Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of aqueous fluids using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to or chemically transform solutes, and a filtration step to produce fluid from which solutes have been removed or chemically transformed. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.

Abstract: The process for irrigation of a man-made landscaped area, such as a golf course, playing field or agricultural area, involves monitoring a sample of reclaimed water, a sample of soil containing reclaimed water, or both from a supply of reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlife, and irrigating with the treated water via a subterranean distribution system. The sample is tested with monitors for water quality characteristics, including: total organic carbon compounds; pH; residual chlorine; chlorides; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges to show deviation from acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment may include a dechlorination system, an oxidation system, reverse osmosis system. Other monitors may be for hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body of water to kill microorganisms by enhancing the concentration metal ions therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of used alumina to reduce the level of inorganic contaminants, such as mercury and arsenic, from waste fluid streams. The invention further provides a process for reducing the level of mercury or arsenic in fluid streams by contacting the fluid stream with used alumina, such as used Claus catalyst.

Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibres (211), with the fibres being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibres around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibres are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an absorbent for removing acid gases from fluids. The absorbent contains at least one tertiary amine, an amine which is selected from hydroxyethylpiperazine, bis(hydroxyethylpiperazine) or a mixture of these and piperazine. The absorbent may optionally contain a physical solvent for the acid gases.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Abstract: A process for removing acids from reaction mixtures using an auxiliary base, in which the auxiliary base: combines with the acid to form a salt which is liquid at temperatures at which the product of value does not significantly decompose during the removal of the liquid salt, and the salt of the auxiliary base with the product of value or the solution of the product of value in a suitable solvent forms two immiscible liquid phases.

Abstract: Treatment of un-wetted or low moisture activated carbon with a suitable quantity of carbon dioxide provides a material which, on contact with water, controls pH in treatment water. Use of this activated carbon in a water treatment system provides water having an essentially neutral pH which is immediately potable thereby eliminating the necessity to drain and dispose of any soak water. The contact pH of the treated carbon remains within the potable pH range for treatment of more than 100 bed volumes.

Abstract: Treatment of n-wetted or low moisture activated carbon with a suitable quantity of carbon dioxide provides a material which, on contact with water, controls pH in treatment water. Use of this treated activated carbon in a water treatment system provides water having an essentially neutral pH which is immediately potable thereby eliminating the necessity to drain and dispose of any soak water. The contact pH of the treated carbon remains within the potable pH range for treatment of more than 100 bed volumes.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes an immobilized base material in combination with a slow release mechanism for introducing an additive base material into a lubrication fluid flowing through the filter assembly. The introduced base material is a weaker base material than the base material of the immobilized base material. The combination of the immobilized base material and the additive base material provides a system that would work to neutralize acids for all lube formulations commonly used in the field. As a result, oil drain intervals can be extended.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for optimizing chemical additions, mixing energy, mixing time, and other variables while treating a contaminated liquid stream. Samples from the contaminated liquid stream are tested to determine the optimal parameter for each variable, including type and amount of the chemicals to be added, chemical sequence, mixing energy, mixing time, temperature, and pressurization. A system of mixers, a flotation chamber, and a dewatering subsystem are designed to achieve optimal turbidity of the wastewater stream. The system can be modified in real-time in response to a continually changing contaminated liquid stream via a controller and set of sensors, valves, and ports.

Abstract: There are provided a chemical treatment cartridge capable of executing various extraction processes with ease and a method of using the same. There are formed recesses, each in a predetermined shape, in the back surface of an elastic member. The recesses create empty spaces between the cartridge substrate and the elastic member, thereby making up a well for receiving a sample, a well for pre-removing unnecessary moisture, a well for accommodating the sample at the time of distillation, a well for storing impurities therein, a well for taking out an object constituent, a flow path interconnecting the side surface of the cartridge and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well, a flow path interconnecting the well and the well and a flow path interconnecting the well and the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for reclaiming and recycling developing solvents used in the production of flexographic printing plates. More specifically, the invention relates to reclaiming and/or recycling of the developing solvent through centrifugation and/or filtration. According to the invention, the solvent used in developing printing plates can be reclaimed and/or recycled by simply centrifuging the polymer-contaminated solvent. In certain embodiment, the centrifuged solvent is further filtered. The process involves transferring the contaminated solvent, from a plate processor or a dirty holding tank, to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the contaminated solvent to remove the polymer. The reclaimed solvent can be transfer directly back to the plate processor or to a clean holding tank.

