Abstract: A process for recovering butanol from a mixture of a water-immiscible organic extractant, water, butanol, and optionally a non-condensable gas, is provided. The butanol is selected from 1-butanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof. An overhead stream from a first distillation column is decanted into two liquid phases. The wet butanol phase is refined in a second distillation column; the aqueous phase is returned to the first distillation column. A portion of the wet butanol phase from the decanter is also returned to the first distillation column. The extractant may be C7 to C22 fatty alcohols, C7 to C22 fatty acids, esters of C7 to C22 fatty acids, C7 to C22 fatty aldehydes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method producing a portioned column by forming a first segment and a third segment into arcuate segments, and attaching these arcuate segments to a second z-shaped segment to from two contiguous volumes with approximately semi-circular cross-sections that combine to form a partitioned, approximately cylindrical segment.

Abstract: A method of reducing a film of graphite oxide. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a film of graphite oxide with a thickness d0; and delivering optical energy in a single pulse to the film of graphite oxide at a distance no more than 1.0 cm away from the film of graphite oxide to reduce the film of graphite oxide to a film of graphene with a thickness d, wherein the optical energy has a radiant exposure in the range of between 0.1 and 2 J/cm2, and wherein the thickness d is greater than the thickness d0. In one embodiment, the thickness d?10×d0.

Abstract: There are provided a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium which is excellent in terms of both the recording and reproduction characteristics and the thermal fluctuation characteristics without reducing the density and hardness of the perpendicular magnetic layer; a magnetic recording medium; and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus with which an excellent recording density is achieved, wherein, in the method for manufacturing the magnetic recording medium, at least a portion of the perpendicular magnetic layer 4 is formed as a magnetic layer having a granular structure that contains Co as a major component and also contains an oxide of at least one nonmagnetic metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Si, Ta, Al, Ti, W and Mg; a target for forming the perpendicular magnetic layer 4 by the sputtering process is prepared so as to include an oxide of Co and a compound of Co and at least one nonmagnetic metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Si, Ta, Al, Ti, W and Mg, an

Abstract: Micro-fluid ejection devices, methods for making micro-fluid ejection heads, and micro-fluid ejection heads, including a micro-fluid ejection head. One such micro-fluid ejection head has relatively high resistance thin film heaters adjacent to a substrate. The thin film material comprises silicon, metal, and carbon (SiMC wherein M is a metal). Each thin film heater has a sheet resistance ranging from about 100 to about 600 ohms per square and a thickness ranging from about 100 to about 800 Angstroms.

Abstract: A process for coating a part comprises the steps of providing a chamber which is electrically connected as an anode, placing the part to be coated in the chamber, providing a cathode formed from a coating material to be deposited and platinum, and applying a current to the anode and the cathode to deposit the coating material and the platinum on the part.

Abstract: A production method combining cathode arc and magnetron sputtering methods to form an antibacterial film on the surface of an object. Inside the vacuum chamber, both a cathode arc target source and a magnetron sputtering target source are configured. On the cathode arc target source, at least one of a zirconium, titanium, or chromium target is installed. On the magnetron sputtering target source, a silver target is installed. Argon and nitrogen are filled into the vacuum chamber to respectively ionize the silver target and one of the zirconium target, titanium target, or chromium target. Remote control is used to adjust the ionization proportion between one of the zirconium, titanium, or chromium target and the silver target to be 90-99%:1-9%. The surface of the object is formed with one of the zirconium nitride-silver mixed antibacterial film, titanium nitride-silver mixed antibacterial film, or chromium nitride-silver mixed antibacterial film.

Abstract: An electrolytic treatment method and electrolytic treatment device are provided for electrolytic treatment of an aluminum web W by applying an alternating current to an upstream electrode and a downstream electrode disposed along a conveying direction a. At least one of a conveying velocity v of the aluminum web W, a frequency f of alternating current applied at the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode, and/or a web conveying direction separation distance d2 between the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode are set such that the alternating current and voltage waveform applied to the aluminum web W at the far end of the upstream electrode and the alternating current and voltage waveform applied to the aluminum web W at the near end of the downstream electrode do not reinforce each other.

