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 is provided of removing hydrocarbon pollutants from a surface of a body of water in a storm water filtration system containing an oil separation chamber including a removable top cover to provide access to the chamber for removing oil, a side wall with a storm water inlet, another side wall with a filtered storm water outlet in a region of the chamber lower than the inlet and an overflow storm water outlet located above the filtered storm water outlet. A porous container having an interior filled with oleophilic and substantially buoyant material is located upon the surface of the water in the oil separation chamber so that oil floating on the surface of the storm water in the chamber is adsorbed by the oleophilic and substantially buoyant material.

Abstract: A process for the removal of soluble selenium from aqueous media comprising contacting the aqueous media with a porous support material having exchanged thereon metal ions selected from transition metal ions, alkali earth metal ions and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An adsorbent for an autoantibody or immune complex produced by combining an autoantibody with its homologous antigen, which comprises a water-insoluble porous material and a compound having an anionic functional group immobilized onto said material, an apparatus for removing an autoantibody or immune complex thereof using the above-mentioned adsorbent and a method for removing an autoantibody or immune complex thereof from body fluid by passing body fluid through the above-mentioned removing apparatus. According to the present invention, the autoantibody or immune complex thereof can be selectively removed from body fluid without removing useful components in body fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially eliminating diffusion and resin capacity as rate-limiting factors in mass transfer between phases in separation, chemical reaction, and biological culture processes by establishing turbulent flow of fluids within a continuous, moving belt of resilient, open-cell foam polymer. The belt is made to move alternately between bulk liquid and gas phases where mass transfer takes place by direct transport to the polymer surface as a consequence of compression and release of the belt.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the quantitative removal and concentration of desired molecules or ions, such as gases, anions and amino acids, from a source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other molecules. The method comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a solid cation-ligand-matrix consisting of a cation complexed to a ligand molecule covalently bonded to a matrix consisting of an organic spacer bonded to a solid inorganic support through a silicon atom. The cation has an affinity for the desired molecules to form a complex between the desired molecules and the cation portion of the solid cation-ligand-matrix at binding sites initially held by H.sub.2 O or other weakly coordinated ligands or via ion pairing.

Abstract: A composite article comprising, in the unexpanded form, a fibrillated PTFE matrix and a combination of energy expandable hollow polymeric particles and sorptive particles, which composite, on applying energy such as steam, heat, or laser energy, provides an expanded article having increased void volume and decreased density. The expanded articles are porous and efficient articles for separation and purification applications. In flat or rolled form, the composite article can be used in separation devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to reactive groups immobilized on inorganic substrates such as derivatized glass, silica, ceramics, or metals. The immobilized reactive groups can be used to inactivate or remove nitrosating agents in liquids, thereby reducing the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines and nitroso compounds in liquids that come into contact with humans. The use of inorganic substrates provides several advantages, which include extending the range and adaptability of the method of this invention and allowing its use in liquids that would dissolve or react with organic polymers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an ion exchange sorbent containing at least one anion exchange resin, a ferromagnetic substance, and a water permeable organic polymer binder, as well as a process for the use of said sorbent to separate removable anions from feedstreams containing said anion.

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: This invention relates tot he use of ion exchange resins having metal-exchanged thiol functional groups in removing iodide impurities from carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic acid anhydrides. More particularly, this invention provides a process for removing iodide impurities from liquid carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic acid anhydrides using ion exchange resins in which thiol functional groups have been exchanged with silver, palladium or mercury.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inactivating pyrogen producing organisms and pyrogenic substances in immobilized solid matrices which are used in the production and/or purification of biomedical and pharmaceutical products and materials by contacting the solid matrices with pyrogen inactivating solutions.

