Abstract: Water recovered from the polymerization of vinyl monomers can be treated to remove or deactivate chain transfer agents present in the water allowing resuse in polymerization processes. The water recovered from a vinyl polymerization reaction is contacted with a cation exchange resin in the hydrogen form prior to recycle, or may be acidified and then contacted with an anion exchange resin in the hydroxide form.

Abstract: A method for regenerating perchloroethylene by passing the fluid through a sorbent resin to remove fatty acids and other organic contaminants which reduce the fluid quality from new fluid quality. The method involves an optional step of treating the fluid with an anionic exchange resin to remove the organic dye contaminants. The key advantage over the prior art is that the process is economical, does not involve evaporative losses as realised in distillation cleaning and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A mobile process to reclaim spent aqueous glycol solutions used as heat transfer fluids and which contains deleterious contaminants, oil/grease, corrosion products, and additives such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors. Particulate contaminates and oil/grease are removed by passing the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane. The dissolved contaminants are removed by passing through a series of ion exchange resin (IER) vessels. The reclaimed glycol solution is reused after replacing the required additives. One embodiment provides for central processing of the filtration and absorption media housed in a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer. The mobile trailer may be used at various collection sites for cleaning and reprocessing spent glycols. After the media are spent, the mobile trailer is returned to a central processing facility for regeneration of the filtration and absorption media. The waste produced by the regeneration is concentrated at a single treatment and disposal facility.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process for the purification of an aqueous solution of a tertiary amine-oxide containing impurities partially present in a dissolved and partially in a non-dissolved, colloidal state, and is characterized by a combination of the steps of(A) removing from the aqueous solution substantially all of said impurities present in a non-dissolved, colloidal state and(B) contacting said aqueous solution obtained in step (A) with an ion exchanger.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide from water including an atomizing tank defining an open end. A manifold is positioned adjacent the open end. The manifold defines an inlet channel having a first inlet port and a second inlet port. The first inlet port is in communication with aerated water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide. An atomizing nozzle is in communication with the second inlet port for atomizing the water to cause the dissolved hydrogen sulfide to react with oxygen in the air to form sulfate in the atomizing tank. At least one filtering tank is in communication with the atomizing tank for filtering the sulfate from the water. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) aerating water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide with air at a predetermined pressure; and (b) atomizing the water to cause the dissolved hydrogen sulfide to react with oxygen in the air to form sulfate.

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 waste-water treatment device that includes a coalescing plate separator (CPS) for receiving waste-water and for specific gravity separation of hydrocarbon fluids and particles having a lower specific gravity than water from the waste-water. The CPS includes a series of plates having holes formed in ridges, where the hydrocarbon fluids rise through the holes to the surface of the waste-water in the CPS. A skimmer skims off the hydrocarbon fluids from the surface of the waste-water in the CPS and stores these fluids in an oil/product recovery tank. A particle filter receives the waste-water from the CPS and filters out suspended solids from the waste-water. A granulated activated carbon filter receives the waste-water from the particle filter and removes organic hydrocarbons from the waste-water.

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 water treating apparatus is provided which can treat waste water for use as raw water in an ultrapure water producing system without addition of various kinds of chemicals. The apparatus includes a first water tank for receiving acid waste water, a second water tank for subjecting the waste water from the first water tank to solid-liquid separation and discharging supernatant liquid, an ion exchange tank including ion exchange resin and an aeration tube for generating treated water through a membrane filter, a precipitation tank for settling ion exchange resin, an air lift pump for introducing ion exchange resin from the precipitation tank into the first water tank, and a return air lift pump for returning ion exchange resin from the second water tank to the ion exchange tank. The ion exchange resin acts to exchange ions with fluorine ions of treated water in the ion exchange tank and is regenerated by acid waste water in the first water tank.

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: A system automated for providing at least periodic removal of metal ions and contaminants from a chemical bath, consists of a microprocessor programmed for controlling fluid circuits of pumps and valves, for in one state of operation circulating a first predetermined quantity of the chemical bath from a first tank, through an ion exchange column, and back to the first tank; for in a second state of operation circulating deionized water from a second tank into the IEX column for displacing residual chemical bath therefrom for return to the first tank; for in a third state of operation circulating deionized water through the IEX column, and discharging the rinse water from a waste port; for in a fourth state of operation circulating regenerant acid through the ion exchange column, and discharging the used acid from a waste port; for in a fifth state of operation circulating deionized water through the IEX column for rinsing acid regenerant therefrom and discharging the same out of a waste port; and for in a six

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: Process and apparatus for separating aryl phosphates and esters and hydrolysates thereof from water in an aqueous mixture thereof. A superposed layer of the mixture is decanted from a lower layer of the phosphates, esters and hydrolysates. The superposed layer is filtered with a filter having a pore size of between 1 micron and 25 microns to remove globules and solid particles. The effluent is then subjected to demineralization with an anion exchange resin to remove most of the hydrolysates. Thereafter a sorber composed of an organic polymeric material such as polypropylene removes any remaining phosphates and esters down to less than 250 ppb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying contaminated water includes four subsystems for removing undissolved solids, precipitation and flocculation of dissolved solids, polishing or cation removal of dissolved solids, and metallurgical furnace treatment of the separated contaminants along with gas cleaning. A unique high density inorganic adsorbent, produced during the reducing atmosphere Waelz Kiln processing of iron, zinc, lead and cadmium rich Electric Arc Furnace dust, is used to raise the pH level of the contaminated water in the precipitation procedure and again as an adsorbent filter bed in a clear well extraction vessel used in the polishing step.

Abstract: Novel composite materials useful for removing heavy metal ions from solutions, such as aqueous waste streams, comprise an inorganic ceramic support, such as silica gel, having terminal hydroxy groups, to the oxygen of which a ligand is covalently bonded through a silane coupling agent, the ligand being a phosphorous or thiophosphorous based acid moiety.

Abstract: Polluted groundwater is purified by separating off solids and adsorbing dissolved organic compounds to an adsorber resin. The adsorbed organic compounds are desorbed using steam and the adsorber resin is regenerated using an acid and an oxygen-containing gas. The process makes it possible to separate aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons off of heavily polluted groundwater to the extent that the groundwater can be added to flowing surface water without reservation. The purified water can, if appropriate, be used as cooling water, or after further biological purification, as drinking water.

Abstract: A novel process for the extraction of salt from seawater based on the unique solubility properties of nonionic surfactants and the relative phobia of inorganic salts to organic surfactants has been developed. Nonionic surfactant is first added to the seawater to form a homogenous mixture. Then the temperature of the mixture is adjusted to cause it to separate into aqueous salt-rich and relatively salt-free phases. The relatively salt-free phase is then caused to phase separate into a surfactant-rich phase and a relatively surfactant-free and relatively salt-free water phase by further temperature adjustment. Finally, these latter two phases are separated to recover salt-free water.

Abstract: A system for remediating groundwater contaminated with radionuclides, consisting of an underground bed of crushed zeolites. Distribution pipes convey contaminated groundwater to the zeolite bed by means of a pump, which draws the contaminated water through wells from an underground plume of released waste mixed with groundwater. The radionuclides in the water undergo ion exchange with the zeolite minerals, and lock into the zeolite crystal lattice. After the contaminated water passes through the zeolite bed, it is collected by a series of collection pipes and conveyed to a sampling station, where it can be determined whether the water has been decontaminated sufficiently to discharge it by piping to a river outfall or back to the ground. When functioning, the system contains the released contaminants on the waste site and prevents further spread and migration of the contaminated water by means of the cone of depression created by the pumping well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to remove tumour necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF.alpha.) or/and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from an aqueous liquid, in particular blood, blood plasma or serum, in an extracorporeal perfusion system after removing corpuscular blood components if necessary, wherein(a) the pH value of the body fluid is adjusted to pH<6,(b) a precipitation reagent in the form of a polyanion is added,(c) precipitated substances are removed by filtration or/and centrifugation and(d) the resulting liquid is passed over an anion exchanger.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for removing methylene blue from a biological fluid are disclosed.

