Heavy Metal Patents (Class 210/688)
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Patent number: 7455779Abstract: Contaminated drinking water and other liquids are decontaminated by contact with sorbents to remove toxic contaminants such as arsenic, as well as non-toxic contaminants. In regenerating the spent sorbents, the waste stream contains both toxic and non-toxic contaminants but only toxic components must be treated as hazardous waste and subjected to strict regulations for disposal. The inventive method regenerates spent sorbents in a process that minimizes the amount of hazardous waste for disposal. The bulk of contaminants are non-toxic and are first selectively removed from the spent sorbent, generating a non-hazardous waste stream. Toxic contaminants are then removed from the sorbent, generating a hazardous waste stream. Because the bulk of contaminants was removed in the first waste stream, the lower concentration of toxic contaminants in the second waste stream requires less material (e.g., ion exchange resin) for hazardous waste decontamination and disposition.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventors: Owen E. Boyd, Paul Sylvester
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Publication number: 20080277349Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Greg Moller, Kevin Brackney, Roger Korus, Gary Keller, Brian Hart, Remembrance Louis Newcombe
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Patent number: 7449118Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignees: MAR Systems, LLC., The United States as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Claude Kennard, Michael A. Gonzalez, David C. Szlag
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Publication number: 20080271600Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets or granules based on iron oxides and/or iron oxyhydroxides and iron(III) hydroxide, a unit suitable for the through-flow of a fluid medium at least partially filled with an adsorbent/catalyst in pellet form consisting essentially of iron oxide and/or iron oxyhydroxide embedded in an iron hydroxide matrix, processes for their production comprising filtering, drying and shaping steps and their processes of their use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Andreas Schlegel, Peter Bailly, Jürgen Kischkewitz, Klaus Rohbock
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Patent number: 7442310Abstract: The invention features a system for treating liquid including a liquid treatment device comprising adsorbent media for removing a substance from liquid and a pH adjuster device located upstream of the liquid treatment device relative to a direction of flow of the liquid. The pH adjuster device contains particulate or solid state pH adjuster material capable of releasing H or OH groups into the liquid or consuming H or OH groups from the liquid effective to raise or lower the pH of the liquid while it passes through the media. The pH adjuster may include acidifier or basifier material. Also featured is a method of using the device to remove a substance from liquid by adsorption and/or ion exchange.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Magnesium Elektron, Inc.Inventors: Anatoly I. Bortun, Mila N. Bortun, Francis J. Fischer
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Publication number: 20080230481Abstract: A process for the selective removal of Group VIII carbonylation catalyst metals and/or promoter metals from liquid compositions comprising a carbonylation product, the Group VIII carbonylation catalyst metals and/or promoter metals, corrosion metals and optionally alkali or alkaline earth metals. The process comprises contacting the liquid composition with a chelating resin having thiourea functional groups. The process is suitable for treating process streams obtained in the production of carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic anhydrides.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: BP CHEMICALS LIMITEDInventors: Andrew David Poole, Stephen James Smith
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Patent number: 7419601Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for removing contaminants from a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the article comprising carbon nanotubes, which comprise at least one molecule or cluster attached thereto or located therein, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present in the article in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of contaminants in fluid that come into contact with the article. A method of making the nanomesh material used in such articles is also disclosed, as are methods of purifying fluids using these articles.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Seldon Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher H. Cooper, Alan G. Cummings, Mikhail Y. Starostin, Charles P. Honsinger
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Publication number: 20080197081Abstract: Compositions and methods and for contaminants from water are provided. The compositions comprise ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates for use in removing the contaminant from the water Contacting water bearing the contaminant with the substrates can substantially reduce contaminant levels therein. Methods of oxidizing the contaminants in water to facilitate their removal by the ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates are also provided. The contaminants include, but are not limited to, arsenic, selenium, uranium, lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium and vanadium, their oxides and soluble salts thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Ashok Jagannth Gadgil
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Patent number: 7413663Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Zero Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu G. Rajan
