Abstract: A process suitable for operation at a mine site for recovering a hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon bearing sand comprising the steps of mixing a chemical additive with a chemical composition and with a hydrocarbon bearing sand containing hydrocarbon and residual solids including clay, at a temperature to form a slurry. The chemical composition comprises an aqueous phase and a minor amount of a chemical agent selected from the group consisting of at least one ethoxylated alkylphenol compound, at least one ethoxylated dialkylphenol compound, MIBC, SC-177, Petronate HL, Calcium Lignosulfonate, NaOH and mixtures thereof. The slurry is conditioned and aerated to produce essentially sludge-free tailings and a mixture of hydrocarbon, aqueous phase and residual solids including clay. The process further comprises the step of separating in a short-residence time apparatus the mixture of the hydrocarbon, the aqueous phase and the residual solids including clay from the essentially sludge-free tailings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of thermally stabilizing an effluent stream from an industrial process, such as a photolithographic process, to allow thermally manageable recovery of the solvent. In the separation and recovery process the solvent is exposed to temperatures that can cause polymerization of the relatively small amounts of monomer still contained therein. This polymerization is an exothermic polymerization, which can accelerate the polymerization of the remaining monomer, potentially causing a thermally initiated, exothermic, run away polymerization. Run away, thermally initiated, exothermic polymerization can materially degrade the solvent. The thermally initiated, run away exothermic reaction is inhibited by the inclusion of a thermal stabilizer or polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping coatings or other contaminants from a solid surface comprises water soluble abrasive particles and a rinse aid which reduces the amount of water soluble residues of blast media remaining on the targeted surface and which enables any residues which remain to be readily removed by fresh water. The rinse aid can include magnesium oxide or a mixture thereof with one or more surfactants.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping contaminants from very soft and sensitive substrates comprises compacted abrasive particles which are formed by compacting very fine particles of the abrasive into larger particles which are friable and which will break apart into fine particles upon contacting the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use for cleaning hard surfaces of a combination of ionic and nonionic surfactants containing(a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound having the general formula (I)R.sup.1 (--CHOH--CHR.sup.2).sub.n --N.sup.+ R.sup.3 R.sup.4 R.sup.5 X.sup.-(I)(b) at least one alk(en)yl polyethylene glycol mixed ether having the general formula (II):R.sup.6 --O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.2 --R.sup.7 (II).

Abstract: A method for removing dirt from a web in which a blow-off nozzle is provided extending over the width of a web. An edge of the nozzle at an end thereof is positioned close to one surface of the web. Air is blown through the nozzle while said web is being run past said nozzle so that deposits are removed from a surface of the web with the edge while the web is maintained in a floating state separated from the nozzle.

Abstract: A rapid deployment system for recovering oil from beachers includes an articulated vehicle for propelling and suspending a vacuum head above a beach or the like. A selected area of the beach is irrigated with sufficient quantities of water to saturate the selected area. Oil deposited on the beach is driven to the surface. A sufficient quantity and velocity of air moves over the surface beneath the vacuum head to develop a water column upon which resides a frothy foam mixture of air, water and oil which is drawn into the head. In the vacuum head, the velocity of the air flow is suddenly and significantly reduced above a fluid sump wherein entrained oil and water droplets fall into a sump for processing outside of the vacuum head. A metal auger can be provided within the vacuum head to pump oil from pools and separate entrained oil droplets from the high velocity air flow. A special terrain vehicle which propels and supports the vacuum head is modular and can be transported by helicopter with the entire system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the remediation of soil is provided with a plug flow of soil and counter-current wash of water. The contaminant-containing soil with water is first treated to disengage the contaminant from the soil and form a liquid phase containing water and contaminant. The treated soil and liquid phase is continuously introduced into a wash zone at a first end of the wash zone, and the soil and the liquid phase are conveyed in successive and discrete portions through the wash zone between the first end of the wash zone and a second end of the wash zone to provide an essentially plug-flow of the soil through the wash zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting compressible pigs into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a conical chamber that fits into the end of the pipeline. A plurality of spring tensioned hooks hold the conical chamber in place. The pig is inserted into the conical chamber, a cover having a threaded rod is then secured to the chamber and the pig is pushed through the chamber into pipeline by turning the threaded rod.

Abstract: Stain on sheet steel is removed by providing a solution of buffered chelating agent and applying the same to the sheet steel during processing and prior to coiling.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning microelectronic surfaces using an aerosol of at least substantially solid argon or nitrogen particles which impinge upon the surface to be cleaned and then evaporate and the resulting gas is removed by venting along with the contaminants dislodged by the cleaning method.

Abstract: A method of cleaning contaminants from a contact lens is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of positioning a contact lens and an adsorbent so that the adsorbent is disposed between the contact lens and an electric current source, immersing the contact lens, the adsorbent, and the current source in a saline solution, then applying an electric current from the current source through the adsorbent and the contact lens so that contaminants carried by the contact lens migrate to the adsorbent. Additionally, a disposable, arcuate-shaped adsorbent article conformable to and matable with the convex and concave surfaces of the contact lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for blast cleaning an article having internal passageways that produces a clean, weldable, and brazable article that is free of blast media residue. The process includes blasting the internal passageways of the article with a soluble blast media, rinsing the article with a solvent in which the blast media is soluble, and removing the solvent from the internal passageways of the article using a stream of air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants, including hydrocarbon and metal, from contaminated particulate material, such as gravel, soil, and the like. Initially, contaminants are removed by contact with water at a temperature higher than a melting temperature of the contaminants to remove them by melting. The removed contaminants are then subjected to specific gravity separation in water and filtration, including ion exchange and activated carbon filtration.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a system for rinsing and drying items comprising a process chamber for receiving the items; a rinse condenser; a first heater; a vaporizer for vaporizing water and including a second heater; a vacuum system for reducing the pressure within the process chamber; and a valving apparatus for independently coupling the process chamber to the vaporizer and the process chamber to the vacuum system.

Abstract: Aluminum is removed from ammonium molybdate solution by the use of Mg.sup.+2 in the solution to precipitate out the aluminum.

Abstract: Three aqueous cleaning solutions are disclosed, which may be used individually or as part of a two-solution cleaning method for silver halide-based photographic processing systems. One solution comprises water, an organic or inorganic iron salt wherein the iron is in the +3 oxidation state, a chelating agent, and an organic or inorganic silver complexing agent. A second solution comprises water, an organic or inorganic acid or acid anhydride, a surfactant, and a water soluble solvent. A third solution comprises water, a chelating agent, an alkali metal silicate salt, a surfactant, and a water soluble solvent.

Abstract: Polyester and cellulosic contaminants are removed from the surfaces of polyolefins by contacting the polyolefins with an aqueous composition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide; and with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A method of removing foulants from spiral-wound reverse osmosis cartridges, comprising the steps of:a) freeing the envelopes and webbing from their original confinement;b) soaking the envelopes and webbing in a cleaning solution, specific to the general chemical nature of the foulants found in the webbing and on the surface of the envelopes, for a period of time sufficient to dissolve solubilize soften, and loosen the foulants;c) unwrapping and washing each membrane envelope and layer of webbing to physically remove the foulants therefrom;d) rewinding the membrane envelopes and layers of webbing in spiral configuration about the center product tube while simultaneously drawing a vacuum on the product tube to remove air trapped in the envelopes and enable the memory of the envelopes and webbing to urge themselves into their original tightly-wrapped configuration thereabout; and,e) reconfining the ends of the wrapped layers and resealing the outer surface and one end of the reassembled cartridge against leakage