Abstract: Alkyl phosphates, which may be dissolved in a hydrocarbon solvent can be destroyed in a two-stage process, the first stage involving hydrolysis with concentrated alkali to effect partial de-alkylation of the alkyl phosphate the second stage involving catalytic oxidation of the de-alkylated phosphate with hydrogen peroxide. This results in improved safety as oxidation takes place after much of the hydrocarbon has been removed at the first stage.

Abstract: A method for separation of PVA from an aqueous solution thereof such as the waste water containing PVA from the pretreatment of a textile product, in which a peroxosulfate such as ammonium peroxosulfate is added to an aqueous PVA solution, particularly in an acidic condition with addition of sulfuric acid, at a temperature above 70.degree. C. for the separation of PVA, and as a result the thus separated PVA contains only a small amount of water in the range of about 60-70% and can easily be treated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of oxidizing materials in the presence of an oxidant and water at supercritical temperatures to obtain useful energy and/or more desirable materials. Pressures between 25 and 220 bar are employed. The use of appropriately high temperatures results in a single fluid phase reactor, rapid reaction rates, high efficiency oxidation, and precipitation of inorganic materials.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: Divalent silver oxide provides a source for divalent bactericidal silver ions in the presence of persulfate. This oxide is especially effective when applied to water used in industrial cooling towers, hot tubs and swimming pools and conforms to stringent EPA requirements of 100% kills of 100K/cc Streptococcus faecalis within 10 minutes. The oxide also can be used in water with exceptionally high salt content without halide curdy precipitate formation and will not stain the skin of users who may inadvertently be exposed to it.

Abstract: An improved process for removal of soluble contaminants from wastewater is disclosed which provides significantly enhanced contaminant removal and overall process efficiencies. The improved contaminant removal process is especially suitable for treatment of industrial effluents having high levels of dissolved cyanide and arsenic contaminants. Wastewater undergoes multiple stage sludge treatment, wherein sludge is mixed with wastewater sequentially in a plurality of discrete reaction stages for relatively short retention times. Reaction conditions which promote chemical and/or physical reaction of soluble contaminants with sludge are maintained, and liquid/solids separation is effected after each sludge treatment stage. Oxidizing agent is preferably mixed with the wastewater prior to multiple stage sludge treatment to change the oxidation state of inorganic contaminants and remove cyanide contaminants from solution.

Abstract: Divalent silver halides provide a source for divalent bactericidal silver ions in the presence of persulfate. The halides are especially effective when applied to water used in industrial cooling installations, hot tubs and swimming pools and will conform to stringent EPA requirements for waters utilized for bathing as in tubs and pools of 100% kills of 100 K/cc E. Coli coliforms within 10 minutes, exemplary of which are the chloride and bromide which give 100% kills within 5 minutes. The halides, of course, can be used in salty water since they are solids immune from halide action that would otherwise precipitate soluble divalent silver from solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the elimination of ascorbic acid interference in assay systems, particularly assay systems based upon oxidase-peroxidase coupled reactions. When ascorbic acid is present in a sample, it can act as a reductant thereby interfering with an assay's reagent system. The present invention eliminates this inteference by quickly oxidizing any ascorbate thereby preventing ascorbate from acting as an unwanted reductant. The ascorbate is oxidized using a dual oxidant system comprising a water soluble polymer bound to Cu.sup.+2 and an organic or inorganic oxidant such as chromate, peroxide, or a N-halo derivative. This invention is surprisingly selective and generally will not itself interfere with the assay's reagent system. Furthermore, the present invention is so fast and efficient that it can be incorporated into a convenient format, such as a conventional "dip-and-read" reagent test strip system.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanide and related species from a cyanide-containing waste fluid, for example, of the sort generated by mining operations, includes means for generating hydrogen peroxide by the burning of a fuel and the quenching of that burning with the waste fluid. At least a portion of the cyanide content of the waste fluid is eliminated by oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide, and the quenching can also provide organic material to serve as a carbon source for microbes which degrade residual cyanide in the treated waste stream.

