Abstract: Nanoscale additives and methodology for their use during polymer-aided sludge dewatering to increase the dewatering efficiency compared to traditionally used polymer-only dewatering processes. The nanoscale additive increases the percent solids in the dewatered cake compared to polymer-only treatment. When the nanoscale additives are added, the centrifugal force (shear) required to obtain high percent solids can be significantly reduced and the optimum polymer dose required for effective dewatering is also significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method of chemically treating partially de-ashed pulp and/or paper mill sludge to obtain products of value comprising taking a sample of primary sludge from a Kraft paper mill process, partially de-ashing the primary sludge by physical means, and further treating the primary sludge to obtain the products of value, including further treating the resulting sludge and using the resulting sludge as a substrate to produce cellulase in an efficient manner using the resulting sludge as the only carbon source and mixtures of inorganic salts as the primary nitrogen source, and including further treating the resulting sludge and using the resulting sludge to produce ethanol.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of effluents containing nitrogen in the form of ammonium, in which: a volume of effluent is introduced into the batch reactor in successive volume fractions, each volume fraction being treated during a subcycle, each subcycle including a phase of feeding with a volume fraction and, in an alternating manner, two treatment stages, i.e. an aerated first stage, during which complete or partial oxidation of the ammonium takes place to give nitrites, followed by a nonaerated second stage, during which the nitrites produced and the ammonium are converted to nitrogen gas. During the aerated first stage, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the batch reactor is maintained between 0.1 mgO2/l and 0.6 mgO2/l; the N—NO2:N—NH4 ratio is adjusted to be between 0.9 and 1.5 at the beginning of the nonaerated stage; and the nonaerated phase is carried out by deammonification, without the provision of carbon-based substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved products and methods for treating liquids and beverages with selenite, resulting in measurable and favorable chemical changes. Beverages include water, fermented and distilled alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits and liquors and non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit juices, ciders, herbal teas and dairy drinks. Also provided are selenite products and methods for beneficial treatment of living organisms (which are mostly liquid), including people; animals and plants. Additional products and methods are provided for treating and improving foods derived from animals and plants.

Abstract: A additive delivery system and method which includes a additive gel, a filter and a fluid/gel chemistry exchange region, wherein the exchange region subjects the additive gel to different types or combinations of contact with the fluid in order to control the additive release rate, maintain a uniform release rate, maintain the physical integrity of the gel or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: Formation of scale in a wastewater treatment system upstream of a struvite precipitation reactor is inhibited by injection of CO2. The injection may be performed at multiple locations. Injection may be controlled based on one or more of pH, fluid flow and fluid pressure. Injected CO2 may be stripped at the precipitation reactor to enhance struvite production. Scale may be inhibited while maintaining production of precipitated struvite.

Abstract: Formation of scale in a wastewater treatment system upstream of a struvite precipitation reactor is inhibited by injection of one or more of CO2 and H3PO4. The injection may be performed at multiple locations. Injection may be controlled based on one or more of pH, fluid flow and fluid pressure. Scale may be inhibited while maintaining production of precipitated struvite.

Abstract: Method 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: A method for treating wastewater containing organic amines including adding glyoxal to the wastewater to remove the organic amines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a multi-component system for adsorbing contaminants and/or pollutants from a contaminated hot fluid by using a turbulent air stream, to adiabatically cool the temperature of the fluid, in association with one or more adsorbents. The system of the present invention can also be coupled to a recovery and recycling unit to recover and recycle the contaminant and/or pollutant and the adsorbent material.

Abstract: A solution reactor allows the solution L to contact with the reactant gas G, and the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G. The reactor includes a nozzle 41 for spraying the solution L into a state of mists M, and a pressure feed unit 42 for feeding the reactant gas G, which is pressurized, into the nozzle 41. Further, in the reactor, the pressure feed unit 42 feeds such pressurized reactant gas G to the nozzle 41 to be flown fast, so that the nozzle 41 allows the fast flowing reactant gas G to contact with the solution and the solution L is broken into the state of mists M to be jetted out, and thus the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: Processes for selectively eliminating hydrogen sulfide from liquid ammonia, either anhydrous or aqueous, are described herein. The processes generally include contacting a first liquid stream, anhydrous or aqueous, comprising ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, with a solution comprising sulfur dioxide to convert the hydrogen sulfide to thiosulfate.

