Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A process for removing zinc from organic solutions comprising zinc alkoxides or zinc amides, includes admixing the solution with an alkylating, arylating, acylating or silylating agent in the presence of a precipitating reagent having at least two nitrogen donors and subsequently removing the precipitated solid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating and upgrading effluents containing at least a metallic sulphate, characterised in that it comprises steps which consist in: adding at least a base to the effluent to precipitate the metallic ions in the form of metallic hydroxides Mea(OH)e; separating the precipitated hydroxide calcium sulphate CaSO4; and separating the calcium sulphate CaSO4 precipitated during the preceding step. Said method enables to obtain calcium sulphate (white gypsum) substantially free of metals and therefore capable of being upgrade and metallic oxy-hydroxides likewise capable of being upgraded.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of soot-laden waste water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating the soot from the waste water initially in a clarifier. The concentrated soot is then treated with an activated sludge mixture in a digester with a very long average hydraulic retention time to effectively digest the materials found in the concentrated soot. Soot-free waste water is treated via standard aerobic, and anoxic reactor basins and a clarifier with activated sludge recirculation. The system effectively removes soot from soot-laden waste water in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl

Abstract: A method of filtering a feed of water to provide potable water includes adding a coagulant to the water to be filtered to encourage the formation of floes. About 0.1 to 1 mg/L of a polymeric flocculation aid is also added to the water to be filtered to further encourage the formation of flocs. Some of the flocs may then removed from the water to be treated, for example with a clarifier. A filtered permeate is removed from the water to be treated with a membrane filtration device. The membrane filtration device may be an immersed suction driven membrane filtration device. The polymeric flocculation aid may be added to the body of water in a dosage between about 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L. The dosage of the polymeric flocculation aid may also be approximately equal to the dosage which gives the minimum turbidity of the water to be treated, for example, as determined by jar testing.

Abstract: A clarification apparatus for liquid, characterized in that it has a first filtration layer (3) and a second filtration layer (4) and, arranged between the layers, an absorbing agent (5) comprising basic magnesium sulfate and magnesium hydroxide, wherein a liquid to be treated containing fine particles is passed through the absorbing agent (5), to thereby aggregate the fine particles in the liquid to be treated, and then the resulting large particles are caught by the second filtration layer (4) and wherein a liquid to be treated containing a heavy metal ion is passed through the absorbing agent (5), to thereby react the metal ion with a hydroxyl ion of the absorbing agent and solidify the metal ion, followed by aggregation, and then the resulting large particles are caught by the second filtration layer (4); and an apparatus which further has an electrode device capable of generating an OH ion, wherein the electrically generated OH ions the OH radicals of the absorbing agent (5) and the heavy metal ions reac

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for thickening sludge derived from a water treatment plant by flocculation-decantation with floc ballasted with micro-sand or other dense granular material using a liquid cyclone treatment (1) of the decantation sludge. The invention is characterised in that it comprises successive steps which consist in: degassing (3) the overflow sludge of the liquid cyclone treatment (1) from the ballasted flocculation decantation unit, said degassing step being carried out on a corresponding degassing surface at a degassing surface velocity of less than 100 mph; injecting at least a flocculating reagent (4) into said sludge; and thickening said sludge in at least a laminar sludge thickener (6), with a stilling floor load calculated at the thickener floor surface higher than 200 kg of suspended matter per m2 per day and the extracted sludge concentration higher than 10 g/l.

Abstract: In a multistage osmosis treatment method including: subjecting liquid to reverse osmosis treatment in a first-stage reverse osmosis separation module (31); adding an alkali agent to the obtained permeated water (5) to adjust a pH value of the permeated water (5) in an alkaline region; and further subjecting the permeated water (5) to reverse osmosis treatment in second and subsequent stage reverse osmosis separation modules (32), the supply water (5) to the second-stage reverse osmosis separation module (32) is subjected to at least one treatment selected from deferrization, demanganization, decarboxylation, and addition of a chelator and a scale inhibitor. Because of this, multistage reverse osmosis treatment is provided, in which the separation performance of the second and subsequent stage reverse osmosis membrane modules is enhanced, and liquid can be separated and purified to a high degree, and boron and the like that are not dissociated in a neutral region can be separated at a high blocking ratio.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of cationic water-soluble polymers are provided, as well as processes for making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method of dewatering an aqueous mineral suspension comprising introducing into the suspension a flocculating system comprising, a) a substantially non-ionic polymeric flocculant and b) an anionic polymeric flocculant, characterised in that, the substantially non-ionic polymeric flocculant is added to the suspension before the addition of the anionic polymeric flocculant. The method is useful for flocculating China clay suspensions, suspensions of s welling clays, calcium carbonate suspensions, titanium dioxide suspensions, suspensions of coal tailings, red mud and phosphate slimes etc.

