Abstract: Sometimes, a problem is obvious, everyone sees it, but nothing happens until someone decides to do something useful about it. Methods are herein provided for recovering heavy hydrocarbons from plastic materials and/or geo-formation. In one solution set, PVC waste materials are emulsified by an amine solvent in an aqueous phase, thereby extracting heavier hydrocarbons from the primary structure of PVC into the amine aqueous phase; followed by de-emulsifying the extracted heavier hydrocarbons by separating and recovering the amine solvent, and then separating the de-emulsified heavier hydrocarbons from the aqueous phase by a hydrophobic membrane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing and providing sterile water comprising an inlet for process water; a recuperator for preheating process water and for cooling down the sterile water; a heating circuit comprising a pump, a heater for heating preheated process water and a heat retention section for keeping heated process water hot; a temperature sensor for measuring a current temperature of the sterile water leaving the heat retention section; a flow control valve located downstream of the temperature sensor; and a bypass between the flow control valve and the heater. The flow control valve keeps a volume flow in the heating circuit constant, the recuperator cools down the sterile water of a first partial volume flow, when such a first partial volume flow of sterile water is taken from the heating circuit, the bypass returns into the heating circuit a second partial volume flow of sterile water.

Abstract: A process for removing metals and chelators from SAGD liner flowback that can be implemented at the wellhead using temporary tankage and equipment. In the first step, caustic is added to the flowback until the concentration of hydroxyl ion is high enough for the metals (Fe, Ca, Mg) to dissociate from the metal-chelate complexes and precipitate as hydroxides. In the second step, hydrogen peroxide is added and allowed to react until all of the chelator molecules are oxidized and decomposed. Once treated, the flowback can proceed to the CPF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermo-responsive solution and in particular, a solution for use in an osmosis process that is suitable for separating or purifying solutes and or water from an aqueous solution on a large scale and under energy efficient conditions.

Abstract: A fluid disinfection device is provided for integration into a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed recirculation system, the device for disinfecting medical devices and lines in the system using high intensity UV-C light. A method of disinfecting a high flow rate, controlled pressure, closed recirculation system that includes a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of water contaminated by thermal oil and collection of said oil (for example, a eutectic mixture of biphenyl and diphenyl oxide), formed by a cooling phase (2) for cooling (to a temperature between the freezing point of the thermal oil and that of water) the mixture (1) of water and thermal oil, followed by the collection (3) of the part (4) of frozen thermal oil (precipitated or in suspension) by means of mechanical filtering. The remainder of contaminated water is treated in absorption filters and in activated carbon adsorption filters. The equipment required to implement this method comprises a cooling unit, a unit for the separation of phases by means of mechanical filtering for the collection (3) of the frozen thermal oil part (4), a unit (6) of absorption filters and a unit (7) of adsorption filters (activated carbon unit).

Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for regenerating a material that reduce the incidence of scaling due to scale forming contaminants. The method may include reducing a temperature of a treated material exiting a wet air oxidation unit in a scale reducing heat exchanger prior to delivery of the treated material to a second heat exchanger which heats a source waste material comprising a scale forming contaminant therein with heat from the first treated material to form a heated waste material comprising the scale forming contaminant.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module according to the present invention includes a first support substrate including a principal surface that includes a first region and a second region that is adjacent to the first region; a second support substrate including a principal surface that faces the first region; a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged between the first region and the principal surface of the second support substrate; and a temperature detection element mounted in the second region. The temperature detection element and the second support substrate are thermally connected to each other by a thermally conductive member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a forward osmosis-type fresh water composite system includes: a fuel cell device that has a cathode electrode in which carbon dioxide supplied from a plant is converted into carbonate ion (CO32?) and an anode electrode that produces electric energy by reacting the carbonate ion (CO32?) with hydrogen and discharges the carbon dioxide; and a carbon dioxide collection unit that reacts the carbon dioxide supplied from the fuel cell device and water supplied from the outside with ammonia separated from a draw solution separation unit so as to produce a high-concentration draw solution and then supplies the high-concentration draw solution to a forward osmosis separation device.