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: 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: The emissions of nitrogen dioxide and ammonia from cooling towers in geothermal power plants are controlled by contacting the steam condensate used as make-up water for the cooling tower with a zeolite or other molecular sieve to remove ammonia and/or ammonium ions from the condensate before it is passed into the cooling tower.

Abstract: A system for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from an aqueous surfactant solution employed in the degreasing and cleaning of parts in a parts washer. The system includes a primary filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure. The system can also include a secondary filter assembly capable of removing residual free, dissolved and emulsified oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from the filtrate produced by passage of the contaminated aqueous surfactant solution through the primary filter assembly.

Abstract: Large volumes of waste water stream containing oil, greases, sometimes ferric ions, and dissolved contaminant hydrocarbons such as BTEX are rapidly treated in two stages. Initially, the oils and greases are separated, then the dissolved contaminant hydrocarbons are removed by countercurrent adsorption on powdered resinous polymeric adsorbents in an exchange zone, preferably in the absence of ferric ions. The contaminant laden adsorbents are regenerated and continuously recycled to the exchange zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for purifying a used aqueous N-methylmorpholine N-oxide solution reclaimed from a spinning aqueous solution, which results from a coagulation solution into which a cellulose dope containing N-methylmorpholine N-oxide is extruded through a spinning die and from a washing solution for the coagulated cellulosic articles in manufacture processes for cellulose fibers or films, comprising adding an oxidant to the used aqueous N-methylmorpholine N-oxide solution to remove impurities therefrom through oxidation N-methylmorpholine into N-methylmorpholine N-oxide and break down of the chromophores of the impurities. Utterly distinguished from, conventional methods in the principle, the method is very simple and efficient as well as far superior to the conventional methods using ion exchange resin in the decoloration. In addition, it needs not suffer a loss of amine oxide as usual in the ion exchange resin.

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.

Abstract: In the process for purifying an aqueous MDEA-solution the formate content of the MDEA-solution circulated in a main stream between the absorber and desorber of a hydrogen sulfide wash unit for gas produced by gasification of a carbonaceous material, e.g. coal, is measured. A partial stream of MDEA-solution is withdrawn from the main stream, passed over an ion exchange medium which removes some formate present to form a partially purified partial stream and subsequently the purified partial stream is returned to the main stream. The amount of the withdrawal from the main stream is controlled so that the formate content of the main stream is maintained between 10 and 30 g/l. Only from 0.5 to 0.08% by volume need be withdrawn from the main stream to form the partial stream. The ion exchange medium can be regenerated with a hydroxide-containing solution, which is subsequently fed to an ammonia separator column of a hydrogen sulfide wash apparatus.

Abstract: A process and device for purifying water of the type wherein activated carbon is subjected to regeneration. Tap water is contacted with activated carbon fibers characterized by a narrow micropore distribution and a high adsorption speed, to eliminate by adsorption residual chlorine, harmful trihalomethane compounds and smelly substances such as 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin that are present in tap water. Activated carbon fibers having a modal micropore diameter of about 1.8-3.0 nm, preferably, 2.0-2.7 nm, are used to cause the large-molecular-weight smelly substances to be intensively and selectively adsorbed by the activated carbon fibers. In non-use, the activated carbon fibers are occasionally heated at a temperature of 100.degree.-120.degree. C. whereby trihalomethane compounds adsorbed in the activated carbon fibers are desorbed so that the adsorption capability of activated carbon fibers with respect to trihalomethanes is restored.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium and/or arsenic from aqueous streams including industrial process waters and drinking water is provided comprising contacting the stream with a composition comprising lanthanum oxide whereby selenium and/or arsenic are adsorbed. Preferred compositions comprise lanthanum oxide and alumina.

