A semiconductor device includes a substrate comprising a channel region and a recess, wherein the recess is located at both side of the channel region; a gate structure formed over the channel region; a first SiP layer covering bottom corners of the gate structure and the recess; and a second SiP layer formed over the first SiP layer and in the recess, wherein the second SiP layer has a phosphorus concentration higher than that of the first SiP layer.

Provided is a method for fabricating an electronic device, the method including: preparing a carrier substrate including an element region and a wiring region; forming a sacrificial layer on the carrier substrate; forming an electronic element on the sacrificial layer of the element region; forming a first elastic layer having a corrugated surface on the first elastic layer of the wiring region; forming a metal wirings electrically connecting the electronic element thereto, on the first elastic layer of the wiring region; forming a second elastic layer covering the metal wirings, on the first elastic layer; forming a high rigidity pattern filling in a recess of the second elastic layer above the electronic element so as to overlap the electronic element, and having a corrugated surface; forming a third elastic layer on the second elastic layer and the high rigidity pattern; and separating the carrier substrate.

Hall effect devices and field effect transistors are formed incorporating a carbon-based nanostructure layer such as carbon nanotubes and/or graphene with a sacrificial metal layer formed there over to protect the carbon-based nanostructure layer during processing.

A funerary article for the identification and perpetuation of the memory of a deceased individual in a timeless manner, made of unalterable material, includes: a marked element (1) with a unique code that is assigned to the deceased individual, and on a pair of plates (3, 4) held together by an attachment member, both being marked with the unique code, the second plate including data for identification of the deceased individual in natural language to constitute a device for identification and remembrance. The marked element (1) is available when the Funeral Services take charge of the deceased, whereas the plates (3, 4) are produced following the burial or the cremation and are then to be attached together to definitively form the article for remembrance and identification of the deceased. A kit and a process for the production of this funerary article for identification and remembrance are also described.

A power, communications and data grommet mounted in an aperture in a work surface comprising, a housing adapted to fit into the aperture, the housing comprising a cap removably connected to a liner, the liner comprising an upper liner and a lower liner, the upper liner flaring outwardly to prevent the grommet from falling through the aperture, and a substantially cylindrical lower liner having a threaded outer surface, and a lock ring having inner threads to be threadably attached to the lower liner.

A handle mechanism with multiple stop locations and a lawn mower including the handle mechanism includes a handle and a location shifting element with multiple stop locations, the handle being provided with a locking mechanism that is automatically clamped with one of the multiple of stop locations of the location shifting element for fixing or adjusting the handle. A lawn mower, including the handle mechanism, includes a lawn mower body, the handle rotatably connected with the lawn mower body by the handle rotating shaft. The locking mechanism and the location shifting element are equipped with stop locations can be automatically locked, therefore, the operator can adjust the stop locations of the lawn mower conveniently.

The invention relates to a brake shoe (1) for disk or drum brakes, which comprises a supporting plate (2) with a friction pad (3) attached thereto and at least one wear indicator (4), characterized in that the wear indicator (4) has a wear sensor (6) for continuous or multi-stage measurement of the wear of the friction lining and a receiver and transmitter unit (5) for wireless signal transmission, the receiver and transmitter unit being a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or SAW (Sound Acoustic Wave) transponder.

In one embodiment, a gasification system component, such as a quench unit or scrubber may retain of pool of a cooling fluid for cooling another fluid. The gasification system component includes a flow damping mechanism designed to dampen flow of the cooling fluid, the other fluid, or both, within the gasification system component. The flow damping mechanism may be disposed in an inner chamber formed between a dip tube and a draft tube or disposed in an outer chamber formed between the walls of the gasification system component and the draft tube. The flow damping mechanism also may be disposed between the inner chamber and the outer chamber.

The present application is directed to gas generators comprising a fuel mixture and a catalyst. The catalyst is contained in a self-regulated reactor or buoy, and selectively opens and closes to produce a gas in accordance with the demand for gas. This fuel mixture is generally a solution formed by dissolving a solid fuel component in a liquid fuel component. The mixing preferably occurs before the first use, and more preferably occurs immediately prior to the first use. The inventive gas generators preferably further comprises a starting mechanism that isolates the solid fuel from the liquid fuel or vice versa before the first use. In one embodiment, the starting mechanism further comprises a catalyst shield mechanism that isolates the catalyst in the reactor or buoy from the liquid and/or the solid fuel prior to the first use.

Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up.

