Abstract: A method for reducing gel in a polymer kneaded compound flowing in a polymer flow duct includes flowing a polymer kneaded compound in a polymer flow duct to a gel reduction mechanism including a gel reduction member having one or more through holes defining a squeezing flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than the polymer flow duct. The squeeze ratio S1/S2 of the squeezing flow path is 25 to 177.8, where S1 is a flow path cross-sectional area of the polymer flow duct and S2 is a sum total of flow path cross-sectional area of the squeezing flow path, to generate an extensional flow in the kneaded compound.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of a perfluorosulphonic acid ionomer from a component comprising a perfluorosulphonic acid ionomer is disclosed, the process comprising immersing the component comprising the perfluorosulphonic acid ionomer in a solvent comprising an aliphatic diol and heating. Also disclosed is the use of the recovered perfluorosulphonic acid ionomer, for example in to prepared a proton conducting membrane or a catalyst ink.

Abstract: A method for collecting an abrasive from an abrasive slurry which has been used for polishing an object including silicon as a main component includes: (i) adding a solvent to the abrasive slurry; (ii) dissolving particles of the polished object among components of the polished object contained in the abrasive slurry; and (iii) filtering the abrasive slurry to collect the abrasive, in which the steps (i) to (iii) are carried out without a pH adjuster to remove components of the polished object to collect the abrasive.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using cloth filters in automated vertical molding, comprised of the steps of configuring a modular cloth filter setter having a housing, an upper jaw, and a lower jaw, wherein the upper jaw and lower jaw are selected to correspond to the size of a cloth filter, fixedly attaching the housing of the modular cloth filter setter to a mechanical arm, securing the cloth filter between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, creating a sand mold from a quantity of compressed sand, creating at least one print aperture for insertion of a cloth filter, and placing the cloth filter in the print aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a multipart system and method for using cloth filters in automated vertical molding. The system includes a filter setter, a filter print plate and a filter back shelf. The filter setter removably mounts to a mechanical arm and releasably carries at least one cloth filter between upper and lower jaws. The filter print plate mounts to a ram plate while the filter back shelf mounts to a swing plate. During vertical molding, the ram plate and swing plate compress sand to create a mold. The mounted filter print plate creates at least part of a print aperture into which the filter setter inserts the cloth filter. The apertures created by the filter print plate and the filter back shelf support the cloth filter during the founding process.

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: Method and apparatus for separating a liquid reaction product from a gaseous stream in a catalytic reactor by means of a metallic sheet being indirectly cooled by a cooling surface and having a plurality of percolations in form of geometric-shaped protrusions on both sides of the sheet each with an open base, the open base is on the side of the sheet facing a catalyst bed are arranged upwards and on the side facing the cooling surface the open base faces downwards.

Abstract: The main subject of the present invention is a process for processing a paste (5) containing a solid charge (C) with a view to extracting at least one part of said solid charge (C). Said process comprises continuously: mixing, in a mixer (8), said paste (5) with a liquid solvent (3), a solvent for said at least one part of said solid charge (C), with a view to dissolving, at least partially, said at least one part of said solid charge (C) in said solvent (3); recovering, after said mixing, a biphasic system (15) comprising, on the one hand, a solution (3?) enclosing at least one fraction of said at least one part of said solid charge (C), dissolved in said solvent (3), and on the other hand, a solid residue (5?) of said paste (5); and then, separating said solution (3?) and said solid residue (5?) of said paste (5).

Abstract: We have now discovered a novel process for the removal or extraction of metal species from a variety of solid, liquid or gas phase materials. Metal species may be removed by contacting the material suspected of containing one or more metals with a thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof for a period of time and under conditions effective for the sequestration of the metal species by the thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof. The thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising sequestered metal species may then be separated and recovered from the treated material. Moreover, following the treatment of aqueous liquids or mixtures, or suspensions or dispersions of solids in aqueous liquids, the resultant thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising the sequestered metal species is insoluble in water and forms a separate layer from the aqueous liquid phase, which layer may be readily removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in operation of wash columns, and more in particular to an apparatus for separating solid particles from a slurry and to a process for separating solid particles from a mother liquor slurry. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wash column (1), which comprises a melting circuit (8,10,11,21), wherein means (22,23) are present to introduce a compound or composition to said wash column between a wash front (6b) formed in said wash column in operation and a product outlet and/or in the melting circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wastewater treatment utilizing an anaerobic treatment of primary sludge (PS) in a septic tank (5), and a separate treatment of excess sludge (ÜS). The excess sludge (ÜS) is separated from the primary sludge (PS) before the anaerobic treatment, solubilized in a hydrolysis treatment and liquefied, and subjected to a separate anaerobic treatment independently of the primary sludge (PS).

