Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) removing coarse particles in the municipal waste sludge and measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing a supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen, a ratio of the solid content of the municipal waste sludge to a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution added in step (d) ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (e) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (d).

Abstract: A method for reclamation of a brine that includes mixing a brine containing thiocyanates with an oxidizing agent; and allowing for a time sufficient for the oxidizing agent to oxidize at least a portion of the thiocyanates is disclosed. Other methods may also include determining the quantity of unoxidized thiocyanates after the oxidizing treatment.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and kits for determining the concentration of free chlorine in water. To avoid false readings from other species present in the water, the free chlorine is reacted with ammonia to form monochloramine, which is then reacted to form an indophenol or an indonaphthol. The concentration of the indophenol or indonaphthol is proportional to the total monochloramine present. Subtracting the concentration of residual monochloramine from the total monochloramine yields the concentration of monochloramine formed from the free chlorine and ammonia, and is proportional to the concentration of free chlorine. Embodiments of the present invention will simplify and accelerate accurate measurements of free chlorine in water, without interference from compounds impacting present measurements of free chlorine.

Abstract: Filters used in the beverage industry fouled by polyphenol-protein complexes and carbohydrate polymers can be cleaned by treating the filters either with the following methods: Solubilization of at least part of the carbohydrate polymers followed by a treatment of the resulting polyphenol protein complex with an oxidative chemical. Treatment of the fouled filters through a back-wash method using an oxidative chemical. In both cases it is not necessary to rinse the membranes after cleaning with a reductive chemical.

Abstract: A process is described for treating effluents from oil production units for discharge or reutilization, to remove oil and other soluble toxic contaminants such as sulphides, benzenes, toluenes, xylenes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, before discharging or reusing this effluent, especially in an offshore environment. This process for effluent treatment includes a step of changing the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of an oil-in-water emulsion, followed by a step of separating the oil and the water, to be carried out in an offshore oil production unit.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a first solid product and a second solid product with a solid product dispenser includes placing the first solid product in a product housing of the dispenser and placing the second solid product in the product housing on top of the first solid product, the first and second solid products being different products. A portion of the first solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been partially depleted to a size small enough to allow the second solid product to also be dispensed, then a portion of the first solid product and a portion of the second solid product are dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been completely depleted, and then a portion of the second solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method for removing helminth egg and other suspended solids from a wastewater stream includes directing the wastewater to a ballasted flocculation system and adding a coagulation agent, flocculation agent and a ballast into the wastewater. Sludge is settled from the wastewater in a settling tank at a rate of at least 10 meters per hour. The method further includes removing helminth egg by filtering the effluent through a fine screen having a mesh diameter of approximately 5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. After passing through the fine screen, the filtered effluent has less than one helminth egg per liter.

Abstract: An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH. The cyclic process provides a means of safe and effective use of chlorine dioxide with reduced concern of chlorite accumulation in the aqueous system. The disclosed chemistry used to support the cyclic process can be applied independently or in various combinations that are effectively inert. This dramatically reduces safety concerns since the chlorine dioxide is produced in-situ to the application and in dilute concentrations. Also, the process allows for regeneration of inert anions such as bromide and chlorite thereby reducing operating cost.

Abstract: An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH. The cyclic process provides a means of safe and effective use of chlorine dioxide with reduced concern of chlorite accumulation in the aqueous system. The disclosed chemistry used to support the cyclic process can be applied independently or in various combinations that are effectively inert. This dramatically reduces safety concerns since the chlorine dioxide is produced in-situ to the application and in dilute concentrations. Also, the process allows for regeneration of inert anions such as bromide and chlorite thereby reducing operating cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a granular water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.