Abstract: In an electro processor for plating semiconductor wafers and similar substrates, a contact ring has a plurality of spaced apart contact fingers. A shield at least partially overlies the contact fingers. The shield changes the electric field around the outer edge of the workpiece and the contact fingers, which reduces or eliminates the negative aspects of using high thief electrode currents and seed layer deplating. The shield may be provided in the form of an annular ring substantially completely overlying and covering, and optionally touching the contact fingers.

Abstract: A substrate plating processor has a vessel on a support structure and a head support fixed in place relative to the support structure. A head having a rotor is attached to the head support. A lifter associated with the head support moves the head into and out of engagement with the vessel. An alignment assembly attachable to the rotor has at least one sensor adapted to detect a position of an inside surface of the vessel when the head is engaged with the vessel. The sensor may be a physical contact sensor positioned to contact the inside surface of the vessel.

Abstract: An electroplating processor includes an electrode plate having a continuous flow path formed in a channel. The flow path may optionally be a coiled flow path. One or more electrodes are positioned in the channel. A membrane plate is attached to the electrode plate with a membrane in between them. Electrolyte moves through the flow path at a high velocity, preventing bubbles from sticking to the bottom surface of membrane. Any bubbles in the flow path are entrained in the fast moving electrolyte and carried away from the membrane. The electroplating processor may alternatively have a wire electrode extending through a tubular membrane formed into a coil or other shape, optionally including shapes having straight segments.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing water using amorphous cobalt tungstate is disclosed. A plurality of amorphous cobalt tungstate nanoparticles are supported on an electrode and are able to catalytically interact with water molecules generating oxygen. The catalyst can be used as part of a electrochemical or photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.

Abstract: This invention relates an ion beam source (10) for use with a non-electrical conducting target (14) including a grid (13) for extracting ions and a power supply for supplying pass power to the grid (13) to extract the ions.

Abstract: A sputtering target for a sputtering chamber comprises a backing plate with a sputtering plate mounted thereon. In one version, the backing plate comprises a circular plate having a front surface comprising an annular groove. The sputtering plate comprises a disk comprising a sputtering surface and a backside surface having a circular ridge that is shaped and sized to fit into the annular groove of the backing plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide sputtering targets utilized in physical vapor deposition (PVD) and methods to form such sputtering targets. In one embodiment, a sputtering target contains a target layer disposed on a backing plate, and a protective coating layer—usually containing a nickel material—covering and protecting a region of the backing plate that would otherwise be exposed to plasma during the PVD processes. In many examples, the target layer contains a nickel-platinum alloy, the backing plate contains a copper alloy (e.g., copper-zinc), and the protective coating layer contains metallic nickel. The protective coating layer eliminates the formation of highly conductive, copper contaminants typically derived by plasma erosion of the copper alloy contained within the exposed surfaces of the backing plate. Therefore, the substrates and the interior surfaces of the PVD chamber remain free of such copper contaminants during the PVD processes.

Abstract: A magnetic film having excellent uniformity in in-plane distribution of film thickness or sheet resistance is formed when the film is formed by forming a magnetic field on a processing surface of a substrate (21) and performing oblique incidence sputtering by using high discharge power. A sputtering apparatus (1) is provided with a substrate holder (22) for holding rotatably the substrate (21) in the surface direction of the processing surface of the substrate; a substrate magnetic field forming device (30) which is disposed to surround the substrate (21) and forms a magnetic field on the processing surface of the substrate (21); cathodes (41) which are arranged diagonally above the substrate (21) and are supplied with electric discharge power; a position detecting device (23) for detecting a rotation position of the substrate (21); and a control device (50) which adjusts the rotation speed of the substrate (21) in accordance with the rotation position detected by the position detecting device (23).

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods useful for incorporating protein into lipid bilayers using voltage induced insertion. The methods presented herein can decrease time and costs associated with incorporation of proteins into naturally derived or artificially created lipid bilayers. A method for incorporating a protein capable of translocating a ligand also is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for reading the sequence of a polymer, consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode being functionalized with a reader molecule strongly bonded to the electrodes, but forming weak bonds with a molecule to be sequenced. In particular, the reader molecule is designed to form bonds with at least two points on the target molecule such that the target molecule is trapped between a first reader molecule on one electrode and a second reader molecule on the second electrode, with the overall size of the molecular complex being small enough to permit significant electric current to flow.

