Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: The present method for deodorizing ammonia odor in an ammonia-containing environment includes adding to the environment a non-toxic, aqueous, acidified amine-based ammonia deodorizing composition in an amount effective to deodorize the ammonia odor in the environment. In addition, a method for preparing the ammonia deodorizing compositions and the compositions produced thereby is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing toxic sulfur-containing compounds, ammonia, oil and grease from an aqueous solution wherein the steps include sequentially adding to the solution sufficiently effective amounts of ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, and an insoluble hydrophilic amine polymer; heating the solution; removing the oil and grease as volatile organic compounds; and removing the contaminants from the solution as a precipitate complex. The resulting purified effluent may then be directly discharged into an industrial sewer.

Abstract: Waste water chemical oxygen demand is reduced from a waste water by passing the water in the presence of an oxidizing agent through an adsorbent porous solid substrate, preferably zeolite A, zeolite X, zeolite Y, ZSM-5, erionite, or chabazite which has been partially ion exchanged with a water insoluble metal compound, copper (Cu), that cataytically facilitates oxidation of the offensive substances or the components in the waste water that increase its chemical oxygen demand, such as cyanide, sulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite, mercaptan, or disulfide. The preferred oxidizing agent is air. It is desired to develop a process for waste water treatment that is effective at reducing the concentration of the offensive substances in the waste water while minimizing the deposition of undesirable residues into the treated waste water.

Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring the hydrogen sulfide concentration present in the atmosphere above a waste water stream, such as a sewerage stream, and for controlling the amount and time of injecting a specified chemical into the waste water stream in order to control the quantity of hydrogen sulfide which would evaporate into the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention is a process for controlling odor and septicity of sewage or wastewater and for purifying sewage or wastewater by biological active substances, A source of sulfur dioxide is added to sewage or wastewater along with metal catalyst and sewage or wastewater is aerated. The effect of this treatment is to reduce the generation of hydrogen sulfide and the odor and corrosion associated with this compound and to reduce the need for aeration in the treatment of sewage or wastewater and to purify sewage or wastewater by increasing the metabolic activities of biological active substances added therein, This results in substantial savings in aeration costs.

Abstract: Waste water chemical oxygen demand is reduced from a waste water by passing the water in the presence of an oxidizing agent through an adsorbent porous solid substrate, preferably zeolite A, zeolite X, zeolite Y, ZSM-5, erionite, chabasite or activated carbon which has been partially ion exchanged with a water insoluble metal compound, preferably copper (Cu), that facilitates oxidation of the components in the waste water that increase its chemical oxygen demand, such as sulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite, mercaptan, or disulfide. The preferred oxidizing agent is air.

Abstract: This application describes a composition comprising an alkali metal permanganate and a water soluble nitrate salt and a method of controlling the sulfide content and the odor of sulfur containing waste water by adding the composition of the invention to the waste water.

Abstract: A method and process for the treatment of liquids, including moving injection wands into a tank containing the liquid to be treated and injecting a treating solution through the injection wands to increase the reaction mixing between the injected treating solution and the liquid being treated.

Abstract: A process for treatment of caustic sulfide liquor by wet oxidation in a ferrous-based alloy system at temperatures less than about 175.degree. C. is described. The liquor is first analyzed for alkalinity consuming species and for nonsulfidic alkalinity. If excess alkalinity consuming species is present compared to nonsulfidic alkalinity, then additional nonsulfidic alkalinity is added to the raw liquor such that excess alkalinity is present during wet oxidation treatment, thus preventing excessive corrosion to the ferrous-base alloy system.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: A method of treating untreated water containing hydrogen sulfide by adjusting the pH of the untreated water to a pH level of no greater than 6.0 and thereafter converting the hydrogen sulfide in the pH treated water to sulfuric acid while adjusting the pH of the water to a level sufficient to prevent the formation of elemental sulfur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating and regenerating a spent caustic solution at ambient temperatures which includes oxidizing the spent caustic stream with an air/ozone gas mixture, followed by irradiating the oxidized spent caustic stream with a broad range of ultraviolet radiation and finally filtering the spent caustic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of aqueous solutions polluted by nitrate ions. This process is characterised in that it consists in precipitating hydrated double or mixed calcium nitroaluminates, such as, in particular, hydrated calcium mononitroaluminate, by adding at least one agent supplying the element aluminium and at least one agent supplying the element calcium to the solutions to be treated, the overall mole ratio of the element aluminium to nitrate, Al/NO3, being superior to 1 and the overall mole ratio of calcium to nitrate, Ca/NO3, being superior to 2, and in that the precipitation reaction is performed with stirring and at a basic pH, preferably above 10.5.The process according to the invention is intende, in particular, to the treatment of polluted waters such as municipal waste water and factory effluents and to the treatment of liquid manure.

