Abstract: The preparation of concentrated solutions of oxime metal extractants, such as aldoximes and ketoximes, or mixtures of aldoxime and ketoxime, and the use thereof in formulating or preparing extraction reagent compositions for use in an extractant organic phase in a process of extracting metals from aqueous solutions containing metal values; and in particular, to concentrates which are solutions of individual ketoxime or aldoxime or mixtures of water-insoluble hydroxy aldoximes and ketoximes, in varying ratios by weight of 1:100 aldoxime to ketoxime, or conversely, 100:1 ketoxime to aldoxime, in water-immiscible hydrocarbon solvents or equilibrium modifiers. The invention also provides for maintaining stability of concentrates determined by accelerating rate calorimetry to define the ranges of oxime concentration and volume whereby the concentrate will be a stable, flowable, pourable and pumpable concentrate which can be safely stored long term.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for recovery of aqueous samples or components thereof from polymer packaging materials, wherein the spilled aqueous sample has been absorbed by the packaging material to form a liquid swollen absorbent gel. The method comprises the steps of contacting the liquid swollen absorbent gel with a recovery fluid, wherein the recovery fluid has a higher osmotic pressure than the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A method of producing microparticles and nanoparticles of a solute via the extraction of solvent, having the solute dissolved therein, from an emulsion using a supercritical fluid. The solute to be precipitated is dissolved in the solvent to form a solution, and the solution is dispersed in an immiscible or partially miscible liquid to form an emulsion. The particles are produced via the extraction of the solvent from the emulsion using the supercritical fluid. The process can produce an aqueous suspension of particles that are substantially insoluble in water, and the solvents used in the process to form the emulsion initially can be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fats and oils containing low concentrations of aromatic halogen compounds and other contaminants by contacting the fats or oils with an adsorbing agent. The adsorbing agent contains a porous body and a non-protonic polar solvent held in the interiors of fine pores in the porous body to adsorb the contaminants. In one embodiment, the porous body also carries noble metal fine particles. In another embodiment, the adsorbing body comprises a solid acid for adsorbing the contaminants and there is a step of contacting the adsorbing body with an organic solvent to extract the adsorbed contaminants into the organic solvent.

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: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming particles using supercritical fluid. The method includes the steps of mixing a load material with a first flow of a supercritical fluid in a first mixing chamber having a primary mixing device disposed therein to form a melt, transferring the melt from the first mixing chamber to a second mixing chamber having a secondary mixing device disposed therein, mixing the melt with a second flow of the supercritical fluid in the second mixing chamber to form a lower viscosity melt, expanding the lower viscosity melt across a pressure drop into an expansion chamber that is at a pressure below the critical pressure of the supercritical fluid to convert the supercritical fluid to a gas and thereby precipitate the load material in the form of particles.

Abstract: The levels of iron sulfide present in a conduit, such as a pipeline, are reduced by contacting the conduit, on an inner surface, with a composition obtained from an aqueous solution containing at least one compound of Formula (I) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative in the presence of a solvent, wherein X is an anion of valency n. Preferably, the pH of the solution is about 8. Alternatively, the method employs a composition comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (TRIS) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative. The amine preferably is ammonia or a primary alkylamine. The compositions readily complex and thereby dissolve deposits of iron(II) sulfide, removing them from the conduit.

Abstract: A process for the purification or fractionation of aqueous soluble polymers using an aqueous two-phase system is described. The concentrations of the polymer to be fractionated and of an aqueous soluble salt, and the temperature of the aqueous fractionation medium are adjusted so that two phases form, the lower molecular weight polymer molecules partition into the high salt concentration phase, and the higher molecular weight polymer molecules partition into the low salt concentration phase. The resulting high molecular weight polymers are characterized by a higher average molecular weight and a narrower molecular weight distribution and decreased unsaturation than the unfractionated polymers. After being subjected to the fractionation process, polyol polymers that form hydrogels in aqueous solution exhibited higher viscosities and a liquid to gel transition over a narrower temperature range than the unfractionated polyol polymers.

Abstract: An onboard fuel separation apparatus separates a material fuel (gasoline) into a high-octane fuel having a higher octane value than the material fuel and a low-octane fuel having a lower octane value than the material fuel using a separation membrane which selectively allows high-octane value components (such as aromatic components) permeate through the membrane. The apparatus increases the ratio of the amount of the high-octane value components permeating through the membrane to the amount of the high-octane value components contained in the material fuel by, (A) Controlling the temperature of the material fuel supplied to the membrane (B) Increasing partial pressure of the low-octane value components on the high-octane fuel side of the membrane and removing volatiles from the permeate, and (C) Bypassing volatiles in the material feed around the membrane.

