Abstract: A method for separating a blood component, e.g., fibrin monomer, from blood or plasma. The method utilizes a container with a reaction chamber for receiving the plasma. The reaction chamber is defined by a wall and an agent is supplied to the reaction chamber for converting the fibrinogen content of the plasma into a non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The method also utilizes a device for centrifuging the reaction chamber with the plasma and the agent to a degree sufficient for separating the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer from the plasma, for depositing the polymer on the outer wall of the reaction chamber, and for expelling the remaining plasma from the reaction chamber. A solvent is supplied to the reaction chamber for dissolving the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The solvent is supplied to the reaction chamber in a first amount for dissolving the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer which is less than the total amount of solvent for dissolving the polymer.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A device for introducing ozone uniformly into water flowing through a conduit for disinfecting the water. An ozone-contacting vessel is provided and includes a downflow tube through which water is caused to flow. The downflow tube is positioned vertically within a diffusion chamber. Within the downflow tube are a plurality of layers of transversely extending porous elements that are in communication with a source of ozone to provide a relatively uniform distribution of fine ozone bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the downflow tube. The downflow tube can be J-shaped, to convey ozonated water into downstream ozone reaction cells to permit oxidation or disinfection of the water being treated. An outlet seal plate is provided at the J-tube outlet to prevent backflow into the J-tube upon shutdown of the contactor cell containing the J-tube.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for treating water to remove suspended solids, disinfect for bacteria and viruses and remove color, taste and odor to produce a potable water. A bactericide is introduced which is relatively stable and long term. The system and method introduces the bactericide to the water in an amount sufficient to kill the bacteria and inactivate viruses, The bactericide is maintained in the water at least for a time period sufficient to kill the bacteria in the water, and, until the water is desired to be consumed at which time the water may be passed through an ion exchange. In this way, there is a decreased likelihood that the water will become recontaminated with the same bacteria and/or viruses before the water is desired to be used. In one embodiment, the bactericide comprises metal ions, such as silver ions and/or copper and zinc ions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for quickly inverting and dispersing a flocculant in an aqueous slurry to achieve settlement of solids and clarification of the slurry water. In particular, this invention relates to methods for quickly inverting a flocculant-containing emulsion in-line without significantly destabilizing the emulsion. The methods comprise dosing water with at least one water-in-oil emulsion containing at least one of a flocculent polymer and a hydrophilic surfactant and subjecting the water and emulsion to a high shear, turbulent reverse flow, such that the combination of the surfactant and shear synergistically inverts the emulsion, so the flocculant may be directly injected into the slurry. In an alternative embodiment, the emulsion is fed directly to the slurry to be treated and subjected to high shear, such that the emulsion inverts in situ, releasing the flocculant into the slurry for solids/liquid separation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which enables the monitoring and if desired controlling of fouling within a fluid system. The present invention includes a pseudo-fouling detector system with a pair of identical sensors, where said sensors measure a variable, such as, temperature or pH, in a fluid, producing an electric output representative of the variable. The variable measurements are used to calculate a fouling index which is further used to develop fouling treatment strategies for controlling the amount of fouling in the fluid system.

Abstract: Heated and pressurized reactant material is caused to come into contact with oxidant in an initial contact zone (Z) within a contactor. vessel (11). This initial contact zone is removed from the walls of the vessel and the structure through which the reactant material is introduced into the vessel. Once in the contactor vessel (11), the temperature of the reactant material is elevated to critical temperature or near critical temperature in at least portions of the initial contact zone. Sulfates and similar ions liberated in the oxidation reaction form salts and precipitate from solution generally in. the initial contact. zone removed from the contactor vessel walls and then tend not to adhere to equipment at points downstream from the initial contact zone.

Abstract: Filtration media having germicidal properties for use in filtering particles and deactivating, removing and/or destroying microorganisms from a feed liquid passing therethrough. The filtration media includes an effective amount of a germicidal chemically grafted and covalently bonded to a surface of the media. The germicidal grafted filter media is prepared by contacting the media with a grafting solution comprising an anionic monomer, a catalyst, a graft initiator and a germicide and subsequently curing tile media at an elevated temperature to chemically graft a polymerized salt of the polymerizable anionic monomer and the cationic germicide onto a surface of the media. Filter media suitable for use in the present invention include ceramic spheroids, hollow glass spheres, polymeric type media and thermoset coated glass spheres.