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: According to one aspect of the invention, an ice separating apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes a can having a first end and a tangential inlet proximate the first end of the can to receive a fluid flow within the can, wherein the fluid flow includes fuel and ice. The apparatus also includes a first conduit within the can to receive a separated fuel flow proximate a second end of the can, wherein the fluid flow separates ice from fuel to form the separated fuel flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material for safe disposal thereof without the necessity of incineration or use of disinfectants are described. An alkaline solution having a concentration and an amount effective for hydrolyzing the biological material is brought into contact therewith by means of rotating paddles which both pound the biological material into small pieces and thoroughly mix the alkaline solution with the material under pressure and at elevated temperature. Following the hydrolysis of the biological material, a chosen portion of the water is removed from the alkaline solution and from the liquefied biological material, such that the resulting product solidifies when cooled. The present safe disposal of the biological material does not require incineration thereof, the addition of disinfectants thereto, or the discharge of liquid effluent containing processed biological material into the sewage system.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from propylene (R-1270), propane (R-290), n-butane (R-600), isobutane (R-600a), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating noscapine from an opium source without substantially changing the color of the noscapine.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition consisting essentially of from about 62 to about 78% by weight trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) and from about 22 to about 38% by weight of 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a). The invention also provides a heat transfer composition comprising from about 20 to about 40% by weight R-152a, from about 5 to about 55% R-134a, and from about 5 to about 75% by weight R-1234ze(E).

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is separated from its suspension by passing a suspension of water-soluble cellulose ether particles in water through a filter of perforated metallic or ceramic filter medium under pressure, removing the filter cake of water-soluble cellulose ether from the filter medium, and cleaning the filter medium with steam, compressed air or water under pressure. The invention enables to separate a water-soluble cellulose ether, especially having a high dissolution temperature, avoids the filter from being clogged, and extends the operative time of the filter.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) from about 45 to about 75% by weight 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf); and (ii) from about 25 to about 55% by weight 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). A heat transfer composition comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, (i) from about 20 to about 90% by weight R-1234yf; (ii) from about 10 to about 60% by weight R-134a; and (iii) from about 1 to about 20% by weight R-32 is also provided.

Abstract: A filtration process are provided that facilitate a high quality, fine grade filtration without being burdened by the filter size, flushing, or plugging impediments inherent in the prior art. The filtration device used in the method is comprised of a topologic disk with a vacant circular center and a textured surface, and a conveyance disk with a vacant circular center and a grooved surface containing multiple inlet grooves and multiple outlet grooves. The textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be brought into direct contact with one another for filtration and separated from one another for flushing. At least one of the textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be rotated relative to the other prior to filtration. In one embodiment, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are configured in a spiral array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying an ionic liquid, which comprises the steps (a) partial crystallization of the ionic liquid from its melt and (b) separation of the crystals from the residual melt.

Abstract: A screen structure which is unusually effective at removing stickies from recyclable fiber but is tolerant of substantial swings in throughput which result in variations in the flow velocity through the screen-slot velocity. One example of the screen structure is created by forming a very large number of similarly shaped vanes then locking them into a ring structure to form a cylindrical screen basket but equivalent surface configurations can also be formed into sheet stock.

