Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of virally inactivating biological fluids by solvent/detergent treatment of the fluid, followed by oil extraction and filtration.

Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of clay (palygorskite) to concurrently remove indigo dye and salts from the wastewater and subsequent conversion of recovery by-products into Maya blue, an organic-inorganic hybrid pigment with applications in the paint and coating industry. The present invention provides an attractive alternative to discharging the untreated effluent into municipal treatment plants or the environment through the production of a secondary commercial product from waste stream through a by-product synergy process.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to dialysis systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a dialysis system includes a device configured so that a medical fluid can pass therethrough, and the device is adapted to remove one or more substances from the medical fluid as the medical fluid passes through the device. The dialysis system can also include a sodium control system adapted to alter a sodium concentration of the medical fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing steam comprising the successive steps of: providing feedwater containing carbonate and/or sulfate ions; adding a crystallizing reagent able to react with carbonate and/or sulfate ions to the feedwater, in order to produce carbonate and/or sulfate crystals; filtering the feedwater with a ceramic membrane to produce a permeate stream; supplying the permeate stream to a boiler; and generating steam in the boiler. The invention also relates to an installation adapted for implementing said method, as well as to a process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation using the abovementioned method for producing steam.

Abstract: An extracorporeal fluid treatment apparatus includes a separator comprising a cartridge surrounding a porous separation membrane. The membrane separates a main flow path of a cellular component of the blood from a plasma flow path. An affinity medium is disposed within the plasma flow path to bind contaminants such as viral pathogens or toxins contained within the plasma. A pump pumps the plasma through the affinity medium at an assisted flow rate preferably between 10% and 40% of the whole blood flow rate. The assisted flow rate is selected to reduce a T90% of the apparatus by at least 50% as compared to a T90% of the apparatus without the plasma pump. A method of treating blood containing contaminants includes supplying infected blood to a separator and pumping the plasma component through an affinity medium at an assisted flow rate to increase contaminant clearance.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: A dialysate fluid circulation apparatus includes a dialyzer, a first housing and a second housing. The first housing contains material capable of releasing sodium into dialysate fluid flowing through the first housing. The second housing contains material capable of binding sodium ions from dialysate fluid flowing through the second housing. Hydraulic conduit sections are configured to extend between the dialyzer, the first housing, and the second housing to connect the dialyzer with the housings in a primary flow path for dialysate fluid to flow from the dialyzer to the first housing, from the first housing to the second housing, and from the second housing back to the dialyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrophilic membranes which are supplemented or treated with a non-ionic surfactant and processes for preparing such membranes. The membranes are particularly suitable for plasma separation or for haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration, but can also advantageously be used in other applications. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to the use of such membranes for plasma separation, plasma filtration, micro filtration, plasma therapy, haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration or cell filtration applications, respectively. The treated hydrophilic membranes show excellent biocompatibility, such as reduced platelet drop and decreased TAT levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are freshwater diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels, processes for reducing soluble metal levels in freshwater diatomaceous earth products, and methods of using the same. In particular, freshwater diatomaceous earth products are disclosed that have been treated with at least one surface metal blocking agent, such as an organic silicone compound with at least one functional group capable of forming a chelating complex with metal ions, to reduce the level of soluble metals associated therewith. Such freshwater diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels may be useful for various applications including as filter aid materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: A method to treat cancer uses ultrapheresis, refined to remove compounds of less than 120,000 daltons molecular weight, followed by administration of replacement fluid, to stimulate the patient's immune system to attack solid tumors. In the preferred embodiment, the patient is ultrapheresed using a capillary tube ultrafilter having a pore size of 0.02 to 0.05 microns, with a molecular weight cutoff of 120,000 daltons, sufficient to filter one blood volume. The preferred replacement fluid is ultrapheresed normal plasma. The patient is preferably treated daily for three weeks, diagnostic tests conducted to verify that there has been shrinkage of the tumors, then the treatment regime is repeated. The treatment is preferably combined with an alternative therapy, for example, treatment with an anti-angiogenic compound, one or more cytokines such as TNF, gamma interferon, or IL-2, or a procoagulant compound. The treatment increases endogenous, local levels of cytokines, such as TNF.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for controlling microorganisms in water systems having a pH of 5 or greater. The compounds are of the formula I: wherein X, R and R1 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling sessile microorganisms and removing biofilm from an aqueous or moisture-containing system. The methods comprise treating the system with an effective amount of a compound of the formula I: wherein X, R and R1 are as defined herein.

Abstract: According to the process for producing amino acid or salt thereof in the present invention, in the adsorption step, an amino acid-containing aqueous solution is fed into a pressure tight column so that a free amino acid is adsorbed on a carbonate-type anion exchange resin packed in the pressure tight column. Subsequently, in the elution step, eluent liquid containing a hydrogen carbonate ion and/or a carbonate ion is injected into the pressure tight column in a pressurized state to elute the amino acid adsorbed on the anion exchange resin and simultaneously to regenarate the anion exchange resin into the carbonate-type. In the case of purifying an acidic amino acid, an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid. In the case of purifying a neutral amino acid, an aqueous carbonic acid solution, an aqueous hydrogen carbonate solution, an aqueous ammonium hydrogen carbonate solution or an aqueous ammonium carbonate solution is employed as the eluent liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides waste water treatment processes utilizing an ion exchange resin to remove sulphate anions, while adjusting the pH of the ion exchange loading solution with carbon dioxide gas. The effect of the resin loading reactions is that dissolved sulphate is replaced with sequestered carbon dioxide gas, in the form of dissolved bicarbonate, in the treated water and the cations are not removed from the solution.

