Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the operating life of a tube-type heat exchanger that has an upstream tube sheet face that carries a plurality of hollow tubes wherein the upstream side of the tube sheet face is coated with at least one refractory.

Abstract: Described is a catalyst useful in the hydroprocessing of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock wherein the catalyst comprises a calcined mixture made by calcining a formed particle of a mixture comprising molybdenum trioxide, a nickel compound, and an inorganic oxide material. The catalyst may be made by mixing an inorganic oxide material, molybdenum trioxide, and a nickel compound to form a mixture that is formed into a particle and calcined to provide a calcined mixture. The process involves the hydrodesulfurization and hydroconversion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock which process may include the conversion of a portion of the pitch content of the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and the yielding of a treated product having an enhanced stability as reflected by its P-value.

Abstract: A composition and process for removing sulfur from middle distillate petroleum hydrocarbon fuels. The composition includes an alumina component and a carbon component. The composition is present in an amount effective to adsorb sulfur compounds from the fuel. The alumina component and the carbon component preferably collectively comprise a composite material. The composition can further include a sulfur component, preferably a metal sulfide or sulfur oxide. The composition can also further include at least one compound having a Group VI or Group VIII metal from the periodic table.

Abstract: A process for capturing organometallic impurities comprising at least one of a heavy metal, silicon, phosphorus, and arsenic, contained in a hydrocarbon feed comprising contacting the feed with a capture mass comprising at least one of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposited on a porous support at least one of aluminas, silica, silica-aluminas, and titanium, or magnesium oxides used alone or as a mixture with alumina or silica-alumina, the metallic element being in the sulphide form with a degree of sulphurization of at least 60%, and in which the feed to be treated is a catalytically cracked gasoline containing 5% to 60% by weight of olefins, 50 ppm to 6000 ppm by weight of sulphur and traces of arsenic in amounts in the range 10 ppb to 1000 ppb by weight.

Abstract: An improved fluidized coking process wherein an effective amount of a basic material, preferably an alkali or alkaline-earth metal-containing compound, is added to the coking zone to mitigate agglomeration of the coke during the coking of a heavy hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce lower boiling products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting kerogen oil from oil shale without adverse environmental impacts. A first plasma reactor is employed for creating a syngas from a carbon-based fuel. A turbine uses the syngas to produce electricity after the syngas' sensible heat passes through a heat exchanger to heat recycling gases used to pyrolyze the oil shale. A kiln receives the oil shale and heats the oil shale to a temperature at which hydrocarbons from the oil shale are released and captured. The hydrocarbons are sent to a distillation tower to produce a usable fuel. A second plasma reactor vitrifies the spent shale to produce an environmentally inert byproduct. The second plasma reactor is powered by electricity produced by the syngas turbine. Carbon dioxide generated by the process is captured and stored to prevent its release into the environment.

Abstract: A folding control apparatus for left and right lateral pieces of slice food is provided, such that when the slice food is moving forward on a transfer belt surface, the slice food is attached and positioned on the transfer belt surface; and a left and right lateral pieces of the slice food are blown by high-pressure air at a different time sequence to be folded and overlapped with respect to each other, so as to cover a stuffing strip on a surface of the slice food for forming a food enclosing material, thereby further simplifying a structure for folding the slice food to reduce a manufacturing cost and lower noise.

Abstract: In an electrostatic separator or a magnetic separator, prior to electrically charging or magnetization of particles in order to carry out separation of mixed powder of particles having different properties from each other, classification is performed by a classifier so that the content of fine powder having a spherical equivalent diameter of 10 ?m or smaller is 15 mass % or less. After the classification, prior to electrostatic separation or magnetic separation, an operation of dispersing the mixed powder of particles may be carried out.

