Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporation apparatus capable of supplying active ingredients sufficiently and stably. One embodiment of the invention includes a retention vessel keeping a liquid formulation which contains active ingredients, a liquid absorbing mechanism which absorbs the liquid formulation from said retention vessel, an evaporation mechanism which evaporates active ingredients of said liquid formulation absorbed into said liquid absorbing mechanism and adjusting means which adjusts the evaporation of active ingredients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the corrosion rate of iron-containing vessels within an ethylene glycol distillation system. The inventive process includes the addition of an additive component of sodium nitrite and sodium hypophosphite into such iron-containing vessels, to thereby react with iron of the inside walls and form a protective coating thereon. This process reduces the corrosion rate in iron-containing vessels of the apparatus, and reduces the catalytic effects of iron corrosion products within the system. Thus, not only is the on-stream time of the vessels extended, but also product quality is improved by reducing the aldehyde content of the final ethylene glycol product.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of destruction of volatile organic and inorganic compounds in wastewater, this method includes following stages: stripping the aforementioned volatile compounds in a stripping-chemisorption column; preliminary heating the gaseous medium containing these volatile compounds in a first heat regenerator; thermal, flare or thermo-catalytic oxidation of the volatile compounds in circulating gaseous medium; cooling the gaseous medium in a second heat regenerator; chemisorption of acidic gases from the gaseous medium in the stripping-chemisorption column with stripping at the same time additional amount of the volatile compounds from the wastewater. After specific period, direction of the gaseous medium flow is alternated. The proposed method can be executed at elevated temperature. The invention includes as well systems realizing the proposed method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The oxidation reactor may be further configured to oxidize a chemical associated with the flow of wastewater with an oxidation agent. The oxidation reactor may include at least one reaction member configured to pressurize at least a portion of the oxidation reactor. The system may further include at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal, the at least one resin tank configured to receive an output from the oxidation reactor. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for distilling ethanol from a mash includes feeding a fluid to a first distillation column. The fluid and a distillate of the first distillation column are delivered to a second distillation column. The fed fluid and/or distillate of the second distillation column is/are purified in a first and/or last step of the method by a membrane separation process.

Abstract: A water-soluble organic material condensation apparatus equipped with a distillation column for distilling an aqueous solution of a water-soluble organic material, wherein a vapor generated at the top of the distillation column or a condensed liquid from the vapor is introduced to a device other than the distillation column which has the function to separate water from the water-soluble organic material to thereby condense the water-soluble organic material through separating water and then the condensed water-soluble organic material is recycled to the distillation column. The device other than the distillation column is desirably a separating film such as a zeolite film. The apparatus is improved in the operation of the upper portion of the condensation section of the distillation column and allows energy savings during distillation.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the purification of ethanol. In one embodiment the process includes boiling a degassed beer feed (106) in a pre-boiler (110) to provide a vapor by-pass fraction (112) that by-passes the conventional beer column and is fed into the rectifier column (124). The process allows free capacity in the rectifier column of new or established plants to be filled by ethanol-water vapor and/or condensate streams that do not originate from the beer column.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a purified, pyrazine-containing aqueous composition by mixing a reducing sugar, a base, and an amino acid in water to produce a mixture; heating the mixture for a time and under conditions conducive to Maillard reactions such that a flavorful and aromatic aqueous solution is formed, the aqueous solution comprising a plurality of pyrazines and a first 4-methylimidazole concentration; distilling the aqueous solution to produce an aqueous distillate comprising a plurality of pyrazines and having a second 4-methylimidazole concentration lower than the first 4-methylimidazole concentration; and collecting the aqueous distillate. The invention also includes flavorful and aromatic aqueous compositions formed by this inventive method, as well as tobacco products (e.g., smokable materials, smoking articles, and smokeless tobacco) incorporating the flavorful and aromatic composition.

Abstract: A method and a device for the treatment of water. The device has a housing comprising an inlet for receiving and an outlet for discharging a volume of water; a first filter media, positioned within the housing comprising an acidic cation exchange resin capable of exchanging at least a portion of metal cations in the volume of water with non-metal cations such that the volume of water exiting the first filter media is reduced in metal cation content; and a second filter media positioned within the housing comprising a weakly basic anion exchange resin capable of exchanging at least a portion of the basic anions in the volume of water, where the first filter media or the second filter media are optionally mixed with a particulate activated carbon. Methods of treating water using the device are disclosed and described.

