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: A system and method for removing gas from a gas producing subterranean formation and removing contaminants from the produced water is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of gas and water gathered from a gas producing well. Thereafter the method entails separating the gas from the mixture to produce a gas product and the produced water which includes organics, suspended solids and dissolved solids including silica. Thereafter, suspended solids are removed from the produced water. After removing some of the suspended solids, the produced water is directed to a micro porous polymer extraction (MPPE) unit. In the MPPE unit aromatic organic compounds are removed from the produced water. Thereafter the produced water is treated in a membrane bioreactor to remove additional organics. Thereafter the produced water is directed to at least one RO unit that produces a high dissolved solids containing reject stream and a low dissolved solids permeate stream.

Abstract: An adsorbent particulate product for treating contaminated fluid and capable of electrochemical regeneration. The product includes unexpanded intercalated graphite in particulate form, in the form of flakes or in powder form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water, wherein a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.

Abstract: Method for the removal of organic components from a mixture of organic components and water having the steps of guiding the mixture through at least one vessel (3) in which has been provided an amount of organoclay (17) in at least one removable casing (18) which is permeable to liquids and gasses but not to organoclay particles, or on a supporting structure (28) from where the organoclay particles cannot come off, such that the amount of organoclay particles is at any time part of a removable entity; and of producing a flow through the aforesaid mixture in this vessel (3).

Abstract: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of proteinuric kidney disease, which comprises both native and transplanted kidneys. Treatment was limited in the past due to the complicated pathogenesis of FSGS, including previously unidentified serum factors. Here, serum soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is reported to be elevated in FSGS patients but not in patients with other primary glomerular diseases. Higher pre-transplantation suPAR levels are associated with risk for FSGS recurrence in kidney grafts. Renal disease only develops when suPAR sufficiently activates podocyte ?3 integrin. Thus, disease pathogenesis can be stopped or slowed by ex vivo removal of suPAR from a subject's circulation. Removal may be measured by comparing the level (e.g., amount or concentration) of suPAR before and after such treatment.

Abstract: A treatment process for an aqueous phase which contains oil droplets, possibly of 10-50 nm diameter, in aqueous flow from a hydrocyclone separator, comprises bringing the water into contact with a surface subdivided into areas of differing surface energy and affinity for oil and such that when the surface is submerged in an aqueous phase, oil droplets adhere to it with an apparent contact angle in a range from 90 to 150 degrees. Areas of the surface may reduce their affinity for oil in response to an external stimulus causing controlled release of droplets adhering to the surface. The process may be used to remove oil droplets from water produced by an oil or gas well, after downhole oil water separation or after production at a at a well head, or used to coalesce droplets in such water to a larger size to enable conventional separation.

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 bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.

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: 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: A system and method for the treatment of wastewater. In one aspect, the invention can be a method for treating wastewater comprising: a) introducing untreated wastewater into a holding tank: b) flowing the untreated wastewater into a first wastewater treatment trailer to provide a first treatment regimen to the untreated wastewater to form a first treated wastewater c) flowing the first treated wastewater into a second wastewater treatment trailer to provide a second treatment regimen to the first treated wastewater to form a second treated wastewater; and wherein the holding tank, the first wastewater treatment trailer and the second wastewater treatment trailer are fluidly coupled together to facilitate flow of the untreated wastewater from the holding tank into the first wastewater treatment trailer and flow of the first treated wastewater from the first Wastewater treatment trailer into the second wastewater treatment trailer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing an organic-inorganic composite hybrid adsorbent by impregnating activated carbon nanopores with an oxide and a water treatment method using the same, and particularly, to an adsorbent including a porous adsorbent and ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite or magnetite incorporated into the porous adsorbent, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a spill collection system comprising a boom for surrounding a spill area and a method for using the boom. In addition, the invention includes several embodiments of extractors for removing fluid from a material such as the boom.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the use of a biomass-derived aromatic material as a sorbent for naphthenic acid. For example, the biomass-derived aromatic material may be a lignin derivative such as an Organsolv lignin derivative. The present disclosure further provides a method for reducing the amount of naphthenic acid in a substance, said method comprising applying a suitable amount of biomass-derived aromatic sorbent to the substance containing naphthenic acid; and allowing the sorbent to interact with the substance to remove at least a portion of the naphthenic acid from the substance.

Abstract: An anthropogenic sorbent material modified for sequestering and/or attenuating multiple chemical and/or biological pollutant species, both organic and inorganic, in an aqueous environment is disclosed as well as a method of sequestering and/or attenuating multiple chemical and/or biological pollutant species, both organic and inorganic, in an aquatic ecosystem by capping at least a portion of a sedimentary basin of the aquatic ecosystem.

Abstract: A multi-component scavenging system containing at least one ester and at least one electron-deficient organic compound, together with or without one or more optional components such as an aldehyde having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, a ketone having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, an ether, a solvent, an alkali metal salt of an alkyl or dialkyl phenol, an epoxide, an alkyl anhydride, and mixtures thereof, may be used to scavenge contaminants from hydrocarbon and/or aqueous streams. The contaminants scavenged or otherwise removed may include, but are not necessarily limited to, ammonia, primary amines, secondary or tertiary amines, H2S, mercaptans, sulfide cyanides, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a material for monitoring and/or treating the presence of contaminant organic compounds in water. The material is a matrix of fibers impregnated with one or more metal oxides.

