Abstract: This invention relates to wastewater treatment, process and preferred systems for practice of the process for the removal of organic and inorganic ingredients contaminating wastewater, thereby to allow the reuse or sewer discharge of water used in various manufacturing and other processes. The process of the invention typically involves initial filtration of the wastewater and contact with a paste mixture consisting of magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium orthophosphate, ferric sulfate, sodium hydrocarbonate, and activated carbon, the activated carbon removing organics such as dyes and the like while the paste mixture precipitates inorganics for subsequent mechanical removal. After treatment with the paste mixture, precipitating compounds are added to precipitate other inorganics. Flocculating agents are then added for further clarification purposes. Material removal then occurs by mechanical extraction including filtration, settling and the like.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning wastewater containing metal ions in solution, hydrogen peroxide, and high solids, e.g., greater than about 50 mg/l particulate solids. A carbon adsorption column removes hydrogen peroxide in the wastewater feed containing high solids. A chemical precipitation unit removes the metal ions from solution. The process and apparatus remove metal ions such as copper from a high solids byproduct polishing slurry from the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of integrated circuit microchips to form an environmentally clean wastewater discharge.

Abstract: An improved process for the treatment of water, selected from livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream, which process comprises adding to said water a composition comprising a sufficient amount of an acid to lower the water pH to less than 3.5 to 2.0; and wherein said acid is selected from the group of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-hydroxyalkyltriglyoxilic acid (PR-1409SA); 2,2-oxy-diacetic acid; 2,2-ether diglycolic acid; sulfamic acid; and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed utilizing permeable treatment media for treatment of contaminated water, along with a method for enhanced passive flow of contaminated water through the treatment media. The apparatus includes a treatment cell including a permeable structure that encloses the treatment media, the treatment cell may be located inside a water collection well, exterior to a water collection well, or placed in situ within the pathway of contaminated groundwater. The passive flow of contaminated water through the treatment media is maintained by a hydraulic connection between a collecting point of greater water pressure head, and a discharge point of lower water pressure head. The apparatus and process for passive flow and groundwater treatment utilizes a permeable treatment media made up of granular metal, bimetallics, granular cast iron, activated carbon, cation exchange resins, and/or additional treatment materials.

Abstract: The present invention entails a composition and process for treating wastewater. The composition is made up of calcium hydroxide, bauxite, and activated carbon. This composition is mixed and continuously fed into a reactor(s) containing wastewater. The composition facilitates the settling and treating of solids for disposal as well as reducing odors and improving the color and quality of the wastewater to make it suitable for subsequent discharge. Additionally, a polymer can be added to promote flocculation and the further settling of suspended solids. An oxidant, such as chlorine gas, may also be added. In the case of chlorine gas, it reacts with ammonia nitrogen to convert the same to hydrochloric acid, water, and elemental nitrogen. Further, the present invention entails a chemical composition provided for reacting with hydrocarbon compounds and breaking them down so as to render them non-toxic and non-hazardous.

Abstract: A method of coagulating particulates, as in papermaking or water clarification applications, for example, is provided wherein a zeolite crystalloid coagulant is added to water containing the solid matter, a source of multivalent cations, and a cationic acrylamide polymer. The zeolite crystalloid coagulant is preferably prepared by admixing aqueous sodium silicate and sodium aluminate solutions to form a reaction mixture and allowing a reaction to proceed for a sufficient time to form a zeolite crystalloid coagulant particles having particle sizes of at least about 4 nm before terminating the reaction.

Abstract: A process for removing lead and copper from drinking water discharged from a drinking water outlet while suppressing the concentration of phosphate ions comprising directing the water through a matrix comprising phosphate mineral with a very low phosphate solubility, and a solid carbonate mineral which is slightly soluble in water. The matrix is sized such that there is sufficient contacting between the water and the matrix to form a lead phosphate precipitate, reduce the lead concentration in the water to below 15 parts per billion, and suppress the phosphate ion concentration to 5 mg/L, preferably 3 mg/L, or below.

