Abstract: A method of water softening utilizes macrocrystalline aggregates consisting essentially of submicron crystals of aluminosilicate zeolite. The aggregates have a size of greater than 5 microns and are used in a static bed water softening device. Both regenerable and disposable water softening materials can be provided.

Abstract: The process for removing impurities from a liquid by contact with a solid adsorbent using parallel contact adsorbent beds such that when one bed is contacting the liquid the parallel bed is being regenerated by contact with heated inert gas, wherein during changeover of the beds inert gas is transferred from the regenerated bed to the spent bed during the period that liquid is being drained from the spent bed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding specific metal ions, such as Ca2+and Cd2+, contained in a source solution are disclosed and described. This is accomplished by the use of a composition comprised of an EGTA ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid supports through a hydrophilic spacer. The composition formula of the present invention is SS—A—X—L where SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, L is an EGTA ligand with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A—X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: A water softening apparatus (10) comprises a regeneration tank (12) and a brine tank (14). An ion exchange resin (26) is located within the regeneration tank (12) and salt (38) is located within the brine tank (14). Water mixes with the salt (38) in the brine tank (14) to form a brine solution. A tube (56) is connected with the brine tank (14) and receives a flow of brine solution from the brine tank (14). A sensor (86) is mounted in the tube (56) for sensing the conductivity of the brine solution as the brine solution flows through the tube (56). The sensor (86) generates a signal indicative of the conductivity of the brine solution. The conductivity of the brine solution is indicative of an amount of salt in the brine solution.

Abstract: A septic system and method for the removal of nitrogen contaminants, such as nitrates and ammonia, from a wastewater effluent. The system comprises one or more zeolite tanks which contain a regenerable, granulated zeolite material to receive wastewater effluent from a septic tank and to capture the nitrogen contaminants to provide a treated, decontaminated effluent to flow out of the tank into a leach field. The system includes a secondary treatment.tank to reduce suspended solids and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater effluent prior to introduction into the zeolite tank. The system also includes an ion sensor to monitor the ammonium ion concentration in the system and to signal the need to regenerate the zeolite tank with saline water.

Abstract: A water softener for reducing water hardness, suitable for use in a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, has a container within which ionic exchange resins are housed, which reduce the degree of hardness of water contacting them, and apparatus for regenerating the softening efficiency of the resins. Mounted in the container are a sensor for checking a physical characteristic of the resins and, in response thereto, detecting the degree of exhaustion of said resins.

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.

Abstract: By passing an alkali regenerating agent A through a basic anion exchange resin (3), and through a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (4), the basic anion exchange resin can be regenerated while amphoteric organic materials such as the amino acids captured at the strongly acidic cation exchange resin can be desorbed. Then, an acid regenerating agent B is passed through the strongly acidic cation exchange resin to regenerate the strongly acidic cation exchange resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is a process for recovering an onium hydroxide from a cation exchange material having onium cations adsorbed thereto which comprises (A) contacting said cation exchange material with an aqueous solution of a base selected from alkali metal hydroxides and ammonium hydroxide to form an onium hydroxide, and (B) recovering an aqueous solution of the onium hydroxide. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an onium hydroxide from a solution containing an onium compound such as an onium hydroxide and/or onium salt, including contacting the solution with a cation exchange material so that at least a portion of onium cations from the onium compound are adsorbed by the cation exchange material; contacting the cation exchange material having the onium cations adsorbed thereto with an aqueous solution of an inorganic base to form an onium hydroxide; and recovering the onium hydroxide solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from contaminated water. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a separation tank in which a first portion of the contaminants float to the top of the water, the tank including a water inlet and a water outlet, a coalescing device, an air injection system in which water from the tank is pressurized, passed through an air eductor so as to receive air bubbles, and returned to the tank as a gas-containing stream, a circulating mop that contacts the floating contaminants and removes them from the water, the circulating mop comprising a continuous loop of contaminant-absorbing material, a mop-cleaning member that removes contaminants from the circulating mop, and a filter system through which water leaving the separation tank via the water outlet is passed.

Abstract: A method and product for removing at MTBE molecules from a solution, such as a contaminated aquifer, includes exposing the solution to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of an MTBE molecule. A quantity of the MTBE molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the solution producing a remediated solution. According to one embodiment, the MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. According to a preferred embodiment the MIPS are applied (i.e., coated) to the inside surface of a conduit and the solution is forced or allowed to flow through the conduit thereby removing some of the MTBE molecules therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating the waste brine generated by the regeneration step in a water softener system and for recovering the treated waste brine so that it can be utilized as the regeneration feed for the water softener regeneration step thereby, requiring substantially lesser amounts of fresh salt.

