Abstract: A coated substrate that comprises a polyolefin substrate having a functional polymer layer disposed thereon. The polyolefin substrate has a flow through pore structure with a pore size ranging from about 5 microns to about 250 microns. The functional polymer layer has a thickness ranging from about 1 micron to about 20 microns and a layer pore structure having a pore size ranging from about 1 nm to about 100 nm.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for heterogeneous catalytic quenching of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a water source are disclosed. An exemplary device includes a column containing a catalytic material. The catalytic material can include self-supported granules of Fe(III) oxide. Catalytic reactor systems incorporating the columns and methods of making and using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A string of reactant chambers configured for inserting a reactant into each reactant chamber, in the string of reactant chambers, while maintaining the reactant chamber being filled in the string of reactant chambers is provided. The string of reactant chambers has a first reactant chamber, a second reactant chamber, and a system configured to maintain the reactant chamber being filled in the string of reactant chambers. The system has a first removable end cap on each reactant chamber and a coupler on each reactant chamber configured for the removal of the first removable end cap and maintaining the reactant chamber in the string of reactant chambers. A process for charging a reactant chamber is also presently disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method for forming, and a method of manufacturing a boom for the containment of contaminants, wherein the system includes a cover and an adsorbent material disposed within the cover. The adsorbent material may be formed of at least one sheet of flexible, adsorbent fabric folded upon itself within the elongated cover. Additionally, the adsorbent material disposed within the elongated cover may form a non-cylindrical cross-section, and the flexible, adsorbent fabric forming the adsorbent material may be at least partially a polyester material.

Abstract: A string of reactant chambers configured for inserting a reactant into each reactant chamber, in the string of reactant chambers, while maintaining the reactant chamber being filled in the string of reactant chambers is provided. The string of reactant chambers has a first reactant chamber, a second reactant chamber, and a system configured to maintain the reactant chamber being filled in the string of reactant chambers. The system has a first removable end cap on each reactant chamber and a coupler on each reactant chamber configured for the removal of the first removable end cap and maintaining the reactant chamber in the string of reactant chambers. A process for charging a reactant chamber is also presently disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of pollutants may comprise at least one porous container including an outer boundary material defining an inner space of the container, and a volume of collection material formed from the floss of certain plants, with the collection material being buoyant. A method of collecting pollutants from a body of water may comprise providing a plurality of porous containers with inner spaces, positioning milkweed floss in the inner spaces of the containers, and placing the floss-filled containers in the body of water adjacent to a pollutant.

Abstract: A spill control material has a combination of a pre-defined blended granule size mixture of amorphous alumina silicate in an aggregate blend of a plurality of predefined sieve grades where the combination has enhanced encapsulation properties greater than a single granule formulation. The pre-defined blended granule size mixture of amorphous alumina silicate has granules ranging in sizes larger than five microns and less than sixty-six microns in an aggregate blend of sieve grades #3 and #0.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for aiding extraction of an emulsified oil from an oil and water emulsion. The composition includes silicon containing particles at a level of 0.1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; an emulsifying agent at a level of 1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; and water at a level of 40 wt. % to 99 wt. %. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) dispersing silicon containing particles into the material using a mechanical blending device; and (b) separating the oil from the material. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a dispersion of silicon containing particles in water; (b) metering the dispersion into the material; and (c) separating the oil from the material.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sequestering product, a method to obtain the product, and a method and a facility to sequester hydrocarbons, wherein the product comprises an oleophilic filamentous material that gets in contact with a medium contaminated by one or more hydrocarbons with the purpose of sequestrating the hydrocarbon(s) present in the medium to free it from said hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing odor and harmful materials, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, from sewer and/or industrial plants using humate and/or leonardite. The humate and/or leonardite has a particle size of about 400 mesh or less.

