Abstract: A method of making below 250-nm UV light transmitting optical fluoride lithography crystals includes applying heat along a shortest path of conduction of a selected optical fluoride crystal, heating the optical fluoride crystal to an annealing temperature, holding the temperature of the optical fluoride crystal at the annealing temperature, and gradually cooling the optical fluoride crystal to provide a low-birefringence optical fluoride crystal for transmitting below 250-nm UV light.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating drum (60) for a single drum or, as the case may be, a multi-drum circulating coating device. The inside of the drum is subdivided into two rotation-symmetrical drum chambers (61 and 62) via a separating wall (67), which chambers are fillable with equal dispensed amounts of small parts through oppositely lying openings (73) of the drum casing (63). The openings (73) are closeable via lids or covers (68) provided pivotable on the drum (60).

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. A method supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device manufacturing apparatus in which a device can be precisely manufactured by stably ejecting a predetermined amount of droplets when the device is manufactured using a droplet ejecting device. The apparatus can include a pressure generation chamber having a Helmholtz resonance frequency of a period TH. A driving signal includes a first signal element to cause the pressure generation chamber to expand, a second signal element to cause the expanded pressure generation chamber to contract, and a third signal element to cause the pressure generation chamber to expand to its original state, which is held before the first signal element is output, after ejection of a droplet.

Abstract: A ring is provided that, together with a wafer, separates a processing chamber into an upper portion and a lower portion so that one side of the wafer, such as the backside, can be cleaned or otherwise processed with little or no interaction to the frontside of the wafer. The wafer sits on pins extending from a plate so that processor cleaning gases can contact the surface of the wafer backside. In one embodiment, the ring is conductive, with an inner insulating ring, and the place is also conductive. The conductive plate and ring act as electrodes for plasma generation underneath the wafer.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing at least one processing operation on a substrate, the apparatus being provided with at least one process chamber and a vacuum lock for the purposes of placing the substrate from the surroundings into a process chamber without the reduced pressure in the respective process chamber being lost, the vacuum lock comprising a vacuum chamber which is bounded by a number of walls and to which a vacuum pump is connected, while in one of the walls at least one supply opening is provided, and for the purpose of the or each process chamber in one of the walls a process chamber opening belonging to a respective process chamber is provided, the at least one supply opening being externally closable with an outer cover and being closable from the vacuum chamber with an inner cover. Further disclosed is an assembly of such an apparatus with a transport device for supplying substrates to a supply opening of the vacuum lock and removing same.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining an aspiration flow and an aspiration time during aspiration of a dead space, the aspiration is made more effective by determining the volume of the dead space to be aspired during an expiration, determining an expiration flow with respect to time during at least a latter part of the expiration, and optimizing the aspiration time and the aspiration flow from the determined volume of the dead space and the measured expiration flow with respect to time is such a way that the dead space can be aspirated during an ongoing expiration with a minimum of interference to the flow balance in the expiration flow as observed from a point upstream and/or downstream the dead space.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces of surgical waste management equipment. The method includes rinsing surfaces of the equipment with water to remove water soluble contaminants and waste material. A rinse solution is applied to the surfaces of the equipment to provide a residual film thereon. The rinse solution includes a first nonionic nonylphenol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 10 to about 15, a second nonionic nonylphenol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, a bio-film permeation agent, and an aqueous solvent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the solution ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the solution and a ratio of the second surfactant to the first surfactant in the solution ranges from about 2:1 to about 4:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for removing resin coatings. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for removing coatings comprising epoxy and/or furan. Some embodiments of the methods of the present invention comprise removing a resin coating from a surface comprising the step of applying to the surface a cleaning solution comprising: a pH-adjusting agent, a solvent, and water. Other embodiments of the present invention comprise cleaning solutions comprising a pH-adjusting agent, a solvent, and water wherein the cleaning solution is suitable for use in cleaning a resin from a surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of electrical steel strips, in which a strip is directly cast from molten steel and contains alloy elements apt to generate a precipitation of sulphides and/or nitrides apt to inhibit the grain growth. The strip is hot rolled in-line with the casting operation at a temperature between 1250 and 1000° C., and in which the strip is coiled after hot rolling at a temperature of less than 780° C. if sulphides are utilized, or at a temperature of less than 600° C. if nitrides, or nitrides plus sulphides, are utilized.

