Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for de-watering a sludge. The process comprises heating a de-watering fluid, and passing the de-watering fluid through the sludge, thereby de-watering the sludge. Also disclosed herein is a system for de-watering a sludge and a sludge which is at least partially de-watered according to the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing N-acyl amino acids selected from N-acyl cysteine compounds, N-acyl serine compounds, N-acyl aspartic acid compounds and N-acyl glutamic acid compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of N-acyl cysteine, N-acyl serine, N-acyl aspartic acid and N-acyl glutamic acid surfactants, in removing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from mixtures containing PFASs, such as soil and groundwater contaminated with PFASs and for use in cleaning compositions, detergent compositions and toothpaste compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing a dissolved heavy metal from an aqueous solution. The method comprises dissolving in the aqueous solution a foaming agent of formula (I) or a salt thereof. The method further comprises passing a gas through the aqueous solution to form a foam and separating the foam from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for reducing cavitation at a surface that moves relatively with respect to a first fluid. The system comprises a degasser configured to at least partially degas a second fluid. The system also comprises a reservoir in communication with the degasser and configured to house the at least partially degassed second fluid, the reservoir having an outlet that is arranged for directing the second fluid towards the surface. The system is configured such that the directing of the at least partially degassed second fluid towards the surface forms a boundary layer at the surface. The boundary layer is adapted to at least partially increase the negative pressure required to initiate cavitation at the surface so as to reduce the occurrence of cavitation during such relative movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion exchange resin comprising a polymer having strong acid and strong base groups on the same polymer. In some forms the resin comprises a high density of polymers having strong acid and strong base groups on the same polymer. In some forms the strong acid and strong base groups are in close proximity to one another on the polymer. The disclosure further relates to a mixed bead resin for high salt level desalination.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for reducing cavitation at a surface that moves relatively with respect to a first fluid. The system comprises a degasser configured to at least partially degas a second fluid. The system also comprises a reservoir in communication with the degasser and configured to house the at least partially degassed second fluid, the reservoir having an outlet that is arranged for directing the second fluid towards the surface. The system is configured such that the directing of the at least partially degassed second fluid towards the surface forms a boundary layer at the surface. The boundary layer is adapted to at least partially increase the negative pressure required to initiate cavitation at the surface so as to reduce the occurrence of cavitation during such relative movement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing a dissolved heavy metal from an aqueous solution. The method comprises dissolving in the aqueous solution a foaming agent of formula (I) or a salt thereof. The method further comprises passing a gas through the aqueous solution to form a foam and separating the foam from the aqueous solution.