Abstract: There are disclosed a water filter, a method and a system for producing potable water. In an embodiment, the water filter includes a pervious concrete section having an input portion and an output portion. Input portion provides unfiltered water to the section. Output portion receives filtered water from the section and provides the filtered water to a location for collection. In one embodiment, the method includes providing unfiltered water to an input portion of a pervious concrete section of the filter, receiving filtered water from an output portion of the filter, and providing the filtered water to a location for collection. In another embodiment, the system includes a water filter having a pervious concrete section with an input portion and an output portion, a storage portion for providing unfiltered water to the input portion, and a collector portion for receiving filtered water. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating sewage sludge that has a solids concentration of about 18-35% by weight includes treating the sewage sludge with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof to increase its pH to at least about 12, and treating the sewage sludge with calcium oxide. The treatment of the sewage sludge with the calcium oxide can take place before and/or during the treatment of the sludge with the sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof. The amount of calcium oxide used is about 0.05-0.8% by weight of the sewage sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for injection of carbon dioxide into a process water stream. The method and apparatus allow carbon dioxide injection using any line pressure as it normally exists in a target water stream and produces superior mixing and carbon dioxide transfer results. The benefits of this method and device significantly improve the economics of using carbon dioxide gas to control pH and at the same time reduces the negative impact on the environment caused by the off gassing of carbon dioxide that is not effectively mixed into solution.

Abstract: A product is enriched by a method for the processing of a reaction solution, in which: a) a pH value of the reaction solution is adjusted to less than 4; wherein said reaction solution comprises a whole-cell catalyst, an aqueous component, and an organic component, wherein the organic component contains a product to be enriched; and b) the reaction solution is filtered in the presence of a filter aid, thereby enriching the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps: a) freeze-drying of the organic material; b) extracting the constituents with a polar solvent or solvent mixture (A) and an organic solvent or solvent mixture (B), it being possible for the extracts of the extraction with (A) and (B) to form one phase; c) combining the extracts (A) and (B) to give one phase; and d) carrying out an esterification/transesterification in the unpolar phase with an alcohol, the esterification/transesterification being carried out in the presence of a volatile acid; the process being a high-throughput process.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrofluoric acid wastewater treatment method that achieves efficient recovery of hydrofluoric acid from hydrofluoric acid wastewater and also achieves sufficient reduction in the hydrofluoric acid concentration of the dehydrofluorinated water after treatment.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.

Abstract: Methods of treating ground water and methods for reducing contaminants (e.g., chlorinated compounds in contaminated ground water) to harmless compounds in the presence of an elemental metal treatment composition. Said methods comprise injecting a treatment solution comprising a colloidal suspension of elemental metal particles (e.g., iron, a tin, a zinc, a palladium and mixtures thereof) having a nanoscale particle size and a carbohydrate in an organic liquid (e.g., dodecane, butyl acetate and polypropylene glycol ethyl ether acetate and mixtures thereof) into the ground, proximate to the contaminated ground water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus and method for the delivery of remediation agents into waste systems wherein the apparatus is capable of generating and maintaining a controlled release of concentrated a remediation composition throughout the delivery cycle. The invention also provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein the remediation agent is a remediation agent that includes living organisms. Finally, the invention provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein compositions of remediation agents are conveniently formulated for specific applications providing a range of retention, activation and release profiles that optimize the remediation effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling the stripper solutions with higher recycling rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stripper condenser; a first buffer tank; a second buffer tank connecting to said stripper condenser by a first pipe and connecting to said first buffer tank by a second pipe; a recycling device connecting to said first buffer tank by a fourth pipe; a first pump mounted on said first pipe; a second pump mounted on said second pipe; a concentration detector mounted in said stripper condenser; and a controller electrically connected to said concentration detector, said flow meter, and said liquid level sensor for receiving the signals therefrom, and electrically connected to said first pump and said second pump for sending on-off messages to said second pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossflow-filtration method for beverages, in particular beer, which comprises the following steps: a) the feed liquid is introduced into a filter module by means of a tangential flow through a filter membrane (6) in a first direction, whereby the filtrate flow on the filtrate side (19) of the filter module is maintained within predetermined threshold values; b) the entry pressure is reduced and the filter is backflushed by surges of filtrate initiated by a reversal of the flow direction transversally to the membrane; c) the feed liquid is optionally introduced in an inverse flow direction to that of step a) and the concentrate is evacuated on the non-filtrate (7) side of the module; d) the entry pressure is reduced and the filter is backflushed by surges of filtrate initiated by a reversal of the flow direction transversally to the membrane; e) steps a) to d) are repeated until the filtrate flow lies below the lower predetermined threshold value; f) to k) the filter is emptied by a

Abstract: A process is described for purifying lactams, in particular the lactams obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of an aminoalkylnitrile, and more particularly to the purification by crystallization of ?-caprolactam obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminocapronitrile. This crystallization is carried out on the cyclization reaction medium after hydrogenation, removal of volatile compounds, and treatment with an ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.

