Abstract: A method is provided for attaching together a larger tube and a smaller tube in a T-shaped intersecting joint. A hole is formed in the larger tube with a flange surrounding the hole. A circumferential extending flange is formed on the outside of the smaller tube. Adhesive is placed on either the outside of the smaller tube or the inside of the flange of the larger tube. The smaller tube is inserted into the hole in the larger tube so that the adhesive is interposed between the inside of the flange of the larger tube and the outside of the smaller tube and the flange on the outside of the smaller tube comes into electrical conducting contact with the flange of the larger tube. Electrical current is applied to flow between the large tube and the small tube so that electrical resistance heating is obtained to cure the adhesive.

Abstract: Components of semiconductor processing apparatus comprise thermal sprayed yttria-containing coatings that provide erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistance in plasma atmospheres. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack.

Abstract: Liquid organic material is controllably delivered to a receptacle located in the center of a heated surface capable of horizontally rotating about its central axis. As the heated surface rotates, material deposited within the central receptacle is forced outwardly and across the rotating surface. As the material moves radially, it evaporates into a vapor which is then transported to one or more nozzles. From the nozzles, the vapor is applied to a substrate and condensed. The spinning disk evaporator enables the evaporation of a wider variety of organic liquids greater reliability in continuous operation, a decrease in maintenance, and a larger and more constant material flow rate.

Abstract: A method of treating solid containing material derived from effluent or sludge from a plant for deinking paper, the material containing calcium in the form of one or more insoluble calcium compounds, the method including the steps of treating the material with an acid to cause dissolution of the calcium thereby forming a calcium ion-containing solution in which insoluble solids are suspended, separating the solution from the insoluble solids and incinerating the separated solids. The solution containing calcium ions may be treated by adding one or more reagents to form a calcium compound precipitate, eg calcium carbonate. The particulate solids produced following the incineration step and following the precipitate formation may be employed as pigments or fillers in paper making or paper coating.

Abstract: A system and method for thermomechanical refining of wood chips comprises preparing the chips for refining by exposing the chips to an environment of steam to soften the chips, compressively destructuring and dewatering the softened chips to a solids consistency above 55 percent, and diluting the destructured and dewatered chips to a consistency in the range of about 30 to 55 percent. The destructuring partially defibrates the material. This diluted material is fed to a rotating disc primary refiner wherein each of the opposed discs has an inner ring pattern of bars and grooves and an outer ring pattern of bars and grooves. The destructured and partially defibrated chips are substantially completely defibrated in the inner ring and the resulting fibers are fibrillated in the outer ring.

Abstract: A chip pretreatment process which comprises conveying the feed material through a compression screw device having an atmosphere of saturated steam at a pressure above about 5 psig, decompressing and discharging the compressed material from the screw device into a decompression region, feeding the decompressed material from the decompression region into a fiberizing device, such as a low intensity disc refiner, where at least about 30 percent of the fiber bundles and fibers are axially separated, without substantial fibrillation of the fibers. Preferably, the fibers are axially separated with less than about 5 percent fibrillation, and subsequently the fiberized material is refined in a high intensity disc refiner until at least about 90 percent of the fibers are fibrillated. In another form the invention combines chip fiberizing with chemical treatments, for improving the pulp property versus energy relationships.

Abstract: Compositions and method of improving inhibition of calcium salt scale formation under the conditions found in chemical pulp processes in which an effective amount of selected phosphonates or phosphonate blends is admixed with the black liquor composition recovered from the digester in a chemical pulping process. The compositions and method are especially well suited for use in the Kraft pulping process.

Abstract: A tissue sheet having a deep discontinuous pocket structure provides improved durability as measured by the ratio of the cross-machine direction tensile energy absorbed to the cross-machine direction tensile strength.

Abstract: It is intended to provide sanitary paper which is excellent in texture such as moistness and softness and scarcely causes skin irritation or blushing even if it is brought into contact with the skin frequently. Namely, sanitary paper having an oil absorbance specified in JIS P8141 of 7 mm or less and a moisture content of from 9.50 to 15.00% (measured in accordance with JIS P8127 after conditioning in accordance with JIS P8111); carrying a solution, which contains a moistening agent, a softener, an antioxidant and so on, coated in a dose of 46.0 to 160.0 mg/cm3 of the paper base; and having a bending hardness B measured with the use of a pure bending machine of from 0.0040 to 0.0060 g·cm2/cm.

