Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization and hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields. An improved method for separating the sugars from the acid in the hydrolysate is also disclosed. The resulting sugar stream can then be fermented, using an improved method which allows both hexose and pentose sugars to be fermented simultaneously.

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 adsorption process uses a non-ion-exchangeable adsorbent polymeric resin of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer such as styrene and a polyvinylidene monomer such as divinylbenzene for the adsorption of organic bases, such amines, amine salts and guanidinium salts, from high ionic strength aqueous solutions. Desorption may be employed for the recovery of said organic bases, and said adsorbent resin may be regenerated.

Abstract: A method for tailoring naturally occurring zeolite materials with silane compounds and using such silane tailored naturally occurring zeolite solid sorbent materials to remove benzenes and alkyl benzenes (BTEX) from contaminated water streams is described.

Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica and silicates present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization if necessary and a second hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields.

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 water softening system is provided in which a determination is made whether the slow rinse cycle of a regeneration has been completed or is abnormal. A reference cell and a spaced sensing cell are provided in a water tank. The impedance difference of the solution between the reference cell and the sensor cell is sensed. If the impedance difference is a first state, then after a predetermined period of time a determination is made if the impedance difference is a second state. If the impedance difference is a second state, then after a predetermined period of time a determination is made if the impedance difference is a third state. If the impedance difference is a third state, this indicates that the sodium ion concentration is uniformly reduced in the zone between the reference cell and the sensing cell and that the slow rinse cycle has been completed.

Abstract: Ions (e.g. lithium) can be removed or recovered from brines containing those ions and optionally one or more other ions (e.g. other alkali metal ions) by the use of a temperature-swing, ion-exchange process employing an ion-exchange material. The process depends on a change in the selectivity coefficient of an ion exchange material for the ions desired to be recovered with a change in temperature, resulting in desirable ions being relatively selectively released at one temperature and undesirable ions being relatively selectively released at another temperature. The process of the invention can be used to effect the separation of any ion (or set of ions) from another ion or from a set of ions wherein the selectivity coefficient for one ion (or set of ions) has a substantial temperature dependence, compared to that for the other ion (or set of ions).

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: Magnetic polymer resins capable of efficient removal of actinides and heavy metals from contaminated water are disclosed together with methods for making, using, and regenerating them. The resins comprise polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin beads with ferrites attached to the surfaces of the beads. Markedly improved water decontamination is demonstrated using these magnetic polymer resins of the invention in the presence of a magnetic field, as compared with water decontamination methods employing ordinary ion exchange resins or ferrites taken separately.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.

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: 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: Proposed is a method for the preparation of an efficient ion exchanger useful for separation and recovery of cesium ions from an aqueous solution such as strongly acidic waste solutions containing radioactive species of cesium. The method comprises the steps of (a) adsorption of hexacyanoferrate (II) ions on to porous particles of an anion exchange resin, (b) conversion of the hexacyanoferrate (II) ions into water-insoluble copper salt thereof in situ in the resin pores, (c) an oxidation treatment of the resin particles and (d) a reduction treatment in the presence of potassium ions followed by contacting of the resin particles with an aqueous solution containing copper ions. A method for the regeneration of the ion exchanger after adsorption of cesium ions is also proposed.

Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica and silicates present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization if necessary and a second hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields.

Abstract: An ion exchange separation, recovery and regeneration process for the control of iron has been developed to replace the conventional bleed stream process used in copper electrowinning. The process minimizes the loss of cobalt from the electrowinning circuit and strips the iron into a sulfate-based solution suitable for leach solution makeup. In addition, this process can effect a lowering of the total iron concentration in the electrolyte circuit with an associated increase in current efficiency.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating a fluid comprising at least one chemical contaminant.

Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization and hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields. An improved method for separating the sugars from the acid in the hydrolysate is also disclosed. The resulting sugar stream can then be fermented, using an improved method which allows both hexose and pentose sugars to be fermented simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for reducing contaminant concentrations in a fluid stream including the steps of forming a metal-complexed material having a surface suitable for exchange with the contaminant, contacting the fluid stream with the metal-complexed material, immobilizing at least a portion of the contaminant on the surface of the metal-complexed material, and regenerating the metal-complexed material so as to remove the contaminant from the surface of the metal-complexed material. The metal-complexed material is formed by the encapsulating of a core of ferromagnetic material with an ion exchange material. The metal-complexed material is magnetically affixed to a metallic mesh retaining surface.