The disclosed embodiments include systems for using an expander. In a first embodiment, a system includes a flow path and a gasification section disposed along the flow path. The gasification section is configured to convert a feedstock into a syngas. The system also includes a scrubber disposed directly downstream of the gasification section and configured to filter the syngas. The system also includes a first expander disposed along the flow path directly downstream from the scrubber and configured to expand the syngas. The syngas comprises an untreated syngas.

The present invention relates to a process and system for gasifying biomass or other carbonaceous feedstocks in an indirectly heated gasifier and provides a method for the elimination of condensable organic materials (tars) from the resulting product gas with an integrated tar removal step. More specifically, this tar removal step utilizes the circulating heat carrier to crack the organics and produce additional product gas. As a benefit of the above process, and because the heat carrier circulates through alternating steam and oxidizing zones in the process, deactivation of the cracking reactions is eliminated.

The present disclosure is generally directed to process of gasification of carbonaceous materials to produce synthesis gas or syngas. The present disclosure provides improved methods of gasification comprising: adding one or more carbonaceous materials, adding a molecular oxygen-containing gas, adding a methane-containing gas and optionally adding water or steam into said gasifier. This disclosure is also directed to process of production of one or more alcohols from said syngas via fermentation or digestion in the presence of at least one microorganism.

The invention relates to a gasifier comprising a syngas generation section, a coal methanation section and a syngas methanation section in the order from bottom to top. The invention also relates to a process for preparing methane by catalytically gasifying coal using such a gasifier. Optionally, the gasifier is additionally provided with a coal pyrolysis section above the syngas methanation section.

The disclosed embodiments provide systems for the removal and use of tar from a biomass gasification system. For example, in one embodiment, a biomass gasification system includes a reactor configured to gasify a biomass fuel in the presence of air to generate a producer gas. The system also includes an absorber configured to receive a mixture of the producer gas and tar and to absorb the tar into an organic solvent to produce treated producer gas and a rich solvent mixture containing at least a portion of the tar. The system further includes a recycle line configured to direct the rich solvent mixture to a biomass gasifier.

A method of forming a synthesis gas utilizing a reformer is disclosed. The method utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.

A solid feed system may comprise a supersonic nozzle, an isolated injection section having a port for injection of solid feedstock positioned downstream from the supersonic nozzle, and a supersonic diffuser positioned downstream from the isolated injection section. Additionally, a gasification system may comprise such a solid feed system and a reaction chamber downstream thereof. Furthermore, a method of reacting a solid feedstock under pressure may include directing a fluid flow through a supersonic nozzle to provide a supersonic flow stream, and directing the supersonic flow stream through an isolated injection section at a static pressure at least fifty percent (50%) lower than an operating pressure within a reaction chamber (e.g., at a static pressure near ambient pressure).

A gasification quench chamber is disclosed. The gasification quench chamber includes a reservoir that contains liquid coolant in its lower portion and an exit for the cooled syngas in its upper portion; a dip tube that is configured to introduce a syngas mixture to contact the liquid coolant which produces the cooled syngas; a cooling device configured to further cool the cooled syngas in its upper portion; and a stability device in the lower portion that is configured to mitigate coolant level fluctuation and sloshing. In an embodiment of the quench chamber, the cooling device includes a heat exchanger pipe. A quench chamber and scrubber assembly is also disclosed.

A method for producing a chemical reaction is provided. This method includes providing at least two helical tubes, wherein the helical tubes comprise: a first axis and a second axis; wherein the first axis and the second axis are normal to each other; a cross-sectional shape of a predetermined contour; and an inlet end and an outlet end. The method includes reforming a first gas stream and a second gas stream into a third gas stream in the presence of a catalyst. The method includes surrounding a heat source with the helical tubes are, and operating the tube with an average catalyst temperature of above 500 F. An apparatus for producing a chemical reaction is also provided. This apparatus comprises at least two helical tubes, wherein the helical tubes comprise: a first axis and a second axis; wherein the first axis and the second axis are normal to each other; a cross-sectional shape of a predetermined contour; an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the helical tubes contain a catalyst capable of reforming a first gas stream and a second gas stream into a third gas stream. The helical tubes are designed to surround a heat source, and the tube operates with an average catalyst temperature of above 500 F.

An electronic device system can include an electronic device. The electronic device can include a receptacle, and a device logic driving status unit configured to generate a status signal indicating activity of the electronic device, and a communications cable. The communications cable can include a first plug configured to connect to the receptacle and receive the status signal, wherein the first plug includes a status indicator configured to indicate activity of the electronic device based on the status signal.

