Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment, in particular to a process for the removal of dissolved organic carbon from water. The process includes the following steps, adding an ion-exchange resin to water containing a contaminant such as dissolved organic carbon, dispersing the resin in the contaminated water to enable adsorption of the dissolved organic carbon onto the resin, and separating the resin loaded with contaminant from the water. In a preferred embodiment the process employs a magnetic ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: Contaminated water is treated by adsorbing contaminant onto a sorbent to concentrate the contaminant and then oxidizing the contaminant via the Fenton and related reactions. Iron is attached to the sorbent or can be added in solution with an oxidant. Both systems, iron attached to the sorbent or iron in solution, can be used to oxidize contaminants on or near the surface of the sorbent. The process can be used to treat contaminated water in above-ground and below-ground treatment systems.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A disposable fluid processing set including integrally connected containers and tubing and a holder or organizer for receiving at least some of the containers and tubing are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved filter device for the removal of contaminants from water and method of using same. The present invention comprises an outer housing having an inlet at one end for water to be purified and an outlet for purified water at an opposing end thereof. An inner filter is situated within and in fluid communication with the outer housing to remove contaminants from the water. Within the inner filter is an inner filter housing. Within the inner filter housing is at least one uniform region of dispersed granular copper media. A filter pad is positioned within the inner filter housing. Further, a region of granular activated carbon is positioned opposite the uniform region by the filter pad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adsorbent for removing arsenic species from ground water and/or surface water systems. Such adsorbent removes both As(III) and As(V), thereby providing potable water. Also provided is a method and/or device (e.g., filter) for removing arsenic species from contaminated waters utilizing such adsorbent.

Abstract: Discrete non-clumping mechanically stable geometric alloyed material shapes having about 55-95% by weight thermoplastic elastomer and about 5-45% thermoplastic polymer and about 0-12% by weight filler are used for removing organic contaminates from contaminated fluids. The shapes are typically spheres having a maximum dimension of 0.125 inches, or circular discs having a thickness of less than 6 millimeters. The shapes are put in a loose form or packing, and a fluid containing organic contaminants (such as water, air, or a soil slurry) is brought into contact with the shapes so that the shapes absorb organic contaminants from the fluid, typically absorbing more than 90% of the contaminants in the first pass through. The contaminated fluid is typically passed through an ozone generator before being brought into contact with the shapes. The shapes may be foamed, e.g. utilizing about 0.1-10% by weight foaming agent.

Abstract: A media for removal of arsenic from an aqueous system comprising a mixture of: activated bauxite, aluminum trihydrate and a ferric compound selected from the group consisting of ferric hydroxide, ferric oxyhydroxide, ferric hydroxyoxide and mixtures thereof. The mixture is preferably calcined and is thereafter formed into a powder, granules or extruded particles. Preferably, the mixture prior to calcination also contains a natural or synthetic filler which has the capability of modifing the porosity of the mixture. Removal of arsenic from the aqueous system is readily accomplished by contacting the aqueous system with the media until the arsenic is substantially removed from the aqueous system. If arsenic is present in the aqueous system in the +3 valence state, the aqueous system is preferably oxidized to convert the arsenic to the +5 valence state prior to contact of the aqueous system with the media.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

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

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method of disposing of mercury-containing wastewater containing mercury-complexing materials, comprising the steps of treating wastewater containing mercury ions with a strong oxidizing agent in a reaction chamber to produce pretreated wastewater by removing an effluent stream of pretreated wastewater from the reaction chamber; and passing the effluent stream of pretreated wastewater through a column packed with a mercury-selective adsorbent material to produce an effluent stream of wastewater having a reduced mercury content. The adsorbent material is a porous resin having immobilized mercury-selective chelating groups bound thereto. A particularly preferred adsorbent material is a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer having immobilized dithiocarbamate groups bound thereto.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting and purifying tap water and untreated water using a composite, bactericidal adsorption material as a filter. The method provides efficient and reliable disinfection, with simultaneous purification of water from heavy metal ions and organic matter and improvement of taste and odor. Water is filtered through a composite material containing granules of iodinated anion-exchange resin, granulated activated carbon and silver containing adsorbent, all uniformly distributed between amphoteric fibers. The exterior surface area of the iodine containing anion-exchange resin granules is not more than 1% of the exterior surface area of the amphoteric fibers, and the equivalent content of silver exceeds the equivalent content of iodine.

