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LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a novel oil-water separator that has no moving parts. The separator relies on the principles of physics and fluid flow in a U tube. The separator uses a simple diaphragm pump to suck in the oil/water mixture (in any ratio) and separate the components with over 99% efficiency. It is a very cost-effective technique for removing oil from water because there is no need for expensive and energy-intensive components like centrifuges.
LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a clarifying device that separates solid particles from liquid suspensions. Turbulent eddies are not created when liquid enters the clarifier, which increases the separation efficiency by preventing solids from being carried over into the clear liquid. The design also allows solids to settle faster and decreases the residence time in the system. This technology has been licensed by American Utility Metals, LLC.
LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a method to extract oil from various lipid-containing sources such as seeds, soybeans or algae that can be turned into biofuel. The process uses microwave energy to break down the cell walls of materials to release the oil with a lesser need for solvents and a lower overall use of energy than mechanical methods such as grinding or pressing. This integrated, continuous process allows for faster oil extraction by using rapid heating and pressurization.
This invention is a phosphorous and ammonia removal system for livestock farms. The device treats wastewater to separate the compounds in solid form and returns clean, treated water. Both the phosphorus and processed ammonia can be used as common fertilizers or reprocessed for agricultural and nonagricultural uses. Using this device can lower the amount of phosphorous and ammonia that enters the environment as well as remove 99.9999 percent of coliform bacteria to ensure a cleaner farm.
This invention is a method of identifying Chinese tallow tree seeds at various stages of maturity. It can be incorporated into a harvester to provide quick and accurate harvesting of the seeds. This ensures minimal damage to other nearby crops and increases the amount of seeds gathered. Due to the rapid growth and invasive nature of the Chinese tallow tree, this will be useful whether you wish to use the seeds as a resource or eliminate them as a pest.
This invention is a new type of device that can measure any parameter of liquid or gas moving through a continuously flowing electromagnetic system. This device measures parameters of materials at multiple points inside the electromagnetic field to get a more accurate and detailed reading of potential hot and cold spots. This helps ensure a consistent end product, reduces wasted materials during testing and can eliminate potential hazards from improper processing.
This device is a temperature control system that controls and measures metabolic heat in cell cultures. Using infrared, this system eliminates outside interference from the surrounding devices and the environment to quickly provide the clearest resolution and the most accurate measurement of cellular heat. It can also test a large number of cells at once, meaning less time is spent testing.
This invention is a new type of mechanism that aims to couple the release of wakeboard bindings in order to prevent injuries. Normally, both feet are fixed onto the board by two separate bindings, and both the bindings and the rider remain on the board in the event of a crash. This wakeboard mechanism ensures that both feet are released from the bindings at the same time to prevent twisting of the knees or ankles caused by only one, or neither, foot being released.
The invention describes a new process for the creation of activated carbon (or charcoal) from fruit peels or other carbon-containing organic waste materials. The process dramatically increases the drying speed of the organic materials required to capture the carbon. Normally, such drying requires large amounts of energy and time, whereas the proposed method uses less energy and is much faster. The carbon is then activated, or made reactive, with chemicals in a special furnace.
This invention relates to methods to create bio-oil from biomass, solid waste or other carbon-containing material. The process can also convert that oil into usable fuel. The biomass is heated into a vapor and then recondensed into oil. The bio-oil is upgraded into fuel either through the use of radio wave or microwave heating. Heating occurs evenly throughout the material, ensuring a more efficient conversion. The process also grants the bio-oil additional stability.
This invention relates to methods to purify ballast water in ships. Heating and ultrasonic processing have been demonstrated to address this problem. The heating method pumps the ballast water through a novel system that kills organisms and cycles the treated water back into the environment. The ultrasonic system kills organisms, cycles the treated water back into the environment and is particularly well suited for portable use.
This invention is a new type of piling system that can quickly produce strong and durable posts and support structures. This pile expands in the ground to create a pocket that concrete can than be poured into for additional strength. The piling can resist wind force and rot and is relatively inexpensive to use and produce. The piles can be easily scaled down for residential applications or used for larger industrial applications.