Abstract: A method of treating water containing silicon-containing impurities in a concentration of up to 10,000 parts per million by weight of the water, by contacting the water over a period of time with a particulate solid which entrains silicon-containing impurities in the water and subsequently separating the water from the particulate solid, wherein the particulate solid is a high alumina cement which is anhydrous when first contacted by the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater effluent from a commercial car wash provides for collecting and holding the effluent in a first tank for equalization and to a pH of about 7.0 to 9.5, and then transferring the equalized wastewater to a second tank for either caustification or acidification to a first predetermined pH of up to 10.0, and preferably 8.2 to 8.6, and most preferably 8.4, and then adding a coagulant, preferably a polyaluminum chloride (PAC) with a basicity of 45 to 50% at 400 to 600 ppm, to a second predetermined pH of 6.2 to 7.0 and preferably 6.6 to 7.0, and most preferably 6.8, to effect coagulation at the second pH to form treated water and a sludge. The treated water is decanted from the sludge and filtered to remove 1 to 50 micron particulates. The filtered water is acidified and then passed through a weak base anion exchange resin to remove MBAS to provide treated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying and maintaining the purity of water in a swimming pool by initially feeding into the pool water treated in an ion exchanger to render it acidic and hardness-free, lime water consisting of a clear and saturated aqueous solution of white lime or white lime hydrate being thereafter added to provide a lime-carbonic acid equilibrium, at least some of the acidic and hardness-free water being recirculated over a body of crushed limestone to establish a pH of not less than 7. Carbon dioxide and oxygen may also be added.

Abstract: A process for treating paint sludge in which previously cured paint sludge powder is used as a diluent and mixed with wet paint sludge. The paint powder/sludge mixture is agitated and heated to cure the paint sludge. Processing can occur either continuously or in batch mode, and can be accomplished using a mixer charged with heated gases, or a heated mixer.

Abstract: Emulsified oil contained in oil-in-water emulsions is removed from waste water by mixing cationic polyacrylamide high polymers with the waste water, forming oil-containing aggregations and separating the aggregations from the demulsified water. The demulsified water can then be more effectively polished, typically by contact with adsorbent particles, and subsequently passed to environmentally acceptable disposal locations.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of combining waste material with a treatment composition to form crystal growth structures, and adsorbing the waste material within the crystal growth structures, thereby stabilizing the waste material. The treatment composition includes natural zeolite seed, crystalline quartz, aluminum trihydrate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, and optionally dolomitic calcium oxide or calcium oxide or dolomitic limestone, and potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

Abstract: A composition, in unit dosage form, for the batchwise purification for drinking purposes of a relatively small predetermined volume of contaminated water includes: (a) an organo-chlorine compound serving as a disinfectant-sanitizing agent; (b) a solid inorganic metal salt having a trivalent cation serving as a coagulant-precipitate agent; (c) a solid alkali which is highly soluble in water and highly effervescent in the presence of an acid serving as a dispersion-buffer agent; (d) a solid anionic polymeric hydrophilic primary colloid flocculant; (e) a solid cationic, polymeric hydrophilic secondary colloid flocculant; (f) long fiber cellulose serving as an agglomeration matrix and pre-filter for absorbing flocs and trapping visible debris and cysts; and (g) a bulk ion exchange absorbent. A water purification kit and method employing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating acid wastewater containing heavy metals has been invented, the process including adding fly ash to the acid wastewater to reduce heavy metals content of the acid wastewater. In one aspect the acid wastewater contains soluble iron and adding fly ash reduces the level of soluble iron. In one aspect the acid wastewater contains sulfate ions and adding fly ash reduces the sulfate ion level. In one aspect solid silicate salts are added to the acid wastewater. Preferably undesirable very hydrous iron hydroxide precipitate is not formed. In certain aspects the pH of the acid wastewater is raised to an environmentally acceptable level. In one aspect the process is a batch process. In another aspect the process is a continuous process.

