Abstract: Provided is a wash press that separates liquids and solids from a waste stream. The wash press includes a tank having a semi-cylindrical shape. The tank has an inlet at a top of the tank for receiving a waste stream, a screen disposed in a portion of a bottom of the tank to permit liquid to pass therethrough, and an outlet for permitting solid materials separated from the liquid to pass therethrough. A rotor extends through the tank for transporting and dewatering the waste material entering the tank. The rotor includes a plurality of helical flights interconnected by paddle members to permit agitating the waste material. The wash press also includes a removable cover that enables the rotor to be lifted vertically, and a removably attached screen to facilitate replacement/repair of the same.

Abstract: The specification describes a system and process for treating a sludge or slurry to produce biochar. The sludge or in slurry may be digestate produced by an anaerobic digester that receives waste activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. In a process, digestate is dosed with metal ions, dewatered, and pyrolized. A corresponding system includes a reactor, a dewatering unit and a pyrolysis unit. In an example, the digestate is air stripped in the reactor and a metal salt is added to it. The metal ions form precipitates in the digestate that remain in the biochar. In some cases, a precipitate such as struvite is formed that also increases the phosphorous content of the biochar. The biochar may be used as a soil amendment, wherein the metal and phosphorous are beneficial to the soil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved purification process using additive and activated carbon for purifying resorbable polymers suitable for industrial manufacturing. The metal catalyst concentration in the purified resorbable polymers of this invention is preferably less than 1 ppm. The method can be used to obtain high molecular weight polymers that are substantially metal free.

Abstract: A process for recovering weight material for reuse in drilling fluids from a previously unavailable source of feed stock. The process described herein includes a process of cleaning drilling waste through either low temperature thermal or solvent washing to remove hydrocarbon or water based drilling fluid contamination. The cleaned drilling waste, substantially free of liquids is sifted and the bulk fraction is further treated by employing conventional separation technology to recover a high gravity solids phase while discarding low gravity solids phase as tailings. Additionally, described is a process where the recovered high gravity solids phase can be reused as a high density weight material, or lower cost weight material, either of which is desirable to the drilling of modern oil and gas wells. The process of adding drilling fluid back into the recovered weight material to simplify the process of transporting the weight material into an active drilling fluid system is also described.

Abstract: A collection and concentration system including a separation tank having a plurality of distribution arms configured to separate and recover oil, water, and sediment or sand from an inflowing mixture of the same. The distribution arms are connected to and in fluid communication with a downcomer section of a center column that is vertically arranged in the separation tank. The distribution arms extend radially toward a sidewall of the tank and include tangential discharge nozzles that are tangentially directed toward the sidewall. Inflowing mixture directed tangentially against the sidewall is directed in a downward, helical manner that assists in the separation and recovery of oil, water, and sediment from the inflowing mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.

Abstract: System and method of managing waste at waste transfer stations. Open faced bins allow human entry for sorting, segregation or quarantining waste before it is moved to or mixed with bulk waste stations. Bins are located in covered or uncovered bays located away from waste stations. Stops and guides for precise and safe placement of bins in bays are provided. Bins have quick hitch connection points. To collect, store and redirect leachates in bins, a liquid capture zone and drain hole is provided. Bay design prevents public access to machine areas and adjacent bays.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating and using at least one temporary transfer station to distribute debris from at least one damaged area to at least one landfill may include identifying and locating at least one transfer station site, fabricating the at least one temporary transfer station by preparing at least one transfer station slab on the at least one transfer station site, transporting the debris from the at least one damaged area to the at least one transfer station slab, placing the debris on the at least one transfer station slab, removing the debris from the at least one transfer station slab, transporting the debris to the at least one landfill and removing the at least one transfer station slab from the at least one transfer station site.

Abstract: The invention refers to a Process for preparing a bio-resorbable polyester the form of a powder with a bulk density of 0.3 g/ml or more, a tapped density of 0.4 g/ml or more and a specific surface area of 2.0 m2/g or less comprising the steps a. dissolving a bio-resorbable polyester in a first solvent to form a polymer solution, b. contacting the polymer solution with a second solvent which is a non-solvent for the bioresorbable polyester and which is mainly water to result the precipitation of the bio-resorbable polyester in the form of a wet polymer mass, c. pre-drying the wet polymer mass at a temperature below the TgO of the bio-resorbable polyester, d. comminuting the pre-dried polymer mass to polymer particles with a size below 10 mm, e. drying the comminuted polymer particles below the TgO of the bio-resorbable polyester to a residual water content of 1% or less by weight/weight, f.

