Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. A baffle and long folded ribbons inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. A source of iron ions such as fine steel wool is immersed in the fluids. Ion exchange between the steel wool and the photographic fixer recovers silver from the fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber.

Abstract: A process for removal of adsorbable organic chlorine (AOX) in which the acid-soluble AOX present in kraft chlorination (C.sub.D) effluents are destablized and converted to inorganic chloride by pH shift using the alkalinity and acidity sources available at the mill; C.sub.D effluent, typically having a pH of 1-2 and E.sub.1 effluent, typically having a pH of 9-12 can be mixed in various proportions to achieve a pH between 6.5-9.0 or the C.sub.D effluent is adjusted in pH to 6-11 with an alkaline composition so taht alkaline hydrolysis as well as precipitation of organic material occurs and the treated effluent contains less AOX than present in the original untreated effluents; the AOX removal is enhanced substantially by (i) the presence of a sulphide or (ii) by carrying out the alkaline treatment at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for removing volatile organic contaminants from vadose soil areas. Air is drawn through recovery probes positioned in the soil area being monitored. At intervals a blower is activated to draw gaseous vapors from the contaminated soil area above the underground water level. These gases are gathered within a water separator tank where gases and accidentally gathered liquids are separated. The gases are then passed through a filtration device for cleaning thereof. The device includes a water purifying system for dry cleaning contact water known to be contaminated. An external reservoir is provided for receiving of the contact water and for movement of the contact water into the water separator tank as desired. The level of water within the tank is constantly monitored. An aspiration means may be activated within the water separator tank to bubble through the contaminated liquid for stripping organic contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A sanitation system for treating a black water stream and a grey water stream. The black water stream is inputted into a black water digester wherein the black water stream is aerobically digested to produce a treated black water stream and the treated black water stream is discharged from the black water digester. The treated black water stream is inputted into a black and grey water digester and the grey water stream also is inputted into the black and grey water digester. The treated black water stream and the grey water stream are aerobically digested in the black and grey water digester to produce a treated black and grey water stream and the treated black and grey water stream is outputted from the black and grey water digester.

Abstract: An integrated process for heavy metal and cyanide removal in aqueous waste stream from plating processes wherein cyanide is oxidized by hypochlorite at approximately pH of 11.5 and hexavalent chromium is reduced to trivalent chromium at ambient temperature with ferrous sulfate at pH of 9.5; excess hypochlorite from cyanide destruction reacts with ferrous sulfate and additional ferrous sulfate is added to reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium to allow hydroxide co-precipitation with hydroxides of the ferric iron and hydroxides of copper, chromium, zinc, cadmium, manganese, etc., which are then separated by settling and filtration.

Abstract: The soot obtained in the form of a soot-containing aqueous waste liquor in the course of synthesis gas manufacture is utilizable bya) mixing said liquor in a sewage sludge treatment plant with a sewage sludge to which organic flocculants are added as drainage aids with or without a further quantity of finely divided coal or ash,b) filtering this pretreated sludge mixture,c) incinerating the resulting filter cake andd) burying the ash in a sanitary landfill.

Abstract: The ability of a waste treatment process to remove selenium from a waste stream is improved by pretreating the waste with a compound selected from the group having the formulaX(ZO.sub.a).sub.b,Q.sub.m O.sub.n,ClO.sub.3,Cl.sub.2 O.sub.6,Br.sub.3 O.sub.8,I.sub.2 O.sub.5, andmixtures thereof, wherein X is a cation, Z is halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, and iodine, a is an integer from 1-3, b is an integer equal to the valence of X, Q is chlorine or bromine, and m and n are each 1 or 2, provided than m+n equals 3.

Abstract: The water reclamation and collection unit is designed to process water used for all purposes except, flushing toilets or fixtures used for depositing human waste, to a cleansed and sanitized condition that will allow such water to be used for any purpose within any facility inhabited by people. In addition this unit is designed to collect exterior moisture in any form from the atmosphere and process such moisture converted to water to a chemical state where it is potable for humans or animals. The total unit process is designed to provide sufficient water to allow persons in a facility to not have to use water from a well, public water distribution system or any other type surface water supply.

Abstract: A method for continuously neutralizing quantities of acidic and alkaline waste materials is disclosed. Acidic and alkaline quantities are successively passed through the same weak ion exchanger. The passage of each of the quantities effectively neutralizes that quantity in the ion exchanger while, at the same time, effectively regenerates the exchanger for use in neutralizing the next successive quantity of waste material passed therethrough. Relatively highly acidic and highly alkaline waste materials are first neutralized in a holding vessel before being passed into the ion exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for anaerobically degrading highly concentrated process waste waters as obtained particularly in the chemical industry, in paper mills and cellulose plants, fish-processing plants, and in the production and elimination of alcohol or the like, whereby the CSB-content may be up to 10.sup.6 mg/l or more. This process comprises a putrefactive process which is induced in at least one decomposition tank at about 34.degree. C. by circulating normal sewage sludge, whereby upon start-up of the putrefactive process, a change to chemical process waste waters is carried out without adding communal sewage sludge. Subsequently, the sludge is withdrawn from the decomposition tank, flocculated, and returned to the external circulation for circulating the putrefactive sludge in the decomposition tank.

