Abstract: A method of treating ethanol production byproduct is provided by treating wet distillers grain or stillage with a solution containing at least one ?-hydroxysulfonic acid to produce at least one fermentable sugar containing product. Fermentable sugar useful for the production of biofuels or ethanol can be produced from such methods. The ?-hydroxysulfonic acid can be easily removed from the product and recycled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new liquid fertilizer comprised of potassium sulfite and potassium bisulfite, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, relatively lower salt index and potentially lower phytotoxicity damage compared to other sources of potassium and sulfur products applied in equal amounts as a starter fertilizer. More specifically, the present invention further relates to methods for fertilizing using a composition of potassium sulfite and potassium bisulfite, particularly as a starter fertilizer, in-furrow fertilizer, side dress fertilizer, and for foliar, broadcast, soil injection and fertigation applications. The fertilizer composition is comprised primarily of potassium sulfite and potassium bisulfite (with the fertilizer grade of 0-0-23-8S).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic composition for autoimmune diseases, comprising agent measuring a methylation level of CD3Z gene, a diagnostic method and a kit using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for diagnosing autoimmune diseases according to the methylation level of CD3Z gene, or additionally ADA or VHL gene, and a method for diagnosing autoimmune diseases by measuring the methylation level. The methylation of any one or more of the ADA, VHL, and CD3Z genes of the present invention is specific to autoimmune diseases, and thus the composition comprising an agent measuring a methylation level of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Processes for producing sodium bisulfite from sodium sulfite purge streams are disclosed which enable recovery of additional resource material including sodium bisulfite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process utilizing ammonium thio sulfate solution (ATS) as the primary liquid absorption agent that is re-circulated through an SO2 Contactor/Absorber for high efficiency contacting and absorption of sulfur dioxide, SO2 from a combustion gas stream generated by incineration of a Claus Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) off gas stream (often referred to as a Claus tail gas stream) and also additional SO2 generated from incineration of additional sulfur containing streams. ATS is also re-circulated through a separate H2S Contactor/Absorber for absorption of and reaction with a Sour Water Stripper (SWS) off gas stream and additional H2S-Acid Gas (A.G.) streams to produce additional concentrated ATS. The process and equipment also provides the ability to readily switch between using ATS and ABS as the primary absorbent solution for SO2 absorption, depending upon the concentration of SO2 in the off gas feed streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a preparation comprising a substance that is capable of binding acetaldehyde, and to the use of a filter that is attached to a tobacco product to reduce tobacco and/or alcohol dependence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process utilizing ammonium thiosulfate solution (ATS) as the primary liquid absorption agent that is re-circulated through an SO2 Contactor/Absorber for high efficiency contacting and absorption of sulfur dioxide, SO2 from a combustion gas stream generated by incineration of a Claus Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) off gas stream (often referred to as a Claus tail gas stream) and also additional SO2 generated from incineration of additional sulfur containing streams. ATS is also re-circulated through a separate H2S Contactor/Absorber for absorption of and reaction with a Sour Water Stripper (SWS) off gas stream and additional H2S-Acid Gas (A.G.) streams to produce additional concentrated ATS. The process and equipment also provides the ability to readily switch between using ATS and ABS as the primary absorbent solution for SO2 absorption, depending upon the concentration of SO2 in the off gas feed streams.

Abstract: Processes for producing sodium bisulfite from sodium sulfite purge streams are disclosed which enable recovery of additional resource material including sodium bisulfite.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of ammonium thiosulphate, (NH4)2S2O3 (ATS) from NH3, H2S and SO2 is disclosed. A first feed stream comprising H2O, H2S and NH3 with a molar H2S:NH3 ratio <0.4 is partially condensed to form a condensate. The condensate is contacted with a third feed gas comprising H2S and the gas stream comprising NH3 and H2S is passed to a mixing device where the gas stream is dissolved in water drained off from an aerosol filter. A second feed gas stream comprising approximately ? mole SO2 per mole of NH3 contained in the first feed stream is passed to a SO2 absorber. The aqueous solution produced in mixing device is contacted with the SO2 absorber.

Abstract: A system and method for producing salts using a crystallizer with an integrated column is disclosed. In the column, liquid, containing one reactant, absorbs a second reactant, from the gas stream. The second reactant reacts with the first reactant to produce salt. Liquid leaving the column and rich in salt, collects in the crystallizer. Conditions within the crystallizer promote nucleation and crystal growth. A recirculation system withdraws a portion of liquid from the crystallizer for introduction into the column.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of ammonium thiosulphate from H.sub.2 S, SO.sub.2, and NH.sub.3 comprising steps of producing in a first absorption step a solution of ammonium hydrogen sulphite by contacting a first gas stream comprising S0.sub.2 with NH.sub.3 and an aqueous solution comprising ammonium hydrogen sulphite in one or more absorbers connected in series and withdrawing a vent gas from one of the absorbers, passing the solution produced in the first absorption step to a second absorption step in which a second gas stream comprising H.sub.2 S is contacted with NH.sub.3 and an aqueous solution of ammonium thiosulphate thereby producing a solution being rich in ammonium thiosulphate.

Abstract: Wheat gluten protein-based biodegradable or edible films are produced using aqueous, essentially alcohol-free casting dispersions containing modified wheat protein and a plasticizer. The modified wheat protein is prepared by treating purified naturally occurring wheat protein with a reducing agent (e.g., sodium metabisulfite) in order to reduce the average molecular weight of the wheat protein and to cleave disulfide bonds therein. Such modified wheat gluten protein lowers the viscosity and allows increased solid contents in the casting dispersions, allowing fabrication of improved films.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is introduced into a solution of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite to form sodium bisulfite in a solution having dissolved sulfur dioxide present with a pH between 3.5 and 4.2. The solution is drawn to a cooling crystallizer where an alkali such as soda ash, caustic soda, sodium sulfite, and mixtures thereof is added to produce additional sodium metabisulfite that increases the yield of sodium metabisulfite crystallizing per pass. The mother liquor is recycled.

Abstract: Gluten protein-based biodegradable or edible films are produced using aqueous, essentially alcohol-free casting dispersions containing modified protein (preferably wheat gluten protein) and a plasticizer. The modified protein is prepared by treating purified naturally occurring wheat protein with a reducing agent (e.g., sodium metabisulfite) in order to reduce the average molecular weight of the wheat protein and to cleave disulfide bonds therein. Such modified wheat gluten protein lowers the viscosity and allows increased solid contents in the casting dispersions, allowing fabrication of improved films using continuous casting techniques and without use of organic solvents.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is introduced into a solution of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite to form sodium bisulfite in a solution having dissolved sulfur dioxide present with a pH between 3.5 and 4.2. The solution is drawn to a cooling crystallizer where sodium hydroxide is added to produce additional sodium metabisulfite that increases the yield of sodium metabisulfite crystallizing per pass. The mother liquor is recycled.

Abstract: Wheat gluten protein-based biodegradable or edible films are produced using aqueous, essentially alcohol-free casting dispersions containing modified wheat protein and a plasticizer. The modified wheat protein is prepared by treating purified naturally occurring wheat protein with a reducing agent (e.g., sodium metabisulfite) in order to reduce the average molecular weight of the wheat protein and to cleave disulfide bonds therein. Such modified wheat gluten protein lowers the viscosity and allows increased solid contents in the casting dispersions, allowing fabrication of improved films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing potassium sulfite from a potassium hydroxide feedstock. A feedstock is tested for the presence of iron and, if the feedstock contains less than 0.3 ppm of iron, it is reacted with sulfur dioxide in an aqueous solution to form potassium sulfite. Alternatively, potassium sulfite that has a yellow or brownish color can be decolorized by adding about 0.02 to about 0.8 wt % hypophosphorous acid to it.