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

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from a liquid medium containing the metal I solution or in finely divided insoluble from comprises contacting the medium with a functionalised polymer fibre capable of binding the metal and recovering the metal from the fibre. The polymer fibre is suitably a polyolefin, a fluorinated polyethylene, cellulose or viscose, which is functionalised by the radiation grafting of at least one monomer. The method is particularly suitable for the recovery of platinum group metals from process residues.

Abstract: A liquid treatment method for removing impurities from an impurity-containing liquid comprises a collection step of collecting a precipitated solid component from an impurity-containing liquid in a tank containing the liquid along with a liquid component of the liquid, a separation step of separating the solid component collected in the collection step from the liquid component collected in the collection step, a return step of returning to the tank the liquid component separated from the solid component in the separation step, and a purification step of obtaining a purified liquid from the impurity-containing liquid contained in the tank.

Abstract: A filtering method is directed to a wastewater of CMP process, which includes sub-micrometer particles suspended as colloid. The wastewater is filtered by a gel membrane formed on a surface of plastic filter. A coagulant or a pH adjuster is added to the wastewater so that the sub-micrometer particles are coagulated to form the gel membrane.

Abstract: A method for recovering usable material from waste concrete is herein described. Specifically, waste concrete is mixed with water containing hydration stabilization admixtures, forming an aggregate slurry. The aggregates are then removed from the slurry for recycling. The slurry itself is then used for mixing with additional waste concrete, during which time the density of the slurry is monitored and action taken to ensure that the density of the slurry remains within acceptable parameters. The slurry is then used in place of fresh water when preparing subsequent batches of concrete.

Abstract: An improved method of treating wastewater to remove ammonia and fluoride is provided. The method comprises the steps of chemical destruction of ammonia with an oxidizing agent, followed by treatment with calcium salts to precipitate insoluble calcium fluoride, and filtration to remove the precipitate.

Abstract: Compositions including pellets of alum, a smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate that can be delivered to a phosphate impoundment located at the bottom of a body of water at the bottom. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate are dropped through the body of water so that the alum is released when the pellet reaches the bottom of the impoundment thereby treating the phosphates.

Abstract: Compositions including alum, a smectite material and optionally one or more of a buffer and an algaecide coating or additives for the clarification of bodies of water by removal of dissolved solids, dissolved organic materials and other anions such as fluoride and chloride as well as the removal of total phosphorus from such bodies of water. The compositions are designed to be delivered to concentrated or impounded phosphorus located at the bottom of various bodies of water and may be produced in various physical forms.

Abstract: Process muds are de-watered by the addition of high clay alumina. The clay is mixed with plant sludges or muds so as to cause flocculation of the solid particles, and separating the water from the solid materials, as by filtration. Various polymers and/or alum process residues can be added as well. In addition to de-watering plant sludges, this method also reduces color, and reduces the total organic carbon as well as heavy metals, from the filtered water. This permits disposal of the water to public waterways with no additional treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the amount of silicon in brine. More specifically the silicon content of the brine is reduced to 1 ppm or less by using low caustic excess. The disclosed process can also be characterized as lowering sodium hydroxide excess (caustic excess) while maintaining the sodium carbonate level thereby obtaining a brine with a low level of silicon. A further purification step employs a sludge blanket.

Abstract: Compositions comprising of blends of polymeric materials, including a cationic polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of from 8 to 17 dl/g and a cationic content of from 20 to 100% which may be used in the dewatering of thermophilic sludges.

Abstract: Sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, a waste water treatment material and sludge dehydrating agent each containing the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt as an effective component thereof are disclosed. The waste water treatment material is used such that sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, which has viscosity of 10 mPa·S to 20,000 mPa·S at 25° C. after 0.01 N to 5 N neutral salt has been added to 1 wt % water solution of the sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt, is added to each waste water so that waste water is purified. When a sludge dehydrating agent is required, sulfonated styrene polymer and/or its salt having a weight average molecular weight of 1,100,000 or greater is combined with a cation polymer flocculating agent or an inorganic flocculating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial wastewaters, preferably wastewaters from the metal-processing industry, preferably suitable for treating the wastewater in such a manner that it can be recycled back to the production. In the process the wastewater passes through a sequence of treatment steps consisting of a chemical/physical flocculation/precipitation, a filter system, a biological wastewater purification stage and also a nanofiltration unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for separating contaminants from a contaminated fluid, such as wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention involves an improved integrated reactor and solids settler system for solids removal from a water stream. The integration of the rapid mix reactor and the solids settler of the present invention uses an overflow line from the rapid mix reactor to eliminate both the rapid mix reactor level indicator and controller and the flow controller in the solids settler clarified water outlet. The proposed design is simple, cost effective, and eliminates the possibility of unnecessary downstream unit shutdowns.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of dewatering sludge comprising adding an effective amount of one or more cellulolytic enzymes and one or more peroxidases to the sludge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of beneficiating and dewatering kaolin clays. The product of the improved process is a brightened, dewatered kaolin, suitable for use in pigments and paper coating compositions. The improved beneficiation process provides refined kaolin for pigments and other purposes of the same or better quality as prior art processes, but with the use of fewer steps and materials, at significant cost and environmental savings.

