Abstract: A two-step process for recovering useable solids from food processing wastewater and for significantly reducing the pollutants, chemical, bacterial, and viral load. The first step is the addition of pretreatment chemicals such as metal-based coagulant, pH adjuster, oxidant or a combination thereof. The second step is pumping the chemically pretreated wastewater into a foam fractionation system where a gas is introduced into the chemically treated wastewater to create a rising foam that captures and remove solid materials from the remaining wastewater effluent. The solids are recovered for additional post-processing and the effluent is discharged for post-processing or to existing bodies of water.

Abstract: Methods for making a sulfated polyaluminum chloride (PACS) flocculating agent solution, which may be aqueous, include neutralizing an aqueous sulfate-containing aluminum compound with an aqueous base to produce an aluminum hydroxide precipitate dispersed in a liquid, settling the aluminum hydroxide precipitate to create a supernatant liquid, removing an amount of the supernatant liquid to leave a remainder that contributes a selected concentration of sulfate to the PACS, and bringing the precipitate back into solution thereby forming the PACS flocculating agent.

Abstract: An intelligent experimental device for collaborative mining of associated resources includes a signal transmission mechanism, a pressure maintaining mechanism, a feeding mechanism, and a reaction mechanism. The signal transmission mechanism includes a centralized controller, an annunciator, signal receivers, a power supply, a power cord, signal transmitters, and signal sensing valves. The pressure maintaining mechanism includes ambient and axial pressure oil chambers, ambient and axial pressure pumps, ambient and axial pressure liquid distribution tanks, a comprehensive pressure distribution pipe, and hydraulic transmission pipes. The feeding mechanism includes monitoring analyzers, temperature controllers, solution transfer pipes, seepage pumps, mixture conveying pipes, a comprehensive liquid distributor, an aggregate chamber, a liquid chamber, an oil chamber, a gas chamber, a mixing chamber and an analytical purifier.

Abstract: A continuous flow granular/flocculent sludge wastewater process selects for granule biomass capable of nitrogen and phosphorus removal and controls granule size and concentration of granular and flocculent sludge for optimal nutrient, organic, and solids removal in a smaller footprint. A series of biological process zones lead to a secondary clarifier. Mixed liquor sludge, preferably from an aerobic zone, goes through a classifier or separator processing flow from the aerobic zone, to the secondary clarifier. In a sidestream process that can be included a portion of sludge preferably from an aerobic zone goes through a classifier or separator to selectively produce a granular-rich effluent, and the clarifier may also have a separator to further concentrate granular biomass, most of which is cycled back to an initial multi-stage anaerobic process zone. The anaerobic zone is structured and operated to encourage growth of granules in subsequent process zones.

Abstract: A mineral recovery system for use in a mining operation is described. The mineral recovery system a thickener includes a process water input, an underflow output having an underflow controller configured to adjust outflow of thickened slurry from the thickener, an overflow output configured to dispense clarified water from the thickener; and a flocculant input and a flocculant dilution input, a thickener controller configured to control an operation of the thickener; and a processor executing a mining operations generated model to issue commands to the thickener controller, based on inputs of sensed conditions, wherein the mining operations model incorporates a thickener sub-model and a material sub-model, wherein the mining operations model is employed to predict a future state of a thickener based on inputs of sensed conditions in the thickener and predictions made by the thickener sub-model and the material sub-model in real time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently producing ethanol from a lignocellulosic raw material. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing ethanol from a lignocellulosic raw material, which comprises a step of performing multiple parallel fermentation while continuously or intermittently adding an additional saccharification enzyme to a fermentation liquid comprising a lignocellulosic raw material, a saccharification enzyme and a yeast so that the physical property value of the fermentation liquid itself is maintained within a preset range.