Abstract: The current invention comprises a method for the regeneration of a cation exchange chromatography column.

Abstract: A method and components for heating and hydrating foods and beverages using an exothermic and pressure generating chemical reaction are described. The exothermic reaction can be initiated by water, spark, electrical impulse, squib, friction, or shock to heat non-potable water and force the water through a membrane filter, thereby producing heated, potable water.

Abstract: An H2S04-based calcite dissolution post-treatment process and apparatii for desalinated water are provided. The process comprises separating cations from seawater by ion exchange resin (s) (12) onto which the ions are loaded, contacting the ion exchange resin (s) (12) loaded with the cations with an effluent (1) of a calcite dissolution reactor (10) wherein the cations are exchanged with Ca2+ from this effluent. The Ca2+ concentration of the resulting desalinated water (6) decreases while the cations concentration increases to comply with required quality criteria. Batch type and continuous apparatii by which the process can be carried out are described.

Abstract: A calcite dissolution post-treatment process and apparatii for desalinated water are provided. The process comprises separating cations from seawater or brackish/seawater desalination brines by ion exchange resin(s) onto which the ions are loaded, contacting the ion exchange resin(s) loaded with the cations with an effluent of a calcite dissolution reactor wherein the cations are exchanged with Ca2+ from this effluent. The Ca2+ concentration of the resulting desalinated water decreases while the cations concentration increases to comply with required quality criteria. Batch type and continuous apparatii by which the process can be carried out are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials and methods used for the concentration, desalination, purification or stabilization of biological compounds, in particular biological macromolecules and supramolecular structures, by means of superabsorbent polymers or superabsorptive composite materials.

Abstract: Desalination is accomplished by subjecting feed saline water to a cation exchanger in magnesium form where sodium and scale-forming cations are at least partially exchanged for non-scale-forming magnesium ions. This ion exchange also reduces the osmotic pressure of the solution. When the resultant solution is subjected to a pressure-driven membrane desalination process, scaling is reduced and desalinated water is efficiently produced at a lower pressure. After desalination, the concentrated waste water, which contains higher concentrations of ions such as magnesium and sodium, is used to regenerate the depleted cation exchanger back into magnesium form. This regeneration permits the process to be self-sustainable.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.

Abstract: A method and system for removing organic contaminants from water by use of a panel of hydrophobic polymer membranes which resist degradation when exposed to aggressive oxidizing solutions and that can be used to decompose the organic contaminants while fostering selective-permeation by the organic contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for transferring inorganic oxide nanoparticles from aqueous phase to organic phase. A modifier is used to change the surface polarity of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, followed by using proper solvents to transfer the modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles form aqueous phase to organic phase. The organic dispersion of modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles can be combined with a polymer to provide a polymer composite with the nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing at least one constituent from a solution, comprising:—forming a liquid mixture by bringing together said solution (1) and a particulate seed material (6) under conditions or in the presence of one or more substances which cause the constituent to be removed to crystallize out on the surface of the seed material; and—separating the seed material having the constituent to be removed crystallized out thereon from the liquid mixture by passing the liquid mixture through a filter (3), wherein the pore size of the filter (3) is greater than or equal to the particle size of the seed material (6). The invention also relates to a method for preparing a particulate material wherein use is made of the method according to the present invention. The invention also relates to the particulate material obtainable by this method. The invention further relates to an apparatus that can be used in the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.

Abstract: Methods of separating actinides from lanthanides are disclosed. A regio-specific/stereo-specific dithiophosphinic acid having organic moieties is provided in an organic solvent that is then contacted with an acidic medium containing an actinide and a lanthanide. The method can extend to separating actinides from one another. Actinides are extracted as a complex with the dithiophosphinic acid. Separation compositions include an aqueous phase, an organic phase, dithiophosphinic acid, and at least one actinide. The compositions may include additional actinides and/or lanthanides. A method of producing a dithiophosphinic acid comprising at least two organic moieties selected from aromatics and alkyls, each moiety having at least one functional group is also disclosed. A source of sulfur is reacted with a halophosphine. An ammonium salt of the dithiophosphinic acid product is precipitated out of the reaction mixture. The precipitated salt is dissolved in ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane contactor assisted extraction system and method for extracting a single phase species from multi-phase working solutions. More specifically one preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for membrane contactor assisted water (MCAWE) extraction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from a working solution.