Abstract: The method of solvent recovery includes using a plurality of solvent recovery units to recover solvent from a dilute solution. The solvent recovery units can include a plurality of reverse osmosis or forward osmosis membrane systems arranged in series. For reverse osmosis, at least some of the concentrate in a last reverse osmosis unit of the series is recycled back to the permeate of that unit to provide a mixed permeate. The mixed permeate is then passed successively to the permeate side of each preceding reverse osmosis unit in the series. For forward osmosis, a draw solution is passed sequentially from the permeate side of each unit to the permeate side of the preceding unit. The draw solution may be prepared by concentrating part of the concentrate stream by evaporation and recycling it back as a draw solution.

Abstract: Provided herein are corrosion-resistant reactors that can be used for gasification, and methods of making and using the same. Some embodiments include a corrosion-resistant ceramic layer. According to some embodiments, the corrosion-resistant ceramic layer has a negative charge. At temperature above water's critical point (for example, 374 CC and at 22.1 MPa I 218 atm), water can behave as an adjustable solvent and can have tunable properties depending on temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A multi-stage anaerobic digester is designed to treat a high solids, stackable feedstock. The system may also receive a pumpable feedstock such as a slurry or sludge. In a first stage, the digestate circulates in one direction around a raceway such that the digestate may pass a feed inlet multiple times before leaving the first tank. An optional side stream loop withdraws fibrous material from near the top of the reaceway and return digestate with chopped fibers, preferably lower and further along the raceway. An outlet from the raceway located near, but upstream of the feed inlet discharges partially digested substrate to a second stage, which is operated as a stirred tank reactor. The two stages may be provided in a single tank with an internal wall separating a ring shaped outer portion from a cylindrical inner portion. The digester may be operated in a thermophilic temperature range.

Abstract: A system for hydrothermal reaction comprises a heater (3) including a circulating component for fluid flowing across and a heat source for heating fluid, and a reactor (4, 5) including a heat preserving container in communication with the circulating component via pipes. A method for hydrothermal reaction comprises heating the fluid including the reactant and water for hydrothermal reaction, and feeding the heated fluid to the heat preserving container to perform the hydrothermal reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for separating a product contained as solvent in a solution to be processed, comprising at least one forward osmosis device (816) through which the solution to be processed and a draw solution flow, and a device connected downstream thereof for obtaining the product (56, 62) from the diluted draw solution exiting the forward osmosis device, wherein the forward osmosis device comprises at least one flow channel conducting the solution to be processed and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution, the inner space of a respective flow channel conducting the solution to be processed is delimited at least partially by a semi-permeable membrane wall that is permeable to the solvent of the solution to be processed but not to the substance dissolved therein, and at least one flow channel conducting the draw solution is delimited on opposite sides by membrane walls that are associated with two adjoining flow channels conducting the solution to be processed, such that solv

Abstract: A forward osmosis water treatment device may use a separation membrane including a polymer layer introduced with a functional group having an affinity for an osmosis draw solute present in an osmosis draw solution.

Abstract: A forward osmosis method for desalination includes recyclable driving solutes which are easy to remove and recycle, have a high rejection by forward osmosis membranes, have low toxicity and are cost efficient.

Abstract: Forward osmosis methods and apparatus using a supported osmotic agent to establish or enhance an osmotic forward bias are disclosed. A supported osmotic agent may be assisted by osmotic agents not attached to a support and/or a pressure differential between an influent and effluent chamber and/or a temperature gradient and/or other means to increase the osmotic pressure in an effluent chamber.