Abstract: A process of separating suspended solids from a fermentation liquor by subjecting the liquor to a solids-liquid separation stage, wherein the fermentation liquor is produced in a fermentation process for the production of a fermentation product, and which liquor comprises lignin, wherein the solids-liquid separation stage is assisted by a treatment system, characterised in that the treatment system comprises an anionic polymer, with the proviso that the treatment system and does not include a cationic polymer having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dl/g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing nitric acid from an aqueous liquid containing various components such as vegetable extract, and nitrate ion is removed selectively without spoiling the taste or other components, by subjecting the aqueous liquid to chromatographic treatment with an amphoteric ion exchanger to separate nitrate ion from other components contained in the aqueous liquid. A nitric acid-reduced drink is produced by preparing a raw drink material comprising an extract or juice of plant tissue; removing nitric acid from the raw drink material with use of the method of removing nitric acid from an aqueous liquid as described above; and preparing a drink using the raw drink material after the removing of nitric acid.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide waste abatement apparatuses and methods for treating waste solutions derived from depleted or used plating solutions, such as from an electroless deposition process or an electrochemical plating process. The waste abatement systems and processes may be used to treat the waste solutions by lowering the concentration of, if not completely removing, metal ions or reducing agents that are dissolved within the waste solution. In one embodiment of a demetallization process, a waste solution may be exposed to a heating element (e.g., copper coil) contained within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be exposed to a catalyst having high surface area (e.g., steel wool or other metallic wool) within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be flowed through a removable, catalytic conduit (e.g., copper tubing) having an internal catalytic surface.

Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus automates and accelerates the extraction and analysis of trace elements from biomass. The method and apparatus are especially useful at key segregation points in the food chain where speed and accuracy is necessary to separate agricultural cereals that are elevated in beneficial trace element content which provides higher value to the producer.

Abstract: When water sprays into an empty tank or into the freeboard of filters, considerable flashing occurs to release about 50 to 80% of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other gases. The injection of air with the water enhances this degasification and produces a partial drained tank, in which it is required for the spraying or flashing to occur. When the water level reaches a low point, a switch signals for the vent to be opened and the air is stopped. But the inlet water continues to fill the tank and to displace the gasses through the vent. When the water reaches the vent, a high level switch closes the vent. Air injection starts again to repeat the cycle. Alternately, the injection of air with the influent water into a partially drained tank with a level controller and venting also effects this degasification.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluid stream underwater comprising integrally attaching a skid to a fluid stream treating vessel so that the fluid stream treating vessel can be disposed on an underwater floor in a position such that an opening in said vessel is at a highest point on said vessel when disposed on the underwater floor; remotely directing a fluid stream treating vessel to an underwater floor location sufficiently close to said fluid stream so that the fluid stream can be remotely attached in fluid communication with said fluid stream treating vessel; remotely connecting said underwater fluid stream to said fluid stream treating vessel for treatment of said fluid stream; treating said fluid stream by contact with a treatment media disposed within said treatment vessel, maintained at equilibrium water pressure at the depth of treatment; and flowing the treated fluid stream out of said treating vessel.

Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the content and volume of organic matter in a wastewater stream comprises contacting the latter with a nanofiltration device so as to obtain a concentrate, and a permeate as an aqueous stream containing any salts of non-precipitable metal ions which may be present, then contacting the concentrate with a preferably backflashable ultrafiltration device, and optionally also with activated carbon. This process may be part of a broader one which also removes other components from the wastewater stream. A module comprising (a) a nanofiltration device; (b) a preferably backflashable ultrafiltration device; (c) conduit(s) adapted to convey nanofiltration device concentrate to the ultrafiltration device; and optionally (d) a vessel containing activated carbon; as well as a system for treating a wastewater stream which includes this module, also form part of the invention.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Feedwater is then acidified and steam stripped to remove alkalinity and dissolved non-condensable gases. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: An aerobic spa system comprising a water source providing water, an ozone source providing ozone, an ozone introduction mechanism adapted to introduce at least some of the ozone into the water, an ozone saturation mechanism adapted to cause at least some of the ozone to be dissolved into the water, a substantially enclosed chamber receiving water containing dissolved ozone; and a user at least partially disposed inside the chamber who comes into contact with the water containing dissolved ozone.

Abstract: This invention is directed a method for producing an ultra-high purity semiconductor gas such as ammonia gas. The method includes the steps of directing an ammonia fluid having a liquid phase moisture content that is less than about 500 parts per million through an evaporation means, to produce purified vapor phase ammonia, and directing the purified vapor phase ammonia through an adsorption means to remove impurities therein and produce ultra-high purity ammonia gas.

Abstract: A method of producing lime water comprising deionising dilution water by membrane filtration, distillation or an ion exchange resin and adding silicate ions to the deionised water. Thereafter, the deionised water treated with the silicate ions is mixed with milk of lime to form lime water. In one embodiment, the milk of lime and dilution water are mixed in a saturator where the silicate ions are introduced.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for cost-effective and efficient ammonia recovery from a waste stream. In some embodiments, ammonia is recovered after bicarbonate buffer removal from the waste stream via addition of an acid.