Abstract: A device for delaying water deoxidation has a main container, a motor disposed in the main container, a magneto-oscillator disposed in the main container, a pressure bottle disposed in the main container, a first water tube, a first non-return valve connected to the first water tube, a first three-way joint connected to the first non-return valve, a second water tube connected to the first three-way joint and the motor, a third water tube connected to the motor, a second three-way joint connected to the third water tube, a fourth water tube connected to the second three-way joint, a second non-return valve connected to the fourth water tube, a fifth water tube connected to the second non-return valve, a third non-return valve connected to the fifth water tube, a mixer connected to the fifth water tube, a first water inlet pipe connected to the mixer, the magneto-oscillator connected to the first water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe connected to the magneto-oscillator, and a second water inlet pipe conn

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus purifies contaminated bulk aqueous solutions and remediates soil. The apparatus is an electrolytic treatment or remediation unit consisting of one or more electrolytic cells having a cathode chamber separated from at least one anode chamber by a separation membrane. The cathode chamber has cathode plates positioned at an angle to the perpendicular or vertical axis of the cell made of valve metals with an irreducible oxide coating. Non-turbulent flow of the solution in an interfacial zone adjacent to the cathode is controlled by the evolution of hydrogen during electrolysis, resulting in a steady state flow of colloidal particles and cations in the cathode-solution interface sufficient to collapse the Gouy-Chapman layer, thereby causing total and irreversible agglomeration of all colloidal particles. A separation membrane separates cathode and anode chambers and allows conductivity driven ionic transfers, and prevents electro-osmotic reflux of the anolyte.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting liquids and gases includes the steps of distributing at least one optical fiber in the region containing the liquids or gases to be disinfected; aligning at least one radiation unit having a high intensity source of light into said fibers; radiating the liquid or gases by the optical fiber over a predetermined period of time. The present invention further related to devices using the same method.

Abstract: A photodegradative process is described for the purification of water contaminated by ether-based compounds, especially methylterbutyl ether (MTBE) or its analogous products, which comprises the following steps: (a) treatment of the contaminated water with an inorganic acid up to a pH ranging from 4.0 to 4.5 with the elimination of the carbon dioxide thus formed; (b) dispersion in the water of solid particles of a metal oxide of the semiconductor type or dissolution of a stream consisting of ozone in pure oxygen or air; (c) irradiation of the dispersion or solution obtained in step (b) with ultraviolet light to degrade the ether-based contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remover of dissolved fluoride ion for removing fluoride ions contained in wastewater and a treatment method for wastewater containing fluoride using the same. In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a remover of dissolved fluoride ion comprising: a) hydrochloric acid solution reacted with calcium carbonate, and b) a mixture of poly sodium metaphosphate and active aluminum or aqueous solution of mixtures thereof, or an aqueous solution of rare earth element compound, and a treatment method for wastewater containing fluoride using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjuvant for the filtration of liquids ensuring the elimination of contaminating microorganisms, which is constituted by polylactam powder obtained by polymerisation of monocyclic lactam by anionic catalysis in an liquid medium. It is particularly intended for integration in a drinkable water preparation process.

Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.

Abstract: A system for processing water by adding an additive to a stream of pressurized fluid. The system comprises first and second bodies. The first body defines a main passageway having a main inlet and a main outlet. The stream of pressurized fluid enters the main passageway through the main inlet. The second body is secured to the first body. The second body defines an additive passageway having an additive port. The additive passageway is in fluid communication with the main passageway at an injection location. Fluid flowing through the system creates low pressure that draws the additive through the additive port and the additive passageway and into the stream of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A cost-effective broad temperature method for removing troublesome low valent sulfur compounds from aqueous streams. The process utilizes sulfur dioxide, oxygen and at least one metal catalyst (which may be added to or already entrained in the aqueous stream) to oxidize the low valent sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A process and a configuration for producing ultra-pure water for a semiconductor manufacturing plant containing a plurality of manufacturing units. In a first purification step, untreated water undergoes preliminary purification in amounts required for the plant. In a plurality of final purification units, which are each assigned to at least one manufacturing unit, ultra-pure water of a stipulated quality is obtained from a treated water in a second purification step as a function of the process parameters of the associated manufacturing unit.

Abstract: A humidifier with an integrated bacteriostat dispenser is disclosed. In one embodiment, a hand-operated bacteriostat pump is mounted on the humidifier housing and dispenses a predetermined amount of bacteriostat into the water tray of the humidifier when operated upon. In another embodiment, the bacteriostat automatically dispenses an amount of bacteriostat appropriate for the amount of water discharged from a water bottle into the water tray. In this embodiment, a chamber is defined for holding bacteriostat. A regulator keeps the amount of bacteriostat in the chamber at a predetermined level. A plunger head is partially disposed in the chamber and is connected to a surface the position of which changes with the water level in the water bottle. The position of the plunger head thus moves as the water level in the water bottle changes, displacing bacteriostat into the water tray. In another embodiment, a method for dispensing bacteriostat into a humidifier is disclosed.

Abstract: According to the method of treating water in a cooling water system, adhesion of fouling is on-line monitored by a compact and inexpensive apparatus and a slime control treatment is intensified according to the result of on-line monitoring. The water treatment is intensified in response to the change of electric potential of a sensor monitoring microbial fouling 11 made of sensitized metallic material. When the electric potential of the sensor exceeds a threshold value, an agent is added through both chemical feeding pumps 15 and 17. When the electric potential lowers to the normal value, the agent is added only through the pump 15.