Abstract: A sorptive-filtration system for removing at least one of negatively or positively charged ions, complexes or particulates from an aqueous stream. The system includes a) flow formed substantially from at least one of rainfall-runoff or snowmelt-runoff; b) a filter containment communicating with the runoff stream such that at least part of the stream passes through the filter containment; and c) a granular filter media disposed within the filter containment, the filter media having an amphoteric material applied thereto, wherein the amphoteric material comprises a metal selected from at least one of Fe, Al, Mn, or Si.

Abstract: Oxyanions of various contaminant elements, such as chromium, antimony, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium and uranium, are removed from water and other aqueous feeds by treating the feed with (1) a sorbent comprising one or more rare earth compounds, usually mixed or supported on particulate solids having a cation exchange capacity less than 20 milliequivalents per 100 grams or (2) an aqueous solution of one or more soluble rare earth compounds.

Abstract: A dual filter apparatus and a process of making a dual filter apparatus that minimizes disruption to the normal flow pattern through the filter apparatus by forming a porous medium suitable to carry a fluid activator and placing an activator proximate the porous filter medium for in situ fluid treatment and removal of debris from the fluid by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.

Abstract: A water softening system and process for softening water on an as needed basis is disclosed. The system and process softens water without the addition of a substitute metal exchange cation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel supply and fuel system with an ion filter and an ion gauge. The filter can be made from discrete pieces of polymeric filter material. The polymeric filter material is substantially the same as the proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in the fuel cell. The ion gauge measures the level of ions in the fuel by measuring a voltage across a section of fuel or a current through the same section. The voltage or current is related to the ion level in the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides charged separation media, kits comprising the separation media, and methods of using the same to bind and optionally isolate biological molecules. The charged separation media and methods utilize a polyion non-covalently bound to the separation media to bind the desired biological molecule to the separation media.

Abstract: A system and method to remove a polluting agent or contaminant, including but not limited to mercury, from the liquid phase of a process system using an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment, a magnetic or non-magnetic support with a chemisorbing or physisorbing sorbent is suspended in the liquid phase of a process system, under conditions in which the polluting agent binds to the adsorbent. The pollutant-bearing adsorbent may then be separated from the process system by either physical or magnetic means. The polluting agent may then disassociated from the adsorbent so the adsorbent is regenerated and capable of repeated use.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and compositions for at least partially removing cations of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of caesium, strontium, lead, silver, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides from a liquid containing the cations. The process comprises contacting the liquid with a sorbent material in an amount and for a time sufficient to at least reduce the concentration of the cations, wherein the sorbent material is a metal oxide composition having the empirical formula Ax/n[ByM1-yO3+?]x.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying an ultra-pure fluid to a substrate process chamber using point-of-use filtration and purification. The method and system provide ability to automatically monitor and control contamination levels in fluids in real time and to stop substrate processing when contamination levels exceed predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of arsenic free water and an apparatus therefor. The present invention also relates to a porous ceramic useful for pressure filtration in order to produce arsenic free water. The present invention particularly relates to a process for preparing arsenic free (<10 ppb) water from arsenic contaminated ground water and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material. An antimicrobial material can be incorporated into the filter to prevent biofilm growth. The use of a biocidal material in combination with the high isoelectric point material provides a trap-and-kill mechanism for microorganism removal.

Abstract: Solid phase extraction articles, well-less filtration devices, and methods of manufacturing the articles and devices are disclosed. Methods of extracting analytes from samples using the articles and devices are also disclosed. The articles, devices and methods include a solid phase extraction medium (SPE medium) that incorporates thermoplastic material, e.g., in the form of thermoplastic particles enmeshed within a fibril matrix.

Abstract: A water treatment system which includes a control valve with a venturi for drawing air into a tank. The passage of untreated water into the control valve draws air into a tank for oxidation of the water. The flow of the air into the tank is independent of the flow of treated water from the system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. These systems contact a fluid with an extraction solvent, which causes the lipids in the fluid to separate from the fluid or causes lipids in the lipid-containing organisms to separate from the lipid-containing organism, using at least one hollow fiber contactor. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a level below a particular threshold enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or be stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. A fluid is combined with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to an acceptable concentration enabling the delipidated fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or stored for later use.

