Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from fluids comprises contacting the fluid with an expanded material selected from popped corn, puffed rice and puffed wheat. The preferred expanded material is popped corn. The method is applicable to a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants. Examples of contaminants include aromatic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs), carbamates, sulphonamides, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), other compounds such as carbon disulphide, ethylene glycol and pesticides. Other examples include inorganic compounds or organo-metallic compounds, e.g. those containing aluminum, antimony, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, titanium, vanadium and zinc.

Abstract: According to this method for the adsorptive extraction of hydrocarbons from aqueous solutions of hydrocyanic acid, the initial solutions containing 1 to 50 wt. % hydrocyanic acid and 2 to 1000 wt. ppm aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons, the latter having 6 to 30 C atoms each, are passed, preferably continuously, at temperatures between 2 and 50.degree. C. and at a maximum flow velocity of 500 m/h through a fixed-bed, activated-carbon adsorber whose interior surface is preferably>100 m.sup.2 /kg. In this way it is possible to quantitatively free aqueous solutions of hydrocyanic acid from hydrocarbons, in particular from benzene, with means of relatively low technical complexity.

Abstract: A process for removing toxins from blood is disclosed. The process involves contacting the blood with a microporous ion exchanger to remove toxins in the blood. Alternatively, the blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The microporous ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formulae:A.sub.p M.sub.x Zr.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.m (I)andA.sub.p M.sub.x Ti.sub.1-x Si.sub.n Ge.sub.y O.sub.

Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powdered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: A Stormwater Drain Filter for removing sediment and liquid hydrocarbons comprised of a tank having a central outlet which flows into a sewer inlet and is surrounded by a floating boom which is hydrophobic and liquid hydrocarbon absorbent.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing contaminants from water. The method comprises contacting the contaminants in the water with an organoclay having a positive or negative charge on its surface. Using this method, organic and inorganic contaminants can be removed with such charged organoclays.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel means for adsorption of materials from fluids. In a specific example, polymer substrates are modified with dendrimers to facilitate attachment of multiple ligands held at a distance from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for reducing the content of organic solvent in an aqueous dispersion of a cellulose-reactive hydrophobing agent, prepared by emulsifying a molten cellulose-reactive hydrophobing agent containing organic solvent in an aqueous solution containing one or more emulsifying agents. The method comprises contacting the aqueous dispersion under agitation with a sorbent, said sorbent having the capacity of absorbing organic molecules, or a gas, whereby the solvent is transferred to the sorbent or the gas.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the removal of algae-associated odorant from fresh water by contacting such water with cyclodextrin and recovering the water so contacted.

Abstract: A process for lowering the amount of epichlorohydrin and related hydrolysis compounds contained in paper strength enhancing resins by treating an aqueous solution of the resin with an adsorbent.

Abstract: Incorporation of zirconium, nickel and/or copper into M41S results in selective sorption of bulky organic molecules. Zirconium, nickel and/or copper may be incorporated into M41S by exchange or impregnation.

Abstract: Porous Zirconia particles of specific gravity of 2.5-3.5 g/cm.sup.3 and mean particle sizes of 30-400 .mu.m can be synthesized using oil emulsion methods from colloids and used for protein adsorption in stable expanded beds. Expanded beds of less than 1.0 settled bed height to diameter (approximately 10 ml bed volume) are stable at linear fluid velocities of at least about 100 cm/hour.

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

Abstract: A method for the removal of organic compounds from columns of air or water. The method utilizes a solidifying organic polymer-based filtration media and activated carbon placed in separate containers and arranged in an in-line, two phase process to extract organic compounds and metals from feed streams containing emulsified or suspended concentrations of organic contaminants by absorbing and solidifying the organics into an easily retrievable, disposable mass. The treated feed streams exit the process containing acceptable limits of the organic compounds and metals within the fluid columns to permit their free release into the environment.

