Abstract: A process of producing fermentation product comprising the steps of, (i) forming an acidified suspension of particulate plant derived material comprising a first polysaccharide which is more readily hydrolysable and a second polysaccharide which is more difficult to hydrolysable, (ii) allowing the first polysaccharide to undergo hydrolysis by action of the acid at a temperature of at least 50° C.

Abstract: Wastewater steams may include one or more metal contaminants. In various embodiments, a wastewater stream may be sent to a fluid treatment system to reduce the amount of metal contaminants in the wastewater stream. In some embodiments, a fluid treatment system may include a first vortex nozzle unit positioned in an opposed relation to a second vortex nozzle unit. Contacting the wastewater stream exiting the first vortex nozzle unit with the wastewater stream exiting the second vortex nozzle unit may precipitation of one or more metal contaminants in the wastewater steam.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid phase distribution adjuster (10) comprises two or more tubes (14) arranged to provide a plurality of separate flow paths for fluid. Means are provided for generating a radial acceleration of fluid flowing through each tube so as to promote movement of at least one fluid phase towards or away from a wall of the tube. The adjuster can be used as a coalescer for increasing the size of droplets in a distributed fluid phase carried by a continuous fluid phase, or as a mixer for mixing fluid phases.

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 the contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than in 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 effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a fluid containing the unwanted material comprising the steps of introducing an immiscible extraction fluid into the fluid having an unwanted material therein to form a plurality of extraction fluid droplets in the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction fluid droplets to hydrophilicly interact with the unwanted material in the fluid to cause the extraction fluid droplets to form into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted material, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted material from the fluid.

Abstract: There is a method of capturing, removing or collecting the particulate matter from a fluid containing a toxic liquid reaction and particulate matter produced from the reaction. The method includes partly or completely disposing a screen into the toxic fluid. Mixing the toxic fluid allowing the particulate matter to contact the screen. Moving the screen to capture the particulate matter on the screen. Removing the particulate matter from the screen by washing or scraping. There is also a cleaning apparatus to capture, remove or collect particulate matter from a toxic fluid. A cleaning apparatus contains at least a screen and a structure securing the screen. The cleaning apparatus can optionally include a scraping or washing means, a drive means, a flow inducer and a housing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-independent surface-modifying multifunctional biocoating and methods of application thereof. The method comprises contacting at least a portion of a substrate with an alkaline solution comprising a surface-modifying agent (SMA) such as dopamine so as to modify the substrate surface to include at least one reactive moiety. In another version of the invention, a secondary reactive moiety is applied to the SMA-treated substrate to yield a surface-modified substrate having a specific functionality.

Abstract: Exposing sludge to underwater, high-intensity sparks, to increase cake solids, provide faster settling, and increase the rate of dewatering.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for conversion of kitchen waste grease to a landfill-acceptable solid includes a grease collection cartridge. A mixing baffle within the cartridge has a package with a reactant to convert grease and oil, and water into soap. The apparatus has means for delivering water, grease and oil to the cartridge for conversion to soap.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for cost-effective and efficient nutrient recovery from a waste stream. The nutrients recovered may include ammonia, phosphorous, and/or potassium. The ammonia and phosphorous recovery may be simultaneously accomplished. In some embodiments, ammonia is recovered along with other nutrients using lime or lime-based products.

Abstract: A process for removing solids from a water-based flush solution, The process includes: providing dirty flush solution; directing the dirty flush solution to a treatment vessel; adding one or more chemicals to the treatment vessel to form a treated flush solution; separating aggregated paint compounds from the treated flush solution to form a filtered flush solution; and directing the filtered flush solution to spray application equipment. The flush system of the invention includes a treatment vessel, wherein the dirty flush solution is mixed with one or more chemicals to form a treated flush solution; a primary separation unit to remove particles including aggregated paint compounds from the treated flush solution to form a filtered flush solution; and transfer lines to direct the filtered flush solution to spray application equipment. The filtered flush solution contains: 1% to 5% by weight of a water soluble organic solvent; 0.

Abstract: A method is described for clarifying man-made static water bodies in which polyaluminum silicate sulfate is added to the water of the water body. Superior flocculation is achieved through the use of polyaluminum silicate sulfate which results in cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing water at a lower cost and with less waste material. Polyaluminum silicate sulfate is also available in a dry form which makes transport and storage easier and less costly. The effect of adding polyaluminum silicate sulfate is a cleaner, clearer, sparkling water body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculent solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculent solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.