Abstract: A coolant recycling apparatus has a boiler and condenser for distilling a glycol and water from a used coolant. The glycol and water are recombined in a mixing tank to form a mixture having a desired ratio of water to glycol, and an inhibitor is added to the mixture to obtain a fresh coolant mixture ready for use in an engine cooling system. Contaminants in the used coolant are concentrated to form a sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying organic contaminants, such as trichloroethylene, in aqueous liquids, such as groundwater, utilizing steam stripping integrated with biodegradation. The contaminated aqueous liquid is fed into a steam stripper causing the volatilization of essentially all of the organic contaminants and a portion of the aqueous liquid. The majority of the aqueous liquid is discharged from the steam stripper. The volatilized vapors are then condensed to the liquid phase and introduced into a bioreactor. The bioreactor contains methanotrophic microorganisms which convert the organic contaminants into mainly carbon dioxide. The effluent from the bioreactor is then recycled back to the steam stripper for further processing.

Abstract: System and method for converting and recycling liquid-borne organic waste materials from a processing plant. The waste material is passed through a compost bed containing a fecal material which processes the organic waste biologically, removes liquid from the waste by adsorption and absorption, and filters out colloidal particles. The compost bed may be mixed with other natural and/or synthetic materials to enhance aeration and/or digestion of the waste material. Any waste material which remains after passing through the compost bed is passed through a filter bed containing charcoal, rock and/or synthetic materials, then recycled through the compost and filter beds. Warm air is passed through the filter bed and the compost to provide aeration for the composting process and removes the adsorbed and absorbed water from these beds. The air is then passed through another charcoal filter bed, following which it is condensed.

Abstract: A process for pathogen reduction in waste where dewatered sludge having a solids content in the range of 10-60% is mixed with an additive selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate group. Hydration to calcium hydroxide occurs with an attendant release of heat. The pH of the sludge is then elevated and the heat of the hydration reaction is retained resulting in effective neutralization of pathogens.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a sewage sludge-derived oil having a particular chemical composition, to reduce its odor. The method includes the first step of distilling the sewage sludge-derived oil to 150.degree. C. to remove water and volatile organic components, and then the essential step of circulating a gas consisting essentially of carbon dioxide gas therethrough.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions containing by weight about:20 to 80% of a dispersed aqueous phase containing about 20 to 70% of one or more aldehydes chosen from the group constituted by formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, glycolaldehyde or glyoxylic acid and 80 to 30% of an aqueous solution containing 90 to 100% water and 10 to 0% of a buffer agent pH=5.5.+-.1.5; and 80 to 20% of a continuous oil phase containing about 90 to 99 % of one or more saturated and liquid C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 hydrocarbons, and 10 to 1% of an emulsifying system constituted by one or more water-in-oil emulsifying agents and process for the elimination of hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: A water disinfection system is disclosed. The system comprises a permanganate in a concentration of up to about 15 mg/L, copper ions in a concentration of up to about 900 .mu.g/L, and silver ions in a concentration of up to about 90 .mu.g/L. In addition, a method for disinfecting water utilizing this system is described.

