Including Ion Exchange Or Other Chemical Reaction Patents (Class 210/638)
  • Patent number: 7618535
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppressed ion analysis in which a sample solution of analyte (e.g., anion) in an eluent of electrolyte counterions (e.g., sodium), is chromatographically separated. Then, the counterions are suppressed in a suppression zone and removed and used to convert the analyte ions to salt form in a salt-converting zone. The suppression and salt-converting zones may be contiguous or remote, and may be performed in devices of the membrane suppresser type. Thereafter, the salts or acids or bases formed from them (e.g., in membrane suppressor devices) are detected. Also, salt conversion can be performed using two ion exchange packed bed salt convertors in which one bed is on-line while the other is regenerated, followed by a reversal of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Kannan Srinivasan, Sheetal Saini, Nebojsa Avdalovic
  • Patent number: 7618544
    Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: John Lee Massingill, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090277834
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for contacting liquid with an ion exchange resin comprising introducing liquid into a process tank containing ion exchange resin at an inlet (2) and removing liquid that has been contacted with resin from the process tank at an outlet, the outlet being located above the inlet (2), the process tank including a resin containment region (7, 9) disposed between the inlet (2) and the outlet to impede the upward flow of the resin as it becomes entrained in the liquid flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and a contactor region for promoting contact between the resin and the liquid located below the containment region (7, 9), said containment region (7, 9) containing an array of settling members through which the liquid and resin upflow and which impede the flow of the resin to a sufficient extent that it is substantially contained within or below the containment region (7, 9). Apparatus for performing this method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Vero, Colin Bruce Ritchie, Abigail Holmquist
  • Publication number: 20090266763
    Abstract: Water (23) that contains micro-nano bubbles generated in a micro-nano bubble generation tank (6) is introduced and treated in a charcoal water tank (11) which is filled with a charcoal (15) and in which an air diffusing pipe (12) is placed and thereafter introduced and treated in a membrane device (21). Thus, activities of microorganisms propagating in the charcoal (15) are increased by the micro-nano bubbles, markedly increasing ability of decomposing organic matters in the water. Therefore, a clogging phenomenon due to the organic matters can be prevented by reducing organic loads on the membrane device (21). Moreover, a very small amount of alcohols or salts are added as a micro-nano bubble generation aid to the micro-nano bubble generation tank (6), improving an incidence rate of the micro-nano bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Publication number: 20090261039
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating water effluent from purging or cleaning steam generator circuits. In characteristic manner, the following steps are performed: filtering the raw effluent to separate insoluble matter from the filtered effluent; and concentrating the filtered effluent to below the solubility limit of the dissolved species so as to obtain a liquid concentrate, the concentration step including at least evapo-concentration treatment and reverse osmosis treatment; the pH of the effluent being adjusted to a value in the range 5 to 6.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: VEOLIA EAU - COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES EAUX
    Inventors: Herve Paillard, Jerome De Benedittis, Joseph Bonnefoy
  • Publication number: 20090255874
    Abstract: Systems and methods for versatile water purification are provided. A system according to the invention may include a first delivery pump. The first delivery pump may maintain a flow of water into a multi media filter. The multi media filter preferably filters the pumped water. The filtered water may then be pumped by a reverse osmosis pump through a plurality of reverse osmosis columns to produce an osmosis water having less particulate matter than the filtered water. The osmosis water may then be passed to a buffer tank. A second delivery pump for pumping water from the buffer tank may also be used. An ozone system for injecting ozone into water pumped by the second delivery pump may be also implemented. A first output path from the ozone system may pass the ozonated water from the ozone system to the buffer tank via a first valve. A second output path from the ozone system may also be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Water Chef, Inc.
