Abstract: The invention relates to composite sacrificial anodes, particularly but not exclusively, based on magnesium, and to methods for their production. The composite sacrificial anode (10) for immersion in a corrosive environment comprises a plurality of castings (12) of a sacrificial material each disposed around a corresponding electrical connector for attachment to a structure to be protected, at least a part of the surface of each segment (12) being protected from corrosion by the environment by being adjacent at least one other segment (12), wherein the castings are connected together electrically only via their electrical connectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ball assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a ball assembly includes a housing, a ball, a conductive adapter and a contact element. The housing has an annular seat extending into a first end of an interior passage. The conductive adapter is coupled to a second end of the housing. The contact element electrically couples the adapter and the ball with is retained in the housing between seat and the adapter.

Abstract: A compression sealable electrolysis cell that is easily and reliably manufactured, maintained and repaired comprises two insulating end pieces which can position and seal two electrode tubes with electrical contacts separated by a ceramic membrane tube where fluid can be introduced at one end piece and removed at the other end piece in the spaces between the electrode tubes and the ceramic membrane tube. The design permits the compression of the entire assembly via the fixing of nuts on one or more threaded rods extending through both end pieces without the use of an adhesive or cement and without the imposition of torque or compressive stress on the ceramic membrane tube. The water or other fluid to be electrolyzed can be introduced tangentially to spaces between the electrode tubes and the ceramic membrane tube at a angle of 0 to 15 degrees to optimize flow and contact with the electrode tubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic processing apparatus which is capable of increasing an in-plane uniformity of a film thickness of a plated film by making more uniform an electric field distribution over an entire surface to be processed of a substrate even if the substrate has a large area, and controlling more uniformly a speed, over the entire surface to be processed of the substrate.

Abstract: A device of an electrode is disclosed, comprising a core and a surface coating of electrically-conductive material, and it is characterized by that the surface coating comprises one or several layers with a pore-free surface, each with a thickness of 0.005 mm to 0.050 mm, and formed by spraying, especially with a vacuum plasma spray technique.

Abstract: The invention includes a coil support assembly having an insulator interfacing a surface of a shield disposed within a processing chamber. The insulator has an extension which extends through the shield. A second insulator is disposed between the shield and a coil and contacts a protrusion extending from the coil. A fastener is disposed through the first insulator and extends through the second insulator and into the protrusion. The fastener is electrically isolated from the shield by the first insulator. The invention includes coil assemblies containing the described coil support configuration. The invention further includes a method of supporting a coil within a processing chamber having a shield disposed therein. Insulators are inserted to extend from an outer side of the shield through a thickness of the shield. A coil is mounted within the chamber by inserting fasteners through each insulator into bosses which-protrude outwardly from the coil body.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes dispersed by a stabilized solution of nucleic acid molecules formed separated nanotube-nucleic acid complexes and were separated according to standard chromatographic methods, including gel electrophoresis, two phase solvent systems and ion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: Waterborne cathodic electrodeposition (CED) coating agents comprising resin solids and optionally pigments, fillers, organic solvents and conventional coating additives, wherein said CED coating agents comprise at least one bismuth salt selected from the group consisting of bismuth hydroxycarboxylic acid salts and bismuth sulfonic acid salts in a quantity of 0.1 to 2.5 wt-%, calculated as bismuth and relative to resin solids content, together with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of yttrium and neodymium compounds in a quantity of 0.1 to 1 wt-%, calculated as metal and relative to resin solids content.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrolytic copper plating method characterized in employing a phosphorous copper anode having a crystal grain size of 1500 ?m (or more) to 20000 ?m in an electrolytic copper plating method employing a phosphorous copper anode. Upon performing electrolytic copper plating, an object is to provide an electrolytic copper plating method of a semiconductor wafer for preventing the adhesion of particles, which arise at the anode side in the plating bath, to the plating object such as a semiconductor wafer, a phosphorous copper anode for electrolytic copper plating, and a semiconductor wafer having low particle adhesion plated with such method and anode.

