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: A fluid-treating device containing a distributing device having a revolving disc in a stationary housing, and a motor for rotating the disc. Feed and discharge pipes are connected to an end wall of the housing and open onto the revolving disc. Stationary vessels are connected to the housing via connecting pipes. The revolving disc includes a plurality of passageways that open on the outer side of the disc. For a number of positions of the disc, the passageways are each connected to one of the connecting pipes, while feed and discharge pipes open via ring-like ducts into different passageways.

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: 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 process for removing a solute from a fluid process stream containing said solute and containing a solvent. The process comprises (a) continuously contacting the process stream with a portion of a rotating mass of sorbent material at a temperature that allows sorption of the solute by the sorbent material to form a solute-adsorbed portion of sorbent material; (b) continuously rotating the mass of sorbent material; (c) raising the temperature of the solute-adsorbed and rotated portion of sorbent material by contacting said portion with an eluant stream having a temperature that allows release of the solute to form an eluted portion of sorbent material; (d) cooling the further rotated and eluted portion with a cooling stream to form a regenerated portion of sorbent material; simultaneously with steps ad collecting product stream containing solvent, and continuously repeating the above-named steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of dissolved organic carbon from water. The process includes the following steps, adding an ion-exchange resin to water containing a contaminant such as dissolved organic carbon, dispersing the resin in the contaminated water to enable adsorption of the dissolved organic carbon onto the resin, and separating the resin loaded with contaminant from the water. In a preferred embodiment the process employs a magnetic ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material and an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid, that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. At least one screen cartridge is oriented in a generally angular downward direction in the bed and is in communication with an effluent chamber defined in part by the outer surface of the central pipe. A reject line extends from the washbox, and an effluent collector extends from the effluent chamber. A method of filtering and cleaning the filtration material is also disclosed.

Abstract: By regulating separation system's relative parameters, this broad and generalized separation process is disclosed to distinguish the fundament between this invention and chromatography for superior cost-effectiveness. A different mass transfer contacting method and differential set-up between two phases are applied on the disclosed apparatus to achieve purposed efficiency. This continuous separation process can be furnished as the integration of multiple partial fluidized beds or cells; operated under designated pressure level to instantaneous and simultaneous proceeding of determined mass-transfer phenomena. All zones within the process are simultaneously proceeded to isolate one product or multiple products from feed mixtures with other proceeding zones of feeding, impurity stripping, regeneration and washing. The differential mass transfer contact method is disclosed for efficient consumption of both solid phase and mobile phase.

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: 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: 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: To adsorb, on solid adsorbent particles, constituents dissolved in liquid, or to desorb (extract), from solid desorbent particles, soluble constituents in liquid, in a container a packed bed formed from granular material is mixed with adsorbent particles or desorbent particles smaller than 200 &mgr;m, said bed moves downwards by virtue of gravity, said liquid is passed upwards through the bed by means of a pressure differential, the said dissolved constituents being adsorbed on the solid adsorbent particles or the said soluble constituents being extracted from the desorbent particles.

Abstract: Method of filtering liquid using a vertical filter, which includes media, an airlift, a washbox, a reject box, a filtrate chamber, and an effluent box. The method of filtration and media cleaning is automatic. The filtered liquid is collected by multi-cartridge screens before entering a filtrate chamber. The filtrate flows from the filtrate chamber into an effluent weir box. The liquid level in the filter is controlled by an effluent weir in the effluent weir box. The reject line is below the water level in the filter, which provides the driving force for the reject flow. The reject rate is controlled by liquid level in the filter tank and a throttling valve on the reject discharge line. The washbox includes a filtration material shield, a filtration material/dirtied liquid separation zone, and a washbox skirt with a washbox isolator, which prevents the dirt in the washbox form entering the influent zone.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the recovery of gold and/or silver values from activated carbon, wherein they are adsorbed as cyanide complexes. The process uses an eluant containing sugar. The process allows the eluant to pass through fresh carbon twice, thereby reducing the volume of the gold-loaded eluant. This, in turn, reduces the size of the electrowinning or zinc precipitation circuits. The process also improves elution efficiency when barren electrowinning solution is recycled in the elution process.

