Abstract: A fluid treatment device, system, and process are described that provide a filtered, metal-depleted (treated) fluid. The system includes two pairs of tanks that are piped and valved to allow one pair to fill/react while the other pair decants/discharges, which provides a continuous flow of metal-depleted (treated) fluid. Power requirements are minimal since fluid is pumped at a low head pressure. The design has applications in the potable water, industrial, mining, chemical and environmental sectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boron adsorbent having an excellent adsorbing ability against boron contained in a solution, which is inexpensive and has high general versatility. Also disclosed is a boron removal method which can remove boron efficiently in a simple manner. An amide derivative represented by the general formula (1) is added to a boron-containing water under alkaline conditions to cause the adsorption of boron to the amide derivative. Then, a cation source having two or more valencies is added to the water to cause the aggregation of the amide body. The aggregated amide body is removed from the water. In the general formula (1), m represents 1 or 2; X represents —CH2OH, —CHO or —COOH; n represents an integer of 2 to 5; X are independent from each other and n are independent from each other when m represents 2; and Y represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms when m is 1, and represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms when m is 2.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the separation of liquid-liquid phase and/or a liquid-gas phase where one or more of the phases is suspended in water and has a bubble/drop/particle size in the sub micron and micron range, and/or fine particular organic or inorganic material is present in one or more of the phases. There is also disclosed a method and use for the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are decontamination techniques that use a chemical that acts as an oxygen source and adsorption/binding agent in a UV reactor to bring together organic contaminant molecules and TiO2 molecules in the photoreactive slurry, or to alternatively bind directly to the contaminant molecules if no photocatalyst is employed. In one embodiment, one such system may comprise a contaminated fluid media source providing a contaminated fluid media, which could even be at near-boiling conditions. In addition, the decontamination system may include an adsorption accelerant comprising oxygen and soluble in the fluid media. The adsorption accelerant adsorbing to contaminant molecules in the contaminated fluid media, and should be stable if the fluid media is provided at near-boiling conditions. Also, such a decontamination system may include an irradiation source configured to irradiate the contaminated media containing the adsorption accelerant to eliminate the contaminant molecules from the fluid media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, device and system for measuring and/or treating contaminating components dissolved in a liquid in a liquid flow, such as in a water treatment, the method comprising the steps of: —carrying at least a part of the liquid from the liquid flow with contaminating components present therein into a container or a conduit; —causing precipitation of at least a part of the dissolved contaminating components, wherein solid particles are formed, and/or treating the quantity of process liquid; optionally followed by: —measuring the presence and/or the quantity of solid particles formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making and using and compositions of metal nanoparticles formed by green chemistry synthetic techniques. For example, the present invention relates to metal nanoparticles formed with solutions of plant extracts and use of these metal nanoparticles in removing contaminants from soil and groundwater and other contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods of making and using compositions of metal nanoparticles formed using green chemistry techniques.

Abstract: Contaminants, including arsenic, are removed from water and other aqueous feeds preferably by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing a rare earth (e.g., cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide), to oxidize contaminants in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the contaminants in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with a rare earth-containing precipitating agent.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: An apparatus for, method of, and system for treatment of industrial waste water and/or marine vessel bilge waste water before discharge into rivers, lakes, streams and oceans, said waste water having hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon liquid chemical emulsions containing organics and fine suspended particulate matter, said treatment utilizing a hydrocarbon sorbing media together with filter structural elements to first coalesce then bifurcate the hydrocarbon elements from the non-hydrocarbon elements in the emulsion, then the remaining liquid entering the second stage of filtration wherein a positively charged nano-fiber material removes the remaining organics and other fine particulate in the submicron sized range, providing a highly clarified and oil free effluent at high flow rates and with substantially reduced filter system maintenance. The apparatus, method and system may further contain a third stage utilizing another layer of hydrocarbon sorbing materials.

Abstract: The suspended solids content of a process stream in a process for digesting bauxite ore to produce alumina is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method and an apparatus for removing metals in waste water, such as thallium contained in waste water generated by rinsing waste containing chlorine, ash obtained by burning garbage, fly ash, etc. and reduces the concentration of metals in the waste water to a discharge standard, and the present invention provides a method for removing metals comprising applying direct-current electricity by an electrolyzer 5 to waste water S5, which contains metal aggregate, discharged via a reaction tank 1, a settler 2, and a reaction tank 4, and thereby the waste water S5 is electrolyzed together with depositing metals dissolve in the waste water S5 as metal oxides, separating the waste water containing deposited metal oxides in a precision filtration apparatus 6 into suspended solid MP and waste water S7, and removing a small amount of metals dissolve in the waste water S7 after removing the suspended solid MP in an ion exchange unit 7.

Abstract: A process for treating water is provided where the water is mixed with an inorganic reagent powder such as powder activated carbon. Organics and micropollutants are absorbed by the reagent powder. After the reagent powder has been mixed with the water, the water is directed to a setting tank and sludge from the water settles to produce a clarified effluent. Forming a part of the sludge is the reagent powder previously added. Sludge is collected and directed to a separator that separates the reagent powder from the sludge. Separated reagent powder is recycled and mixed with the water being treated.

Abstract: An arsenic removal process where arsenic 3 is oxidized to arsenic 5 where the water is passed upflow through a bed of manganese dioxide (MnO2) at a sufficient flow rate such that the MnO2 bed is fluidized whereby precipitating or precipitated iron and/or manganese and/or any other suspended solids will pass through the bed. The suspended matter is then removed by passing the water through disposable or reusable filters. The oxidized arsenic is then removed by passing the water through applicable arsenic removal media.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for positive selection of species of interest based on peptide/protein sequence from a biological sample. The species of interest may be proteins and/or peptides of interest which may be placed through a mass spectrometer to obtain a blood peptide/protein signature. The blood peptide/protein signature may be used in proteomic analysis. The techniques include but are not limited to the use of collectors comprising nucleic acid molecules to extract a composition that has a lower concentration of a high abundance species of interest from a sample. This limits the level of influence that any collectors species may have on the results of a mass spectra.

Abstract: A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a wastewater stream which comprises soot and is obtained in the preparation of acetylene, the soot being present in finely divided form in the wastewater, wherein the soot is removed by subjecting the wastewater to a solid concentration by sedimentation and then the soot sludge obtained in the sedimentation is dewatered further by a pressure filtration.

Abstract: Conditioning processes and equipment for removing hardness from water circulated in a system. A sidestream is routed to a reactor and back. A buffer is added to the circulated water, in some embodiments in a sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, forming soluble metal complexes with metal ions of the type that cause scaling. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water which breaks the soluble metal ion-buffer complexes and precipitates and accumulates the released metal ion as a solid for accumulation and disposal. In some embodiments a polymer is added, a corrosion inhibitor blend is added and/or pre-mixed with the buffer, and a chlorine generator removes sodium chloride from the buffered sidestream, and makes chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide for use in the process or for disposal.

Abstract: A personally portable water purification compound prepared in unit dosage form such as tablets, packages and the like and having titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the form of fine particles, and adsorbed chlorine held at the surface of the titanium dioxide particles; and a titanium based coagulant; the compound being prepared in a plurality of unit dose size packages, for personal use by individuals. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a personally portable water purification compound consisting of the steps of heating titanium dioxide particles up to a temperature between about 260-500° C., passing a cold dry gaseous chlorine flow around the titanium dioxide particles; and cooling the titanium dioxide during the treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing impurities from an aqueous stream. The method includes directing the aqueous stream into an adsorbent contact zone and contacting the aqueous stream with an adsorbent material in the adsorbent contact zone so that impurities in the aqueous stream are adsorbed onto the adsorbent material. The aqueous stream and the adsorbent material is then directed to a ballasted flocculation zone where the adsorbent material is mixed with ballast to form sludge. The aqueous stream is then separated from the sludge to produce treated water and the sludge is settled in a settling zone. The ballast is then separated from the sludge and directed to the ballasted flocculation zone while the sludge and the adsorbent material are directed to a transition zone.

Abstract: A water treatment method is provided for helping to partially or completely remove sodium and methane gas from water. In the method, water is combined with a reactant that is formulated to combine with the sodium in the water and form a compound. The water and compound are then passed through a bed of media for helping to separate the compound from the water. The method also includes aerating the water to release gases contained therein by breaking the water into microdroplets by passing it through a screen. Additionally, the method may include a step wherein the water is passed through an acidic resin for facilitating a cation exchange where additional sodium is removed. A water treatment apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Described is a process for treating an animal husbandry effluent slurry, such as hog manure, containing suspended solid particles. The process includes a) providing a liquid portion of the effluent, b) diluting the liquid to a Newtonian fluid, c) assuring the pH is under 10, d) adding to the fluid i) a soluble salt of alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCl2) and ii) an insoluble basic salt of the same alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCO3) to balance available cations and promote agglomeration of the suspended solid particles, e) adding a cationic coagulant to obtain a pre-treated destabilized colloid mixture with zero zeta potential value, and f) performing electroflotation to obtain a treated liquid and floated solids.

