Abstract: A method with which americium may be selectively recovered from a nitric aqueous phase containing americium, curium and fission products including lanthanides and yttrium, but which is free of uranium, plutonium and neptunium or which only contains these three last elements in trace amounts. The method is applicable for treatment and recycling of irradiated nuclear fuels, in particular for removing americium from raffinates stemming from methods for extracting and purifying uranium and plutonium such as the PUREX and COEX™ methods.

Abstract: A process for removing silicon compounds from aqueous NaCl brine includes, first, adjusting a weak brine to a pH value of less than 3 with hydrochloric acid. Iron(III) chloride or other trivalent iron ions are added to the acidified weak brine, the obtained weak brine is then continuously fed to a stirred dissolution vessel which contains undissolved salt in addition to brine. Fresh salt is charged batch-wise and intermittently to the dissolution vessel to produce strong brine. The obtained strong brine is fed to a stirred buffer vessel, the pH value in this buffer vessel being maintained at a level ranging from 5 to 8. A strong-brine flow is continuously withdrawn from the buffer vessel and filtered, and the filtrate containing the added iron and silicon is discharged. Also a system for carrying out this process is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the separation of the components of an oil, water, and solids mixture, the system comprising a mechanical separation module comprising an oily water output and an input adapted to receive an oil, water, and solids mixture; and a membrane separation module comprising an oily water input and a recirculation output. The oily water output of the mechanical separation module is in flow communication with the oily water input of the membrane separation module, and the recirculation output of the membrane separation module is in flow communication with the input of the mechanical separation module.

Abstract: A method of removing a nonpolar solvent from a fluid volume that includes at least one nonpolar compound, such as a fat, an oil or a triglyceride, is provided. The method comprises contacting a fluid volume with an expanding gas to expand the nonpolar solvent and form a gas-expanded solvent. The gas-expanded solvent may have a substantially reduced density in comparison to the at least one nonpolar compound and/or a substantially reduced capacity to solubilize the nonpolar compound, causing the nonpolar compounds to separate from the gas-expanded nonpolar solvent into a separate liquid phase. The liquid phase including the at least one nonpolar compound may be separated from the gas-expanded solvent using conventional techniques. After separation of the liquid phase, at least one of the temperature and pressure may be reduced to separate the nonpolar solvent from the expanding gas such that the nonpolar solvent may be recovered and reused.

Abstract: Processes and systems for treating high salinity aqueous liquids containing dissolved minerals, suspended solids, colloidal solids, free oil and grease, dissolved organics, and dissolved hydrocarbons. The liquid is passed into an electrocoagulation system in fluid communication with a solids removal clarifier, pressurized ultrafiltration system, the draw side of forward osmosis, and a dilute draw water reverse osmosis system. Impaired water with high sulfate content is used as a source of deionized water for dilution of the forward osmosis draw solution. After concentration, the forward osmosis feed solution is further treated by lime soda softening and sludge from the softening system may be recycled to increase hardness precipitation and silica removal, the outfall from which may be treated by a separate ultrafiltration system and a feed water reverse osmosis system. Concentrate from the feed water reverse osmosis system can be treated to offer a zero liquid or near zero liquid discharge.

Abstract: The process and apparatus are for removing a solute from a solute-bearing solid product by means of a solvent which remains in liquid state throughout the entire oil extraction process. In one embodiment, the solvent is normally in gaseous state at ambient temperature and pressure values, but is used mainly in liquid state within the method and apparatus of the present invention by maintaining such pressure and temperature values within the apparatus so that the solvent will remain in this liquid state.

Abstract: A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for removing oil from a oil-containing liquid comprising oil and gas comprising: a source of oil-containing liquid; and a membrane contactor system in fluid communication with the source of oil-containing liquid, the membrane contactor system comprising one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface coalesces oil and removes gas from the oil-containing liquid, and the oil and gas are collected on the second surface from the oil-containing liquid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a apparatus includes a controller configured to obtain values measured by a first sensor and a second sensor, receive pH target values at the entrance of a first reverse osmosis membrane and at the entrance of a second reverse osmosis membrane, and use a transfer function from the acid injection to pH at the entrance of the first reverse osmosis membrane, a transfer function from the alkaline injection to pH at the entrance of the first reverse osmosis membrane, a transfer function from the acid injection to pH at the entrance of the second reverse osmosis membrane, and a transfer function from the alkaline injection to pH at the entrance of the second reverse osmosis membrane, to control an injection rate of the acid injected from a first injection device and an injection rate of the alkali injected from a second injection device.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing produces backflow water that is high in total dissolved solids, hardness and silica. A system to treat backflow water has an electrical separation unit and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit. The electrical separation unit may comprise an electrodialysis device (ED), an electrodialysis reversal (EDR) device or a supercapacitive desalination (SCD) device, or a combination thereof. The electrical separation unit may be combined with a precipitation unit and reduces the TDS and hardness of the backflow water. The RO unit reduces the silica concentration of the backflow water. A pre-treatment unit may further condition backflow water treated in the electrical separation unit to inhibit fouling in the RO unit. The treated backflow water may be suitable for reuse in hydraulic fracturing or discharge.