Abstract: A system and method for washing engines and for collecting and treating the waste water from engine washing operations. The system includes a collecting device for collecting waste liquid during a washing operation of the engine and a treatment device for treating waste liquid collected during the washing operation. The system may be advantageously arranged on a mobile cart having a chassis provided with wheels. The mobile cart also includes an adjusting device for adjusting the vertical position of liquid separating and collecting components relative to the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a level of silicon dioxide in a liquid and removing the silicon dioxide using polishers is disclosed. In an embodiment, two polishers that absorb carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide, but which have a greater affinity for carbon dioxide, are placed in series along a conduit containing the liquid for use in an immersion lithographic apparatus. The upstream polisher absorbs carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide until it is saturated, at which point it desorbs the silicon dioxide in preference for the carbon dioxide. Silicon dioxide continues down the conduit and is absorbed by the downstream polisher. Once the upstream polisher is saturated with carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide present in the liquid flows downstream where it is absorbed by the downstream polisher. A sensor between the polishers senses the presence of carbon dioxide and initiates a request for the one or more of polishers to be cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively removing metal ions of interest from a solution (12), such as the wastewater from a chemical mechanical polishing process. The method comprises contacting a solution (12) containing solid particles, an oxidizing agent and a first concentration of the metal ions with an ion-exchange resin (20), such as a crosslinked poly-4-vinylpyridine resin, that is resistant to damage by the oxidizing agent and that is operative when in contact with the solution (12) to exchange selected ones of the metal ions in the solution for selected preferred ions in the ion-exchange resin thereby to produce a treated solution (22) having a second concentration of the metal ions that is lower than the first concentration. The present invention also relates to an apparatus (100) and system (500) for use with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for use in purification of water by culture of fish or other water organisms in a reservoir, aquarium or (2) with a circulation system comprising one or more discharge tubes (4) for water from the reservoir (2) to a pump (5) for circulation of the water, and a return tube (3) for water directly or indirectly from the pump (5) to the reservoir (2) The return tube (3) comprises at least one generally horizontal, straight portion (90) having one or more upwardly directed side branches (9) which has an opening (91) leading to air, in which the generally horizontal straight portion (90) is arranged for rapid passage of the water past. the side branch (9) and to have the water level at or above the intersection of the side branch (9) with the straight portion (90), and in which the side branch (9) is directed rearward relative to the direction of the water flow in the straight portion (90), and forms a first angle (v) with between 0° and about 90° with the straight portion (90).

Abstract: To provide particles for water disinfection which are hard to be suspended and are hard to be diffused in water which is suitable for use of disinfecting water and which are capable of developing disinfection effect fully and method of producing the same. Particles for water disinfection in which silver is coated on a garnet surface or a particle surface whose main ingredient is garnet are used. When said particles are used, preferable embodiment of silver is that the granular lumps of silver are carried continuously and discontinuously forming a group on a garnet surface as shown in SEM photographs of FIG. 4. Effective production method of such particles can be conducted by the electroless plating method in which garnet particles are immersed in a mixed solution composed of reducing solution in which at least any one of potassium sodium tartarate, glucose, or acetardehyde as a reducing agent is dissolved in water, silver nitrate solution, and ammonium solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sludge recycling by utilizing an existing facility as it is, degrading sludge efficiently and simply, and producing useful recycled water from treated water separated from the sludge, and an apparatus for sludge recycling. The present invention provides a method of sludge recycling including the steps of: bringing sludge into contact with a sludge degrading agent containing, as an active ingredient, microorganisms containing an actinomyces belonging to Streptomyces; degrading the sludge; separating the degraded sludge into a solid content and a liquid content; and producing recycled water from the liquid content.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes a hood, a drain manifold, a filter disposed between the hood and the drain manifold, a drainage space that is disposed between and in fluid communication with both the filter medium and the drain manifold, a check valve that is configured to permit air to escape but not to enter the drainage space so that a siphon can be established that draws additional fluid through the filter medium and into the drain manifold, the siphon continuing until air entering the hood disrupts the siphon, and a check valve cap that is configured to permit air to escape the check valve while preserving an air-filled void above the check valve when the filter assembly is submerged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising defective carbon nanotubes chosen from impregnated, functionalized, doped, charged, coated, and irradiated nanotubes, and combinations thereof. The defective carbon nanotubes contain a defect which is a lattice distortion in at least one carbon ring. Also disclosed is a method of purifying fluids, such as liquids, including water, as well as gases, including the air using, this nanostructured material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: The invention features a system for treating liquid including a liquid treatment device comprising adsorbent media for removing a substance from liquid and a pH adjuster device located upstream of the liquid treatment device relative to a direction of flow of the liquid. The pH adjuster device contains particulate or solid state pH adjuster material capable of releasing H or OH groups into the liquid or consuming H or OH groups from the liquid effective to raise or lower the pH of the liquid while it passes through the media. The pH adjuster may include acidifier or basifier material. Also featured is a method of using the device to remove a substance from liquid by adsorption and/or ion exchange.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of mercury and other harmful substances from effluents produced in dentist offices is described. The apparatus involves a series of inclined plates upon which mercury reducing bacteria are present, and a subsequent alkaline pH precipitation chambers and an ion exchange chamber.

