Abstract: Sulfurous acid and/or sulfurous acid precursors, such as sulfur dioxide, are introduced into a hydrogen sulfide-containing geothermal brine or fluid prior to extracting energy from the resulting mixture by, e.g., passing the mixture through a flash vessel or a heat exchanger. The introduction of the sulfurous acid or its precursors into the geothermal brine or fluid inhibits scale formation and/or removes previously formed scale during processing of the brine or fluid.

Abstract: Water to be utilized is reacted with soda ash and lime to produce a less corrosive and foulant water. Reaction sludges are fed to a desulfurization unit, where SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x and CO.sub.2 abatement occurs; other industrial waste sludges and/or waters and/or gases can also be utilized in such connection. FIG. 1 is one of the possible process schemes of present invention.

Abstract: A method of use of a composition including either or both isomers of hydrogenated methylbenzotriazole, namely, 5-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole or 4-Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole which have been at least about 50% hydrogenated, to form corrosion inhibiting films on metal surfaces in an aqueous environment. The hydrogenated methylbenzotriazole compositions provide both improved passivation and improved film persistence when charged to aqueous industrial systems either on a continuous or on an intermittent basis. Continuous dosing is generally kept at a constant >0.5, typically 1-2 ppm in the aqueous system to be treated; intermittent doses are generally 10-20 ppm once every week or two or more.

Abstract: A descalant means, comprising L.sub.E structured liquid crystals which when placed close to, or into a liquid stream, cause the formation of microscopic liquid crystalline structures, which act as nucleation sites for the formation of crystal structures of normally liquid-soluble or insoluble salts, and other suspended particles, these crystalline structures being chemically stable and causing a large reduction in the scaling potential of the liquid, thereby avoiding scale buildup on metal or other containment surfaces and also initiating descaling of surfaces already containing scale buildup. Furthermore, said means will reduce the amount of detergents, soaps, surfactants and polymers required in washing and other forms of water use.

Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling cooling system characteristics. A flow rate of make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of the make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of a recirculating cooling medium is measured. A treatment material feed rate is determined based upon the formula: ##EQU1## where X is a treatment feed rate of a treatment compound, .OMEGA. is a desired concentration of the treatment compound, and K is a constant. A corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is measured. A desired corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is determined. A feed rate of a corrosion inhibitor is calculated according to the following formula:Y=(X)?1+.alpha.(CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT)!,where .alpha. is a cascade factor that varies in a step-wise manner depending upon the value of CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT and has a value between about 0.1 and about 8.0. A corrosion inhibitor is then fed at the corrosion inhibitor feed rate.

Abstract: Waste water from an apparatus that rinses particles from semiconductor wafers is collected in a tank. A pump sends waste water from the tank through a particle filter and onward to a supply inlet for initial rinse stages of the processing apparatus. Some of the waste water is bleed from the tank and replenished by fresh water introduced into the final rinse stage of the apparatus. If the semiconductor processing so dictates, chemicals may be added to the waste water to alter the pH and/or prevent the precipitation of solids in the tank. The addition of such chemicals can be controlled automatically in response to sensed characteristics of the waste water.

Abstract: Tannin containing polymers, their method of production and methods of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. The polymers are aldehyde-free and comprise copolymers of tannin and a cationic monomer. Another embodiment comprises aldehyde-free polymers of tannin, cationic monomer and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an anionic monomer and a nonionic monomer.

Abstract: A water treatment arrangement is provided in which water is given a reduced pH by a first catalyst and then is caused to flow over a second catalyst that changes nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, salts and other contaminants from reactive to nonreactive form. The first catalyst may be palladium and the second catalyst an alloy containing copper, tin, nickel and zinc. The first catalyst prevents precipitants from coating the second catalyst and also increases the supply of oxygen in the water. Preferably, a third catalyst, also palladium, is included downstream of the second catalyst. The first and third catalysts include longitudinal vanes having louvers to present a large surface area and create turbulence. The second catalyst is a tubular assembly with ribs and grooves also to create turbulence and removal of the stagnant boundary layer from the catalyst's surface. The catalysts are in an end-to-end abutting relationship within a housing of corrosion-resistant material.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion and the formation of hydrogen and thus improving absorption in an ammonia/water absorption refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump system by maintaining the hydroxyl ion concentration of the aqueous ammonia working fluid within a selected range under anaerobic conditions at temperatures up to 425.degree. F. This hydroxyl ion concentration is maintained by introducing to the aqueous ammonia working fluid an inhibitor in an amount effective to produce a hydroxyl ion concentration corresponding to a normality of the inhibitor relative to the water content ranging from about 0.015 N to about 0.2 N at 25.degree. C. Also, working fluids for inhibiting the corrosion of carbon steel and resulting hydrogen formation and improving absorption in an ammonia/water absorption system under anaerobic conditions at up to 425.degree. F. The working fluids may be aqueous solutions of ammonia and a strong base or aqueous solutions of ammonia, a strong base, and a specified buffer.

Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inhibiting plugging in a reactor that operates at a temperature and a pressure that are at least in the vicinity of supercritical condition for water. One or more salts are preferably added, in a controlled manner, to a stream containing a first salt, in order to allow a eutectic, molten blend with the first salt to be formed. The blend may have a melting point below the temperature of the reactor. The stream is introduced into the reactor and preferably at least a portion of the blend is in a molten state. Plugging in the reactor may thus be inhibited or prevented.

Abstract: A biodegradable corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor and dispersant is provided. The inhibitor comprises one or more polymers from a family of poly(amino acid) polymers that include hydroxamic acid-containing sidechains. Methods of reducing corrosion and scale build-up and a method of dispersing solid particulates in a solution or slurry are provided by adding a polymer of the present invention to a solution or slurry.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the control of deposition of contaminants in pumping systems. The method includes the steps of periodically stopping the pump and back feeding chlorinated water and/or surfactants and other organic or inorganic acids at a reduced flow rate through the outlet pipe of the pump and through the pump itself to control the deposition of materials by bacterial action and/or to control biofouling and/or abiotic encrustation. The apparatus includes a bypass and valving to provide a back flow of the chlorinated water and/or surfactants and other organic or inorganic acids through the pumping installation at a relatively slow flow rate and equipment for the feeding desired decontaminants into the back flow.

Abstract: Particular enzymes are precipitated from a mixture of proteins by the simultaneous addition of a soluble aluminate and acid. The pH of the mixture is at least one pH unit from the isoelectric point of the particular enzyme.

Abstract: An improved method for treating over-sprayed, solvent-based paints which comprises adding an effective amount of a chelating agent to the circulating water of a paint spray booth, thereby improving the dispersibillty of solvent-based paints, particularly in high-hardness waters.

Abstract: A water distribution system facilitates automatic corrosion control. The operator enters a set of values of parameters associated with water in the system. The system automatically and repeatedly measures the temperature and pH of the water. The system then computes a target pH for the water, according to a function which depends on the temperature and the other parameters, and on an index of corrosion. The system then varies the pH of the water, so as to minimize the deviation between the measured pH and the target pH. The system performs this process repeatedly, to maintain the desired properties of the water. In particular, the operator can easily and automatically control the water so as to make it either more corrosive or more scale-forming, in such a manner as to minimize the dissolution of lead or copper into the water while limiting the tendency of the water to form scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of agents that are useful to inhibit aldol condensation in caustic scrubbers. Preferred agents include, but are not necessarily limited to benzoic hydrazide, hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide, salts of hypochlorous acid, nitroalkanes, monoethanolamine, peroxyesters, and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device, especially for reducing or removing the effects of hard water, has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. A dielectric channel separator (preferably of plastics material, more preferably PTFE) is located in the cavity between the inlet and the outlet and extends at least part way along the cavity. The dielectric channel separator divides thecavity into a plurality of elongate channels which are mutually coextensive for at least part of their length in the direction of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet and are at least partially bounded by dielectric material. A metallic channel separator, preferably of zinc, can also be provided to provide a degree of protection against corrosion. The channel separators are preferably configured to encourage turbulence in the fluid flowing through the device.

Abstract: Water to be utilized is reacted with soda ash and lime to produce a less corrosive and foulant water. Reaction sludges are fed to a desulfurization unit, where SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x and CO.sub.2 abatement occurs; other industrial waste sludges and/or waters and/or gases can also be utilized in such connection. FIG. 1 is one of the possible process schemes of the present invention.

Abstract: A unit for removal and prevention of scale deposits in a preexisting fluid containing system and destruction of microbes. The invention utilizes a.c. and d.c. superimposed electrical fields in combination with a sonic or ultrasonic transducer for supplying electrical and mechanical energy into a colloidal or particulate-containing solution. An impure fluid stream of reduced conductivity is passed between a cylindrical insulated electrode, having a first end and a second end, which electrode is axially centered within an insulated cylindrical electrode and housing. The configuration of the electrodes form a sealed cylindrical treatment chamber, having a inlet and an outlet for a fluid stream, and provide an electric field of a.c. waveforms superimposed on d.c. waveforms, comprising a resultant ripple voltage waveform. The ripple voltage is obtained by rectifying and filtering a standard and commercially available a.c. voltage.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for the suppression of foams during the processing of streams containing waste materials. An additive is introduced into a waste stream and the waste stream is processed for a period of time at an elevated temperature and substantially atmospheric pressure. The tendency toward foam formation is suppressed by particles from the additive becoming suspended in the waste stream. The waste materials containing a substantial reduction of foam are removed from the processing system without the usual spattering and formation of sticky residue which causes fowling and frequent shutdowns of the processing system.

