Abstract: Technologies are generally described for processes, compositions and systems for waste sludge dewatering. In an example, the process may include receiving a waste sludge including a water component and an initial content of suspended particulates. The process may include treating the waste sludge with a combination of flocculant produced by Proteus mirabilis and a flocculant including chloride. The combination may be sufficient to flocculate at least some of the suspended particulates in the water component of the waste sludge and sufficient to produce treated waste sludge. The treated waste sludge may have a water component with a reduced content of suspended particulates. The process may include separating at least some of the water component with a reduced content of suspended particulates from the treated waste sludge to produce dewatered waste sludge.

Abstract: Water purification system comprising filtration media sized with respect to each other to allow a first contaminant in the water to saturate the first medium with a delay prior to saturation of the second medium with a second contaminant.

Abstract: Treatment devices for fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A return tube of the device may be designed to create vortex action, using a pressure differential to evacuate treated water from the device back into the conduit.

Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a developer that can efficiently remove photosensitive resin components dispersing in a developing solution. The present invention provides a developer comprising: a feeder 31 that feeds a developing solution 5 to a printing raw plate 1; a dispersing-object-filter 13, wherein the developing solution 5 in which a photosensitive resin composition separated from a photosensitive resin composition layer of the printing raw plate 1 is dispersed, is passed through the dispersing-object-filter 13 to flocculate the photosensitive resin composition dispersing in the developing solution 5; and a flocculating-object-filter 15 that removes the flocculated photosensitive resin composition from the developing solution 5 passed through the dispersing-object-filter 13.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: A method of purifying arsenic contaminated water is disclosed. The method comprises of adding to the arsenic contaminated water predetermined quantities of iron and alkali; and passing the water so obtained through a filter medium including rice husk ash. A device for purification of arsenic contaminated water is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: The retrofit technology utilizes pressurized brine of convention RO to feed a Closed Circuit Desalination (CCD) unit; wherein, further desalination takes place to a desired recovery level. The application exemplified in FIG. 4 is of a retrofit unit comprising a Booster Pump (BP2) for raising pressure of inlet feed; a Circulation Pump (CP) for creating cross flow over membranes (E) in the pressure vessel (M), thereby enable efficient RO desalination; an Actuated Valve (AV) in line with a partially open Manual Valve (MV) to enable periodic replacement of high salinity concentrates with fresh feed without stopping desalination; No Return (NR) valve means to control the direction of flow in the system; and monitoring means such as of electric conductivity (CM) and flow (FM). Periodic replacement of high salinity concentrates by fresh feed initiated at desired high system electric conductivity and terminated at a desired low system electric conductivity, while desalination continued.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment system includes a hollow, elongate, horizontally disposed, cylindrical body made from plastic is adapted for water storage and treatment. The cylindrical body includes reinforcement ribs formed by a helically wound steel band embedded in the plastic and extending between opposite open ends of the elongate cylindrical body. A voltage source selectively energizes the steel band. A pair of bulkhead members respectively extends across and covers opposite ends of the cylindrical body. A fluid-tight wall is mounted in the cylindrical body, the first bulkhead member, the fluid-tight wall and the cylindrical body forming a fluid-tight tank defining a liquid storage chamber. The second bulkhead member and the fluid-tight wall define a dry liquid treatment equipment chamber. An inlet pipe extends into the tank for admitting the pretreatment liquid into the tank. An outlet pipe extends from the tank and discharges the treated liquid from the tank.

Abstract: A apparatus for treating ballast water with acrolein which is to be connected to a main ballast water line of a ballast water unit, comprises a reactor device to which acrolein derivate and water is to be fed for generating an aqueous acrolein solution, a branch line which is connected to the main ballast water line for branching off a partial ballast water stream, and a mixing device which is connected to the branch line and an acrolein solution supply line from the reactor device and is designed for diluting the aqueous acrolein solution from the reactor device, and a feed device for supplying the aqueous acrolein solution from the mixing unit to the main ballast water line.

