Abstract: An energy-efficient process for dewatering an aqueous organic solution includes using freely available solar energy to concentrate a draw solution within a reservoir. The draw solution is used in conjunction with a membrane to remove water from the organic solution in a forward osmosis process. The draw solution is diluted by the osmosis process, and returned to the reservoir to be re-concentrated and reused in the osmosis process.

Abstract: This invention is to a process for separating condensed water and entrained solids from an olefin stream so that fouling of the separation equipment by the entrained solids is reduced or eliminated. The process involves injecting an antifouling agent into a water condensing or quench system in an amount to maintain a zeta potential of fouling liquid and a zeta potential of the surface of the quench system both in a positive range or both in a negative range.

Abstract: There is provided a method for highly treating distillation waste generated in the process of separating a distilled alcoholic material after alcoholic fermentation of starchy materials. The method includes the steps of adding sodium polyacrylate to the distillation waste from the starchy materials, then adding chitosan to treat the distillation waste, and further adding sodium polyacrylate to the waste. Furthermore, solid-liquid separation is then carried out. A liquid material thus separated is brought into contact with a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A method for separating carbon nanotubes comprises: providing a mixture of carbon nanotubes; introducing an organic molecule having an end group capable of being chelated by a metal ion to the mixture of carbon nanotubes to covalently bond the organic molecule to at least one of the mixture of carbon nanotubes; and introducing a metal salt to the mixture of carbon nanotubes to chelate the end group of the organic molecule with the metal ion of the metal salt; and centrifuging the mixture of carbon nanotubes to cause the separation of the carbon nanotubes based on a density differential of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: A method for a liquid-liquid extraction of hydrophilic organic compounds from aqueous solutions thereof is described. The method generally includes intermixing a sufficient quantity of a specified glycol ether with the aqueous liquor at a first temperature to form a suspension comprising an aqueous raffinate phase and a glycol ether extract phase; separating the glycol ether extract phase from the aqueous raffinate phase; heating the glycol ether extract phase to a second, higher temperature to form a suspension comprising an aqueous extract phase containing a portion of the hydrophilic organic compound and a glycol ether raffinate phase; and separating this glycol ether raffinate phase from the aqueous extract phase. The selected glycol ether has an inverse solubility in water and the partition ratio, value K, for the hydrophilic organic compound is greater than 0.1.

Abstract: A method and construction for treatment of sludge from waterworks and wastewater treatment plants is disclosed. The method for treatment of sludge from waterwork or wastewater treatment plant, comprising precipitated inorganic chemical coagulants and precipitated organic substances, comprises adding an acid to the sludge in such a way that a first sludge mixture with low pH is received. The first sludge mixture includes the inorganic chemical coagulants in solution and the organic substances. The sludge mixture is pumped, via heat exchangers to a pressure tank. An obtained first concentrate is fed to at least one membrane filtration process in which a second concentrate and a first permeate are obtained.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: Environmentally protective Method of treating an aqueous radioactive fluid (AF) in a nuclear reactor cycle or radwaste system to selectively capture or remove radioactive isotopes in a reduced quantitative package to minimize radwaste generated and revitalize neutron absorption capacity of nuclear reactor coolant by separately carrying away boron constituents, when B10 is later added.

Abstract: A method of assisting the removal of phosphorous from wastewater in a wastewater treatment system comprising a membrane bioreactor having at least one membrane (6), the method comprising forming a mixture of a gas and liquid medium; adding a coagulant to the mixture; applying the mixture and added coagulant to a surface of the membrane (6) and filtering a permeate through a wall of the membrane (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating fluids, in particular waste waters involving coagulation/flocculation, clarification by filtration or flotation stages and a stage of filtration through micro-, ultra, and nanomembranes or of hyperfiltration. The inventive method consists in injecting two times several coagulating reagents in a quantity ranging from 75 to 125% of an optimal coagulation dose or a dose cancelling a Zeta potential (pz) in an area (area n° 1) situated upstream of the clarification stage (2) and from 0.1 to 25% of an optimal dose cancelling the pz in a second area (area n° 2) situated upstream of the stage of membrane filtration (4).