Abstract: A system for treating metal-contaminated wastewater includes a primary treatment sub-system, a secondary treatment sub-system, and a tertiary treatment sub-system. The tertiary treatment sub-system includes a reactor tank, a source of ballast material, a source of coagulant, a solids-liquid separator, and a controller configured to recycle ballasted solids from the solids-liquid separator to the reactor tank an amount sufficient to generate metal hydroxide floc in the reactor tank to reduce a concentration of dissolved metal in the reactor tank.

Abstract: A system comprising an agitation and flocculation system and a particulate filter capture system, and optionally a feedback system and/or a water softening. The agitation and flocculation system configured to receive a contaminated aqueous stream and an anhydrite quantity, and comprising means for agitating the aqueous stream and a means for mixing the aqueous stream with the anhydrite, such that a precipitate of calcium sulfate hydrate+contaminant complexes is formed. Also, a system comprising a fixed-bed type cross-flow system and a particulate filter capture system, and a corresponding method of removing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from the contaminated aqueous stream. The method comprising the acts of: providing an anhydrite quantity; contacting and agitating the anhydrite quantity with a contaminated aqueous stream; and collecting the precipitate of calcium sulfate hydrate+contaminant complexes formed from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating wastewater using a membrane bioreactor and achieving a target phosphorus concentration for the membrane permeate stream. These methods include the steps of dosing a wastewater stream with a rare earth clarifying agent and passing the dosed wastewater stream through the membrane to obtain a membrane permeate stream with a permeate concentration that is less than the phosphorus concentration of the influent stream. This permeate concentration also can be equal to or less than a target phosphorus concentration. In the methods as disclosed herein, the rare earth clarifying agent can be chloride salts of one or more rare earth elements and in certain embodiments, the rare earth clarifying agent can be CeCl3 and LaCl3.

Abstract: Compositions, systems, and methods of using alkaline-producing Aluminate salts in the sludge collection and digestion steps of wastewater processing to reduce acidity and/or build alkalinity, reduce hydrogen sulfide release, and reduce phosphate in the effluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a suspension of solid particles in water using water-soluble (co)polymers made from the hydrated crystalline form of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid or of at least one of the salts thereof. This method is particularly useful for treating residues resulting from the mining industry.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of reducing dissolved elements such as arsenic, selenium and mercury in aqueous solutions using, for example, various barium compounds to partition said elements to a solid phase. Such methods are particularly useful for reducing such elements at various points in coal and oil-fired power plants prior to final waste water treatment.

Abstract: A mineral recovery system for use in a mining operation is described. The mineral recovery system includes a mining operations model generated based on inputs of sensed conditions, wherein the mining operations model incorporates a thickener sub-model and a material sub-model. The mineral recovery system includes a thickener controller to issue commands based on the mining operations model. The mineral recovery system includes a thickener having a process water. The thickener also includes an underflow output provided with an underflow controller to adjust outflow of thickened slurry from the thickener based on issued commands. The thickener further includes an overflow output to dispense clarified water from the thickener.

Abstract: A method for efficiently preparing ferrate based on nascent state interfacial activity. The method is as follows: (a) preparing nascent iron solution; (b) adding an oxidizing agent to the iron solution of step (a); (c) adding alkali solution or alkali particles to the mixed solution of step (b), mixing by stirring, and carrying out solid-liquid separation; (d) adding a stabilizing agent to the liquid separated out in step (c), and thus obtaining ferrate solution. The yield is 78-98%. The prepared ferrate solution is stable and can be stored for 3-15 days.

Abstract: A pulsed electromagnetic irradiation system for water treatment including raw water supply unit in fluid communication with a reaction vessel, a multimode cavity in which the reaction vessel is partially positioned. A magnetron generator is positioned adjacent the multimode cavity and is electromagnetically coupled with liquid within the reaction vessel. A stirring motor is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of multimode cavity and operatively coupled with the reaction vessel to stir the liquid within reaction vessel. A parabolic arm air cooled condenser is terminally connected to the reaction vessel to be in fluid communication with the reaction vessel. A gravity vacuum funnel, where the gravity vacuum funnel is in communication with a first air/water cooled condenser. The first air/water cooled condenser outputs fresh water to a fresh water storage unit.

