Abstract: A large diameter duct formed of flexible material extends above an undersea oil leak. The large diameter dissipates the high well head pressure, which, in turn, decreases the velocity of the escaping oil. Because the oil is contained within the tubular structure and is under low pressure, it will rise slowly due to differences in the oil's and seawater's specific gravities. At the top of the tubular structure, the oil and water flows into a reservoir where the oil floating above the water can be offloaded to a storage vessel.

Abstract: A large diameter duct formed of flexible material extends above an undersea oil leak. The large diameter dissipates the high well head pressure, which, in turn, decreases the velocity of the escaping oil. Because the oil is contained within the tubular structure and is under low pressure, it will rise slowly due to differences in the oil's and seawater's specific gravities. At the top of the tubular structure, the oil and water flows into a reservoir where the oil floating above the water can be offloaded to a storage vessel.

Abstract: A unique apparatus unique apparatus and process that uses mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) for: (1) Destruction of: a) nearly all organic solid, liquid, and gases materials, except fluorinated hydrocarbons; b) all biological solid, liquid, and gases materials; c) and/or dissolution and decontamination (such as cleaning equipment and containers, etc.) of nearly all inorganic solid, liquid, or gas where higher oxidation states exist which includes, but is not limited to, halogenated inorganic compounds (except fluorinated), inorganic pesticides and herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, carbon residues, inorganic carbon compounds, mineral formations, mining tailings, inorganic salts, metals and metal compounds, etc.); and d) combined materials (e.g. a mixture of any of the foregoing with each other); henceforth collectively referred to as materials. (2) Sterilization/disinfection of equipment, glassware, etc., by destroying all existing infectious materials.

Abstract: A mixed waste mediated electrochemical oxidation process (MEO) process and apparatus for the dissolution of transuranic elements, and/or compounds thereof in transuranic waste, low level waste (LLW), low level mixed waste, special case waste, and greater than class C LLWS, and also the destruction of the non-fluorocarbon organic component in the waste. The MEO process and apparatus operates in three different modes: dissolution, destruction, and decontamination. In the first mode, dissolution, the process runs until the transuranics such as a mixed oxide or carbide, and/or mixture of oxides or carbides of uranium and plutonium are totally dissolved into solution. The second mode, destruction, the process is operated such that the mixed waste materials are reduced to CO2, water and small amounts of inorganic salts. The third mode, decontamination, involves contaminated equipment. In the decontamination mode the MEO process destroys the mixed wastes that have contaminated the equipment.

Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus for the use of mediated electrochemical oxidation for the oxidation, conversion/recovery, and decontamination of inorganic solids, liquids, and gases where higher oxidation states exist. Inorganic materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the inorganic materials with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the inorganic waste molecules and are converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues.

Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and destroy halogenated hydrocarbon waste materials. The waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the halogenated hydrocarbon waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation.

Abstract: Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C.

Abstract: A medicated electrochemical oxidation process is used for sterilization/disinfection of contaminated instruments and infectious waste. Contaminated instruments and waste are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the infectious waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the infectious waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable infectious waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100 degree celsius. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing after the heat shock, the produce is low pressure or vacuum cooled and dried to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

Abstract: Produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing after the heat shock, the produce is low pressure or vacuum cooled and dried to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.