Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a ballast water for sterilizing bacteria, microorganisms or organisms in the ballast water in a hold or ballast tank of a ship, has the steps of: sterilizing the bacteria, microorganisms or organisms by adjusting a residual chlorine concentration in the ballast water to 1 mass ppm or more and 1000 mass ppm or less with a hypochlorite, and removing the residual chlorine in the ballast water with a sulfite.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In a first treatment step part of at least one difficulty biodegradable or non-biodegradable organic compound is oxidized in polluted water by bringing said polluted water into contact with an ozone containing gas. The effluent is subsequently diluted with an aqueous liquid before a second treatment with ozone is carried out. If the concentration of the organic compound is still not sufficiently low, the treated effluent is diluted again and subjected to a further treatment with ozone. It was found that a more effective ozone treatment was obtained by the dilution or dilutions and that in particular no pH control was needed, so that no formation of additional salts occurred.

Abstract: A subsurface thermally autogenous reactor and method has downgoing and upgoing flow passages connected at the bottom to form a U-tube and in heat exchange relation to each other. The downgoing and upgoing flow passages each have an upper heat exchange section and a lower reaction section. An air injection system injects air into the downgoing flow passage between the heat exchange and reaction sections. The cross sectional area of the upgoing heat exchange section is greater than the cross sectional area of the downgoing heat exchange section to balance the downgoing and upgoing flow velocities. The downgoing heat exchange section has multiple tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

Abstract: In controlling a sterile water production device, if pH of sterile water is smaller than a preset pH, an additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is injected into the sterile water to increase the pH back to the preset pH, and a molar quantity of residual alkaline impurities present in such additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is determined. Next, a predetermined amount of further additional aqueous hypochlorite solution is injected into the sterile water, wherein such predetermined amount is an amount required to yield additional content of hypochlorous acid in a resulting sterile water, to such a degree that a molar quantity of that hypochlorous acid is equal to the foregoing determined molar quantity of residual alkaline impurities. After such injection, pH of sterile water yielded is increased, and an acid aqueous solution is then injected into the sterile water to thereby decrease the increased pH back to the preset pH.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each pipe is equipped with a smaller internal pipe arranged concentrically to provide an annular space which receives the gas and supplies it to the diffusers. The volume within the internal pipe can serve as a ballast chamber or a buoyancy chamber or both.

Abstract: Methods for treating landfill leachate taught herein comprise: (a) coagulatively settling leachate; (b) filtering the resultant supernatant liquid through multistage cartridges; (c) filtering the filtered liquid by reverse osmosis; and (d) treating the resultant liquid with chlorine-based oxidant. These methods provide the advantages of efficient wastewater treatment, compact equipment size, short process flow, and low startup and operational costs.

Abstract: An automatic, self-regulating method of water treatment for use in water circulating towers in which water is evaporated, and make up water is added, with components which synergistically function to cut chemical, energy, water, corrosion, pollution, and maintenance costs, by passing the water through a Water Conditioning unit to prevent adhering evaporation scale deposits along with their content of concentrated biofouling nutrients from forming on the flooded surfaces of the tower and its associated water flow circuit, adding a trace level of iodine to the input make-up water to enhance the further disinfection of nutrient-deprived surfaces from any residual biofllm and chance pathogen contaminations, and adding a trace level addition of zinc ions in the water such as by an assured treatment feeder to the input make-up flow for inhibiting residual iodine-resistant algal and bacterial organisms of hazard for restoring bionutrient tower conditions, such as within sun-lit environments, and apparatus for carryi

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: We disclose a process for the removal of phosphorous and ammonia from an aqueous stream by contacting the aqueous stream with magnesium and base in a first zone having a first pH, to form an (n?1)th mixed stream and a first portion of struvite; separating the (n?1)th mixed stream from the first portion of struvite; removing at least some struvite from the first portion of struvite; contacting the (n?1)th mixed stream with base in an nth zone, wherein n is an integer incrementing from 2 to nmax, wherein nmax is an integer from 2 to about 5, and wherein the nth zone has an nth pH higher than the (n?1)th pH, to form an nth mixed stream and an nth portion of struvite, except no base is added and the nth pH need not be higher than the (n?1)th pH when n=nmax; separating the nth mixed stream from the nth portion of struvite; returning the nth portion of struvite to the (n?1)th zone; and, if n<nmax, incrementing n and repeating the second contacting, second separating, and returning steps, or, if n=nmax, releasing

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a water characteristic of a body of water by controlling the cyclic release of a water characteristic material into the body of water with or without the system being responsive to a level of the water characteristic in the body of water with the system capable of being controlled from a display or from a wireless control module or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the pathogen content of sewage sludge comprising (a) adding to the sludge an effective amount of a phosphorous-containing compound and (b) keeping the phosphorous-containing compound in contact with the sludge for a sufficient time to reduce the amount of pathogens present in the sludge by an amount equivalent to a logarithmic reduction of 2 or more.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, and optionally the addition of an activating agent for enhanced removal of selenite, is disclosed.

