from environmental water samples as follows: 70% to 92% iron, 36% to 68% calcium, 42% to 82% arsenic, 39% to 98% magnesium, 39% to 95% fluorides, 12% to 35% TOC and 45% to 82% turbidity. The SIPP filters had initial flow rates of 1 L/h to 4 L/h but the flow rates dropped to 0.5 L/h with an increase in cumulative volume of intake water as the filter was used. Turbidity and chemical contaminant reduction rates decreased with accumulating volume of intake water but the filter removed Ca, Fe and Mg to levels that comply with the South African National Standards (SANS 241) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values. However, the SIPP filters cannot produce enough water to satisfy the daily drinking water requirement of a typical household (25 L/p·d). Chlorophyll a was associated with a decrease in the flow rate through the SIPP filters. PMID:23202668

Efficiency of Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) filters for production of clean potable water.

PubMed

Mahlangu, Oranso; Mamba, Bhekie; Momba, Maggie

2012-08-24

The Silver Impregnated Porous Pot (SIPP) filter is a product of the Tshwane University of Technology manufactured for the production of safe drinking water at a household (home) level. Two SIPP devices were assessed for the reduction efficiency of chemical contaminants such as calcium, magnesium, iron, arsenic, fluorides and total organic carbon (TOC) as well as microbial contaminants from environmental samples. Turbidity change after filtration, together with correlation between chlorophyll a in the feed water and SIPP's flow rates were also evaluated in order to give comprehensive guidelines on the quality of intake water that could be filtered through the filter without causing a significant decrease in flow rate. The SIPP filters removed contaminants from environmental water samples as follows: 70% to 92% iron, 36% to 68% calcium, 42% to 82% arsenic, 39% to 98% magnesium, 39% to 95% fluorides, 12% to 35% TOC and 45% to 82% turbidity. The SIPP filters had initial flow rates of 1 L/h to 4 L/h but the flow rates dropped to 0.5 L/h with an increase in cumulative volume of intake water as the filter was used. Turbidity and chemical contaminant reduction rates decreased with accumulating volume of intake water but the filter removed Ca, Fe and Mg to levels that comply with the South African National Standards (SANS 241) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values. However, the SIPP filters cannot produce enough water to satisfy the daily drinking water requirement of a typical household (25 L/p·d). Chlorophyll a was associated with a decrease in the flow rate through the SIPP filters.