Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the removal and capture of oil from wastewater streams. The water and oil mixture (wastewater) is diluted and treated to provide better solubilization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions using captive water and a diluent. Two additives are added to demulsify and disperse polymeric and non-hydrocarbon insolubles and layer separation is performed on the treated wastewater to segregate oil and water.

Abstract: A resin is provided for selectively binding to perchloride and related anions (e.g., TcO4?, ReO4? and I?) in aqueous solution. The resin may take the form of microparticles or beads. The beads are prepared by cross-linking macromolecules such as hyperbranched PEI, and quaternizing the amines with hydrocarbon substituents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water softening device including: a resin chamber which has an ion exchange resin and softens hard water passing through the ion exchange resin; and electrodes which are arranged by placing the resin chamber therebetween and apply voltages to the resin chamber so as to soften the hard water, and which regenerates the ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin is a slightly acidic cation exchange resin and/or a weakly alkaline anion exchange resin. The present invention provides the water softening device capable of easily regenerating the ion exchange resin and repeating the softening-regenerating without using chemicals or the like while maintaining the performance of softening water, thereby enabling a continuous use thereof.

Abstract: A method for increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water includes addition of an oxidant to the water to increase the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the water to between about 400 and 850 mV, followed by electrolysis to generate oxygen gas. The voltage applied to the electrolytic cells during electrolysis is less than 300 mV. The dissolved oxygen content of the water exiting the electrolytic cell is about 90% of saturation to super saturation.

Abstract: A system and method of desalination that utilizes a channel formed by a series of opposed rails where the series of opposed rails determines the length of the channel and the distance between opposed rails determines the width of the channel. Non-adjacent rails along the length of the channel are electrically coupled in a pattern and they are sequentially energized to create a potential voltage between opposed pairs of rails that attract ions towards them when ionized water flows through the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the barium and strontium salts in water that flows back to the well head after hydrofracturing in gas well drilling. Trace levels of iron salts may also be removed from the waste frac water, followed by removal of the calcium and magnesium salts, where applicable. The barium and strontium salts are precipitated in the inert sulfate form, which renders the resulting solids mass suitable for conventional landfill or on-site disposal, and more significantly, for potential reuse and as an additive to certain well drilling processes. The calcium and magnesium salts are similarly inert and suitable for conventional disposal. The process may be managed to selectively remove barium and strontium salts to desired levels, depending upon the intended reuse or disposition. The apparatus may be provided in a highly compact portable configuration that is transportable by a highway vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for removing particulates from an aqueous suspension are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include mixing a polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resin with an aqueous suspension comprising one or more first particulates to produce a treated mixture. An amount of the polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resin in the treated mixture can be less than 500 g/tonne of the one or more first particulates. The method can also include recovering from the treated mixture a purified water having a reduced concentration of the one or more first particulates relative to the aqueous suspension, a purified first particulate product having a reduced concentration of water relative to the aqueous suspension, or both.

Abstract: A method of controlling addition rate of an odor control chemical to a wastewater line by adding odor control chemical to the wastewater. The method includes measuring a level of dissolved sulfides in the wastewater line using a sulfide probe placed in said wastewater line, transferring data on the level of dissolved sulfides to a computing unit, determining a required odor control chemical addition rate in said computing unit based on said level of dissolved sulfides, and adding the odor control chemical at said required addition rate. The method allows for accurate on-line control of the level of H2S in the wastewater line.

Abstract: A system for dispensing water treatment compositions into a pool, spa, or other body of water is disclosed, which system provides a visible cue that the water treatment is properly dispersing and also provides a visible cue when the desired amount of water treatment has been dispensed. The system comprises a dispenser and the water treatment composition contained within the body of the dispenser, which dispenser and which system provides a readily visual cue that when the water treatment dose has been fully, or in some cases mostly or partially dispersed. For example, the dispenser sinks when fully dosed and resurfaces when empty, and in particular embodiments the water treatment generates visible gas bubbles and/or a color stream as the treatment dissolves.

Abstract: A method and system treat contaminated water. In one embodiment, the method comprises treating contaminated water by introducing a methylmorpholine-N-oxide solution to a vessel. The vessel contains the contaminated water and iron oxide. The contaminated water comprises contaminants. In addition, the methylmorpholine-N-oxide solution comprises methylmorpholine-N-oxide and water. The method further comprises contacting the methylmorpholine-N-oxide solution with the contaminated water. In addition, the method comprises treating the contaminated water by allowing the methylmorpholine-N-oxide to react with the contaminants in the presence of the iron oxide.

