Abstract: In a process for decontaminating suspensions containing silt, pollutants and water, particularly mercury and hydrocarbon pollutants, the suspensions are heated under pressure to boiling temperature, then passed through a throttling device wherein the pressure is reduced so that, by flashing, a three-phase mixture comprising steam, residual water and solids is formed which mixture is then superheated in a pipe reactor whereby the pollutants are enriched in the steam phase, the solids are then separated out of the mixture and the steam phase is condensed for collection of the pollutants with the condensate.

Abstract: A liquid purification system (10) and method for decontaminating microbe infested liquid (14) is provided. The liquid purification system (10) includes a primary tank (18) which contains both a purifying liquid composition (24) and an initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) with the liquids being immiscible with respect to each other. A heating element (30) is immersed in the primary tank (18) for heating the purifying liquid composition (24). Microbe infested liquid (14) passes through a secondary conduit (16) and is inserted into the primary tank (18) where the microbe infested liquid (14) is heated by contact with the heat purifying liquid composition (24) and descends to a lower portion of the primary tank (18). A primary conduit (34) is mounted within the primary tank (18) and secondarily heats the initially treated microbe infested liquid (44) to provide a purified liquid composition.

Abstract: A process for removing soluble and insoluble organic and inorganic contaminants from refinery wastewater streams employing ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis is provided. Permeate from the ultrafiltration step is first passed through a sequential softening system to remove divalent and trivalent metal cations prior to being passed to the reverse osmosis step to prevent fouling therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating a waste hydrocarbon sludge, includes the steps of: (a) providing a waste hydrocarbon sludge in the form of an emulsion of water and oil having a water content greater than or equal to about 10% vol; (b) providing a solution of a clarifying agent in formation water; (c) mixing the waste hydrocarbon sludge with the solution so as to provide a sludge-water mixture having a ratio of water to hydrocarbon of at least about 1:1; (d) adding a demulsifier to the sludge-water mixture to provide a sludge-water-demulsifier mixture; (e) heating the sludge-water-demulsifier mixture to a sufficient temperature and holding for a time sufficient to provide a hydrocarbon phase having a water content of less than or equal to about 1% vol.

Abstract: The invention covers a process for dehydration/filtration, and washing of red mud, if applicable with addition of sand, particularly from the Bayer process for aluminum production from bauxite, in which filters are used and caustic is washed out on the filter. The invention is basically characterized by washing and dehydration being effected under pressure above atmospheric with regeneration of bound caustic and production of a residue with a high solids concentration. In addition, the invention covers a plant for the implementation of the process.

Abstract: A process for separating a carrier from a mixture of the carrier and paint solids includes collecting a mixture of the carrier and the paint solids and filtering the mixture through a metal or inorganic membrane filter whereby paint solids are retained by the filter and the carrier is allowed to pass through the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a solid-liquid material comprises a housing formed with a series of interconnected chambers defined by chamber walls with at least two drums mounted in series within the chambers. Each chamber receives one of the at least two drums for rotatable movement therein. Each chamber and the associated drum are dimensioned to define a region therebetween to retain the solid-liquid material. The regions of adjacent chambers communicate with each other to define a continuous passage from drum to drum through the apparatus. An inlet in the housing admits the solid-liquid material to the passage, and an outlet permits extraction of a processed solid-liquid material from the passage. Each drum rotates in a direction opposite to the adjacent drum to advance the solid-liquid material through the passage from drum to adjacent drum in a sinuous path such that the curvature of the solid-liquid material changes when passing from drum to adjacent drum.

Abstract: A system for reusing water soluble slurry waste fluid wherein separated available abrasive grains and extracted water soluble coolant are reused. This system is capable of reducing a disposal cost due to a reduction of a load to a waste water disposal plant by effectively reusing water soluble slurry waste fluid, and making a contribution to a reduction of a total slicing cost by reusing abrasive grains and water soluble coolant.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to manipulate the chemical properties of water in order to improve the effectiveness of a desired chemical process. The method involves heating the water in the vessel to subcritical temperatures between 100.degree. to 374.degree. C. while maintaining sufficient pressure to the water to maintain the water in the liquid state. Various physiochemical properties of the water can be manipulated including polarity, solute solubility, surface tension, viscosity, and the disassociation constant. The method of the present invention has various uses including extracting organics from solids and semisolids such as soil, selectively extracting desired organics from nonaqueous liquids, selectively separating organics using sorbent phases, enhancing reactions by controlling the disassociation constant of water, cleaning waste water, and removing organics from water using activated carbon or other suitable sorbents.

