Abstract: Thiacrown polymers immobilized to a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix react with Hg2+ under a variety of conditions to efficiently and selectively remove Hg2+ ions from acidic aqueous solutions, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. The mercury can be recovered and the polymer regenerated. This mercury removal method has utility in the treatment of industrial wastewater, where a selective and cost-effective removal process is required.

Abstract: A fractionation apparatus comprises two channels coupled through a semipermeable membrane. A time and position dependent concentration of precipitation reagent is produced in one of the channels. Sample entities such as macromolecules or cells introduced into this channel are eluted therefrom at different times depending on their solubility or mobility in the presence of the precipitation reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides finely divided, substantially crystalline particles of budesonide characterized in that they are substantially smooth and having a BET value from 1 to 4.5 m2/g, process for their preparation, a pharmaceutical composition comprising said particles, the use of said particles in the treatment of and in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of a respiratory disorder, and a method of treatment of respiratory disorders by administration of said particles to a host in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide 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. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. 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 microfluidic device and method for improved diffusion between at least two parallel-flowing fluids. A structure for a microfluidic device includes a first inlet channel, a second inlet channel, and at least one outlet channel connected to the first and second inlet channels. A measure of the first inlet channel is smaller than a measure of the second inlet channel, directing a particular cross-sectional flow in the outlet channel that avoids a “butterfly effect” of adverse diffusion. In an outlet channel having at least two fluidic inlets, the chemical or physical properties of parallel-flowing fluids are controlled for diffusion, concentration, extraction or detection of a substance among the fluids.

Abstract: A method for removing a solute from a fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation includes magnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation; adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or after application of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate the increased available solute particles to form colloids; and collecting the colloids for removal from the fluid.

Abstract: Coagulated particles having a low water content are separated and recovered from an emulsified dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer particles. A solid-liquid separation method comprising: a step for adding a coagulant in an emulsified dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer particles to coagulate the fluorine-containing polymer particles with stirring and obtain a slurry of coagulated particles, a step for filtrating the slurry, and a step for pressing the obtained cake. It is preferable to continuously carry out the filtration step and pressing step with a filter press or a belt press. Also a washing step may be provided after the filtration step.

Abstract: A method for separating benzene from a hydrocarbon mixture containing benzene and at least one other organic material is carried out by treating the hydrocarbon mixture with at least one cyclodextrin to form complexes of the cyclodextrin with at least a portion of the benzene present in the hydrocarbon mixture. The cyclodextrin-benzene complexes then are separated from the hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: Process and apparatus to strip volatile contaminants from a liquid supply stream in which the contaminants are dissolved. A gas inducing mixer-injector injects a stripping gas into the stream to form a mixed stream of liquid with its contaminants and bubbles of the stripping gas. The mixed stream is passed through a tangential degasser separator, withdrawing separated gas and water, while maintaining the flow part from the injector to the outlets of the separator at sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for purifying a sulfuric acid solution such as by cooling a sulfuric acid solution to at or near its freezing point to form a slurry of a solid phase and a liquid phase. The slurry has an acid-rich region and an acid-poor region. The acid-rich region is separated from the acid-poor region on the basis of density.

Abstract: An improved process for clarifying sugar syrup in the flotation system of a sugar making operation. Neutral phosphate-based compounds are added to the flotation system to aid in clarifying the sugar syrup. The use of the neutral phosphate-based compounds will eliminate the use of phosphoric acid and the commensurate need for neutralizing chemical as well as elimination of the tanks for phosphoric acid and neutralizing chemical mixing at field installations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-stage high pressure high recovery process utilizing two reverse osmosis membrane systems intended to provide very high overall water recoveries from contaminated inorganic scale-containing water in an economical manner while preventing scale formation on the membrane and prolonging the useful life of the membrane. The first stage of the process involves using a low pressure membrane system to preconcentrate scale compounds while purifying the bulk volume of the scale-containing water (using antiscalants with pH control) and combining the influent water with a recycle stream of concentrate from the second stage membrane process in order to prevent scale formation. This first stage membrane system is followed by a second stage membrane system wherein the concentrate from the first stage membrane system is treated further at higher pressure in order to provide purification of the remaining preconcentrated stream and achieve very high overall water recoveries.

Abstract: A treatment process is disclosed for reducing the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in a volume of wastewater that contains a substantial concentration of pathogenic microorganisms less than about 10 microns in size, less than about 5 microns in size, and less than about 0.1 microns in size. The process includes adding an agglomerate-promoting agent, such as a coagulant chemical, to the volume of wastewater such that the solids aggregates form in the volume of wastewater and include the pathogenic microorganisms. The volume of wastewater is then passed through a filter cloth membrane to separate greater than about 50.0% of the pathogenic microorganisms less than 10 microns in size from the volume of wastewater, to separate up to about 99.9% of the pathogenic microorganisms less than about 5 microns in size, and to separate up to about 99% of the pathogenic microorganisms less than about 0.1 microns in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for crystallization of a protein obtained from a protein-containing solution which involves (a) treating the protein-containing solution with a salt containing a sulphur atom having an oxidation state less than 6, and (b) recovering the protein in crystalline form.

