Abstract: A method for managing multivalent metal ion concentrations in low-yield wastewater treatment processes. The method includes combining wastewater containing BOD with bacteria-laden sludge in a mainstream reactor to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and an activated sludge stream, returning a first portion of the activated sludge stream to the mainstream reactor, processing a second portion of the activated sludge stream in a sidestream bioreactor, returning at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the sidestream bioreactor to the mainstream reactor, and adding multivalent metal ions to at least one of the wastewater, the mixed liquor, the activated sludge stream and combinations thereof to reduce the generation of waste activated sludge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having an anoxic biological treatment zone, an aerobic biological treatment zone and a separator. The concentration of oxygen in streams within the system is strategically managed for improved removal of nutrient from the wastewater. A source of biodegradable carbon may be introduced to reduce the concentration of oxygen within the system. An effective treatment time under anoxic or aerobic conditions may further be varied.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having a fluidizable media carrying anoxic bacteria in a first treatment zone and a filter membrane positioned in a second treatment zone. A wastewater is contacted with the fluidizable media and further contacted with air and a filter membrane.

Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The ultrapure water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a particulate removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The particulate removal system can comprise one or more ultrafiltration apparatus. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized in feedforward or feedback mode to regulate addition of the precursor compound and the actinic radiation source, and to maintain a temperature of the ultrapure water product.

Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The ultrapure water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a particulate removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The particulate removal system can comprise one or more ultrafiltration apparatus. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized in feedforward or feedback mode to regulate addition of the precursor compound and the actinic radiation source, and to maintain a temperature of the ultrapure water product.

Abstract: Injection bonded articles comprised of a rigid core and secured together with an elastomeric material network which also forms seals and encapsulates at least a portion of the rigid core. The elastomeric material is selected to be compatible with the material comprising the rigid core to create a chemical and mechanical bond therebetween. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques are used to fabricate an electrodeionization apparatus spacer comprised of mated rigid segments secured by a unitary elastomeric material network that also forms internal and external seals that fluidly isolate one or more of inlet ports, resin cavities, and outlet ports as well as throughports. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques can also be used to fabricate other articles comprised of multiple segments.

Abstract: A method of improving the water permeability and/or cleaning a porous polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane, preferably a hydrophobic/hydrophilic blended membrane, eg P VdF/PVP comprising the step of contacting the porous polymeric membrane with a source of monopersulfate, preferably an aqueous solution of 2KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4.

Abstract: A projectile of non-lethal composition includes an outer casing that is substantially sealed prior to impact with a target both when the projectile is in a static condition and when the projectile is in a dynamic condition. A marking material is encapsulated within the outer casing prior to impact. The outer casing is configured to deform and unseal upon impact such that the marking material disperses forward via hydraulic action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fibre membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fibre membranes (5), at least one end of the fibre membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fibre membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: A porous polymeric membrane formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride or polysulfone and a polymeric reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous polymeric membrane. The reactivity modifying agent is preferably a linear polymeric anhydride, such as poly(alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride). The surface activity modifications include modification of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of the membrane, or hydrolysis followed by reaction with a polyamine to form a crosslinked polyamide layer. Such modified membranes have use as reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane bioreactor process combined with an advanced biological sludge digestion process that provides significant improvements in sludge digestion by reducing the costs and resources required for disposing of digested sludge. The offline treatment vessel is used to solubilize the organic material by operating in a very low oxygen environment. Digested process fluid is transferred back to the membrane bioreactor. The processes and apparatus substantially reduce the production of waste sludge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for removing chlorite ion from a body of water containing unacceptably high levels of chlorite comprising adding to said body of water a chlorite removal chemical selected from the group comprising sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocyanurate, polyaluminum chloride, sodium permanganate, potassium permanganate, and catalase enzyme.

Abstract: A system and process for treating water are described. Water may be purified by passing feed water through an electrochemical deionization device. The water may be suitable for cooking, washing, and beverage production.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.

Abstract: A method and filtration module (5) for providing gas bubbles within an array of vertically disposed porous hollow membranes (6) to clean the outer surfaces of said membranes (6) when the array is immersed in a liquid by feeding (10) the gas bubbles into the array transversely of the vertical axis of the array. In one preferred form, the gas bubbles are retained within the array using a sleeve (11) surrounding the array (6) at least along part of its length.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method an apparatus for treating wastewater. The wastewater treatment system includes an aeration system that cycles between biological multiple biological basins. The system also includes one or more membrane basins. A method of the invention includes controlling the introduction of air into each biological basin in response to one or more operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of soot containing an insoluble metal. The soot is formed into a soot slurry and a characteristic of the soot slurry is maintained to solubilize at least a portion of the metal to act as a catalyst. The soot slurry with the soluble metal is wet oxidized.

Abstract: An electrochemical treating device having low scale potential is disclosed. The device has a variety of configurations directed to the layering of the anionic exchange and cationic exchange. The treatment device can also comprise unevenly sized ion exchange resin beads and/or have at least one compartment that provides a dominating resistance that results in a uniform current distribution throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fiber membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (5), at least one end of the fiber membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fiber membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: A method of coating a polymer comprising the step of treating said polymer with an activating agent to produce a reactive polymer, for example treating a polymer bearing at least one X (halogen) group and at least one H with base to eliminate HX. The reactive polymer is then with a reactive coating, for example PVP, preferably in the presence of an initiator like persulfate anions, to produce a coated polymer, which maybe hydrophilic in nature.