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

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD.sub.5 in the system. When the BOD.sub.5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A mobile surface contaminant extracting and water recycling apparatus comprises a standard truck, pickup, trailer or other wheeled container that is modified by the addition of a clay-based flocculent powder wastewater treatment unit. Mounted in combination with the wheeled container and the wastewater treatment unit is a vacuum steam cleaning unit. Steam is sent from the cleaning unit and sprayed by pressure guns onto the contaminated surface of a parking lot or other surface to be cleaned. The surface contaminants become emulsified in water condensed from the steam, which contaminated water then is vacuumed up by cleaning wands and returned by hose to the steam cleaning unit on the truck bed. From the steam unit, the contaminated water is piped to the adjacent truck-mounted wastewater treatment unit. The water is churned in the latter unit in the presence clay-based powder. The resultant floc sludge is deposited on top of porous cloth on a draining tray or trays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste liquids containing body fluids so as to prevent problems such as nosocomial infection due to such waste liquids containing body fluids discharged from patients under (surgical) operation or treatment, particularly those waste liquids containing blood or an irrigation liquid used to irrigate the body cavity of such patient. The method includes collecting a waste liquid containing body fluids into a container, separating the waste liquid into a supernatant liquor and a flocculate within the container, discharging the supernatant liquor from the container, and disposing of the flocculate remaining in the container together with the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for purifying water wherein a highly dispersed, hydrophobic flocculant is produced in situ. In the preferred methods, a dispersion of a water-insoluble, metallic soap is produced in situ by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, multivalent metal salt with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, alkali soap. The apparatus of the present invention includes a first mixing chamber for producing in situ an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic flocculant. The apparatus further includes a second mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and a flocculation/separation basin. The hydrophobic flocculant is evenly dispersing within the contaminated water by introduction into the second chamber through a high pressure pump and sparger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a medium containing organic waste. The process according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting medium (or effluent) containing the organic waste is subjected to the following stages: (i) treatment with at least one oxidizing agent; (ii) treatment with at least one flocculating agent; (iii) treatment with at least one polyelectrolyte, and in that the effluent obtained on conclusion of all of these stages is subjected to a filtration stage (iv), whereby a filtration cake and a filtrate are obtained. The process according to the present invention is more particularly useful for the treatment of pig manure.

Abstract: The method of the invention is characterized by adding comprises adding an inorganic flocculant to waste water treated with activated sludge process, adjusting the waste water between pH 4.0 and 5.0, waste water in this state for at least 1 minute, adjusting the waste water between pH 5.5 and 9.0 and adding an anionic polymer flocculant to generate flocs and separating the flocs to obtain supernatant. According to the invention, flocs become large, especially since flocs grow by adsorbing fine particles during maturation. The clarity of the treated water is sharply improved, and the qualities of the treated water, such as COD and chromaticity are also improved. Moreover, the scale of sedimentation tank can be made compact due to the improvement in precipitatability of flocs by growing into large size.

Abstract: Tannin containing polymers, their method of production and methods of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. The polymers are aldehyde-free and comprise copolymers of tannin and a cationic monomer. Another embodiment comprises aldehyde-free polymers of tannin, cationic monomer and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an anionic monomer and a nonionic monomer.

Abstract: Copolymers of low molecular weight polysaccharides and cationic monomers, their method of production and method of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. Preferably the copolymer comprises alginic acid and methyl chloride quaternary salt of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A process for easily producing a packing material for high-performance liquid chromatography, which produces only a small amount of a dissolved matter. The process has a low cost and contributes to an improvement in the quality of the separated product, without reducing the separation capacity in the field of the separation of only a small amount of a dissolved matter derived from the polysaccharide derivative is obtained by washing the packing material comprising a polysaccharide coated on a carrier with a solvent.

Abstract: A method and composition for detackifying or coagulating and flocculating waterborne and mixed waterborne/solventborne paints in paint spray booth water. Aluminum chlorohydrate and a tannin containing polymer, preferably in an aqueous solution, are added to the paint spray booth water to detackify or coagulate and flocculate the paints.