Abstract: BTEX and other hydracarbons are removed from oil field and refinery waste streams by countercurrent extraction techniques. The contaminated waste water is contacted with adsorbent particles, selected to adsorb BTEX and other hydrocarbons, circulating in counter current fashion to the waste water stream.

Abstract: A method for decomposing volatile organic halogenated compounds in water containing such compounds and metal ions by removing the metal ions from the water and then contacting the deionized water with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The volatile organic halogenated compounds are efficiently decomposed with a small energy requirement and low cost to eliminate, thus, making the water safe.

Abstract: A method for removing trace amounts of ammonia and ammonia-containing compounds from process water involving the destruction of the ammonia by oxidative procedures which includes the steps of:concentrating ammonia and ammonium ions removed from the process water stream into contact with a suitable catalytic-adsorbent material contained in a plurality of discrete reaction vessels; andcontacting at least one of the reaction vessels and the catalytic-adsorbent contained therein with an alkaline oxidative solution capable of converting the concentrated ammonia and ammonium ions to simple environmentally neutral compounds.

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: A method of treatment of a liquid or gaseous fluid to decompose volatile organic halogenated compounds therein comprises bringing the fluid containing volatile organic halogenated compounds in contact with a reducing agent in the presence of a metal catalyst and optionally thereafter treating the thus treated fluid with at least one of an adsorption treatment, a thermal decomposition and a biological decomposition treatment. The method efficiently decomposes the volatile organic halogenated compounds contained in a fluid, such as water or a gas, with a small expenditure of energy and at low cost and renders the fluid harmless to the environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing iodide from aqueous solutions in which the iodide is converted to iodine. The porous granules of the polyvalent metal chelating resin containing zirconium peroxide bound to the chelating groups thereof is contacted with the aqueous iodide solution. The iodine is formed within the granules and retained therein, permitting the aqueous solution to be separated to create iodine. This iodine can be recovered by organic solvent elution. The oxidative capacity of the resin granules has been reduced, it can be regenerated after removal of the obtained iodine by contacting the resin granules with aqueous hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: For the conditioning of ion exchange resins, pure water is recirculated over a bed of the resin to be purified or of the resins to be purified. The pure water has a residual salt content of less than 50 ppb and a content of free acids or free bases of less than 5,000 ppb. The organic and inorganic substances washed out of the resin or the resins are removed continuously from the circulating water by methods for the purification of water. The process can be used for conditioning the ion exchange resins used in an ultra pure water production system.

Abstract: A regenerative mercury removal process for simultaneously removing high mercury and water content from a fluid comprising; contacting for a sufficient time a high content mercury-containing fluid with an adsorbent bed having sufficient silver coated or impregnated thereon to remove therefrom substantial amounts of mercury and water; regenerating the adsorbent using a regenerative gas and condensing-out and recovering the mercury to yield a fuel substantially free from mercury.

Abstract: In a process for removing organic impurities and heavy metals from industrial, commercial or communal waste water, loaded drinking water, refuse dump drainage water or aqueous special wastes, the wet pyrolysis residues produced during the extraction of usable gas in the pyrolytic processing of refuse are introduced into one or more aerated filter basins (17) or filtration reactors (26) connected in parallel or in series. The waste water, loaded drinking water, refuse dump drainage water or liquid special wastes to be filtered or purified are pumped through the pyrolysis residue until its capacity for physical adsorption is exhausted.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.

Abstract: Mercury is often removed as an impurity from process fluid streams by adsorption in fixed beds using any of several well-known adsorbents having the ability to selectively adsorb mercury. It is also common to reintroduce this sequestered mercury into the environment by means of the spent gas used to periodically regenerate the fixed beds. A solution to this problem is provided by the present invention in which the mercury is removed from the process stream using a large cyclically regenerated adsorption bed in combination with a non-regenerable secondary adsorption bed, the mercury content of the former being in part recovered as liquid mercury by passage through a condenser and in part transferred to the non-regenerated bed. Mercury leakage from the non-regenerable bed is recycled to the cyclically regenerated bed.

