Abstract: The present invention includes a method for harvesting or separating one or more biological cells from an aqueous feed, a stream, a suspension, or any combinations thereof by providing the aqueous feed, the stream, or the suspension comprising the one or more biological cells in a tank or a vessel; providing one or more ion-exchange resins, wherein the ion-exchange resin is an anion-exchange resin; contacting the anion-exchange resin with the aqueous feed; binding the one or more biological cells to the anion-exchange resin; releasing or eluting the bound one or more biological cells by changing the pH; and collecting the released one or more biological cells to obtain a concentrated slurry or suspension of the one or more biological cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes to treat water having halide ions and organohalides. The process comprises contacting a plant biomass with an alkaline solution to give an alkaline plant biomass, and contacting the alkaline plant biomass with water to give a biomass material. An aqueous sample with organohalides or halide ions is contacted with the biomass material to provide a low halide filtrate and a spent biomass.

Abstract: Provided is a method for high concentration cation exchange metathesis of divalent ions such as calcium with univalent ions such as sodium or potassium. Due to the difference between ionic valences between the exchanged ions, the provided process behavior is strongly dependent upon the selection of resin properties and to total solution normality. A combination of resin properties and solution normality is provided to achieve the cation exchange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cross-linked molecularly imprinted polymer including cross-linked chitosan having selective binding sites for phosphate ions, phosphate containing molecules, or a combination of both.

Abstract: The invention pertain to a process for purifying a fluoropolymer dispersion, said process comprising: (i) providing an aqueous dispersion (D) of at least one fluoropolymer [polymer (F)]comprising at least one fluorinated surfactant [surfactant (FS)], having a solids content (SC) of 15% by weight or more; (ii) adding to said aqueous dispersion (D) at least one non-ionic non-fluorinated surfactant [surfactant (NS)]; (iii) adjusting said solid content (SC) to less than 10% by weight, to obtain a diluted aqueous dispersion (dD); (iv) contacting said diluted aqueous dispersion (dD) with at least one adsorbing material, so as to obtain an aqueous dispersion of polymer (F) having a content of the fluorinated surfactant (FS) of less than 1 ppm based on the total weight of solids. Still an object of the invention is an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising less than 1 ppm of fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides waste water treatment processes utilizing an ion exchange resin to remove sulphate anions, while adjusting the pH of the ion exchange loading solution with carbon dioxide gas. The effect of the resin loading reactions is that dissolved sulphate is replaced with sequestered carbon dioxide gas, in the form of dissolved bicarbonate, in the treated water and the cations are not removed from the solution.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer.

Abstract: A device is provided for performing chemical transformation in a fluid, with a flow distributor having at least one fluid medium inlet, at least one fluid medium outlet, and at least one confinement wherein the chemical transformation is performed; and a means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device. At least one confinement may be equipped with a provision for providing heat, cooling, sound, light or other types of radiation, such provision being contacted to an external source through an actuator shaft. The flow distributor may be provided with sectors connected with the centrally located fluid medium inlet and a designated peripheral, fluid medium outlet. The means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device may be an element producing magnetic fields or a shall mechanically connected to an external actuating device.

Abstract: A process of dewatering tailings is provided comprising mixing the tailings with a sufficient amount of an additive or a mixture thereof; depositing the resulting mixture into a disposal area; pumping water from the deposit to one or more sumps, and allowing the deposit to reach a sufficient strength; and removing remaining deposit water and rainfall through one or more of a network of ditches, a decant tower, or a plurality of dike drainage structures to yield a non-segregating deposit for reclamation.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: A resin is provided for selectively binding to perchloride and related anions (e.g., TcO4?, ReO4? and I?) in aqueous solution. The resin may take the form of microparticles or beads. The beads are prepared by cross-linking macromolecules such as hyperbranched PEI, and quaternizing the amines with hydrocarbon substituents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing organic contaminants from water may be used, for example, to treat produced water from a steam assisted heavy oil recovery operation. The treated produced water may be re-used to create steam. Alternatively, the produced water may be a blowdown stream treated to facilitate further treatment in a thermal crystallizer. The treatments may include pH adjustment or separating de-solubilized organics or both. Other treatments may include one or more of oxidation, sorption and biological treatments. The treatments may be used alone or in various combinations. One exemplary combination includes reducing the pH of produced water, separating de-solubilized organics from the produced water, and oxidizing the produced water or contacting the produced water with activated carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium recovery device comprising a separator reservoir and manganese oxide, a lithium recovery method using the same, and a lithium adsorption/desorption system. The separator reservoir includes a vacant space therein and an outer wall made of a polymer or a membrane of other useful materials. The manganese oxide is contained, as an adsorbent, in the vacant space inside the separator reservoir. The lithium adsorption/desorption system enables lithium recovery through adsorption and desorption of lithium dissolved in seawater using a lithium adsorbent prepared with the manganese oxide in one system, wherein the manganese oxide can be used as a lithium adsorbent with high lithium selectivity. The invention uses a separator reservoir including an outer wall made of a porous polymer or a membrane of other useful materials.