Abstract: A process for working up alkaline process wastewater from the nitration of aromatic compounds to mono-, di- and trinitroaromatics, said alkaline process wastewater having a pH of 7.5 to 13, comprising the steps of a) acidifying the alkaline process wastewater by adding concentrated sulfuric acid which originates from the workup of the aqueous, sulfuric acid-containing phase obtained in the nitration to a pH below 5, which forms a mixture A consisting of organic phase which separates out and acidic aqueous phase, b) contacting the mixture A with fresh sewage sludge, and c) removing the sewage sludge.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for treating a wastewater stream to produce an effluent having an acceptable level of turbidity. The invention comprises a controller operatively coupled to at least one turbidity meter for monitoring turbidity of the effluent stream. A plurality of chemical treatment additive pumps are provided for providing a plurality of additives to the wastewater stream. Furthermore, a method of sequentially testing the amount of each additive required to produce an effluent stream having an acceptable turbidity is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from a carbon based synthesis gas including a reaction chamber having a rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades mixing and circulating carbon based synthesis gas and particulate catalyst upwardly generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a stripping chamber located above the reaction chamber having a second axial rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades driving hydrocarbon fuel radially outwardly, a source of hot stripping gas, an annular filter surrounding the stripping chamber and an annular gas collection chamber surrounding the filter. The blades in the stripping chamber are rotated independently at a greater velocity than the blades in the reaction chamber and the reaction is controlled by the temperature of the synthesis gas and the rotational velocity of the mixing blades in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of rare earth-containing additives, particularly rare earth-containing additives comprising rare earths of plural oxidation states, to remove, particularly from recreational waters, various target materials, such as disinfectant by-products and precursors thereof, phosphates, and organophosphates.

Abstract: A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed. Various transport systems are disclosed, including devices and methods for utilizing preexisting vessels to carry different liquid cargoes which should not contact one another.

Abstract: A fluid treatment canister that may be used with, or independent of, a fluid treatment system, comprises a treatment housing, a first treatment housing end that is covered, and a second treatment housing end. A barrier support is coupled with the second treatment housing end, and includes a first and second barrier support portions, and is capable of receiving a barrier disposed between the first and second barrier support portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: A scavenger support and a process for removing metal from solution by contacting the solution with the scavenger support, whereby the scavenger support binds to at least some of the metal in solution thereby decreasing the amount of metal in solution. The scavenger support is a functionalised support having pendant groups selected from 1,3-ketoesters or 1,3-ketoamides or mixtures thereof having a structure according to formula 1, wherein a number of the pendant groups are reacted with an amine: wherein R1 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or heterocyclyl group; X is O or NR2, wherein the free valence of O or NR2 is bonded to a support optionally via a linker; and R2 is hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, or heterocyclyl group.

Abstract: A filtering medium and method for removing contaminants from an organic-based feed stream which includes the use of a layer of ceramic filter units having a plurality of elliptical or trisoidal openings extending therethrough to filter organic-based feed streams and to provide liquid distribution upstream of the catalyst beds.

Abstract: The invention relates to synergistic mixtures of o-phenylphenol with other microbicidally active compounds, such as bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanedial), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a substrate made of lignocellulosic material for the adsorption of radionuclides in fluids that are loaded with radionuclides, includes carrying out the following stages: preparation of lignocellulosic material that is divided by rinsing and subjected to granulometric sorting; submission of the lignocellulosic material to an oxidation; activation of the material by an acid treatment; and rinsing. The oxidation is more particularly a Fenton reaction. A method of using the lignocellulosic material treated by the process is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: The amount of silica in cooling tower water is reduced by passing cooling tower water through a column of silica gel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treatment composition for recreational water, comprising a high molecular weight water soluble resin composition made from long chain alkoxylated polymers or co-polymers that impart emollient properties to the recreational water, as well as articles of manufacture comprising packaging material and the treatment composition for recreational water contained within the packaging material. The present invention is also directed to methods for treating recreational water, and recreational water treated with the above treatment composition.

Abstract: Multi-valent metals, such as iron, may be removed from crude oil by introducing at least one metal removal chemical to the crude oil before, during or after the crude oil is charged to a settling tank. After mixing the metal removal chemical with the crude oil, the crude oil is kept still or held quiescent for an effective period of time to allow the metal species to settle to the bottom of the tank. Oil having reduced metal content may be removed from the top of the tank and/or metal-rich oil may be drained from the bottom of the tank or both. The crude oil having reduced metal content will cause fewer problems downstream in the refinery.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus treats a part of the body without use of a medical agent. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a treatment vessel, an ultrasonic element, an ultrasonic element driving circuit, and an operation section. The treatment vessel holds a medium and the ultrasonic element generates ultrasonic waves through the medium to decompose the water in the medium to thereby generate hydroxyl radicals. The ultrasonic element driving circuit drives the ultrasonic element. The operation section is used to set sterilization conditions determined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated by the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method for extracting at least one chemical element contained in a molten salt medium can include the following steps: a) putting the molten salt medium with the chemical element in contact with a monomer including at least one group able to complex the chemical element, the monomer thereby forming a coordination complex with the chemical element; and b) polymerizing the thereby complexed monomer.

Abstract: A process for removing degradation acids from a catalyst solution comprising a phosphorus-containing hydroformylation ligand used in a hydroformylation reaction is described. The process involves using a supported epoxy compound. Also described is a hydroformylation process that includes the degradation acids removal process.

