A process and an apparatus for purifying a phosphate containing acidic solution (P1) containing impurities through a nanofiltration station (2) includes a number of nanofiltration membrane units arranged in series. At least one permeate recirculation loop, branching off the retentate side of the first membrane unit (M1) and closing the loop at the entry line (1e) to combine at least one of three permeates with the phosphate containing acidic solution (P1), the three permeate recirculation loops include: a first recovery recirculation loop, a first exit recirculation loop, and a second recovery recirculation loop.

A steviol glycoside composition with reduced surface tension. The reduced surface tension steviol glycoside composition includes an aqueous solution of a steviol glycoside and a surface tension reducing compound in an amount effective to reduce surface tension. Method for reducing surface tension in a steviol glycoside solution includes contacting a steviol glycoside and a surface tension reducing compound.

The present disclosure provides a polymer, including a first repeating unit represented by formula (I), a second repeating unit represented by formula (II), and a third repeating unit represented by formula (III). The first repeating unit, the second repeating unit, and the third repeating unit are arranged in an alternating fashion, in a random fashion, or in discrete blocks. The molar ratio of the first repeating unit, the second repeating unit and the third repeating unit is m:n:o, and m:(n+o) is from 60:40 to 85:15. The definitions of a, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A.sup.−, and R.sup.+ are as defined in the specification.

This invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising, (a) an ion-exchange resin (IXR) comprising microporous beads having a particle size ranging from about 200 um to about 1000 um; (b) a water soluble surfactant having a molecular weight ranging from about 7,500 to about 15,000 Da; and (c) a buffer component; wherein the pH of the aqueous composition ranges from about 5 to about 8, and a process for isolating chemical contaminants using the aqueous composition.

A hybrid electro-pressure driven method for the recovery, purification, and concentration of lithium salts is described. A fractionating electrodialysis stack equipped with selective ion exchange membranes is s used to separate a lithium containing brine into a monovalent enriched fraction and a divalent enriched fraction. The monovalent enriched fraction is further processed to remove remaining impurities by use of pressure driven nanofiltration. An optional concentrating electrodialysis device may further concentrate the monovalent enriched fraction in lithium content. The method may be combined with a subsequent solvent extraction and electrolysis step to produce lithium hydroxide, a Li+ selective sorbent step for producing purified lithium chloride, or a Li+ selective sorbent and precipitative step to produce lithium carbonate.

Compositions and methods for isolating L-glufosinate from a composition comprising L-glufosinate and glutamate are provided. The method comprises converting the glutamate to pyroglutamate followed by the isolation of L-glufosinate from the pyroglutamate and other components of the composition to obtain substantially purified L-glufosinate. The composition comprising L-glufosinate and glutamate is subjected to an elevated temperature for a sufficient time to allow for the conversion of glutamate to pyroglutamate, followed by the isolation of L-glufosinate from the pyroglutamate and other components of the composition to obtain substantially purified L-glufosinate. The glutamate alternatively may be converted to pyroglutamate by enzymatic conversion. The purified L-glufosinate is present in a final composition at a concentration of 90% or greater of the sum of L-glufosinate, glutamate, and pyroglutamate. In some embodiments, a portion of the glutamate in the starting composition may be separated from the L-glufosinate using a crystallization step. Solid forms of L-glufosinate materials, including crystalline L-glufosinate ammonium, are also described.

Methods of maintaining narrow residence time distributions in continuous flow systems, particularly applicable to virus inactivation such as during a protein purification process. Fluid sample is introduced into an axial flow channel and caused to flow therein in discrete packets or zones to minimize residence time distribution and axial dispersion. Embodiments described herein obviate or minimize the need for using large tanks or reservoirs for performing virus inactivation during a protein purification process; reduce the overall time required for virus inactivation, and/or reduce the overall physical space required to perform the virus inactivation operation during a protein purification process, which in turn reduces the overall footprint for the purification process.

An electrolytic eluent generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and at least one eluent generation cartridge. The electrolyte reservoir includes a chamber containing an aqueous electrolyte solution; and a first electrode. The at least one eluent generation cartridge includes a platinum mesh electrode; a polymer screen; a plurality of reinforced membranes; a membrane washer; and a spacer including a central post and an annular projection.

An apparatus and method for softening water are provided. The water softening system comprises a water softener apparatus comprising a tank designed to contain a resin bed and a water softener head coupled to the tank. The water softener head comprises at least one inlet, at least one outlet, a first channel in fluid communication with the first outlet, and a second channel in fluid communication with the first inlet. The water softening system includes at least one inlet water line for hard water and one outlet water line for softened water. A controller is provided and is configured to detect a first operating state of the water softening system, monitor the performance of the water softening system, and send instructions to at least one of the first valve and the second valve to change from a first operational state to a second operational state.

The present invention relates to a process for the calcination of a zeolitic material, wherein said process comprises the steps of (i) providing a zeolitic material comprising YO.sub.2 and optionally further comprising X.sub.2O.sub.3 in its framework structure in the form of a powder and/or of a suspension of the zeolitic material in a liquid, wherein Y stands for a tetravalent element and X stands for a trivalent element; (ii) atomization of the powder and/or of the suspension of the zeolitic material provided in (i) in a gas stream for obtaining an aerosol; (iii) calcination of the aerosol obtained in (ii) for obtaining a calcined powder; as well as to a zeolitic material obtainable and/or obtained according the inventive process, and to its use as a molecular sieve, as an adsorbent, for ion-exchange, as a catalyst, and/or as a catalyst support.