Abstract: An ion exchange resin plant for the demineralizing or softening water with an arrangement that allows the plant to operate continuously. The plant tank is divided into to two separate compartments that work simultaneously. One compartment effects water demineralization while the other compartment regenerates the ion exchanging resins.

Abstract: A decontamination system uses magnetic molecules having ferritin cores to selectively remove target contaminant ions from a solution. The magnetic molecules are based upon a ferritin protein structure and have a very small magnetic ferritin core and a selective ion exchange function attached to its surface. Various types of ion exchange functions can be attached to the magnetic molecules, each of which is designed to remove a specific contaminant such as radioactive ions. The ion exchange functions allow the magnetic molecules to selectively absorb the contaminant ions from a solution while being inert to other non-target ions. The magnetic properties of the magnetic molecule allow the magnetic molecules and the absorbed contaminant ions to be removed from solution by magnetic filtration.

Abstract: A compact portable modular wastewater treatment system which integrates several processing technologies to provide a substantially purified water source. A wastewater stream is sent through an initial filtration step. The filtered wastewater is then subjected to electrocoagulation and then further filtered. The resulting stream containing substantially only organics is then treated in an advanced oxidation process which can include passing an electrical current through the water during the oxidation process. The partially treated water is then passed through ion-exchange columns to polish ammonium and other contaminants. The ion-exchange columns are cycled through regeneration cycles to provide continuous ion-exchange medium. The ammonium rich brine solution used in regeneration is subjected to an ammonium destruct process and then reused in regenerating ion-exchange columns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decolorizing sugar juices by means of monodisperse ion exchangers, preferably anion exchangers, and the use of the same for sugar juice decolorization.

Abstract: Sampling pipes 21 and 22 are inserted, separated from outlet openings, into first and second water softeners 4 and 11. Raw water flows through first water softener 4, and raw water does not flow through second water softener 11. Once the hardness component concentration of the treatment water sampled by sampling pipe 21 reaches a specified concentration, the watercourse selection of valves 2 and 6 and valves 9 and 13 are switched, causing raw water to flow through second water softener 11. First water softener 4 is regenerated by salt water from a salt water chamber 14. The resulting water softening device prevents the leaking of hardness components, even with there is a fluctuation in the water quality of the raw water or when there is performance deterioration in the ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A process for recovering cyanide from feed material containing cyanide and copper involves the steps of: (a) contacting the feed material with a strong base anion exchange resin whereby copper and cyanide from the feed material are adsorbed onto the resin; (b) contacting the resulting resin with an eluant solution containing free cyanide ion to elute copper and cyanide from the resin; (c) separating the eluted resin from the eluting solution or eluate from step (b); (d) acidifying the eluate from step (b) to precipitate copper; (e) separating the acidified solution from the precipitate in step (d) and alkalizing directly or after concentration the separated solution containing HCN; (f) contacting the eluted resin from step (b) with an acid to condition the resin and remove additional cyanide while leaving most of the copper in the resin phase; (g) converting the HCN solution formed in step (f) to cyanide ion, directly or after concentration of the HCN solution, by the addition of alkali; and (h) returning the

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating nucleic acid molecules, preferably open circular and supercoiled plasmid DNA and RNA molecules from each other, comprising the steps of providing a solution comprising the molecules; adsorbing the molecules to adsorbing groups on a carrier; and optionally washing the column with a suitable solution. The present process is especially suitable for large-scale isolation of supercoiled ccc DNA to be used in gene therapy.

Abstract: A matrix for water decontamination has an amended sorbant cellulose substrate with an iron (ferric) oxyhydroxide component and a component to sorb dissolved organic compounds retained by the cellulose substrate.

