Abstract: A device for purifying a workstream of contaminants and method of making. One device is made of an inorganic monolithic porous particulate filter and a continuous uninterrupted coating of activated carbon impregnated into the pores of the filter. Preferably the filter has inlet and outlet faces, and a multiplicity of cells separated by porous walls and extending longitudinally and mutually parallel therethrough from inlet to outlet end, a portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the inlet end face, and the remaining portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the outlet end face of the device. Another device can be made entirely of activated carbon having the multicellular structure. A workstream containing contaminants is passed through the device to cause retention of the contaminants. The device can have electrically conducting mechanism for conducting electric current therethrough for removal of the contaminants and regeneration of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composite semipermeable membrane which is excellent in the chlorine resistance and also gives a high desalting faculty and a large water flux, in particular, under a low operation pressure and a production method thereof. The composite semipermeable membrane comprises a porous base material having formed thereon a semipermeable thin film formed by crosslinking polymerization of 2,6-diaminotoluene monomer or a mixture of 2,6-diaminotoluene monomer and other amino compound monomer with a polyfunctional crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups capable of reacting with the amino group(s) of the monomer(s) in one molecule in the presence of an amine salt.

Abstract: A filter device with a preferably hollow-cylindrical, pleated filter element which is arranged concentrically around a cylinder axis and through which a medium to be filtered passes. Seals are necessary on the filter device so that the medium to be filtered will not be able to leak out and so that the filter element, which typically is constructed of filter paper, must be fixed in place together with its pleats. Advantageously, an elastic composition can be disposed as a seal on at least one of the ends of the filter element, and after curing the elastic composition will fix the pleats of the filter element and will have sufficient residual elasticity to seal the filter element with respect to a central mounting tube on which it is to be mounted.

Abstract: The present invention features a filtration plate for use in a filter pan comprising a corrugated sheet having a series of alternately upwardly and downwardly opening channels and a reinforcing material bonded to surfaces of the downwardly opening channels. The reinforcing material is effective for strengthening the sheet and retaining heat in a manner effective to slow cooling of the filtration plate during washing and to reduce heat losses from the filtration plate during filtering. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the corrugated sheet is a monolithic sheet of structural metal having a smooth upper filtration surface. The invention also provides a filter pan configured for use in filtration of a filtrate from solid particles. The filter pan comprises a filtration plate including a corrugated, monolithic sheet of structural metal having a series of alternately upwardly and downwardly opening channels.

Abstract: A material for use as a stationary phase for chromatography comprising a solid material the surface of which is coated with pyrophosphate and/or metaphosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for separating plasma from whole blood. The method and device utilize a permeable non-glass fiber matrix containing a polyol which is capable of clumping red blood cells. The matrix, in the absence of such a polyol, would otherwise be porous to red blood cells. The polyol-containing matrix has a first surface and a second surface such that a whole blood sample which is applied to the first surface flows directionally toward the second surface. Plasma separated from whole blood becomes available at the second surface of the matrix and can be tested for the presence of a particular analyte, such as glucose or fructosamine, as provided by multi-layer test devices of the present invention.

Abstract: Membranes useful in separating moleculres or catalytic conversions comprise a substrate, a zeolite or zeolite-like layer, a selectivity enhancing coating in contact with the zeolite layer and optionally a permeable intermediate layer in contact with the substrate the zeolite layer being in contact either with the substrate or the optional intermediate layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric, particularly aramid, fibrous nonwoven web having a relatively small pore size. The present inventive fibrous nonwoven web preferably has a high titer reduction with respect to bacteria such as Pseudomonas diminuta and viruses as exemplified by PR772 coliphage. The present invention further provides a method of filtering a fluid by passing a fluid through the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web, as well as a filter element incorporating the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension comprising passing said suspension through a filter including a nitrocellulose membrane having a pore size of 5-15 .mu.m.

Abstract: Filtration medium is formed of a mass of nonwoven melt blown support and filtration fibers which are integrally co-located with one another. The support fibers have, on average, relatively larger diameters as compared to the filtration fibers which are integrally co-located therewith. Preferably, the filtration medium is disposed within at least one annular zone of a filtration element, for example, a disposable cylindrical filter cartridge having an axially elongate central hollow passageway which is surrounded by the filtration media. A depth filter cartridge in accordance with the present invention may thus be formed having one or more additional filtration zones (which additional filtration zones may or may not respectively be provided with integrally co-located support fibers) in annular relationship to one another.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: A porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) structure particularly for use as a liquid filter comprises particles of granular-type PTFE fused together to form a porous integral network. The structure is formed by spraying an aqueous suspension of granular PTFE particles and baking at a temperature of 335.degree.-350.degree. C. Typically the specific gravity is 0.8 to 1.54. The crystallinity is less than 95%. The structure may be supported on a perforate substrate such as stainless steel mesh.

