Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.

Abstract: The invention concerns an online method and system for monitoring properties of an aqueous stream of an industrial process. The method comprises providing an initial aqueous stream originating from said process, the aqueous stream containing solid matter exhibiting a first settling behavior; adding modifying agent to the initial aqueous stream at an addition rate sufficient to provide a modified aqueous stream containing solid matter exhibiting a second settling behavior different from the first settling behavior; conducting a sample of the initial aqueous stream or modified aqueous stream, any combination stream comprising the modified aqueous stream or any substream of the modified aqueous stream batchwise from a sampling point to a settling vessel having a volume; and measuring the settling behavior of the solid matter in the sample locally in the settling vessel as a function of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: A process of concentrating an aqueous suspension of solid particles comprising the steps of adding at least one organic polymeric flocculant to the suspension thereby forming flocculated solids in which the flocculated solids are allowed form a layer of solids and thereby forming a more concentrated suspension in which the process comprises the addition of an effective amount of an agent that is selected from the group consisting of free radical agents, oxidizing agents, enzymes and radiation, in which the agent is applied to the suspension prior to or substantially simultaneously with adding the organic polymeric flocculant and/or the organic polymeric flocculant is added to the suspension in a vessel and the agent is applied to the suspension in the same vessel. The process is particularly suitable for solids liquid separation in which the flocculated solids are allowed to settle by sedimentation in a gravity thickener.

Abstract: A zinc compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.

Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA. The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a nanoparticle filter and system effective to move a nanoparticle from a fluid to a location. In some examples, the method includes providing the fluid including the nanoparticles. In some examples, the method further includes applying a first light to the fluid to create a first plasmon. In some examples, the first plasmon is effective to aggregate the nanoparticles to generate a nanoparticle aggregation. In some examples, the method includes applying a second light to the fluid to create a second plasmon. In some examples, the second plasmon is effective to move the nanoparticle aggregation to a location.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of sludge with microwave irradiation for improving its dewatering are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes exposing the sludge to microwave irradiation at a power density of between about 3 W/ml and about 17 W/ml. Turbidity, total solids content and overall dewaterability are improved when the microwave irradiation treatment is combined with another method for dewatering sludge, such as enzyme treatment, conditioning with a flocculating agent and mechanical dewatering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous stream having a first flow rate and containing solid matter exhibiting first settling properties, the method comprising adding a modifying agent to the aqueous stream at an addition rate sufficient to change the first settling properties of the aqueous stream to obtain a modified aqueous stream having solid matter exhibiting second settling properties different from the first settling properties; taking batchwise samples of the modified aqueous stream to a settling vessel having a volume; determining a settling property of the solid matter of the samples in the settling vessel; and conducting the modified aqueous stream to a separation unit in which solid matter is separated from the modified aqueous stream. The invention provides a convenient way of monitoring and/or controlling aqueous streams conducted for example to purification processes.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst material comprising aggregates of nanoneedles of mainly R-type manganese dioxide and having a mesoporous structure. With this, water can be oxidatively decomposed under visible light at room temperature to produce oxygen gas, proton and electron. Also provided is a catalyst material comprising aggregates of nanoparticles of mainly hydrogenated manganese dioxide. With this, acetic acid or an inorganic substance can be synthesized from carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for separating solute from an aqueous solution comprising providing a first aqueous solution substantially saturated with solute, contacting the first aqueous solution with a clathrate former under conditions sufficient to form clathrates and to precipitate the solute from the first aqueous solution, separating solute from the clathrates by removing a first stream comprising clathrates and solute, and removing a second stream comprising solute, decomposing the clathrates into the clathrate former and a second aqueous solution, the second aqueous solution comprising solute in a concentration less than the concentration of solute in the first aqueous solution, and recycling the second aqueous solution by contacting said solution with a source for the solute to form a third substantially saturated aqueous solution for use as, or in combination with, the first aqueous solution, wherein the method is continuous.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing of quality of liquid by treating a source liquid to enhance the concentration of low zeta potential crystals and produce a treated liquid having a higher concentration of low zeta potential crystals than that of the source liquid. The inventive system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals and a low zeta potential crystal generator for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential crystals.