Abstract: A process for the removal of aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions using an oxidatic enzyme, such as a peroxidase enzyme, is described. The enzyme is immobilized on a surface so that preferably multiple passes of the aqueous solution with the aromatic compound can be made over the immobilized enzyme. Higher enzyme utilization with a lower oxidative substrate, such as hydrogen peroxide, requirement is achieved.

Abstract: A process for recovering sulfuric acid from an aqueous sulfuric acid solution containing ferrous sulfate is disclosed, which comprises electrolyzing the aqueous sulfuric acid solution containing ferrous sulfate to thereby oxidize ferrous ion dissolved in the solution to ferric ion, and then removing the ferric ion by solvent extraction using a solvent and an extractant.

Abstract: A method to detoxify municipal sewage sludge containing heavy metals comprises the steps of mixing sewage sludge, at least one catalytic oxidant such as a ferric salt, at least one regenerative oxidant and an acid to form a reacting slurry having a solids fraction and a liquid fraction and, after a suitable retention time, separating the solids fraction from the liquid fraction. The reacting slurry is maintained during its retention time at a pH range between approximately 1.0 to 2.0 and at an oxidation reduction potential of, at least, +400 milivolts. The heavy metals originally absorbed into the solids fraction of the sewage sludge solubilize into the liquid fraction of the reacting slurry. Thereafter, the reacting slurry is discharged into a conventional solids/liquid separating device so that the metal-laden liquid fraction becomes separated from the solids fraction which is now substantially bar ren of heavy metals.

Abstract: An improved process for purifying a nickel plating bath including a pyridine composition as an additive and which bath contains a breakdown product of the pyridine composition. The process has the following steps:a. adjusting the pH of the nickel plating bath to a pH of equal to or greater than 5.0;b. adding an effective amount of an oxidizing agent; andc. removing the breakdown product from the nickel plating bath.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing carbon from the surface of a cemented tungsten carbide article which comprises contacting a cemented tungsten carbide article with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of at least about 5% by volume hydrogen perioxide for a sufficient length of time to remove the major portion of the carbon from the surfaces of the article.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid effluent or groundwater containing organic contaminants is provided. The liquid effluent or groundwater containing the organic contaminants is contacted with hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions. The hydrogen peroxide and transition metal ions are present in effective amounts based on the concentration of the organic contaminants in the liquid effluent or groundwater. The liquid effluent or groundwater is then irradiated with UV light having a poly- chromatic output between about 200 to 400 nm to decompose the organic contaminants. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to transition metal ions is selected so as to favor the absorption of UV light by the hydrogen peroxide in the irradiation step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial waste water which comprises either: (a) pre-treating the waste water with at least two different pre-treatments selected from adsorption, membrane filtration and oxidation and then, biologically purifying the waste water or, (b) neutralizing and biologically purifying the waste water and then after-treating the waste water either by membrane filtration in combination with adsorption or oxidation or, by oxidation optionally in combination with adsorption or filtration on a nanofiltration membrane or, by filtration on a nanofiltration membrane.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing iron from iron-contaminated sulfuric acid to render the sulfuric acid suitable for ion membrane processing which comprises contacting the iron-contaminated sulfuric acid with an oxidizing agent to oxidize essentially all of the iron to the +3 oxidation state, contacting the resulting iron-contaminated sulfuric acid containing oxidized iron with a complexing agent which can be citric acid, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid, with the amount of the complexing agent being sufficient to complex essentially all of the oxidized iron, and contacting the resulting iron-contaminated sulfuric acid containing the complexed iron with activated carbon to remove essentially all of the iron and produce a purified sulfuric acid solution.

Abstract: The objectionable hypochlorite values, ClO.sup.- ions, contained in a solution of an alkali metal perchlorate produced by the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of the corresponding chlorate of the alkali metal, are effectively destroyed (consumed) without adversely affecting the valence state of the hexavalent chromium values also contained therein, by intimately contacting such perchlorate solution with an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide such that the molar ratio available hydrogen peroxide/hypochlorites is at least one.

Abstract: The dewaterability of alum sludge is improved by treating the alum sludge with low doses of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide enhances filterability and drainability of the alum sludge and also improves the resulting cake quality of the dewatered alum sludge.