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: An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of oxyhalogens from anions of chloride, bromide and chlorite in an aqueous system using in-situ generated sulfate free radicals. The cyclic process and compositions enhance the rate of inactivation of microbiological organisms especially those resistant to inactivation from free halogen based sanitizers, and oxidation of oxidation resistant organic based compounds in aqueous solution. Aquatic facilities susceptible to accumulation of organic N-chloramines and other oxidation resistant compounds, as well as oxidation resistant parasitic organisms such as cryptosporidium and Giardia, obtain dramatic improvements in the rate of oxidation and subsequent inactivation of these undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous solutions at aquatic facilities. The method provides a means for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH, and enhanced inactivation rates of microbiological organisms including cryptosporidium.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for achieving a higher level of water quality control in a water treatment apparatus. Representative water treatment apparatus according to the present invention may include a purifying section, a sterilizing section, a water storing section and a water quality detection sensor. The water quality detection sensor is immersed in the water storing section. The water quality detection sensor not only serves as a means for detecting the quality of water in the water storing section, but also as a means for detecting deposition of biomembrane on the detecting section of the water quality detection sensor due to deterioration of the sterilizing performance of the water storing section. As a result, an efficient water quality control system can be realized.

Abstract: A container (14) with a content (8) has at least one hypochlorite compound, in particular a calcium hypochlorite compound, for generating an aqueous solution, and at least one inlet attachment (46) for attachment to a water supply line (48) and at least one outlet attachment (50) for attachment to an outlet line (52, 92) for a liquid composed of the incoming water and of the content (8), wherein the content (8) is located in accordance with the flow between the inlet attachment (46) and the outlet attachment (50), and the container (14) is designed as a transportable exchange unit that is sealed off from the outside in the unattached state.

Abstract: Process for degrading organic substances in an aqueous composition comprising a step (a) wherein, in a liquid reaction medium, said aqueous composition is reacted with at least one composition comprising hydroxide ions (OH?) and hypochlorite in a molar ratio between hydroxide and hypochlorite higher than or equal to 0.001 and lower than 1.5, in order to oxidize said organic substances.

Abstract: There are provided methods for controlling microbial or bioflim growth, comprising mixing a hypochlorite oxidant and at least one nitrogen-containing compound or salt thereof selected from a particular group of nitrogen-containing compounds and salts to form a biocide, and applying the biocide. Apparatus for practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.

Abstract: Synergistic mixtures of haloamines and their use to control the growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems are disclosed. The method of using the synergistic mixtures entails adding an effective amount of a monohaloamine and an effective amount of a dihaloamine to an aqueous system.

Abstract: A modular waste disinfection system for the disinfection of substantially liquid infectious waste streams and methods of treating such waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste disinfection system includes a metal ion generation chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; an oxidant generation chamber in fluid flow communication with the metal ion generation chamber for disinfection of the waste material with an oxidizing agent; and a chelation chamber in fluid flow communication with the oxidant generation chamber for deactivation of metal ions in the waste material, wherein the waste is discharged to a sanitary sewer after disinfection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wastewater treatment. A nitrate source may be dosed to a collection tank, such as a wet well, for downstream control of hydrogen sulfide levels in the wastewater. A source of a strong oxidizer may also be dosed to the wet well. The oxidizer, such as chlorite, may temporarily interrupt denitrification processes in the wet well to prevent floatation of undesirable constituents therein. The oxidizer dosage may be generally consistent with the nitrate dosage. An ORP sensor may facilitate regulation of dosing. The nitrate and the oxidizer may be present in a single mixture to be dosed to the wet well.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process.

Abstract: A method for reducing the halogen off-gassing rate in a solid water treatment halogen-containing composition is provided comprising forming a solid water treatment halogen-containing composition comprising (a) a halogen containing source; (b) a boron-containing source and (c) a polyphosphate-containing source.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting hot water, in recirculating systems, includes producing monochloramine directly in hot water, at a temperature higher than 30° C. in a hot water circulating system The method is implemented by an apparatus for disinfecting hot water, in recirculating systems, having a main hot water circuit, one or more water delivery points and a water feed point, adapted to maintain the circulating water volume constant, a drawing point, where a portion of water of the main circuit is drawn and an intake point where water added with monochloramine is reintroduced into the main circuit; and an adding circuit formed between the drawing point and the intake point; the adding circuit has a control and adding system, adapted to add monochloramine producing reagents to the hot water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating ballast water, the apparatus being capable of treating ballast water so as to meet the ballast water standard established by the IMO exactly at low costs. The treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises a filter (4) that filters sea water to trap aquatic organisms, a bactericide supply apparatus (5) that supplies bactericide to the filtrate sea water, and a venturi tube 7 that introduces the sea water to which the bactericide is added, to produce cavitation in the sea water, thereby diffusing the bactericide and also damaging and destroying aquatic organisms in the sea water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating water and an aqueous system, situated in a pipe, with chlorine dioxide (ClO2), the method including generating ClO2 in a reaction space such that the generated ClO2 is completely surrounded by a system to be treated, and delivering the ClO2 generated in the reaction space to the system to be treated which is situated in the pipe, wherein the system surrounding the reaction space is the system to be treated, the reaction space is a component of a mobile device and the mobile device can be introduced into the pipe, in which the system to be treated is situated, and removed again independently of the pressure state of the pipe containing the system to be treated, and the reaction space is situated in the pipe containing the system to be treated.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of N-nitrodimethylamine (NDMA) and for control of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) formation in fully nitrified wastewater effluent, comprising first adding chlorine to the effluent, then adding combined chlorine.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

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: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.

Abstract: Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonophilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonophilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonophilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonophilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.

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 biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: This is a method that is an environmentally friendly hybrid microbiological control compromising a physical method through fine filtration, which removes nutrients, bacteria and suspended solids from open recirculating cooling systems. The method for microbiological control in cooling systems wherein a recirculating fluid containing an oxidising or a non-oxidising biocide or a mixture of an oxidising and a non-oxidising biocide and is passed through a fine filtration system resulting in reduced microbiological matter, suspended solids and nutrients.

Abstract: The growth of biofilm present in open recirculating water systems is inhibited by introducing into the water comprising such a water system (a) a source of free halogen, e.g. e chlorine and (b) a source of di(lower alkyl) substituted-2-oxazolidinone, the mole ratio of (a) to (b) and the combined amount of (a) and (b) being sufficient to at least inhibit the growth of the biofilm, e.g., the bacteria comprising the biofilm, the source of free available halogen being present in less than biostatic amounts.

Abstract: A method and composition and system which for the oxidation, clean up, removal and control of iron and iron deposits in water and the removal of iron deposits and bacterial bio-films from surfaces in water systems. The composition contains sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite and citric acid.

Abstract: A composition comprising a stable anhydrous mixture of an oxidizing agent and an active halogen agent wherein the oxidizing agent is potassium hydrogen peroxymonosulfate and the active halogen agent is an alkali metal salt of dichloro-s-triazinetrione, halogenated dimethylhydantoin, or mixtures thereof, and a method of treating water with such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Monochloramine is efficiently manufactured by introducing controlled quantities of an ammonia source and a chlorine source in a small side-stream of water in a small diameter pipe under turbulent flow conditions. The ammonia source and chlorine source can be injected in either order and are separated by a sufficient distance to ensure that the first chemical is adequately diffused throughout the water prior to the injection of the second chemical. A sufficient length of a mixing chamber insures that turbulent flow is maintained for a length of time sufficient to thoroughly mix the two chemicals to produce monochloramine. This mixing technique allows for the manufacture of high concentrations of monochloramine at atmospheric pressure without off gassing.

Abstract: In an activated sludge treatment of organic waste water, excess sludge from the activated sludge aeration vessel is processed with hypochlorous acid in place of ozone without set up of aeration vessels and blowers to improve volume reduction cost of sludge without deterioration of water quality. The hypochlorous acid process is carried out by using an acidulous sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution which is prepared by mixing sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution with a dilute hydrochloric acid and diluting the resulting mixture with water within 1,000 ppm to 50,000 ppm of available chlorine concentration at a pH zone of more than 4 to less than 7.