Abstract: A method for reducing barium concentration in waste streams. Hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) is formed in solution/slurry and mixed with water containing barium such that the hydrous manganese oxide exhibits a negative charge at a desired pH. Barium from the water is adsorbed onto the negatively charged HMO surface. The HMO with adsorbed barium is separated from the water, producing treated effluent having a reduced barium concentration.

Abstract: Filter-aid materials are disclosed herein, and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one filterable composite adsorbent comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component. Further disclosed herein are filter-aid materials and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one filterable composite adsorbent comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component, and wherein the filter-aid material further comprises an at least one additional filtration component mixed with the at least one filterable composite adsorbent.

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: The present invention relates to a method of body fluid treatment for relieving the condition of inhibited lymphocyte proliferation which comprises bringing a mammalian body fluid into contact with an adsorbent comprising a high-molecular compound having a water contact angle within the range of 40° to 98° in the presence of a divalent cation chelating agent in the manner of extracorporeal circulation, or comprises bringing a mammalian body fluid into contact with an active carbon-containing adsorbent in the manner of extracorporeal circulation; and relates to a system for extracorporeal circulation which comprises a body fluid transfer pump, an anticoagulant infusion pump, and a device comprising a container wherein an adsorbent comprising a high-molecular compound having a water contact angle within the range of 40° to 98° is contained, or comprises a body fluid transfer pump, and a device comprising a container wherein an active carbon-containing adsorbent is contained.

Abstract: Novel filter elements for sequestering acids from oil or fuel, the strong base floes that comprise the filter elements, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. The filter elements comprise a mechanically linked interlocking fiber matrix interspersed with strong base particle floes wherein the strong base particles constitute at least 30% by weight of the filter element. Certain filter elements may be useful for sequestering acids or neutralized acids in certain oils or fuels, for example, the acids originating in the combustion and lubrication system of an internal combustion engine or those contained in oils in an oil circulation system. Other filter elements may be useful for reducing oxidation of an oil.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Filters are used in the line to remove particulates and bubbles from the blood before they are pumped back to the patient but current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles and debris that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet.

Abstract: A method for removing dissolved contaminants from solution using a surface-activated crystalline titanium oxide product having a high adsorptive capacity and a high rate of adsorption with respect to dissolved contaminants, in particular, arsenate and arsenite. Preferably, the titanium oxide product includes crystalline anatase having primary crystallite diameters in the range of 1-30 nm. The surface-activated titanium oxide is combined with other filter media to further improve the removal of dissolved contaminants.

Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.

Abstract: A method of separating at least one phycobilino-based pigment from a sample containing a plurality of phycobilin-based pigments is provided. The method is capable of separating a specific phycobilin-based pigment with high purity by a simple operation.

Abstract: A process and system for treating waste water containing contaminants to prevent excessive accumulation on demineralizer media of a driver contaminate capable of such accumulation before another contaminant can reach a predetermined level of accumulation. The waste water is treated upstream of the demineralizer media with removal means for specifically removing the driver contaminant while leaving the other contaminant for subsequent removal by the demineralizer media. The amount of accumulation on the demineralizer media of the other contaminant is monitored, and the supplying of treated waste water to the demineralizer media is terminated when its accumulation reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of effluent, particularly acid mine drainage, is provided which includes the steps of a. neutralising acid; b. removing cations by ion exchange using a cation resin; c. regenerating the cation resin; d. treating the eluates of the cation ion exchange step; e. adsorbing anions from the effluent of the cation removal step using an anion exchange resin; and f. regenerating the anion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for removing dissolved contaminants from solution using a surface-activated crystalline titanium oxide product having a high adsorptive capacity and a high rate of adsorption with respect to dissolved contaminants, in particular, arsenate and arsenite. Preferably, the titanium oxide product includes crystalline anatase having primary crystallite diameters in the range of 1-30 nm. The surface-activated titanium oxide is combined with other filter media to further improve the removal of dissolved contaminants.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of water using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to contaminants, and a filtration step to produce water from which contaminants have been removed or modified. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: A device for dynamic filtration of a pharmaceutical product is provided. The device includes a resin configured to selectively retain one or more components from a mixture having the pharmaceutical product, where the resin is configured to be activated by a medium of the mixture. The device further includes at least one positioning material disposed adjacent to the resin, where the positioning material is configured to provide mechanical support to the resin to at least partially retain the resin in position. In certain embodiments, the device does not require conditioning immediately prior to filtration.

