Abstract: A process to purify waste waters using chemical oxidation and Fenton's reagent by the action in the acid range of hydrogen peroxide and iron(II) compounds and subsequent precipitation in the weakly acid to alkaline range of the iron(III) compounds, said process being characterized in that the sludge containing iron(III) accumulating in addition to the purified waste water is reduced electrolytically back into iron(II) compounds and in that the sludge so reduced is fed back into the process. The process of the invention allows extensive purification of highly concentrated waste waters and furthermore problems arising with the treatment and elimination of the Fenton sludge can be circumvented.

Abstract: A method for decomposing volatile organic halogenated compounds in water containing such compounds and metal ions by removing the metal ions from the water and then contacting the deionized water with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The volatile organic halogenated compounds are efficiently decomposed with a small energy requirement and low cost to eliminate, thus, making the water safe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of introducing hydrogen into aqueous liquids without forming bubbles.In this case, the introduction of the gas takes place through a composite membrane with a non-porous coating on the liquid side. Preferred fields of use relate to the charging of hydrogen into biologically or catalytically operating processes for the removal of oxygen, nitrite and/or nitrate from water.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating fluid to reduce the concentration of undesirable metal constituents contained therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper. Preferably, the metal particulate also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy. The fluid treated is often water, preferably, drinking water. Among the metals that may be effected by the present method are aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

Abstract: The description relates to an abrasion-resistant carrier catalyst for removing the nitrite and/or nitrate content of polluted water with selective nitrogen formation. The catalytically active metal component is palladium and/or rhodium or palladium and a metal from the copper group. The carrier consists of aluminum oxide in the "theta" and "kappa" modification and has either one maximum pore diameter in the 70 to 150 nm (700 to 1500 .ANG.) range or two maxima in the 10 to 150 nm (100 to 1500 .ANG.) range. The description also relates to a continuously operable process for the removal or reduction of the oxygen, nitrite and/or nitrate content of water by catalytic hydrogenation. The process is implemented using the novel carrier catalysts, the carriers being made of aluminum oxide of the theta and kappa modifications. Contamination of the catalyst is effectively prevented by the preferred use according to the fluidized bed process.

Abstract: A method for deoxygenating water is provided comprising the steps of (1) adding an oxygen scavenger such as hydrazine, carbohydrazide, diethylhydroxylamine or morpholine to water containing oxygen, contacting the water and the oxygen scavenger with hydroxide, carbonate or carbonate/bicarbonate form strong base anion resin wherein the water within the bed has a pH greater than about 7; and (2) contacting the water containing the oxygen scavenger with the strong base anion resin for at least about one minute and removing from the bed water containing less than about 100 ppb oxygen. The method is especially useful in deoxygenating boiler feedwater and makeup water at substantially ambient temperatures during boiler start-up procedures.

Abstract: A method of degrading an organic nitrogen compound to its reduction products, in which the compound is caused to react with a reducing agent in the presence of a complex of a corrin containing a metal-centered ring system. Preferred complexes are cobalt-centered hydrolysis products of Vitamin B12, such as cobyrinic acid, and in one embodiment these complexes are immobilised on a substrate. Using the method environmental pollutants such as nitrobenzenes may be rapidly reduced.

Abstract: An improved oxygen scavenger for aqueous mediums is disclosed which is a disubstituted, water soluble azo compound.

Abstract: A method for the remediation of aqueous solution contaminated with chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The chlorinated hydrocarbons are reduced to ethane, ethene, and chloride ion. In-situ reactions can take place in a ditch or screened well. Ex-situ reactions can take place in columns packed with ferrous sulfide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decreasing the content of organic-chemical substances in waste water by chemical oxidation, preferably in the presence of chlorine, and optionally additional alkaline thermal treatment of the waste water, in which the waste water, which has a COD content (chemical oxygen demand) and is alkaline or is rendered alkaline, is introduced into at least one reactor and is treated at a temperature of more than 15.degree. C. with a chlorine-containing and/or chlorine-releasing chemical substance, the introduction of chlorine taking place in a quantity of more than 1 g chlorine/g COD (relative to the chlorine content of the chlorine-containing and/or chlorine-releasing chemical substance), and a molar ratio of OH.sup.- to chlorine of more than 1.5 and a pH value of the waste water of .gtoreq.5 being maintained or set, and the resulting chlorine-treated, hypochlorite-containing waste water is subjected to a reaction time of more than 0.