Abstract: A process for separating oil from a lubricant composition containing solid particles. The contaminated lubricant composition is mixed with liquid or supercritical CO.sub.2 before the lubricant composition and CO.sub.2 mixture is filtered through a filter medium. The CO.sub.2 is then evaporated, leaving an oil residue. Mixing the lubricant composition with CO.sub.2 before filtration prevents the filter medium from being blinded by solid particles.

Abstract: Processes for forming a stabilized liquid biochemical agricultural product containing an organic solvent extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis comprising subjecting an organic solvent extract of dried particulate Reynoutria sachalinensis to first and second extract concentration stages, and wherein prior to said second extract concentration stage, the concentrated extract from said first extract concentration stage is mixed with a liquid stabilizer, most preferably a liquid nitrogen-containing fertilizer.

Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).

Abstract: A process for recovering protein, fatty and water components from a float material produced by a waste water treatment system, wherein the protein and fatty components can be further processed for inclusion in various products, such as animal feed. The recovered water component can also be further processed before discharged into a sewer system.

Abstract: An installation for cleaning oil-polluted water, in particular at oil and gas production plants, is provided with a distillation column having a polluted water feed and at least one contact packing above which the outlet of the polluted water feed is located, a vapor discharge, a clean water outlet and a measuring device for the analysis of the water from the clean water outlet.

Abstract: A method for burning secondary sludge in a recovery boiler, in which method secondary sludge is mixed with black liquor. According to the method, an alkali is added to the secondary sludge so as to obtain a mixture having a pH of over 7, whereafter the mixture of alkali and secondary sludge is heated to a temperature of over 80.degree. C. and kept at this temperature for over 30 minutes. Thereafter the heat treated mixture of alkali and secondary sludge is supplied to the thick end of a black liquor evaporation plant.

Abstract: A process is described for clarifying a crude inulin extract by ultrafiltration and separating an aqueous inulin solution containing carbohydrates having a range of degrees of polymerization into fractions having different average degrees of polymerization which comprises subjecting an aqueous inulin solution to ultrafiltration through a membrane having a predetermined pore size whereby inulin fractions having average degrees of polymerization less than a predetermined value pass through said membrane as permeate and inulin fractions having average degrees of polymerization greater than said predetermined value are collected as retentate.

Abstract: A waste treatment device includes a waste holding tank for receiving waste, a solids-gas processor operably connected to the waste holding tank, an aqueous holding tank operably connected to the processor and the waste holding tank and an aqueous purification device operably connected to the aqueous holding tank.

Abstract: A belt type oil and grease skimmer for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from surfaces of bodies of water is disclosed. The skimmer includes a housing and frame structure for positioning above a contaminated body of water. An idler roll and a coating nip roll pair are rotatively mounted on the structure for rotation about generally horizontal axes when the skimmer is in use. An endless belt is trained over the idler roll and between the nip rolls and is suspended in a contaminated body of water when the skimmer is in use. A pair of wipers are positioned on opposite sides of the belt at a wiping location between the idler roll and the nip rolls for removing belt adhered hydrocarbons. A receptacle is positioned to receive wiper removed hydrocarbons. The receptacle includes a heat chamber and a heat transfer wall for transferring heat from the chamber to heat collected hydrocarbons. The wipers skew the belt to cause the formation of a containment draining depression upstream from the wipers.

Abstract: An organometallic compound represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## or the general formula (II)R-M.sup.2 -R (II)is evaporated, and then passed through the inner tube of a heat exchanger to be precipitated. The heat exchanger is then heated to re-evaporate the organometallic compound, and the re-evaporated organometallic compound is then precipitated in a filling container which is connected to said heat exchanger and cooled down to a prescribed temperature to fill the container.

Abstract: A method for separating water-miscible organic species from a process stream by aqueous biphasic extraction is provided. An aqueous biphase system is generated by contacting a process stream comprised of water, salt, and organic species with an aqueous polymer solution. The organic species transfer from the salt-rich phase to the polymer-rich phase, and the phases are separated. Next, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer phase by selectively extracting the polymer into an organic phase at an elevated temperature, while the organic species remain in a substantially salt-free aqueous solution. Alternatively, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer by a temperature induced phase separation (cloud point extraction), whereby the polymer and the organic species separate into two distinct solutions.

