Abstract: Wastewater from the aldolization reaction is purified by adjusting its pH to 0 to 6, followed by extraction with monohydric alcohols having at least 8 carbon atoms, hydrocarbons having at least 6 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, adjustment of the pH causes the formation of an organic phase, which is separated from the remaining wastewater before extraction.

Abstract: A method for separating gold and/or silver from copper or other contaminant metals is provided in which a suitable filter membrane (64), particularly a nanofilter, is used to form a retentate (134) containing most of the multivalent metal cyanide complexes and a permeate (135) containing most of the precious metal cyanide complexes. The process is particularly applicable to the recovery of gold and/or silver from ores containing these metals and one or more contaminant metals. The precious metal can thereafter be recovered from the permeate (135) and the metal in the multivalent metal cyanide complex from the retentate (134).

Abstract: A microfiltration process of a fermentation-derived product comprising adding activated carbon to a solution of the fermentation-derived product prior to or during the microfiltration process at a microfiltration process temperature of from 25° C. to 65° C.

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

Abstract: A process is provided for modifying a porous polystyrene monolith to render its internal pore surfaces grafted with alkyl groups, preferably of at least four carbon atoms, which includes the step of alkylating the monolith with a uniform liquid solution containing a Friedel-Crafts catalyst and an alkyl halide. A surface-modified monolith produced thereby is an efficient separation medium in reversed-phase liquid chromatography for both small and large biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water, said process comprising bringing the admixture into contact with a molecular sieve, characterized in that the molecular sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture.

Abstract: An improved inclusive method for purifying a polar solvent such as water includes the re-suspension of finely divided layered materials within which contaminants have been captured, wherein the re-suspension is in a solvent selected primarily on the basis of its ability to re-suspend the finely divided layered materials and/or for its effect on the included contaminant material, and within which additional materials may or may not be intentionally dissolved, mixed, or suspended, in order to recover and reuse the finely divided layered material and/or to selectively recover a specific included contaminant or several specific included contaminants in series. The process is useful in the rapid and efficient recovery of the finely divided layered materials, and in the removal of suspended particles, dissolved materials, immiscible liquids, and living organisms from the polar solvent.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing hydrofluoric acid, mixed acid etchant waste, dissolved silica, and solid particles is provided. This process involves adjusting the pH of the waste water to about 7 or above, filtering the waste water to remove solid particles, adding an anti-scalant to the waste water, and feeding the waste water through a reverse osmosis membrane. The reverse osmosis membrane separates the waste water into a permeate stream, which is the product, and a reject stream. Another aspect of the present invention is a system for performing this process.

Abstract: A process for automatic or semi-automatic treatment of effluents or waste water, in particular effluents loaded with organic or biological materials such as effluents from wine-production, consisting, in normal operation, of collecting the effluents to be treated during their production and transferring them into a suitable storage container, pretreating the stored effluents by aeration, and if need be, stirring, clarifying the pretreated effluent and carrying out a finishing treatment of this effluent before discharging into the natural environment or reusing.

Abstract: Methods for isolating taxol and derivatives thereof with high purity are described. The methods include a supercritical fluid and a cosolvent extraction step, a liquid-liquid separation step, and a column chromatography step. An apparatus for isolating Taxol and derivatives thereof that allows the method steps to be performed online also is described.

Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.

Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluids using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal loaded media; the metal loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and ZnSO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.

Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the micro-filtration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method for recovery of aqueous wash in a phosphate chemical conversion of a shaped metal product involving carrying out chemical conversion and subsequent cleaning with water,

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures and turbulent flow without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

Abstract: The simultaneous precipitation of soluble heavy metal ions from semiconductor wastewater containing abrasive solids and enhancement of microfilter operation is achieved through the addition of an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer containing dithiocarbamate functionalities to the wastewater.