Abstract: The filter device 10 according to the present invention is a device for filtering a polyolefin resin composition containing a polyolefin ingredient, wherein the device comprises a main body 10a having a flow passage 10b, a sintered metal filter 13 having a filtration accuracy of 1 to 100 ?m, a wire netting 14a having a line diameter of 0.01 to 0.25 mm and abutting the sintered metal filter 13 on one side thereof, and a supporting member 15 having a thickness of 10 to 100 mm and having a plurality of openings 15d with an aperture ratio of 30 to 60%; and the sintered metal filter 13, wherein the wire netting 14a and the supporting member 15 are disposed in this order from the upstream to the downstream of the flow passage 10b; and the sintered metal filter 13 is fixed to the main body 10a through the seal member 18.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source, the system including a mixer configured to produce a slurry including the solid source and a liquid, and a first separator in fluid communication with the mixer, the first separator configured to separate hydrocarbons from the slurry. Additionally, a second separator include communication with the first separator, the second separator configured to receive the slurry from the first separator and separate additional hydrocarbons from the slurry, and a separation vessel including a hydrocarbon remover in fluid communication with the first and second separators, the separation vessel configured to receive the separated hydrocarbons and remove residual liquid from the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Wastewater containing soluble selenium is treated in a bioreactor. Microorganisms in the reactor reduce the selenium to elemental selenium, which is insoluble. The elemental selenium is discharged from the reactor in waste sludge. The sludge is treated to recover selenium. In one method, the sludge is washed with chemicals, for example surfactants, and agitated to disrupt the adhesion of the selenium particles to the cells. The selenium particles are then separated from the cells using a physical separation process such as a centrifuge or differential filtration. In another method, the sludge is de-watered or dried to a very high solids content. The selenium particles are dissolved using an oxidizer under high pH conditions. A solids fraction is removed from the resulting slurry. A resulting selenium brine is further refined to recover the selenium.

Abstract: This specification describes a process to separate lignin from an aqueous mixture derived from a biomass feedstock, wherein the separation is done at or above critical temperature, usually above 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for refining native biomass to extremely fine and highly disrupted particles using high shear and/or cavitation in combination with high temperature and high or low pH conditions which dissolve biomass to a high percentage. The method of the present invention results in a high percentage of hydrolysis, in many cases near theoretical levels, in short residence times while minimizing inputs over other methods, using low chemical inputs, and optionally with no chemical inputs in certain stages compared to existing processes. The method of the present invention also uses minimal electrical energy inputs and conserves heat energy within the process and reduces equipment requirements while producing concentrated products.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disruptor disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disruptor, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling spent catalyst, wherein a slurry comprising the catalyst may be rapidly and conveniently drained to separate a liquid from the catalyst using a separation unit including a separation vessel and having a separator plate disposed between an upper compartment and a lower compartment of the separation vessel, whereby each of the liquid and solid components of the slurry may be conveniently contained separately for subsequent treatment, transportation, and/or disposal.

Abstract: Material to be processed, such as sludge, is deposited into the trough having an auger operating at a rotational speed and direction so as to force the material received within the trough upstream against a rigid surface for breaking up the sludge. A cutting fluid is added to the trough for diluting the sludge and enhancing a flow of the broken up sludge downstream under a force of gravity, allowing the sludge to enter a chopper, where it is chopped to a desired consistency before being pumped to a desired location. The diluted sludge may be filtered prior to chopping. A hopper and cutter may be used to receive the unprocessed sludge for cutting prior to being deposited into the trough. As a result, sludge in ranges from soft to hard states is converted to a fluid form capable of being pumped.

Abstract: A method of separating a polymer from a biomass containing the polymer, includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system, the solvent system including a solvent for the polymer and a precipitant for the polymer, to provide a residual biomass and a solution that includes the polymer, the solvent for the polymer and the precipitant for the polymer; and applying a centrifugal force to the solution and residual biomass to separate at least some of the solution from the residual biomass; where, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate; the precipitant comprises at least one alkane; the solvent for the polymer is selected from the group consisting of ketones, esters and alcohols and combinations thereof; and the biomass comprises a slurry of the biomass and water.