Abstract: A batch reactor includes a first portion, a second portion, a first drainage tank, a second drainage tank, and a first flow control mechanism. The first portion includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber in fluid communication with one another configured for a flow of at least one biomaterial therethrough. The second portion includes a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with one another configured for a flow of the least one biomaterial therethrough. The first drainage chamber is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. The second drainage chamber is in fluid communication with the third chamber of the first portion and the second chamber of the second portion. The first flow control mechanism is disposed between the third chamber of the first portion and the first chamber of the second portion.

Abstract: A method and installation for treating wastewater containing ammonia includes feeding activated sludge from an aeration tank into a hydrocyclone. The sludge is separated into a specifically heavy fraction containing mostly anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (anammox) and a specifically light fraction containing mostly aerobic oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which are returned to the aeration tank. The hydrocyclone includes a roughened inner wall surface for at least partially removing an organic or inorganic cover layer disposed on the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (anammox).

Abstract: Processes and compositions for removal nitrogen, organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater using Feammox bacterium are provided.

Abstract: A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water containing at least a silica component and a calcium component, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The scale suppression apparatus includes a chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit injecting liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent into a pipe arrangement through which influent water such as geothermal water or the like flows, and a controller controlling a pump and a valve of the chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit. The controller controls the injection of the chelating agent and the alkaline agent and stops of the injection based on the signal output from a scale detection unit for detecting a precipitation state of the scale.

Abstract: A water filtration housing containing a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filter cartridge; a ring enclosure attachable to an open, top end of the housing enclosure; an interface tower including a user interface; a lid assembly removably attachable to the ring enclosure, the lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap and gasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and (ii) a rotatable lever for disengaging the pressure cap from the pressure vessel thereby releasing pressure therein. A mating system between the lid assembly and ring enclosure prevents the lid assembly from being attached to the ring enclosure in a misaligned fashion. RFID technology may be used for identifying the water filter cartridge installed therein and wireless communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) to transmit collected system data (e.g., water usage) to a central location for analysis such that the customer is provided with, for example, operational suggestions.

Abstract: Feedstock supply structure apparatus, including an exhaust conduit fluidly and mechanically connectable to a structure defining a melting chamber, the exhaust conduit positioned at an angle to vertical ranging from 0 to about 90 degrees. The exhaust conduit may include a heat exchange substructure, or the conduit itself may serve as a heat exchanger. A feedstock supply structure fluidly connected to the exhaust conduit. Systems include a structure defining a melting chamber and an exhaust conduit fluidly connected to the structure. The exhaust conduit includes a heat exchange substructure for preheating the feedstock. Methods include supplying a granular or pellet-sized feedstock to the melter exhaust conduit, the exhaust conduit including the heat exchange substructure, and preheating the feedstock by indirect or direct contact with melter exhaust in the heat exchange substructure.

Abstract: A regenerator for glass melting tanks for storing waste heat from combustion cycles and emitting the stored heat to oxidation gases supplied from the outside, having a gas-permeable chamber lattice in which the chamber lining is made of fire-resistant stones held together by lateral wall elements. A cover region is situated over the chamber lattice for the combustion gases entering into the chamber lattice and for the oxidation gases exiting from the chamber lattice, the chamber cover forming a flow duct together with a further cover segment, connected to the cover, limited by a downward-extending terminating wall that is connected to the burner throat and with the wall element. A segment of the lateral wall element between the flow duct running essentially vertically and the upper region of the chamber lattice is fashioned as an intermediate wall having a cooling duct system situated therein.

Abstract: Isopipes (13) for making glass sheets using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from alumina materials which have low levels of the elements of group IVB of the periodic chart, i.e., Ti, Zr, and Hf, as well as low levels of Sn. In this way, the alumina isopipes can be used with glasses that contain tin (e.g., as a fining agent or as the result of the use of tin electrodes for electrical heating of molten glass) without generating unacceptable levels of tin-containing defects in the glass sheets, specifically, at the sheets' fusion lines. The alumina isopipes disclosed herein are especially beneficial when used with tin-containing glasses that exhibit low tin solubility, e.g., glasses that have (RO+R2O)/Al2O3 ratios between 0.9 and 1.1, where, in mole percent on an oxide basis, (RO+R2O) is the sum of the concentrations of the glass' alkaline earth and alkali metal oxides and Al2O3 is the glass' alumina concentration.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a cellular ceramic plate having asymmetric cells comprising thermally treating ceramic particles and a blowing agent in a foaming furnace while conveying said ceramic particles and said blowing agent at a first speed thereby forming a cellular ceramic plate, and annealing said cellular ceramic plate in an annealing lehr by cooling it down while conveying it at a second speed, larger than said first speed, thereby stretching and cooling said cellular ceramic plate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for laser processing arbitrary shapes of molded 3D thin transparent brittle parts from substrates with particular interest in substrates formed from strengthened or non-strengthened Corning Gorilla® glass (all codes). The developed laser methods can be tailored for manual separation of the parts from the panel or full laser separation by thermal stressing the desired profile. Methods can be used to form 3D surfaces with small radii of curvature. The method involves the utilization of an ultra-short pulse laser that may be optionally followed by a CO2 laser for fully automated separation.

