Abstract: A water treatment system (50) utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC) for the removal of organic contaminants in a process water circuit (52), and including a carbon regeneration circuit (54) in fluid communication with the process water circuit. The carbon regeneration circuit may include a dedicated regeneration vessel (16), or the regeneration process may proceed within a GAC/water contactor (58) of the process water circuit. A process is described wherein spent GAC from the water treatment system is regenerated within the system with an oxidation process that minimizes damage to the carbon granules.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to sorbent fiber compositions. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fibers for pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a sorbent composition, comprising a fiber comprising a plurality of tortuous pathways; and a sorbent material, wherein the sorbent material is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the plurality of tortuous pathways. Aspects of the present invention comprise compositions, devices and methods of using sorbent fiber compositions.

Abstract: An absorption device for use with a waterless urinal comprises an exchange container containing at least one ion exchange resin. The exchange container comprises a housing and at least one resin support. The ion exchange resin can be a cation exchange resin that removes calcium and magnesium ions from urine. The ion exchange resin can be an anion exchange resin that removes anionic pharmaceuticals from urine. The ion exchange resin can be a hybrid anion exchange resin that removes phosphorous comprising anions from urine. The absorption device permits the removal of cations that result in scale and blockage of waterless urinal drain pipes and removes ions that otherwise would require treatment at wastewater treatment facilities.

Abstract: Means for reducing an arsenic ion concentration in the solution to the degree of ultra trace amount are provided. Ammonium molybdate is supported by a nanostructure material by mixing the nanostructure material, which is obtained after the nanostructure material such as an alumina reacts with a surfactant, in the solution containing the ammonium molybdate. The nanostructure material supporting an arsenic ion adsorption compound such as ammonium molybdate can selectively adsorb and remove trace of arsenic ion in the solution by a room temperature treatment without a water conditioning such as pH control. In our removal system of arsenic, extra posttreatments are not needed because special pretreatments are not carried out, and special heating equipments are not used. Accordingly, our removal system of arsenic can be constructed at low cost. Furthermore, it can supply an arsenic-free solution by be constructed at multi stages.

Abstract: A porous ceramic filter having one or more coatings of elemental or compounds of iron, manganese, aluminum, titanium, or mixtures thereof deposited on the surface of the pores.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dry cleaning articles using siloxane solvents are provided. In the systems and methods according to the present invention, the siloxane solvent suspends impurities extracted from the articles being cleaned, and the system filters off the impurities, thereby cleaning the articles.

Abstract: A contaminant is removed from a gas in a method in which the gas is contacted with a solvent for the contaminant, and the resultant solution is contacted with intercalated graphite onto which the contaminant is adsorbed. The solvent will normally comprise water, and may itself be a contaminated liquid. In a preferred method the solvent is in a reservoir with particulate intercalated graphite; the contaminated gas is delivered to the base of the reservoir; and the gas rises in the solvent mobilizing the intercalated graphite in the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regenerating spent ion exchange resin is described. In one method, a fresh regenerant solution comprising sodium ions and chloride ions is prepared, and passed across spent cation exchange resin to regenerate the spent resin. To recover the spent regenerant solution, a regenerant treatment composition is added to the spent solution to form precipitate flocs, which are then separated out of the regenerant solution. The concentration of at least one of the sodium or chloride ions in the regenerant solution can also be adjusted to form fresh regenerant solution which can be reused.

Abstract: Methods for producing or regenerating an iodinated anion exchange resin are presented. The methods include treating an iodide loaded anionic resin with an aqueous solution comprising an in situ formed I2 to produce the iodinated resin. The iodinated resins show reduced and stable levels of iodine elution compared to resins produced by conventional methods. Methods and systems for purifying water are also presented.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is a more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new more environmentally friendly method for the recovery of uranium from pregnant liquor solutions that comprise high concentration of sulfate by using an amino phosphonic functionalized resin.

Abstract: A novel method for improving water recovery from desalination systems by the removal of cations and/or anions using ion exchange (IX) technology. The system described herein is particularly useful for water recovery in brackish ecosystems and is unique in that important features include recycling, regeneration, and recovery of key components, thereby reducing costs and waste products.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant can pass through a fluid tapering device for regulating the flow of the regenerant to the reaction zone.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include:a vessel containing a fluid including at least one reactant; a fluid transfer device receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the vessel; at least one drier receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the fluid transfer device; and a reactor communicating with the at least one drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant. In addition, the at least one drier may communicate with the vessel at least by sending the fluid including at least one reactant or the regenerant through a fluid tapering device for at least one of regulating the flow and reducing the pressure of the regenerant to the vessel.

Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes a brine tank and a resin tank and a control valve in operative connection with the tanks. The control valve includes a piston that is operative by a first motor to move between different positions to change the flow of water through orifices in the control valve, and a brine valve that is operative by a second motor to open and close the passage between the brine tank and resin tank. The second motor operates the brine valve independently of the operation of the piston by the first motor.

Abstract: Low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing the same are provided. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is contacted with an acidic ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid groups to produce a low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is removed from the spent ion-exchange resin after ion-exchange. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is distilled to produce a low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oil and a distillation product. The distillation product comprises one or both of an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant and an acidic ion-exchange regenerant which may be used to regenerate the spent ion-exchange resin. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a carbonaceous adsorbent for the removal of a recalcitrant compound (1,4-dioxane) from contaminated water. The adsorbent is able to reduce the concentration of 1,4-dioxane from thousands of ?g/L to <3 ?g/L (the current EPA guideline). In addition, the adsorbent is regenerable in place with low pressure steam.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprises an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell comprises a composite cation-exchange member including a conductive base and a cation-exchange material in physical contact with the conductive base, a composite anion-exchange member including a conductive base and an anion-exchange material in physical contact with the conductive base; and a compartment between the composite cation-exchange and anion-exchange members. The compartment comprises an inlet for introducing a feed stream, and an outlet for exiting of an output stream out of the compartment. The electrochemical device comprises a control device configured to transmit an electrical current to the composite cation-exchange and anion-exchange members at a regeneration stage in a manner that the conductive base on the composite cation-exchange member loses electrons and the conductive base on the composite anion-exchange member gains electrons.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method in an embodiment includes: mixing primary aggregates made of magnetic substances and a dispersion medium to make a suspension; and passing the suspension through a filter to allow the primary aggregates to remain on the filter and to form a secondary aggregate made of an aggregate of the primary aggregates. Further, the wastewater treatment method in the embodiment includes; passing wastewater through the secondary aggregate to remove suspended solids and oil in the wastewater; dispersing the secondary aggregate in a dispersion medium to decompose the secondary aggregate into the primary aggregates and to wash the primary aggregates; and collecting the primary aggregates with magnetic separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane separation method and a relevant equipment, in particular to a method and an equipment for membrane separation utilizing concentration polarization during membrane filtration process, especially, to a concentration process and equipment and a drawer special for drawing a concentration polarization layer. The direct removal of the concentration polarization layer from membrane surface not only decreases the adverse influence of concentration polarization on membrane separation but also obtains concentrated retention components, thereby significantly improving the ability to maintain membrane flux, solving the twinborn problems concerning concentration polarization and membrane fouling during the membrane separation process, and achieving a high-efficiency concentration for retention components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for providing a regeneration stage in a water treatment system. The method can include entering a first air bleed state to allow pressurized, deoxygenated air to exit the water treatment system, entering a second air bleed state to equalize a first air pressure of remaining deoxygenated air inside the water treatment system with a second air pressure outside the water treatment system, entering a backwash state to expel remaining deoxygenated air and particulates from inside the water treatment system, and entering an air draw state to allow oxygenated air to enter the water treatment system.

Abstract: A method is provided for decalcification of an aqueous solution that has multivalent Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations and anions able to form complexes with at least a part of the multivalent cations. The method includes replacing at least part of the anions to form complexes of the aqueous solution by monovalent anions such as Cl?, non-able to form such complexes. The method also replaces at least a part of the multivalent cations of the aqueous solution by monovalent metal cations such as Na+ and/or K+. This later replacement step is performed simultaneously with or after the first replacement step.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems, and devices for carrying out sorption (adsorption and absorption) for separating and/or purifying fluid mixtures are disclosed. Medical oxygen generators, dehumidifying units, sorptive heat pumps, ozone generators and Peltier devices are also disclosed. The sorption methods involve pressure swing operation of at least two sorption units. Energy from the desorbing and decompressing fluid is substantially recovered and used within the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide from various types of gas emitting sources containing carbon dioxide and/or gas or liquid emitting sources containing carbonyl sulfide, using ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method of recording and monitoring the operation and status of devices operating to purify water employed in the operation of a dialysis clinic, by providing a software program that monitors water purification devices that include a water softener, brine tank and reverse osmosis machine. This computer program is a data logging system that enables the user to monitor and record the status and performance of water purification equipment that is housed and used in a dialysis clinic. The software program will be used by technicians that work in three shifts on a daily basis to ensure that the water being purified for dialysis treatment is within an acceptable range of purity. This software replaces a paper logging system and is more versatile in security, accuracy, function and reporting.

