Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a treatment method by which, even for wastewater with organic constituents constituting a large portion of organic wastewater as a whole and suspended solids (SS) and with a large negative charge ratio, organic nitrogen constituents and phosphorus compounds can be efficiently separated and collected and good-quality separated water can be obtained by reducing the quantity of SS, BOD, COD, and nitrogen constituents in the separated water. Provided is a treatment method for organic waste water, in which a flock is formed by adding a polymer flocculant to organic waste water with organic nitrogen constituent content in relation to suspended solids (SS) being 4-50%/SS and organic nitrogen constituent content being 250-50,000 mg/L, and thereafter, the flock is separated from the organic wastewater by solid-liquid separation.

Abstract: A method and a system for treatment of a spent chloroaluminate ionic liquid catalyst and an alkaline wastewater, where the method includes: 1) mixing the catalyst with a concentrated brine for hydrolysis reaction until residual activity of the catalyst is completely eliminated, to obtain an acidic hydrolysate and an acid-soluble oil; 2) mixing the acidic hydrolysate with an alkaline solution containing the alkaline wastewater for neutralization reaction until this reaction system becomes weak alkaline, to obtain a neutralization solution; 3) fully mixing the neutralization solution with a flocculant, carrying out sedimentation and separation, collecting the concentrated brine at an upper layer for reuse in the hydrolysis reaction, and collecting concentrated flocs at a lower layer; 4) dehydrating the concentrated flocs to obtain concentrated brine for reuse into the hydrolysis reaction, and collecting a wet solid slag; and 5) drying the wet solid slag to obtain a dry solid slag.

Abstract: A process is provided for inhibiting the corrosion of metal that comes into contact with a static or flowing aqueous medium which comprises contacting at least a portion of the exposed surface of the metal with aqueous medium containing a metal corrosion inhibiting amount of at least one ureido silane and, optionally, one or more added inorganic and/or other organic materials.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods and compositions of altering a solution through the use of readily retrievable agents (e.g., a nanoparticle) having one or more functional groups configured to undergo a solvation interaction with a component of the solution. Compositions, systems, and methods for crystallizing organic and inorganic compounds from solutions using nanoparticles surface coated with functional groups that create a supersaturated state in the solution and reversal thereof. Compositions, systems, and methods for purifying water or active pharmaceutical ingredients. Compositions, systems, and methods for increasing the solubility of a solution and reversal of the same. Compositions, systems, and methods for decreasing the solubility of a crystallized compound and reversal of the same.

Abstract: Lake Kivu contains ˜50 million tonnes (MT) dissolved biomethane. Efficient use is problematic from massive associated CO2: ˜600 MT. Conventional extraction scrubs CO2 with ˜50% overall CH4 loss, and returns ˜80% CO2 into the deep lake, preserving a catastrophe hazard threatening >2 M people. Methods and systems are disclosed coupling: (1) efficient CH4+CO2 degassing; (2) optional oxyfuel power generation and CO2 power cycle technologies; and (3) CO2 capture, processing, storage and use in a utilization hub. The invention optimally allows power production with >2× improved efficiency plus cryo-energy storage and large-scale greentech industrialization.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method to effectively treat produced water. In some embodiments, produced water is treated by mixing produced water with an amine solvent and humic acid to form precipitates comprising magnesium, strontium, barium and radium hydroxides in a precipitator unit. Precipitates are then removed by a filter to produce de-scaled produced water. The amine solvent is recovered from the de-scaled produced water by a stripping unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating water for potable use or consumption are described. In an embodiment, a method for treating water for potable may include adding an effective amount of a magnesium compound to supply water to be treated. The method may also include adding an effective amount of a flocculation aiding metal salt to the supply water. The method may further include removing one or more contaminants from the supply water to provide treated water. Other methods and systems are described.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfate from a wastewater stream includes mixing gibbsite and a calcium source to precipitate Ettringite from the wastewater stream and produce an effluent with a reduced sulfate concentration. The gibbsite in the precipitated Ettringite is regenerated by mixing an acid with the Ettringite and precipitating gibbsite particles, after which the gibbsite particles are subjected to a crystallization process to increase the size of the gibbsite particles which are recycled back to the main stream.

Abstract: A method of removing barium, calcium, strontium, and magnesium from frac flowback. A sulfate reagent and carbonate reagent are mixed with the frac flowback, causing barium, calcium, strontium, and magnesium to precipitate. The precipitants are crystallized and the resulting frac flowback and crystals are separated into relatively heavy solids and a stream of relatively light solids. The stream of relatively light solids is subjected to a further separation process that produces sludge that is recycled to aid in the crystallization process and a treated effluent which is recycled to the fracking operation or collected and used in another fracking operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of sludge and, more particularly, to a method for recovering phosphate as a substantially solid component from a phosphate-containing sludge. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for recovering phosphate as a substantially solid component and aluminum as a liquid component from a phosphate-containing and aluminum-containing sludge. The method incorporates wet oxidation to decompose the organic components of the sludge to provide a residual sludge. The residual sludge comprises the insoluble components and, in some embodiments wherein the sludge comprises aluminum, the residual sludge further comprises suspended and/or soluble aluminum.

Abstract: The invention provides an anion-containing calcium phosphate compound, composition and dental patch comprising the same and their use in remineralizing teeth. The anion-containing calcium phosphate compound has the following formula: (Ca+2)x(anion?a)y(PO4?3)z wherein 2x=(a*y+3z); a is an integer of 1 to 3; and each of x, y and z is not 0.

Abstract: A process for removal of non-polar compounds from water, wherein the non-polar compounds exist in dissolved or dispersed form, wherein the water is led through a preparation tank wherein the temperature is adjusted and wherein possible solid particles are removed. The water is then led via pipe into a reactor tank and is mixed with a hydrate forming compound, wherein simultaneously hydrate seeds are added which have been recycled for continuous use in the process; whereby the drops or molecules of the non-polar compounds are attached or associated to hydrate particles being formed in the reactor tank. The hydrate particles are separated from the water and melted. The hydrate forming compound is recycled to the reactor tank and the non-polar compounds discharged. In addition, a device for use of the process as well as hydrates for removal of non-polar compounds in water.

Abstract: Methods to preserve starch present in pulp are provided and also methods to control calcium precipitation and/or scaling in digesters or BOD systems. The methods can be performed as part of a papermaking process. Process water containing pulp can be treated with a chloramine. Process water containing pulp with native starch can receive a double treatment with at least one biocide, such as chloramine, and at least one oxidant, such as sodium hypochlorite. The treatment can be performed in any suitable manner. The treatment can be performed at one or more stages or locations in a papermaking system. A target residual chloramine value or range can be achieved by the treatment. Packaging sheets/boards and other paper products manufactured using the methods provided exhibit superior strength and other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reducing a sulfate concentration in wastewater comprises directing the wastewater stream to a precipitation reactor and mixing the wastewater stream with a calcium source and a calcium salt seed material to precipitate calcium sulfate. The precipitated calcium sulfate is then separated from a treated effluent and directed to a settling tank where the precipitated calcium sulfate is separated into heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and lighter calcium sulfate precipitants. The heavier calcium sulfate precipitants and the lighter calcium sulfate precipitants are separately recirculated to the precipitation reactor. A predetermined mass ratio of solids is maintained in the precipitation reactor.

Abstract: A process for recovering reusable materials, in particular phosphate, from sewage sludge products, namely sewage sludge, sewage sludge ash or sewage sludge slag, by extraction, in which a suspension of the sewage sludge product is produced in water, alcohol, water-alcohol mixture or an aqueous solution, gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) or supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is introduced as an extraction agent into the suspension of the sewage sludge product, undissolved solids are separated from the liquid suspension agent, carbon dioxide is removed from the suspension agent, and reusable materials dissolved in the suspension agent are precipitated and separated from the suspension agent.