Abstract: A process is described for treating water, in particular for obtaining ultrapure water, in which a decationized water stream is passed at least through a first strong base anion exchange bed and a second strong base anion exchange bed, which is arranged downstream, in particular directly downstream, of the first strong base anion exchange bed. Furthermore, a water treatment system and a counter-current ion exchange unit for carrying out such a process are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream, comprising placing the gas stream in contact with a resin, wetting the resin with water, collecting water vapor and carbon dioxide from the resin, and separating the carbon dioxide from the water vapor. The resin may be placed in a chamber or a plurality of chambers connected in series wherein the first chamber contains resin that was first contacted by the gas, and each successive chamber contains resin which has been wetted and carbon dioxide collected from for a greater period of time than the previous chamber, and so on, until the last chamber. Secondary sorbents may be employed to further separate the carbon dioxide from the water vapor.

Abstract: Methods of removing ions from an aqueous fluid can comprise increasing the pH of the aqueous fluid and contacting the aqueous fluid with anion exchange materials.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: Provided is an ion-exchange fiber including a polymer A obtained by introducing an ion-exchangeable substituent to 100 parts by weight of an acrylic polymer that is obtained by polymerization of a monomer composition containing 30% by weight or more of acrylonitrile with respect to 100% by weight of the composition and a polymer B obtained by introducing an ion-exchangeable substituent to 1 part by weight or more and 100 parts by weight or less of an epoxy group-containing polymer. Each ion-exchangeable substituent is introduced by reaction with an amine compound and is an ion-exchangeable substituent derived from the amine compound. A method for producing the ion-exchange fiber is also provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method to obtain reactive [18F] fluorides in an organic medium suitable for radiolabelling without any azeotropic evaporation step, by the use of a solid phase extraction column containing a modified non-ionic solid support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide metal ligand nanoparticles, particles including the metal ligand nanoparticles, filters including the metal ligand nanoparticles and/or particles, devices and systems for filtering a fluid, compositions including the metal ligand nanoparticles, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanoparticles and methods of using magnetic nanoparticles for selectively removing biologics, small molecules, analytes, ions, or other molecules of interest from liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating fluorinated acids, in particular perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulphonic acids, or salts thereof from metal-containing, aqueous solutions, in particular those which occur in the electroplating industry, by means of anion exchangers.

Abstract: In order to remove fluorine from a zinc containing solution before zinc electro-refining in lower cost, fluorine is removed by adsorption from a zinc containing solution (leached solution) utilizing the character of the predetermined iron compound or zinc compound which can adsorb fluorine in an acid solution and desorb fluorine in an alkaline solution. The fluorine adsorbent/desorbent having adsorbed fluorine is treated in an alkaline solution, to desorb the fluorine. This makes it possible to regenerate the fluorine adsorbent/desorbent. Further, an electrolytic solution for zinc electro-refining can be prepared in lower cost, thus total zinc refining costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A portable system for extracting iodine from brine on-site is disclosed. The portable system includes a mobile platform containing a treatment unit for oxidizing iodine ions into elemental iodine, an adsorption unit capable of binding iodine, and may also have an electrolytic cell and/or a gas-liquid separator. The treatment unit and the adsorption unit may be located in the same or different portable operating devices. When transported to a field site containing natural gas wells, the natural gas wells provide a fluid stream containing natural gas and brine. The separators can separate the natural gas from the brine, and the brine is then run through the treatment unit and the adsorption unit to bind iodine present in the brine. The brine is then returned to the natural gas well. Upon saturation, the portable operating device is transported to a second location, where iodine is extracted from the adsorption unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capsule-type compound consisting of: a capsule-type divalent cation consisting of a capsule framework represented by the following formula (1) and a sulfate ion (SO42?) encapsulated in the capsule framework; and a sulfate ion (SO42?) as a counter ion to the capsule-type divalent cation. In the formula (1), R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, and R13 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and M1 and M2 each independently represent Cu2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Co2+, or Zn2+.