Abstract: A method and system for treating water, and using the treated water for the cooling of industrial processes is disclosed. The water is treated and stored in a large container or artificial lagoon, has high clarity and high microbiological quality. A system of the invention generally includes a containing means, such as a large container or artificial lagoon, a coordination means, a chemical application means, a mobile suction means, and a filtration means. The coordination means monitors and controls the processes in order to adjust water quality parameters within specified limits. The large container or artificial lagoon can act as a heat sink, absorbing waste heat from the industrial cooling process, thus creating thermal energy reservoirs in a sustainable manner, which can be later used for other purposes. The method and system can be used in any industrial cooling system with any type of water available, including fresh water, brackish water, and seawater.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.

Abstract: In a sewage disposal system, a de-nitrification station is configured as a heap of foam cubes located in an airtight enclosure from which oxygen is excluded. Carbon is added to the incoming nitrified water. The heap of foam cubes is arranged as a free-draining trickle filter, but here under asphyxiant conditions in the enclosure. Anaerobic microbiological reactions reduce the nitrate to nitrogen gas. Effluent from the de-nitrifier is polished by feeding back a fraction of the effluent through the aeration station from which the nitrate water is derived, or a separate polishing station can be provided.

Abstract: A method of producing sterile water from raw water during a production cycle in a production plant P, including adding a disinfectant to the produced sterile water during the production cycle to permanently monitor the condition of the sterile water and/or the production plant, and determining and evaluating a reduction of concentration of the disinfectant directly in the production stream. In a production plant suited for carrying out the method, a sterile sensor is provided directly in the production stream through which the reduction of concentration of the disinfectant added to the produced sterile water can be permanently measured and evaluated to provide a sterility evidence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for purifying water (6, 9) contaminated with organic substances, that is drained or collected from filters, especially fuel filters (4) or elements of a fuel system. Said device is characterised in that hydroxyl radicals are formed from the water (6, 9) by means of a separating device (8), said hydroxyl radicals oxidising the impurities, especially organic substances, as much as possible, and converting them into compounds such as CO2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment installation of aqueous fluid, in particular to ensure elimination of organic micropollutants and natural organic matter, comprising a single reactor (10) for treatment of aqueous fluid by contact with a fluidised bed of coagulated and flocculated powdered activated carbon, operating in ascending flow, said reactor being equipped with injection means of new powdered activated carbon, coagulant and polymer, arranged to define three distinct operating zones in the reactor: a first arranged zone (A) at the base of the reactor to ensure intake and homogeneous distribution of the aqueous fluid pre-treated by contact with coagulant and polymer, a second zone, surmounting the first, constituted by the fluidised bed of coagulated and flocculated powdered activated carbon (B), and a third zone (C), arranged in the top part of the reactor for separation and recovery of the purified aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.

Abstract: A water treatment feed device includes a hopper and a receptacle. The hopper has a granule-receiving compartment defined by an upper hopper portion and a lower V-shaped hopper portion connected to the upper hopper portion. The lower V-shaped hopper portion is fabricated from a porous material having a plurality of pores sized to at least substantially retain conventional water treatment granules therein. The receptacle has a water-receiving compartment with a weir disposed therein to divide the water-receiving compartment into a water inlet sub-compartment and a water outlet sub-compartment with the water inlet sub-compartment sized to receive the hopper loaded with conventional water treatment granules. A water treatment feed system and a method for dissolving conventional water treatment granules in water are also described.

Abstract: A method for mounting and combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid.

Abstract: Water treatment products designed for use in cleaning machines such as dishwashers or laundry washers are disclosed. The water treatment products are in the form of a water semi-permeable pouch comprising a water treatment composition which may include a water treatment composition such as citric acid. Additionally, rather than putting the semi-permeable pouch directly in the cleaning machine, the pouch may be housed in a canister though which water added to the machine passes. Methods for treating water in cleaning machines using the water treatment products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compounds useful as chelators, intermediates for their production and methods for removing trivalent and tetravalent metal ions from solution are presented.