The present invention describes a microfabricated or nanofabricated structured diamond abrasive with a high surface density array of geometrical protrusions of pyramidal, truncated pyramidal or other shape, of designed shapes, sizes and placements, which provides for improved conditioning of CMP polishing pads, or other abrasive roles. Three methods of fabricating the structured diamond abrasive are described: molding of diamond into an array of grooves of various shapes and sizes etched into Si or another substrate material, with subsequent transferal onto another substrate and removal of the Si; etching of an array of geometrical protrusions into a thick diamond layer, and depositing a thick diamond layer over a substrate pre-patterned (or pre-structured) with an array of geometrical protrusions of designed sizes, shapes and placements on the surface.

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) fabricated by sintering a mixture including diamond particles and a selected amount of graphite particles, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) having a PCD table comprising such PCD, and methods of fabricating such PCD and PDCs. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a mixture including graphite particles present in an amount of about 0.1 weight percent (“wt %”) to about 20 wt % and diamond particles. The method further includes subjecting the mixture to a high-pressure/high-temperature process sufficient to form PCD.

Polycrystalline ultra-hard materials and compacts comprise an ultra-hard material body having a polycrystalline matrix of bonded together ultra-hard particles, e.g., diamond crystals, and a catalyst material disposed in interstitial regions within the polycrystalline matrix. The material microstructure is substantially free of localized concentrations, regions or volumes of the catalyst material or other substrate constituent. The body can include a region extending a depth from a body working surface and that is substantially free of the catalyst material. The compact is produced using a multi-stage HPHT process, e.g., comprising two HPHT process conditions, wherein during a first stage HPHT process the catalyst material is melted and only partially infiltrates the precursor ultra-hard material, and during a second stage further catalyst material infiltrates the precursor ultra-hard material to produce a fully sintered compact.

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes (a) depositing an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a recess in the insulating film; (c) depositing a conductive film on the insulating film while filling the recess with the conductive film; and (d) polishing the conductive film. Step (d) includes a first polishing substep of using a first polisher pad conditioned with a first dresser and a second polishing substep of using a second polisher pad conditioned with a second dresser different from the first dresser.

A plastic soft composition is formed of soft base material constantly provided with plasticity, porous fine particles for polishing contained in the base material, and the like, and a polishing process and a coating process are performed to a painted surface and the like using the plastic soft composition. The fine particles for polishing are impregnated with a coating agent (a surface protective agent) added with an activator which is emulsified by contact with water, and the coating agent is held in concave portions formed in the fine particles. Both polishing work and coating work are achieved by sliding the plastic soft composition on a painted surface by a palm pressure of a user.

A layer of matrix powder is deposited within a mold opening. A layer of super-abrasive particles is then deposited over the matrix powder layer. The super-abrasive particles have a non-random distribution, such as being positioned at locations set by a regular and repeating distribution pattern. A layer of matrix powder is then deposited over the super-abrasive particles. The particle and matrix powder layer deposition process steps are repeated to produce a cell having alternating layers of matrix powder and non-randomly distributed super-abrasive particles. The cell is then fused, for example using an infiltration, hot isostatic pressing or sintering process, to produce an impregnated structure. A working surface of the impregnated structure that is oriented non-parallel (and, in particular, perpendicular) to the super-abrasive particle layers is used as an abrading surface for a tool.

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compacts and applications for such polycrystalline diamond compacts. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond body includes mechanically milling non-diamond carbon and a sintering aid material for a time and aggressiveness sufficient to form a plurality of carbon-saturated sintering aid particles and sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of the plurality of carbon-saturated sintering aid particles to form the polycrystalline diamond body.

Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) comprising a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table including a thermally-stable region having at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed interstitially between bonded diamond grains thereof, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate, and a PCD table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween and defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table further includes at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The at least one low-carbon-solubility material exhibits a melting temperature of about 1300° C. or less and a bulk modulus at 20° C. of less than about 150 GPa.

Methods and devices are presented for synchronizing positioning signals in a kinematic location network. In particular, methods and devices are presented for synchronizing a unique positioning signal generated by a positioning-unit device to a reference positioning signal generated by a reference transmitter, where the positioning-unit device and the reference transmitter are moving relative to each other. In certain embodiments the reference transmitter or the positioning-unit device, or both, self-monitor trajectory data comprising one or more of location, velocity or acceleration, e.g. using inertial navigation systems, and broadcast that data in their positioning signals. The trajectory data enables estimation of Doppler shifts and propagation delays associated with the positioning signals, allowing measurement and correction of clock drift for synchronization of the positioning signals.