Abstract: Tapered core fibers are produced using tapered core rods that can be etched or ground so that a fiber cladding has a constant diameter. The tapered core can be an actively doped core, or a passive core. One or more sleeving tubes can be collapsed onto a tapered core rod and exterior portions of the collapsed sleeving tubes can be ground to provide a constant cladding diameter in a fiber drawn from the preform.

Abstract: There is an article of manufacture. The article includes an alkali aluminosilicate glass object. The glass object is characterized by having at least one of: a surface compression of ?about 100,000 psi with a case depth of ?about 600 microns; and/or a compressive stress of ?about 30,000 psi at ?about 50 microns below a surface of the glass object and above the case depth.

Abstract: Ion exchangeable glasses containing SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, MgO, B2O3, and P2O5 are provided. The compressive stresses of these ion exchanged glasses are greater than 900 megapascals (MPa) at a depth of 45 or 50 microns (?m) with some glasses exhibiting a compressive stress of at least 1 gigaPascals (GPa). The ion exchange rates of these glasses are much faster than those of other alkali aluminosilicate glasses and the ion exchanged glass is resistant damage to impact damage. A method of ion exchanging the glass is also provided.

Abstract: Optical glass filters are provided that include a filter glass showing an optimized transmission spectrum which has a high transmission in the wave length range of 300 to 400 nm and a very low transmission in the visible wave length range. The glass has an especially high optical quality and is excellently suitable as an optical filter for generating UV light without a proportion of visible light. The optical glass filters include the components nickel oxide and cobalt oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lead-free glass, which is characterized by comprising 5-55 weight % of V2O5, 5-75 weight % of TeO2, 6-20 weight % of a total of RO (at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO) and 0.1-6 weight % of ZnO in a glass component, V2O5+TeO2+RO+ZnO being 70 weight % or greater. From this lead-free glass, a sealing material having fluidity which is capable of sealing at 400° C. or lower can be obtained.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and apparatus for processing ceramic fibers for the manufacture of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). One method may include providing at least one frame including a planar array of unidirectional ceramic fibers extending across a void thereof. The method may further include depositing a coating on the ceramic fibers of the at least one frame via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The method may also include impregnating the coated ceramic fibers with a slurry including a ceramic matrix precursor composition to form at least one CMC prepreg, such as a prepreg tape. The ceramic fibers may be substantially SiC fibers, for example.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum glass component, wherein the vacuum glass component is formed by compounding two or a plurality of glass plates, and the peripheries of the two or a plurality of glass plates are sealed with each other through sealing part in air-tight manner, a gap remains between the sealing part and the edge of the glass plate, vacuum-pumping is performed between adjacent glass plates at the inner side of the sealing part, and the sealing part is isolated from the outer environment between adjacent glass plates at the outer side of the sealing part by filling seal gum, resin or plastic. The vacuum glass component make the outer side of the sealing part isolated from the outer environment by using seal gum, resin or plastic, thereby preventing the metal at the sealing part from forming a heat bridge and facilitating the later installation and use of vacuum glass component.