Abstract: A process for treating alkaline wastes for vitrification. The process involves acidifying the wastes with an oxidizing agent such as nitric acid, then adding formic acid as a reducing agent, and then mixing with glass formers to produce a melter feed. The nitric acid contributes nitrates that act as an oxidant to balance the redox of the melter feed, prevent reduction of certain species to produce conducting metals, and lower the pH of the wastes to a suitable level for melter operation. The formic acid reduces mercury compounds to elemental mercury for removal by steam stripping, and MnO.sub.2 to the Mn(II) ion to prevent foaming of the glass melt. The optimum amounts of nitric acid and formic acid are determined in relation to the composition of the wastes, including the concentrations of mercury (II) and MnO.sub.2, noble metal compounds, nitrates, formates and so forth.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating water to reduce the hardness therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of finely divided metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper, and may also contain zinc and can be in the form of an alloy.

Abstract: A method for reducing reducible metals comprising combining one or more reducible metals with an elemental metal, and then with a reducing agent to form a reduced metal. The mixture may then be stabilized and recovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating industrial water systems. Pursuant to the method, the industrial water systems are treated with an effective amount of a hindered amine. In further embodiments, the hindered amine also acts as a steam tracer.

Abstract: A process for removing chromium from an aqueous electrolyte solution is disclosed. The process involves admixing with the solution an amount of a chromium-reducing compound and an amount of a precipitant for the anion of the chromium-reducing compound. The invention provides for substantially complete reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium and the formation of an insoluble chromium-containing material without leaving unwanted ions in the aqueous electrolyte solution. The aqueous electrolyte solution is regenerated by adjustment of pH and electrolyte concentration.

Abstract: Geothermal brines are extracted from the earth, flashed and the remaining liquids are injected back into the earth. Although it would be advantageous for resource maintenance to inject the same amount of liquid as extracted, addition of liquid causes massive system upsets that prevent such addition. River or other similar surface waters can now be added to the brine stream created when extracting power from a geothermal source, after adding a crystal structure modifier to the brine stream. In operations where the brine stream is returned to the earth, the weight rate of the brine injected into the earth is brought to at least 90% what it was when extracted from the ground.

Abstract: A method of creating an environment which promotes dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment, or soil by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter and certain multi-valent metal particles to the water, sediment or soil.

Abstract: A chlorination and dechlorination apparatus and method for the treatment of wastewater or other fluid comprising a chlorinator, a contact tank, and a dechlorinator. The contact tank is a vessel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and is divided into two contact chambers by a baffle which runs vertically the entire length of the contact tank. A baffle opening is provided at the lower end of the baffle to allow passage of fluid from the first contact chamber to the second contact chamber. The chlorinator includes a chlorine tablet feeder and the dechlorinator includes a dechlorination tablet feeder. The fluid under treatment flows from inlet opening to the outlet opening in a plug-flow pattern. Previous to entering the contact chambers, the fluid washes over and dissolves chlorine tablets stacked in the chlorine tablet feeder. After flowing through the contact chambers, the fluid washes over and dissolves dechlorination tablets stacked in the dechlorination tablet feeder.

Abstract: A drinking water filter for removing lead at point-of-use composed of specially treated gamma alumina particles between 48 and 100 mesh (0.148-0.297 mm), gamma alumina neutral (about 7 surface pH) or basic (about 9 surface pH) is washed in highly purified H.sub.2 O at 100.degree. C. to reduce alumima surface pH to 3.5-5.0 and then washed with highly purified H.sub.2 O at ambient temperature. The alumina is placed for three to twelve hours in bath having equivalent pH value (3.5-5.0) of acid electrolyte, diluted with a highly purified H.sub.2 O, preferably HCl, ascorbic acid or EDTA, adjusted to alumina surface pH level and desired degree of dilution by salts such as NaCl and/or alkalies such as NaOH to transfer to adsorbent surface materials that effect selective ion exchange with lead and other heavy metal ions or otherwise cause their removal from drinking water. Upon removal of alumina from bath, it is vacuum washed and then dried in an oven at 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. for about two hours.

