Abstract: Lignin and alkali are efficiently sorted out of alkaline black liquor discharged from the paper manufacturing/pulp and paper manufacturing industries and the treated water is made as purified water. Acid is added to the black liquor and its pH is adjusted to 2.5 to 3.5. An aggregating agent is added to have lignin contained in the black liquor settled and the black liquor is separated into lignin and clean water. Ozone gas, preferably in the micro bubble state, is given to the clean water for contact reaction.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of water for human consumption using a naturally occurring inorganic catalyst working within a pH range between 3 and 13, combining the inorganic catalyst at 3 parts per million to an oxidant, primarily hydrogen peroxide and a metal salt used as a coagulant and a primary catalyst, resulting in an efficient and economical phasic water purification and filtration system and process. The inorganic catalyst is a zeolite a synthetic zeolite or preferably chabazite.

Abstract: The suspended solids content of a process stream in a process for digesting bauxite ore to produce alumina is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water, wherein a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1-C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 and R21 are independently selected from —OH, —OR1 and R1.

Abstract: Conditioning processes and equipment for removing hardness from water circulated in a system. A sidestream is routed to a reactor and back. A buffer is added to the circulated water, in some embodiments in a sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, forming soluble metal complexes with metal ions of the type that cause scaling. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water which breaks the soluble metal ion-buffer complexes and precipitates and accumulates the released metal ion as a solid for accumulation and disposal. In some embodiments a polymer is added, a corrosion inhibitor blend is added and/or pre-mixed with the buffer, and a chlorine generator removes sodium chloride from the buffered sidestream, and makes chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide for use in the process or for disposal.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a membrane biological reactor mixed liquor containing one or more nonionic polysaccharides and/or one or more organic molecules is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating a liquid fraction of effluent wastewater from post anaerobic digestion containing fine solids having a size less than about 25 microns is disclosed. A metal salt flocculant is added to the liquid fraction in an amount ranging from about 50 to 500 ppm in the liquid fraction. The metal salt flocculant is selected from inorganic iron and aluminum flocculent compounds having a +2 or +3 valence. A cationic organic polymer is added to the liquid fraction in an amount ranging from about 10 to about 150 ppm in the liquid fraction. The cationic organic polymer has a molecular weight greater than about 3,000,000 and cationicity in the range form 1.25 mole % to 30 mole %. The metal salt flocculent and the cationic organic polymer produce a separable solid fraction which is recovered. Pre-treatment with a small amount of the cationic organic polymer provides improved results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of body fluid treatment for relieving the condition of inhibited lymphocyte proliferation which comprises bringing a mammalian body fluid into contact with an adsorbent comprising a high-molecular compound having a water contact angle within the range of 40° to 98° in the presence of a divalent cation chelating agent in the manner of extracorporeal circulation, or comprises bringing a mammalian body fluid into contact with an active carbon-containing adsorbent in the manner of extracorporeal circulation; and relates to a system for extracorporeal circulation which comprises a body fluid transfer pump, an anticoagulant infusion pump, and a device comprising a container wherein an adsorbent comprising a high-molecular compound having a water contact angle within the range of 40° to 98° is contained, or comprises a body fluid transfer pump, and a device comprising a container wherein an active carbon-containing adsorbent is contained.

Abstract: A method for containing at least a portion of radioisotopes, radionuclides, heavy metal or combination thereof contaminating a substrate wherein a containment composition is applied to the substrate. The ingredients within the containment composition interact with the contaminants on the surface of the substrate until the containment composition has polymerized to a water insoluble form containing at least a portion of the contaminates enmeshed therein. The dried composition is removed from the contaminated surface removing with the composition at least a portion of the contaminate.

Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.

Abstract: A method for neutralizing brines that contain high levels of silica accompanied with a high pH. Brine is processed through a reactor in which the pH is lowered and the resultant silica precipitate is adsorbed onto a sacrificial crystal structure. The resultant stream is then processed through a solids removal zone wherein the solids are removed and recovered for reuse. The neutralized solids-free brine is then suitable for down-hole injection in the heavy oil industry or further treatment by common water treatment methods if further adjustment is required for other industries.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: A decolorization treatment method in which not only can a liquid that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank be decolorized swiftly with simple equipment, but moreover the treatment water can be purified to an extent that reuse as a washing liquid or the like is possible. The method of decolorizing stock-raising treatment water comprises adding ferric polysulfate and a nonionic or anionic organic coagulant to a filtrate that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank, and agitating the obtained product to bring about reaction and thus separate into solid and liquid components, and removing the solid component. Preferably, a two-stage reaction is carried out in which the ferric polysulfate is added and agitation is carried out to bring about reaction, and then the nonionic or anionic organic coagulant is added thereafter.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.

