Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: A storm water treatment device that is installed under the grate of new or existing catch basins, and more commonly referred to as an insert. The catch basin decontamination apparatus has a universal housing and support ring that allows one design to fit most applications. Adjustable chains allow for proper position below grate and a semi-flexible molded or rigid deflector directs incoming drain water to the housing. A slip-on filter/absorber cartridge fits over a perforated drain tube, in the center of the housing, allowing the drain water to first pass through the filter/absorber media before exiting through the drain tube and out the bottom of the housing. The filter/absorber cartridge includes a variety of absorber materials that absorb oil and repel water. Activated carbon, microbes and other site specific absorbents can be used in the replaceable slip-on cartridge. A leaf pre-strainer helps prevent leaves and debris from entering the housing.

Abstract: A mobile fuel filter for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a diesel fuel is provided. The mobile fuel filter comprises: a filter median comprising an absorbent for removing sulfur-containing compounds from the diesel fuel, the filter median being in fluid communication with a storage device, the storage device having a holding capacity greater than 1000 gallons and being configured for storing the diesel fuel, the absorbent being configured to remove sulfur containing compounds from the diesel fuel to produce filtered diesel fuel having less than 15 ppm of sulfur containing compounds, the absorbent comprises an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of at least ?3.

Abstract: A method for removing phosphorus is provided in which eutrophic water as a treatment target is supplied to fly ash thereby removing phosphorus contained in the eutrophic water. The fly ash includes about 3% or more calcium oxide as a component. Alternatively, the fly ash consists of a double-structure embedding fine particles in a cavity of a hollow-particle structure having a hole in a part of the surface. Alternatively, the fly ash includes about 3% or more calcium oxide as a component and consisting of a double structure embedding fine particles in a cavity of a hollow-particle structure having a hole in a part of the surface.

Abstract: A fuel filter for removing fuel impurities, particularly thiophenes, includes a hollow housing having a filter element therein. The filter element includes a substrate, which may include a nonwoven fiber web, a plurality of particles, or both of these. Where particles are used, the substrate may be homogeneous or may be a mixture of different particles. The substrate may include a sorbent selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metallic salts, organometallic compounds, catalysts, and oxidizing agents. Optionally, a sulfur-treating reactant may be operatively associated with the substrate to reduce the concentration of thiophenes in fuel passing through the filter.

Abstract: Biogenic silica is produced by combusting a biogenic source material such as rice hulls to give rich hull ash (RHA), and the combusted biogenic silica may be subsequently treated to improve the filtration or adsorption properties thereof e.g. by changing the surface charge, the surface tension, the surface area, the average pore size, the pore size distribution, particle size distribution, and/or the permeability thereof. Such biogenic silica is useful to remove a species, such as an impurity, from a fluid to purify the fluid and/or to recover the species therefrom. RHA may be used to remove species including organic, inorganic or microbial particulates, surfactants, metal ions, non-metallic anions, organic compounds, color bodies, odor-producing species, chlorinated compound, pigment, free fatty acids, phospholipids, peroxides, oil and/or grease different from the non-aqueous fluid, algae, bacteria, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for the removal of residual sulfur compounds from a liquid caustic stream is disclosed. One embodiment of my invention adsorbs disulfides from a caustic stream using an activated carbon adsorbent while another combines both oxidation and adsorption in single step to remove residual sulfur compounds from a rich caustic stream using metal phthalocyanine supported on a solid adsorbent. This process is especially useful as a polishing step in a caustic regeneration process flow scheme.

Abstract: A method of removing impurities from a urea solution comprising contacting the aqueous solution with an ion exchange resin and adsorbing the impurities from the urea solution, and the system therefore.

Abstract: The current invention is concerned with methods and compositions for the removal of arsenic contamination from water. A method for binding As to oxidized metal coated pumice and method for making the same are disclosed. Water filters comprising oxidized metal coated pumice, such as oxidized iron coated pumice, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides semi-clathrate hydrate compositions formed from water, a semi-clathrate hydrate forming compound and a gas. The semi-clathrate hydrate forming compounds can be ammonium salts, sulphonium salts, phosphonium salts or amines. The semi-clathrate hydrate compositions can be used to store gases including hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide. Methods of manufacture of the compositions and their uses in energy storage and generation, and for the separation of gases are also described.