Abstract: Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.

Abstract: The invention provides waste water treatment processes utilizing an ion exchange resin to remove sulphate anions, while adjusting the pH of the ion exchange loading solution with carbon dioxide gas. The effect of the resin loading reactions is that dissolved sulphate is replaced with sequestered carbon dioxide gas, in the form of dissolved bicarbonate, in the treated water and the cations are not removed from the solution.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: A method is described that is particularly effective for the filtration of an aquarium by means of a filtration unit wherein a cartridge containing activated carbon is cyclically replaced by a cartridge containing material for the removal of nitrate and/or phosphate ions. A plurality of mechanical filters may also be alternately replaced, so that a colony of nitrifying bacteria is always preserved on one of the filters. Also described is a filtration unit that allows the application of the method and a replacement kit containing both the cartridge containing activated carbon and the cartridge containing material for the removal of nitrate and/or phosphate ions, and preferably also one of the mechanical filters.

Abstract: Phosphorous ions are extracted (210) from solutions by adsorbing phosphorous ions in a scavenger and by releasing the phosphorous ions into an eluate during regeneration (230) of the scavenger. The regeneration (230) is performed by ammonia. Phosphate anions are precipitated (262) in form of tri-ammonium phosphate upon introduction (260) of excess amounts of ammonia. The ammonia remaining in solution after the precipitation of tri-ammonium phosphate is reused (266) for regenerating the scavenger.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatus and methods of filtering a fluid to reduce a level of at least one contaminant therein. The filtering of the fluid may be accomplished with a radial flow filtration column comprising a fluid chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a side wall, an inner permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber, an outer permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber spaced apart from and surrounding the inner permeable retainer, a media bed compartment formed between the inner permeable retainer and the outer permeable retainer, a media bed comprising zero-valent iron disposed within the media bed compartment, and an adjustable element biased into the media bed compartment and configured to maintain a predetermined packing density of a media bed to be disposed within the media bed compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit for cleaning fluids, filter systems comprised of a plurality of said filter units, and the use of the filter unit or of the filter systems for filtering sludge and floating algae from water, or for purifying gases.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide-based hybrid ion-exchange media including anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles supported by an ion-exchange resin for removing strong acid ions and oxo-anions from water. The titanium dioxide-based hybrid ion-exchange media is prepared in situ by combining ion-exchange media with a TiO2+ precursor solution to form a mixture and heating the mixture to yield the hybrid ion-exchange media.

Abstract: A water purification device includes a housing including a first chamber in communication with a second chamber, a first filtration stage, and a second filtration stage. The first chamber has the first filtration stage and the second filtration stage. The filtration stages and chambers are arranged in a serial relationship to another filtration stage and chamber, respectively. The first filtration stage includes inorganic particles and the second filtration stage includes a biocide. At least 95 percent of the inorganic particles will pass through about 20,000 micron screen and at least 95 percent will not pass thru about 20 micron screen. The inorganic particles have a cation exchange capacity of 1 to 200 milli-equivalents per 100 grams. The inorganic particles will become charged and have a charge of about 1 to about 500 millivolts with ions from the biocide when the device is filled with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating off fluorinated acids, in particular perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulphonic acids or salts thereof, from dilute aqueous solutions with the help of anion exchangers.

