Abstract: A method and composition for reducing chemical oxygen demand is presented. The composition includes a persulfate donor and a transition metal catalyst in contact with the persulfate donor. When the composition is contacted by water, the transition metal catalyst reacts with persulfate and reduces the persulfate concentration in the water. The composition allows the use of persulfate, which is known to cause irritation to users of aquatic facilities (e.g., pools, spas) that come in contact with it. As the persulfate concentration is reduced rapidly in the water by the catalyzed reaction, the persulfate-containing cleaning product may even be used while the aquatic facilities are being used. Optionally, a free halogen donor may be incorporated into the composition. The composition may be in the form of powder, granules (coated or uncoated), or agglomerate.

Abstract: A method of purifying water in a nuclear installation includes an ion exchange mechanism in which the water is purified with an ion exchanger. Before being guided over the ion exchanger, the water is brought into contact with a catalyst in order to decompose hydrogen peroxide that is present in the water.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from slurry samples is set forth. The method includes the utilization of repeated pressurizing and depressurizing steps to disrupt solidified particles in solid-containing slurries thereby increasing decontamination efficiency. An expansion fluid is injected into the slurry sample sufficient to create microbubbles when the slurry sample is depressurized. The micro bubbles mechanically disrupt the solidified particles increasing contaminant exposure. The microbubbles also provide for increased interfacial regions where contaminants can accumulate at gas-liquid thin films that are in close proximity to and can be effectively removed using a suitable expansion fluid and optional decontamination agents.

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: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: wherein R, R1, are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; X is H, OH, O(MnN)1/n or R4 where M is a metal ion derived from a lanthanide, actinide, main group or transition metal and V is a substituted C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group or an aryl group or C1-40-alkylaryl sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, amine or a polyalkyl amine or phosphine or other phosphorous containing group; R4 is a linear or branched C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; e is an integer from 0 to 2; f is an integer from 1 to 100; n is an integer from 1 to 4: the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains (R2)2Si(OR3)1O1/2 or (R2)2SiO2/2 or (R2)3SiO1/2

Abstract: Preparation of dispersions of zero-valance nanoscale iron particles and one of soy protein, soy milk, or other soy derivative. The dispersions can be used to treat contaminated soil or water.

Abstract: A process for the removal of residual sulfur compounds from a liquid caustic stream is disclosed. One embodiment of my invention adsorbs disulfides from a caustic stream using an activated carbon adsorbent while another combines both oxidation and adsorption in single step to remove residual sulfur compounds from a rich caustic stream using metal phthalocyanine supported on a solid adsorbent. This process is especially useful as a polishing step in a caustic regeneration process flow scheme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use, as oxidation catalysts, of metal complex compounds having tetradentate ligands of formula (2) wherein all substitutents have the meanings as defined in Claim 1. The present invention relates also to formulations comprising such metal complex compounds, to novel metal complex compounds and to novel ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one metal compound and/or a component thereof from a mixture, said process comprising contacting the said mixture with a heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion, thereby producing a precipitate comprising the heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion and the metal compound and/or a component thereof. The present invention further relates to a process for the purification of a mixture containing at least one metal compound, said process comprising contacting the said mixture with a heteropoly acid or heteropoly acid anion, thereby producing a precipitate that is substantially insoluble in the said reaction mixture and recovering the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing chemical oxygen demand is presented. The composition includes a persulfate donor and a transition metal catalyst in contact with the persulfate donor. When the composition is contacted by water, the transition metal catalyst reacts with persulfate and reduces the persulfate concentration in the water. The composition allows the use of persulfate, which is known to cause irritation to users of aquatic facilities (e.g., pools, spas) that come in contact with it. As the persulfate concentration is reduced rapidly in the water by the catalyzed reaction, the persulfate-containing cleaning product may even be used while the aquatic facilities are being used. Optionally, a free halogen donor may be incorporated into the composition. The composition may be in the form of powder, granules (coated or uncoated), or agglomerate.

Abstract: An improved method for treating organic compounds present in soil, groundwater and other environments is disclosed. The method involves the use of a peroxygen compound and a chelated transition metal.

Abstract: The invention provides for the removal of impurities from treatment fluid including a base liquid and a variety of impurities contained in the base liquid by conveying the treatment fluid to at least one preheating separating device, including a preheating heat exchanger and a separator unit, before the admixture of a carrier gas to the treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is preheated by the preheating heat exchanger to a temperature below the boiling temperature of a base liquid so that the liquid impurities with lower boiling temperatures than the base liquid are evaporated and expelled thermally, whereby the evaporated and expelled impurities are separated in the separator unit of the preheating separator device. The treatment fluid is then evaporated and separated from impurities having a higher boiling point than the base liquid.

