Abstract: A process for recovering ionic liquids comprising the steps of: providing a first ionic liquid mixture, the first ionic liquid having a halogen metallate anion, the mixture containing an organic solvent; adjusting the pH of the mixture to pH 7-10 by the addition of a base to form a first precipitate; separating the first precipitate from the mixture; removing the organic solvent from the first mixture to form a second precipitate and separating the second precipitate from the first mixture; acidifying the resulting mixture to pH 2-7 by the addition of an acid; and drying the mixture to obtain a second ionic liquid having a halogen anion.

Abstract: Biosolids in the nature of sewage sludge is processed in a controlled environment to produce a dried sludge product of relatively high dry solid content with the elimination of or reduced levels of pathogens. The water containing sewage sludge is dried while cascading within a processing chamber using heated air at a temperature below the ignition or smoldering temperature of the sewage sludge to prevent the formation of embers. The sewage sludge before discharge is retained within the processing chamber for a sufficient time and temperature as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency rules and guidelines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for transferring a solute from a first fluid to a second fluid immiscible in each other.

Abstract: A new and improved biomass conversion system is disclosed using high-temperature flow-though pretreatment and a nanoporous membrane to provide more digestible biomass for subsequent conversion to biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.

Abstract: A strainer assembly has a bowl-like strainer member and a removable container member. The container member can be attached to the base of the strainer member, so that grease or other liquids poured into the strainer assembly will drain into the container member. The grease or other drained liquids can be stored in the container member and allowed to cool prior to disposal or reuse. The strainer member can include an optional handle and spout extension.

Abstract: Method and system for extracting and recovering hydrocarbons from wastewater and treating the water to improve its condition. A series of specific unit operations result in the extraction of hydrocarbons, solids and contaminants and the treatment of water to a condition which is fit for re-use or environmentally sustainable discharge. Phase separation between the water and hydrocarbons is effected using flotation techniques followed by collection of the hydrocarbons using a movable collection surface. The aqueous phase is processed by multiple filtration steps. The result is significant extraction and recovery of hydrocarbons and conservation of water for re-use or discharge to the environment in a process which is continuous and scalable for large or small operations.

Abstract: A process for separating a first mother liquor stream is provided. The process comprises: separating a first mother liquor stream in a second solid liquid separation zone to produce a secondary wet cake stream and a second mother liquor stream; wherein the first mother liquor stream comprises water non-dispersible microfiber, water, and water dispersible sulfopolyester; wherein the second mother liquor stream comprises water and water dispersible sulfopolyester; and wherein the secondary wet cake stream comprises water non-dispersible polymer microfiber.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: A system, components of the system and methods for processing, combinations of hydrocarbons, water, solids and contaminants, to separate extract, recover, filter and treat the constituent elements to enable the recovery of valuable hydrocarbons, the treatment of solids for environmentally sustainable discharge, the filtration and treatment of water for reuse, or environmentally sustainable discharge, and the extraction of contaminants. The integrated method and system incorporates alternative processing modes, each of which is optimized for the intake and processing of a materials stream which is predominately solids, or predominately water or predominately hydrocarbons, respectively. The system can dynamically adjust to accommodate variations in the composition of the intake materials stream in any particular mode. The system can be implemented in a portable, modular configuration which is cost effective, energy efficient and scalable to enable processing of any volume of materials.

Abstract: A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.

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: An oil filter/cooler includes a finned metal canister attached to an oil return pipe by a port nut, and houses a replaceable filter cartridge. Oil transport conduits are located on the outside of the fins, transporting oil from the exit port on the motor to the distal end of the oil filter/cooler. The oil is then channeled back toward the oil return pipe, moving radially outward through the replaceable filter cartridge, before traveling again to the center line of the oil filter/cooler and through the port nut and oil return pipe.

Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous stream from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction that includes feeding the aqueous stream to a system that includes a distillation column equipped with a partial condenser and a total condenser, at least partially condensing the vaporized stream leaving the head of the distillation column and collecting a first distillate in which in heavier by-products, totally condensing the remaining portion of the vaporized stream leaving the partial condenser and collecting a liquid stream which is returned to the distillation column as a reflux and removing a purified aqueous stream from the bottom of the distillation column.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: Water is treated via a thermal water treatment process, where heat for the thermal water treatment process is taken off from a second thermal process by heat exchange. The treated water is fed to an evaporation process.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a filter for filtering a dosing fluid in an exhaust aftertreatment system. The filter may comprise a dosing tank configured to contain a dosing fluid, a filter media disposed within the dosing tank, and a support structure supporting the filter media to form a pathway for a flow of dosing fluid. Beneficially, the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention reduce the cost of operation and manufacture of the SCR system.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: A method for handling sludge arranged on the bottom (2) of a water filled basin (1), wherein the water defining a surface, is described. The method comprises the steps of freezing the sludge in a portion of the bottom (2) of the basin (1), arranging a closable container (3) in the basin (1) below the surface of the water, which container (3) comprises a collecting filter, moving the frozen sludge into the container (3) to a position above the collecting filter, closing the container (3), and thawing the frozen sludge in the container (3). An apparatus for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream is provided comprising: (A) contacting cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a heated aqueous stream in a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; wherein the heated aqueous stream is at a temperature of at least 40° C.; and (B) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream; wherein the first mother liquor stream comprises water and the water dispersible sulfopolyester.