Abstract: A method for controlling fouling of a flashing vessel or heat-exchange surface exposed to a high-enthalpy geothermal brine tending to form silicon-containing scale. The method adds a silicon-complexing amount of fluoroborate species to the brine to form a fluid mixture that does not produce substantial amounts of the scale when the temperature of the fluid mixture is reduced. The addition does not significantly increase corrosion rates of mild steel heat-exchanger materials of construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a coagulant for water purification, in particular purification of sewage water, for pulp and paper manufacture, for dewatering organic matter, for concentrating minerals, and containing a metal salt and silicate, whereby a solid zeolite is dissolved in a solution of trivalent metal salt in a molar ratio Me.sup.3+ :Si of >2:1, preferably 2-500:1, as well as a coagulant.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing acid is produced at a geothermal energy source from hydrogen sulfide produced as part of a geothermal process and introduced into aqueous liquid brine to lower the pH of the liquid brine. The lowered pH of the brine inhibits silica, metal sulfide and/or calcite formation on the surfaces of geothermal energy processing equipment or in subterranean formations in which the brine is injected.

Abstract: Method/system of adding solid particles to inhibit or prevent plugging in a reactor at conditions such that the temperature and pressure are at least in the vicinity of supercritical conditions for water. Particles may be added in conjunction with a pH-adjusting material, thereby inhibiting plugging in the reactor caused by addition of the pH-adjusting material. Reactor pressure may be reduced by flowing the stream through a static restriction device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large number of inhibiting agents that are useful to reduce aldol condensation in monoethanolamine scrubbers. Such agents include hydrazine, hydroperoxides, hydrogen peroxide, and dialkylketone oximes. Preferred inhibiting agents are hydrazines.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for treating water in a circulating water system (12) t has a cooling water basin (14) includes a slip stream conduit (16) in flow communication with the circulating water system (12), a source (36) of acid solution in flow communication with the slip stream conduit (16), and a decarbonator (58) in flow communication with the slip stream conduit (16) and the cooling water basin (14). In use, a slip stream of circulating water is drawn from the circulating water system (12) into the slip stream conduit (16) of the apparatus (10). The slip stream pH is lowered by contact with an acid solution provided from the source (36) thereof. The slip stream is then passed through a decarbonator (58) to form a treated slip stream, and the treated slip stream is returned to the cooling water basin (14).

Abstract: There disclosed a boiler compound which comprises as the effective components thereof: (A) metabisulfurous acid or metabisulfites; (B) aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by the general formula:M.sup.1 OOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOM.sup.,wherein M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are each a hydrogen atom, a sodium atom, a potassium atom or an ammonium group and n is an integer of 1 to 10; and optionally (C) a water-soluble polymer for scale inhibitor. The boiler compound is safe for human health, has excellent stability, can be used as a liquid formulation having anticorrosion activity (activity of eliminating oxygen) or both of anticorrosion activity and antiscale activity and exhibits enhanced anticorrosion activity by increasing concentration of sulfite ion which is an oxygen scavenger.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal corrosion inhibiting composition comprising in admixture: (a) an anodic silicate salt; (b) a silicate salt stabilizer; (c) a cathodic corrosion inhibitor; and water. Preferably, the corrosion inhibiting composition also contains a polymeric scale inhibitor. The invention also relates to a process for treating an open aqueous system with the corrosion inhibiting composition.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process for denaturing and coagulating paint in an aqueous medium in which denatured and coagulated paint must remain in a dispersion in the aqueous medium. The aqueous medium contains a coagulant and the aqueous medium is maintained at an alkaline earth metal ion equivalent of less than 1.0 mmole/liter.

