Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antiscale dispersant compositions. The compositions may include various components. The compositions may be used in connection with gray and/or black water processing in a coal gasification system. The compositions are useful for inhibiting the deposition of various materials, such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, iron, aluminum, silicate, calcium sulfate, and any suspended solids in the water.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a granular filter media for removing contaminants from water or other liquids. The media comprise granular materials comprising aggregate and remediation materials. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods of making and using the granular filter media of the invention.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 10 includes processing units 16 each configured to process a wafer W; tanks 102 and 202 each configured to store a processing liquid; processing liquid supply units 103 and 203 each configured to supply the processing liquid into the processing unit 16; drain units 110 and 210 each configured to drain the processing liquid; supplement units 112 and 212 each configured to supplement the tanks 102 and 202 with the processing liquids; and a control unit 18. The control unit 18 is configured to perform a process job by controlling the processing liquid supply units 103 and 203 and the processing unit 16 and perform, when predetermined liquid exchange conditions are met during the performing of the process job, a liquid exchange processing in parallel with the process job by controlling the drain units 110 and 210 and the supplement units 112 and 212.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing calcite deposits by contacting polysuccinimide with water to dissolve the polysuccinimide and supplying the dissolved polysuccinimide to surfaces fouled with the calcite deposits. The pH of the water that dissolves the polysuccinimide can be adjusted based on the amount of calcium in the water. Adjusting the pH will affect the dissolution rate of the polysuccinimide in water and the rate of removal of the calcite deposits.

Abstract: A ground injection agent concentration estimation method including a injecting an injection liquid to which an injection agent and a marker exhibiting similar behavior in subsurface ground to that of the injection agent have been added, into the subsurface ground through a water injection well; measuring a concentration of the marker at a location spaced apart from the water injection well, and estimating a concentration of the injection agent in the groundwater from the concentration of the marker.

Abstract: A system method of geothermal energy recovery includes injecting carbon dioxide into a geothermal reservoir through an injection well, extracting a working fluid including previously injected carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons entrained in a flow of the carbon dioxide within the reservoir from an extraction well, separating components of the heated working fluid based on chemical composition, selectively mixing the separated components according to the current conditions of the extracted working fluid to produce an output modified working fluid that having a chemical composition that is optimized for energy recovery efficiency, and expanding the modified working fluid to generate mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: Aqueous acid mine drainage is aerated and treated with slaked lime to reduce ferrous iron as a sludge. Further treatment with an alkaline sodium borohydride solution reduces residual iron and manganese which precipitates out and is removed.

Abstract: A method for treating a domestic supply water circuit, that comprises injecting a treatment product comprising silicates into the water flowing in said circuit in order to form a film on the inner surfaces of said circuit, characterised in that the injection of the treatment product comprises at least one step of injecting silicates at a concentration of between 100 and 200,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L) into the water flowing in said circuit for a period of between 10 minutes (min) and 24 hours (h), the flow rate of water flowing in the circuit being controlled within a range of between 0.05 and 100 litres per minute (L/min) and the temperature of water flowing in the circuit being controlled within a range of between 40 and 65° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods of manufacture, and methods for reducing metal corrosion during alkaline cleaning. In particular, the method employs a hydroxyphosphono carboxylic acid in alkaline cleaning of hard surfaces.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet device includes: a washing unit washing a surface of a bowl in a toilet bowl; a water supplying unit supplying washing water to the washing unit; a silicic acid polymerization inhibiting unit adding inhibitor for silicic acid polymerization to the washing water left on the surface of the bowl after the washing of the bowl, the inhibitor inhibiting polymerization of silicic acid component in the washing water left on the surface of the bowl; and a control portion executing a control starting an operation of the silicic acid polymerization inhibiting unit before the surface of the bowl is evaporated.

Abstract: An underwater low temperature plasma generating device includes a first electrode of a tubular type, a second electrode that is arranged inside the first electrode to generate bubbles in water introduced into the first electrode, an insulator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and a power supply. The plasma generating device generates low temperature plasma by generating an electric field underwater. The plasma generating device can be used to sterilize contaminated water with low temperature plasma that is generated underwater.

