Abstract: A method is disclosed for decolorizing a water body particularly for clarifying the water and removing algae stains in a swimming pool, by establishing in the water body EDTA compound and ammonium ions by the addition of appropriate compounds, and a composition for decolorizing such a water body containing EDTA compound and ammonium salt.

Abstract: A swimming pool is treated by a mixture of sodium carbonate and cyanuric acid or sodium carbonate alone added in the form of a compacted tablet. The tablet is placed in a leaf skimmer or in a bypass cartridge connected to a swimming pool recirculation pump parallel to a pool filter. The tablet is formed by depositing a mixture of sodium carbonate and water in a vessel and by applying pressure to the mixture.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are recovered from acid sludge by mixing the sludge with methyl ethyl ketone and base. A hydrocarbon-rich methyl ethyl ketone stream and a solids-containing stream are separated from the mixture, and a hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon-rich methyl ethyl ketone stream.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the treatment of confined bodies of water such as a swimming pool to remove scale deposits from the surfaces of the vessel containing the water. The water is acidified with a mixture of hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid and sodium bisulfate to eliminate its total alkalinity, as determined by a standard neutralization test. The water is continuously or repeatedly monitored for total alkalinity following the initial addition of acid, to insure that sufficient acid has been added. The acidified water has a tendency to gain total alkalinity as the scale deposits are removed during the treatment, and monitoring detects this change, permitting correction by addition of acid. After the treatment with the acid, which can last from several hours to several days, any excess treatment acid is neutralized by the addition of a neutralizing agent which is preferably magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: During the oxidation or photooxidation of contaminants in wastewater, a gaseous oxidizing agent is introduced into a wastewater steam. The mixed stream is passed through a liquid ring compressor prior to its entry into an ultraviolet light reactor. In an alternate embodiment, the oxidizing agent and the wastewater are each introduced into the liquid ring compressor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of hypochlorite groups from aqueous effluent solutions, so as to permit the disposal of the effluent by deep well injection. More particularly this invention relates to the catalytic decomposition of such hypochlorite groups from scrubbing water effluent used to remove chlorine from a gaseous effluent, wherein a solid catalyst is dissolved, recycled and reprecipitated in situ.

Abstract: For the treatment of a wastewater containing sour gases with a stripping gas, resultant stripping gas containing the sour gases is introduced into at least one combustion stage within the total process for recovery of the sulfur-containing components, the wastewater being stripped with at least a portion of the amount of O.sub.2 -containing gas required in the subsequent combustion stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing activated mineral water. Material water is pressurized by a pump and passed through a plurality of columns connected in series and filled with inorganic substances, so that the pressurized water is brought into contact with the inorganic substances while passing through the pipes. The water discharged from the pipes is aerated. The abovementioned cycle may be repeated a plurality of times.

Abstract: A method for rapid and efficient cleaning of an internal combustion engine cooling system includes forcing the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, driving the coolant liquid from the cooling system to the exterior of that system, treating the coolant liquid in a zone or zones outside the cooling system, such treating including effecting preciptation of anions and cations, in the coolant liquid to product contaminant particulate and removing contaminant particulate from the coolant liquid, and returning the treated coolant liquid to the cooling system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants in waters used for industrial cleaning. The method and apparatus begins with water which has been purified to level of approximately 18 megaohms resistivity with total inorganic dissolved solids to 1 part per trillion and total organic dissolved carbon contaminants in the range of approximately 100 parts per billion, and purifies it to a level of approximately 18 megaohms resistivity with total inorganic dissolved solids to 1 part per trillion and total organic dissolved carbon contaminants in the range of approximately 10 parts per billion. The method and apparatus includes means for inducing cavitation in the water and irradiating the water with ultraviolet radiation to thereby cause the oxidizable contaminants to be oxidized and therefore removed before the water is used for industrial cleaning.

