Abstract: Process for the continuous treatment of soot water which arises during partial oxidation of liquid hydrocarbons containing heavy metals. The soot water is centrifuged at a pressure of up to 5 bar and a temperature of up to 150° C. in a pre-dewatering stage, without the addition of additives, to 10% solids content, a pasty sludge rich in heavy metals is obtained and a centrate low in heavy metals arises. The centrate at least to some extent, is fed back into the gasification process again as useable water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous storage and drying of sewage sludge, comprising the following steps: a) mechanically dewatering the sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; b) applying the dewatered sewage sludge to a floor of a greenhouse-type drying hall in which a transparent building envelope forms the roof over the floor; c) drying the sewage sludge using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; d) mechanically dewatering additional sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; e) introducing the dewatered additional sewage sludge into the drying hall and mixing the additional sewage sludge with the sewage sludge already in the drying hall; f) drying said mixture using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; and g) evacuating the mixture from the drying hall or repeating steps d) to f), wherein in step e), the additional sewage sludge is mixed with the mixture in the drying hall rather than with the s

Abstract: A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass and in particular biomass comprises photosynthetic microorganisms. Also disclosure are oleaginous compounds obtained using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Some mineral processing plants encounter difficulties in dewatering pulps using clarifier/thickener (C/T) equipment due to a layer of fine particles, air bubbles and chemicals formed at the top of the liquid in the thickener. Such layers are very stable and form a cap on the C/T. The dewatering performance of the C/T then deteriorates under these conditions, and a high percentage of solids is contained in the thickener overflow. A process for removing water from rock slurry containing a wide range of particle sizes in mineral processing operations has been developed. The process includes: (a) classifying the feed slurry into two size fractions, namely a coarse fraction and a fine fraction, (b) treating the fine fraction (and the coarse fraction if required) with a selected flocculant, and (3) thickening the flocculated slurry in sedimentation equipment to separate liquid from solids.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: Extract of oil rich in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids containing oil extracted from insect larvae comprising saturated, MUFA and PUFA fatty acids and procedure for obtaining oil extract.

Abstract: Methods and related systems efficiently and effectively recover a significant amount of valuable, useable oil from byproducts formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method may include forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may include evaporating the byproduct using a multi-stage evaporator, as well as recovering the oil before the final stage of the evaporator. Further, the step of recovering oil from the concentrate may include using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil.

Abstract: An electrical generating assembly 10 which may be selectively used in combination with and/or as part of a municipal wastewater treatment facility 12 and which allows the wastewater treatment facility 12 to generate electrical energy 48, 62, 13 as received wastewater 14 is cleaned according to a plurality of diverse energy generating strategies.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.

Abstract: A reactor which comprises a vessel (1) with a vessel bottom (2), a stirrer (3) arranged in the vessel, an emergency discharge valve (4) arranged in the vessel bottom for emptying the reactor in less than 600 seconds and at least one filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom is suitable for the safe preparation of organic peroxides. The process for preparing an organic peroxide comprises the steps of preparing a solid hydroperoxide in the form of a suspension in the reactor, filtering the suspension through the filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom (2) while retaining the solid hydroperoxide in the reactor and reacting the hydroperoxide with an alkylating agent, an acylating agent or a carbonyl compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.

Abstract: A liquid separating device (1) for processing a mixture material (3) containing both solid and liquid materials (3a,3b), in order to separate liquid material (3b) from the solid material (3a), the liquid separating device (1) includes a support frame (5), a series of liquid separation assemblies (7a,7b) and a corresponding guiding assembly (19) between each pair of liquid separation assemblies (7). The liquid separation assemblies (7) are disposed about the support frame (5) in a cascading configuration, and the passage (13) of each liquid separation assembly (7) is narrower in width than the passage of a preceding liquid separation assembly (7) so that each subsequent liquid separation assembly (7b) is enabled to extract more liquid material via an increased wringing pressure resulting from a thickening of the remaining mixture material (3) to be processed and the narrower subsequent passage (13b) through which it is channeled and pressed.

