Abstract: A plurality of system control devices respectively include network interfaces for communicating with each other via a network. One of the plurality of system control devices functions as a master system control device, and the remaining system control devices function as slave system control devices. The master system control device transmits a control command to the slave system control devices by means of the network interface. The slave system control devices receive the control command by means of the network interfaces and supply an operation command to abatement devices in accordance with the control command. When unable to communicate with the master system control device, the slave system control devices either function as master system control devices or enter stand-alone operation mode.

Abstract: Provided is an abatement device that reduces an amount of drainage of circulating water. The abatement device lowers an average drainage flow of circulating water to a low flow, when a ratio of a concentration of silicon dioxide within the circulating water and a concentration of hydrogen fluoride within the circulating water is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which hydrofluorosilicic acid can be produced, and raises the average drainage flow of the circulating water to a high flow higher than the low flow, when the ratio of the concentration of silicon dioxide within the circulating water and the concentration of hydrogen fluoride within the circulating water is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is an abatement device that reduces an amount of drainage of circulating water. The abatement device lowers an average drainage flow of circulating water to a low flow, when a ratio of a concentration of silicon dioxide within the circulating water and a concentration of hydrogen fluoride within the circulating water is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which hydrofluorosilicic acid can be produced, and raises the average drainage flow of the circulating water to a high flow higher than the low flow, when the ratio of the concentration of silicon dioxide within the circulating water and the concentration of hydrogen fluoride within the circulating water is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: In a method of treating a gas stream, an aqueous scrubbing liquor is circulated through an essentially closed loop (20) comprising an electrochemical unit (48) for reducing the acidity of the liquor. A portion of the circulating liquor is diverted away from the closed loop (20) to a gas scrubbing unit (10). The gas stream enters the scrubbing unit (10), wherein an acid, for example HF and solid particulates, for example SiO2 particulates, within the gas stream dissolve in the diverted liquor. The diverted liquor is subsequently returned to the closed loop (20), and is replenished in the scrubbing unit (10) by fresh liquor diverted from the closed loop (20). A device (46) is provided for monitoring the acidity of the liquor at a location within the closed loop (20). The reduction in the acidity of the liquor by the electrochemical cell (48) is controlled depending on the monitored concentration.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an aqueous stream containing both anionic and cationic species is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Circulating water continuously through an essentially closed loop, the loop incorporating an ion adsorption unit which, in turn, comprises a water permeable layer of an ion adsorbing material. Feeding an aqueous solution containing the anionic and the cationic species to the essentially closed loop. Passing the circulating water, including the aqueous solution containing the ionic and the cationic species, through the ion adsorbing material in the ion adsorption unit in a continuous manner. While at the same time applying an electric potential across the thickness of the layer of ion adsorbing material and removing from the ion adsorption unit more concentrated aqueous solutions of the separate ionic species. Discharging each of the aqueous solutions from the ion adsorption unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the recovery of radiolabelled isotopes from organic substances labelled or contaminated with one or more radiolabelled isotopes, which process comprises: i) adding organic substances labelled or contaminated with a radiolabelled isotope to an acidic aqueous electrolyte containing silver ions as an electrochemically regenerable primary oxidising species; ii) subjecting the acidic aqueous electrolyte to an electric potential; and iii) recovering the radiolabelled isotope from the products of the electrochemical process resulting from the application of the electric potential; wherein the process is carried out at a slight pressure depression.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid waste containing target species is described, in which the liquid is first conveyed through a housing containing a catalyst for removing either a reducing agent or an oxidising agent from the liquid, The liquid is then conveyed to a reverse osmosis or nanofiltration membrane to obtain a retentate rich in the target species and a permeate lean in the target species. The retentate is returned to the liquid upstream from the membrane, whilst the permeate may be subject to further treatment, for example in a neutralisation plant.