Abstract: A method of purifying water or wastewater that comprises the steps of adding a treatment agent to the water, passing the water through a mixing zone, and passing the water through a foam fractionation zone to provide purified water. The water or wastewater can be any type of water found in sewage pipes or any water discharged from domestic, commercial, industrial, agriculture or aquaculture (fresh or marine) processes, or groundwater, bore water and reservoir water. A system for purifying water, the system including a mixing zone comprising one or more mixing columns for mixing the water with a treatment agent and a foam fractionation zone for purifying the water, the foam fractionation zone in liquid communication with the mixing zone.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight fraction of the oil that is most strongly adsorbed on a silica gel column successively eluted with n-hexane, toluene and methylene chloride-methanol mixture solvents and determining whether said weight fraction is greater than about 0.05; with a value above 0.05 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 0.05.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon stimulation fluids are often used to increase the permeability and productivity of oil and gas reservoirs. The fluid itself is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons and various chemicals designed to induce gel formation and gel breaking. The successful removal of these chemicals from the fluid has been achieved, through a process of acid-washing and filtration. This will allow the fluid to be re-used many times for further fracturing processes.

Abstract: A molecular arrangement magnetic treatment apparatus and method includes a material container with an inlet and an outlet where the material to be treated is introduced at the inlet and is released at the outlet and where the material container is sized so as to provide an enclosed space into which the material expands and loses velocity. A material passageway is connected at one end to the inlet and at another end to the outlet such that the material must pass through the material passageway. And at least one pair of magnets is provided that are oriented such that material in the passageway must pass between a north pole and a south pole of the pair of magnets.

Abstract: A method for removal of dissolved materials and/or particles from a liquid stream comprising flocculation by vigorously mixing polysaccharides or hydrocolloids into the liquid stream and subsequent gelation of the polysaccharides or hydrocolloids with cations capable of gelling same. Large, strong gelled agglomerates of pollutant and polysaccharide or hydrocolloid are formed with the help of suitable cations. The gelled agglomerates are well suited to separation from a liquid stream by flotation, in a sieve, in a centrifuge, in a cyclone or via other conventional separation processes. Also described is a method for mixing of un-dissolved polysaccharide or hydrocolloid with a polluted aqueous stream by shearing the polysaccharide or hydrocolloid into the aqueous stream to improve logistics and provide economic savings in treatment of large volumes of water. Also described is the use of dilute solutions of polysaccharides for treatment of a variety of effluent streams.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the transport of contaminants in groundwater and methods for reducing the contamination of groundwater are disclosed. The methods may include adding a reagent to groundwater and contacting a contaminant with the reagent to form a precipitate and compiling the precipitate to form a barrier to groundwater flow. Systems for reducing the transport of contaminants in groundwater including an arrangement for adding a reagent to a groundwater flow path and a formed barrier comprising contaminant precipitate in the groundwater flow path are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: removing a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream; converting the ammonium in the stream to ammonia by increasing the pH of the stream; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia. In another embodiment, an ammonium removal method can comprise: a multivalent cation from a stream comprising ammonium to form a treated stream comprising a total of less than or equal to about 50 ppm by weight of multivalent cations; increasing the pH of the stream to a conversion pH; converting the ammonium to ammonia; and separating the ammonia from the treated stream to form a separated stream and gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer capable of forming a uniform film, a solution of the copolymer and a thin film comprising the polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer. The polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer of the present invention is characterized in that the ratio of the scattered-light intensity (I) for a 15% solution of the polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer in dimethylformamide solvent to the scattered-light intensity (I0) for dimethylformamide, (I/I0), is 10 or lower. The polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer solution comprises the polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer and an organic solvent capable of dissolving the copolymer.

Abstract: A method for remediating a body of water includes sequestering a sector of water within the body of water. A communications channel is established between the water sector and a supply site. The water sector is at least partially remediated using the channel to alter a composition and/or a state of the water in the water sector. The channel may be used to add a chemical or nutrient; to provide air or water for mixing the column contents; to convey an electrical signal to an element such as a valve, sensor, or pump in the water sector; to withdraw samples and/or components from the water sector; or to obtain information therefrom via electrical signals. Following the remediation, the remediated water is exchanged with water to be treated from the body of water. In this way, the body of water is remediated over time.

