Abstract: The process relates to the treatment of aqueous solutions of polyhydric alcohols to remove heavy metal components, oils, organic contaminants and, optionally, water. The process is particularly well suited for use in the treatment of spent antifreeze/coolant from the cooling systems of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating hexamine waste water. The method includes subjecting the waste water to conditions sufficient to remove volatile constituents, passing the waste water through a cation exchange resin capable of absorbing cations, and optionally either subjecting the waste water to a bacteria culture capable of consuming formaldehyde in the presence of an organic nutrient for the bacteria or subjecting the waste water to ultraviolet light in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The method may include both optional method steps, but must include at least one. The method also includes regenerating the cation exchange resin to remove the absorbed cations and reform the cation exchange resin. The present invention also provides an apparatus for treating hexamine waste water.

Abstract: A process is provided for the purification of water which is contaminated with environmentally undesirable components, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, wherein the contaminated water or the gaseous and/or liquid components present therein or derived therefrom are subjected to at least two of the following treatments: treatment with ozone, treatment of UV radiation, treatment with a solid catalyst. A combined treatment of ozone and a solid catalyst, such as activated carbon, is preferred. An apparatus for a co-current or countercurrent realization of the purification process is also provided.

Abstract: An improved process for removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions is disclosed. Removal of metal ions from aqueous solution, particularly from metal plating waste streams, is achieved by the combined use of polyamines, at levels less than the stoichiometric amount of metal ion, and cation exchangers. Treatment of waste streams with low levels of triethylenetetramine followed by contact with a strong acid cation exchange resin is especially effective in the removal of copper from metal-containing waste streams.

Abstract: A method of treating photoprocessing wash water, comprising in sequence, the steps of:A) contacting the wash water with an acrylic anion exchange resin to remove silver thiosulfate complex in the water; andB) contacting the water from step A) with an oxidizing agent that converts thiosulfate ions to sulfate ions.C) recirculating continuously through the photoprocessing wash tank and steps A) and B).

Abstract: The water remediation and purification method includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.

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 an embalming procedure implemented on a cadaver, such as a human cadaver.

Abstract: In a process for separating the exocellular proteins from the micro-organisms of a filtered fermentation liquor, the removal of solid is to be improved while retaining the useful substance. This is achieved by, in a first stage, removing substances preventing protein precipitation with the aid of a solid adsorption agent; concentrating the remaining solution to a protein content of about 30 to 40% by weight; and then precipitating and separating the protein, optionally with the addition of precipitants for protein to accelerate the precipitation, at pH values between 6 and 10.

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 novel and improved method is provided for treatment of materials contaminated with environmentally significant amounts of volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants, the method including the essential steps of fluidization, acidification, and filtration of a contaminated solids material to yield a first treated solids product; recycling of the first treated solids product and admixture of the recycled first treated solids product with additional contaminated solids product; and continuously subjecting a mixture of first treated solids product and contaminated solids product to fluidization, acidification, filtration, recycling, and admixture until a product exhibiting predetermined characteristics is produced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of treating effluents in order to eliminate the organic compounds. The method comprises a primary oxidation stage with hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline medium, a secondary oxidation stage in a neutral medium and a subsequent absorption stage. The effluent thus treated can be discharged directly to drain. The invention can be applied in particular to effluents originating from photographic development baths.

Abstract: Method for removal of organic and inorganic mercury contaminants from a biological vaccine production facility.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the treatment and decolorization of waste water incident to the manufacturing of cosmetic products that contains dyestuffs, fatty organic chemicals and other organic chemicals. The method requires a strong base which is added to the waste water at a suitably high temperature to cause flocculation of fatty substances. Then an strong colorless oxidizer is added to reduce the hydrophilic character of the remaining organic chemicals and cause partial decolorization. The resulting waste water is in a state that can then be decolorized with powdered activated carbon. Finally, the powdered activated carbon is separated from the waste water. The decolorized waste water is discharged in compliance with acceptable water quality standards for plant effluents.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification of waste water containing a silver compound, comprising the steps of (1) adding to said waste water a salt of a poly(guanidine) or poly(biguanidine) polymer (2) adding a flocculant, and (3) filtrating the formed flocculate.The invention is particularly suitable for the removal of silver from the effluent of a photographic processor, and more specifically the effluent of a processor of wash-off materials, said effluent also containing gelatin.A most preferred poly(guanidine) compound is poly(hexamethyleneguanidine) hydrochloride.

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 process for removing calcium from an amine-water solution is provided by using a low calcium cationic exchange resin which preferably has large pores to avoid hydrocarbon coating of the resin. Preferably, the resin is pretreated to reduce calcium concentration of the resin to less than two parts per million prior to use for calcium removal.

Abstract: A method of treating fossil-fueled power generating plant condensate at start-up by passing the contaminated condensate at start-up of a power generating plant through a filter medium prior to or in the absence of passing the condensate through a precoat or resin bed.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal impurity, including the steps of: removing oxygen dissolved in a hydrofluoric-acid-containing chemical solution; and in order to remove a metal impurity contained in the hydrofluoric-acid-containing chemical solution free from the dissolved oxygen, bringing or circulating the hydrofluoric-acid-containing chemical solution into contact with or in a column filled with silicon granules to adsorb the metal impurity on the silicon granules.

Abstract: Provided is a method of removing particles having a size of less than 10 .mu.m from an aqueous solution. The pH of the aqueous solution is first adjusted to be less than 9 and then the aqueous solution is passed through an absorbent of mineral fiber, containing 35 to 65 wt % of SiO.sub.2 and 65 to 35 wt % of at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and FeO. The particles in the aqueous solution adhere to the absorbent and are separated from the aqueous solution. The absorbent is regenerated by passing a descaling solution having a pH greater than 10 through the absorbent. The particles are recovered as a concentrated solution.

Abstract: The water remediation and purification apparatus includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.

Abstract: A method for treating a pulp and paper manufacturing stream to remove colorants therefrom comprises: contacting the stream with a first adsorbent comprising the calcined product of a compound having the formula: A.sub.w B.sub.x (OH).sub.y C.sub.z.nH.sub.2 O, wherein A represents a divalent metal cation; B a trivalent metal cation; C a mono- to tetravalent anion; and w, x, y, z and n satisfying the following: 0<z.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.4.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1/2y and 12.gtoreq.n.gtoreq.1/2(w-x); then contacting the stream with a second adsorbent consisting essentially of activated carbon. On a preferred basis, the first contacting adsorbent is a hydrotalcite derivative made by reacting activated magnesia with an aqueous solution of aluminate, carbonate, and hydroxyl anions before calcining at one or more temperatures between about 400.degree.-650.degree. C.

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: Colloidal matter is removed from a fluid flow by first adsorbing a coagulant onto the surface of a finely divided filter media, and thereafter passing a colloid-containing fluid through the filter media. The adsorbing of coagulant is accomplished with the filter off-line, and it is returned on-line for filtering of the fluid. After the coagulant is adsorbed onto the filter media, it is not necessary to continue feeding coagulant during on-line operation, as the adsorbed coagulant captures the colloidal matter in the fluid and retains it on the surface of the filter media. The captured colloidal matter is removed during back washing of the filter media.

Abstract: A process for removing toxic sulfur-containing compounds, ammonia, oil and grease from an aqueous solution wherein the steps include sequentially adding to the solution sufficiently effective amounts of ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, and an insoluble hydrophilic amine polymer; heating the solution; removing the oil and grease as volatile organic compounds; and removing the contaminants from the solution as a precipitate complex. The resulting purified effluent may then be directly discharged into an industrial sewer.

Abstract: In processes of this invention aqueous waste solutions containing a variety of mixed waste contaminants are treated to remove the contaminants by a sequential addition of chemicals and adsorption/ion exchange powdered materials to remove the contaminants including lead, cadmium, uranium, cesium-137, strontium-85/90, trichloroethylene and benzene, and impurities including iron and calcium. Staged conditioning of the waste solution produces a polydisperse system of size enlarged complexes of the contaminants in three distinct configurations: water-soluble metal complexes, insoluble metal precipitation complexes, and contaminant-bearing particles of ion exchange and adsorbent materials. The volume of the waste is reduced by separation of the polydisperse system by cross-flow microfiltration, followed by low-temperature evaporation and/or filter pressing. The water produced as filtrate is discharged if it meets a specified target water quality, or else the filtrate is recycled until the target is achieved.

Abstract: A process for removing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds from an alkaline wastewater stream generated in a process for the nitration of aromatic compounds by the mixed acid technique, which comprises(a) adjusting the pH of the aqueous alkaline waste stream containing nitroaromatic and nitrophenolic compounds to a range from about 2 to 4.5,(b) contacting the acidic aqueous stream with sufficient hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion under conditions to effect oxidation of the nitrophenolic compounds,(c) adjusting the acidic, oxidized aqueous waste stream having a reduced nitrophenolic content to about pH .gtoreq.4, and(d) contacting the aqueous waste stream with a carbon adsorbent.