Abstract: A process for concentrating a waste sulphuric acid stream containing metal sulphates including iron sulphate comprises the steps of subjecting the stream to an ion exchange operation to produce an acid-rich stream and a salt-rich stream and, concentrating the acid-rich stream to produce a concentrated sulphuric acid stream.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and filtering method for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from a machine coolant by withdrawing a portion of the machine coolant from a machine coolant reservoir through a skimmer assembly and thereafter passing the machine coolant through a filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: A water or wastewater purification process is described for reducing selenium and arsenic concentrations in contaminated water or wastewater streams. Iron loaded cation exchange resins, when contacted with contaminated water or wastewater streams are effective to form immobilized complexes with selenite and arsenate contaminants. The iron loaded resins can be easily regenerated by sequential treatment with acid and a solution of a soluble iron salt.

Abstract: A change-over apparatus for use in conjunction with a cooling system of an internal combustion engine having an engine and radiator and having an upper hose between the radiator and the engine which has been cut to form an upper radiator hose section and an upper engine hose section wherein a change-over apparatus comprising at least one tubular body having first and second tube bodies having end openings, with the end opening for connection to said upper radiator hose section, said second end opening for connection to said upper engine hose section, a liquid ingress opening spaced from said first end opening, a liquid egress opening spaced from said second end opening, and, optionally, a flow regulating means placed between said liquid ingress opening and said liquid egress opening.

Abstract: Raw water is made acidic so that the pH is not more than 4.5 and heated in the presence of an oxidizing agent to decompose TOC components in the raw water, and then deionized, thereby producing ultrapure water having a greatly low concentration of organic matters.

Abstract: Natural latex rubber having reduced protein contamination is achieved by a method wherein rubber latex is contacted with an anion exchange resin at a pH greater than the isoelectric point of the proteins. After allowing the protein to complex with the resin, the protein-resin complex is separated from the latex to provide latex rubber having reduced protein contamination. Alternatively, or in addition, cation exchange resin may be contacted with latex rubber to increase the solubility of latex protein in the latex. In another embodiment, ion exchange resin may be added to water, and the water used to wash an article formed of latex, to thereby reduce protein contamination in the article. The methods allow the manufacture of latex-based articles having reduced irritability to skin.

Abstract: The removal of arsenic, from aqueous liquids by adsorption on alumina, is facilitated by selecting the alumina adsorbent to have a particle size below about 200 micrometers, forming a slurry of the alumina and aqueous liquid and agitating the slurry. It has been found that alumina can be selected to have a particle size sufficiently small, or preferably a combination of both particle size sufficiently small and pore size and number sufficiently large, to achieve 50 ppb or less arsenic within about 2 hours treatment. The alumina with adsorbed arsenic is separated from the slurry by steps preferably comprising microfiltration. A precipitation pretreatment can be combined with the slurry treatment e.g. to handle more concentrated solutions.

Abstract: A method for producing pure water is provided which reduces non-ionic silica in pure or ultrapure water. With the method, non-ionic silica which is contained in water is brought into contact with ozone having a concentration of at least 1 ppm for at least 20 minutes to react therewith and, simultaneously with or after this reaction process, irradiated with ultraviolet rays to undergo ionization and passed through an anion exchange column. The processed water passed through this ion exchange resin column contains practically no non-ionic silica.

Abstract: A filtering method for removing particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from cooling tower water by passing the cooling tower water through a filter assembly containing a particulate matter filter and a heavy metals filter having a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: A filter for disinfecting non-potable water is disposed in-line in a water delivery pipe, such filter having a plurality of chambers. The first chamber contains biocidal resin which imparts a biocide residue to the water as it passes there-through to kill microorganisms. The water then passes through a turbulating disk to an extended contact time chamber of a selected volume to allow further contact time between the biocide residue and any microorganisms in the water. The water then passes through a 1-3 micron screen, which acts to retain protozoan cysts within the filter, and then passes through a biocide removal chamber containing medias which remove the biocide from the water. The water then passes through a chamber containing bacteriostatic media which acts to prevent back contamination from the effluent end of the filter.