Abstract: A cross-linked water-insoluble ion exchange resin comprised of polymerized monomers having a phenyl ring is disclosed. A contemplated resin contains (i) polymerized phenyl ring-containing monomers having a phosphonic acid ligand linked to the phenyl ring, (ii) about 2 to about 5 millimoles per gram (mmol/g) of phosphorus as phosphonic acid ligands, and (iii) a sufficient amount of a sulfonic acid ligand such that the ratio of mmol/g of phosphonic acid to mmol/g sulfonic acid is up to 3:1. A process for removing polyvalent metal cations from aqueous solution, and a process for removing iron(III) cations from acidic copper(II) cation-containing solutions that utilize the contemplated resin or other resins are disclosed.

Abstract: An ion exchange method for fluid treatment is disclosed. The method includes steps for supplying, circulating and with withdrawing regenerant fluid to an ion exchange media bed in different sequences, in different flow directions and for different durations of time.

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: A continuous adsorption facility is used to purify a liquid stream that contains impurities. A solid adsorbent is used having a special affinity for the impurities over the desired components in the liquid feed. An adsorber is constructed, employing gravity for the transfer of adsorbent between stages with a series of stages each having fluidized beds with limited bed expansion characteristics where the solid adsorbent countercurrent- contacts the upwardly flowing fresh feed introduced at the base. The adsorbent is regenerated with return of most of the desired components from the porous solids becoming part of the adsorber-treated product. Impurities are further removed during regeneration and disposed of separately. Using a novel regeneration arrangement, the reactivating gas may be reduced to below 5% of prior requirements. Capital investment and operating costs economically afford ultra-low sulfur clean gasoline meeting standards imposed by auto manufacturers worldwide.

Abstract: Methods and devices for continuous electrochemically suppressed ion chromatography are disclosed. In preferred aspect of the invention, a chloromatography effluent comprising analyte ions and electrolyte is split into a first chromatography effluent flow stream and a second chromatography effluent flow stream. Electrolysis ions selected from the group consisting of hydronium ions and hydroxide ions are generated by the electrolysis of water. Electrolysis ions of the same charge as the electrolyte and the second chromatography effluent stream are flowed through a stationary phase thereby suppressing the electrolyte in the second chromatography effluent flow stream. The analyte ions are subsequently detected in the suppressed second chromatography effluent flow stream.

Abstract: A process for the production of purified water and hydrocarbons comprising at least one stage of separation of the water and hydrocarbons formed during a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, at least one stage of purification of the separated water by bringing it into contact with at least one adsorbent selected from the group consisting of: the active carbons, clays which are hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic, and zeolites which are hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic. This process may optionally include a stripping stage before the adsorption step.

Abstract: A silica-polyamine based extraction material removes selected transition metal ions from solution in the presence of iron ions. The silica-polyamine base is a reaction product of a polyamine and a covalently anchored trifunctional hydrocarbylsilyl that yields non-crosslinked amino groups to which pyridine function group is attached. The extraction material is particularly useful in selectively removing copper from low concentration, low pH leach solutions separating copper from ferric iron or chloride ions. The product is a durable, high capacity extraction material that selectively captures copper at high flow rates and releases that copper into highly concentrated solutions.

Abstract: Thiacrown polymers immobilized to a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix react with Hg2+ under a variety of conditions to efficiently and selectively remove Hg2+ ions from acidic aqueous solutions, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. The mercury can be recovered and the polymer regenerated. This mercury removal method has utility in the treatment of industrial wastewater, where a selective and cost-effective removal process is required.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange system from removing arsenic from water. 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.

Abstract: A highly versatile drive arrangement that drives a linearly reciprocating piston of a water conditioning unit control valve without imparting any significant side loads on the support structure for the piston's drive rod or the associated seals. The drive arrangement includes a reversible electric motor and a motion converter, such as a lead screw arrangement, that converts the rotary motion of the electric motor's pinion or other output element to reciprocating linear motion of the piston. The reversible motor can be controlled, based on signals from a motion monitor such as an encoder, to drive the piston to any desired position within the piston upon command. This, in turn, permits the operation of the water conditioning unit to be optimized for prevailing conditions and permits the control valve's operation to be altered if, e.g., the piston becomes stuck or encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for removing gas prior to detecting analyte ions are discolored. In one aspect of the invention, gas by-products from the suppression of the mobile phase are removed prior to detecting analyte ions at a detector. In another aspect, the amount of dissolved carbonic acid is reduced in a suppressed carbonate/bicarbonate mobile phase by removing carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Thiacrown polymers immobilized to a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix react with Hg2+ under a variety of conditions to efficiently and selectively remove Hg2+ ions from acidic aqueous solutions, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. The mercury can be recovered and the polymer regenerated. This mercury removal method has utility in the treatment of industrial wastewater, where a selective and cost-effective removal process is required.