Abstract: Polymer-ceramic mixed matrix compositions contain one or more organic polymers and a nano-sized dispersion of inorganic metal oxide particles which are dispersed throughout the composition. Materials have use in making membranes that act as transfer agents.

Abstract: The particles of the present invention are high density particles which enable a preferential binding of a target substance thereto and inhibit a binding of “substances other than the target substance” thereto. The particles of the present invention are characterized in that a substance or functional group capable of binding to a target substance is immobilized on the surface of a particle body; the particles have a density of 3.5 g/cm3 to 9.0 g/cm3 and the particle body has no through-pore. The particles of the present invention are also characterized by a specific surface area of 0.0005 m2/g to 1.0 m2/g.

Abstract: A media in the form of a multilayered semi porous composite membrane containing a strong positive electrical charge with a highly porous surface consisting of 60 to 90 percent void volume and pore size of about 2 micron capable of retaining negatively charged protozoa, bacteria, and virus as well as di-pole particulate matter as a result of the attraction of the positive charge. A housing is a portable adaptive housing containing and supporting the composite membrane. A low pressure stream of water is within the housing and passes through the media. A composite membrane is positioned within the adaptive housing in the path of the low pressure stream of water. The composite membrane is adapted to treat the low pressure stream of water under from 0.3 to 10 psig pressure delivering 5 to 30 ml/sec.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed (SMB) separation device comprises at least one column, beds of adsorbent arranged in this column, trays Pi with a chamber Ci for distribution and extraction of fluids, a multi-way rotary valve for the distribution of the fluids feeding or leaving said trays, and junction lines Li between this valve and said trays. The SMB device also comprises a plurality of bypass lines Li,i+1 between adjacent lines, these bypasses being outside the multi-way rotary valve and situated in proximity to this valve, for the circulation of rinsing liquids with a small or zero concentration gradient. The invention makes it possible to use all types of distribution and extraction trays and all types of adsorbent loading, while preserving a high level of product purity. Application of the separation devices is in particular to the separation of paraxylene or metaxylene from a C8 aromatic charge.

Abstract: A polymer carrier to which a prescribed zinc complex group is binding directly or through a spacer, having property to bond, under a certain condition, to an anionic substituent (a phosphate group, for example), showing low solubility to a solvent (preferably insolubility to a solvent) as a whole, and being capable of capturing, separating and purifying easily a substance having an anionic substituent (a phosphate group, for example).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel undoped precipitated silica or silicon-based gels to temporarily trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment and permit recycling of such gases subsequently thereto. Such precipitated silicas need to exhibit specific pore sizes, pore volumes, pore diameters, and particles sizes to be effective for such a purpose. The combination of these particular properties permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that excellent uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A method and corresponding sorbant for removing dissolved contaminants, such as arsenate, from water. The sorbant comprises an oxide of titanium and a sulfate salt, such as calcium sulfate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the adsorption of components of fluids or the catalytic reaction of components of fluids. The apparatus has numerous membranous elements formed as fibers, strands, strips, or the like. Each element possesses a desirable property such as the ability to adsorb certain components of a fluid or the ability to catalyze a particular chemical reaction. The elements are packaged into bundles of elements structured such that sufficient space exists between individual elements to allow for the flow of a fluid through the bundle. The bundle is contained within an impermeable casing containing one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports. The elements may have materials that are able to adsorb specific substances. The elements also may have materials that are able to catalyze certain chemical reactions.