Abstract: Copper plating baths containing a leveling agent that is a reaction product of a compound including a heteroatom chosen from nitrogen, sulfur and a mixture of nitrogen and sulfur, with a polyepoxide compound containing an ether linkage that deposit copper on the surface of an electronic device and in apertures on such substrate are provided. Such plating baths deposit a copper layer on the substrate surface that is substantially planar across a range of electrolyte concentrations. Methods of depositing copper layers using such copper plating baths are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to technology of carbographite materials, in particular, to production of oxidized graphite for making low foaming temperature foamed graphite, which is used for manufacturing flexible foil, fireproof materials, water-purification sorbents, materials for cleaning up spills of petroleum products, and so on. The method for producing oxidized low foaming temperature graphite comprises the stages of (a) preparing a mixture based on graphite particles and at least one aqueous solution of an acid; (b) activating the surface of said graphite particles to produce acid-containing functional groups on the surface of the particles; (c) treating the graphite particles to produce a graphite intercalation compound; (d) washing said compound with water; (e) drying said compound, and heat-treating it to produce foamed graphite, wherein stage (b) and (c) are carried out by electrochemical treatment at a quantity of electricity within 300 to 600 mA·hour/g of graphite.

Abstract: A method of making an organic memory cell which comprises two electrodes with a controllably conductive media between the two electrodes is disclosed. The present invention involves providing a dielectric layer having formed therein one or more first electrode pads; removing a portion of the first electrode pad to form a recessed area on top of the pads and in the dielectric layer using reverse electroplating; forming a controllably conductive media over the first electrode pad in the recessed area; and forming a second electrode over the conductive media. The controllably conductive media contains an organic semiconductor layer and a passive layer.

Abstract: An electrolytic water purification system and method use provides a water filtration device with a plurality of electrolytic cells having anodes and cathodes specifically selected to remove contaminants from water. The device is capable of efficiently removing nearly all contaminants from water and is also capable of purifying the water by destroying micro-organisms which are in the water. Many minerals are removed from the purified water, and it is not necessary to add chemicals to the water during or after the purification process.

Abstract: A combined electrochemical system for scale treatment and eradicating bacteria in water supply systems having: (a) a first electro-chemical cell including: (i) a first metallic tank for receiving a water supply and forming a cathode of the first electro-chemical cell, and (ii) a first anode, disposed within the first tank; (b) a second electro-chemical cell including: (i) a second metallic tank for receiving an effluent from the first tank and forming a cathode of the second electro-chemical cell, and (ii) a second anode, disposed within the second tank; and (c) a DC electrical supply source operatively connected to the first and the second cells, wherein the first electro-chemical cell is operative for trapping bacteria in a colloid-like structure, and the second electro-chemical cell is operative for producing a pH above 12 near the walls of the second tank, so as to form a bacteria-containing precipitate on the walls of the second tank, thereby removing the bacteria from the water supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks comprising a blend of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a petroleum derived product that is hydrocracked under conditions to preserve aromatics. The resulting distillate fuel product is a low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuel. The resulting distillate fuel or distillate fuel blend stock exhibits excellent properties, including good seal swell, density, and thermal stability. The present invention also relates to processes for making these distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks.

Abstract: A lubricating oil having a CCS viscosity at ?15° C. less than 7000 cP, good shear stability, and a TBN between 8 and 20 comprising: a) a lubricating base oil made from a waxy feed, b) an engine oil additive package formulated to protect silver bearings, and c) less than 2.0 wt % viscosity index improver. Also a process to make a lubricating oil having a CCS viscosity at ?15° C. less than 7000 cP, good shear stability, and a TBN between 8 and 20. Additionally, a lubricating oil having low CCS viscosity comprising specified amounts of lubricating base oil made from a waxy feed, engine oil additive package formulated to protect silver bearings, up to 55 wt % bright stock with a VI greater than 120, and no viscosity index improver or conventional pour point depressant additives. Also, a method for operating a railroad engine using the lubricating oil of this invention.

Abstract: A method for modifying asphalt comprises blowing an oxygen-containing gas through a base asphalt at a high gas flow rate while simultaneously agitating the base asphalt at a high shear rate and at an elevated temperature for a period of time that is effective to substantially improve at least two paving properties of the base asphalt. In preferred embodiments, modified asphalts are produced having both substantially improved rutting resistance and substantially improved fatigue resistance as compared to the base asphalt.

Abstract: A process for selectively producing C3 olefins from a catalytically cracked or thermally cracked naphtha stream is disclosed herein. The naphtha stream is introduced into a process unit comprised of a reaction zone, a stripping zone containing a dense phase, a catalyst regeneration zone, and a fractionation zone. The naphtha feedstream is contacted in the reaction zone with a catalyst containing from about 10 to about 50 wt. % of a crystalline zeolite having an average pore diameter less than about 0.7 nanometers at reaction conditions. Vapor products are collected overhead and the catalyst particles are passed through the stripping zone on the way to the catalyst regeneration zone. Volatiles are stripped with steam in the stripping zone and the catalyst particles are sent to the catalyst regeneration zone where coke is burned from the catalyst, and are then recycled to the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for thermally cracking a hydrocarbonaceous feed material using a combustion fuel fired furnace wherein at least part of the combustion fuel employed in the furnace is syngas.