Abstract: A multiple-stage process for the collection and treatment of biological waste, and for rendering the biological waste biologically inactive for the safe and economical environmentally non-contaminating disposal thereof. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the collection and treatment of biological waste utilizing the inventive process, and is especially adapted for the collection and treatment of biological waste which is generated during a surgical or medical procedure implemented on a patient or during an autopsy.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-sufficient system and method for purifying non-potable water to make the water potable is disclosed. The system comprises (a) means for oxidizing which treats the non-potable water by oxidizing organic substances, disinfecting the non-potable water by destroying parasites, bacteria and viruses, and causing coagulation of colloids, (b) means for filtering the treated non-potable water wherein oxidized organic substances, destroyed parasites, bacteria and viruses, and colloids are removed to provide potable water, and (c) means for optionally generating a biocide from dissolved salts when dissolved salts are present in the non-potable water. The system can also include means for contacting potable water generated by the system with a biocide. The system is self-contained and self-sufficient, requiring no external resources for the continuous operation thereof.

Abstract: A water treatment system and process separates contaminants from water by flotation, by forming a removable floating scum of impurities utilizing a bubbling process, by filtering out suspended solids, by stripping dissolved impurities from the water with air, by oxidizing organic compounds, by adsorbing organic compounds, and finally, by disinfecting. Utilization of the disclosed process and system will transform contaminated water into an environmentally suitable state.

Abstract: A method of preferential removal of cesium cations from aqueous solutions containing other inorganic cations. Deltahaedral heteroborane anions are added to the solution to form a salt with the cesium cations which then precipitates from the solution. The remaining dissolved Cs-deltahaedral heteroborane anion salt is then quantitatively sorbed on active charcoal to remove it from the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for automated periodic removal of metal ions and contaminants from a chemical bath comprising a latex solution containing charged latex particles and having an acidic pH, used for forming a coating by autodeposition. The system includes a tank containing a chemical bath, an ion exchange column for removing the metal ion contaminants, circulating pump, metal composition sensors, and equipment for regeneration of the ion exchange column. The system particularly includes a filter located at the inlet to the ion exchange column for removing solid particulates, including coagulated latex and debris from the coating solution, while permitting the uncoagulated latex particles to pass through to the ion exchange column.

Abstract: Water vapor in the atmosphere is condensed on a condenser surface which is cooled either by a standard refrigeration system or by a thermoelectric system. Condensate water is treated by filtration and by the addition of a disinfectant, and the treated water is stored in a holding tank. Auxiliary water from a local source is treated similarly in a parallel system and stored in a second holding tank. As it is pumped from holding tank to a dispensing tap, treated water passes through a second water treatment which filters pyrogens and other bacterial residue from the water, and also removes residual disinfectant.

Abstract: In a water treatment method and an apparatus therefor, a high purification step comprising a precision filter and an ion-exchange resin is added to a treatment system having ozone supply units, filtering units and an ultraviolet-ray irradiating unit. Treatment objective water is treated by an ozone supply unit, a filtering unit and an ultraviolet-ray irradiating unit, so as to be brought to clean water. The clean water is treated, in super pure water, by the high purification step, and an amount of dissolved oxygen is reduced. The clean water can flow out to a location on the outside of the treatment system, from a final step, as super pure water or potable water which can immediately be used.

Abstract: A process for regenerating spent cleaning solutions. The process involves the sequential steps of first preconditioning the spent solution. Then, an absorbent material is added to the preconditioned solution to provide an interactive solution. Suitable precipitation agents are added to the interactive solution to precipitate undesirable materials from the solution. The precipitating of the undesirable materials from the interactive solution is accomplished by adding an anionic and a cationic polymeric flocculating agent thereto, in the sequence of steps (i) adding one of the anionic or cationic polymeric flocculating agent to the interactive solution to provide a reactive solution, (ii) thoroughly mixing the reactive solution, and (iii) adding the other of the anionic or cationic flocculating agent, thereby precipitating insoluble salts as flocs. Finally, the solution containing the precipitated flocs is subjected to a solid/liquid separation.