Abstract: A process is described for using tropical fibers to recover spilled oil, gasoline, kerosene, hydrocarbons, pentachlorophenol, creosote or other hazardous liquids from land or water. The sorbent fiber material is produced from agricultural byproducts from cultivation of banana, plantain, cavendish plant, pineapple, coconut, palm, or other tropical fruit bearing plants. The sorbent fibers are produced by separating the raw plant materials; washing the separated fibers in a solution of 1% alum; pressing the fibers to extract liquids and natural juices; further separating the fibers by beating or agitating; and drying the fibers. The sorbent fibers have a water and natural liquid content of less than 10% by weight and may be applied to the surface or periphery of an oil or chemical spill, whereupon they will sorb the oil or chemical. Once the oil or chemical is sorbed the fibers may be collected and the oil or chemical may be partially recovered by compressing the fibers.

Abstract: Ashes are used when they have the particle size of fly-ash, i.e., when they have just been produced by a combustion process. They can be used, inter alia, for dehydrating and/or stabilizing sewerage plant sludge or sludge from surface treatment plants, for detoxifying liquid, semi-liquid or solid media contaminated by heavy metals and the like, and for removing pollutants from hydrocarbon-containing liquid or semi-liquid media.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for coalescing microscopic droplets of organic (principally hydrocarbons) that are present with particles in an aqueous stream (primarily water), which avoids frequent shutdowns for backwashing. The system includes two anthracite beds (56, 58, FIG. 2) and apparatus for connecting the beds in series. Most of the time, the stream flows down (60) through the first bed and up (64) through the second bed, and to a separator, while particles (74) accumulate at the top of the first bed. When the particles begin to seriously block flow through the first bed, the flow is reversed for a period while the particles are transferred from the top of the first bed to the top of the second bed. After several minutes, the flow is reversed again, causing particles at the top of the second bed to flow to the separator for removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of polyphenols and proteins simultaneously from a beverage by contacting the beverage with an ion exchanger that is capable of adsorbing both types of substances. The characteristic feature of the ion exchanger to be used is that it is a water-insoluble porous hydrophilic matrix to which ion exchanging groups are covalently bound.

Abstract: A method and composition for dispersing oil. Distiller's dried grain is applied to an oil spill or to an animal or object contacted with oil. The distiller's dried grain sorbs and disperses the oil, allowing dispersal of the oil in open water or removal of the oil from the animal or object.

Abstract: A new use of hydrophobic zeolites, viz. for removing preservatives from (poly)peptide solutions, e.g. solutions of pharmaceutical preparations. The use is of particular interest in connection with protein solutions, especially insulin solutions. The invention further relates to an injection syringe for such solutions, in which syringe a zeolite of the type at issue is placed for contact with the solution to remove preservatives therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying the separated water into contact with an organophilic clay such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic clay and the water will pass through the clay and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.

Abstract: Adsorbent media are prepared by contacting support material with iron containing solutions, followed by drying to coat the support material with iron. Support material such as sand and olivine are described. The adsorbent material can be used to remove metal contaminants and natural organic matter from water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for binding emulsified resin and tar substances in circulating water of a wet-cleaning and wet precipitation system for waste gas produced in the wood industry. Wood dust is metered into the circulating water and receives the emulsified substances adsorptively. The wood dust is removed from the water circulation path and sedimented.