Abstract: A water-soluble polymer dispersion, process for producing the same and a method of use therefor. In particular, the water-soluble polymer dispersion is one comprising water-soluble polymer fine particles of 100 ?m or less diameter having at least one ionic property selected from among cationic, amphoteric, nonionic and anionic properties together with a polyalkyleneimine and/or a product of polyalkyleneimine modification wherein according to necessity an appropriate amount of water-soluble inorganic salt is incorporated. The provided process enables easily performing the production in dispersed form by means of production facilities of low cost. The obtained water-soluble polymer dispersion is excellent in storage stability and exhibits satisfactory fluidity and solubility so as to enable use in papermaking raw material pretreatments added to papermaking raw materials prior to machine operation and also for enhancement of freeness, increase of sizing degree and enhancement of yield.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with dideyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet is treated with an aqueous wax dispersion such that the sheet includes a fused wax and emulsifier residue in an amount of from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of the sheet based on the combined weight of the fiber, wax residue and an emulsifier residue in the sheet. The fused wax emulsion operates to make at least one surface of the sheet laterally hydrophobic, exhibiting a moisture penetration delay of at least about 2 seconds and less than about 40 seconds as well as a typical contact angle with water at one minute of at least about 50 degrees. There is thus provided absorbent products which exhibit both absorbency and resistance to moisture penetration. The treated sheet further exhibits microbial barrier properties, impeding transfer of bacteria, for example, through the sheet. There are produced tissue products which resist moisture penetration from propelled liquids as well as sequester sorbed liquids in the interior of the tissue.

Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a paper, board or tissue production line (11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18). A magneto-rheological or an electrolrheological fluid, whose flow characteristics are changed in a controlled way, is used in the method. The fluid is used as a lubricant between surfaces in a device consisting of a fixed surface and a surface that is moved over it as a heating medium, as the dampening or the power transmission agent of the movement of paper and/or board equipment (17, 18), or as a hydraulic fluid of the emergency opening cylinders of a set of calender rolls (1) of a paper and/or board machine.

Abstract: Plate elements, a plate configuration, and associated system for thermomechanical refining of wood chips wherein destructured and partially defibrated chips are fed to a rotating disc primary refiner, where opposed discs each have an inner band pattern of bars and grooves and outer band pattern of bars and grooves, such that substantially complete fiberization (defibration) of the chips is achieved in the inner band and the resulting fibers are fibrillated in the outer band. A pair of opposed co-operating refining plate elements for a flat disc refiner wherein the bars and grooves on each of the inner bands form an inner feed region followed by an outer working region, the bars and groove on each of the outer bands form an inner feed region followed by an outer working region, and the gap and/or material flow area formed when the plates are placed in front of each other increases between the inner working region and the outer feed region.

Abstract: A belt conditioning method, apparatus and paper machine employing the method and apparatus are provided. The belt method and apparatus include multiple conditioning devices using chemicals to condition water impermeable surfaces of paper machine belts, such as transfer belts and prevent deposits from accumulating on the belts. In one embodiment, the belt supports a web at a first portion of the belt's loop and is separated from the web at a second portion. The conditioning apparatuses are placed in the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for maximizing water removal from an absorbent web in a press nip. The present invention uses a pressing unit having a blanket with a void volume and with a pressure profile that maximizes water removal in the press section or on the Yankee dryer of a paper machine. The pressure profile of the pressing unit according to the present invention has a very steep pressure drop at and/or following the exit of a pressure distribution curve in order to maximize water removal by minimizing rewet of the web. The improved pressure profile according to the present invention results in increased water removal and/or improved line speed. The void volume further increases water removal and/or improves line speed.

Abstract: A web is formed between two wire loops (13, 14), in a wire section of a paper or board machine, in connection with which dewatering elements (12, 17, 15, 28) are placed and in which water is drained from a stock suspension from between the two wires (13, 14). In the region of a twin-wire zone, a suction roll (15) is placed within one wire loop and a suction box (16) having a curved surface is situated in opposed relationship with the suction roll (15) on the wire loop. After the suction box (16), the web is guided, due to the effect of a vacuum of the suction roll (15), forwards on the surface of the wire loop of the suction roll (15).