Abstract: A material for removing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its related substances from blood, plasma, or other body fluids is provided. The material comprises a porous substrate on which sulfuric group substantially in the form of a salt is immobilized. A convenient removal of HIV and its related substances at a high efficiency is enabled by the use of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating a relatively large volume of blood into cellular and acellular fractions without the need for centrifugation. The apparatus comprises a housing divided by a fibrous filter into a blood sample collection chamber having a volume of at least about 1 milliliter and a serum sample collection chamber. The fibrous filter has a pore size of less than about 3 microns, and is coated with a mixture of mannitol and plasma fraction protein (or an animal or vegetable equivalent thereof). The coating causes the cellular fraction to be trapped by the small pores, leaving the cellular fraction intact on the fibrous filter while the acellular fraction passes through the filter for collection in unaltered form from the serum sample collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter material for selectively removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension, which comprises a porous element having an average pore diameter of 1 to 25 .mu.m and a total pore volume of 0.40 to 0.95 ml/ml of the porous element, and wherein the sum of respective pore volumes of pores of the porous element which have a pore diameter of 1 to 30 .mu.m is 90% or more, based on said total pore volume. Also disclosed is a filter apparatus for selectively removing leukocyte from a leukocyte-containing suspension which is packed with the above-mentioned filter material. By virtue of the filter material, the filter apparatus not only can remove leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension at a leukocyte removal efficiency as excellent as 10.sup.-4 or less in terms of a leukocyte residual ratio without suffering from a pressure loss increase, but also can be rendered compact.

Abstract: Novel blood cell fractionation means utilizes conventional filters coated with high molecular weight polyethylene oxide derivatives crosslinked to prevent leaching from filter surfaces. These fractionation means have a special efficacy in binding white blood cells from whole blood while simultaneously allowing red cells and platelets to pass in the effluent phase.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite particulate material, comprising the steps of providing a particulate primary material having a primary softening temperature; providing a particulate support material having a support softening temperature; providing a particulate binder material having a softening temperature which is less than the primary softening temperature and the support softening temperature; mixing the primary material, the support material and the binder material so as to provide a substantially uniform mixture; and heating the mixture to a temperature greater than or equal to the softening temperature of the binder material and less than the primary softening temperature and the support softening temperature, whereby the binder material binds the primary material to the support material so as to provide a composite particulate material.

Abstract: A filter for use in a coupling disposed between first and second tubes which convey lime from a movable carrier to a processing pot in a steel mill. The filter has a plurality of openings sized and positioned to allow passage of lime and exclude contaminants of a size larger than the size of the perimeter of selected openings reduces erosion by the lime.

Abstract: A multi-layer microfiltration membrane having an integrated prefiltration layer. Pursuant to a phase inversion process, several layers are successively poured out onto one another prior to phase separation of a lower layer, with the viscosity for the pour solution decreasing toward the upper layers. This produces a microporous, multi-layer, integral filtration membrane having a homogenous symmetrical pore structure for the final filtration layer and an open-pored structure for the prefiltration layer disposed therebelow. Even with small pore diameters, this membrane can be easily pleated for installation in filter cartridges without the formation of damage at the crease edges. High throughput rates are possible at a low tendency to clog.

Abstract: Insolubilized enzyme particulates are located on the upstream surface of a filtration layer of a filtering element which can be used in a cartridge filter. Employed in a recycling flow reaction system at relatively high flux rates, the cartridges are useful for conducting catalyzed chemical reactions of dissolved solutes, for example, esterifications, isomerizations, oxidations, reductions, and cyclizations.