Abstract: A method of converting thermal energy into mechanical work that uses a semi-permeable membrane to convert osmotic pressure into electrical power. A closed cycle pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process known as an osmotic heat engine (OHE) uses a concentrated ammonia-carbon dioxide draw solution to create high osmotic pressures which generate water flux through a semi-permeable membrane against a hydraulic pressure gradient. The depressurization of the increased draw solution volume in a turbine produces electrical power. The process is maintained in steady state operation through the separation of the diluted draw solution into a re-concentrated draw solution and deionized water working fluid, both for reuse in the osmotic heat engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing liquid chromatography includes a chromatography column, and an insulating member surrounding the chromatography column wherein the insulating member is formed from a vacuum chamber surrounding the chromatography column. Another apparatus for performing liquid chromatography includes a chromatography column, and an insulating member surrounding the chromatography column, wherein the insulating member includes aerogel. Also described is a method of insulating a chromatography column comprising forming a jacket surrounding the chromatography column, and creating a vacuum chamber in an area between the jacket and the chromatography column.

Abstract: Provided is a method for performing thermal hydrolysis of sludge in a cyclic manner. A sludge stream is directed into one reactor during a first cycle and in a second cycle sludge is directed into another reactor. Each reactor has a sludge recirculation loop associated therewith. Flash steam from one reactor is transferred to the other reactor to pre-heat the sludge. The sludge in each reactor is recirculated through the circulation loop during each cycle of thermal hydrolysis. Live steam is directed into each reactor to raise the pressure and temperature within the reactor in order to enable the thermal hydrolysis process to take place.

Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Abstract: A method and system for precipitation and separation of carboxylic acid salts from a hydrate inhibitor solution is disclosed. The method comprises lowering the solubility of the carboxylic acid salts to force precipitation of carboxylic acid salts and separation of the precipitated carboxylic acid salts from the hydrate inhibitor solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus for treating Lake Okeechobee water. The treatment apparatus operates on a continuous flow of water which is subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electrolysis. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process for cleaning contaminated water that is directed into estuaries, lagoons, intracoastal waterway, everglades, and the ocean. Treatment includes addressing various levels of contaminants such as aerobic bacteria, often called a green slime that produces a bio-film. The apparatus can be mounted on a vessel to permit targeting of algae blooms.

Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Abstract: Described are methods in which the retention times of a chromatographic column are adjusted through the control of the temperature of a mobile phase at the inlet to the chromatographic column. The temperature of the mobile phase at the inlet is different from the temperature of the chromatographic column. Adjustment of the temperature of the mobile phase at the inlet can be used as part of a method to transfer a chromatographic method from one liquid chromatography system to another liquid chromatography system. The method can alternatively be adapted for trapping a sample at the head of a chromatographic column to reduce the amount of band broadening of the sample from the sample injector of a liquid chromatography system. A gradient elution can then be performed to cause the concentrated volume of the analyte in the sample to elute in a tight band, resulting in improved measurement sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment process that operates on a continuous flow of fluids that are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for filtering and treating water, such as tap water, well water, spring water, etc., and producing drinking, bathing, and swimming water. More specifically, such systems, methods, and apparatus can produce purified water by removing substantially all suspended as well as dissolved solids, undesirable acids, gasses and all and any contaminates from the water. Additionally, the systems, methods, and apparatus can produce reprogrammed high biophoton mineralized drinking water by chilling vortexing over proprietary lodestones, ingenious, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and creating bicarbonate ions in the water introducing minerals and/or salts into the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing soluble silica efficiently from accompanied water, produced from wells containing calcium ion, soluble silica, and sulfate ion, and not clogging a reverse osmosis membrane in the reverse osmosis membrane treatment process after that, includes adding a magnesium salt to mix with the accompanied water under alkaline conditions to produce insoluble silica and calcium sulfate. A microfiltration (MF) membrane treatment process includes treating a first reaction solution obtained in said magnesium salt adding process, with a microfiltration membrane to separate insolubilized silica and calcium sulfate by filtration. An acid adding process includes adding an acid to and mixing with filtrate obtained in the MF membrane treatment process to render a pH value of the filtrate on the range from 5 to 9 and a negative Langeliar saturation index.