Abstract: The slag-only Vertical Flow Pond, which we have developed, is a passive treatment component capable of removing large concentrations of metals, especially manganese, from water to extremely low concentrations while neutralizing acidity and producing alkalinity. An improvement to this design is the Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP), which is a passive treatment system component that consists of an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal operational flow path (or a vertical flow path if desired) with a vertical flush flow path. By creating flushing flow paths generally perpendicular to operational flow paths, the development of preferential flow paths that encourage short circuiting can be prevented. Additional head can be generated prior to flushing by adjusting the water level in the pond. Although any treatment media can be used with this system, the use of basic steel slag is particularly useful in the removal of metals, especially manganese from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing water separated from fuels by a fuel filter is provided. The apparatus includes an absorber connected to a water accumulator of the fuel filter. The stored water may then be released again through heating or pressure using commercially available components and supplied to a further use.

Abstract: The natural ability of an aquifer formation to remove radionuclides from ground water is recharged by injecting a leaching solution a well. The leaching solution replaces the radionuclides at natural sorption sites in the aquifer formation with ions that can be displaced subsequently by other radionuclides in the ground water. The leaching solution remains in the aquifer formation for a given period of time after which it is pumped out through the well. Thereafter, as water is pumped from the well, other radionuclides become lodged at the sorption sites in the aquifer formation thus being removed from the water.

Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble inorganic, organic, and microbiological contaminants from a fluid stream employing a pretreatment module, a post-treatment module, a recharge stream module or any combination thereof, and an ion exchange module, is provided. The process provided reduces the problems associated with ion exchange material fouling and increases contaminant removal capacity.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively separating iron from other metal ions, in particular ions present in certain oxidation catalysts. It also relates to a process for recycling catalysts in the reaction for the oxidation of alcohols and/or ketones to carboxylic acids and more particularly the oxidation of cyclic alcohols and/or cyclic ketones to dicarboxylic acids, such as the oxidation of cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone to adipic acid. This process consists in treating the solution comprising the oxidation catalyst, before it is recycled, with an ion-exchange resin which makes it possible to selectively separate the iron from the other metal elements, in particular from copper and from vanadium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of absorbent materials for separating water from an emulsion comprising water and lipophilic fluid. The methods, systems, and compositions of the present invention expose the emulsion to absorbent materials such that water is absorbed out of the emulsion in order to facilitate the recovery of the lipophilic fluid.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions from liquid solutions includes contacting the liquid solution with solid barium compounds as adsorbents so that the at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions in liquid solution are subject to an exchange reaction with the anion of solid barium compounds to produce products including at least one of solid barium chromate and oxy-metal barium compounds and are removed from the liquid solution by a liquid-solid separation operation. A method for stabilizing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions that are present in liquid or sludge wastes includes mixing the liquid or sludge wastes with barium compounds in solid form, so that the at least one of chromate and oxy-metal ions are immobilized in a solidified body after curing of the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing deionized water by passing water to be treated through a deionizing and water treatment system having carbon filtration and beds of packed ion exchange resins, specifically including beds of mixed anion resins, so that sediment and impurity ions are removed as adsorbed on the ion exchange sites of the resins and a method of regenerating the ion exchange resins after having its ion-exchanging and adsorbing abilities lowered.

Abstract: Alkali metal ions are separated off from alkoxylates containing alkali metal ions by a process comprising: a) dilution of the alkali metal-containing alkoxylate with an inert solvent, b) treatment of the alkali metal-containing solution of the alkoxylate with a cationic exchanger in order to obtain a substantially alkali metal-free solution of the alkoxylate, and c) removal of the solvent from the substantially alkali metal-free solution of the alkoxylate in order to obtain a substantially alkali metal-free and substantially solvent-free alkoxylate.

Abstract: Systems for removing arsenic from water by addition of inexpensive and commonly available magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, or calcium hydroxide to the water. The hydroxide has a strong chemical affinity for arsenic and rapidly adsorbs arsenic, even in the presence of carbonate in the water. Simple and commercially available mechanical systems for removal of magnesium hydroxide particles with adsorbed arsenic from drinking water can be used, including filtration, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or centrifugal separation. A system for continuous removal of arsenic from water is provided. Also provided is a system for concentrating arsenic in a water sample to facilitate quantification of arsenic, by means of magnesium or calcium hydroxide adsorption.

