Abstract: A method for reducing sludge viscosity of a sewage sludge having a solids concentration of at least 10% (w/w). The method comprises the steps of increasing the pH of the sludge to 9.5-12.5%, at least one step selected from subjecting the sludge to a holding step of at least one day and adding inorganic or organic chemicals to facilitate viscosity reduction, followed by incubating the sludge at temperature up to 100° C., and subjecting the sludge to a shearing or disintegration step. The method provides sludge, especially concentrated sludge, that is more readily pumped or transported.

Abstract: A method for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removed from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to treat aqueous streams comprising soluble biomaterials, especially proteins, wherein the concentration of soluble biomaterials is substantially reduced. The process comprises adjusting the pH of a substantially aqueous to less than or equal to pH 3 to produce a first pH-adjusted stream, which is in turn adjusted to greater than pH 3 to produce a second pH-adjusted stream followed by addition of a flocculant to produce a flocculated material.

Abstract: A process for treating liquid septage and other biosolids having the steps of placing a known amount of liquid septage in a tank, mixing in a sufficient quantity of alkaline material to raise the pH to a desired level, flocculating the septage, storing the pH adjusted septage for a predetermined period of time, thickening the septage, de-watering the septage, and pasteurizing the resultant liquid effluent and de-watered solids cake. The process for treating liquid septage and biosolids disclosed by the current invention meets the Class A vector attractant reduction and pathogen reduction requirements mandated by the U.S. EPA. The end product of septage and other biosolids treated using the process disclosed by the current invention can be sold as fertilizer, and utilized without any additional permits.

Abstract: A method of treating an oil-containing waste water which is produced by washing, with a surfactant, an article bearing at least one fouling component including an oil, and in which the at least one fouling component is finely dispersed in the water by the surfactant, the method including the step of adding, under a condition that the oil-containing waste water has been adjusted to have a pH value greater than eight and smaller than twelve and have a temperature not higher than 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anaerobic curing impregnation sealant compositions which are readily separable from water upon mixing.

Abstract: A process and system for removing animal processing contaminants and fats, oils, and greases from large volume quantities of waste water. In the process, a waste water stream containing the contaminants is treated with a chemical oxidant, polymer compound and coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 50 microns. Treated waste water is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the contaminant particle from the waste water. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size in the range of 0.5 micron to 10 microns may be used. The treated waste water flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from at least 200 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to in excess of 750 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: A method for pretreating waste water for use in reverse osmosis filtration is provided. Small amounts of chemicals are added to the waste water to promote formation of filterable particles from colloidal and dissolved solids. These particles are then removed via a closed-end, low pressure, high flowrate filtration system prior to reverse osmosis treatment.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly method and composition is provided for removing hydrogen sulphide from fluids at high pH. The method and composition are particularly suited for removing hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids used in drilling boreholes in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formations, and are suitable for use with any drilling fluid, including polymer based drilling fluids. The sulphide scavenger used in the method and composition is a ferrous gluconate, an organic iron chelating agent stable at pH as high as 11.5, the pH preferred for drilling fluids that may encounter hydrogen sulphide. Further, this additive has been found to enhance the resilience of the rheological properties of drilling fluids to hot rolling and comparable field conditions.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of paints in waste waters can be treated to detackify the paint and facilitate its removal by contacting the paint suspension at a pH of from about 5 to about 14 with a polyarylamine that is produced by reacting an aldehyde with an arylamine in the presence of an acid in an aqueous suspension. The same polyarylamine can also be used for reducing the color content of highly colored liquids. Compositions containing the polyarylamine are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat curing impregnation sealant compositions, which are readily separable from water upon mixing.

Abstract: A method and system for removing heavy metals from wastewaters is provided wherein the wastewaters are pre-treated with a polymeric metal removing agent to assist in the removal of the heavy metals. The polymeric metal removing agent promotes the precipitation of large particles which may then be filtered by a high flow rate, low pressure filtration system.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended fat and protein components and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of an aluminate to complex with the fat and protein components and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the aluminate/fat and protein component complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology, which insoluble particles can be rendered to produce tallow.