Abstract: A method and absorbent material for cleaning up contaminants, such as a petroleum-based product, with little to no water absorption. The absorbent material may include sheets, disks, or spheres of polymer-based plastic material of one to two inches thick that is manufactured and pre-conditioned to enhance absorption characteristics. The absorbent material may include smaller sieve sizes ranging from 16 to 100 that facilitate absorption and collection of a petroleum-based contaminant. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may include larger sieve sizes ranging from 4 to 10 that facilitate transfer of the petroleum-based contaminant to the surface of the absorbent material. The absorbent material may be deployed at sea for a matter of minutes, and after absorbing a portion of the petroleum-based contaminant, then recovered by a recovery vessel, such as via netting, scooping, and/or vacuuming means.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for making completely biodegradable, hydrophobic, oleophilic plant based materials which are useful in adsorption of petroleum products. The materials have an average diameter of from 1 to 5 mm, and an ash content of from 10% to 30%. The non-paraffin coating is an animal fat product, preferably produced by dissolving a pure animal fat and using this as the coating material.

Abstract: A method for separating a liquid hydrocarbon material from a body of water. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites with a liquid hydrocarbon material dispersed in a body of water to allow the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each to be adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material to form a mixture, applying a magnetic force to the mixture to attract the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material, and removing said plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material from said body of water while maintaining the applied magnetic force, wherein the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites is formed by subjecting one or more metal lignosulfonates or metal salts to microwave radiation, in presence of lignin/derivatives either in presence of alkali or a microwave absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collecting oil with a modified clay. By mixing the modified clay and oil, the oil can be adsorbed to the clay. The modified clay is obtained by intercalating a hydrophobic polymer such as acidified poly(oxyalkylene)-amine into layered silicate clay, mica or talc to enlarge the interlayer space. The modified clay thus becomes hydrophobic and adsorption to the oil is promoted.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent is configured so as to include: at least one particle of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle, at least one particle constituting a core; and a polymer covering the core, wherein the polymer is a copolymer made of at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure A consisting of styrene, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene and propylene and at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure B consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylpyridine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride and maleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of discrete or agglomerated sand grains provided completely or partially with a coating consisting of wax as an oil binder for elimination of oil contamination. The inventive use serves especially for elimination of oil contamination in the form of oil films or oil carpets on water surfaces, or of oil contamination in the form of oil films on solid traffic surfaces, or as an oil binder for sealing of wells in the event of mineral oil production accidents.

Abstract: A grease containment apparatus arranged to receive grease discharged by a fan-type rooftop grease exhauster includes multiple sumps and at least one trough disposed between the sumps. An apparatus may be disposed along two, three, or four sides of a rooftop grease exhauster, including corner sumps assemblies and/or end sump assemblies, preferably including associated rain shields, and optionally including one or more end caps. Components may be fabricated of UV-resistant polymeric materials such as ABS. Use of grease absorbent media may be avoided. A drain conduit may receive water from a sump, with at least a portion of the drain conduit being disposed at a level above a bottom edge of the sump.

Abstract: Methods are provided for vapor deposition coating of hydrophobic materials and applications thereof. The method for making a hydrophobic material includes providing a natural mineral, providing a silicone-based material, heating the silicone-based material to release vaporous molecules of the silicone-based material, and depositing the vaporous molecules of the silicone-based material to form a layer of the silicone-based material on surfaces of the natural mineral.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a flexible bag having permeable material on a first side and a second side that allows fluid to pass through the container. Granularized rubber is enclosed within the flexible bag. The granularized rubber filters hydrocarbon products from the fluid.

Abstract: An oil adsorbent is configured so as to include: at least one particle of an inorganic particle and a metallic particle, at least one particle constituting a core; and a polymer covering the core, wherein the polymer is a copolymer made of at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure A consisting of styrene, butadiene, isoprene, ethylene and propylene and at least one substance selected from the group of molecular structure B consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylpyridine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride and maleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for removing contaminants from an aqueous stream. In embodiments, these systems and methods may be applied to particular applications, for example removal of contaminants in aqueous streams associated with the petroleum industry.

