Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions, the reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing dissolution of gases in liquids by ejecting the gas-liquid mixture through nozzles in a reaction vessel. The nozzles are pressurized, sized and directed to produce micro-fine gas bubbles in the liquid and to initiate rotational flow of the gas-liquid mixture in the reaction vessel. The small bubble size and rotational flow maximizes the time the gas is in contact with the liquid. The apparatus and method are used to increase the dissolution of ozone gas into aqueous solutions to increase the decomposition of aqueous-based organic compounds, precipitation of heavy metals, and destruct and/or deactivate enteric viruses, enteric bacteria, and protozoans. An alternative embodiment mixes the gas with the liquid prior to ejection through the nozzles.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A composition including lecithin which is useful for defoaming liquids, such as blood. In one aspect of the invention the composition includes inorganic particles. In another aspect of the invention the composition includes a silicone.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises (A) a piping for supplying ultrapure water through which ultrapure water is supplied, (B) a catalytic reaction portion which is connected with the piping for supplying ultrapure water and in which the ultrapure water is brought into contact with an oxidation-reduction catalyst, (C) a filtration apparatus by which the ultrapure water treated in the catalytic reaction portion is filtered and (D) an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water discharged from the filtration apparatus; and an apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises an apparatus for producing ultrapure water which is equipped with an apparatus for irradiating with ultraviolet light, an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water produced in the apparatus for producing ultrapure water and a catalytic reaction portion which is packed with an oxidation-reduction cat

Abstract: The invention is a process for treating waste slurry generated in the electric furnace production of phosphorus in which a superatmospheric reactor is operated at an elevated temperature to destroy cyanides, phosphorus, and phosphides present in the waste. The process transforms wastes from the phosphorus electric furnace process into non-hazardous solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes that meet environmental regulatory requirements regarding solids for phosphorous, cyanide, phosphine and cyanide flux, and TCLP metals, and regarding the filtrate for UTS metals.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for maximizing the efficiency of hydrate-based desalination or other water purification in open-water or partially open-water installations are disclosed. In one embodiment, water is accessed from depth where the ambient temperature is as cold as possible, which depth is other than the maximum depth of the hydrate fractionation column used in the process. The accessed water preferably is brought to reduced pressures so that gases other than hydrate-forming gases that are dissolved in the water to be treated are exsolved. Using pre-pressurized sources of hydrate-forming substances, including deep-sea natural gas deposits or supplies of liquified natural gas being transported by sea, are also disclosed. A multiple column, detachable column fractionation installation is disclosed, as is a hybrid installation having an underwater hydrate formation portion and a land-based dissociation and heat-exchange section.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen removal method using an activated carbon fiber catalyst thereof which includes the steps of a reducing agent injection step for injecting a reducing agent into the water, a reactor entrance dissolved oxygen measuring step for measuring a concentration of a dissolved oxygen contained in a water, a water flow rate control step for controlling the supplied amount of the water, an activated carbon fiber catalyst reaction step for removing a dissolved oxygen contained in the water with the reaction between the reducing agent and the dissolved oxygen in an activated carbon fiber reactor in which an activated carbon fiber catalyst is packed, and a control step for controlling the feeding rate of the reducing agent in accordance with the water flow rate and the reactor entrance dissolved oxygen, for thereby extending the life time of the facility and decreasing the operational and maintenance costs by fully removing a dissolved oxygen in water used for an steam generator or cooling system.

Abstract: A composition including lecithin which is useful for defoaming liquids, such as blood. In one aspect of the invention the composition includes inorganic particles. In another aspect of the invention the composition includes a silicone.