Abstract: A process for dewatering and reducing pathogens in liquid waste sludge having a liquid component and a sludge solids component. Alkaline material is added to the liquid waste sludge. Flocculent may then be mixed with the liquid waste sludge. The liquid waste sludge is then fed into a screw press having a screw. The screw simultaneously heats and dewaters the liquid waste sludge for a sufficient period of time and at a predetermined temperature for the sludge solids component from the screw press to be pasteurized. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the process for dewatering and reducing pathogens in liquid waste sludge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing heavy metals contained in exhaust gas which has been generated by burning a waste liquid containing the heavy metals discharged in a process of producing organic compounds. The method includes the steps in the order of: (a) a combustion step of burning the waste liquid to produce exhaust gas; (b) a gas-liquid contact step of rendering a liquid containing an alkali compound in contact with the exhaust gas to collect the heavy metals in bottoms of the liquid; and (c) a coagulating step of adding a coagulant to the bottoms to coagulate the heavy metals in the bottoms for removal of the heavy metals. According to this method, the heavy metals contained in the exhaust gas can be efficiently separated and removed.

Abstract: The present invention is a floatation process and associated apparatus for removing heavy metal waste from various effluent water streams. The process and apparatus generally introduces a population of fine diameter air bubbles and one or more flocculating chemicals into an effluent stream to produce buoyant floc structures that include the heavy metals and that can be removed from the effluent stream. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means of removing heavy metals from effluent water streams.

Abstract: A method of removing lead from water comprising a) adjusting the pH of the water to about 7 to about 9; and b) adding to the water an effective amount of a water soluble, high molecular weight cationic dispersion polymer composed of i) (meth)acrylamide; ii) a hydrophilic cationic monomer of formula  wherein A1 is O or NH; B1 is C2-C4 alkylene or hydroxypropylene; R1 is H or CH3, R2 and R4 are independently C1-C2 alkyl; R3 is H or C1-C2 alkyl; and X1 is an anionic counterion; and iii) a hydrophobic cationic monomer of formula  wherein A2 is O or NH; B2 is C2-C4 alkylene or hydroxypropylene; R5 is H or CH3; R6 and R8 are C1-C2 alkyl; R7 is C6-C20 alkyl or arylalkyl; and X2 is an anionic counterion; c) optionally adding a water soluble ethylene dichloride ammonia polymer to form a mixture of water and lead-containing flocculated solids; and d) separating the lead-containing flocculated solids from the water.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of paints in waste waters can be treated to detackify the paint and facilitate its removal by contacting the paint suspension at a pH of from about 5 to about 14 with a polyarylamine that is produced by reacting an aldehyde with an arylamine in the presence of an acid in an aqueous suspension. The same polyarylamine can also be used for reducing the color content of highly colored liquids. Compositions containing the polyarylamine are also described.

Abstract: A method of removing arsenic and fluoride from aqueous solutions in the same process is provided. Specifically, the pH of the aqueous solution is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 5 to 8. A combination of calcium salts, and ferric or aluminum salts are added to form insoluble arsenic and fluoride bearing solids. The solids are then removed from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for very rapidly cleaning very small, colloidal particles from nuclear reactor water subjected to a high-energy waterjet cutting of metal using metal shot particles for cuffing such as garnet particles with the cutting causing fracturing of the metal shot as well as the cut metal fines into a negatively charged colloidal suspension having a large area. This colloidal suspension causes water turbidity and makes known filtration techniques impractical for rapid removal of such suspensions for recycling to the reactor.

Abstract: A method of treating industrial wastewaters is provided. Specifically, the wastewater includes one or more organic contaminant materials and is pre-treated prior to filtering by the following steps The pH of the wastewater is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 2 to 6, and a combination of iron salts and peroxide are added to the wastewater and allowed to react for a period of at least about three minutes. Next, the pH of the wastewater is adjusted upwards to a value of at least 7 and precipitating or flocculating agents are added to form an insoluble contaminant bearing compound. The compound is then filtered from the wastewater thereby removing the contaminant materials from the wastewater. This invention is particularly suited for use with single pass flow-through filters, and most particularly suitable for high flow rate single pass flow-through filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced through the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer, and thus conserves electrical energy, but can neutralize the waste water.

