Abstract: A deep purification method for removing trace thallium in water by using polymer-based nanosized manganese oxide is disclosed. This method comprising the following steps: adjusting the pH value of the water polluted with trace thallium to 5-8.5 and filtering it, then channeling the water so treated through a packed tower of filtering bed packed with polymer-based nanosized manganese oxide so that the thallium in water can be selectively adsorbed upon the nanocomposite material, stopping the adsorption process when the thallium in water reaches the leak point, and then using mixed solution of HCl—Ca(NO3)2 or NaOH—NaClO as the desorption agent and starting desorption and regeneration process for the packing material of polymer-based nanosized manganese oxide. This effectively reduces the concentration of thallium in water from 0.01-0.5 mg/L to lower than 0.1 ?g/L, despite the much higher concentration of coexisting competitive cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and Si(IV).

Abstract: A portable system for extracting iodine from brine on-site is disclosed. The portable system includes a mobile platform containing a treatment unit for oxidizing iodine ions into elemental iodine, an adsorption unit capable of binding iodine, and may also have an electrolytic cell and/or a gas-liquid separator. The treatment unit and the adsorption unit may be located in the same or different portable operating devices. When transported to a field site containing natural gas wells, the natural gas wells provide a fluid stream containing natural gas and brine. The separators can separate the natural gas from the brine, and the brine is then run through the treatment unit and the adsorption unit to bind iodine present in the brine. The brine is then returned to the natural gas well. Upon saturation, the portable operating device is transported to a second location, where iodine is extracted from the adsorption unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for removing nitrogen species from fresh water or high salinity water recirculated aquaculture systems. The processes are based on physico-chemical treatments which are performed at ambient temperatures and at low p H values thus keeping the total ammonia nitrogen concentrations below a value which is considered detrimental for the growth or survival rate of cultured fish/shrimp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for two-step separation of water, salt and particles from a hydraulic fluid by the use of a control unit. The hydraulic fluid is carried into a return oil tank with an electrostatic coalescer provided with a high-voltage transformer with direct current to two electric grids whose electrostatic field gathers water into drops which settle into a collecting tank. The hydraulic fluid is circulated to a filter module for removing any remaining water, salt and particles in filter elements connected in parallel, having hygroscopic cellulose fibers which swell until saturation, the swelling being measured by a sensor measuring the degree of saturation, alternatively conductivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for water treatment. The disclosure provides systems that use a wicking material to modify the quality of contaminated water. The disclosure also provides methods for modifying the quality of contaminated water using a wicking material.

Abstract: A novel method for improving water recovery from desalination systems by the removal of cations and/or anions using ion exchange (IX) technology. The system described herein is particularly useful for water recovery in brackish ecosystems and is unique in that important features include recycling, regeneration, and recovery of key components, thereby reducing costs and waste products.

Abstract: The invention provides waste water treatment processes utilizing an ion exchange resin to remove sulphate anions, while adjusting the pH of the ion exchange loading solution with carbon dioxide gas. The effect of the resin loading reactions is that dissolved sulphate is replaced with sequestered carbon dioxide gas, in the form of dissolved bicarbonate, in the treated water and the cations are not removed from the solution.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein include methods and apparatuses for purification and recycling of hydrofracture water used in natural gas drilling and production. Embodiments include removal of dissolved solids by precipitation with sodium sulfate and by evaporation using, for example, a multiple effect evaporator.

Abstract: Described herein is a mineral-releasing compost prepared by combining a prebiotic material, a probiotic material, and one or more mineral gluconate salts to form a composting mixture, controlling composting conditions to allow for the composting mixture to decompose, and allowing the composting mixture to fully stabilize and mature, wherein the compost includes one or more minerals as digested products of the respective mineral gluconate salts. The mineral-releasing compost is particularly suitable for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals and for amendment of soil deficient of certain minerals.