Abstract: An improved water softening process is provided which also reduces anion content. A first stream of water is passed through an anion-exchange unit to remove undesirable anions and raise the pH. The first stream of water is then provided to reactor/clarifier water softening equipment, where it acts as a source of hydroxyl ions. Preferably a second stream of water which did not pass through an anion-exchange unit is also provided to the water softening equipment. The streams of water are combined and processed through the softening equipment, where hardness ions are precipitated out, yielding softened water with reduced anion content. The anion-exchange system utilized preferably has a counter-current continuous resin train and a counter-current continuous resin regeneration unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering a volatile acid charaterized by bringing a waste liquid containing the volatile acid into contact with an amine having a boiling point of at least 50.degree. C. to thereby cause the amine to tonically adsorb the acid from the waste liquid, and thereafter heating the amine to desorb the acid, and a process for treating waste water utilizing this process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing a continuous reaction with at least one liquid reaction phase incorporating at least one starting compound in the presence of at least one solid-phase catalyst, wherein the phases to be contacted are circulated through at least one pulsed reaction column (1). The liquid reaction phase is continuously fed into the middle or lower portion of the pulsed column (1), the liquid phase is circulated upwards through the pulsed column (1), and a counterflow made up of lumps (9) of a solid selective extraction compound is continuously circulated. Furthermore, each solid catalyst is continuously circulated through the pulsed column (1) in contact with the liquid phase.

Abstract: Magnetic particles which comprise a core of a magnetic material surrounded by a mixture of a fibrous material and a solid binding agent. The particles may be embedded in a polymer resin which incorporates sites, which are selective for particular ions, to form composite magnetic resin particles. The composite magnetic resin particles may be used for the removal of pollutant ions from an aqueous solution in which they are contained.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously separating ion exchange resin particles with upwardly flowing carrier fluid. The apparatus includes a first vertically oriented separation vessel and a first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the first separation vessel. A first rejuvenation tank is connected to the first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the first collection vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second vertically oriented separation vessel and a second collection vessel for receiving the first sub-fraction of the second fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the second separation vessel.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: It is possible to filter a suspension or emulsion in a filter bed of particulate filter medium by allowing the suspension to flow upwards through the filter bed simultaneously as the medium flows downwards through a filtering tank wherein filtration takes place. Filtration thus takes place during counterflow between suspension and filter medium. The supply of suspension takes place in the lower part of the filter bed and the filtered liquid phase is taken away from a zone above the filter bed. The polluted filter medium close to the bottom of the filter tank is taken out for conveyance to a washing apparatus above the filter bed and after washing is returned to the upper side of the filter bed. For providing a filter which has a considerably lower construction height for a given and unchanged volume of the filter medium, the washing apparatus is lowered so that its lower part is at a level below the upper surface of the filter bed.

Abstract: A multicomponent mixture is separated into its components by subjecting the multicomponent mixture to a separation means to flow therein, which means comprises a plurality of columns divided into at least three groups wherein each group of columns has the columns which are in the same number as that of the components in the multicomponent mixture and are filled with a adsorbent so that one column has an adsorbent specific to either one of the components; wherein the three groups are respectively assigned to fractionation in a fractionation zone, to purification in a purification zone and to desorption in a desorption zone; the groups of columns are switched from zone to zone; and the effluent from the columns used in the fractionation zone is sent to the columns in the purification zone which have once been used in the fractionation zone and the columns in the purification zone are then assigned, upon the switching, to desorption.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating a fluid comprising at least one chemical contaminant.