Abstract: In the Bayer process for producing alumina from bauxite of the type wherein the bauxite is added to a caustic solution to produce a soluble aluminate solution and an insoluble red mud fraction which is then subjected to one or more separation steps to produce a thickener overflow which is then subjected to a Sand Filter to polish the thickener overflow the improvement which comprises treating the thickener overflow with a solids removal efficiency improving amount of a biopolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating or clarifying a turbid wastewater containing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of proteinaceous materials, fats, oils, and other biological contaminants. The methods of the present invention include the steps of (a) contacting turbid wastewater to cellulose ester fibrets under conditions sufficient to flocculate the contaminant to form a treatment suspension, and then (b) separating the flocculants from the treatment suspension to provide a clarified wastewater.

Abstract: Provided is a novel polysaccharide derivative having a main structure of the following formula (1) in which a polysaccharide or its derivative has been chemically bonded to the inner and outer surfaces of the pores of a porous carrier at the reducing terminal of the polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative: ##STR1## Also provided are a method of producing the novel polysaccharide derivative in which a silane agent is chemically bonded to a porous carrier and thereafter a polysaccharide having a degree of polymerization from 11 to 500 or its derivative is further chemically bonded to surface treated carrier at the reducing terminal of the polysaccharide or its derivative, and a method of producing the novel polysaccharide derivative in which a polysaccharide having a degree of polymerization from 11 to 500 or its derivative is chemically bonded to a silane agent at the reducing terminal of the polysaccharide or its derivative and thereafter the polysaccharide derivative is further chemically bonded to a por

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to remove tumour necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF.alpha.) or/and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from an aqueous liquid, in particular blood, blood plasma or serum, in an extracorporeal perfusion system after removing corpuscular blood components if necessary, wherein(a) the pH value of the body fluid is adjusted to pH<6,(b) a precipitation reagent in the form of a polyanion is added,(c) precipitated substances are removed by filtration or/and centrifugation and(d) the resulting liquid is passed over an anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.

Abstract: Methods of treating circulating water containing oversprayed waterborne and/or solventborne paint, such as in a paint spray booth operation with copolymer of lignosulfonate and a cationic monomer subunit with Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and/or NaOH. The method does not require the use of metal salts or silicates.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preparing alkylated tannin Mannich polymers by reacting a tannin Mannich condensation polymer, prepared from a condensed tannin, and amine, and formaldehyde, with an alkylating agent at a pH between 5 and 14. Optionally, the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer may be reacted further with formaldehyde to increase its viscosity.The invention further comprises a method of removing color form waste water utilizing the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer produced by the above process.

Abstract: Tannin containing polymers, their method of production and methods of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. The tannin containing polymers comprise copolymers of tannin and a cationic monomer. Another embodiment comprises tannin containing polymers of tannin, cationic monomer and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an anionic monomer and a nonionic monomer.

Abstract: A powdered composition for treating spent dry film stripping and/or developing solutions comprising: 10 to 70 percent by weight of an aluminum source, such as aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride; and 28 to 90 percent by weight of siliceous particulates, such as diatomaceous earth, sodium potassium aluminum silicate or expanded perlite. The powdered composition may also include 3 to 35 percent by weight of a metal precipitation agent, such as trimercapto-s-triazine, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, starch xanthate, sodium diethydithiocarbamate and thio red, to precipitate the metal from the spent solutions and/or 0 to 10 percent by weight of a dust-suppression agent such as water or propylene glycol. A method of using the disclosed compositions is also revealed in this application.