Abstract: A sterling silver alloy composition of exceptional and reversible hardness and enhanced tarnish resistance, consists essentially of the following parts by weight: at least about 92.5% silver; about 4.4% to about 5.25% copper; about 0% to about 1.0% zinc; about 0.85% tin; about 0.05% to about 0.3% lithium; about 0.05% to about 0.5% silicon; about 0% to about 1.2% germanium; and about 0% to about 0.02% boron.

Abstract: A plurality of gas turbine components or other articles are manufactured from a plurality of metallic-alloy workpieces using a manufacturing apparatus having a metalworking apparatus, and an annealing apparatus wherein the individual workpieces are annealed by single-workpiece annealing and not by large-batch annealing. A workpiece flow of the plurality of workpieces is established sequentially through the metalworking apparatus and the annealing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.

Abstract: A foamable copolymer based coupling is provided for securely affixing a light emitting glass lamp in a metal base to form a lamp assembly. The copolymer is preferably selected from ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, and combinations thereof. The foamable coupling may be placed around one end of the glass lamp or in the lamp base before the lamp and base are matingly engaged. The assembled lamp is then heated to a temperature, which causes the foamable coupling to expand and securely affix the lamp in the base.

Abstract: A method of constructing and making a squeegee blade includes forming a mounting plate with support members attached to a surface of the mounting plate. Forming a flexible blade and securing the flexible blade to the surface of the mounting plate with the support members embedded so that the flexible blade is supported by the support members against compression toward the mounting plate.

Abstract: A method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams, a contracted crotch region and hanging legs. A flat web is provided. Portions are removed from the flat web to define leg openings. The flat web is then contracted either elastically or inelastically in selected areas along the flat web between the leg openings. The flat web is cut into separate pieces, folded and side seams are formed. The pant may include an absorbent.

Abstract: A method of assembling an expandable absorbent garment includes providing an absorbent composite having a length, opposite ends and opposite side regions. The absorbent composite includes a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and topsheet. The backsheet includes at least one fold formed along at least one of the opposite side regions, wherein the absorbent composite is laterally expandable at least at the opposite ends thereof. The at least one fold of the backsheet is unfoldable along at least the opposite ends of the absorbent composite.

Abstract: In a method for continuously making disposable diapers, first and second body fluid absorbent panels overlapping each other in a crotch region so as to form a feces retaining pocket are formed along transversely opposite side edges thereof with elastic leak-barrier cuffs. A pair of continuous leak-barrier cuffs are fed in the stretched state so that these continuous leak-barrier cuffs may partially cover the first and second body fluid absorbent panels overlapping each other in the crotch region. The transversely opposite side edges of these continuous cuffs are partially bonded to a partial region of a second inner surface of the second body fluid absorbent panel overlapping a first inner surface of the first body fluid absorbent panel.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member having a tubular member and a support structure. The tubular member has a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion. The support structure is formed from a composite material and bonded to the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations. The support structure is positioned within the tubular member and configured to transmit force between the predetermined locations so as to prevent the tubular member from being crushed in response to the application of a force of a predetermined magnitude to the tubular member. A method for forming a reinforced structural member is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a three-dimensional, Pi-shaped, woven preform to assemble first and second composite components. The preform is infused with resin, and at least one surface of the preform is adhered to at least one surface of the first component using a film adhesive. The preform is cured while an oversized tool coated with non-stick material is located within a clevis formed by two legs of the preform. A removable peel ply is located between the tool and the clevis, and semi-rigid over-presses are used during curing. After curing, the tool, over-presses, and peel ply are removed, and adhesive is injected into the clevis. The second component is inserted into the clevis, the adhesive adhering to an inner surface of the clevis and to at least one surface of the second component for retaining the second component within the clevis, the second component having a smaller width than the tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling microelectronic devices that have a base die and a conventional wire-bond die stacked on the base die. In one embodiment of a method in accordance with the invention, a base die is placed on a substrate and then a first stacked die is subsequently stacked on the base die. The first stacked die is stacked on the base die in a single pass through a die attach machine without first storing or otherwise processing the base die/substrate assembly in a separate machine. The stacked die, moreover, can be stacked onto the base die before heating the base die to reflow a solder or otherwise attach the base die to the substrate. After stacking the first stacked die on the base die, the complete die assembly can be heated to (a) secure the base die to the substrate, and (b) secure the first stacked die to the base die.

