Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter clogged with flocculating materials is provided. The method comprises determining the flocculated materials clogged on the filter and adding a dispersing agent to break up said flocculated materials to form dispersed precipitates. Then the dispersed precipitates are removed from the filter in a regular cleaning such as backflushing.

Abstract: A method of isolating a charged, especially proteinaceous, compound comprises providing a prepared sample of the compound in solution, placing the prepared sample in contact with a membrane so limited in effective adsorptive surface area as to enable reversible binding to the membrane of the charged compound in the sample presented to the adsorptive surface such that solvent is removable therefrom and the charged compound is left substantially reversibly bound thereto, and eluting the compound from the membrane. Eluted compounds can then be directly subjected to mass spectrometric analysis for charcterisation of, for example, individual peptides.

Abstract: Raw water is treated with chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ammonia in various stages as it proceeds from raw water acquisition through clarification (e.g., coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration) to storage of finished water from which the treated water can be introduced into a distribution system. Chlorine dioxide can be used as a pre-oxidant or disinfectant. Chlorine can be used as a disinfectant or to react with ammonia to produce monochloramine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reversible carbohydrate (glycan) trap, methods and system for preparing the trap and use of the trap in preparing and trapping glycans for the study of carbohydrate structure. The device and methods assist in the structural characterization of glycans. The method traps and purifies carbohydrate structures at improved sensitivities, thereby enhancing the accuracy of a tissue or cell's complete carbohydrate composition, the glycome, (vis-à-vis proteome). Most basically, the trap device covalently binds activated glycosyl residues on a polymer specifically prepared to contain aldehydic functional groups. The trap material is formed from a carbohydrate polymer, preferably dextran, which is oxidized with periodate to introduce aldehydic groups. The oxidized dextran polymer is packable into separation colulmns or micro-tips for use as the glycan trap.

Abstract: An integrated suppressor and detector for suppressed ion chromatography includes a stationary phase, a fluid flow path, at least first and second regeneration electrodes, and at least first and second sensor electrodes. Methods of suppressed ion chromatography using the integrated suppressor and detector are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for reducing or substantially eliminating chromium in non-volatile residue obtained from a certain processes, and particularly from cyclohexane oxidation processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of dissolved organic carbon from water. The process includes the following steps, adding an ion-exchange resin to water containing a contaminant such as dissolved organic carbon, dispersing the resin in the contaminated water to enable adsorption of the dissolved organic carbon onto the resin, and separating the resin loaded with contaminant from the water. In a preferred embodiment the process employs a magnetic ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: Method for desalting an aqueous liquid containing a charged substance comprising the steps of: (i) contacting liquid (I) with an ion-exchanger (1) under conditions permitting binding between ion-exchanger and substance, said ion-exchanger comprising a base matrix carrying an ion-exchange ligand (Ligand 1) with the opposite charge compared to the substance, (ii) desorbing said substance from said ion-exchanger by the use of a liquid (liquid (II)). Wherein: (&Lgr;) ion-exchanger (1) is an ion-exchanger::(a) that can bind the substance in an aqueous reference liquid at an ionic strength corresponding to 0.1 M NaCl, preferably 0.25 M NaCl; and (b) permits a breakthrough capacity at the pH provided by liquid (I) which is more than 2 mg/ml of gel, at a breakthrough of 10% and linear flow velocity of 300 cm/h; and (B) in step (ii) the pH of liquid (II) is adjusted to a pH value where the charge difference between the substance, the ligand and/or the ion-exchanger is lowered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer membranes for separating olefins from paraffins which have the similar molecular size and close boiling point. More particularly, it relates to a silver salt-containing facilitated transport membrane for olefin separation, and also a method for producing the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a silver salt-containing facilitated transport membrane for olefin separation having improved stability, and also a method for preparing the same, which exhibits no deterioration in membrane performance even when operated for an extended period of time. The facilitated transport membrane for olefin/paraffin separation of the present invention comprises a polymer, a silver salt, and a phthalate compound represented by the following formula (1) wherein R denotes an alkyl group of 2 to 8 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a partially silylated silica having at a surface thereof hydrophilic sites defined by non-silylated hydroxyl groups. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) providing a micelle templated silica having at a surface thereof surfactant-protected hydroxyl groups and unprotected hydroxyl groups; (b) treating the micelle templated silica with a base-generating silylating agent to silylate the unprotected hydroxyl groups and thereby obtain a partially silylated micelle templated silica; and (c) treating the partially silylated micelle templated silica with an acid to displace the surfactant, thereby obtaining a partially silylated silica having at the surface thereof hydrophilic sites defined by non-silylated hydroxyl groups. Such a partially silyalated silica having hydrophilic sites is useful as a catalyst support and for ion exchange in chromatography.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating a metal (1) from a metal (2), preferably zirconium from hafnium, which consists in dissolving said metals in an aqueous solution wherein said metals are in a state preventing them from passing through a nanofiltration membrane; treating the aqueous medium with a ligand, for example EDTA, which is complexed with metal (1) and/or metal (2), then in passing the resulting treated medium on a filtering membrane allowing through the ligand-metal complexes, but retaining the metals not complexed with the ligand.