Abstract: A process for conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising a relatively heavy main feedstock with a boiling point above approximately 350° C., and a relatively light secondary feedstock with a boiling point below approximately 320° C., wherein, the main feedstock, representing at least 50 wt. % of the hydrocarbon feedstock, is cracked in a fluidized-bed reactor in the presence of a cracking catalyst, the secondary feedstock is cracked in a fluidized bed with the same cracking catalyst, separately or mixed with the main feedstock, said secondary feedstock comprising oligomers with at least 8 carbon atoms of light olefins with 4 and/or 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of lower olefins from a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock by vaporizing said heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with steam in a nozzle wherein a two-phase mixture is passed through a device having a frusto-conically-shaped element which is capable of inducing a gentle swirl pattern to a liquid-containing stream, which device is connected to the feed inlet pipe of the mixing nozzle. This swirl-inducing device effects a 90° bending of the flow direction of the hydrocarbon feedstock while simultaneously effecting a swirl pattern of the liquid part thereof, thereby forcing the liquid against the wall of the feed inlet pipe extending downwardly to the mixing nozzle with such velocity component perpendicular to the tube's longitudinal axis to create an annular flow pattern as the mixture enters the nozzle and the vaporized hydrocarbon feedstock is subjected to a cracking treatment.

Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock is subjected to vaporization conditions until substantially vaporized with minimal mild cracking but leaving some remaining liquid from the feedstock, the vapors thus formed being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace, and the remaining liquid from the feedstock being mixed with at least one quenching oil.

Abstract: A method of blending delayed coker feedstocks to produce a coke that is easier to remove from a coker drum. A first feedstock is selected having less than about 250 wppm dispersed metals content and greater than about 5.24 API gravity. A second delayed coker feedstock is blended with said first resid feedstock so that the total dispersed metals content of the blend will be greater than about 250 wppm and the API gravity will be less than about 5.24.

Abstract: A method for desulfurizing a hydrocarbon stream (10) containing heterocyclic sulfur compounds, which process comprises contacting the heterocyclic sulfur compounds in the gas phase (60) in the presence of oxygen (70) with a supported metal oxide catalyst, or with a bulk metal oxide catalyst (600) to convert at least a portion of the heterocyclic sulfur compounds to oxygenated products as well as sulfur-deficient hydrocarbons and separately recovering the oxygenated products separately from a hydrocarbon stream with substantially reduced sulfur.

Abstract: For the production of gasoline with a low sulfur content, a process comprises at least one stage for transformation of sulfur-containing compounds consisting of an alkylation or adsorption of sulfur-containing compounds and/or an increasing of the weight of light sulfur-containing compounds, at least one stage for treatment in the presence of an acid catalyst and at least one desulfurization treatment of at least a portion of the gasoline. The process can also optionally comprise at least one stage for selective hydrogenation of diolefins and optionally at least one fractionation of the gasoline that is obtained into at least two fractions: light gasoline and heavy gasoline.

Abstract: An oil/water separator tank having intake, discharge and vent fittings is conditioned for in-situ cleaning of the oil separator plate stacks positioned therein by selective opening of manual valves connected to each of such fittings. When so conditioned by opening of the manual valves, the in-situ cleaning is performed during repeated operational phases under automated control of solenoid operated and motor driven valves through which a plurality of sequential operational steps are performed, consisting of (a) low pressure air injected into an air sparging array within the separator tank, (b) supply of potable water into a mixing tank; (c) mixing of the potable water with the cleaning agent within the mixing tank; (d) introduction of the cleaning agent after the mixing thereof into the separator tank to enhance in-situ cleaning by dispersing the low pressure air from the air sparging array; and (e) drainage of collected waste oil from the separator tank into a waste oil tank.

Abstract: A vacuum transport system suited to moving FOG-laden water. The system includes a first reservoir and at least one vacuum pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir and operable to produce a vacuum within the first reservoir. A first accumulator is positioned to collect FOG-laden water from a first FOG-laden water source. A first valve is operable to selectively provide fluid communication between the first accumulator and the first reservoir. FOG-laden water can be drained from the first reservoir into a grease interceptor disposed in the building exterior.

