Abstract: A process for concentrating a waste sulphuric acid stream containing metal sulphates including iron sulphate comprises the steps of subjecting the stream to an ion exchange operation to produce an acid-rich stream and a salt-rich stream and, concentrating the acid-rich stream to produce a concentrated sulphuric acid stream.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid or gas containing contaminants wherein the fluid or gas is passed through a contactor having at least one reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element formed from metal particles bound together in an interconnected form and capable of promoting a reduction/oxidation reaction between the contaminants and the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element. The metal particles employed in the fabrication of the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element are selected from a group of particles comprising zinc, copper or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An ion chromatography method for analysis of a plurality of analyte ions in a sequence of samples in which ion chromatography is performed on a sample, which is passed to a non-precipitating suppressor ion exchange resin and analyzed, the suppressor being regenerated in one step prior to processing of a subsequent sample.

Abstract: A water or wastewater purification process is described for reducing selenium and arsenic concentrations in contaminated water or wastewater streams. Iron loaded cation exchange resins, when contacted with contaminated water or wastewater streams are effective to form immobilized complexes with selenite and arsenate contaminants. The iron loaded resins can be easily regenerated by sequential treatment with acid and a solution of a soluble iron salt.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a process by which a complex formed by the interaction between one or more analytes to be measured and affinity substance can be more effectively separated from substances existing together therewith which tend to affect the detection of the complex, for example, free affinity substance, by using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC); and a process for measuring a trace component by utilizing said separating process.This invention is characterized in that a substance which has been modified with a substance capable of changing properties of the complex (a separation-improving substance) and has affinity for the complex is attached to the complex. Because of this characteristic, the invention is effective in that the position of elution of said complex in the HPLC can be freely controlled.

Abstract: A change-over apparatus for use in conjunction with a cooling system of an internal combustion engine having an engine and radiator and having an upper hose between the radiator and the engine which has been cut to form an upper radiator hose section and an upper engine hose section wherein a change-over apparatus comprising at least one tubular body having first and second tube bodies having end openings, with the end opening for connection to said upper radiator hose section, said second end opening for connection to said upper engine hose section, a liquid ingress opening spaced from said first end opening, a liquid egress opening spaced from said second end opening, and, optionally, a flow regulating means placed between said liquid ingress opening and said liquid egress opening.

Abstract: Raw water is made acidic so that the pH is not more than 4.5 and heated in the presence of an oxidizing agent to decompose TOC components in the raw water, and then deionized, thereby producing ultrapure water having a greatly low concentration of organic matters.

Abstract: A method for producing pure water is provided which reduces non-ionic silica in pure or ultrapure water. With the method, non-ionic silica which is contained in water is brought into contact with ozone having a concentration of at least 1 ppm for at least 20 minutes to react therewith and, simultaneously with or after this reaction process, irradiated with ultraviolet rays to undergo ionization and passed through an anion exchange column. The processed water passed through this ion exchange resin column contains practically no non-ionic silica.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for on-site purification of photofinishing effluent produced by mini-lab photofinishing apparatus and the like. The process includes passing the effluent through an adsorbent to adsorb inorganic and organic compounds to produce a primary filtrate fluid. The primary filtrate fluid is directed to a membrane filter which in turn discharges relatively clean permeate fluid which passes through the membrane filter as a secondary filtrate fluid, and rejects concentrate fluid that does not pass through the membrane filter. Preferably the effluent is passed through a plurality of adsorbents of which at least one adsorbent adsorbs inorganic compounds, and at least one other adsorbent adsorbs organic compounds. The adsorbent is provided in containers, each of which has an inlet and outlet provided with conduit coupling means, and conduits interconnect the containers in a series flow path relationship.

Abstract: A filter for disinfecting non-potable water is disposed in-line in a water delivery pipe, such filter having a plurality of chambers. The first chamber contains biocidal resin which imparts a biocide residue to the water as it passes there-through to kill microorganisms. The water then passes through a turbulating disk to an extended contact time chamber of a selected volume to allow further contact time between the biocide residue and any microorganisms in the water. The water then passes through a 1-3 micron screen, which acts to retain protozoan cysts within the filter, and then passes through a biocide removal chamber containing medias which remove the biocide from the water. The water then passes through a chamber containing bacteriostatic media which acts to prevent back contamination from the effluent end of the filter.