Abstract: A porous absorbent made of a filter, a filter material or a sponge material is inserted into a polluted part of soil or groundwater containing environmental pollutants such as chlorinated solvents or heavy metal ions. The porous absorbent is inserted into the polluted environment such that its one end comes into contact with the pollutants and the other end is exposed to air. The porous absorbent allows the pollutants absorbed thereby to rise up to its air-exposed end through the vaporizing activity of the pollutant themselves and of the water containing them. The pollutants are allowed to evaporate from the air-exposed end to be dissipated into the air, or to concentrate at the air-exposed end for later removal. Further, microorganisms fixed to the porous absorbent are used to decompose pollutants for removal, or to absorb pollutants for removal. Those pollutant eliminating methods allow efficient elimination of even highly concentrated pollutants at a low cost without requiring complicated processes.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein improved so as to substantially achieve perfect removal of organic halides from water which has conventionally been considered to be impossible. The object set forth above is achieved, according to the invention, by an apparatus for purifying water containing organic halides therein characterized in that particles, fibers, nonwoven fabric, porous body or sintered body containing hydroxycarboxylic acid or polymer thereof having a chemical structure expressed by general formula: ##STR1## where R1-R6 are identical or different and represent hydrogen atom, hydroxyl-, carboxyl-, amino-, cyano- or alkyl-group having 1-5 carbons, p represents a natural number 1-10, and q and r represent an integer 0-10) as a main ingredient is used as organic halide adsorbent; and a residual concentration of organic halides in water can be decreased to the order of ppb.

Abstract: A chemically charged-modified filter for removing charged, micron to sub-micron sized particles from an aqueous liquid, the filter being composed of a filter sheet having a plurality of individual exposed surfaces, at least a portion of which having a surface energy of less than about 45 dynes per centimeter; amphiphilic macromolecules adsorbed onto at least some individual exposed surfaces having a surface energy of less than about 45 dynes per centimeter; and chemical charge modifiers incorporated onto at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules; so that when said charge-modified substrate is in contact with the aqueous liquid containing the charged, micron to sub-micron sized particles, said particles are adsorbed onto the chemically charge-modified filter.

Abstract: Effluents containing residual dyes are contacted with an effective amount of hydrotalcite-like material together with an effective amount of a magnesium salt or a mixture of magnesium salts, the weight ratio (on dry basis) of hydrotalcite-like material to magnesium salt being in the range of 20:1 to 1:20. Residual dyes are removed from effluents.

Abstract: A method of recovering an oil-based liquid from a body of liquid including a first layer of the oil-based liquid and a second layer of a second liquid having an interface with the first layer. The oil-based liquid being denser than the second liquid and the interface having a variable level in the body. The method includes the steps of suspending a length of oil-based liquid absorbent material from a support above the body, extending the absorbent material down a vertical distance from the support through the second layer into the first layer for absorbing oil-based liquid from the first layer, conveying the absorbent material along a path through the first layer, absorbing the oil-based liquid from the first layer with the absorbent material, and maintaining the path of the absorbent material in the first layer by varying the vertical distance in response to a variation in the level of the interface.

Abstract: A preparation for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water includes a carbonized carbonaceous material and powdery or granular bakuhanseki deposited on the surface of the carbonized carbonaceous material. In one aspect of the invention, a preparation for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water includes a carbonized carbonaceous material and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicic acid anhydride, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, calcium oxide, ferrous oxide, ferric oxide, titanium oxide, phosphorous pentaoxide and manganese oxide, said compound being deposited on the surface of the carbonized carbonaceous material. There is also provided a method for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water by adding these dyestuff removing preparations.

Abstract: A halohydrocarbon solvent recovery process. The process in one embodiment included heating a gross mixture including solvent, fatty-acid impurities and water in a bath to vaporize at least a portion of the solvent and the impurities. A portion of the vapor is then condensed in a reflux condenser to form a condensate mixture. After drying and impurity adsorption, a solvent product of at least 99% purity may be recovered. In one embodiment, the gross mixture is obtained from steam stripping dry-cleaner filter cartridges.