Abstract: The removal of arsenic, from aqueous liquids by adsorption on alumina, is facilitated by selecting the alumina adsorbent to have a particle size below about 200 micrometers, forming a slurry of the alumina and aqueous liquid and agitating the slurry. It has been found that alumina can be selected to have a particle size sufficiently small, or preferably a combination of both particle size sufficiently small and pore size and number sufficiently large, to achieve 50 ppb or less arsenic within about 2 hours treatment. The alumina with adsorbed arsenic is separated from the slurry by steps preferably comprising microfiltration. A precipitation pretreatment can be combined with the slurry treatment e.g. to handle more concentrated solutions.

Abstract: A continuous fluidized-bed contactor containing sorbent particles is used to remove solutes from liquid solvents. As the sorbent particles, for example gel beads, sorb the solute, for example metal ion species, the sorbent particles tend to decrease in diameter. These smaller loaded sorbent particles rise to the top of the contactor, as larger sorbent particles remain at the bottom of the contactor as a result of normal hydraulic forces. The smaller loaded sorbent particles are then recovered, regenerated, and reintroduced into the contactor. Alternatively, the loaded sorbent particles may also slightly increase in diameter, or exhibit no change in diameter but an increase in density. As a result of normal hydraulic forces the larger loaded sorbent particles fall to the bottom of the contactor. The larger loaded sorbent particles are then recovered, regenerated, and reintroduced into the contactor.

Abstract: BTEX and other hydracarbons are removed from oil field and refinery waste streams by countercurrent extraction techniques. The contaminated waste water is contacted with adsorbent particles, selected to adsorb BTEX and other hydrocarbons, circulating in counter current fashion to the waste water stream.

Abstract: The artificial moving bed of this invention includes a fluid distribution apparatus consisting of an upper fluid distributor and a lower fluid distributor, and a plurality of processing chambers held and fixed between the upper and lower fluid distributors. Each fluid distributor has a rotary valve held in a slidable condition between a fixed supply valve and a pipe fixing plate. These fluid distributors are formed with fluid passages therein. The processing chambers are divided into several groups, each assigned a specific process. Using this artificial moving bed, the processing chambers are operated simultaneously and when the process is finished in each group of processing chambers, the fluid distribution apparatus is rotated clockwise when viewed from above so that each group of chambers proceeds to the next process, thus allowing continuous adsorption operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously separating a multicomponent mixture containing at least 3 components and purifying each component in a high concentration, high purity and high recovery, wherein the apparatus comprises a column group comprising a fractionation zone, a purification zone and a desorption zone which are formed by combining at least 2 columns to form one subgroup and combining at least 3 zones; column connection tubings for in series connecting the columns in the fractionation zone; subgroup connection tubings for connecting corresponding columns of two subgroups positioned in the separation zone (in series) and the purification zone (in parallel); zone connection tubings for in parallel connecting each column of the fractionation zone and each column of the purification zone; purification/desorption medium-feeding tubings for feeding each purification/desorption medium to each column of the purification and desorption zones; a subject mixture-feeding means for feeding a multicomponent mi

Abstract: A method for purification of an amino acid which comprises contacting an amino acid solution containing impurities with an ion exchange resin to selectively adsorb the amino acid onto the resin, eluting and recovering the adsorbed amino acid whereby the resin is contacted with the amino acid solution in countercurrent continuous multiple steps during adsorption and an eluent is contacted with the adsorbed resin in countercurrent continuous multiple steps during elution.

Abstract: A process for the removal of thermally-stable contaminants from stack gas scrubbing amines using a continuous countercurrent ion exchange column. Amines contaminated after use in stack gas scrubbing are fed into the column containing an anion exchanger resin where the contaminants are sorbed on the resin. The amine is washed from the resin with hot water and is removed from the column. The resin is then pulsed to move the resin with the sorbed contaminants into a elution section of the column. The contaminants are removed using an eluant of sodium hydroxide solution, preferably containing chlorine to enhance elution of thiocyanate ion. A water wash removes traces of the hydroxide solution and any reaction products, and then the resin is again pulsed so as to be moved for reuse. The amines are regenerated with only the single type resin (preferably Type I) and with significantly reduced quantity of reagents.

