Abstract: A method for treating a fluid or gas containing contaminants wherein the fluid or gas is passed through a contactor having at least one reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element formed from metal particles bound together in an interconnected form and capable of promoting a reduction/oxidation reaction between the contaminants and the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element. The metal particles employed in the fabrication of the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element are selected from a group of particles comprising zinc, copper or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from an aqueous surfactant solution employed in the degreasing and cleaning of parts in a parts washer. The system includes a primary filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure. The system can also include a secondary filter assembly capable of removing residual free, dissolved and emulsified oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from the filtrate produced by passage of the contaminated aqueous surfactant solution through the primary filter assembly.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and filtering method for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from a machine coolant by withdrawing a portion of the machine coolant from a machine coolant reservoir through a skimmer assembly and thereafter passing the machine coolant through a filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid or gas containing contaminants wherein the fluid or gas is passed through a contactor having at least one reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element formed from metal particles bound together in an interconnected form and capable of promoting a reduction/oxidation reaction between the contaminants and the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element. The metal particles employed in the fabrication of the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element are selected from a group of particles comprising zinc, copper or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A filtering method for removing particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from cooling tower water by passing the cooling tower water through a filter assembly containing a particulate matter filter and a heavy metals filter having a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.