Abstract: A method of treating solid hazardous waste containing unacceptable levels of leachable metals such as lead and cadmium includes mixing the solid waste with an agent selected from the group consisting of reactive calcium carbonate, reactive magnesium carbonate and reactive calcium magnesium carbonate. After the solid waste and agent are mixed under conditions which support reaction between the agent and metals, the metals will be converted to nonleachable forms which are relatively stable under normal environmental conditions. If the solid waste material and agent are both dry when mixed, it may be beneficial to add water to facilitate the mixing of the solid waste and agent and the conversion of the metals into nonleachable forms.

Abstract: A method for removing color from the caustic effluent produced during kraft pulping and bleaching is characterized by heating the caustic effluent to a temperature and under a pressure sufficient to cause an alteration in the chemical structure of the lignin chromophores in the effluent. The cooked effluent is cooled and has its pressure reduced to near atmospheric pressure. An acid material, such as chlorine extract from the bleaching process, is added to the effluent to lower the pH of the effluent to between 2.6 and 3.8 to initiate flocculation of the altered chromophores of the effluent. During flocculation, the chromophores are continuously separated from the effluent in order to produce a relatively clean and color-free liquid which may be deposited in the sewer system of the pulp mill.

Abstract: Suspended ash in wastewater is efficiently concentrated and removed by mixing the ash suspension with thermally conditioned sludge. The solids in the resulting ash/sludge mixture are easily settled and dewatered by conventional means.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the chromium content of an aqueous waste containing significant amounts of at least one soluble chromium compound, such as blowdown waters from cooling towers utilizing chromium-containing materials as corrosion inhibitors is reduced, by contacting the chromium-containing waste water with an aqueous waste containing sodium sulfides, particularly spent caustic utilized in a desulfurization of petroleum fractions, to precipitate a substantial amount of the chromium and, thereafter, separating the precipitated chromium from the mixture as a sludge, to produce a waste water which can be safely disposed of to the earth's surface in a sewer or the like.

Abstract: One or more thin-wall tubes called "equiducts" are located near or on the bottom of a body of water such as a lake or ocean, or, more typically, in a water artery such as a river or stream. When the tubes are used for waste transport along a river, communities and industrial plants discharge their sewage and other wastes into the tubes at various locations along the river. The liquids in the tubes are in fluid equilibrium with the surrounding water, so that the tube walls can be thin and made of relatively inexpensive materials. The liquids are carried downstream in the tubes by the natural grade of the river bed, and by pumps located at spaced intervals on the river bed. The liquids are conducted to one of several different disposal arrangements. One disposal arrangement is a conventional on-shore processing plant. Another is simply a deep-water disposal site far out into the ocean or a large lake at the end of the river.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber is useful for treating x-ray photographic chemicals prior to discharging them into a drain. Desilvered photographic fixer is mixed with spent developer within the chamber. The resulting iron precipitates settle to the bottom of the chamber or adhere to ribbon-like flow restrictors within the chamber. Relatively clear fluid of approximately neutral pH concentration is discharged to the drain. The chamber is openable for removing and properly disposing of the iron precipitates.

Abstract: A noxious metal(s) containing waste material is treated with an acid solution of a metal of group VIIa or VIII of the Periodical System, preferably iron or manganese. Subsequently, the metal of group VIIa or VIII dissolved in the acid is precipitated as a metal hydroxide and simultaneously the noxious metal(s) dissolved from said waste by said acid solution are incorporated in said precipitating metal hydroxide.The waste material together with precipitated metal hydroxide is subjected to an immobilization treatment.Manganese hydroxide is particularly suitable for removing cadmium.An acid solution of iron and preferably simultaneously manganese to be used for treating the waste is obtained by dissolving oxysludge caught during iron or steel manufacture.The method is particularly for treating dredged harbor sludge.

Abstract: According to the process, a clay material is first dispersed with stirring in the waste (or vice versa) between 0.degree. and 150.degree. C. then, in particular in the case of acidic wastes, it is neutralized to an approximately neutral pH by a product preferably with a lime base and, in a third phase, a hydraulic and/or calcium binder is added to the mixture. Application to petrification of all types of wastes of industrial, mining, urban and other origins.

Abstract: Separating domestic waste water for aerobic filtration of black water and subsequently combining the filtration with grey water provides a convenient source of carbon and anaerobic matter for biological dentrification of nitrates in a filtration system of anaerobic atmosphere achieved biologically through normal decomposition. Improved filter means for the black water includes alternating layers of stone and sand, the latter being well ventilated to maintain at least slight acidity (pH=4).