Abstract: A method of treating and removing volatile organic contaminants from ground water by treating the water with effective amounts of a water-soluble polymeric sequesterant comprising polymers derived from acrylic acid or organic acid, followed by the addition of a biocide, e.g., chlorine, and then subsequently passing the treated water through a packed column or air stripper wherein the volatile organic contaminants are removed by passing air in a counter-direction to the flow of water at temperatures ranging from about 40.degree. to about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanide and related species from a cyanide-containing waste fluid, for example, of the sort generated by mining operations, includes means for generating hydrogen peroxide by the burning of a fuel and the quenching of that burning with the waste fluid. At least a portion of the cyanide content of the waste fluid is eliminated by oxidation with the hydrogen peroxide, and the quenching can also provide organic material to serve as a carbon source for microbes which degrade residuel cyanide in the treated waste stream.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater containing water-insoluble high molecular weight polyether polyol impurities is disclosed. The method comprises reacting the aqueous waste stream with an oxidizing agent and optionally with a transition metal catalyst. The molecular weight of the polyol impurities is reduced to less than about 1,000, thereby improving the biodegradability of the stream.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing transition metals as tracers in aqueous liquid systems are provided by this invention. Transition metals with low background levels in system waters are identified as preferred when soluble in said aqueous liquid systems. The transition metals show low levels of deposition on equipment scale and provide reliable information as to the process history of the liquid systems.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the detoxification of effluents containing cyanide by treating with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: An improved oxidation and photooxidation process for treating water containing an oxidizable contaminant. In one embodiment, the organic compound does not have an electron donating aromatic group. A stochiometric excess amount of a calcium salt is added to precipitate carbonate and bicarbonate ions contained in the water as calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is removed from the water and the filtered water is then subjected to an oxidation process. In another embodiment, the organic compound does have an electron donating aromatic group. Carbonate and/or bicarbonate is added so that the water has a stochiometric excess amount of carbonate and bicarbonate. The water is then subjected to an oxidation process.

Abstract: Alkyl phosphates, undiluted or dissolved in hydrophobic solvents can be destroyed in situ by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of certain transition metal catalyst systems. The invention catalyst system comprises a chromium compound, which dissolves in the aqueous phase, typically an alkali metal chromate, which is employed in conjunction with introduction of an alkali, preferably sodium hydroxide, or in the presence of an alkali buffer to keep the pH of the aqueous phase within a window spanning mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH during the course of progressive introduction of the hydrogen peroxide, which often lasts from 3 to 10 hours, thereby enabling the oxidation of the alkyl phosphate to continue. The reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature of at least 60.degree. C., and particularly at about 65.degree. to 75.degree. C., or at about the boiling point of the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Removal of dissolved copper from solution according to the present invention involves treatment of waste solutions such as electroless copper overflow solutions with aluminum particles under reaction conditions promoting precipitation of dissolved copper from solution as metallic copper. Copper plating solutions having high concentrations of dissolved copper are inactivated in overflow reservoir (12) by addition of an inactivating agent from reservoir (14) to prevent plating of metallic copper onto vessels and conduits during collection, storage and/or transport of the solution. Inactivation of the copper plating solution is followed by precipitation of dissolved copper from solution as metallic copper in reaction vessel (20) by addition of aluminum particles from reservoir (24).

Abstract: A method of disposing of wastes containing heavy metal compounds by neutralizing the wastes, oxidizing the neutralized wastes, then solidifying the oxidized wastes using conventional mineral binding agents such as Portland cement. This method is of particular interest in treating arsenic sulfide containing aqueous sludges produced in the manufacture of phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A process for physically and chemically treating a used engine coolant containing one or more glycol and/or alcohol-based antifreeze components. The process includes the steps of oxidation with one or more known oxidizing agents, precipitation with one or more known salt forming agents and filtration through any suitable filtration membrane or other separation means.A chemical additive has been developed for use in carrying out the process of the present invention which initiates and maximizes the amount of oxidation and precipitation occurring within the coolant composition, adds one or more suitable corrosion inhibitors and one or more known buffering agents in a sufficient amount to adjust the pH of the final solution to between about 9.5 and 10.5.An apparatus for use in accordance with the process of the present invention for recycling the engine coolant is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing radioactive ruthenium from an aqueous solution, comprising oxidizing the ruthenium in the aqueous solution of ruthenium tetroxide, extracting the resulting ruthenium tetroxide with a halogen-free aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent, allowing the ruthenium tetroxide to be reduced in the solvent, and separating the precipitated solid ruthenium dioxide.