Abstract: A water ozonization system equipped with a filter in that water can be treated with ozone through the steps of installing a diverging pipe therein to allow part of raw water to diverge from the discharge side of a raw water pump, the diverging pipe being fitted with an ejector; injecting and introducing the ozone obtained from an ozonizer into the ejector via its suction port in order to form ozonous water; returning the ozonized water via a diverging pipe to the suction side of the raw water pump; and supplying the ozonous water and unreacted ozonizing gas to the whole quantity of raw water within the limit to which the raw water pump produces no cavitation so as to increase ozone absorption efficiency with the agitation of pump impellers for accelerating ozonization and the reaction of the unreacted ozonizing gas in the raw water pump on the whole quantity of the raw water by ozonizing means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing polychlorinated biphenyls from electrical apparatus, particularly transformers, to achieve concentration levels of 50 ppm or less as required by the EPA. A dielectric fluid having a relatively low boiling point as compared to polychlorinated biphenyls and other contaminants and in which PCB's are soluble is selected. There is an external cooling loop through which the dielectric fluid is circulated maintaining the temperature and pressure of the transformer within its design limits. There is an external distillation loop where the liquid removed from the transformer is heated to boiling point of the selected dielectric fluid thereby vaporizing the dielectric fluid and leaving the polychlorinated biphenyls in liquid phase in the distillation vessel. The dielectric fluid vapor is then condensed and returned to solubilize remaining PCB's in the transformer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oxidizable contaminants in cooling waters used to extract heat from the condenser coils of cooling towers. The method and apparatus includes means for removing a portion of the recirculating water which passes through the cooling tower to create a slipstream of water to be treated and treating the slipstream water with chemical to provide a hydroxyl free radical into the water to enhance oxidation, inducing cavitation in the slipstream water and irradiating the slipstream water with ultraviolet radiation to thereby cause the oxidizable contaminants to be oxidized and therefore removed before the slipstream water is reintroduced back into the cooling tower.

Abstract: Gaseous ozone is admixed and stored with water under such conditions that the density of ozone in the water is increased above the normally obtained and held stabily at such levels so that it may be efficiently transported through the processing plant being cleaned. Specifically, the present invention provides for the chilling of the ozone and water carrier to increase density and permit the subsequent increase in temperature to cause propulsion of the water and ozone through the plant to be cleaned in-place.

Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated to reduce suspended solids, heat sterilized, the pH adjusted, and a bactericide is added. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery, and then is discharged. The process saves a significant amount of water, in addition to lubricant.

Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated with a bactericide and the pH is adjusted as needed. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery.

Abstract: A process for gas dissolution which uses a vessel, a portion wall made of ceramic material for dividing the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, a first inlet of the vessel for introducing a liquid into the first chamber, a second inlet of the vessel for introducing a pressurized gas into the second chamber, and a discharge port of the vessel for discharging the liquid from the first chamber.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous, hydrogen sulfide-scrubbing solution which contains a water-soluble transition metal component, such as a vanadium component or an iron component, in addition to at least one water-soluble organic compound, such as an aromatic sulfonate or an alkanolamine, in which the scrubbing solution is mixed with particles of a spent solid catalyst containing molybdenum and aluminum and a basic aqueous solution, preferably a solution comprising sodium aluminate, to form a slurry which is subsequently contacted with an oxygen-containing gas under conditions such that the molybdenum in the catalyst is solubilized. Thereafter, molybdenum is precipitated from the solution along with the water-soluble transition metal component and a wastewater substantially free of the transition metal component and the organic compound originally present in the scrubbing solution is recovered.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus simultaneously purifies air and water contained in an indoor institution such as an indoor swimming pool facility. Air from the interior of the institution is first treated in a cyclone to remove dust, bacteria and odors, then mixed with ozone generated from a separate air source to form an air-ozone mixture which is distributed in the form of fine bubbles in an air/water contact sterilizing chamber. Water from the pool of water in the indoor institution is filtered and transferred to the sterilizing chamber. In the sterilizing chamber, contact of the filtered water and air-ozone mixture acts to simultaneously purify both. The purified air is returned to the indoor institution after moisture removal, ozone elimination and temperature adjustment. Similarly, the purified water is returned to the pool of water after ozone elimination, temperature adjustment and chlorination.

Abstract: A process for treating effluents contaiing cyanide from mining operations wherein magnetic separation is used prior to treatment with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chemical algacide composition, and method for its use, to prevent and remove yellow algae deposits in swimming pools, spas and simlar bodies of water. The algacide composition comprises from 5 to about 12.5 weight percent of a soluble polyphosphate and the balance of an alkali metal or ammonium bromide. The successful use of the algacide composition requires the presence of an oxidizer which is effective to convert the bromide to bromine. This conveniently can be the oxidizer which is used in the water, e.g., chlorine or sodium hypochloride in swimming pools and spas, or can be an additionally added oxidizer, such as a persulfate, etc. The method comprises the addition of the algacide composition to the water at a dosage sufficient to provide at least 0.5 ppm of the soluble bromide in the water, and to maintain an active oxidizer in the water.