Abstract: In a method of treating a gas stream, an aqueous scrubbing liquor is circulated through an essentially closed loop (20) comprising an electrochemical unit (48) for reducing the acidity of the liquor. A portion of the circulating liquor is diverted away from the closed loop (20) to a gas scrubbing unit (10). The gas stream enters the scrubbing unit (10), wherein an acid, for example HF and solid particulates, for example SiO2 particulates, within the gas stream dissolve in the diverted liquor. The diverted liquor is subsequently returned to the closed loop (20), and is replenished in the scrubbing unit (10) by fresh liquor diverted from the closed loop (20). A device (46) is provided for monitoring the acidity of the liquor at a location within the closed loop (20). The reduction in the acidity of the liquor by the electrochemical cell (48) is controlled depending on the monitored concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for removing ionisable impurities from an electrolyte solution in an electromembrane device. The apparatus comprises means for recirculating the electrolyte solution between the cathode and the anode, and means for transferring selected ions from the electrolyte solution into a separate stream upon application of a current.

Abstract: A method for isolating plasmids DNA from a DNA containing material which comprises plasmid DNA and genomic DNA, comprising extracting the plasmid DNA into a water-immiscible organic solvent, a chaotrope and water under conditions to denature the genomic DNA and recovering the plasmid DNA from the organic phase.

Abstract: Using a solution mining procedure, an ore (10) is treated with a solution of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide so as to form a leachate containing lead ions. Lead ions (and other metal ions such as zinc and manganese) are stripped (22, 24, 26) by solvent extraction from the leachate to form separate aqueous solutions. The aqueous solution containing lead ions is treated electrochemically in the anodic compartment of a separated electrochemical cell (42) to form a precipitate of lead oxide. Manganese dioxide can be produced similarly (72). A precipitate of zinc hydroxide can be formed in the cathode compartment of a separated electrochemical cell (56). In the cells (42, 72) extracting lead ions and manganese ions, the cathode compartment is used to generate hydrogen peroxide (for use in making the leachant), either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid which comprises:

Abstract: In apparatus for decomposing organic waste by oxidation using electrochemically regenerated Ag++, provision is made for preventing unwanted carryover of organic material into recovery streams and into any solid waste produced by the apparatus. Gases formed in the processing are also treated to prevent or minimise any carryover of toxic components in gaseous effluent from the apparatus.

Abstract: Using a solution mining procedure, an ore (10) is treated with a solution of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide so as to form a leachate containing lead ions. Lead ions (and other metal ions such as zinc and manganese) are stripped (22, 24, 26) by solvent extraction from the leachate to form separate aqueous solutions. The aqueous solution containing lead ions is treated electrochemically in the anodic compartment of a separated electrochemical cell (42) to form a precipitate of lead oxide. Manganese dioxide can be produced similarly (72). A precipitate of zinc hydroxide can be formed in the cathode compartment of a separated electrochemical cell (56). In the cells (42, 72) extracting lead ions and manganese ions, the cathode compartment is used to generate hydrogen peroxide (for use in making the leachant), either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid which comprises: p1 (a) applying a sample comprising cells containing nucleic acid to a filter, whereby the cells are retained as a retentate and contaminants are removed; p1 (b) lysing the retentate from step (a) whilst the retentate is retained by the filter to form a cell lysate containing the nucleic acid; p1 (c) filtering the cell lysate with the filter to retain the nucleic acid and remove remaining cell lysate; p1 (d) optionally washing the nucleic acid retained by the filter; and p1 (e) eluting the nucleic acid, wherein the filter composition and dimensions are selected so that the filter is capable of retaining the cells and the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method is provided for purifying from cells a target compound such as nucleic acid. The method comprises the following steps: 1) lysing a cell suspension to form a cell lysate containing the target compound; 2) applying the cell lysate to a filter to remove unwanted cells and cell debris; 3) contacting the filtered lysate with a solid phase matrix under conditions to bind the nucleic acid to the matrix; 4) separating the resultant filtered lysate from the matrix; and 5) eluting the target compound from the matrix. Apparatus is also provided. Complex purification procedures such as centrifugation are avoided.

Abstract: A radioactive waste stream (12) is of high pH and contains a wide variety of different fission products and also organic materials which act as complexants. Technetium and/or ruthenium are removed by first electrolytically oxidising the organic materials at an anodically stable anode (26), and then electrolytically reducing the technetium and/or ruthenium at a porous fluid-permeable cathode (42). The cathode (42) might for example be of lead wool.