Abstract: A process is provided to reduce phosphorus concentrations in aqueous streams comprising phosphorus. The process comprises (a) adjusting pH, (b) adding a particular metal ion, and (c) adding organic polymers. Optionally anionic inorganic colloids can be added.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining colloid-forming metal particles from an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form. In accordance with this process, an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form is provided having a pH value of about 4.0 to about 6.5. The solution is electrified with direct current a about 1.2 to about 2.0 volts to reduce the desired metal ions to colloidal metal particles. A slurry of cellulose particles is agitatingly added to the colloid composition followed by a flocculant to form a solid phase cellulosic floc containing the colloid. The solid and liquid phases are separated, and the solid phase is dried, fluxed and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the flux and colloid and form larger metal particles that can then be recovered. The colloid-forming metal is preferably gold.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to treat aqueous streams comprising soluble biomaterials, especially proteins, wherein the concentration of soluble biomaterials is substantially reduced. The process comprises adjusting the pH of a substantially aqueous to less than or equal to pH 3 to produce a first pH-adjusted stream, which is in turn adjusted to greater than pH 3 to produce a second pH-adjusted stream followed by addition of a flocculant to produce a flocculated material.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of paints in waste waters can be treated to detackify the paint and facilitate its removal by contacting the paint suspension at a pH of from about 5 to about 14 with a polyarylamine that is produced by reacting an aldehyde with an arylamine in the presence of an acid in an aqueous suspension. The same polyarylamine can also be used for reducing the color content of highly colored liquids. Compositions containing the polyarylamine are also described.

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 process for removing metals from wastewater, which comprises the following: measuring the flow rate and oxidation reduction potential of wastewater as it is fed into a first treatment tank, adjusting the pH of the wastewater, adding a first liquid elixir to the wastewater to react with at least one metal in the wastewater to cause it to either precipitate out of solution, or convert into a form that will allow it to be precipitated out of solution by a second liquid elixir, and to bond with the metal to prevent it from re-dissolving back into solution, adding a second liquid elixir to the wastewater to react with at least one metal in the wastewater to cause it to precipitate out of solution, and to bond with the metal to prevent it from re-dissolving back into solution, feeding the wastewater into a second treatment tank, mixing a third liquid elixir and a fourth liquid elixir into the wastewater to flocculate and/or coagulate the precipitated metals, and separating the flocculated and/or coagulated precip

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended organic containing particles, such as starch, and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of multivalent metal ions and their complexes in order to form metal ion/organic particle complexes and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the metal ion/organic particle complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using halogen, e.g. chlorine donors to prevent the accumulation of undesirable chlorinated by-products. The feed rate of a chlorine donor is controlled for maintaining a desired ORP. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP range expanded by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The rate of oxidation is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of the undesirable by-products. Treatment removes the by-products from the water and surrounding air by maintaining continuous breakpoint halogenation conditions.

Abstract: A process for removing dissolved uranium from water is provided. The process basically comprises (a) mixing phosphoric acid or particulate bone ash with the water, (b) mixing calcium hydroxide with the mixture produced in step (a) to thereby form calcium hydroxy phosphate or calcium hydroxy apatite which reacts with and complexes at least a portion of the uranium in the water to form a precipitate thereof, and (c) separating the precipitate from the water.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using a combination of halogen, e.g. chlorine donors and peroxygen, e.g. potassium monopersulfate. The peroxygen compound elevates the oxidation-reduction potential of the body of water being treated. Simultaneously, a halogen donor is added to the body of water to maintain a PPM level of free halogen sufficient to insure sanitization. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP effective range expanded to 700-850 mv by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The feed rates and concentrations of both oxidizers are optimized so as to achieve and maintain the targeted parameters. A high level of oxidation is maintained which removes by-products from the water and surrounding air.

Abstract: A process for treating sludge comprising the addition of sulphuric acid and anhydrous ammonium to the sludge inside a granulator in order to produce an exothermic reaction which generates sufficient heat to evaporate the water contained in the sludge, thus eliminating all the pathogen and non pathogen microorganism, and producing a dry product having a low pH, free of polluting agents and a high commercial value.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of paper and paper-like products from a suspension of papermaking materials to which poly(ethylene oxide) and a phenolic type cofactor which may be produced by a Williamson synthesis from a resin, are added to improve the retention of fibers, of fines, of dispersed extractives and of fillers during the processes of water removal for the manufacturing of paper.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended fat and protein components and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of an aluminate to complex with the fat and protein components and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the aluminate/fat and protein component complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology, which insoluble particles can be rendered to produce tallow.

