Abstract: A stream of acid mine discharge is treated by mixing an alkaline aqueous solution of sodium borohydride to form a precipitate which is separated from the stream.

Abstract: A cap has recess containing a porous frit and a graded porosity filter located so fluid from a container to which the cap is connected passes through the filter and out a spout on the cap. The filter porosity is selected to pass product expressed from cellular organisms grown in growth media inside the container while filtering out debris. A cap vent allows positive pressure in the container ullage to expedite filtering and reduce agitation of the container contents. This is not just a cap with a filter but an enabling tool. This tool enables total design change in many processes from previous thinking, allowing for the maximization of purified material, and reduction of multiple steps.

Abstract: Dynamic filtration systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a filtration system can include a filter device having a body portion positioned between first and second end portions and a filter media in a cavity defined by the body portion. The filter media can be configured to filter a predetermined substance from a ferrofluid. The filter device can further include a coil at the body portion, a first magnetic plate proximate the first end portion and a second magnetic plate proximate the second end portion. The coil can generate a first magnetic field across the body portion, and the first and second magnetic plates interact to form a second magnetic field across the body portion. The first and second magnetic fields can be configured to drive filtration of the ferrofluid.

Abstract: A method for providing fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates a magnetic particle control system positioning a magnetic particle (or magnetic particles) at a specific area, and more particular, to a magnetic particle control system including at least two magnets apart from each other, wherein a magnetic particle is positioned at a specific area between the at least two magnets by a repulsive force between the magnets. According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the magnetic particle can be consistently positioned at a wanted area by the at least two magnets with the same poles facing each other. Accordingly, the magnetic particle can be effectively controlled by arbitrarily adjusting the position of the magnets.

Abstract: A water treatment device and methods of treating water such as cooling tower water, swimming pool water, and hot tub or spa water, are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat the water, typically resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components. Swimming pool water and hot tub water treated with the water treatment device typically requires less chlorine, and chlorine levels are typically more stable than without the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing magnetism in a flowstream of an at least partially magnetisable particulate feed material suspended in a liquid, in use to condition the flowstream to enhance the subsequent separation process, the apparatus including: a treatment chamber having an inlet and an outlet through which the flowstream respectively enters and exits the chamber; and a magnetic source within the treatment chamber, said magnetic source substantially continuously immersed in and activated with respect to the flowstream.

Abstract: A separation system includes at least a hydrocyclone and one or more membranes. In another aspect, a separation system includes a membrane having graduated and/or asymmetrical pore sizes. A further aspect of a separation system includes an inner membrane, an outer membrane and a hydrocyclonic flow between the membranes.

Abstract: A particle separation device includes a particle separation member having a plurality of conical cavities each having a narrow open end and a wide open end for separating particles from unclean liquid; a fluid distribution member for distributing the liquid to the cavities; a particle collection member for collecting particles; and a fluid guiding member for guiding cleaned liquid from the particle separation member to an outlet of the device. The particle collection member includes a chamber and a magnet for holding particles inside the chamber. A vortex finder is disposed in each of the cavities. The vortex finder has a skirt portion and a distal end having a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: A magnetic ionization device is disclosed that reduces harmful Greenhouse Gases produced by the incomplete combustion of liquid or gaseous fossil fuels and increases performance efficiency. The magnetic ionization device comprises a pair of brackets secured together around a natural gas line, and at least two permanent rare earth magnet secured to the pair of brackets. The pair of brackets each comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, and are generally curved or C-shaped. Furthermore, the brackets comprise a recess for receiving a portion of a natural gas line. Once the permanent rare earth magnets are secured to the brackets, the brackets and magnets can be coated with plastic, powder metal, or any other suitable protective layer as is known in the art. The pair of brackets is then secured together around a natural gas line via plastic ties, nuts, bolts, and/or washers, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for continuously processing a lignocellulosic material, and particularly to an apparatus for continuously processing a lignocellulosic material by using of a single-stage or two-stage pretreatment processing with related to the acid-catalyzed steam explosion processing combined with dilute acid hydrolysis and steam explosion, in which parameters are adjusted to maintain in a state where lignocellulosic material feeding, acid mixing pre-heating, dilute acid hydrolysis reaction, steam explosion and flash discharge, to solid and liquid separation are simultaneously and continuously operated, so as to achieve in the results of acquiring xylose hydrolyzate by hydrolyzing hemicellulose, destroying lignocellulosic material structure, increasing surface area and porosity.

Abstract: A magnetic ionization device is disclosed that reduces the toxic effects of diesel emissions. The magnetic ionization device comprises a pair of brackets secured together around a fuel line, and at least two permanent rare earth magnets secured to the pair of brackets. The pair of brackets each comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, and are generally V-grooved in shape. Furthermore, the brackets comprise a recess for receiving a portion of a fuel line. Once the permanent rare earth magnets are secured to the brackets, the brackets and magnets can be coated with plastic, powder metal, or any other suitable protective layer as is known in the art. The pair of brackets is then secured together around a fuel line via plastic ties, nuts, bolts, and/or washers, etc.

Abstract: The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), by electronic type, using centrifugation of compositions of SWCNTs and surface active block copolymers in self-forming density gradient media.

Abstract: A method of transporting a magnetic fluid (104) or at least one magnetic particle (509, 510). The method comprises the steps of: providing a magnetic layer (102) with an asymmetric re-magnetization property; placing the magnetic fluid (104) or the magnetic particle(s) (509, 510) in the vicinity of the magnetic layer (102) so that they can magnetically interact with the magnetic layer (102); and applying an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A centrifugal bowl comprises a base that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: A fluid activating apparatus is provided. The apparatus is capable of changing a bonding structure of a fluid or allowing the fluid to be readily reacted by applying a strong magnetic field to the fluid, such as water or liquid fuel.

Abstract: A forward osmosis system using submerged hollow fiber membranes, a draw solution of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (preferably an iron oxide core with a silica shell that is chemically treated with a dispersant stabilizing it in a permanent suspension), that produces an osmotic pressure that drives fluid through the semipermeable membrane and a magnetic field produced by either a permanent magnet or solenoid-type electromagnet that is applied to either separate and reuse or to prevent the movement of the magnetic nanoparticles away from the membrane surface area. Since forward osmosis is independent of both the type of membrane (hyper, nano, ultra, or micro) and the fluid type (the fluid being processed can be oil or water-based), it can be widely applied to many fluid processes within the water treatment (wastewater treatment, demineralizing industrial cooling water, and seawater desalination) and non-water treatment industries such as the food and beverage, medical, and chemical industries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a non-magnetic material from magnetic material is provided. A magnetic separation device includes at least one magnetic element for producing a magnetic field. The magnetic separation device further includes a first support portion including a threaded opening that threadingly receives a threaded portion of a container to fixedly attach the container to the first support portion in an aligned orientation with respect to the magnetic element. The threaded opening retains the container in the aligned orientation when inverting the magnetic separation device.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region.