Abstract: A polymeric material which can degrade in less than 6 months is provided. The polymeric material includes a plurality of biodegradable polymers having a polydispersity or molecular weight distribution from about 1.5 to about 2.5. A method of making the polymeric material is also provided. The method includes mixing a plurality of biodegradable polymers together to form a polymeric mixture, wherein the polymeric mixture has a polydispersity from about 1.5 to about 2.5. The application of this polymeric material to medical devices such as and implantable depots is described. A method for treating acute pain in an organism to reduce, prevent or treat pain utilizing these polymeric materials having a polydispersity or molecular weight distribution from about 1.5 to about 2.5 is also provided.

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A method of producing desalinated water and recovering minerals from the feedwater uses membrane separation and electrodialysis brine concentration. This process can recover all of the minerals as high purity industrial minerals, including capturing the calcium and sulfate as agricultural grade gypsum and boron as high purity boric acid. In addition the process allows the use of low cost lime or dolime to produce valuable magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for sorting particles, in particular cells A and B. The method uses a single channel with only one input and only one output. A particle mix A and B in a fluid is introduced into the channel and particles within the channel are sorted.

Abstract: Extracting lipids from a feedstock includes contacting a feedstock including water, lipids, and solid organic matter with an organic solvent to yield a mixture; separating the mixture to yield a solid and a liquid; and desolventizing the solid to yield a solid product and a fluid product. The lipids in the mixture are in the liquid state. The solid product has a lipids content of 20 wt % or less. In some cases, the number-weighted particle size distribution of the solid organic matter has a mean dimension of 1 mm or less, the lipids content of the feedstock is at least 20 wt %, the water content of the feedstock is 10 wt % or less, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device can be used to retain circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The device can include a cross-flow module with a retentate channel and a permeate channel. A filter in the cross-flow module can separate the retentate channel from the permeate channel. The filter can be constructed such that CTCs are retained in the retentate channel while other cells can pass through the filter into the permeate channel. A recirculation channel can direct a flow from an outlet of the retentate channel back to an inlet of the retentate channel to thereby concentrate CTCs in the retentate flow.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.

Abstract: A system and method of desalting salty sludge is provided. The method includes providing a salty sludge; processing the salty sludge to increase its surface area; adding water to the salty sludge to make a sludge slurry and to wash the salty sludge; removing and purifying degraded water from the sludge slurry, and recirculating purified water into the sludge slurry; separating a liquid phase and a solid phase of the sludge slurry and purifying the liquid phase; identifying a salt concentration in the solid phase and comparing the salt concentration to a desired value; and adding water to the solid phase if the salt concentration is greater than the desired value.

Abstract: A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials.

Abstract: A ballasted anaerobic system for treating wastewater including at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix weighting agent with the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs to create a weighted anaerobic sludge blanket in the at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from excess sludge and reintroduce the weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a stream of slurry has a first and a second separator. The first separator removes objects above a first size, to produce a stream of primary treated slurry. The second separator removes objects above a second size from the primary treated stream, the second size being smaller than the first size. Optionally, a third separator removes objects above a yet smaller third size from the stream of secondary treated slurry. The first separator has a plurality of sieve mat supports alternately connected to a main support frame section and a movable support frame section so that the flexible sieve mat can be agitated by the movable support frame section, a collector being provided for collecting the primary treated slurry passing through the flexible sieve mat. In an optional step, water contained in the separated solids is removed.

Abstract: A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing arsenic as scorodite from solutions that contain iron and arsenic. In accordance with the method, arsenic is first precipitated as ferric arsenate and subsequently processed hydrothermally into crystalline scorodite.