    Inventor: Gil Tenne
  • Publication number: 20090242483
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing elements is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Global Materials Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Kane, Raymond Joseph Lovett, Steven Alan Bouse
  • Patent number: 7595001
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for treating seven types of saline waters each having a concentration of total dissolved solids exceeding 1 g/L, wherein the concentration of total dissolved solids, the ratio of the chloride ion concentration to the bicarbonate ion concentration and the ratio of the chloride ion concentration to the sulphate ion concentration of each of the water types are as indicated in Table 1. The process includes the steps of contacting the water with a first reagent comprising a source of calcium ions selected from calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide to form a first solid product which is recovered. The process includes a further step of subjecting at least a portion of the partially processed water to at least partial evaporation so as to promote the formation of a precipitate and a mother liquor. The precipitate is recovered as a second product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: GEO-Processors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aharon Arakel, Hongjun Tian, Lance James Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20090236284
    Abstract: Methods for removing substances from dialysis solutions and dialysis components using ion exchange adsorption are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for removing a substance from a dialysis solution. The method comprises providing a dialysis solution and passing the dialysis solution through an ion exchange resin so that at least a portion of the overall amount of the substance is removed from the dialysis solution by being adsorbed onto the ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin can comprise an anion exchange resin or a cation exchange resin depending on the substances that are desired to be removed from the dialysis solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Johnson, Beverly Johnson, Valerie Leesch
  • Publication number: 20090230059
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20090234146
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the direct transesterification and extraction of bio-lipids and bio-oils in the production of biofuel, particularly fatty acid methyl ester products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Michael J. Cooney, Gregory Young
  • Patent number: 7588686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a filter unit for depleting or enriching a liquid or gas with substance(s) comprising i) providing a filter unit comprising at least one convective layer and at least one receiving layer adjacent one another, ii) passing the liquid or gas through the filter so that the main direction of flow is along the layers and the main flow of liquid gas is in the convective layer, allowing the substance(s) to: a) be transferred from a convective layer to a receiving layer, and b) be retained or otherwise modified or transferred within a receiving layer, or c) be provided by the receiving layer, and d) be transferred from the receiving layer to the fluid in the convective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: University of Copenhagen
    Inventor: Marina B. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20090223887
    Abstract: A system and method for oxidizing a feed material includes a reactor vessel that forms an enclosed chamber. The vessel includes a port for introducing the feed material into the chamber where it can be oxidized to create salts and particulates, together with a fluid effluent. After their creation, the salts and particulates flow into a brine pool maintained within the chamber. Thereafter, brine, including salts and particulates, can be removed from the chamber through a vessel outlet. Further, the vessel includes a fluid effluent discharge pipe extending from outside the vessel, through the brine pool, into the chamber. As a result of this structure, the fluid effluent can be separated from the salts and particulates and discharged from the chamber through the pipe, passing through the brine pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, John L. Perlman
  • Publication number: 20090223896
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mamadou S. Diallo
  • Publication number: 20090223894
    Abstract: A method for treating a hardly-decomposable-substance-containing water which including: (B) adding an adsorbent to water containing a hardly decomposable substance to cause the hardly decomposable substance to be adsorbed on the adsorbent (adsorption treatment step); (C) separating a permeated liquid through a filter membrane to concentrate the adsorbent which has adsorbed the hardly decomposable substance (membrane filtering treatment step); (D) decomposing the hardly decomposable substance which has been adsorbed on the concentrated adsorbent (hardly decomposable substance decomposition step); and (E) returning the adsorbent after the decomposition of the hardly decomposable substance to the adsorption treatment step (B) (adsorbent returning step); and an apparatus for the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahisa Muramoto, Kozo Morimitsu, Masashi Machida, Yoshiyuki Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20090218282