Abstract: A system for offshore treatment of drill cuttings that includes a first pressurized vessel configured to receive contaminated drill cuttings and adapted to allow a compressed gas be introduced therein as the sole means for inducing movement of said contaminated drill cuttings in the first pressurized vessel, whereby at least a portion of the contaminated drill cuttings is discharged from the first pressurized vessel; and a reactor unit in fluid connection with the first pressurized vessel for separating the contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants, wherein the reactor unit includes a processing chamber having at least one inlet and outlet; and a rotor mounted in the processing chamber, the rotor including a shaft; and a plurality of fixed rotor arms extending radially from the shaft is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.

Abstract: A method of dewatering a solids laden waste stream, whereby the slurry is pumped into a vertical filter retaining structure and the liquid is allowed to flow out through the pores of the filtration element while retaining the solids within the structure. After the solids have dewatered, doors or gates located at the bottom of the structure are opened and the solids drop out the bottom by gravity. The structure is elevated to allow a transport vehicle to be placed under the doors prior to dropping out the solids. One embodiment utilizes an open bottom, closed top filter bag that is closed off by the doors or sliding gates located at the bottom of the structure. Another embodiment disclosed would use rigid filter plates to retain the solids and drop out the accumulated solids by opening sliding gates at the bottom of the structure. The filter bag or plates is accessible from the side to allow either manual or automatic pressure washing of the filtration elements or filter bag after each dewatering cycle.

Abstract: To provide a reliable solid-liquid separating method and apparatus for a slurry, even though the solid component of the slurry is finely divided particles and/or of a shape difficult to entangle, without exudation through gaps in processed portions and, also, with no need to exercise a maintenance work such as replacement of filters, a solid-liquid separating apparatus includes a mold having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, a gate for opening and closing a second open end of the mold, and a pressing rod slidable into the mold to compress the slurry. Sheet-like fibrous filters are placed on a leading end face of the pressing rod and an inner surface of the gate to seal gaps between the mold and the pressing rod and between the gate and mold. With the filters so placed, the slurry within the mold unit is compressed to provide a solidified product, thereby accomplishing solid-liquid separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivering thick matter. The device comprises: a delivery cylinder (20); a material feed space (16), which is connected to the delivery cylinder (20) on the entry side; a delivery line (18), which is connected to the delivery cylinder (20) on the exit side; a delivery plunger (12), which can be displaced to-and-fro through the material feed space (16) and the delivery cylinder (20), and; a closing element (22), which is placed at the exit location of the delivery cylinder (20) or inside the delivery line (18) and which can be displaced between an open position and a closing position. In order to be able to separate foreign substances, which are contained in the flow of thick matter, out of the flow of thick matter before the actual processing step for the useful substances, the invention provides that the delivery cylinder (20) is perforated at least over a portion of its cylinder jacket (24).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing of slurries containing suspended and dissolved particles and a solution as well as a slurry are provided onto a hydrocyclone equipment, disk centrifuge or nozzle centrifuge equipment. The dry matter concentration in the collected slurry is higher than the concentration of the mixture of the slurry and the solution as such. The use of a hydrocyclone stage for this specific purpose is disclosed as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating element for a filter press, that can be supplied with a fluid heating medium and comprises at least one heating plate consisting of a heat-conducting material and extending essentially over a plane. Said heating plate is fixed to a base body of the heating element, exclusively in a continuous partial region, the surface of the continuous partial region being smaller than the remaining surface of the heating plate. The invention also relates to a heating element for a filter press, comprising two heating plates which are interconnected by means of spacers, outside the lateral expansion of the base body. The entire base body can be freely displaced between the heating plates, in relation thereto, at least in such a way that a thermal expansion of the heating plates and a different thermal expansion of the base body can take place.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.

Abstract: A method of separating a polymer from a biomass containing the polymer, includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system, the solvent system including a solvent for the polymer and a precipitant for the polymer, to provide a residual biomass and a solution that includes the polymer, the solvent for the polymer and the precipitant for the polymer; and applying a centrifugal force to the solution and residual biomass to separate at least some of the solution from the residual biomass; where, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate; the precipitant comprises at least one alkane; the solvent for the polymer is selected from the group consisting of ketones, esters and alcohols and combinations thereof; and the biomass comprises a slurry of the biomass and water.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a complex hydrocarbon is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process. The complex hydrocarbon may be suitable for use as a substitute or additive to petroleum-based asphalt binder.