Abstract: A system for producing and supplying a coolant to a filtration sub-system, and for reconditioning and recombining a return flow of used coolant. A main reservoir is in two way communication with the filtration sub-system via a clean coolant outlet and a dirty coolant return. An inlet feeds an untreated water supply to a de-ionization canister. A mixing valve in communication with the inlet recombines a remaining untreated portion of the water supply with the de-ionized portion. A mixing pump intermixes the water supply with a chemical concentrate to produce a coolant delivered to a main reservoir. A volume of coolant is drawn through an outlet from the reservoir and communicates the coolant to a particle filter, a chiller, and prior to outputting to the filtration sub-systems. The used return coolant is filtered and reintroduced to the main reservoir.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream is provided comprising: (A) contacting short cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a treated aqueous stream in a fiber slurry zone to produce a short cut multicomponent fiber slurry; (B) contacting the short cut multicomponent fiber slurry and a heated aqueous stream in a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; and (C) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-cleaning waste water nitration devices suitable for generating thermal water for use in heat pump systems. Also disclosed are methods for continuously generating filtered thermal water from waste water. Further disclosures pertain to systems for automatically generating heating capacity or cooling capacity from a waste water source. Methods for producing and transporting filtered thermal water from a waste water source to a heat pump are also disclosed in which the filtered thermal water can be used for heating, cooling, or both.

Abstract: Provided is a water treatment device with which organic substances contained in raw water to be treated are decomposed to thereby alleviate the load to be imposed on a downstream filter and with which it is possible to avoid corrosion of the piping or the like.

Abstract: A bio factory apparatus capable of Up-Stream production of biologic material products or biologics products in a liquid volume and processing of biologic or biologic material products Down-Stream, comprising at least one first Up-Stream producing capsule and at least one second Down-Stream processing capsule, said capsules capable of being stacked in any order and any number within a column.

Abstract: Method of collecting used cooking oil includes extracting used cooking oil from at least one deep fryer to a container, storing and separating said used cooking oil within the container which is located within the cooking area. The oil from the deep fat fryer is periodically pumped to the container and allowed to settle. The unwanted sludge is then tapped off into a portable container and the wanted oil is pumped to an exterior transportation container. The container is triangular shaped with rear walls converging into a corner of the cooking area and a diagonal front face with side flanges and a bottom flap such that it is located in the corner of an interior wall of a building and contains the pipes and plumbing.

Abstract: A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water.

Abstract: Provided is a dehydrator that requires no excessively large apparatus structure and achieves cost-saving while maintaining suction efficiency at a desired level by use of suction means. A dehydrator 100 for separating water from a target liquid 13 includes at least two water separation membrane units 1a and 1b which are provided in series in a flow direction of the target liquid 13. The water separation membrane unit 1a on an upstream side out of the water separation membrane units 1a and 1b is connected to suction means 7 for sucking a gas phase containing water through one condenser 4, and the one condenser 4 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The gas phase sucked by the suction means 7 from the one condenser 4 is transferred to at least one downstream condenser 8 provided downstream of the one condenser 4, and the downstream condenser 8 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water.

Abstract: An emulsion treating unit and process. A subcooled boiling zone in the unit comprises a heat transfer surface to contact an emulsion at a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of an aqueous phase in the emulsion, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented. The unit also provides means for recovering an oil-rich layer from adjacent a vapor-liquid interface; and means for recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. The process provides operation of the treating unit to heat an emulsion in the subcooled boiling zone, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented, recovering an oil-rich layer and recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. In one embodiment the boiling zone comprises a heat transfer surface having a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of the aqueous-rich layer, wherein the vapor-liquid interface is subcooled with respect to the saturation temperature of the aqueous layer.

Abstract: A pump in fluid communication with the outlet of a fluid purification apparatus. A pump may furthermore provide fluid to the inlet of the fluid purification apparatus. An embodiment includes a fluid driven rotating inlet device in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid purification apparatus and an outlet impeller in fluid communication with the outlet of the fluid purification apparatus.

Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA. The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.

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: Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material for safe disposal thereof without the necessity of incineration or use of disinfectants are described. An alkaline solution having a concentration and an amount effective for hydrolyzing the biological material is brought into contact therewith by means of rotating paddles which both pound the biological material into small pieces and thoroughly mix the alkaline solution with the material under pressure and at elevated temperature. Following the hydrolysis of the biological material, a chosen portion of the water is removed from the alkaline solution and from the liquefied biological material, such that the resulting product solidifies when cooled. The present safe disposal of the biological material does not require incineration thereof, the addition of disinfectants thereto, or the discharge of liquid effluent containing processed biological material into the sewage system.

Abstract: The process relates improving terephthalic acid purge filtration rate by controlling % water in filter feed slurry and to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic acid, while utilizing pressure filtration.