Abstract: A composition capable of expedited in-situ generation of dioxirane and a method of preparing the composition are presented. The composition includes a transition metal catalyst, peracid donor, and carbonyl donor, and forms an effective multi-purpose oxidizing (e.g., bleaching) solution. Methods of using the bleaching solutions and their application are also presented. The composition provides a cost-effective means of producing a dioxirane-based multi-purpose bleaching solution for use on laundries, carpets, hard surfaces, bathroom surfaces, floors and the like.

Abstract: A method for treating water to produce potable water is described herein. The inventive method enables the efficient removal of iron, manganese, and arsenic without the addition of powerful oxidants and without requiring a complex procedure for preparing the filtering material. The described method treats the water by passing the water through at least one bed of filter material, where the filter material comprises an association of manganese dioxide grains and at least one iron-based divided material in the hydroxide, oxide, or metallic state. The association may comprise a mixture of the iron-based divided material and the manganese dioxide grains. Alternatively, the association may comprise a superposition of layers of the iron-based divided material and the manganese dioxide grains.

Abstract: An encapsulated reactant(s) having at least one encapsulant and at least one reactant. An outermost encapsulant is substantially nonreacting, impermeable and nondissolving with water. The reactant(s) contribute to at least one reaction with contaminants in environmental media rendering the environmental media less harmless. Processes for using the encapsulated reactant in environmental media is also hereby claimed.

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 process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, to convert selenocyanate to selenite, followed by removal of the selenite from the aqueous stream.

Abstract: A process for oxidation of oxidizable materials which are dissolved or suspended in a liquid phase. A contactor in the form of a porous membrane is used. The contactor is designed such that an oxidizing phase flows along one surface thereof while the phase to be oxidized flows along another surface. The oxidation is catalyzed by (i) a catalyst material which constitutes the porous membrane or is deposited in or onto a porous membrane support, or (ii) a catalyst material which is supplied to one or both of the feed streams comprising the oxidizing phase and the phase to be oxidized.

Abstract: This invention is a method for cleaning and maintaining a membrane filtration element/system used in a continuous feed stream wherein an oxidizing agent that does not cause membrane damage is used as a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent used to maintain and clean the membrane is a biocide that is preferably an oxy-chloro species and most preferably a stable chlorous acid.

Abstract: A method of destroying an organic compound in liquid media comprising: contacting said liquid media with a catalyst of formula: nN/Ce1?xZrcBbB?b?B?b?O2?? wherein n is a percentage from 0 to 25; N is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Re, Os and Ir; x=b+b?+b?+c; b, b?, and b? are each, independently of one another, 0 to 0.99; x?0.7; B, B? and B? are independently selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Au, Ag and Cu; c is between 0 and 0.2; ? is a number which renders the catalyst charge neutral; provided that at least one of b, b? and b? is nonzero; provided that when B is Mn, b? or c or n is nonzero at a temperature and pressure sufficient to destroy an organic compound is provided. Also provided are catalyst compositions for destroying at least one organic compound in liquid media comprising a catalyst and a support.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrolytically controlling the formation of scale and biofilm in water purification and other systems. An anode is deposited on or disposed on or adjacent to a surface, such as that of a quartz UV tube, providing a low pH environment which inhibits the formation of carbonate scale and biofilm.

Abstract: A process for purifying a lipophilic fluid employing a functionalized fabric treating agent. The functionalized fabric treating agent is capable of delivering fabric treating benefits in a non-aqueous fabric article treatment process and is designed for easy removal from the non-aqueous solvent after the fabric article treatment process. Laundry soils can also be removed by this process. The present invention also relates to a fabric treatment composition containing the functionalized fabric treating agent.