Abstract: A method of separating a polymer from a biomass containing the polymer, includes contacting the biomass with a solvent system, the solvent system including a solvent for the polymer and a precipitant for the polymer, to provide a residual biomass and a solution that includes the polymer, the solvent for the polymer and the precipitant for the polymer; and applying a centrifugal force to the solution and residual biomass to separate at least some of the solution from the residual biomass; where, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate; the precipitant comprises at least one alkane; the solvent for the polymer is selected from the group consisting of ketones, esters and alcohols and combinations thereof; and the biomass comprises a slurry of the biomass and water.

Abstract: A method for increasing the removal of a higher fraction of liquid from the press cake in any belt press is described. Specifically, the invention incorporates a series of rollers that create multiple pinch points to compress the solid fraction while removing liquid. After each pinch point, the solid material is allowed to separate from the belt, fall by gravity, and repack so that more liquid can be released at each successive pinch point than is possible if the material is fed to multiple rollers and pinch points in series without decompressing as is done is prior art.

Abstract: Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical generating assembly 10 which may be selectively used in combination with and/or as part of a municipal wastewater treatment facility 12 and which allows the wastewater treatment facility 12 to generate electrical energy 48,62, 13 as received wastewater 14 is cleaned according to a plurality of diverse energy generating strategies.

Abstract: One or more apparatuses for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates are provided. The apparatus for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates can include a hopper in communication with a material moving device. The material moving device can be at least partially disposed within a trough. An injection port can be disposed in the trough. A separation tank can be communication with the material moving device, and the separation tank can be in fluid communication with a scalper, a shaker screen, a screen, a hydrocyclone, a dewatering centrifuge, a clarifying tank, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.

Abstract: There is herein described the removal of fluid from fluid-contaminated waste solids and a method and apparatus for analysing and detecting the amount of oil in a fluid-contaminated waste material. In particular, there is described the removal of oil from drill cuttings at an offshore rig, onshore treatment facility and other oily wastes such as refinery wastes and an improved method and apparatus for analysing and detecting the amount of oil in solid material (e.g. drill cuttings) from an offshore rig, onshore treatment facility and other oily wastes such as from refinery wastes.

Abstract: The method and a device is for the dilution of dewatered cellulose pulp that maintains a consistency of 20-30% or greater. By shredding of the pulp to a finely divided dry-granulate, dilution to a homogeneous consistency in the medium consistency range can take place exclusively through hydrodynamic effects from the addition of dilution fluid. The dilution fluid is added to granulate at a position at which granulate is in free fall in a standpipe and above a level LiqLEV of diluted pulp in the standpipe. A number of nozzles are arranged around the periphery of the stand pipe, directed in towards the centre of the stand pipe, obliquely downwards in the direction of fall of the granulate. It is possible through this simplified procedure to avoid completely the conventional dilution screws, and this reduces the investment costs and operating costs, while at the same time unnecessary mechanical influence of the pulp fibres can be avoided.

Abstract: The method of forming a filter cake from a slurry comprising the steps of feeding the slurry into a filter housing, wherein the filter housing includes a plurality of vertical filter elements; pressing the slurry into the filter housing against the filter elements resulting in i) a filtrate passing through the filter elements and exiting out an exhaust port of the filter housing; ii) forming a solid cake on the filter elements; feeding a wash liquid into the filter housing while draining out the slurry by opening the slurry drain valve; closing the slurry drain valve and then continually feeding wash liquid through the cake and into the filter tube of the filter housing; stopping the feed of wash liquid; introducing a gas into the filter housing and draining out the wash liquid by opening a bottom drain valve; stopping the gas flow and opening a drain to exit most of the gas and remaining wash liquid; opening the bottom cake discharge valve; and back pulsing by a gas to break and to release the filter cake fr

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum dehydrating system for gypsum slurry, comprising a vacuum dehydrating apparatus, a first water supply apparatus for supplying filter cake washing water to the vacuum dehydrating apparatus, and a water heating apparatus for heating the filter cake washing water. The invention also provides a vacuum dehydrating method, comprising the following steps: 1) heating the filter cake washing water by the water heating apparatus; 2) supplying the heated filter cake washing water to a vacuum dehydrating apparatus during dehydrating the gypsum slurry by the vacuum dehydrating apparatus. In the invention, the filter cake washing water is heated. Due to the higher temperature of filter cake washing water, the dehydration rate of gypsum slurry is improved so that water content of gypsum filter cake after dehydration is decreased.

Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and decontaminating oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, and separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase. The solids may then be treated by either or both of two approaches. One approach involves vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. Another approach involves at least partially vaporizing the residual oil from the solids and recondensing the oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination (or is sufficiently decontaminated to allow reuse), an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber or a soil dryer can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing ethanol from an organic source and that operates to purify and dry ethanol from a beer source. The system for producing substantially anhydrous ethanol comprises: (a) a first distillation stripping column; (b) a second distillation rectifying column having a higher operating temperature than said stripping column; (c) a molecular sieve dehydration means in fluid communication with said rectifying column. Heat from the overhead of the second distillation rectifying column and the molecular sieve dehydration are used to heat the first distillation stripping column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing DMF for sucralose production, including, e.g., isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol, using a single-tower rectification system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the composition, after the removal of water and methanol, may be further dried/dehydrated, such as, by using a dehydration agent and/or filtration. The resulting substantially pure DMF may comprise at least about 98-99% DMF. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a composition comprising anhydrous sucrose for sucralose production, which may comprise mixing regular sucrose with a water-containing DMF composition, and drying the resulting sucrose-DMF composition. Also provided is a single-tower separation system for isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol.

Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material (10) using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction in an extraction system (100). Multiple solvents are used sequentially to replace the water with a first solvent, then replacing that solvent with a second solvent, etc., then eventually removing the last solvent from the solid materials. The solvents have progressively lower heats of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point or related property, so as to conserve use of thermal energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for separating a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic to separate the product into components thereof, the method comprising adding water to the product, and pressing the product in order to separate the product into components comprising a plastics component and a super absorbent polymer and fiber component. Other methods of the present disclosure include a method for producing a reusable plastic, reusable paper fiber stream and a reusable super absorbent polymer from the treatment of a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for the treatment of wet super absorbent polymer, comprising salt assisted dehydration.

Abstract: A sludge concentration and dehydration method is provided, which comprises the following steps: (1) add an organic agent (polyacrylamide) to the sludge for initial conditioning, then concentrate the sludge; (2) add an inorganic agent (a compound containing Fe and Ca) to the sludge for further conditioning, then transport the sludge to a dehydrator for dehydration; (3) dispose the dehydrated sludge correspondingly when it satisfies the requirements for final disposal.

Abstract: An algae-based powdered fuel is configured to be fluidized in a gas stream. The algae-based powdered fuel is manufactured by drying an algae slurry to produce a powdered composition and then comminuting the powdered composition to produce the fuel. The algae-based powdered fuel can be combusted in a gas turbine to generate electricity and/or to propel an aircraft.

Abstract: A filter column apparatus comprising a filtration zone and a reslurry zone. These zones are separated by a barrier wall or are in substantial cooperation with each other. Also disclosed is a process for separating at least a portion of at least one substantially solid component from a solid-liquid stream comprising the substantially solid component and at least one substantially liquid component. Also disclosed is a process for forming a substantially solids containing packed bed. Also disclosed is a process for purifying paraxylene in a filtration zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of feces is present in which usable organic and inorganic chemical compounds and substances are extracted from the fecal material for reuse. The process and apparatus includes receiving a mixture of fecal material from various sources, separating the liquid from the solids for further processing or disposal, mixing the solids with an acid and/or solvent solution to break down the solids into components to be extracted, filtering solids from the mixture, distilling the filtrate to remove remaining solvents, reacting the remaining solids with a metal hydroxide solution to yield fats, fatty acids, oils, alcohols, sugars, and other minerals, and further processing these materials to produce lubricants, grease, emulsifiers, biodiesel, fuels and/or fertilizers.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.