Abstract: A method and composition for detackifying or coagulating and flocculating waterborne and mixed waterborne/solventborne paints in paint spray booth water. Aluminum chlorohydrate and a tannin containing polymer, preferably in an aqueous solution, are added to the paint spray booth water to detackify or coagulate and flocculate the paints.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay after the clay has been mined and dried to improve its properties when in contact with contaminated water. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, the clay is impregnated with an aqueous solution containing a dissolved, water-soluble polymer, in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight based on the dry weight of the clay, and the clay is wetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, and then redried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: A process for the rendering of an effluent stream from a food processing plant, in which the effluent has or is made to have an acidic pH and carries proteinaceous material. The effluent is contacted with an inorganic coagulant (clay) that together with the acidic pH effectively neutralizes ionic charges on the proteinaceous material to cause the proteinaceous material to precipitate out of solution. The effluent stream is contacted with a biologically derived polymeric flocculant to facilitate settling of the precipitated proteinaceous material as flocs. The inorganic coagulant is present in an amount by weight of at least 1.5 times or 2.5 times the amount by weight of polymeric flocculant. Flocs are removed from the effluent stream to thereby render the effluent stream. A biologically derived co-flocculant is added to the effluent stream after contact with the effluent stream by coagulant and flocculant.

Abstract: A process for removing proteinaceous materials, fats and oils from food processing wastewater using a coagulant such as lignin or a halogen ion containing compound together with a flocculant such as a natural polymer such as a polysaccharide or synthetic polymer is described. The combination of lignin or halogen and polymer is effective for coagulating and flocculating proteinaceous materials, fats and oils in food processing wastewater at low pH.

Abstract: A method for treating water using natural polymers that provide an alternate and improved means to achieve enhanced coagulation is described. A method for removing particles, color, and color from drinking water, comprising adding a primary coagulant such as a natural, cationic polymer like chitosan or a cationic starch and a coagulant aid such as bentonite to drinking water to form a mixture. A preferred concentration weight ratio of natural polymer to clay mineral is between 1:5 and 1:20.A composition for removing particles and color from drinking water is described that includes a natural, cationic polymer coagulant and clay mineral in a total amount effective to coagulate suspended material in the drinking water. The composition includes a weight ratio natural polymer coagulant/clay mineral of between about 1:5 to about 1:20.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.

Abstract: A method of laundering oily items comprises laundering said items in a wash solution which includes a surfactant system and a source of alkalinity. The source of alkalinity is an alkali metal aluminate preferably sodium aluminate at a concentration effective to have at least about 25 ppm of the alkali aluminate present in the wash solution measured as alumina. The wash solution is then separated from the laundered items and its pH reduced to about 9 or less. A destabilizing polymer such as diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride can be added. This combination causes the oil and grease to separate from the wash solution and float to the surface along with the sodium aluminate. If the concentration of the sodium aluminate is above about 100 ppm preferably about 250 ppm, there is no need to add the destabilizing polymer. This does not affect the overall efficiency of the detergent, yet significantly improves the ability to separate the oil and grease from the waste wash solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing suspended solids from wastewater, by dissolving and mixing sodium alginate and retarder in the wastewater; adding and mixing metallic salt having a valence of 2 or more, excluding magnesium salt and mercury salt, in the resultant mixture to aggregate the solids; and separating the aggregated solids and resultant clarified water from each other.

Abstract: A process for removing printing inks from printed wastepaper in the presence of a deinking chemical is provided. In this process printed wastepaper is disintegrated to form a paper stock suspension and the detached printing ink particles are removed in known manner by flotation or washing in another stage. In this process, alkoxylates of blown oils are used as the deinking chemical. The deinking chemical is added during disintegration and/or before the flotation or washing step. Preferably, the printed wastepaper is disintegrated in the presence of 0.02 to 2% by weight and preferably 0.1 to 0.8% by weight, based on air-dry paper stock, of alkoxylates of blown oils. This deinking chemical also removed printing inks from paper circuit waters.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood comprising a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.