Abstract: In a method for removing an inorganic pollutant from contaminated waters, the pollutant is extracted by contact with a chelating agent to form a metal chelate complex. The metal chelate complex is then contacted with a regenerating agent which regenerates the chelating agent for reuse and prepares the inorganic pollutant for removal.

Abstract: A continuously flowing fluid is processed by being fed to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column (17) which is of a height such that the pressure at the bottom thereof will approximately be at the pressure necessary to create supercritical water conditions. The fluid is conducted to the bottom of the column (17) and received in a reaction chamber (21) in which the majority of the fluid is recirculated around an annular baffle plate (24). The material in the reaction chamber (21) is heated to a temperature above that necessary to create supercritical water conditions by an independent reaction taking place in a heating chamber (32). The result is that the fluid will undergo chemical reactions at the supercritical temperature and pressure range and will be of a lower specific gravity than the unprocessed fluid.

Abstract: A method for the control of fouling by marine and fresh water mollusks through the use of an ionene polymer. The disclosed method is particularly useful in controlling fouling by species of fresh water Asiatic clams of the genus Corbicula, the most common of which is C. fluminea.

Abstract: Water for use in steam generation systems, which is contained in a storage tank, is deoxygenated for use in the system by adding hydrogen to a stream of the water and intimately mixing the same, pressurizing the stream to a pressure of 60-150 psig, and contacting the pressurized stream with a catalyst bed of palladium or platinum dispersed on a solid carrier. The hydrogen reacts with the dissolved oxygen in the presence of the catalyst at ambient temperatures, to produce a deoxygenated stream of water containing less than 10 ppb of oxygen. The deoxygenated water can be returned to the storage tank or supplied directly to the steam generation system.

Abstract: Algae growth in an open water system such as a water cooling tower is controlled by reducing the amount of light available for the algae to photosynthesize. The light available for photosynthesis is reduced by incorporating a dye into the water in the water cooling system. Thus the dye absorbs the light necessary for photosynthesis and in turn prevents algae growth. Preferably fluorescein at a concentration of 0.2 to 800 parts per million is incorporated into the water in the water cooling system. Other dyes can be selected depending on the particular algae.

Abstract: System for automatic control of chlorine content and pH in swimming pools. This system includes an electrolytic cell for generation of chlorine and caustic soda as needed, and an acid supply system for adding hydrochloric acid to the pool as required. Generation of chlorine and addition of acid are controlled automatically in response to sensed oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and pH of the swimming pool water. The sensors for this purpose may be placed in a conventional pool recirculation line, and chlorine, caustic soda (which is co-produced with chlorine) and hydrochloric acid may be added to the pool via the recirculation line.The electrolytic cell has a porous separator dividing the cell into anolyte and catholyte compartments. The latter is operated at a slightly higher pressure than the former. Chlorine generated in the cell is separated from spent brine, which is recirculated back to a brine tank where it is resaturated. The system may include a timer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purification of oils, such as perfluoropolyether oils or silicone oils or oils based on hydrocarbons, polluted by various impurities and in particular by solid matters in suspension, which solid matters can be filtered only with difficulty on conventional filters, comprising a filtration carried out by means of a filter of the tangential-flow type, wherein the pores of the filter element have a diameter below 0.4 micron.

Abstract: In a sludge thickener, supernatant fluid is drawn off via peripheral ducts and oxygenated at a suitable location. The supernatant fluid is thereafter reintroduced into the thickener via diffusers distributed transversely of the thickener and intermediate the peripheral ducts. The generation of nauseating smells is thereby prevented, and an advantageous increase of the concentration of the sludges is attained.

Abstract: A dialysis reuse system for cleansing, sterilizing and testing a hemodialysis machine and its associated dialyzer and blood tubing set. The reuse control device automatically controls either the selected reuse cycle or dialyzer test cycle as desired. In the reuse cycle a proper solution of bleach, rinse water and formaldehyde disinfectant is flushed through the system for a prearranged time period and in proper sequence to completely cleanse and disinfect the entire dialysis system including the dialyzer and blood lines. At the end of the cycle, the system is isolated, leaving the disinfectant solution intact within the system to prevent bacteria growth and contamination. In the dialyzer test cycle, a dialyzer clearance test is automatically performed using the associated hemodialysis machine to test the condition of the dialyzer membrane prior to patient treatment.