Abstract: A method of dewatering sludge comprising adding an effective amount of one or more cellulolytic enzymes, one or more oxidants and one or more flocculants to the sludge to form a mixture of water and coagulated and flocculated solids and separating the coagulated and flocculated solids from the water.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating an effluent comprising a mixture of spent wash and black liquor, said process comprising mixing the effluent with a flocculating agent consisting of a mixture of salts of Group III and transition metals, mixture of natural earth's along with an oxide of alkaline earth metal followed by treating with a combination of ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A method for removing anions such as nitrate ion, sulfate ion, chloride ion, and phosphate ion existed in underground water, surface water or waste water, comprising adding alumina cement and a calcium compound into the water containing the anion and followed by applying an electric field thereto, thereby to thereby to form a chemical precipitation which is an insoluble complex salt, and a continuous process for removing the anion by continuously performing the above method for removing anions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and an apparatus for removing deep sub-micron particles from water. The invented process includes adjusting pH value and conductivity, adding an oxidation agent, performing an electro coagulation reaction/an electro-oxidation reaction, and performing a flocculation sedimentation, etc. The invented apparatus includes a front adjustment tank for adjusting the properties of waste water, wherein the adjustment includes a pH adjustment, an electrolyte adjustment, or an oxidant addition, etc.

Abstract: A method of controlling algae in a municipal water plant including the step of adding an algicide-flocculant solution including 25-50 wt % acidic flocculent, 0-10 wt % polymer flocculant aid, an algicide consisting essentially of copper having a concentration of 0.025-1.275 wt % in the form of a water soluble copper salt, balance water. The algicide-flocculant solution may be added to the water via a clarifier of the water plant, a basin of the water plant, or a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may be located within the clarifier, adjacent to the basin, or upstream of the clarifier and/or the basin.

Abstract: A method is providing for treating waters, such as standing and flowing waters and waste waters, soils, sediments and/or silts. At least one alkaline earth metal peroxide is brought into contact with such waters or the like, especially to effect immobilization of phosphates and heavy metals except manganese and iron therein.

Abstract: Methods for direct reduction of ammonia from waste streams by the steps of reacting an aqueous ammonia containing waste stream with a solution of a strong acid and a metal salt, wherein the cation in said metal salt of said solution is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pd, Zn; and wherein an ammonium-double salt is formed with said metal salt in an ammonia depleted waste stream; and treating said depleted waste stream to crystallize an ammonium-metal double salt therefrom.

Abstract: A two-step chemical precipitation process involving hydroxide precipitation and sulfide precipitation combined with “field separation” technology such as magnetic separation, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation or expanded plastics flotation, effectively removes chelated and non-chelated heavy metal precipitates and other fine particles from water. In the first-step, the non-chelated heavy metals are precipitated as hydroxides and removed from the water by a conventional liquid/solids separator such as an inclined plate clarifier to remove a large percentage of the dissolved heavy metals. The cleaned water is then treated in a second precipitation step to remove the residual heavy metals to meet discharge limits. In the second precipitation step, any metal precipitant more effective than hydroxide for metal precipitation can be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for chemical addition utilizing adaptive process control optimizations having a combination of expert system(s), neural network(s) and genetic algorithm(s).

Abstract: The invention provides a flocculant which in sludge dewatering gives flocs having an excellent balance among flocculating strength, filtration rate and moisture content, and a method of sludge dewatering with the flocculant.