Abstract: Magnesium phosphate cement binder systems and method for providing magnesium phosphate cements are described. In an embodiment, a magnesium phosphate cement binder system may include magnesium oxide that has been calcined at a temperature of between about 900° F. to about 1800° F. The magnesium phosphate cement binder system may also include a phosphate material. Other formulations, compositions, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil or gas wellbore polymeric cement comprising the reaction product of an aliphatic isocyanate, a trimerization catalyst, and a catalyst retarder, wherein the reaction occurs in the wellbore at a temperature of at least 250° F. (121° C.). Also provided is a method of reducing fluid loss from an oil or gas well, comprising producing a polyisocyanurate cement by combining an aliphatic isocyanate, a trimerization catalyst, and a catalyst retarder within a wellbore at a temperature of at least 250° F. (121° C.). The various embodiments of the invention meet the controllability and minimized toxicity needed for this application. Standard aliphatic polyisocyanates reduce handling concerns while providing the reactivity response that fits this temperature range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition containing a) 2 to 80 weight % of Ordinary Portland Cement with respect to the total weight of the composition b) 2 to 80 weight % of a calcium sulfate based binder with respect to the total weight of the composition, with the proviso that the weight ratio of a) Ordinary Portland Cement to b) calcium sulfate based binder is from 95/5 to 5/95 and c) at least one retarder for calcium sulfate based binders, the retarder being a chemical structure, which comprises from 3 to 70 amino acids. Also concerned is the use of the compositions for self-levelling underlayments, tile adhesives, non-shrink grouts, floor screeds and repair mortars.

Abstract: A refractory to be used repeatedly or for a long period of time, such as a refractory for casting, especially a nozzle for casting and an SN plate, has improved tolerance. The refractory for casting contains Al4O4C in the range of 15 to 60% by mass, both inclusive, an Al component as a metal in the range of 1.2 to 10.0% by mass, both inclusive, and a balance including Al2O3, a free C, and other refractory component; a sum of Al4O4C, Al2O3, and the Al component as a metal is 85% or more by mass; and a content of Al4O4C (Al4O4C), a content of the Al component as a metal (Al), and a content of the free carbon (C). The contact of the free carbon satisfies the following Equation 1 and Equation 2: 1.0?C/(Al4O4C×0.038+Al×0.33) (Equation 1) and 1.0?C/(Al4O4C×0.13+Al×0.67) (Equation 2).

Abstract: An oxide ceramic having a principal component formed of a ferrite compound containing at least Sr, Co, and Fe, and zirconium in an amount of 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % on an oxide equivalent basis, and a ceramic electronic component using the oxide ceramic.

Abstract: A method for producing a cermet composition, including mixing a first predetermined amount of a yttria stabilized zirconia powder with between 2 and 8 weight percent mu-metal powder to define a homogeneous admixture, oxidizing the mu-metal in the admixture, forming the homogeneous admixture into a green body, calcining the green body in a first reducing atmosphere to remove oxygen from the oxidized mu-metal to yield a calcined body, and sintering the calcined body in a second reducing atmosphere to yield a densified body having no more than 0.8% porosity. The densified body has a plurality of mu-metal particles distributed therethrough, a hardness of at least 1450 HV, flexural strength of at least 200 kPSI, and a relative permeability ?/?o of at least 850.

Abstract: An organic fertilization method is provided using a pH adjusted betaine based organic fertilizer product. The pH adjusted betaine based organic fertilizer product is created by combining betaine and pH adjusting material and optionally heating, optionally filtering, and optionally cooling the combination of betaine and pH adjusting material. The pH adjusted betaine based organic fertilizer product is applied to agricultural vegetation in one of multiple forms and by one of multiple methods.

Abstract: A method and integrated reactor system are provided for producing one or more organic acids, organic acid degradation compounds, and combinations thereof, from various types of biomass, including sludge from a pulp and paper mill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multifunctional chemosensors that can measure the concentration, enantiomeric excess (ee), and absolute configuration of chiral compounds. The chemosensors described herein may contain a backbone moiety that is bonded to a fluorescent moiety and a moiety for bonding a chiral compound. Backbone moieties may include aromatic groups, for example, naphthyl. The chemosensors described herein are useful for measuring concentration, enantiomeric excess, and absolute configuration of organic molecules in areas such as high throughput screening.

Abstract: Methods of producing a light alkene. The method comprises contacting syngas and tungstated zirconia to produce a product stream comprising at least one light alkene. The product stream is recovered. Methods of converting syngas to a light alkene are also disclosed. The method comprises heating a precursor of tungstated zirconia to a temperature of between about 350° C. and about 550° C. to form tungstated zirconia. Syngas is flowed over the tungstated zirconia to produce a product stream comprising at least one light alkene and the product stream comprising the at least one light alkene is recovered.

Abstract: Provided are a catalyst whereby isobutylene can be produced at high yield in a lower-temperature environment, and a method for producing isobutylene using the catalyst. The catalyst for producing isobutylene is an oxide including at least one element selected from molybdenum and tungsten, and at least one element selected from tantalum, niobium, and titanium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of aromatic hydrocarbon by the conversion of a feed comprising saturated hydrocarbon. At least a portion of the saturated hydrocarbon is converted to olefinic hydrocarbon. Aromatic hydrocarbon is produced from at least a portion of the olefinic hydrocarbon using at least one dehydrocyclization catalyst comprising dehydrogenation and molecular sieve components.