Abstract: A boiler water treatment chemical includes a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and alkaline agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A method for denitrification of water, in which the water to be denitrified is made to flow over a porous carrier which comprises a transition metal, preferably palladium, used in an amount between 0.01 and 5% by weight on the carrier and on which denitrifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in the presence of hydrogen are made to adhere, and in which hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and the pH of the reaction is adjusted to values of 4.5 to 7.8 preferably by using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N—N bond in a ring thereof. An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group. An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound represented by the following formula: (wherein a, b are integers between 0 and 5 to satisfy a relation “2≦a+b≦5”). An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of azodicarbonamide. An oxygen scavenger characterized by including a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and a hydroxybenzene derivative. Those may contain further neutral amine, alkalic agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions, the reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging with sulfites in boilerwater systems is dependant upon variable interrelated opposing kinetic relationships of ph, transitional catalyst properties and the ratio of bisulfite specie and sulfite specie that will vary between ph 4.5 and 9.0. The sulfite specie, SOsub.3, is formed as the preferential reactant with oxygen, FIG. 2. The oxygen sulfite reaction is second order with respect to sulfite concentrations within boilers. The sulfite specie is 100% favored at ph 8.5 to 9.0. Cobalt is a transitional catalyst that affects an oxygen sulfite reaction directly proportionally to the square root of cobalt's solution concentration but it precipitates at or above ph 8.5, or is complexed in boilerwater by chelants, or is inhibited in boilerwater by amines, or precipitated as its hydroxide by boilerwater alkalinity. Under prior art, these adverse conditions affecting the catalytic activity of cobalt or other metal ions have not been addressed.

Abstract: Water containing difficult-to-remove volatile hydrocarbon contaminants which may include MTBE, TBA and/or BTEX is treated under pressure by electrolysis and oxidative reduction in a contact area, then is depressurized and subjected to high shear in a multi-stage turbine column to precipitate and/or outgas nearly all of the contaminants. In the turbine column, redirect diverters are included below each turbine in order to redirect the water/gas stream to center and to further atomize the stream at each stage. Liquid discharge is received in a bottom reservoir of the casing or tank. Vacuum is applied to the casing, at about 30 inches of water, to constantly remove air and gases from the casing, and causing air to be drawn at high flow rate down through the turbine column, helping volatilize the hydrocarbon components. A submersed pump in the liquid reservoir removes the treated water.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating a liquid-containing organic waste material. Sufficient acid is added to the material to achieve a pH of 2 or less in the material. The material is subjected to a beating treatment sufficient to (a) reduce the viscosity of the material, and (b) by heat-generated by friction during the beating treatment and by heat generated by reaction of the acid with the material, raise the temperature of the material so that liquid in the material is vaporized to gases. Sufficient alkaline medium is added to the material such that the pH of the material is raised to at least 5.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating waste water containing nitrate ions by subjecting the waste water to decomposition and oxidation to eliminate a harmful gas, the method including the steps of: (a) mixing a waste water containing 10 to 90% by weight nitrate ions in terms of ammonium nitrate with a lower alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms to prepare a mixture, (b) decomposing the mixture at a temperature of 250° C. or higher to generate a decomposition gas, and (c) reacting the decomposition gas with a gas containing oxygen at a temperature of 250° C. or higher to render the decomposition gas harmless.

Abstract: A method for removing THMs and dissolved oxygen from water, including supplying the water into an upper portion of an air stripping container, passing the water generally downward toward a lower portion and through a first packing material, introducing air into the lower portion for flow generally upward toward the upper portion and generally against the flow of the water whereby at least some THMs undergo a phase change from liquid to gas and are carried generally upward with the air, supplying the water to an upper region of a vacuum degassing container, passing the water generally downward toward a lower region and through a second packing material, and dispensing the water from the lower region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new water treatment device comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in, an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank, a water treating path for pouring, from a pool storing water, the water into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank, a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of the water, and a circulating pump provided on the downstream side of the electrolytic tank on the water treating path in order to circulate the water, and capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in pools of various sizes from a swimming pool to a home bathtub.

Abstract: A composition including lecithin which is useful for defoaming liquids, such as blood. In one aspect of the invention the composition includes inorganic particles. In another aspect of the invention the composition includes a silicone.

Abstract: A system for treating a nitrate contaminated liquid to remove deleterious or undesirable nitrates therefrom wherein a supply of ionized nitrogen is entrained into a continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid and thereafter is exposed to treating apparatus which changes the nitrates in the nitrate contaminated liquid into at least ionized nitrogen which then combines with the ionized nitrogen entrained in the continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid to form a separated nitrogen gas and a treated liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for purifying wastewater comprising a) a reaction tank which wastewater is introduced to and stays for a predetermined time; b) a circulation treatment apparatus comprising i) an electrolysis and electrocoagulation apparatus that is connected to wastewater inlet of the reaction tank, which wastewater is continuously introduced to, electrolyzed and electocoagulated; and ii) a mass transfer accelerator that dissolves gases self-produced in the electrolysis and electrocoagulation apparatus in treated water discharged from the electrolysis and electrocoagulation apparatus; and c) a sedimentation tank where treated water that overflows from the reaction tank stands, from which the resultant precipitates are removed.

