Abstract: This invention relates to new Rhodococcus wratislaviensis CNCM I-4088 bacteria or Rhodococcus aetherivorans CNCM I-4089 bacteria that can degrade multiple petroleum compounds in solution in aqueous effluents. The invention also relates to a process for treating aqueous effluents comprising a complex mixture of substances containing native hydrocarbons of gasolines and additives that are present in gasolines or diesel fuel, in which process said bacteria are grown under aerobic conditions in the presence of a growth substrate containing said mixture as a carbon source, and said mixture is at least partially degraded by the bacteria down to the final degradation products—carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated or purified polypeptide having an activity in the MTBE degradation path, and/or at least one of the catabolic intermediates of MTBE, preferably selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), 2-methyl 1,2-propanediol (2-M1, 2-PD), hydroxyisobutyraldehyde, hydroxyiso-butyric acid (HIBA), said polypeptide being selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:10; b) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids having at least 70% identity, preferably 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99% with the sequence of amino acids of a polypeptide as defined in a); a polypeptide as defined in a) or b) whereof the sequence of amino acids comprises a substitution, deletion, insertion, addition or mutation of one or several amino acids over its entire length.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated or purified polypeptide having an activity in the MTBE degradation path, and/or at least one of the catabolic intermediates of MTBE, preferably selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), 2-methyl 1,2-propanediol (2-M1, 2-PD), hydroxyisobutyraldehyde, hydroxyiso-butyric acid (HIBA), said polypeptide being selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:10; b) a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids having at least 70% identity, preferably 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99% with the sequence of amino acids of a polypeptide as defined in a); a polypeptide as defined in a) or b) whereof the sequence of amino acids comprises a substitution, deletion, insertion, addition or mutation of one or several amino acids over its entire length.

Abstract: An air actuated valve system for shutting off fluid flow in a fluid conduit includes a seismic valve disposed in a seismic air circuit which is coupled to a primary air circuit. The primary air circuit delivers air at a high pressure to an air driven actuator which maintains a shut off valve in a fluid conduit in an open position. The high air pressure flows through an air switch which is operationally open and coupled to the seismic air circuit such that when the seismic valve is closed a pilot air pressure is prevented from flowing to the air switch. In the absence of the pilot air pressure, air pressure is bled from the air switch, causing the air switch to move from an open to a closed position, thus preventing air from flowing to the air actuator.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury and other related metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, silver, from a liquid medium. This method comprises the step of contacting the liquid medium with an insoluble composition comprising an suitable insoluble carrier and a cysteine residue covalently fixed at the nitrogen atom thereof to the surface of the carrier.

Abstract: A shock actuated shut-off valve for fluid flow lines is provided which includes a valve housing having a central chamber in communication with inlet and outlet conduits and with a hollow, outwardly enclosed stowage arm in upward, substantially plumb communication with the central chamber. A valve element having a longitudinal aperture incorporating non-occlusive abutment means is releasably supported in the stowage arm for vibratory displacement to and sealing engagement with the central chamber. An inner closure is sealingly disposed in the stowage arm above the valve element. A tether slidably and sealingly extends through an aperture in the inner closure and extends, in spaced relationship, through the aperture in the releasably supported valve element, with the lower end of the tether incorporating a lift member disposed, in a non-obstructive static position, below the abutment means.

Abstract: A shock actuated shut-off valve for fluid flow lines is provided which includes a valve housing having a central chamber in communication with (a) a hollow inlet conduit, (b) a hollow outlet conduit and (c) a hollow, outwardly enclosed stowage arm in upward, substantially plumb communication with the central chamber. A valve element is disposed in the stowage arm in spaced relationship to the inner wall thereof and is releasably supported therein by a support member secured to the inner wall. Vibratory force effects displacement of the valve element from the support member and transition of the same into the central chamber where the valve element sealingly engages the chamber to interrupt the fluid flow passage from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit.