Abstract: Novel composite materials useful for removing heavy metal ions from solutions, such as aqueous waste streams, comprise an inorganic ceramic support, such as silica gel, having terminal hydroxy groups, to the oxygen of which a ligand is covalently bonded through a silane coupling agent, the ligand being a phosphorous or thiophosphorous based acid moiety.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolating a DNA sample from a heterogeneous mixture of the DNA and other compounds. The invention relates in particular to isolating a plasmid DNA sample from a cleared bacterial lysate. The invention provides an apparatus and method for using the apparatus to rapidly and economically isolate a DNA sample from such a mixture without the use of hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: An aquarium filter for removing chemical and physical waste from an aquarium. The filter includes a fluidized bed of particles, such as sand, for removing ammonia from the water. The filter can also include a physical trap for solid material and activated charcoal for removing organic material from the aquarium water. The filter can be constructed in an aesthetically desirable manner and can be convenient to maintain.

Abstract: A device, and process, for continuously separating dissolved solutes and suspended particles from a multicomponent fluid phase in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB). The process is of the type wherein a solid resin and a liquid buffer move countercurrent to each other in the bed. In steady state operation, a time invariant pH gradient will form in the bed and remain spatially fixed. Other condition variables, such as temperature, can be used to form a time invariant gradient provided that equilibrium partition between the solid and liquid phases is a function of the condition variable.

Abstract: A method for removing bile salts from a patient by ion exchange by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of one or more highly crosslinked polymers characterized by a repeat unit having the formula ##STR1## or copolymer thereof, where n is an integer; R.sup.1 is H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group; M is ##STR2## or --Z--R.sup.2 ; Z is O, NR.sup.3, S, or (CH.sub.2).sub.m ; m=0-10; R.sup.3 is H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group; and R.sup.2 is ##STR3## where p=0-10, and each R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6, independently, is H, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group, or an aryl group, the polymers being non-toxic and stable once ingested.

Abstract: A particulate adsorbent is the crosslinked polymerization product of a brominated vinyl aromatic monomer and a crosslinking monomer and exhibits a density greater than or equal to about 1.01 grams per cubic centimeter and a surface area greater than or equal to about 10 square meters per gram.

Abstract: The process for producing the albumin preparation of the present invention comprises treating an aqueous albumin solution with an anion exchanger and a cation exchanger and subjecting the solution to heat treatment wherein a polyacrylamide type carrier having a cation exchange group is used as a cation exchanger. By using a polyacrylamide type carrier as a cation exchanger, the polymerization caused by the contaminating proteins can be suppressed, and a highly purified albumin preparation can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dissolving slightly soluble sludge which is produced during chemical conversion coating of metal, which comprises agitating the sludge in an aqueous suspension containing hydrogen type strongly acidic cation exchange resin; exchanging metallic components in the sludge with the resin and adsorbing the metallic components on the resin; dissolving oxyacid components in the sludge into liquid phase; and recovering the metallic components from the resin and the oxyacid components from the resin and the oxyacid components from the solution. The sludge can be dissolved by simple operation and equipment, and effective components in the sludge can be recovered at high yield. The method contributes to effective re-utilization of resources and to prevention of environmental pollution and makes it possible to use the resin semipermanently by regenerating the used ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A process for the purification of bis(difluoromethyl)ether. Bis(difluoromethyl)ether is exposed to molecular sieves in order to reduce or completely remove impurities. In a further embodiment, the present invention optionally includes means for preferentially inhibiting the formation of CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.3 in the formation of bis(difluoromethyl)ether prior to exposing the bis(difluoromethyl)ether to the molecular sieves.

Abstract: Described is a method to recycle laden fluid containing explosives or neutralized chemical agents. For example, the explosive laden fluid is passed through four filtering stages; a clarifier, a filter press, a sand filter and, ultimately, a reverse osmosis device. The feed water to the reverse osmosis device is a saturated solution of explosive or neutralizing chemical agent. The resulting permeate is about 10 ppm of explosive or neutralizing chemical agent.