Abstract: Provided is a (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer containing, as structural units, a structural unit derived from a sulfonic acid (salt) group-containing monomer and a structural unit derived from (meth)acrylic acid (salt), the copolymer being capable of expressing an excellent effect on the dispersion of hydrophobic particles. Also provided is a method of producing such (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer. A (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer of the present invention contains: 1 mass % to 20 mass % of a structural unit (a) derived from an ether bond-containing hydrophobic monomer (A) represented by a specific structure; 1 mass % to 50 mass % of a structural unit (b) derived from a sulfonic acid (salt) group-containing monomer (B) represented by a specific structure; and 30 mass % to 98 mass % of a structural unit (c) derived from (meth)acrylic acid (salt) (C).

Abstract: This invention concerns a biopolymer consisting of a polysaccharide composed of galactose (50-90%), glucose (1-25%), mannose (1-25%) and rhamnose (0.5-20%), which may additionally contain, in trace amounts, xylose, fucose, ribose, arabinose and/or fructose. The galactose-rich polymer also contains non-saccharide components, namely, acyl groups. This invention also concerns a process for the production of the galactose-rich polymer, by microbial fermentation using glycerol or glycerol-rich substrates as carbon source, and recovery of the polymer from the culture broth. From the process for the production of the galactose-rich polymer results the co-production of intracellular biopolymers, namely, polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrofit hydrolization of seawater for production of halogen biocides in situ. A method for effecting an in situ generation of biocide as an aid in anti-biofouling of a device disposed in a volume of salt water includes a) associating a cathode electrode to the device; b) associating an anode electrode to the device with the anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode electrode; and c) hydrolyzing one or more components in the volume of salt water to generate a halogen biocide at the anode electrode with the biocide flowing from the anode electrode away from the cathode electrode as a biocide film, the film responsive to a physical arrangement of the associations of the electrodes with the device.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or reducing the formation of scale in a wet-process phosphoric acid production process by intermixing a water-soluble functional organic reagent with a phosphoric acid at one or more step of the phosphoric acid production process in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce at least one species of scale are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus has a stirred tank with a stirrer movable upwards and downwards. Oil-containing grinding sludge is introduced into the stirred tank by a supply conduit. Separating agent is introduced into the stirred tank for separating the grinding oil from the grinding sludge. The sludge is discharged into a receiving tank via a discharge conduit. In the stirred tank, a movable annular plate is guided to form a seal on a stirrer guide tube and/or on the inner face of the wall of the tank. The plate has a passage for discharging the grinding oil. A discharge conduit for the de-oiled grinding sludge is at the lowest point of the tank. The stirrer achieves a homogeneous mixture of separating agent and grinding sludge, so that the grinding oil can be separated from grinding particles of the sludge. The grinding oil can then float and be removed.

Abstract: A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water containing at least a silica component and a calcium component, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The scale suppression apparatus includes a chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit injecting liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent into a pipe arrangement through which influent water such as geothermal water or the like flows, and a controller controlling a pump and a valve of the chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit. The controller controls the injection of the chelating agent and the alkaline agent and stops of the injection based on the signal output from a scale detection unit for detecting a precipitation state of the scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to activated solutions comprising one or more of hypochlorous acid, bicarbonate ions, and phosphate ions for use in water treatment, in particular water purification and descaling, and processes for making the same.

Abstract: Method for enantioseparation of a chiral system with compound formation comprising a pair of enantiomers. The method comprises the steps of: placing the chiral system to be processed, which is optically enriched by a target enantiomer, in the 3-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems to achieve the establishment of the solid/liquid phase equilibria; phase-separating the liquid and solid phase formed by the placing step; shifting the eutectic composition of the remaining liquid towards a lower eutectic composition (xE) until the overall composition is located in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems; and performing crystallization in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram for obtaining the target enantiomer in the solid phase. In some cases the shifting step can be skipped.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting scale formation and deposition from a feed stream passing through a membrane system is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) controlling the pH of said feed stream within the range between about 7.0 and about 8.2; (b) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 5° C. to about 40° C. when the membrane system is an RO system, a NF system, an ED system, an EDI system or a combination thereof; (c) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 40° C. and about 80° C. when the membrane system is an MD system; and (d) adding an effective amount of a scale inhibitor to said feed stream, said scale inhibitor comprises an AA-AMPS copolymer.