Abstract: Water contaminated with halogenated organics, including chloroform, trichloroethane, solvents, pesticides, etc. is treated by passing the water through a permeable mixture of activated carbon and iron fillings. When the mixture is brought to a negative Eh voltae, the metal causes the contaminants to undergo chemical breakdown. The activated carbon acts to retard the contaminant, giving it a long residence time close to the iron. The negative Eh conditions demand oxygen exclusion, such that a favoured application is to place the mixture in a trench below the water table in an aquifer, in the path of a plume of contaminant. The mixture may also be contained in a tank above, or in, the ground. An inert filler material, such as sand, may be included in the mixture.

Abstract: A method for decomposing volatile organic halogenated compounds in water containing such compounds and metal ions by removing the metal ions from the water and then contacting the deionized water with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The volatile organic halogenated compounds are efficiently decomposed with a small energy requirement and low cost to eliminate, thus, making the water safe.

Abstract: A method for removing trace amounts of ammonia and ammonia-containing compounds from process water involving the destruction of the ammonia by oxidative procedures which includes the steps of:concentrating ammonia and ammonium ions removed from the process water stream into contact with a suitable catalytic-adsorbent material contained in a plurality of discrete reaction vessels; andcontacting at least one of the reaction vessels and the catalytic-adsorbent contained therein with an alkaline oxidative solution capable of converting the concentrated ammonia and ammonium ions to simple environmentally neutral compounds.

Abstract: In a water treatment method and an apparatus therefor, a high purification step comprising a precision filter and an ion-exchange resin is added to a treatment system having ozone supply units, filtering units and an ultraviolet-ray irradiating unit. Treatment objective water is treated by an ozone supply unit, a filtering unit and an ultraviolet-ray irradiating unit, so as to be brought to clean water. The clean water is treated, in super pure water, by the high purification step, and an amount of dissolved oxygen is reduced. The clean water can flow out to a location on the outside of the treatment system, from a final step, as super pure water or potable water which can immediately be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating hexamine waste water. The method includes subjecting the waste water to conditions sufficient to remove volatile constituents, passing the waste water through a cation exchange resin capable of absorbing cations, and optionally either subjecting the waste water to a bacteria culture capable of consuming formaldehyde in the presence of an organic nutrient for the bacteria or subjecting the waste water to ultraviolet light in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The method may include both optional method steps, but must include at least one. The method also includes regenerating the cation exchange resin to remove the absorbed cations and reform the cation exchange resin. The present invention also provides an apparatus for treating hexamine waste water.

Abstract: A process is provided for the purification of water which is contaminated with environmentally undesirable components, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, wherein the contaminated water or the gaseous and/or liquid components present therein or derived therefrom are subjected to at least two of the following treatments: treatment with ozone, treatment of UV radiation, treatment with a solid catalyst. A combined treatment of ozone and a solid catalyst, such as activated carbon, is preferred. An apparatus for a co-current or countercurrent realization of the purification process is also provided.

Abstract: An improved process for removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions is disclosed. Removal of metal ions from aqueous solution, particularly from metal plating waste streams, is achieved by the combined use of polyamines, at levels less than the stoichiometric amount of metal ion, and cation exchangers. Treatment of waste streams with low levels of triethylenetetramine followed by contact with a strong acid cation exchange resin is especially effective in the removal of copper from metal-containing waste streams.

Abstract: A method for deoxygenating water is provided comprising the steps of (1) adding an oxygen scavenger such as hydrazine, carbohydrazide, diethylhydroxylamine or morpholine to water containing oxygen, contacting the water and the oxygen scavenger with hydroxide, carbonate or carbonate/bicarbonate form strong base anion resin wherein the water within the bed has a pH greater than about 7; and (2) contacting the water containing the oxygen scavenger with the strong base anion resin for at least about one minute and removing from the bed water containing less than about 100 ppb oxygen. The method is especially useful in deoxygenating boiler feedwater and makeup water at substantially ambient temperatures during boiler start-up procedures.

Abstract: A method of treating photoprocessing wash water, comprising in sequence, the steps of:A) contacting the wash water with an acrylic anion exchange resin to remove silver thiosulfate complex in the water; andB) contacting the water from step A) with an oxidizing agent that converts thiosulfate ions to sulfate ions.C) recirculating continuously through the photoprocessing wash tank and steps A) and B).