Abstract: A process for the recovery and purification of waste gelatin, especially from the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules includes the steps of effecting dissolution of the gelatin and other water-soluble components of the waste in a solvent such as deionized water such that a gelatin-containing solution dispersed within the remaining components of said waste is formed, permitting the dispersion to settle into an upper oil phase and a lower solvent based gelatin-containing solution phase, separating the lower phase from the upper phase, optionally hot filtering the lower phase to remove traces of the remaining components of the upper phase, and diafiltering the lower phase to remove the active ingredients, glycerin, and other water-soluble components and to provide a recycled gelatin solution.

Abstract: A fuel oil treatment unit and associated method for removing undesirable contaminants from a fuel oil, such as diesel oil, being delivered to an associated engine, such as a vehicle diesel engine. The invention includes, inter alia, a unit for treating contaminant-containing fuel oil, comprising means for heating the fuel oil to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least some of the contaminants and, also, means for filtering the so-heated fuel oil, to remove therefrom at least some of the remaining, unvolatilized contaminants. Optionally, the previously-heated and filtered fuel oil is passed to a temperature control means for maintaining or returning the temperature of the fuel oil to a desired level.

Abstract: Abrasive components and water are recovered from an aqueous chemical mechanical slurry used for planarization of semiconductor materials. The slurry effluent is preferably brought to a neutral pH, and cooled to a temperature between about 0.degree. C. and about 15.degree. C. An electrical potential can be applied to the slurry effluent to facilitate agglomeration and separation of particles of abrasive material in the slurry effluent. In one embodiment, the slurry effluent is introduced into a process chamber at ambient temperature and pressure, and supernatant liquid separated from the process chamber is then subjected to a reduction of pressure in a vacuum chamber to cause gas entrapped in the supernatant liquid to bubble to the surface of the supernatant liquid for further separation and collection of water and abrasive particles from the slurry effluent. In another embodiment, slurry effluent is filtered through one or more self-cleaning reversible gross particle filter assemblies.

Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zone, and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stage, horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.

Abstract: Refinery waste feedstock is screened to remove large particles and is diluted to less than 5% solids weight percent to form a slurry. The slurry is agitated and heated to 180.degree. F. or higher for a time sufficient to melt waxy petroleum solids, reduce the viscosity of the slurry, reduce the density of petroleum fractions within the slurry, and begin to break surface adhesion of petroleum to residual fines. The conditioned slurry is passed through a first disc/bowl centrifuge which separates more than 80% of the waste volume as a first liquid effluent containing most of the petroleum fractions from the original waste and which may be returned to the refinery for processing. The residual cake is diluted with hot water to form a second slurry and is treated with an amount of hydrogen peroxide for a time sufficient to lyse and/or liberate residual petroleum bound to inert fine particles and to oxidize toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to non-toxic derivatives.

Abstract: A method of processing big game scent, such as deer lures, comprising the steps of filtering a mixture of urine and feces through a series of successively finer filters in order to remove contaminants and pathogenic bacteria from the scent without destroying or denaturing the aromatic attractants. In a second embodiment, the mixture is heated to a temperature to destroy pathogens. A third embodiment is a combination of filtering followed by heating.

Abstract: A method of separating water from an aqueous emulsion using a minimum of energy includes heating the aqueous emulsion in a sump, conveying concentrated emulsion from the sump to a heat exchanger so as to pass therethrough back to the sump, circulating water vapor and non-condensable gases from the sump through a compressor to raise its temperature and passing the heated water vapor and non-condensable gases through the heat exchanger to condense and heat the concentrated emulsion therein and evaporate water therefrom, a thermostat filled with water and water vapor, together with first and second pressure switches respectively communicating with the sump and the external atmosphere and the heat exchanger and the external atmosphere, maintaining a temperature differential between 0.5.degree. and 3.degree. C. between the aqueous emulsion in the sump and the temperature of the compressed water vapor and noncondensable gases.