Abstract: There is described an installation (01; 02) for recycling wiping solution of one or more intaglio printing presses (10) comprising a flocculation tank (12) for inducing flocculation of ink constituents contained in waste solution coming from the one or more intaglio printing presses (10), a processing tank (14) for pre-treating the waste solution for subsequent filtering, and a filtering unit (15), preferably a filter press unit, for filtering the waste solution coming from the processing tank (14) and producing recycled solution at an output of the filtering unit (15), which recycled solution is recycled to produce fresh wiping solution for use by the one or more intaglio printing presses (10). According to one embodiment, the installation (01) further comprises a centrifugation unit (13) for separating the waste solution coming from the flocculation tank (12) by centrifugation into precipitate and centrifuged supernatant, which centrifuged supernatant is fed to the processing tank (14).

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and processes for removing asphaltenes and/or metals from crude oil to increase refinery processing of heavy materials. The desalters of this invention reduce and/or remove at least a portion of asphaltenes and/or metals form the crude oil. The separation occurs by mixing water with the crude oil to result in an aqueous phase having water and water soluble salts, an interface phase having asphaltenes and/or metals along with water, and a hydrocarbon phase haying desalted, deasphalted and/or reduced metal crude oil.

Abstract: A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalised dialysate flowing in the second flow path.

Abstract: A method of separating a target biological species from a fluid is disclosed comprising contacting the fluid with a ligand-functionalized polymer comprising: a water soluble or water dispersible aminopolymer functionalized with guanidinyl groups; whereby a complex comprising the functionalized substrate and the target biological species is formed.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a wine sediment. The method steps include providing a solid-wall worm centrifuge, clarifying the wine sediment in the centrifuge by forming a solid phase and a liquid phase, and fining the sediment by adding a fining agent at one or both of before and during the centrifugal clarification.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for evaluating a performance of lime softening clarifiers. The method is based on electrical conductivity (EC) measurement of the treated water samples after addition of carbon dioxide. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is lower than EC of the treated water, this shows an abnormal function of softening process and the lime dosage must be decreased. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is higher than EC of the treated water, then the lime dosage is not enough and lime dosage must be increased. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is roughly equal to EC of the said treated water, then the lime dosage is optimum and clarifier works in optimum condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature may be combined with a process of ceramic ultra-filtration (UF filtration) employed to treat water, and optionally followed by any of membrane distillation or forward osmosis (FO). Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided with a hydrophilic liquid or solution for clarifying drilling mud to separate diesel oil or other oil lubricants out from the drilling mud such that the diesel oil or other oil lubricants may be recycled to a well for reuse as a lubricant for drilling components, such as a drilling bit. The hydrophilic liquid or solution may be recovered and reused/recycled in the processes and/or systems as well.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic filter includes a first portion, and a second portion which is spaced apart from and faces the first portion. The first portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a first direction, and the second portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filtering apparatus including a body which includes a plurality of the hydrodynamic filters and filters a fluid including target molecules, an inlet portion in connection with the body, and an outlet portion in connection with the body.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dewatering a slurry from the leaching of a valuable ore with an aqueous solution of an effective leaching agent via a solids/liquid decantation system, providing an overflow depleted from solids and an underflow rich in solids that is washed counter-current through a number of solids/liquid decantation stages, the improvement implementing into the process line (a) a first Controller (Cl) for monitoring and steering the leach product thickener; and (b) a second Controller (C2) for monitoring and steering the counter-current decanter.

Abstract: A process for the primary clarification of feeds, including chemically treated flocculated feeds, containing the target biomolecules of interest such as mAbs, mammalian cell cultures, or bacterial cell cultures, using a primary clarification depth filtration device without the use of a primary clarification centrifugation step or a primary clarification tangential flow microfiltration step. The primary clarification depth filtration device contains a porous depth filter having graded porous layers of varying pore ratings. The primary clarification depth filtration device filters fluid feeds, including chemically treated flocculated feeds containing flocculated cellular debris and colloidal particulates having a particle size distribution of approximately about 0.5 ?m to 200 ?m, at a flow rate of about 10 litres/m2/hr to about 100 litres/m2/hr. Kits and methods of using and making the same are also provided.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for a nickel oxide ore comprising obtaining an aqueous solution of crude nickel sulfate by high pressure acid leaching of a nickel oxide ore; obtaining a zinc free final solution by sulfurization of the solution; obtaining a waste solution; and scrubbing hydrogen sulfide gas from an exhaust gas. The process is characterized by at least one of the following operations: Adjusting the total volume (m3) of a sulfurization reactor to a ratio of 0.2-0.9 (m3/kg/h) relative to the input mass (kg/h) of the nickel to be introduced to the reactor; and/or subjecting the waste solution and the exhaust gas to countercurrent contact, then introducing the exhaust gas back to the scrubber and charging the waste solution from the scrubber into the sulfurization reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.

Abstract: A process for treating a tailings stream comprises (a) contacting (1) a gelling agent and (2) an activator with said tailings stream to produce a gel; (b) entrapping solids including sand and clay, and other solid particles with the gel; and (c) allowing the gel to strengthen and solidify to produce a trafficable deposit; wherein the tailings stream comprises water and solids, which solids comprise sand, clay and other solids particles, and wherein 5% by volume to 100% by volume of the solids have a particle size less than 0.05 mm, based on the total volume of the solids. The process may further comprises spreading the gel produced in step (a) or the trafficable deposit produced in step (c) over a surface. The present invention is particularly useful to treat tailings streams produced in processes to extract bitumen from oil sands ores.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of a treatment system that circum-neutralizes the pH of an aqueous stream, removes one or more heavy metals from the aqueous stream, circum-neutralizes the pH of a CCR supply, and/or removes one or more heavy metals from the CCR supply.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel systems and methods for removing gel from flowback water. The methods and systems include treating acidified flowback water with aluminum chlorohydrate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to the separation of carbon nanotubes by reversible gelation.

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: A method of treating selenium contaminated water to reduce the concentration of selenium in the water to levels below 5 ?g/L uses a first stage treatment by an iron co-precipitation process to remove a bulk concentration of selenium from the water, followed by a second stage treatment wherein the water from the first stage is treated by either a hydride generation process or an ion-exchange media, or a combination thereof, to achieve a selenium concentration level below 5 ?g/L.

Abstract: The present technology relates to compositions comprising a copolymer comprising a poly(C2-4 alkylene oxide) and a cationic polyacrylamide, and a plurality of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or a mixture thereof. The compositions may serve as flocculating agents to remove neutral and negatively charged nanoparticle pollutants from gasses, including air, and liquids such as water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes, methods, apparatuses, and systems for multi-function water treatment to condition feed water from various sources. The multi-function treatment includes seven stages, where the chemical content of the entered feed water is conditioned, then broken, then oxidized, then de-foamed, then clarified, then de-scaled, and then filtered via each stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.

