Abstract: A method for producing a nanocomposite sorbent comprising carbon nanotube-grafted acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer which involves copolymerization of acrylic acid and acrylamide in the presence of an aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes. The method yields a nanocomposite sorbent material having a reversible adsorption capacity phenol of 5 to 2500 ?g of phenol per mg of nanocomposite sorbent. Also disclosed is a method for removing organic pollutants from water using the nanocomposite sorbent.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus and related methods involving the use of replaceable treatment cartridges that include a treatment media, wherein the treatment cartridge is electrically enhanced to form regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The treatment cartridge can include a pair of fixed polarity conductors that can be electrically connected to a power source so as to induce regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The fluid treatment apparatus can be utilized to treat liquids including aqueous solutions as well as gases such as an air supply by exposing the fluid to the regions of differing polarity.

Abstract: A centrifugal filtration device is provided. The centrifugal filtration device has filtration membrane that filtrates liquid; cartridge that supports filtration membrane and that forms liquid chamber together with filtration membrane, wherein liquid chamber holds the liquid therein; and rotating member that rotates around rotation center and that supports cartridge such that filtration membrane is positioned outward of liquid chamber with respect to rotation center. Rotating member has a path that is connected to liquid chamber, and at least a part of a liquid contact part of the path that is in contact with the liquid is formed of titanium or a titanium alloy.

Abstract: A magnetic adsorbent, preparation method therefor and application thereof. The magnetic adsorbent is made by loading a weakly material with high adsorption capacity, an iron-based gel, onto a strongly magnetic ferrite material with low adsorption capacity by means of in-situ reaction. The magnetic adsorbent is used for removing heavy metal pollutants and phosphate pollutants from water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for water treatment, including a membrane separator for solid-liquid separation; and a particle fractionator which has at least two exits of a fractionated solid-liquid mixture produced therein, wherein a liquor containing particles of different sizes including submicron particles is fed to the particle fractionator before a membrane separation by the membrane separator, and wherein a first fraction of the fractionated solid-liquid mixture is returned to the membrane separator from one exit of the at least two exits of the particle fractionator, the first fraction being less than the liquor in terms of content of the submicron particles. This apparatus enables a rapid achievement of suppression of membrane fouling.

Abstract: A method for treating water, the method including adding, as coagulants, a polymer compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group and an iron-based coagulant to water to be treated, filtering the coagulated water with a clarification filter, and subjecting the filtered water to a reverse osmosis membrane treatment, wherein the addition of the coagulants is controlled such that a ratio between an addition concentration of the polymer compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group and an addition concentration of the iron-based coagulant is constant.

Abstract: A method for extracting metal ions from water is provided that includes disposing two electrically conductive electrodes in water, where the water includes a target ion species in solution, where at least one of the electrically conductive electrodes is a functionalized electrode having species-specific adsorption of the target ion species, and providing electrical current to the electrically conductive electrodes such that the one or more target ion species are deposited to metallic form or metal oxides at the functionalized electrode by one or more electrochemical reactions.

Abstract: A high velocity cross flow dynamic membrane filtration system disc membrane assembly includes a frame having first and second end members and a plurality of rails extending between the first and second end members. At least two parallel support shafts are coupled to the frame, each support shaft defining a longitudinal axis about which is positioned a plurality of axially spaced membrane discs. The plurality of membrane discs associated with one of the at least two parallel support shafts is interspersed between the plurality of membrane discs associated with another of the at least two parallel support shafts. Each rail of the plurality of rails is configured to be received by a mounting rail within a vessel defining a treatment chamber. A permeate tube is coupled to each support shaft and in fluid communication with the membrane discs associated with that support shaft.