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use on marine vessels or land-based applications where wastewater is separated into two separate sources as graywater and raw sewage (blackwater). For blackwater, the treatment system incorporates five general phases (or zones): (1) screening, (2) clarifying, (3) filtering, (4) advanced oxidation, and (5) sludge reducing. For graywater, the treatment system incorporates three general phases (or zones): (1) screening (2) filtering, and (3) advanced oxidation. Each train of the treatment system (blackwater and graywater) can operate as a stand-alone system or can be assimilated into an integrated treatment train for both graywater and blackwater. This system is particularly useful in today's restrictive regulatory environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NAVALIS ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen P. Markle, Randall J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090211976
    Abstract: A device for removing bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids from blood or plasma in an extracorporeal perfusion system contains, in a housing that can be incorporated into the perfusion system, a hollow fiber material that is suitable for the selective removal of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids, the device being arranged in such a way that the blood or plasma entering through a first opening of the housing must pass through the hollow fiber material before it leaves through a second opening of the housing and is directed to the rest of the perfusion circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Dietrich SEIDEL, Karl-Siegfried BOOS
  • Publication number: 20090211975
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Brian C. Green
  • Publication number: 20090200235
    Abstract: Pervaporation membranes including poly(acrylamide)-grafted alginate membranes, which may be optimized for the separation of alcohols from water, low viscosity sodium alginate membranes containing PEG and PVA, which may be optimized for the separation of organic acids from water, and copolymeric PAN-grafted PVA membranes, which may be optimized for the separation of DMF from water, and methods of making such membranes. Use of such membranes in pervaporation and pervaporation devices containing such membranes. Use of such membranes alone or in combination with ion-exchange membranes for recovery of organic compounds or for water purification applications such as production of potable water or industrial waste treatment. The membranes of the present invention may be used to remove trace amounts of water from organic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Tejraj M. Aminabhavi, Padmakar V. Kulkarni, Mahaveer Kurkuri
  • Publication number: 20090194479
    Abstract: A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Q. Jason Niu, William E. Mickols, Chunming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090184051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for collectively separating all the actinides (III), (IV), (V) and (VI) present in a strongly acidic aqueous phase, from the fission products, and in particular from the lanthanides, which are also present in this phase, using two extractants that operate in unconnected chemical fields. Applications: reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels, especially to recover plutonium, neptunium, americium, curium and, possibly, uranium present in trace amounts, in a grouped manner but selectively with respect to the lanthanides, from a solution for dissolution of an irradiated nuclear fuel, downstream of a uranium extraction cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Xavier Heres, Manuel Miguirditchian, Pascal Baron, Laurence Chareyre
  • Patent number: 7563373
    Abstract: Processes, methods and systems are provided herein for lowering the concentration of phosphorus in wastewater. The process includes adding a suitable amount of an aluminum-based coagulant/flocculent, for example, an aluminum-silicate coagulant/flocculent product to the wastewater while maintaining the pH of the wastewater at between about 4.5 and about 6.65. This step provides an eventual effluent stream of precipitated aluminum-based, phosphorus-containing flocs dispersed in the wastewater. The next step involves physically removing, as by filtering, the precipitated aluminum-based, phosphorus-containing flocs which is dispersed in the wastewater. These steps are able to provide a wastewater effluent containing less than about 0.03 mg total phosphorus per liter of wastewater. The disclosure also teaches novel methods and systems for carrying out the novel process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Seprotech Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Lysane Bolduc
  • Publication number: 20090178972
    Abstract: A method for removing liquid, gaseous and/or dissolved constituents from an aqueous stream includes contacting the aqueous stream with a porous material and then contacting the aqueous stream with an adsorbent material. The porous material includes pores having an average diameter of approximately 0.01 ?m to approximately 50 ?m and an extraction liquid immobilized within at least a portion of the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: AKZO NOBEL N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Thomas Meijer, Cornelis Johannes Govardus Van Strien
  • Publication number: 20090178973
    Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Pierre J. Messier
  • Patent number: 7560030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to phosphopeptide isolation and enrichment, particularly to a highly selective and specific phosphopeptide enrichment method. The method mentioned in the invention is based on the strong interaction between zirconium phosphonate and phosphopeptide. Zirconium phosphonate is immobilized on the surface of matrix for phosphopeptide enrichment. Zirconium phosphonate could be immobilized on chip surface, it can also be immobilized on chromatographic matrix for isolation and purification of phosphopeptides. The method shows high specificity for phosphopeptides, it can be applied to purify and enrich low abundance phosphopeptide from biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Hanfa Zou, Houjiang Zhou, Mingliang Ye, Shun Feng