Abstract: Treatment of effluent containing cayanide is disclosed wherein a mixture of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 with between 0.01 and 0.5 moles of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 per mole of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is used.

Abstract: Treatment of poultry processing plant waste water in dissolved air flotation unit and/or grease trap with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oxidizable contaminants in cooling waters used to extract heat from the condenser coils of cooling towers. The method and apparatus includes means for removing a portion of the recirculating water which passes through the cooling tower to create a slipstream of water to be treated and treating the slipstream water with chemical to provide a hydroxyl free radical into the water to enhance oxidation, inducing cavitation in the slipstream water and irradiating the slipstream water with ultraviolet radiation to thereby cause the oxidizable contaminants to be oxidized and therefore removed before the slipstream water is reintroduced back into the cooling tower.

Abstract: For water treatment systems it may be desired to feed various chemicals at optimum rates into the system. Improvements over the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,914 and also to the novel feeder capsules employed are a shown.The rate of feeding depends upon the size and number of small holes which are provided, or the user pokes through the shell of the capsule, and upon the flow rate of the water around it. In some embodiments the capsule is weighted to direct the small holes upward as it rests in quiet water, thereby substantially to halt the flow of chemical; but as the water is sloshed about in use, the chemical is dispensed at a rate proportional to the amount of use.In a so-called "dumbbell" capsule the vertical tendency is aided by a second vented floatation sphere snapped to the first to hold the dispensing holes upward even in a hot tub. It is used in the controlled release of free bromine by the oxidant, sold under the trademark "OXONE".

Abstract: A catalyst for decomposing an oxidising agent, such as hypochlorite ions, in an effluent comprises an intimate mixture of at least one finely divided Group IIA oxide and finely divided nickel oxide, and/or hydrates thereof, supported on pieces of a non-porous substantially inert material. Some of the nickel may be replaced by cobalt. The Group IIA oxide forms 0.5 to 50% by weight of said intimate mixture. The nickel and Group IIA oxides may be applied by contacting the support with a solution of a suitable salt, eg nitrates. Where the support is a Group IIA compound, eg magnesia, the Group IIA oxide may be incorporated into the intimate mixture by contacting the support with an acid solution of the nickel salt. In use the nickel oxide as oxidised to a higher oxidation state than NiO.

Abstract: A method of oxidatively decomposing a radioactive ion-exchange resin is described, the method comprising oxidatively decomposing a radioactive ion-exchange resin containing an anion-exchange resin with hydrogen peroxide used as an oxidizing agent in the presence of iron and copper ions used as catalysts, wherein the weight ratio of hydrogen peroxide to the ion-exchange resin, that is the ratio of the net weight of hydrogen peroxide to the dry weight of the ion-exchange resin containing an anion-exchange resin, is held to be no higher than 17 and the pH of the reaction system is adjusted to be within the range of 0.5 to 6, or citric acid ions are preliminarily adsorbed on the radioactive ion-exchange resin before it is subjected to decomposition treatment or citric acid ions coexist with the radioactive ion-exchange resin in the oxidatively decomposing system, and an apparatus used for conducting the method is also described.

Abstract: A novel catalytic process is provided for the controlled degradation of organic materials into environmentally compatible products comprising at least carbon dioxide. The process employs a solid catalyst comprising at least one transition element and a peroxide to form a reaction mixture with the organic material which is degraded in the presence of photoenergy absorbable by the catalyst. The catalytic process has multiple applications including the purification of organic solvents; the regeneration of granular activated carbon; the purification of potable water and industrial waste water; and the elimination of organic hazardous and/or toxic substances from collected wastes.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the detoxification of aqueous solutions of organic compounds utilizing a liquid-phase oxidant such as hydrogen peroxide (aq) or ozone (aq). The aqueous solutions of organic compounds and the liquid-phase oxidant are mixed, then compressed and heated to bring the mixture into a supercritical phase. The oxidation reaction proceeds in the supercritical phase.