Abstract: A water filter provides good tasting, potable water without chemical biocides. A water filter utilizing activated carbon to rid the water of undesirable chemicals and the like has dolomite added to the activated carbon. The dolomite acts as a nutrient for harmless bacteria and thereby promotes the growth of the harmless bacteria to the exclusion of harmful bacteria. Dolomite produces a slight alkalinity for improved taste, provides magnesium and calcium as dietary supplements, and encourages the growth of bacteria that produce no undesirable metabolites.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the radioactive material content of fluids withdrawn from subterranean reservoirs. The method involves deposition of sorbent solids within the reservoir matrix surrounding a production well to act as an in-situ filter for dissolved radionuclides present in reservoir pore waters. For this purpose, the sorbent solid is either a) precipitated within the reservoir matrix by the reaction of two or more carrier solutions or b) directly introduced into the reservoir as a solid component of a solid-liquid slurry using high-pressure injection techniques. Thereafter, fluids produced by the well contain significantly lower concentrations of radionuclides (e.g., principally radium and uranium ions), as radionuclides are removed from the inflowing reservoir fluids by means of ion exchange, adsorption, chelation, chemisorption, or coprecipitation with the in-situ filter medium.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing dissolving radon gas from water for the purpose of reducing the exposure of household occupants to elevated airborne radon levels. Radon removal is accomplished by a membrane - mediated air stripping process which is based on the passage of radon from water (28) flowing along one surface of the membrane to stripping air (27) flowing along the second surface of the membrane. Particularly useful are dense polymeric membranes comprised of silicone rubber and hydrophobic microporous membranes. The dense membranes may be self-supporting, but are preferably composite membranes consisting of a dense film on a porous support membrane. The system can employ a subsystem for storage and recirculation of treated water through a housing in which the radon-permeable membrane is supported. Optionally, a hybrid subsystem can be employed which includes a carbon adsorption subsystem for the treated water downstream of the housing.

Abstract: A process to reduce the concentration of dissolved polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in an aqueous composition, particularly a refinery waste water stream, by contacting the aqueous composition with a water insoluble inclusion agent comprising an anchored cyclodextrin, said cyclodextrin having an inclusion cavity diameter of at least about 10 angstroms, under conditions which facilitate the selective formation of an inclusion complex between a cyclodextrin and a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Metal ions are removed from solution by complexing with an immobilized polyethyleneimine, formed by first bonding a silane-propyl bridge to a substrate particle of silica or silicate, larger than 200 mesh. Then, polyethyleneimine is covalently bonded by a nitrogen to the bridge. Due to the spacing established by the bridge between the polyethyleneimine and substrate, the polyethyleneimine maintains high ion complexation capacity.

Abstract: A method for the removal and concentration of desired ions such as Pd(II), Ru(III), Pd(IV), Au(III), Au(I), Ag(I), and Hg(II) from a multiple ion source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other undesired ions including H.sup.+ comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a compound comprising a sulfur and electron withdrawing group containing ligand covalently bonded through an organic spacer silicon grouping to a solid inorganic support. The sulfur and electron withdrawing group containing ligand portion(s) of the compound has an affinity for the desired ions to form a complex thereby removing the desired ions from the source solution. The desired ions are removed from the compound by contacting the compound with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution having a greater affinity for the desired ions than does the sulfur and electron withdrawing group containing ligand portion of the compound.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A method of selectively and quantitatively removing and concentrating at least one selected ion from a multiple ion solution in which other ions are present is disclosed. The method comprises(a) bringing a complexing agent for the selected ion(s) into contact with the multiple ion solution to remove and concentrate selected ion(s) from the multiple ion solution, wherein the complexing agent is selected from the group of macrocyclic compounds having at least four --A--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- groups in which A is selected from O, O--CH.sub.2, S, S--CH.sub.2, N--R and N--R--CH.sub.2 in which R is selected from H, lower alkyl and benzyl, with the macrocyclic compounds further having a hydrocarbon side chain having an end group ##STR1## in which X is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, benzyl, phenyl, halogen, O--CH.sub.3, O--C.sub.2 H.sub.

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: Improved methods for removal of disinfection by-products, halomethanes, precursors thereof and other organic contaminants from water being processed for use as potable or industrial water involve adding to the water being treated in a zone separate from the conventional clarification, softening and filtration steps, and downstream of at least the clarification step, between about 1 to 1000 ppm of powdered activated carbon (PAC), between about 1 to 1000 ppm of bentonite and between about 0.1 to 100 ppm of flocculant polymer, based upon one million parts of the water. The relative proportions of PAC, bentonite and polymer within the stated ranges are selected to give a sludge having a sludge cohesion factor "k" between about 0.5 and 5, especially between 0.6 and 1.5.

Abstract: A porous medium having a positive surface change removes heparin from a heparin-containing liquid, without removing other proteinaceous components from the liquid. Methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A capillary blotting sandwich for transferring soluble macromolecules in a liquid medium from a liquid-permeable matrix to a semi-permeable receiving membrane. The blotting sandwich includes: (i) a liquid-permeable matrix layer comprising soluble macromolecules, said matrix having at least one flat surface, (ii) a semi-permeable membrane sheet layer disposed on said flat surface; (iii) an interlocked hydrophilic absorbent fiber-containing material in the form of a non-woven absorbent felt sheet or pad layer disposed on said semi-permeable membrane, wherein said felt layer facilitates capillary transport of a solution through said membrane, whereby said soluble macromolecules in said matrix layer are caused to migrate to said membrane layer.