Abstract: An improved staining method is described for staining a biopolymer such as a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, an oligosaccharide or a complex containing a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, or an oligosaccharide in a matrix. The method includes the step of moving a staining reagent into the matrix using an electric force. The staining time can be dramatically reduced relative to conventional technologies. The improved staining method can particularly be used, for example, to stain proteins after gel separation. Other related methods and related kits are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to assemble organotypical tissues which can then be perfused and investigated under preferably physiological conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus having a housing including an inlet to let water in an interior of the housing, an outlet to let water out of the interior of the housing, a first electrode having a current collector, a second electrode, and a spacer to separate the first and second electrodes and to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a connector to connect the first electrode, or the second electrode, or both first and second electrodes, with an electrical source. The connector may have two connector parts to clamp the current collector in between the connector parts, the connector constructed and arranged to avoid water-metal contact.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprising a stack of circular electrodes with a central through hole, the electrodes are supplied with electricity so as to form anodes and cathodes in alternating intercalation. The anodes and cathodes so arranged to lie in such close-spaced parallel face to face relationship as to form a capacitive deionization cell. Water to be treated is passed from the outside of the stack, radially inward through between the electrodes into the central through hole and then axially out of the stack.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.

Abstract: A method of producing a multicolor surface is described herein. The method includes the following steps: providing an aluminum-based substrate having an outer and inner surfaces; performing a mechanical process on the substrate; forming at least one fixing portion on the inner surface of the substrate; forming at least one conductive hole on the fixing portion; performing a first anodization on the substrate to form a first oxide layer that can be dyed with a first color on the outer surface of the substrate; removing at least some of the first oxide layer from the fixing portion and the outer surface of the substrate; performing a second anodization on the substrate to form a second oxide layer that can be dyed with a second color on the exposed outer surface of the substrate stripped of the first oxide layer; and removing the fixing portion.

Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning chlorobenzenes-contaminated soil and groundwater are provided related to environment protection. The apparatus includes a direct current power supply, permeable reactive barrier (PRB) reaction walls and electrodes, wherein the electrodes are arranged in a polluted area according the concentric circles, and are installed into electrode chambers; the PRB reaction walls are installed at ½ between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode and at ¼ from the anode electrode. Chlorobenzenes in the soil and groundwater can be gathered in the PRB reaction walls through the arrangement of the electrode area; and then the chlorobenzenes can be further removed by oxidation-reduction reactions in the PRB reaction walls.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming an asphalt fraction corresponding to a blend of asphalts, the asphalt fraction having at least one property that is unexpectedly better than the expected property value based on the individual asphalts used in the blend. The unexpectedly beneficial blends of asphalts are formed in part by including an effective amount of a Napo crude oil or crude fraction in the feed used to form the asphalt fraction. For some asphalt blends, including an effective amount of a Napo crude in the feed can allow for production of an asphalt with a low temperature performance grade that is lower than the predicted value by at least 0.5° C., such as at least 0.75° C. or at least 1.0° C.

Abstract: An intermediate hydrogen separation and purification system is integrated with a hydrotreating and an aromatic saturation process for the production of relatively lower molecular weight products from a relatively heavy feedstock including sulfur-containing and aromatic-containing hydrocarbon compounds. The integrated process allows the processing of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having high aromatic and high sulfur contents in a single-stage configuration and the using of noble metal catalyst in the aromatic saturation zone. The integrated process increases the overall catalytic activity and hydrogenation capability to produce superior distillate products.