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: The process is composed of the following steps: (a) production of the fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution into one or more wiping tanks, where it is contaminated by the inks. In addition, it comprises the following steps: (c) treatment of the used solution exiting from the wiping tank or tanks with a chemical agent, producing a solution and sedimented ink, (d) separation by settling of the solution obtained in step (c), producing a clean solution and a concentrated solution with sedimented ink, (e) filtration of the concentrated solution, producing a clean solution and solid waste, and (f) use of the clean solution obtained in steps (d) and (e) as fresh wiping solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process using the composition for removing metal ions from aqueous process solutions. These compositions include a non-metallic compound and a suitable carrier. In one embodiment, the non-metallic compound is a thiuram. In another embodiment, the non-metallic compound can further include a dithiocarbamate. These compositions are contacted with the metal ions in the aqueous process solution having a wetting agent to form an organometallic complex precipitate. The precipitate can then be separated from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a liquid includes filtering objects of a relatively large dimension. The liquid is then mixed with additives to adjust the chemistry of the liquid. The liquid is pressurized and directed through a gasification device to dissolve gas into the liquid. This is accomplished by directing the liquid into an inlet of a hydrocyclone of the gasification device, directing the liquid exiting the hydrocyclone upwards to remove large bubbles, and removing liquid containing dissolved gas from a bottom portion of a vessel of the gasification device. The pressure of the liquid is then reduced and the liquid is introduced into a separation tank, and the contaminants are removed from the liquid by stratification. The treated water is removed from the separation tank, and sludge formed by skimming flocs from a liquid surface of the tank is subjected to a dewatering process.

Abstract: The invention presented herein concerns a method for precipitation of substances dissolved or suspended in a homogenous organic phase, whereby the organic phase forming a miscibility gap with water is continuously driven off by water vapor distillation and the substances not soluble in water are at the same time preserved, whereby the homogenous organic phase is vaporized in at least two stages using indirect heating and a water additive corresponding to the miscibility gap of the respective stage, whereby the stages are fed parallel in order to emulsify the solids or viscous concentrates in the water.

Abstract: Alum, used as a coagulant in water treatment, is recovered from clarifier sludge by adjusting the pH of the sludge downward to produce an aqueous clarifier sludge solution, and contacting the aqueous clarifier sludge solution with one side of a semi-permeable cation exchange membrane while contacting the other side of the membrane with an acidic sweep solution. By virtue of the Donnan co-ion exclusion phenomenon, aluminum ions, which are trivalent, pass readily through the membrane, in preference to divalent and monovalent cations, and consequently heavy metal carryover is relatively low. Organic matter carryover is substantially excluded, and consequently, the recovered alum can be reused without the potential for trihalomethane formation. The reactor is preferably in the form of a stack of spaced membranes, with the aqueous clarifier sludge solution and the acid sweep solution flowing through alternate spaces. The same process can be used for recovery of ferric iron coagulants.

Abstract: A method is described for separating, retrieving and concentrating platelets from whole blood relying on aggregation of the platelets followed by filtration. This method eliminates the need of a centrifuge for separating said cells from blood. To obtain cellular concentrates of platelets, blood is mixed with compatible agents that will aggregate cells while retaining contained growth factors. The resulting aggregates can then be separated from blood by filtration. If desired, the filter-captured aggregates are subject to a brief washing cycle where they are washed clean of residual aggregating agent, plasma, and red cells. Aggregates can then be partly or wholly deaggregated and the cells retrieved. The result is a suspension of cells and small aggregates with therapeutic levels of concentrated blood cells with included growth factors that are available for delivery to a wound site. A device that accomplishes the aforementioned process is also described.

Abstract: A dewatering aid for a slurry coating on a building product in which a coating formulation includes an hydraulic binder. A slurry is produced from said binder and dewatering aid and applied to the product to be coated. The resultant coating is then dewatered through said product. Dewatering can be accomplished with or without vacuum assistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing pollutants from aqueous photographic effluent containing silver in completed form and (or) thiosulfates.

Abstract: The process is composed of the following steps: (a) production of the fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution into one or more wiping tanks, where it is contaminated by the inks. In addition, it comprises the following steps: (c) treatment of the used solution exiting from the wiping tank or tanks with a chemical agent, producing a solution and sedimented ink, (d) separation by settling of the solution obtained in step (c), producing a clean solution and a concentrated solution with sedimented ink, (e) filtration of the concentrated solution, producing a clean solution and solid waste, and (f) use of the clean solution obtained in steps (d) and (e) as fresh wiping solution.

Abstract: A waste water treatment process for biologically removing phosphates incorporates a membrane filter. The process includes three zones, an anaerobic zone, an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone containing an anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic mixed liquor. Water to be treated flows first into the anaerobic zone. Anaerobic mixed liquor flows to the anoxic zone. Anoxic mixed liquor flows both back to the anaerobic zone and to the aerobic zone. The aerobic mixed liquor flows to the anoxic zone and also contacts the feed side of a membrane filter. The membrane filter treats the aerobic mixed liquor to produce a treated effluent lean in phosphorous, nitrogen, BOD OR COD, suspended solids and organisms at a permeate side of the membrane filter and a liquid rich in rejected solids and organisms. Some or all of the material rejected by the membrane filter is removed from the process either directly or by returning the material rejected by the membrane filter to the anoxic or aerobic zones and wasting aerobic sludge.