Abstract: A self-regenerating ion exchange water softener has a lower tank for a resin chamber and an upper tank for a regenerative salt chamber, with an opening positioned between them, and with a restrictive pressure-sensitive valve, sensitive to pressure of water in the resin chamber, having a restricted opening limiting flow of water upwardly into the regeneration chamber or downwardly into the resin chamber.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed separation system is provided, in which a fluid circulation flow path can be washed for a short time. This system is provided with a circulation flow path having two or more packed beds connected in series and endlessly to each other, with desorbing-charging inlet, extract draw-out port, feedstock introducing port and raffinate draw-out port arranged in this order in the direction of flow of a circulation liquid, which are allowed to intermittently shift in the direction while being kept in this order, and with packed bed-washing pipes, valves and pumps. A desorbing liquid is introduced through the desorbing liquid introducing port into the circulation flow path. An extract rich in a strongly adsorptive constituent to be separated is drawn out through the extract draw-out port.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid support through a hydrophilic spacer of the formula SS-A-X-L (HOPO)n where SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6 with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A-X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements for indoor closed systems used to raise aquatic life, along with methods to overcome the current problems associated with such indoor closed systems. The present invention provides an aquatic life rearing system which reuses water in the rearing process and does not pollute lakes or streams due to waste water discharge. The improvements include a method of preventing performance degradation of equipment which removes ammonia from the rearing water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating produced water to lower the total dissolved solids of the water for safe discharge to the environment. The produced water is passed through a weak acid cation resin in H+ form to remove cations in the produced water and then preferably through a decarbonator to remove formed CO2 and to provide a first discharge stream. The cation loaded resin is then regenerated using a dilute acid, preferably diluted with produced water, to regenerate the resin to the H+ form. The resultant acid regenerated waste stream is discharged to a reject deep well. The acid regenerated resin is then rinsed, preferably with produced water, to remove residual salts to form a residual salt containing rinse stream. This salt stream is passed into a reverse osmosis unit to form a high salt containing reject stream which is discharged to a waste deep well and a low salt containing product discharge stream which may be safely discharged to the environment.

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: A method of water softening utilizes macrocrystalline aggregates consisting essentially of submicron crystals of aluminosilicate zeolite. The aggregates have a size of greater than 5 microns and are used in a static bed water softening device. Both regenerable and disposable water softening materials can be provided.

Abstract: Thiacrown polymers immobilized to a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix react with Hg2+ under a variety of conditions to efficiently and selectively remove Hg2+ ions from acidic aqueous solutions, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. The mercury can be recovered and the polymer regenerated. This mercury removal method has utility in the treatment of industrial wastewater, where a selective and cost-effective removal process is required.

Abstract: A method for removing one or more fluorinated alkenes from a fluid comprises the step of contacting the fluid with an N-, S-, or P-containing nucleophile for a time sufficient to form an N-, S-, or P-containing nucleophile-fluoroalkene adduct. The nucleophile, and therefore the adduct, can be covalently bonded, coated or sorbed to a particulate support which can be enmeshed in a porous, fibrous web.

Abstract: The recovery of iodide from chemical process wastewater is accomplished by loading the wastewater containing iodide onto a strongly basic anion-exchange resin in free-base form; eluting the sorbed iodide from the resin with aqueous strong acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid); loading the iodide-rich cuts onto a weakly basic anion-exchange resin in free-base form; and eluting the sorbed iodide with aqueous base (e.g., sodium hydroxide). The recovered iodide typically has sufficient purity to permit its re-use in the chemical process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating produced water to lower the total dissolved solids of the water for safe discharge to the environment. The produced water is passed through a weak acid cation resin in H+ form to remove cations in the produced water and then preferably through a decarbonator to remove formed CO2 and to provide a first discharge stream. The cation loaded resin is then regenerated using a dilute acid, preferably diluted with produced water, to regenerate the resin to the H+ form. The resultant acid regenerated waste stream is discharged to a reject deep well. The acid regenerated resin is then rinsed, preferably with produced water, to remove residual salts to form a residual salt containing rinse stream. This salt stream is passed into a reverse osmosis unit to form a high salt containing reject stream which is discharged to a waste deep well and a low salt containing product discharge stream which may be safely discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing arsenic from water at point of entry or point of use particularly for residential application. The point of entry system comprises a first stage having a manganese greensand oxidizer to convert arsenite (As+3) present in the water to arsenate (As+5) and a second stage for passing the water through an anion exchange resin. Each stage includes a control head for automatic regeneration at a predetermined frequency. The manganese greensand is regenerated with a solution of potassium permanganate and the anion exchange resin is regenerated with a salt solution. An alternate embodiment for point of use application comprises a manganese greensand oxidizer cartridge to convert arsenite (As+3) to arsenate (As+5) followed by removal of the arsenate (As+5) with a reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for depleting endotoxin from biological solutions by exposure of solutions containing endotoxin to an immobilized metal affinity chromatography matrix composed of a metal ion such as iron (III) bounds to a resin, wherein the metal is capable of selectively binding endotoxin in the solution. These methods are useful for purifying, for example, biological products prepared using bacterial cells, or products in which bacterial contamination is problematic. In another embodiment, endotoxin in circulation in a body can be removed by exposing the blood to the aforementioned matrix, whereby endotoxin is removed before the blood is returned to the body.