Abstract: A process for treating sewage containing biological solids including the steps of mixing the sewage with oxygen-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, retaining the sewage with the hydro fluoro ether polymers for a desired period of time so as to produce oxygenated sewage and carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, and separating the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers from the oxygenated sewage. Water is separated from the oxygenated sewage so as to produce a sludge. Oxygen is mixed with the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers so as to oxygenate the hydro fluoro ether polymers and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. The sewage is retained with the hydro fluoro etherpolymers at a temperature of between 32° and 140° F. The sewage is dewatered prior to mixing so that the dewatered sewage has a water content of less than 93 percent by weight. The steps of mixing and retaining can be carried in a closed vessel.

Abstract: Process and apparatus to strip volatile contaminants from a liquid supply stream in which the contaminants are dissolved. A gas inducing mixer-injector injects a stripping gas into the stream to form a mixed stream of liquid with its contaminants and bubbles of the stripping gas. The mixed stream is passed through a tangential degasser separator, withdrawing separated gas and water, while maintaining the flow part from the injector to the outlets of the separator at sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ship ballast water before it is discharged into coastal waters. The ballast water may contain a generalized and diverse species population of harmful non-indigenous microorganisms. Before discharge, the ballast water is oxygenated and deoxygenated to reduce the populations of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, respectively. If anaerobic microorganisms are of no concern, the oxygenation step can be eliminated. Also, a method and apparatus for treating large volumes of any water, to reduce the population of a wide spectrum of diverse species of microorganisms wherein the water is deoxygenated, and then held in a sealed space for a period of time until the aerobic population has been reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a stream of tap water flowing from the outlet of a fire hydrant comprises a T-shaped diffuser is combination with a frame having a pair of screens extending transverse with respect to outlets of the diffuser. A mesh bag containing a material in tablet form in mounted on each screen. In a preferred aspect of the disclosure, the material is sodium sulfite for interacting with chlorine in the tap water and converting the chlorine to a salt harmless to aquatic life.

Abstract: Liquid containing organic waste material and chemicals are continually introduced into the upper part of a vertical, cylindical treatment chamber. While sinking through the chamber, the material is beaten by fast rotating treating elements which also mix the material. The treating elements also move in axial direction to free vapors and gases from the material. Vapors and gases are removed from the top of the chamber.

Abstract: A process and device for treatment of water circulating in a conduit, which water carries microorganisms that must be eliminated and ions susceptible of leading to the formation of deposits on the internal wall of the conduit. To this end, there is injected in the water to be treated effective quantities of ozone and carbon dioxide. Particularly useful to treat the water conduits of a hospital building.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the pre-treatment of hazardous biological and chemical contaminants from a waste fluid stream prior to discharge to a waste water treatment facility such as a publicly owned water treatment works or a similar privately operated facility. The method includes breaking apart tissue samples with a macerator, contacting a waste fluid stream with ozone, preferably in a vibrational mixer, which thereby acts as a promoter of hydroxyl radicals, passing the mixture through strong and weak unpolarized magnetic fields, static discharge and neutralization units, and finally, exposing the mixture to ultraviolet radiation. If found necessary, a subsequent static discharge and neutralization unit may be employed.

Abstract: A cleaning solution preparation device includes a deionized water supply source, a gas supply source, a gas-dissolving unit, and a gas supply pressure controller. The gas supply source supplies any of an oxidative gas, a reductive gas, an inert gas, a mixed gas of an oxidative gas and an inert gas, or a mixed gas of a reductive gas and an inert gas. The gas-dissolving unit dissolves the gas supplied from the gas supply source in deionized water supplied from the deionized water supply source to supply a gas-dissolved cleaning solution to objects to be cleaned. The gas supply pressure controller controls the pressure of the supplied gas at a value exceeding the atmospheric pressure when dissolving the gas in the deionized water.