Abstract: An adsorbent filter for removing caffeine from liquids. The filter is composed of a matrix of fibrous material; and adsorbent particulate material integrated within the matrix of fibrous material, so that passage of a liquid having a caffeine concentration ranging from about 20 to about 100 mg per 100 mL of liquid through the matrix for a contact time of less than about 2 minutes results in at least a 40 percent reduction in the caffeine concentration of the liquid. The matrix of fibrous material may be selected from woven fabrics, knit fabrics and nonwoven fabrics. The adsorbent material may be clay minerals such as, for example, smectite clay minerals. Examples of smectite clay minerals include, bentonite clays and montmorillonite clays. Generally speaking, the filter can be adapted to provide at least a 40 percent reduction in the caffeine concentration for about 1 cup to about 40 cups of a liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making filter preparations including a filter sheet for receiving specimens thereon. The method includes cutting a flexible sheet of material to form a filter frame, and slitting the filter frame to form two slits with a central hole therebetween. The two slits define inner edges of parallel framing parts in the filter frames and outer edges of a presser part. One end of the presser part is pulled upward, and the filter sheet is inserted between the presser parts and the parallel framing parts. Then, the presser part is released downward and restored to its original position, so that the filter sheet contacts an undersurface of the presser part and is contained in the slits between the presser part and the parallel framing parts. The filter sheet also adheres to an upper surface of the parallel framing parts and a portion of the filter sheet is exposed through the central hole for receiving mounting specimens thereon.

Abstract: A method of producing a high permeable composite reverse osmosis membrane which comprises forming a polyamide type skin layer on a porous support by the process comprising a step of coating a solution A containing a compound having at least two reactive amino groups on the porous support and a step of contacting a solution B containing a polyfunctional acid halide with the coated layer of the solution A, wherein the difference between a solubility parameter of the solution A and a solubility parameter of the solution B is from 7 to 15 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.1/2.

Abstract: PVP-coated asymmetric hollow fibers made from SIXEFT.TM.-Durene, a polyimide made from 2,2-bis[3,4-dicarboxyphenyl] hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenylene diamine monomers, and a process for making such fibers. These coated fibers have a separation factor that exceeds 6 for oxygen and nitrogen and a permeance of at least about 10 ppm cc(STP)/(sec cm.sup.2 cm-Hg). A polymer dope comprising SIXEF.TM.-Durene in a solvent system containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone ("NMP") and an organic acid such as propionic acid ("PA") is prepared by polymerizing the polyimide monomers in NMP to form a polyamic acid polymer and imidizing this polymer using the acid anhydride. Water released from the polymer in the imidization reaction converts the anhydride to acid. The dope is wet-spun into hollow fibers; the fibers are coagulated in water. The fibers are then evenly coated with PVP, preferably by dipping the fibers in a dilute PVP solution.

Abstract: Disposable paper filters suitable for removal of contaminants from fluids such as water or air are disclosed. Specific embodiments include single-ply and multi-ply filters in which metal removal additives and/or halogen and organic contaminant removal additives have been distributed during the manufacturing process. Special manufacturing methods for producing such composite filters are also described.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil comprises placing a quantity of oil within a circuit, and placing a filter in the circuit, the filter having surfaces including interstices which contain a quantity of a liquid additive at a time of placement in the circuit, the additive being washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and operation of the circuit to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps. The oil may be an synthetic ester based oil or a mineral oil. The additive either reacts with an organic acid formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit to neutralize the acid, or alternatively the additive coats metallic wear particles formed during operation of the circuit so that organic acids formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit cannot attach thereto.

Abstract: A delivering member for filtering and delivering a sample to a test assay surface includes a prefilter having a sample receiving surface and a surface for delivering a sample to a test assay surface. The prefilter includes a diffusing material on its receiving surface for rapidly and evenly diffusing a sample across the prefilter receiving surface. In this way, a sample may be rapidly and evenly delivered to a test assay surface. A test assay solid phase has a surface including an area carrying an immobilized species and an area free of immobilized species. When a sample is applied to the surface, followed by application of a labeled species, the evenness of distribution of the labeled species is indicative of the evenness of application of the sample. A kit includes a delivering member and an assay surface.

Abstract: A method for covalent immobilization of a carbohydrate molecule with an oppositely charged surface, comprising the steps of adsorbing the carbohydrate molecule to the oppositely charged surface in proximity to reactive moieties bound to the charged surface; and next activating the bound moiety sufficiently for covalent attachment to the adsorbed carbohydrate molecule. Also disclosed is a hydrophobic microporous polymer membrane coated with a cross-linked, cationic polymer having fixed charges thereon, the coating having enhanced epoxide content for covalent immobilization of the oppositely-charged carbohydrate molecule. A novel method for sequencing carbohydrates by covalent attachment of a carbohydrate conjugate to the membrane, and subsequent treatment with glycosidases, is also presented.

Abstract: A permanent hydrophilic modification for fluoropolymers is provided where the film consists of a charged polyelectrolyte complex that is reoriented. A process for producing this modification is also provided.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing, comprising bearing rings with rolling elements between the bearing rings, and a filter seal extending between the rings for closing a space between the rings. Said filter seal is oil permeable and water repellant. Hydrophilic chemicals are grafted on the side of the filter material facing the rolling elements. The side of the filter material opposite the rolling elements is coated with a water repellant substance having a high contact angle. The filter material is a metal mesh or a microporous polymeric material.

Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes and thrombocytes from a solution containing blood components, such as CRC, comprises a filter material having a first surface serving as an inlet surface and a second surface serving as an outlet surface. The outlet surface has a positive zeta potential greater than that of the inlet surface in an electrolyte solution having a pH value of 5.0 to 7.0.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: Insolubilized enzyme particulates are located on the upstream surface of a filtration layer of a filtering element which can be used in a cartridge filter. Employed in a recycling flow reaction system at relatively high flux rates, the cartridges are useful for conducting catalyzed chemical reactions of dissolved solutes, for example, esterifications, isomerizations, oxidations, reductions, and cyclizations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter material for selectively removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension, which comprises a porous element having an average pore diameter of 1 to 25 .mu.m and a total pore volume of 0.40 to 0.95 ml/ml of the porous element, and wherein the sum of respective pore volumes of pores of the porous element which have a pore diameter of 1 to 30 .mu.m is 90% or more, based on said total pore volume. Also disclosed is a filter apparatus for selectively removing leukocyte from a leukocyte-containing suspension which is packed with the above-mentioned filter material. By virtue of the filter material, the filter apparatus not only can remove leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension at a leukocyte removal efficiency as excellent as 10.sup.-4 or less in terms of a leukocyte residual ratio without suffering from a pressure loss increase, but also can be rendered compact.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane ("fiber") comprises a tubular macroporous support coated on its outer surface with a thin tubular asymmetric semipermeable film of polymer. The film, by itself, is non-self-supporting. The support itself is so flexible (flaccid) that it does not have a circular cross-section and collapses with finger pressure. Such a tube of knitted or woven braid no greater than 2.5 mm o.d., having interstitial voids which are non-uniformly shaped by the "ends" which are braided, is coated with a "dope" of polymer, then coagulated in a bath to form the film. Yet, after coating, the braided membrane can withstand up to 1500 psig in hydraulic compression forces before a straight-line relationship between flux and pressure begins to flatten out. The voids are relatively much larger than pores in the film. These voids are small enough to inhibit substantial penetration of the dope which lies superficially supported on the upper portion of the braid.

Abstract: A filter element intended for tangential-flow filtration has an elongated support body of porous ceramic material with coaxial channels running through the support body and provided on their surface with a ceramic membrane having a calibrated pore structure. A portion of the fluid flowing through the channels penetrates the membrane and exits as filtrate at the circumferential surface of the support body. The shape of the outwardly facing channel wall is adapted to the external shape of the support body and there it has a uniformly thick wall corresponding to the mechanical stress. The shape of the channel walls is configured such that the webs remaining between the channels flare outwardly wedge-wise. The filter element thus configured has a support body with a reduced resistance to the passage of the filtrate flowing through it.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.

Abstract: A modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) separation membrane and a method for its preparation. The membrane has improved water permeability, contamination resistance, and hydrophilic properties. The method comprises contacting a PVC membrane with a treating solution containing a compound having an amino functional group, preferably in the presence of an alkali alcoholate catalyst, and heat-treating the PVC membrane at elevated temperature. The membrane can be dipped in the treating bath at high temperature or dipped in solution at room temperature and heat-treated after removal from the treating bath.

Abstract: Inorganic composite membrane containing molecular sieve crystals, the membrane having a macroporous support to which molecular sieve crystals and modifications thereof have been applied substantially as monolayer, the crystals have been oriented to a substantial extent, such that the pores of the sieve crystals form a significant included angle with the support surface, the membrane has a gastight matrix present between the crystals.

Abstract: Membrane apparatus for performing filtration, separation or a catalytic reaction, the apparatus including a macroporous block provided with parallel longitudinal through channels, the surface of each channel being covered with a respective membrane having finer pores than those of the block. According to the invention, the pores in both ends of said block are filled with a dense material (3) formed by a monometallic or polymetallic organic-inorganic polycondensate which has been subjected to heat treatment, this type of condensate being known under the name of ORMOSIL (organically modified silicate) or ORMOCER (organically modified ceramic).