Abstract: A bilge water filtration system for removing petroleum-based liquid contaminants from the bilge water as it is being pumped from the bilge to a bilge water discharge outlet in the hull of a marine vessel, such as a boat or yacht. The filtration system employs filtration media enclosed in a modular unit equipped with a fill tube, such that media can be readily installed in the system, and then later removed to allow for subsequent destruction or recycling of the contaminants trapped by the media. The filtration system of this invention is adapted to be installed in-line with an existing bilge pumping system on boats and yachts of practically any size, and without requiring special modifications to the pumping system. In addition, the filtration system does not impede the operation of the bilge pumping system, but allows the flow bilge water to flow from the boat's bilge at conventional flow rates and with a minimal pressure drop caused by the filtration system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dry cleaning system and method, in which dry cleaning machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). In this class of organo silicones is a group known as cyclic siloxanes. The cyclic siloxanes present the basis for material composition of the solvent chemistry which allows this dry cleaning system to be highly effective. The cyclic-siloxane-based solvent allows the system to result in an environmentally friendly process which is, also, more effective in cleaning fabrics and the like than any known prior system. The siloxane composition is employed in a dry cleaning machine to carry out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method and treatment composition for neutralizing formaldehdye. The treatment composition contains polyethylenimine, urea and an acid having a pH of less than 6. Treatment of formaldehyde solutions with the treatment composition results in a suspension that it easily disposable and non-toxic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing absorption of two fluid phases with one another and for the magnetic treatment of the phases for molecular realignment for effective separation of contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyaluminum chlorides and polyaluminum chlorosulfates useful as coagulants in water treatment. In addition, the invention is directed to the products made by the disclosed processes.

Abstract: A composition comprising the product precipitated in the admixing of a soluble metal salt and one or more compounds having a component selected from silicates, phosphates and borates; and a method for controlling drainage and/or retention in the formation of a paper matrix or for treating water comprising the use of such product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyaluminum chlorides and polyaluminum chlorosulfates useful as coagulants in water treatment. In addition, the invention is directed to the products made by the disclosed processes.

Abstract: A process for the purification of solutions containing metals comprising neutralization of the solution, reduction of Fe(III) present, and elimination of ingoing dissolved zinc, whereby the ingoing solution containing metals is neutralized using magnetite and/or metallic iron, that the ingoing iron (III) is reduced to iron (II) by means of an addition of metallic iron, that ingoing heavy metals are precipitated by the addition of a precipitating amount of a sulphide, whereby the metal sulphides precipitated are recovered by means of filtration, that the solution is, optionally, subjected to an ion exchange operation to transfer ingoing zinc into non-complex bound form, whereupon zinc is recovered as zinc carbonate, that iron (II) in the remaining solution is oxidized to iron (III), whereupon the solution is used as such or is further treated for increasing the metal content for the purpose intended.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the purification of polyether polyols. This process enables the removal of residual alkaline metal catalyst from produced polyether polyol. It comprises a) adding glycerine to a polyether polyol that contains Group IA alkaline metal catalyst to form a precipitate, and b) separating the precipitate formed in a) to provide a purified polyether polyol. The present invention also relates to the purified polyether polyol produced by this process, the precipitate produced by this process, and the use of the precipitate as an alkaline metal catalyst in a process for the production of polyether polyols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for decolorization of solutions of sugars, sugar alcohols and betaine. In accordance with the process, a polyaluminium chloride is added to a solution of sugar, sugar alcohol or betaine having a dry substance content of 10 to 70% by weight and a temperature of 60 to 105.degree. C. in a suitable amount so as to obtain a mixture having a pH of 5.5 to 9.5, thereby precipitating the coloured substances, and the formed precipitate is separated from the solution. The invention also relates to the use of a polyaluminium chloride for decolorization of solutions of sugars, sugar alcohols and betaine.

Abstract: Water having alkalies selected from sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof dissolved therein is treated with a composition to reduce the concentration of the alkalies whereby the water is rendered usable according to ASTM standards to render the water usable as concrete mix water. The composition and the method of its use is disclosed herein, wherein the composition is selected from compounds in the group consisting of lithium carbonate, acid zirconium phosphate, carbon dioxide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method for nonbiologically treating an chlorinated organic compound contained in an environment polluted with the chlorinated organic compound, which comprises the step of introducing silicon into the environment to dechlorinate the chlorinated organic compound.