Abstract: A method for resolving sludge/emulsion formed as a result of adding introduced fluids to oil and gas wells. The method comprises adding a water-dispersible emulsion breaker and/or adjunct additives that may include iron-control chemicals, scale-control chemicals, or paraffin-control chemicals or combinations thereof in amounts sufficient to separate the sludge/emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase and to control iron, scale, or paraffin in the oil phase. Further treatment of water phase includes treatment with water clarifiers, allowing the water phase to remain in settling vessels, and passing the water phase through a macroreticular resin resulting in water that is environmentally acceptable for disposal.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements for indoor closed systems used to raise aquatic life, along with methods to overcome the current problems associated with such indoor closed systems. The present invention provides an aquatic life rearing system which reuses water in the rearing process and does not pollute lakes or streams due to waste water discharge. The improvements include a method of preventing performance degradation of equipment which removes ammonia from the rearing water.

Abstract: Ionic species in an aqueous sample stream are analyzed by (a) chromatographically separating the ionic species in the presence of an aqueous eluent solution comprising electrolyte to form a chromatographic effluent, (b) suppressing the electrolyte in the chromatography effluent by flowing the same through a suppressor (e.g., a membrane suppressor) to form a suppressed effluent, (c) detecting the ionic species in the suppressed effluent, and (d) regenerating the suppressor by flowing a mixture of a gas stream and a regenerant liquid stream through the suppressor. The gas stream may be generated by flowing the detected suppressed effluent through an electrolytic gas generator which electrolyzes water in the effluent to hydrogen and oxygen gas. Also, pressurized gas may be directed into a reservoir of regenerant liquid for flow from said reservoir to said regenerant flow channel.

Abstract: Ozone is generated and combined with water. The combined water and ozone are then mixed to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture which subsequently is transported along a confined flow path having a length sufficient to provide substantially complete decomposition of the ozone.

Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for drinking. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons having, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.

Abstract: A system and method for purifying water in large quantities for drinking. The system comprises a housing having a water inlet, filtering means connected to the water inlet for filtering sediment and particulate matter from the water, an inlet pump to keep the water flowing through the housing at a predetermined pressure and a mixed bed multimedia unit connected to the filtering means for removing pollutants and controlling organic growth from the water. There is also an ultra-violet treatment means connected to the mixed bed multimedia unit for subjecting the water in the system to ultraviolet radiation and carbon block filtration means disposed for a final filtering prior to dispensing the water at one or more dispensing. There is also a bottle washing means provided within the housing for cleaning water bottles prior to filling with the purified water. The system can supply drinking water for entire communities, yet is portable enough to be easily transported to disaster areas.

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 ion exchange 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: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a flushing solution from an ion exchanger used in electroplating operations by co-precipitating or selectively precipitating out metal hydroxides derived from metal ions from the structures being plated in the electroplating bath, metal ions from the electrodes use in the electroplating bath and metal ions from the plating metal used in the electroplating bath, and a pH raising agent having a cation with a valence of at least 2. After the metals are precipitated out of the flushing solution, the flushing solution is aerated with carbon dioxide to precipitate out the cation from the pH raising agent as a carbonate. The carbonate precipitate is removed from the flushing solution and the resulting solution consists essentially of water that may be recycled for use in the electroplating plant or safely discharged into the environment.

Abstract: A method of circulating an electroless nickel plating solution is characterized in that the system comprises the following process steps effected in the following order: (A) a step of electrolessly plating nickel using a plating solution having nickel hypophosphite contained as a chief chemical material for supplying a plating metal ion Ni2+ and a hypophosphorous acid ion H2PO2− acting as a reducing agent; (B) a step of removing HPO32− from a plating solution that has aged in the step (A); (C) a step of desalting the mother liquor separated from the step (B); and (D) a step of adjusting the components of the treated plating solution and then circulating same back into the step (A) of electroless nickel plating. According to the present invention, the plating solution is free from the formation and accumulation of a sulfuric acid salt and hence a long service life is ensured and a great advantage in environmental protection is provided.