Abstract: A continuous Liquid-Solids Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB) preferably for use as an ion exchanger consists of two fluidized bed columns, a fluidized bed adsorber (downer) operating in conventional fluidized bed mode for adsorption of ions of interest and a fluidized bed riser for desorption of ions (operating as a riser fluidized bed) to provide regenerated particles. Ion exchange particles circulate continuously between the riser and the downer i.e. the particles that have adsorbed ions in the absorber pass from the adsorber (downer) to the desorber where they are regenerated and the so regenerated particles are return to the adsorber near the top of the adsorber column. The LSCFB can be used in processes for continuous recovery of the ions of interest.

Abstract: Regeneration controller and method for controlling regeneration of a water softener are provided. The controller includes a water meter configured to output a signal indicative of the volume of influent water received by the water softener. A water-hardness indicator, such as a conductivity meter or ion-selective electrode, is configured to output a signal indicative of a degree of hardness of the influent water. A processor is coupled to receive the respective signals from the water meter and the hardness indicator. The processor is further configured to calculate a value indicative of the total level of hardness removed by the water softener. A comparator is coupled to receive a signal indicative of the quantity of resin capacity of the water softener. The comparator is further configured to receive the value indicative of total hardness to issue a regeneration command based on comparing the resin capacity relative to the value of total hardness.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for separating fluid components. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and methods utilize microchannel devices with small distances for heat and mass transfer to achieve rapid cycle times and surprisingly large volumes of fluid components separated in short times using relatively compact hardware.

Abstract: An ion exchange process for removing arsenic from drinking water is disclosed which uses a mixed ion regenerant and generates minimal levels of waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a water softener having an ion exchange resin capable of receiving hard water ions from hard water during a softening step and releasing the hard water ions during a regeneration step. The controller includes a processor programmed to cause termination of the softening step and initiate the regeneration step when both a first and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the resin is saturated with hard water ions, and the second condition is met when current demand for soft water is at or below a prescribed flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment and purification of drinking water combines the use of an ion-exchange resin and a membrane filter (12) in a single process tank. The ion-exchange resin is removed from the process tank (14) and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: A method for separating at least one compound from a liquid mixture containing different compounds where anew crystalline manganese phosphate composition with the formula Mn3(PO4)4.2(H3NCH2CH2)3N.6(H2O) is dispersed in the liquid mixture, selectively intercalating one or more compounds into the crystalline structure of the Mn3(PO4)4.2(H3NCH2CH2)3N.6(H2O).

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 process for the desulfurization of an engine fuel onboard a motor vehicle includes separating sulfur-containing components of the engine fuel by selective liquid-phase adsorption on an adsorption material. The adsorption material may be an oxide of Al, Mg, Si, or Ti that is doped with Ag.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid by providing raw fluid to a process tank, adding an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin mixture, removing treated fluid from the process tank through a membrane filter located within the process tank, and regenerating the ion exchange resin within the process tank. The method may be set up as a batch process or as a continuous process using a magnetic ion exchange resin and continuous withdrawal of the magnetic ion exchange resin from the process tank by use of a magnetic separator. The method may also consist of reusing the regenerant in multiple regeneration steps and periodically filtering the regenerant to restore its regenerative properties. Alternatively, an upflow bed of ion exchange resin may be used to treat the raw fluid before membrane filtration.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for producing high purity colloidal silica by the steps of providing a quantity of potassium silicate; subjecting the quantity of potassium silicate to an ion exchange process to remove a first portion of potassium therefrom to produce a quantity of colloidal silica; and subjecting the quantity of colloidal silica to ultrafiltration to remove a portion of sodium therefrom, producing a quantity of high purity colloidal silica. High purity potassium hydroxide may also be prepared by regenerating the ion exchange resin with an acid to produce a quantity of potassium salt, which may be further purified by evaporation, crystallization, then further processed by electrodialysis and/or electrolysis.