Abstract: Alginic acid is used in combination with high molecular weight synthetic water soluble polymers to flocculate red mud from Bayer process liquors. Superior clarity of supernatant liquor is achieved using the process of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for purifying a low polluted water containing concurrently or selectively inadequate matters including heavy metals such as iron contents and manganese, and fine suspended matters, which comprises adding a reactant primarily containing a colloidal silica from a reactant charger to the polluted water stored in a primary tank to emulsify the inadequate matters; adding a coagulant primarily containing chitosan into the polluted water from a coagulant charger; feeding external air under high pressure by a pump into the polluted water, and separating the air from the polluted water, followed by dissolution of the air under pressure in the polluted water using a water separator; injecting the thus treated polluted water into a polluted water stored preliminarily in a secondary tank to generate very fine bubbles in polluted water stored in the secondary tank under releasing of the pressure; allowing the inadequate matters emulsified and flocculated to float up onto the water surf

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for treating a heavy metal containing waste water by using acorns. Acorns and nuts of other trees belonging to the Eagaceae group are dried at the room temperature and under the sun beams. Then acornic acid is extracted from the dried acorns. Then the acornic acid is filtered until it becomes colorless. A heavy metal containing waste water (low concentration and high concentration) is maintained at pH=8-11.5 by adding NH.sub.4 OH, Ca(OH).sub.2 and NAOH. Then the acornic acid is added into the waste water, and then, Ca.sup.++ ions singly or together with other divalent cations are added by 50 ppm. Then this solution is agitated for several minutes, and then, the heavy metals are precipitated, or the solution is filtered, thereby treating the heavy metal containing waste water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil and clarifying waste water from an oil field are disclosed. The method includes the step of treating the waste water with an aqueous de-emulsifying agent comprising wattle tannin, an inorganic coagulant and a synthetic polymer flocculant to destabilize the oil emulsion and rapidly agglomerate the oil particles formed thereby. Efficiency of the present de-emulsifying agent permits use of flotation equipment for rapid clean-up of the waste water and obviates the need for large settling pits.

Abstract: A method for treating cattle, fish, and poultry processing waste streams by the sequential addition of natural flocculants wherein at least one of the natural flocculants is liquid chitosan and another of the natural flocculants is an anionic natural flocculant.

Abstract: A method and related product for purification of waste water, especially of water polluted with phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, and chlorinated solvents. The purification process consists of:a) adding two liquid mixtures in sequence to the waste water;b) letting the pollutants react with the two mixtures;c) subsequently removing the sludge that forms.One of the two liquid mixtures in question is a liquid mixture of two acids that may be extracted from lignite, leonardite and fossils of vegetal origin like peat.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood including a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.

Abstract: Process and composition for treating aqueous media to remove impurities using chitosan, polysilicic acid and/or poly aluminosilicate, ferric compound and clay.

Abstract: A secondary polishing process for Bayer Process liquors suspension is described. The polishing process uses a combination of bio-polymers, particularly such bio-carbohydrates as dextran, with an inert insoluble solid, such as a filter aid, to treat the primary red mud settler overflow, then clarifying these treated overflow liquors in a secondary clarifier. Results provide for from 0-20 milligrams per liter suspended solids, often from 0-5 ppm suspended solids, and may make sand filter or Kelly filter operation an option in the Bayer Process.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the removal of toxic resin acids and fatty acids from pulp and paper effluent and from other streams containing resins and fatty acids. The addition of an anionic material, such as albumin, gelatin, alginate or alginic acid prior to clarification with conventional or state of the art cationic coagulation clarification or retention will improve the removal of resin acids and fatty acids.

Abstract: Wood-resin-containing process water or wastewater from the pulp industry is purified by adding, as flocculants, a high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide and a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether, suitably having a flocculation temperature of 35.degree.-80.degree. C. The added amount per liter of water is preferably 2-20 mg of the high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide and preferably 5-30 mg of the non-ionic cellulose ether.