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled and/or scaled UF or MF membrane with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: (a) treating the membrane in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer that is present on the surface and/or in pores of said membrane; (b) making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; (c) optionally rinsing the membrane; (d) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid between the steps (b) and (c); and (e) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid after the membrane is rinsed in step (c).

Abstract: The presently described subject matter provides a method for reducing boron concentration in a process of desalination of high salinity liquid including passing the high salinity liquid through a first pass reverse osmosis (RO) device to produce a first pass permeate, where at least part of the first pass permeate is treated with a scale inhibitor to obtain a modified first pass permeate being fed into at least one additional RO device to produce at least an additional pass permeate, where the at least one additional pass permeate includes a lower boron concentration than that in the high salinity liquid.

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled or a scaled RO or NF membrane surface with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: treating the membrane surface in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer on said membrane surface; making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; optionally, rinsing the membrane.

Abstract: Direct-osmosis (DO) method for cleaning a semi-permeable membrane in a RO separation module, the membrane having a feed side with foulant located thereon, and an opposite permeate side. A normal RO separation process in the same module includes: feeding, under gauge pressure PGr, raw saline solution having osmotic pressure POr to the membrane feed side; collecting permeate (solvent) having osmotic pressure POp from the permeate side, under gauge pressure PGp; and removing residual brine from the membrane feed side. The method comprises feeding to the feed side of the membrane, for a predetermined injection time, super saline solution having osmotic pressure POs>POr, such that backward flow of permeate towards the feed side of the membrane is provided so as to lift the foulant from the feed side.

Abstract: Purification techniques have been developed for ceramic powder precursors, e.g., barium nitrate. These techniques can be performed using one or more of the following operations: (1) removal of impurities by precipitation or coprecipitation and separation using a nonmetallic-ion-containing strong base, e.g., tetraalkylammonium hydroxides; (2) reduction of higher oxidation-state-number oxymetal ions and subsequent precipitation as hydroxides that are separated from the solution; and (3) use of liquid-liquid exchange extraction procedures to separate certain impurities.

Abstract: Method of maximizing resin utilization and optimizing reverse osmosis performance to polish an aqueous or radwaste fluid. The method provides resin scavenging of targeted isotopes and exposes filter media and resin to a higher influent activity concentration to enable higher waste loading and longer life of resin while protecting downstream reverse osmosis system from high concentration of contaminants. An aqueous waste feedstream is processed through steps of filtering, demineralizing, and reverse osmosis; and the feedstream is separated into permeate and reject streams for recycling and evaluation, respectively. The permeate stream is recycled in ways that permit it to return to a supply area for recycle reuse or discharge.

Abstract: Pure halogen salts of alkaline and/or alkaline earth metals or a mixture thereof are prepared by (I) hydrolytically heating a suspension of 1 part by weight of a halogenic, organic waste material in a comminuted state in 1-10 parts by weight of an aqueous medium in the presence of a base to a temperature ranging from 200-300° C. at a pressure sufficient to maintain the water in a liquid state for a period of time sufficient to convert substantially all the organically bound halogen present to inorganic halides, and (II) separating the hydrolysate obtained in step (I) into a solid hydrolysate fraction and a liquid hydrolysate fraction, (III) neutralizing the liquid hydrolysate with hydrohalogenic acid, (IV) adding a flocculent to the neutralized hydrolysate; (V) separating the material from step (IV) into a solid containing fraction and an aqueous solution; and (VI) nanofiltering the aqueous solution to obtain a retentate and a permeate, wherein the permeate is further treated to obtain the pure salts.

Abstract: Metal oxide particles heated while immersed in water in a closed container are combined with membrane filtration to remove contaminants from water. The use of the heated particles reduces fouling of the membrane typically encountered when membranes alone are used to remove contaminants from water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating water effluent from purging or cleaning steam generator circuits. In characteristic manner, the following steps are performed: filtering the raw effluent to separate insoluble matter from the filtered effluent; and concentrating the filtered effluent to below the solubility limit of the dissolved species so as to obtain a liquid concentrate, the concentration step including at least evapo-concentration treatment and reverse osmosis treatment; the pH of the effluent being adjusted to a value in the range 5 to 6.5.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the direct transesterification and extraction of bio-lipids and bio-oils in the production of biofuel, particularly fatty acid methyl ester products.