Abstract: An oxygenator which helps avoid bubbles in the blood from being discharged through the blood outlet port of the oxygenator includes a housing, a hollow fiber membrane bundle in the housing and formed by a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes serving for gas exchange, gas-inlet and gas-outlet ports communicating with gas passages of the hollow fiber membranes, and a blood-inlet and blood-outlet ports. A filter member is provided on a side closer to the blood outlet port of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and serves to catch bubbles in blood. The blood outlet port projects from the housing and a passage enlargement is provided in a vicinity of the end of the blood outlet port closer to the housing and having an increased passage cross-sectional area. The blood passed the filter member is allowed to reach the blood outlet port by being decelerated in the passage enlargement.

Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.

Abstract: In a fluidic device with a storage compartment communication is allowed between the storage compartment and other portions of the device. The communication is controlled through a valve arrangement and a membrane covering the compartment. The valve arrangement can be provided through a sealing clamp with clamp fingers. The clamp fingers control communication between the storage compartment and remaining portions of the fluidic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of rapid expanded solvent extraction of biopolymers, such as rubber, from plant materials, such as guayule, using an expanded hexane solvent. As is illustrated herein, the use of the expanded hexane solvent results in a markedly more efficient and rapid extraction process over other supercritical carbon dioxide extraction systems, including those systems using a hexane cosolvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.

Abstract: Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pervaporation processes as well as to apparatuses for carrying out such processes. More in particular, the present invention is directed to improvements in pervaporation processes by improving mass transfer. According to the present invention the feed stream for a pervaporation process contains vapour and liquid. An apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention comprises a boiler for evaporating a fraction of a liquid stream whereby a vapour stream can be obtained, a duct for combining the remaining liquid stream and said vapour to a mixture and for feeding said mixture to a pervaporation unit, which pervaporation unit comprises a membrane and a vacuum pump which is connected to the room that is on the permeate side of the membrane.

Abstract: There are provided a method and an apparatus for treating organic matter-containing water, the method and apparatus being capable of inhibiting the multiplication of microorganisms in an activated carbon column and a reverse osmosis membrane separator and performing stable treatment over long periods of time in a process including active carbon treatment and subsequent RO membrane separation treatment with an ultrapure water production system for use in electronic device manufacturing plants.

Abstract: A blood treatment method is described that is adapted to at least partially eliminate the carbon dioxide content of the type comprising a step of drawing a blood flow. Advantageously according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: acidifying the blood flow with transformation of the related blood bicarbonate content into gaseous carbon dioxide; and eliminating the gaseous carbon dioxide content by means of a pressure gradient.

Abstract: A process of producing ultrapure water includes passing a water stream through a plurality of treatment stages in which inorganic and organic species which are present in the water are separated from the water stream; and adding an aqueous hypobromite solution to the water stream in at least one of the stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid, comprising the steps of:—supplying a flow of liquid for purifying;—adding a crystal growth inhibitor;—purifying the flow;—separating the flow into a purified flow and a return flow; and—concentrating the crystal growth inhibitor, present in the return flow, in a crystallizer

Abstract: Methods and systems for a zero discharge waste water treatment system are provided. The system includes a filtration train including filter media having successively smaller diameter filtration elements, a reverse osmosis apparatus including a pump and a membrane coupled in flow communication with said filtration train, a vapor compressor coupled in flow communication with said reverse osmosis apparatus, and a spray dryer coupled in flow communication with said vapor compressor, said spray dryer configured to separate moisture in a brine solution from particulate suspended in the brine solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for extracting, isolating, and measuring lead dissolved in aqueous solutions, including water.

Abstract: Foreign substances which are not inherently contained in a polishing slurry are selectively separated and removed from a polishing slurry component comprised of abrasives, a solvent and an additive which are inherently contained in the polishing slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a coagulant product. It is characterized in that a starting material is prepared containing sludge resulting from the treatment of drinking water and an ore containing iron and/or aluminum, said starting material undergoing acid attack to form iron salts, aluminum salts or a mixture thereof. Application of said coagulant during implementation of a physico-chemical step of the treatment of waste water and/or industrial water.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the removal of one or more selected target materials from various streams using a rare earth metal-containing fixing agent.

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

Abstract: Solid phase extraction devices including a plurality of packed nominally aligned capillary-channeled polymeric fibers for use as stationary phase materials are disclosed. A plurality of fibers are packed together in a casing so as to provide good flow characteristics through the fibers and high surface area contact between a sample and the fibers. Different polymer compositions of the fibers permit the “chemical tuning” of the extraction process. The fibers can be physically or chemically derivatized to target specific analytes for separation from a test sample. Use of the fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backpressures. The fibers are easily packed into a micropipette tip or a conduit for use with a fluid flow device such as an aspirator or a pump. The devices can be used for isolation and pre-concentration of analytes from samples, for instance for proteins from buffer solutions or extraction of pollutants from remote locations.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid waste containing target species is described, in which the liquid is first conveyed through a housing containing a catalyst for removing either a reducing agent or an oxidising agent from the liquid, The liquid is then conveyed to a reverse osmosis or nanofiltration membrane to obtain a retentate rich in the target species and a permeate lean in the target species. The retentate is returned to the liquid upstream from the membrane, whilst the permeate may be subject to further treatment, for example in a neutralisation plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.