Abstract: Methods for utilizing transition metals as tracers in aqueous liquid systems are provided by this invention. Transition metals with low background levels in system waters are identified as preferred when soluble in said aqueous liquid systems. The transition metals show low levels of deposition on equipment scale and provide reliable information as to the process history of the liquid systems.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for working up the high-boiling, solids-containing residues obtained in the synthesis of organochlorosilanes which are hydrolyzed and then optionally oxidized, with oxygen-containing gases, comprising adding during hydrolysis and/or oxidation a surface-active substance which hydrophilicizes the surface of the solids.

Abstract: A process for demulsifying oil/water emulsions using an organic demulsifier which is added in the optimum amount by means of a controlling device for the metered addition, wherein the demulsification reaction is carried out at a temperature of from 60.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. with mixing.

Abstract: A method and a device of dividing an aqueous processing waste solution of a non-silver halide light-sensitive material into solid and water are disclosed comprising the steps of:(a) introducing said solution into an evaporator,(b) concentrating by heating said solution,(c) removing sludge produced from the evaporator during concentrating by heating said solution,(d) separating the sludge into solid and liquid and(e) cooling and condensing evaporated gas to liquid.

Abstract: A method of water treatment consisting of the step of diverting water through a fluid flow passage in which the water is subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in a range between 15 and 150 kilohertz for a period in excess of 12 seconds such that cavitation occurs.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for working up the high-boiling, solids-containing residues obtained in the synthesis of organochlorosilanes which are hydrolyzed and then optionally oxidized, comprising adding during hydrolysis and/or oxidation a surface-active agent which hydrophilicizes the surface of the solids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floatation clarifying/flocculating procedure for purifying liquid, in which particles of impurities present in a liquid to be purified or impurities dissolved in the liquid which have been converted into particle form with the aid of flocculating chemicals, are separated from the liquid to be purified and carried to the surface of the liquid, to form thereon a sludge bed. The sludge bed is conducted out through a sludge trough to a sewer or equivalent, and flocculating chemicals are then added to the remaining liquid thus already at least partially purified, so that the chemicals form dirt particles with the impurities still present in a dissolved state but which have not yet been removed from the remaining liquid.

Abstract: A process for obtaining available elements from seawater is described, which process includes two separation steps. The first separation step involved adjusting the pH of seawater to a low pH by adding a strong acid having sulphate ion, adding a strongly alkaline agent thereto in amount sufficient to provide a high pH and separating the precipitate formed thereby from the filtrate. The second separation step involves concentrating the filtrate, cooling the concentrated filtrate and separating a precipitate thereby formed. Each precipitate and each filtrate obtained in these steps has characteristic components and can be utilized for many purposes, for example, for food additives, as a solvent for paint, as combustion aids, or as alkaline agents for neutralization etc.

Abstract: A multistage countercurrent separation apparatus and method is described. Each stage includes a mixer zone and a settler zone, both of which have temperature control means to achieve a first temperature and a second temperature, respectively, in the mixer and settler zones. Solvents used in the process are selected so that they have at least one immiscibility transition temperature such that they form a single homogeneous phase at said first temperature and two heterogeneous phases at said second temperature. By carrying out the process, a solute or solutes introduced into the system may appropriately be efficiently concentrated or separated with minimal agitation. Furthermore, because emulsification by rapid agitation is avoided, the homogeneous phase quickly coalesces upon passing into the heterogeneous phase, thereby increasing the throughput which may be achieved by the extraction process.

Abstract: A method of processing an aqueous feed liquid to precipitate at least one metal (e.g., copper, nickel or a combination thereof) in a form to make the metal subsequently removable from the feed liquid by filtration, comprises the initial step of mixing (i) an aqueous feed liquid containing a soluble salt of the metal to be removed, (ii) oxalic acid in excess of that required to react with metal, and (iii) a pH-adjusting liquid in a quantity sufficient to lower the pH of the feed liquid to a point between that at which the feed liquid becomes slightly supersaturated with respect to the oxalate of the metal and that at which precipitation of the metal oxalate is initiated. The mixture is then allowed to stand (either at room temperature or heated to elevated temperatures) for a period of time sufficient to form metal oxalate, and finally the formed metal oxalate is separated from the feed liquid to leave an aqueous liquid suitable for discharge to a sewer line.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering a cellulose ether from a cellulose ether suspension in which the cellulose ether is recovered as a filter cake from a pressure filtration, particularly using a rotary pressure filter. Clogging of the separation or filtration device is avoided, providing for a long useful life. A multi-layer wire mesh filter medium is employed, formed of mesh layers of different wire thicknesses and/or mesh size. After removal of the filter cake, the filter medium is cleaned with steam, compressed air or pressurized water.