  • Publication number: 20090173692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: WATER & POWER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James W. Laraway, Richard E. Weber, Donald J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090159530
    Abstract: A process is described for the treatment of water contaminated by apolar compounds consisting of halogenated solvents, aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds or their mixtures which consists in treating the water with one or more apolar zeolites characterized by a silica/alumina ration >50 and by the presence of structural channels having dimensions similar to those of the molecules of the contaminating compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ENITECNOLOGIE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Vignola, Adriano Bernardi, Giovanni Grillo, Raffaello Sisto
  • Publication number: 20090139929
    Abstract: A Chelating agent comprising a polymer backbone. The polymer backbone has a plurality of carbon atoms. There are two carboxylate groups or carboxylic acid groups per repeating unit being coupled to separate carbon atoms of the backbone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph P. Laurino
  • Publication number: 20090127193
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Palmer David Updyke, Harold Frederick Sandford, Benjamin Joseph Lipps, Douglas Mark Zatezalo, Michael James Beiriger, James Matthew Mullner
  • Publication number: 20090127195
    Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating and purifying components useful, either alone or in combination with other components, as adhesives or sealants for medical/surgical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Allison Foss Calabrese, Walter Skalla, Nadya Belcheva
  • Publication number: 20090127194
    Abstract: Provided is a wastewater treatment method using an electrodialysis reversal (EDR)-electrochemical wastewater treatment (EWT) combined process, the method including: separating inflow wastewater which contains nitrogen compounds into product water and concentrated water using an EDR facility; and decomposing the concentrated water into target materials to be eliminated from the wastewater in an EWT facility. Provided is a wastewater treatment method for decomposing inflow water containing a nitrogen-containing compound into target materials to be eliminated using an EWT facility alone. According to the wastewater treatment method, product water which is flowed out from an EDR facility can be reused as raw water, and the method guarantees reliability and stability by simultaneously processing recalcitrant COD and T-N in the concentrated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: KOREA POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Hyo-Young JOO
  • Patent number: 7534851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating water containing phenolic material such as bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers, and dispersed polycarbonate particles by extracting the phenolic material from the water using a water immiscible organic liquid containing an amine coupling catalyst. The treated water is then steam stripped to remove residual organic liquid and the amine. The organic liquid, containing the bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers and dissolved polycarbonate particles can be fed back to the coupling step of the polycarbonate process without further regeneration or treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Günter A. Jüptner
  • Publication number: 20090120874
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel water membranes comprising lipid bilayers incorporating functional aqua-porins. The lipid bilayers are arranged in sandwich structures including hydrophilic or hydro-phobic support materials. Also disclosed are water purification devices/systems, including reverse osmosis filtering devices that include membranes having functional aquaporins. Methods of water purification and methods of preparing the membranes are also disclosed. Further, the invention provides for a new type of perforated, hydrophobic polymer film and to membranes containing lipid bilayers having other transmembrane proteins than aquaporins introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Holme Jensen, Danielle Keller
  • Publication number: 20090107917
    Abstract: A system for purifying non-potable water to make said water potable includes an intake pump for bringing the non-potable water into the system. At least one centrifugal separator separates the non-potable water into suspended solids, saline water and oil. At least one ozone contact chamber injects ozone into a water stream being injected into at least one of the at least one of the centrifugal separators. A series of progressive filtration components are used for progressively filtering the saline water from the at least one centrifugal separator. The salinization filters then desalinate the progressively filtered saline water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: DAVID CAPEHART
  • Patent number: 7524469