Abstract: An integrated tool and automatic calibration systems that enable wet chemical processing chambers, lift-rotate units and other hardware to be quickly interchanged without having to recalibrate the transport system or other components to the replacement items. These tools are expected to reduce the down time associated with repairing or maintaining processing chambers and/or lift-rotate units so that the tools can maintain a high throughput. Several aspects of these tools are particularly useful for applications that have stringent performance requirements because components are more likely to require maintenance more frequently, and reducing the down time associated with maintaining such components will significantly enhance the integrated tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating hemicelluloses from a biomass containing hemicelluloses. The method includes the steps of: a) extracting the hemicelluloses from the biomass containing hemicelluloses by treating them with a complex compound in an aqueous solution, and forming a soluble hemicellulose complex, and b) separating the complexed hemicelluloses from the biomass. The method is especially suitable for producing high-quality chemical conversion pulp from raw cellulose. The products produced with the method of the invention have a high degree of purity, and the method is extremely economical and causes few emissions. Hemicelluloses in a pure form can be obtained as by-products of the method.

Abstract: A method of controlling the production of filler-containing paper. Filler and retention agent are delivered to a paper manufacturing system in a process of paper manufacture. The amount of filler in the paper is measured, as is also the filler concentration or the total concentration in the white water or the stock. Filler is delivered such that the system will be buffered with filler to a generally pre-determined concentration level. The continual addition of retention agent is based exclusively on the amount of filler in the paper measured at that moment in time. When the measured amount of filler present is lower than a desired level, the addition is increased. When the measured amount of filler present is higher than a desired level, the addition is reduced. The continual addition of filler is based, exclusively on the concentration level of filler measured in the white water or the stock.

Abstract: A supporting and wiping device is assigned to the machine wire in a paper-making system. The supporting and wiping device has supporting and wiping strips firmly held on a carrying frame or the like and extending transversely with respect to a direction of movement of the machine wire. The carrying frame has two carrying beams aligned parallel to the supporting and wiping strips and two-part transverse webs arranged between said beams and capable of being fixed to the latter, on the one hand the transverse webs and on the other hand the supporting and wiping strips being formed with mutually associated recesses and projections, by way of which the transverse webs and the supporting and wiping strips can be connected to one another and clamped by displacing the two parts of the transverse webs with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method of removing ammonia from a gas stream. The method entails irradiating the gas stream with light in the spectral range of 200–350 nanometers and disassociating hydrogen free radicals from ammonia to form NH2. Once NH2 is formed, then reacting the NH2 with NOx to form N2 and water. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the method entails removing ammonia from a gas stream associated with a cement producing process. In particular, a raw feed is directed into a pyroprocessing system of a cement manufacturing facility. This raw feed is heated and in the process of producing cement, a gas stream results. Ammonia present in the gas stream is removed or substantially reduced by irradiating the gas stream and disassociating hydrogen free radicals from the ammonia to form NH2. NH2 is then reacted with NOx to form water.

Abstract: A coating apparatus deposits a first coating (single or multi-layered) onto a first side of a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) passing through the apparatus, and a second coating (single or multi-layered) onto the other or second side of the substrate. In certain example embodiments, the first coating may be deposited via sputtering while the second coating is deposited via ion beam deposition. In such a manner, it is possible to coat both sides of the substrate in a single apparatus in an efficient manner. In other embodiments, the coating apparatus may sputter a coating onto a first side of the substrate and ion beam mill at least one surface of the substrate as the substrate passes through the coating apparatus. In other embodiments of this invention, a dual mode chamber may be provided that is adapted to receive a removable ion beam module on one side of a substrate and a removable sputtering module on the other side of the substrate.

Abstract: An alloy material, a thin film and an optical recording medium to achieve various tasks such as maintenance of a high reflectivity, improved corrosion resistance, simplified production of the alloy, and realization of stability and simplicity/easiness of a sputtering process when being used as a sputtering target. An AgPd alloy including Ag as a main component and Pd in the range of 0.5 to 4.9 atomic % is used as a thin film formation use sputtering target material, with the target material a thin film, that is a reflecting film, constituting an optical recording medium is formed and the optical recording medium containing the reflecting film as a constituent is produced.