Abstract: A method for measuring the number of living microorganisms in a specimen which comprises entrapping the microorganisms on a hydrophobic filter after the dyeing thereof, or alternatively dyeing the microorganisms after entrapping them on the hydrophobic filter, removing excessive coloring matter by washing, and then determining the number of the microorganisms by the degree of coloration thereof. A kit for measuring the number of living microorganisms which comprises a hydrophobic filter, a syringe to which the filter is fittable, a coloring matter solution, a cleaning solution, and a color reference table. The present invention enables the rapid and convenient measurement of the number of living microorganisms in the specimen without use of special equipment. In accordance with the present invention, the measurement is usually completed within ten minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophobic porous membrane with a polymer having fluorinated alkyl side chains held in physical contact with the surface of a polyolefin porous membrane in which the fluorinated alkyl side chains of the polymer are crystallized, as well as its manufacturing process. Also disclosed is a hydrophobic porous membrane with a fluorinated crosslinked polymer from a fluorinated monomer with a fluorinated alkyl side chain and a crosslinking monomer held in physical contact with the surface of a polyolefin porous membrane, in which the fluorinated alkyl side chains of the fluorinated crosslinked polymer are crystallized, as well as its manufacturing process. These porous membranes use polyolefin porous membranes having a higher mechanical strength and lower costs than the fluorinated polymer porous membranes and still provide superior hydrophobicity over polytetrafluoroethylene type membranes.

Abstract: A bipolar membrane comprising a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane and an inorganic ion exchanger layer having a thickness of from 0.01 to 100 .mu.m present at the interface between the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane.

Abstract: At both ends of a filter cover (6), respectively in the fastening area of the filter cover on draining element (1), bondings or settings (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 10, 21) of stitches (10) are applied, which are interrupted in one or more of first rows of stitches (11) and are offset in one or more rows of stitches at the end of the fastening area in the peripheral direction. In a modification, setting (22) of stitches (10) at the end of the fastening area is placed uninterrupted in the peripheral direction. These settings partially or completely allow runs in the fastening area of a filter cover (6), so that, on the one hand, an enlargement of filter cover (6) is made possible for the assembly, and, on the other hand, the formation of runs outside the fastening area is prevented.

Abstract: A filter septum is constructed with a stainless steel sheet microscreen element which has uniformly distributed apertures through which a liquid to be filtered is passed from an inlet side to an exit side of the element. The apertures are preferably tapered from a larger diameter at the inlet side to a smaller diameter at the exit side of the microscreen element. A supporting metal base plate having rows of uniformly distributed holes which are larger then the apertures is brazed to the microscreen element bonding the exit side of the microscreen element to the inlet side of the base plate. Preferably the inlet side of the microscreen element is Teflon.RTM. coated.

Abstract: Microporous membranes having supporting structures are disclosed. A microporous filtration membrane made of a polymeric material has an integral support, both the support and the membrane having substantially identical chemical composition. Preferred supported membranes of the present invention are made of polyvinylidene fluoride. At least part of the support is bonded to the surrounding microporous membrane to provide rigidity and chemical inertness. Methods of forming the supported microporous membranes are described, including a method that results in microporous membranes having unique structural and functional characteristics.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an a generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.

Abstract: Colloidal matter is removed from a fluid flow by first adsorbing a coagulant onto the surface of a finely divided filter media, and thereafter passing a colloid-containing fluid through the filter media. The adsorbing of coagulant is accomplished with the filter off-line, and it is returned on-line for filtering of the fluid. After the coagulant is adsorbed onto the filter media, it is not necessary to continue feeding coagulant during on-line operation, as the adsorbed coagulant captures the colloidal matter in the fluid and retains it on the surface of the filter media. The captured colloidal matter is removed during back washing of the filter media.

Abstract: A deodorizing filter which is composed of a honeycomb structure of ceramic fibrous paper supporting cuprous oxide or both cuprous oxide and solid acid; and a method for manufacturing the deodorizing filter wherein the ceramic fibrous paper is soaked in the slurry of the mixture of reductant-added water solution with the cuprous oxide and binder or with the cuprous oxide, solid acid and binder and is dried; and then the ceremic fibrous paper is formed into the honeycomb-type filter; or the ceramic fibrous paper with the binder added is formed first into the honeycomb-type filter and then is soaked in the slurry of the mixture of reductant-added water solution with the cuprous oxide and binder or with the cuprous oxide, solid acid and binder and finally is dried to make the deodorizing filter.

Abstract: Process for the removal of organic pollutants prevalent on a liquid or solid surface by sprinkling a polymer chosen from polybicyclo(2.2.1.) heptene-2 and polymethyl-5-bicyclo(2.2.1) heptene-2. The polymer is first agglomerated using a plasticizing agent. The process is used for the decontamination of water ways.