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 of servicing a wellbore comprising transporting at least two portable tanks to a well site to be serviced, and hydraulically injecting biocide into a first of the two tanks, wherein a second of the two tanks serves as a fluid source for conveying the biocide into the first tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosagebefore being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A method of maintaining the life of a porous filter when refining a metal melt by controlling the formation of a filter cake thereon, the method comprising passing liquid metal through a porous filter and adding a filter cake formation agent to the metal; contacting the filter metal with a grain refining agent followed by mechanical mixing to promote intimate mixing of the metal and the grain refining agent to produce refined metal, whereby a filter cake is formed on the porous filter without significant change in the metallostatic head above the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for treating water for human consumption, for an industrial process, for agricultural purposes or for other purposes. The method used to remineralize raw water comprises a stage in which carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base are injected. According to the invention, the method comprises the following stages: the flow Q of raw water is separated into a flow Q1 and a flow Q2; only flow Q1 is remineralized by injecting carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base, said remineralization being carried out in at least one remineralization basin; remineralized flow Q1 is mixed with untreated flow Q2.

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: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

Abstract: A biological fluid disposal system having a water flow line, a biological fluid line in fluid communication with the water flow line, a disinfectant line in fluid communication with the water flow line and the biological fluid line, and a venturi connected to one of the lines for creating a suction force so as to draw a biological fluid and a disinfectant in mixed relationship through the water flow line. The venturi includes a source of water pressure connected to the water flow line such that the water flow across an opening of either the biological fluid line and disinfectant line creates the suction force. The disinfectant line is connected to the biological fluid line between the water flow line and source of biological fluid.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.

Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.

Abstract: Method of treating an aqueous effluent containing organic matters in solution, comprising the following successive steps: the effluent is rendered basic; the effluent rendered basic is mineralized by being brought into contact with a gaseous oxidizing agent; the mineralized basic effluent is rendered acidic; and the effluent rendered acidic is again mineralized by being brought into contact with the gaseous oxidizing agent.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.

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: A dispenser system that takes high pressure fluid such as a high pressure water source and reduces the volume flow of the high pressure water as it flows into a dispenser with the dispenser having a low pressure outlet, which offers negligible fluid resistance in comparison to the inlet fluid resistance to the dispenser, thereby ensuring that if a dispenser cap is accidentally removed from the dispenser while the unit is in operation the water will not spray out into and onto the user. The dispensing system includes a removable cartridge carrier with adjustable openings and a dispenser housing that one can maintain a uniform flow pattern under different flow rates to provide for a predicable control of a dispersion rate from a dispersant located in the system and a method of predictably changing the dispersion rate of a dispersant.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. There is also provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising inhibiting the biofilm developing potential of a collection of microorganisms without completely eradicating said collection of microorganisms. Also provided are a system for inhibiting the development of a biofilm, and a method and system for inhibiting the production of an enzyme by a collection of microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of oxidation or pathogen inactivation in water supplies using the combination of treatments of chlorine dioxide and ozone in the sequential steps prior to filtration and distribution. Results indicate that the addition of chlorine dioxide before prezonation reduces the bromate formation and chlorine dioxide can be substituted for preoxidation with ozone, while maintaining the enhanced filtration effects observed from the presence of a preoxidant. A majority of the chlorite formed from reactions of chlorine dioxide with constituents in raw water are converted to chlorate by the following ozonation step.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing organic matter contained in an aqueous effluent and an installation for implementing the method. The method comprises the following steps: injecting into a tubular body the aqueous effluent; bringing the aqueous effluent to a pressure P1, corresponding to the critical pressure of the aqueous effluent; bringing the aqueous effluent to a temperature T1; and injecting into the tubular body at n points spaced apart from one another, n fractions of at least an oxidizing composition, so that a portion of the thermal energy produced by the oxidation reaction increases the temperature of the reaction mixture from said temperature T1 to temperature T2>T1 according to an increasing curve, whereby the organic matter is oxidized, the reaction mixture continuously developing from a sub-critical liquid state to the supercritical domain.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: An isocyanurate stabilizer to the chlorinated pool water includes a tablet of chemically pure isocyanuric acid soluble in the pool water before a chlorinated tablets are added into the pool water.