Abstract: A nozzle and associated system is for treating fluids is provided, particularly for a system including a reaction vessel containing a granular filter or ion exchange medium and a fluid manifold immersed in the granular or ion exchange medium. The nozzle has an outer screen defining a interior cavity, a duct for providing flow to the interior cavity, and a restrictor having at least one orifice through which the duct is in communication with the cavity. The orifice or orifices of the restrictor have a total open area that is less than the total open area of the outer screen. By this sizing relationship the nozzle flow rate is dictated by the inner orifice area, not the outer screen open area. In comparison to the outer screen openings each of the inner orifices is less susceptible to plugging or wearing than the narrow outer screen openings which are adjacent to medium. The nozzle according to the invention therefore provides a consistent predetermined flow rate and pressure drop profile over extended periods.

Abstract: A process for removing phenols from an aqueous solution is provided, which comprises the steps of contacting a mixture comprising the solution and a metal oxide, forming a phenol metal oxide complex, and removing the complex from the mixture.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating water for human consumption, so as to eliminate manganese and possibly other metals comprising steps which consist in: causing said water to pass at least over a bed of filtering material (3) consisting at least partly of manganese dioxide granules, said granules having a real density ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 and a hardness higher than 6 on the Mosh scale; regenerating, if necessary, said manganese dioxide, said regeneration being carried out mechanically.

Abstract: The present invention aims at inhibiting a lowering in the modification ratio of a modified cation-exchange resin, in which part of the sulfonic acid groups have been modified with a thiol-containing amine compound and which is employed as a catalyst for producing bisphenol, during preservation. In the present invention, a modified cation-exchange resin is packed together with water into a container while regulating the surface area of the container to 0.5 m2 or less per liter of the resin and then the container is sealed up so that the resin is preserved in a state of being soaked in water.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and composition provide a long-term, solid cartridge made of cleaning agents mixed at an equilibrium concentration with a solubility limiting agent for controlling an equilibrium concentration of the composition in a solvent, such as water, for example. In use, the cleaning agents are dissolved only to a predetermined concentration needed for a single dose of a cleaning appliance, such as a clothes washing machine, for example. The apparatus may be configured to cyclically expose the solid cartridge to the solvent. A dosing amount of the solvent dissolves a pre-determined concentration of cleaning agents, controlled by the solubility limiting agent. The apparatus discharges the dose of cleaning agent to a cleaning appliance, and readies itself again by dissolving a dose of cleaning agent from a surface of the solid cartridge into the solvent.

Abstract: Method for the removal of a substance from an aqueous liquid by ion exchange comprising providing a liquid with said substance is present; providing an adsorption matrix which comprises at least two different ligands; contacting the liquid with the matrix under a period of time and conditions sufficient to allow adsorption of the substance to the matrix; and adding an eluent that desorbs the substance from the matrix. Each one of the ligands interacts with the substance during the adsorption step, and at least one of the ligands is charged and capable of ionic interaction with the substance. The method can be run as a cation or anion exchange. The substance desorption can be performed by adding an eluent comprising an increasing ionic strength. The invention also encompasses an adsorbent comprising at least two structurally different ligands, which interact with the same kind of substance when used in a separation procedure.

Abstract: This invention pertains to adsorption by an adsorbent of an adsorbate and to regeneration of the loaded adsorbent. The adsorption includes contacting an adsorbent selected from arylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes and derivatives thereof with an adsorbate selected from aromatics and heterocyclics, particularly monocyclic heterocyclics containing carbon and nitrogen atoms in a 6-member non-aromatic ring, for a period of time sufficient to adsorb all or part of the adsorbate by the adsorbent. Regeneration of the loaded adsorbent includes removing all or part of adsorbate from the adsorbent by means of an alcohol wash or by thermal desorption of the adsorbent containing adsorbate.