Abstract: A submergible torch for removing nitrate and/or nitrite ions from a waste solution containing nitrate and/or nitrite ions comprises: a torch tip, a fuel delivery mechanism, a fuel flow control mechanism, a catalyst, and a combustion chamber. The submergible torch is ignited to form a flame within the combustion chamber of the submergible torch. The torch is submerged in a waste solution containing nitrate and/or nitrite ions in such a manner that the flame is in contact with the waste solution and the catalyst and is maintained submerged for a period of time sufficient to decompose the nitrate and/or nitrite ions present in the waste solution.

Abstract: A highly flexible multi-step treatment technology for chemical fixation and stabilization of leachable chromium, particularly hexavalent chrome, in contaminated soils, solid wastes, concrete, sludge, sand and gravel and waste waters is disclosed. The process comprises reducing hexavalent chromium to chromous (Cr.sup.2+) and chromic (Cr.sup.3+) forms in the presence of water under alkaline conditions and fixing the reduced chromium forms with phosphate.The process reduces Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure chromium levels below the regulatory threshold of 5 mg/l as required by the USEPA.

Abstract: A process for dehalogenating hydrocarbon compounds that contaminate aqueous compositions is disclosed. The process admixes the contaminated aqueous composition with ferrous oxide. The use of citric acid in the reaction is optional. The reaction can be performed in situ and ex situ on contaminated groundwaters, ponds and streams.

Abstract: A method of removing dissolved oxygen from boiler water having and alkaline pH is disclosed. The method uses at least one hydrazone compound of one of the following formulae: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.16 alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substituted aryl, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.16 alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, or substituted aryl, ##STR2## Preferably, an oxidation-reduction catalyst such as Cu(II) is used as well. The hydrazones used in the present invention are highly shelf stable and do not suffer the toxicity of hydrazine.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for creating in an aquifer an oxidation and precipitation zone (or a reduction zone) between a number of injection wells arranged around one or more extraction wells for purified water. The zone desired is created intermittently between each pair of adjacent injection wells by (i) introducing oxygen, oxygen-containing gas or an oxygen-releasing substance (or an oxygen-consuming substance) into the water in both wells and (ii) pumping the water in one well from below upwards while pumping the water in the other well from above downwards, whereby a circulation circuit is formed in the aquifer between the wells. A device for carrying out said process comprises an outer tube (1), sealing means (2), an inner tube member (3), a transversal wall (4) with a central opening, an elongation tube (5), an inner flow pipe (6) and conduits (7,8) for supply of air.

Abstract: A process for significantly improving the rate of dehalogenation of aqueous compositions contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbon compounds is disclosed. The process involves admixing the contaminated aqueous composition with metallic iron in the presence of citric acid both in-situ and ex-situ. The use of citric acid as an additive in the reaction substantially increases the rate of iron-induced dechlorination of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene.

Abstract: A process for dehalogenating hydrocarbon compounds that contaminate aqueous compositions is disclosed. The process admixes the contaminated aqueous composition with ferrous oxide and citric acid. The reaction can be performed in situ and ex situ on contaminated groundwaters, ponds and streams.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of water, containing an oxidizing agent, flowing through a conduit or contained in a vessel. The oxidation reduction potential or the ORP of the water is continuously measured at a sensing position and a reducing agent is fed to the water in response to the measured ORP to neutralize the oxidizing agent and maintain a desired concentration of reducing agent residuals in the water at the second sensing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific activated carbon materials including from 1 to 5% by weight of nitrogen, from 3 to 30% by weight of oxygen and from 40 to 95% by weight of carbon, and having an average pore radius of from 15 to 30 .ANG., with the proviso that mesopores occupy at least 50% by volume based on the total pore volume, and also relates a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof as catalysts.

Abstract: A chemical process for selectively removing organometallic compounds from water supplies. The process utilizes a combination of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and zinc, and an electropositive metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium and aluminum to effectively remove organometallic compounds from water whether present in ionic or non-ionic form.