Abstract: A water softening device is provided with a waste storage tank for receiving waste liquid, such as hard water used to draw out brine from a brine storage tank, as well as the used brine itself during a regeneration cycle. The tank outlet communicates with a sprinkler system, and when the sprinkler system is on, an injector valve sucks waste liquid from the waste tank to mix it in with the sprinkler system water and thereby further dilute the liquid. A method of processing the waste water accordingly includes collecting this waste liquid and preferably mixing it in with the sprinkler fluid. The brine waste and brine supply tanks in one embodiment are preferably formed as one unit with two separate compartments. The inlet pipe to the brine waste compartment has an overflow safety valve which senses, through a float mechanism, when the tank is substantially full. The valve has a normally closed port connected to a leach line or the like.

Abstract: A method for regenerating the exhausted anion and cation exchange resin in a mixed bed demineralizer which utilizes an interface tank to increase the volume of interface resin that is physically isolated to increase separation efficiencies. An anticipatory interface detection sample flow of cation resin is directed from an intermediate section of the separation vessel through a sample line into the interface tank simultaneously with the transfer of cation resin from the bottom of the separation vessel into a cation regeneration vessel. Upon detection of an interface by the entry of anion resin, or inert material if present, into the sample line, the transfer of cation resin into the cation regeneration tank is terminated. The remaining cation resin from the separation vessel is transferred into the interface tank until an interface is detected by the entry of anion resin, or inert material if present, into the cation transfer line.

Abstract: A relatively simple and more economical method for regenerating activated carbon wherein at least partially spent activated carbon is fed from a portable container directly to a heating zone without the use of liquid to transport the at least partially spent activated carbon to the heating zone. A portable container for use in the activated carbon regeneration method can be used to hold the activated carbon during adsorption processes, during storage of the activated carbon, and during transportation of the activated carbon between an adsorption site and a regeneration site. In the activated carbon regeneration method, the portable container is preferably positioned adjacent a conveyor so that the spent activated carbon can be delivered directly to the conveyor with an auger. The spent activated carbon is then fed directly to the heating zone with the conveyor.

Abstract: A method is provided for regenerating a mass of active resin contained in a water softening device connected in the water filling circuit of a washing machine. The water softener device has an internal volume which is equal to the sum of the volume of the mass of resin plus a free volume, and is selectively supplied with both fresh water and brine through respective valves controlled by a program control device. The water softening device is supplied with a volume of brine during a first period of time, and is subsequently supplied with a complementary volume of water during a second period of time. The sum of the volume of brine, which is selected according to the hardness of the supply water, and the complementary volume of water is equal to the free volume of the water softening device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for concentrating a selected component from a multi-component liquid using a sorbent bed having a preferential sorption rate for the selected component. The sorbent bed is enclosed in a single vessel and is operated in a simulated moving bed technique whereby the flow profile of the liquid is continually moved downwardly through the sorbent bed. Recirculation is continuous but variable and is accompanied by the injection of eluent and feedstock and the removal of extract and raffinate at preselected times, locations, and amounts as a function of the kinetics and voidage of the sorbent bed. Extract purity and operational efficiency of the sorbent bed are the result of this novel apparatus and process.

Abstract: Particles of an ion exchange resin are brought into contact with water in a water circulation system in a power plant for capturing corrosion products and other impurities and are removed after reaction with the corrosion products and the other impurities from the water circulation system, the water circulation system including a reactor vessel or a steam generator connected thereto for generation of steam, a steam turbine driven by the steam, a condenser for condensing the steam from the steam turbine and a condensate cleaning filter for cleaning condensate formed in the condenser, as well as one or more pumps for effecting the water circulation and returning cleaned condensate to the reactor vessel or the steam generator.