Abstract: A process for extracting phenol from a phenol-containing aqueous solution is disclosed. The process entails contacting the aqueous solution with an extracting agent that comprise a mixture of 60 to 99% of methyl isobutyl ketone, 1 to 40% of anisole and 0 to 20% of mesitylene.

Abstract: A method for producing composite particles using a supercritical fluid extraction technique on an emulsion. First and second materials (for example; a polymer and a biologically active material) are dissolved or suspended in a preferably solvent to form a solution or dispersion. The solution or dispersion is emulsified in a polar solvent to form an oil-in-water or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. The emulsion is contacted with a supercritical fluid to extract the solvent. Removal of the solvent by the supercritical fluid from the emulsion supersaturates at least the first material in the solution causing the first material to precipitate out of the solution as composite particles that include both the first and second materials.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for contacting two liquid phases for liquid-liquid extraction in a vertical extraction vessel. A relatively heavier liquid phase, descending the extraction vessel at a relatively low volumetric flow rate, is dispersed into a continuous phase comprising a relatively lighter liquid rising through the extraction vessel at a relatively high flow rate. Sieve trays are provided with adjustable active areas and overlapping manways for personnel access.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of diterpenes such as Forskolin, its congeners, analogs and derivatives, up to approximately 6% concentration, are prepared using suitably substituted cyclodextrin as a solubilizing agents. In the absence of cyclodextrin, some diterpenes such as Forskolin are soluble in water only to concentrations of about 0.001%. Such aqueous solutions find applications in topical and systemic use, as pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical preparations containing diterpenes such as Forskolin and congeners.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the daily operating performance parameters for water treatment processes through the collection of localized data. The data is manipulated to generate preconfigured performance, maintenance, and quality assurance reports and further provide automatic submission of data as required for regulatory review of certain water treatment systems such as potable water treatment. The data is collected from sensors located at an equipment site and transferred to a remote computer located by use of the Internet, further all data received and used for generation of reports is also accessible by Internet connection and be delivered directly to the regulatory agency without additional process.

Abstract: Method and devices for producing aqueous iodine and other halogen solutions for dietary, disinfection, sterilization and preservation purposes and the uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for recovering diphosphite-containing compounds from a mixture comprising diphosphite-containing compounds and organic dinitriles and Lewis acid, using liquid-liquid extraction, wherein the molar ratio of organic mononitrile present to organic dinitrile from about 0.01 to about 2.5 and wherein the mixtured is treated with a Lewis base compound selected from the group consisting of monodentate phosphite ligand, alcohol, water, organoamines, ammonia and basic resin, and wherein the extraction solvent is a saturated or unsaturated alkane or saturated or unsaturated cycloalkane; wherein the Lewis base compound is selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, phenol, cresol, or xylenol. Also disclosed are pre-treatments to enhance extractability of the diphosphite-containing compounds.

Abstract: A polymeric sorbent that can be employed in the extraction and purification of polar and nonpolar molecules from a complex media (e.g. pharmaceuticals from biological matrices) by solid phase extraction (SPE). The sorbent exhibits a strong capacity for the retention of polar molecules and can facilitate the recovery of compounds possessing a range of polarities while furnishing clean extracts showing low ion suppression. The polymer is wettable and remains wetted over long periods of time.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to purification of carbon nanomaterials, particularly fullerenes, by removal of PAHs and other hydrocarbon impurities. The inventive process involves extracting a sample containing carbon nanomaterials with a solvent in which the PAHs are substantially soluble but in which the carbon nanomaterials are not substantially soluble. The sample can be repeatedly or continuously extracted with one or more solvents to remove a greater amount of impurities. Preferred solvents include ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. The invention also provides a process for efficiently separating solvent extractable fullerenes from samples containing fullerenes and PAHs wherein the sample is extracted with a solvent in which both fullerenes and PAHs are substantially soluble and the sample extract then undergoes selective extraction to remove PAHs. Suitable solvents in which both fullerenes and PAHs are soluble include o-xylene, toluene, and o-dichlorobenzene.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mincing a gel includes a gel mincing tube and a mesh material. The mesh material extends across the end of the tube. To subdivide a gel using the mincing apparatus, a gel is placed upon the mesh material in the mincing tube, the mincing tube, mesh material and the gel are spun in a centrifuge, forcing the gel through the mesh material so that the gel is subdivided into generally uniform smaller fragments. The mesh material may be secured to a tube in the form of a nesting tube. The nesting tube nests within the opening of a recovery vessel. The mesh material may be placed in series with a conditionally porous membrane in the nesting tube. Centrifuging the nesting tube and the recovery vessel subdivides gel material into fragments by forcing the gel through the mesh material. The gel subsequently falls upon the membrane, and may be treated on the membrane to extract or otherwise treat analytes in the gel material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting and concentrating a desired compound from a chromatographic column exit stream. The collection chamber can be heated or cooled and washed in a forward or backward direction for efficient removal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to extract terpenoids in aquatic environments by using a hydrophobic absorbent, thus reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water and aquaculture products which is caused by cyanobacteria-produced terpenoids.

Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling expensive and hazardous components from capacitors containing an electrolyte salt dissolved in an aprotic organic solvent. The method includes disintegrating a plurality of capacitor casings and their contents into fragments and forming an aqueous slurry of water insoluble fragments, filtering fractionally distilling the filtrate to remove the solvent as a distillate and recovering the electrolyte salt.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a suspension includes a hollow cylindrical column having a central axis therethrough. The column has an interior with a cross-section, perpendicular to said axis, that is constant along said axis, and that extends from a first end to a second end of the column; one central tube axially disposed in said column and extending from said one end toward said opposite end, said central tube having an outer wall of constant diameter, said cylindrical column and said central tube defining an annular zone between them, extending axially from said first end of the column to at least near said second end of the column; at least one filter in said outer wall of the said central tube, forming the only direct communication between the said annular zone and the interior of the tube and at least one filter in the outer wall.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices comprising porous monolithic polymer for concentration, extraction or mixing of fluids. A method for in situ preparation of monolithic polymers by in situ initiated polymerization of polymer precursors within microchannels of a microfluidic device and their use for solid phase extraction (SPE), preconcentration, concentration and mixing.

Abstract: Method and system for extraction of fat or oil-soluble components, e.g. PAH, NDP and/or BTX, from produced water being separated from an oil or gas plant. The method is characterized by injection of a liquid consisting of hydrocarbons from the oil or gas plant into the water flow, the injection liquid having a lower content of the oil soluble components than the original oil phase in equilibrium with the water, the injection liquid is atomized into the whole water phase and the water/hydrocarbon mixture is given a predetermined retention time thus to allow mass transferring of the oil soluble components from the water to the injection liquid, before the injection liquid is separated from the water in a separator, preferably a hydro cyclone, the injection liquid being adapted to the separators working range for pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for desalinating saltwater which utilizes a heatable vessel wherein is placed a sufficient quantity of a salt which will absorb water of crystallisation and which has a dissolution index of not higher than 10?24. Saltwater is then added to the vessel and brought into contact with the salt, so that the salt will bind water from the saltwater and form a crystal hydrate. The excess saltwater with salt concentrate is drained from the vessel. The salt which has absorbed water tom the saltwater and formed a crystal hydrate is then heated in the vessel, and the pure water from the crystal hydrate is released as water vapour, which is collected and cooled to obtain desalinated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting fixed and mineral oils, and/or essential oils, from materials using a process of solvent extraction which is performed under pressure. The solvent is iodotrifluoromethane or iodotrifluoromethane in combination with a co-solvent. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the extraction of fixed and mineral oils, and/or essential oils. Substantial reductions in or elimination of the normally high latent heat of solvent evaporation may also be achieved simply by raising or lowering the temperature of or simply by adding or removing “sensible” heat from the solvent at appropriate points during its re-circulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating and upgrading a hydrocarbon containing acidic species such as mercaptans, comprising: (a) contacting the hydrocarbon, in the essential absence of oxygen, with a first phase of a treatment composition containing water, dissolved alkali metal hydroxide, cobalt phthalocyanine sulfonate, and dissolved alkylphenylates and having at least two phases, (i) the first phase containing water, alkali metal alkylphenylate, dissolved alkali metal hydroxide, and dissolved sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine, and (ii) the second phase containing water and dissolved alkali metal hydroxide; and then (b) separating an upgraded hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The process of heavy metals removal from the waste water using silica dispersion without mixing silica dispersion with the waste water. This is achieved due to the membrane device where silica dispersion and waste water stream are separated by membrane with pore sizes smaller that size of the silica particles. The process is organized as counter-flow, which means that silica dispersion and waste water flow in the opposite directions. This provides the maximum utilization of the adsorption capacity corresponding to the adsorbent being in equilibrium with the high initial concentration of the contaminant in distinction from the low utilization when adsorbent works in equilibrium with the low output concentration. In the particular instance the membrane device comprises a lumen of a bundle of hollow fibers with silica dispersion flowing either inside or outside of the fibers and wastewater flowing on the opposite side of the fiber membrane. This process eliminates step of separating silica from the wastewater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of small particle precipitation, retention and dispersion of a solid or semi-solid material onto or into a carrier material. In this method, solute particles are precipitated from a pressurized gaseous fluid solution or a liquid solution and effectively retained and dispersed within a carrier material. This technique can be advantageously