Abstract: Sulphur dioxide is separated from the flue gases of a cellulose pulp mill by absorbing it into a sodium sulphite solution. Sulphur dioxide is regenerated from the sodium bisulphite solution produced by an evaporation-crystallization method utilizing thermo-compressor evaporation technique. A lamella evaporator is utilized as the evaporator-crystallizer, the evaporator being divided into separate compartments for ease of cleaning the lamella surfaces. The recovered concentrated sulphur dioxide can be used wherever desired, for example for the production of chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: Sodium (bi)sulfites are produced by the steps of:(a) introducing a stream of aqueous sodium carbonate into the top end of a main packed column reactor;(b) introducing a stream of sulfur dioxide gas into the top end of the main packed column reactor concurrently with the stream of aqueous sodium carbonate;(c) allowing the aqueous sodium carbonate and sulfur dioxide to cocurrently flow downward from the top end of the main packed column reactor to the bottom of the column in a cocurrent flow, during which flow reaction occurs between the aqueous sodium carbonate and the sulfur dioxide to produce sodium (bi)sulfite; and(d) recovering the product sodium (bi)sulfite and a gas stream containing any excess sulfur dioxide from the bottom of the main packed column reactor. The product (bi)sulfite can be separated from the gas stream in a separate receiving vessel and then the gas is sent to a scrubber to remove residual SO.sub.2. The scrubber may be a second packed column reactor operating with cocurrent flow.

Abstract: Processes for the selective leaching of magnesium-containing solids, which contain calcium and/or heavy metals, and the selective precipitation and crystallization of the leached magnesium are provided. The leaching is conducted with aqueous sulphur dioxide at elevated temperatures with feed pulp densities which are sufficiently high to produce a leach liquor which is substantially saturated with magnesium. The selective crystallization and precipitation processes which preferably follow the selective leaching process, utilize controlled cooling, heating and pH conditions to yield a high purity magnesium sulphite product.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of sodium metabisulfite is provided. In this process, the chemical reaction forming sodium bisulfite solution is carried out separately from the crystallization of sodium metabisulfite. The crystallization step is carried out without chemical alteration and without pH adjustment.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing compositions which can be used for preparing sodium dithionite, in which sulphur dioxide is brought into contact with a recirculating aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and previously absorbed sulphur dioxide to a ratio of sulphur dioxide and the sum of sulphur dioxide and sodium oxide of 0.61-0.66, whereafter the resultant mixture is pressurized and liquid sulphur dioxide introduced therein to a ratio between sulphur dioxide and the sum of sulphur dioxide and sodium oxide of 0.75-0.81, and the water content is adjusted to a concentration of sulphur dioxide+sodium oxide of 10-13 percent by weight. The invention also relates to the use of the prepared composition for the manufacture of dithionite.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of gypsum as a product of a dual alkali system for regeneration of a sodium base alkaline scrubber liquor in which the liquor reacts with ground limestone in two serially connected sludge blankets containing from 15%-40% solids in a liquor matrix and overlain by a relatively clear supernatant pool. Upon completion of regeneration the liquor is discharged from the second blanket to the scrubber cycle while a proportionate amount of the slurry is further treated to reduce its pH and/or increase its density and/or to displace regenerated scrubber from the matrix after which the slurry is transferred to a separate tank and there oxidized to gypsum then it is filtered. The filtrate is returned to the liquor regeneration cycle and the gypsum recovered as product.

Abstract: A process of regeneration of scrubber bleed liquor discharged from SO.sub.2 gas scrubber in which there are provided two serially connected sludge blankets containing 15-40% finely divided solids in liquor overlain by a relatively clear supernatant liquor. The bleed liquor is introduced into the first blanket along with an aqueous slurry of ground limestone, liquor and limestone partially react in the first blanket then they are transferred to the second blanket for further reaction, after which the liquor is recycled to the scrubber and a proportional amount of reacted limestone is wasted. The liquor has a relatively short residence time in the system on the order of 30-180 minutes while solids residence in the system is on the order of 6 to 24 hours. A special embodiment is provided for use when the first sludge blanket is in a relatively small tank in which only a portion of the bleed liquor is supplied to the first sludge blanket and the balance is injected directly into the second sludge blanket.