Abstract: A continuous fluidized-bed contactor containing sorbent particles is used to remove solutes from liquid solvents. As the sorbent particles, for example gel beads, sorb the solute, for example metal ion species, the sorbent particles tend to decrease in diameter. These smaller loaded sorbent particles rise to the top of the contactor, as larger sorbent particles remain at the bottom of the contactor as a result of normal hydraulic forces. The smaller loaded sorbent particles are then recovered, regenerated, and reintroduced into the contactor. Alternatively, the loaded sorbent particles may also slightly increase in diameter, or exhibit no change in diameter but an increase in density. As a result of normal hydraulic forces the larger loaded sorbent particles fall to the bottom of the contactor. The larger loaded sorbent particles are then recovered, regenerated, and reintroduced into the contactor.

Abstract: A fluidized bed biological filter system for fish tanks having a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and surrounding side walls that form a water filtering chamber. An inner tubular member extends upwardly from the bottom wall a predetermined height and it has an inlet port in its bottom end that is connected to a pump. An outer tubular member has a closed top wall and also a diameter that is greater than that of the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is telescopically mounted on the inner tubular member so that both of their bottom ends are surrounded by filtering particulate in the bottom of said housing. The top end of the outer tubular member has a weight chamber into which various amounts of weights may be added depending on the power of the pump and the type of filtering particulate material used.

Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. The boom further contains ion exchange resin, selectively absorbent particulate material, catalytic agent or selectively reactive particulate material.

Abstract: A process for impregnating zeolite with a quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) and then coating the impregnated zeolite with permanganate (such as potassium permanganate), and for impregnating zeolite with permanganate and then coating the impregnated zeolite with a QAC, and coated, impregnated zeolite crystals resulting from either process. Either coating acts as a protective agent for the impregnating substance in each zeolite crystal's interior, and allows regulated time release control of the impregnating substance, thus permitting a controlled diffusion (or absorption) rate in applications in which the coated, impregnated zeolite is employed to absorb contaminants from air or water. Combinations of coated and uncoated zeolite crystals can be chosen to match specific environmental circumstances calculable by analysis of the air or water to be treated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a primary chromatographic support containing an immobilized flocculating agent for use as a separation media for a secondary support consisting of microparticles used in affinity separation and heterogeneous immunoassays. In a specific embodiment, a flocculating agent such as polyethyleneimine is immobilized on a chromatographic resin packed in a column. The column so formed is then used to trap microparticles having an affinity ligand or binder for the ligand affixed thereon. Such microparticles are used as a solid support for the affinity reaction involved in a variety of immunoassay formats.

Abstract: Process for isolating macrocyclic polyester oligomers from impurities comprising the step of subjecting solutions of macrocyclic polyester oligomers to protonated molecular sieves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a primary chromatographic support containing an immobilized flocculating agent for use as a separation media for a secondary support consisting of microparticles used in affinity separation and heterogeneous immunoassays. In a specific embodiment, a flocculating agent such as polyethyleneimine is immobilized on a chromatographic resin packed in a column. The column so formed is then used to trap microparticles having an affinity ligand or binder for the ligand affixed thereon. Such microparticles are used as a solid support for the affinity reaction involved in a variety of immunoassay formats.

Abstract: A polycationic system for the removal of polyanions from a fluid medium is formed by, first, activating a biocompatible hydroxylated support with an organic sulfonyl chloride, such as p-toluene-sulfonyl chloride, in the presence of a dialkylamino pyridine activation catalyst, such as 4-dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP). The activated support is then reacted with a polymer having a polyamide backbone with pendent alkyl amine groups, such as poly-L-lysine (PLL), to form C--N bonds between an activated carbon from the hydroxylated polymer and an amine group from the polymeric polyamide. Finally, any unreacted activated sites on the hydroxylated polymer are capped or removed with an effective amount of capping agent such as a mercapto (--SH), hydroxy (--OH) or amino (--NH.sub.2) containing compound which reacts with the unreacted activated sites. The pendent alkyl amines on the polyamide backbone exist, at the appropriate pH, as polycations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for both the positive and negative selection of at least one mammalian cell population from a mixture of cell populations utilizing a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed. One desirable application of this method is the separation and purification of mammalian hematopoietic cells. Target cell populations include human stem cells.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for separating an aqueous cleaner solution from contaminants that accumulate as the cleaner is used in washing manufactured objects, such as machine parts or printed circuit boards. In the separation process, filtration of contaminated aqueous cleaner solutions using a membrane of an appropriately chosen pore size removes oils, greases, fluxes, rosins and other emulsified or dispersed contaminants from the cleaners while permitting the molecules of the cleaner itself to stay in solution. The filtered cleaner solution is then recycled to the wash tank. Also disclosed are a process and apparatus for treating the rinse water used to rinse objects that are cleaned with the recycled cleaner.

Abstract: A present invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining sugar-alcohols characterized by passing test samples containing sugar-alcohols, proteins, and saccharides through a column filled with basic anion-exchange resins which have a protein-removing ability and a saccharide-removing ability, and then quantitaing the sugar-alcohols in the effluent out of the column, a column filled with said resins and an aqueous solution of boric acid, and a kit. Sugar-alcohols such as 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the like have been calling attention as markers for diabetes mellitus recently.

Abstract: Purification of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions using conventional ion-exchange techniques can result in the hydrogen peroxide decomposing explosively. Much safer processes are obtained by restricting the contact between the resin bed and the hydrogen peroxide solution to a very short contact time, by employing a treatment chamber that is vented to the atmosphere and also by slurrying the resin bed. The bed is conveniently retained on a mesh that acts as a filter (13) preferably conical having an aperture (17) at its apex through which is introduced a small fraction of the solution countercurrent (10) to the main solution flow (9) in order to slurry the bed (19). The solution can be recycled through the same bed or a plurality of beds. Very high purification can be achieved and combined with improved safety of operation.

Abstract: A method of removing ionic impurities from a resist component, comprising the steps of:(a) dissolving said resist component in a solvent;(b) contacting said resist component solution with a fibrous ion exchange resin for a sufficient amount of time to remove at least a portion of said ionic impurities onto said fibrous ion exchange resin; and(c) separating said fibrous ion exchange resin bearing said ionic impurities from said resist component solution.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of water, oxygen/ozone-gas mixture is introduced under high pressure in the water to be purified, and the thus obtained oxygen/ozone-gas mixture enriched water is passed to a purification stage which comprises at least one reactor. Not or insufficiently degraded contaminants are retained by a membrane filter unit and recycled to the purification stage. Thus contaminants, such as hydrocarbon compounds and the like, are recirculated until they are converted to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: Chromatography processes employ doped sol gel glasses as chromatographic media. In one embodiment, a process for qualitative or quantitative determination of a reactive chemical contained in a sample comprises passing the sample through a column or planar chromatography apparatus wherein the apparatus includes packing or plates containing a porous doped sol gel glass. The doped sol gel glass is formed form a metal alkoxide and contains a compound encapsulated therein which is reactive with the reactive chemical in the pores of the doped sol gel glass. In another embodiment, a process for analyzing a gas sample containing a reactive chemical comprises passing the gas sample through glass capillaries or tubes containing porous doped sol gel glass pellets. The pellets are formed from a metal alkoxide and contain a colorimetric reagent encapsulated therein which is reactive with the reactive chemical in the pores of the pellets.

Abstract: The improved organic polymeric adsorbent is used to adsorb and remove suspended impurities present in trace amounts in the water being treated in an apparatus for producing ultrapure water for use in the semiconductor industry or in a condensate purifier in steam power generating facilities and it is composed of a particulate or powdered cation exchange resin and/or anion exchange resin. The improvement is that this adsorbent has such a surface layer structure and morphology that granules are seen to bind with one another when examined under a scanning electron microscope in a field of view ranging from a magnification of 50 to 200,000. The adsorbent may be used as the constituent of a packing layer and/or a filter layer to make a material for removing suspended impurities.

Abstract: A separation medium for use in protein separation comprising a water-insoluble matrix carrying a plurality of polyamine groupings, the polyamine groupings having at least three basic nitrogen atoms, the basic nitrogen atoms being separated from each other by a chain of at least two intervening carbon atoms, there being a total of 5 such intervening carbon atoms when there is a total of three nitrogen atoms in each polyamine group, which may be used for at least partially purifying factor VIII.

Abstract: Disclosed is a primary chromatographic support containing an immobilized flocculating agent for use as a separation media for a secondary support consisting of microparticles used in affinity separation and heterogeneous immunoassays. In a specific embodiment, a flocculating agent such as polyethyleneimine is immobilized on a chromatographic resin packed in a column. The column so formed is then used to trap microparticles having an affinity ligand or binder for the ligand affixed thereon. Such microparticles are used as a solid support for the affinity reaction involved in a variety of immunoassay formats.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for purifying water, an oxidation forcibly turns colloidal substances into fine particles of oxides, thus increasing the size of the particles. The effluent of oxidation process is treated by ion exchange process, and then treated by membrane process. Because of the increased size of the particles, they are easily removed in the subsequent ion exchange process. The membrane process is thereby prevented from clogging up, and then removes fine particles that cannot be removed by the ion exchange process. Colloidal substances are thus removed effectively from raw water.