Abstract: Sorbable ions are removed from aqueous compositions by the use of an apparatus and method which permits the aqueous composition to flow in an uninterrupted or continuous manner. Included is a resin cycling contactor assembly which continuously accepts the flow of aqueous composition and which turbulently contacts it in a generally co-current elongated contactor path during which ions are removed from the aqueous composition and sorbed to the resin. The resin cycles within the resin cycling contactor assembly until a selected degree of resin contamination is achieved, at which time a predetermined portion of the resin is removed from the resin cycling contactor assembly and replaced by regenerated resin. The resin is regenerated within a regenerator assembly which accomplishes regeneration by counter-current flow of liquids through a packed resin bed.

Abstract: A method for removal of at least one contaminant from a liquid is described, wherein a first step in liquid is introduced into a first of a plurality of liquid treatment containers and brought into contact in a liquid-medium suspension with a first quantity of a solid contaminant recovery medium for removing the contaminant for a period of time sufficient to achieve a desired efficiency of recovery of the contaminant. The liquid is then cycled from the first liquid treatment container sequentially through each of the plurality of liquid treatment containers to a final liquid treatment container while contacting the liquid in each of the liquid treatment containers with additional quantities of the medium in liquid-medium suspension for periods of time sufficient to achieve the desired efficiency of recovery in each of the liquid treatment containers.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of free, neutral .alpha.-amino acids are recovered from aqueous solutions of their alkali-metal salts. Two equally large rectifying columns filled with a strongly acidic cation exchanger in the H.sup.+ form are used, the discharge of the first column being connected to the head of the second column. The solution of the alkali-metal salt is at first delivered to the head of the first column, then the residual solution, reduced by the alkali-metal cations adsorbed in the exchanger, is displaced to the second column by means of the addition of water. A product-free forerun is first separated at the discharge of the second column and, when free .alpha.-amino acid begins to exit in the flow-off from the second column, the receiver is changed and the delivery of water to the head of the first column continues further until a mixed pH between 5 and 7 has been achieved in the receiver.

Abstract: A liquid/solid contacting column and method of operating same is provided. The column is of the type in which a vertical series of stages is defined by vertically spaced perforated plates or trays which allow for forward flow up the column during which solid adsorbent in a fluidized state is contacted by liquid flowing up the column, and flow of solid adsorbent and liquid down the column during a reverse flow part of the operating cycle. The column is provided with outlet means in the form of one or more ports or ducts for a stream of liquid and solid adsorbent from the space above the lowermost plate or tray and wherein such outlet means is located at a predetermined height above said lowermost plate or tray.

Abstract: A method of separating chemical components in a simulated-moving-bed type continuous separator comprising a series of plural packed beds filled with adsorbent for selectively adsorbing a specific component in a crude solution, in which the packed beds are divided into three zones, and the functions assigned to the respective packed beds are successively shifted to the downstream side of the flow by the quantity of one bed by means of switching means such as a channel switching control valve comprising a stationary disc and a rotary disc rotatable thereon, thereby extracting a product solution containing a high percentage of the specific component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing a solute from a solution. The process comprises maintaining the solution at reflux conditions to produce a vapor which evolves from the reaction solution. At least a portion of the vapor is removed from the zone and is contacted, outside of the reaction zone, with a solid removal agent which is specific for capturing to itself that portion of the vapor which was the solute to be removed and originally present in the reaction solution. After such capture, the remaining vapor is condensed and returned to the reaction zone. In another embodiment, the solute is removed from the solution by first maintaining the solution at reflux conditions in a zone to produce a vapor which evolves from the solution. At least a portion of that vapor is removed from the zone and condensed. The resultant condensate is contacted, outside of the reaction zone, with a solid removal agent which is specific for capturing unto itself the solute from the condensate.

Abstract: By this method, the fluid to be filtered is led through a filter bed formed of particulate filter particles, such as sand, which filter bed is retained in an upstanding annular space. The fluid is introduced to the interior part 15 of the annular space and is led transversely to the movement the filter bed, through it and away. The filter bed is provided on the inner wall of annular space with a microfilter, such as sieve grid 16, with a mesh size of 10 to 200 microns, whereby the heavy and flocculated dirt particles settling upon the microfilter are led down and away and are drawn off together with the particulate filter particles 32. To avoid stoppages of the microfilter, it is flowingly hydraulically cleaned from the inner space. Additionally, by introduction of water in the take-off space 11 there is produced a vortex bed, whereby at this space the withdrawal of the particulate filter medium is effected with a mammoth pump 17 known per se.