Abstract: A method and system for removing heavy metals from wastewaters is provided wherein the wastewaters are pre-treated with a polymeric metal removing agent to assist in the removal of the heavy metals. The polymeric metal removing agent promotes the precipitation of large particles which may then be filtered by a high flow rate, low pressure filtration system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing heavy metals contained in exhaust gas which has been generated by burning a waste liquid containing the heavy metals discharged in a process of producing organic compounds. The method includes the steps in the order of: (a) a combustion step of burning the waste liquid to produce exhaust gas; (b) a gas-liquid contact step of rendering a liquid containing an alkali compound in contact with the exhaust gas to collect the heavy metals in bottoms of the liquid; and (c) a coagulating step of adding a coagulant to the bottoms to coagulate the heavy metals in the bottoms for removal of the heavy metals. According to this method, the heavy metals contained in the exhaust gas can be efficiently separated and removed.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing a resin is disclosed, which includes the steps of adding a polyamine compound to waste water containing at least a resin to coagulate at least water-insoluble matter in the water to form coagulated particles, adding a polyacrylamide polymer to cause those particles to grow into flocculated flocs, and separating the flocculated flocs. The process of the invention can treat waste water containing a resin in an industrially beneficial way without producing a large amount of sludge is disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining colloid-forming metal particles from an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form. In accordance with this process, an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form is provided having a pH value of about 4.0 to about 6.5. The solution is electrified with direct current a about 1.2 to about 2.0 volts to reduce the desired metal ions to colloidal metal particles. A slurry of cellulose particles is agitatingly added to the colloid composition followed by a flocculant to form a solid phase cellulosic floc containing the colloid. The solid and liquid phases are separated, and the solid phase is dried, fluxed and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the flux and colloid and form larger metal particles that can then be recovered. The colloid-forming metal is preferably gold.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing a resin is disclosed, which includes the steps of adding a polyamine compound to waste water containing at least a resin to coagulate at least water-insoluble matter in the water to form coagulated particles, adding a polyacrylamide polymer to cause those particles to grow into flocculated flocs, and separating the flocculated flocs. The process of the invention can treat waste water containing a resin in an industrially beneficial way without producing a large amount of sludge is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to wastewater treatment, process and preferred systems for practice of the process for the removal of organic and inorganic ingredients contaminating wastewater, thereby to allow the reuse or sewer discharge of water used in various manufacturing and other processes. The process of the invention typically involves initial filtration of the wastewater and contact with a paste mixture consisting of magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium orthophosphate, ferric sulfate, sodium hydrocarbonate, and activated carbon, the activated carbon removing organics such as dyes and the like while the paste mixture precipitates inorganics for subsequent mechanical removal. After treatment with the paste mixture, precipitating compounds are added to precipitate other inorganics. Flocculating agents are then added for further clarification purposes. Material removal then occurs by mechanical extraction including filtration, settling and the like.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing cutting oil is disclosed, which includes the steps of adding a cationic organic compound to waste water containing used cutting oil to coagulate water-insoluble matter in the water and to thereby form coagulated particles, adding an anionic organic polymer to cause those particles to grow into flocculated flocs, and separating the flocculated flocs. The process of the invention can treat waste water containing used cutting oil in an industrially beneficial way without producing a large amount of sludge.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.

Abstract: In a fluoride including waste water processing device which comprises a reaction vessel and a sedimentation vessel, a calcium compound adding device adds calcium compound in fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel to react the calcium compound with fluoride of the fluoride including waste water to generate calcium fluoride. The sedimentation vessel has a bottom which is associated with a bottom of the reaction vessel through an opening hole. The fluoride including waste water is sent to the sedimentation vessel from the reaction vessel through the opening hole. The sedimentation vessel has an inclined bottom surface. The calcium fluoride is sent back, by a self-weight of the calcium fluoride, to the reaction vessel from the sedimentation vessel along the inclined bottom surface. An agitator aggregates the fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel. A polymer solution adding device adds polymer solution in the fluoride including waste water in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An improved process for the treatment of water, selected from livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream, which process comprises adding to said water a composition comprising a sufficient amount of an acid to lower the water pH to less than 3.5 to 2.0; and wherein said acid is selected from the group of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-hydroxyalkyltriglyoxilic acid (PR-1409SA); 2,2-oxy-diacetic acid; 2,2-ether diglycolic acid; sulfamic acid; and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: The simultaneous precipitation of soluble heavy metal ions from semiconductor wastewater containing abrasive solids and enhancement of microfilter operation is achieved through the addition of an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer containing dithiocarbamate functionalities to the wastewater.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal form waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the lie are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying protein containing waste water, In which a) a first insoluble material is caused to form in the waste water, b) the mixture obtained in step a) is separated to form pre-purified waste water, c) the pre-purified waste water is treated with aerobic microorganisms and d) the mixture obtained in step c) is separated to form finely purified waste water, and in which step b) and step d) are carried out in the same device. Preferably, steps b) and d) are alternately carried out in the same device.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used, for example, to clarify substantially aqueous fluids and separate solids from the fluid. The process comprises combining the fluid with a composition which comprises an anionic silica-based colloid having an S value of less than 50% and a cationic organic polymer.