Abstract: A clarifier is provided with an elongated settling tank having an inlet at one end, an outlet at the opposite end, a generator producing air saturated liquid released near the inlet end of the tank to float lighter sludge to the top of the tank, suction heads removing settled out heavier sludge from the bottom of the tank, skimmers pushing scum or foam floating on top of the liquid in the tank to the overflow outlet near the inlet end of the tank, a travelling bridge moving the suction heads along the length of the tank, elongated outlets for clarified liquid projecting into the tank from the discharge end thereof, and outlets at different levels for discharge of clarified effluent and recirculating effluent. The recirculating effluent is pumped to a mixing device to be saturated with air and the air saturated effluent is discharged back into the inlet end of the tank.

Abstract: Adjustment of chlorine and pH levels in swimming pool water by, (a) treating the water with material selected from the group consisting of cyanuric acid, ammelide and their salts, (b) adding material adjusting the chlorine and acid levels of the water if it has a pH above about 7.5 and adding sodium hypochlorite if the water has a pH about 7.5 or lower, (c) a set number of days later, such as a week, with automatic equipment, without taking a reading of water conditions, adding sodium hypochlorite to the water in a predetermined amount, and (d) continuing the process indefinitely by alternating steps (b) and (c) at intervals of the set number of days. The automatic equipment including a vessel containing sodium hypochlorite solution, a pool water recirculation line including a recirculation pump, and a feeder line from the vessel to the recirculation line.

Abstract: Recirculating water used in closed cycle air-conditioning systems is treated with a 3-chloro-2-oxazolidinone derivative, e.g., 3-chloro-4,4-di(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl-2-oxazolidinones such as 3-chloro-4,4-di-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, to prevent the growth of Legionella pneumophila therein.

Abstract: A apparatus for injecting ozone into the water of a swimming pool comprising a movable head adapted to float on the water in a pool, a water-responsive drive coupled to the head, and at least one flexible conduit coupled to the head and having at least one opening therein. Water under pressure is supplied to the flexible conduit to cause it to move and to the water-responsive drive to cause it to propel the head through the water of the pool. Ozone is injected into the flexible conduit and out of the opening therein to mix with the water in the swimming pool.

Abstract: In a method of treating waste water obtained in a direct washing with water of raw gas in a plant for a gasification of gas, the waste water is first settled in a settling tank and a resultant concentrated slime-containing water is subjected to a multi-stage oxidation with air or oxygen only at the temperatures of between 20.degree. C., and 80.degree. C., and the slime-containing water obtained after the oxidation is conveyed to a filtration system or a slime-depositing container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a medium and more particularly to treating a medium to reduce or inhibit biofouling.The invention provides a method for the reduction or inhibition of biofouling of a part of a system which is subject to contact with a medium capable of causing biofouling by providing biological material. The method comprises contacting the medium with a support material (which is preferably a high surface area material) so as to cause biological material to form on the support material in preference to the part of the system.The invention may be applied, for example, to inhibit or reduce biofouling of heat transfer surfaces in cooling water systems.

Abstract: Method for clarifying bodies of water and removing staining from the containers therefor, particularly swimming pools, by the addition of chlorine and/or bromine ion and ammonium ion to the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating sewage sludge in which the sludge is conveyed to a vessel having an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The sludge is channelled through a first dispersing means to a plurality of second dispersing means by which it is dispersed throughout the oxygen-rich atmosphere where it is completely oxygenated. Preferably, the first dispersing means comprises separable components which define the channelling means. Preferably, the second dispersing means are aligned with the channelling means and either arranged around the inner periphery of the vessel, or attached to the first dispersing means.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering cooking oil in cooking vessels is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system, there is provided a collection vessel for collecting filtered oil, a filter member for filtering contaminants and particulate matter from the cooking oil, and a centrifugal pump apparatus which includes an impeller, an impeller discharge, and a flexible conduit having an inlet end connected to the impeller discharge and an outlet end. The filter member is supported in relation to the collection vessel so as to be in position to receive oil to be filtered, and then to discharge filtered oil into the collection vessel. The centrifugal pump apparatus is adapted to be placed directly in the cooking vessel so that at least the impeller thereof is in direct contact with the oil to be filtered, and the outlet end of the flexible conduit is arranged to be in position to discharge oil pumped therethrough into the filter member.

Abstract: For water treatment in swimming pools, cooling towers, hot tubs, and other systems it is desired to feed various chemicals in small quantities but at optimum rates into the system. In several embodiments of the invention the water is recirculated through the system which usually includes a filter. It has been discovered that the chemicals can be fed by enclosing them in generally spherical plastic capsules suggestive of table-tennis balls, but about the size of a base ball. The rate of feeding depends upon the size and number of small holes which are provided, or the user pokes through the shell of the capsule, upon the solubility of the chemical, and upon the flow rate of the water through a strainer, skimmer, or other chamber in the system into which the capsule is introduced. The random orientation of the capsule tends to average out variations.