Abstract: The present invention disclose a process for treating a wastewater from a foodstuff factory, wherein the pipelines are cleaned and the containers are sterilized by using a water containing peracetic acid as an disinfection agent. The process of the present invention includes aerating or stirring the wastewater to decompose the peracetic acid contained therein, and carrying out an aerobic treatment to decompose the organic compounds in the wastewater. Peracetic acid is in the unstable peroxidation state, and can be decomposed into acetic acid by self-oxidation-reduction. The process of the present invention uses aeration or stirring to trigger the decomposition of the peracetic acid, so that the disinfection function thereof is reduced, and thus the aerobic treatment can be conducted to decompose the organic compounds in the wastewater.

Abstract: A treatment facility for removing toxic metals from storm water runoff to provide clean water. The treatment facility includes a pretreatment chamber for removing large toxic particles from the storm water runoff and absorbent chamber for removing fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff. The absorption chamber has an absorption bed of three absorptive materials for removing the fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff.

Abstract: A system for treating storm water in situ within a storm water drainage system includes a process chamber and treatment material that is contained within the process chamber. Preferably, the treatment material is a material that is effective in removing heavy metals from storm water, such as zeolite. A first passageway is provided for admitting storm water from the storm water drainage system into the process chamber. A second passageway is provided for returning storm water from the process chamber back to the storm water drainage system. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting conventional storm water drainage systems so as to render them capable of effectively removing heavy metals from storm water passing therethrough.

Abstract: A water treatment device includes a case having an inlet fitting on an underside thereof and a plurality of cylinders overlapped and received in the case. Each cylinder has a tube received therein and four first ribs connected between the tube and an inner periphery of the cylinder so as to define four first partitions for respectively receiving four curved magnetic pieces therein. Three second ribs are located in each tube and define three second partitions in each tube and each second partition has a plurality of mineral particles received therein. A first one of the three second ribs has an upper notch defined in a top edge thereof and a second one of the three second ribs has a bottom notch defined in a bottom edge thereof. A plurality of holes are defined through an area of the closed end of each cylinder and the area is located between the first one of the three second ribs and a third one of the three second ribs.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring and eliminating gas build-up in an anion exchange column comprised of an anion exchange material placed within a vessel and a liquid layer comprising water contaminated by at least antimony passing through said vessel, which method comprises maintaining said anion exchange material within said liquid layer by allowing gases produced by a reaction of said liquid layer with said anion exchange material to be released from said anion exchange vessel though a valve or other gas release mechanism.

Abstract: A method and test for field sample arsenic speciation in aqueous solutions, in particular, arsenic speciation in drinking water, is described. In particular, the method and test uses in series three columns wherein the first column removes interfering cations from water, the second column removes dimethylarsenate (DMA) from the water, and the third column removes As(V) (collectively H3AsO4/H2AsO4?/HAsO42?/AsO43?) and monomethylarsinate (MMA) while As(III) (collectively H3AsO3/H2AsO3?/HAsO32?/AsO33?) remains in the water effluent. The bound arsenic species are separately eluted from the columns in a laboratory and then each of the eluants and the effluent are tested for the arsenic species, preferably using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract: A colloid comprises a sulfone polymer. The colloid may be used as a replacement for activated carbon or charcoal in water purification systems. Unlike activated carbon, the colloid is advantageously regenerated chemically and reused.

Abstract: A type of magnesium alloy that is capable of producing negative potential, characterized in that it contains 8 wt %˜9.1 wt % of aluminum (Al), 0.1 wt %˜1.0 wt % of zinc (Zn), 0.1 wt %˜1.0 wt % of manganese (Mn), 0.05 wt % or less of silicone (Si), 0.002 or less of iron (Fe), 0.0012 wt % or less of copper (Cu), 0.0009 wt % or less of nickel (Ni) and 0.0008 wt % or less of beryllium (Be), the negative potential magnesium alloy binds with calcium ions and magnesium ions to show a pH value of water quality on the alkaline side.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid by providing a raw fluid to a process tank. The raw fluid may be water having varying degrees of contamination or another type of fluid. The method further consists of adding an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin mixture. After the fluid has been sufficiently contacted with the ion exchange resin, treated fluid is removed from the process tank through a membrane filter located within the process tank. The method is completed by regenerating the ion exchange resin within the same process tank.

Abstract: A method of using a pellet composed of an aggregate of distinct beads of a chromatography media. The pellet is coherent and capable of being rapidly hydrated on addition of water to form a gel wherein said beads are swollen and substantially uniformly dispersed in the water phase and a combination of the a ligand with the chromatography media.