Abstract: A process for coating zeolite crystals with paraffin, a wax other than paraffin, a fat or oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil. Preferably, the crystals are dehydrated until they have about 5% moisture content, and are then mixed with paraffin to produce paraffin-coated zeolite crystals having a desired content of paraffin. When the coated zeolite crystals are used for removing benzene from contaminated water, their paraffin content is preferably about 8% (by weight). Other embodiments are methods for using zeolite coated with paraffin, another wax, a fat, an oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil to filter a contaminant from contaminated liquid or gas. The zeolite crystals are optionally impregnated with a chemical such as permanganate before they are coated with the desired wax, fat, oil or mixture. A zeolite crystal having pores coated with wax, fat, oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and wax, fat, or oil is within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A method for the removal of organic compounds from columns of air or water. The method utilizes a solidifying organic polymer-based filtration media and activated carbon placed in separate containers and arranged in an in-line, two phase process to extract organic compounds and metals from feed streams containing emulsified or suspended concentrations of organic contaminants by absorbing and solidifying the organics into an easily retrievable, disposable mass. The treated feed streams exit the process containing acceptable limits of the organic compounds and metals within the fluid columns to permit their free release into the environment.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from fluids comprises contacting the fluid with an expanded material selected from popped corn, puffed rice and puffed wheat. The preferred expanded material is popped corn. The method is applicable to a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants. Examples of contaminants include aromatic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs), carbamates, sulphonamides, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), other compounds such as carbon disulphide, ethylene glycol, pesticides, oils, wood preservatives, pulp and paper bleaching compounds. Other examples include inorganic compounds or organo-metallic compounds, e.g. those containing aluminum, antimony, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, titanium, vanadium and zinc.

Abstract: Clay particles with organo silane-modified surfaces are provided along with a process for their preparation. The silane-modified clay is relatively easily and reliably produced by reacting clay with a R-substituted halosilane (R being a hydrophobic group) in a polar solvent containing a tertiary amine. The produced silanized clay is stable over a wide range of storage and use conditions. Contacting processes for using the silane-modified clay to remove organic contaminants from aqueous media are also provided. After use, the silane-modified clay particles can be regenerated, treated and reused for such contaminant removal.

Abstract: An insert for a storm drain or sanitary sewer inlet such as are found in factory or warehouse floors, parking lots and car washes in which the insert holds one or more bags of filter media. The bags have a very open structure such as coarse weave cotton permitting water entering the drain to pass through each bag and the filter media inside the bag. The entire bag may be conveniently withdrawn from the insert and replaced as the filter media becomes saturated. Preferably, a first bag contains an absorbant cellulose particulate media which absorbs oils and greases and post non-volatile hydrocarbons and a second bag contains specially textured activated carbon which absorbs organically bound heavy metals and volatile hydrocarbons as well other VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Various types of filter media and configurations of these media also allows for the removal of dissolved heavy metals, and even the removal of pathogenic microbes.

Abstract: An oil absorbing article is made of an outer covering of wool felt that forms an enclosure containing pine bark. The covering may be in the form of a mat, a pillow, or a boom. The outer covering allows the oil to pass through into the bark, which becomes saturated with the oil. This saturation prevents flow of water to the bark, whereby the article remains floating after absorption of oil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for separating a hydrophobic liquid from a substantially polar medium through the application of expanded graphite particles. Upon contacting the hydrophobic liquid floating agglomerates of expanded graphite and hydrophobic liquid are formed which may easily be removed from the polar liquid by mechanical means. Following the removal of the agglomerates from the polar medium, the hydrophobic liquid may be separated with little effort and recycled. Further, the adsorptive properties of the expanded graphite can be regenerated allowing the material to be used repeatedly. The present invention is particularly useful for removing liquid hydrocarbons from contaminated bodies of water.