Abstract: A system adapted to condition an initial water feed stream into a treated water stream and to discharge the treated water stream. The initial water feed stream includes at least one of: a plurality of particles; an oil; a volatile organic compound; a hydrogen sulfide; a non-volatile compound; a heavy metal; and, a dissolved ion. The system includes a particle and oil removal subsystem adapted to treat the initial water feed stream to remove the plurality of particles and the oil to form a first partial treated water stream, a chemical oxygen demand reduction subsystem adapted to treat the first partial treated water stream to remove the volatile organic compound, the hydrogen sulfide and/or the non-volatile organic compound to form a second partial treated water stream, and a heavy metal and dissolved ion removal subsystem adapted to treat the second partial treated water stream to remove the heavy metal and the dissolved ion to form a treated water stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for converting seawater to drinking water at room temperature include using the processes of osmosis, vacuum stripping, nanofiltration, ion exchange, and breakpoint chlorination, to provide a low-cost alternative to prior seawater conversion methods.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater includes treating the wastewater with an additive to generate a treated wastewater, filtering the treated wastewater through a filter system to substantially completely remove residual particulate material and generate filtered wastewater, and processing the filtered wastewater with an ion exchange media to adsorb soluble metals from the filtered wastewater.

Abstract: In production of ultrapure water by purifying primary pure water with a secondary pure water manufacturing apparatus and a tertiary pure water manufacturing apparatus, high-purity ultrapure water is produced, wherein generation of hydrogen peroxide is minimized and the concentrations of TOC, DO, and hydrogen peroxide are reduced to the limit. In an ultrapure water manufacturing system, each of the secondary pure water manufacturing apparatus and the tertiary pure water manufacturing apparatus includes an ultraviolet oxidation device and a deionization device, downstream therefrom, by using an ion exchange resin. UV light control is performed in such a way that the hydrogen peroxide concentration results in 1 to 30 ?g/L and the TOC concentration results in 1 to 10 ?g/L at the outlet of the ultraviolet oxidation apparatus of the secondary pure water manufacturing apparatus and, in addition, the TOC concentration results in 0.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus, including: a ceramic filter; and a flow apparatus operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a forward direction so as to filter the water, the flow apparatus also operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a reverse direction so as to remove material from the ceramic filter, whereby material having been deposited by filtration of the water is removed.

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

Abstract: An iron composition having a plurality of elemental components is disclosed. The major component is an iron component of at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components by weight include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc. Combined with layers of sand, brick chips and/or charcoal, the iron composition can be used to create a water filter for filtering inorganic arsenic species and soluble metal ions out of water. To enhance hydrous ferric oxide complexation and precipitation, the iron composition may be treated with food grade acids or a water mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing phosphorous (P) from P-containing wastewater from agricultural and urban outflow sources are disclosed. The system includes at least one water attenuation unit (WAU) fluidly coupled to at least one main filter unit (MFU) that contains P-adsorbing material. A high-flow diverter unit is arranged between the WAU and the MFU and diverts a portion of the flow of influent wastewater at high flow rates. The P-filter system is compact and has a modular construction. The effluent wastewater discharged from the P-filter system has 60% to 90% less phosphorous than the influent wastewater.

Abstract: Exemplary decontamination systems of the present disclosure may allow for removing contaminants from a fluid. In an embodiment, a decontamination system may include a filtration unit operable to receive an adsorbent and contaminated fluid. The filtration unit may include a filter operable to separate the fluid from the adsorbent and contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent. In an embodiment, the decontamination system may further include a recovery unit operable to separate the adsorbent and the contaminants adsorbed onto the adsorbent.

Abstract: Fluid filtration systems and methods thereof to filter fluid in a first directional mode and a second directional mode are disclosed. Fluid filtration systems and methods thereof include a first directional mode, a second directional mode, and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a filter housing unit and a filter chamber disposed in the filter unit.

