Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds from an aqueous medium by adding surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate or an aqueous suspension comprising surface-reacted calcium carbonate and having a pH greater than 6.0 measured at 20° C., to the medium, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more acids, the use of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds, as well as to a combination of a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate and activated carbon for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds.

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.

Abstract: In a method of producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter, organic matter is dried to a dry solids content of at least 50% by weight TS and pelletized and then mixed with a liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is contacted with biogas-producing bacteria for digestion under anaerobic conditions in a reactor (102) while producing biogas.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are provided herein for passively filtering out droplets of different size such as satellite droplets from the generation of primary droplets and use these satellite droplets as the source for monodispersed production of submicron emulsions. The systems and methods described use active flow control to sort droplets of different size into desired collecting zones and use conventional shearing principles, and, as a result, provide 100% filtration of satellite droplets regardless of size differences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.

Abstract: Treatment of waste water from a biomass-to-liquid process, said process comprising producing synthesis gas from biomass and conversion of said synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbons by a Fisher-Tropsch process. The waste waters obtained are purified in common with waste waters from another industrial process to which said biomass-to- liquid process is integrated, such as in forestry, power and/or heat generation, waste incineration or a process in a metal-, petrochemical and/or oil refining industry. The biomass-to-liquid. process and said another industrial process may have a common feed water process unit, a common cooling water process unit and a common waste water treatment unit. The waste water treatment process may comprise a biological purification process and said Fischer-Tropsch process may utilize a cobalt catalyst.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminant from feedwater by forming a dispersion comprising bubbles of a treatment gas in a continuous phase comprising feedwater, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the treatment gas is selected from air, oxygen, and chlorine. A method for removing contaminants from a feedwater by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising feedwater and a treatment gas to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s?1 in a high shear device to produce a dispersion of treatment gas in a continuous phase of the feedwater. A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom is also presented, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap; and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid to be scrubbed, comprising filling a scrubber with a volume of biodiesel or biomass adequate to cover a sintered permeable membrane in the reaction chamber and a bit more to create a reaction zone in not only a plurality of pores in the membrane with fluid but in a reaction zone above the membrane, then introducing fluid to be scrubbed to the membrane, building up pressure in the reaction chamber, and passing a scrubbed fluid from the reaction zone to an exit port at a rate equal to the rate the fluid to be scrubbed is introduced.

Abstract: Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipedidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for heating a fluid without a flame. The modular heater (apparatus) that includes an enclosure, a dynamic heat generator disposed within the enclosure, an electric motor disposed within the enclosure, a first fluid connector attached to the enclosure, a second fluid connector attached to the enclosure and an electrical connector attached to the enclosure. The electric motor drives the dynamic heat generator to heat the fluid to a specified temperature without a flame. The first fluid connector connects the dynamic heat generator to a fluid source. The second fluid connector connects the dynamic heat generator to a fluid storage. The electrical connector connects the electric motor to a power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipetidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manipulating particles using waveguides. An optical beam propagated by optical waveguides deflects particles for sorting or subsequent analysis. The present invention is well-suited for the sorting, manipulation and analysis of biological cells. Novel waveguide manufacturing method and materials, as well as monolithic integration and packaging of optofluidic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the removal of organic nitrogen, organic and inorganic contaminants from an aqueous liquid. More particularly, the present invention related to a process for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants such as organic nitrogen and all other organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater and ground water by conducting a two step method which includes the step of adding nitrosonium ion generator such as nitrous acid and nitrite in acidic media to remove organic nitrogen and followed by the step of adding hydrogen peroxide and activated carbon to remove all the other organic and inorganic contaminants.

Abstract: A dispersion apparatus for dispersing a treating agent into a fluid treatment system that includes a flow duct in which a fluid stream flowing through the duct is mixed with the treating agent. The apparatus is based on a multi-pipe lance positioned in the stream flow, where each pipe supplies a minimum of feed discharge nozzles (typically one to four), and the individual pipes branch off from the same location. Use of the multi-pipe lance, in combination with a suitable baffle, results in better overall dispersion/distribution of the injected medium by surface area. By improving the surface area distribution, better utilization of the injected sorbent can be achieved. The baffle acts to generate a low pressure zone on its downstream side and creates a high-intensity turbulence plume in the fluid. The orifices of the pipe are located to inject the treating agent into the turbulence plume to better distribute and intermix the injected treating agent into the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: Zero valent iron particles (14) having enhanced surface area are used to treat contaminated groundwater in-situ or above ground. Hollow and/or porous zero valent iron particles (14) having a generally spherical shape and porous surface are produced using a sacrificial substrate (10) and thermal treatment.