Abstract: An acidic organics-containing waste water stream (12) derived from for example plant for the production of an aromatic carboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid is treated to allow recovery of alkali and water for recycle to the production process. The treatment comprises adjusting the pH of the waste water stream using an alakaline medium, oxidising (10) the organics content of the stream to convert the same to water, carbon dioxide and (bi)carbonate ions, and supplying the treated stream to a reverse osmosis membrane (28, 30) to produce a retentate containing (bi)carbonate ions and cations derived from the alkaline medium and a permeate which is substantially free of those components. The retentate (46) is recycled for use in adjustment of the pH of the waste water stream and, if desired, water-consuming facilities which can tolerate less pure water.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are recovered from a fermentation broth by adjusting the pH of a fermentation broth comprised of a carboxylic acid to at least about 6.0 and then heating the pH-adjusted broth to a temperature sufficient to effect the formation of three immiscible phases, one of which is an oily phase rich in the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing copper and other particles from a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process is provided. This process includes adjusting the pH of the waste water to between about 3 and 4, adding a coagulant or flocculating polymer to the waste water to generate larger particles, filtering the waste water through a filtration unit to produce a permeate and solids, feeding the permeate through a carbon bed to remove total organic carbon, and feeding the carbon bed treated permeate through an ion exchange column to remove copper from the permeate. This process may further involve washing sludge collected in a concentration tank with the treated stream exiting the ion exchange column. Still further, another aspect of the present invention is a system for performing the process described above.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for recovering hydrogen cyanide from an aqueous solution by extracting the hydrogen cyanide into an organic solvent phase. The organic solvent may comprise a neutral organophosphorous compounds, such as compounds selected from the group consisting of alkyl or aryl substituted phosphates, phosphonates and phosphine oxides. In alternative embodiments the organophosphorous compound is tri-butyl phosphate, di-butyl-butyl-phosphonate or tri-alkyl phosphine oxides. The organic solvent may be diluted in an organic diluent, such as an aliphatic or kerosene-type diluent. Alternative dilutions may be used, such as 75%, 50% or 25%. In some embodiments, the pH of the aqueous solution containing dissolved cyanide may be adjusted to between 2 and 8, or between 3 and 7, or between 4 and 6. The organic solvent may be contacted following extraction with a basic aqueous solution to strip cyanide from the organic solvent into a basic aqueous cyanide strip solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyaspartic acids and their mixtures with surfactants and emulsifiers for inhibiting or delaying deposit formation by sparingly soluble organic and inorganic components in the feed of a process that uses a membrane.

Abstract: A composition for minimizing biological and/or colloidal fouling is described, which includes an anionic antiscalant and a cationically charged biocide. Further, a method of controlling fouling is described and achieved by introducing a formulation of the present invention into an aqueous system which uses a separation membrane. The compositions used in the present invention are compatible with such separation systems and preferably prevent membrane fouling.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the separation of amino acids and their salts from impurities contained in an aqueous feed solution containing the same, the process comprising: a) bringing the feed solution into contact with a substantially immiscible extractant phase comprising an amine and an acid, both of which are substantially water immiscible in both free and salt forms, to extract amino acid and salts thereof in the phase, wherein the extraction is carried out while the feed solution is within two pH units of the initial pH of the feed solution; and b) backwashing the extractant phase with a substantially neutral aqueous system to recover substantially all of the extracted amino acid and the extracted salts thereof.

Abstract: A method of separating ultra-fine particulates from an aqueous suspension such as a process stream or a waste stream. The method involves the addition of alkali silicate and an organic gelling agent to a volume of liquid, from the respective process or waste stream, to form a gel. The gel then undergoes syneresis to remove water and soluble salts from the gel containing the particulates, thus, forming a silica monolith. The silica monolith is then sintered to form a hard, nonporous waste form.

Abstract: The aqueous wash stream of an electrolytic precipitation system treating natural gas liquid (NGL) is maintained at a pH sufficiently basic to decrease the solubility of iron sulfide in the aqueous wash stream.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are recovered from a fermentation broth by adjusting the pH of a fermentation broth comprised of a carboxylic acid to at least about 6.0 and then heating the pH-adjusted broth to a temperature sufficient to effect the formation of three immiscible phases, one of which is an oily phase rich in the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for cleaning up the wastewaters which originate from the preparation of alcohols. The alcohol preparation includes an aldolization reaction followed by hydrogenation and then alcohol distillation. The resulting wastewaters include 3 wastewater fractions from respective steps in the alcohol preparation. The process for cleaning up these wastewaters include the steps of (a) combining two of the three fractions and adjusting the pH of the combination, (b) bringing at least one of the fractions into contact with a coalescing filter, and (c) extracting a mixture of all three fractions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining the ratio of the concentration or amounts of two or more chemical compounds and/or biopolymers, or of the relative amounts of sub-populations of closely structurally related compounds, in a multi-component mixture, extract, system, and the like using an analytical physicochemical process. The method is based on distribution of the components of the mixture (system, extract, etc.) between two or more immiscible phases and the subsequent determination of the total amounts (concentrations) of biopolymers (chemical compounds) or of the amounts (concentrations) of one or more component(s) or sub-populations of the system in the phases. The ratio between these concentrations is defined therein as the partition coefficient. The partition coefficient is used as a measure of the ratio of the amounts of two or more biopolymers (chemical compounds) or their sub-populations in a multi-component mixture (extract, system, etc.

Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. Also, the feedwater is maintained in a temperature range of 45.degree. to 80.degree. F. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.