Abstract: A filter for removing soluble, colloidal, and insoluble particles from a fluid, including lead using a first filter media for filtering soluble material from the fluid, a second filter media, adjacent and in fluid communication with, the first filter media, for filtering soluble material from said fluid, wherein the first and second filter media create a physical non-soluble particle barrier at their interface for capturing non-soluble particles, that when retained at the interface, become soluble over time in the fluid, and are subsequently removed by the second filter media. At least one of the filter media can be fibrillated nanofibers that are loaded with finely subdivided media of powdered ion exchange resins. A third filter media may be placed between the first and second filter media to enhance capturing and dissolving the physical non-soluble particles.

Abstract: A method of separating a polymer from a biomass containing the polymer, includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system, the solvent system including a solvent for the polymer and a precipitant for the polymer, to provide a residual biomass and a solution that includes the polymer, the solvent for the polymer and the precipitant for the polymer; and applying a centrifugal force to the solution and residual biomass to separate at least some of the solution from the residual biomass; where, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate; the precipitant comprises at least one alkane; the solvent for the polymer is selected from the group consisting of ketones, esters and alcohols and combinations thereof; and the biomass comprises a slurry of the biomass and water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for separating a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic to separate the product into components thereof, the method comprising adding water to the product, and pressing the product in order to separate the product into components comprising a plastics component and a super absorbent polymer and fiber component. Other methods of the present disclosure include a method for producing a reusable plastic, reusable paper fiber stream and a reusable super absorbent polymer from the treatment of a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for the treatment of wet super absorbent polymer, comprising salt assisted dehydration.

Abstract: Polymer extraction methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to an equipment for processing fatty waste (1) essentially comprising a fatty fraction (11), an aqueous fraction (12), and a residual fraction (13), wherein said equipment includes at least one boiler (2), a station (3) for collecting waste (1), a fractioning station (4), a loop including a duct (5) having a constant utility volume for the waste (1) flow between the collecting station (3) and the fractioning station (4), and at least one heat exchanger (61-63) for heating the waste. According to the invention, each heat exchanger (61-63) is mounted on said duct (5).

Abstract: A tank adapted to be used for suspending separation media slurry before transferring the separation media slurry to a column or a container comprises: an impeller (7) adapted to rotate in order to mix the media slurry, a nozzle (9) provided protruding into the tank from the bottom (8) thereof, and an adjustable pipe (5) having an open end (6) positioned in the tank and which can be adjusted in position. The nozzle (9) and the adjustable pipe (5) are adapted to be connected to a pump (3) adapted to pump liquid from the adjustable pipe (5) when the open end (6) of the adjustable pipe (5) has been positioned in an uppermost liquid phase provided in the tank when the media slurry has started to sediment and pump the liquid, possibly containing a small amount of media, through the nozzle (9) back into the tank from the tank bottom (8) in order to start re-suspending media that has sedimented in the tank.

Abstract: The device for the disposal of sanitary waste consists of a fixed drum-type container (20) with a horizontal central axis (MA) and with inlet pipes for dosed wash liquid (WF), for sanitary liquid (HF) and for dosed chemicals (CH),whereby a discharge duct (65) for the carrying-off of the comminuted sanitary waste interspersed with wash liquid from the bottom area of the container (20) is provided in the bottom area of the container (20), in the inner space (27) of which a knife disk (30) which can be rotatably driven is placed in the area of one of its both vertical front walls (21; 22) with shearing knives (31) turned to the inner space (27) of the container (20), whereby an ascendingly guided compressor screw (60) follows the discharge duct (65), compressor screw which forms with a shear sieve sheet (70) a functional unit for separating the comminuted sanitary waste containing solid components from the wash liquid (WF) with the constituents of the sanitary waste which are dissolved therein and the wash liqui

Abstract: A cogeneration process and system which provides for the reclamation of a grease fuel from a concentrated grease trap pumping waste stream and the use of said grease fuel in a compression ignition reciprocating engine for the production of electric power. The concentrated grease trap pumpings are heated and mixed in the first stage of the process to ensure all grease is liquefied. This warm mixed stream is then separated by centrifuge into a heavy stream consisting of water and sediments and an oil-rich stream consisting of oil, grease/water emulsion and residual water. This oil-rich mixture is heated sufficiently to evaporate the residual water as well as the water of emulsion yielding a water free grease fuel suitable for use in the compression ignition engine. Heat energy for grease liquefaction and emulsion breaking is supplied by an engine jacket water cooling circuit and an exhaust heat recovery, respectively.