Abstract: Copolymers of polyaspartic acid which are suitable for the inhibition of scale deposition were obtained by reacting maleic acid, an additional polycarboxylic acid and ammonia in a stoichiometric excess, at 120.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 180.degree.-300.degree. C., to provide copolymers of polysuccinimide. In a second embodiment, a polyamine was added to the reaction mix. These intermediate polysuccinimide copolymers could then be converted to the salts of copolymers of polyaspartic acid by hydrolysis with a hydroxide.Such copolymers are useful in preventing deposition of scale from water and find applications in treating water. Other applications include scale prevention additives for detergents. In addition, such copolymers inhibit dental tartar and plaque formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of inhibiting agents that are useful to reduce aldol condensation in diethanolamine scrubbers. Suitable inhibiting agents include: hydrogen peroxide; hydroperoxides; nitroalkanes; salts of hypochlorous acid; alkyl substituted aldehyde oximes; trialkyl phosphites; isothiuronium salts; 2-mercaptoethanol (C.sub.2 H.sub.6 OS); and, benzoic hydrazide. A preferred inhibiting agent for diethanolamine scrubbers is an excess of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: In drainage systems in buildings and excavations there is waste and ground water with a high dissolved material content. These mainly inorganic substances often cause the build-up of hard deposits in the water conveying parts of the drainage systems, e.g. waste water pipes. These deposits reduce the drainage cross section of the drainage systems thus preventing the water from flowing freely and thus causing back-ups which can result in considerable damage. The current processes of removing these deposits are electro-mechanical cleaning and high-pressure rinsing or abrading with water. These processes are laborious, expensive and cause interruptions in operation. It is the aim of the invention to prevent the formation of such deposits. To this end, a conditioning agent in aqueous form is added via a metering installation at one or more points in the drainage system.

Abstract: Polymers of maleic, fumaric or malic acids or maleic, fumaric or malic acid and ammonia with amino acids are prepared by heating at 180.degree.-350.degree. C., preferably 200.degree.-300.degree. C. The polymer formed may be converted to a salt by hydrolysis with a metal hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A dispersant, such as sodium silicate, is added to the process water of the hot water extraction process which recovers bitumen from oil sands. The dispersant disperses the ultrafine (less than 300 nm) particles, to reduce the formation of flocs and sludge in the tailings pond. The volume of the pond is such that the retention time of process water is sufficiently short (less than 6 weeks when using sodium silicate) to avoid reforming flocs from the dispersed ultrafines. The ultrafines content in the process water builds up as the water is repeatedly recycled from the pond to the extraction process. The ultrafines content stabilizes at a steady state concentration as some ultrafines are continuously removed from the process water when the tailings are delivered onto the "beach" of the pond and become trapped in the sand.

Abstract: Water conditioning apparatus including a housing adapted for connection into a fluid delivery system, the housing having a fluid flow chamber with aligned entrance and exit openings, the chamber having an inner generally tubular surface with inwardly directed spirally oriented flow control ribs and a unitary member coaxially arranged therein, the member having an axial length less than the length of the inner chamber. The chamber includes at least one water return scoop in the form of an annular V-shaped groove formed within the chamber about the exit opening. The surface of the unitary member is configured with undulate fin sections, with the fin sections cooperating with the spirally oriented ribs to promote turbulence of the fluid passing therethrough. The water return scoop further assists in the process by causing about one third of all water passing through the chamber to feed back into the chamber for greater turbulence.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing polyaspartic acid by thermal condensation of L-aspartic acid in a novel catalyst which shortens the reaction time and increases the molecular weight of the polymer. The novel catalyst is a catalytically effective methylenephosphonic acid. Typical catalysts are 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid and aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid). The methylenephosphonic acid is blended with the amino acid in a molar ratio of amino acid to catalyst in the range of from about 1:1 to 40:1.

Abstract: Additives are usually diluted before they are added to a geothermal brine processing stream. It has been found that one preferred diluent is the conditioned steam condensate produced after power generation in the geothermal plants. One class of additives beneficially diluted by the conditioned steam condensate are crystal structure modifiers. When it is diluted with the steam condensate, the heat-sensitive crystal structure modifier is prevented from being degraded by the heat of the brine so that when blended with the geothermal brine the crystal structure modifier can perform its function of inhibiting the precipitation of alkaline earth salts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for purifying a low polluted water containing concurrently or selectively inadequate matters including heavy metals such as iron contents and manganese, and fine suspended matters, which comprises adding a reactant primarily containing a colloidal silica from a reactant charger to the polluted water stored in a primary tank to emulsify the inadequate matters; adding a coagulant primarily containing chitosan into the polluted water from a coagulant charger; feeding external air under high pressure by a pump into the polluted water, and separating the air from the polluted water, followed by dissolution of the air under pressure in the polluted water using a water separator; injecting the thus treated polluted water into a polluted water stored preliminarily in a secondary tank to generate very fine bubbles in polluted water stored in the secondary tank under releasing of the pressure; allowing the inadequate matters emulsified and flocculated to float up onto the water surf