Abstract: Decomposition of waste and particularly organic waste matter is carried out in an electrochemical cell (11) in which the electrolyte comprises nitric acid containing silver ions as an electrochemically regenerable primary oxidizing species. A separation plant (34) for continuously or periodically withdrawing anolyte is operated to remove or reduce contamination of the anolyte with anions of or containing phosphorus, sulphur, nitrogen or halogens.

Abstract: A method for removing biguanide from aqueous sources, such as swimming pools, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of bringing at least one polymeric metaphosphate into contact with the aqueous source in a sufficient concentration to form particles containing the biguanide. The particles containing at least a portion of the biguanide can then be removed by various means, including filtration or vacuuming.

Abstract: Calcium sulphate is added to desanded tailings derived from a hot water extraction process for recovering bitumen from oil sand. Enough calcium sulphate (100 to 200 ppm) is added to remove naphthenates and sulfonates from the aqueous phase. As a result, the settling rate of the fines in the tailings is accelerated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating particulate material from a carrier fluid in which it is suspended. A first zone of a body of the carrier fluid is separated from a second clarified fluid zone thereof, and a suspension of particulate material in carrier fluid is fed into the body of fluid. Clarified fluid is withdrawn from the clarified fluid zone, and substantially all the clarified fluid which enters the clarified fluid zone is allowed to pass from the first zone to the second zone through a sub-zone in which at least some separation of particulate material from carrier fluid, against the direction of flow, takes place. The sub-zone is of smaller cross-sectional area than the body of fluid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for treating an aqueous waste material in order to reduce the volume of the material for disposal and/or landfill. In the method, an aqueous waste material containing organic compounds is contacted with calcium carbide under conditions which cause water and calcium carbide to react to produce acetylene and a residue. The acetylene is burned in the presence of the residue to further reduce the volume of material for disposal.

Abstract: Glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivatives and their alkali metal, akaline earth metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts, used as completing agents for alkaline earth metal and heavy metal ions in the production and transport of petroleum and natural gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing iron compounds and chromium compounds from an aqueous electrolytic solution. Said method is characterized by the following succession of steps:a) adding hydrogen peroxide to the solution and, if necessary, adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is .gtoreq.7;b) separating the iron hydroxide formed;c) adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is <4;d) adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is .gtoreq.7;e) separating the chromium hydroxide formed.The above-described method provides a simple manner of selectively removing chromium compounds and iron compounds from an aqueous electrolytic solution which preferably contains sodium nitrate. The necessary redox reactions take place via oxidation and reduction of C ions by means of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the analysis of mineral precipitate formation, and for the identification of compounds that affect mineral precipitation. The invention also provides methods and compositions for inhibiting formation of mineral precipitates, especially of mineral precipitates including struvite and/or calcium phosphate. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of struvite kidney stones.

Abstract: A process for separating off poorly soluble by-products from reaction mixtures which are produced in the oxidation of p-cresol with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in methanol as solvent in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide and in the presence of metal compounds as catalyst, is characterized in that, after the oxidation, excess alkali is neutralized to the extent that a salt precipitate forms and this salt precipitate is separated off together with the poorly soluble by-products.

Abstract: An in situ method for extraction of arsenic contaminants from a soil medium and remediation of the medium including contacting the medium with an extractant solution, directing the solution within and through the medium, and collecting the solution and contaminants. The method can also be used for arsenate and/or arsenite removal.

Abstract: Waste water sludge which contains phosphorous, heavy metals and at least one metal originating from a waste water treatment coagulant, is treated in order to recover the phosphorous and the at least one metal, and to discharge the heavy metals. The at least one metal includes iron.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of black marks on the walls of sunken pools containing water contaminated by copper ions, which consists in treating the water using an effective amount of a metal sulfide having a water solubility at least equal to the solubility of copper sulfide. The treatment reduces the concentration of copper ions in the water and prevents the formation of black marks on the walls.

Abstract: A formaldehyde reduction composition which comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight of a water soluble lignosulfonate salt, from about 22% to about 28% by weight of a di- or tri- alkylene amine, from 0% to about 28% by weight of di- or tri- alkanol amine, and from about 43.4 about 77.9% water. The composition is particularly useful in the treatment of aqueous media, especially calcium carbonate and kaolin mineral slurries which have been treated with a formaldehyde-releasing biocide.