Abstract: To provide a method for analyzing a nucleic acid according to high throughput microcapillary electrophoresis during microchip electrophoresis under non-steady electric field, the method being capable of detecting polymorphism of a large number of genes at a high speed. The present invention is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as detection of gene diseases and application to Taylor-made therapy.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a method by which two kinds or more of molecules can be separated each other by using dielectrophoretic forces. The present invention comprises two methods. The first method is a method comprising forming a complex substance of a “specific molecule” containing in a sample, and a “substance capable of changing dielectrophoretic properties of the specific molecule”, which binds to the “specific molecule” contained therein, and thereby separating the complex substance and the molecules other than the specific molecule in the sample from each other. The second method is a method comprising placing a solution in which two kinds or more of molecules are dissolved under a strong electric field strength, that is, under a nonuniform electric field having an electric field strength of 500 KV/m or higher, by using dielectrophoretic forces.

Abstract: A multielevational cover for assembling a fluid retaining chamber on a face of an electrophoresis cassette is presented. The cover comprises a cassette-containing member, at least one chamber-defining member, and sealing means, typically sealing means that are capable of reversible attachment. Also presented are methods for contacting cassette-immobilized gels to desired fluids by assembling a fluid retaining chamber upon the cassette using the covers of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed methods reduce the discontinuities between individual layers of a structure that are formed at least in part using electrochemical fabrication techniques. Discontinuities may exist between layers of a structure as a result of up-facing or down-facing regions defined in data descriptive of the structure or they may exist as a result of building limitations, e.g., limitations that result in non-parallel orientation between a building axis and sidewall surfaces of layers. Methods for reducing discontinuities may be applied to all regions or only to selected regions of the structure. Methods may be tailored to improve the accuracy between an original design of the structure and the structure as fabricated or they may simply be used to smooth the discontinuities between layers. Methods may include deposition operations that selectively favor filling of the discontinuities and/or etching operations that selectively favor removal of material from protrusions that define discontinuities.

Abstract: An improved copper ECD process. After the copper seed layer (116) is formed, a first portion of copper film (118) is plated onto the surface of the seed layer (116). The surface of the first portion of the copper film (118) is then rinsed to equalize the organic adsorption on all sites to prevent preferential copper growth in dense areas. After rinsing, the remaining copper of the copper film (118) is electrochemically deposited.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for prevention of corrosion in a metal object by inducing a surface current over the entire surface of the metal object. The surface current can be induced by direct or indirect application of electrical waveforms having AC components generated from a circuit. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to the electronic circuit that imparts electrical waveforms of low voltage DC to the conductive terminal connected to the metal body. Alternate methods of inducing surface currents include direct capacitor discharge through the metal body, or movement of an electromagnetic field over the metal body, or by generating an RF signal attached to a transmitting antenna such that the transmitted signal is received by the metal body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cathodic protection in an environment where thin film corrosive fluids are formed is provided. The apparatus which protects from corrosion an object exposed to the thin film corrosive fluids, by artificially adjusting a potential of the object, comprises a DC power supply of which cathode is electrically connected to the object to be corrosion-protected, and an anodic assembly of which anode is electrically connected to the DC power supply.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor for quantifying one or more redox species in a liquid sample comprising a background electrochemical activity, wherein said biosensor comprises: (i) an electrode system; (ii) a filter means comprising a sample loading position; and (iii) a charge transfer surface between said filter means and said electrode system; wherein said filter means separates said sample loading position from said charge transfer surface by an amount of filter material capable of providing a tangential peak height for said background electrochemical activity of less than 30% of the tangential peak height for said redox species; and said biosensor comprises an intermediate layer between said filter means and said charge transfer surface, wherein said intermediate layer has a lower energy requirement to transfer said liquid sample to said charge transfer surface than said filter material.

Abstract: A method for producing lubricant base oils is provided comprising the steps of: (a) separating a feedstock into a light lubricant base oil fraction and a heavy fraction; (b) hydroisomerizing the fractions over a medium pore size molecular sieve catalyst under hydroisomerization conditions to produce an isomerized light lubricant base oil fraction having a pour point less than or equal to a target pour point of the lubricant base oils and an isomerized heavy fraction having a pour point of equal to or greater than the target pour point of the lubricant base oils and a cloud point greater than the target cloud point of the lubricant base oils; and (c) dehazing the isomerized heavy fraction to provide a heavy lubricant base oil having a pour point less than or equal to the target pour point of the lubricant base oils and a cloud point less than or equal to the target cloud point of the lubricant base oils.