Abstract: An electroless nickel(EN)/hypophosphite plating bath is provided employing acetic acid/acetate as a buffer and which is, as a result, capable of perpetual regeneration while avoiding the production of hazardous waste. A regeneration process is provided to process the spent EN plating bath solution. A concentrated starter and replenishment solution is provided for ease of operation of the plating bath. The regeneration process employs a chelating ion exchange system to remove nickel cations from spent EN plating solution. Phosphites are then removed from the solution by precipitation. The nickel cations are removed from the ion exchange system by elution with hypophosphorous acid and the nickel concentration of the eluate adjusted by addition of nickel salt. The treated solution and adjusted eluate are combined, stabilizer added, and the volume of resulting solution reduced by evaporation to form the bath starter and replenishing solution.

Abstract: A low concentration (0.1 to 0.5 mM) of aluminum ions is added to an organic wastewater to selectively raise specific bacteria which can grow without producing unpleasant odors. The bacteria is used for treating the organic wastewater of high density without producing odors thus contributing to the minimum size of a wastewater treatment system. Then, increase of the aluminum ions to a high concentration (more than 4 mM) accelerates flocculation and precipitation of the bacteria for disposal. When a proper mineral is added to the wastewater, a lower concentration (more than 1 mM) of the aluminum ions can encourage the flocculation and precipitation of the bacteria and also, a resultant sludge will be reduced in amount for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for clarifying milkhouse wastewater, which is rich in phosphorus and also contains colloidal and suspended solids. This wastewater is obtained during the washing of milk pipelines of a dairy milking system. The wastewater is collected in a treatment vessel, with the ratio of suspended solids to phosphorus in the wastewater being lowered either before entering or while in the treatment vessel. To this wastewater of lowered suspended solids:phosphorus ratio, there is added sufficient calcium, preferably in the form of lime, to react with all of the phosphorus in the wastewater to form calcium hydroxyapatite precipitate. It has been discovered that, by lowering the ratio of suspended solids:phosphorus, sufficient calcium hydroxyapatite precipitate is formed to sweep with it during settling substantially all colloidal and suspended solids thereby leaving a clear, environmentally safe effluent water.

Abstract: Metals and organics are extracted from solution by co-precipitating them with a gel comprising aluminum hydroxide and a complexing agent such as EDTA. After the gel is processed to remove the metals and organics, it can be recycled for further use by dissolving it in a high-pH solution, leaving no secondary waste stream. A number of alternative complexing agents perform better than EDTA.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a flow of wastewater using an electrolytic oxidation vessel having a chamber and at least one elongate cathode electrode and a plurality of elongate sacrificial anode electrodes aligned parallel with the cathode electrode in the chamber. The flow of wastewater is directed through the chamber of the electrolytic oxidation vessel in a direction parallel with the cathode and anode electrodes so that the flow of wastewater engages the cathode and anode electrodes. A voltage is applied across the cathode electrode and the sacrificial anode electrodes to create a current having a density ranging from approximately 5-7 ma/sq. cm so as to release ions from the anode electrodes which oxidize and render insoluble contaminants in the flow of wastewater and create insoluble contaminants and substantially cleansed water. The insoluble contaminants are separated from the substantially cleansed water. An apparatus for use with the method is provided.

Abstract: The-silica content of cooling water blow-down waters is reduced by contacting these waters with a colloidal alumina which adsorbs a portion of the silica. The blow-down is then dialyzed to produce a permeate having a reduced silica content. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the permeate is recycled.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste material. The process includes the steps of combining the waste material with a treatment composition to form crystal growth structures and adsorb the waste material within the crystal growth structures thereby stabilizing the waste-material. The treatment composition includes natural zeolite seed, crystalline quartz, aluminum trihydrate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, dolomitic calcium oxide or calcium oxide or dolomitic limestone, and potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. The zeolite seed may be selected from the group consisting of clinoptilolite, chabazite, heulandite, phillipsite or mordenite and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of animal waste treatment which provides the introduction of a solid material in the animal waste, having the following characteristics; a solid geometric shape, a solid which floats in the animal waste, a solid which is biodegradable, a solid which includes at least resins with formaldehyde and ferrous sulfate.