Abstract: Epoxy resins, particularly those based on bisphenol A, can constitute the principal film forming polymer component of a storage stable autodepositable composition wherein the particle size distribution of all the film forming polymers in the composition satisfies certain criteria of size distribution, and an accelerator component which is an acid, oxidizing agent or complexing agent is present in amount sufficient to provide an oxidation-reduction potential at least 100 mV more oxidizing than a standard hydrogen electrode. Such dispersions can conveniently be prepared using a two stage process in which a solution of the film forming polymers is emulsified into water to form a preliminary dispersion and this preliminary dispersion is subjected to at least one particle size refinement stage in which the preliminary dispersion is forced through a narrow aperture.

Abstract: A method for removing metal contaminate from substrate includes four subsystems for removing larger uncontaminated particles by sizing classifying and washing procedures, microfiltration and ion-exchange processing of the overflow stream of water and water-borne contaminants, polishing of the microfiltrate through a bottom-fed clear-well extraction vessel for subsequent return as uncontaminated water and metallurgical furnace processing of the ion-exchange, clear-well extraction vessel polishing and optionally to selectively recover individual metal species from the contaminated flow.

Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers in hydrocarbon solutions are emulsified in aqueous liquids and converted to latices by partitioning the emulsion through a membrane of selective permeability to the hydrocarbon solvent relative to both water and the polymer, thereby removing the hydrocarbon solvent from the emulsion. The foaming that is often associated with removing hydrocarbon solvent from aqueous emulsions by conventional means is thus avoided. Membrane partitioning mechanisms that are useful for this application include those involving both nonporous and microporous membranes, those passing the solvent both as a liquid and as a gas, those drawing off the permeate as both a liquid and a gas, and various combinations of these methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting scaling in an electrodeionization system or in a combined reverse osmosis/electrodeionization system for water treatment and, more particularly, for increasing tolerance to hardness in the feed water to an electrodeionization unit to inhibit precipitation of metal cations contained in the feed water and for increasing efficiency of the electrodeionization system. Water to be purified is passed through a electrodeionization unit in which a concentrate stream recycling through concentrating compartments and anode and cathode compartments contains effective amounts of an antiscalant to inhibit precipitation of scale. One or more preliminary reverse osmosis units in series with the electrodeionization unit preferably receives a portion of the antiscalants in the concentrate stream. The antiscalant in the water fed to the reverse osmosis unit can be supplemented and adjusted.

Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble organic and inorganic contaminants from refinery wastewater streams employing ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis is provided. Permeate from the ultrafiltration step is first passed through a sequential softening system to remove divalent and trivalent metal cations prior to being passed to the reverse osmosis step to prevent fouling therein.

Abstract: A system of purifying water to remove at least one of natural organic matter, color, turbidity, bacteria, cysts and oocysts, viruses, arsenic compounds and insoluble impurities. The system comprises the steps of providing a body of water to be purified; controlling the pH of the body in a range of 5 to 8; and adding a coagulant to the body to provide a floc. The floc is maintained in the body in a concentration in the range of 1 to 6, for purposes of adsorbing at least one of the natural organic matter, color, turbidity and bacteria to provide treated water. Thereafter, a first portion of the treated water and floc is removed from the body of water. A submerged semi-permeable membrane is provided in the body of water for removing a second portion of the treated water. The membrane has a pore size in the range of 0.02 to 1 .mu.m to provide a permeate comprised of purified water and to provide a retentate containing the floc.

Abstract: A method for recovering at least one metal from an acidified waste water sludge by liquid-liquid extraction by providing an acidified waste water sludge containing ions of at least one metal and organic material, treating the waste water with an oxidizer to convert the organic material into a form that does not have an unfavorable effect on a subsequent liquid-liquid extraction, and subjecting the treated, acidified waste water sludge to a liquid-liquid extraction thereby obtaining an organic phase loaded with ions of said at least one metal, and subsequently recovering ions of said at least one metal from said organic phase.

Abstract: An extraction method is disclosed, where organic impurities are removed from a phase essentially containing sulfuric acid, by means of supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. In particular, the spent sulfuric acid from a process for production of alkylate fuel may be regenerated for re-introduction into the process without incineration.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming spent aqueous brine solutions used in the regeneration of water-softening resins. An aqueous solution chloride or other brine is acidified with HCl to a pH of between about 0.5 and 6 and a soluble sulfate salt, preferably Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is added, together with a precipitation inhibitor of the type polyacrylamide. Following such treatment, the spent brine is pumped at high pressure axially through a spirally-wound nanofiltration-type membrane device which is effective to remove at least about 90% of the divalent hardness while allowing passage therethrough of at least about 90% of the monovalent cations. As a result of such treatment, about 90 to 95% of the volume of spent brine can be efficiently and effectively reclaimed in a form in which it is suitable for use again in regenerating water-softening resins or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production and utilization of water-soluble salts selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of carboxylic acids and water-soluble salts of amino acids, comprising reacting an aqueous feed solution containing an amino or carboxylic acid or their anions with a water-soluble base, in indirect contact via a semi-permeable membrane, the membrane being permselective to amino acids, carboxylic acids and their anions over cations and non-ionized species, whereby there is formed a salt solution of the acid containing less impurities per anion than the feed solution and utilizing the salt values from the formed salt solution of the acid.

