Abstract: A corner protector for use with a surgical tray includes a base, at least one side extending from the base, and at least one aperture extending through the base. The at least one aperture allows a medium to pass therethrough. The corner protector further includes at least one stud extending from a major surface of the corner protector such that when the corner protector is positioned against a surgical tray, a channel is created between the corner protector and the surgical tray.

Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.

Abstract: An articulating handle for an item of cookware is provided. The articulating handle is configured for connection with the cookware through a hinge assembly. The handle may be locked into substantially horizontal position such as for use of the cookware, or a substantially vertical position for storage. As such, cookware including such a handle can be stacked in a space-saving manner. A method for stacking cookware and a stack of cookware incorporating such a handle are also provided.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a kit for protecting dressings and/or traumatized skin regions of the body. The kit includes a case containing at least one non-dedicated flexible and water-impermeable base sheet or global sheet with dimensions enabling a plurality of single or individual adapted covering parts to be cut out. The base sheet is preferably made of a non-allergenic material and easily divisible into pieces or fractions of smaller dimensions, for example with a pair of scissors. The kit also includes a package containing a water-impermeable and non-allergenic pasty adhesive, having properties enabling adherence both to the skin and to the protective sheet.

Abstract: An exercise system carrying kit. The kit includes: a housing member, a physical exercise device, an audio/video provider module, a power module, a control module, a display module, an exercise accessory, and a receiving mechanism. The exercise device enables a user to perform physical exercises. There is a removable handle having wheels. The audio/video provider module provides entertaining information. The control module alters a magnitude of energy provided by the power module to the audio/video provider module. The exercise accessory assists a user in performing physical exercises, and is an accessory selected from the group of accessories consisting of: an eye chart, a hand weight, a foot weight, a body weight, a reading rack stand, a pedometer, a timer, a clock, a calculator, a media, a hydration bottle, a jump rope, a balance bar, a pad, an aromatherapy device, and an instruction module. The receiving mechanism stores the exercise device and exercise accessory in the housing member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cosmetics organizer that is particularly useful with cosmetics that come in powdered form. One well-known brand of powdered cosmetics is the Bare Escentuals® line of make-up. The cosmetics organizer stores the powdered makeup in a substantially horizontal position by securing the cosmetics container within a one-piece body with a substantially flat top face and a substantially flat bottom face, the faces being substantially parallel. At least one circular edge defines a cylindrical receptacle within the body. The edge extends from the top face into the body. A receptacle base is located within the one-piece body between the top and bottom face, wherein the receptacle base is substantially parallel with said top and bottom faces. A series of receptacles are sized to hold cosmetics applicators, such as brushes.

Abstract: Corner sleeves are used for protecting corner portions of products. Each sleeve has a pair of cushioning members formed in an L-shaped configuration that define a generally triangular space therebetween. Top and bottom panel members of the sleeve are positioned to cover a top and a bottom of the triangular space. Top and bottom fold-over panel members of the sleeve are folded relative to the top and bottom panel members to be positioned within the triangular space and are biased toward one another. In use, upon insertion of the corner portion of the product between the top and bottom fold-over panel members, the fold-over panel members hold the product in place therebetween and the cushioning members protect the corner portion of the product. L-shaped channels may be provided within the sleeves to further assist in holding the product in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display pack for packaging and displaying a product. The display pack comprises a display card and one or more transparent straps for securing the product to the display card. The transparent straps include one or more lines of weakening to enable easy release of the product from the display card. The transparent straps further include ends that can be secured behind the display card through various means.

Abstract: A process for steam cracking liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks containing synthetic crude oil comprises i) hydroprocessing a wide boiling range aliquot containing a) normally liquid hydrocarbon portion substantially free of resids and b) thermally cracked hydrocarbon liquid, boiling in a range from about 600° to about 1050° F., to provide a synthetic crude oil substantially free of resids; ii) adding to the synthetic crude oil a normally liquid hydrocarbon component boiling in a range from about 100° to about 1050° F.; and iii) cracking the mixture resulting from ii) in a cracker furnace comprising a radiant coil outlet to provide a cracked effluent, wherein the cracking is carried out under conditions sufficient to effect a radiant coil outlet temperature which is greater than the optimum radiant coil outlet temperature for cracking the synthetic crude oil separately. A method for upgrading synthetic crude for use in cracking is also provided, as well as a feedstock for cracking.