used in pharmaceutical processing to produce a blend of solid or semi-solid material particles and carrier material, a granulation of the solid or semi-solid material particles with carrier material, carrier material partially or fully coated with the solid or semi-solid material particles, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of extracting nucleic acid in a simple manner at a high efficiency with no use of any hazardous reagent from biological materials having required specific procedure for nucleic acid extraction, particularly from biological materials such as bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium; and a process of simultaneously carrying out the extraction and purification of nucleic acid in a simple manner from such biological materials existing in a biological sample such as feces having involved much difficulty in the purification of the nucleic acid. In the present invention, vigorous agitation of biological materials with fine particles in solutions containing chelating reagents or agitation of biological materials with aqueous solutions containing chelating reagents and quaternary ammonium salts, together with organic solvents and fine particles is performed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-purity ionic liquid having a pH value of 7 and an elemental analysis deviation of less than 0.5 wt % between a calculated elemental analysis and a found elemental analysis for each of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, wherein the method comprises forming a monophasic or biphasic mixture of an ionic liquid and an inert liquid. When the monophasic mixture is formed, it is filtered to yield a filtrate from which the high-purity ionic liquid is recovered. When the biphasic mixtures is formed, it is separated into an aqueous phase and ionic liquid phase, whereby the ionic liquid phase is filtered to yield a filtrate from which the high-purity ionic liquid is recovered. Furthermore, the present purification procedure can be used for the clean-up of a contaminated ionic liquid by extracting it into a polar extractant to form an extract containing the ionic liquid. Water traces are removed from the extract.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process rates pipe segments in a water distribution system, the water distribution system including pipe segments and hydrants. Information gathered from maintenance tasks and inspections performed on the pipe segments and hydrants within the water distribution system is stored in an electronic database. The information in the electronic database is analyzed for a specified period of time to determine the presence of water quality factors and service interruption factors. Points are assigned to the pipe segments based on the presence of the water quality factors and service interruption factors. The pipe segments are rated based on the total points assigned to the pipe segments. The pipe segment ratings can be used for prioritizing the replacement of pipe segments in the water distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting and concentrating a desired compound from a chromatographic column exit stream. The collection chamber can be heated or cooled and washed in a forward or backward direction for efficient removal.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is used to effect mixing between one or more fluid streams. The mixing apparatus generally functions by creating a transverse flow component in the fluid flowing within a channel without the use of moving mixing elements. The transverse or helical flow component of the flowing fluid or fluids can be created by weak modulations of the shape of the walls of the channel. Transverse or helical flow component can be created by grooves features defined on the channel wall. Specifically, the present invention can be used in laminarly flowing fluids. The mixing apparatus and methods thereof can effect mixing of a fluid or fluids flowing with a Reynolds number of less than about 100. Thus, the present invention can be used to mix a fluid flowing in the micro-regime. The mixing apparatus can be used to mix a fluid in a microfluidic system to significantly reduce the Taylor dispersion along the principal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps:

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an extracting structure for incorporating a substance contained in a first liquid into a second liquid. The extracting structure comprises: a channel for allowing the first liquid and the second liquid to flow therein in a form of a layered flow in which first laminar flows of the first liquid and second laminar flows of the second liquid alternately come in contact with each other, wherein the substance in the first laminar flow of the first liquid moves to the second laminar flow of the second liquid through the boundaries between the first laminar flows and the second laminar flows; and a separating section, connected to a lower stream side of the channel, for separating the second liquid from the first liquid. Further, disclosed also herewith is a separating structure for separating a second liquid from the mixture of a first liquid and the second liquid.

Abstract: A process for purifying removal of crystals from their suspension in mother liquor by means of a washing column having forced transport in which the process chamber is encased by a metal wall which, on its side facing away from the process chamber, is heated at least along the length of the pure melt zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a separation device in which separation flow paths for allowing the passage of only molecules having a predetermined size and smaller sizes are disposed between two flow channels set apart by a partition; and a separation method using the device. According to the separation technique, substances having small sizes such as cells, nucleic acids and proteins can be separated by the use of a small amount of a sample in a short time with excellent resolution, and problems of clogging and the like can also be solved.