Abstract: A safe and practically useful body fluid processor whereby blood taken out from a patient can be directly processed, characterized by having a favorable passage of the blood cell and showing an extremely low risk of the generation and leakage of microparticles. Namely, a body fluid processor enabling direct hemoperfusion wherein the ratio of sedimented particles to the volume of the space in which the particles for processing body fluid are to be packed is 100% or less and the space in which the particles for processing body fluid are to be packed in the body fluid processor is filled with the particles for processing body fluid and a filling liquid at a ratio of 95% or more but not more than 100%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method which consists in introducing coagulated water in a flocculation zone, to enable flocculation of microflocs in the presence and around a ballast; introducing the mixture in a decantation zone; separating the treated water in overflow and a mixture of sludge and the ballast in underflow; conveying at least part of said mixture to a sludge/ballast separating system and recycling into or upstream of the flocculation zone the ballast and part of the sludge introduced in said separation system.

Abstract: A method for treating an effluent stream containing material which it is desired to remove from the effluent stream comprises treating the effluent stream with a solution of an acid and a first polymer to reduce the pH of the thus-treated stream to a range of about 5.5 to about 6.5 and to form a precipitate, treating the thus-treated stream with a second polymer to flocculate the precipitate, filtering the thus-treated effluent to remove the flocculated precipitate, treating the filtered effluent with at least one of a cationic resin, an anionic resin and carbon filtration, and discharging the resultant stream into a public waste treatment facility. Another method for treating an effluent stream having a pH in the range of about pH 2 to about pH 6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing selenium from an aqueous stream by passing the aqueous stream, in combination with a quaternary amine compound, through a filter and recovering a treated aqueous stream which is depleted in selenium content relative to the untreated aqueous stream. The present method removes selenium from an aqueous refinery stream by passing the aqueous stream, in combination with a quaternary amine compound, through a filter that can include clay, cellulose, starch, activated carbon, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the contaminants in condensate resulting from the conversion of bauxite to alumina.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and/or non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1–C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 is —OH or R1.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from a liquid medium containing the metal I solution or in finely divided insoluble from comprises contacting the medium with a functionalized polymer fiber capable of binding the metal and recovering the metal from the fiber. The polymer fiber is suitably a polyolefin, a fluorinated polyethylene, cellulose or viscose, which is functionalized by the radiation grafting of at least one monomer. The method is particularly suitable for the recovery of platinum group metals from process residues.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to clarify substantially aqueous streams and optionally separate biosolids, especially proteins, from food processing operations which comprises contacting an aqueous stream comprising biosolids with an anionic inorganic colloid and an organic polymer to flocculate the biosolids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid chelating resin consisting of a reactive hydrophobic backbone having pendent carbodithioic groups. Preferably the resin is a poly(dithiocarbamate) containing no tertiary nitrogen groups. The invention is also directed to a novel process for making a chelating resin involving a) reacting a nucleophilic compound with carbon disulfide in a suitable solvent, to form a carbodithioic acid, b) neutralizing the carbodithioic acid with a base to form a carbodithioic acid salt; and c) reacting said carbodithioic acid salt with a crosslinking reagent in a suitable solvent to form a solid chelating resin. The chelating resin is useful in removing metals and cationic compounds from effluent streams.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing phosphate from swimming pool waters are disclosed. The compositions include both soluble and substantially insoluble lanthanide carboxylates, preferred examples being lanthanum glycolate and lactate. The methods include the addition of the lanthanide compounds to the bulk of the pool water, but preferably involve the loading of the pool filter with the composition and the circulation of pool water through the filter to effect the removal of dissolved phosphate in the water.

Abstract: The invention concerns, among other things, a precipitating chemical for separating preferably hydrocarbons from water, but also for separating other dissolved and/or suspended organic and/or inorganic substances and particles in an associated liquid, including mineral and/or rock particles, heavy metals, salts, phosphorous compounds, alcohols, lipids, aromatics and cellulose. The precipitating chemical is composed of bentonite, preferably sodium montmorillonite; of polymer, preferably of the polyacrylamide type; of sodium polyphosphate and/or lignite; and of water. The chemical is added to and mixed with waste liquid, after which chemical precipitation is activated through the addition of acid or base until the pH-value of the liquid mixture is 4.0 or less, or the pH-value being 8.0 or more. The liquid mixture then rests until the contaminant(s) flakes and separates from the liquid phase of the mixture and is then deposited or floated from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A method of treating an animal waste slurry so as to efficiently extract nutrients, and which can be performed in a zero-discharge system, comprises flocculating the slurry, processing, e.g. filtering, the flocculated slurry to separate liquid from solid material, drying the solid material, processing the liquid to extract ammonium, phosphorous and potassium from the slurry, all within 24 hours, and preferably on average within 12 hours, of production of the waste material by animals. Since the urates of potassium and ammonium in the slurry take a few hours to break down, they remain in crystalline form and therefore a larger portion of the total amount of potassium and ammonium in the slurry can be extracted.

Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a chromate waste liquid containing an organic acid component. This process includes (a) adding a chromium precipitation accelerating agent containing at least one of a calcium component and a magnesium component, to the chromate waste liquid; and (b) adjusting the chromate waste liquid to having a first pH of 9 or higher, thereby precipitating a chromium component from the chromate waste liquid and thereby reducing a concentration of a dissolved chromium component of the chromate waste liquid.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to treat aqueous streams comprising soluble biomaterials, especially proteins, wherein the concentration of soluble biomaterials is substantially reduced. The process comprises adjusting the pH of a substantially aqueous to less than or equal to pH 3 to produce a first pH-adjusted stream, which is in turn adjusted to greater than pH 3 to produce a second pH-adjusted stream followed by addition of a flocculant to produce a flocculated material.

Abstract: A process and system for removing animal processing contaminants and fats, oils, and greases from large volume quantities of waste water. In the process, a waste water stream containing the contaminants is treated with a chemical oxidant, polymer compound and coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 50 microns. Treated waste water is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the contaminant particle from the waste water. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size in the range of 0.5 micron to 10 microns may be used. The treated waste water flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from at least 200 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to in excess of 750 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: A method of disposing of photographic silver halide processing solutions including developer, bleach and at least one silver bearing solution comprising a) combining the developer and bleach solutions to oxidize the developing agent in the developer and form a developer/bleach waste solution, b) treating the silver bearing solution(s) to reduce the silver ion level and form a low silver waste solution; and c) contacting the developer/bleach waste solution and the low silver waste solution with an absorbent material to form an apparently dry waste material having a leachable silver ion level below 5 ppm.

Abstract: A process for forming small micron-sized (1-10 &mgr;m) protein particles is provided wherein a protein, a solvent system for the protein and an antisolvent for the protein solvent system are contacted under conditions to at least partially dissolve the protein solvent system in the antisolvent, thereby causing precipitation of the protein. The solvent system is made up of at least in part of a halogenated organic alcohol, most preferably 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). Preferably, a solution of the protein in the solvent system is sprayed through a nozzle into a precipitation zone containing the antisolvent (preferably CO2) under near- or supercritical conditions.

Abstract: A method for resolving sludge/emulsion formed as a result of adding introduced fluids to oil and gas wells. The method comprises adding a water-dispersible emulsion breaker and/or adjunct additives that may include iron-control chemicals, scale-control chemicals, or paraffin-control chemicals or combinations thereof in amounts sufficient to separate the sludge/emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase and to control iron, scale, or paraffin in the oil phase. Further treatment of water phase includes treatment with water clarifiers, allowing the water phase to remain in settling vessels, and passing the water phase through a macroreticular resin resulting in water that is environmentally acceptable for disposal.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices for purifying polypeptides and/or proteins using metal loaded ligand bound membranes by metal ion affinity chromatography are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed coagulant-flocculant and sedimentation method for treating waste water, which permits a speedy treatment of waste water including stormwater runoff and also permits a valuable reuse of the sludge produced in the course of treatment.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning wastewater containing metal ions in solution, hydrogen peroxide, and high solids, e.g., greater than about 50 mg/l particulate solids. A carbon adsorption column removes hydrogen peroxide in the wastewater feed containing high solids. A chemical precipitation unit removes the metal ions from solution. The process and apparatus remove metal ions such as copper from a high solids byproduct polishing slurry from the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of integrated circuit microchips to form an environmentally clean wastewater discharge.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment processes and preferred systems for practice of the processes, the invention particularly intends the removal of particulates and dissolved materials contaminating the effluent of garment stonewashing, acid washing and similar processes including chlorinated processes, thereby to allow reuse or sewer discharge of water used in such commercial processes. The processes of the invention typically involve initial filtration to remove solid particulates such as pumice, sand, glass beads and the like followed by acidification of the wastewater and contact with a magnesium hydroxide/activated carbon bed, the activated carbon removing organics such as dyestuffs and the like while the magnesium hydroxide precipitates other dissolved materials for subsequent mechanical removal. After treatment with magnesium hydroxide, parcipitating compounds such as iron sulfate and/or ferric chloride are added to precipitate other inorganic substances and dissolved materials.