Abstract: A reservoir management system for a water reservoir having inlet and outlet piping and means for adding chemicals in controlled amounts to the water within the reservoir. One or more eductors are positioned within the water reservoir to mix and circulate water within the reservoir. A recirculating pump is located externally to the reservoir and has an inlet line that taps into the outlet piping from the reservoir. One or more sample lines remove test streams of water from the reservoir which are analyzed to determine the level of at least one of chemical in the test stream to provide a chemical-related signal. A controller receives the signal and compares the signal to a set point indicative of the level of chemical desired within the reservoir to maintain, increase, or decrease the amount of chemical added to the water within the reservoir in controlled amounts.

Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.

Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.

Abstract: A biodegradable scale and corrosion inhibiting composition includes between about 50 and about 90% by weight of a protein polymer that is derived from a natural source, and between about 10 and about 20% by weight of the alkali salts of gluconic acid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth's surface or that is burning are based upon use of a nonionic, primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and, preferably, a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, and a nonionic, secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifying compositions have a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance between about 12.0 and about 13.5.

Abstract: The use of an isomer of anthracene disulfonic acid as an inert fluorescent tracer is described and claimed. The utility of this type of inert fluorescent tracer in boiler systems to trace unwanted carryover of boiler water into a steam line is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A reactive-adsorptive protective material having an activated carbon adsorbent for adsorbing chemical impurities, wherein nanoparticular entities are loaded into and onto a surface of said activated carbon adsorbent to further impart chemically reactive and biocidal properties onto the activated carbon for providing protection against chemical and biological agents in the atmosphere. Advantageously, a superior reactive-adsorptive material is provided having the ability to kill microorganisms in addition to the ability to neutralize and decompose chemical substances, while at the same time not diminishing the adsorptive/reactive capabilities and effectiveness of either the substrate carbon or the loaded nanoparticular entities used.

Abstract: A method for catalytically cleaning an exhaust gas, including receiving the exhaust gas in an inlet channel, blocking the exhaust gas in the inlet channel, diffusing the exhaust gas through a porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall of the inlet channel, reacting the exhaust gas with at least one catalyst material to at least partially remove nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide therefrom, the at least one catalyst material being disposed on the porous wall, trapping particulate matter in the porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall, receiving the diffused exhaust gas into an outlet channel, and transitioning the exhaust gas from the outlet channel to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Formic acid is at least partly removed from an aqueous solution comprising formic acid, cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol by decomposition over certain decomposition catalysts. The method is preferably used for processing reaction products from the oxidation of cyclohexane and comprises: (i) extracting a product gas mixture obtained in the oxidation of cyclohexane with an aqueous scrubbing liquid, (ii) separating the aqueous solution obtained in (i) by distillation into an aqueous solution comprising formic acid, cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol together with further minor organic components and a carboxylic acid mixture (iii) removing the formic acid at least partially from the aqueous solution obtained in (ii) by decomposition, and (iv) further processing the aqueous solution obtained in (iii) to give epsilon-caprolactam, or using the aqueous solution obtained in (iii) as scrubbing liquid in (i).

Abstract: A cleansing processing agent that is able to remove harmful substances contained in a variety of waste materials and a cleansing method are disclosed. Specifically, there is disclosed a cleansing processing agent containing a polymer having at least one of styrene or conjugate diene and acrylonitrile as constituent unit and into which are introduced ionic groups. This cleansing processing agent is contacted with a material for processing containing harmful substances contained in the material for processing for removing the harmful substances. The waste plastics can be used effectively, while a modified product obtained on chemical modification of the plastics is useful for suppressing environmental destruction caused by leakage of the harmful substances contained in the waste materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a remediation method of soil, water and/or gases by prompt dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbons by allowing the halogenated hydrocarbons contained at least in one of the soil, water and/or gases to contact an iron powder containing about 0.03 to about 2% by mass of sulfur preferably on the surface, and an iron powder for use in the remediation method.