Abstract: Extracorporeal affinity adsorption treatments which are aimed at the substantial removal of two or more compounds that are etiological in the pathogenesis of diseases in man provide effective therapeutic intervention means for these diseases. The methods are particularly suitable for the treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer, degenerative and autoimmune diseases. Extracorporeal chelation and immunotherapy for atherosclerosis, extracorporeal chelation treatment with on-line regeneration or replacement of chelant, extracorporeal immunotherapy with antibody fragments, and extracorporeal immunoadsorption utilizing antibodies bound to Protein A are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of dissolved organic carbon from water. The process includes the following steps, adding an ion-exchange resin to water containing a contaminant such as dissolved organic carbon, dispersing the resin in the contaminated water to enable adsorption of the dissolved organic carbon onto the resin, and separating the resin loaded with contaminant from the water. In a preferred embodiment the process employs a magnetic ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: A unique filtration device (10) which removes metal ions from a contaminated aqueous stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid (18) which can capture the metal ions in the aqueous stream. The wicking fibers (20) are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from a chamber (16) through which the aqueous stream is directed into a chamber (18) wherein the unwanted metal ions are removed from the extracting liquid (18). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected liquid extraction (18) which remains within the fiber through capillary action by which capillary action the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid,(18) with which they comes into contact, through the internal cavities (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for purifying effluent wastewater utilizing electrophoretic cross-flow filtration and electrode ionization. The method first comprises filtering the water in a cross-flow direction with a filter membrane (120) in the presence of an electric field that is operative to drive suspended particles away from a surface of the filter membrane (120). The permeate (134) containing dissolved solids is next passed through a mixture (188) of at least one cation-exchange resin and at least one anion-exchange resin disposed between a cation-selective membrane (184) and an anion-selective membrane (181) in the presence of an electric field. The electric field drives cations in the permeate through the cation-selective membrane (184), and drives anions in the permeate through the anion-selective membrane (181), thereby to form deionized water (192). The apparatus includes cell modules adapted to be used in plate-and-frame or radial flow configurations.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for removing metallic ions and/or particulate material from an aqueous acid solution using particle removing membranes (e.g., ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) having immobilized ligand groups (e.g., macrocycle or other similar chelating ligands) that possess high equilibrium binding constants for ion and particulate removal. The method is particularly useful for simultaneously filtering/purifying aqueous hydrofluoric or hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: A method and compound for the purification of proteins including the attachment of a non-peptidic, small compound which simulates the affinity of Protein A for immumoglobulins to a support matrix. Once attached on the support matrix, the resulting monochloro-triazine derivative is reacted with an excess of an amino compound at a higher temperature to achieve high levels of substitution. The resulting support matrix with ligand is useful in the affinity separations of antibodies. Further, a mercapto heterocyclic system ligand may be attached to the super matrix and useful in affinity separations of antibodies.

Abstract: A container made of, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate is pulverized and decomposed in the presence of a catalyst by the use of a solvent such as an alcohol or glycol to obtain crude bishydroxyalkyl terephthalate. This crude bishydroxyalkyl terephthalate is then purified by filtration, a treatment with activated carbon, and a treatment with ion-exchange resins. The bishydroxyalkyl terephthalate thus obtained is condensed to produce a container or the like made of polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification and/or treatment of suspensions, which include at least one or more precious metals and/or rare earths or other elements in the form of a precipitate or solid and/or also in dissolved form, which includes the following steps: concentrating or thickening the precipitate or solid in the suspension by removal of the liquid phase by means of a membrane filter apparatus, whereby dissolved impurities and/or precious materials are discharged with filtrate; washing of the concentrated or thickened suspension by addition of a wash liquid and removal of filtrate by means of the membrane filter apparatus, whereby the concentration or thickening of the solids in the suspension does not or changes only slightly during washing and the concentration or thickening of the dissolved impurities and/or precious materials still present in the suspension are reduced to a pre-determined value; and complete drainage of the membrane filter apparatus to provide, in purified fo

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the wall having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter placed within the well; a bed of sorbent particles placed within the well below the first filter; and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter placed within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for separating a hydroxide ion, characterized in that a hydroxide ion (OH−) in an aqueous solution is separated by a chromatograph. The method allows the separation and the measurement with high precision of a hydroxide ion which has not been achieved by a conventional pH titration method and pH meter method, and further allows the selective extraction and concentration thereof.