Abstract: A method of treating fluid in a bed of ion exchange resin wherein in one embodiment the resin is of a high kinetic type and water is introduced upwardly through the bed to effect a complete fluidized resin bed. The high kinetic resin is of a fine mesh type and preferably can be monospheric. An apparatus for carrying out the method is devoid of any elements which effect a compacting of the resin during normal operation. The method and apparatus is particularly directed to water treatment. In another embodiment, cocurrent proportional regeneration of a resin bed is effected using resins with nonoverlapping terminal velocities in two different ionic forms.

Abstract: A water softening device is provided with a waste storage tank for receiving waste liquid, such as hard water used to draw out brine from a brine storage tank, as well as the used brine itself during a regeneration cycle. The tank outlet communicates with a sprinkler system, and when the sprinkler system is on, an injector valve sucks waste liquid from the waste tank to mix it in with the sprinkler system water and thereby further dilute the liquid. A method of processing the waste water accordingly includes collecting this waste liquid and preferably mixing it in with the sprinkler fluid. The brine waste and brine supply tanks in one embodiment are preferably formed as one unit with two separate compartments. The inlet pipe to the brine waste compartment has an overflow safety valve which senses, through a float mechanism, when the tank is substantially full. The valve has a normally closed port connected to a leach line or the like.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an ion exchange sorbent containing at least one anion exchange resin, a ferromagnetic substance, and a water permeable organic polymer binder, as well as a process for the use of said sorbent to separate removable anions from feedstreams containing said anion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purifying ground- and wastewaters, which comprises subjecting said waters to a membrane separation process between a biological treatment step and adsorption on activated carbon.

Abstract: A process for separating isotopes as well as other mixtures by utilizing the behavior of dilute repulsive or weakly attractive elements of the mixtures as the critical point of the solvent is approached.

Abstract: A process for treating arsenic-containing aqueous waste is described wherein the aqueous waste, treated if necessary to minimize the presence of materials which reduce the efficiency of reverse osmosis membranes, is passed through an ultrafilter to remove solids followed by a chemical treatment to adjust the pH to range from about 6 to 8 and to add antiscalants and antifouling materials, then following to subject the chemically treated filtrate to a reverse osmosis process to result in a permeate stream having less than about 50 parts per billion arsenic.

Abstract: A cation exchange polyimide resin having resistance to organic solvents which contains polyamidocarboxylic acid units providing sites of ion exchange and represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a tetravalent organic group, and R.sup.2 is a bivalent organic group, which is capable of trapping cations from organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process of separation and refining of rare earths in which a dilute solution of rare earths, resulting from the step of separating and refining the rare earths by using an ion exchanger, is subjected to reverse osmosis membrane separation treatment to concentrate the solution and reduce its volume, while the water which has passed through the membrane is circulated for reuse in the step of separating and refining the rare earths.

Abstract: In carrying out an organic chemical reaction, such as the synthesis of a polypetide, it is known to attach a substance to particles of pervious support material and to immerse the particles in a sequence of liquids which serve as reagents, solvents etc. The invention provides a method in which, during at least one stage in a reaction of that kind, a liquid is introduced into a vessel containing particles of support material in such a manner that the immediately preceding liquid is progressively displaced by the incoming liquid. Apparatus for carrying out that method comprises a vessel (1) with upper and lower sintered restraining plates (5 and 6) between which the support material is located. Valves (8 and 11) can be set at will to enable a pump (13) to pump liquid into the vessel from above or below and to recirculate or discharge the liquid.