Abstract: A valve (16) comprising a housing (30), a valve filter media (34) and an actuator (48). The housing (30) defines a chamber (32) having an inlet (44) and outlet (48). The media (34) is positioned within the chamber (30) such that liquids flowing between the inlet (44) and outlet (48) pass through the media (34). The valve filter media (34) is formed of a material which can absorb hydrocarbons, causing the media (34) to change its material properties thereby restricting the flow of liquids through the valve (16) and increasing the pressure differential across the media (34). The actuator (48) has at least a portion positioned within the housing chamber (32). If the pressure differential across the media (34) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the media (34) bears against the actuator (48) causing the actuator (48) to restrict the flow of liquids through the valve (16).

Abstract: A method of removing organosilanes from a sample which involves contacting the sample with silica and allowing the organosilanes to couple to the surface of the silica. The silica can be provided as particles that are added to and mixed with the sample, or provided as a reactive filter media to which the sample is contacted.

Abstract: A system for collecting matter provides a low energy, low cost and nearly zero pollutant process for extracting suspended matter in a medium. The system collects the matter on a material which is deployed into the medium, and the matter is extracted off the material. If an oil spill occurs in a body of water, then the material can rapidly remove the oil from the water in high concentrations. If oil or bitumen is mixed with water due to tar sands processing, then the material can extract the oil or the water depending on a balance of oleophilic or hydrophilic properties of the material. The extracted matter and the medium can proceed to further processing such as water purification and/or petroleum refining. This invention collects matter in an economically and environmentally viable manner.

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 system and method of filtering metalworking fluid is disclosed. A particle filter is provided in fluid communication with a sump of machining equipment to filter particles from a metalworking fluid. The metalworking fluid is filtered using the particle filter to remove metal filings and debris from the metalworking fluid. A tramp oil filter is provided in fluid communication with the particle filter to remove tramp oil, wherein the tramp oil filter includes hydrophobic material to absorb oil. The oil-free metalworking fluid may then be re-circulated back to the machining equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

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: Compositions and methods using fusion peptides comprising multi-functional solubility tags are provided. The multi-functional peptidic solubility tags facilitates more efficient fusion peptide production, easier downstream processing of the fusion peptide, and may be used to provide functional surface properties when coupled to a target material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the amount of organic components in water, wherein a surface-reacted naturalcalcium carbonate and a hydrophobic adsorbent, selected from the group consisting of talc, hydrophobized calcium carbonate, hydrophobized bentonite, hydrophobized kaolinite, hydrophobized glass, or any mixture thereof, are brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a naturalcalcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally, and the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being prepared as an aqueous suspension having a pH of greater than 6.0, measured at 20° C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery and purification of solid salt compositions from an organic liquid containing epoxy resin and at least one of epihalohydrin and solvent to obtain purified salt and/or brine compositions that may be useful in industrial processes.

Abstract: A method of reducing disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants including contacting the water with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to reduce the level of disinfection by-products. A method of determining the effectiveness of a first method of reducing disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants, the first method including contacting the water with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to reduce the level of disinfection by-products, the method including determining the effectiveness of the first method by measuring the level of the disinfection by-products in water treated with disinfectants and contacted with the amount of non-decomposed moss.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the use of lignin derivatives for remediation of oil discharge such as, for example, crude or refined oil spills. The present disclosure provides methods of remediating oil discharges such as, for example, accidental discharge into a marine environment.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable skimming assembly is provided for attaching to the bow of a watercraft. When mounted, the skimming assembly presents vertically orientated starboard, port and bow cages that house oil absorbent padding. The cages with the positioned pads are largely porous so that at slow watercraft velocities, the water flows through the pads but the oil is retained within the pads across a substantially horizontal plane. As the pads become oil saturated along this common plane, the vertical cages are adjusted to expose a section of the pad that is not saturated. This process is repeated until the entire pad surface is saturated. The resistance force created by the water against the starboard and port cages during movement is countered by a plurality of tethering cables extending from the structural members attached to the bow of the watercraft to the outer edges of the cages.

Abstract: Discolored organic compounds (DOC) may be extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxitic ores. In some aspects, the sorbent composition is slurried with the medium. In other aspects, the sorbent composition is formed into pellets or the like, which are contacted with the medium. The red mud (along with adsorbed contaminants) is then separated from the water using any suitable technique, such as filtration, sedimentation, or centrifugation.