Abstract: A process is described for catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks from petroleum refining which increases substantially the yields of light olefins. The process limits the extreme conditions to a first reaction section and introduces a stream of cooling fluid above the feedstock injection point so as to maintain a second reaction section under cracking conditions which produce light olefins propene and ethene, and inhibits reactions undesirable for the process.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of supported catalysts comprising at least one metal or metallic compound of a metal from group VI and/or group VIII deposited on a support essentially constituted by ? silicon carbide in a process for selective hydrodesulphurization of an olefinic hydrocarbon feed that is substantially free of polynuclear aromatics and metals. The invention can be used to carry out deep desulphurization of catalytically cracked gasoline cuts with very limited saturation of olefins and thus a minimum loss of octane number.

Abstract: Nickel and/or vanadium can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase using an Extractant Composition selected from an isocyanate, a thiocyanate, a cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof. The Extractant Composition may also include at least one mineral acid, a solvent, and other additives. The invention permits transfer of vanadium and nickel from a hydrocarbon into an aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil.

Abstract: A screen assembly that is sufficiently flexible to adapt to a non-planar profile of a crowned deck on a vibrating shaker. When attached to the crowned deck, the screen assembly provides a screen with less curvature than the crowned deck.

Abstract: A transport track extends through first and second stations for transporting paper postal items through the stations. The first and second stations are equipped with first and second drives for driving circulatable surfaces of the respective station along the transport track. The second drive is controlled for driving at least one of the second station's circulatable surfaces at a circumferential speed higher than the circumferential speed of the first station's circulatable surfaces. While a stack of postal items passes from the first station to the second station, highest normal force exerted thereon by the circulatable surfaces of the second station is larger or smaller than the highest normal force exerted thereon by the circulatable surfaces of the first station.

Abstract: At least one venturi generator is provided for use with an electrical circuit component handler. The handler includes a stationary vacuum plate and a test plate. The vacuum plate includes vacuum channels, and the test plate includes test seats. The venturi generator is operative to create a vacuum pressure passed to the vacuum channels on the stationary vacuum plate and is used to draw electronic components into test seats on the test plate. The venturi generator may be the exclusive source of vacuum pressure or may supplement another vacuum source.

Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through the processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual final pass counts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A bubble separator capable of performing efficient bubble separation with a compact and simple structure is provided. The bubble separator includes a centrifugal bubble separating mechanism and an auxiliary bubble separating mechanism. The centrifugal bubble separating mechanism has a first bubble separator body in which a first fluid introducing part, a first fluid discharging part, and a first gas discharging part are provided. The auxiliary bubble separating mechanism has a guiding portion, a second bubble separator body, a second fluid introducing part, a second fluid discharging part, and a second gas discharging part. According to the bubble separator of the present invention, in addition to minuscule bubbles it is also possible to separate large bubbles that could not be completely separated using the centrifugal bubble separating mechanism.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps. The apparatus includes a vessel for collecting the wastewater and a heating chamber including waste oil burners and a heat transfer liquid such as mineral oil to heat the wastewater mixture to boil off the water and to reduce the volume of liquid for disposal. A wastewater supply tank may be positioned under the apparatus.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in drainage systems to prevent the buildup of eroded materials such as soil, leaves and other debris is disclosed. The assembly includes a unitary frame and a filter media attached to the frame and is adapted to be retained within a component of a drainage sewer such as a catch basin. A porous material filter media such as a woven or non-woven geotextile allows for the flow of water through the filter while retaining debris or soil within the filter. The filter media extends into the basin to provide volume for the retained material without blocking the entire surface of filter.

Abstract: An oil separator arrangement for an internal combustion engine comprises a vortex chamber oil separator with a vortex chamber extending in a longitudinal direction, said vortex chamber comprising a wall extending in a longitudinal direction, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet opening, said gas inlet being disposed tangential to said wall for tangentially blowing-in of blow-by-gas into said vortex chamber, so that at least one gas vortex flow rotating helically along said wall in said longitudinal direction is generated, wherein at least one further oil separator is connected in parallel to said vortex chamber oil separator, said further oil separator comprising a separation chamber with an inlet-side spring tongue automatically controlled by the applied blow-by-gas, and a baffle wall disposed downstream the spring tongue.