Abstract: In a prior art reactor set up dense aggregates of microorganisms are formed, typically in or embedded in an extra cellular matrix. Such may relate to granules, to sphere like entities having a higher viscosity than water, globules, a biofilm, etc. The dense aggregates comprise extracellular polymeric substances, or biopolymers, in particular linear polysaccharides, The present invention is in the field of extraction a biopolymer from a granular sludge, a fibrous biopolymer obtained by said process, in particular alginate or bacterial alginate, and a use of said biopolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of styrene or substituted styrenes comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting a feed containing 1-phenyl ethanol or substituted 1-phenyl ethanol to a dehydration treatment in the presence of a suitable dehydration catalyst; (b) subjecting the resulting product mixture to a separation treatment, thus obtaining a stream containing water and styrene or substituted styrene and a residual fraction containing heavy ends; (c) treating the stream containing water and styrene or substituted styrene with a base; (d) separating the treated stream of step (c) into a styrene or substituted styrene-rich product stream and a styrene or substituted styrene-lean waste water stream; (e) treating the styrene or substituted styrene-lean waste water stream with steam in a stripping column, thus obtaining a treated waste water stream and a treated stream comprising steam and styrene or substituted styrene.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus and related methods involving the use of replaceable treatment cartridges that include a treatment media, wherein the treatment cartridge is electrically enhanced to form regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The treatment cartridge can include a pair of fixed polarity conductors that can be electrically connected to a power source so as to induce regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The fluid treatment apparatus can be utilized to treat liquids including aqueous solutions as well as gases such as an air supply by exposing the fluid to the regions of differing polarity.

Abstract: Semiconductor-Oxides Nanotubes-Based Composite Particles Useful for Dye-Removal and Process Thereof, has been described in this invention, which relates to an innovative method, involving an ion-exchange mechanism operating under the dark-condition in an aqueous solution, for the processing of innovative products consisting of the nanotubes of semiconductor-oxides deposited on (or anchored to or attached to) the surface of flyash particles and metal-oxide (magnetic and non-magnetic) nanoparticles. The resulting micro-nano and nano-nano integrated composite particles find potential application in the removal of an organic synthetic-dye from an aqueous solution and industry effluent via the surface-adsorption process, involving the ion-exchange and electrostatic-attraction mechanisms, operating in the dark-condition.

Abstract: A magnetic adsorbent, preparation method therefor and application thereof. The magnetic adsorbent is made by loading a weakly material with high adsorption capacity, an iron-based gel, onto a strongly magnetic ferrite material with low adsorption capacity by means of in-situ reaction. The magnetic adsorbent is used for removing heavy metal pollutants and phosphate pollutants from water.

Abstract: A sulfur burner system can include an electronic control system, various sensors coupled to the electronic control system, and various components electronically controlled by the electronic control system. The sensors can include a pH sensor coupled to an irrigation pipe, a thermometer, and a pressure transducer. The components controlled by the electronic control system can include valves, igniters, and pumps or variable frequency drives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides activated carbon with which hydrophilicity is excellent and the amount of steam adsorbed is increased, and provides a method for producing this activated carbon. This activated carbon is characterized in that the amount of basic functional groups in the activated carbon is 0.470 meq/m2 or greater. Preferably the amount of basic groups per specific surface area of activated carbon is 0.200 ?eq/m2 or greater and the ratio of the amount of basic functional groups and the amount of acidic functional groups (basic functional groups/acidic functional groups) is 1.00 or greater. This method for producing activated carbon is characterized in comprising a step for imparting basic functional groups by bringing the activated carbon into contact with a basic substance. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a step for heating the resulting activated carbon in an insert atmosphere.

Abstract: Semiconductor-oxide nanotubes-based composite particles are useful for dye-removal. A method involves an ion-exchange mechanism operating under a dark-condition in an aqueous solution, for the processing of products consisting of the nanotubes of semiconductor-oxides deposited on, anchored to or attached to the surface of fly ash particles and metal-oxide (magnetic and non-magnetic) nanoparticles. The resulting micro-nano and nano-nano integrated composite particles can be used in the removal of an organic synthetic-dye from an aqueous solution and industry effluent via a surface-adsorption process, involving ion-exchange and electrostatic-attraction mechanisms. The composite particles can be recycled for the next cycle of dye-adsorption by decomposing the previously adsorbed dye on their surfaces via the use of either noble-metal-deposited or magnetically separable magnetic photocatalysts and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) or solar-radiation.

Abstract: A method includes passing a chemical solution through a metal-ion absorber, wherein metal ions in the metal-ion absorber are trapped by the metal-ion absorber. The chemical solution exiting out of the metal-ion absorber is then used to etch a metal-containing region, wherein the metal-containing region includes a metal that is of a same element type as the metal ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of degradation of persistent pollutants and discloses a method for efficiently degrading a perfluorinated compound (PFC), through which the problems of harsh reaction conditions and less high defluorination rate existing in prior-art methods for degrading PFCs are solved. In the present disclosure, a 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) solution is irradiated with 254 nm UV light to generate hydrated electrons, with which the PFC are degraded by reduction under an aerobic condition, where an organo-modified montmorillonite is added to provide a reaction microzone, so the degradation and defluorination effects of the hydrated electrons for the PFC are greatly improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium activated alumina intercalate solid by contacting a three-dimensional activated alumina with a lithium salt under conditions sufficient to infuse lithium salts into activated alumina for the selective extraction and recovery of lithium from lithium containing solutions, including brines.