Abstract: A water tank filter having a double structure including an inner filter having a small pore size for trapping fine particles of filth from tank water and situated within a hollow outer filter having a large pore size for trapping coarse particles of filth. The inner filter is situated in roughly the upper half of the internal space of the outer filter. Disclosed also is a water tank purifier including the water tank filter. The water tank filter and purifier can effectively remove both coarse and fine particles of filth from a water tank. The filter does not quickly get clogged, and is easy to handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of chromium form an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of chromium from a source by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite that has been modified with a ferrous ion or other like substance. The spent zeolite is disposed of and replaced with freshly modified zeolite. In some cases the systems and methods are performed under de-oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a device containing an ion-exchange resin to which is chemically bound a fuel additive material which will gradually be released from the resin into a fuel in which the device is placed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filter underdrain for supporting a filter media between at least two dividers forming at least one cell, which includes at least one porous plate for supporting the filter media for filtering a fluid, the porous plate spanning across at least one of the dividers; and a plurality of support members beneath the porous plate, the support members containing at least one port for draining the fluid after the fluid passes through the porous plate. The porous plates may be bound together by a lap joint and an end section may be included between at least two of the support members, the end section containing at least one pocket for holding the porous plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and stabilizing conjugated estrogens from pregnant mare urine on solid adsorbent supports to obtain a starting material for pharmaceuticals that contain a natural mixture of conjugated estrogens as active ingredient. The apparatus is suitable for decentralized concentration and stabilization of conjugated estrogen mixtures on cartridges in the vicinity of the horses. The adsorber cartridges can be loaded at the site of urine collection so it is unnecessary to transport large volumes of urine to a central processing point. The loading process can take continuously over a period of weeks until the column is saturated. The effluent urine remains at the site where facilities for its disposal are available. Only the loaded cartridge is transported, and transport can occur at longer intervals of up to several weeks. The stability of the conjugated estrogens on the adsorber assures there is no risk of decomposition.

Abstract: A free radical solution producing apparatus, which comprises: a feed port (6) in which water is drawn, a dechlorination processing section (1) which produces first water by decomposing chlorine compounds in said water, a magnetic processing section (2) which produces second water by carrying out a process that applies a magnetic field to said first water, a radiation processing section (3) which produces third water by carrying out a process that irradiates a radiation to said second water, an ion exchange section (4) which produces fourth water by carrying out a process that performs an ion exchange for said third water, an electric field applying section (5) which produces fifth water by carrying out a process that applies a strong electric field to said fourth water, and a fifth water intake (7-5) from which said fifth water is obtained, produces water which has the effects of sterilizing and disinfection, and strong cleansing power.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A treatment facility for removing toxic metals from storm water runoff to provide clean water. The treatment facility includes a pretreatment chamber for removing large toxic particles from the storm water runoff and absorbent chamber for removing fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff. The absorption chamber has an absorption bed of three absorptive materials for removing the fine particles of toxic metals from the storm water runoff.

Abstract: A device for the deionization of incoming water is disclosed. The device includes a tank and a generally hollow distributor tube in the tank for ingress into and downward movement of unpurified water through the tank. An opening adjacent the bottom of the generally hollow distributor tube and near the bottom of the tank distributes the unpurified water out of the generally hollow distributor tube. A mixed bed of purifying resin is within the tank, and surrounds the generally hollow distributor tube. The unpurified water travels upwardly through the tank where it is deionized to a high purity water by the mixed bed of purifying resin, after egress from the opening. The deionized water passes through a distributor and a filter before leaving the tank through an outlet.

Abstract: A brine supply unit for supplying brine to at least one load after controlling the brine so as to meet a target temperature of the load comprises: a heat exchanger disposed at a brine-cooling channel, through which the brine returned from the load flows, for cooling the brine with water for industrial use; a heater disposed at a brine-heating channel formed in parallel with the brine-cooling channel, through which the brine flows, for heating the brine; a mixing section disposed at a connecting portion between the brine-cooling channel and the brine-heating channel, for mixing the cooled brine and the heated brine; and a tank disposed between the mixing section and the load, which has a capacity of about 10 liters or more and is constructed so that the brine can pass therethrough slowly to relieve a sudden temperature change of the brine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying process water by filtration comprising a housing containing a filter media, having a bottom gravel bed and an upper silica bed, and a fluidizer for backwashing the filter media. Process water is tangentially introduced and caused to swirl in the housing above a filter media, before passing downwards through silica and gravel beds. The swirling increases the through capacity of the treatment device and reduces the amount of particles that would otherwise become imbedded in the filter media. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid, through first and second components of the fluidizer, into the filter media. The first component is a channel formed in the manifold which provides backwash fluid to the bottom of the gravel bed. The second component provides backwash fluid at the gravel bed—silica bed interface by a series of radially spaced fluidizer arms.

Abstract: Devices such as flow through columns, substrates such as spherical polymer beads, and methods of using such to remove prions from any liquid sample are disclosed. A surface of a substrate is coated with a prion complexing agent, such as a salt of phosphotungstic acid. Blood or plasma passing through a column containing beads coated with prion complexing agent are rendered prion free.