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Patent number: 7413607Abstract: Composite particles of a semiconductor particle such as a metal chalcogenide within a crosslinked, cored dendrimer are described. Additionally, methods of making the composite particles and compositions that contain the composite particles are described.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Neal A. Rakow, Michael S. Wendland, Mary I. Buckett
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Publication number: 20080190855Abstract: Derivatised carbon is disclosed in which an amino acid or a derivative thereof is attached to the carbon. Derivatised carbon may be useful in the detection and removal of metal ions from liquid media.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Richard Guy Compton, Gregory George Wildgoose
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Patent number: 7407588Abstract: The present invention relates to stable adsorber granules which have a high mechanical stability, and also to the use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbHInventor: Andreas Schlegel
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Patent number: 7407587Abstract: Anion exchange materials loaded with oxygen-containing metal compounds within the exchange matrix as a sorbent, and a method for preparation. The materials remove arsenic and other ligands or contaminants from water and other fluid streams.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Johanna Teresia Moller
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Patent number: 7404939Abstract: A sorbent composition comprising a vanadium compound and a TiO2 support material is disclosed. Methods of making and using the composition to remove heavy metals or heavy metal containing compounds from a fluid stream are also provided. Such methods are particularly useful in the removal of mercury and mercury compounds from flue gas streams produced from the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing materials such as coal and petroleum fuels.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Joseph B. Cross, Glenn W. Dodwell, Marvin M. Johnson, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Jianhua Yao
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Patent number: 7404901Abstract: A method for the removal of arsenic ions from water with a porous silica composition with an organofunctional moiety comprising a thio which binds the arsenic ion and is then removed from the water. The method comprises the quality of the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Thomas J. Pinnavaia, Joel I. Dulebohn, Emily J. McKimmy
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Patent number: 7399416Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Greg Moller, Kevin Marshall Brackney, Roger Alan Korus, Gerald Michael Keller, Jr., Brian Keith Hart, Remembrance Louisa Newcombe
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Publication number: 20080164215Abstract: The present invention relates to an organo-ceramic composite material useful for the extraction of metal ions from solution. The organo-ceramic composite material is formed according to a sol gel synthesis scheme by reacting a functional precursor silane and its homopolymers with either (i) a mixture of a cross-linking silane and its homopolymers or (ii) the cross-linking silane, under conditions effective to yield the composite material of the present invention. Further aspects of the present invention relate to methods of removing a metal ion from a water stream and recovering a metal ion from a water stream, both of which include contacting a water stream containing a metal ion with an organo-ceramic composite material of the present invention under conditions effective to remove the metal ion from the water stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITYInventors: Lawrence L. Tavlarides, Nandu V. Deorkar, Jun-Sig Lee
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Patent number: 7396470Abstract: A method for removing a pollutant from emissions or the environment comprising: contacting a mineral ore or the use of a mineral ore selected from the group consisting of bauxite, modified bauxite and mixtures thereof. Typically, the pollutant is a heavy metal or a microorganism.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Arun R. Gavaskar, Sandip Chattopadhyay
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Publication number: 20080156734Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: John L. Burba, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Joseph A. Lupo, Joseph R. Pascoe
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Patent number: 7393454Abstract: Method for the elimination of metal ions from aqueous media, such as zinc, lead, chrome, copper, iron, aluminium, manganese, cadmium, cerium or silver and mixtures of the metals present in a trace or ultratrace state in aqueous effluents, by adsorption on a solid charge containing a metal chosen from group VIII.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S)Inventors: Jean-Marie Basset, Jean-Pierre Candy, Gregory Dard
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Patent number: 7390414Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of arsenic from an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of arsenic from a source by contact with either a chemically treated natural or synthetic zeolite, for example a ferric-loaded zeolite. The spent zeolite is disposed of at an appropriate arsenic disposal site. A system for monitoring and maintaining an arsenic removal/disposal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: WRT International LLCInventor: Charles S. Williams
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Publication number: 20080142448Abstract: A method for removing metal ions from a liquid having a wide range of pH levels by treating the liquid with a titanate sorbent, preferably monosodium titanate or amorphous peroxotitanate. In one embodiment, wastewater contaminated with mercury or cadmium may be purified.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: David T. Hobbs, John C. Wataha, Jill Lewis, Regina L.W. Messer