Abstract: After passing alcoholic liquors 20 through an HSO3 type strongly basic anion exchange resin layer 14, or after adding an HSO3 salt to alcoholic liquors; the alcoholic liquors are passed through a mixed bed layer 18 containing of an H type strongly acidic cation exchange resin and a free base type weakly basic anion exchange resin, or the alcoholic liquors are successively passed through an H type strongly acidic cation exchange resin layer and a free base type weakly basic anion exchange resin layer. According to this way, it is possible to remove aldehydes and inorganic salts from alcoholic liquors such as brewed alcoholic liquors and distilled alcoholic liquors, while strongly retaining a peculiar fragrance or retaining a manneristic flavor.

Abstract: There is provided a method for deionizing a decomposition produced solution resulting from decomposition of a polyester by ethylene glycol. The ester interchange reaction and hydrolysis reaction along with cation removing treatment of a decomposition product resulting from decomposition of a polyester by ethylene glycol are suppressed. Thereby, a method for deionizing the decomposition produced solution with small reductions in yield and purity can be provided.

Abstract: This invention concerns radiation durable organic compositions which are well-suited for use in 157 nm lithography by virtue of their high transparency and excellent radiation durability, and to a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: In an apparatus capable of distilling and refining an easily polymerizable substance, piping is performed so that when a strainer in action is switched to a backup strainer, the strainer can be switched after removing air in the backup strainer to replace air in the backup strainer with a discharge liquid of a pump. According to the apparatus, switching the strainers installed on an upstream side of the pump for extracting a liquid of a vacuum distillation column, which distills and refines the easily polymerizable substance, can be performed with no trouble during operation of the distillation column. When the apparatus includes a device for measuring a differential pressure between an upstream side and a downstream side of the strainer in action, two or more strainers installed in parallel can be switched at proper times and the easily polymerizable substance can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: An low concentration dope is fed through a nozzle into a concentrating apparatus, and flash evaporation of the low concentration dope is performed at an end of the nozzle. The low concentration dope is concentrated thereby to an concentrating dope which is contained and heated in the concentrating apparatus. Thus part of solvents of the low concentration dope and the concentrating dope is evaporated to a solvent gas. The solvent gas is cooled and condensed in a condensing section of the concentrating apparatus, and thereafter drawn through a first exit from the concentrating apparatus. The concentrating dope is concentrated to a high concentration dope, which is drawn through a second exit from the concentrating apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing drinking water having a reduced cluster width and being capable of emitting FIR (Far Infrared Rays) energy by using a solution derived by chemical treatment of a charge generating material.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring and eliminating gas build-up in an anion exchange column comprised of an anion exchange material placed within a vessel and a liquid layer comprising water contaminated by at least antimony passing through said vessel, which method comprises maintaining said anion exchange material within said liquid layer by allowing gases produced by a reaction of said liquid layer with said anion exchange material to be released from said anion exchange vessel though a valve or other gas release mechanism.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward, releasing at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: A process for reducing the level(s) of water and/or other impurities from cyclosiloxanes by either azeotropic distillation, or by contacting the cyclosiloxane compositions with an adsorbent bed material. The purified cyclosiloxane material is useful for forming low-dielectric constant thin films having dielectric constants of less than 3.0, more preferably 2.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: An evaporation based method of treating produced water from heavy oil production. A produced water from heavy oil recovery operations treated by first removing oil and grease to a desired level, preferably to about twenty parts per million, or less. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward and by acid addition, to release at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Preferably, all non-hydroxide alkalinity is removed, or substantially so, by introducing the feedwater into a decarbonator. Feedwater is introduced into an evaporator, and the feedwater is evaporated to a selected concentration factor to produce (1) a distillate having a small amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing residual solids. Distillate may be directly used for steam generation in a once-through steam generator, or polished by ion exchange or electrodeionization prior to feed to a packaged boiler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing a fluorinated surfactant from waste water comprising fluoropolymer particles. The method comprises (i) adding a non-fluorinated surfactant to the waste water (ii) contacting the thus obtained waste water with adsorbent particles to adsorb at least a portion of the fluorinated surfactant to the adsorbent particles and (iii) separating the waste water and the adsorbent particles.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Abstract: In order to reduce a total organic carbon (TOC) in ultrapure water to a level less than 1 ppb, several cycles of ozone contact/UV irradiation treatments are carried out in sequence. Preferably, the first cycle further includes an ion exchange treatment which is applied to the resulting UV irradiation water.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing pharmaceutical water by means of distillation and sanitizing the equipment used in said manufacturing. The method comprises the removal of suspended solids from chlorine-containing water by means of a multimedia filter, followed by a water-softening step and a dechlorination step. Ammonia is then removed from the dechlorinated water before subjecting the water to distillation in a mechanical vapor compression distillation unit. A portion of the generated low-pressure-steam is used to sanitize the manufacturing equipment at certain prescribed locations, and the distilled water, exhibiting United States Pharmacopoeia purified water quality, is withdrawn from the still and stored as pharmaceutical water product. No reverse osmosis operation is required. A system for carrying out the process is also provided. Sanitization is carried out while the system is in a standby mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a purification apparatus and method. The purification apparatus includes: a mobile phase distillation part for distilling a mobile phase; a mobile phase liquefaction part for liquefying the distilled mobile phase; and a purification part disposed between the mobile phase distillation part and the mobile phase liquefaction part, for mixing the mobile phase liquefied at the mobile liquefaction part with to-be-purified material, removing impurities from the mixture through a bonded phase, and sending the impurity-removed purified material to the mobile phase distillation part.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system comprising at least two cylindrical vessels, wherein each vessel contains at least one treatment medium selected from ion exchange resins, polymeric adsorbents, inorganic adsorbents and activated carbon; each vessel has at each end a flat head and a fractal liquid transfer manifold; and the system comprises at least one membrane degasifier unit.