Abstract: The process relates to the reinhibition of recycled antifreeze/coolant. The process is particularly well suited for use with recycled, used antifreeze/coolant from the cooling systems of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein arsenic dissolved in wastewater or groundwater is removed from solution by precipitation thereof as calcium arsenate formed by the reaction of the arsenic with lime or hydrated lime in a heated solution at a pH of about 11 to about 13. It is preferred that the arsenic is first converted by oxidation to its pentavalent form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for collecting, concentrating and detecting microorganisms from difficult-to-separate environmental samples e.g. oil well samples and the like, for the purpose of their analysis or identification; and apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for treating photographic effluent to remove harmful pollutants and which reduces silver and iron ion concentrations in the effluent to no more than about 2 ppm is disclosed. The method includes an oxidation step to convert reducing sulfur compounds to oxidized products; a heavy metal ion precipitation step; a step of adding a developing agent absorbent and a sequestering agent absorbent; and a step of separating a produced solid phase from a liquid phase. The separated Liquid phase is environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: D-Allose, a sweet non caloric sugar, is recovered from an aqueous solution containing at least on other monosaccharide by adsorptive separation using a calcium loaded ion exchange resin as the adsorbent.

Abstract: The aqueous effluent from the wash cycle of a process for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies of rosin flux and other organic residues with an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution comprises treating the effluent with an alkaline earth metal compound which reacts with the rosin flux to cause precipitation of an alkaline earth metal rosinate. Alkali saponifiers such as alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates and carboxylate organic adjuvants in the cleaning solution are also removed from the effluent by reaction with the alkaline earth metal compound to form water insoluble alkaline earth salts which are precipitated from solution.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.

Abstract: A sludge powder and sealant are prepared from paint sludge. A sludge powder is generated from a paint sludge having a volatiles content of 0-50% by weight by adding a processing filler thereto. A sealant composition is prepared by thereafter or concurrently therewith adding sealant ingredients including polymer, plasticizer, curative, and other sealant ingredients such as an adhesion promoter and sealant filler materials to the sludge powder. Alternatively, a sealant composition may be prepared by adding a paint sludge having a volatiles content of 0-50% by weight to the sealant ingredients, which may include a processing filler.

Abstract: A point of use water purification system including a housing supporting an untreated water container, a removable and disposable filter means and a treated water receiving container all of which are self contained in relation to the housing to enable the housing to be supported from a countertop or other suitable surface at the point of use. The filter means includes multiple compartments with purification media therein with two of the compartments including plate means coated with a photoactivated catalyst, preferrably titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). An ultraviolet lamp and reflector directs ultraviolet light energy onto the catalyst. Flow control means is provided in the filter means to provide a slow rate of flow thereby providing long time contact between the water being treated and the purification media in the filter means to provide maximum purification efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system for removing toxic substances such as selenium from industrial and agricultural drain water, and particularly refinery effluent liquor, achieves very high removal of the toxic substance economically, by a chemical reduction process. Preferably, the effluent liquor is first filtered, which ordinarily is effective to remove selenium suspended in the liquor. Next the liquor is heated, preferably to about 150.degree. F., and a reducing agent such as finely powdered iron is added to bring, for example, the selenium down from a +6 valence to +4 and lower valences. Sulfur is added to the slurry to greatly improve the effectiveness of the iron in reducing the liquor. The slurry is constantly agitated. After a reaction time which may be about 15 minutes, an oxidizing agent is added, with the temperature of the slurry then raised to at least about 180.degree., with continued agitation.

Abstract: An improved process for disposal of aqueous hazardous waste is based on the finding that caustic-treated coal that is substantially hydrophilic and self-combusting can combine with contaminants present in water, including organic contaminants and metal ion contaminants. Contacting of the coal with contaminant-containing water results in the production of contaminant-containing coal and reduction of the content of contaminant in the water by at least about 80% by weight. When the contaminant-containing coal is burned in the presence of a slagging agent, the organic contaminants are destroyed by combustion and the metal ion contaminants are encapsulated in slag, for safe disposal. Several integrated treatment methods are disclosed for aqueous waste, such as ground water, based on this finding.

Abstract: A method for making a filler from automotive paint sludge is provided. Paint sludge containing water, solvent and uncured polymer resin is treated by removing a first portion of the water by mechanically drying the sludge to produce a concentrated sludge, and a second portion of the water is removed by treating the sludge with a chemical drying agent to produce a dried powder. Alternatively, the second portion of the water may be removed by agitating the concentrated sludge under a vacuum to produce a dehydrated putty. The resulting dried powder or putty can then be used as a filler in sealants and other products.

Abstract: A highly stable dispersion e.g. an oil-in water emulsion having a pH of from about 4 to about 12 is destabilized by treatment with a composition comprising a precipitant e.g. aluminum sulphate, a clay and a marl.

Abstract: The invention involves a process as well as apparatus for the separation of arsenic from waste material. The process includes precipitation of arsenic in the form of low solubility calcium magnesium arsenates by adding calcium and magnesium compounds to the waste, separation of calcium magnesium arsenates, putting the waste in contact with an ion exchanger, regenerating the ion exchanger after reaching the charge limit, adsorptively separating the arsenic by putting the waste in contact with active carbon, and separating the charged active carbon by itself or along with precipitation products. The process allows for a separation of arsenic from waste which is hard to be treated or contains heavy metals such as lead or contains sulfates to residual amounts as low as <0.3 mg As/l.

Abstract: A process for removing, from spent electroless metal plating bath solutions, accumulated byproducts and counter-ions that have deleterious effects on plating. The solution, or a portion thereof, is passed through a selected cation exchange resin bed in hydrogen form, the resin selected from strong acid cation exchangers and combinations of intermediate acid cation exchangers with strong acid cation exchangers. Sodium and nickel ions are sorbed in the selected cation exchanger, with little removal of other constituents. The remaining solution is subjected to sulfate removal through precipitation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate using, sequentially, CaO and then CaCO.sub.3. Phosphite removal from the solution is accomplished by the addition of MgO to form magnesium phosphite trihydrate. The washed precipitates of these steps can be safely discarded in nontoxic land fills, or used in various chemical industries. Finally, any remaining solution can be concentrated, adjusted for pH, and be ready for reuse.

Abstract: An improved process for removal of soluble contaminants from wastewater is disclosed which provides significantly enhanced contaminant removal and overall process efficiencies. The improved contaminant removal process is especially suitable for treatment of industrial effluents having high levels of dissolved cyanide and arsenic contaminants. Wastewater undergoes multiple stage sludge treatment, wherein sludge is mixed with wastewater sequentially in a plurality of discrete reaction stages for relatively short retention times. Reaction conditions which promote chemical and/or physical reaction of soluble contaminants with sludge are maintained, and liquid/solids separation is effected after each sludge treatment stage. Oxidizing agent is preferably mixed with the wastewater prior to multiple stage sludge treatment to change the oxidation state of inorganic contaminants and remove cyanide contaminants from solution.

Abstract: In a process of removing complexly bound titanium and/or zirconium from acid aqueous solutions the solution which contains the complexly bound titanium and/or zirconium is conditioned in that its pH value is raised to at least 8, any precipitate thus formed is removed and the solution thus treated is passed through an ion exchange plant comprising a cation exchange material and an anion exchange material. The solution is preferably passed through an ion exchange plant which contains the cation exchange material in the H.sup.+ form and the anion exchange material in the OH.sup.- form. The process is particularly intended for the treatment of solutions obtained by the chemical treatment of surfaces preferably of metals, which solutions contain titanium and/or zirconium in the form of fluoro complexes.