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one succinoglycan polysaccharide, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising glucose, galactose and succinyl moieties, and (ii) at least one natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A process for the removal of soluble polyvalent metal impurities from aqueous streams, the polyvalent metal selected from groups IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, VA, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII in the periodic table of elements, is disclosed. The process comprises, in order:(1) dissolving (a) chitosan or a water soluble salt thereof and (b) a halogenating agent capable of converting chitosan to an N-halochitosan in an aqueous stream that (i) contains said polyvalent metal impurity as a cationic or complex anionic moiety and (ii) is at a pH of 2 to 5.5, wherein an effective amount of N-halochitosan is formed in said aqueous stream to remove said polyvalent metal impurity;(2) raising the pH of the aqueous stream to a pH greater than 6, the pH being sufficiently high to form an insoluble product containing the polyvalent metal impurity and said N-halochitosan; and(3) separating the insoluble product from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to coagulating agents formulated in the form of two separate components A and B for coagulating paints, waxes and coating compositions, which agents contain one or more aluminosilicate(s), one or more wax(es) and/or wax analogues and one or more active ingredient(s) and/or auxiliary material(s) that are known per se for coagulating and/or formulating, as well as to the aqueous slurries of the two-component agents and to the use thereof in circulation waters of paint disposal units.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of molybdenum compounds in circulating waters of wet precipitators of spray coating units for detackifying and coagulating paints and/ or varnishes, waxes and other organic coating compositions, and a process for detackifying and coagulating paints and/ or varnishes, waxes and other organic coating compositions by means of molybdenum-containing coagulants.

Abstract: A process for selectively recovering dissolved heavy metals from a solution is disclosed that involves selectively reacting a xanthate with such dissolved heavy metals. Selective reaction of a xanthate with selected dissolved heavy metals is accomplished by conducting the reaction under conditions such that only some of the heavy metals react with the xanthate, to the exclusion of reaction with other dissolved heavy metals. Selectivity of the reaction is particularly influenced by the pH at which the reaction occurs. Typically, the reaction should occur at a pH below about 4.0. Xanthates, once reacted, can be separated from the heavy metal xanthate reaction product and recycled for use within the process. Purified heavy metal product can be produced if desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in dry form, preferably in the form of a tablet, containing a combination of ingredients which upon addition to contaminated water effectively removes turbidity, metal and organic contaminants in the water and thereby makes the water safer for drinking. The composition is particularly useful for personal use so that safe drinking water can be obtained by the simple addition of the composition to the water to remove the turbidity and contaminating materials contained therein. Preferably the composition contains bentonite clay, attapulgite clay, polymeric coagulant and/or flocculent, biocide, zeolite and activated charcoal. The invention also provides a method for treating water with the composition as well as a method for making the composition.

Abstract: A method of converting a toxic composition containing an aldehyde to a composition which is substantially non-toxic. The aldehyde is reacted with a compound having protic oxygen or nitrogen atoms and a polyimine or polyimine derivative to absorb or swell the aldehyde-containing composition and preferably to yield a substantially solid reaction product by way of a substantially irreversible reaction.

Abstract: Use of polymeric two-phase systems for removing microbial contaminants from industrial lubricating agents, a method of purifying microbial contaminated lubricating agents by mixing the lubricating agent with a polymeric two-phase system, allowing the mixture to separate so as to form a top-phase containing the lubricating agent and a bottom-phase containing at least part of the microbial contaminants, and separating at least a major part of the microbially enriched bottom-phase from the top-phase, a plant for microbial purification of lubricating agents comprising a mixing tank (4) having means (7, 8) for feeding microbially contaminated lubricating agent (S) to the mixing tank, means (13) for feeding a polymeric two-phase system to the mixing tank, a stirrer (5) in the mixing tank, means (9, 10) for feeding the mixture to a separation device (6) for separating the mixture into a top-phase (T) containing lubricating agents, and a bottom-phase (B) containing microbial contaminants, and means (18) for recoverin

Abstract: A waste stream such as from an animal or poultry processing plant is mixed with bentonite or Grafted Bentonite and then with liquid Chitosan as natural flocculents to form a rigid floc which removes fats, oils, greases, and/or proteins from the waste stream. The flocculated solids (sludge) is removed and dried, and either formed into granules or pellets. The recovered material may be used as animal feed, when appropriate. However, it is particularly useful when mixed with coal fines and pelletized to form fuel pellets or used in granule form as a fuel source.