Abstract: A process for separating water and hydrocarbon from the solids in a petroleum product tank sludge is water-free, solvent-free, conducted at ambient conditions, utilizes no pre-coating with a filter aid, and creates no hazardous environment for filtering finished product sludge, such as gasoline. The process comprises operating a first pump and pumping sludge to a mixing tank and agitating the mixture. Solids content is measured and a determined volume of filter aid is added. The filter aid and sludge are mixed by operation of a mixer assembly which co-acts with baffles in the tank to achieve homogeneity in the mixing tank. A second pump pumps the mixing sludge and filter aid through one of a plurality of alternately selectable sealed horizontal plate filter and recirculates the filtered liquid back through the mixing tank until a desired clarity is reached.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the protection of metal surfaces against corrosion by the formation of a passivating coating of zinc silicate on the surfaces of the metals exposed to the water. The metal surfaces are preconditioned by contact with water containing a soluble zinc salt in an amount from about 0.5 to about 5 parts zinc per million weight parts of the water while the total alkalinity is maintained above 100 millequivalents by the addition of a water soluble alkaline material, as needed. The pretreatment passivates the metal surfaces with a coating of zinc carbonate, as can be determined by measuring the magnitude of external current flow between electrodes of a test probe maintained in the water.

Abstract: A method of disposing of wastes containing heavy metal compounds by neutralizing the wastes, oxidizing the neutralized wastes, then solidifying the oxidized wastes using conventional mineral binding agents such as Portland cement. This method is of particular interest in treating arsenic sulfide containing aqueous sludges produced in the manufacture of phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A method of sewage treatment is disclosed which consists of the following described steps: Firstly, directing the sewage to be treated into a holding tank; secondly, subjecting the sewage in the holding tank to ultrasonic vibrations in a range between 15 and 150 kilohertz for a period in excess of 12 seconds thereby achieving cavitation of the sewage; thirdly, draining the liquids from the sewage; and fourthly, removing the sewage residue remaining after drainage of liquids.

Abstract: This invention involves a multi-step, multi-force process for dewatering sludges which have high concentrations of magnetic particles, such as waste sludges generated during steelmaking. This series of processing steps involves (1) mixing a chemical flocculating agent with the sludge; (2) allowing the particles to aggregate under non-turbulent conditions; (3) subjecting the mixture to a magnetic field which will pull the magnetic aggregates in a selected direction, causing them to form a compacted sludge; (4) preferably, decanting the clarified liquid from the compacted sludge; and (5) using filtration to convert the compacted sludge into a cake having a very high solids content.Steps 2 and 3 should be performed simultaneously. This reduces the treatment time and increases the extent of flocculation and the effectiveness of the process.

Abstract: A method for controlling pH of an effluent stream or batch process is provided in which multiple in-process reagent concentration and pH data pairs are used to characterize the titration curve of the influent stream or batch fluid. Reagent is added in two or more portions in either space or time to generate several resulting pH readings and to provide rapid, reliable, and locally valid titration characterization. The titration curve can then be used to determine the required reagent addition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for separating oil water and solids from emulsions. More particularly, the present invention provides a process and apparatus for continuously separating oil, water and solids from stable mixtures thereof, comprising heating the mixture to at least about 115.degree. C., rapidly cooling the mixture to below 100.degree. C., separating the solids from the liquids and separating the water from the oil. Preferably, the invention also includes the step of adding a flocculant prior to cooling the mixture.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating food wastewaters by acidifying to a low pH, adding an alginate, and, preferably, adding lime to a pH of at least 7.0, without adding iron or aluminum to assist in coagulation and flocculation of the wastewater. A floc is formed at acid pH in some wastewaters and at neutral to alkaline pH in other wastewaters treated with lime. After recovery of the floc as a sludge, the process provides at least about 70% removals of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at reasonable costs and with negligible formation of free fatty acids in the resulting sludge.

Abstract: A cooling tower system and associated method is disclosed for controlling an aqueous coolant circulated through a cooling tower without requiring discharge of the coolant during recirculation. The coolant pumped from the cooling tower is filtered and monitored for characteristics. Generally acceptable levels of pH, temperature and TDS are maintained in the coolant to reduce the corrosive and scale-forming tendencies thereof and with those levels being maintained and monitored, the calcium content of the coolant is then adjusted in order to balance the Langelier Saturation Index (Sl) at a zero level. A computer is programmed to resolve control algorithms for Sl=0 and, using stored tabular data corresponding to the respective values of the monitored characteristics of pH, temperature, alkalinity and TDS, the computer calculates the value of calcium necessary to maintain a zero index.