Abstract: A separation apparatus comprising, a series of compartments for holding particulate separation material, arranged so as to allow fluid to flow through the compartments in a primary direction from a first compartment in the series to a last compartment in the series, feed means for directing a flow of the fluid into the first of the series of compartments in the primary direction, barrier means for preventing flow of particulate separation material between compartments in the primary direction, and a pumping assembly arranged to pump a mixture of the particulate separation material and the fluid from the first compartment into a recovery stage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dense medium separator and methods for operating the separator and separating solids in a dense medium. A separator is presented with distribution and extraction zones at opposite ends. Solids enter the separator and medium is injected in the direction of the extraction zone at the distribution zone. The injected medium forms a float current that moves the lower density solids to the extraction zone which then overflows a weir and is harvested. A floats extraction device separates the lower density solids from the medium and recirculates the medium back into the injection stream. Between the distribution and extraction zones is a separation zone where higher density solids fall out of the float current and into/onto a sinks mover at the bottom of the separation zone. The sinks mover moves the higher density solids in a direction opposite to that of the flow direction to a recovery zone where they are harvested.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.

Abstract: A screen assembly having a support, the support made of composite material, and at least one layer of screening material on the support, the support having openings that are larger at the top than at the bottom (or vice versa) and/or with a base member or member extending across the bottom of the support.

Abstract: A separating system includes a chute and at least one rotatable roller disposed adjacent an end of a chute such that articles traversing the chute in the longitudinal direction impact the roller and are displaced to one or the other side of the roller. Various methods of separating articles are also provided.

Abstract: A load control system and apparatus to control the load to different elements is disclosed. The load control system is attached to both an air conditioner and a pool filter system. The pool filter system has a predetermined run time and is only operating when the air conditioner is not. When the air conditioner turns on, the load to the pool filter system is disconnected. When the air conditioner turns off, the load is returned to the pool filter which resumes running at the point in the run time where the pool filter had previously left off. The load control system provides a more efficient and better use of energy resources.

Abstract: A grating (1) and a method of manufacturing the same using a pressing process are disclosed. The grating manufacturing method of the present invention includes the step of bending opposite ends of a metal plate to form a main surface (5) and supports (4), each having a predetermined height, the step of drawing a plurality of water drain slot formation portions of the main surface (5) to form slot frame parts (3), each having a predetermined depth, and the step of perforating bottoms of the slot frame parts (3) to form water drain slots (2). Therefore, the present invention provides a grating (1) that can sustain a relatively heavy load despite being manufactured through a simple pressing process, and a method of manufacturing the same through the pressing process.

Abstract: A filtration device is provided that includes a filter component and an additive component. The filter component includes concentrically arranged filtering elements disposed in a filter-in-filter configuration. The additive component includes at least one additive material that is introduced into a working fluid to be filtered. The filter component and additive component provide an assembly for a filtration system that would filter a variety of working fluids. The filter component and additive component provides an assembly that can filter fluids more efficiently. As a result, fluids may enjoy, for example, extended drainage intervals and thereby reduce component wear.

Abstract: This invention relates to filtration assemblies and methods of installing filtration units in filtration assemblies. Filtration assemblies may include first and second end pieces, at least one filtration unit between the first and second end pieces, and at least one alignment rod arrangement. The alignment rod arrangement may extend between the end pieces and align the filtration units and the end pieces.

Abstract: A device for filtering fuel, in particular diesel, the device comprising a housing containing a flow circuit, a first particle filter element, a second particle filter element, and a water separation fabric. The fuel flow circuit extends between an inlet and an outlet. The first particle filter element is adapted to cause the water contained in the fuel to coalesce in the form of droplets. The second particle filter element is disposed downstream from the first filter element in the fuel flow circuit. The water separation fabric is interposed between the first filter element and the second filter element in the fuel flow circuit and is adapted to form a barrier against droplets of water.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element, defining a longitudinal axis and an axial end thereof, and having a central winding structure and a length of fluted filter material wound about the winding structure with the flutes of the media oriented to provide for filtration of fluid passing axially through the filter element. An edge of filter media defines the axial end of the filter element when the media is wound about the winding structure. An axial end of the winding structure is disposed adjacent the axial end of the filter element. A winding feature extends substantially axially outward from the axial end of the winding structure to a distal end of the winding feature. The filter media is wrapped about the winding structure such that the axial end of the filter element is disposed substantially flush with the distal end of the winding feature.