Abstract: The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.

Abstract: Filtration systems containing a filtration medium and methods related thereto are described herein. The filtration system includes a plurality of fibers of spoolable length, where the fibers are a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. The filtration systems can be operated with reel-to-reel processing or in a continuous manner in order to sorb hydrophobic materials from a liquid medium. The filtration systems also include various means to remove the hydrophobic materials from the filtration medium, including press rollers and chemical extraction baths. Illustrative liquid media that can be treated with the filtration systems include, for example, hydrophobic materials admixed in an aqueous phase, bilayers (e.g., oil-water bilayers), oil in a subterranean formation, water sources containing trace organic pollutants or trace organic compounds, and fermentation broths.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: A water treatment system comprises: an oil removal apparatus including a fixed-bed reactor configured to hold an adsorption particles by use of a magnetic unit, the adsorption particles each including a base material containing magnetite, the adsorption particles configured to adsorb oil included in to-be-treated water; a pretreatment apparatus configured to recover the oil from the adsorption particles sent from the oil removal apparatus; and a thermal energy generating apparatus configured to obtain thermal energy from the oil recovered by the pretreatment apparatus.

Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decontamination process comprising the step of contacting a aqueous solution containing a pollutant or contaminant with a decontaminating agent, wherein the decontaminating agent is sapropel. The present invention also provides a decontamination system (110).

Abstract: A foam composite adapted to remove sparingly soluble hydrocarbon contaminants from water is provided. The adapted foam composite comprises a scaffold of an open cell hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a plurality of pores with a plurality of surfaces which have a coating of hydrophobic polyurethane disposed thereupon. The foam composite may be made by preparing a hydrophobic polyurethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of a C8-C12 monohydric alcohol with a polyisocyanate, contacting an open cell hydrophobic polyurethane foam having a plurality of pores having a plurality of surfaces with the hydrophobic polyurethanes prepolymer and a polyol, and curing the prepolymer to form a coating of hydrophobic polyurethane on the surfaces of the pores of the hydrophobic polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A modified sorptive lignocellulosic fibre material with hydroxyl groups on the lignocellulosic fibres doubly modified by esterification with a combination of monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acid ester groups. A process for the preparation of the sorptive material. The sorptive fibre material is effective for the removal of oils and other contaminants including heavy metals from a fluid such as contaminated water by a combined sorption of hydrophobic contaminants and ion exchange.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of filter materials for the purification and disinfection of water, water solutions and other liquids, as well as for sterilizing filtration of injections and other solutions, for concentration of biomolecules in physiological liquids, concentration and extraction of viruses, preparation of apyrogenic water, in biocatalytic diaphragm reactors. The invention solves the problems of a new filter material production, characterized by high sorption properties, high retention efficiency of submicron electronegative particles, microorganisms, submicron non-polar particles and chemical contaminations, and, at the same time, characterized by low hydrodynamic resistance. A base of filter material is the nonwoven organic synthetic polymeric fabric, modified by the aluminum hydroxide particles, fixed to the surface of base fibers for improvement of its sorption properties and for making it positively charged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of recovering hydrocarbons or low polarity organic chemicals from hard surfaces, water and water surfaces, in their vapor state and from porous substrates. The hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals may be included in a spill. More particularly, the invention relates to the absorption of certain hydrocarbons and low-polarity organic chemicals by applying thermoplastic elastomers of a triblock copolymer of the general configuration A-B-A. The preferred A-B-A copolymer of the invention is a low to medium molecular weight hydrogenated polystyrene-poly(isoprene+butadiene)-polystyrene or polystyrene-b-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-b-styrene block copolymer. When the elastomeric block copolymer is applied to the hydrocarbon or low-polarity organic chemical, the elastomeric block copolymer absorbs the hydrocarbons or low-polarity organic chemicals to form a mat.

