Abstract: Almost complete elimination of metal ions in aqueous effluents can be effected by treating said effluent with a base and then adding amorphous, hydrated magnesium silicate. This sequential process allows metal ion concentration to be reduced to less than 0.1 part per million while using a fairly small amount of amorphous hydrated magnesium silicate.

Abstract: Solids-liquid separation, wherein a solids-liquid mixture containing dissolved oxygen-containing gas is circulated around a circulatory system comprising a downcomer and a riser, part of the mixture in the riser being introduced into a flotation chamber in which the hydrostatic pressure gradually decreases as the mixture flows upwards, with consequent release from solution of gas bubbles which carry solid particles to the top of the mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating in particular polluting materials such as hydrocarbons. Said materials are processed with at least one basic product such as hydraulic, natural organic or synthetic binder and in particular the calcium sulphate semi-hydrates showing qualities required for a quick setting, hardening, sequestration and retention. More particularly, the basic products used are calcium sulphate semi-hydrates in the form ALPHA. Said basic products may be also used for the processing of residual sludges or waste waters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fractionating a liquid sample is disclosed. The liquid sample is generally blood plasma or blood serum from which it is desired to selectively remove low density lipoproteins while leaving behind high density lipoproteins. The apparatus comprises a chamber having a plurality of inert beads or particles in an upper portion thereof. The chamber is preferably defined by a disposable column. A dry reagent aliquot suitable for reacting with the liquid sample is coated upon the beads or particles. An upper filter is disposed in the chamber below the beads to retain the liquid sample during reaction. After reaction, the liquid sample is expressed through the upper filter and flows into a lower portion of the chamber. The lower portion includes a lower filter which separates low density lipoprotein containing flocculent from high density lipoprotein containing supernatant.

Abstract: A method for increasing the sedimentation of mineral particles in feed liquids containing the same, particularly coal-derived liquids, by the use of an anti-solvent gas pressure technique. The mixture is held under a pressurized carbon dioxide atmosphere which causes an increase in the initial settling rate for sedimentation of the mineral particles from such liquids so that they may be used as fuels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for maintaining steady state conditions in a separator. Steady state is maintained by controlling mass flow rates of influent to, and underflow from the separator. Specifically, an influent specific gravity and flow rate signals are monitored by an influent mass flow controller. That controller responds to variation in these signals to maintain a constant mass feed rate into the separator. A mass flow signal, comprising a composite of influent specific gravity and influent mass flow signals, is produced. That signal is fed to a thickener controller which also monitors mass flow of the underflow. The thickener controller adjusts the mass flow rate of the underflow in response to the influent mass flow signal. However, fluctuation of an interface level between clear and unclear areas of the thickener can effect flow rate adjustment.

Abstract: Solid and/or dissolved contaminants are separated from a polar liquid such as water by providing in the contaminated liquid medium a galvanically charged particulate dispersion of defined size, concentration, density and free surface energy, and then flowing such loaded medium through successive treatment zones of an electrically insulated apparatus at a rate defined by dimensionless parameters such as Reynolds Numbers so as to prevent phase separation. Gaseous oxygen adheres to particle surfaces and oxidation is further promoted by bringing medium to pH 2.0 to 2.5 as with sulfur dioxide gas, plus exposure to action of heavy-metal ions such as ferrous/ferric. After air blowing, medium is neutralized and brought to pH 10-11 with continuous aeration of suspended flocculant, then treated with soda ash and optionally additional particulate (recycled sludge), and the contaminant matter then allowed to precipitate with concurrant galvanic grounding of the medium.

Abstract: Oil slicks on surface waters are dispersed by the exposure of the surface oils to ultrasonic energy to effectuate an homogenization of the oil and water to permit absorbtion of the oil within the total volume of water.