Patent ID: 6261460
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: C02F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for removing a contaminant from water, comprising the steps of:a) adding droplets of a substantially non-water-soluble oil to water, the water including at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of a dissolved contaminant, a non-polar contaminant, and a contaminant with a hydrophilic surface, the oil and water forming a mixture and the oil combining with the at least one contaminant, wherein the contaminant is effectively insoluble in the water after combining with the oil;b) adding a coagulant to the water to further form a mixture in which the coagulant aggregates the oil droplets and said contaminant; andc) separating the oil droplets from the water, thereby removing the contaminant.