Abstract: The dewatering capabilities of sulfite sludges from flue gas desulfurization facilities are substantially improved by the addition of relatively small amounts of sodium thiosulfate additive, or additives derived from or related to sodium thiosulfate, into the scrubber slurry liquor. As an added embellishment, these predetermined amounts of said additives are greater than those required for effecting substantial scale inhibition in the scrubber innards. Subsequently, conventional dewatering of the sulfite sludge to about 80 to 90 percent solids directly produces a waste product disposable in both an economically and an environmentally acceptable manner, in that the thixotropic characteristics of such sludges which are associated therewith upwards to about 70-percent solids therein are completely eliminated.

Abstract: The recovery of substantially pure magnesium and/or nickel sulphite which is present in a solid starting meterial. The latter is treated with gaseous SO.sub.2 in water, the solution obtained is treated by a liquid-liquid extraction, to give an aqueous phase and an organic phase and the magnesium and/or nickel sulphite is recovered from the aqueous phase. With this process, it is possible to obtain a magnesium salt of high purity.

Abstract: A process for treating thiosulfate containing liquors such as coke oven gas scrubbing liquors by first adding acid, preferably sulfuric acid, to convert thiosulfate to elemental sulfur and bisulfite, separating and removing the elemental sulfur, and subjecting the remaining liquor to wet oxidation.

Abstract: A method of regenerating a scrubbing solution containing sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfate and sometimes sodium hydroxide circulated in scrubbers to remove sulfur oxides from gas streams where sodium sulfite is converted to sodium bisulfite as sulfur dioxide is absorbed in the scrubbing solution. A portion of the circulating scrubbing solution is bled off for regeneration and reacted with calcium oxide in pebble lime while the pebble lime is impinged against an impingement surface at a velocity of at least 8-10 feet per second to convert the sodium bisulfite back to sodium sulfite and form calcium sulfite precipitate. The calcium sulfite is removed from the regenerated scrubbing solution and the regenerated scrubbing solution returned to the circulating scrubbing solution in the scrubbers.

Abstract: Sulfite ions are removed from an aqueous liquid by decreasing the pH of the liquid to convert at least a portion of the sulfite ions to bisulfite ions and contacting the liquid with a macroreticular solid compound containing carbonyl groups that can form adducts with the bisulfite ions.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing a bisulfite salt from an aqueous solution by chemisorbing the salt onto a macroreticular organic compound containing carbonyl functional groups and regenerating the compound.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the recovery of relatively pure magnesia from magnesite which is normally contaminated with too much silica and silicates to permit the magnesite simply to be calcined for the recovery of refractory grade magnesia. The magnesite in its raw uncalcined state is treated with SO.sub.2 at elevated temperatures preferably between 50.degree. and 60.degree. C. thereby rapidly dissolving a high proportion of magnesium as bisulphite without the cost of initial calcination and without dissolving above about 1% of SiO.sub.2 present in the magnesite. The solution of magnesium bisulphite can thus be purified by filtration and magnesia may be recovered in known manner from the purified solution.

Abstract: Copper is processed via solutions of copper salts, both cupric and cuprous, in acidified aqueous solutions containing organic nitriles. Methods of producting solutions of cuprous salts include reduction of cupric salts and oxidation of copper and copper sulphides. Solutions of cuprous salts are thermally or electrochemically disproportionated to produce copper and solutions of cupric salts.

Abstract: Anhydrous sodium sulfite is made by a process involving introducing substantially anhydrous sodium carbonate concurrently with impurities-containing mother liquor from which sodium metabisulfite crystals have been crystallized and sulfur dioxide-containing gas into a saturated solution of sodium sulfite maintained at pH of between about 6.5 and about 7.6 at temperature above about 35.degree. C. to form a slurry of anhydrous sodium sulfite crystals, and withdrawing the crystals from the slurry. The process is initiated using a concentrated sodium sulfite solution containing less than about 3 ppm of dissolved iron.