Abstract: A water or wastewater purification process is described for reducing selenium and arsenic concentrations in contaminated water or wastewater streams. Iron loaded cation exchange resins, when contacted with contaminated water or wastewater streams are effective to form immobilized complexes with selenite and arsenate contaminants. The iron loaded resins can be easily regenerated by sequential treatment with acid and a solution of a soluble iron salt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of treating effluents in order to eliminate the organic compounds. The method comprises a primary oxidation stage with hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline medium, a secondary oxidation stage in a neutral medium and a subsequent absorption stage. The effluent thus treated can be discharged directly to drain. The invention can be applied in particular to effluents originating from photographic development baths.

Abstract: The invention is for a process of removing organic contaminants and multivalent metal ions from solution. The process comprises chelating multivalent metal ions in an organic solution to be purified and contacting the solution with activated carbon. The process is especially useful for removal of multivalent metal ions from a solution of photoresist components.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on sorbents selected from the group consisting of absorbents and adsorbents that are susceptible to undesirable microorganism growth when exposed to water containing such organisms, said method comprising passing water to be treated by said sorbent over brass particles prior to or concurrently with contacting said sorbent with said water, the contact with the brass particles being sufficient to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on said sorbent while not releasing more than 1 ppmw copper ions and 5 ppmw zinc ions into the effluent water. Also disclosed are related sorbent elements and pretreatment packets used in said method.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the treatment and decolorization of waste water incident to the manufacturing of cosmetic products that contains dyestuffs, fatty organic chemicals and other organic chemicals. The method requires a strong base which is added to the waste water at a suitably high temperature to cause flocculation of fatty substances. Then an strong colorless oxidizer is added to reduce the hydrophilic character of the remaining organic chemicals and cause partial decolorization. The resulting waste water is in a state that can then be decolorized with powdered activated carbon. Finally, the powdered activated carbon is separated from the waste water. The decolorized waste water is discharged in compliance with acceptable water quality standards for plant effluents.

Abstract: A drinking water filter for removing lead at point-of-use composed of specially treated gamma alumina particles between 48 and 100 mesh (0.148-0.297 mm), gamma alumina neutral (about 7 surface pH) or basic (about 9 surface pH) is washed in highly purified H.sub.2 O at 100.degree. C. to reduce alumima surface pH to 3.5-5.0 and then washed with highly purified H.sub.2 O at ambient temperature. The alumina is placed for three to twelve hours in bath having equivalent pH value (3.5-5.0) of acid electrolyte, diluted with a highly purified H.sub.2 O, preferably HCl, ascorbic acid or EDTA, adjusted to alumina surface pH level and desired degree of dilution by salts such as NaCl and/or alkalies such as NaOH to transfer to adsorbent surface materials that effect selective ion exchange with lead and other heavy metal ions or otherwise cause their removal from drinking water. Upon removal of alumina from bath, it is vacuum washed and then dried in an oven at 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. for about two hours.

Abstract: Provided is a method of removing particles having a size of less than 10 .mu.m from an aqueous solution. The pH of the aqueous solution is first adjusted to be less than 9 and then the aqueous solution is passed through an absorbent of mineral fiber, containing 35 to 65 wt % of SiO.sub.2 and 65 to 35 wt % of at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and FeO. The particles in the aqueous solution adhere to the absorbent and are separated from the aqueous solution. The absorbent is regenerated by passing a descaling solution having a pH greater than 10 through the absorbent. The particles are recovered as a concentrated solution.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein arsenic dissolved in wastewater or groundwater is removed from solution by precipitation thereof as calcium arsenate formed by the reaction of the arsenic with lime or hydrated lime in a heated solution at a pH of about 11 to about 13. It is preferred that the arsenic is first converted by oxidation to its pentavalent form.

Abstract: A process for removing toxic sulfur-containing compounds, ammonia, oil and grease from an aqueous solution wherein the steps include sequentially adding to the solution sufficiently effective amounts of ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, and an insoluble hydrophilic amine polymer; heating the solution; removing the oil and grease as volatile organic compounds; and removing the contaminants from the solution as a precipitate complex. The resulting purified effluent may then be directly discharged into an industrial sewer.

Abstract: A one-step process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the step of contacting the lens with a solution containing a sterilant (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) and activated carbon for a period of time to effect sterilization of the lens and to decompose substantially all of any sterilant remaining after sterilization of the lens to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products. The activated carbon has a surface area in excess of about 500 m.sup.2 /g and a pore volume of at least about 0.75 ml/g.

