Abstract: The suspended solids content of a process stream in a process for digesting bauxite ore to produce alumina is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid.

Abstract: A method of removing mineral hardness of water comprises selecting a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier capable of at least partially precipitating insoluble mineral hardness material from water containing mineral hardness. A pressurized flow of the water containing mineral hardness is generated. The mineral hardness solubility constant modifier is added to the pressurized flow of water containing mineral hardness to form water bearing precipitate mineral hardness. The water bearing precipitate mineral hardness is filtered to at least partially remove the precipitated insoluble mineral hardness material from the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to form post-filtered water.

Abstract: Installation for flocculation of water or sludge loaded with suspended matter comprising in succession: a polymer storage hopper, a polymer grinding device, and a line, pipe or other conveyor for transferring the polymer solution to the water or the sludge to be treated. The grinder device includes a wetting cone in which the polymer is poured, and at the bottom end of the cone: a chamber for grinding and removing the dispersed polymer comprising: a rotor, a stator, and a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. A method implementing the installation is also provided.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a chemical treatment process tank for receiving and chemically treating wastewater. The wastewater treatment system also includes a blending system for receiving and activating a flocculating agent such as a polymer. The wastewater treatment system further includes a static mixer for introducing the flocculating agent into the wastewater and for promoting flocculation of the wastewater as the wastewater flows from the chemical treatment process tank to a clarification tank.

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

Abstract: A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved while retaining the fluidity of the material during transfer, by combining with the material an effective rigidifying amount of aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The process is particularly suitable for the treatment of the tailings underflow resulting from a mineral processing operation and the co-disposal of fine and coarse tailings fractions. In addition, liquor released during the rigidification step is of high clarity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying a forensic sample using an automated extraction and purification system includes optical tweezers; an input channel through which the sample is introduced; a chamber which receives the sample from the input channel; a collection channel through which selected particles of the sample are removed; and an output through which unselected particles of the sample are removed. At least one buffer input channel is provided. The input channel may allow sedimentation of the sample into the chamber by gravity. In another arrangement, the system includes an optical trapping system; a first channel through which the sample is introduced; a second channel through which buffer is introduced; wherein the optical tweezers are used to move selected particles of the sample from the first channel to the second channel. The selected particles may be sperm. The optical tweezers preferably utilize holographic optical trapping.

Abstract: A sludge dewatering system that includes a reactor to apply an electric field across at least a portion of the volume of the sludge and a dewatering station to dewater the sludge. The dewatering system may include one or more bypass lines so that at a portion of volume the sludge bypasses particular stages of the system. The dewatering station may use, for example, pressing or a centrifuge.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.

Abstract: A method of removing organosilanes from a sample which involves contacting the sample with silica and allowing the organosilanes to couple to the surface of the silica. The silica can be provided as particles that are added to and mixed with the sample, or provided as a reactive filter media to which the sample is contacted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of oil and water, in particular through the action of a polymeric material on oil/water emulsions (including oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions).

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for dewatering and drying the dewatered sludge. Sludge pumped into the sludge dewatering apparatus is mixed in-line with a pre-measured quantity of polymers to agglomerate solids entrained in the sludge. The agglomerated sludge is routed to a filtration station comprising filtration chambers. The filtration chambers are fitted with industry standard filter bag. The agglomerated sludge is subjected to dewatering in the filter bags and the dewatered sludge is subsequently compacted, dried and discarded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersing agent composition and to a process for treating liquid slurries of bentonite particles, optionally comprising contaminating solids, in order to remove any contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles, wherein said dispersing agent composition is added to said slurry causing contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles to settle without flocculation.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled and/or scaled UF or MF membrane with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: (a) treating the membrane in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer that is present on the surface and/or in pores of said membrane; (b) making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; (c) optionally rinsing the membrane; (d) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid between the steps (b) and (c); and (e) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid after the membrane is rinsed in step (c).

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled or a scaled RO or NF membrane surface with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: treating the membrane surface in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer on said membrane surface; making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; optionally, rinsing the membrane.

Abstract: A process in which a suspension comprising dispersed particulate material in an aqueous medium is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the suspension during transfer, by combining with the suspension during transfer a rigidifying amount of a treatment system which comprises i) a water-soluble synthetic polymer and ii) a water-soluble natural or seminatural polymer. Improved rigidification can be achieved, including dose efficiency especially in regard to the amount of synthetic polymer required. In addition improvements in the clarity of liquor released from the suspension can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of de-watering a slurry mixture produced from a jet grouting operation, comprising the addition to the mixture of a high MW polyethylene oxide polymer, in such manner that it is uniformly distributed therein. The solids of the slurry are left in an easily and inexpensively-disposable form.

Abstract: A solid is separated from a gas scrubber by collecting a solids burden not collected at a solids-collection device of a flue gas desulfurization system by adding at least one flocculant, flocculation aid or mixtures thereof, while using a separating device; wherein te flue-gas desulfurization system contains at least one absorption device disposed downstream from said solids-collection device.