Abstract: We provide a process for treatment of produced water, including but not limited to water produced by a “steam flood” process for extraction of oil from oil sands, including the removal of color from the water. This removal may be accomplished through addition of color-removal polymers and flocculents. This process may also be useful for other water treatment processes including reverse osmosis and filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides activated carbon with which hydrophilicity is excellent and the amount of steam adsorbed is increased, and provides a method for producing this activated carbon. This activated carbon is characterized in that the amount of basic functional groups in the activated carbon is 0.470 meq/m2 or greater. Preferably the amount of basic groups per specific surface area of activated carbon is 0.200 ?eq/m2 or greater and the ratio of the amount of basic functional groups and the amount of acidic functional groups (basic functional groups/acidic functional groups) is 1.00 or greater. This method for producing activated carbon is characterized in comprising a step for imparting basic functional groups by bringing the activated carbon into contact with a basic substance. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a step for heating the resulting activated carbon in an insert atmosphere.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide metal ligand nanoparticles, particles including the metal ligand nanoparticles, filters including the metal ligand nanoparticles and/or particles, devices and systems for filtering a fluid, compositions including the metal ligand nanoparticles, and the like.

Abstract: A system and process for removing divalent cations from a rich MEG feed stream is presented. An ion exchange bed containing a cation exchange resin adsorbs the divalent cations in the rich MEG feed stream as it flows through the ion exchange bed. After the divalent ions have been removed, the feed stream flows through a flash separator and a distillation column to reclaim MEG. Alternatively, the feed stream flows through a distillation column to regenerate MEG. The spent cation exchange resin may be regenerated in place using a regeneration brine comprised of sodium chloride and water. After use, the regeneration brine may be disposed as waste or recycled to the brine storage tank and re-used to regenerate the cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A system for converting fuel is provided and includes a first reactor comprising a plurality of ceramic composite particles, the ceramic composite particles comprising at least one metal oxide disposed on a support, wherein the first reactor is configured to reduce the at least one metal oxide with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide; a second reactor configured to oxidize at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the said first reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate; a source of air; and a third reactor communicating with said source of air and configured to regenerate the at least one metal oxide from the remaining portion of the solids discharged from the said first reactor and the solids discharged from the said second reactor by oxidizing the metal oxide intermediate.

Abstract: The technology presents filter media and methods of recycling metal-working liquids by removing metal fines and other contaminants using the filter media. An exemplary method includes a series of steps. These steps include filtering a contaminated metal-working liquid that has metal fines through an exemplary filter medium that is comprised of a carrier and a chemical agent. The carrier is impregnated with a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphorous pentoxide, and mixtures or derivatives of these. Further, the exemplary method includes collecting a filtrate substantially free of ashable residue; and reusing the filtrate as a metal-working liquid.

Abstract: A filtering machine (10) for filtering a mixture which includes entrained oily contaminant, the filtering machine (10) including a filter (14) which has an exterior housing (15) through which the mixture, in use, passes to contact filter material within the interior of the filter housing (15), and through which filtrate passes out of the filter (14), and wherein the filter material includes particles (29) of agglomerated oleophillic fibers.

Abstract: Methods to separate or recover brine that is present in an invert emulsion are described. The brine is present as an internal phase in the invert emulsion. The brine can be a valuable component, such as an alkali metal formate, and separation and recovering of the brine from the invert emulsion permits the brine to be reused.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a system for treating water. The system comprises a biochar inlet, and optionally a metal salt inlet, ozone inlet, organic carbon compound inlet or any combination thereof. The biochar may be produced by biomass pyrolysis and the pyrolysis may be coupled to energy generation. The system also comprises a filtration device, such as a reactive filtration device. The system produces a treated water stream and a reject stream, which may be further separated into a recycled water stream and a solid product. The solid product may be suitable as a soil amendment for application to agricultural land, or for recycling. A method for using the system to treat water also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for allowing selective removal of a protein solution from a human biological fluid. In some embodiments, a column with specificity of binding for a predetermined protein is employed to remove said protein to prevent onset of a disease or for prevention for the continued progress of the same disease. The invention has particular application in neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes for selenium removal provide a composition for removing or reducing the levels of selenium in water. The titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes comprise a range of about 5 wt % titanium to 20 wt % titanium. A process for removing selenium from water includes the steps of placing the titanium-impregnated carbon nanotubes into contact with the water and adjusting the pH value of the water.