    Abstract: An extractant composition comprising a mixed extractant solvent consisting of calix[4] arene-bis-(tert-octylbenzo)-crown-6 (“BOBCalixC6”), 4?,4?,(5?)-di-(t-butyldicyclo-hexano)-18-crown-6 (“DtBu18C6”), and at least one modifier dissolved in a diluent. The DtBu18C6 may be present at from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.4M, such as at from approximately 0.086 M to approximately 0.108 M. The modifier may be 1-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)-3-(4-sec-butylphenoxy)-2-propanol (“Cs-7SB”) and may be present at from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.8M. In one embodiment, the mixed extractant solvent includes approximately 0.15M DtBu18C6, approximately 0.007M BOBCalixC6, and approximately 0.75M Cs-7SB modifier dissolved in an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon diluent. The extractant composition further comprises an aqueous phase. The mixed extractant solvent may be used to remove cesium and strontium from the aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Meikrantz, Terry A. Todd, Catherine L. Riddle, Jack D. Law, Dean R. Peterman, Bruce J. Mincher, Christopher A. McGrath, John D. Baker
  • Publication number: 20090095678
    Abstract: A method of enhancing flux of tailings settling pond water from an oil sands process through a membrane separation system and purifying the water comprising is disclosed. The process comprises the following steps: (a) treating the water with an effective amount of one or more water-soluble cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof; (b) passing the treated water through a membrane separation system; and (c) optionally, passing the permeate from step (b) through an additional membrane separation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Deepak A. Musale, Anthony G. Sommese, Walter H. Goodman
  • Patent number: 7514063
    Abstract: A method of obtaining purified semiconducting SWCNTs from a bulk mixture of metallic SWCNTs and semiconducting SWCNTs by first creating an aqueous solution containing the bulk mixture and adding a functionalized particle or nanoparticle to the solution, whereby the functionalized particle or nanoparticle reacts chemically with the metallic SWCNTs to form a high density particle-nanotube composite that can be physically separated by centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George S Tulevski, Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Daniel P Sanders
  • Publication number: 20090084728
    Abstract: A water recovery method and apparatus which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle. The apparatus uses liquid-contactor to transfer water vapor from the vehicle exhaust to the liquid desiccant. The desiccant is then transferred to a reverse osmosis system which separates the liquid desiccant into potable water and a concentrated desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Eugene Kirts
  • Publication number: 20090068462
    Abstract: Nanosilver porous material particles and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The nanosilver porous material particles include nanosilver particles distributed on the surface thereof. First, a nanosilver precursor is dissolved in water and a proper quantity of a fixation agent is added to form a solution. Next, a proper quantity of the porous material particles is added into the solution and that is mixed well to form a suspension. Next, the suspension is allowed to stand for a predetermined period of time, and then the suspension is filtered to separate the porous material particles from the solution. Finally, the resulting porous material particles are baked and dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chiao-Cheng Chang, Austin Tsao
  • Patent number: 7501062
    Abstract: A process for permeation enhanced reactive extraction of levulinic acid from a liquid aqueous phase comprising levulinic acid, wherein the levulinic acid from the aqueous phase is brought into contact with a liquid alcohol phase at esterification conditions in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 50 to 250° C., the aqueous phase and the alcohol phase being separated from each other by a membrane, and an aqueous stream depleted in levulinic acid and an alcohol stream comprising ester of levulinic acid are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Johannes Leendert Willem Cornelis Den Boestert, Johannes Pieter Haan, Arian Nijmeijer
  • Patent number: 7494589
    Abstract: Procedure for the decontamination of a food liquid from one or more chemical and/or biological contaminants, based on the contact of said liquid with at least a biocompatible membrane, to which antibodies specific for said contaminants are covalently bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dox-Al Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivo Volpato, Bernard Bizzini, Flavio Veneroni
  • Patent number: 7491333
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of industrial waste water. The process includes the steps of admixing partially-treated waste water containing precipitated impurities with a flocculating agent in a flocculation basin, directing the admixed waste water to an elongated sedimentation basin, allowing flocculated solids in the waste water to settle to the bottom of the sedimentation basin, removing the settled solids from the bottom of the sedimentation basin and directing the treated water from the sedimentation basin. The process can further include the step of adjusting the pH of the waste water to precipitate impurities in the waste water prior to the addition of the flocculation agent. The elongated sedimentation basin can include a pair of sloped sides to consolidate the settled solids at the bottom of the basin. The settled solids can then be removed by suction. The basins can be formed from the excavation or impoundment of earth in an area adjacent to a waste water-generating facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cleanwater Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald A. Luke, Vaughn V. Astley