Abstract: A leaching conduit comprising: a high aspect ratio channel; a first pipe in fluid communication with the high aspect ratio channel; and where the aspect ratio of the high aspect channel is configured to allow for aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit. A wastewater system comprising: a processing tank; a leaching conduit in fluid communication with a dosing device; wherein the leaching conduit comprises: a high aspect ratio channel; a dosing pipe in fluid communication with the high aspect ratio channel; and where the aspect ratio of the high aspect channel is configured to allow for aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit.

Abstract: A leaf and debris catcher for removing leaves and/or debris from a body of water. In one aspect of the invention, the leaf and debris catcher includes a base, a first vertical support member, a horizontal support member, a second vertical support member, and a leaf and debris collection member. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for removing leaves from a body of water. The method includes the steps of: providing a leaf and debris collection member; positioning the leaf and debris collection member in a body of water such that the leaf and debris collection member is located in a flow of water; collecting leaves in the leaf and debris collection member; removing the leaf and debris collection member from the flow of water; and removing leaves from the leaf and debris collection member.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a filter membrane, a main body, a supply channel running perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane and a gap running between it and the filter membrane, for the formation of a tangentially directed transverse flow, a return channel connected with the supply channel, a circulation channel located around a circumferential edge of the membrane, having an inlet connected to the gap and an outlet connected to the return channel, and a circulator to impart a circular movement to the fluid in the circulation channel.

Abstract: Polymer fibers having a novel cross-sectional geometry are used as stationary phase materials for liquid chromatography separations. Fibers of 20 to 50 micrometer diameters have surface-channel structures extending their entire lengths. Bundles of fibers having this novel cross-sectional geometry are packed in columns. Different polymer compositions permit the “chemical tuning” of the separation process. Channeled fibers composed of polystyrene and polypropylene have been used to separate mixtures of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Pb-containing compounds and fatty acids. Use of channeled fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backing pressures.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography apparatus includes a separation column, liquid feed pump which feeds eluent into the separation column, a detector which detects elution component fed from the separation column, and a plurality of valves which control a flow of liquid which passes from the liquid feed pump to the detector via the separation column, wherein the liquid feed pump, the separation column, the detector, and the plurality of valves are disposed in a cooled portion within a first unit, and among the mechanical parts and the electrical parts that respectively form the liquid feed pump, the detector, and the plurality of valves, the electrical parts are disposed in a non-cooled portion within the first unit.

Abstract: A system and method of aerobic wastewater treatment provides large mixing bubbles along with small oxygenating bubbles supplied by diffusers. The mixing bubbles are large enough to move wastewater and generate a mixing current as they rise to the surface. The mixing current mixes the wastewater, bacteria and other microorganisms, and the small oxygenating bubbles from the diffusers to promote the bacteria and other microorganisms' conversion of the pollutants contained in the wastewater. The mixing provided by the large mixing bubbles enhances the efficiency of wastewater aeration provided by the small oxygenating bubbles.

Abstract: A high rate, upflow filtration system is described in which a compressible, fibrous lump filtration media is compressed to adjust the porosity and collector size of the media in the bed and to provide a porosity gradient within the bed proceeding from more porous to less porous in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid so that filtration proceeds in a direction from a more porous to a less porous filter bed. Larger particles are removed by the more porous media and successively smaller particles are removed as the filter bed becomes less porous. The system is capable of reducing the turbidity of influent municipal wastewater from about 8 NTU to about 2 NTU at a wastewater flow rate of from about 820 to 1230 L/m2·min (20 to 30 gal/ft2·min), at a bed compression ration of from about 15 to 40 percent, and at a backwash rate of from about 1 to 6 percent based on the total wastewater passing through the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for a filter having little change over time and conventionally known properties of a porous PTFE molded article such as water permeability resistance, air permeability, sealing properties and electric properties, in which collection efficiency, air permeability and pressure loss are improved. Specifically, the present invention relates to an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for a filter comprising a dense skin layer and a continuously foamed porous layer, wherein (1) the contact angle of water to the surface of the skin layer is 120 to 140°; and (2) the diffuse reflectance of light is 91 to 94%.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method for reducing the level of oxygen, preferably dissolved oxygen in an aqueous environment. The composition comprises deoxygenating microorganisms that, when growing, consume the oxygen that is present in the environment. The effect of reducing the oxygen level in the environment causes the death or inhibition of other undesired living organisms, prokaryotes as well as eukaryotes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic methane fermentation treatment of a wastewater containing a sulfur compound. An oxidizing agent is added to an organic wastewater to oxidize the sulfur compound contained therein to molecular sulfur before the anaerobic treatment step. The wastewater is then introduced into the anaerobic treatment step for the methane fermentation treatment thereof. The amount of the oxidizing agent to be added to the wastewater is controlled using as an indicator the concentration of the residual oxidizing agent in the water flowing into the anaerobic treatment step and/or the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated. The oxidizing agent may be ozone, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite or a bromine based oxidizing agent. When the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated in the anaerobic treatment step is used as said indicator, the oxidizing agent may be suitably added such that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is 3% or less.