A radar apparatus generates a strength distribution indicating a correspondence relationship between a relative speed parameter related to an observation point relative speed and a reflection strength parameter related to reflection strength of radar waves reflected at an observation point, for a plurality of observation points. Furthermore, the radar apparatus determines that a traveling vehicle is detected when the reflection strength parameter decreases as the relative speed parameter increases from a center relative speed parameter that is the relative speed parameter corresponding to a peak in the reflection strength, the reflection strength parameter decreases as the relative speed parameter decreases from the center relative speed parameter, and a distribution of the reflection strength parameter is symmetrical with the center relative speed parameter at the center.

A radar apparatus detects an observation point distance and an observation point azimuth. In addition, the radar apparatus calculates an observation point lateral position and an observation point vertical position based on the observation point distance and the observation point azimuth. Furthermore, the radar apparatus determines that a traveling vehicle is detected when a number of observation points included within a side determination range is equal to or greater than a predetermined traveling vehicle determination count, based on the observation point lateral position and the observation point vertical position. The side determination range is set so as to include a passing determination line so as to extend in a direction at 90 degrees relative to a front-rear direction of the vehicle to the side of the vehicle.

A terminal for identifying a location of a user includes a transmitter configured to transmit data, a receiver configured to receive the data, a sensor configured to sense at least one piece of context information, and a controller configured to determine a priority order of area information, service set identifier (SSID) information, global positioning system (GPS) signal information, and the context information corresponding to each location, identify the location based on the priority order, and determine the priority order of the SSID information and the GPS signal information in response to retrieving a number of SSIDs.

A base station including: a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to: estimate a plurality of angles of arrival based on a plurality of received signals from a plurality of wireless device respectively, each of the plurality of angles of arrival being an angel of a horizontal plane relative to each direction from which each of the plurality of received signals arrives, and control at least one tilt angel based on the plurality of angels of arrival, each of the at least one tilt angle being an angle of the horizontal plane relative to each direction to which at least one beam is formed.

A process writes phase shift error correction values into a phased-array antenna to normalize a range of manufacturing variances. An axial ratio is determined for an antenna weight vector (AWV) by making multiple measurements with the horn of a test antenna mechanically rotating from 0 to 180 degree or with dual polarization test antenna. For calibration of the whole array, each subarray is treated in the same fashion as equivalent to an antenna element in the subarray calibration. The subarray is electronically rotated as a whole (all elements rotated by the same phase shift value) from 0 to 360 degree during the full array calibration. Due to small power variation among AWVs, calibration solely by REV results fail to consistently converge to resolution. Accordingly, the apparatus measures and compares axial ratios. During final fabrication, the apparatus programs an AWV with best axial ratio into each non-transitory array element.

A radio communication device including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to determine a method, among a plurality of methods for beam forming, to be used for forming a first beam for a first terminal and a second beam for a second terminal based on a difference between an emitting direction of the first beam, to be formed, from the radio communication device and an estimated direction of the second terminal from the radio communication apparatus, the estimated direction being estimated based on a received signal from a second terminal, and form the first beam and the second beam based on the determined method.

The present invention provide a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications which can be used as a covering material for an agricultural house or the like, is excellent in uniformity of color or the like of crops cultivated, can reduce the occurrence of leaf scorch, seedling blight or the like, and can cultivate the crops at high productivity. Specifically, the invention provides a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications that gives a ratio of scattered light with a scattering angle of 5.5 to 10° being 5% or higher relative to the total transmitted light.

A liquid-application device that permits a user to selectively apply herbicide to weeds without applying the herbicide to adjacent plants. A reservoir of herbicide is mounted to a container end of an elongated tube and a wick is mounted to an opposite end. The tube has a central passage through which the liquid flows from the container end to the wick end by gravity. A valve mechanism at the wick end controls the flow of liquid out of the central passage. A wick retainer in the valve mechanism holds a wick that receives liquid released through the valve. A shroud covers the wick and the wick protrudes after the shroud is seated on a weed leaf. The shroud can be withdrawn by a mechanical connection, such as a trigger, or by simply forcing the shroud out of the way.

The present invention provides a system and method to accurately and safely allow the application of nutritional elements to the foliage of vegetation. The accuracy and safety are the result of the nutritional elements being pre-mixed and applied via a pressurized canister, which produces a foam-based delivery system. The foam is highly visible, dissipates rapidly, and is inert except for the nutrients which it contains (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and others including all of the micro-nutrients that are essential for plant growth). The nutrient content of the foam, for specific uses of the invention, is necessarily variable depending on the type and condition of the vegetation needing such an application.