Abstract: A multi-layer tissue forming fabric constructed so that the top forming surface has topographical differences measured as a plane difference between at least two top weft yarns. The plane difference—the difference in height between the two weft yarns—must be greater than zero. Using at least two different diameter, size, or shape weft yarns positioned at the same contour in the forming surface creates this plane difference and defines pocket areas in the forming surface of the tissue forming fabric. The pocket areas act to generate bulk, cross directional tensile, absorbency, and softness in a formed sheet of tissue, napkin, or towel paper.

Abstract: A process for rectificatively separating liquids containing (meth)acrylic monomers in a rectification column is provided, in which a stream is withdrawn from the rectification column and recycled into the rectification column as a molecular oxygen-enriched liquid phase.

Abstract: A method of physical vapor deposition (PVD) is disclosed in which xenon is used as the operating gas in the vacuum chamber in the deposition of an adhesion layer, preferably silicon, which allows the adhesion layer to be ultra-thin with improved durability over prior art films. The use of argon as is typical in the prior art results in argon atoms being incorporated into the ultra-thin silicon film with deleterious results. In films that are only several angstroms thick, the contamination of the film with argon or other elements can yield a film with reduced adhesion performance and in some cases noble atoms such as argon can escape the film leaving voids or pinholes. The use of the larger and heavier xenon atoms in the vacuum chamber produces a substantially purer film with reduced risk of voids and pinholes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the targeted application of deposition material onto a substrate, especially for focusing the sputter flux onto a narrow angular range in a PVD-system. The invention is characterized in that the deposition material is directed through a filter structure (90) having several channel-shaped individual structures (60) onto said substrate (30), whereby the streams of material are limited to a narrow angle range.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly establishing at least one preselected gas pressure in a process chamber comprising: (a) a chamber defining an interior space adapted to be maintained at a reduced pressure; and (b) a gas supply means for supplying at least one burst of gas to the chamber for rapidly establishing the at least one preselected gas pressure in the chamber, the gas supply means including: (i) a source of the gas; (ii) a supply ballast fluidly connected to the gas source for receiving the gas from the source; (iii) at least one burst ballast fluidly connected to the supply ballast via a metering valve for receiving the gas from the supply ballast; and (iv) an on/off valve fluidly connected to the at least one burst ballast and the chamber for supplying the process chamber with the gas from the at least one burst ballast.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: A cathode block for aluminum refining containing a calcined coke in a proportion of 15 to 100 wt %, characterized in that the calcined coke is prepared by mixing a heavy oil having a content of quinoline insoluble components of 10 to 25 wt % with 3 to 20 wt % of carbon black, and subjecting the resultant mixture to coking and then calcination. The cathode block for aluminum refining is excellent in resistance to abrasion and thus has a prolonged life.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oxide ion conductive ceramic membrane, characterized in that it comprises a non-null finite volume with non-null total thickness E, comprising a dense layer (CD) of a solid electrolyte, a so-called bonding layer (CA), of two porous electrodes (EP) and (EP?), two porous current collectors (CC) and (CC?), and at least at least a coating porous layer (ER), characterized in that the thickness E of the volume of said membrane, is equal to the sum of the thickness of each of said elements. The membrane is used for separating oxygen from air or from a gas mixture containing same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for depositing a noble metal alloy onto a microelectronic workpiece. In one particular aspect of the invention, a platinum metal alloy is electrochemically deposited on a surface of the workpiece from an acidic plating composition. The plated compositions when combined with high-k dielectric material are useful in capacitor structures.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic plating bath for the electrodeposition of a nickel or nickel alloy deposit. The bath includes nickel ions and an additive having the general formula: H2C?CHCH2NR1R2 or [H2C?CHCH2N+R1R2R3]nXn? wherein R1, R2 and R3 are selected from the functional groups consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, allyl, propyn, propanediol and combinations thereof; and Xn? is an n-valent inorganic or organic anion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas generator including a substrate for providing a surface for electrode deposition, a first electrode deposited on the surface for providing an electrical connection with a conducting medium, a second electrode deposited on the substrate for generating a gas, and a plurality of members extending from at least one side of the first electrode placed alternately with a plurality of extensions protruding from at least one side of the second electrode for improving generator efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to prepare a microcrystalline wax and a middle distillate fuel by (a) hydrocracking/hydroisomerizing a Fischer-Tropsch product, wherein the weight ratio of compounds having at least 60 or more carbon atoms and compounds having at least 30 carbon atoms in the Fischer-Tropsch product is at least 0.2 and wherein at least 30 wt % of compounds in the Fischer-Tropsch product have at least 30 carbon atoms, (b) performing one or more distillate separations on the effluent of step (a) to obtain a middle distillate fuel fraction and a microcrystalline wax having an initial boiling point of between 500 and 600° C.

