Abstract: An overbased calcium sulfonate grease composition and method of manufacture comprising added alkali metal hydroxide alone or in combination with (a) calcium hydroxyapatite and/or added calcium carbonate used as calcium containing bases for reacting with complexing acids) and/or (b) at least one delay period between the addition of water as a converting agent and addition of a portion of a non-aqueous converting agent. A delay period may involve the period of time it takes to adjust the temperature of the mixture, a period of time during which the mixture is held at a temperature or within a range of temperatures, and multiples and any combination thereof. These calcium sulfonate greases have improved thickener yield and high dropping points compared to greases made without added alkali metal hydroxide and delay between the additions of water and a non-aqueous converting agent, particularly when a poor quality overbased calcium sulfonate is used.

Abstract: A grease delivery system is provided which includes refilling containers with a fluid from a larger reservoir to eliminate excess cost and waste. The container and reservoir are connected using hoses, a pump, and quick connect couplings. The containers are used to provide equipment with the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for treating flowing water systems with a plasma discharge to remove or control growth of microbiological species. Components of the water system are protected from being damaged by excess energy from the electrohydraulic treatment. Ozone gas generated by a high voltage generator that powers the plasma discharge is recycled to further treat the water. A gas infusion system may be used to create fine bubbles of ozone, air, or other gases in the water being treated to aid in plasma generation, particularly when the conductivity of the water is high. An electrode mounting assembly maintains a high voltage electrode and ground electrode at a fixed distance from each other to optimize plasma generation. An open support structure for the high voltage generator circuit physically separates spark gap electrodes and resists metal deposits that may disrupt discharge of a high voltage pulse to create the plasma.

Abstract: A method for treating and improving the quality of pond water used in growing aquatic species for aquacultural applications by adding to the pond water active bacteria that are preferably grown on site in combination with a nitrification enhancement agent such as calcium carbonate or calcified seaweed, and an optional reaction surface area modifier such as calcified seaweed or plastic or metal particles or fragments.

Abstract: A system and method for treating flowing water systems with a plasma discharge to remove or control growth of microbiological species. The system and method protect other components of the water system from being damaged by excess energy from the electrohydraulic treatment. The system and method also recycle ozone gas generated by a high voltage generator that powers the plasma discharge to further treat the water. A gas infusion system upstream of or inside a plasma reaction chamber may be used to create fine bubbles of ozone, air, or other gases in the water being treated to aid in plasma generation.

Abstract: A composition for treating a water system or membrane fluid system, such as a reverse osmosis system, to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. The composition may be a solid dissolved by water or solvent in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations. For certain systems, the method also comprises draining some existing water in the water system to remove prior treatment compositions and filling or rinsing the system with fresh water prior to adding the treatment composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: A solid composition for treating cooling or heated water systems to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition for cooling towers and chilled water systems comprises chelating agents and an anionic surfactant. The composition for boilers and heated water systems comprises a sulfite, neutralizing amines, sodium phosphate, a polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymer. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: An overbased calcium sulfonate grease composition comprising a reduced amount of overbased calcium sulfonate, calcium hydroxyapatite, base oil, one or more converting agents, and one or more complexing acids if a complex grease is desired. The calcium sulfonate grease composition improves thickener yield and expected high temperature utility as demonstrated by dropping point. A method of making the composition comprising the steps of mixing the calcium sulfonate and base oil, adding the calcium carbonate either before or after conversion, adding one or more converting agents, and adding one or more complexing acids. All or a portion of one or more of the complexing acids may be added with or prior to the one or more converting agents.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: A composition for treating a water system to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. Depending on the water system being treated, the composition may be a solid dissolved by water in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A treatment system particularly suitable for flowing water systems comprises a container for holding such a treatment composition and mixing it with a portion of water from the water system, a filter for removing solids dislodged during treatment, and a corrosion monitor. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises draining substantially all existing water in the water system, filling or rinsing the system with fresh water, contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system, and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations.

Abstract: A solid composition for treating cooling or heated water systems to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition for cooling towers and chilled water systems comprises chelating agents and an anionic surfactant. The composition for boilers and heated water systems comprises a sulfite, neutralizing amines, sodium phosphate, and, optionally, a polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymer. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system.

Abstract: An overbased calcium sulfonate grease composition comprising a reduced amount of overbased calcium sulfonate, added calcium carbonate, base oil, one or more converting agents, and one or more complexing acids if a complex grease is desired. The calcium sulfonate grease composition improves thickener yield and expected high temperature utility as demonstrated by dropping point. The calcium carbonate may be used to react with complexing acids when making a complex grease, such that the addition of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide is not required. A method of making the composition comprising the steps of mixing the overbased calcium sulfonate and base oil, adding the calcium carbonate, adding one or more converting agents, and adding one or more complexing acids. All or a portion of one or more of the complexing acids may be added with or prior to the one or more converting agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: An granular composition for absorbing liquids, the composition comprising perlite, super-absorbent polymer, a pH-indicating dye, and a minor amount of water. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the subject composition comprises about 80 weight percent perlite, about 5 weight percent SAP, about 0.0125 weight percent pH indicating dye (most preferably phenolphthalein), and from about 7 to about 9 weight percent water in the final product.

Abstract: A chemical diluter system includes a housing. A container is mounted in the housing and is adapted for storing soluble flowable chemical solids. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and adjacent to the container. A disposable dispenser is attached to the container for automatically dispensing a measured amount of the chemical solids from the container into the mixing chamber via gravity flow. The mixing chamber is adapted to receive fluid for dissolution of the chemical solids and for dispensing a diluted chemical solution of the chemical solids.

Abstract: A system and method for treating flowing water systems with a plasma discharge to remove or control growth of microbiological species. The system and method protect other components of the water system from being damaged by excess energy from the electrohydraulic treatment. The system and method also recycle ozone gas generated by a high voltage generator that powers the plasma discharge to further treat the water. A gas infusion system upstream of or inside a plasma reaction chamber may be used to create fine bubbles of ozone, air, or other gases in the water being treated to aid in plasma generation.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.