Abstract: An improved water purification system for production of USP purified water and/or USP water for injection include backwashable, chlorine tolerant microfilter or ultrafilter for initial filtration of the feed water (10). The filtrate from the filter (18) is provided to a dechlorinator (18) prior to being subjected to an optional, reverse osmosis membrane unit (60) and then to a still (66) which discharges purified water at USP standards for purified water or water for injection.

Abstract: A point of use water purification unit for continuously and completely purifying water at all point of use for removing all chemicals, killing all microorganisms; the device having a computer monitored and controlled system for degassing, super heating and exploding water into a vacuum chamber, condensing the steam in a counter current cold brine apparatus and stored in a holding tank.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Abstract: A method of treating produced water from heavy oil production to provide feedwater for the production of high quality steam. A produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is initially treated by first removing oil and grease to a desired level, preferably to about twenty parts per million, or less. The pH is then adjusted, normally downward and by acid addition, to release at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Preferably, all non-hydroxide alkalinity is removed, or substantially so, by introducing the feedwater into a decarbonator. In some cases, the pH may be raised (without, or subsequent to decarbonation, depending upon water chemistry) preferably by caustic addition, to maintain silica solubility in the feedwater.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity isopropyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of: (a) feeding a feed stream comprising at least about 99.9 wt. % isopropyl alcohol into a separation column; (b) separating the isopropyl alcohol into an overhead stream taken overhead from the separation column and a bottoms stream taken as bottoms from the separation column; and (c) removing the high purity isopropyl alcohol at a point: (i) below where the feed stream enters the separation column but above the bottoms stream, or (ii) above where the feed stream enters the separation column but below the overhead stream. The high purity isopropyl alcohol has a metals content of less than about 1 ppb and a water content of less than about 100 ppm.

Abstract: A continuous Liquid-Solids Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB) preferably for use as an ion exchanger consists of two fluidized bed columns, a fluidized bed adsorber (downer) operating in conventional fluidized bed mode for adsorption of ions of interest and a fluidized bed riser for desorption of ions (operating as a riser fluidized bed) to provide regenerated particles. Ion exchange particles circulate continuously between the riser and the downer i.e. the particles that have adsorbed ions in the absorber pass from the adsorber (downer) to the desorber where they are regenerated and the so regenerated particles are return to the adsorber near the top of the adsorber column. The LSCFB can be used in processes for continuous recovery of the ions of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting a distillation temperature range of a hydrocarbon-containing compound comprising gasoline and/or naphta. The said hydrocarbon-containing compound is analyzed and specific parameters of interest are determined. The values of said determined parameters of interest are processed in a predetermined mathematical distillation model. From said model the distillation temperature range of said hydrocarbon-containing compound is calculated and data representing the result of said calculation are produced.

Abstract: In the field of biomass extraction, there is a need for effective removal of solvent from spent biomass material. An apparatus for removing solvent residues includes a vessel (11) for containing biomass; a steam source (19) for supplying steam to contact the biomass; and a separator (24) for separating solvent from steam that has contacted the biomass. The disclosure includes a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: In the field of biomass extraction, there is a need for effective removal of solvent from spent biomass material.

Abstract: A water reclamation system for a closed environment includes a mixer that receives brine. A processor is downstream of the mixer, with the processor distilling substantially salt-free water from the brine in the substantial absence of salt crystallization. A crystallizer subsystem is downstream of the processor, with the crystallizer subsystem crystallizing salt from the brine and recycling the brine to the mixer.