The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air. Fundamentally, the object of this invention is to specify devices, systems and methods to house/enclose plant purifiers in such a way that they can readily be deployed on a wide scale.

The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle has a CDA nozzle cone having a first axis of rotation in a first position and, after adjustment, a second axis of rotation in a second position orthogonal to the first. A rotationally adjustable directional shroud surrounds at least a portion of the cone, the directional shroud blocking at least a portion of a lip of the cone regardless of whether the cone is positioned in the first or second axis of rotation.

An aerosol delivery system has a nebulizer and a humidifier providing a gas flow to the nebulizer. A controller varies humidity level of the gas flow to the nebulizer so that if the nebulizer is not operating it has about 100% humidity and it is operating the value is less to allow for the humidification effect of the nebulizer. The control may be achieved by dynamically varying proportions of flow through a dry branch and a humidification branch.

An identification tag having one or more breakaway tools that may be utilized by uncoupling, or otherwise breaking the tool or tools away from the identification tag to expose a working edge or point for example. Generally includes identification information on the tag along with one or more relatively flat tool including but not limited to one or more knives, saws, screwdrivers, pry bars, can openers, bottle openers, chisels, awls, ice picks, sharpeners or any other relatively flat tool with a working edge or point or any combination thereof.

An amino-containing silica particle is provided. The amino-containing silica particle is obtained by hydrolysis-condensation reaction of an alkoxy silane represented by formula (I), an alkoxy silane represented by formula (II) and a catalyst: Si(OR1)4 formula (I) (NH2—Y)m—Si(OR2)4-m formula (II) wherein in formula (I), R1 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and in formula (II), Y is a C1-C10 alkyl group or a C2-C10 alkenyl group, R2 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and m is an integer of 1 to 3.

Methods of producing a polyamide filaments and fibers are provided. The methods include providing a dual-terminated polyamide and spinning the dual-terminated polyamide at a speed of 3500 m/min to 8000 m/min to form a fiber. In one embodiment, the polyamide has an amine endgroup concentration of 25 mmol/kg to 40 mmol/kg and a carboxyl endgroup concentration of 18 mmol/kg to 50 mmol/kg. Fibers and yarns comprising polyamide filaments and fibers formed from the method are also disclosed.

An educational word game designed to be played with cards or with card squares with three level and three series. The game is entertaining and competitive and functions for the entire family with its multitude of games. It is a developmental tool, a teaching tool and an ongoing learning process of vocabulary building skills. In the Level I game the three letters selected are used independently of each other in the first position of each word, Level II Game in the second position, and Level III in the third position. The first series focus on single letters for all three game levels, the second series on the double letters, and the third series on triple letters. The alphabet letters and the corresponding numbers guideline have many useful purposes.

Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a CIS or CIGS thin film, comprising: forming, on a substrate, a seed particle layer comprising copper-indium-compound seed particles comprising copper (Cu); indium (In); and at least one selected from the group consisting of gallium (Ga), sulfur (S) and selenium (Se),applying, on the seed particle layer, a water-soluble precursor solution comprising: a water-soluble copper (Cu) precursor;a water-soluble indium (In) precursor; andat least one selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble gallium (Ga) precursor, a water-soluble sulfur (S) precursor and a water-soluble selenium (Se) precursor, and forming a thin film at high temperature.

A method of processing bundles of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Bundles of CNTs are put into a solution and unbundled using sonication and one or more surfactants that break apart and disperse at least some of the bundles into the solution such that it contains individual semiconducting CNTs, individual metallic CNTs, and remaining CNT bundles. The individual CNTs are separated from each other using agarose bead column separation using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant. Remaining CNT bundles are then separated out by performing density-gradient ultracentrifugation.

Provided is a method and an apparatus for purifying potassium nitrate from the solid waste produced by a chemical glass-strengthening process. In the method, the solid waste is melted into a liquid waste at first. Potassium nitrate of various purity grades can be obtained by batch processing the liquid waste through stepwise cooling processes of cooling the liquid waste to a first temperature facilitating the potassium nitrate contained in the liquid waste to be crystallized at a first rate and then cooling the liquid waste to a second temperature close to the freezing point of the potassium nitrate at a second rate that is slower than the first rate. The recovered potassium nitrate from the solid waste can be recycled and reused.