Abstract: A polymeric flocculant infused silt fence assembly comprising two opposing and attached geo-textile sheets, each adapted to filter entrained non-colloidal particles and together encasing a layer of polymeric flocculant material. In a preferred embodiment the polymeric flocculant material comprises anionic polyarylmide. A turbid water flow having a suspension of colloidal particles is flowed through the first geo-fabric sheet, which filters any entrained non-colloidal particles. The polymeric flocculant material coagulates a portion of the colloidal particles and forms flocs. The second geo-fabric sheet filters remaining entrained non-colloidal particles, including the coagulated flocs.

Abstract: Polymers derived from various monomers are purified by fractionalization of the crude polymers in a solvent/non solvent system via reverse precipitation.

Abstract: A method for reducing the total concentration of barium in a source of ground water, such that the water can safely be returned to the watershed or used for drinking water, is described. The present method includes extracting the water from a source thereof, and contacting the water with an effective amount of sulfuric acid. The method has the additional benefits that it simultaneously reduces the pH of the water as well as reducing the concentration of bicarbonate ions. An example of water often having total barium concentrations too high for release into the watershed, includes water extracted during coal-bed methane production.

Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.

Abstract: A method for membrane filtration of effluent water containing suspended matter reduces membrane clogging and improves filtration capacity of the membrane. The method includes adding a dose of a preselected coagulation reactant to the effluent before the effluent passes over the membrane. The added dose is a fraction of the coagulating reactant dose (X) that would render the zeta potential of the effluent equal to zero. The range of the added dose is X/30-X/80. The suspended matter in the effluent is subjected to the added dose of coagulation reactant for destabilizing the suspended matter.

Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.

Abstract: A method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane biological reactor comprising adding to the mixed liquor an effective coagulating and flocculating amount of one or more water soluble cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or combination thereof and methods of reducing membrane fouling, enhancing membrane flux and reducing sludge production.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a method for removing bio-available phosphorus from animal waste and soil using an industrial byproduct from a metal manufacturing process. The byproduct is used to treat organic waste, such as animal waste and poultry litter, and immobilize bio-available phosphorus present in them. The byproduct is also used to treat organic waste to produce fertilizers, which are used to amend the soil and control the level of phosphorous present in the soil. The disclosed method strikes a balance between providing enough nutrients to the soil to grow crops, while preventing loss of phosphorous to surface water.

Abstract: One method for purifying a chitosan starting material includes contacting it with at least one treatment agent selected from a protein-complexing agent, a metal-chelating agent, and a metal-complexing agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material selected from a water soluble protein complex, a water soluble metal chelate, and a water soluble metal complex. Another variant involves solubilizing the chitosan starting material in an aqueous solution to produce an intermediate chitosan material. The intermediate chitosan material is contacted with a deproteinization agent and/or a demetallization agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material that includes the pre-existing impurity. In both methods, the water insoluble chitosan precipitate and the water soluble material are separated resulting in a purified chitosan material.

Abstract: A spin filter apparatus for cleaning an influent stream is provided and includes a housing having at least one inlet port for receiving the influent stream, at least one waste port for discharging waste and at least one output port for discharging a processed clean effluent stream. The apparatus also includes a discharge conduit coupled to the at least one outlet port for discharging the processed clean effluent stream; and a spin filter assembly disposed within the housing and including a filter screen set formed of at least two screen filters that are rotatable about the discharge conduit and freely movable in a vertical direction along the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A composition for reducing deposition of a mineral salt from an aqueous supersaturated solution onto a solid surface in contact with the aqueous supersaturated solution which composition comprises a dispersion of either (i) seed crystals of the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the mineral salt or (ii) seed crystals of a salt isomorphous with the mineral salt in an aqueous solution of the isomorphous salt wherein the dispersed seed crystals are of Mean particle size of less than 2.5 microns.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating oversprayed paints in paint spray booths is provided. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a compound such as chitosan, and a complex metal salt, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, capable of flocculating the oversprayed paint, and optionally, bentonite clay. The composition is useful for detackifying and flocculating oversprayed paint, and is particularly useful as a liquid concentrate for the addition to wash systems in paint spray booths for water-based and solvent-based paints. The composition is also useful in decreasing the time for phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in solvent-based removal processes.