Abstract: A method for removing helminth egg and other suspended solids from a wastewater stream includes directing the wastewater to a ballasted flocculation system and adding a coagulation agent, flocculation agent and a ballast into the wastewater. Sludge is settled from the wastewater in a settling tank at a rate of at least 10 meters per hour. The method further includes removing helminth egg by filtering the effluent through a fine screen having a mesh diameter of approximately 5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. After passing through the fine screen, the filtered effluent has less than one helminth egg per liter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating a target from a liquid, which includes providing a polymer in an aqueous liquid, which polymer comprises at least one hydrophobic portion; contacting the polymer-containing liquid with the liquid comprising the target; applying a stimulus to the resulting mixture; and maintaining it until a reversible phase separation is obtained. One phase is polymer-rich and contains target(s) and another phase is polymer-poor. By either maintaining the stimulus, or applying a different stimulus and maintaining it, the polymer-rich phase is transformed into a substantially solid phase.

Abstract: A liquid exchange method of exchanging liquids present around a magnetic substance is provided. The method serves to prevent a remaining liquid from transferring to a next step and a loss of the magnetic substance. Even when the liquid exchange method is applied to an autoanalyzer, the device structure will not be complicated. A vessel 11 in which a liquid 16 containing a magnetic substance 15, a vessel 12 containing a liquid 17, a magnetic substance move-mediating member 13 and also a magnet 18 are prepared.

Abstract: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins included have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.

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: Crosslinked polymeric beads for removing arsenate from water, as well as methods for preparing and using the beads are disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for the treatment of wastewater comprising incorporating a delaminated nanoparticulate clay into a treatment mixture to form a coagulant. The nanoparticulate clay comprises an anionic coagulant. Preferred nanoparticulate clays are bentonite clays and hectorite clays.

Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.

Abstract: A process for treating water is provided where the water is mixed with an inorganic reagent powder such as powder activated carbon. Organics and micropollutants are absorbed by the reagent powder. After the reagent powder has been mixed with the water, the water is directed to a setting tank and sludge from the water settles to produce a clarified effluent. Forming a part of the sludge is the reagent powder previously added. Sludge is collected and directed to a separator that separates the reagent powder from the sludge. Separated reagent powder is recycled and mixed with the water being treated.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage water conditioning system is structured for conditioning a flow of influent water passing through the conditioning system by removing one or more cations including sodium, iron, barium, and or ammonia from the influent water, while also possibly adding (as required) calcium and magnesium. Such a conditioning of the influent water results in a reduction in the sodium adsorption ration (SAR) and electrical conductance (EC) of the influent. Versions of the water conditioning system may include a surge and equalization stage, and at least one conditioning stage, which is typically followed by an output finishing stage. Each included conditioning stage provides for a contacting of the influent water with surfaces of a load of molecular filtering material causing a reduction in sodium and other cations as the influent waters flow through the water conditioning system.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a polymer having a molecular weight in excess of 5,000, and preferably in excess of 40,000, comprises, producing a polymerized reaction mass in which the polymer is dispersed, the reaction mass including solvent(s), unreacted monomer and other unwanted contaminants; feeding the reaction mass to a means for disentangling the polymer's molecules to produce a modified polymer in the reaction mass; feeding the modified polymer in the reaction mass to a polymer-recovering means; removing the unwanted volatiles and other byproducts; and, recovering a high molecular weight substantially pure modified polymer having substantially the same molecular weight as the polymer fed to the disentangling means and a viscosity at least 10% lower than that of the polymer fed to the disentangling means.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.

Abstract: To compose a composite filter for obtaining water having a high purity usable as water for life and water for medicine from water in which impurities are mixed. Furthermore, to compose an apparatus for obtaining water having a high purity using the filter. Moreover, to configure the apparatus so as to facilitate exchange of the filter. That is, water having a high purity can be obtained by allowing raw water to permeate through a composite filter which consists of a first layer 11 made of fibers, a second layer 12 made of ion exchange resin, a third layer 14 made of activated carbon and a fourth layer 16 made of an unwoven textile. These first layer, second layer, third layer and fourth layer are configured as separate independent filters respectively so that each filter can be exchanged independently. Furthermore, different kinds of filters can be combined dependently on purposes of use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating water for human consumption, so as to eliminate manganese and possibly other metals comprising steps which consist in: causing said water to pass at least over a bed of filtering material (3) consisting at least partly of manganese dioxide granules, said granules having a real density ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 and a hardness higher than 6 on the Mosh scale; regenerating, if necessary, said manganese dioxide, said regeneration being carried out mechanically.