Abstract: A process for removing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds from an alkaline wastewater stream generated in a process for the nitration of aromatic compounds by the mixed acid technique, which comprises(a) adjusting the pH of the aqueous alkaline waste stream containing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds to a range from about 2 to 4.5,(b) contacting the acidic aqueous stream with sufficient hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion under conditions to effect oxidation of the nitrophenolic compounds,(c) adjusting the acidic, oxidized aqueous waste stream having a reduced nitrophenolic content to about pH .gtoreq.4, and(d) contacting the aqueous waste stream with a carbon adsorbent.

Abstract: A water purifying material containing (1) an activated carbon having (a) silver and/or an inorganic silver compound and (b) a water soluble alkaline earth metal salt supported thereon and (2) a bone-char, which can significantly inhibit the dissolution of silver and can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for the selective separation of a particular compound from a mixture of compounds, by enzymatically converting a weakly adsorbable compound to a strongly adsorbable compound, and binding the converted compound to a material of appropriate chemical properties is described. Also described are methods for removing contaminants from wastewater streams, and from intermediate chemical process streams.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the removal of chloramines from gas or liquid media by contacting said media with a catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The improvement is provided by the use of a carbonaceous char capable of rapidly decomposing hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the steps of contacting the lens with the aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient to effect sterilization of the lens; and thereafter contacting the resultant aqueous solution and lens with an amount of activated carbon and for a period of time sufficient to decompose substantially all of any residual sterilant to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products.

Abstract: The invention is a process for purifying wastewater containing organic and color-causing pollutants. The three unit processes include a first stage aerobic or anaerobic biophysical treatment, a second stage oxidizer treatment, and a third stage adsorbent contact treatment. The biophysical treatment removes the majority of the pollutants while the oxidizer treatment destroys residual organics and color-causing pollutants. The adsorbent contact treatment destroys any residual oxidizer in the wastewater and/or adsorbs any residual oxidation products. The preferred adsorbent is powdered activated carbon and the preferred oxidizer is some form of chlorine, e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The process may be operated in either a continuous flow mode or a batch flow mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates, hydrcarbons (such as oil), cations and anions including nitrite ions from a liquid, such as an engine coolant liquid having a freezing point depressant and situated in an internal combination engine cooling system. The apparatus has at least one filter for removing particulates and hydrocarbons; a strong acid cation exchange bed in the hydrogen form for removing cations; a strong base anion exchange bed in the hydroxide form for removing anions; and separator for separating gas containing nitrogen, such as nitric oxide and/or nitrogen dioxide, that is produced in the cation exchange bed and/or the anion exchange bed.

Abstract: Thimerosal is removed from aqueous effluent streams from vaccine production to provide an invironmentally-acceptable effluent stream. The thimerosal first is converted to ionic form by chlorination, the resulting solution is dechlorinated to remove dissolved unreacted chlorine, and then the ionic mercury is removed by ion-exchange employing thiol groups.

Abstract: An improved filter device is provided for removing contaminants from water comprising a filter housing having an inlet at one end for water to be purified and an oulet for purified water at an opposing end, said filter device including in sequence first, second and third layers of purification material, a first layer of purification material comprising metallic particles which establish a suitable redox potential in the first layer, a second layer of purification material comprising activated carbon, and a third layer of purification material comprising a weak acid ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Cyanide is removed from a cyanide-containing waste water by passing the water through an adsorbent porous solid substrate which has been treated with a water insoluble metal compound, preferably copper sulfide (CuS), that facilitates adsorption of the cyanide, a preferred adsorbent substrate is activated carbon. An oxidizing agent is supplied to the adsorbent to oxidize the adsorbed cyanide, the preferred oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen such as air. Ammonia is passed over the bed along with the waste water to enhance the longevity of the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method is provide for deoxygenating water that is at substantially ambient temperature and contains dissolved oxygen. A selected reducing agent is injected into a stream of the water, and the water that contains the organic reducing agent is then passed over a packed catalyst bed. This causes the reducing agent, with the catalyst at the ambient temperature, to reduce the oxygen in the liquid.

Abstract: A new process for removal of a metal ion from an anionic complex, including a first chelating agent and a metal ion, such as copper, nickel or cobalt ion, in electroless plating bath rinse streams utilizes a cation exchange resin to extract the metal ion from the rinse stream after the metal ion has been removed from the anionic complex and complexed with a second chelating agent.In another embodiment, a competing chelating agent is not added to the electroless plating bath waste stream, but rather, another metal ion (B), which has a higher affinity for the chelating agent than the metal ion (A) of interest and which is nontoxic, is added to the waste stream. Metal ion B is selected so that under predetermined conditions, metal ion B forms a stronger complex with the chelating agent than does metal ion A. Also, the complex of the chelating agent and nontoxic metal ion B is anionic. A cation exchange resin is used to extract metal ion A from the treated waste stream.