Abstract: A high denitrification shared type Orbal oxidation ditch, pertaining to water treatment technical field, comprises an outer channel, a median channel, an inner channel, all of ellipse, and a secondary deposition tank. Wherein, the length of the outer channel is prolonged in the ellipse's major axis direction and the secondary deposition tank that is tangential to the inner wall or shares the wall with the outer channel is arranged between the outer and median channels. All the channels (the outer channel, the median channel and the inner channel) and the secondary deposition tank are integrated in the Orbal oxidation ditch, all of the anaerobic zone, regulation zone, hydrolysis acidifying zone, primary deposition zone, sludge outer re-circulation zone and wastewater inner re-circulation zone etc.

Abstract: A sewage floating/decontaminating tank structure including a first tank and a second tank. The first tank has an inlet and a relief outlet. The sewage is conducted from the first inlet into the first tank to flow in a preset flowing path inside the first tank and then discharge from the relief outlet of the first tank. The second tank has an inlet communicating with the relief outlet of the first tank, whereby the sewage is conducted from the relief outlet of the first tank into inlet of the second tank. The sewage is decontaminated in the second tank. The second tank has an exhaustion section arranged on an upper portion of the second tank. The contaminants floating on the level of the sewage in the second tank are exhausted from the exhaustion section. The second tank further an outlet arranged on a lower portion of the second tank. The purified water free from the contaminants is conducted out from the outlet of the second tank for reuse.

Abstract: A scum removing unit for wastewater flotation tank includes a driving element; a shaft mechanism being driven by the driving element to rotate and having a rotating element mounted thereon; and a suspension arm being associated with the rotating element. The suspension arm has a lower end extended into a wastewater flotation tank and having at least one scraper fixed thereto. When the rotating element is rotated, the suspension arm is brought to move along a predetermined path, and the scraper at the lower end of the suspension arm is caused to scrape off scrum in the wastewater flotation tank along the predetermined path. Except for the scraper, all the parts of the scum removing unit are not in contact with the scum, protecting the scum removing unit against rust and resultant damage.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has a cartridge top and a cartridge bottom interconnected by a cartridge sidewall. The cartridge top, the cartridge bottom and the cartridge sidewall enclose a filter media. An extension connectable to the cartridge bottom via threads is adjustable to fit the filter cartridge within a range of differently sized housings.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided including a media pack, a valve arrangement, and first and second seal members. The seal members have different release forces associated with them. In one implementation, the different release forces are provided by having differing outermost dimensions (diameter, if circular). One of the seal members can be larger than the other seal member. In some arrangements, the relationship between the outermost dimension of the first seal member is 1.5 times the size of the outermost dimension of the second seal member. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a filter assembly including a filter bowl and a removable and replaceable filter cartridge operably mounted in the bowl. The filter cartridge includes a media pack, a valve arrangement, and a seal member forming a seal between the filter bowl and the filter cartridge. The seal blocks fluid flow from the interior of the filter bowl through a drain port defined by the filter bowl.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment mechanism includes an interior chamber having a peripheral wall preferably provided with two diametrically opposite openings in each of which is received a flow port member having a flow equalization port therein. Depending upon wastewater levels and surges, the flow port members can be removed and replaced by other flow port members of an identical construction, except for different sizes of design flow equalization ports thereof.

Abstract: A liquid filter cartridge comprising an outer casing defining an inside volume containing a filter element that separates the inside volume into an upstream space and a downstream space, the casing having an end wall defining a liquid inlet passage communicating with the upstream space, and a liquid outlet passage communicating with the downstream space, the casing being adapted for mounting on a support that includes a liquid inlet channel designed to communicate with the inlet passage, a liquid outlet channel designed to communicate with the outlet passage, and a drain channel communicating with the inlet passage. The cartridge includes a closure member fastened to the end wall of the casing and adapted to close the drain channel when the cartridge is mounted on the support.