Abstract: An equipment assembly for preparing, harvesting and collecting particles is disclosed. The assembly comprises a tandem filter system with one or more high pressure filters, one or more low pressure filters and one or more collection vessel. Particles can be prepared, harvested and collected continuously, semi-continuously or in a batch-type operation. A tandem filter system and its method of use are also disclosed. Particles made with the assembly and according the instant methods are also disclosed. The assembly provides improved particle harvesting and collection over other systems and permits continuous particle formation, in particular by dispersion of a solute-containing process fluid within a supercritical anti-solvent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification and desalination. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, multiple evaporation chambers with demisters, heat pipes, and a control system, wherein the control system permits continuous operation of the purification and desalination system without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The systems are capable of recovering hear from each distillation stage, while removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminants including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, and organics.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure also involved a method of processing waste, such as drill cuttings, involving the operations of receiving a waste material comprising a liquid material and a solid material, the waste material received directly from a source wherein the waste material is warm. The source may be a drilling operation and the waste material may be drill cuttings from the drilling operation. The method further involving pumping the warm waste material to a separation mechanism, such as a dryer, that separates a portion of the solid material (e.g., cuttings) from a portion of the liquid material (e.g., drilling fluid). The method may further involve mixing the separated solid material with a bioremediation agent.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a system for treating a wastestream, particularly a radwaste, for safe disposal and, in final processing converting it into one or both forms including an aqueous form for safe discharge to the environment and a solidified form for safe disposal. In another aspect the invention provides the capacity to employ a step where a specific target element strategy can be set up synchronizing sorbent substance choices and multiple recycle options to remove target substances from wastestream as a part of its Sorption or Powder Sorbent Isotopic Reduction step (II). Other steps cooperate with Sorption step (II) including Oxidation (I), Solid-Liquid separation (III), and Selective Ion Exchange (IV) to deliver the wastestream to final processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes.

Abstract: A method and a system for selecting and retaining solids with superior settling characteristics, the method comprising feeding wastewater to an input of a processor that carries out a treatment process on the wastewater, outputting processed wastewater at an output of the processor, feeding the processed wastewater to an input of a gravimetric selector that selects solids with superior settling characteristics, and outputting a recycle stream at a first output of the gravimetric selector back to the processor.

Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system.

Abstract: A process for concentrating wastewater includes combining heated gas and liquid wastewater to form a mixture of heated gas and entrained liquid wastewater, breaking the entrained liquid wastewater into fine entrained liquid wastewater droplets, transferring heat from the heated gas to the entrained liquid wastewater to partially evaporate the entrained liquid wastewater, and removing a portion of the fine entrained liquid wastewater droplets from the mixture to provide a demisted gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating water effluent from purging or cleaning steam generator circuits. In characteristic manner, the following steps are performed: filtering the raw effluent to separate insoluble matter from the filtered effluent; and concentrating the filtered effluent to below the solubility limit of the dissolved species so as to obtain a liquid concentrate, the concentration step including at least evapo-concentration treatment and reverse osmosis treatment; the pH of the effluent being adjusted to a value in the range 5 to 6.5.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a stream of slurry has a first and a second separator. The first separator removes objects above a first size, to produce a stream of primary treated slurry. The second separator removes objects above a second size from the primary treated stream, the second size being smaller than the first size. Optionally, a third separator removes objects above a yet smaller third size from the stream of secondary treated slurry. The first separator has a plurality of sieve mat supports alternately connected to a main support frame section and a movable support frame section so that the flexible sieve mat can be agitated by the movable support frame section, a collector being provided for collecting the primary treated slurry passing through the flexible sieve mat. In an optional step, water contained in the separated solids is removed.

Abstract: Systems and processes for converting bulky lignocellulosic biomass to high density biomass products, including biofuels, are described. The systems and processes relate to treating freshly harvested plant materials, generally at or in close proximity to sites where the plant materials are harvested, to effect saccharification, alcoholic fermentation, or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, thereby providing a liquefied biomass. The liquefied biomass is extracted to provide liquid extracts comprising biomass-derived water and water soluble biomass saccharification and fermentation products, including fermentable sugars and alcohols. The liquid biomass extracts can be transported via pipeline to other locations for fermentation, further saccharification, and/or purification to provide biofuel. Alternatively, the liquefied biomass can be used to prepare a biomass slurry that can be transported via pipeline.