Abstract: A process for treating water containing dissolved organic compounds, including naphthenic acids, for example, oil sands process water, using petroleum coke is provided, comprising: removing petroleum coke from a coking operation; forming a petroleum coke/water slurry by adding the water containing dissolved organic compounds to the petroleum coke; adding a pH-lowering agent to the petroleum coke/water slurry either during slurry formation or after slurry formation to form a treated petroleum coke/water slurry; and allowing the treated petroleum coke/water slurry to mix for a sufficient time in a carbon adsorption reactor to allow the petroleum coke to adsorb a substantial portion of the dissolved organic compounds from the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removing disease material from the blood of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to using biological binders to trap disease material that is desired to be removed from the blood of a patient.

Abstract: This application relates to processes for selectively removing anionic phosphate molecules from contaminated hydrocarbon oil using the ion exchange activity of acid activated clay. The methods are particularly applicable to the removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons contaminated during fracturing operations.

Abstract: A fluid separation system including a fluid mixture including a first fluid component dispersed in a second fluid component. A plurality of micro- or nanoparticles is operatively arranged in the fluid mixture to stabilize the fluid mixture by adhering to interfaces of the first fluid component. A magnetic element is operatively arranged for forming a magnetic field through the fluid mixture. The micro- or nanoparticles are magnetically responsive to the magnetic field for urging the first fluid component in a direction defined by the magnetic field. A method of separating fluids is also included.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for depleting fluids of immunoglobulins and leukocytes are disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for removal of undesirable dissolved substances from solutions containing two or more dissolved substances to produce one or more new solutions suitable for beneficial use. The system utilizes amphoteric media in a treatment cycle where dissolved substances from the concentrated solution are first adsorbed by the media and subsequently rinsed with water to desorb and collect the dissolved substances sequentially into dilute effluent streams the substances are either aggregated or segregated based upon differences in relative concentrations of dissolved substances that is a result of differences in the affinity of the media for the dissolved substances. One or more of the dilute effluent streams are treated with a desalination process to recover water for media rinse and to concentrate the separated dissolved substances to facilitate beneficial use or disposal.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a position stop located and configured to abut a mating position stop on the vial to limit relative movement of the piston and vial. The position stops are located to stop the distal end of the piston away from the bottom of the vial a distance of about 10-30% the height of the vial. That a material to be dissolved in a liquid in the vial and to remove unwanted molecules from the liquid with the piston forcing the liquid through the filter but not squeezing the slurry of material so as to force it into the filter.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for reverse osmosis treatment of water, including seawater and brackish water. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may include, for example, ultrafiltration followed by biofoulant removal, both of which precede reverse osmosis. In preferred embodiments the system is run at a low flux. For example, a flux of 6-8 GFD may be used with seawater. Additional embodiments may provide the above process in conjunction with a reverse-osmosis membrane cleaning system. The membrane cleaning system is a “clean in place” system that includes use of the natural pressure differential in the reverse osmosis system to remove biofoulants and their precursors.

Abstract: The nanocomposite for removing selenium from water is multi-walled carbon nanotubes impregnated with iron. The nanocomposite is made by dissolving iron nitrate in ethanol, adding the carbon nanotubes, heating the mixture to evaporate the ethanol, and calcining the resulting nanocomposite. The carbon nanotubes preferably have a length and a diameter between 10 nm and 30 nm, and the iron is homogenously distributed in the nanotubes as nanoparticles of 1-2 nm diameter. The nanocomposite adsorbs selenium from aqueous solution. The pH of the aqueous solution may be adjusted to between 1 and 4, adsorption being most efficient at a pH of 1.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of the aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprising: feeding the aqueous stream containing the organic by products of the reaction to a distillation or stripping column; separation from the column of an aqueous stream enriched in alcohols having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and other possible volatile compounds; feeding the aqueous stream containing the organic acids leaving the bottom of the distillation column to an ion exchange step wherein said aqueous stream is put in contact with an anionic exchange resin bed and the production of two outgoing aqueous streams: an aqueous stream (i) enriched in organic acids having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; a purified aqueous stream (ii) with a low content of organic acids.