Abstract: An improved attached growth trickling filter (40) includes randomly-placed textile chips (65) used as the filter medium.

Abstract: The improved circular secondary clarifier of the present invention requires less surface area and low HRT and provides efficient solids-liquid separation. The improved clarifier has better SS and BOD reduction and provides high under flow solids concentrations, as compared to conventional secondary clarifiers. The improved clarifier is even capable of treating wastewaters containing low MLSS concentration. One of the biggest advantages of improved clarifier is that it does not require a separate sump cum pump house as it removes the settled sludge using suction mechanism thereby reduces capital and recurring cost. Further, it provides natural flocculation, which is essential for agglomeration of solids and increases particle size referred to as ‘floc’ and eliminates provision for a separate flocculation facility thereby reduces capital and recurring costs.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process includes a treatment system for biologically treating wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of rotating media wheels for sustained algae growth. The media wheels are supported so that the algae rotates into and out of the wastewater for exposure to sunlight. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 may also be provided to the facility for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Rotation of the media wheels can be accomplished by air jets that also operate to dislodge excess algae as a byproduct of the system and process.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process biologically treats wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of media wheels that rotate into and out of exposure to sunlight for sustained algae growth. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 from the processing facility may also be returned to the treatment system for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Large scale facilities may integrate the treatment systems in a regenerative cycle in which the biomass obtained from the algal colonies is used in a separate facility and byproducts of the operation of the separate facility are used by the treatment system to fuel further algal growth.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an effective amount of a non-oxidising water-soluble biocide in the improvement of sludge quality by reducing the sludge tendency towards bulking, wherein the biocide comprises an alkyl-substituted phosphonium compound, an alkyl-substituted phosphine, an alkyl-substituted phosphine condensate, or a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: The invention discloses a four phase environmentally controlled process to obtain premium food quality all natural sea salt crystals of various size and/or shape without losing the trace minerals naturally present in the sea water. Pre-determined set points which are used to determine the quality(ies)/sizes and shapes of the sea salt crystals to be produced are established by the operator at the master control panel for: (1) maximum temperature for the energy source, (2) the temperature of the brine within the evaporator, and (3) the required specific gravity of the brine just prior to brine release to the tables. The placement of the specific gravity sensor automates flow of the brine to the tables for crystal formation. The entire process allows production of a variety of premium quality all natural sea salt crystal shapes and sizes on a year round basis.

Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.

Abstract: Method of maximizing resin utilization and optimizing reverse osmosis performance to polish an aqueous or radwaste fluid. The method provides resin scavenging of targeted isotopes and exposes filter media and resin to a higher influent activity concentration to enable higher waste loading and longer life of resin while protecting downstream reverse osmosis system from high concentration of contaminants. An aqueous waste feedstream is processed through steps of filtering, demineralizing, and reverse osmosis; and the feedstream is separated into permeate and reject streams for recycling and evaluation, respectively. The permeate stream is recycled in ways that permit it to return to a supply area for recycle reuse or discharge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container having at least one inlet and/or outlet and containing at least two different solids arranged in layers as well as the use of said container for preparing a dialysate. In particular, a flexible bag is described, having three layers of different solids, where the middle layer consists of a solid which is compatible with the two adjacent layers and thus forms a separating layer between the two other layers. The layers are secured in place during shipping by vacuum packing.