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction device utilizing a section of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing as the stationary phase is disclosed. The microscopic pores of ePTFE tubing are impregnated with a binding agent having an affinity for a target constituent within a matrix. The matrix is prepared and loaded onto the stationary phase of the system. The target constituent is retained by the stationary phase. The constituent is stripped from the stationary phase with a stripping solution, and collected for further analysis or use.

Abstract: By sequentially aligning various filtration media and delivery systems, enhanced synergistic reduction of water contaminants is obtained compared to the prior art or separate use of the individual media/filters. Specific filtration media are formulated with proper proportioning and sequencing to enhance the ability to reduce metals that cause staining, odors and bad taste such as iron, copper and manganese. Also disclosed is the reduction of potentially hazardous metal radionuclides metals such as uranium, iodine, cesium, plutonium and radium. Also disclosed is improved removal of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, chromium, and mercury as well as organic compounds such as halogenated carcinogenic compounds. The present devices and methods remove specific bacteria and their toxins from water to reduce the risk of dermatitis. Thus, the present invention enhances our ability to achieving cleaner and safer water for drinking, swimming, washing, bathing and cooking.

Abstract: Sludge is treated in a treatment chamber by providing a pair of electrodes in the treatment chamber and applying an electrical current between the electrodes such that one of the electrodes functions as an anode and one of the electrodes functions as a cathode in proximity to the outlet. A flow of water is induced from the sludge towards the outlet by the electrical current. An ion exchange textile comprising exchangeable functional groups grafted thereon is located in proximity to at least one of the electrodes such that the ionic forms of the metals are exchanged with the functional groups on the ion exchange textile. Accordingly the sludge is dewatered and metals in the sludge are captured commonly in the treatment chamber while the electrical current simultaneously inactivates pathogens in the treatment chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and rare earth-containing additives for removing target materials in the form of hydroxides, carbonates, hydrates, or oxyhydroxyls from, a typically aqueous, liquid medium.

Abstract: Process for treating water to be treated by clarification comprising an adsorption of a portion of clarified water and a clarification of a mixture of adsorbed clarified water and water to be treated The invention pertains to a process for treating water to be treated comprising: a step for clarifying said water to be treated producing a clarified water; a step for placing a part of said clarified water in contact with a powdered adsorbent reagent producing a mixture of clarified water and powdered adsorbent reagent; a step for mixing said mixture with said water to be treated; a step for discharging the remainder of the clarified water.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process for removing at least a portion of the furfural and acetic acid in a first stream comprised of water, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of furfural and acetic acid, C5's and C6's. Such process comprises the steps of contacting the stream with an adsorption media which has been previously contacted with a second stream comprised of the same components and the adsorption media has been regenerated by exposing it to conditions, without being in contact with the second stream, such that at least 70% of the adsorbed furfural and acetic acid have each been desorbed and at least 60% of the C5's and C6's remain adsorbed on the media.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of removing contaminating microcystins toxins from preparations of blue-green algae. It also relates to methods of purifying phycocyanin from blue-green algae extracts.

Abstract: A water filter comprising a closed shell, a filter media and a valve. The closed shell having an inlet and an outlet. The filter media is within the shell and arranged such that water flowing from the inlet to the outlet passes through the filter media. The filter media is arranged to filter hydrocarbons from the water to reduce the proportion of hydrocarbons in water exiting the water filter to below a predetermined threshold. The valve is arranged such that water passing through the water filter passes through the valve. The valve comprises a chamber housing a plug of material arranged to absorb a predetermined proportion of hydrocarbons present in water passing through the valve, the plug of material changes its material properties in response to absorbing hydrocarbons to restrict or block the flow of water through the water filter before exhaustion of the filter media causes the proportion of hydrocarbons in water exiting the water filter to rise above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for treating low barium frac water includes contacting a frac water stream with a radium selective complexing resin to produce a low radium stream, passing the low radium stream through a thermal brine concentrator to produce a concentrated brine; and passing the concentrated brine through a thermal crystallizer to yield road salt.