Abstract: A method for use in industrial processes is disclosed for removing substances from a liquid, comprising passing said liquid through a filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles of either a uniform particle size or decreasing particle sizes. The filter bed can be washed and regenerated by directing a regenerate liquid or liquids through the filter bed. Furthermore, a method for the removal and recovery of products and by-products from a liquid is disclosed, comprising passing said liquid through a filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles of either a uniform particle size or decreasing particles sizes. A regenerate liquid or liquids can be passed through the filter bed for the purpose of removing and recovering the products or by-products, and simultaneously regenerating the filter bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved filtration system for rejecting boron from seawater. More specifically, the invention relates to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that effectively eliminates boron from seawater by increasing seawater pH prior to passage through the RO membrane. By increasing pH levels, boron removal is achieved while at the same time reducing scaling on the RO membrane.

Abstract: A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. A solvent mixture comprising an ionic liquid and a cosolvent is provided within the vessel. The fluid is contacted with the solvent mixture for take-up of the fluid by the solvent mixture. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water clarifying device comprising a flotation zone (c), a membrane-based filtering zone (e) and extracting means (d), the flotation zone (c) and the membrane-based filtering zone (e) having a common partition wall (P), the common partition wall (P) including in its lower part an opening (o) directly allowing through flotated water towards the filtering zone (e), thereby feeding the membranes with flotated water from down upwards both in filtering phase and in backwashing phase.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to new liquid-liquid extraction methods for the length-based separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other 1-dimensional nanostructures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite support comprising a base support for the treatment of a biological fluid, in which: “the base support is essentially-constituted by a first polymer carrying anionic or anionizable groups;” at least a part of the surface of the base support is coated with a second polymer ionically bonded to the first polymer, the second polymer carrying the cationic or cationizable groups which are capable of forming an ionic bond with the anionic or anionizable groups of the first polymer; in which the second polymer is in the colloidal form and in mixture with a polyacid during application to the support, allowing the composite membrane to adsorb at least one entity containing anionic or anionizable groups by bonding with cationic or cationizable groups of the second polymer.

Abstract: A chromatography or supercritical extraction method is disclosed, in which the eluent comprises a mixture of a fluid and a modifier and in which the fluid is recycled. One exemplary method comprises an operation consisting in determining at least one quantity linked to the level of modifier that is mixed with the recycled fluid and, if necessary, a correction operation in order to limit variations in the level of modifier in the eluent at the inlet of the column or the extractor. The disclosure also relates to a chromatography or extraction installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a nitrogen containing epihalohydrin polymer involving reaction of a nitrogen-containing precursor selected from the group consisting of amines, poly-amines, polyaminoamides, polyurethanes and mixtures thereof with epihalohydrin to form of a solution of said epihalohydrin polymer, the process comprising a purification step to remove organic impurities from the formed solution of the epihalohydrin polymer, said purification step comprising contacting the solution of the epihalohydrin polymer with a fluid under liquid, supercritical or near supercritical conditions to effect extraction of organic impurities from the solution of the epihalohydrin polymer to the fluid, withdrawing fluid enriched in organic impurities from the solution of the epihalohydrin polymer, and separating extracted impurities from the withdrawn fluid, wherein the fluid comprises a substance that at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (about 25° C.) is gaseous.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for the recovery of 1,3-propanediol from an aqueous feed stream. The present invention involves contacting an aqueous feed stream that comprises water, 1,3-propanediol, and at least one contaminant with at least one solvent extractant to form a mixture. The mixture is separated into a first phase and a second phase. The second phase comprises a majority of the water from the aqueous feed stream. The first phase comprises solvent extractant and at least some of the 1,3-propanediol that was present in the aqueous feed stream. The weight ratio in the first phase of 1,3-propanediol to any one contaminant present is greater than the weight ratio of 1,3-propanediol to the same contaminant in the aqueous feed stream prior to the aqueous feed stream being contacted with the solvent extractant. The first phase can be removed from the separated second phase in order to recover the 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Processes, methods and systems are provided herein for lowering the concentration of phosphorus in wastewater. The process includes adding a suitable amount of an aluminum-based coagulant/flocculent, for example, an aluminum-silicate coagulant/flocculent product to the wastewater while maintaining the pH of the wastewater at between about 4.5 and about 6.65. This step provides an eventual effluent stream of precipitated aluminum-based, phosphorus-containing flocs dispersed in the wastewater. The next step involves physically removing, as by filtering, the precipitated aluminum-based, phosphorus-containing flocs which is dispersed in the wastewater. These steps are able to provide a wastewater effluent containing less than about 0.03 mg total phosphorus per liter of wastewater. The disclosure also teaches novel methods and systems for carrying out the novel process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method that achieves water desalination by utilizing and optimizing clathrate hydrate phenomena. Clathrate hydrates are crystalline compounds of gas and water that desalinate water by excluding salt molecules during crystallization. Contacting a hydrate forming gaseous species with water will spontaneously form hydrates at specific temperatures and pressures through the extraction of water molecules from the bulk phase followed by crystallite nucleation. Subsequent dissociation of pure hydrates yields fresh water and, if operated correctly, allows the hydrate-forming gas to be efficiently recycled into the process stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for extracorporeal blood cleaning includes a separation unit (110), at least two processing branches (120; 130) and a mixing unit (140). The separation unit (110) receives 5 incoming blood (B A) and divides off a first fraction (fC) from this blood. The first fraction (fC) contains predominantly blood cells. The separation unit (110) also divides off at least one second fraction (fP), which contains predominantly blood plasma. A first processing branch (120) processes the first fraction (fC) according to a first cleaning process, in which cell-bound substances are removed from the blood cells. As a result, a first cleaned fraction (fC c) containing washed blood cells is produced. A second processing branch (130) processes the second fraction (fP) according to a second cleaning process in which toxins bound on proteins within the plasma and/or toxins dissolved in 15 the plasma are removed, and a second cleaned fraction (fP c) is produced.