Abstract: A method for hemodialysis and hemofiltration includes contacting blood with a porous membrane in a hollow fiber or flat sheet configuration. The membrane comprises a polyarylethernitrile sulfone having structural units of formula I wherein R1 and R2 are independently H, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; a is 0, 1, 2 or 3; b is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and m and n are independently 0 or 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyamide nanofiltration membrane and the process for the preparation thereof. The invention further provides a process for the removal of phospholipids from rice bran oil (edible grade) by using novel polyamide membrane. The oil permeated through the membrane is 90 to 95% free from phospholipids in comparison to feed oil with about 90% reduction of color in comparison to feed oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatographic process for substance separation in the context of the preparation of chemicals such as, for example, chiral pharmaceuticals, isomers or biomolecules on the small-scale and production scale, based on Simulated Moving Bed (SMB=countercurrent chromatography) technology.

Abstract: A multi-column liquid chromatography system (10) for performing a plurality of liquid chromatography separations in parallel is based on a column plate structure (12) having parallel grooves (20) formed in a surface (22) of a plate (18), a cover sheet (40) bonded to the surface (22) to cover the grooves (20) and a stationary phase (38) contained in each covered groove (20). Through holes (24, 26) in the plate (18) define respective inlets (24) for the chromatography columns (14) and flow cells (16) at outlets, with the cover sheet (40) providing an optically transparent end wall for the flow cells (16) and another cover sheet (42) bonded to the opposite surface (30) of the plate (18) providing the other optically transparent end wall for the flow cells (16). Thus merely three parts need be provided for a structure for providing the chromatography columns, that is, a plate having grooves and through holes plus two cover sheets.

Abstract: A composition for use in chromatography is provided comprising a substrate modified with a metal-cyano bonded phase. This novel cyano bonded phase provides superior performance in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and provides superior selectivity, improved peak shape for basic analytes, and the ability of provide rapid separation with outstanding resolution. The composition exhibits improved storage stability, and is chemically stable over a range of pH from 1.5 to 7.5 mobile phase conditions and for more than 2000 multiple injections. A baseline separation of eight tricyclic antidepressants was achieved in less than four minutes using an isocratic mobile phase with the metal-cyano bonded phase of the present invention, compared to the long retention times and poor separation observed for traditional cyano bonded phase. The composition of this invention is particularly useful in a wide variety of chromatographic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.

Abstract: A process for reducing the fluorosurfactant content of an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion by filling a container with fluoropolymer dispersion, inserting into the container a fabric pouch containing a fluorosurfactant sorbent so that the sorbent contacts the fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion in the container and retains the fluorosurfactant to reduce fluorosurfactant content of said fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, and removing the fabric pouch from the container.

Abstract: Solid profile filter blocks for filtration of fluids include activated carbon fibers, preferably cut or ground into rod-shaped elements and bound into a solid profile using one or more binders. The filter block has internal structure and porosity that exhibit surprisingly-low pressure drop while effectively removing specific contaminants of interest. Granular activated carbon, lead or arsenic sorbents, and/or other active components may supplement the activated carbon fibers/rods in the present invention. The preferred manufacturing techniques preferably do not include any slurry process or other adding of water during the manufacturing process. The preferred cutting and/or grinding of longer, activated carbon source fibers into a range of rod lengths, including very short rods and longer rods, may be called a gross cut, as opposed to a precise cut that has a narrow distribution.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting, separating, isolating and quantifying contaminants in starting materials by separating the contaminant from the starting material using a bead coupled to an affinity moiety and quantum dot-labeling the contaminant. The contaminant is detected by the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot. Also, competitive binding methods are provided wherein the starting material and a control material are contacted with a quantum dot coupled to an affinity moiety capable of binding the contaminant and a competitor complex. A decrease in the intensity of the characteristic emission spectrum of the quantum dot associated with the competitor complex from the starting material as compared to that of the control material is indicative of the presence of the contaminant in the starting material.

Abstract: A two-step chemical precipitation process involving hydroxide precipitation and sulfide precipitation combined with “field separation” technology such as magnetic separation, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or expanded plastics flotation, effectively removes chelated and non-chelated heavy metal precipitates and other fine particles from water. In the first-step, the non-chelated heavy metals are precipitated as hydroxides and removed from the water by a conventional liquid/solids separator such as an inclined plate clarifier to remove a large percentage of the dissolved heavy metals. The cleaned water is then treated in a second precipitation step to remove the residual heavy metals to meet discharge limits. In the second precipitation step, any metal precipitant more effective than hydroxide for metal precipitation can be used.