Abstract: Microcomposites comprising titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles embedded within cross-linked, thermally responsive microgels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are disclosed. Interpenetrating linear chains of poly(acrylic acid) functionalize the nanoparticles for dispersal within the microgel framework. The microcomposites show rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation applications such as environmental remediation via photocatalytic degradation. The extent of loading of the TiO2 within the colloidal particles can be easily manipulated from 10% (weight) to a value as high as 75%. The microgel-titania composites showed rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation of these particles in photocatalytic applications. The settling of the microgel-titania composites occurred over minutes and was much faster than solid, impermeable spheres.

Abstract: Processes for recycling an ionic liquid comprising employing an initial ionic liquid as a solvent and/or reagent resulting in a modified ionic liquid and thereafter subjecting at least a portion of the modified ionic liquid to at least one anion exchange process to produce a reformed ionic liquid. The initial ionic liquid can be employed in a cellulose esterification process, thereby producing the modified ionic liquid. At least a portion of the reformed ionic liquid can be recycled to a point upstream in the cellulose esterification process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for restoring the extractive potential of organic hydroxyoxime-based extraction solution used in the recovery of metals by liquid-liquid extraction. The method is two-stage, in which an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine or some hydroxylamine compound is used in the reaction stage, and the removal of the undesirable compounds generated in the reaction occurs in the second stage by adsorption purification. The reaction stage and the adsorptive stage are carried out in a mixing tank.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for removing organic matter from water. The method includes contacting the water with a powdered material with an anionic or cationic surface charge and having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The powdered material is a modified product of natural origin. The system and method also provides for the regeneration of the powdered material in situ and reused.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for treating contaminated water are described. In one instance a method supplies metal salt reagents to a moving media filter in the presence of contaminated water. The method also introduces a waste stream resulting from the moving media filter upstream of the moving media filter effective to lower an average contaminant concentration of effluent water from the moving media filter.

Abstract: Described herein is a cost effective means for selenium recovery and refining relying on an impregnated substrate. The substrate is impregnated with selenium and provides a system and method for the environmentally safe discharge of previous selenium-contaminated solutions and an environmentally safe discharge of industrial waste water.

Abstract: A device for purifying a liquid in particular water is provided with an ozonating unit for treatment of said liquid with ozone and with a storage reservoir hydraulically connected to the ozonation unit. The device is provided with recirculation means for recirculating said treated liquid from said storage reservoir through a recirculation line. The recirculation line is provided with at least one filtration unit.

Abstract: A process of removing viruses from drinking water is disclosed. The process involves filtering drinking water, having a viral contaminant, through a layer of coarse sand; contacting the drinking water with a composite iron matrix; and purifying the drinking water by allowing the composite iron matrix to adsorb the viral contaminant for at least fifteen minutes. The major component of the composite iron matrix is an iron component, which is at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for water purification are provided. An improved demister (70) for removing liquid or other particles from steam is disclosed. The demister can have adjustable outlets. In other embodiments, a demister apparatus is placed, at least partially, inside a boiler apparatus (310). Additionally, a filter flow indicator (401) that provides an optical indication of the efficiency of a water filter is also provided. The filter flow indicator has a viewable side passage that connects the input and output sides of a filter unit. A weighted object, such as a ball (440), can move up and down the side passage in response to the pressure differential in the filter system. The user can determine the status of the filter by viewing the location of the weighted object in the side passage. Additionally, a device and method of adding various minerals back to purified water in order to improve the flavor of the water is described.

Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the non-recirculating self-sanitization of a carbon filter (14) in a water pretreatment system (12). The apparatus includes a heat exchanger (50) that can maintain an activated carbon bed (44) of the carbon filter (14) at a desired sanitization temperature during service operation of the pretreatment system (12) where the pretreatment system (12) is providing a pretreated water stream (32H) for final treatment.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal absorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalised support containing a stabilising amount of an alkaline metal reacted with said thiol functionality. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.