Abstract: A waste water stream containing cyanide bearing compounds and heavy metals such as copper, silver, nickel, iron and the like is directed from a source after pH adjustment to a first tank containing adsorption material in the form of granular activated carbon. The waste water is oxygenated by compressed air. The cyanide bearing compounds and heavy metal are adsorbed onto the surface of the adsorption material which is pretreated to an initial pH in the range between about 8.5 to 11. The effluent from the first tank is pH adjusted by a pH controller which adds a caustic solution to the effluent to maintain a control point pH. The pH adjusted effluent is directed toward a second tank containing pretreated adsorption materials. The water stream free of cyanide and metal contaminants is directed to an effluent tank for safe discharge. Thereafter a stripping solution preferably containing sulfuric acid is circulated through the tank to remove the adsorbed metal for the adsorption material.

Abstract: A remediation-assisting material or structure is arranged in the vicinity of a root system and the hole prepared for the root system. The hydraulic gradient created by the root system draws contaminated water through the remediation-assisting material or structure to enhance remediation of contaminants within the groundwater. To facilitate the establishment of a hydraulic gradient, and perhaps to concentrate the same, the hole prepared for the root system is made in such a way that surface water will not penetrate the hole and feed the root system in lieu of the root system being fed by the groundwater, as extracted by capillary action.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of decontaminating a photographic effluent. The method comprises contacting the effluent with a fibrous polymeric alumino-silicate and, optionally, with a cerium-based catalyst on an activated carbon membrane. The iron, silver, thiosulphate and organics contents of photographic effluents are reduced.

Abstract: A method for resolving sludge/emulsion formed as a result of acidization of oil and gas wells comprising the steps of adding an iron-control chemical in an amount sufficient to prevent the formation of insoluble iron compounds, and adding a water-dispersible emulsion breaker in an amount sufficient to separate the sludge/emulsion into clean oil and water. Further treatment of the waste water with water clarifiers, settling vessels and passing it through a macroreticular resin results in water that is at least less than 29 mg/L total oil and grease for overboard discharges from offshore facilities.

Abstract: Process for purification of aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide comprising the steps of adding one or more macroligands to said solution to form a mixture and forcing the mixture through an ultrafiltration membrane.

Abstract: The method reduces the concentration of multivalent metal cations such as calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, and chromium in brine solution containing a water-soluble metal chelating agent such as sodium gluconate. The method comprises subjecting the brine to primary brine treatment, and then readjusting the brine solution to a pH ranging from about 1.5 to about 5.5, and contacting the brine solution with at least one resin bed comprising a chelating ion exchange resin, typically at a temperature ranging from about 10.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. and at a flow rate ranging from about 4 to about 32 resin bed volumes per hour; and recovering the brine solution.

Abstract: A method is provided of reducing an amount of a waste component present in a hydrocarbon fluid produced from an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation, the hydrocarbon fluid flowing in a stream of fluid through the wellbore. The method includes (a) inducing at least part of the amount of the waste component to move into a second fluid present in the stream of fluid; (b) separating the second fluid with the at least part of the amount of the waste component included therein, from the hydrocarbon fluid; and (c) disposing the second fluid with the waste component included therein by injecting it into the earth formation via at least one of the wellbore and another wellbore formed in the earth formation.

Abstract: In order to remove organic constituents from an aqueous stream, the aqueous stream is combined with an adsorbent consisting of small particles to produce a dispersion in order to bind the contamination by adsorption on the small particles. The dispersion is concentrated to produce a slurry and the adsorbent is then regenerated by oxidation. The particles of the adsorbent are smaller than 200 .mu.m and the oxidation can take place as partial oxidation at a temperature of between 25 and 130.degree. C. and a pressure of between 1 and 3 bars. A reduction in volume of at least 90% is achieved on concentration to produce a slurry and the method is carried out continuously.

Abstract: Ca ion is removed by a cation exchange resin and silica and corrosive ions are removed by an anion exchange resin. Even after the anion exchange resin reaches the silica break through point or after the cation exchange resin reaches the Ca ion break through point, the supply of water is continued until the average of silica concentration or Ca ion concentration reaches a predetermined value. By supplying both treated water before the break through point and treated water after the break through point, water containing silica or Ca ion of suitable concentration can be supplied to the water system with only one anion exchange column or cation exchange column.