Abstract: Bicarbonate conversion assisted reverse-osmosis (RO) treatment systems for treatment of contaminated water, particularly natural gas flowback water. The systems and processes provide for simultaneous conversion of the primary salt in gas production flowback waters from sodium bicarbonate to sodium sulfate, and flotation removal of organic contaminants, for the enhanced water recovery by RO of these waters. In the systems and processes, RO processes are enhanced by lowering the osmotic potential of the water being processed, by converting the bicarbonate ions to sulfate ions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for the revaluation of aqueous waste streams generated in the propylene oxide and styrene co-production processes. In particular, it discloses a method of reducing the organic contaminant load from a highly contaminated aqueous stream and recovery from said stream of organic compounds that may be recirculated or used as fuel in the co-generation of energy, and which comprises: acidification of said aqueous stream with inorganic acid at a pH less than 4.5; separation of the two resulting phases at a temperature greater than 40° C.; washing of the organic phase produced in the previous step with an aqueous solution of excess acid and separation of the two resulting phases.

Abstract: This method comprises bringing drops to be separated into contact with an interface (40) suitable for allowing an osmotic equilibrium between the content of each drop to be separated. The method comprises an osmotic flow between the drops (20A) of the first group of drops through the interface (40) in order to modify the density of each drop (20A) of the first group of drops and the separation of the drops (20A, 20B) according to the density thereof or a combination of the density and the volume in order to isolate the drops (20A) of the first group of drops from the drops (20B) of a second group of drops.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for separating metals from a liquid medium, the method uses a copolymer derived from at least two monomers: acrylic-x and an alkylamine, wherein said polymer is modified to contain a functional group capable of scavenging one or more compositions containing one or more metals are disclosed. The treated liquid is then passed through a filtration system. The scavenging effect of the combination of the treatment with the filtration is unexpectedly greater than the sum of its parts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels, processes for reducing soluble metal levels in diatomaceous earth products, and methods of using the same. In particular, diatomaceous earth products are disclosed that have been treated with at least one surface metal blocking agent, and then subjected to at least one thermal treatment process to reduce the level of soluble metals associated therewith. Such diatomaceous earth products containing reduced soluble metal levels may be useful for various applications including, but not limited to, as filter aid materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a produced water treatment system composed of 10 stages which are: I) Fine Screening II) Homogenization, equalization and flow regulation III) PH adjustment IV) Electrofloculation and/or electrocoagulation and/or broad impact ionization V) Primary repumping VI) Clarification VII) Sludge Treatment VIII) Advanced Oxidation IX) Filtration System X) Reverse Osmosis Achieving with this quality process in the final water discharge the official standard norm and any other required norm. The objective of this invention is to contribute to the improvement of the ecosystem, with a more economical process without the need of an ultrafiltration system, obtaining better results in the treatment of produced water.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing fouling in a catalytic bed-based deoxygenation unit include a filtration system having a plurality of selectively permeable membranes arranged to contact a raw seawater feed and provide a membrane permeate. The membrane permeate is comprised of a portion of the raw seawater feed from which contaminants, such as dissolved inorganic salts and organic constituents, have been removed by passing through the selectively permeable membranes. The system and process also include a catalyst bed-based deoxygenation unit that receives the membrane permeate. The filtration system may be a nanofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis membrane system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated desalination and salt plant for the production of a salt or slurry product of high purity. The reject stream from the desalination plant is used as the feed stream for the salt plant. The salt plant feed stream is filtered to effectively remove sulfate, which prevents scale formation in the salt plant equipment. The filtering may also reduce the level of calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, or other components of the feed which may also prevent scale formation in the salt plant equipment. The salt plant produces a high purity salt product without the use of chemical purification.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration process for enriching and concentrating a neutral organic compound into the permeated liquid with negative retention.

Abstract: The cross-linked polyphosphonate composition for the removal of metal ions from wastewater is a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the formula: The cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte is made by cyclocopolymerizing diallylaminomethylphosphonic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (a cross-linker) to form a cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid (CPZA). The CPZA is then treated with a base, such as sodium hydroxide, to form a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte polymer having the above formula. The composition may be used to remove heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Pb2+, from wastewater.

Abstract: A product is enriched by a method for the processing of a reaction solution, in which: a) a pH value of the reaction solution is adjusted to less than 4; wherein said reaction solution comprises a whole-cell catalyst, an aqueous component, and an organic component, wherein the organic component contains a product to be enriched; and b) the reaction solution is filtered in the presence of a filter aid, thereby enriching the product.

Abstract: A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning includes a first evaporator receives a hardwood mix extract and outputting a quantity of vapor and extract. A hydrolysis unit receives the extract, hydrolyzes and outputs to a lignin separation device, which separates and recovers a quantity of lignin. A neutralization device receives extract from the lignin separation device and a neutralizing agent, producing a mixture of solid precipitate and a fifth extract. The solid precipitate is removed from the fifth extract. A second evaporator removes a quantity of acid from the fifth extract in a vapor form. This vapor may be recycled to improve total acid recovery or discarded. A desalination device receives the diluted extract, separates out some of the acid and salt and outputs a desalinated solution.