Abstract: A process for extracting and purifying the gallium contained in an industrial solution of sodium aluminate by fixing the gallium on a stationary phase constituted by porous polystyrene adsorbent resin which is impregnated with an extracting agent, optionally in the presence of a surface-active agent. After elution of the gallium in acid medium, the resultant gallium salt is purified and concentrated so as to be reduced directly to the state of high purity metallic gallium, by electrolysis.

Abstract: A filter system (10) is disclosed that includes a filter assembly (12) and input/output hardware (14). The filter assembly includes a housing (16) and cap (18) that cooperatively support a prefilter (20) and main filter (22) in a fluid flow path. Fluid flow through the filter assembly occurs radially through the prefilter and axially through the main filter. The prefilter and main filter are cooperatively designed to produce enhanced filtration rates and to remove particulate down to 0.5 micron. By substituting the cap and hardware, the filter assembly (12) is readily converted to different applications.

Abstract: A process using a regenerable inorganic media capable of removing contaminants by catalytic oxidation or reduction, as well as heavy metal adsorption, from well and surface water sources. The specific material is specially-treated gamma-type electrolytic manganese dioxide, the treatment involving comminuting to a 20-60 mesh size, complete neutralization and washing to remove fines, residual acidity and neutralization products. Certain taste, odor and staining water contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese can be oxidized and filtered by the media with subsequent removal from the system by simply backwashing with water or water in combination with simple chemicals. Heavy metals are removed by a different adsorption mechanism on the same media followed by regeneration with a dilute acid. Pretreatment of the media with sodium hydrosulfite further allows the removal of residual chlorine.

Abstract: An improved deionized water treatment system and method that consists of using a first and second water treatment train wherein the second train improves water quality by reducing particulate and total organic carbon by means of a reverse osmosis membrane assembly. The final pure water having particulate sizes less than one micron and a total organic carbon measure of less than one part per billion.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the disinfection of raw water with chlorine dioxide and the removal of virtually all disinfection by-products. The process comprises contacting the water to be purified with a sufficient amount of gaseous chlorine dioxide to kill any microorganisms and thereby disinfect the water. The water is then stripped with air to remove ClO.sub.2 and any organic chemicals, with the resulting water then being contacted with a strong anion exchange resin to remove any by-products such as chlorite and chlorate ions formed in the disinfection process. The integrated process efficiently and effectively provides a water product which can contain essentially no chlorine dioxide, chlorite ions, chlorate ions or trihalomethanes, and which also is fully disinfected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial waste water which comprises either: (a) pre-treating the waste water with at least two different pre-treatments selected from adsorption, membrane filtration and oxidation and then, biologically purifying the waste water or, (b) neutralizing and biologically purifying the waste water and then after-treating the waste water either by membrane filtration in combination with adsorption or oxidation or, by oxidation optionally in combination with adsorption or filtration on a nanofiltration membrane or, by filtration on a nanofiltration membrane.

Abstract: The deionized water purification of this invention is a small compact unit which is inserted between the purified deionized water distribution line in a plant water purification system and the inlet of a point of use apparatus. The small compact modular point of use deionized water purification unit reduces the total organic contaminant loading, the particulate loading, and the ionic contaminants in the purified deionized water from the plant purification system. The purification unit of this invention also includes means for sterilization of the point of use deionized water purification unit and a new technique for preventing damage to the ozone generator used in the sterilization process.

Abstract: Anions containing sulfur and oxygen, e.g. thiosulfate, can be catalytically reduced using a protonated anion ion exchange resin as a catalyst. The process is preferably conducted in an aqueous system and at a pH below about 8.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing iron from iron-contaminated sulfuric acid to render the sulfuric acid suitable for ion membrane processing which comprises contacting the iron-contaminated sulfuric acid with an oxidizing agent to oxidize essentially all of the iron to the +3 oxidation state, contacting the resulting iron-contaminated sulfuric acid containing oxidized iron with a complexing agent which can be citric acid, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid, with the amount of the complexing agent being sufficient to complex essentially all of the oxidized iron, and contacting the resulting iron-contaminated sulfuric acid containing the complexed iron with activated carbon to remove essentially all of the iron and produce a purified sulfuric acid solution.