Abstract: Disclosed are granular composites comprising a biopolymer and one or more nanometal-oxyhydroxide/hydroxide/oxide particles, along with methods for the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: An activated carbon material for removing a contaminant from a liquid. The activated carbon material can be a plurality carbon grains that have a pore volume of approximately 0.1 milliliters per gram (mL/g) in the range of less than about 15 angstroms in width. The carbon grains can also have or contain a nitrogen-containing species having a concentration of more than 2 atomic percent nitrogen. A plurality of the carbon grains can be used to make a contactor that is operable to remove or reduce perchlorate having a concentration of 20 parts per billion (ppb) to less than 4 ppb from 4,500 bed volumes of water with the nitrogen-containing species leaching off of the carbon grains less than 0.1 mg/L. The activated carbon material can also be electrochemically regenerated.

Abstract: A chromatographic method including chromatographically separating sample ionic species in an eluent stream, detecting the separated sample ionic species, catalytically combining hydrogen and oxygen gases or catalytically decomposing hydrogen peroxide in a catalytic gas elimination chamber, and recycling the effluent stream from the chamber to the chromatography separation column. The residence time between the detector and the chamber is at least about one minute. Also, flowing the recycle sequentially through two detector effluent flow channels of an electrolytic membrane suppressor. Also, applying heat or UV energy between the detector and the chamber. Also, detecting bubbles after the chamber. Also, a Platinum group metal catalyst and ion exchange medium in the chamber. Apparatus for performing the methods.

Abstract: A device is provided for performing chemical transformation in a fluid, with a flow distributor having at least one fluid medium inlet, at least one fluid medium outlet, and at least one confinement wherein the chemical transformation is performed; and a means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device. At least one confinement may be equipped with a provision for providing heat, cooling, sound, light or other types of radiation, such provision being contacted to an external source through an actuator shaft. The flow distributor may be provided with sectors connected with the centrally located fluid medium inlet and a designated peripheral fluid medium outlet. The means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device may be an element producing magnetic fields or a shaft mechanically connected to an external actuating device.

Abstract: A resin is provided for selectively binding to certain anions in aqueous solution. The beads are prepared by cross-linking macromolecules such as hyperbranched PEI, and functionalizing with groups containing vicinal diol moieties.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides filtering compositions, their method of production, and methods for their use. In specific implementations, the filtering composition includes lanthanum and has a surface area of at least about 125 g/m2. In more specific examples, the filtering composition is free-flowing or has a moisture content between about 10 wt % about 30 wt %. Particular compositions include at least one of iron or magnesium. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide filtering compositions that are resilient or leach-resistant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for recovering metals such as gallium, indium and aluminum from III-V group compound semiconductors or semiconducting materials thereof containing arsenic, antimony and/or selenium. The method includes the step of adsorbing the arsenic, antimony and selenium selectively to an adsorbent containing the rare-earth metal compound with the use of the adsorbent.

Abstract: A simple, room-temperature process of using zinc oxide nanoparticles was established by reacting zinc nitrate hexahydrate and cyclohexylamine (CHA) in either aqueous or ethanol medium. Particles of polyhedra morphology were obtained for zinc oxide, prepared in EtOH (ZnOE) and zinc oxide prepared in water (ZnOW). The results indicate that there are significant morphological differences between ZnOE and ZnOW. ZnOE showed a regular polyhedral shape, while spherical and chunky particles were observed for ZnOW. The morphology was crucial in enhancing the cyanide ion photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnOE by a factor of 1.5 in comparison to the efficiency of ZnOW at equivalent loading of 0.0166 ZnO nanoparticles wt %.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing a process fluid includes contacting a sulphur compound containing feed stream with an absorbent including an iron, copper or nickel compound capable of forming a metal sulphide, a support material, a first binder and a second binder where the first binder is a cement binder and the second binder is a high aspect ratio aluminosilicate clay binder having an aspect ratio >2 and a ratio of the first binder to the second binder is in the range 2:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: Processes comprising: providing an anion exchanger at least partially loaded with hexachlorostannate; and contacting the at least partially loaded anion exchanger with a 1 to 10 wt. % hydrochloric acid solution to regenerate the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of rare earth-containing additives, particularly rare earth-containing additives comprising rare earths of plural oxidation states, to remove non-metal-containing oxyanions.

Abstract: Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain alkyl, 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.