Abstract: A method for handling, treating, heating and incinerating, on-site, liquid waste, sewage, sludge, cakes or solid waste. The primary treatment process utilizes a 0.1-50% power of plastic clay and may include separation, absorption, precipitation, neutralization, sedimentation, flocculation, coagulation, filtration or dewatering. The residue remaining after the primary treatment is mixed with additional clay or silicates and a suitable absorbent for either organic or inorganic, liquid material, to form a solid mixture of approximately 5-50% clay or silicates and 0.1-10% absorbent. The solidified mixture is formed into granules or other shapes having large surface area. The stable, solid granules are transferred to a conveyorized oven, dried and pyrolized or fired. Resulting organic gases may be condensed to oil or exhaust gases may be vented into a secondary incineration unit.

Abstract: Removing radioactive contaminants from liquid hazardous material such as oil, includes recirculating the material between a processing tank and a filter medium. The material is heated to increase viscosity during the circulation through the tank and filters. Chemicals including chelating agents are added to enhance the removal of the radioactive elements. Water is added to the processing tank or upstream, in a settling tank, to effect a water wash of the liquid hazardous material. A pre-filter stage upstream of the settling tank is followed by a mid-range filter stage in the recirculation loop with the main processing tank. A finishing filter stage is in the outlet from the main processing tank.

Abstract: A method of treating starch-containing water comprises the step of adding water swellable, cationic polymerizate particles to the starch-containing water. The starch is soluble starch. The water-swellable cationic polymer particles are polymer particles of a crosslinking monomer and either a cationic vinyl monomer or a cationic vinyl monomer and a nonionic vinyl monomer.

Abstract: A method for reducing the concentration of any undesirable metals dissolved in contaminated water, such as waste water. The method involves uniformly reacting the contaminated water with an excess amount of solid particulate calcium sulfite to insolubilize the undesirable metal ions, followed by removal thereof and of the unreacted calcium sulfite.

Abstract: A complex separation process and apparatus for decreasing non-radioactive salt content of waste solutions of nuclear power stations. The process significantly decreases in non-radioactive salt-content of waste solutions arising from nuclear power stations.Process is essentially based upon a suitable combination of up-to-date separating operations, such as precipitation, filtration, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, ion-exchange, evaporation and crystallization. Practically total amount of components carrying radioactivity (except tritium) can be effectively separated from the non-radioactive salts. Part of inactive salts (alkali nitrates) can be handled as industrial waste and the other part (boric acid) can be recycled. In the process precipitation, ion-exchange, reverse osmosis and crystallization are operations completing or replacing each other. Reverse osmosis is used not only for separating water and soluble, but for the separation of solved components.

Abstract: A method for removing suspended impurities and colored substances from water which is hard and/or has a pH in excess of 5 which comprises contacting the water at its natural pH with a coagulant/adsorbent which comprises a finely divided particulate mineral material, the individual particles of which have a thin hydroxylated surface layer having a positive zeta potential at the adsorption pH, and separating the thus treated water from the coagulant/adsorbent.

Abstract: Processes and techniques are described for treating waste water (domestic and industrial) to remove organic matter and heavy metals. Clay and flocculating agent are added to the waste water to cause separation of a sludge. The sludge is fired at high temperature in particle form to produce ceramic particles. Organic matter is oxidized; heavy metals are bound within the ceramic particles and cannot leach out. The ceramic particles are useful as aggregate (e.g., in concrete) and in landscaping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal or reduction of inorganic contaminants, hardness, radionuclides, organic contaminants, odor, turbidity, discoloration, and objectionable taste from water, subjects the water to lime-phosphate softening, aeration, sedimentation, filtration and ion exchange in an automatic cycle especially suited for home and small commercial usage. The raw water, such as well water, is first subjected to a cold lime softening and aeration treatment, then to a phosphate treatment followed by settling and filtering. The thus treated water is supplied to a pressurized tank feeding a conventional ion exchange water softening unit as the water is tapped for use. No heat input is needed but the treated water can be heated as desired for use. An electrical control system regulates the water and chemicals input agitation, aeration, the time of chemical treatment in successive stages and the maintenance of a desired head pressure for the treated water.