Abstract: A fluid supply system (150) configured for supplying fluids, the fluid supply system (150) comprising a fluid packet supply unit (180) configured for controlling supply of a sequence (250) of fluid packets (222 to 230), the fluid packets (222 to 230) comprising a packet of first fluid (223) and a packet of second fluid (225), wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are media being prone to a phase separation upon direct interaction between the packet of first fluid (223) and the packet of second fluid (225), and a phase separation inhibiting unit (190) configured for inhibiting phase separation by inserting an intermediate fluid packet (224) between the packet of first fluid (223) and the packet of second fluid (225) to 230 to 230

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatuses for preventing the formation of scale in heap leach process solution distribution systems comprised of piping, spray nozzels, or emitter tubes. Solution distribution system components often become fouled by scale because of local hot spots more prone to form scale than other locations along the systems length. Positioning sensors that detect periods of high temperature stress and adjusting scale control reagent dosage to send the right amount to inhibit hot spot deposition allows for the control of scale without using wasteful excessive amounts of scale control reagents. This can vastly improve scale control performance under high temperature stress conditions while minimizing scale control reagent waste under less severe stress conditions to reduce the total operating cost of running heap leach mining operations which depend upon well-functioning solution distribution systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing geothermal power using geothermal brines while producing a reduced silica and iron brine having improved injectivity. The resulting compositions include a composition with reduced silica, iron, and lithium having reduced quantity of total suspended solids.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to generating steam from water that contains dissolved organic compounds. The methods mix a polymerization inhibitor with the water prior to feeding the water into a steam generator. The polymerization inhibitor limits coupling of the dissolved organics under boiler conditions to mitigate fouling issues within the boiler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for obtaining a cellular fraction enriched with defined cells effective in promoting a defined cellular response from an in vivo cellular sample comprising: a collection tube for collecting a cell suspension (1), an anticoagulant portion (4), a portion of separation gel (3), a first collection syringe for collecting a cell depleted fluid (10), a second collection syringe for collecting the enriched cellular portion (11) and at least one needle (1O) for attaching to each syringe. The system is closable to the atmosphere, further wherein the cell suspension collection tube contains the gel (3) and the anticoagulant (4), the tube is adapted such that, when containing cell suspension and centrifuged after treatment yields separation fractions, a first fraction comprising cellular fluid (6), a second fraction comprises gel layer (3), a third fraction comprises enriched cellular portion (7) on top of the gel layer and a fourth fraction comprises a cell poor portion (8).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for detecting contamination of boiler condensate and/or boiler feedwater in a papermaking process. The method includes measuring an oxidation-reduction potential at one or more locations in the boiler condensate and/or the boiler feedwater of the papermaking process with one or more corrosion stress monitoring devices. A controller is operable to assess whether the measured or a calculated oxidation-reduction potential is within an optimum range. The controller is operable to cause transmission of a signal to direct feeding an effective amount of one or more reductants and/or one or more pH-controlling chemicals into the boiler feedwater and/or one or more a satellite feed locations of the papermaking process.

Abstract: Disclosed are zero liquid discharge (ZLD) processes that utilize naturally occurring or supplemental silicate in the water supply for removing magnesium and calcium hardness from aqueous alkaline streams in the form of a silica gel, thereby allowing separation of a low hardness supernant for recycling.

Abstract: Platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrate is prepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterile processing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable is subjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and the resulting platelet rich plasma supernatant is decanted to the second chamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a second centrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of the platelet poor plasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the platelets are re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may contain anticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.

Abstract: A formula and method for reducing water hardness includes the combination of a sulfate donor, salt of phosphoric acid, and salt of sulfamic acid. Preferred formulas include effective amounts of sodium bisulfate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sulfamic acid. In a swimming pool, preferred formulas are effective in reducing calcium to under 200 ppm within a two day period. In addition, preferred formulas provide ongoing effectiveness in suppressing scaling, staining and cloudy water.