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Publication number: 20080135489Abstract: Solid profile filter blocks for filtration of fluids include activated carbon fibers, preferably cut or ground into rod-shaped elements and bound into a solid profile using one or more binders. The filter block has internal structure and porosity that exhibit surprisingly-low pressure drop while effectively removing specific contaminants of interest. Granular activated carbon, lead or arsenic sorbents, and/or other active components may supplement the activated carbon fibers/rods in the present invention. The preferred manufacturing techniques preferably do not include any slurry process or other adding of water during the manufacturing process. The preferred cutting and/or grinding of longer, activated carbon source fibers into a range of rod lengths, including very short rods and longer rods, may be called a gross cut, as opposed to a precise cut that has a narrow distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: OMNIPURE FILTER COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Bruce D. Saaski
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Publication number: 20080135487Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: METAL ALLOY RECLAIMERS, INC.Inventors: Claude KENNARD, Michael A. GONZALEZ, David C. SZLAG
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Patent number: 7378372Abstract: Metal oxide modified or impregnated activated carbon as a sorbent to reduce multiple contaminants, such as arsenic and pesticide residues from a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Paul Sylvester
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Patent number: 7361281Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Basin Water, Inc.Inventors: Peter L. Jensen, Gerald A. Guter, Dan Ziol
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Patent number: 7361279Abstract: Removing metals from metal containing acidic solutions, such as contaminated waters and industrial wastewaters, is described. An amphipathic, heterocyclic, metal-coordinating compound (an extraordinaiy ligand) and a sorbent are added to a solution, such that the addition, at a specific acidic pH of the solution, causes at least some of the metal-coordinating compound to bind with some of the metal cations and at least some of the metal-coordinating compound sorbs to the sorbent, along with any metal cations bound therewith. The compound and the sorbent may be added to the solution, either together or independently, so that the compound may bind the metal. The metal binding compound may be a benzotriazole, a benzothiazole, or another compound to bind a metal. The sorbent is selected to interact with the metal-coordinating compound in sequestering the metal from solution as part of a complexation. Thereafter, the ligand-metal complex may be removed from the solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventors: Mark Hernandez, Muna Ahmed Abu-Dalo
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Patent number: 7341665Abstract: A process is described for the treatment of water contaminated by apolar organic compounds and/or by heavy metals, which consists in circulating the water through a system comprising at least two types of zeolites having a silica/alumina ratio >50, placed in succession, wherein the first zeolite through which the water is passed is characterized by a high absorption capacity and structural channel dimensions ranging from 7 to 50 ?, whereas the second is characterized by a high removal capacity of molecules with a molecular diameter comparable with structural channel dimensions ranging from 5 to 7 ?.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Enitecnologie S.p.A.Inventors: Rodolfo Vignola, Umberto Cova, Gino Della Penna, Raffaello Sisto
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Patent number: 7341667Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignees: MAR Systems, LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyInventors: Claude Kennard, Michael A. Gonzalez, David C. Szlag
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Patent number: 7338603Abstract: Oxyanions of various contaminant elements, such as chromium, antimony, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium and uranium, are removed from water and other aqueous feeds by treating the feed with (1) a sorbent comprising one or more rare earth compounds, usually mixed or supported on particulate solids having a cation exchange capacity less than 20 milliequivalents per 100 grams or (2) an aqueous solution of one or more soluble rare earth compounds.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Molycorp, Inc.Inventors: Edward Bayer McNew, Richard Donald Witham, John Leslie Burba, III
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Publication number: 20080047902Abstract: Water purification media contain an activated carbon having at least one of specific a particle size, surface area, and porosity; and a microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate at least partially coating the activated carbon. Methods of making the media of microcrystalline and/or amorphous titanosilicate coated activated carbon involve contacting activated carbon with titanosilicate precursors. Methods of purifying water involve contacting water containing both heavy metals and volatile byproducts with the media.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: BASF CATALYSTS LLCInventors: Colin Beswick, Thomas Shaniuk
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Patent number: 7332090Abstract: Mercury is removed from solutions contaminated with mercury by filtration through a carbon filter consisting of electrode graphite.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Jürgen Bender, Holger Friedrich, Josef Guth