Abstract: A method for generating softened injection water (A) (i) introducing source water having a dissolved solids content of up to 15,000 mg/liter and a multivalent cation content of greater than 40 mg/liter to a bed of cation exchange resin in monovalent cation form, (ii) passing the water through the bed so that at least a portion of the multivalent cations in the water are replaced by monovalent cations from the resin, and (iii) withdrawing the softened injection water having a multivalent cation content of up to 40 mg/liter; (B) regenerating the cation exchange resin by (i) introducing a regenerating brine to the vessel, (ii) passing the brine through the bed and (iii) withdrawing a brine containing displaced multivalent cations, wherein the brine is a naturally occurring high salinity water having a concentration of cations such that the Softening Limit for the source water is up to 40 mg/liter of multivalent cations.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide-based hybrid ion-exchange media including anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles supported by an ion-exchange resin for removing strong acid ions and oxo-anions from water. The titanium dioxide-based hybrid ion-exchange media is prepared in situ by combining ion-exchange media with a TiO2+ precursor solution to form a mixture and heating the mixture to yield the hybrid ion-exchange media.

Abstract: A treatment medium has a particulate natural substrate saturated, suffused and/or coated with hydrous iron oxide. The particulate substrate can be wood based, such as wood chips, bark, sawdust, wood waste or other plant material (such as straw, lucerne, hay, coconut husk or other bulk particulate plant material). The hydrous iron oxide is provided in aqueous suspension form. The substrate may be tumbled in aqueous hydrous iron suspension to achieve saturation/coating. The resulting hydrous iron oxide bearing medium is either placed loose directly into the target treatment site or contained in bags 18 before placing into the target site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating off fluorinated acids, in particular perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulphonic acids or salts thereof, from dilute aqueous solutions with the help of anion exchangers.

Abstract: Methods for treating water to remove radium include contacting the water with a magnetic adsorbent comprising manganese oxide(s), and applying a magnetic field to separate the magnetic adsorbent from the water, whereby radium is removed from the water. The methods may additionally include regenerating the magnetic adsorbent, and contacting the water with regenerated magnetic adsorbent. Alternately, calcium and/or strontium may be precipitated as carbonate salts from lime-treated water containing radium and barium without precipitating a significant fraction of the barium or radium; and removing radium from calcium- and strontium-free water by precipitating the barium and radium as carbonate salts. The barium- and radium carbonate precipitate may be redissolved in hydrochloric acid and disposed of by deep-well injection.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for producing weakly acidic cation exchange resins, in particular the purification of weakly acidic cation exchange resins derived from crosslinked poly(acrylonitrile) and also the use of steam for reducing the leaching of weakly acidic cation exchangers and finally a process for increasing the performance of water treatment systems, preferably of tap water treatment systems, using the weakly acidic cation exchangers produced according to the invention.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.

Abstract: A resin is provided for selectively binding to certain anions in aqueous solution. The beads are prepared by cross-linking macromolecules such as hyperbranched PEI, and functionalizing with groups containing vicinal diol moieties.

Abstract: Crystals of [VOBDC](H2BDC)0.71 were synthesized hydrothemally. The guest acid molecules were removed by heating in air to give high quality single crystals of VOBDC. VOBDC was observed to show crystal-to-crystal transformations on absorption of the guest molecules aniline, thiophene and acetone from the liquid phase. Accurate structural data of the guest molecules and framework deformations were obtained from single crystal X-ray data. VOBDC was also shown to absorb selectively thiophene and dimethyl sulphide from methane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing ammonium nitrogen from organic waste water comprising liquid manure, which method comprises the steps of applying waste water with a high content of ammonium to an organic, synthetic ion exchanger and allowing ammonium to adsorb to the ion exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed are nano-engineered porous ceramic composite filtration media for removal of phosphorous contaminates from wastewater and other water or liquid sources. Such porous ceramic media has high surface area and an interconnecting hierarchical pore structure containing nano-iron oxide/oxyhydroxide compounds, as well as other nano materials, surfactants, ligands or other compounds appropriate for removing higher amounts of phosphorous or phosphorous compounds. The composite media can be modified with nano-phased materials grown on the high surface area and addition of other compounds, contains hierarchical, interconnected porosity ranging from nanometer to millimeter in size that provides high permeability substrate especially suited for removal of contaminants at the interface of the water or other fluids and the nanomaterial or surfactants residing on the surfaces of the porous structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permit continuous separation of an adsorbate from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins, alone or in combination, without pretreatment. The processing is carried out while a loop adsorbent is circulated. An adsorbate is adsorbed, not by supply of the processing solution through the adsorbent, but by contact thereof with the adsorbent. In addition, the adsorbent after desorption of the adsorbate is cleaned. As a result, the apparatus and the method achieve continuous processing and separation of the adsorbate even from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins alone or in combination without pretreatment.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process for removing at least a portion of the furfural and acetic acid in a first stream comprised of water, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of furfural and acetic acid, C5's and C6's. Such process comprises the steps of contacting the stream with an adsorption media which has been previously contacted with a second stream comprised of the same components and the adsorption media has been regenerated by exposing it to conditions, without being in contact with the second stream, such that at least 70% of the adsorbed furfural and acetic acid have each been desorbed and at least 60% of the C5's and C6's remain adsorbed on the media.