Abstract: Methods for dispersing foulants are disclosed herein. Various effective dispersant compositions are also disclosed. The dispersant composition can include a silt dispersant and a hydrocarbon dispersant. Generally, the silt dispersant can be a homopolymer or a copolymer of one or more monomers, and the monomers can be one or more of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ?-halo acrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, vinyl acetic acid, allyl acetic acid, fumaric acid, ?-carboxylic acrylate, and their salts. The silt dispersant can also be a terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and sulfonated acrylamide. The hydrocarbon dispersant can be a non-ionic surfactant or a nonylphenol or a nonylphenol ethoxylate, such as a high EO 9 Nonyl phenol resin. Also disclosed are methods for preventing or reducing fouling in equipment that contacts water used during a hydrocarbon production process.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic bacterium is provided, which has a 16S rDNA sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1. The thermophilic bacterium excretes extracellular proteins having excellent metal-ion binding ability, being useful in the treatment of boiler equipment, pipelines, geothermal wells or industrial wastewater or hard water.

Abstract: An integrated process for removing sulfate from water sources, such as pretreated acid mine drainage (AMD). The multivalent cation (MVC) content of a sulfate stream is reduced by strong acid cation (SAC) ion exchange and sulfate is concentrated with a membrane system and separated as precipitate and overflow. Precipitation results from reaction of sulfate with MVC produced by regeneration of SAC with sodium chloride. The overflow is reacted with carbonate to precipitate MVC, generate sodium chloride and give a further overflow stream. This latter stream is concentrated to a level capable of being a regenerant for the SAC and when needed, used to regenerate the SAC and produce MVC for sulfate precipitation. The process minimizes the use of chemicals by treating, reconcentrating and recycling input species. Capital expenditures are minimized by precipitation of only side streams.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A method of containing a spill in an aqueous environment, comprises the steps of: placing a polymeric pipe under the surface level of the aqueous environment in the vicinity of a site of potential spillage; and raising the pipe from under the surface level to a containment level; wherein the pipe forms, when raised, at least a partial boundary around the spill for containing the spill.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: A scale inhibition method for injecting an alkaline agent and a chelating agent into a fluid containing at least silica and calcium ions, and inhibiting generation of scale, includes feeding the chelating agent and the alkaline agent into piping channeling the fluid, mixing the fluid while causing the fluid to flow in a chemical-mixing part provided in the piping, and when either a pressure difference between the pressures or a flow rate difference between the rates of fluid flow at an inlet and an outlet of the chemical-mixing part exceeds a preset upper threshold, increasing the amount of the chelating agent fed, and feeding the chelating agent at an increased feed amount until the pressure difference or flow rate difference falls below a preset lower threshold.

Abstract: The scale inhibitors in a variety of aqueous systems, or a part or sample thereof, also including one or more dissolved interfering ions, are separated therefrom and analyzed, such scale inhibitors comprising a polymer containing at least one anionic functional group, e.g., a strong acid functional group or a phosphonate or phosphate ester, and such analysis including treating these aqueous systems with a cationic substrate or a free cation.

Abstract: A system and method for removing gas from a gas producing subterranean formation and removing contaminants from the produced water is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of gas and water gathered from a gas producing well. Thereafter the method entails separating the gas from the mixture to produce a gas product and the produced water which includes organics, suspended solids and dissolved solids including silica. Thereafter, suspended solids are removed from the produced water. After removing some of the suspended solids, the produced water is directed to a micro porous polymer extraction (MPPE) unit. In the MPPE unit aromatic organic compounds are removed from the produced water. Thereafter the produced water is treated in a membrane bioreactor to remove additional organics. Thereafter the produced water is directed to at least one RO unit that produces a high dissolved solids containing reject stream and a low dissolved solids permeate stream.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for separating a supernate from a suspension. The apparatus consists of a sample zone, a controllable gate, and an analysis zone. The sample zone holds the suspension. The analysis zone passively transports a supernate formed from the suspension by capillary transport. A controllable gate prevents the suspension in the transport zone from flowing into the analysis zone. The controllable gate can be triggered after the supernate has separated from the suspension to allow the supernate to flow into the analysis zone.