Abstract: Techniques are described for preparing a water filtration composition that includes activated carbon having an ash content of at least 10 wt. % and particles of a solubilizing agent. The solubilizing agent forms a water-soluble complex with cations (e.g., calcium ions). This increases the solubility of calcium ions and other scale-forming ions in water, thus suppressing scale formation on interior surfaces of water processing infrastructure. The activated carbon and the solubilizing agent are processed to have particle sizes in a same range, thus enabling the activated carbon and the solubilizing agent to be thoroughly mixed together.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to organic fertilizers and particularly, but not exclusively, to organic and/or biodegradable flocculants, methods of preparing organic fertilizers using an organic and/or biodegradable flocculant, and systems for treating water using an organic and/or biodegradable flocculant to prepare an organic fertilizer.

Abstract: Described herein is a coagulant blend for use in SAGD water treatment systems. Specifically, a blend of high charge density polyamine and low charge density poly(diallylmethyl ammonium chloride (poly-DADMAC) is used in the warm lime softening treatment process to coagulate and flocculate solids.

Abstract: A substrate treatment unit applies surface treatment to a semiconductor substrate by using a chemical solution. The chemical solution in which metal is dissolved by substrate treatment is discharged into a storage tank and stored. A polyacid supplying unit supplies polyacid of a deletion complex with a deficient portion into the storage tank. The polyacid of deletion complex with a deficient portion is mixed into a used chemical solution containing the metal, and a pH value of the mixed solution is adjusted to between 2 and 3 to capture the metal dissolved in the chemical solution in the deficient portion of the polyacid. In addition, a counter cation is put into the chemical solution so that the polyacid in which the metal is captured is precipitated to be separated from the chemical solution, and thus the metal contained in the chemical solution during the treatment of the semiconductor substrate can be removed to enable the chemical solution to be reclaimed.

Abstract: A composition and method for dispersing sulfur, cleaning sulfur deposits, and minimizing foaming in an aqueous system is disclosed. The method may include adding a first sulfur dispersant to process water containing sulfur and dispersing the sulfur. The first sulfur dispersant may include a C5-C25 alkyl polyglycoside. A second sulfur dispersant may also be added to the process water. The second sulfur dispersant may include a polymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for separation of solid particles from a waterbody. Preferably, the present disclosure relates to a method, wherein a combination of chemicals including coagulant(s) and flocculant(s) are employed for said separation of solid particles, wherein suitable examples of solid particles are living organisms and non-living matter, wherein living organisms include autotrophs such as phototrophs, which are either microscopic or macroscopic in nature (algae). The disclosure thus particularly relates to method of chemical coagulation and flocculation for separating solid particles, preferably either algae or bacteria or both from a waterbody. The present disclosure also provides for an alternate method, wherein the aforesaid method of coagulation and flocculation is combined with electro-coagulation and/or pH modulation strategies for separation of said solid particles in any sequence.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus has a chemical moving part, a motor, a paddle, and a plate. The chemical moving part is configured to receive and output a chemical in a pipe. The motor is configured to rotatably drive a shaft coupled to the motor at a first end of the shaft. The shaft defines a central rotational axis. The paddle is connected to a second end of the shaft and configured to rotate with the shaft. The plate is configured to secure the motor to the pipe and has a first side facing the motor and a second opposite side facing a projection of the paddle. The first side defines a first length extending in a direction perpendicular to the shaft and the second side defines a second length extending in a direction perpendicular to the shaft. The first length is greater than the second length.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for evaluating performance, performing process control, optimization and design of gravity separation process systems that are used to separate immiscible liquid dispersions (e.g., water-in-oil, oil-in-water mixtures) and emulsions for two-phase (liquid-liquid) or three-phase (gas-liquid-liquid) systems. According to one aspect, the design, simulation and control of such systems is performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that is configured for determining the separation efficiency of separators on the basis of the true geometry and multidimensional flow field and for a distribution of droplet sizes with the influence of the emulsion concentration on the rheology of the oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersion.