Abstract: An adsorption system, such as a composite drier-bed, having at least two distinct adsorption regions for simultaneously drying and removing metallic/inorganic and organic forms of mercury from a fluid including a container having an entrance area and an exit area; a distinct first region located within said container and proximal to said entrance area of a porous substrate having elemental silver associated therewith; and a distinct second region adjacent thereto of a porous substrate having elemental gold associated therewith. The first region substantially removes water and metallic forms of mercury and the second region substantially removes organic forms of mercury and residual water from said fluid. A method of removing both metallic and organic mercury simultaneously with water as well as a means for regenerating the drier-bed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the removal of thermally-stable contaminants from stack gas scrubbing amines using a continuous countercurrent ion exchange column. Amines contaminated after use in stack gas scrubbing are fed into the column containing an anion exchanger resin where the contaminants are sorbed on the resin. The amine is washed from the resin with hot water and is removed from the column. The resin is then pulsed to move the resin with the sorbed contaminants into a elution section of the column. The contaminants are removed using an eluant of sodium hydroxide solution, preferably containing chlorine to enhance elution of thiocyanate ion. A water wash removes traces of the hydroxide solution and any reaction products, and then the resin is again pulsed so as to be moved for reuse. The amines are regenerated with only the single type resin (preferably Type I) and with significantly reduced quantity of reagents.

Abstract: Mercury is often removed as an impurity from process fluid streams by adsorption in fixed beds using any of several well-known adsorbents having the ability to selectively adsorb mercury. It is also common to reintroduce this sequestered mercury into the environment by means of the spent gas used to periodically regenerate the fixed beds. A solution to this problem is provided by the present invention in which the mercury is removed from the process stream using at least two cyclically regenerated adsorption beds in combination with a condenser whereby upon regeneration of one bed, the regeneration stream effluent therefrom is treated in the condenser to recover the bulk of the mercury as liquid mercury and recycling the overhead from the condenser to another bed engaged in the adsorption-purification of fresh feedstock.

Abstract: A method and system for treating liquid chlorine to remove inert gases therefrom. Liquid chlorine is treated by passing it through a molecular sieve having a molecular pore diameter greater than the molecular diameter of the inert gases and smaller than the molecular diameter of chlorine so that the inert gases are adsorbed by the sieve while the liquid chlorine passes therethrough. The sieve may be regenerated by heating the sieve and evacuating by vacuum, followed by a purging with a gas and then a further vacuum evacuation.

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: Mercury is often removed as an impurity from process fluid streams by adsorption in fixed beds using any of several well-known adsorbents having the ability to selectively adsorb mercury. It is also common to reintroduce this sequestered mercury into the environment by means of the spent gas used to periodically regenerate the fixed beds. A solution to this problem is provided by the present invention in which the mercury is removed from the process stream using a large non-regenerated adsorption bed in combination with a periodically regenerated secondary adsorption bed, the mercury content of the latter being transferred to the former during the regeneration procedure.

Abstract: A method for regenerating exhausted anion and cation exchange resins for service in an associated mixed bed demineralizer. The method utilizes a portion of the exhausted anion and cation resins to form buffer zones which reduce cross-contamination between the anion and cation resins during regeneration. Alternatively, a relatively inert material having a specific density intermediate to that of the anion and cation resins can be used to form the buffer zones. The materials which form the buffer zones remain in the regeneration system and are not returned to the service vessels with the regenerated resin. The method includes an improved technique for terminating the transfer of cation resin from a separation vessel.

Abstract: Aqueous alkanolamine solution containing iron sulfide particles is passed through a bed of contact materials having openings greater than the size of the iron sulfide particles and the iron sulfide particles adhere to the contact material. The contact material is regenerated to sequentially remove alkanolamine and iron sulfide particles by contacting it with water.

Abstract: A process for the sorption of alcohols by using zeolite Beta as a sorbent. The process is useful for separating alcohols, such as isopropanol and phenol, from an aqueous solution. the process is also useful for separating alcohols from an alcohol-containing vapor stream.

Abstract: A method as provided wherein betaine is separated eluted from beet molasses using a chromatographic simulated moving bed system having at least three chromatographic columns connected in series. The betaine is eluted during the same cycle as sucrose and rest molasses feeding and substantially simultaneous water feeding step, at least one water feeding step, a circulation step, and elution of sucrose, betaine and rest molasses fractions from selected columns.