Abstract: In a system and method for recycling a high-boiling-point waste photoresist stripper generated in processes of manufacturing LCDs or semiconductor devices, an expensive high-boiling-point stripper solvent can be easily recycled at high yield and high-purity electronic grade.

Abstract: A device can be used to retain circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The device can include a cross-flow module with a retentate channel and a permeate channel. A filter in the cross-flow module can separate the retentate channel from the permeate channel. The filter can be constructed such that CTCs are retained in the retentate channel while other cells can pass through the filter into the permeate channel. A recirculation channel can direct a flow from an outlet of the retentate channel back to an inlet of the retentate channel to thereby concentrate CTCs in the retentate flow.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides a process for treating de-oiled oilfield produced water or de-oiled process affected water from hydrocarbon production. In particular, such water is treated with a regenerable polymeric ion exchange resin to remove water soluble ionic surfactants. The treating can involve ion-exchanging ionic polymeric membrane foulants with non-fouling soluble ionic species that can be removed by polymeric membrane.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous solution (A) derived from a method of producing a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different and are chosen from among hydrogen and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein R1 and R2 together form a methylene group, and wherein R3, R4, R5 and R6, which are independently identical or different, are chosen from among: a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group (—OH), an alkoxy group (—OR), an alcohol group (—ROH), an aldehyde group (—CHO), a ketone group (—C(?O)R), an acid group (—COOH), a nitrile group (—CN), a C1-C6 alkyl chain, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, potentially comprising one or a plurality of substitutes in a terminal or lateral position or one or more functions in said alkyl chain, R being a C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the aqueous solution (A) comprises at least one sulfate salt SO42?(S) rendered soluble and at least one aromatic organic compound (O) formed during the method for producing the compound (I), and wherein the process comprises at least one step (

Abstract: According to the present invention, a solvent having particles with a primary particle diameter of less than 100 nm to which a surface modification agent is bonded and also having compounds not bonded to the respective surfaces of the particles is made to contact a trap material larger than the particles while the solvent is in a supercritical state. The compounds in the solvent not bonded to the respective surfaces of the particles are trapped by the trap material and removed.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling microbial activity and growth in a mixed phase system. The method includes providing a rare-earth compound. The method also includes injecting the rare-earth compound into a mixed phase system, wherein the rare earth compound binds with a phosphate in an aqueous phase to adsorb the phosphate. The method also includes separating the rare-earth compound from the mixed phase system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of retreating a viscous semi-solid dewatered sludge having a water content of 70-85%, which is characterized by comprising the steps of (1) adding a desiccant into said dewatered sludge, and stirring the resulting mixture to produce a mixed sludge having a water content of 50-60%; and (2) drying the mixed sludge to produce a dried granular sludge, which has a water content of 45% or less. The method of retreating the sludge of the present invention can decrease the treatment energy consumption, have a simple dry waste gas treatment, greatly reduce the cost for treating the sludge, accomplish the clean production and the sludge's innocuity, stabilization, minimization, and recycle.

Abstract: A multi-barrier system for cleaning waste water, in particular for the removal of pathogenic microbes from waste water, and a method for the removal of pathogenic microbes from waste water with the multi-barrier system. The multi-barrier system includes an enclosed containment that comprises a first water container, an adjustable ozonation unit, a second water container and a UV unit. In addition, the first water container comprises an ozone-resistant filtration unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of removing oil from an aqueous surface, comprising: surrounding an oil spot on the aqueous surface with an oil-absorbing material; and introducing a solution comprising a surfactant to the oil spot. Also disclosed are the above methods where the oil is not mechanically directed towards the oil-absorbing material, or where the oil-absorbing material is not mechanically directed towards the oil. Also disclosed are the above methods further comprising introducing a solution comprising a protein/surfactant complex to the oil spot, where the protein/surfactant complex comprises a protein component obtained from the fermentation of yeast, comprising a mixture of multiple intracellular proteins, at least a portion of the mixture including yeast polypeptides obtained from fermenting yeast and yeast stress proteins resulting from subjecting a mixture obtained from the yeast fermentation to stress.

Abstract: In a water environment in conjunction with one or more types of oil, a method of in-situ burning including placing a fire resistant sorbent material in contact with the oil and allowing the oil to wick into the sorbent material. The method further includes burning the oil using the sorbent material as a wick.