Abstract: Water purification is achieved by contacting the water with a container of charcoal, zeolite and a bimetallic alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the three components are segregated from each other and contained in a bag having three compartments.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for disposing of an aqueous solution that contains an organic acid and an iron complex and occurs particularly in the decontamination of radioactively contaminated surfaces of components. It is contemplated that the iron complex in the solution is reduced by irradiation with UV light. A dissolved iron salt and carbon dioxide, which is given off, are formed in the process. An oxidant is then added to the solution that contains the dissolved iron salt and the organic acid. This produces water, and the iron complex forms once again. Some of the dissolved iron salt is removed from the solution by means of a cation exchanger. The solution containing the iron complex is irradiated again with UV light. A cycle process ensues, which continues until all the organic acid is consumed.

Abstract: Ultrapure water containing less than 10 ppt total ions, other than hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion is produced by passing deionized water through a system comprising an ultrafiltration step, an oxidizing step where water is exposed to ultraviolet light and ion exchange step. The treated water is recirculated through the oxidizing step and the ion exchange step. Product water from the system can be recovered on a continuous basis so long as the ratio of volume of water circulated within the system to volume of water drawn from the system is at least 10 and preferably at least 20.

Abstract: A method of filtering water utilizing separate beds of non-soluble ceramic-type calcium sulfite beads, made from a ceramic binder and calcium sulfite, and a copper-zinc media, with the ceramic-type calcium sulfite beads and the copper-zinc media being in substantially equal volumetric portions.

Abstract: A process for the separation of pentavalent arsenic from an aqueous solution using an N-alkyl pyridinium-containing adsorption medium is disclosed. An oxidizing medium and process for the oxidation of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic with removal of the pentavalent arsenic so formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of novel titanium silicate molecular sieves with modified properties such as adsorption, ion-exchange and catalytic behavior by selective extraction of framework titanium atoms after synthesis of the sieves.

Abstract: Method for the regeneration of active carbon and polymeric adsorbents having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step and a decomposition step. Desorption is accomplished in one embodiment by flowing an aqueous stream at a preselected pH through the adsorbent material. Generally, decomposition is accomplished by contacting an aqueous stream containing an organic pollutant with hydroxyl radicals. Sequential or simultaneous desorption and decomposition can also take place during electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. During decomposition the active carbon can be made a carbon bed electrode of the cell. Electrolysis to produce peroxide can take place in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: When proteins are purified using a protein-binding dye immobilized on a chromatographic matrix, the dye or a portion/derivative may leak into the eluant. An ion-exchange resin (e.g. Dowex-1) and a disrupting material (e.g. salt and a fatty acid such as sodium octanoate) are used to separate the dye from the protein to overcome the protein of the leaking dye.

Abstract: A process for producing a solution of a basic or non-basic sulfonium compound (A) of formulae II-V: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 each independently represent a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group or an aryl group mono-, di- or tri-substituted with an alkyl, an alkylaryl, an aryl, a halogen, an alkoxy, a phenoxy, a thiophenol, a phenylsulfonyl or a phenylsulphenyl;Y represents (CH.sub.2).sub.n (wherein n is 0 or 1), O or S;R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 represent a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, alkoxy or a halogen;R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 represent a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, alkoxy or a halogen;n is 5 or 6; andX.sub.2.sup.- represents a basic anion having a pK.sub.B value of -3 to +5; comprising the steps of:(a) dissolving a sulfonium salt (B) in a metal-ion free polar or non-polar solvent to form a solution, said sulfonium salt (B) being selected from said formulae II-V, wherein R.sup.5 to R.sup.11, Y and n of said sulfonium salt (B) have the sane meaning as above and X.sub.2.sup.

Abstract: A system whereby freshwater and saltwater aquaria water may be stripped and sterilized to near laboratory quality distilled water standards and injected with appropriate chemicals and compounds necessary to reproduce the conditions indigenous to the native habitat of any particular species in which you have chosen to raise in your aquarium. This system is attached to standard washer and dryer water outlets and is connected to the device with a standard 3/4" garden hose. Tap water is run through a cation resin exchange chamber to pull out negatively charged ions and then passes through an identical chamber containing anion resin exchange media to pull the positively charged ions out of the water coming through. The end result being near zero ppm total dissolved solids.