Abstract: A water treatment method and a water treatment system that are capable of treating water containing salts to allow recovery of treated water at a high ion removal rate and a high water recovery rate, and allow recovery of high quality gypsum are provided. In the water treatment system, the water to be treated containing Ca2+ and SO42? is separated into concentrated water in which Ca2+ and SO42? are concentrated and treated water containing CO2 in a first demineralizer so that the treated water is recovered. The concentrated water in the first demineralizer is adjusted to a pH at which calcium carbonate can be dissolved and the scale inhibition function of a scale inhibitor is reduced, and then is delivered to a crystallizing tank. In the crystallizing tank, gypsum is crystallized from the concentrated water in the first demineralizer. The gypsum is separated and recovered in a separating section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recovery of nylon from co-mingled materials (e.g., carpet) with reduced or eliminated ash (e.g., calcium carbonate) contamination.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of separating a first soluble salt from water that contains the first soluble salt and a second soluble salt, by (a) adding a composition to a water product containing a first soluble salt and a second soluble salt, the composition comprising seed crystals composed substantially of a target insoluble salt to be formed from the first soluble salt; and (b) collecting the target insoluble salt. These methods may be used, for example, to separate strontium from water that includes at least one soluble strontium salt and a second soluble salt (such as one soluble calcium salt).

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater using a ballasted flocculation technique includes continuously measuring the concentration of suspended solids, organic matter or other impurities in the water to be treated prior to directing the water to be treated to a flocculation tank. Based on this measurement, the amount of ballast necessary to obtain treated water of a predetermined quality is then calculated. In the flocculation tank, ballast and a flocculating reagent are added to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed to a settling tank where a sludge-ballast mixture is settled. The sludge-ballast mixture is directed to a mixing tank and then to a separator to separate the ballast from the sludge. The separated ballast is directed to the flocculation tank. The separated sludge is directed to the mixing tank when the level of sludge-ballast mixture in the mixing tank is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to urea-functionalized crystalline capsules self-assembled by sodium or potassium cation coordination and by hydrogen-bonding water bridges to selectively encapsulate tetrahedral divalent oxoanions from highly competitive aqueous alkaline solutions and methods using this system for selective anion separations from industrial solutions. The method involves competitive crystallizations using a tripodal tris(urea) functionalized ligand and, in particular, provides a viable approach to sulfate separation from nuclear wastes.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater comprises biologically treating the wastewater in a fixed-biomass biological reactor and then treating the wastewater in a ballasted flocculation system. The ballasted flocculation system produces a clarified effluent and sludge containing inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon and suspended solids. The inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon is separated from the suspended solids and then cleaned with a cleaning solution. After separating the biomass from the cleaned inert granular material, the cleaned inert granular material is recycled for use in the ballasted flocculation system.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising collecting metal salt precipitates from a water softening process, drying said precipitates, contacting water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with said precipitates, and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s).

Abstract: A new method for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: introducing coking wastewater into a reaction pool into which magnesium and phosphate are added; adding sodium hydroxide to regulate the PH of the mixture around 9.0-10.5; separating the supernatant and the precipitate after proper agitation and natural precipitation; dehydrating the precipitate and then adding alkaline fly ash, water to the dehydrated precipitate and stirring the mixture; decomposing the mixture with heating and absorbing the ammonia gas thereof produced with acidic solution. In consideration of high concentration of ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater, this invention aims at quick and efficient treatment. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in treated water meets the highest discharge standard stipulated in [China National] Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-96).

Abstract: A system and method for removing water from sludge including mixing a blending material into the sludge and compressing the mixture. Additional pre and post compression steps are disclosed. Examples of specific blending materials and methods for their use are disclosed.

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: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent and a process of purifying the water using natural resources. The adsorbent may be processed at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.

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: Low molecular weight gelators, methods of making such gelators, organogels comprising such gelators and systems and methods of using such gelators for the containment and/or remediation of a release and/or spill of a crude oil, a petroleum product and/or a chemical is described. In exemplary systems and methods, gels and/or emulsions formed from the combination and/or contact of such gelators and at least one of a crude oil, a petroleum product and a chemical from a release and/or spill into the environment can be used to recover these oils or chemicals while allowing the gelators to be recovered and reused to clean up or contain additional crude oil, petroleum products or chemicals.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent. The adsorbent may be collected and used at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.

Abstract: A process for removing phosphorus from wastewater wherein an iron or aluminum salt is added to the wastewater. The iron or aluminum salt results in the precipitation of certain iron or aluminum species that include phosphorus adsorption sites. These iron or phosphorus species are settled and become a part of sludge produced in the course of the wastewater treatment process. By recycling substantial portions of the sludge, the concentration of these iron or aluminum species in the wastewater is increased. This increased concentration results in the presence of large quantities of unused phosphorus adsorption sites that attract and adsorb phosphorus, resulting in phosphorus being removed from the wastewater.