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: A method for the selective separation of a particular compound from a mixture of compounds, by enzymatically converting a weakly adsorbable compound to a strongly adsorbable compound, and binding the converted compound to a material of appropriate chemical properties is described. Also described are methods for removing contaminants from wastewater streams, and from intermediate chemical process streams.

Abstract: The water remediation and purification apparatus includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.

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: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial waste water which comprises either: (a) pretreating the waste water with at least two different pretreatments selected from adsorption, membrane filtration and oxidation and then, biologically purifying the waste water or, (b) neutralizing and biologically purifying the waste water and then after-treating the waste water either by membrane filtation in combination with adsorption or oxidation or, by oxidation optionally in combination with adsorption or filtration on a nanofiltration membrane or, by filtration on a nanofiltration membrane.

Abstract: The invention is a process for purifying wastewater containing organic and color-causing pollutants. The three unit processes include a first stage aerobic or anaerobic biophysical treatment, a second stage oxidizer treatment, and a third stage adsorbent contact treatment. The biophysical treatment removes the majority of the pollutants while the oxidizer treatment destroys residual organics and color-causing pollutants. The adsorbent contact treatment destroys any residual oxidizer in the wastewater and/or adsorbs any residual oxidation products. The preferred adsorbent is powdered activated carbon and the preferred oxidizer is some form of chlorine, e.g. sodium hypochlorite. The process may be operated in either a continuous flow mode or a batch flow mode.

Abstract: A method for preparing an ultrapure water, from which impurities including inorganic salts, organic substances, fine particles and microorganisms are removed, by treatment including an ion exchange treatment, which comprises using an ion exchange resin comprising a copolymer of a polyvinyl compound and a monovinyl aromatic compound which may contain a monovinyl aliphatic compound, as the matrix, at least in a mixed bed ion exchange treatment of the ion exchange treatment, said ion exchange resin used comprising at least a regenerated form ion exchange resin A eluting an organic compound of a molecular weight of less than 3,000 but substantially not eluting an organic compound of a molecular weight of not less than 3,000 when dipped in a hot water at 50.degree. C. for 7 days.

Abstract: A method of removing nitrogen from an aqueous solution by simultaneous microbial nitrification and dentrification comprising treating the aqueous solution in one or more fixed bed reactors containing a porous carrier material having nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms fixed thereto, and using an ammonium selective ion exchanger as carrier material.

Abstract: A water purifying system including two or more stages for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from source water. The system may be configured such that water is first passed through a biocidal resin, and then through a granular metal alloy and an activated carbon filter to remove iodides released into the water by the biocidal resin. The granular metal alloy may be agitated by turbulent motion as the water treated.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for treating wastewater having at least a hydrocarbon component and water in which a multi-phase liquid system including an aqueous hydrocarbon-contaminated layer is formed and isolated from a remaining hydrocarbon-enriched layer. The aqueous hydrocarbon-contaminated layer is treated to remove volatile hydrocarbon contaminant, insoluble organic contaminant and dissolved hydrocarbon contaminant.

Abstract: A method for the purification of Factor VIII from human plasma is described, wherein a solution comprising Factor VIII is purified by using ion exchange chromatographic columns. Factor VIII obtained by said method is also described.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for purifying liquid in a square or rectangular tank involving ultra violet (UV) treatment, oxidation, flotation, filtration, effluent purging and disinfection is described. The liquid to be treated is fed into the mixing chamber of the apparatus in the presence of UV light and an oxident (ozone and/or hydrogen peroxide), and then discharged into the flotation chamber for gas stripping of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and flotation removal of floating substances. The subnatant in flotation chamber flows downward through multiple automatic backwash liquid phase granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for final polishing before being discharged as the liquid effluent or further disinfected. The flotation chamber is hooded for collection of gas stream which is moved by a gas mover and purified by a gas phase granular activated carbon (GAC) filter.

Abstract: Ground water which contains heavy metal ions and toxic volatile organic compounds is purified by passing an air stream through it to purge out the organic compounds, adsorbing the displaced organic compounds on a molecular sieve and destroying them using a strong oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide. This procedure avoids having the heavy metal ions from the water collect on the molecular sieve which causes the destruction of the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An improved filtration system involving the use of ultraviolet irradiation, ozonation, chlorination, reactive filtration media, chemical treatment, compressed air aeration, air emission control, and central flow control is described. The process system and apparatus of the present invention mainly include a liquid pump, an ultraviolet pretreatment means, a central flow control, an air emission control means, a reactive pressure filter, a process tank, at least one chemical feeder means, an ultraviolet post-treatment means, and an aeration means.