Abstract: Sodium bisulfite, for use in the acid digestion of wood to produce pulp is obtained for the process by passing calcium bisulfite through a strong cation exchange resin in the sodium form and regenerating the exchanger with sodium chloride. The calcium bisulfite for the process can be obtained in a known manner, for instance, in an acid tower of the sulfite pulp industry or by passing sulfur dioxide through milk of lime. The process avoids environmental pollution caused by the usual discharge into streams of waste calcium salts from the older sulfiting processes and by the release into the atmosphere of sulfur dioxide containing combustion gases.

Abstract: Removal of sulfur dioxide from an aqueous solution containing the same is effected by subjecting the solution to electrodialytic water splitting. In particular SO.sub.2 is removed from dilute gas streams by means of alkaline solution scrubbing, regeneration of the scrubbing solution and liberation of concentrated SO.sub.2 by means of a membrane water splitter. Waste sulfate produced in the process may be converted to sulfuric acid in a separate membrane water splitter or otherwise processed by conventional means.

Abstract: A continuously operative electrochemical ion exchange process for producing sodium, ammonium or magnesium sulphite or hydrogen sulphite in an aqueous solution simultaneously with the production of a useful calcium salt as a by-product by subjecting an aqueous solution of a salt of sodium, ammonium, or magnesium to an electrodialysis procedure with an aqueous solution of calcium sulphite or calcium hydrogen sulphite.

Abstract: A process to remove ammonia from gases by washing the gases with an inorganic acid of ammonium bisulfite. The ammonia removed from the gas transforms the washing liquid into ammonium salt solution. This salt solution then undergoes a separate processing by washing it with gases bearing sulfur dioxide to regenerate ammonium bisulfite acid, a portion of which is returned for further washing of the gases and another portion is diverted to an apparatus for concentrating the acid solution up to 70% to 80% by weight after which the concentrated acid solution is delivered to a combustion chamber where burning thereof produces combustion products bearing sulfur dioxide which are used in the process to wash the ammonium bisulfite salt solution to regenerate ammonium bisulfite acid.

Abstract: Improvement in the process for making sodium metabisulfite by contacting a suspension of sodium carbonate in countercurrent stream with sulfur dioxide, which involves passing sulfur dioxide-containing gas sequentially through a first and a second reaction vessel, maintaining an acidic aqueous slurry of sodium metabisulfite in the first reaction vessel and a strongly alkaline aqueous slurry of sodium carbonate in the second reaction vessel, continuously feeding sodium carbonate to the second reaction vessel, passing strongly alkaline slurry from the second reaction vessel to the first reaction vessel and overflowing excess liquid from the first reaction vessel to the second reaction vessel, and recovering sodium metabisulfite crystals from the slurry in the first reaction vessel.

Abstract: Methods of reducing aqueous solutions of cupric sulfate to cuprous solutions by using organic nitrile compositions are disclosed. The particular nitrile used is acetonitrile and the reductant is sulphur dioxide. The method has application commercially to leaching ores containing oxidised copper to obtain cuprous ion solutions. Such solutions can be treated by electrochemical or thermal disproportionation methods to obtain very pure copper.

Abstract: Process for through desulfurization of exhaust gas by treating the gas through the steps of absorption, double decomposition, oxidation, and alkali sulfate conversion.

Abstract: Crystallized ammonium thiosulfate is manufactured by converting ammonia with oxygen containing sulfur dioxide in ammonium thiosulfate solution to ammonium bisulfite and ammonium sulfite in a first step, while maintaining a pH of from 5.5 to 7.0 and a reaction temperature of up to 80.degree.C. In a second step, the ammonium bisulfite and ammonium sulfite in the solution are converted with ammonia and sulfur to ammonium thiosulfate.