Abstract: A method for treating water in a ballasted flocculation system comprises directing water into a ballasted flocculation zone and adding ballast and a flocculation reagent to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed into a settling zone to form treated water and sludge containing ballast. The ballast is then directed to a recirculation line where the ballast is recirculated to the ballasted flocculation zone. The method further includes determining the ballast concentration and comparing the ballast concentration with a predetermined threshold value. The rate at which ballast is recirculated to the ballasted flocculation zone is adjusted based on the determined ballast concentration and the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method for treating water includes directing untreated water into a mixing zone in a water treatment system and mixing the untreated water with a flocculating agent and a ballast to form a ballast-floc mixture. Thereafter, the ballast-floc mixture is directed to a settling zone where the mixture settles to form sludge. Treated water is discharged from the settling zone and the sludge is directed to a separator. The method further includes separating at least a portion of the ballast from the sludge and directing the separated ballast from the separator to the mixing zone. Finally, the sludge is directed from the separator to a sludge treatment reactor where at least some of the remaining ballast settles from the sludge and substantially ballast-free sludge is discharged from the sludge treatment reactor.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising collecting metal salt precipitates from a water softening process, drying said precipitates, contacting water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with said precipitates, and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent. The adsorbent may be collected and used at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.

Abstract: A new method for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: introducing coking wastewater into a reaction pool into which magnesium and phosphate are added; adding sodium hydroxide to regulate the PH of the mixture around 9.0-10.5; separating the supernatant and the precipitate after proper agitation and natural precipitation; dehydrating the precipitate and then adding alkaline fly ash, water to the dehydrated precipitate and stirring the mixture; decomposing the mixture with heating and absorbing the ammonia gas thereof produced with acidic solution. In consideration of high concentration of ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater, this invention aims at quick and efficient treatment. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen in treated water meets the highest discharge standard stipulated in [China National] Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8978-96).

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: A system and method for removing water from sludge is disclosed. The method (100) includes: de-watering (102) the sludge comprising an output from a wastewater treatment system to form a semi-solid sludge cake; dispensing (104) the semi-solid sludge cake in a hopper and dispensing a dewatering agent in a recipient dewatering agent hopper; depositing (10) the semi-solid sludge cake and the dewatering agent in a mixing device; mixing (108) the semi-solid sludge cake and the dewatering agent having a porous structure in a weight ratio of the semi-solid sludge cake to the dewatering agent of about from 1:1 to about 10:1; and compressing (110) the semi-solid sludge cake and the dewatering agent to release moisture. The system (100) provides an improved method of de-watering sludge, for more efficient processing, transporting and recycling, depending on the application.

Abstract: A process for removal of non-polar compounds from water, wherein the non-polar compounds exist in dissolved or dispersed form, wherein the water is led through a preparation tank wherein the temperature is adjusted and wherein possible solid particles are removed. The water is then led via pipe into a reactor tank and is mixed with a hydrate forming compound, wherein simultaneously hydrate seeds are added which have been recycled for continuous use in the process; whereby the drops or molecules of the non-polar compounds are attached or associated to hydrate particles being formed in the reactor tank. The hydrate particles are separated from the water and melted. The hydrate forming compound is recycled to the reactor tank and the non-polar compounds discharged. In addition, a device for use of the process as well as hydrates for removal of non-polar compounds in water.

Abstract: A process for removing phosphorus from wastewater wherein an iron or aluminum salt is added to the wastewater. The iron or aluminum salt results in the precipitation of certain iron or aluminum species that include phosphorus adsorption sites. These iron or phosphorus species are settled and become a part of sludge produced in the course of the wastewater treatment process. By recycling substantial portions of the sludge, the concentration of these iron or aluminum species in the wastewater is increased. This increased concentration results in the presence of large quantities of unused phosphorus adsorption sites that attract and adsorb phosphorus, resulting in phosphorus being removed from the wastewater.