Abstract: A contaminant recovery system for recovering contaminant in a contaminated area. The contaminant recovery system includes (i) a buffer configured to heat wax and thereby create molten wax, and (ii) a sprayer configured to spray the molten wax onto the contaminant within the contaminated area. The system further includes (i) a first line configured to deliver the molten wax from the buffer to the sprayer, and (ii) a second line configured to return the molten wax from the sprayer to the buffer in response to the sprayer being deactivated. The second line is separate from the first line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: A water tank overflow dechlorinating assembly is used with a water tank including an overflow pipe with exit above an overflow discharge region with an air gap between the two. The assembly includes a dechlorinating material delivery assembly comprising a guide tube having a material supply region and a perforated region positioned within the air gap. Overflow water passes through the perforated region for interaction with dechlorinating material therein. Depleted dechlorinating material within the perforated region is automatically replaced by dechlorinating material from the material supply region. A weight can be used to bias the dechlorinating material within the material supply region into the perforated region.

Abstract: A process for removing microorganisms and/or precursors of disinfection by-products from a medium sought to be treated comprising treating the medium with one or more elements capable of forming an oxide, a hydroxide, and/or an oxyhydroxide through corrosion is disclosed. A system for effecting the removal or inactivation of microorganisms and/or disinfection by-product precursors is also contemplated.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for collecting matter using a matter collection Unit, as described below, provides a low energy, low cost and nearly zero pollutant process for extracting suspended and/or dissolved matter in a medium. The method collects the matter on a material when the medium is permitted to flow past the material which is disposed within a chamber, and the medium, with less suspended matter, can flow back to a medium body to permit, e.g., further growth and/or higher collection efficiency. The process can operate continuously alongside, e.g. a growth system, to harvest suspended matter until the matter is ready for extraction. Post extraction collected matter, e.g., can be converted into valuable commercial products or the process can be used to remediate a medium, such that the valuable product is a substantially cleaner medium.

Abstract: A wastewater reuse system has a wastewater treatment system connected to a dwelling for receiving wastewater therefrom. The wastewater treatment system has a pump tank with an outlet that can be connected to a central wastewater collection system. There can be a pump in the pump tank for pumping water from the pump tank to a use recipient of treated wastewater such as an irrigation system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of removing particulate matter from potash tailings fluid. The invention includes providing an activating material capable of being affixed to the particulate matter, affixing the activating material to the particulate matter to form an activated particle, providing an anchor particle and providing a tethering material capable of being affixed to the anchor particle; and attaching the tethering material to the anchor particle and the activated particle to form a removable complex in the potash tailings fluid.

Abstract: A method for enhancing biodegradation of oil in water, the method comprising: positioning a hollow structure in water, the hollow structure comprising an inlet and at least one outlet; and introducing an oxygen-containing fluid into the inlet of the hollow structure so that the oxygen-containing fluid exits from the hollow structure and engages the oil, wherein the oxygen-containing fluid engages the oil with sufficient force so as to cause a mechanical dispersion of the oil.

Abstract: A water or wastewater treatment system to reduce phosphorus or other pollutant concentrations in water or wastewater may include an optional primary treatment stage in fluid communication with a biological secondary treatment stage. The secondary treatment stage may, in turn, be fluidly connected with a tertiary treatment stage, which may include a chemical treatment portion for reducing phosphorus or other pollutants to desired levels. The precipitated phosphorus and other solids or sludge produced from the chemical treatment portion may be recycled upstream for reuse in the primary, secondary, and/or tertiary treatment stages. Such recycle may reduce the amount of added chemicals required in the tertiary treatment stage to phosphorus or other pollutants to desired amounts.

Abstract: Embodiments include treatments for acid mine drainage generation sources (10 perhaps by injection of at least one substrate (11) and biologically constructing a protective biofilm (13) on acid mine drainage generation source materials (14). Further embodiments include treatments for degradation of contaminated water environments (17) with substrates such as returned milk and the like.