Abstract: Bioactive compounds extracted from a fermentation broth created by a unique microbial community during a fermentation process and fractionated into several fractions based on size. Four of the resulting fractions stimulate growth of plants that are planted in soil to which the fractions have been applied. The fractions can be applied to the soil individually or combined together prior to application. In another embodiment, the unique fractions can be freeze dried or spray dried.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for treating a wastewater stream to produce an effluent having an acceptable level of turbidity. The invention comprises a controller operatively coupled to at least one turbidity meter for monitoring turbidity of the effluent stream. A plurality of chemical treatment additive pumps are provided for providing a plurality of additives to the wastewater stream. Furthermore, a method of sequentially testing the amount of each additive required to produce an effluent stream having an acceptable turbidity is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of rare earth-containing additives, particularly rare earth-containing additives comprising rare earths of plural oxidation states, to remove, particularly from recreational waters, various target materials, such as disinfectant by-products and precursors thereof, phosphates, and organophosphates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed. Various transport systems are disclosed, including devices and methods for utilizing preexisting vessels to carry different liquid cargoes which should not contact one another.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the production of alumina. The invention involves adding a product containing one or more polysaccharides to liquor within the fluid circuit of the production process, where one of the polysaccharides is scieroglucan. The use of scleroglucan can impart a number of advantages including at least some of: greater flocculation effectiveness, increasing the maximum effective dosage, faster settling rate. The production process can be a Bayer process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous media-mediated high speed filtration device for easy backwash, wherein the inflow water to be filtered is guided to an upper portion of the high speed filtration device and is filtered by downflow and porous media are backwashed for maintaining optimum filter efficiency by blocking the flow of inflow water and water to be treated after sensing the level of the inflow water or the change in the flux of the water to be treated, supplying backwash water and/or air by upflow through a backwash equipment to separate pollutants in the porous media by the collision and friction between the porous media by flowing of the porous media through the stream of the backwash water, placing the porous media in a stationary location, and discharging the pollutants through a discharge pipe of the high speed filtration device before the pollutants settle. In addition, the present invention comprises a backwash method of the high speed filtration device using porous media.

Abstract: A method for removal of ammonia from a polluted medium avoids the disadvantages related to the chemical-physical properties of an ammonium-containing salt (MAP). The method has improved technical and economical operational parameters and produces a reusable and environmentally friendly nitrogen fertilizer. All chemical processes and mechanical steps of the method are carried out in one single container, with the different steps divided into time phases. The chemical products are prevented from transportation between compartments and contact with pumps and pipes. Only liquids without precipitates are in contact with these elements. The method is applicable to ammonia-containing water from leachate, wastewater, the food industry, and agriculture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: A process for dewatering oil sand fine tailings is provided and comprises a dispersion and floc build-up stage comprising in-line addition of a flocculent solution comprising an effective amount of flocculation reagent into a flow of the oil sand fine tailings; a gel stage wherein flocculated oil sand fine tailings is transported in-line and subjected to shear conditioning; a floc breakdown and water release stage wherein the flocculated oil sand fine tailings releases water and decreases in yield shear stress, while avoiding an oversheared zone; depositing the flocculated oil sand fine tailings onto a deposition area to form a deposit and to enable the release water to flow away from the deposit, preferably done in a pipeline reactor and managing shear according to yield stress and CST information and achieves enhanced dewatering.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the removal of iron from aqueous solutions. The methods involve facilitating formation of an iron salt precipitate by introducing a source of anions to the solution and adjusting the pH of the solution through the addition of one or more acids, separating the iron salt precipitate from the aqueous solution, and removing residual anions in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in a standalone basis or in conjunction with the precipitation of calcium in different forms from saline streams. Methods are also disclosed for flue gas scrubbing in conjunction with the precipitation methods or in a standalone basis. Among the benefits of the disclosed methods is that their resulted spent saline stream and/or gas can be used, for instance, to feed seawater desalination plants and/or to enhance hydrocarbons recovery.

Abstract: The extraction of hydrocarbons or other contaminates from a body of water or fluids is accomplished by distributing recovery particles with an affinity for hydrocarbons (or an affinity specifically designed for the contaminate of concern) into the contaminated body of fluids, allowing for adherence between the particle and the contaminate, and subsequent removal of the contaminate/recovery particle matrix by use of a magnet or other mechanical or electromechanical or electrochemical means to subsequently attract the contaminate/recovery particle matrix to a fixed point, removing them from the body of fluids (obtaining high volumetric removal efficiency) and providing equipment to separate the contaminate/recovery particle matrix from the equipment preparing the equipment for reuse and subsequently separating the contaminate from the recovery particle for reuse of the particle if desired and eventual disposition of the contaminate.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic filter includes a first portion, and a second portion which is spaced apart from and faces the first portion. The first portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a first direction, and the second portion includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filtering apparatus including a body which includes a plurality of the hydrodynamic filters and filters a fluid including target molecules, an inlet portion in connection with the body, and an outlet portion in connection with the body.