Abstract: In addition to health implications, trihalomethanes (THMs) poses a challenge to the electronic industry where such impurities cannot be tolerated. A process is provided for removing THMs from high-purity water used in the electronic industry. The method of the invention comprises contacting the high-purity water with a membrane degassifier, preferably operating at a temperature exceeding 45° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid biological and chemical method for decontaminating sludge containing heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms, consisting of the following steps: the sludge is mixed with an acidic leaching solution in order to acidify the sludge with a pH which is low enough to solubilize the majority of the heavy metals and to destroy most of the pathogenic microorganisms but which is also high enough to minimize the solubilization of fertilizing elements; oxidation-reduction of more than +400 mv is maintained, liquid-solid separation occurs in order to obtain a solid fraction comprising decontaminated acidic sludge and a liquid fraction comprising heavy metals which are dissolved in a leaching solution; the sludge is neutralized: and neturalized decontaminated sludge is recovered, whereby the fertilizing elements contained therein, i.e. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, remain substantially unchanged in relation to the initially contaminated sludge.

Abstract: A flocculation apparatus and method for treating colloidal suspensions. The apparatus includes a suspension inlet, a suspension outlet and an inner cone mounted centrally in a conical outer housing. The inner cone and/or the outer housing is rotatable relative to one another and a gap for through-flow of suspensions is present between the inner cone and the outer housing. In the method, continuously measuring a flock size distribution of a suspension stream passed into the flocculation apparatus is provided. Additionally provided is axially displacing the inner cone and/or outer housing as a function of the flock size distribution and the suspension volume flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).

Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.

Abstract: A method is described to bulk separate single wall nanotubes (SWNTs) by type (metallic (met-) from semiconducting (sem-)) and diameter. The separation is based on selective precipitation of either sem-SWNTs or met-SWNTs from a population of functionalized SWNTs surfactant N-alkyl-amines, for example, preferentially solubilize sem-SWNTs and precipitate met-SWNTs, while non-surfactant amines to selectively precipitate sem-SWNTs, leaving the met-SWNT fraction in suspension. In addition, the selective precipitation method can be used to separate enriched populations of sem-SWNTs or met-SWNTs by diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for handling and/or disposing catalyst fines produced in an oxygenate-to-olefins reactor. The process enhances the way catalyst fines are separated from the liquid fraction by use of a flocculent.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the invention has a centrifugal rotor (10-1), with symmetric rotation axes, having single sample separation chamber in it for centrifuging samples contained in sample solutions, an upper opening passing through to said sample separation chamber in the upper part, members of frameworks capable of being coupled to said upper opening, a rotation driving means, assuming that the direction of said symmetric rotation axis is the first direction, for driving said centrifugal rotor around said rotation axis in the first direction, wherein assuming that two directions intersecting with said first direction are the second and third directions, the length of said sample preparation chamber in said third direction is longer than the length of said sample preparation chamber in said second direction.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight fraction of the oil that is most strongly adsorbed on a silica gel column successively eluted with n-hexane, toluene and methylene chloride-methanol mixture solvents and determining whether said weight fraction is greater than about 0.05; with a value above 0.05 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 0.05.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of large particle precipitates to facilitate the filtering of particles from a flow of water or other liquid that makes use of a venturi device for mixing, compressing and diffusing chemicals with the flow for treatment. This invention provides a quick, efficient and economical method of removing suspended or dissolved particles from a liquid media and does so without requiring complex expensive controls and equipment.

Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for removing a contaminant from dental effluents and includes transporting a three-phase effluent through a suction line into a particle collection vessel, introducing a suction line cleaning solution which includes a reagent into the suction line, and introducing the three phase effluent and the line cleaning solution into the collection vessel, wherein the effluent separates into solid, liquid, and gas phases in the collection vessel and the reagent includes a flocculant and/or a precipitant, and removing the gaseous and liquid phases from the collection vessel. The contaminant includes mercury, lead, and arsenic.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of obtaining BHET of high purity efficiently from an EG (ethylene glycol) solution containing crude BHET (bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate), especially a decomposition product solution obtained by decomposing a polyester containing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a main component, by use of EG, while minimizing by-production of impurity components such as DEG (diethylene glycol), DEG ester and oligomers.