Abstract: A zirconium-loaded fibrous adsorbent material having phosphoryl groups which is produced by first grafting a reactive monomer having phosphoryl groups onto a polymeric substrate and then loading zirconium. One or more methods of using the zirconium-loaded fibrous adsorbent material to recover arsenic, phosphoric ions, and/or fluoride ions are disclosed.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: Polyamide sample preparation tubes with a hollow polyamide tube and an extraction medium contained within the tube are utilized in the sample preparation devices. The sample preparation tubes are substantially inert and show little tendency to dissolve or leach contaminants into nonaqueous liquids. The polyamide tubes may be used in preparing samples for analytical procedures such as GC, GC/MS, LC or LC/MS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an adsorbent material containing iron oxyhydroxide, wherein an iron oxyhydroxide mass having a moisture content of 5-15% by weight is produced, said mass is granulated by compaction, followed by comminution and sieving of the compacted product to give product granules with grain sizes ranging between 0.5 and 4 mm. The invention is also relates to a granular adsorbent material containing iron oxyhydroxide, the grain size of the granules being between 0.5 and 4 mm, and the bulk density thereof being from 0.8 to 1.5 g/cm3. Said adsorbent material may be used for removing harmful substances, particularly arsenic, from an aqueous solution thereof.

Abstract: Norbornene-based biocidal polymers having primary, secondary or tertiary amine or phosphine end groups, the parent monomers, processes for preparing the monomers and polymers, and their use.

Abstract: Water contaminated with sodium, calcium or magnesium salts or chloride, sulfate or carbonate salts is processed to produce a clean water stream and a waste water stream. The clean water stream is analyzed to determine if the sodium content is too high for potable use and, if so, the clean water stream is applied to soil to improve rain catchment for pond sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing impurities from silicone based solvents is presented. The apparatus and process use an adsorbent for removing contaminants from the solvent, and when the adsorbent is sufficiently loaded with contaminants, the adsorbent is regenerated. The regeneration process entails a two stage heating process for recovery of solvent and removal of contaminants.

Abstract: A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a macroporous copolymer having large pores, typically in the range of 5,000-200,000 ? and a typical breaking weight of at least 175 g/bead. The macroporous copolymers can be made using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) techniques. These macroporous copolymers may also form macroporous resins. The present invention also provides methods of using the macroporous copolymers and resins.

Abstract: A method of purifying immersion oil, includes bringing a liquid organic compound into contact with a solid base, wherein the solid base is barium oxide.

Abstract: A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. The vessel contains an ionic liquid therein. The fluid is contacted with the ionic liquid for take-up of the fluid by the ionic liquid. There is substantially no chemical change in the ionic liquid and the fluid. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.

Abstract: Multi-armed, monofunctional, and hydrolytically stable polymers are described having the structure wherein Z is a moiety that can be activated for attachment to biologically active molecules such as proteins and wherein P and Q represent linkage fragments that join polymer arms polya and polyb, respectively, to central carbon atom, C, by hydrolytically stable linkages in the absence of aromatic rings in the linkage fragments. R typically is hydrogen or methyl, but can be a linkage fragment that includes another polymer arm. A specific example is an mPEG disubstituted lysine having the structure where mPEGa and mPEGb have the structure CH3O—(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2— wherein n may be the same or different for polya- and polyb- and can be from 1 to about 1,150 to provide molecular weights of from about 100 to 100,000.

Abstract: Finely divided ferrous carbonate absorbent, siderite granules or absorbent particles made by mixing, agglomerating and shaping finely powdered ferrous carbonate, preferably siderite, in combination with minor effective amounts of water or an optional binder, followed by drying, are used to treat and significantly reduce concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, organic disulfides, mercaptans and other sulfurous compounds and contaminants in gaseous and liquid fluid streams such as natural gas, light hydrocarbon streams, crude oil, acid gas mixtures, carbon dioxide gas and liquid streams, anaerobic gas, landfill gas, geothermal gases and liquids, and the like. Methods for absorbing sulfur compounds in a moist atmospheric environment and for regenerating the absorbent by contacting it with air and steam or, continuously, by mixing the feed stream with moist air are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to crosslinkable materials based on organosilicon compounds which contain acid scavengers, moldings produced therefrom by crosslinking and the use of these moldings for absorbing and neutralizing acids in a liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.