Abstract: A process of positive focusing of a component of a feedstream in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed which comprises: (a) providing in a column a bed of magnetizable adsorbent solids for which the component has an affinity, the bed descending countercurrently to an ascending flow through the bed of a fluidizing medium which enters the column at a fluidizing medium entry point, and the bed being stabilized by a magnetic means of sufficient strength to suppress solids backmixing and to preserve staging therein; (b) introducing the feedstream into the column through at least one feedpoint which is spaced above the fluidizing medium entry point, the feedstream and the fluidizing medium together comprising a fluid phase within the column; and (c) adjusting conditions such that they are effective to result in concentration of the component within at least one positive focusing zone in the column wherein above the zone the velocity of the component is less than zero and below the zone the velocity of the compone

Abstract: In a method for removing mercury from a wastestream to produce an environmentally acceptable discharge, the wastestream is contacted with an effective amount of an adsorbent composition which includes a metal compound capable of forming an amalgam and/or a sulfide with mercury and a support. After contact, the treated wastewater is discharged amd the adsorbent composition is regenerated. A method for making the adsorbents is also provided.

Abstract: A method for removal of at least one contaminant from a liquid is described, wherein a first step in liquid is introduced into a first of a plurality of liquid treatment containers and brought into contact in a liquid-medium suspension with a first quantity of a solid contaminant recovery medium for removing the contaminant for a period of time sufficient to achieve a desired efficiency of recovery of the contaminant. The liquid is then cycled from the first liquid treatment container sequentially through each of the plurality of liquid treatment containers to a final liquid treatment container while contacting the liquid in each of the liquid treatment containers with additional quantities of the medium in liquid-medium suspension for periods of time sufficient to achieve the desired efficiency of recovery in each of the liquid treatment containers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for extraction of impurities from a powdery or particulate solid material charged into a extractor. According to the disclosure, not only can the extraction of impurities be carried out efficiently, but also the refinement of a solid material can be carried out, with the degree of the extraction of the impurities being very high.

Abstract: Anions containing sulfur and oxygen, e.g. thiosulfate, can be catalytically reduced using a protonated anion ion exchange resin as a catalyst. The process is preferably conducted in an aqueous system and at a pH below about 8.

Abstract: A gel contactor receives a fluid media produced in a bio-reactor and containing a product to be extracted, cells and other particles. The gel contactor has a cylindrical container with a cylindrical filter mounted inside the container. A freely rotatable wiper blade sweeps the upstream side of the filter in a closely spaced relationship. The container holds a supply of beads of an absorptive chromatography media such as an ion-exchange or affinity type gel, that selectively bond to the product. An orbital drive causes the blade, process fluid and gel to revolve. The rotation of the blade depolarizes the filter and circulates the process fluid process fluid and gel within the container so that they are well mixed, with substantially no dead spots. After mixing and filtration an elution buffer solution strips the product from the gel. There are no rotary seals connecting to the container.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment. The biomass reaction product in the particulate state is preferably immobilized in an insoluble binder.

Abstract: Oxidized coal is used to remove dissolved or suspended matter from aqueous mediums. It is particularly effective in removing metal ions dissolved in aqueous mediums and/or bacteria from aqueous mediums.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises a separation unit containing two channels in contact with each other via a microporous membrane that will not react with trihalomethanes, a reaction unit for heating a carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit, a cooling unit for cooling the carrier solution that has undergone complete reaction; and a detection unit for determining the quantity of a fluorescent substance in the carrier solution. A method for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises flowing a sample solution or a mixture thereof with a reducing agent through one of the two channels in the separation unit, flowing the carrier solution through the other channel, heating the carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit and to which an alkaline nicotinamide or a derivative thereof has been added, cooling the carrier solution, and subjecting the cooled solution to fluorimetry.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for stably fluidizing a magnetically stabilized bed by periodically removing and reapplying the magnetic field whereby axial dispersion and the width and length of channels between solid material are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A liquid/solid contacting column and method of operating same is provided. The column is of the type in which a vertical series of stages is defined by vertically spaced perforated plates or trays which allow for forward flow up the column during which solid adsorbent in a fluidized state is contacted by liquid flowing up the column, and flow of solid adsorbent and liquid down the column during a reverse flow part of the operating cycle. The column is provided with outlet means in the form of one or more ports or ducts for a stream of liquid and solid adsorbent from the space above the lowermost plate or tray and wherein such outlet means is located at a predetermined height above said lowermost plate or tray.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for creating a more uniform filter cake on a vacuum filter belt. A weir box for depositing a slurry on the filter belt has an outlet in the form of a plurality of slots spaced transversely of the filter belt with each slot being in the form of a truncated triangle with the base of the triangle being located closer to the filter belt than the truncated portion of the triangle.