Abstract: Tannin based environmentally friendly polymeric coagulants are disclosed which are copolymers of naturally occurring tannins, dialdehyde and diamines. In a preferred embodiment, the dialdehyde is glyoxal and the diamine is dimethylamino propylamine.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: Pollutants such as hydrocarbons which have settled on the bed of a body of water are removed to the surface using a submersible vehicle positioned above the bed of a diver supported on a platform above the pollutant. A wand at one end of a pipe evacuated by a centrifugal pump is manipulated to draw the pollutant to the surface for treatment or disposal.

Abstract: A method for producing water includes removing water from a first airflow using a first process which includes exposing at least some of the first airflow to a desiccant. This increases water content of at least some of the desiccant. At least some of the desiccant having increased water content is introduced into a second airflow. This facilitates evaporation of water from the desiccant into the second airflow, and increases water content of the second airflow. Water is then removed from the second airflow.

Abstract: A method and device for oxidization of materials in supercritical water. The method involves a) introducing a fluid containing water and an oxidizing agent in a ring-shaped area and through a first end of a substantially tube-shaped reactor comprising an external wall and an internal tube, b) heating the fluid in the ring-shaped area, c) introducing the heated fluid into the internal tube and simultaneously introducing material to be treated into said internal tube at a second end of the reactor, d) mixing the fluid and the material to be treated in a first portion of the internal tube, followed by cooling the obtained mixture in a second portion of the internal tube, and e) isobarically discharging the fluid/oxidized material from the internal tube of the reactor.

Abstract: Membrane filter system having at least one vessel and plurality of individually removable aerated filter modules arranged in the at least one vessel and structured and arranged for a suspension to be filtered to flow through in parallel. At least one filter module has a plurality of membrane units. A plurality of spaces are formed in the at least one vessel by plates arranged cross-wise with respect to a direction of flow through the filter modules. At least one feed space for a common supply of the suspension to be filtered to the plurality of filter modules and at least one permeate space for common discharging of permeate are provided. A feed pump supplies the suspension to be filtered into the at least one feed space. At least one feed distribution space is positioned laterally at least partially around the at least one feed space. Additionally, the at least one feed space has a feed distribution opening and an aeration device around which the suspension to be filtered flows.

Abstract: An apparatus for preconditioning a filter media includes a reservoir containing a liquid; a pump operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir; a filter housing operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pump, and having a filter media disposed therein; a control unit operatively connected to the pump; and wherein the pump is operable to circulate the liquid through the filter media to wet and remove air from the filter media prior to installation of the filter media in a processing application.

Abstract: A filtration assembly may comprise first and second end pieces having inner and outer faces, at least one filtration unit between the inner faces of the first and second end pieces, and at least one compression rod arrangement extending between the end pieces. The compression rod arrangement may comprise an unthreaded compression rod and a locking device mounted to the compression rod to maintain compression of the filtration unit between the end pieces. A method of maintaining compression of filtration units may comprise installing at least one filtration unit between a first end piece and a second end piece and maintaining compression of the end pieces and the filtration unit, including mounting a locking device to an unthreaded compression rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to filtration manifolds, filtration assemblies, methods of channeling permeate, and filtration units. Filtration assemblies may include filtration units and filtration manifolds having isolated permeate collection passages. Permeate may be channeled through the isolated permeate collection passages of the filtration manifold during filtration and then output from the manifold.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular fluid treatment assembly and method in which modules of the system each have a head that can be connected to one or more heads (of one or more other modules) in different configurations. In some embodiments, the relationship between a cartridge of the module and its corresponding head prevents fluid from entering between the cartridge and an external shell of the module. Also, some embodiments provide a module having a head with substantially concentric inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with a cartridge coupled to the head.