Abstract: A porous particulate material for treating a fluid containing a contaminant is disclosed. The particulate material comprises a cementitious matrix or binder and treated bauxite refinery residue or red mud. At least a portion of the pores in the particulate material is open cell or interconnected pores. The invention also relates to the use of a reactive permeable barrier comprising porous material, for treating a contaminated fluid. Also disclosed is a method for producing porous particulate material for treating a contaminated fluid and a method for treating a contaminated fluid, in which the porous material is used. The invention furthermore relates to a cementitious composition comprising partially neutralised red mud and cement, wherein the partially neutralised red mud has been pre-treated by contacting it with water having a total hardness supplied by calcium, magnesium or a combination thereof, of at least 3.5 millimoles per litre calcium carbonate equivalent.

Abstract: A sorbent composition comprising a vanadium compound and a TiO2 support material is disclosed. Methods of making and using the composition to remove heavy metals or heavy metal containing compounds from a fluid stream are also provided. Such methods are particularly useful in the removal of mercury and mercury compounds from flue gas streams produced from the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing materials such as coal and petroleum fuels.

Abstract: An ammonium removal system includes an ion-exchange medium, a brine source, and an electrophysical separation system. The ion-exchange medium may be used to remove ammonium from a waste stream. A brine may be flushed through the ion-exchange medium to remove the ammonium from the ion-exchange medium. The ammonium containing brine may be treated using an electrophysical separation system.

Abstract: Mixing small amounts of an inorganic halide, such as NaCl, to basic copper carbonate followed by calcination at a temperature sufficient to decompose the carbonate results in a significant improvement in resistance to reduction of the resulting copper oxide. The introduction of the halide can be also achieved during the precipitation of the carbonate precursor. These reduction resistant copper oxides can be in the form of composites with alumina and are especially useful for purification of gas or liquid streams containing hydrogen or other reducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to calix[4]arenes which effectively bind alkali metal ions (Na+, K+) and transport them over phase boundaries, their preparation and use.

Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, and optionally the addition of an activating agent for enhanced removal of selenite, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating antibodies from contaminants in a solution, which method comprises contacting the solution with a chromatography resin comprised of a support to which multi-modal ligands have been immobilised, wherein a multi-modal ligand comprises at least one cation-exchanging group and at least one aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system. In one embodiment, the ring-forming atoms of the aromatic or hereoaromatic entity are selected among C, S or O, and the cation exchanging group is a weak cation exchanger. The present method may be used as a single step procedure or as a polishing step following a capture on a Protein A column.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for use in containing and releasing a gas, particularly a reactive gas. The composition can include a reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof; a fluid in which the reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof is dissolved; and a solid material (e.g., particles or fibers) in which fluid is absorbed or adsorbed, wherein the solid material controls the formation or release of the reactive gas. The materials and methods allow rapid and safe generation, transfer, and application of high concentrations of chlorine dioxide gas in solid, liquid, and gas phase systems and are suitable for a variety of chlorine dioxide applications, such as disinfecting and sanitizing liquids, solid surfaces, and porous materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipette tip or tube designed to perform biological or chemical sample preparation, purification or separation. The narrow end of the pipette tip is twisted in such a way that it forms a narrow spiral passage, which allows the retention of the chromatographic material in the pipette tip. The narrow spiral formed by twisting the capillary or the tube creates an opening that is large enough to permit the passage of fluids or smaller particles, but small enough to block the passage of solid materials or larger particles, The device described herein can be used for sample separation or purification using a vacuum, pressure, centrifugation, gravitation or other separation methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing radium from drinking water using a natural zeolite.

Abstract: Trace levels of dissolved toxic species are removed from water flowing horizontally in a conduit equipped with overhead debris-excluding structure by suspending from the overhead structure elongated absorbent structures in the form of porous bags which confine particulate absorption material. The bags are free to swing upwardly in the downstream direction in response to heavy water flows, thereby avoiding blockage of the conduit.

Abstract: A method for removing iodine from heat transfer compositions which contain a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and iodine. Iodine from such heat transfer compositions by contacting the composition with activated carbon.

Abstract: The present invention is a water processing method comprising the steps of separating boron-containing water in a reverse osmosis membrane module to provide a permeated water and subjecting a part of the obtained permeated water to boron removal using an adsorbent, wherein the water subjected to the boron removal is mixed with the water not subjected to the boron removal of the permeated water to provide a mixed water. The present invention provides economic water processing method and apparatus that remove the boron from boron-containing water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.