Abstract: A process for treating effluents contaiing cyanide from mining operations wherein magnetic separation is used prior to treatment with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing toxic compounds including halogenated and/or partially oxygenated hydrocarbons and hydrazine and hydrazine derivatives in aqueous solutions by using in combination ozone, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation is improved.

Abstract: A process for the removal of cyanide and other impurities from an aqueous solution is disclosed. The process comprises adding copper ion and ferrous ion as reagents to the solution at a pH of about 4 to 8 with a ratio of copper to cyanide in the range of 3:1 to 10:1 by weight and with a ratio of iron to copper of at least 0.3:1 by weight.

Abstract: A chemical method of removing thiourea from spent hydrochloric acid cleaning solutions comprising the steps of: adjusting the pH to not less than 12 by addition of base to remove metal hydroxides; oxidizing thiourea to urea by the addition of at least 4 moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of thiourea; and further oxidizing urea to nonregulated/nonhazardous compounds by the addition of at least 3 moles of a hypochlorite per mole of urea. UV analysis confirms a greater than 98% removal of thiourea from solutions containing 0.4 to 2.7 wt. % thiourea after as little as 3 hours with an exotherm, .DELTA.t, of less than 105.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous effluent containing cyanide and toxic or heavy metals, wherein the effluent is contacted with a sufficient amount of hydrogen peroxide to oxidize at least a substantial portion of the cyanide in the effluent in the presence of sufficient trimercaptotriazine to react with a substantial portion of the metal present in said effluent, and precipitating said metal component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oxidizing bilirubin which comprises reacting a solution containing bilirubin with hemoglobin, either in free or immobilized form, in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide. This process if useful in reducing bilirubin levels in the blood of severely jaundiced patients. It also provides a basis for determining bilirubin levels in a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for destroying polynitrophenols or their salts in an aqueous waste by treating with at least two moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of polynitrophenol in the presence of from 0.002 to 0.7 moles of an iron salt per mole of polynitrophenol. The destruction takes place at a pH lower than 4 and a temperature greater than 65.degree. C.

Abstract: Sulfate-reducing bacteria present in industrial waste waters can be controlled by using hydrogen peroxide in combination with non-oxidizing organic biocides known to be effective against sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing organic compounds in aqueous solutions by using in combination ozone, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation is provided.

Abstract: A sanitizing composition consisting essentially of a mixture of a calcium hypochlorite compound and a peroxydisulfate compound having the formula: M.sub.x S.sub.2 O.sub.8 where M is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, and x is 1 or 2 is employed in treating water to improve pH control and provide increased removal of organic materials.The compositions provide improved sanitation of water in swimming pools, spas, and cooling towers by efficiently oxidizing organic impurities while helping to minimize the increase in the pH of the water. This permits a reduction in the amount and frequency of addition of acidic compounds such as hydrochloric acid to the water bodies. Further, the incorporation of additives such as algaecides, dispersants, and clarifying agents provides for significant improvements in water quality as evidenced by sparkling pure water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the wet oxidation of water soluble organic pollutants or of an aqueous suspension of organic pollutants. In the contacting of an oxidizing gas and a polluted aqueous phase, the improvement comprises forming a fine mist of the polluted aqueous phase in the presence of the oxidizing gas, thereby increasing the interfacial area between the gas and the polluted aqueous phase. Then the formed mist is introduced into a heated reaction chamber under pressure, thereby enhancing the rate of the destructive oxidation of the organic pollutant by the increase in mass transfer between the gaseous phase and the aqueous mist, the reaction temperature being selected to favor rapid destruction of the pollutant without the formation of stable intermediate reaction products. After destruction of the pollutants, the reaction mixture is allowed to flash off at a pressure lower than the reaction pressure.

Abstract: Efficient treatment of waste water is accomplished by subjecting the waste water to wet oxidation under continued supply of an oxygen containing gas at a temperature of not more than 370.degree. C. under a pressure enough for the waste water to retain the liquid phase thereof intact, in the presence of a catalyst containing a composite oxide of at least two metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, and Zr and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, W, Cu, Ce, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir or a compound of the one metal mentioned above.