Polymer Ventures, Inc.

Jonathan Fabri

Robert P Mahoney

Christopher B Murphy

David M Beyer

Herein are described compositions useful in the purification of hydrocarbon-contaminated liquids (e.g., oil-contaminated water), methods of their manufacture, and methods of their use. In one instance, the composition can include a porous agricultural substrate selected from the group consisting of walnut shell, pecan shell, apricot pit, peach pit, corn cob, and a mixture thereof; the porous agricultural substrate having an external surface and pores, wherein the external surface is hydrophilic; and an organo-amine carried within the pores of the porous agricultural substrate. These compositions are utilized as regenerable filter media in place of, for example, ground walnut media.

Modified walnut shell and use

The current invention describes organoclay compositions and methods of using them for removing impurities from contaminated liquids. The compositions are formed by contacting an attapulgite, sepiolite, or zeolite clay mineral with an alkylamine base. The method of use involves contacting the organoclay composition with a contaminated liquid, such as oil in water, allowing the organoclay to absorb the contaminants. The organoclay can be in the form of a granular solid for inline filter applications, or it can be a finely divided powder for other applications.

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Charleston, SC, United States of America

Jonathan Fabri