Abstract: A process for capture, degradation, and destruction of a sulfur bearing compound that satisfies the needs for a treatment process that may be used in cartridge, pipeline, and batch, that can handle a large variety of sulfur bearing environmental pollutants, is faster than other methods, and that does not leave dangerous degradation product fractions and residuals in wastewater from the treatment process itself. The present invention is further directed towards a treatment process that is capable of using a safe, dry storable cartridge with small amounts of dry storable mixed resins in a small cartridge, that can fit into a "point of use" pipeline from a contaminated well or point of contaminated "run-off". Dangerous degradation product fractions and residuals in wastewater, are minimized, in order to minimize residual environmental impacts from the treatment process itself. Sulfur bearing compounds are mixed with metals insoluble with the sulfur bearing compounds, reducing agents, and bases.

Abstract: A process for conditioning recirculated evaporative cooling water in a cooling water system. The process reduces the amount of make-up water required during the operation of this system as compared to conventional water treatment systems. The process includes the steps of determining the pH of saturation. A strong cation exchange media is used in a controlled sidestream and operated so that the pH of the recirculated cooling water is within about a plus or minus 0.4 of the pH of saturation. The system avoids the necessity of storing acid at the water treatment site and also significantly reduces the amount of make-up water required.

Abstract: Aromatic organic contaminants in waste water efficiently removed by oxidizing the contaminants with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferrous ions, at an acid pH, to produce an oxidized water which may be passed through activated carbon to adsorb residual organic contaminants; the process is especially useful for treatment of contaminated water derived from a wood preservation treatment and containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons and phenols and/or chlorinated phenols.

Abstract: A method and system for removing miscible organic compounds from contaminated water is disclosed. The system of the present invention comprises a polisher for filtering out trace amounts of suspended solids, a system of columns connected in series and containing an adsorbent to adsorb miscible organic compounds, a source of ozone, and a contact tower for contacting the contaminated water with the ozone such that the ozone decomposes the miscible organic compounds to produce water that is substantially free of miscible organic compounds. The present invention also comprises a method of rejuvenating the adsorbent in individual columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for the decontamination of radioactive nitric effluents containing strontium and sodium. According to this process, contacting takes place in 1 of the aqueous effluent with an organic phase incorporating a crown ether such as DCH18C6 and a diluent such as CHCl.sub.3, in order to selectively extract the strontium with respect to the sodium, followed by the reextraction of the strontium in an aqueous solution in 3, followed by fixing in 5 on a cation exchange resin. This leads to a high strontium decontamination level with a very high concentration factor.

Abstract: A method for water recovery from the atmosphere of a habitable pressurized module laden with water vapors released by the inhabitants of said pressurized module, comprising the steps of condensing vapor to produce a gas-liquid mixture, filtering said mixture, carrying out catalytic oxidation of undissociating organic compounds contained in the gas-liquid mixture into dissociating ones by means of a metal-carbon catalyst containing at least one metal of the platinum group, separating condensate from said mixture, sorption-purification of condensate by passing it through activated carbon and ionites followed by disinfection, mineralization and preservation of purified condensate. The system for realization of said method comprises a successively arranged means for condensation of water vapors, a filter, a catalytic oxidation reaction vessel, a condensate separation unit, a sorption purification unit and a water conditioning unit.

Abstract: Simple and efficient methods for scavenging excess electrophiles from a reaction mixture are provided utilizing addition of water soluble nucleophiles or solid support bound nucleophiles. Resulting addition products are removed from reaction mixtures through convenient separation techniques.

Abstract: Problem: when proteins are purified using a protein-binding dye immobilised on a chromatographic matrix, the dye or a portion/derivative may leak into the eluant. Solution: an ion-exchange resin (e.g. Dowex-1) and a disrupting material (e.g. salt and a fatty acid such as sodium octanoate) are used to separate the dye from the protein.

Abstract: Apparatus combination and system for reducing use of fresh water in a photoprocessing operation by recirculation of the wash water to the photoprocessing operation via a silver recovery system. Wash water is periodically discharged to waste and a like amount of fresh water is added to the system which serves to reduce the concentration of thiosulfate ions in the wash water.

Abstract: In a water treatment process using ozone, to prevent bromate formation a quantity of bromide-containing water for treatment is first set to a pH value of less than 6.5 by feeding in CO.sub.2, unless the water already contains the requisite CO.sub.2 by origin. CO.sub.2 and ozone are then simultaneously fed in for a period of several minutes. The feed stream of CO.sub.2 is designed to maintain the pH value, and sufficient ozone is fed to the quantity of water to produce oxidation and sterilization.