Abstract: A fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater) treatment system and associated methods provide for effectively treating the fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater containing at least a plurality of salts) to provide a separated pure fluid (i.e., generally water) and a separated impurity (i.e., generally a salt). Also provided are a method for detecting or determining the need for a controlled process intervention to prevent the plugging of system components in a fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system, and a process for preventing the plugging of the system components in the fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.

Abstract: A seawater desalination system 10A includes a heat exchanging unit for heating feed seawater to a reverse osmosis membrane system using at least one or more of thermal discharge, exhaust gas, and steam generated through a gas engine and heating medium used in a heat pump system, and a reverse osmosis membrane system, provided in the downstream of the heat exchanging unit, for separating the feed seawater to the reverse osmosis membrane system into permeate and concentrate. The seawater desalination system according to the present invention is allowed to produce the permeate in economical and stable manners, even in such marine conditions as lower seawater temperature, by performing efficient heating and control of seawater.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous hydrolysis of sludge comprising material of biological origin, such as organic material, the apparatus comprising a reactor with: an inlet for feeding sludge into the reactor in a feeding zone thereof, an inlet for feeding steam into the reactor in a steam feeding zone thereof, an outlet for allowing processed sludge to exit the reactor, wherein at least a part of the reactor forms a first ascending zone in which the sludge during use flows in an upwards direction, and a first descending zone in which the sludge during use flows in a downwards direction. A first gas collecting zone is defined in the transition between the first ascending zone and the first descending zone, and a first gas outlet is arranged to allow a part of the gas collected in the first gas collecting zone to be removed, while a part of the gas remains in the gas collecting zone.

Abstract: A plant effluent treatment method includes a mixing treatment step that mixes a microorganism activating agent into plant effluent containing organic compounds as discharged from a chemical plant, petroleum plant or petrochemical plant and discharges it as mixing treatment effluent, and an aerobic treatment step that subjects the mixing treatment effluent to aerobic biological treatment and solid-liquid separation treatment in a membrane bioreactor tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for reducing a salt concentration in a liquid composition using a solvent. The method includes combining the liquid composition and the solvent, where the solvent has lower carrying capacity for at least one salt in solution with the liquid composition. The liquid composition may be miscible with the solvent. The solvent may also have a lower boiling point than the liquid composition. The method further includes precipitating some of the salt out of the liquid and removing the precipitate. The solvent may then be separated, leaving the liquid composition with a reduced salt concentration. The solvent may be reused if recovered after separation. The apparatus includes elements for implementing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus is pressurized and operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The ozonated fluid is further electro chemically treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of ammonia-containing raw water from low-temperature sources is designed to provide optimum treatment conditions, particularly temperature of the raw water in the bioreactor(s) containing nitrifying bacteria. The raw water supply is split into two streams, of which one stream is heated before remixing with the other stream. The split-stream heating is optionally supported by the provision of a retention tank on the heated-water stream. A three-way valve is provided to control compressed air supply to be mixed with the raw water in dependence on water level in the bioreactor.

Abstract: It is to provide a process for manufacturing potable water from a liquid to be treated, such as seawater by using forward osmosis membrane, wherein the solution after the separation of water from dilute draw solution diluted by the migration of water from the liquid to be treated, is stably regenerated and reutilized and an apparatus therefor, and the process and apparatus are a process for manufacturing potable water which comprises, a forward osmosis step wherein a liquid of which solvent is water is allowed to contact with a draw solution produced by dissolving a prescribed amount of a volatile material in water through a semi-permeable membrane, and water in said liquid is allowed to migrate to said draw solution through said semi-permeable membrane, a distillation step wherein a dilute draw solution having been diluted with water which was produced in said step is adjusted to a prescribed temperature, and then is delivered to a distillation column where gas comprising the volatile material and water vapo