  • Publication number: 20090039019
    Abstract: Articles that include two or more exchange resins in one or more microporous membranes, where the membranes remove oppositely charged impurities from a fluid in contact with the membranes, are disclosed. Methods for using such devices to remove charged impurities from fluid in contact with the membrane are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Ven Anantha Raman
  • Publication number: 20090032462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Metanomics GmbH and Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael Manfred Herold, Martin Dostler, Ralf Looser, Tilmann B. Walk, Achim Fegert, Martin Kluttig, Britta Lehmann, Silke Heidemann, Annette Hennig, Joachim Kopka
  • Publication number: 20090032466
    Abstract: An agent for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises an ionic macromolecule having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or greater; a process for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises treating a permeable membrane with the agent; a permeable membrane which is treated in accordance with the process; and a process for water treatment which comprises using the permeable membrane are disclosed. By using the above agent, an increased rejection of inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds soluble in water can be maintained for a long time easily and safely at the location of the use of the membrane without extreme decrease in the flux of permeation in the membrane separation using a selective permeable membrane such as a nano filtration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kawakatsu, Nobuhiro Orita, Kunihiro Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20090026138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating, in an aqueous medium, at least one actinide element from one or more lanthanide elements by using at least one molecule which sequesters the said actinide element to be separated and membrane filtration, the said process successively comprising: a) a step of bringing at least one molecule which sequesters the said actinide element in contact with the aqueous medium, the said molecule not being retained in the non-complexed state by the said membrane and being capable of forming a complex with the actinide element to be separated, comprising the said element and at least two of the said sequestering molecules, which complex is capable of being retained by the membrane; b) a step of passing the aqueous medium over the membrane in order to form a permeate on one side, comprising an aqueous effluent depleted of the said actinide element, and a retentate comprising the said complex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Gilles Bernier, Jean-Marc Adnet, Alain Favre-Reguillon, Jacques Foos, Gerard Le Buzit, Marc Lemaire, Stephane Pellet-Rostaing, Antoine Sorin
  • Publication number: 20080290029
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for removing organic matter from water. The method includes contacting the water with a powdered material with an anionic or cationic surface charge and having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The powdered material is a modified product of natural origin. The system and method also provides for the regeneration of the powdered material in situ and reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Croue, Hugues Humbert, Abdelkader Gaid, Herve Suty, Jean-Christophe Schrotter, Yvan Poussade
  • Publication number: 20080287709
    Abstract: A process for the removal of acids from reaction mixtures, comprising at least one product of value which is sparingly soluble in water, by at least one unpolar amine as an auxiliary base, which includes: a) reacting the auxiliary base with the acid with formation of a salt; b) reacting the salt formed in step a) with a further base which accepts the acid with liberation of the auxiliary base and combines with the acid to be accepted from the auxiliary base to form a salt which is very readily soluble in water; c) extraction of the mixture obtained in step b) with water or an aqueous medium, wherein the salt of the further base dissolves in the aqueous phase and the product of value, or the solution of the product of value, in a suitable solvent and the auxiliary base form at least one separate nonaqueous phase; and d) removal by distillation of at least part of any solvent present from the at least one nonaqueous phase obtained in step c), to form two nonmiscible liquid phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Oliver Huttenloch, Patrick Deck, Holger Ganz, Michael Mauss, Wolfgang Kornig, Michael Bock
  • Publication number: 20080282908
    Abstract: A method and device are configured to remove or reduce the quantity of one or more contaminants from a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage. A contaminant removing material may be formed into an object or be associated with an object for contact with a beverage. The invention has particular applicability to removing or reducing the sulfite content of an alcoholic beverage and may change other properties of the beverage, such as its color. The contaminant removing material may be associated with a pour spout. The spout may also include one or more air inlets, an aeration mesh or both to aerate a beverage as it is poured. In addition, the pour spout may include one or more magnets to remove contaminants and change other properties of the beverage, such as its taste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cole, Elia Rocco Tarantino
  • Patent number: 7454295
    Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Watereye Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wolfe