Abstract: Charged membranes comprise a porous substrate and a cross-linked polyelectrolyte or hydrogel located in the pores of the substrate and are useful in a variety of membrane separation processes including pressure driven membrane separation, diffusion dialysis. Donnan dialysis, electrodialysis, electrochemical synthesis and pervaporation.

Abstract: Glyphosate and other phosphonates including the bone resorption-inhibiting bisphosphonates are extracted from samples using immobilized forms of zinc, including zinc methacrylate polymers. The method provides a simple and sensitive method for detecting phosphonates present in aqueous samples, including wastewater and urine.

Abstract: A method of removing arsenic and fluoride from aqueous solutions in the same process is provided. Specifically, the pH of the aqueous solution is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 5 to 8. A combination of calcium salts, and ferric or aluminum salts are added to form insoluble arsenic and fluoride bearing solids. The solids are then removed from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for purifying an aqueous feed stream comprising a product organic acid, such as lactic acid, and a strong contaminant, such as pyruvic acid or oxalic acid. The molar concentration of the product organic acid in the feed stream typically is at least 20 times greater than the molar concentration of the strong contaminant. The aqueous feed stream is contacted with a first immiscible basic extractant that has at least a 3-fold greater affinity for the strong contaminant than for the product organic acid. The majority of the strong contaminant and some product organic acid become complexed with the first immiscible basic extractant. The complexed first immiscible basic extractant is separated from the aqueous stream, thereby producing a first effluent stream that comprises product organic acid and that has a greater ratio of molar product organic acid to molar strong contaminant than the aqueous feed stream did.

Abstract: Separable nanotubes are made from a transition metal oxide, preferably from a vanadium oxide of variable valence. They show a greater oxidation resistance than the carbon-based nanotubes known so far and offer many new and economic applications. The inventive nanotubes clearly show oxidation-reduction activities and are particularly suited as an active material for catalytic reactions.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment of both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods for enhancing the ability to separate a species of interest from other different species present in a free solution mixture thereof which takes advantage of interactions that occur between soluble, small molecular weight ligands and the species of interest. The small molecular weight ligands employed in the present invention function to interact with a species of interest in a mixture of different species through either affinity, hydrophobic and/or ionic interactions, thereby altering the molecular weight, hydrodynamic volume and/or isoelectric point of the species of interest and rendering it separable from other component(s) in the mixture.

Abstract: Novel sulfur-containing ligands for binding of heavy metals are disclosed. The ligands incorporate a central ring structure and pendant alkyl-thiol chains. The ligands are of the general structure: where n is an integer from 1-4, and X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. The ligands of the present invention are suitable for binding any metal in or capable of being placed in a positive oxidation state, such as cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, mercury, copper, and the like. Additionally, methods for removal of heavy metals from various substances are disclosed, comprising separating selected heavy metals from selected substances by contacting the substances with an effective amount of the novel sulfur-containing chelate ligands for a sufficient time to form stable, irreversible ligand-metal precipitates, and removing such precipitates.

Abstract: A method of treating industrial wastewaters is provided. Specifically, the wastewater includes one or more organic contaminant materials and is pre-treated prior to filtering by the following steps The pH of the wastewater is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 2 to 6, and a combination of iron salts and peroxide are added to the wastewater and allowed to react for a period of at least about three minutes. Next, the pH of the wastewater is adjusted upwards to a value of at least 7 and precipitating or flocculating agents are added to form an insoluble contaminant bearing compound. The compound is then filtered from the wastewater thereby removing the contaminant materials from the wastewater. This invention is particularly suited for use with single pass flow-through filters, and most particularly suitable for high flow rate single pass flow-through filters.