Abstract: A reactor for biological purification of waste water includes a reactor vessel having a substantially flat or a round bottom, at least one supply pipe arranged in a lower region of the reactor vessel for feeding the waste water to be purified into the reactor, at least one fluid discharge pipe for discharging purified waste water from the reactor, at least one solid matter discharge pipe arranged in the lower region of the reactor vessel for discharging solid matter from the reactor and at least one diverting means including at least one diagonally extending section. The at least one diverting means is designed and/or arranged so that solids sinking to the bottom of the reactor from the upper region of the reactor are deflected so that the solids settle in a region of the at least one solid matter discharge pipe and are discharged from the reactor through the at least one solid matter discharge pipe.

Abstract: A process for purification of fluids, for example, desalination of seawater or brackish water, using organic solutes in a concentrated water solution for use in a forward osmosis process, to extract fresh water out of salt water through the forward osmosis membrane, and subsequently separating the organic solutes out of the diluted forward osmosis permeate by cloud point extraction, thereby regenerating a concentrated organic solution for recycling to the forward osmosis process, and fresh water for potable water use.

Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.

Abstract: An article and method to treat extracorporeally a patient's bodily fluid. The bodily fluid can include blood, cerebral spinal fluid and lymph. A first stage of the method includes applying a treatment. The treatment can comprise dosing with a medication, thermal treatment, or irradiation. The treatment can occur at levels that could otherwise compromise the patient's health. A second stage of the method substantially removes the treatment from the bodily fluid. The bodily fluid can then be returned to the patient. The article includes a treatment chamber that applies the treatment and a removal module for removing the treatment. The method can be a continuous process such as, for example, a dialysis process.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a water purification unit; a dialysate generation unit configured to use water purified by the water purification unit; a dialysate delivery unit configured to deliver dialysate prepared by the dialysate generation unit; a supplemental power source; and electronic circuitry including: (i) a first electrical connection configured to electrically connect a branch power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit, and (ii) a second electrical connection configured to electrically connect a supplemental power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes: (i) a dialyzer; (ii) a dialysate source; a dialysate pump; (iii) a dialysate cassette operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate cassette when the dialysate cassette is in fluid communication with the dialysate source, the dialysate cassette in fluid communication with the dialyzer; (iv) a blood pump; and (v) a blood cassette separate from the dialysate cassette, the blood cassette operatively connected to the blood pump such that the blood pump can pump blood through the blood cassette, the blood cassette including a housing, the housing including a from-patient tube connector, a to-patient tube connector, a saline/priming tube connector, a to-dialyzer tube connector, a from-dialyzer tube connector, and an internal air separation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment apparatus capable of inhibiting growth of microorganisms and carrying out long-term stable treatment in an activated carbon tower and a reverse osmosis membrane separation device during processes including activated carbon treatment and RO membrane separation treatment of a later step in a system for manufacturing ultrapure water used in an electronic device factory.

Abstract: Described herein is a cost effective means for selenium recovery and refining relying on an impregnated substrate. The substrate is impregnated with selenium and provides a system and method for the environmentally safe discharge of previous selenium-contaminated solutions and an environmentally safe discharge of industrial waste water.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process and apparatus for separation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing produced water, wherein in stage 1 the hydrocarbon-containing produced water is supplied with a gas-containing component, whereupon a gas- and hydrocarbon-containing produced water mixture is fed to an inlet tube (22, 27) in the center of a tank, whereupon the said mixture is tangentially distributed via at least one nozzle (7) and at least one baffle plate (8.1), whereupon separated hydrocarbons are conveyed to at least one outlet from the tank and cleaned water is conveyed to an outlet (12) from the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide pulsed fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing pulsed magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: Apparatuses for removal of volatile organic compounds in a soil formation include a microporous diffuser for injecting air and gaseous ozone as bubbles into water in the soil formation. The gaseous ozone is present at concentrations to effect removal of volatile organic compounds by the gaseous ozone reacting with the volatile organic compound(s). Injection of air and gaseous ozone is controlled by a timer to allow separation of bubbles by size. In various embodiments, a plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by a single timer or each of the plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by one of a plurality of timers.