Abstract: A method for treating an aqueous stream containing a water-soluble, inorganic sulfide compound wherein the stream is contacted with oxygen at a pH in the range of less than about 12 and an oxygen to sulfur molar ratio greater than about 5 with an oxidizing catalyst at oxidation conditions selected to provide a high conversion of the inorganic sulfide compound to sulfate to thereby produce a substantially sulfide-free treated aqueous product stream.

Abstract: This application describes a composition comprising an alkali metal permanganate and a water soluble nitrate salt and a method of controlling the sulfide content and the odor of sulfur containing waste water by adding the composition of the invention to the waste water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst for use in water treatment and to a method for the water treatment by the use of the catalyst. The catalyst comprises a first catalyst component e.g. the oxide of titanium, silicon, aluminum and zirconium, and a second catalyst component e.g. manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, cerium, tungsten, copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium or a sparingly water-soluble compound of the metal.

Abstract: An odor control system for a settling tank containing a pool of wastewater to be clarified in which suspended particles are removed by gravitational settling and the water at the surface of the pool is clarified. Supported within the tank is an elongated effluent trough having a weir at one side thereof which extends upwardly therefrom to permit clarified water from the pool to spill over into the trough. Mounted over the trough along its full length is a hood having a side wall which extends into the pool at a position displaced from the weir the hood being constituted by a series of sections. The hood acts to capture noxious gases emitted into a region above the surface of the water therebelow as the clarified water spills over into the trough.

Abstract: A process for abating the emission of hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxide from a condensate of steam, derived from a sulfide- and nitrite-containing geothermal brine, comprising introducing an oxidizing agent into the condensate in an amount less than that which would be required to directly oxidize all the sulfide and nitrite to sulfate and nitrate. The process optionally provides for periodically introducing a biocide into the condensate to control the growth of organism therein.

Abstract: This invention is a process for controlling odor and septicity of sewage. A sulfur dioxide species is added to the sewage among with metal ion catalyst and the sewage is aerated. The effect of this treatment is to reduce the generation of hydrogen sulfide and the odor and corrosion associated with this compound and to reduce the need for aeration in the treatment of sewage. This results in substantial savings in aeration costs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing odor perceived by a nearby community from an odor-emitting system, e.g., sewage treatment, etc., by adsorbing on core particles, as described, condensible components present in the system. The malodorous components then cannot adsorb in a film of condensible components on the aerosol to be carried by the aerosol plume into the surrounding community, but remain with the humid gas plume to be dispersed upward into the atmosphere. The process is useful for any system which contains condensible components and malodorous components and whose emissions form aerosols.

Abstract: An animal confinement system includes a building structure comprising a foundation, a floor supported by the foundation, an arched roof and side walls supported by the foundation and having a plurality of segmented, assemblable rib beam members. The structure also has a plurality of purlin members fixedly attached to the beam members, insulating material between the purlin members, and a polymeric covering fixedly attached to an exterior surface of the arched roof. An inflatable curtain system includes a curtain box supported by the side walls of the animal confinement system. The curtain box contains an inflatable curtain wherein the curtain is comprised of integrally molded, individual air chambers capable of being independently inflated. An air blower inflates the curtain through flexible tubing connecting the blower to the curtain. A wind-powered ventilator is also supported within the arched roof.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge which comprises the steps of further treating the sludges after they have been mixed with alkaline materials and are still in a wet condition with carbon dioxide containing gases wherein the carbon dioxide is a significant constituent for a time sufficient to reduce the pH below 10 and to prevent the emission of the ammonia nitrogen. Preferably heat is added to the mixture to accelerate the reaction and facilitate drying. The product is useful as an agricultural product. In a preferred process, the amount of alkaline materials being sufficient to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 or above and to heat the mixture by an exothermic reaction to a range of about 52.degree. C. to about 62.degree. C.

Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater containing industrial esters collected from grease traps at food establishments, septic tanks or from sludge digesters by increasing the pH of the wastewater to break down the ester. The increased pH wastewater is mixed to a predetermined mean velocity gradient which allows the influent to react. The reacted influent is then stabilized to lower the pH to normal levels suitable for input into a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Volatile gases are drawn off from all of the reactor tanks and placed into a treatment tank. In the tank a reduction of the bacterial and odor level occurs when the wastewater reacts with the chlorine-containing water output of the municipal wastewater treatment facility.

Abstract: A tap water processing apparatus comprises a water tank for storing tap water, and an ultrasonic oscillator disposed inside the water tank and emitting ultrasonic waves. The tap water contains hypochlorous acid components produced through a chlorine disinfecting process. When processed by the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic oscillator, the hypochlorous acid components are removed from the tap water.

Abstract: A method and system for treating water containing hydrogen sulfide. The system includes the demineralizing the water to remove mineral impurities. The demineralized water is then treated with chlorine to convert the hydrogen sulfide in the demineralized water to hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid while dropping the water's pH level. The water is then neutralized either by using a marble contact bed and/or by the addition of sodium hydroxide. By demineralizing the water prior to adding chlorine, the pH level of the water is lowered when chlorine is added and elemental sulfur is prevented from forming.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the simultaneous purification of air and water, using a plurality of compartments arranged in a series extending from a first to a last compartment. Each compartment is partially filled with a biologically active material. Air and water to be purified are introduced into the first compartment into a lower portion thereof. Each said compartment other than the last compartment has outlets for air and water adjacent an upper portion thereof communicating with conduits for conveying air and water to a lower portion of the next compartment in the series. Each compartment other than the last has a closed top such that air can leave only through the conduits and pass to a lower portion of the next compartment. The last compartment has outlets adjacent an upper portion thereof for purified air and water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing odor perceived by a nearby community from an odor-emitting system, e.g., sewage treatment, etc., by adsorbing on core particles, as described, condensible components present in the system. The malodorous components then cannot adsorb in a film of condensible components on the aerosol to be carried by the aerosol plume into the surrounding community, but remain with the humid gas plume to be dispersed upward into the atmosphere. The process is useful for any system which contains condensible components and malodorous components and whose emissions form aerosols.

Abstract: The invention is a packet for the cleansing of edible oils, and a method of using that packet. The packet comprises a sealed enclosure formed of a porous or perforated, polymeric material. The ground rind from a fruit, such as granulated grapefruit peelings, are inserted into that enclosure. The method comprises immersion of the porous or perforated, fruit peeling-containing polymeric packet into the edible oil. The porous or perforated packet is retained in the edible oil for at least five minutes. During the time that the packet is immersed, the edible oil can flow through the porous or perforated polymeric packet and contact the citrus peelings within that packet. At the end of the appropriate time period, the porous or perforated polymeric packet is removed from the edible oil.

Abstract: An effluent treatment system 1, 70, 80 for treating effluent which has passed through a primary treatment step such as a septic tank 50 comprises a container 5 having inlets 7 for effluent and outlets 8 for filtered effluent. The container 5 contains a biological treatment medium 41 comprising a homogeneous mixture of young Sphagnum peat and an organic peat fibre. The medium 41 is covered by a layer 40 of peat fibre for distributing the effluent and another layer 44 of peat fibre is provided below the medium 41 to induce flow of treated effluent to the outlets 34.