Abstract: A process for catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock feeds to produce an enhanced yield butylenes and isobutane comprises contacting the feedstock with a catalyst composition comprising MCM-68. The MCM-68 may be used as the primary cracking catalyst or may be used as an additive component in conjunction with a conventional cracking catalyst, such as a large pore molecular sieve having a pore size greater than 7 Angstrom.

Abstract: For desulfurization and, if necessary, for denitrification of hydrocarbon fractions the hydrocarbon mixture is brought into contact with a non-aqueous ionic liquid of general formula Q+A?, wherein Q+ is a ammonium, phosphonium or sulfonium cation, that contains at least one alkylating agent of the formula RX?, making it possible to form ionic sulfur-containing derivatives (and, if necessary, nitrogen-containing derivatives) that have a preferred solubility in the ionic liquid; and the ionic liquid is separated from the hydrocarbon mixture that is low in sulfur and nitrogen by decanting.

Abstract: Installation for the removal and the deactivation of organisms in the ballast water, with the following characteristic features: a first feed pump for conveying the ballast water, an equipment for gravity precipitation of coarser solids and bigger organisms, connected to the first feed pump, and/or a backwashable filtration equipment, a downstream side connected equipment for the deactivation of micro-germs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gutter screen attachment and a ridged filter assembly for minimizing water film runoff and debris collection adjacent a screened gutter. The screen attachment comprises a superior breaker edge, an inferior breaker edge, and a screen-receiving region. The superior breaker edge extends upwardly opposite the inferior breaker edge and is designed to break the water tension of a water film formed upon the gutter screen. The ridged filter assembly comprises a filter support grid, a filter screen and a ridge-forming member sandwiched between the filter support grid and the filter screen. The filter screen is form fit to the underlying structures and the ridge-forming member thus forms a water tension straining ridge upon the filter screen. The superior breaker edge and the filter screen ridge function to allow water to permeate through the gutter screen.

Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.

Abstract: The anoxic biological reduction system and method for treating wastewater may be an anoxic biological reduction element disposed in a membrane anaerobic stabilization system. The wastewater may be treated to produce an effluent suitable for membrane filtration with the treating incorporating processes substantially free of aerobic biological treatment. The effluent may be filtered through a membrane element selected from the group consisting of a microfiltration system and an ultrafiltration system or a combination thereof. The membrane effluent may then be treated in an anoxic biological reduction element to produce a process effluent stream.

Abstract: A two phase liquid media coalescer comprises a chamber such as a pipe (1) which may be fitted into a process system by way of pressure sealable fittings (23, 24). Contained within the chamber is a coalescer media (5) manufactured from fibers of polypropylene or other material. One end of the fibers may be secured to a media retaining plate (4). The fibers extend through the chamber in the direction of flow and are free at their other end. A two phase liquid enters the pipe and contacts the surface area of the fibers while passing through, thereby forming droplets of the minority phase of the liquid on the fibers.

Abstract: A sealer holding member for a membrane element is disposed at an end of a spiral-type membrane element on an outer circumference thereof, and allows a feed to flow into a membrane end of the membrane element. The sealer holding member includes a first annular portion, an annular projection, a second annular portion, and a third annular portion arranged in this order. The first annular portion is engaged with an outer-covering member for the membrane element and receives an end of the membrane element without contacting a side of the membrane element. The second annular portion receives a sealer on an outside thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sludge recycling by utilizing an existing facility as it is, degrading sludge efficiently and simply, and producing useful recycled water from treated water separated from the sludge, and an apparatus for sludge recycling. The present invention provides a method of sludge recycling including the steps of: bringing sludge into contact with a sludge degrading agent containing, as an active ingredient, microorganisms containing an actinomyces belonging to Streptomyces; degrading the sludge; separating the degraded sludge into a solid content and a liquid content; and producing recycled water from the liquid content.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: Water containing dissolved salts, such as calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof, is treated to reduce the concentration of those salts. About 0.1 to about 60 g/L of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum potassium sulfate, and mixtures thereof is added to the water, whereby a precipitate forms in the water. The precipitate is separated from said water and the water is desalinated using reverse osmosis, flash evaporation, or another method. The process is preferably performed by first adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, separating the precipitate that forms, then adding sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate to form a second precipitate.

Abstract: Water is separated from an emulsion of water and oil by passing the emulsion through a bed of superabsorbent polymer granules which break the emulsion and absorb water from the mixture of water and oil. An apparatus for separating water from an emulsion of water and oil has at least one separation cell containing a bed of super absorbent polymer granules.