Abstract: A domestic well water system, rendered unusable by volatile contaminants in the groundwater, can be restored to use by installing an aerator in a flow path such that water is continuously pumped, by the existing well pump, out of the well, through the aerator, and back to the well through the well head. Water is diverted from this flow path for use. The well serves as a storage device, and water returned from the aerator to the well mixes with water in the well and serves as a buffer to encroachment by contaminated groundwater.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting corrosion by water of metal substrates comprises zinc gluconate or glucoheptonate and at least one water-soluble inorganic polyphosphate.

Abstract: The concentration of cyanides in the sour water system of FCC reactor is controlled by injecting such an amount of ammonium polysulfide (APS) into the system that the weight ratio of net free sulfur to simple cyanides in the sour water is about 0.6 to about 3.8. The pH of the sour water is at least 8.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for treating sewage sludge in which the sludge preferably has its pH adjusted to an acidic range. Then the sludge is conveyed to a vessel having an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The sludge is channelled through two different dispersing means by which it is comminuted and dispersed throughout the oxygen-rich atmosphere where it is completely oxygenated. To assure that the sludge is completely oxygenated, preferably it is caused to travel through two separate angles in the oxygen-rich atmosphere, each being greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A device for treating a process fluid contained within a closed chamber with a chemical reactant including a compartment for containing the chemical reactant and a port for allowing flow of the process fluid therethrough. The device is characterized by a recirculation mechanism, such as a piston, for alternately drawing a portion of the process fluid into the compartment through the port to bring the portion of the process fluid into direct contact with the chemical reactant and dissolve and/or react a portion of the chemical reactant into the portion of the process fluid and then forcing the portion of the process fluid out of the compartment through the port to circulate the dissolved chemical reactant throughout the remaining process fluid within the closed chamber.A method of treating the process fluid is also disclosed and includes the steps of disposing a portion of the device below the surface of the process fluid so that the port of the device is within the process fluid.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide in the waste water from a coal gasification installation is subjected to an oxidizing treatment in the presence of the very fine-grain residual coke which, being washed out of the product gas, is suspended in the waste water, the residual coke particles thus serving as a catalyst. When using air for the oxidation treatment, with the usual period of treatment, it is possible to achieve virtually quantitative conversion of the hydrogen sulphide to sulphate. If the solid particles are to be removed from the waste water by a flotation step, the flotation operation and the oxidizing treatment can be performed simultaneously in a common apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCB) from oil contaminated therewith comprising the steps of extracting said oil with organic solvent, separating the extract, and distilling the solvent from said extract in the presence of a base.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a method of retarding the loss of carbon dioxide from a circulating water system by means of quaternary ammonium compounds having at least one hydrocarbon radical containing twelve or more carbon atoms or at least two hydrocarbon radicals each containing seven or more carbon atoms. In the method an effective amount of a suitable quaternary ammonium compound is added to the water in the system, surprisingly slowing the rate of loss of carbon dioxide from the water. Carbon dioxide is added to the water as needed to maintain the desired pH. The method provides an advantageous alternative to using stronger and more hazardous acids in maintaining a lowered pH in circulating water systems, for example, in heat exchange systems that utilize cooling towers.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering cooking oil in cooking vessels is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system, there is provided a collection vessel for collecting filtered oil, a filter member for filtering contaminants and particulate matter from the cooking oil, and a centrifugal pump apparatus which includes an impeller, an impeller discharge, and a flexible conduit having an inlet end connected to the impeller discharge and an outlet end. The filter member is supported in relation to the collection vessel so as to be in position to receive oil to be filtered, and then to discharge filtered oil into the collection vessel. The centrifugal pump apparatus is adapted to be placed directly in the cooking vessel so that at least the impeller thereof is in direct contact with the oil to be filtered, and the outlet end of the flexible conduit is arranged to be in position to discharge oil pumped therethrough into the filter member.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the performance and control of chemical or biochemical process cycles in two or a plurality of series-connected reaction stages or basins, with which gassing of a fluid is controllable. The process provides for a recirculation of the fluid between reaction stages or basins in that the basins are preferably arranged concentrically to one another, can be charged selectively, and have at least one connection between one another through which the fluid passes so that the contents of the basins are caused to assume a horizontal rotational flow. Recirculation of the fluid is provided by overflow dams, wall openings, or other devices.