Abstract: A process for treating a waste sludge of biological solids including the steps of blending the sludge with an acid, mixing an oxide-chemical with the blended sludge so as to cause a reaction which elevates a temperature of the sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a. and retaining the mixed sludge at such pressure for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, and discharging the pressurized mixed sludge. The step of pressurizing is accomplished by passing the mixed sludge as a flow into the pipe. The pipe has a length and diameter such that the flow of the mixed sludge takes longer than 15 seconds to pass through the pipe. The mixed sludge is heated as the flow passes through the pipe. An immersion heater or a magnetic field is installed so as to apply heat directly to the mixed sludge as the mixed sludge passes through the pipe.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the treatment of chemical wastes, particularly recalcitrant wastes such as spent caustic, from the oil, gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries, in which normally slow physical mass transfer of different fluid phases, as well as other chemical reactions, are facilitated. The method involves mixing together the different fluid phases and delivering the mixture to a reaction vessel in the form of an aerosol and froth which provides a large surface area between the phases. The aerosol and froth mixture is maintained and replenished for a period of time sufficient to effect mass transfer and stripping of the contaminants to a selected level of completion. The method enables the provision of more environmentally acceptable wastes for disposal.

Abstract: The invention effectively prevents occurrence of corrosion in water tubes or the like of boilers. The invention provides a method for operating a boiler, including regulating a concentration of sulfate ions SO.sub.4.sup.2- in boiler water to under 500 ppm, and a method for injecting a sulfite base oxygen scavenger, including setting a concentration of residual dissolved oxygen in boiler feed water to 2-4 ppm. The invention further provides a sulfite base oxygen scavenger composition comprising: 3-30 weight % of at least one selected from a group consisting of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.3, K.sub.2 SO.sub.3, NaHSO.sub.3 and KHSO.sub.3 ; 1-20 weight % of NaOH or KOH; 0.2-2 weight % of potassium sorbate; and 5-500 ppm of CoSO.sub.4.

Abstract: A purifier for a batch of liquid in a reservoir has a vent space and a pumping system for the vent space above the surface of liquid in the reservoir. This allows a closure lid giving easy access to the reservoir, and the pumping system is arranged so that ozone is exhausted from the vent space and reduced before entering the atmosphere. This allows a user early access to the reservoir after completing a purification cycle and protects the user from exposure to ozone.

Abstract: The invention provides for the treatment of raw water having a pH of 2.5 to 9, an alkalinity of at most 50 mg/l expressed as calcium carbonate, a calcium content of at most 100 mg/l expressed as calcium carbonate, and a positive calcium carbonate dissolution potential. The process comprises separating part of the water from the remainder thereof and acidifying the part to increase its calcium carbonate dissolution potential. The acidified water is then fed through a bed of particles comprising calcium carbonate where the water consumes part of the calcium carbonate thereby increasing the calcium content and the alkalinity of the water which issues from the bed. The water issuing from the bed is then mixed with the remainder of the raw water to obtain an at least partially treated product water having a positive calcium carbonate dissolution potential which is at least 2 mg/l calcium carbonate less than that of the raw water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for treatment of feed water for swine to reduce odor and water pollution arising from lagoon slurry while at the same time improving live performance and carcass data. The inventive method comprises the steps of a) producing a gaseous mixture supply of ozone and oxygen gas from ambient air; b) effecting directing contact between said gaseous mixture derived from step (a) with a supply of water by means of a venturi injector device to produce a solution of said gaseous mixture and said supply of water; c) continuing said contact between said gaseous mixture and said water supply until the content of ozone in said water supply is within a range of from about 0.5 parts per million to about 10 parts per million, and the content of oxygen is about 80-97% saturation; and d) providing the resultant water supply from step (c) for use as feed water to swine.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N--N bond in a ring thereof An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group. An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of a heterocyclic compound represented by the following formula: ##STR1## (wherein a, b are integers between 0 and 5 to satisfy a relation "2.ltoreq.a+b.ltoreq.5"). ##STR2## An oxygen scavenger characterized in that the effective component thereof consists of azodicarbonamide. An oxygen scavenger characterized by including a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and a hydroxybenzene derivative. Those may contain further neutral amine, alkalic agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for transforming volatile compounds from the liquid to vapor phase is disclosed. Specifically, a method and apparatus for transforming liquid phase soil contaminants to vapor phase contaminants through application of a vacuum is disclosed. A method and apparatus for connecting two or more phase transforming apparatus'is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for repulping a wet strength paper is disclosed. Wet strength paper, which contains a wet strength resin, is agitated in water to form an aqueous slurry. An effective amount of a composition that contains a dry mixture of a persulfate and a base in the range of 90:10 to 10:90 is added either before or during agitation, and the slurry heated to produce pulp product for paper manufacture. The persulfate/base combination is capable of breaking down the wet strength resin and adjusting or maintaining the pH at a predetermined level without additional chemical treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.