Abstract: An elongate mesh pack for filtering a fluid defines a mesh pack axial opening. The mesh pack comprises a filter medium for filtration of the fluid and has an end fitting securely fixed to the filter medium, the end fitting providing a first extremity of the mesh pack. The end fitting has an inner surface defining an end fitting opening through the end fitting, the end fitting opening being co-axial with the axial opening of the mesh pack. The end fitting comprises an annular recess encompassing the end fitting opening. A partition wall suitable to deform towards the recess under radial force is provided between the recess and the end fitting opening, the partition wall forming at least part of the inner surface.

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: Apparatus for the continuous processing and solids handling in first near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the first near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a second fluid.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus, including: a ceramic filter; and a flow apparatus operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a forward direction so as to filter the water, the flow apparatus also operable to pass water through the ceramic filter in a reverse direction so as to remove material from the ceramic filter, whereby material having been deposited by filtration of the water is removed.

Abstract: Improved methods for carrier-gas humidification/dehumidification [HDH] or dewvaporization enable production of clean water, derived in part from models generated and tested with produced water from the oil and gas industries, which likewise address industrial waste water remediation and generally facilitate the time and cost efficient disposal of waste waters from a plurality of industries ranging from food, wine, and beverage production to novel enhanced efficiencies within the oil and gas industries themselves. High efficiency carrier gas HDH thermal distillation functions without membranes, at ambient or near ambient pressures with no required pre- or post-treatment, and economies of scale to leverage a plastics-based processing platform. Industrial waste water including that generated by the food, wine, and beverage industries, among others, is likewise ameliorated according to the instant teachings.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds, an anoxic zone having denitrifying bacteria, and an aerobic zone having nitrifying bacteria. The anoxic zone is coupled to the aerobic zone, and wastewater flows from the anoxic to the aerobic zone or vice versa. A fluidized bed heat exchanger configured to accept heat from a heat engine and to transfer the heat from the heat engine to the wastewater is positioned in the aerobic zone or the anoxic zone. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes particulate media, and fluidization of the particulate media scrubs bacterial growth from portions of the fluidized bed heat exchanger. Treating wastewater can include flowing wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds into a biological reactor having an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone, and heating the wastewater with heat from a heat engine to facilitate denitrification reactions in the anoxic zone and nitrification reactions in the aerobic zone.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminant from sulfur (or sulphur) to a level that allows re-processed sulfur to reenter a supply chain. The system and method melt contaminated sulfur, filters the molten sulfur, and then dispenses the less contaminated sulfur after filtering it. More specifically, solid contaminated sulfur enters a settling tank, while heated molten sulfur circulates through the system and the settling tank. The circulation of the molten sulfur assists in the melting process of the solid sulfur, allowing the solid sulfur to melt efficiently. In preferred embodiments of the system, the system uses steam jacked sulfur lines and steam tracing to maintain temperatures for melting the solid sulfur and maintaining the molten state of the sulfur circulating through the system. Furthermore, the system comprises a programmable logic controller, which controls motors, pumps, valves, and environment monitoring instruments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced water treatment comprise inorganic filter systems for impurity removal. Embodiments for water impurity removal include introducing contaminated water into an impurity removal system having an inorganic filter. The inorganic filter comprises an inorganic membrane layer supported by an inorganic support. The inorganic membrane layer comprises pores sized from about 1,000 Daltons to about 10 microns for filtering impurities such as kinetic hydrate inhibitor. Other pre-treatment and post-treatment stages may be included. The inorganic membrane layer or inorganic membrane support may comprise a ceramic such as alumina, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, and mixed oxides.

Abstract: With a method for removing slag, particularly slag that occurs during synthesis gas extraction, from a slag bath situated in a pressurized container, into a collection container for the slag, below the slag bath in the direction of gravity, a device for breaking up the slag is provided below the slag bath, and a sluice valve is provided between the containers. A space filled with a gas bubble, which space stands in contact with the liquid in the containers, particularly a ring space or a separate container, is provided, in which the pressure of the gas bubble is regulated by supplying gas. At least a part of the water situated in the slag sluice/collection space flows through the slag bath valve when the latter is opened, in the direction of the slag bath, counter to the direction of gravity.

Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco product comprising a tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is translucent. The invention further provides methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product. In certain embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product comprises isomalt, maltitol syrup, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for separating a solute from a solute-bearing material. A substantial amount of solute is extracted from the solute-bearing material by contacting particles of the solute-bearing material with globules of an extraction solvent. The particle size of the solute-bearing material and the globule size of the extraction solvent are balanced such that little if any solute or extraction solvent remains in the solute-bearing material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination filter arrangement (1) having a hollow cylindrical filter element (2) for filtering a first fluid medium, having a temperature compensation medium separated by means of cylindrical separating wall (5), as a second fluid medium in an area between the separating wall (5) and an outer housing (9) of the combination filter arrangement (1). The first fluid medium is made of a urea-water mixture, or comprises a urea-water additive having a higher freezing temperature than the first and the second fluid medium, and at least the separating wall (5) has an elasticity such that the volume expansion by freezing the urea-water additive can be absorbed.