Abstract: A solution useful in oxygenating and purifying water and other fluids is disclosed. The solution is comprised of water, sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate. The three components are mixed such that the pH of the solution is between 2 and 5. The active ingredients in the solution comprise approximately 6 percent of the solution. This solution is also sunlight activated, in that the solution acts to purify and oxygenate water to which it is added in an accelerated manner when exposed to sunlight. When added to water in which fish have been living, for example, which typically contains undesirable quantities of nitrates and nitrites which poison the fish, the present solution produces such substances as ammonium sulfide, ammonium carbonate and hydrogen sulfide, which are removed from the solution by precipitation and evaporation. The solution may be added to salt or fresh water in a ratio of from 16 ounces to 32 ounces per 100 gallons to oxygenate the water in which fish are living without killing the fish.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical process for the treatment of water containing dissolved calcium and sulphate ions, so as to produce a purified product water having a reduced sulphate ion concentration. Barium sulphide is added to the water to cause precipitation of barium sulphate from the water. The water from which the barium sulphate has been precipitated is then treated with carbon dioxide to form hydrogen sulphide in the water, and the hydrogen sulphide is stripped from the water.

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: An effluent processing arrangement which takes liquid effluent from primary treatment. In a first stage the liquid is filtered. In a second stage the filtrate is treated to neutralize bacterial and other contaminants and then in a third stage is sprayed under pressure into the atmosphere to evaporate it. An air blower can be used to assist evaporation. Provision is made for flocculation of effluent and for backwashing of the filter. The main purpose of the arrangement is for treatment of septic tank effluent.

Abstract: A process for abating the emission of hydrogen sulfide from a condensate of steam, derived from a sulfide-containing geothermal brine, comprising introducing an oxidizing agent into the condensate in an amount less than that which would be required to directly oxidize all the sulfide to sulfate. The process optionally provides for periodically introducing a biocide into the condensate to control the growth of organism therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for oxidizing arsenic in an arsenic-containing solution. The method comprises contacting the solution containing arsenic in a +3 oxidation state with an amount of a specific type of oxidizing agent, i.e., an agent containing at least one ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen to effect substantially complete oxidation of the arsenic to the +5 oxidation state. The amount of oxidizing agent used is substantially less than that which would theoretically be required. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment, the oxidized arsenic is reacted with a metal to form a substantially water-insoluble precipitate, preferably an iron or calcium arsenate.

Abstract: A process for pathogen reduction in waste where dewatered sludge having a solids content in the range of 10-60% is mixed with an additive selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate group. Hydration to calcium hydroxide occurs with an attendant release of heat. The pH of the sludge is then elevated and the heat of the hydration reaction is retained resulting in effective neutralization of pathogens. Apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is in a process for the treatment of clarification sludge, wherein a sludge is treated with a per acid containing up to 3 carbon atoms and subsequently allowed to digest in a septic plant.

Abstract: A thickener well is provided in one end of a digester orbital ditch having a pair of channels and an elongated center partition spaced from a pair of ditch endwalls, the overall ditch forming a basin for digestion of wasted sludge. A curved endwall of the ditch provides a common curved top outer peripheral wall of the thickener well. The remainder of the well has a cylindrical configuration integral with the orbital ditch bottom and extending downwardly therefrom to a position below the horizontal plane of the ditch bottom. A sludge raking structure is positioned at the bottom of the well for periodically raking settled sludge into a sludge outlet at the bottom of the well. A surface aerator is provided between and spaced from the other ditch endwall and a juxtaposed end of the partition or other aeration apparatus mounted in a channel(s) to aerate and propel a liquid-solids sludge mixture wasted from a secondary treatment apparatus and fed into the orbital ditch.

Abstract: A system and method for treating "septage" (i.e., wastewater collected from septic tanks and similar installations) utilizes a reactor tank for treating the anaerobic wastewater with an oxygen-containing fluid so as to substantially increase the dissolved oxygen content and thereby render the wastewater aerobic and suitable for input into a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Volatile gases are drawn off from all of the reactor tanks and placed into a treatment tank for a reduction of the bacterial and odor levels by reaction with a chlorine-containing water output of the municipal wastewater treatment facility.

Abstract: Removal of dissolved hydrogen sulfide and a reduction in BOD is achieved by the addition of nitrate ions to waste systems in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of bacteria which utilize dissolved hydrogen sulfide in their metabolism. Specifically, about 2.4 lbs. oxygen per lb. of sulfide is required.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is removed using transition metal carboxylates.