Abstract: Polymer polyols and polymer-modified polyols having substantially no transition metal content in the polyol continuous phase may be prepared from encapsulative double metal cyanide complex-catalyzed polyoxyalkylene polyether base polyols without substantial removal of double metal cyanide complex catalyst residues from the base polyol and subsequent in situ polymerization of one or more polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: A novel process for the extraction of salt from seawater based on the unique solubility properties of nonionic surfactants and the relative phobia of inorganic salts to organic surfactants has been developed. Nonionic surfactant is first added to the seawater to form a homogenous mixture. Then the temperature of the mixture is adjusted to cause it to separate into aqueous salt-rich and relatively salt-free phases. The relatively salt-free phase is then caused to phase separate into a surfactant-rich phase and a relatively surfactant-free and relatively salt-free water phase by further temperature adjustment. Finally, these latter two phases are separated to recover salt-free water.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces or for cleaning bulk contamination of hydrocarbons or chemicals. To clean hydrocarbon or chemical contaminated surfaces, a basic aqueous silica solution is sprayed onto the contaminated surface and allowed to dry. The resulting dry material will flake off, leaving a cleaned surface, without damaging the surface. To clean bulk contamination of hydrocarbons or chemicals, the basic silica solution is mixed with hydrocarbons or chemicals and then an acidic aqueous polymer solution is added and mixed. An amorphous silica material is immediately formed which permanently encapsulates the hydrocarbons or chemicals and which dries to an inert powder.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of lead based paint mixtures by treating the lead based paint mixture with an additive from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, monocalcium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate, either alone or in combination with Portland Cement.

Abstract: A dephosphorizing material containing iron and/or an iron-containing compound, a cementitious material, water, and a mixing agent for accelerating bleeding as the starting material, and having fine pores therein formed by solidifying the starting materials while bleeding not less than 2.0% by weight of the water contained in the starting materials to render the percent water absorption of not less than 10%; and a dephosphorizing method which includes bringing the dephosphorizing material into contact with a phosphorus-containing aqueous solution. This dephosphorizing material can effectively reduce the phosphorus concentration in sewages, rivers, or the like by fixing the phosphorus component on its surface. The dephosphorizing method is so simple that it can be effected merely by bringing the dephosphorizing material into contact with a phosphorus-containing aqueous solution, thus being capable of removing the phosphorus component effectively without necessity for any special controls.

Abstract: A sludge dehydrating press device includes an outer screen case in which sludge to be treated is filled, the outer screen case having a screen surface in at least a part thereof, a press for pressing sludge filled in the outer screen case, one or more inner screen cases disposed slidably in the outer screen case including a screen surface extending in a direction crossing the direction of pressing by the press and having continuous slits and the inner screen cases having also a space into which water extracted from the sludge flows, and a positioning device for positioning the inner screen cases to a predetermined position after completion of pressing by the press. The screen surface of the outer screen case preferably is made of a wedge wire screen having a flat inside surface. The press device may further include an extracted water removing screen tube coaxially with the outer screen case.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for producing primary treated brine, i.e. <20 ppm calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium ions at the wellhead of underground salt caverns formed by depletion of their salt content by previous solution mining operations. The purified brine produced is maintained in an anerobic state and transported to chlor-alkali plant installations for use in electrolysis cells for the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. Raw brine produced at an operating brine wellhead is injected into a depleted salt cavern along with the treatment chemicals required to purify the raw brine. A novel installation including a producing well or wells, a depleted well cavern or caverns, and support facilities for producing primary treated brine is provided.

Abstract: A novel process for treating a fluid is disclosed. Generally, the process utilizes a novel fluidized bed reactor and down flow filter. The process includes filling the reactor, and thereafter fluidizing the media bed contained therein. A catalyst is added, and the entire batch fluid is allowed to react with the catalyst. After appropriate settling of the media bed, the batch fluid is recycled. A filtration step is then included and appropriate disposition of the collected filtrate may be effected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique of removing metal contained in a solution through chelation, which makes it possible to preclude undesired aggregation and permit effective aggregation through an aggregating process. A surface active agent containing a hydrophobic group, a hydrophilic group and a chelating group is added to the solution to be processed, and subsequently an aggregating process is carried out. The chelating group chelates metal, the hydrophilic group prevents undesired aggregation, and the hydrophobic group is effectively aggregated in the aggregating process. Various uses are possible by selecting the charge of ligand.

Abstract: A process for the precipitation and separation of inorganic species form aqueous solutions. The method comprises the step of adding a miscible organic solvent to inorganic-aqueous solution so that a solid precipitate from the aqueous solution is formed. The resultant solid precipitate is separated from the organic-water mixture. After separating the solid precipitate, the miscible organic solvent is removed and recovered from the organic-water mixture by applying vacuum or other means of recovery. The separated miscible organic solvent can then be condensed and returned to the process. The water is stripped of traces of miscible organic solvent and removed from the system as product water.