Method of performing a droplet-based assay. The method may include obtaining droplets encapsulated by an immiscible liquid and packed closely together in a monolayer, performing a reaction in the droplets while packed closely together in the monolayer; and collecting data related to an analyte from a plurality of the droplets while the droplets remain closely packed together in the monolayer.

Provided is a method for producing a homogeneous mixture and the homogeneous mixture using the same. A method for producing a homogeneous mixture comprises stirring two liquid components being immiscible each other; mixing and homogenizing the two liquid components as a first homogenizing stage in a high pressure; applying an ultrasonic wave to the first homogenized two components as a first ultrasonic stage; regulating a weight ratio of the homogeneous components; homogenizing the regulated homogeneous components as a second homogenizing stage in a high pressure; applying an ultrasonic wave to the second homogenized components as a second ultrasonic stage; and generating a homogeneous mixture without any layer separation.

The present invention relates to a plant (2) for producing a composition (9), in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising drops (8) of at least one first fluid dispersed in a second fluid substantially immiscible with the first fluid, each drop (8) comprising a core formed of the first fluid, and optionally a shell suitable for retaining the core, the plant (2) comprising: a device (16) for producing the composition (9), a storage module (10) comprising: at least one tank (36) for storing at least one first stock solution (A), and at least one tank (38) for storing at least one first solution of active agent(s), at least one tank (40) for storing at least one second stock solution (B), and a preparation module (12), connected to the storage module (10).

The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalizing the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

In a method for producing an oil-in-water emulsion, a jet of an oil-in-water pre-emulsion (L1) containing an oil phase dispersed in a first aqueous phase is added to a second aqueous phase (L2).

Method includes heating mixture of heavy oil (API<22.3), water, and catalyst in a reactor to form pyrolyzate vapor condensable to form an oil phase lighter than the heavy oil. The feed mixture can include 100 parts by weight heavy oil, 5 to 100 parts by weight water, and 1 to 20 parts by weight solid catalyst particulates, which can include an oxide or acid addition salt of a Group 3-16 metal on a mineral support. Also, an apparatus for treating the heavy oil includes a mixing zone to prepare the emulsion, a transfer line to a pyrolysis zone; and a control system for the pyrolysis zone. Also, a process includes injecting the pyrolyzate in a treatment fluid into an injection well.

A system and method for producing fine droplets of polysaccharide from a premixed water-in-oil emulsion uses a packed bed (5) comprising hydrophilic beads (7).

The present invention relates to aqueous oil-in-water emulsion containing:

a) an oil phase comprising at least one organic amine of the formula (I)

R.sup.1(NHR.sup.2).sub.nNH.sub.2 (I) wherein n is an integer from 0 to 7, in particular 0, 1 or 2, R.sup.1 is a linear or branched, acyclic hydrocarbon group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkanediyl;
b) and water,
wherein the amount of amines of formula (I) with n being 1 or 2 is at least 90% by weight, based on the total amount of amines of the formula (I) contained in the oil phase. The invention also relates to the use of these emulsions as a corrosion inhibitor in water-bearing systems.

A system for minimising the formation of ice crystals in the fuel system pipework of a gas turbine engine. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter located within a wall of a pipe in the fuel system through which fuel passes. The system also includes a controller that causes said ultrasonic transmitter to produce ultrasonic waves when the temperature of the fuel is sufficiently low for any water in the fuel to freeze, the ultrasonic waves being sufficient to break particles of ice contained in the fuel that passes through the pipe. A method of minimising the formation of ice crystals in the fuel system pipework of a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

A microfluidic module for co-encapsulation in droplets of two populations of particles may include first and second modules for sorting the two populations. The modules may have their first outlets including first obstructive valves configured to at least partially obstruct the first outlets. The first outlets may be fluidly connected to a fusion module, including a fusion module means for merging at least one droplet from the first droplet population and at least one droplet from the second droplet population into a merged droplet comprising the two population of particles, and a control unit for controlling the first obstructive valves from information originating from a first and second module detection portion located upstream of the first outlets.