Abstract: This invention provides a process for detoxifying or decontaminating liquid effluents and/or waste gas containing poisonous chromium (VI) NOx by reacting these with each other with formation of chromium (III) and higher oxide(s) of N. Optionally in addition another suitable reducing agent may be used.The process is particularly useful, for example, in a plant such as a stainless steel pickling plant where both these chemical components are available. Preferably liquid-liquid extraction may be used to extract and recover nitric acid formed as an oxidation product and preferably if additional chromium (VI) is required, this may be provided by electrolytic oxidation of chromium (III) to chromium (VI) in a suitable chemical circuit.

Abstract: A process for the elimination of ammonia in waste waters from a coke oven battery wherein ammonia-containing waste water or ammonia-containing vapor obtained by means of ammonia separation from the waste water are mixed with flue gas from the coke oven battery and sprayed into a NO.sub.x reactor at an elevated temperature with the resulting mixture being subjected to a catalytic redox reaction.

Abstract: Salt caverns or cavities are used only for intermediate storage and not for permanent storage of liquid pumpable wastes, to avoid above ground installations for such operations as phase separation, neutralization and sedimentation. The caverns may be used in combination or in series.

Abstract: Soluble sulfide residue, and small amounts of cyanide and oil, can be removed from scrubber water waste, particularly such waste produced by the process of manufacturing polyolefins from natural gas, by adding to the scrubber water waste a pickle acid waste, typically from steel operations, in an amount containing sufficient dissolved ionic iron to essentially completely react with all sulfide present and to precipitate it as iron sulfide. The cyanide ion can react to form iron ferrocyanide, which is substantially coprecipitated with the iron sulfide. Small amounts of oil present can also be coprecipitated.

Abstract: Backwash water containing radioactive cruds of a non-filter aid type filter of the primary cooling water system of an atomic power plant is treated by leading the backwash water directly, or supernatant obtained by removing coarse cruds by settling in advance, to a waste resin settling tank for backwash water containing waste ion exchange resin powder from filter-demineralizer of the condensation-purification system of the atomic power plant, mixing the backwash water or the supernatant with the backwash water from the filter-demineralizer in the tank, thereby allowing the cruds contained in the backwash water or the supernatant onto the waste ion exchange resin powder, and settling the crud-adsorbed waste ion exchange resin powder, thereby separating and removing the cruds from the backwash water from the non-filter aid type filter. Recycle of fine cruds can be eliminated with enhanced percent crud removal, and recycle time of backwash water can be shortened.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the chemical detoxification of anaerobically digested organic sludge containing toxic heavy metals in insoluble form. A quantity of the sludge is transferred from a conventional anaerobic digester to an insulated reactor vessel where the sludge is mixed and aerated at a rate sufficient to raise the oxidation reduction potential of the sludge to above +300 mv. and to maintain this condition for a period of 6-12 hours during which the heavy metals are converted to their desired oxidation state. The sludge is then acidified under controlled conditions to pH 1.0-3.0 for a period of 6-12 hours to solubilize the heavy metals. Conventional dewatering techniques are used to separate the detoxified, acidic sludge and the acidic, heavy-metal-containing water. The sludge may be neutralized for safe land application, and the metals can be recovered from the water using existing conventional techniques.

Abstract: An improved process and a system for waste water treatment are disclosed which are particularly suited for use in industrial plants (10) having existing drainage trench networks (108-128) through which normal plant effluents, component leakage and accidental spills ordinarily would be allowed to flow. The trench system is connected to a waste water treatment facility (FIG. 1) designed to remove impurities from the effluents and return acceptably clean water to the plant for reuse or discharge it to the environment. Because some plant effluents, component leaks and unexpected spillages can increase the concentration of impurities in the waste water to levels beyond the design limits of the waste water treatment system, a series of dams (138-144, 150-154, 162-176) are provided at locations throughout the trench network so that effluents having rather high ranges of concentration of impurities are held behind the dams.

Abstract: An improved process and a system for waste water treatment are disclosed which are particularly suited for use in industrial plants (10) having existing drainage trench networks (108-128) through which normal plant effluents, component leakage and accidental spills ordinarily would be allowed to flow. The trench system is connected to a waste water treatment facility (FIG. 1) designed to remove impurities from the effluents and return acceptably clean water to the plant for reuse or discharge it to the environment. Because some plant effluents, component leaks and unexpected spillages can increase the concentration of impurities in the waste water to levels beyond the design limits of the waste water treatment system, a series of dams (138-144, 150-154, 162-176) are provided at locations throughout the trench network so that effluents having rather high ranges of concentration of impurities are held behind the dams.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the separation of aqueous sludges in the purification of effluents in purification plants, comprising:(a) mixing organic and/or inorganic aqueous sludges with ground monomer-free tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) distillation residues having a mean particle size of less than 2 mm;(b) removing the water from the resulting purified sludges; and(c) disposing of the purified sludges.