Abstract: A thermally protected water filtration system including a substantially cylindrical water filter for a residential or commercial structure and a cover for fitting onto the water filter, the cover including a circumferential panel dimensioned to fit around the water filter and electrically activatable heat generating material within or attached to the circumferential panel of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention includes a portable Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetlands system for removing pollutants from a body of water. The portable wetlands system includes a sealed container having pipes for the inflow and outlet of the water. The system also includes a high surface area substrate located in a lower portion of the container and a heavier substrate and at least one emergent aquatic plant located in an upper portion of the container. The container of the system may be mounted on a trailer and the entire system may be light enough to be capable of being towed by a normal mid-sized pickup truck. The present invention also contemplates a method for removing pollutants from water using such a portable wetlands system. The water to be treated is flowed through the portable wetlands system in order to remove pollutants. The present invention further contemplates a method for constructing such a portable wetlands system.

Abstract: Advanced treatment method and system of ethanolamine-containing wastewater are disclosed, which perform physicochemical and biological treatment processes. The method regenerates cation exchange resin that captures ethanolamine discharged from a nuclear power plant or a thermal power station, concentrates the ethanolamine-containing wastewater to reduce the volume of the wastewater, and then treats the highly concentrated ethanolamine-containing wastewater through biological decomposition and denitrification processes. The system for treating ethanolamine-containing wastewater performs the physicochemical process (ion-exchange and resin regenerations) where the waster is concentrated, and then applies the biological process to the small amount of wastewater highly concentrated. The physicochemical process is composed of exchanging ions and eluting/concentrating ethanolamine using sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process for treatment of acidic waters via membrane separation equipment. A feedwater is maintained or adjusted to a pH of 4.3 or lower, and fed to a membrane separation system. In this manner, species such as total organic carbon (TOC) become more ionized, and (a) their rejection by the membrane separation process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Passage of total organic carbon (TOC) through the membrane is significantly reduced. A recovery ratio at or exceeding eighty percent (80%) is achievable with most feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of the membrane separation equipment. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of high purity water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to chromatographic media comprising a chromatographic absorbent as a stationary phase, wherein the chromatographic absorbent is disposed in the chromatographic media so as to provide a gradient of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and/or ionic groups.

Abstract: The disclosed system and apparatus can be used to improve the operation of a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment system. The system may include one or more membrane filtration modules having a proximal end and a distal end in which each module houses one or more membrane filters. The system and method can be configured to include the steps of interrupting the introduction or flow of feed liquid, allowing at least a portion of the feed liquid present in the one or more membrane filtration modules to drain therefrom, and to resume the introduction or feed of the feed liquid. Optionally, the system and method can include the step of allowing at least a portion of the recovered permeate to backflush the one or more membrane filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossflow filter membrane comprising an active layer whose size is equal to or greater that 1 mm. Said crossflow filter membrane makes it possible to simultaneously carry out a crossflow filtration along a surface and a deep-bed filtration in the membrane depth. A connecting element for connecting module pads, a method for producing said connecting element and a crossflow filtering module are also disclosed. The connecting element supported by a filter pad surface on the side of unfiltered fluid closes an unfiltered fluid area for preventing a filtrate flowing and is provided with at least one closure element positively connectable to at least one other connecting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining a natural, bioactive concentrate, rich on hydroxytyrosol, from olive tree residues and subproducts using clean technologies. These technologies comprise supercritical fluid extraction, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis which are used individually or in an integrated mode. The natural extract comprises a minimum concentration of 15% (mass fraction) in hydroxytirosol and a maximum concentration of 98% (mass fraction) in this compound. The hydroxytyrosol-rich concentrate exhibits anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities, which are superior to the activities observed for isolated hydroxytyrosol in equivalent concentration. The hydroxytyrosol-rich concentrate can be prepared in the form of solid particles, as an aqueous solution, in an emulsion or as lipidic based nanoparticles. Industrial application comprises the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Abstract: A method reducing wastewater in a polyester-manufacturing plant includes a step in which ethylene glycol-containing composition from at least one of the chemical reactors is provided to a water separation column. The water separation column is kept within a predetermined temperature range such that any acetaldehyde present in the water separation column is substantially maintained in a vapor state. A waste-vapor mixture comprising one or more organic compounds is subsequently removed from the water separation column and combusted. The polyester-manufacturing plant optionally includes a spray condenser system having a heat exchanger such that the heat exchanger is contacted with a hot ethylene glycol composition derived from the water separation column when the heat exchanger needs cleaning. The polyester-manufacturing plant may be enclosed with a roof and walls such that rainwater is prevented from being contaminated with any organic chemicals present in the polyester-manufacturing plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making porous cross-linked cellulose membranes and processes for coupling a chromatography ligand to cross-linked cellulose membranes. The invention provides methods for separating a first component from a second component in a solution based upon a difference in the size of the first and second components, and methods for separating target molecules from other components in a solution comprising use of membranes obtainable by the process of the invention. The method has particular utility in separating proteins from cell lysates and cultures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fibre membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fibre membranes (5), at least one end of the fibre membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fibre membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for softening water is disclosed. In particular, an apparatus and method for softening water without the addition of ions the wastewater stream is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes at least one nanofiltration filter element configured and arranged to receive an input flow of hard water, discharge an output flow of permeate water comprising a portion of the input flow, and discharge an output flow of non-permeate water comprising a portion of the input flow. The nanofiltration filter element typically has an average pore size that permits the passage of water and monovalent ions but substantially prevents the passage of divalent ions.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it.