Abstract: Petroleum residua are combined with water or an aqueous solution to form an emulsion which is then treated with ultrasound at a sufficient intensity and for a sufficient period of time to cause a conversion of the heavy hydrocarbon components of the residua to lighter components, thereby shifting the entire boiling point curve to lower boiling points. This allows one to draw a greater proportion of usable oil from the residua.

Abstract: Process for the removal of coloured compounds in a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the steps of hydrotreating the feedstock in presence of a first hydrotreating catalyst under conditions being effective in hydrogenation of hydrogenable compounds being present in the feedstock and hydrotreating an effluent from the first hydrotreating step in a second catalytic hydrotreating step being carried out in a second hydrotreating reactor at hydrotreating conditions, wherein the effluent from the first hydrotreating step is separated into a gas phase and a mixed gas and liquid phase prior to the second hydrotreating step, and the mixed phase is hydrotreated in the second hydrotreating step without further addition of hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to improve the cetane number and emissions characteristics of a distillate feedstock by increasing the oxygen content of the feedstock by contacting the feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas in the oxidation zone at oxidation conditions in the presence of an oxidation catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal and a basic support.

Abstract: A water treatment system which includes a control valve with a venturi for drawing air into a tank. The passage of untreated water into the control valve draws air into a tank for oxidation of the water. The flow of the air into the tank is independent of the flow of treated water from the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for treating wastewater using contact media. The water treatment apparatus includes a biofilm reactor (13) including first and second biofilm contact layers (2 and 3) alternately arranged in a hopper, a precipitator (9) for receiving wastewater from a wastewater collecting tank and purified wastewater from a collecting hopper (4), and precipitating sludge contained in the wastewater, the precipitator (9) being connected with a sludge discharge pipe (8), and a wastewater circulating unit (11) for recycling decant water in the precipitator (9) into the biofilm reactor (13), using a circulating pump (10). By this arrangement, it is possible to achieve a considerable enhancement in wastewater purification efficiency while achieving compactness of the installation because sewage, sanitary sewage, and wastewater can be purified by the alternating biofilm contact layers vertically arranged in pairs to form a multi-stage laminated structure.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibers, for example, made from melt spun thermoplastic polymers treated after spinning to increase their permeability to oxygen, used, for example, in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibers. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. In one process, oxygen travels through fibers, optionally through an attached biofilm, to oxygenate surrounding water. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods, for example endogenous respiration, are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.

Abstract: A traveling water screen comprising an endless foraminous belt with flights. The foraminous belt forms a water screen extending from a lower end in a flowing stream to an upper end above the surface of the stream. The stream flows through openings in the foraminous screen. The flights, which may be scoops, are arranged in spaced apart relation on the outer surface of the water screen. The water screen is driven in a direction so that its upstream portion advances upward and its downstream portion downward. The flights form inclined surfaces across the width of the screen from a point of highest elevation to one or more points of lowest elevation at one or both side edges of the screen. As the screen moves, the flights lift fish toward the surface. As a flight breaks the surface, fish slide down the inclined flights toward one or both side edges of the screen to be diverted safely.

Abstract: A catch basin filter having apertures and holding a silt barrier material may be securely attached to a drop inlet grate. The catch basin filter has apertures for preventing debris from entering the drop inlet and clogging sewers. A silt barrier material wrapped around the catch basin filter housing provides a study and stable platform for holding the filter in place around the drop inlet such that silt will not be able to enter the sewer and clog it up. The catch basin filter is quickly and easily attached to and removed from the drop inlet by a rod having a hook for extending through the grate bars and then turning the rod to engage the bars on the drop inlet grate to hold the catch basin filter in place. The catch basin filter is durable and reusable and the silt filter material may be easily replaced.