Abstract: By passing an alkali regenerating agent A through a basic anion exchange resin (3), and through a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (4), the basic anion exchange resin can be regenerated while amphoteric organic materials such as the amino acids captured at the strongly acidic cation exchange resin can be desorbed. Then, an acid regenerating agent B is passed through the strongly acidic cation exchange resin to regenerate the strongly acidic cation exchange resin.

Abstract: Anion exchange resins sorbed with perchlorate may be regenerated by a combination of chemical reduction of perchlorate to chloride using a reducing agent and an electrochemical reduction of the oxidized reducing agent. Transitional metals including Ti, Re, and V are preferred chemical reagents for the reduction of perchlorate to chloride. Complexing agents such as oxalate are used to prevent the precipitation of the oxidized Ti(IV) species, and ethyl alcohol may be added to accelerate the reduction kinetics of perchlorate. The regeneration may be performed by continuously recycling the regenerating solution through the resin bed and an electrochemical cell so that the secondary waste generation is minimized.

Abstract: A method of coacting a fluid with a media, such as granular particles. The media is moved to an upper portion in an upright media container, and held there during a treatment cycle in which the fluid is coacted with the media. When the media requires regeneration, the media is allowed to fall to a lower portion of the media container where a regeneration fluid is passed through the media.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a fluid stream by contacting a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream with a sorbent composition wherein said sorbent composition is produced by mixing at least one zinc component which is zinc oxide or a compound convertible to zinc oxide, at least one silica component where the silica component comprises silica or a compound convertible to silica, at least one colloidal metal oxide, and optionally at least one pore generator component so as to form a mixture, extruding the mixture, sphering the resulting extrudate to form spherical particles having a size of form about 0.5 to about 15 millimeters drying the resulting spherical particles, calcining the dried particles, steaming the resulting calcined particles, sulfiding the steamed particles by contacting them with sulfides or sulfur at a temperature of about 200° C. to 1400° C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating the heavy hydrogen isotope content of the contaminated water by contacting the contaminated water with a molecular separation material including a support medium carrying a plurality of hydration sites having associated waters of hydration, whereby a portion of the waters of hydration are replaced with heavy hydrogen isotope water molecules from the contaminated water. The hydrogen isotope water molecule content of the contaminated water is thus decreased. The molecular separation material is preferably a polymer, such as a polystyrene/divinyl benzene cross-linked polymer, having hydration sites with associated waters of hydration. Preferred hydration sites are obtained by reacting the polymer, which has been sulfonated or phosphonated to create reactive sites, with a salt of, for example, aluminum, sodium, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, potassium and chromium.

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 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 ion exchange 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: A method of regenerating an ion exchange resin, comprising the steps of packing a used ion exchange resin in a regeneration tower; and repeating at least twice a step comprising passing an aqueous solution of regenerant through the regeneration tower downward from a top part of the regeneration tower and thereafter passing ultra-pure water through the regeneration tower upward from a bottom of the regeneration tower. This method enables regenerating an ion exchange resin efficiently and homogeneously without mixing of the regenerant into ion exchange resin towers for purification.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: Non-chloride containing regenerant compositions of potassium acetate or potassium formate, at least one surfactant and at least one chelating agent as well as methods for efficient regeneration of water softeners utilizing the regenerant compositions are disclosed. A preferred regenerant composition is a solution of potassium acetate or potassium formate with citric acid and octyl phenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: A solution purification method for an electrolyte comprising the steps of dividing a chelate resin having a volume corresponding to the quantity of Sb and Bi to be adsorbed into a plurality of columns, bringing an electrolyte into contact with the chelate resin in the columns to adsorb the Su and Bi for removing, respectively, and subjecting a predetermined number of columns which have completed adsorption among the plurality of columns, to washing in turn, such that the columns are fed in series with a washing solution.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing CO2 and/or H2S from a gas mixture containing as impurities CO2 and/or H2S and at least one other impurity selected from the group consisting of a cyanide and ammonia. The process includes contacting at least a portion of the reflux stream from the overhead vapor from a stripping column of an acid gas removal solvent (i.e., alkanolamine) treatment plant with an anion exchange resin to remove corrosive impurities. The ion-exchanged reflux stream is then recycled to the top of the stripping column or into the bulk circulating acid gas removal solvent (i.e., alkanolamine) passing from the bottom of the stripping column.

Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.