Abstract: A molecular sieve material is combined with a porous carrier material. The pores of the molecular sieve material are impermeable to molecules or organisms having a size equal to or greater than that of the water molecule either because the molecular sieve material is selected so as to have pores which are smaller than such molecule or because the pores of the molecular sieve material are closed by a film. The pores of the molecular sieve material thus remain unoccupied and are able to exert an attractive force on molecules or organisms which are to be captured. The pores of the carrier material are designed to accept molecules or organisms having a size equal to or greater than that of the water molecule so that, when such molecules or organisms are attracted by the molecular sieve material, they can be trapped in the carrier material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing surface modified silica sorption agent suitable for purifying contaminated aqueous liquid, the sorption agent comprising amorphous, precipitated, silica having surface deposited thereon an organic quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method for holding and treating water contaminated with one or more water-soluble contaminants to substantially prevent the contaminants from seeping into ground water supplies disposed below a water hold area. The article of manufacture and method include the use of a water-holding material, e.g., a water-swellable clay, such as bentonite, for reducing the permeation of the contaminated water into the soil, and a treatment layer, disposed beneath the water-holding material, containing a material capable of adsorbing, absorbing, ion-exchanging, neutralizing or reacting with one or more water-soluble contaminants within the water for removing a substantial portion of the contaminants from the water so that the portion of the held water that permeates the water-holding layer, will be rendered substantially less contaminated.

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 for the removal, separation, and concentration of Rh, Ir, and/or Ru from a source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other ions including H.sup.+ comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a compound comprising a polyalkylene-polyamine-containing ligand covalently bonded through an organic spacer silicon grouping to a solid inorganic support. The ligand portion(s) of the compound has affinity for complexed anionic species of Rh, Ir, and/or Ru thereby removing them from the source solution. The Rh and/or Ru are first selectively removed from the compound through contact with a much smaller volume of a first receiving solution which changes the Rh and/or Ru speciation to have no affinity for the ligand portion of the compound.

Abstract: A very effective adsorption composition has been produced for the removal of heavy metal ions, halocarbons, aromatic organics, radon and microbiological substances from water. This adsorption composition consists of up to 7 different components. These include aluminum silicate, diatomite, granulated activated carbon, catalytic chlorine removal media, tri-sodium phosphate, bone charcoal and activated alumina. This adsorption composition has a tri-disperse structure. By this it is meant it has three different types of pores. The adsorption composition is utilized by being packaged into cartridges, containers and alike where it is held in place while contaminated water passes through the adsorption composition and the contaminants are removed.

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: The process relates to on-line rejuvenation of adsorbent beds which are used for removing mercury from mercury contaminated feeds.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of using zeolites for adsorbing detergents. More specifically, it refers to the use of hydrophobic zeolites for adsorbing anionic, cationic and nonionic detergents in solutions containing such detergents.

Abstract: A novel zeolite, NU-87 has in its "as-prepared" form an X-ray diffraction pattern including the lines given in Table 1. It is prepared from a reaction mixture containing sources of silica, a polymethylene alpha, omega-diammonium cation and optionally sources of alumina and metal oxide.

Abstract: Active or functional materials such as adsorbents, catalysts, defoamers and the like are combined with inert low density particles, preferably hollow microspheres, to provide a functional material of controlled density. This product is introduced into a liquid with a somewhat higher density under agitation for a time sufficient to accomplish the desired function. Then agitation is stopped and the spent product floats to provide easy separation.

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: The metal concentration in a liquid hydrocarbon stream can be reduced to no more than 0.1 parts per billion by contacting the stream sequentially with a cation exchange resin and a silver-impregnated zeolitic molecular sieve, preferably in that order. The method is particularly useful for removal of mercury and antimony from liquified petroleum gas.

Abstract: A composite cartridge-type filter effective to substantially reduce low but hazardous concentrations of lead in drinking water to acceptable levels utilizes a porous activated carbon block filter and a powdered deionizing resin which is converted to an ion exchange resin in situ and during use of the filter. The method of operation of the filter results in a substantially extended life for lead removal as compared to similar disposable cartridge filters. The composite filter is also affective in removing dissolved metals which are leached from the soluble ash fraction of the carbon block itself. Powdered deionizing resin, having a greatly enhanced active surface area as compared to the resin beads from which it is formed, is formed by fracturing the resin beads in situ in a slurry filling and drying process which provides a stable packed resin bed.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a container body defining a solution retaining chamber therein, the container having an outlet for dispensing the solution from the chamber and means for removing a component from the solution as the solution is dispensed from the chamber through the container outlet.