Abstract: Undesirable components of traditional coking processes are selectively cracked or coked in the coking vessel by injecting an additive into the vapors in the coking vessel. The additive contains catalyst(s), seeding agent(s), excess reactant(s), quenching agent(s), carrier(s), or any combination thereof to modify reaction kinetics to preferentially crack (or coke) these undesirable components that typically have a high propensity to coke, and are often precursors to coke in the coking process. These undesirable components can also be very problematic in downstream catalytic cracking processes, significantly contributing to coke on catalyst and catalyst deactivation. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide methods to (1) decrease coke production, (2) increase liquid transportation fuels, (3) control the coke crystalline structure, and (4) control the quantity and quality of volatile combustible materials (VCMs) in the resulting coke.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the conversion of a heavy feedstock for improving the production and selectivity for middle distillate, said process using a catalytic cracking unit followed by a unit for selective hydrogenation of the heavy distillate cut (HCO) or any other cut rich in triaromatic compounds before recycling it to the FCC reaction zone in order to maximize the middle distillate cut.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for desulfurizing hydrocarbon feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and regenerating the alkali metal compounds via the use of a copper sulfide reagent. The present invention employs the use of a copper sulfide reagent to convert alkali metal hydrosulfides in the generation or regeneration of the alkali hydroxide compounds which may be utilized in a desulfurization process for hydrocarbon feedstreams. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of the processes disclosed herein, carbonates which form as byproducts of the desulfurization process, and are non-regenerable with copper sulfide, are removed from the alkali hydroxide stream.

Abstract: A process for separating bitumen from bitumen ore material includes extracting bitumen with a hydrocarbon solvent to produce a bitumen-enriched solvent phase and tailings. The tailings are dried or stripped in a dryer to remove any remaining hydrocarbon solvent. The amount of solvent discharged in the tailings may be less than 4 bbl per 1000 bbl of recovered bitumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of converting coal to a petroleum product. The method includes the steps of mixing the coal and water to form a mixture, and heating the mixture to approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The method further includes separating the mixture in a first separator into a liquid stream of a water bearing minerals and a solid stream of coal, and transferring the coal from the first separator to a coking reactor wherein the temperature is raised to approximately 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to drive off lighter fractions of the coal as a gas. The method also includes transferring the gas to a fourth separator to separate water and liquid petroleum product from the gas.

Abstract: The system of the present disclosure enables a filter cartridge having an array of filter media tubes to be remotely selectively back flushed during service by sequentially flushing the tubes with the rotary valving element to permit removal of trapped filtered material in service without disrupting the filtering flow in the balance of the filter array.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a biodegradable, disposable debris bag for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes biodegradable fabric filtration media stitched together to form an opening capable of being coupled to an outlet of the pool cleaner and a hollow interior portion to capture debris from the pool cleaner. The biodegradable fabric filtration media is folded over and stitched together to create the opening and the hollow interior portion.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for chromatographic analysis. The described system includes a pressurized source of a mobile phase and a flow path in fluid communication with the pressurized source such that the mobile phase flows through the flow path. The system also includes an injector in fluid communication with the flow path and downstream of the pressurized source, the injector being configured to inject a sample into the flow path. A first column located downstream of the injector, contains a stationary phase, and forms part of the flow path. A first detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the injector and upstream from the first column. A second detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the first column.

Abstract: A mixed liquid passage (31) is connected to a trapping passage (22) at a point upstream of a trap column (23). A mixture of a diluting liquid and an additive agent, which are respectively drawn and sent by pumps (35) and (36), is supplied into the mixed liquid passage (31). When an eluate containing a target compound is passed through the trap column (23), the eluate is diluted with the diluting liquid and hence its elution capability decreases, so that the target compound can be easily captured in the trap column (23). Meanwhile, the solubility of the mobile phase in the eluate decreases, causing not only the target component but also foreign compounds to more easily precipitate. However, their precipitation is prevented by the effect of the additive agent. Thus, clogging of the trap column (23) or pipes is prevented.

Abstract: The present is a hydrophilic polymer microparticle, which has a DW/DA ratio of 2.0 or less, the DW representing a particle diameter of the hydrophilic polymer microparticle dispersed in water, the DA representing a particle diameter of the hydrophilic polymer microparticle dispersed in acetone, each of the particle diameters measured by a particle size distribution analyzer after the hydrophilic polymer microparticle is dispersed in water or acetone, subjected to irradiation with ultrasonic waves for 15 minutes, and allowed to stand at a temperature of 25° C. for 240 hours for equilibration; and has a contact angle with water of 70° or less, the contact angle measured using a contact angle measurement apparatus at a temperature of 25° C. by forming a droplet of pure water on a single layer of the hydrophilic polymer microparticles arranged with no space therebetween.