Abstract: A method for efficiently preparing ferrate based on nascent state interfacial activity. The method is as follows: (a) preparing nascent iron solution; (b) adding an oxidizing agent to the iron solution of step (a); (c) adding alkali solution or alkali particles to the mixed solution of step (b), mixing by stirring, and carrying out solid-liquid separation; (d) adding a stabilizing agent to the liquid separated out in step (c), and thus obtaining ferrate solution. The yield is 78-98%. The prepared ferrate solution is stable and can be stored for 3-15 days.

Abstract: A method of treating a first batch of oil sludge containing entrapped oil residue comprises the steps comprises the steps of bringing into contact the first batch of oil sludge to a liquid composition of an emulsion with or without a carrier, wherein the emulsion comprises an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant in 2 to 40% by weight of total composition; a co-surfactant in 1 to 30% by weight of total composition selected from the group consisting of C3 to C18 alcohols, C3 to C18 alkyl lactates, lecithins, C3 to C18 fatty acids and any mixtures thereof; an oil phase in 15 to 90% by weight of total composition; and an aqueous phase in 0.5 to 20% by weight of total composition; homogenizing the liquid composition with the first batch of oil sludge; and fluidizing the oil sludge that the oil residues are substantially dissociated from the solid object forming a liquid phase including the liquid composition and the separated oil.

Abstract: Citral, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and allspice oil were found to be highly effective antimicrobials, producing statistically significant reductions in Escherichia coli populations within minutes. In addition, synergy was observed between silver ions and these essential oils, thereby lessening the amount of the plant antimicrobial required to produce the same effect. Based on these observations, compositions including these agents and there use as an antimicrobial treatment that is safe for human consumption, are active in the presence of organic matter, are provided.

Abstract: A system for removing salt from a process stream being fed into a flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid into the fluid column of the separator. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. Means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid can be provided. The salt slurry is then removed and can be sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the fluid column to replace the motive fluid in the column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low energy alternative to conventional thermal/evaporation processes for “zero liquid discharge” treatment of strong saline brines. The products of the process include a salt-free liquid and solid salt. In particular, an antisolvent can be mixed with liquids containing high total dissolved solids. The mixture can be chilled, whereby solid salt is precipitated and separated from the mixture at near ambient temperature leaving a mixed liquor. The antisolvent can be selected from a class of organic compounds that form solutions with salt brines that exhibit a critical solution temperature lower than a critical solution temperature of the salt brines alone. The mixed liquor can be heated to a temperature above its lower critical solution temperature to produce an antisolvent liquid phase for recycle to the process. Finally, a reduced salinity aqueous phase can be polished by reverse osmosis or other conventional technology to produce clean water for discharge or beneficial use.

Abstract: A method is described use of hydrocolloids for removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from a continuous stream of liquid where chemical composition of the water inhibits the reactants for linking/cross linking hydrocolloids. The method is comprising the steps of enabling said reactants present in the liquid stream and bring them to reaction with the hydrocolloid already brought to attachment with pollutants, where after flock formation allows for separation. Applications of the method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of oxidizing an organic compound present in soil, groundwater, process water or wastewater comprising contacting such organic compound with a persulfate and ferrous lactate.

Abstract: A system for removing salt from a rich mono ethylene glycol (MEG) stream being fed into a flash separator isolates the fluid residing in the brine column of the separator from the MEG and introduces a swirling motive fluid into the column. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the isolated fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. The salt slurry is then removed and sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the column to replace the motive fluid in the column.

