Abstract: A process for regenerating anion exchange resins loaded with organic contaminants is described. The anion exchange capacity of loaded resins can be increased by treatment with an aqueous mixture of a strong mineral acid and an organic solvent for naphthenic acid.

Abstract: The invention is a concentric microporous tubular membrane device containing ion exchange or absorbent particles within the annular region formed by the concentric microporous tubular membranes. The device is useful for carrying out ion exchange or absorbent processes such as scavenging metals or organics from wastewater.

Abstract: The invention is a method for separating one or more polar liquids from one or more non-polar liquids which comprises the following steps. First, contacting a mixture comprising one or more polar liquids and one or more non-polar liquids with one side of a membrane comprising a polymer of a perfluorosulfonic acid, or metal salt thereof, which is adapted for selective permeation of the polar liquids over the non-polar liquids under conditions such that the polar liquids selectively permeate through the membrane. Second, passing a desiccant fluid by, pulling a vacuum on, or a combination thereof, the other side of the membrane, under conditions such that the polar liquids which have permeated through the membrane are carried away from the membrane. Third, removing the fluid desiccant containing the permeated polar liquids or the permeated polar liquids wherein a vacuum is used, from the vicinity of the membrane. Fourth, removing the non-polar liquids from the vicinity of the membrane.

Abstract: Essentially all of the H.sub.2 S in steam which also contains up to 30 ppmw of CO.sub.2 per ppmw of H.sub.2 S can be scrubbed from the steam with aqueous NaOH or Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 without consuming more than about 4 mols of NaOH or 2 mols of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 per mol of H.sub.2 S and without consuming more than about 0.18 pounds of water per pound of steam scrubbed, if (1) the steam is scrubbed countercurrently in a tower containing a contacting means equivalent to at least 6 theoretical stages, (2) the sulfide species in the tower effluent are completely oxidized to sulfo species and (3) the oxidized effluent--less a bleed stream and plus water and base makeup--is recycled to the tower. If the steam is scrubbed in this manner before being introduced to the turbines in a power plant, the exhaust from the turbines can be vented to the atmosphere without further treatment. The method of the invention is particularly suited for use at the Geysers geothermal "steam" field in California.

Abstract: Hot brines containing dissolved gases are produced from liquid-dominated geothermal wells by utilizing lift gases of essentially the same composition as said dissolved gases. The lift gas is separated from the produced brine and recycled. Heat is abstracted from the separated brine, which may be returned to the aquifer, processed for its mineral content or discarded. The gas lift is carried out under temperature and pressure conditions such that precipitation of minerals from the brine does not occur in the well bore. The problems which would result from the use of oxygen-containing and/or brine-soluble inert gases for the lifting operation are avoided. The problems attendant upon production of hot brines by pumping are also avoided.

Abstract: The concentration of alkali metal hydroxide contaminants in solutions of alkali metal alkoxides in alcohols is reduced to below about 0.1 percent by adding an alkyl alkanoate ester. For example, a solution of sodium methoxide in methanol containing about 0.04 percent sodium hydroxide was obtained by adding a small amount of methyl acetate. The alkali metal alkanoate salt formed as a by-product does not deleteriously affect most uses of such solutions.