Abstract: The method manipulates the chemical mechanism of the toxicity of arsenic in humans, which involves the binding of arsenic by thiols on proteins and peptides, to remove arsenic from water. PET vessels and/or acrylic resins are treated with thiols which in turn bind arsenic to remove arsenic from water.

Abstract: A flexible method for making multiplexed assays for antigen-specific antibody responses is disclosed herein. The method of the present invention comprises incubation of a substrate or a set of beads coated with a dockerin or a cohesin protein with a cohesin or dockerin-antigen fusion proteins to attach the fusion protein essentially irreversibly by non-covalent interaction. The present invention enables the use of one dockerin- or cohesin-coated bead for multiple sets of cohesin- or dockerin-antigens, obviating the need to directly chemically couple new antigens to new beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a charged species from an aqueous system, wherein the process comprises the following steps: (a) a first aqueous system comprising the charged species is contacted at a first temperature with an ampholytic polymeric 5 system comprising cationic and anionic domains, wherein the charged species is bonded to the ampholytic polymeric system; and (b) the ampholytic polymeric system is contacted with a second aqueous system at a second temperature, wherein the charged species is released to the second aqueous system, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature and wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature and wherein the second 10 temperature is less than 60° C.

Abstract: Exemplary decontamination systems of the present disclosure may allow for removing contaminants from a fluid. In an embodiment, a decontamination system may include a filtration unit operable to receive an adsorbent and contaminated fluid. The filtration unit may include a filter operable to separate the fluid from the adsorbent and contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent. In an embodiment, the decontamination system may further include a recovery unit operable to separate the adsorbent and the contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent.

Abstract: Substrates comprising a solid support, a ligand, and a linker comprising at least one C, O, N, or S atom covalently connecting the solid support to the ligand, are disclosed, along with methods of using and making the substrates, and devices including the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swellable, sorbent material formed of a sol-gel derived composition having a porous matrix and a sorbent property modifier intermixed with at least a portion of the porous matrix. The sorbent property modifier modifies a sorbent property of the sorbent material when compared to the same sorbent property of the corresponding, unmodified sol-gel derived composition.

Abstract: A method for treating aqueous solutions, wherein a filtrate material is manufactured to have a polymer with ion exchange properties adhered to the surface or impregnated within a porous, granular particle such that the resultant structure does not result in any agglomeration or binding of the granular particles, thereby retaining the maximum surface area of the particle for reacting with metal impurities in solution. A filtrate material comprised of a porous granulated particle and an ion exchange polymer. A method of treating aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution through the filtrate material to remove metal impurities in the solution. A method of regenerating the filtrate material that is saturated with metal impurities.

Abstract: A method and solution for eluting one of antimony(V) and a mixture of antimony(III) and antimony(V) from an ion exchange resin, comprises contacting the resin with an eluting solution comprising thiourea having a concentration of at least 0.002 M and hydrochloric acid having a concentration of at least 3 M. The method can be used for electrolytes in an industrial electrorefining process, by the further steps of contacting the electrolyte with an ion exchange resin to adsorb the antimony from the electrolyte and separating the resin from the electrolyte, before contacting the resin with the eluting solution comprising thiourea and hydrochloric acid. The method and solution address the difficulties of removing antimony(V), and allow for increased reuse of the resins.

Abstract: A method is described for removing hard water components from water wherein the removed ions are not replaced by sodium ions. The method includes the steps of passing water having dissolved hard water components through a water-softening column containing a tungsten-based sorbent. The hard water components are reacted with tungsten based sorbent to remove the hard water components. The tungsten based sorbent is regenerated for later use in the step of reacting. The resulting by-products include calcium and magnesium or ammonium nitrate, all of which may be sold and used for various purposes.