Abstract: An improved system for processing a liquid manure and producing organic fertilizer includes equipment for separating various components of the liquid manure having different nitrogen to phosphorous ratios and then mixing these components so as to produce an organic fertilizer with a predetermined nitrogen to phosphorus ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for removing hydrazine compounds from solutions. Solutions containing hydrazine compounds are contacted with crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Installation for flocculation of water or sludge loaded with suspended matter comprising in succession: a polymer storage hopper, a polymer grinding device, and a line, pipe or other conveyor for transferring the polymer solution to the water or the sludge to be treated. The grinder device includes a wetting cone in which the polymer is poured, and at the bottom end of the cone: a chamber for grinding and removing the dispersed polymer comprising: a rotor, a stator, and a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. A method implementing the installation is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention employs a beam steering apparatus to isolate valuable cells from other cells, tissues, and contaminants. In one embodiment, the system balances optical trapping against biasing flow to parallelize cell sorting under the flexible control of computer program-directed traps which differentially manipulate cells based on their composition or labels to direct separation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of achieving a solid-liquid separation of an oil-based mud comprising the step of contacting said oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, where the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud, mixing the water-in-oil emulsion and the oil-based mud and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase in the oil-based mud. In addition, this invention also relates to a composition comprising an oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, wherein the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud.

Abstract: Cationic polymers having a molecular weight greater than about 200,000 can be added to the activated sludge in an MBR for industrial wastewater treatment for reasons, which include: conditioning the activated sludge; improving flux through a membrane in the MBR; reducing fouling of the of the membrane in the MBR; and reducing foaming of the activated sludge in the MBR.

Abstract: A method for causing or facilitating the flow of dispersions of solid particulates in liquids, having characteristics of high viscosity or resistance to flow, with particular reference to sludges from purification plants of civil or industrial wastes, which method comprises the addition to the dispersions of silicones of formula wherein R and R? are identical or different and represent a radical chosen between C1-C5 alkyl and aryl; x is an integer comprised between 3 and 2000.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of achieving a solid-liquid separation of an oil-based mud comprising the step of contacting said oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, where the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud, mixing the water-in-oil emulsion and the oil-based mud and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase in the oil-based mud. In addition, this invention also relates to a composition comprising an oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, wherein the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud.

Abstract: A method of treating hardly decomposable harmful substance comprising (A) a step for adding coagulant into wastewater containing a hardly decomposable harmful substance, (B) a step for performing solid-liquid separation which separates a solid containing the hardly decomposable harmful substance from a liquid, and (C) a step for decomposing the hardly decomposable harmful substance by bringing peroxide into contact with the separated solid. Efficiently and safely treating the hardly decomposable harmful substances by means of low-cost facilities realizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphoteric water-soluble polymer dispersion containing polymer particles with particle diameters of 100 ?m or smaller and produced by dispersion-copolymerization of a monomer mixture comprising a methacrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an acrylate monomer containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, an anionic monomer, and a (meth)acrylamide in respectively ratios specified in an aqueous salt solution in the presence of a polymer dispersant soluble in the aqueous salt solution and the invention also relates to a dewatering agent for organic sludge, a pretreatment agent or yield improver for paper making raw materials, and/or a drainage properties-enhancing agent using the amphoteric water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: Processes for removing oil from a solid wellbore material such as drill cuttings or water such as produced by a subterranean formation include contacting the solid material/water with an amino-substituted polymer such as chitosan and a halogenating agent. The oil separates from the solid material and becomes bound within a flocculated solid. The flocculated solid containing the oil subsequently may be combined with a solvent of the amino-substituted polymer. Further, the flocculated solid may be contacted with a reducing agent, converting the flocculated solid back into the amino-substitute polymer and forming an oil-phase separate from the solvent-phase. The oil-phase may then be separated from the solvent phase and recovered. The solvent in which the amino-substituted polymer is dissolved may be recycled for treating more solid material removed from the well bore.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating blood into components, may be expanded to include other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component.

Abstract: A cost-effective method for reducing the dissolved sulfide content in a wastewater stream and thereby hydrogen sulfide emissions therefrom involving the steps of adding a transition metal salt to the wastewater stream at the upper reaches of a wastewater collection system prior to at least some hydrogen sulfide volatilization followed by addition of an oxidant to the wastewater stream to generate elemental sulfur and a transition metal salt which subsequently participates in additional hydrogen sulfide capturing steps, thereby also improving water quality and wastewater treatment plant operations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: A powered in-line blender for mixing additives to sludges or other flowable liquid/solid mixtures. The blender is particularly useful in a method of blending polymer to municipal sewage sludges to improve the dewatering characteristics, and thus improving total costs for dewatering, handling, and disposal.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater to increase effluent volatile fatty acid content consisting of providing wastewater to a primary treatment vessel and adding a select quantity of a chemical, typically an aluminum or iron salt, to the wastewater, enhancing the separation of organic matter. Separated organic matter is then removed from the chemically treated wastewater forming a primary sludge and a primary effluent. A portion of the primary sludge is fermented to form a volatile fatty acid rich liquor. The volatile fatty acid rich liquor may then be used with the primary effluent, directed to a bioreactor, thereby forming a volatile fatty acid enriched bioreactor feed. The volatile fatty acid enriched influent may be further treated through known biological phosphorous and nitrogen removal methods.