Abstract: A process for purifying dry cleaning solvents from a mixture containing used dry cleaning solvents and contaminants, such as laundry soils, fabric treating agents.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the removal of impurities and the recovery of a mother liquor and wash filtrate from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves the removal of impurities and the recovery of a mother liquor and wash filtrate from an oxidizer purge stream and then routing the mother liquor and or wash filtrate to an oxidation zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating water for human consumption, so as to eliminate manganese and possibly other metals comprising steps which consist in: causing said water to pass at least over a bed of filtering material (3) consisting at least partly of manganese dioxide granules, said granules having a real density ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 and a hardness higher than 6 on the Mosh scale; regenerating, if necessary, said manganese dioxide, said regeneration being carried out mechanically.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the removal of impurities and the recovery of a mother liquor and wash filtrate from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves the removal of impurities and the recovery of a mother liquor and wash filtrate from an oxidizer purge stream and then routing the mother liquor and or wash filtrate to an oxidation zone.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: A process of activating water by leading water to pass through energy concentrated fields which are generated in particles, being composed of a single elementary material selected from a group of silicon, titanium, nickel and samarium or composed of fluorocarbon, of which the single elementary material or the fluorocarbon is placed at a position where wave energy intrinsic to each atom or said fluorocarbon is amplified and constructing activation structural bodies are concurrently carried out with increasing quantity of dissolved oxygen in the water. Water can be activated without externally supplying energy or with a little energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating waste water wherein organic and inorganic substances in waste water can be treated at high levels regardless of the concentration, and a unit itself can be made compact. The method of the invention is a method for treating waste water, which comprises treating waste water at 100° C. or less in the presence of oxygen and catalyst containing noble metal and active carbon and having pores, wherein the volume of pores having a radius of 40 ? or more and less than 100 ? is 0.05 ml/g or more.

Abstract: Transition metal ions have the ability to increase the oxidation performance of the inorganic peroxy salts at room temperature by possibly lowering their activation energy or by producing more reactive free radicals. When two transition metal salts are used together to decompose dipersulfate, it provides synergistic oxidation activity, better than obtained by dipersulfate or dipersulfate with either copper or zinc alone. The transition metals mentioned are the water soluble salts of copper and zinc. Oxidation performance of sodium dipersulface in presence of catalytic amount of copper and zinc salts was determined by measuring the destruction of crystal violet dye at a wavelength of 589 nm.

Abstract: A method of filtering contaminants from a chemical process stream is disclosed. The method includes a step of passing the process stream over a filtration medium including a plurality of discrete filtration elements, each element having parallel first and second faces and a multi-cellular structure of substantially uniform parallel channels running from the first face to the second face. The cross-sectional shape of the channels preferably defines a polygon having angles less than or equal to 90°.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Pyrogenically prepared titanium dioxide doped by means of an aerosol contains an oxide from the group zinc oxide, platinum oxide, magnesium oxide and/or aluminium oxide as the doping component. It is prepared as follows: in the pyrogenic preparation of titanium dioxide, a metal salt solution is atomised to form an aerosol and injected into the production stream. The titanium dioxide may be used as a photocatalyst or as a UV adsorber or in processes for purification of waste water or waste air/gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating free radical species can be used to sanitize water systems. The apparatus generates hydroxyl free radical species using substantially pure water, or using a liquid that is substantially free of oxygen-reactive species, to maximize free radical species generation to sanitize the water system. The free radical species are generated by ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than or equal to 254 nm.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: A process for treating an industrial waste stream containing a borane compound including contacting the industrial waste stream with a resin carrying an oxidation catalyst that is capable of oxidizing the borane compound to boric acid.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is purified through the use of catalytic oxidation. Carbon dioxide is exposed to at least one catalyst, oxidizing at least a portion of the nonvolatile organic residues to form purified carbon dioxide that is directed to an application. Carbon dioxide that is in a near-critical, critical, or supercritical phase can be exposed to the catalyst.

Abstract: A photo-chemical remediation of Cu-CMP waste streams basically includes the following acts: adding photo-catalyst particles into waste streams containing copper ions and organic pollutants and exposing the waste streams to UV light or sunlight to make copper ions become deposited on surfaces of the photo-catalyst particles. Whereby, the copper ions are removed from the waste streams. Meanwhile, organic and inorganic pollutants are decomposed by the photolysis capability of the photo-catalyst to make the waste streams dischargable within environmental standards to the environment.

Abstract: A process for treating a solid-liquid mixture by cavitation to decompose at least some contaminant associated with the solid particles, the contaminant either being absorbed into the pores of the solid or onto the surface of the solid particles. The process includes the step of subjecting the mixture to cavitation such that a portion of the contaminant is chemically decomposed. Typically the chemical decomposition occurs at the surface of the solid particle. Typically the cavitation process is an ultrasonic treatment step, although other cavitation processes are applicable, for example high shear mixing. The cavitation effect is capable of achieving physico-chemical changes at the particle surfaces. The localized high temperatures on bubble collapse (as high as 5000K) can decompose contaminant substances such as PCB and other hazardous materials including polybrominated biphenyl PBB), organochloride and organophosphate compounds, pesticides and the like.

Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying aqueous effluents, in particular polluted water, by catalytic oxidation using a three-phase reactor comprising two communicating chambers. The invention is characterised in that it consists in: maintaining the catalyst suspended and continuously circulating it between the two chambers of said reactor, by entrainment under the effect of carrier gas injected into one of said chamber, and in oxidizing the pollutants in contact with the in the other chamber, by injecting a reactive oxidizing gas in said other chamber.

Abstract: A bioremediation method and system for destroying or reducing the level of contaminants in a contaminated subterranean body of water includes a plurality of spaced injection sites. The injection sites extend below ground and intersect a body of groundwater. Each of the plurality of injection sites are in communication with a supply of concentrated oxygen. The oxygen is conveyed by a delivery mechanism from the supply of oxygen to the injection points to naturally reduce the contaminants in the groundwater. The amount of oxygen delivered to the groundwater is maintained such that the amount of oxygen in the soil gas vapor is between 15% and 25%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decomposing bromate ions contained in a liquid. The method includes the sequential steps of bringing the liquid into contact with a photocatalyst; and irradiating the photocatalyst with a light ray having an energy that is not lower than that of a band gap of the photocatalyst, thereby generating a photocatalytic reaction to decompose the bromate ions. The invention further relates an apparatus for decomposing bromate ions contained in a liquid. The apparatus includes a first section for generating therein a photocatalytic reaction to decompose the bromate ions; a photocatalyst adapted to be brought into contact with the liquid in the first section; and a light source for irradiating the photocatalyst with the light ray such that the photocatalytic reaction is generated in the first section when the photocatalyst is in contact with the liquid. Thus, it is possible to efficiently and stably decompose the bromate ions.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating free radical species can be used to sanitize water systems. The apparatus generates hydroxyl free radical species using substantially pure water, or using a liquid that is substantially free of oxygen-reactive species, to maximize free radical species generation to sanitize the water system. The free radical species are generated by ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of less than or equal to 254 nm.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the purification of organometallic compounds or heteroatomic organic compounds from oxygen, water and from the compounds deriving from the reaction of water and oxygen with the organometallic or heteroatomic compounds whose purification is sought, comprising the operation of contacting the organometallic or heteroatomic compound to be purified in the liquid state or in form of vapor, pure or in a carrier gas, with a hydrogenated getter alloy, and optionally also with one or more gas sorber materials selected among palladium on porous supports and a mixture of iron and manganese supported on zeolites.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating waste effluent, particularly photographic effluent, containing reduced species such as thiosulphate or sulphite, by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or a compound capable of releasing hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of a catalyst therefor. The invention is characterized in that the catalyst is immobilized on a substrate. The catalyst may be selected from chromate, vanadate and preferable molybdate or tungstate and the substrate may comprise an ion exchange material, especially an anion exchange material. The invention further provides a holding tank apparatus (10) or a conduit apparatus (20) for carrying out this method. The invention is particularly appropriate for use with fixer from redox-amplification processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for oxidizing and/or decomposing organic and/or inorganic oxidizable substances in waste water by wet oxidation with a use of a catalyst, wherein the oxidizable substances are oxidized and/or decomposed with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of the catalyst under pressure such that the waste water retains the liquid phase thereof at a temperature of 50° C. to less than 170°C.; the catalyst contains activated carbon; and the oxygen concentration is controlled in an exhaust gas in the range from 0 to 5 vol %. The present inventive method is capable of treating waste water efficiently for a long period in a stable manner at reduced temperatures as compared with the substantially higher temperatures and pressures used in many of the prior art methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for the photocatalyitc oxidation of common industrial effluent contaminants in aqueous solution includes a reactor and a thin film photocatalyst fixed to a support material like Cuddapah stone. The support material is preferably an inert material. The TiO2 preformed does not contain any adsorbent for making the thin film photocatalyst, The catalytic runs were carried out over TiO2 thin film fixed bed reactor. The study is extended to the immobilization of preformed TiO2 with a binder for making thin film using a simple spray technique on inert Cuddapah stone. This method of immobilization require no thermal treatment of the catalyst at high temperatures. The method is applicable for the photocatalytic treatment of industrial effluents at a higher scale. Also it is a method for preparing a photocatalyst adopted for the oxidation of industrial common effluent by simple spray technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon comprising an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. This invention further provides a bioremediation composition for in situ bioremediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, comprising an adsorbent capable of adsorbing said hydrocarbons, a mixture of facultative anaerobes capable of metabolizing said hydrocarbons under sulfate-reduction conditions, a sulfate-containing compound that releases sulfate over a period of time, and a nutrient system for promoting growth of said anaerobes, wherein said nutrient system includes a sulfide scavenging agent.