Abstract: An apparatus for industrial wastewater treatment and the electrolytic recovery of metals from solutions is disclosed. It comprises two or more plates with electricity conducting surfaces arranged in parallel and separated by insulating gaskets, two heads and a hydraulic ram or other mechanical means to press the group of plates between the heads. Plates and gaskets pressed together form chambers where metal recovery and other electrochemical reactions take place. Holes bored on the plates or on the gaskets separating them allow the solutions to be treated to flow in and out of the chambers. The solutions in the chambers close the electrical circuit between the conducting surfaces of the plates and allow an electrical current to flow from one plate to the other closing also a circuit between the terminals of an electrical current source.

Abstract: A method is provided herein for the extraction of phenol from a waste water stream. The method is used in conjunction with a process for producing acetone and phenol from cumene. The method for extracting phenol from waste water includes contacting in a countercurrent mode a phenol-containing waste water stream with a hydrocarbon stream derived from a bottoms stream from the acetone finishing column to produce a dephenolated waste water stream and a phenol-containing hydrocarbon stream. The phenol-containing hydrocarbon stream is preferably washed with an aqueous caustic solution to provide a hydrocarbon stream, which is then conveyed to the alpha-methylstyrene recovery system. Preferably the hydrocarbon stream derived from the bottoms stream of the acetone finishing column is water washed prior to contacting the phenol-containing waste water stream.

Abstract: A method is described to bulk separate single wall nanotubes (SWNTs) by type (metallic (met-) from semiconducting (sem-)) and diameter. The separation is based on selective precipitation of either sem-SWNTs or met-SWNTs from a population of functionalized SWNTs surfactant N-alkyl-amines, for example, preferentially solubilize sem-SWNTs and precipitate met-SWNTs, while non-surfactant amines to selectively precipitate sem-SWNTs, leaving the met-SWNT fraction in suspension. In addition, the selective precipitation method can be used to separate enriched populations of sem-SWNTs or met-SWNTs by diameter.

Abstract: The present provides a method for preparing resin fine particles of a homogeneous particle size used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, electronic material or the like, resin fine particles, and a production apparatus for resin fine particles.

Abstract: A microstructured separating device, especially for separating liquid components from a particle-containing liquid, comprising the following features: at least one transport channel for transport of the liquid in a given transport direction; at least one separating area at a branch point of the transport channel which is adjoined by a side channel through which a partial flow of the liquid from the transport channel is diverted; a microstructure in the separating area which keeps larger particles of the liquid out of the separating area and which slows down the transport of smaller particles in the separating area.

Abstract: A system for processing supercritical and subcritical fluid capable of bringing the inside of at least one processing container (1) formed in a flow passage into a supercritical or subcritical high pressure field, wherein thermal operation is applied to process fluid to apply thermal expansion to the fluid to produce a pressure difference between the processing container (1) and the outside, whereby a specified temperature and the high pressure field suitable for the processing of the supercritical or subcritical fluid can be provided in the processing container (1).

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a machining suspension into fractions including abrasive grains and attrition material, such as a suspension produced in the course of the mechanical machining of silicon, quartz or ceramic material, from a cutting fluid in which abrasive grains and the attrition material are dispersed that originates from the machined material and from the machining equipment. In the method, the suspension is separated by means of wet classification, with the liquid used for the sizing process being selected in such a way that it can be mixed with the used cutting fluid and with the mixture so formed, which contains the attrition material originating from the machined material in particular, forming a stable suspension.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for capturing very fine particles present in a fluid flux in liquid, gaseous or supercritical state and a device therefor. The method is characterized in that it comprises steps which consist in: causing said flux to pass through a filtering element (13); stopping the emission of said flux; countercurrent clearing of the filtering material (31) with a carbon dioxide flow under pressure, so as to drive the particles deposited on the filtering material (31); countercurrent expanding of the flux, so as to trap the particles within a solid carbon dioxide snow-type mixture formed during its expansion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preparing samples for chromatographic separations and then chromatographically separating the prepared samples, preferably in a high-throughput fashion utilizing multiple parallel first (fluid) processing regions in fluid communication with multiple parallel second (fluid) processing regions wherein the each second processing region includes a chromatography column. One or more common fluid supplies may be utilized in each of the sample preparation and separation steps to minimize the number of requisite fluid connections and external components such as pumps, reservoirs, pulse dampers, flow controllers, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating separating polymeric from one or more by-products of preparation of the polymer and a first liquid phase, wherein the solid in a first liquid phase is brought into contact with a second liquid phase and the solid is transferred into the second liquid phase. The solid is washed in countercurrent and at least partial displacement washing takes place during the washing of the solid.