Abstract: A colloid comprises a sulfone polymer. The colloid may be used as a replacement for activated carbon or charcoal in water purification systems. Unlike activated carbon, the colloid is advantageously regenerated chemically and reused.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for enhanced removal of chloramines from a fluid media by contacting said media with a catalytic activated carbon. The catalytic activated carbons used in the present invention may be prepared from carbon materials that have been contacted or otherwise exposed to nitrogen-containing compounds at temperatures above 700° C., and preferably are in the form of a solid carbon block.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for enhanced removal of chloramines from a fluid media by contacting said media with a catalytic activated carbon. The catalytic activated carbons used in the present invention may be prepared from carbon materials that have been contacted or otherwise exposed to nitrogen-containing compounds at temperatures above 700° C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a watery substance, such as sludge or manure, wherein in a mixer-drier (33) the watery substance to be processed, which may or may not be mechanically partly dewatered (in 31) and/or preheated (in 32), is mixed with zeolites of type A, which adsorb water from the watery substance while releasing adsorption heat which causes an amount of moisture to evaporate, while from the mixer-drier vapor and a mixture of zeolites and dried matter are discharged, whereafter the zeolites are regenerated in an oven (35) through heating, and are returned to the mixer-drier after being separated from dry matter residue formed by the heating, such as ash, and released moisture. Prior to the supply to the oven, at least a part of the dried matter can be extracted by a separation device (34) the mixture formed in the mixer-drier.

Abstract: A method and device for filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing metals, water treatment chemicals, reactive chemicals and microorganisms, where the fluid is passed through a composite material composed of fluid treatment media with or without a binder matrix in which the filtration media, binder, or support structures, or a combination thereof contains a surface treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to adsorption by an adsorbent of an adsorbate and to regeneration of the loaded adsorbent. The adsorption includes contacting an adsorbent selected from arylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes and derivatives thereof with an adsorbate selected from aromatics and heterocyclics, particularly monocyclic heterocyclics containing carbon and nitrogen atoms in a 6-member non-aromatic ring, for a period of time sufficient to adsorb all or part of the adsorbate by the adsorbent. Regeneration of the loaded adsorbent includes removing all or part of adsorbate from the adsorbent by means of an alcohol wash or by thermal desorption of the adsorbent containing the adsorbate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the separation and removal of iron ions from a basic zinc solution. The process involves: treating an aqueous basic zinc solution with a solid ion exchange resin containing an insoluble cross-linked polymer which contains at least one pendant phosphonate group, at a pH of from about 8 to about 12, and a temperature of from about 10° C. to about 90° C., for a time period sufficient to form solid phase-bound iron ions and a liquid phase containing the aqueous basic zinc solution having an iron ion concentration that is substantially reduced; separating the solid phase-bound iron ions and the liquid phase; and treating the solid phase-bound iron ions with an aqueous acidic solution under conditions sufficient to regenerate the solid ion exchange resin. The present invention also provides a process for preparing zinc oxide that is substantially free of iron ions.

Abstract: Alkali metal ions are separated off from alkoxylates containing alkali metal ions by a process comprising:

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment of both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a water softener having an ion exchange resin capable of receiving hard water ions from hard water during a softening step and releasing the hard water ions during a regeneration step. The controller includes a processor programmed to cause termination of the softening step and initiate the regeneration step when both a first and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the resin is saturated with hard water ions, and the second condition is met when current demand for soft water is at or below a prescribed flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for converting a preferably weak acid ion-exchange material from the H form into the Ca form, according to which the ion-exchange material is brought into contact with an aqueous, preferably saturated, Ca(OH)2 (calcium hydroxide) solution.

Abstract: Processes using heterogeneous adsorbents are disclosed for purification of aromatic monomers such as are typically produced by dehydrogenation of suitable benzenoid hydrocarbons, by passing a steam of ethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomer and impurities comprising at least one substituted aromatic compound having the same or similar carbon content in which a substituent moiety is acetylenically unsaturated, through a particulate bed of predominantly a support material having high surface area on which is dispersed at least one metallic element. Selective adsorption and/or complexing of the contained impurities with the adsorbent is continued until levels of a selected impurity in the effluent stream increase to a predetermined level. Thereafter the resulting bed of adsorbent is regenerated in the presence of a reducing gas containing dihydrogen to effect release of the contained impurities from the adsorbent.