Abstract: Deboned meat is subjected to processing in a surimi-type procedure in order to substantially reduce the heme content and thus the color intensity of the deboned meat, with bone marrow components and fat also being removed. When desired, the washed meat is subjected to dewatering, such as by pressing, in order to provide a color and fat reduced deboned meat. Multiple-stage separation is practiced, and the protein yield of the washed meat is advantageously elevated.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for purifying cooking oil is provided. The filtering apparatus comprises a housing, a filter housing including a filter and a first conduit in communication with a deep fryer for extraction of cooking oil requiring purifying from the deep fryer. The apparatus further comprises a pump for pumping cooking oil through the first conduit, a valve assembly in flow communication with the pump, and a second conduit in flow communication with the pump which transports cooking oil to the filter housing. The filtering apparatus also comprises one or more heating cables attached to the first and second conduits and located adjacent the pump and valve assembly, and a thermostat in communication with a thermostat probe attached to the first and second conduits and the valve assembly and pump, whereby use of the thermostat prevents activation of said one or more heating cables when activation is not required.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system.

Abstract: A method for removal of foam from at least one foam accumulation region in a wastewater treatment facility, the method including causing the foam to flow from the at least one foam accumulation region into at least one foam collector and removing the foam from the at least one foam collector.

Abstract: A de-entrainment device separates entrained liquid from vapor in a fluid stream that flows through a chimney tray in a distillation tower. The separated liquid is collected and shielded from the fluid stream to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid in the vapor flowing upward into the tower. The chimney tray includes risers with hats that have gutters to guide liquid toward the tray deck, channels to collect and drain liquid from the top of the hats to the tray deck, and baffles extending from the risers to shield the liquid collected on the tray deck from the vapor flow.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of an elastomer-modified thermoplastic is disclosed. The process entails (i) obtaining graft elastomer (D) having residual moisture content of 1 to 50 wt. %, particularly 5 to 50 wt. %, particularly preferably 10 to 40 wt. %, (ii) introducing (D) and thermoplastic resin (B) through an inlet to a reactor operating under conditions calculated to melt (D) and (B) and to remove organic volatile components C) to produce a molten blend, the reactor being equipped with a plurality of kneading bars, that convey a portion of the molten blend towards the reactor inlet.

Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling catalyst coated fuel cell membranes includes dissolving the used membranes in water and solvent, heating the dissolved membranes under pressure and separating the components. Active membranes are produced from the recycled materials.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-treating grease and other similar wastes prior to introducing them into a waste water treatment facility so that the grease, etc., does not clog the waste water treatment facility equipment. The system includes a tank for receipt of the grease that has an inlet pipe equipped with water jets and emulsifying blades that emulsify and dilute the grease in hot water as it enters the tank. The dilute waste then can be drawn through a drain pipe by opening a valve to allow it to enter the waste water processing equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from sludge advantageously utilizes a stripper for removing the VOCs directly from the sludge to convert the sludge into a non-hazardous material. Preliminary steps of mixing may include addition of a liquid to improve flowability. Then the sludge is moved through the stripper in which the VOCs are carried away in a gas provided in the stripper for the purpose of carrying the VOCs away. Any of a variety of strippers may be utilized for VOC removal. Subsequently, the liquid is separated from the sludge material in, for example, a dewaterer, and each of the liquid and the sludge is either recycled or dumped as a non-hazardous material or waste. The system may be configured in a variety of ways and still function properly in carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a machining suspension into fractions including abrasive grains and attrition material, such as a suspension produced in the course of the mechanical machining of silicon, quartz or ceramic material, from a cutting fluid in which abrasive grains and the attrition material are dispersed that originates from the machined material and from the machining equipment. In the method, the suspension is separated by means of wet classification, with the liquid used for the sizing process being selected in such a way that it can be mixed with the used cutting fluid and with the mixture so formed, which contains the attrition material originating from the machined material in particular, forming a stable suspension.