Abstract: A continuous contacting device is disclosed wherein a fluid stream may be contacted with particulate exchange materials. The device includes a plurality of rotating chambers filled with particulate material. Fluid is supplied individually to these chambers through a plurality feed ports which are in periodic fluid communicating relation with each of the chambers. A plurality of fixed discharge ports which are likewise in periodic fluid communicating relation with each of the chambers is also provided. A process for continuously contacting fluids with the solid particulates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous and valveless sorber device is described which utilizes a novel rotating sorption bed which operates through at least three zones (sorption, desorption and cooling). The rotating sorption bed is contained within a plurality of manifolds and the sorption bed and the manifolds are sealed to one another via sealing means. Contaminated fluid is directed through the sorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the contaminants are removed by sorbents. The bulk of the fluid which is then cleaned is available for use. A portion of the clean fluid (regeneration fluid) is used to cool the sorbent in the cooling zone of the rotating sorption bed. The warmed regeneration fluid is then heated by a regeneration heater and is subsequently directed into the desorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the hot clean regeneration fluid is used to desorb and carry away the contaminants from the sorbent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sorptive contactor and more particularly to the process for separating, reacting or adding components of a fluid mixture. The process involves providing at least one sorption zone and at least one desorption zone. The adjacent ends of the sorption and desorption zones have aligned apertures through which strands of sorbent material may be passed. The space between the sorption and desorption zones is enclosed in an air lock. The separated strands will pass directly from the sorption zone to the desorption zone through the air lock, passing through the apertures without touching either housing. The surface tension of the liquid in the apertures and the slight overpressure in the air lock maintains the liquid in the sorption and desorption zones. The strands are maintained separate from one another throughout an endless loop so as to reduce the amount of friction on the strands.

Abstract: A continuous industrial separation process for biopolymer extracts each individual single component from a stream of cell extract. The process can be set up as a mixed flow reactor or fluidized bed in a continuous operation under normal pressure to treat a volume of cell extract in a short period of time. The separated single biopolymer is continuously withdrawn from the process and be easily condensed into the desired concentration. A resin, which can be an ion exchanger or affinity adsorbent or dye ligand adsorbent or hydrophobic adsorbent or immunoadsorbent, is evenly suspended in a well mixed reactor to equilibrate with the biopolymers in the liquid phase. The fundamental separation scheme is successive adsorption and desorption of biopolymer from liquid. Biopolymers are isolated into a single stream or multistreams for one component or many individual components. Each stream contains only one high purity biopolymer.

Abstract: A continuous process for contacting components of a fluid mixture is described wherein at least one sorption zone is formed in a first separator. A sorbent material, which is in a continuous solid form, is passed through the sorption zone and then passed outwardly from the sorption zone. In the preferred process, a plurality of sorption zones are provided in the separator and a plurality of endless belts of sorbent material are passed through the sorption zones. The sorbent material is preferably a reversibly swellable material which swells as a result of contact with fluid in either the sorption or desorption zones and from which the nonsorbed fluid can be expressed during passage through the compression seal at the zone boundary.

Abstract: A continuous process for separating charged components of a fluid mixture is disclosed which comprises forming a sorption zone and a desorption zone, said sorption and desorption zones being separated by a boundary of a sorbent material which continuously moves back and forth between the sorption and desorption zones, causing a fluid mixture to flow into the sorption zone wherein an electrical potential is imposed to promote sorption of one of the charged components of the mixture by the sorbent material, and imposing an electrical potential in the desorption zone such that the sorbed component will be desorbed when the sorbent material containing the sorbed component moves into the desorption zone. This sorption separation process may be used in a network (including a linear series) of sorption/desorption units for separation of multiple components of fluid mixture or for more complete separation of one component of a fluid mixture.