Abstract: The biofilter is used for the purification of a waste liquid using layers of filtering material, wherein the waste liquid moves downwardly by gravity while an O2-containing gas moves upwardly therein. The biofilter comprises a gas collector to capture at least a portion of the gas moving upwardly therein to mitigate the problem of biofilter clogging due to a microbial seal at the surface of the uppermost filtering layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating one or more components of interest from a sample containing particulates and soluble materials. The method comprises the steps of: (a) filtering a sample through silica filter media whose surface silanol groups have reacted with one or more silanes, and (b) simultaneously capturing particulates and binding a soluble component to the silica filter media. The bound soluble component of interest is subsequently eluted from the silica filter media. In one embodiment of the invention, unwanted soluble materials are captured by the treated silica filter media and desired component of interest is recovered from the flow-through. In another embodiment, different components of interest are recovered from both the eluate and the flow-through. Preferred treated silica filter media are silane-treated rice hull ash or diatomaceous earth with functional quarternary ammonium group or functional sulphonate group.

Abstract: A method for separating semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes from metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The method utilizes separation agents that preferentially associate with semiconducting nanotubes due to the electrical nature of the nanotubes. The separation agents are those that have a planar orientation, ?-electrons available for association with the surface of the nanotubes, and also include a soluble portion of the molecule. Following preferential association of the separation agent with the semiconducting nanotubes, the agent/nanotubes complex is soluble and can be solubilized with the solution enriched in semiconducting nanotubes while the residual solid is enriched in metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an electrocoat coating composition, comprising forming an aqueous emulsion comprising a film-forming component and water and removing at least a portion of the water from the aqueous emulsion by ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A decolorization treatment method in which not only can a liquid that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank be decolorized swiftly with simple equipment, but moreover the treatment water can be purified to an extent that reuse as a washing liquid or the like is possible. The method of decolorizing stock-raising treatment water comprises adding ferric polysulfate and a nonionic or anionic organic coagulant to a filtrate that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank, and agitating the obtained product to bring about reaction and thus separate into solid and liquid components, and removing the solid component. Preferably, a two-stage reaction is carried out in which the ferric polysulfate is added and agitation is carried out to bring about reaction, and then the nonionic or anionic organic coagulant is added thereafter.

Abstract: Exposing sludge to underwater, high-intensity sparks, to increase cake solids, provide faster settling, and increase the rate of dewatering.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.

Abstract: Processes for removing oil from a solid wellbore material such as drill cuttings or water such as produced by a subterranean formation include contacting the solid material/water with an amino-substituted polymer such as chitosan and a halogenating agent. The oil separates from the solid material and becomes bound within a flocculated solid. The flocculated solid containing the oil subsequently may be combined with a solvent of the amino-substituted polymer. Further, the flocculated solid may be contacted with a reducing agent, converting the flocculated solid back into the amino-substitute polymer and forming an oil-phase separate from the solvent-phase. The oil-phase may then be separated from the solvent phase and recovered. The solvent in which the amino-substituted polymer is dissolved may be recycled for treating more solid material removed from the well bore.

Abstract: A system is installed in the subsurface to control the hydraulic gradient between the area within a containment system and the area outside the containment system, and provides an easy-to-maintain treatment system. Preferably, the treatment system includes a sufficiently sized conduit between the inside-area and the outside-area that is accessible via a manhole. This conduit can be filled with remedial material or other treatment equipment, the manhole-sized access providing a relatively easy means of providing, maintaining, and replacing this material and equipment. Because the conduit is appropriately sized, hydraulic pressures on either side of the open conduit can be expected to be substantially equal, thereby reducing the potential of leakage of contaminants caused by hydrostatic pressure. Gates and screens are provided on either side of the conduit, to facilitate flow control, with manhole accessways to facilitate maintenance of these gates and screens.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocyclones for ballast water treatment. The invention further relates to ballast water treatment systems comprising such hydrocyclones and methods of operating such hydrocyclones and ballast water treatment systems.