Abstract: This invention relates to an analytical method and an apparatus utilizing a SPE cartridge, which can realize enhanced accuracy and workability in the analysis of trace substances, such as residual pesticides, can clean the inside of piping, needle valves etc, can eliminate the influence on the analysis and can conduct these operations automatically. In the analytical method and apparatus utilizing a SPE cartridge, analytes previously adsorbed to a SPE cartridge is eluted with a solvent from a liquid feed pump. The eluate was injected into a storage chamber in a gas chromatograph through a needle inserted into an injection port in the storage chamber. The needle is pulled up from the injection port, and the inside of the needle is washed with a solvent fed from the liquid feed pump. The wash liquid is discarded, and the analysis of organic compounds as analytes in an subject sample is carried out.

Abstract: A porous particulate material for treating a fluid containing a contaminant is disclosed. The particulate material comprises a cementitious matrix or binder and treated bauxite refinery residue or red mud. At least a portion of the pores in the particulate material is open cell or interconnected pores. The invention also relates to the use of a reactive permeable barrier comprising porous material, for treating a contaminated fluid. Also disclosed is a method for producing porous particulate material for treating a contaminated fluid and a method for treating a contaminated fluid, in which the porous material is used. The invention furthermore relates to a cementitious composition comprising partially neutralised red mud and cement, wherein the partially neutralised red mud has been pre-treated by contacting it with water having a total hardness supplied by calcium, magnesium or a combination thereof, of at least 3.5 millimoles per litre calcium carbonate equivalent.

Abstract: The present invention includes a porous ceramic material for use in removing aqueous contaminants from water. The ceramic material is formed by drying particular types of clay-water mixtures from air dry to 600° C. The clay is then calcined at between 700° C. and 1175° C. Finally, the clay is processed to a size larger than colloidal. The present invention also includes a system for removing pollutants from water consisting of a container filled with the porous ceramic material. The container may be serially connected to other containers and may be disposed on a trailer for portability. The present invention further includes a method of removing pollutants from water consisting of directing the contaminated water though a system containing the porous ceramic material. The porous ceramic material may be regenerated for further use by directing an acidic solution over the porous ceramic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices that may be used to separate components from one or more samples.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing oxidizable metals from a liquid without the use of chemicals. This aeration technology maximizes the surface area-to-volume ratio of oxygen in the gas used. A system may comprise a dissolved oxygen addition device configured to receive the liquid and comprising a substrate with pores. A compressed gas source is connected to the device and configured to inject compressed gas containing oxygen through the substrate and into the liquid. Sub-micron sized bubbles are created on the substrate when the gas passes through the pores and expands in the liquid. The bubbles are removed from the substrate by passing liquid media while they have buoyancy insufficient to overcome a surface tension between the substrate and the bubbles. The bubbles then diffuse into the liquid to oxidize soluble oxidizable metals in the liquid media to create oxidized insoluble metal particles.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the thermal treatment of waste materials, particularly pharmaceutical waste materials. The process comprises placing the waste material into a chamber and increasing the temperature inside the chamber in three stages. At a first stage, water in the material is desorbed as water vapor. At a second stage, organic ingredients in the material are desorbed and decomposed producing condensable organic vapor and non-condensable synthesis gas. And at a third stage, polymer-based components of the material are depolymerized and decomposed producing condensable hydrocarbon vapor. The non-condensable synthesis gas produced can be used as heating source for the process.

Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.