Abstract: A process for removing a sulfur species from a stream selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon stream, an aqueous stream, and mixtures thereof is disclosed herein, which may include introducing a treating mixture into the stream. The treating mixture may include a compound of the general formula selected from the group consisting of: or combinations of compound (I) or compound (II). R1 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that is saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom. ‘A’ may be an oxygen atom or a methylene group. R2 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that may be saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom(s) other than C and H. The treating mixture may reduce the reactive sulfur species in the stream. The sulfur species reduced from the stream may be hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, polysulfides, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Aqueous composition containing at least one salt in an amount of at least 30 g/kg of composition, of which the total organic carbon content is at least 1 ?g of C/l and at most 5 g of C/l of composition and which contains at least one carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in a standalone basis or in conjunction with the precipitation of calcium in different forms from saline streams. Methods are also disclosed for flue gas scrubbing in conjunction with the precipitation methods or in a standalone basis. Among the benefits of the disclosed methods is that their resulted spent saline stream and/or gas can be used, for instance, to feed seawater desalination plants and/or to enhance hydrocarbons recovery.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method employing chemicals for disinfection, and precipitation of suspended solids, heavy metals and phosphates before subsequent aerobic bacterial biological treatment using Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria to remove ammonia and nitrates/nitrites and BOD compounds to produce recovered treated wastewater suitable for open water discharge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass and in particular biomass comprises photosynthetic microorganisms. Also disclosure are oleaginous compounds obtained using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein too is a method that includes dispersing nanotubes in media that comprises flavin moieties substituted with solubilizing side chains, and/or non-flavin containing molecular species; self-assembling the flavin moieties and other non-flavin containing molecular species in a pattern that is orderly wrapped around the nanotubes to form a composite; introducing desired amounts of an optional reagent that competes with self-assembly in order to disturb the wrapping around nanotubes with moderate order; and centrifuging the mass of the nanotubes and the composites to extract the composite from other nanotubes that are not in composite form.

Abstract: Water purification system comprising filtration media sized with respect to each other to allow a first contaminant in the water to saturate the first medium with a delay prior to saturation of the second medium with a second contaminant.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: A method for reducing noxious sulfur species including hydrogen sulfide in sewage collection systems including force mains is disclosed, where the method involves administering a an effective amount of a composition including a water soluble sulfur scavenger and an oil soluble sulfur scavenger in the presence of sufficient surfactant to produce a homogeneous product.

Abstract: A method for acidifying saline waters for raising plants, comprising injecting sulfur dioxide to form a sufficient amount of sulfurous acid treated saline waters until these buffered acidified waters condition the surface membranes of plant roots to selectively take in water and ions needed for metabolism, while filtering others out to enable the plant to withstand and live in a high salt aqueous environment.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: The invention describes novel preparations and their use for reducing the acute damaging effect of ammonia in organisms living in the keeping water of aquariums, garden ponds, or aquaculture systems. The preparations consist of adducts of sodium hydrogen sulfite at an aliphatic aldehyde of the general formula X—(CH2)n—CO—H, wherein n means the numbers 0 to 3, and X means an —OH, —COOH, or —CO—H group, wherein X cannot be —OH, if n=0. The preparations are used in the keeping water with a concentration of 10 to 140 mg/l.

Abstract: A method of producing sterile water from raw water during a production cycle in a production plant P, including adding a disinfectant to the produced sterile water during the production cycle to permanently monitor the condition of the sterile water and/or the production plant, and determining and evaluating a reduction of concentration of the disinfectant directly in the production stream. In a production plant suited for carrying out the method, a sterile sensor is provided directly in the production stream through which the reduction of concentration of the disinfectant added to the produced sterile water can be permanently measured and evaluated to provide a sterility evidence.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an embodiment to a method for treating water and/or a water handling system to decrease deposit formation and/or to remove a deposit. More particularly, to a method for treating water and/or a water handling system with one or more rare earths to decrease deposit formation and/or to remove a deposit. Struvite is an example of deposit material that can be removed and/or deposition inhibited by treating a water and/or water handling system with one or more earths.

Abstract: In the co-production of propylene oxide and styrene monomer, there is produced a sodium-containing heavy residue stream previously suitable only as a low grade fuel. In accordance with the invention, the heavy residue stream is mixed with a hydrocarbon and an aqueous acid, and the resulting mixture is separated into an aqueous sodium salt-containing slurry phase and an organic phase reduced in sodium.

Abstract: A water treatment feed device includes a hopper and a receptacle. The hopper has a granule-receiving compartment defined by an upper hopper portion and a lower V-shaped hopper portion connected to the upper hopper portion. The lower V-shaped hopper portion is fabricated from a porous material having a plurality of pores sized to at least substantially retain conventional water treatment granules therein. The receptacle has a water-receiving compartment with a weir disposed therein to divide the water-receiving compartment into a water inlet sub-compartment and a water outlet sub-compartment with the water inlet sub-compartment sized to receive the hopper loaded with conventional water treatment granules. A water treatment feed system and a method for dissolving conventional water treatment granules in water are also described.