Abstract: A process for extracting lipids from microalgae; the process involves pretreating a quantity of non-homogenized microalgae with an aliphatic alcohol for a predetermined period of time. The pretreatment liberates a substantial portion of lipids from the microalgae without requiring energy intensive cell membrane disruptive technologies. The liberated lipids are then treated with a transesterification reagent to form fatty acid methyl esters. The fatty acid methyl esters are separated from the resulting mixture and may be further purified to remove remaining solvents or other impurities. The fatty acid methyl esters produced by the process are suitable as a green energy biodiesel product.

Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibers (211), with the fibers being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibers around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibers are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.

Abstract: A process for treating impure water includes adding magnesium hydroxide and/or ammonium hydroxide to the water. This neutralizes the impure water and reacts with dissolved metals in the water. The metals are precipitated as metal hydroxides/oxides, which are removed from the water. Thereafter barium hydroxide is added to the water. The barium hydroxide reacts with dissolved sulphates to produce barium sulphate and, when magnesium hydroxide is used, with dissolved magnesium, to produce magnesium hydroxide. Barium sulphate and, when present, magnesium hydroxide are removed from the water. When ammonium hydroxide is used, ammonia is stripped from the water. Carbon dioxide is then added to the water. The carbon dioxide reacts with dissolved calcium in the water. The calcium is precipitated as calcium carbonate, which is removed from the water.

Abstract: A separator system for separating the solids debris from a slurry flowing over a spillway from a storage pit includes a horizontal conveyor horizontally disposed across a flowpath of the slurry below the spillway and including a channel defined by a pair of opposed side members extending upward from a bottom plate having a pattern of perforations formed therein. A plurality of spaced apart paddles oriented in a direction parallel to the channel are fixed to continuous conveyor drive running along the bottom of the trough. A conveyor has a pickup end disposed below the downstream end of the trough and is positioned to catch solid debris that has been carried along by the paddles and convey the solid debris out of the slurry stream.

Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for purifying brine are provided including (1) providing an aqueous brine solution comprising one or more inorganic salts and one or more organic compounds and (2) conducting at least one unit operation for removing organic compounds from the brine solution to obtain a purified brine solution.

Abstract: The process relates improving terephthalic acid purge filtration rate by controlling % water in filter feed slurry and to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic acid, while utilizing pressure filtration.

Abstract: A system for the production of ethanol and co-products is provided. The system facilitates an overall reduction in the use of energy, for example, by reducing the mass of wet solids supplied to a distillation system. The system also reduces the amount of energy used to dry the wet solids component of a fermentation product, for example, by increasing the ethanol concentration of the wet solids. The system also facilitates the recovery of co-products including bioproducts and other biochemicals extracted from components of the fermentation product. The solids component of the fermentation product may be dried and constituted into a meal that may be used for animal feed, among other uses.

Abstract: A system for the production of ethanol and co-products is provided. The system facilitates an overall reduction in the use of energy, for example, by reducing the mass of wet solids supplied to a distillation system. The system also reduces the amount of energy used to dry the wet solids component of a fermentation product, for example, by increasing the ethanol concentration of the wet solids. The system also facilitates the recovery of co-products including bioproducts and other biochemicals extracted from components of the fermentation product. The solids component of the fermentation product may be dried and constituted into a meal that may be used for animal feed, among other uses.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: The system is for the reception and transport of dry lime mud from a continuously operating pressurized filter in a causticization process. A tube valve is used as an outlet from the pressurized process. The tube valve has a minimum length that is twice a diameter of the tube. A column of lime mud can be held within it as a pressure lock. The column of lime mud can be caused to descend through the tube valve by controlling a difference in pressure between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tube such that the diameter of the tube expands essentially uniformly along its length by 5-10% or by at least 4-6 millimeters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of aqueous suspensions of fluid mineral matter, which are able to be pumped and conveyed by the end user immediately after the filtration stage, possibly followed by a compression, which process comprises filtration in two separate stages. The invention also concerns aqueous suspensions of mineral matter obtained and their uses.

Abstract: A method and system for wastewater treatment comprising a first treatment zone (11) fluidly connected to one or more further treatment zones (12, 13, 14), a membrane module (16) comprising a filter membrane positioned in or fluidly connected to the further treatment zone (14), a gravity settling device (15) fluidly connected to the first treatment zone (11) to receive overflow therefrom; and a flow control device (23) between the first treatment zone (11) and the gravity settling device (15) to control the flow of liquid therebetween.