Abstract: A method of wastewater reutilization by which reusable water can be stably obtained from a wastewater. Ozone is added to a wastewater, such as water resulting from sewage treatment, in such a small amount as to result in a residual ozone concentration as measured before membrane filtration of 0.01-1.0 mg/L. Ozone is thus brought into contact with fine solids contained in the wastewater to alter the surface properties of the fine solids so that the solids are easily to coagulate. Thereafter, a coagulant, e.g., PACl, is added from a coagulant addition device(3). The fine solids are coagulated in a coagulation tank(5) or a line mixer and the resultant water is subjected to membrane filtration with an ozone-resistant separation membrane(6) such as ceramic membrane. Thus, reusable water is obtained which has a residual ozone concentration, as measured after filtration through the membrane, less than 0.5 mg/L.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating water containing phenolic material such as bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers, and dispersed polycarbonate particles by extracting the phenolic material from the water using a water immiscible organic liquid containing an amine coupling catalyst. The treated water is then steam stripped to remove residual organic liquid and the amine. The organic liquid, containing the bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers and dissolved polycarbonate particles can be fed back to the coupling step of the polycarbonate process without further regeneration or treatment.

Abstract: An extractant composition comprising a mixed extractant solvent consisting of calix[4] arene-bis-(tert-octylbenzo)-crown-6 (“BOBCalixC6”), 4?,4?,(5?)-di-(t-butyldicyclo-hexano)-18-crown-6 (“DtBu18C6”), and at least one modifier dissolved in a diluent. The DtBu18C6 may be present at from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.4M, such as at from approximately 0.086 M to approximately 0.108 M. The modifier may be 1-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)-3-(4-sec-butylphenoxy)-2-propanol (“Cs-7SB”) and may be present at from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.8M. In one embodiment, the mixed extractant solvent includes approximately 0.15M DtBu18C6, approximately 0.007M BOBCalixC6, and approximately 0.75M Cs-7SB modifier dissolved in an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon diluent. The extractant composition further comprises an aqueous phase. The mixed extractant solvent may be used to remove cesium and strontium from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: Methods for treating landfill leachate taught herein comprise: (a) coagulatively settling leachate; (b) filtering the resultant supernatant liquid through multistage cartridges; (c) filtering the filtered liquid by reverse osmosis; and (d) treating the resultant liquid with chlorine-based oxidant. These methods provide the advantages of efficient wastewater treatment, compact equipment size, short process flow, and low startup and operational costs.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for producing clear reverse osmosis retentates having silica concentrations which are substantially supersaturated in silica from feedwaters having silica concentrations, without substantial formation of alkali-soluble scale having substantial silica content in the associated reverse osmosis apparatus, by adjusting the pH of such feedwaters to an acidic pH range prior to reverse osmosis in accordance with this invention. Also disclosed are related processes and apparatus for periodically removing minor amounts of alkali-soluble scale having substantial silica content from the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for permeation enhanced reactive extraction of levulinic acid from a liquid aqueous phase comprising levulinic acid, wherein the levulinic acid from the aqueous phase is brought into contact with a liquid alcohol phase at esterification conditions in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 50 to 250° C., the aqueous phase and the alcohol phase being separated from each other by a membrane, and an aqueous stream depleted in levulinic acid and an alcohol stream comprising ester of levulinic acid are formed.

