Abstract: Disclosed is a fire suppressant material for controlling or extinguishing a combustion process, the fire suppressant material comprising zeolite particles with an internal porous structure, wherein molecules of a fire extinguishing substance are contained within the internal porous structure of the zeolite material.

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 method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.

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 method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for the production of an emulsion, comprising combining an aqueous liquid with a non-aqueous liquid mixture to form a combination, removing dissolved gases from both the aqueous liquid and the non-aqueous liquid mixture and agitating the combination sufficient to form the emulsion. The non-aqueous liquid mixture is immiscible with the aqueous liquid, and combination is formed in the absence of an emulsion stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a desalinated aqueous liquid. The process comprising passing a de-gassed aqueous liquid (115) through a reverse osmosis membrane (110). The process may additionally comprise the step of degassing an aqueous liquid (105) to produce the degassed aqueous liquid (115).

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface, comprising applying de-gassed water (containing no more than 1 ppm gas) to the surface to disperse or dissolve dirt on the surface in the water. The method may also comprise dissolving hydrophobic dirt on the surface using a non-aqueous solvent, and dispersing the non-aqueous solvent and dissolved hydrophobic dirt in the de-gassed water. The non-aqueous solvent may itself contain low levels of dissolved gas, for example no more than 10 ppm. Apparatus for cleaning a surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for improving or increasing the electrical conductivity of aqueous liquids by way of removal of dissolved gases therein. Use of degassed aqueous liquids in water based electrolysis processes such as electrodialysis, may advantageously improve the efficiency of such a process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of degassing a hydrophobic liquid containing dissolved gas, comprising passing the hydrophobic liquid along one side of a porous hydrophobic membrane and simultaneously passing a degassed aqueous liquid along the other side of the membrane, such that at least a portion of the gas dissolved in the hydrophobic liquid is transferred to the aqueous liquid. The invention also relates to methods of preparing emulsions using the prepared degassed hydrophobic liquid in combination with an aqueous liquid. The emulsions thus prepared are substantially free of emulsifiers, surfactants or stabilisers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the removal of biological species, such as Cryptosporidium, from water using aluminium based media which contains surface Al—OH groups.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying oocysts, and destroying or inactivating sporozoites contained within the oocysts, by contacting the oocysts with a composition comprising surface-exposed AlOH groups to cause (a) the oocysts to rupture and the contained sporozoites to be released and/or (b) the oocysts to flatten resulting in destruction of the contained sporozoites. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, food supplements and items of clothing comprising a composition comprising surface-exposed AlOH groups.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the minimum film formation temperature of a latex are disclosed based upon the measurement of the conductivity of the latex as the temperature of the latex is varied. By plotting the latex's conductivity and temperature relationship, the minimum film formation temperature is determined.