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium is reduced to trivalent chromium by reacting the hexavalent chromium with peroxide in acidic solution. In another aspect of the invention, the hexavalent chromium reduction with peroxide step may take place after the step of the destruction with aldehyde of any cyanide or cyanide compounds present, so that the peroxide may destroy any excess aldehyde remaining after the first step. No materials are added which have to be removed later in the process. In either case, the waste solution may then be treated with sodium hydroxide, or other conventional materials, to precipitate chromium hydroxide and effect removal of the hazardous chromium from the waste stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method for treating drinking water in a drinking water treatment plant that provides for substantial or complete removal of chlorine dioxide and an associated by-product from water when chlorine dioxide is used as an initial disinfectant and/or chemical oxidizing agent. More particularly, the present invention provides a means for decreasing undesirable residual amounts of chlorine dioxide and chlorite ion using ferrous chloride.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating water to reduce the hardness therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper, and preferably also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy.

Abstract: A method for providing a continuous injection of a substantially constant amount of a desired treatment chemical into a flowing process stream is described. This method insures that the concentration of the desired treatment chemical is maintained at a relatively constant and effective concentration throughout the flowing process stream. The means for providing the relatively continuous injection of the treatment chemical is preferably a pump that provides a continuous injection at a relatively constant flow rate of the treatment chemical into a flowing process stream.Providing a uniform concentration of a treatment chemical in a flowing process stream maximizes the benefit of the treatment chemical. Conventional methods for injecting treatment chemicals provide intermittent injection of the treatment chemical such that sections of the flowing process stream have no concentration of the treatment chemical. This reduces the benefit of the treatment chemical and may prevent it from providing any benefit at all.

Abstract: A filtering system with electrolytic action and method is disclosed which is adapted for filtering the water in swimming pools, spas, saunas, hot tubs, whirlpools and the like. The filtering system includes a pump for drawing water from a body of water and circulating this water through an electrolytic filter including a layer of electrolytic filter media of dissimilar metal particles or granules and returning this filtered water to the body of water. The filtering system not only removes sand and sediment but also prevents algae and fungus growth, kills bacteria, and eliminates the need for adding chlorine, bromine, and algacide to the water. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the filtering system includes a bypass valve installed downstream of the pump to divert only a selected quantity of water through the electrolytic filter.

Abstract: A process of preparing a catalyst for removal of sulfur and nitrogen in hydro-processing of hydrocarbon streams. The catalyst composition is formed by depositing molybdenum or tungsten. A second metal is deposited on the support layer in a non-aqueous fashion. The second metal being vandium, niobium or tantalum in organic solvent soluble metal alkoxide form. A third metal of nickel or cobalt is deposited and calcined on the support layer.

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating fluid to reduce the concentration of undesirable metal constituents contained therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper. Preferably, the metal particulate also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy. The fluid treated is often water, preferably, drinking water. Among the metals that may be effected by the present method are aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

Abstract: A method for treating fluid to remove hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide is disclosed. The method includes passing fluid containing the hydrogen sulfide and/or sulfur dioxide through a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter is preferably chosen from metals having favorable redox potentials relative to the redox potentials of these undesirable constituents so as to establish conditions for spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions between the undesirable constituents and the metal particles.

Abstract: Groundwater is contained under highly reducing conditions. The Eh value is brought down to -100 or -200 mV, at which the contaminant breaks down, probably by a hydrolysis reaction. The contaminated groundwater is fed through a trench containing a metal such as iron filings, which is effective, under strict exclusion of oxygen, and over a period of time, to lower the Eh. Alternatively, the water may be pumped through an enclosed tank containing iron, or other metal, filings or other high-surface-area form.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide evolution in a heavy hydrocarbon (such as a residual fuel oil) derived from a heavy crude oil (such as a API 8 gravity crude) is suppressed by contacting the hydrocarbon with a compound corresponding to the reaction product of a heterocyclic aldehyde (such as furfural) and an organic primary amine.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous waste water or groundwater containing organic contaminants degradable by hydrated electrons comprises contacting the aqueous waste water or groundwater with an agent which generates hydrated electrons on photolysis. Additionally, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is irradiated with UV light to photolyse the hydrated electron generating agent, thereby generating hydrated electrons to degrade the contaminants. In one embodiment, the aqueous waste water or groundwater is contacted with the hydrated electron generating agent and a reducing agent to recycle the hydrated electron generating agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to controlling corrosion in boiler systems and more particularly to treating boiler water to remove dissolved oxygen and to passivate metal surfaces.