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 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: A method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane biological reactor comprising adding to the mixed liquor an effective coagulating and flocculating amount of one or more water soluble cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or combination thereof and methods of reducing membrane fouling, enhancing membrane flux and reducing sludge production.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating oversprayed paints in paint spray booths is provided. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a compound such as chitosan, and a complex metal salt, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, capable of flocculating the oversprayed paint, and optionally, bentonite clay. The composition is useful for detackifying and flocculating oversprayed paint, and is particularly useful as a liquid concentrate for the addition to wash systems in paint spray booths for water-based and solvent-based paints. The composition is also useful in decreasing the time for phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in solvent-based removal processes.

Abstract: A new method of improving the process of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic with its water contact angle considerably below 90°. A low hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) number surfactant is then added to the slurry, so that the surfactant molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface primarily by hydrophobic attraction and, thereby, increase its contact angle close to or above 90°. By virtue of the greatly enhanced hydrophobicity, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and removed more readily by a mechanical dewatering process. Any nonionic surfactant with its HLB number below about 15 may be used for the hydrophobicity enhancement. The surfactants may be used in conjunction with appropriate solvents such as light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating wastewater holding areas and the like includes a closed, foraminous dewatering membrane that is positioned adjacent to the wastewater holding area. Sludge and adjacent water on the bottom of the wastewater holding area are pumped in the form of a sludge slurry into the interior of the dewatering membrane. The water is removed from the sludge slurry by allowing gravitational forces to flow water through the dewatering membrane. The dewatering membrane is then opened, and the dewatered sludge is removed for depositing at an appropriate site.

Abstract: A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is pumped as a fluid then allowed to stand and rigidify and the rigidification is improved whilst retaining the pump ability of the material by combining polymeric particles with the material during or prior to pumping the material, wherein the polymeric particles comprise water soluble polymer which has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g. The process of the invention more effectively minimises the area taken up by a stack of the material of given volume whilst maintaining the pumpability of the material. This invention is particularly suited to material that comprises red mud from the Bayer alumina process.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the dewatering of sand are disclosed. The methods include adding an anionic or nonionic surfactant to the wet sand prior to dewatering.

Abstract: A process is used to remove suspended and dissolved material from fruit and vegetable wastewater. The steps of the process include adding a coagulant polymer to the wastewater. The steps also include the adding of a synthetic organic polymer to the wastewater. During the process, solid particles are produced having a specific definable and controllable size and weight. Another step includes the filtering of the solid particles having a specific definable and controllable size and weight from the wastewater. Additionally, a product for consumption by animals is rendered from the solid particles.

Abstract: A method for the refreshment and reuse of loaded developers used in lithographic printing is disclosed. A polyoxyalkylene derivative is added to a silicate-containing loaded developer. Insoluble material is separated and the alkalinity level of the resulting essentially colorless liquid adjusted to produce a refreshed developer. The refreshed developer may be used to develop additional exposed imageable elements.

Abstract: A filter aid and a method of using the same are disclosed that effectively removes contaminants from water-based metal forming liquids used in aluminum forming, rolling and other metal working processes. The filter aid includes a cellulosic material and a cationic polymer flocculating agent that is mixed with contaminated metal working fluid for a predetermined amount of time. The contaminated metal working fluid is then filtered through the filter aid, thereby removing the substantially all of the contaminants therein and allowing purified metal working fluid to return to the process system without carrying contaminants that will harm the surfaces of the metal being worked and the device that forms them. An acid material may be optionally added to the metal forming liquid, the acid serving to maintain the pressure and flow rate at normal levels by controlling clogging in the filter.

Abstract: A method for reducing the toxicity of onium compounds, such as ammonium compounds and phosphonium compounds, by the use of certain additives is described. Suitable additives include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic acids (e.g. naphthenic acids), sulfonic acids, organophosphonic acids, phenolic compounds, ether sulfates, phosphoric acid esters, sulfonated fatty acids, sulfated fatty acids, oligocarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, and alkali metal salts of these compounds and amine salts of these compounds.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for demulsification of water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: A method of removing phosphoric acid contained in wastewater which comprises comprehensively immobilizing calcium or a compound thereof with a solid polymer optionally together with magnetite and contacting the calcium-containing polymer with the wastewater to react the phosphoric acid contained in the wastewater with the calcium and thereby yield calcium apatite.