Abstract: In order to render sewage sludge suitable for beneficial purposes, it must be disinfected and stabilized. EDC deactivation is rapidly becoming a desirable result of any sludge or biosolids treatment process. Disclosed herein is a process of treating sewage sludge so as to stabilize the sludge that involves the presence of an iron-containing compound during dewatering of the sludge. Process embodiments described also achieve biosolid samples that have reduced EDC activity, Other embodiments disclosed involve use of a combination of iron salts ferrate and ferric chloride that are added to wastewater sludge in the dewatering step before heat drying. The biosolids resulting from sludge treated with aniron-containing compound are able to resist putrefaction for more than two to three weeks.

Abstract: A method is provided for making thermochromic pigments in microcapsules having unusually small particle sizes.

Abstract: Some waters have high sulfate contents, such as acid mine drainage (AMD), which makes them unsuitable for use in fracturing fluids and difficult to dispose. Such waters may be treated with a solution of barium chloride to react with the sulfate ion of the sulfates and precipitate the sulfates as barium sulfate. Not all of the sulfates needs to be removed for the reclaimed water to be useful in formulating a fracturing fluid. The by-product of the reaction is almost pure barium sulfate, which is an inert, commercially valuable material that may be used in drilling fluids, paint and other industries.

Abstract: Coagulation/flocculation apparatus for the treatment of a hydraulic flow of any type of liquid, upstream of a physical separation element, in particular upstream of a flotation unit, or of a filtration unit, in particular a membrane filtration unit, which apparatus comprises at least one coagulator with injection of coagulant, followed by a flocculator, which are successively passed through by the hydraulic flow, in which apparatus: the coagulator comprises a reactor (1) for injection of coagulant under high energy, followed by a low-energy coagulation reactor (2); an intermediate high-energy element (3) is placed between the coagulation reactor (2) and the flocculator (4); and the flocculator is a static flocculator of piston type (4) having the same width as the physical separation element (5) located downstream.

Abstract: This disclosure describes providing techniques to remove suspended solids from a process stream. This disclosure describes a method for adding a chemical, a cationic flocculant to the process stream, in which the chemical induces flocs of suspended solids. The process removes the flocs of suspended solids by using a device. This creates two streams, a liquids and dissolved solids stream and a suspended solids stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coagulation processing method capable of adding a sufficiently-dissolved coagulant aqueous solution to being processed water and materializing high-efficiency coagulation processing, a coagulation processing unit, and a water processing apparatus. A coagulation processing unit includes a coagulant aqueous solution storage tank 1 to have a stirrer 5 and store a coagulant aqueous solution, a particle size distribution measurement device 50 to measure the particle size distribution of the coagulant aqueous solution in the coagulant aqueous solution storage tank 1, a coagulation tank 11 to mix being processed water with an added coagulant aqueous solution and form a coagulation, a coagulation removing section 9 to remove the coagulation from the being processed water containing the coagulation, and a control section 6 to control the stirrer 5 so that a median size in the particle size distribution of the coagulant aqueous solution may be not more than 1.

Abstract: A mobile water re-use system can include a chemical treatment apparatus, at least one weir tank in fluid communication with the chemical treatment apparatus, and two or more settling tanks in fluid communication with each other and at least one of the settling tanks in fluid communication with the weir tank. The weir tank can have a first end, a second end, an internal chamber, and a plurality of baffles that induce turbulent flow of fluid through the internal chamber. The settling tanks can provide, promote, facilitate, result in, and/or induce laminar flow of fluid through at least a portion of the internal chamber. Weir tanks, settling tanks, and method of treating flowback and produced water are also described.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for removing fine particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a separator that separates an inflow fluid stream into an overflow fluid path and an underflow fluid path, where the underflow fluid path is treated with a tethering material that attaches to the coarse particulate matter to form tether-bearing anchor particles and where the overflow fluid path is treated with an activating material so that the activating material interacts with the fine particulate matter to form activated particles. After these treatments, the underflow fluid path containing the tether-bearing anchor particles is commingled with the overflow fluid path containing the activated particles, so that a removable complex is produced that can be removed in a settling facility, thereby removing the fine particulate matter from the fluid.