Abstract: The process relates to the treatment of aqueous solutions of polyhydric alcohols to remove heavy metal components, oils, organic contaminants and, optionally, water. The process is particularly well suited for use in the treatment of spent antifreeze/coolant from the cooling systems of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: The electronics industry demands that hydrogen peroxide for use therein be purified to very low levels of impurities, currently at the level of a few ppb for some impurities, or even lower. However, existing methods are either inherently unsafe because they bring concentrated hydrogen peroxide into contact with a concentrate of transition metal decomposition agents for peroxide and a purification resin which acts as a source of carbon, or are unable to attain the desired impurity level. In the instant purification process, the hydrogen peroxide solution is passed through a membrane having a very small pore size which contains an ion exchange resin that is capable of removing alkali and alkaline earth metal ions from solution. The feed solution in characterized in that it contains no more than a small proportion by weight of transition metals that catalyse hydrogen peroxide decomposition compared with the total metals content.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of biological samples comprises: at least one column having an adsorbent layer made of adsorbent that fills a part of said column, and a reservoir forming the other part of said column; at least one vessel connected to said reservoir, said vessel being disposed so as to contain said samples to be supplied to said reservoir and/or media for treating said samples; a means for supplying said samples and/or media for treating said samples from said vessel to said reservoir; and a means for controlling said supply means. A method for the treatment of biological samples involves the use of the above-mentioned apparatus. With the use of the apparatus, the analysis of samples and also the isolation of desired substances from samples could be done automatically with accuracy in a simple procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates, hydrcarbons (such as oil), cations and anions including nitrite ions from a liquid, such as an engine coolant liquid having a freezing point depressant and situated in an internal combination engine cooling system. The apparatus has at least one filter for removing particulates and hydrocarbons; a strong acid cation exchange bed in the hydrogen form for removing cations; a strong base anion exchange bed in the hydroxide form for removing anions; and separator for separating gas containing nitrogen, such as nitric oxide and/or nitrogen dioxide, that is produced in the cation exchange bed and/or the anion exchange bed.

Abstract: A paint sludge is subjected to aerobic biodegradation with increased dry content of the resulting sludge and the latter is then subjected to anaerobic biological degradation. The effluent from the two biostages are sterilized by ozonization, UV-irradiation or peroxide addition. The sludge from the anaerobic biostage can be dried to an inert granulate and drying vapors are recycled to the aerobic biostage. The sterile liquid is returned to the wash water circulation of the painting plant.

Abstract: A method of removing endotoxin from a solution containing only endotoxin as a absorbed material, wherein the pH value of the solution is adjusted to pH 9 or lower than it, and subsequently, the solution is passed through a column packed with a crosslinked granular chitosan.

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: Thimerosal is removed from aqueous effluent streams from vaccine production to provide an invironmentally-acceptable effluent stream. The thimerosal first is converted to ionic form by chlorination, the resulting solution is dechlorinated to remove dissolved unreacted chlorine, and then the ionic mercury is removed by ion-exchange employing thiol groups.

Abstract: An improved filter device is provided for removing contaminants from water comprising a filter housing having an inlet at one end for water to be purified and an oulet for purified water at an opposing end, said filter device including in sequence first, second and third layers of purification material, a first layer of purification material comprising metallic particles which establish a suitable redox potential in the first layer, a second layer of purification material comprising activated carbon, and a third layer of purification material comprising a weak acid ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A process for the removal of water soluble organic compounds from produced water is provided. The process allows for the removal of water soluble organic compounds by passing the produced water through a column of adsorbing resin which is capable of removing the soluble organic compounds from the water and providing an environmentally acceptable effluent. The removal of polllutants from the produced water is monitored continuously by a fluorescence detector. The process further allows for the generation of the adsorbing resin by regenerating the resin with a solvent capable of eluting accumulated soluble organic compounds from the column followed by treatment of the resin with steam to remove residual eluting solvent. The process further allows for the treatment of the eluting solvent and soluble organic compound admixture in a manner to allow reuse of the solvent and to allow recovery of the soluble organic compound or to allow direct injection of the soluble organic compound admixture into the oil stream.