Abstract: A method of purifying a treatment target substance containing a fluorine-containing surfactant which includes removing at least part of the fluorine-containing surfactant from the treatment target substance by contacting the treatment target substance with a gas containing carbon dioxide. The fluorine-containing surfactant is an ether oxygen-free anionic compound represented by one of general formulae (1) and (2) as defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the treatment of liquors derived from oil-bearing fruit, for example from oil palm fruit, and to products therefrom. Typically a process involves removal of undissolved solids, oleaginous parts, colloids and higher weight molecules from the vegetation liquor to give an aqueous fraction containing phytochemicals, for example, flavonoids, phenolic acids and hydroxy acids. Subsequently, pH adjustment and solvent extraction upon said aqueous fraction realise an extract rich in hydroxy acids or phenolic acids or flavonoids or any combination thereof. Applications of the substances subject of this invention are to be found in drinks, edible products, tonics, health supplements, antioxidant additives, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, drugs or medicinal products.

Abstract: Polyalkylene glycol compositions having reduced low molecular weight oligomers are disclosed. Some compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, have a number average molecular weight range from about 3000 to about 10,000 g/mol and have a total oligomer concentration of less than about 400 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 812 g/mol and a total oligomer concentration of less than about 50 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 240 g/mol. Other polyalkylene compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, are characterized by a total oligomer concentration of less than about 90 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight less than or equal to 460 g/mol and are obtained without further processing to remove oligomers having a molecular weight of less than about 460 g/mol. Methods for making such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of industrial waste water. The process includes the steps of admixing partially-treated waste water containing precipitated impurities with a flocculating agent in a flocculation basin, directing the admixed waste water to an elongated sedimentation basin, allowing flocculated solids in the waste water to settle to the bottom of the sedimentation basin, removing the settled solids from the bottom of the sedimentation basin and directing the treated water from the sedimentation basin. The process can further include the step of adjusting the pH of the waste water to precipitate impurities in the waste water prior to the addition of the flocculation agent. The elongated sedimentation basin can include a pair of sloped sides to consolidate the settled solids at the bottom of the basin. The settled solids can then be removed by suction. The basins can be formed from the excavation or impoundment of earth in an area adjacent to a waste water-generating facility.

Abstract: Methods of treating a high salinity liquid, such as seawater, containing boron are provided, including adjusting the pH of the liquid to about 8 to about 9.5, optionally adding a scale inhibitor to the liquid, passing the liquid through a reverse osmosis device, and recovering a permeate having a boron concentration less than about 2 ppm. One embodiment includes removing colloidal matter from the liquid using a membrane filtration system, such as ultrafiltration or microfiltration, prior to passing the liquid through the reverse osmosis device, and preferably prior to adjusting the pH of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration process for enriching and concentrating a neutral organic compound into the permeated liquid with negative retention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the removal of contaminants from water using sugar based surfactant enhanced ultrafiltration. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a process for removal of an at least slightly water-soluble organic compound from an organic-contaminated water solution to provide a purified water solution, including: adding a surfactant to the organic-contaminated water solution in sufficient quantity to achieve at least a critical micellar concentration of the surfactant in the organic-contaminated water solution, wherein the surfactant comprises an alkylglycoside, to provide a micellar water solution comprising micelles comprising the surfactant and the organic compound; contacting an ultrafiltration membrane with the micellar water solution under pressure and temperature conditions sufficient for liquid flow through the ultrafiltration membrane to take place; and collecting liquid permeating the ultrafiltration membrane to provide the purified water solution.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.