Abstract: A system for filtering debris carried by stormwater flowing through a gutter inlet into a catch basin utilizes a filter device configured to conform to and to substantially fully cover the gutter inlet and a retainer device for maintaining the filter device in place covering the gutter inlet. The retainer device is attached to the filter device and configured to extend through the gutter inlet to hang gravitationally downwardly into the catch basin. The retainer device is weighted to gravitationally pull and hold the filter device securely against the gutter inlet against dislodgement under the forces of flowing stormwater.

Abstract: A filter system for receiving an aqueous-based fluid contaminated with particles and emulsified contaminant oil, removing the particles, and separating the emulsified contaminant oil from the aqueous-based fluid includes a filter media for receiving the aqueous-based fluid and emulsified contaminant oil, having an inner filter element formed from a 95 percent single pass efficiency 48 micron (5 micron nominal) filtering material of needle punch polypropylene felt, an outer filter element formed from a 95 percent single pass efficiency 19 micron absolute filtering material of a polypropylene microfiber material and a porous spunbond polypropylene sandwiching the outer filter media.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pump, a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool, and a skimming device including an entrainment nozzle and a safety tube. The entrainment nozzle is coupled by a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool return water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. The safety tube extends from above the water line and above the debris trap in the skimmer to the body of the skimmer below the debris trap. Most of the pool return water is pumped into a rotary distribution valve, various outlets of which are connected to various pool cleaning heads embedded in an inner surface of the pool. A single low-horsepower pump produces simultaneous effective skimming and operation of embedded cleaning heads.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment and dispersal system wherein wastewater will stand until it has a BOD of less than about 125 mg/l. The dispersal field may comprise inner and outer conduits, an inner conduit and a permeable outer cover, or a trough and an enclosure.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A flush mixing tank is provided with a flocculant mixing section in which a raw water a to be treated is introduced and a flocculant such as known aluminum sulfate or polychlorinated aluminum is injected, and then they are agitated and mixed; and a floc growing section through which flocculant injected water mixed with the flocculant passes, and the flocculant injected water is discharged as a floc treated water, but a water passing member, which is provided with a plurality of water through-holes for promoting the growth of the flocs in the flocculant injected water, is disposed in the floc growing section. Flocs of flocculant injected water can be rapidly formed, and growth of the flocs can be accelerated.

Abstract: A pourer for improving organoleptic properties for various beverages includes a base and a tubular member extending longitudinally through the base. A spout extends outwardly from the tubular member and at least two magnets disposed longitudinally along the tubular member are provided for exposing the beverage to a magnetic field as the beverage passes through the tubular member and spout.

Abstract: A filter assembly capable of being directly mounted to a transmission housing or to a structure other than the transmission housing. The transmission housing includes a cavity, or groove that receives a sealing device, which is used when the filter assembly is to be directly mounted to the transmission housing. Both the transmission housing and the filter assembly include threaded portions in communication with additional grooves, or chamfers that receive additional sealing devices. For remote mounting, hoses, having coupling devices, are attached to the threaded portions such that the filter assembly may be attached to the structure other than the transmission housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus and method for the delivery of remediation agents into waste systems wherein the apparatus is capable of generating and maintaining a controlled release of concentrated a remediation composition throughout the delivery cycle. The invention also provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein the remediation agent is a remediation agent that includes living organisms. Finally, the invention provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein compositions of remediation agents are conveniently formulated for specific applications providing a range of retention, activation and release profiles that optimize the remediation effectiveness.

Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor (2) are described. To circulate the suspension, at least some of the suspension is routed through a vertically aligned guide zone (5) so that a vertical flow of the suspension is produced. To control sediment problems, it is suggested that by feeding a fluid, especially a free liquid jet, via at least one nozzle (11), a horizontal flow is superimposed on the vertical flow in the vicinity of the bottom of the bioreactor (2), by which a spiral flow to the central outlet area of the bioreactor (2) is produced (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method for treating an effluent stream containing material which it is desired to remove from the effluent stream comprises treating the effluent stream with a solution of an acid and a first polymer to reduce the pH of the thus-treated stream to a range of about 5.5 to about 6.5 and to form a precipitate, treating the thus-treated stream with a second polymer to flocculate the precipitate, filtering the thus-treated effluent to remove the flocculated precipitate, treating the filtered effluent with at least one of a cationic resin, an anionic resin and carbon filtration, and discharging the resultant stream into a public waste treatment facility. Another method for treating an effluent stream having a pH in the range of about pH 2 to about pH 6.