Abstract: Geothermal brines are extracted from the earth, flashed and the remaining liquids are injected back into the earth. Although it would be advantageous for resource maintenance to inject the same amount of liquid as extracted, addition of liquid causes massive system upsets that prevent such addition. River or other similar surface waters can now be added to the brine stream created when extracting power from a geothermal source, after adding a crystal structure modifier to the brine stream. In operations where the brine stream is returned to the earth, the weight rate of the brine injected into the earth is brought to at least 90% what it was when extracted from the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: The Langelier index and pH of city drinking water are improved by mixing and reacting a slurry of calcium carbonate and slaked lime covered with calcium carbonate produced in a slaked lime dissolving vessel with carbonic acid-containing water in a mixing and reacting vessel to make a calcium hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution which in turn is continuously added to water in a water-receiving vessel together with the aqueous solution of slaked lime. As a result, unused undissolved matter is decreased, and the Langelier index of drinking water can be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for simulation of field fluid flow conditions under elevated temperature and pressure conditions of oil and gas production, refining, cooling towers, desalinization. The process involves evaluating inhibitor action in reduction of a specified chemical reaction under simulated field aqueous flow conditions by forming first and second aqueous flow streams having a preset concentration of anions and cations, respectively, for the specified chemical reaction with at least one of these streams having a concentration of the inhibitor to inhibit the specified chemical reaction. These streams are combined to form a single process stream where the specified chemical reaction may take place. The process is repeated with successive reductions in inhibitor until detecting the specified chemical reaction in the process stream.

Abstract: A method of and a system for monitoring circulating water systems for conditions susceptible to deposition of a variety of scaling deposits. The invention includes presenting upset conditions at a surface area in the circulating water stream, or in a sidestream in a conduit connected to the main circulating water system, and closely monitoring either heat transfer rate or heat transfer resistance at the water contact surface adjacent the area of upset. When conditions for scaling are present, the upset conditions tend to cause formation of scale deposits at the upset area before the scaling occurs in the main circulating water stream, permitting countermeasures to be taken which inhibit scaling. In the specific case of boilers, heat exchangers or cooling towers, CaCO.sub.3 scaling is monitored at an area where the upset conditions are present, the upset conditions are an increase in the heat transfer rate. The solubility of CaCO.sub.

Abstract: A method and system for removing hydrogen sulfide from a continuous aqueous phase-containing fluid without forming a sulfur sludge. Oil is either initially present in the fluid or added thereto.

Abstract: A system for regulating the addition of lime to reduce water alkalinity includes two sensors for measuring the conductivity of the water prior to and after addition of lime, a pump for adding lime to the water, and a controller for regulating the pump. The controller periodically samples the conductivities measured by both sensors and computes the ratio of the conductivities for each sample as well as the slope of the ratio between samples. The controller turns the pump off when the conductivity ratio exceeds a predetermined maximum set point and the slope is positive, and turns the pump on when the conductivity ratio falls below a predetermined minimum set point and the slope is negative.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition comprising a major portion of a middle distillate fuel oil and a minor portion, effective to clean deposits from diesel fuel injectors, of a diesel fuel detergent comprising the reaction product of:(a) a 4-alkyl-2-morpholinone represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R represents a monovalent aliphatic radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and(b) an alkylphenoxypolyoxyalkylene amine represented by the formula: ##STR2## in which R' represents a hydrocarbyl radical having from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, x has a value from 5 to 50, and R" represents a methyl radical or a mixture of hydrogen and methyl radicals.A method of cleaning diesel fuel injectors is also provided.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor treatment composition for cooling water systems is disclosed in which no chromate is used and no free orthophosphate is present comprising a combination of a localized corrosion inhibitor in the form of a salt of molybdenum, vanadium, or tungsten, a general corrosion and scale inhibitor comprising zinc or nickel, a pair of organic phosphonates, and a stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Siliceous materials produced by thermally treating Bayer process liquors are obtained in modified form when produced in the presence of ammonium, aromatic amine, and amine compounds, or compounds bearing ammonium, aromatic amine or amine moieties, such as N-propylamine, pyridine and tetramethylammonium hydroxide. These modified siliceous materials possess morphologies which confer upon them a reduced tendency to deposit on surfaces throughout the process.

Abstract: A method for improving the dispersibility of over-sprayed, solvent-based paints in aqueous systems which comprises adding an effective amount of a chelating agent to an aqueous system containing solvent-based paints, particularly in high-hardness waters.