Abstract: A system includes an ion separation unit that may receive dilute hydrochloric acid and may generate a concentrated hydrochloric acid and a chamber fluidly coupled to the ion separation unit. The chamber may receive the concentrated hydrochloric acid and may separate the concentrated hydrochloric acid into a liquid concentrated hydrochloric acid and a vapor containing vaporized hydrochloric acid. The system also includes a scrubber fluidly coupled to the chamber. The scrubber may receive the vapor from the chamber, and the scrubber is may remove at least a portion of the vaporized hydrochloric acid from the vapor via a purified condensate to generate a purified vapor and the dilute hydrochloric acid. The system also includes a condenser fluidly coupled to the scrubber The condenser may receive the purified vapor from the scrubber to condense the purified vapor into the purified condensate, and to output the purified condensate to the scrubber.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that produces primary sludge and biological sludge. The system and process hydrolyzes the biological sludge in a hydrolysis reactor. The primary sludge is directed to a pasteurization unit and pasteurized. Thereafter, the hydrolyzed biological sludge and the pasteurized primary sludge are directed to an anaerobic digester where the combined sludges are subjected to anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting a treatment fluid is disclosed, including the step of admixing an aqueous solution comprising two or more oxidants generated via electrolysis of a salt solution with a treatment fluid. The mixed oxidants may be generated on site, using a containerized system.

Abstract: An evaporator system for evaporating wastewater comprises an evaporation chamber; a heat exchanger disposed within a hollow interior of the evaporation chamber; a spray pump and at least one spray nozzle for spraying the wastewater onto the exterior surface of the heat exchanger; a control apparatus configured to control the operation of the heat exchanger, the spray pump and the evaporation chamber; a housing; and a power source. The heat exchanger may comprise at least one hollow body that has a wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a first opening at a first end of the at least one hollow body, a second opening at a second end of the at least one hollow body.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for clarifying drilling mud are provided. A method of clarifying drilling mud includes at least: mixing a hydrophilic solution and an effluent; the effluent comprising an oil lubricant and solid particles; binding the solid particles to the hydrophilic solution; separating the oil lubricant from the solid particles; and recovering the oil lubricant. A system includes at least: a mixing tank for mixing a hydrophilic solution and an effluent, the effluent comprising an oil lubricant and solid particles, and creating a mixture; and a centrifuge connected to the mixing tank, the centrifuge being capable of receiving the mixture and separating the hydrophilic solution, the solid particles, and the oil lubricant, and discharging the separated oil lubricant. A composition for clarifying drilling mud includes at least: a homogeneous mix of at least one hydrophilic substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the treatment of caustic wastewater. Specifically, systems and methods are provided for combining refinery spent caustic and ethylene spent caustic solutions and treating the combined spent caustic mixture using a wet air oxidation process.

Abstract: A method is described for thermal biological breakdown and dewatering of biomass, which is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: lead the biological residue material (8) from a digesting tank (6) to a dewatering device (9) and dewater the material to typically 15-25% dry matter, lead the dewatered material (10) to a device (12) and carry out a thermal hydrolysis at typically 145-170° C. for typically 10-40 minutes, subject the hydrolysed biomass (14) to a quick pressure reduction that results in a steam explosion in the biomass, dewater the thermally hydrolysed and steam exploded hot biomass (14), at typically 85-105° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood and/or for oxygenating the extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100) comprises an oxygenator (12), a first gas storage tank (24) in which a first gas is contained and at least a second gas storage tank (24) in which a second gas is contained. Further the device (10, 100) has a gas mixing unit for mixing a purge gas from the first and the second gas and an electronic control unit (30) for controlling the gas mixing unit (50). The control unit (30) comprises an input unit (40) by means of which the content of the first gas in the purge gas is adjustable by an operator, wherein the control unit (30) controls the gas mixing unit (50) such that the purge gas has the adjusted content of the first gas.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the regeneration of spent dialysis solutions. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for continuously regenerating spent dialysis solution during dialysis. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for conducting dialysis that further include using chemical and physical separators in conjunction with ion exchange cartridges and/or adsorption cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating flue gas and/or condensates thereof suitable for removal of sulphur-containing compounds. The invention also relates to the purified flue gas and to a system for conducting the method according to the invention.