Abstract: Water soluble or water dispersible terpolymers are employed in high pressure steam generating systems to control deposit formation and contaminant transport in the aqueous medium in such systems. The terpolymer may comprise repeat units formed from acrylic acid, allylalkoxylated ethers, and allylhydroxylated alkyl ether.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid using waste heat is provided. Initially, a liquid is mixed with an anti-sealant agent in a first filtering unit to form a liquid mixture. Thereafter, the liquid mixture is filtered in the first filtering unit to separate foreign objects from the liquid mixture. Subsequently, the liquid mixture is heated in a pipe arrangement connecting the first filtering unit and one or more second filtering units to generate steam. The steam obtained from the heated liquid mixture is then purified in the one or more second filtering units. Thereafter, the purified steam is condensed in the pipe arrangement to obtain the purified liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes pressurizing and optionally filtering ambient air, processing the pressurized ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source operated to generate an output flow mixture of pressurized air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas, mixing the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture to realize a flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and outputting the flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture as the treated water process product. The process includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas in the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2?), Peroxide (—O2—), Hydro peroxide (HO2?), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH.), Ozone (O3?) and Molecular Oxygen (O2).

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for reducing anticoagulant dilution of collected blood components during blood collection.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting scale including inorganic cations, and an economically operable geothermal power generating device which can inhibit deposition of scale. The geothermal power generating device includes: an inorganic cation concentration measuring device for measuring the concentration of bivalent or more inorganic cations in geothermal water collected from a production well; a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of the geothermal water collected from the production well; a heat removal unit for lowering the temperature of the geothermal water; a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the geothermal water after removing heat; a pH measuring device for measuring the pH of the geothermal water after removing heat; a calculation processing unit for calculating the additive amount of a scale inhibitor; and a control unit for adding the scale inhibitor to the geothermal water by the amount calculated by the calculation processing unit.

Abstract: An aeration device includes a foam suppression system. The aeration device raises the level of oxygen and air in a body of substantially liquid fluid, such as an aerating-oxidizing pond, lagoon, basin, or reservoir. The aeration system is buoyant and floats on top of the body of fluid. The foam suppression system includes a submersible grinder pump coupled to a sprinkler head by a fluid conduction system. The submersible grinder pump draws in a fluid from beneath a surface of a body of fluid and pumps it through the fluid conduction system and out of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head sprays the fluid drawn from beneath the fluid surface far outward onto an area surrounding the aeration device with surface foam. The falling water or fluid sprayed from the sprinkler head quashes the surface foam. The sprinkler head is disposed in a location on the aeration device suitable to suppress the surface foam.

Abstract: An oil spill treatment composition including one or more surfactants formulated to reduce the thickness of oil floating the surface of a body of water, a method for use, and method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are oil spill treatment compositions comprising one or more chemical dispersants and one or more crude or refined oils having the same or similar composition as the oil spill to be treated. Methods for use thereof and methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating whole blood includes an access device for drawing whole blood from a source, a blood component separation device, a draw line, a draw pump, and a controller. The blood component separation device separates the drawn whole blood into a first blood component and a second blood component. The draw line fluidly connects the access device and the blood component separation device, and the draw pump draws whole blood from the source through the access device and draw line and into the blood component separation device. The controller controls fluid flow through the apparatus and operation of the draw pump. The controller also monitors the total volume of whole blood drawn from the source and the total volume of first blood component collected. The controller stops the draw pump when the first of a target whole blood volume is withdrawn or a target volume of first blood component is collected.

Abstract: Containers for controlled release of an additive composition into a liquid composition include a liquid impermeable casing having a hollow interior, at least one first opening, at least one second opening and at least one third opening, a liquid valve operable to allow a liquid composition to pass into the hollow interior across the liquid valve, an air valve operable to allow air to pass out of the hollow interior across the air valve and a membrane component secured to the casing. Methods of releasing additive compositions into liquid compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A medical waste pretreatment and/or conditioner composition comprising a lipid agglomeration inhibitor and a surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 1 to less than about 5, wherein a weight ratio of agglomeration inhibitor to surfactant on 100 wt. % active ingredient basis ranges from about 0.015:1 to about 3:1.