Abstract: In order to treat water contaminated with warfare agents and containing less than 500 ppm of salt, a separation stage 10 is normally provided downstream of the reverse osmosis. In the separation stage, the untreated water is divided into residue and permeate. Warfare agents have the property of acting as softeners on the semi-permeable organic polymer membranes of separation stages. As a result of this, the warfare agents pass through the membranes of separation stages in increasing quantities once the latter have been in operation for a few hours. In order to improve the treatment of water contaminated with warfare agents, salt is added to the untreated water which, with a salt content of over 1000 ppm, is then drawn through the separation stage 10 down stream of the reverse osmosis stage. The invention is suitable for use with mobile facilities used for producing drinking water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating ferrous ions from an iron-containing tinning electrolyte on the basis of methanesulfonic acid or phenolsulfonic acid, comprising the following steps:(a) providing a concentrated tin and iron-containing electrolyte containing 0.75 mols/l or more methanesulfonic acid phenolsulfonic acid(b) agitating and cooling the concentrated electrolyte to temperatures at which an insoluble Fe-salt preciptates(c) separating the insoluble precipitate to recover an electrolyte with a reduced iron concentration.and a recovery plant for tinning electrolytes on the basis of methanesulfonic acid or phenolsulfonic acid wherein this method is employed.

Abstract: Hydrolyzing organic waste material in a multi-stage reactor comprising a heated first stage, a further heated second stage, a still further heated third stage, and a fourth stage, with a valved exit way connected to the fourth stage and a valve entryway connected to the first stage.

Abstract: Contaminated glycol is refined by vacuum distillation. Specifically the evaporator is heated to a temperature below the degradation temperature of the glycol. The vacuum is used to bring the flashpoint down sufficiently so that glycol evaporates or flashes at that temperature. The glycol is condensed and filtered through activated granular carbon. The principal use of refining the glycol is to refine the triethylene glycol used in natural gas dehydration plants. For such purposes the equipment is mounted upon a trailer to be taken to the plant for cleaning glycol. In such instance, in addition to refining the glycol, a cleaning agent (which contains a degreaser) is added to the refined glycol. The glycol is refined while the natural gas dehydration plant is in normal operation and therefore it is not necessary to stop the natural gas dehydration plant for refining the glycol used therein.

Abstract: A closed loop process is shown for treating oil and saline contaminated particulate materials such as drilling cuttings such as are encountered in oil and gas well bore drilling operations. The process includes at least two washing stages and three solids separation stages. A process fluid tank utilizes an auger to remove deposited solids from the process fluid while hot gases being bubbled through the tank facilitate separation and skimming of oil and hydrocarbon components from the tank surface.

Abstract: A method and system for processing waste dries and reforms a sludge stream of the waste with a first reformed effluent stream to produce a gas effluent stream and a solids effluent stream. The gas effluent stream is reformed further to produce the first effluent stream, which is then directed back to the sludge stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance.

Abstract: Methods for on-site remediation of contaminated natural resources and fabrication of construction products therefrom. A mobile treatment facility is provided at the site of the contaminated natural resources. Contaminated sediment, soil, pulp and/or liquids are obtained from the site and processed on-site to obtain a variety of construction materials, including coarse and fine particulate material, bricks, concrete products, pellets and aggregate material. Coarse, sand-like materials are fabricated from decontaminated clay-based based materials and used in the fabrication of concrete products. Waste streams are combined to optimize their mutually neutralizing properties. Contaminants such as inorganics and heavy metals are immobilized as water-insoluble complexes in the matrix of the resulting products. Organic contaminants are volatilized and/or burned off, and thermochemical reactions of inorganic contaminants are induced, in a high-temperature irradiation treatment.

Abstract: A method for the on-site reprocessing of isopropyl alcohol used in semiconductor manufacturing, to generate an ultradry and ultrapure isopropyl alcohol. This ultradry and ultrapure isopropyl alcohol is produced through a pervaporation step, followed by double distillation. In the first distillation step, an autonomous azeotropic self-stripping distillation column is used to produce an ultradry and partially purified isopropyl alcohol. In the next step, the isopropyl alcohol is distilled in an overhead product distillation column, to produce an ultrapure and ultradry isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, if the feed isopropyl alcohol contains less than 2000 ppm water, the pervaporation step may be omitted.The resulting isopropyl alcohol has between a high of 100 parts per million (ppm) and a low of 0.1 ppm of water in the isopropyl alcohol. It also has zero particles per milliliter of a size larger than 2.0 microns, zero to 2 particles per milliliter of a size of 0.5 micron to 2.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a light liquid from a heavy liquid in a mixture of these liquids are provided which enhance the gravitational separation of such liquids. Thus, water laden with greases such as from a commercial kitchen is contemplated to be substantially rid of the greases by the present apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a separation chamber; an inlet port; an exit port for each of the light and heavy liquids, with the exit for the light liquid being positioned at about the fluid level of the mixture of liquids; a level control for maintaining the fluid level; and a heater element to heat the mixture, thereby decreasing the viscosity of the light liquid and further driving its separation from the heavier components of the mixture. In the preferred practice of the invention, a skimmer and a series of fluid flow obstacles are also employed along with the heater element to achieve optimal separation.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: A method of processing big game scent, such as deer lures, comprising the steps of filtering a mixture of urine and feces through a series of successively finer filters in order to remove contaminants and pathogenic bacteria from the scent without destroying or denaturing the aromatic attractants. In a second embodiment, the mixture is heated to a temperature to destroy pathogens. A third embodiment is a combination of filtering followed by heating.

Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.

Abstract: A method is provided for filtering waste water containing metallic cations having valences in whole integers of at least two in concentrations greater than about one part to about one million parts of the metalworking waste water. The method utilizes an ultrafilter (6) in series with a nanofilter (14) and the addition of a chemical dispersant effective to render the nanofilter permeate suitable to meet applicable environmental standards for discard into streams, lakes and sanitary sewers.

Abstract: A treatment system is provided which can treat solid materials and/or liquid materials. Preferably, a separator initially separates liquid and solid materials, and the solid materials are deposited upon a substrate within a microwave cavity. Liquids remaining with the solid materials drain through the substrate, and the solid materials are subjected to microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are preferably also passed through a filter assembly which retains any suspended particles remaining in the liquid, and subjects the particles to microwaves. Exhaust filters can also be provided for the microwave cavities, and the exhaust filters can also be subject to microwaves to incinerate any particles remaining in the exhaust gas. Fire tube arrangements for incinerating solid materials retained or extracted by substrates or filters are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing vinasse suitable for a column process, in which process dilute vinasse is clarified by means of a high-efficiency centrifuge, after which the vinasse is concentrated and potassium is removed. The invention also relates to the vinasse and the potassium sulphate crystals prepared with the above-described process.

Abstract: A method of the concentration of acidic phospholipids is disclosed, which comprises a first step wherein lecithin originating in a plant is treated with a solvent containing from 85 to 100% by weight of a lower alcohol and then eliminating the solvent fraction containing said lower alcohol to thereby give a phospholipid mixture, and a second step wherein said phospholipid mixture is treated by using an aqueous solution containing 75% by weight or less of ethanol.In the method of the present invention, the water-soluble components contained in the phospholipid mixture obtained in the first step are efficiently removed in the second step. Thus a lipid mixture containing acidic phospholipids at a high concentration can be relatively easily obtained from the lecithin originating in a plant. This lipid mixture is useful as an emulsifier or a taste modifier.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating both soil and mixed waste water polluted by hydrocarbons in a single integrated process is disclosed. Contaminated mixed waste fluid is separated into water and hydrocarbons which are then used in the thermal decontamination of polluted soil through the volatilization of hydrocarbon contaminants. Flue gases containing the volatilized hydrocarbons from the thermal soil decontamination undergo oxidation. Thermal energy from the soil decontamination process and the thermal oxidization of the flue gases can be recovered and used to facilitate the separation of hydrocarbons and water. In this integrated system, every by-product of each step is either decontaminated or consumed in another operation of the system. Energy conservation within this system is also realized by the use of heat exchangers to transfer energy from where it is created by the process to where it is used elsewhere to enhance efficiency within the process.

Abstract: A process for separating a liquid eutectic mixture by crystallization of one eutectic forming substance of the mixture on a cold surface to which seed crystals of the eutectic forming substance have been applied in the form of a seed crystal layer, and subsequent removal of the eutectic forming substance in liquid form after heating of the surface.

Abstract: A mesh enclosed container is provided to remove melt water from frozen blocks of contaminated sediment which has been extracted from a marine environment. The mesh enclosure has a number of porous wicking tubes for insertion into corresponding cavities in the frozen sediment blocks. Wicking material is inserted into the tubes to enhance melt water flow out of the sediment blocks during the thawing cycle. A sealed container may be provided to enclose the block and meshed container to prevent escape of volatile materials during the thawing cycle. The sealed container will also collect melt water accumulated during the thawing cycle. A method of melting frozen marine sediment blocks is provided to recover treated water.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process for transporting a solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine-oxide through a component wherein said cellulose solution has different flow rates in said component, characterized in that an outlet wherethrough part of said cellulose solution is discharged from said component is provided at a point within said component whereat said flow rate is relatively low. (FIG.