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Patent number: 7332089Abstract: The invention provides a use of a material comprising antimony silicate as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions, e.g. radioactive metal ions, from an acidic liquid medium. The metal ions may be selectively removed from amongst other ions such as Na, K, Mg, and Ca ions. Strontium is particularly effectively removable in this way. There is also provided a method of preparing an antimony silicate material for use in removing metal ions. The invention further provides a material comprising antimony silicate doped with one or more elements selected from the group consisting of tungsten, niobium and tantalum. The doped material has been found to be particularly effective as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions from a liquid medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: INEOS Silicas Ltd.Inventors: Risto Olavi Harjula, Johanna Teresia Moller, Suheel Amin, Alan Dyer, Martyn Pillinger, Jonathan Andrew Newton, Esko Heikki Tusa, Maurice Webb
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Publication number: 20080023406Abstract: A pitcher filter cartridge for removing contaminants from water includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing further defines at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. A first adsorption medium is contained within the chamber and configured to facilitate removing insoluble colloidal lead from the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: James Rulon Young Rawson, Shane Alan Gernand, Brian Christopher Moore
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Publication number: 20080023405Abstract: A filter for removing soluble and insoluble lead from water supplied by a water source includes at least one charged filter medium configured to facilitate removing at least one of soluble lead and insoluble colloidal lead from the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: James Rulon Young Rawson, Shane Alan Gernand, Brian Christopher Moore, Raul Eduardo Ayala, Philip Mathew Rolchigo
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Patent number: 7323109Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter comprising a functionalized mordant polymer comprising a cationic polymer having an adsorbed metal-ion sequestrant, wherein the metal-ion sequestrant has a stability constant greater than 1010 with iron (III). It further relates to an article comprising said composition and a method of removing target metal-ions from an environment comprising contacting the environment with said composition.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Joseph F. Bringley
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Publication number: 20080011686Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from an aqueous solution comprising contacting the aqueous solution with limestone particles coated with iron oxyhydroxide and adsorbing the contaminants from the aqueous solution onto the particleType: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventors: Rajiv Manohar Banavalie, Jose Antonio Trejo
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Patent number: 7314570Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the adsorption of heavy metals from media containing heavy metals, using a Lyocell moulded body. The invention also relates to a cellulosic moulded body comprising adsorbed heavy metals and the use of the same as an antibacterial and/or fungicidal moulded body.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Zimmer A.G.Inventors: Stefan Zikeli, Thomas Endl
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Patent number: 7314569Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and composition using akaganeite, an iron oxide, as an ion adsorption medium for the removal of arsenic from water and affixing it onto carrier media so that it can be used in filtration systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.Inventors: Fernando Cadena C., Michael D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7311840Abstract: The invention relates to processes and compositions for at least partially removing cations of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of caesium, strontium, lead, silver, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides from a liquid containing the cations. The process comprises contacting the liquid with a sorbent material in an amount and for a time sufficient to at least reduce the concentration of the cations, wherein the sorbent material is a metal oxide composition having the empirical formula Ax/n[ByM1-yO3+?]x.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationInventor: Vittorio Luca
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Patent number: 7309425Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of arsenic free water and an apparatus therefor. The present invention also relates to a porous ceramic useful for pressure filtration in order to produce arsenic free water. The present invention particularly relates to a process for preparing arsenic free (<10 ppb) water from arsenic contaminated ground water and apparatus therefor.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Sibdas Bandyopadhya, Dipali Kundu, Somendra Nath Roy, Bishnupada Ghosh, Himadri Sekhar Maiti
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Patent number: 7309437Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the removal of toxic metals or radionuclides from source materials. Toxic metals may be removed from source materials using a clay, such as attapulgite or highly cationic bentonite, and chitin or chitosan. Toxic metals may also be removed using volcanic ash alone or in combination with chitin or chitosan. Radionuclides may be removed using volcanic ash alone or in combination with chitin or chitosan.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Raul G. Cuero, David S. McKay