Abstract: A periodic multistage process which minimizes fugitive pollutant emissions has been developed for the removal and destruction of volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile organic contaminants from either water, wastewater, or spent granular activated carbon. This invention relates to methods, materials, and systems for treating these contaminants by a process and devices which uniquely combine granular activated carbon adsorption and desorption with biological treatment. The process and devices extend existing treatment systems by: (1) providing biofilm growth in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor on gas permeable membrane which uses oxygen for the supply of the electron acceptor and other organics (e.g.

Abstract: A new thermal swing adsorption process for the separation of a bulk liquid mixture into its respective components wherein a novel rinse step is employed to achieve high product recovery with a low energy of separation. The invention is particularly useful for separating liquid mixtures containing azeotropes or close-boiling components which are difficult to separate using conventional techniques such as distillation or routine termal swing adsorption. A given example is the separation and recovery of methyl acetate from a bulk liquid mixture containing methyl acetate and water.

Abstract: A treatment system for removing metal ions from water and a method for cleaning the system. Contaminated water is passed through a plurality of columns having ion-extracting agents therein. When saturated with ions, each column is successively cleaned with primary and secondary acid solutions from separate vessels. When the primary acid is saturated with ions, it is membrane-filtered to remove ions therefrom. The secondary acid is then directed into the primary acid vessel, with the purified primary acid being routed back into the system (preferably into the second vessel) for reuse. The column is then rinsed with water, washed with an alkali solution (periodically concentrated using a water-permeable membrane), and rinsed again with water. The system preferably uses three columns, all of which are successively cleaned in the manner described above.

Abstract: Cyanide is removed from a cyanide-containing waste water by passing the water through an adsorbent porous solid substrate which has been treated with a water insoluble metal compound, preferably copper sulfide (CuS), that facilitates adsorption of the cyanide, a preferred adsorbent substrate is activated carbon. An oxidizing agent is supplied to the adsorbent to oxidize the adsorbed cyanide, the preferred oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen such as air. Ammonia is passed over the bed along with the waste water to enhance the longevity of the adsorbent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the removal of impurities, particularly organic impurities from granular solids, having its greatest immediate application for the regeneration of spent adsorbents which are used to purify waste water. The spent activated carbon is immersed in an aqueous bath which preferably contains a surface active agent, and water is circulated over the activated carbon while ultrasonic vibration is applied to the aqueous bath at a frequency from about 1 to about 100 kHz to desorb the organic adsorbate from the activated carbon. The desorbed organic compounds are washed from the activated carbon by the circulating water stream and are decomposed by introducing ozone into the water stream and, most preferably, while subjecting the water stream to ultraviolet radiation, thereby producing a wash water which can be safely discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A process for recovering xylose from pentosan-containing raw materials includes the steps of hydrolyzing the raw material, feeding the hydrolyzed material to a chromatographic column comprising a strong anion-exchanger having a quaternary ammonium functional group fixed to a cross-linked polystyrene or acrylic resin matrix and eluting a xylose-rich fraction.

Abstract: A regenerable inorganic media capable of removing contaminants by catalytic oxidation or reduction, as well as heavy metal adsorption, from well and surface water sources. The specific material is specially-treated microporous battery grade gamma-form electrolytic manganese dioxide, the treatment involving comminuting to a 20-60 mesh size, complete neutralization and washing to remove fines, residual acidity and neutralization products. Certain taste, odor and staining water contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, iron and manganese can be oxidized and filtered by the media with subsequent removal from the system by simply backwashing with water or water in combination with simple chemicals. Heavy metals are removed by a different adsorption mechanism on the same media followed by regeneration with a dilute acid. Pretreatment of the media with sodium hydrosulfite further allows the removal of residual chlorine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of regenerating a cationic exchange resin that has been exposed to chlorate ion. The resin is treated with an acidic regenerating solution that contains sulfite ion in an amount at least stoichiometric with the amount of chlorate remaining on the resin. The resin can either be rinsed with water first and then contacted with an acidic regenerating solution containing sulfite, or the resin can be washed with acidic water containing sulfite ion and then treated with an acidic regenerating solution.

Abstract: In a method for removing mercury from a wastestream to produce an environmentally acceptable discharge, the wastestream is contacted with an effective amount of an adsorbent composition which includes a metal compound capable of forming an amalgam and/or a sulfide with mercury and a support. After contact, the treated wastewater is discharged amd the adsorbent composition is regenerated. A method for making the adsorbents is also provided.