Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic microorganisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic micro- organisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A novel, heterogeneous ion exchange membrane, methods for making such a membrane, and devices containing such a membrane are disclosed. Such membranes comprise linear low or linear medium density polyethylene or high molecular weight high density polyethylene as a binder and can incorporate a wide variety of ion exchange resin materials. The membranes can be fabricated using extrusion or other melt processing procedures to produce a product, which upon conditioning in water, exhibits properties adapted for use in numerous applications.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided for removing ions from liquids. The apparatus is particularly well-adapted for the removal of large, heavily hydrated, highly charged or weakly ionized molecules or complexes from feed water. Such removal is achieved by substituting, in at least one section of the apparatus, ion exchange membranes and/or resins having lower crosslinking and/or lower selectivity, for the ion exchange membranes commonly used in electrodeionization systems. Methods for reducing the electrical resistance across the membrane also are provided.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided for removing ions from liquids. The apparatus is particularly well adapted for the removal of large, heavily hydrated, highly charged or weakly ionized molecules or complexes from feed water. Such removal is achieved by substituting, in at least one section of the apparatus, ion exchange membranes and/or resins having lower crosslinking and/or lower selectivity, for the ion exchange membranes commonly used in electrodeionization systems. Methods for reducing the electrical resistance across the membrane also are provided.

Abstract: A novel electrodeionization apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of disk-shaped concentrating and diluting cell pairs which provide an apparatus which minimizes losses of ion exchange membrane efficiency due to membrane sealing to compartment spacers. In addition, a novel method for filling individual cells or cell pairs with ion exchange resins is disclosed.