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Patent number: 7306737Abstract: A method of inactivating pathogens contaminating water and sludge, such as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants by exposing the contaminated material to an intense alternating mechanical field, at sonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies, producing and sustaining cavitation along spiral-shaped like paths between two or more disks, where at least one disk rotates or more than one disk rotates or the disks counter-rotate at high RPM. Alkaline material may be added to enhance the inactivation of pathogens. Heavy metals, which may also be present in the sewage sludge may be extracted from the sludge by adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Inventor: Bertwin Langenecker
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Patent number: 7300587Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Aquatic Treatment Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Smith, Timothy J. Badger
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Patent number: 7294268Abstract: This metal containing waste water treatment method introduces a metal containing waste water from above into a submerged membrane separation tank 1 in which a reaction section 2, a submerged membrane section 3 having a submerged membrane 5 and a precipitation section 4 are arranged in order from top to bottom, causes a reaction by adding a pH adjuster to the reaction section 2, subsequently separates water from metal by the submerged membrane 5 of the submerged membrane section 3 and subsequently precipitates and concentrates the metal in the precipitation section 4. As described above, according to this treatment method, the pH adjuster is added to the reaction section 2, and therefore, solid-liquid separation can be effected by the submerged membrane 5 with a hydroxide formed. Moreover, the metal can be precipitated and concentrated by the action of gravity without using energy in the precipitation section 4.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazumi Chujo, Hiroyuki Ishibashi
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Patent number: 7294275Abstract: A method of and system for removing phosphorus from wastewater using a waste sludge that has a high affinity for phosphorus. So the waste sludge can be used in a flow-through contact reactor to remove the phosphorus from a wastewater stream, the waste sludge is pelletized. The waste sludge pellets are packed into one or more flow-through contact reactors. In the configuration described herein, phosphorus removal is maximized by flowing the wastewater through the reactor(s) in a “pulsed” manner, rather than continuously. Thus, wastewater is flowed through the reactor(s) for a period of time and stopped for a period of time. By giving the sludge absorbent a rest period, the absorption capacity of the sludge is increased significantly, thus decreasing the frequency of regeneration or replacement of the sludge. Sludge regeneration can be accomplished with a stripping step using an alkaline solution of pH 13, followed by rinsing with water.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventor: Philip L. Sibrell
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Patent number: 7291272Abstract: A method is provided for removing an inorganic ionic species or organometallic ion contaminant, or combination contaminants, including such as arsenic, chromium, bromide, bromate, perchlorate, and/or others from water which contains an unacceptably high concentration of the contaminant(s). The method includes treating the water with an ion exchange resin, preferably a magnetic ion exchange resin such as MIEX® Resin, which is capable of adsorbing the inorganic ionic species contaminant(s), and regenerating and recycling the ion exchange resin back to the process. The method produces potable water from ground water containing such contaminants and eliminates breakthrough and chromatographic peaking problems observed with conventional ion exchange systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Orica Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Michael Francis Bourke, Hung Van Nguyen
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Patent number: 7291273Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for removing metals, e.g., ionic cobalt from an electroless plating operation, preferably to levels less than 5 ppm. The metals can then be either landfilled or regenerated for electrowinning and reuse. The invention utilizes an ion exchange media comprised of a silica backbone and functionalized with phosphonate groups.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen R. Vasconcellos, Nicholas R. Blandford
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Patent number: 7282153Abstract: A method for removing arsenic from water by contacting water with a strong base anion exchange resin comprising at least one metal ion or metal-containing ion whose arsenate salt has a Ksp no greater than 10?5, provided that the metal is not zirconium.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Rohm and Haas CompanyInventors: James Henry Barrett, Jose Antonio Trejo
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Patent number: 7282152Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing selenium from an aqueous stream by passing the aqueous stream, in combination with a quaternary amine compound, through a filter and recovering a treated aqueous stream which is depleted in selenium content relative to the untreated aqueous stream. The present method removes selenium from an aqueous refinery stream by passing the aqueous stream, in combination with a quaternary amine compound, through a filter that can include clay, cellulose, starch, activated carbon, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Michael Dubrovsky