Abstract: A process for removing fine particles and particulates from water. The process includes mixing a magnetic ballast, flocculant and water to form magnetic floc, and agitating the magnetic floc in a flocculation zone. A portion of the magnetic floc is collected on a magnetic collector in the flocculation zone. Another portion of the magnetic floc is directed downstream to a setting zone where the magnetic floc is settled. The settled magnetic floc is returned upstream of the settling zone where the returned magnetic floc is recombined with other magnetic floc in the flocculation zone. Ultimately, all, or substantially all, of the magnetic floc is removed by one or more magnetic collectors disposed upstream of the settling zone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for purification of contaminated water through hydrate formation and separation of hydrates from contaminated water enriched with contaminants, by supplying hydrate particles to the water during hydrate formation. The present invention also concerns a device for purification of water by using a method according to the invention, and water produced according to the invention. By using the process principles according to the present invention, all types of water can be purified for consumption or safe discharge, or desired resources can be recovered, and air can be purified if it first is bubbled through the water which then is purified by a method according to the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture may be contacted with a catalyst and an oxidizing agent at an elevated temperature and a superatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for removal of ammonium from a polluted media, which avoid the disadvantages related to the chemical-physical properties of MAP, with the aim to improve the technical and economical operational parameters and to produce a reusable and environmental friendly produced nitrogen fertiliser. The invention concerns a method and a apparatus where all chemical processes and mechanical steps are carried out in one single container with the different steps split in time phases, whereby 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 apparatus includes a process container, an elevator unit and a flexible membrane which together enables all chemical processes, separation, mixing and gas extraction to be carried out in the same compartment.

Abstract: A method and system of removing or decreasing waste liquor manganese concentration to less than about 1 mg/L total manganese without the precipitation of significant amounts of magnesium. The method and system include steps for treating the waste liquor using three separate circuits in which in the first circuit, manganese is reduced, for example, from about 2 g/L to <500 mg/L using pH adjustment with a suitable neutralizing agent; and in the second circuit, the final target manganese level is achieved by oxidative precipitation using a suitable oxidizing agent. Part of the precipitated manganese product, e.g., MnO2, is recycled to the oxidative precipitation circuit as seed and the balance proceeds to a third circuit wherein the precipitated manganese product is re-dissolved, and then recycled to the first neutralization circuit. In the first neutralization circuit and the second oxidative precipitation circuit, the process conditions are selected to minimize the precipitation of magnesium, e.g., Mg(OH)2.

Abstract: A product and apparatus for cleaning water or industrial and sewage waste water includes a mixture of diatomite that is heated and stirred to impart an enhanced negative electrical charge to the diatomite. A mixture of approximately 50% aluminium chloride (AlCl3) by volume is blended to provide a powder mixture for use as a flocculant in the system. According to a modification, the charged diatomite is instead blended with a mixture of approximately 50% ferric chloride (FeCl3) by volume and is stored in liquid form for later use as a flocculent in the system. From one to five percent, by volume, of polyacrylamide is preferably added to the mixture for use in sewage waste water treatment applications. An efficient system for reacting either the mixture or separately adding the diatomite and the metallic chloride to the water is described.

Abstract: Pollutants, such as heavy metals, phosphorus, and pathogenic organisms, are removed from water by adding a chemical coagulant to water within an enclosure. With mixing, coagulation and flocculation occur, and a floc containing the pollutant settles to the enclosure bottom; so the treated water above the floc is free from at least some of the pollutant. The water and the settled floc are mixed to resuspend floc components containing additional contaminant-removal capability. In an alternate system, the floc can be removed from the enclosure, dried, and added back to the enclosure to employ additional contaminant-removal capability. In another system, treated water is exposed to a pH buffering agent to reduce acidity therein.

Abstract: A method for reducing the salinity, as well as the hydrocarbon concentration of produced water to levels sufficient to meet surface water discharge standards. Pressure vessel and coflow injection technology developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is used to mix produced water and a gas hydrate forming fluid to form a solid or semi-solid gas hydrate mixture. Salts and solids are excluded from the water that becomes a part of the hydrate cage. A three-step process of dissociation of the hydrate results in purified water suitable for irrigation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method that achieves water desalination by utilizing and optimizing clathrate hydrate phenomena. Clathrate hydrates are crystalline compounds of gas and water that desalinate water by excluding salt molecules during crystallization. Contacting a hydrate forming gaseous species with water will spontaneously form hydrates at specific temperatures and pressures through the extraction of water molecules from the bulk phase followed by crystallite nucleation. Subsequent dissociation of pure hydrates yields fresh water and, if operated correctly, allows the hydrate-forming gas to be efficiently recycled into the process stream.