Abstract: A catalyst for producing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, used for producing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of 6 to 8 carbon number from a feedstock oil having a 10 volume % distillation temperature of at least 140° C. and an end point temperature of not more than 400° C., wherein the catalyst contains a crystalline aluminosilicate, gallium and/or zinc, and phosphorus, the molar ratio between silicon and aluminum (Si/Al ratio) in the crystalline aluminosilicate is not more than 100, the molar ratio between the phosphorus supported on the crystalline aluminosilicate and the aluminum of the crystalline aluminosilicate (P/Al ratio) is not less than 0.01 and not more than 1.0, and the amount of gallium and/or zinc is not more than 1.2% by mass based on the mass of the crystalline aluminosilicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocarbon conversion processes, e.g., to processes for producing acetylene from hydrocarbon and then hydrogenating at least a portion of the acetylene. The invention also relates to polymerizing one or more products derived from the acetylene saturation, and to equipment useful for these processes.

Abstract: Fluidizable catalysts for the oxygen-free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to corresponding olefins. The catalysts comprise 10-20% by weight per total catalyst weight of one or more vanadium oxides (VOx) such as V2O5 as well as 1-5% by weight per total catalyst weight of niobium as a promoter. The dehydrogenation catalysts are mounted on an alumina support that is modified with lanthanum to stabilize bulk phase transformation of the alumina. Various methods of preparing and characterizing the catalysts as well as methods for the oxygen-free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to corresponding olefins with improved alkane conversion and olefin selectivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising exposing a supported heterogeneous metathesis catalyst to an olefin compound for an activation time at an activation temperature; exposing the activated supported heterogeneous metathesis catalyst to a reactant capable of undergoing a metathesis reaction for a reaction time at a reaction temperature to produce metathesis products; and exposing the deactivated supported heterogeneous metathesis catalyst to a regenerating compound for a regeneration time at a regeneration temperature. The activity of the regenerated supported heterogeneous metathesis catalyst may be substantially the same or greater than the activity of the activated supported heterogeneous metathesis catalyst prior to deactivation. The activation temperature may be greater than the reaction temperature. The regenerating compound may be a second olefin compound or an inert gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing hydrocarbons are provided. In one example, a method for processing hydrocarbons includes the step of providing feed stream including toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes, and C9 hydrocarbons. Ethylbenzene is present in the feed stream in an amount of at least about 20% by weight of total C8 aromatic hydrocarbons present in the feed stream. The method further includes the step of subjecting the feed stream to ethylbenzene conversion to form a benzene-containing product stream that includes benzene.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatuses for the continuous preparation of a cumene feed for a cumene oxidation process. More specifically, the subject matter relates to a process for passing a cumene alpha-methylstyrene stream through a caustic wash column having an integrated water wash section for the removal of organic acids.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to processes and apparatuses for use of a single dividing wall distillation column for phenol fractionation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to processes and apparatuses for phenol fractionation by combining crude acetone column and cumene-AMS column into a single dividing wall distillation column. The proper allocation of steam or water injection, chemical treatment reactor and internal liquid phase separator, the positioning of the side draw enables high yield of acetone and phenol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing aldehydes and ketones by carbon-carbon bond cleavage of alkenes, wherein the process is catalysed by first row transition metal nitro coordinated polyoxometalate catalyst. The catalyst can be prepared by pre-treatment of aqua coordinated polyoxometalates with NO2, or they are formed in situ when the reactions are carried in nitroalkanes under aerobic conditions, or they are formed in situ from nitrosyl (NO) compounds in the presence of O2.

Abstract: A method of preparing 4-methyl-3-decen-5-one. The method includes the step of oxidizing 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol in the presence of (i) oxygen and (ii) a metal catalyst, wherein the metal catalyst contains a catalytic metal deposited on nanoparticle support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing phenol. The process includes oxidizing at least a portion of a feed comprising cyclohexylbenzene to produce an oxidation composition comprising cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. The oxidation composition may then be cleaved in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce a cleavage reaction mixture comprising the acid catalyst, phenol and cyclohexanone. At least a portion of the cleavage reaction mixture may be neutralized with a basic material to form a treated cleavage reaction mixture. In various embodiments, the treated cleavage reaction mixture contains no greater than 50 wppm of the acid catalyst or no greater than 50 wppm of the basic material.