Abstract: The invention covers the field of positioning of small particles (58, 59) in a fluid (55). Disclosed is a method by which small particles (58, 59) are positioned by a sound field. For generating the sound field an apparatus contains a plate (51) excited to vibrations by a transducer (52) and a reflecting body with a rigid surface (54). A mounting (53) holds the vibrating plate (51) and the transducer (52). The particles will be concentrated at predetermined positions either at the rigid surface of the reflecting body (58) or levitating in the fluid (59). Due to the fact that the sound waves are emitted by the vibrating plate particles can be positioned in entire area between the vibrating plate and the reflecting body.

Abstract: An invention is provided for encouraging routine testing for TDS levels in a liquid. The invention includes determining a TDS level of the liquid utilizing an apparatus capable of determining a TDS level based on the conductivity of the liquid. Next, corrective action can be performed to reduce the TDS level when the TDS level is beyond a predetermined level. To facilitate a continual visual reminder for future TDS level testing, the apparatus is removably attached to a surface viewable when in proximity of a device utilized to access the liquid utilizing an integrated attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining hydrogels based on (i) cyclodextrins, (ii) cyclodextrins and cellulose ethers or (iii) cyclodextrins and guar gum or the derivatives of same, using molecules containing two or more glycidyl ether groups in the structure thereof as a cross-linking agent. The invention also relates to the compositions thus obtained, which can include active substances and pharmaceuticals and which form inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. The invention further relates to the use of same as components of controlled-release devices, such as transdermal pharmaceutical forms, vaginal, otic, ocular, rectal, oral or buccal transmucosal forms and parenteral implants, which are designed to administer active substances or pharmaceuticals to humans, animals or plants, or as components of cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for photolyzing organic matters by which various organic matters including harmful organic matters can be photolyzed quickly. Also disclosed is an efficient method for treating wastewater which utilizes the photolyzing method. An organic matter is photolyzed in a reaction system containing a photocatalyst and a hydrophobic ionic liquid represented by the formula (2) below. [In the formula, Me represents a methyl group and Et represents an ethyl group.

Abstract: A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Abstract: Ultrapure olefinic polymeric articles of manufacture can be prepared by a process comprising: providing olefinic polymeric material containing impurities, subjecting the olefinic polymeric material to supercritical CO2 at a pressure of at least about 4000 psi (281.23 kg/cm2) at a temperature of from about 35° C. and above, to extract the impurities from the olefinic polymeric material and produce ultrapure olefinic polymeric material, and molding ultrapure articles of manufacture from the ultrapure, olefinic polymeric material.

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An air stripper in the form of an submerged gas evaporator or a submerged gas reactor that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a contaminated liquid inlet that provides a contaminated liquid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of process fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the process fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the process fluid.

Abstract: A water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system including a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells covering at least a portion of a body of water, wherein at least some of the photovoltaic cells have a solar collecting surface covered by the water, and a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by the photovoltaic cells, the processing unit comprising a fluid connection from the body of water for processing the water.