Abstract: An improved oxygen scavenger for aqueous mediums is disclosed which is a hydroxyalkylhydroxylamine. The material may be catalyzed with a compound such as copper, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid, pyrogallol and t-butylcatechol. Hydroxyalkyl substituted hydroxyalmines of the general formula HO-N-[CH.sub.2 --CH(OH)--R].sub.2 wherein R is H or C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl have been found to be effective oxygen scavengers for aqueous systems such as industrial water system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for the treatment of waste water containing chromium compound, for example water from a plating operation which includes significant concentration of a toxic chromium compound such as chromic acid. The chromium bearing solution is mixed with sufficient amount of hydrazine which can include selected minor concentrations of a cobalt salt to react with the chromium compound and render it insoluble. The chromium bearing water is introduced to a vessel which can have a baffle so that water introduced on one side of the baffle flows along a side of, then under the baffle and overflows on the other side. The hydrazine, which can include cobalt salt, is introduced to the incoming water at a rate to control the pH of the effluent from the vessel at a selected value of pH sufficient to remove all chromium from the effluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to reactive groups immobilized on inorganic substrates such as derivatized glass, silica, ceramics, or metals. The immobilized reactive groups can be used to inactivate or remove nitrosating agents in liquids, thereby reducing the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines and nitroso compounds in liquids that come into contact with humans. The use of inorganic substrates provides several advantages, which include extending the range and adaptability of the method of this invention and allowing its use in liquids that would dissolve or react with organic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific activated carbon materials including from 1 to 5% by weight of nitrogen, from 3 to 30% by weight of oxygen and from 40 to 95% by weight of carbon, and having an average pore radius of from 15 to 30 .ANG., with the proviso that mesopores occupy at least 50% by volume based on the total pore volume, and also relates a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof as catalysts.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and procedures for electrical field-flow fractionation is disclosed. A test sample is injected into the liquid carrier stream flowing through the flow channel of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a thin flow channel having a top, a bottom, and two side walls, with a fluid carrier inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. The top and bottom walls are formed such that at least the inner surfaces thereof that face the flow channel are made of an electrically conductive material so that the inner surfaces thereof form electrodes as well as opposite, broad boundary surfaces of the flow channel. A voltage differential is applied to the electrically conductive inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The carrier fluid flowing through the channel can be deionized or distilled water as well as water containing a red-ox couple such as quinone/hydroquinone.

Abstract: Raw water such as polluted ground water can be recovered to clean water through the following processes. Firstly, oxidizing agent is added to raw water to disinfect bacteria, and then after suspended solid is removed from the water, ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the water so that organic chlorine compounds can be decomposed by active oxygen generated by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. Finally, the residual oxidizing agent remaining in the treated water is reduced by activated carbon and catalytic resin. Further, the organic chlorine compound decomposition reaction is promoted at pH of 9 or below and in a temperature range of 15 to 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for denitrification of compounds containing nitrogen present in aqueous waste streams. The method comprises the steps of (1) identifying the types of nitrogen compounds present in a waste stream, (2) determining the concentrations of nitrogen compounds, (3) balancing oxidized and reduced form of nitrogen by adding a reactant, and (4) heating the mixture to a predetermined reaction temperature from about 300.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C., thereby resulting in less harmful nitrogen and oxygen gas, hydroxides, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for cleaning a sinter used for filtering a metal catalyst suspension. As taught by the invention, the sinter is treated with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide for displacing the metal catalyst left in the pores of the sinter with the aid of the gas produced by the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide, caused by the metal catalyst, until gas formation ceases, indicating that no significant quantities of metal catalysts are left in the sinter. Such hydrogen peroxide decomposition is produced by the so-called anthraquinone process, in which an anthraquinone derivative is dissolved in an organic solvent then reduced with the aid of hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst to the corresponding anthraquinone derivative; the catalyst is then separated from such solution by filtering. Then, such corresponding anthraquinone derivative is oxidized with air or oxygen, whereby it reverses to the state preceding hydrogenation, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention adds carbonates or chlorides of alkaline earth metals to the radioactive wastes containing sodium sulfate and subjects sulfate group in the radioactive wastes to reduction treatment, thereby converts the sulfate group into sulfides of alkaline earth metals which are chemically stable substances while suppressing SOx generation, and solidifies the radioactive wastes stably for an extended period of time by applying to the converted radioactive wastes solidifying treatment.