Abstract: A synergistic composition is provided for controlling odor from waste products. The composition comprises a combination of nitrate salt, sulfide-consuming compound, pH-elevating compound, sulfide-oxidizing, nitrate-reducing bacteria, and sulfide-oxidizing enzyme. The method includes adding a sufficient amount of the composition to a waste stream to provide sufficient sulfide-consuming compound to effect immediate removal of sulfide. The composition incorporates a pH elevating compound, which both decreases the amount of gaseous H2S and puts the aqueous phase into a pH range where naturally occurring bacteria can more easily metabolize the sulfide. The composition also includes one or more nitrate salts which will accomplish longer term prevention of odors. Specific bacteria are incorporated into the formulation to insure that the nitrate has the right type and amount of bacteria present to prevent formation of and/or consume sulfide.

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: A method of treating a peroxygen compound (e.g., potassium monopersulfate) for use in applications where controlled release rate, exposure to incompatible compounds, and/or moisture is presented. The method incorporates coating the peroxygen compound with one or more of the following polymers: 1) chitin/chitosan, 2) carboxylate/sulfonate copolymer or tertiary polymer, and 3) carboxylate polymer selected from polymaleic acid, polyepoxysuccinic acid and/or phosphinocarboxylate polymers. Optionally, the peroxygen compound is also coated with an inorganic salt layer and a silicate layer. Potassium monopersulfate coated with an organic polymer is useful in reduced allergenic formulations and as an anti-caking agent. When the organic polymer is a polysaccharide, the coated potassium monopersulfate is also effective for shock treatment of water systems (e.g., pools). The oxidizing composition prepared with this method has a prolonged shelf life while demonstrating good solubility during use.

Abstract: A selective method of dechlorination treatment of circulating water containing disinfectant chlorine in the form of ClO?,HClO, ClO2 or chloramine, where an ascorbic acid aqueous solution is injected from a storage reservoir into the water flow, the mass flow rate of the injected ascorbic acid solution being regulated with respect to the mass flow rate of the chlorine in the circulating water to be treated, in such a way that the ratio (R) of the ascorbic acid and chlorine mass flow rates (R=D1/ D2) is between 2.5 and 4, preferably less than or equal to 3. The method can be used for treatment of water that feeds into a biological detector containing a disinfectant chlorine content that is incompatible with the survival of the biological species used in the detector. The disinfectant chlorine level in the circulating water after mixing is maintained at a value lower than or equal to 0.6 mg/l, and preferably lower than or equal to the detectable limit.

Abstract: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.

Abstract: A reactor for an in-situ production of a chemical product in high yield are presented. The reactor, which may be placed in a main solvent, includes a core and a reactor wall around the core. The reactor wall allows controlled permeation of the main solvent to the core. The core contains a reactant that reacts to produce a target product upon being contacted by a main solvent. The target product leaves the reactor at a controlled rate. Because the amount of the main solvent that permeates into the reactor is controlled, a high concentration of the reactant is maintained inside the reactor, resulting in a higher yield of the desired chemical product than if the reactants were directly added to the body of main solvent.

Abstract: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.

Abstract: Compositions containing chlorine and/or bromine in combination with chlorine dioxide are found to be synergistic against non-tuberculosis mycobacterium such as Mycobacteria chelonae.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A process for the disinfection of fully nitrified secondary effluent comprising first adding chlorine to the effluent, then adding combined chlorine.

Abstract: A modular waste disinfection system for the disinfection of substantially liquid infectious waste streams and methods of treating such waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste disinfection system includes a metal ion generation chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; an oxidant generation chamber in fluid flow communication with the metal ion generation chamber for disinfection of the waste material with an oxidizing agent; and a chelation chamber in fluid flow communication with the oxidant generation chamber for deactivation of metal ions in the waste material, wherein the waste is discharged to a sanitary sewer after disinfection.