Abstract: Reduced stabilization time of oxidation-reduction potential is achieved in a recreational body of water by baseloading bromide ions and dialkylhydantoin prior to biocidal treatment of the water body with N,N′-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and economically annihilating non-indigenous marine species and pathogenic bacteria in ship ballast water. A preferred embodiment comprises adding a killing agent to ballast water tanks and subsequently adding a reducing agent to the container. Oxygen is subsequently introduced to the ballast water to eliminate any excess reducing agent, and to ensure compliance with the dissolved oxygen discharge requirements of the receiving water.

Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.

Abstract: Reduced stabilization time of oxidation-reduction potential is achieved in a recreational body of water by baseloading bromide ions and dialkylhydantoin prior to biocidal treatment of the water body with N,N′-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin.

Abstract: A method for treating a waste stream, the method including the steps of providing a waste stream that includes waste solids suspended in water, feeding the waste stream to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column, conducting the waste stream to the bottom of the hydraulic downdraft column, conducting the waste steam to a first reaction zone, introducing nitrogen-containing oxides into the first reaction zone so that the waste stream is contacted with the nitrogen-containing oxides, conducting the waste stream up a hydraulic updraft column into a second reaction zone, where the second reaction zone is configured to provide sufficient time so that a reaction between the nitrogen-containing oxides and waste solids can take place and substantially consume the nitrogen-containing oxides, introducing oxygen gas into the waste steam after the nitrogen-containing oxides are substantially consumed, thereby providing a second reactant that reacts with waste solids suspended within the stream, conducting the stream to th

Abstract: Raw water is treated with chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ammonia in various stages as it proceeds from raw water acquisition through clarification (e.g., coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration) to storage of finished water from which the treated water can be introduced into a distribution system. Chlorine dioxide can be used as a pre-oxidant or disinfectant. Chlorine can be used as a disinfectant or to react with ammonia to produce monochloramine.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: An apparutus and a method for ozone-treating biosludges and reducing biosludges occurring upon a biological treatment of aqueous organic waste, wherein the apparatus is made up of a plurality of reactors for effecting the ozone treatment of the biosludge by contacting the biosludge with an ozone-containing gas, biosludge passages for flowing the biosludge to be ozone-treated through all the reactors in series, gas supply means for supplying the ozone-containing gas to each of the reactors, a pressurization means for maintaining each of the reactors under a pressurized condition and stirrers each disposed in each reactor for realizing a nearly equalized ozone absorption rate for all the reactors.

Abstract: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system takes advantage of synergistic benefits derived from the combination of ozonation and electrolytic chlorination in the same system. Combining both of the technologies of Ozonation and Electrolysis allows as in-site production of at least one of chlorine dioxide that is used as a disinfectant agent for treating water reservoirs.

Abstract: A cooling tower water purification system uses an electrical cleaning method by passing water over or through an anode and a cathode. The pH of the water is monitored and adjusted using injected CO2 gas. The water can also be mechanically filter to remove the now dead biofilm and biomass as well as any scale or other debris. An additional embodiment can use an additional device such as a water jet to “stir” the bottom of the cooling tower to increase the efficiency of the filter in removing any built up or remaining biomass, scale or the like.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of an aqueous media having contaminants therein, including adding hydrogen peroxide to the aqueous media, exposing the aqueous media to a catalytic environment, removing the aqueous media from the catalytic environment prior to the aqueous media having a five minute residence time within the catalytic environment, thereafter adding ozone to the aqueous media, and allowing the ozone and aqueous media to interact outside of the presence of the catalytic environment.

Abstract: A method for separating a blood component, e.g., fibrin monomer, from blood or plasma. The method utilizes a container with a reaction chamber for receiving the plasma. The reaction chamber is defined by a wall and an agent is supplied to the reaction chamber for converting the fibrinogen content of the plasma into a non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The method also utilizes a device for centrifuging the reaction chamber with the plasma and the agent to a degree sufficient for separating the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer from the plasma, for depositing the polymer on the outer wall of the reaction chamber, and for expelling the remaining plasma from the reaction chamber. A solvent is supplied to the reaction chamber for dissolving the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The solvent is supplied to the reaction chamber in a first amount for dissolving the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer which is less than the total amount of solvent for dissolving the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of defluoridation of waste water, including a step of acid neutralization between a basic neutralization step and a decantation step.