Abstract: A method for producing high purity product water using a three pass reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: Processes for forming a stabilized liquid biochemical agricultural product containing an organic solvent extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis comprising subjecting an organic solvent extract of dried particulate Reynoutria sachalinensis to first and second extract concentration stages, and wherein prior to said second extract concentration stage, the concentrated extract from said first extract concentration stage is mixed with a liquid stabilizer, most preferably a liquid nitrogen-containing fertilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for purifying solvents, by causing contaminants to be included within layers of dispersed layered materials, and then separating the restacked combined contaminant/layered material from the solvent. The methods may be utilized to remove materials suspended in the solvents, materials immiscible with the solvents, and are especially useful for separating soluble materials from the solvents within which they are dissolved. The application of these methods will be beneficial in the remediation of polluted soil and water, the desalination of water, waste oil and gray water purification, the preparation of pharmaceuticals, and many other areas.

Abstract: A process and system for removing silica from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing silica is treated with a chemical coagulant, such as a epichlorohydrin/dimethylamine polymer, to create spherical particles which agglomerate into clusters having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the silica contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 150 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 600 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining solids at timed intervals from the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: A method for separating gold from copper in a gold ore processing system. Gold ore containing elemental gold and elemental copper is treated with an aqueous cyanide solution to produce a liquid product containing a gold-cyanide complex and a copper-cyanide complex. The liquid product is then delivered to a nanofiltration membrane which prevents the copper-cyanide complex from passing therethrough while allowing passage of the gold-cyanide complex. Nanofiltration of the liquid product specifically produces (1) a retentate which contains the copper-cyanide complex; and (2) a permeate which contains the gold-cyanide complex. In this manner, the gold-cyanide complex is effectively separated from the copper-cyanide complex. The permeate is then treated (e.g. with activated carbon or elemental zinc) to ultimately obtain elemental gold therefrom. The copper-cyanide complex may either be discarded or treated to recover elemental copper from the complex.

Abstract: A method of producing milling adjuvants and/or dispersing agents, with the use of a separation apparatus which is comprised of one or more organic and/or mineral membranes; a milling adjuvant and/or dispersing agent produced by said method; and use of said adjuvant/agent in preparing an aqueous suspension of mineral particles; and the use of the aqueous suspension in applications involving pigments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for acquiring crude trimethylolpropane (TMP) of low reacted color. TMP is generally prepared by the condensation of n-butyraldehyde and formaldehyde in an alkali solution. The mixture is then concentrated and placed through an extractor. It has been found that a high concentration of low color TMP is present in the extractor and may by obtained by taking a slip stream of hot organic/water/TMP from the extractor and allowing the mixture to cool and phase separate. Upon separation of the phases, TMP generally having an acid wash color of about or less than 5 GU is recovered from the water phase. Disclosed is use of a single and multistage extractor.

Abstract: A liquid/dense gas extraction column process providing intimate contact between a dense gas and a fluid feed containing a solute and operating in an enhanced solubility region provides solubility of a solute in the dense gas to be at least 250% by weight greater than the solubility of the solute in the dense gas at the same operating temperature and 200 bar pressure. The enhanced solubility region for carbon dioxide is a pressure range of between 450 and 1200 bar in combination with a temperature range between 50 and 300.degree. C. The column has a diameter greater than about 3.5 centimeters and a height to diameter ratio greater than about 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a medium containing organic waste. The process according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting medium (or effluent) containing the organic waste is subjected to the following stages: (i) treatment with at least one oxidizing agent; (ii) treatment with at least one flocculating agent; (iii) treatment with at least one polyelectrolyte, and in that the effluent obtained on conclusion of all of these stages is subjected to a filtration stage (iv), whereby a filtration cake and a filtrate are obtained. The process according to the present invention is more particularly useful for the treatment of pig manure.

Abstract: A process and apparaus for recovery water from raw sewage extracted directly from the sewer including a screen(2) operable to obtain from raw sewage a screened effluent having a maximum particle size of no more than 900 microns. The apparatus also comprises a first membrane separator(5) which is operable to filter the suspended solids from some or all of the screened effluent. The process also includes a second membrane separator preferably in the form of reverse osmosis filter(8).