Abstract: A method of filtering contaminants from a chemical process stream is disclosed. The method includes a step of passing the process stream over a filtration medium including a plurality of discrete filtration elements, each element having parallel first and second faces and a multi-cellular structure of substantially uniform parallel channels running from the first face to the second face. The cross-sectional shape of the channels preferably defines a polygon having angles less than or equal to 90°.

Abstract: A system for controlling the pH of the process water used in conjunction with formaldehyde-free binder composition for glass fiber products. A base solution is introduced into the process water used to coat the glass fibers in the formaldehyde-free binder after the water is extracted from binder coated glass fibers when the pH of the process water in less than about 6.0. The addition of the base solution increases the pH of the process water to a range from about 8.0 to about 6.0 thereby reducing the risk of corrosion when the process water is recirculated.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater is described in which an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of a wastewater stream over time at a plurality of processing stages using a plurality of ORP sensors is used. The wastewater is modified based on the sensed ORP so as to raise the ORP when the sensed ORP is below a target ORP range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for enhancing the metal contaminant sorption capacity of mineral compounds within a groundwater-bearing formation by manipulating the pH and the surface acidity of the mineral compounds. The process is useful in removing metal contaminants from groundwater within a groundwater-bearing formation, providing a backstop treatment for groundwater after previous water treatment, and for protection of water sources, for example well-head protection.

Abstract: Electrolyte solutions for electrochromic devices such as rear view mirrors and displays with low leakage currents are prepared using inexpensive, low conductivity conductors. Preferred electrolytes include bifunctional redox dyes and molten salt solvents with enhanced stability toward ultraviolet radiation. The solvents include lithium or quaternary ammonium cations, and perfluorinated sulfonylimide anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF3SO3?), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3SO2)2N?), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF3CF2SO2)2N?) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF3SO2)3C?). Electroluminescent, electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices with nanostructured electrodes include ionic liquids with bifunctional redox dyes.

Abstract: A process for reaction and separation which comprises inputting a process material into at least one column of a plurality of columns wherein each column has at least one inlet for accepting flow from another column or group of columns, an external feed stream, an external eluent stream or a combination thereof, and each column has at least one outlet for connecting to another column, a group of columns, an external product stream or a combination thereof. Each column is independently operable in an up-flow or down-flow mode and connected independently to one of the group comprising another column, an external feed stream, an external eluent stream, an external product stream and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A water-soluble lithium salt is added as a tracer substance along with a water treatment chemical to water to be treated. The concentration of lithium ions is electrochemically or optically measured using a lithium ion sensitive substance, so as to perform concentration control of the water treatment chemical added to water to be treated. An ion selective electrode, ion selective field effect transistor, or ion optode may be employed to perform the electrochemical or optical measurement using a lithium ion sensitive substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment of bodies of water such as recreational pools, spas and hot tubs with maintenance doses of water treatment chemicals to achieve consistent sanitization and aesthetically pleasing levels of properties such as turbidity. The amount of the maintenance doses is based on the volume of water to be treated in order to achieve hygienic and clear water. The method can be automated for accurate, consistent and safe treatment of water such as found in swimming pools, spas or hot tubs.

Abstract: A water-treating microbicide, containing an inorganic acid and a corrosion inhibitor, and further containing a carboxylic acid having 8 or less carbon atoms or any of alkali metal salts thereof. The present invention can provide a water-treating microbicide, water treatment method and water treatment apparatus exhibiting a high sterilization effect in a membrane separation device for seawater desalination, etc.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a continuous process for gelatines production and chromium recovery from tanned hides and skins shaving, containing trivalent chromium. The claimed process consists in an acid hydrolysis followed by separations of the various products, wherefrom three major components are obtained: gelatine from collagen, tanning chromium salt, used for hides and skins tanning, and the hydrolysing agent. The gelatines obtained can be used as adhesives in various industrial sectors, i.e. from the industry of abrasives to the paper and cardboard industry, to bookbinding, to the industry of dyes and plasters, to the production of matches. The chromium salts obtained can be recovered and reused in the tanning industry; the hydrolysing agent may be recycled.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal of toxic heavy metals from a flowing stream of water involves causing the stream to flow through a stationary bed of particulate polymer having amine functional groups, and injecting into the stream, adjacent the upstream extremity of the bed, a substantially continuous flow of carbon disulfide.