Abstract: A water-insoluble polymeric oxidizing medium is contemplated that has a plurality of polymerized N-pyridinium vinylbenzyl triiodide or tribromide moieties whose pyridinium rings bear two substituents, R1 and R2, that are independently a hydrido or a C1-C4 alkyl group, and correspond in structure to the formula A process for preparing aseptic water and an apparatus useful for carrying out that process, both of which utilize a contemplated polymeric oxidizing medium are disclosed, as are processes for oxidizing trivalent arsenic or antimony to pentavalent arsenic or antimony and for removing arsenic from water. Alumina particles containing meta-periodate, iron or manganese are also disclosed that can be used to sorb pentavalent arsenic and antimony, as well as cobalt and mercury.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer particles (e.g., granules or fragments) employed as filter media, e.g., for filtering runoff water, include an antimicrobial compound on exterior surfaces and can reduce proliferation of microbial organisms as well as sorb chemical contaminants from the water. By employing this dual decontamination action, filter systems employing such particles can improve the quality of runoff water (or other contaminated water streams) and reduce the risk presented by potentially harmful organisms.

Abstract: A water-insoluble polymeric oxidizing medium is contemplated that has a plurality of polymerized N-pyridinium vinylbenzyl triiodide or tribromide moieties whose pyridinium rings bear two substituents, R1 and R2, that are independently a hydrido or a C1–C4 alkyl group, and correspond in structure to the formula A process for preparing aseptic water and an apparatus useful for carrying out that process, both of which utilize a contemplated polymeric oxidizing medium are disclosed, as are processes for oxidizing trivalent arsenic or antimony to pentavalent arsenic or antimony and for removing arsenic from water. Alumina particles containing meta-periodate, iron or manganese are also disclosed that can be used to sorb pentavalent arsenic and antimony, as well as cobalt and mercury.

Abstract: A solid bed adsorptive process for separating a seed oil into two substantially pure triglyceride fractions. The process involves contacting a seed oil, such as castor oil, preferably as a concentrate, with an adsorbent in a bed, the adsorbent having a particle size greater than about 40 microns, and thereafter contacting the adsorbent with a desorbent material, preferably under minimal flow conditions, to obtain a raffinate output stream containing predominantly a second triglyceride and an extract output stream containing predominantly a first triglyceride. Purified fatty acid triglyceride esters obtainable from castor, vernonia, and lesquerella plant oils provide renewable, non-petroleum-based sources of chemical feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for removing oil and oil containment for oil spills using crushed glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating fats and oils containing low concentrations of aromatic halogen compounds and other contaminants by contacting the fats or oils with an adsorbing agent. The adsorbing agent contains a porous body and a non-protonic polar solvent held in the interiors of fine pores in the porous body to adsorb the contaminants. In one embodiment, the porous body also carries noble metal fine particles. In another embodiment, the adsorbing body comprises a solid acid for adsorbing the contaminants and there is a step of contacting the adsorbing body with an organic solvent to extract the adsorbed contaminants into the organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of hydrophobic constituents, such as benzene, toluene, xylene and/or chlorinated hydrocarbons, from an aqueous solution, involving the steps of contacting said solution with a porous, preferably dimensionally stable granular or powdery material, of which the pores have a size of from 0.1 to 50 &mgr;m and contain a hydrophobic substance with affinity for the hydrophobic constituents to be extracted, which granular or powdery material has a particle size of from 0.1 to 10 mm, and is wetted more readily by the hydrophobic substance immobilized in the pores than by the aqueous solution to be treated, and regenerating the product of step a), essentially without the granular or powdery material being freed from the hydrophobic substance, by removal of the hydrophobic constituents.