Abstract: Water to be utilized is reacted with soda ash and lime to produce a less corrosive and foulant water. Reaction sludges are fed to a desulfurization unit, where SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x and CO.sub.2 abatement occurs; other industrial waste sludges and/or waters and/or gases can also be utilized in such connection. FIG. 1 is one of the possible process schemes of present invention.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions. The reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: Method for anaerobic removal of a sulphur compound from waste water containing such compound, comprising the steps of: 1) feeding the waste water to an anaerobic digestion system; 2) converting the sulphur compound in the digestion system to a sulphide; 3) circulating an effluent containing the sulphide from the digestion system in a by-pass channel, the channel comprising a stripper system for stripping the sulphide from the effluent; 4) removing the sulphide from the effluent by contacting with a transporting gas in the stripper system; and 5) converting the sulphide to sulphur; wherein 6) the sulphide is absorbed from the transporting gas in an absorber system by an absorbing liquid, which absorbing liquid is passed in a closed loop through the absorber system and a regenerator system, and comprises a regenerable redox liquor, which redox liquor has a pH-value in the range of 4 to 7, preferably about 6.5.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for biologically treating water. The inventive process preferably comprises the steps of: (a) adding a sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the water in an amount effective for at least reducing the amount of dissolved free oxygen contained in the water; (b) removing at least a portion of a substance from the water by exposing the water to microorganisms effective for biologically removing the substance therefrom; and (c) feeding a biostimulant to the microorganisms effective for increasing the rate at which step (b) occurs. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises a system for adding the sulfur-containing oxygen scavenger to the source water stream and a system for feeding the biostimulant to the microorganisms.

Abstract: In general terms, the present invention includes an apparatus for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in an on-demand water conduit, and a method for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in a water conduit having an intake opening. The apparatus comprises generally: a water conduit having an intake opening, the water conduit adapted to conduct a flow of water on demand; and a vacuum device adapted to receive water, the vacuum device adapted to produce oxygen-depleted water from the received water, the vacuum device also adapted to provide a flow of the oxygen-depleted water to the water conduit when no demand exists for a flow of water through the water conduit. The invention also includes a method for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in a water conduit having an intake opening, such as through use of the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: Nuisance concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and other malodorous compounds are controlled in liquid and sludge waste systems by adding alkaline iron. The process removes immediate sulfide and suppresses the formation of further nuisance sulfide with a single application. As the sulfide and other malodors are being mitigated in this process, alkalinity is added to the waste as a reaction by-product, which acts to increase the waste pH, decreasing corrosivity and promoting biological treatability and purification of the waste.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ship ballast water before it is discharged into coastal waters. The ballast water may contain harmful non-indigenous microorganisms. Before discharge, the ballast water is oxygenated and deoxygenated to reduce the populations of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, respectively. If anaerobic microorganisms are of no concern, the oxygenation step can be eliminated.

Abstract: This invention presents a system and a method for the removal of unwanted contaminates such as hydrogen sulfate, nitrites, manganese and iron from potable water by the process of oxidization. The invention employs a common water softening system utilizing a specialized piston within the piston valve assembly to direct the flow of water throughout the system during normal use and during an air regeneration cycle and check on the water intake line and air intake line to prevent the escape of pressurized air trapped within the tank.

Abstract: The method of reducing the acidity in effluent discharges comprises charging the effluent with carbon dioxide, intermittently fluidizing and expanding at least one pulsed limestone bed with the charged effluent, treating the charged effluent with the limestone in the bed, displacing the limestone treated effluent with untreated charged effluent, stripping excess carbon dioxide from the effluent after treatment in the limestone bed, and discharging the limestone treated effluent. The method includes treating the charged effluent in the limestone beds for preferably at least two minutes, more preferably about 4 to 8 minutes. The step of intermittently fluidizing and expanding at least one pulsed limestone bed with the charged effluent includes generally concurrently intermittently fluidizing and expanding at least one other pulsed limestone bed with charged effluent, so that each limestone bed is expanded and fluidized alternately.