Abstract: The suspended solids content of a Bayer process stream is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: A method of supplying engineered water for drilling or hydraulic fracturing of wells, where the water comes from either fresh sources or is recycled from drilling or hydraulic fracturing operations whereby the water is treated for example with a mechanical vapor recompression unit or other treating apparatuses and methods to significantly reduce the concentration of constituents that are deleterious to drilling or hydraulic fracturing chemistries while keeping desirable constituents, such as semi-volatile antimicrobial constituents. The final composition of the engineered water is designed to contain constituents that are optimal for drilling or hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recycling a cerium oxide abrasive. The method may include adding a strong alkali solution to a slurry waste of the cerium oxide abrasive, adding sodium fluoride to the slurry waste, and separating a cerium oxide particle included in the slurry waste from other kinds of particles.

Abstract: A method for treating low barium frac water includes contacting a frac water stream with a radium selective complexing resin to produce a low radium stream, passing the low radium stream through a thermal brine concentrator to produce a concentrated brine; and passing the concentrated brine through a thermal crystallizer to yield road salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment installation of aqueous fluid, in particular to ensure elimination of organic micropollutants and natural organic matter, comprising a single reactor (10) for treatment of aqueous fluid by contact with a fluidized bed of coagulated and flocculated powdered activated carbon, operating in ascending flow, said reactor being equipped with injection means of new powdered activated carbon, coagulant and polymer, arranged to define three distinct operating zones in the reactor: a first arranged zone (A) at the base of the reactor to ensure intake and homogeneous distribution of the aqueous fluid pre-treated by contact with coagulant and polymer, a second zone, surmounting the first, constituted by the fluidized bed of coagulated and flocculated powdered activated carbon (B), and a third zone (C), arranged in the top part of the reactor for separation and recovery of the purified aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A rotating screen has one or more panels arranged into a cylinder, or drum. The panels have openings in a micro-screening range, for example 100 microns or less. Wastewater to be screened is fed to the interior of the drum. The drum rotates constantly but the rotation may be discontinuous and the speed of rotation may be variable. The drum may be cleaned by an air knife. If the wastewater contains oil and grease, a short hot water spray may be provided before cleaning with the air knife. Optionally, an internal auger conveys solids down the length of the drum to an outlet. The rotating screen may be used for primary treatment of wastewater. The rotating screen may be used produce screenings with a dried solids concentration of 5% or more, for example 6-7%. The primary sludge may be treated in an anaerobic digester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for extracting high acyl gellan from the fermentation broth containing gellan gum with a low production cost and high quality of products, comprising the following steps: (1) Treatment of the fermentation broth with an enzyme; (2) flocculation of the treated fermentation broth with acid; (3) wash of the fiber-like material; and (4) drying and milling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of wastewater treatment that rely primarily on the use of water treatment chemicals to clean wastewater without the need to use filtration mechanisms. The present invention generally provides a system that is less complex and less expensive to operate than wastewater treatment systems in the prior art.

Abstract: A process for treating acid mine drainage containing heavy metals and soluble contaminants is provided. In one embodiment, at least a metal cation is added to the acid mine drainage at a pre-select pH to form insoluble heavy metal complexes. In one embodiment, the metal cation is a trivalent metal ion, e.g., ferric iron such as in ferric sulfate. In another embodiment, a divalent metal ion such as in ferrous sulfate is used. After the removal of the heavy metal complexes, the effluent water is treated with at least a phosphate additive to remove remaining soluble contaminants, thus producing a treated water stream with reduced levels of contaminants.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to removing liquid from soil or other moisture rich media. In some embodiments, a method for solidifying sludge is provided and involves providing a sludge, fluidizing the sludge to form a fluidized sludge, adding a gelling agent to the fluidized sludge in an amount sufficient to form a slurry, and adding a dewatering agent to the slurry in an amount sufficient to dewater the slurry, thereby solidifying the sludge.