Abstract: A flexible diffuser membrane used in aeration/mixing of wastewater is impregnated with biocide and treated with fluorine or another halogen gas which forms a barrier inhibiting migration of the biocide out of the membrane. Another aspect of the invention involves cleaning a diffuser membrane with a halogen and then coating the membrane with PTFE or polyurethane.

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.

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.

Abstract: A process for recovering ionic liquids comprising the steps of: providing a first ionic liquid mixture, the first ionic liquid having a halogen metallate anion, the mixture containing an organic solvent; adjusting the pH of the mixture to pH 7-10 by the addition of a base to form a first precipitate; separating the first precipitate from the mixture; removing the organic solvent from the first mixture to form a second precipitate and separating the second precipitate from the first mixture; acidifying the resulting mixture to pH 2-7 by the addition of an acid; and drying the mixture to obtain a second ionic liquid having a halogen anion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a very large pore hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: A porous formed article which comprises an organic polymer resin and an inorganic ion absorbing material, and has communicating pores opening at an outer surface, wherein it has cavities in the interior of a fibril forming a communicating pore, at least a part of said cavities opens at the surface of the fibril, and the inorganic ion absorbing material is carried on the outer surface of said fibril and on the surface of inner cavities.

Abstract: A chlorine based biofouling control subsystem is utilized to facilitate shipboard water management systems such as ballast water management that employ filters. The biofouling control system can serve as a subsystem to promote antifouling and reduce the filter clogging due to biofouling, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the ballast water treatment management system. An antifouling agent of the biofouling control system breaks up the dense colonies of marine organisms being filtered or treated by the main water management systems.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method to system for enhancing TOC removal while maintaining membrane filter performance is the implementation of a dual pH control system. This embodiment will enhance the ability to maximize TOC removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. By adjusting pH, dosing a chemical coagulant and incorporating liquid-solids separation, a considerably higher degree of TOC removal is possible. By adjusting pH again after liquid-solids separation this embodiment can drastically increase the efficiency of the membrane microfiltration/ultrafiltration system. Thus pH control for soluble organic removal is critical. This pH level however may not be the ideal set point for minimizing membrane fouling which is the basis for this embodiment. An example: the pH set point for optimum soluble organic removal is designated to be 5.5. However, the optimum pH set point for optimum membrane performance is 7.0.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.

Abstract: A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalised dialysate flowing in the second flow path.

Abstract: Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting reverse osmosis processing of solutions are described. The techniques can be applied to provide diluted solution (i.e. purified solvent), concentrate solution or each. A variety of specific equipment, example systems and processes are depicted and described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates exhibiting switchable oleophobicity and oleophilicity in aqueous media. These membranes and substrates may be used for variety of applications, including controllable oil/water separation processes, oil spill cleanup, and oil/water purification. Also provided are the making and processing of such surface-modified membranes and other surface-modified substrates.

Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Hydrophobins for stabilizing phases in biphasic liquid systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling treatment of an industrial water system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for controlling delivery of at least one treatment chemical, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor and an electronic input/output device carrying out a protocol; measuring a parameter of the industrial water system using the at least one sensor; relaying the measured parameter to the electronic device; adjusting the protocol based on the measured parameter; delivering a concentrated treatment chemical into a stream of the industrial water system according to the adjusted protocol, the concentrated treatment chemical comprising an active ingredient, the active ingredient traced as necessary, the active ingredient having a concentration; repeating the measuring, the adjusting, and the delivering; and optionally repeating the steps for n-number of parameters, n-number of active ingredients, and/or n-number of concentrated treatment chemicals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing and conditioning red blood cells are disclosed. The methods and systems may be used to make a readily transfusible red blood cell product with reduced plasma. In general, the plasma content of the supernatant of the red blood cell product is no greater than about 15%. The red blood cell products are prepared using the disclosed methods and systems remain transfusible for up to 42 days.

Abstract: A method for removing a contaminant from a fluid system comprises contacting the fluid system with an inversely fluidized material, for example a particulate aerogel, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the fluid system. The method can be used to remove oil or other organic materials from wastewater streams. It can be conducted in a fluidized bed, which includes nanoporous particles and a fluidizing medium, wherein the nanoporous particles have a density lower than that of the fluidizing medium.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a process for producing a dried composite semipermeable membrane having extremely small content of unreacted components, outstanding water permeability and salt-blocking rate even after drying treatment, and outstanding contamination resistance and durability.

Abstract: A cooling tower blow-down, groundwater and wastewater re-use process and system is provided, which system may further include a cooling tower evaporation recovery system and process. Thus, blow-down from cooling equipment may be reused by appropriate treatment of the blow-down water, or treatment of other sources of water such as groundwater or wastewater, for use as make-up water in a cooling tower or other cooling equipment, and the capture of evaporation from cooling equipment is conducted to increase the efficiency and lower costs in the operation of such equipment.

Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.