Abstract: A water filtration system with a filter and method for filtering raw water having a series of media layers in the following order: 1) sand to gravel or coarse silica; 2) zeolite; 3) activated carbon; 4) a second layer of sand to gravel or coarse silica; and 5) a second layer of zeolite is disclosed. Optionally, the series further has a ceramic media layer, which may have a reactive coating such as calcium hypochloride. Further options include ferruginous latertic clay spheres (FLCS) or iron oxide brick particles, at least one grid, which may be charged, and/or at least one sand arch. A rapid sand filter may be used prior to filtering water through the series of media layers. The water may also be further filtered through a mixture of zeolite and carbon. Chlorine may be added to the filtered water. Specialized water filters for reducing fluoride and arsenic concentrations and taste aesthetics are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amine modified clay sorbents and methods for their use. The sorbents of the present invention have particular application for the sorption of hydrophobic contaminants, particularly constituents of AFFFs, surfactants and/or perfluorinated or polyfluorinated compounds.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of treating blood, blood products or physiologic fluid to maximize shelf life and/or minimizing transfusion related complications such as non-hemolytic transfusion reactions such as fever, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion associated dyspnea (TAD), and allergic reactions by removing undesirable molecules in the blood, blood product or physiologic fluid milieu through use of a sorbent.

Abstract: Column which includes a first column with an upper layer of H2SO4 silica gel and a lower layer AgNO3 silica gel and a second column packed with alumina, connected detachably to a lower end of the first column. An oily liquid containing polychlorinated biphenyls, is added to the upper layer and heated. An aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is supplied to the upper layer, whereby polychlorinated biphenyls captured by the first column are dissolved in the aliphatic hydrocarbon and then flow to the second column. The polychlorinated biphenyls are captured by the alumina which is located near the inlet of the second column, which is then detached from the first column. A hydrophobic solvent is passed through the second column in a direction opposite to the direction in which the aliphatic hydrocarbon was passed, providing an extract containing the polychlorinated biphenyls dissolved in a small amount of the hydrophobic solvent.

Abstract: A method to remove virulence factors from infected blood by passing the blood through a surface cartridge with immobilized carbohydrates, such as heparin, wherein the virulence factors are toxins released from pathogens such as B. anthracis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa.

Abstract: Described herein are polyolefin open cell foam materials that absorb organic liquids or waxes, such as hydrocarbon oil, selectively against water. The polyolefin open cell foam materials are environmentally friendly, have a relatively low bulk density, and can be used in the clean up of oil spills.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for removing a variety of pollutants from wastewater. Such compositions are obtained by immobilizing barium-based hybrid materials, such as BaSO4:APRB. Such compositions are easy to separate from the treated wastewater. After separation, the compositions, which include the pollutants, may be conveniently further separated from the pollutants and thus recovered for use again.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is disclosed to filter liquids, such as water, waste water, agricultural liquids or other industrial liquids. The apparatus and the method rely on a novel technology where an acceleration apparatus facilitates generating energy that fractures the bonds between organic and inorganic particles and water molecules to allow a media to collect the organic and inorganic particles.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and rare earth-containing additives for removing inorganic and organic phosphorus-containing target materials.

Abstract: Reducing the concentration of kinetic hydrate inhibitors in produced water may be accomplished by treating the produced water using a method selected from the group consisting of chemical adsorption, solvent extraction, chemical coagulation, electrochemical coagulation and combinations thereof. Such reductions may in some instances allow for the reuse of produced water for irrigation or recycle in oil and gas production.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing macroscale 3D heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials (such as boron doped carbon nanotube materials) and compositions thereof. Macroscopic quantities of three-dimensionally networked heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials are directly grown using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material is created by doping of heteroatoms (such as boron) in the nanotube lattice during growth, which influences the creation of elbow joints and branching of nanotubes leading to the three dimensional super-structure. The super-hydrophobic heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube sponge is strongly oleophilic and an soak up large quantities of organic solvents and oil. The trapped oil can be burnt off and the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material can be used repeatedly as an oil removal scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption agent for removing endotoxins from a biological fluid, the sorption agent having a water-insoluble, porous carrier and polymyxin, which is immobilized on the carrier, the carrier having a neutral, hydrophobic surface and polymyxin being immobilized on the surface of the carrier via hydrophobic interaction. The sorption agent is used in extracorporeal blood purification, in particular for treating individuals with sepsis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified clay sorbents which may be used as sorbents for chemical compounds. In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of modified clay sorbents for the sorption of chemical compounds. The modified clay sorbents of the present invention have particular application for the sorption of anionic and/or hydrophobic compounds.

Abstract: A method and a device are described to be able to neutralise the damages from an oil spill at sea or on a lake by rapid addition of an absorbent where this can also be carried out in very poor weather, and also a method to remove oil spills as particulate absorbed material, store this at sea and thereafter transport this ashore, and also process the spill further ashore. An application of the method is described for oil protection emergencies and in oil spills at sea or in lakes.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to handling of organic contaminants in aqueous streams. The methods and apparatus enable removing the contaminants, such as naphthenic acids, from the aqueous streams and then converting the contaminants into hydrocarbons. The removing and converting of the organic contaminates results in treated discharge and generation of the hydrocarbons, which add to amount of hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: Lipophilic, oil-absorbing and oil-adsorbing polymeric compositions are used to capture oily substances and hydrophobic materials from the surface of various aqueous media. The resultant compound floats in water, can be easily removed therefrom and can be processed in conventional refinery processes to recover the oil and the remaining components.