Abstract: Described is an improved fermentation process for producing lactic acid. The preferred process is conducted so as to form a fermentation broth containing undissociated lactic acid. The fermentation broth is contacted with an effective amount of solid-phase polymer containing pyridine groups to adsorb and increase rate of production of the free acid.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for removing oxidized contaminant(s) from water. More specifically, the invention has the steps of contacting water containing the oxidized contaminant(s) with a layered aluminosilicate having Fe(II). The aluminosilicate may contain naturally occurring Fe(II), or the Fe(II) may be produced by reducing Fe(III) that is initially present. Reduction may be either by exposure to a chemical or biological reductant. Contacting the water containing oxidized contaminant(s) may be by (1) injection of Fe(II)-containing layered aluminosilicate, via a well, into a saturated zone where it is likely to intercept the contaminated water; (2) injection of contaminated water into a vessel containing the Fe(II)-bearing layered aluminosilicate; and (3) first reducing Fe(III) in the layered aluminosilicate to Fe(II) by injection of a biological or chemical reductant, into an aquifer or vessel having sufficient Fe(III)-bearing aluminosilicate to produce the necessary Fe(II).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for reducing the content of organic solvent in an aqueous dispersion of a cellulose-reactive hydrophobing agent, prepared by emulsifying a molten cellulose-reactive hydrophobing agent containing organic solvent in an aqueous solution containing one or more emulsifying agents. The method comprises contacting the aqueous dispersion under agitation with a sorbent, said sorbent having the capacity of absorbing or adsorbing organic molecules, or a gas, whereby the solvent is transferred to the sorbent or the gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for absorbing organic, ecologically stressed pollutants (1) such as oil, tar and phenols on grounds (12), rubble or solid disposal site surfaces which are floating on or in waters of a disposal site with liquid and/or sludge phases and/or solid sediments. This object is achieved in that in the invention fly ash (3) and/or cement-activated fly ash of large surface and evincing the structure of a hollow sphere, especially fly ash from lignite-powder fired boilers, is brought into contact with the pollutant, in that fly ash and pollutant are activated with water (5), being mixed into a pollutant-immobilized mixture (6) and being used in consolidating manner.

Abstract: A microbe-removing material is provided made of hydroxyapatite having a mean c-axis length of from 1 .mu.m to 1000 .mu.m, preferably from 5 pm to 200 .mu.m, and an aspect ratio of 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, having good liquid permeability, while also having high microbe-adsorbing power and large adsorption capacity. The material can remove all microbes irrespective of their sizes and can adsorb and remove even acidic microbes.

Abstract: Adsorbent alumina particulates which comprise coagulated droplets, extrudates or crushed alumina particles having a volume of pores with a diameter greater than 80 .ANG. of at least 0.15 cm.sup.3 /g and a particle size of less than 4 mm are well suited for adsorbing chelated organometallic compound values thereon, in particular from a medium of polymerization comprising same.

Abstract: A method for tailoring naturally occurring zeolite materials with silane compounds and using such silane tailored naturally occurring zeolite solid sorbent materials to remove benzenes and alkyl benzenes (BTEX) from contaminated water streams is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and for the treatment of storm water runoff to remove contaminants that accumulate in the storm water when it flows over paved surfaces in urban areas. The apparatus includes a basket that has an outer surrounding water-permeable wall, and an inner water-permeable wall, spaced from and surrounded by the outer wall. A bed of an absorbent, able to absorb contaminants in the storm water, is disposed in the space between the outer and inner walls, while allowing fluid communication between the walls. An inner drainage space is defined by the inner wall and is in fluid communication with the absorbent. During operation, storm water flows through the outer permeable wall, into the bed where it is treated; and treated water flows from the bed through the inner wall into the inner drainage space. Treated water then flows from the drainage space, in some embodiments under a siphon-effect, into a treated water drainage conduit for disposal.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of a new and improved form of crystalline material identified as having the structure of SUZ-9 as a sorbent or a catalyst for organic compound, e.g., hydrocarbon compound, conversion.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: The invention relates to the removal of hydroxymonocarboxylic acids and tricarboxylic acids from aqueous solutions by adsorption on zeolites with a modulus of up to 400.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing dissolved heavy metals including lead and radioactive contaminants from contaminated aqueous systems including aqueous soil systems. Such systems have resulted from Department of Defense activities and chemical manufacture, as well as from a large variety of past activities. An organically modified smectite clay, or organoclay, is used to treat these systems. Organoclays are the reaction product of smectite clays and quaternary ammonium compounds. The organoclay is brought in contact with system to be treated where it sorbs the heavy metal in the aqueous system onto the organoclay which sorbed complex is then removed by a variety of methods including flotation and air sparging.