Abstract: A fractionating and refining device includes a solution sending flow path for supplying a solution, including a fractionated target component, a gas supply flow path, a collecting vessel, a warming mechanism for warming the collecting vessel, and a probe formed by integrating tip end portions of the solution sending flow path and the gas supply flow path with each other. A lid of the vessel includes a solution inlet to which the tip end portion of the solution sending flow path is connected, gas inlets to which the tip end portion of the gas supply flow path is connected, and gas discharge ports connecting an inside and an outside of a vessel main body of the vessel.

Abstract: A filter turning mechanism is attached to an engine in proximity to a filter (such as an oil filter), and may be used to install or remove a filter by turning the filter. The filter turning mechanism contacts a filter, and rotates the filter when the filter turning mechanism is rotated with a tool. One implementation of the filter turning mechanism includes an inner drive gear and a filter drive mechanism. The inner drive gear normally spins freely within the filter drive mechanism, but when pushed into the filter drive mechanism with a suitable tool such as a ratchet extension, the inner drive gear engages the filter drive mechanism, thereby causing rotation of the inner drive gear to rotate the filter drive mechanism as well, which in turn rotates the filter.

Abstract: Improvements to “no filter, no run” fluid filtration systems are described. In one example, a filter includes a movable pin cage that has a first pre-installation position adjacent the bottom end plate and is temporarily connected thereto by a snap connection system, and a second position adjacent the upper end plate where it performs a valve interaction function. In another example, a filter includes non-centered valve pins that are rotatable relative to an upper end plate of the filter.

Abstract: A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least two permeate exhaust conduits and not comprising a concentrate exhaust conduit. Each permeate exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the permeate exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said permeate exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least two permeate carrier layers, and at least two membrane layers. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.

Abstract: Aimed at readily and exactly separate 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contained in a sample, a column packing material used for separating 8-OHdG, which contains a packing material composed of a material having a straight-chain hydrocarbon group having 6 or more and 30 or less carbon atoms as a functional group, and having a carbon content over the surface of carrier of 18% or less by element ratio, wherein the packing material contains 1 cumulative percent or more and 20 cumulative percent or less, on the particle-count basis, of particles having a circle-equivalent diameter, measured using a flow-type particle image analyzer, of 0.5 ?m or larger and 10 ?m or smaller, is used.

Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.

Abstract: A method of wastewater reutilization by which reusable water can be stably obtained from a wastewater. Ozone is added to a wastewater, such as water resulting from sewage treatment, in such a small amount as to result in a residual ozone concentration as measured before membrane filtration of 0.01-1.0 mg/L. Ozone is thus brought into contact with fine solids contained in the wastewater to alter the surface properties of the fine solids so that the solids are easily to coagulate. Thereafter, a coagulant, e.g., PACl, is added from a coagulant addition device (3). The fine solids are coagulated in a coagulation tank (5) or a line mixer and the resultant water is subjected to membrane filtration with an ozone-resistant separation membrane (6) such as ceramic membrane. Thus, reusable water is obtained which has a residual ozone concentration, as measured after filtration through the membrane, less than 0.5 mg/L.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: A gas flotation separator for use in horizontal tanks, such as those used for oil storage on board Floating Production Storage and Off-loading (FPSO) vessels, includes dividing the tank into a plurality of chambers operating in series. Prior to entering each chamber, the contaminated aqueous phase is mixed with a stream containing gas bubbles to aid in flocculation and flotation of the immiscible phase contaminant. The gas bubble recycle stream can be generated by injecting a controlled rate of a pressurized gas into a liquid stream of the clean produced water in a process external to the tank or by induction of a gas phase internal to the tank. The mixture flows into the first chamber and impinges on an angled inlet water weir. A portion of the immiscible phase and the gas phase rises to the top of the chamber while the remaining immiscible contaminants flow downward with the aqueous phase to the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.