Abstract: A process and a composite for removing toxic cations and anions from blood or dialysate is disclosed. The process involves contacting blood or dialysate with a shaped ion exchange composite to remove ammonium and phosphate ions. The composite is a mixture of an anion exchange composition such as zirconia and a microporous cation exchange composition formed into a shaped article and optionally containing a binder such as hydrous zirconium oxide. The microporous cation exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced through the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer, and thus conserves electrical energy, but can neutralize the waste water.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing organics solubilized in a water-like fluid (WSO), such as the water produced in connection with the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, are described. Hydrophilic &agr;-hydroxy-monocarboxylic acids (AHAs), such as hydroxyacetic (glycolic) acid, alone or optionally together with anionic polymers, have been found to be effective. The compositions and methods of this invention have reduced corrosion and scale formation problems as compared with other methods employing stronger acids to remove WSO. The AHAs have pKa's of greater than 3.8.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating naphtha, such as catalytically cracked naphtha, in order to remove acidic impurities, such as mercaptans. In particular, the invention relates to a method for mercaptans having a molecular weight of about C4 (C4H10S=90 g/mole) and higher, such as recombinant mercaptans.

Abstract: A pore plugging material, for pH dependent membrane diffusion, in which cyclic olefins having phosphazene-functional moieties provide predictable erosion properties when used to plug pores in separation barriers and other porous membranes. Specific properties of the polymers are dependent on several factors, including molecular weight and identity of side groups attached to the phosphazene moiety. However, as a class, phosphazene-functional cyclic olefins provide both predictable erodibility and uniformly benign hydrolysis products and are, therefore, uniquely suitable as pore plugging polymers for separation barriers and membranes of all kinds. The invention, therefore, embraces the provision of a pH-sensitive erodible pore plugging material for pores in separation barriers and membranes of all kinds.

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: The invention relates to a method for separating out substances dissolved and/or undissolved in fluid media. The method is characterized by it being a suitable combination of a membrane filtration technique and an adsorption technique. This enhances the flow and purification capacity by a multiple factor in making a compact, lightweight system possible.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a fluorine-containing waste solution that is able to maintain a high treatment volume while also facilitating easy maintenance. A calcium salt such as calcium hydroxide and an inorganic coagulant are added with timing to the fluorine-containing waste solution, followed by filtration of said waste solution by cross-flow filtration.

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: A humidification system for a fuel cell includes a humidifier having a bundled plurality of tube type hollow thread members made of a water permeable membrane. The humidifier transfers a water content contained in a discharge gas, which is emitted from a fuel cell, to a supply gas, which is supplied to the fuel cell, when one of the discharge gas and the supply gas is passed through the inside of the tube type hollow thread members and the other one of the discharge gas and the supply gas is passed through between the tube type hollow thread members. Manometers P1, P2, P3, and P4 detect a difference in pressure of the supply gas and the discharge gas, respectively, between an upper stream side and a down stream side of the humidifier. A determination unit determines a generation of clogging in the humidifier based on detection signals from the manometers.

Abstract: A method for preparing and regenerating a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating the silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane. The membrane is regenerated after metal entrapment by utilizing helix-coil properties of polyamino acids.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating a silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water via membrane separation to remove hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity by simultaneous removal in a weak acid cation exchange resin. The process includes ionization of sparingly ionizable components, such as silica, by adjusting the pH up to about 10.5 or higher. Their separation by the membrane is significantly increased. The passage of boron, silica and TOC is reduced by a factor of ten or more. Recovery of 90% or higher is achievable with most brackish feedwaters, while substantial reduction in cleaning frequency is simultaneously achieved. The apparatus used for the water treatment process includes reverse osmosis membrane(s) (30), mixed bed ion exchange unit (44, 46), micron filter (48), ultraviolet sterilization unit (49), decarbonation unit (20), and electrodeionization unit (150).

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying and quantifying viral particles. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for purifying and quantifying adenovirus by ion-exchange chromatography. The invention also concerns a method for identifying different adenovirus serotypes.

Abstract: Mediated electrochemical oxidation to treats, oxidizes and destroys biological waste, medical, infectious, pathological, animal, sanitary, mortuary, ship, veterinary, pharmaceutical and combined waste. Electrolytes contain oxidized forms of reversible redox couples produced. Oxidized forms of redox couples are produced by anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of other redox couples. Oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the biological waste molecules and are reduced and reoxidized. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste and intermediate reaction products have undergone oxidation. Temperatures between ambient and 100° C. avoid formation of dioxins or furans.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided that are useful for separating components from feed streams containing multiple components. Systems and processes of the present invention are based on simulated moving bed technology.