Abstract: A filter assembly, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; a mounting member formed with the housing, the mounting member having at least one feature for engaging a feature of a center tube of a removable filter cartridge being configured to be removably inserted into the housing, wherein the at least one feature engages the feature of the center tube as the filter assembly rotates therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid distributor and associated water treatment system. The system includes a pressure vessel adapted and configured to hold a predetermined volume of fluid and a fluid distribution assembly. The fluid distribution assembly is preferably disposed at a lower end of the pressure vessel, and includes a water inlet manifold adapted and configured to direct water from an upstream location into a vessel that the distributor assembly is mounted into, a water outlet manifold adapted and configured to direct water from the vessel to a downstream location and an air volume control valve adapted and configured to maintain a predetermined pressure range in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities accumulated in a scrubbing fluid in a flue gas scrubber and effluents from the scrubber. The flue gases are scrubbed with a scrubbing fluid that includes a calcium-containing absorbent. The scrubbing fluid containing gypsum and other impurities and produced in the scrubber is discharged from the scrubber. The gypsum is separated from the scrubbing fluid. To the scrubbing fluid is added an auxiliary agent, by the effect of which the impurities accumulated in the scrubbing fluid are removed with the gypsum and the moisture content of the gypsum to be separated from the scrubbing fluid is increased.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sorbent comprising a disordered polyvalent metal oxide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The sorbent removes ionic contaminants, such as arsenic, from process streams.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for reducing the leaching of heavy metals from air particulate emissions. The method includes contacting the heavy metal particulate with a water and complexing agent which converts the molecular form of the particulate to a less soluble and less bioavailable form prior to collection and release to the environment. This method eliminates the need to remove or treat soils and environments exposed to particulate deposition and greatly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with the deposition of heavy metal particulate in the open environment as well as at controlled discharge areas.

Abstract: A method for removing a gas from a site comprising placing cells having gas vesicles under conditions that induce the cells to float to a surface of an aqueous medium, harvesting the cells from the surface of the medium, lysing the cells, separating the gas vesicles from the lysed cells, crosslinking the gas vesicles with a crosslinking agent, loading a gas with a lowered partial pressure for the compound to be removed into the gas vesicles, and placing the gas vesicles such that the gas compound is removed from the site. Harvesting gas-vesicle-containing cells is achieved by placing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to rise to the surface of an aqueous medium—such as darkness, exponential growth stage, flocculation, or dissolved gas flotation—then collecting the cells from the surface of the medium. Gas vesicles are isolated by lysing the cells and separating the gas vesicles from the lysate. Once the gas vesicles are isolated, they can be modified, such as by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for treating organic waste materials includes steps of hydrolyzing the materials in an anaerobic vessel, transferring the liquid product of hydrolysis to an anaerobic digester, and further decomposing the waste materials under aerobic conditions to yield a compost product usable as a soil amendment. Biogas produced by digestion of the hydrolysis liquid product may be burned to generate electricity or heat, and the liquid digester product may be recirculated for use as an inoculant to aid hydrolysis of subsequently processed batches of waste materials.

Abstract: A blood processing system (2), includes a housing (4), to which a user control panel is mounted, having an access opening (47) therein. A cassette assembly (22), mounted to the housing for movement between a use position covering the access opening and a cassette-replacement position, includes a cassette holder and cassette (26) removably mounted to the holder. The cassette includes in part by tubing aligned with a through-hole (45) in the cassette. A door (34) is mounted to the housing for movement between a latched position, capturing the cassette between the panel and the door, and a released position. Independently-driven roller assemblies (46, 54, 72) pass part-way through the access opening to capture first tubing portions (44A, 52A, 68A) between the roller tracks (100, 102, 104) and the roller assemblies for peristaltic pumping of fluid. A number of movable pinch elements (48, 80, 90, 96) are extendable through the front panel to selectively pinch the tubing against the door and thus seal the tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to agents for the removal or reduction of inorganic nitrogen compounds, especially nitrate, from biological aquarium waters, containing a biologically degradable polymer, preferably polycaprolactone (PCL) and to the utilization of said agents.

Abstract: Provided are affinity support materials having intermediate binding affinity for biological samples. Among the materials provided by the present invention are hydrophilic solid supports composed of hydrophilic ligands coupled to hydrophilic matrixes which are compatible with biological samples, for example, a cell line, a biological fluid such as blood, or a tissue cell lysate. The ligands may include affinity property groups and hydrophilic groups pendent from a backbone, and be configured to at least partially resolve components of a biological sample. Affinity supports in accordance with the present invention may be used in a variety of techniques and apparatuses to achieve improved separations of complex biological samples and thereby enhance the results of biological sample component fractionations, enrichments, purifications, expression product determinations and comparisons, and other biological sample processing techniques.

Abstract: A separating agent that serves as an optical resolution agent is composed of a novel, useful optically active polymer. The separating agent is obtained through anionic polymerization of a novel maleimide and serves to separate optically active compounds.