Abstract: A composition useful for nitrate removal, and treatment of water, selected from mining, agriculture industries, military operations, or others water stream, or industrial waters, livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream or from other sources, which comprises a sufficient amount of organic modified clay, a highly crosslinked carbohydrate polymer with branched-chain structure and having present sulfide or disulfide group, or alloy or blend with triazine-trithione sodium salt, high swelling sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite, and activated carbon, without pH adjustment, and/or presents of electropositive metals inorganic acid or alkaline compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to wastewater treatment, process and preferred systems for practice of the process for the removal of organic and inorganic ingredients contaminating wastewater, thereby to allow the reuse or sewer discharge of water used in various manufacturing and other processes. The process of the invention typically involves initial filtration of the wastewater and contact with a paste mixture consisting of magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium orthophosphate, ferric sulfate, sodium hydrocarbonate, and activated carbon, the activated carbon removing organics such as dyes and the like while the paste mixture precipitates inorganics for subsequent mechanical removal. After treatment with the paste mixture, precipitating compounds are added to precipitate other inorganics. Flocculating agents are then added for further clarification purposes. Material removal then occurs by mechanical extraction including filtration, settling and the like.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning wastewater containing metal ions in solution, hydrogen peroxide, and high solids, e.g., greater than about 50 mg/l particulate solids. A carbon adsorption column removes hydrogen peroxide in the wastewater feed containing high solids. A chemical precipitation unit removes the metal ions from solution. The process and apparatus remove metal ions such as copper from a high solids byproduct polishing slurry from the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of integrated circuit microchips to form an environmentally clean wastewater discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 generates oxygenated water having a significantly reduced oxidation reduction potential (ORP). A carbon filter 100 removes particulate impurities from the water as it comes into the apparatus. A water softener 150 removes minerals from the water. A reverse osmosis unit 200 further cleans and purifies the water, removing any additional solids, and almost all the minerals and chlorides. A blender 250 adds a precisely measured amount of sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate to the water, thereby making it somewhat electrically conductive. The purified water having a measured quantity of sodium bicarbonate is stored in a tank 300 which also includes a recirculating pump 350 which keeps the water moving. By keeping the water moving, the minimum level of sodium bicarbonate required for electrical conductivity may be used. A pump 400 moves the water into an electrolysis cell 450, where current passing through the water separates a small amount of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An improved process for the treatment of water, selected from livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream, which process comprises adding to said water a composition comprising a sufficient amount of an acid to lower the water pH to less than 3.5 to 2.0; and wherein said acid is selected from the group of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-hydroxyalkyltriglyoxilic acid (PR-1409SA); 2,2-oxy-diacetic acid; 2,2-ether diglycolic acid; sulfamic acid; and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A method of coagulating particulates, as in papermaking or water clarification applications, for example, is provided wherein a zeolite crystalloid coagulant is added to water containing the solid matter, a source of multivalent cations, and a cationic acrylamide polymer. The zeolite crystalloid coagulant is preferably prepared by admixing aqueous sodium silicate and sodium aluminate solutions to form a reaction mixture and allowing a reaction to proceed for a sufficient time to form a zeolite crystalloid coagulant particles having particle sizes of at least about 4 nm before terminating the reaction.

Abstract: A process is described for the removal of mercury present at levels of 1-5000 ppb in waste water discharged from clinical research laboratories, industries and hospitals. The process involves preoxidation of the influent waste water with very small amounts of hypochlorite (16-100 ppm levels)or hydrogen peroxide, in a pretreatment tank. The waste water is then serially filtered through two pre filters and four carbon columns at a flow rate of 5 bedvolumes/hr. The preoxidation, prefiltration, organic removal, heavy metals removal (second column) and polishing stages (third and fourth) are important to achieve very low levels of mercury in the effluent. The last three columns contain activated coconut shell carbon impregnated with mercaptothiazoline . The three columns of the mercaptothiazoline impregnated carbon remove mercury and other heavy metals successively and reduce their levels in the influent to very low levels that is well below the enforced limit of 1 ppb.

Abstract: A method of separating ultra-fine particulates from an aqueous suspension such as a process stream or a waste stream. The method involves the addition of alkali silicate and an organic gelling agent to a volume of liquid, from the respective process or waste stream, to form a gel. The gel then undergoes syneresis to remove water and soluble salts from the gel containing the particulates, thus, forming a silica monolith. The silica monolith is then sintered to form a hard, nonporous waste form.

Abstract: Compounds which possess a complementary structure to a desired molecule, such as a biomolecule, in particular polymeric or oligomeric compounds, which are useful as in vivo or in vitro diagnostic and therapeutic agents are provided. Also, various methods for producing such compounds are provided. These polymeric or oligomeric compounds are useful in particular as antimicrobial agents, receptor, hormone or enzyme agonists and antagonists.