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.

Abstract: According to the invention, the oil is passed through a pulverulent material, such as an earth or clay, in the presence of an acid. The pulverulent material can be placed beforehand on a filter or can be mixed with the oil before filtration. If necessary, the oil is recycled through the filter up to complete decontamination.Application to the radioactive decontamination of oils used in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in dry form, preferably in the form of a tablet, containing a combination of ingredients which upon addition to contaminated water effectively removes turbidity, metal and organic contaminants in the water and thereby makes the water safer for drinking. The composition is particularly useful for personal use so that safe drinking water can be obtained by the simple addition of the composition to the water to remove the turbidity and contaminating materials contained therein. Preferably the composition contains bentonite clay, attapulgite clay, polymeric coagulant and/or flocculent, biocide, zeolite and activated charcoal. The invention also provides a method for treating water with the composition as well as a method for making the composition.

Abstract: Cholesterol and other sterols are separated from fluid mixtures, especially foodstuffs such as egg yolk, using a surface-modified adsorbent which selectively adsorbs the sterols. The surface-modified adsorbent is prepared by (a) treating an adsorbent with a sterol compound so that the sterol compound becomes adsorbed on the adsorbent surface; (b) treating the sterol-modified adsorbent with a surface-modifying agent, this surface-modifying agent having a reactive group capable of reacting with the surface of the adsorbent, and an elongate hydrophobic portion, so that the surface of the adsorbent not covered by the adsorbed sterol compound reacts with the surface-modifying agent; and (c) desorbing the sterol compound from the adsorbent.

Abstract: Cholesterol and other sterols are separated from fluid mixtures, especially foodstuffs such as egg yolk, using a surface-modified substantially insoluble carbonate salt which selectively adsorbs the sterol. The surface-modified carbonate is prepared by (a) treating a substantially insoluble carbonate salt with a sterol compound so that the sterol compound becomes adsorbed on the carbonate surface; (b) treating the sterol-modified carbonate with a surface-modifying agent, said surface-modifying agent having a reactive group capable of reacting with the surface of the carbonate, and an elongate hydrophobic portion, so that the surface of the carbonate not covered by the adsorbed sterol compound reacts with the surface-modifying agent; and (c) desorbing the sterol compound from the carbonate.

Abstract: A method of modifying the adsorptive characteristics of an adsorptive surface comprising the in situ precipitation of a polyvalent metal salt from a solution in contact with the adsorptive surface; the adsorptive product produced thereby and methods for the removal of impurities from aqueous materials by contact with the adsorptive product.

Abstract: An adsorbent for .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin is disclosed, which comprises a water-insoluble carrier having supported thereon, as a ligand, at least one electrolyte selected from the group consisting of a polyamino acid, a polysaccharide, a synthetic high polymer, collagen having an isoelectric point of 9.5 or more, and gelatin having an isoelectric point of 6.5 or more, wherein said electrolyte has a molecular weight not less than 1,000 and an X value of more than 2.0, wherein X is a relationship regarding the skeleton structure of said electrolyte and is the sum of A and B, wherein A represents (the number of carbon atoms of the skeleton structure)-(the number of hydrophilic groups)/(the number of hydrophilic groups); and B represents .vertline.(the number of cationic groups)-(the number of anionic groups).vertline./(the number of hydrophilic groups). The adsorbent exhibits adsorptivity for .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin at high efficiency and high selectivity.

Abstract: An ion-exchange media comprising a modified polysaccharide material and a modified particulate polymeric material, said modified materials comprising a polysaccharide and particulate polymeric materials covalently bonded to a synthetic polymer, said synthetic polymer comprising a copolymer made from a polymerization of:(a) a polymerizable compound having a chemical group capable of covalently coupling, directly or indirectly, to said materials; and(b) a polymerizable compound containing (i) an ionizable chemical group or (ii) a chemical group capable of transformation to an ionizable chemical group.The media is useful to selectively remove heavy metal contaminants from aqueous solutions containing said contaminants.

Abstract: An improved method of disposing of radioactive or hazardous liquids comprises placing the liquids in a container and adding a sodium montmorillonite over intervals until the composition is substantially solid in the container.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the encapsulation of soluble radioactive waste chloride salts containing radionuclides such as strontium, cesium and hazardous wastes such as barium so that they may be permanently stored without future threat to the environment. The process consists of contacting the salts containing the radionuclides and hazardous wastes with certain zeolites which have been found to ion exchange with the radionuclides and to occlude the chloride salts so that the resulting product is leach resistant.