Abstract: Discrete non-clumping mechanically stable geometric alloyed material shapes having about 55-95% by weight thermoplastic elastomer and about 5-45% thermoplastic polymer and about 0-12% by weight filler are used for removing organic contaminates from contaminated fluids. The shapes are typically spheres having a maximum dimension of 0.125 inches, or circular discs having a thickness of less than 6 millimeters. The shapes are put in a loose form or packing, and a fluid containing organic contaminants (such as water, air, or a soil slurry) is brought into contact with the shapes so that the shapes absorb organic contaminants from the fluid, typically absorbing more than 90% of the contaminants in the first pass through. The contaminated fluid is typically passed through an ozone generator before being brought into contact with the shapes. The shapes may be foamed, e.g. utilizing about 0.1-10% by weight foaming agent.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency and usable life in a cross flow membrane filter used to remove contaminants from bilgewater. The bilgewater is passed upstream of the cross filter membrane through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified output from the infused filtration media is then provided as input for the cross flow membrane filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from an oily bilgewater. In the method the bilgewater is passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at said media, and the purified bilgewater having passed through the filtration media is discharged, e.g. into a body of navigable water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in known apparatus for removing or separating certain contaminants and debris from drainage water. The known device has a tank defining a chamber with an inlet and a pair of vertically spaced outlets. A bulkhead with openings is spaced opposite the inlet and extends from the base of the chamber. A baffle is located between the bulkhead and the outlets and extends from the top of the chamber to near the bottom. An orifice plate or plates is adjustable mounted in series with the outlets and controls the rate of flow therethrough. The system thus has four sections, namely a non-floating particulate containment chamber; a floating particulate containment chamber; a flow control chamber; and an outlet chamber. In accordance with the invention, a fluid-previous media is provided at the interior of said apparatus in or abounding the flow path of the drain water proceeding between said inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous phase in which the contaminant is solubilized. In the method the aqueous phase is passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminant is thereby immobilized at said media, and the purified filtrate having passed through the filtration media is collected as the product.

Abstract: A structure and method is provided for absorbing excess fat from an environment including one or more fats insolubly combined in an aqueous solution mix. The structure includes a plurality of layers, at least one of which is formed from a preferentially fat-permeable, oleophilic material having a greater affinity for fat than for the aqueous solution. Preferably, the structure includes particular structural and topographic components that effectively enhance the inherent fat-affinity of the oleophilic material. The absorption structure is easily employed by introducing it into an environment such as a soup, broth, etc., having fat residing in an aqueous solution. The structure acts to attract and absorb at least a portion of the fat which can then be extracted from the solution. A process for forming the multi-layer absorption structure is also provided.

Abstract: An absorption mat 1 is described which is suitable for receiving organic hydrocarbons in liquid, paste-like or solid form, for example, oil, fats, fuels and solvents. The absorption mat is characterized by a plate-like and/or block-like molded body 2 made of rubber granulate 3 or rubber shavings 3 brought into a bond with each other to define a shape with the mat being received in a trough 6 or the like open at one side thereof and made of a material or at least containing a layer 7 resistant to the hydrocarbons and seated in a trough 6 open at one end.

Abstract: A method for easily decomposing viscous, solidified spilled fuel oil or crude oil containing sea water and other disposal inhibiting substances. Titanium dioxide particles are added to viscous spilled fuel oil recovered in drums in a weight ratio of at least 0.2 to 1 times. Fuel oil is specifically adsorbed by the adsorbent and the mixture can be suspended in water. The suspension is filtered by a coarse filter to remove substances interfering with disposal by the oil. This filtrate is passed through a high performance filter (of sufficiently fine mesh to retain the adsorbent) so that the adsorbent is recovered, and sea water and other substances are discarded.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing liquid contaminant from surfaces, especially for removing spilled oil from the surface of water. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for removing liquid contaminant from a surface by applying a mat which is a nonwoven fabric having a dried substantially continuous aqueous foam coating on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric, whereby the foam coating absorbs at least some of the liquid contaminant. This invention also relates to a reusable mat for removing liquid contaminants from surfaces and a method for reusing the mat.