Abstract: A filter press type dewatering system including a filter press machine, a hydraulically driven pressure-feed pump for compressing slurry introduced from a slurry supply source and driving the slurry into the filter press machine, a pressure control valve for increasing/reducing the flow rate of pressured oil supplied to the pressure-feed pump, a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of filtered water discharged from the filter press machine, a pressure sensor for detecting dewatering pressure in the filter press machine, and control means of outputting a control signal to the pressure control valve in accordance with input signals from the flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from water involves filtering the water through a filtering apparatus which includes a porous media container having an inner chamber which is suitably configured so that water can pass through the chamber and processed straw retained within and suitably within the chamber such that when water passes through the chamber, it also passes through the straw. A method is provided for enhancing the composting (470) of organic matter, e.g., sludge, including the steps of adding processed straw to a compost mixture and digesting said mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating polyorganosiloxanes from an aqueous dispersion, wherein the polyorganosiloxanes are separated from water in a dissolved form with the aid of an extraction agent.

Abstract: Polylactic acid is produced from dimers of lactic acid in an energy saving manner by contacting a lactic acid source via an extraction membrane with an amine carrier solvent to extract lactic acid across the membrane. One or two membranes may be used. After extraction, the aminium lactate salt is crystallized, disassociated and purified.

Abstract: An unpurified silicone oil is treated with fibrous activated carbon, yielding a silicone oil of high purity, which will find use in the electric and electronic industry and as cosmetics.

Abstract: A slow-release solid chemical composition for environmental bioremediation is provided. The composition comprises a source of soluble organic substrates which include sugars, soluble organic polymers and mixtures of them in an amount of 7% to 90%, insoluble organic substrates an amount of 10% to 70%, complex inorganic phosphates in an amount of 0.5% to 7% and soluble organic salts in an amount of 2% to 70%. The insoluble organic substrates include fibrous plant materials, starches, cellulosic materials and mixtures of these substrates. The complex inorganic phosphates include ringed metaphosphates, linear polyphosphates and mixtures. The organic salts include lactates, formates, acetates, citrates, etc. Also the composition further comprises microorganisms which include Bacillus spp., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhibzobium spp., Fibrobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas. spp., Geobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Nocardia, spp., aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Candida spp., Yarrowia spp.

Abstract: A novel method for purifying, by means of an essentially closed circuit water purification system, an aqueous flow from a processing unit includes the steps of: (a) supplying to a bioreactor, and combining therein, the aqueous flow, as well as a discharge flow from a membrane filtration unit; (b) allowing microbiological conversion of biodegradable constituents to take place therein, thereby, generating an effluent flow; (c) supplying the bioreactor effluent flow to an ultrafiltration unit, thereby, separating the effluent flow into permeate and concentrate flows; (d) supplying at least some of the permeate flow to a membrane filtration unit, thereby, generating a product flow and the discharge flow; and (e) supplying the discharge flow to the bioreactor, as noted in step (a), and supplying at least a portion of the product flow to the processing unit. Apparatus related thereto are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.

Abstract: A method for detecting allelic imbalance (AI) in sample nucleic acid, which method comprises providing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid region present in the sample, the target nucleic acid region comprising a marker of heterozygosity, separating the multiple copies into individual strands then allowing the individual strands to reanneal under conditions which permit the formation of homoduplexes and heteroduplexes, removing any heteroduplexes so formed, subjecting the remaining homoduplexes to the above steps of separation, reannealing and heteroduplex removal one or more times so that any difference in the initial ratio of allelic variants is amplified, and detecting the presence or absence of AI by reference to any difference in allele ratio so detected.

Abstract: An absorbent package for containment and bioremediation of hydrocarbons and method thereof are disclosed. The package comprises a concentration of microorganisms, a timed release mechanism including a time release capsule, a matrix of fibrous material which is hydrophobic and oleophilic, and a porous casing. The fibrous material may be selected from synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers for storing accumulation of hydrocarbons. The method includes positioning a concentration of microorganisms capable of degradation of the hydrocarbons. Further, the method also provides the matrix which is absorbent, and such method includes filling the casing with the matrix and the microorganisms to form a hydrocarbon containment and degradation package. Then the method employs the action of absorbing and storing hydrocarbons passing through the casing and wicking hydrocarbons via capillary action through the matrix and absorbing the hydrocarbons into the matrix.