Abstract: The present invention relates generally to controlling the growth of microorganisms, including the inhibition of the growth of filamentous microorganisms in industrial process waters. The invention is directed to a method for preventing and removing the formation of deposits by microorganisms in the wet end of a paper machine with a combination of peracetic acid and an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: A process for purifying a photographic waste solution is disclosed. The photographic waste solution is purified by successively performing: noncatalytic wet oxidation at a temperature of from 140.degree. C. up to 370.degree. C. under such a pressure as to hold said waste solution in a liquid phase while supplying an oxygen-containing gas thereto; solid-liquid separation of the solid matters and/or suspended matters thus formed; catalytic wet oxidation at a temperature of from 140.degree. C. up to 370.degree. C. under such a pressure as to hold said waste solution in a liquid phase while supplying an oxygen-containing gas thereto; and a biological treatment comprising a combination of an aerobic biological treatment with an anaerobic biological treatment.

Abstract: Fine-particle solids suspensions can be dewatered by a process in which dialkyl carbonates corresponding to formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another represent alkyl and/or alkenyl groups containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms andm and n independently of one another stand for 0 or numbers of 1 to 10,are used as auxiliaries. The auxiliaries are readily biodegradable, extremely low-foaming and are distinguished by a low solidification point.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants includes about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % noble metal crystallites selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof deposited on a high surface area catalyst support. The crystallites are about 100 .ANG. or smaller. A system for catalytically oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants has a catalyst bed containing such a catalyst, means for heating a reactor feed stream to a desired reaction temperature, means oxygenating the feed stream, and a phase separator for separating gaseous reaction products from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: Oil spills on natural bodies of water can be cleaned up through the use of flocculation/microorganism compositions including amine-substituted clay flocculation agents and microorganisms including bacillus species, pseudomonas species, azobacter species and xanthomonas species.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for treating fluid media by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A fluid flow path from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet is provided. The fluid flow path is proximate to a source of ultraviolet radiation. Reagents may be added to the system so that the reagent is present in the circulating fluid while the fluid is being exposed to the ultraviolet radiation. Samples of fluid may be withdrawn from the system so that process parameters may be adjusted. In a system in which the fluid flow path is defined by a plurality of interconnected pipes, a connecting means between the pipes includes a port through which reagent may be added or samples withdrawn from the system.

Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.

Abstract: An improved dispensing spout assembly and method for self-service dispensing of purified water is described for reducing the possibility of contamination. An overlapping pair of enclosures house an ultraviolet lamp and a delivery nozzle to provide a secondary purification just prior to delivery and to inhibit contact between the nozzle and any contaminated objects, while permitting the exit of purified water to a container.

Abstract: Fluorinated carboxylic acids which do not have the required purity for use as emulsifier in the polymerization of fluorinated monomers can, if necessary after prior de-watering, be treated with oxidants, whereupon the isolation of the pure product is carried out by crystallisation or, preferably, by distillation.

Abstract: A system and method for the prevention of bacterial growth in portions of a water treatment system which contain water from which bactericide has been removed includes a cross connect between the water containing the bactericide and the water from which the bactericide has been removed. The cross connect includes a check valve which closes to block communication between the respective waters when water is flowing through the system, and opens to permit diffusion of the bactericide from the water containing the bactericide to the water from which the bactericide has been removed when the flow of water through the system ceases.

Abstract: Biofouling of underwater surfaces by marine organisms is prevented by irradiating the water with ultraviolet light and adjusting the intensity of the ultraviolet light so as to kill barnacle larvae to prevent their attachment to the underwater surface. The water is passed through a biocidal chamber having a source of ultraviolet light at an intensity of at least 4000 .mu.watts/cm.sup.2 and at a rate to provide a residence time of at least one minute on the biocidal chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid wastes containing photoresist polymers and heavy metals is disclosed. The method includes adding to the liquid wastes an aqueous solution of water soluble FE.sup.+3 and Al.sup.+3 salts at a pH in the range of from about 0.1 to 1.0, and a water soluble salt of Mg.sup.+2 or Ca.sup.+2. The ratio of the amount of the Fe.sup.+3 and Al.sup.+3 to the amount of the Mg.sup.+2 or Ca.sup.+2 is in the range of from 2 to 3 moles to 1 to 3 moles. A precipitate containing the heavy metals and photoresist polymers is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic compounds is described. The apparatus utilizes a mixture of oxidants to "burn" the organic compound. The oxidants can be generated in a separate apparatus and then added to the organic compound. If the organic compound is present in the form of an aqueous solution, the oxidants can be generated in the aqueous solution itself.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating a solution, e.g., an alkaline or acidic solution, containing heavy metals ions therein. With respect to alkaline solutions, the method includes providing a body of the solution; contacting the body with a material such as carbon dioxide to change the pH, e.g., to lower the pH to a pH in the range of 9 to 10.5; then treating the solution to further change the pH and cause precipitation of hydroxides, including chromium hydroxide; and separating the hydroxide precipitates from the solution to provide a substantially neutral solution having a reduced amount of chromium ions, for example, contained therein.

Abstract: The method of removing hot liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine cooling system, which includes a radiator having a by-pass outlet, the method including applying suction to the by-pass outlet to draw a by-pass stream of hot fluid, including hot pressurized gas, from the radiator, thereby to reduce fluid pressure in the radiator; and then opening the radiator for safely removing hot liquid coolant therefrom; The removed liquid may be disposed of or treated in a zone or zones outside the cooling system; and returning the treated coolant liquid may then be returned to the cooling system.

Abstract: The composition and process of the present invention involves the use of a material at high pressure to dissolve, break up and move waste material, especially hydrocarbon based waste material, also known as fluidization. The composition is a dispersion fluid made from a dilute mixture of soy flour, lignin flour, citrus pectin, and sodium silicate. Additional components which may be added include sodium phosphate, soda ash, and a surfactant, non-ionic TRITON X100. The dispersion fluid is sprayed with high pressure, as needed, into the mass of material to be removed and then pumped out with the suction from a commercially available vacuum truck. A settling tank enables recirculation of the dispersion fluid to enable a recirculating process stream and to reduce the net amount of dispersion fluid utilized with a given amount of sludge to be removed.

Abstract: A process and an installation for treating liquids, which are charged with pollutants that are difficult to break down, by means of wet oxidation with ozone-containing gas and UV radiation. The installation comprises injectors by means of which ozone-containing gas produced in an ozone generator can be passed into the liquid. The liquid is then introduced into a reaction and degasification vessel, before it passes through the UV irradiation units.

Abstract: A treatment process is provided for removing a scale-forming inorganic salt from a produced brine having a scale inhibitor and the inorganic salt dissolved therein. The process is initiated by adding an interfering agent to the produced brine which disrupts the function of the scale inhibitor, thereby enabling formation of an insoluble inorganic salt precipitate. The precipitate is readily separable from the aqueous brine.

Abstract: A method and process for the treatment of liquids, including moving injection wands into a tank containing the liquid to be treated and injecting a treating solution through the injection wands to increase the reaction mixing between the injected treating solution and the liquid being treated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating waste sulfuric acid generated from a process for producing titanium dioxide pigment by treating titanium slag with sulfuric acid. The waste acid is treated in a first step with a calcium-containing material to produce a gypsum suspension which is filtered and from which a filtrate is recovered. The filtrate is treated in a second step with a calcium-containing substance and clarification solids from the treatment of the titanium slag with sulfuric acid. A precipitate is produced in this second step which is subsequently filtered. The precipitate is suitable for disposal in a landfill.