Ecolab

About: Ecolab is a company organization based out in Northwich, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Alkyl & Corrosion. The organization has 2860 authors who have published 3193 publications receiving 51478 citations. The organization is also known as: Economics Laboratory.

Variable concentration, solid chemical dispenser

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for a solid chemical (13) and a method of dispensing the chemical (13). Water enters via an inlet line (22) and is sprayed from a spray nozzle (21), so that the solid chemical (13) is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line (17). The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle (21) and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical (13). A pair of cam members (50, 51) adjust the vertical position of the solid chemical (13) with respect to the spray nozzle (21). In a preferred embodiment, a visual indication of the concentration settings is provided, with the concentration settings corresponding to the nozzle-to-eroding surface distance.

Water–Sediment Exchanges Control Microbial Processes Associated with Leaf Litter Degradation in the Hyporheic Zone: a Microcosm Study

Abstract: The present study aimed to experimentally quantify the influence of a reduction of surface sediment permeability on microbial characteristics and ecological processes (respiration and leaf litter decomposition) occurring in the hyporheic zone (i.e. the sedimentary interface between surface water and groundwater). The physical structure of the water-sediment interface was manipulated by adding a 2-cm layer of coarse sand (unclogged systems) or fine sand (clogged systems) at the sediment surface of slow filtration columns filled with a heterogeneous gravel/sand sedimentary matrix. The influence of clogging was quantified through measurements of hydraulic conductivity, water chemistry, microbial abundances and activities and associated processes (decomposition of alder leaf litter inserted at a depth of 9 cm in sediments, oxygen and nitrate consumption by microorganisms). Fine sand deposits drastically reduced hydraulic conductivity (by around 8-fold in comparison with unclogged systems topped by coarse sand) and associated water flow, leading to a sharp decrease in oxygen (reaching less than 1 mg L(-1) at 3 cm depth) and nitrate concentrations with depth in sediments. The shift from aerobic to anaerobic conditions in clogged systems favoured the establishment of denitrifying bacteria living on sediments. Analyses performed on buried leaf litter showed a reduction by 30% of organic matter decomposition in clogged systems in comparison with unclogged systems. This reduction was linked to a negative influence of clogging on the activities and abundances of leaf-associated microorganisms. Finally, our study clearly demonstrated that microbial processes involved in organic matter decomposition were dependent on hydraulic conductivity and oxygen availability in the hyporheic zone.

Plasticware-compatible rinse aid

Abstract: A plasticware-compatible low-foaming rinse aid and method for using such rinse-aid to effectuate sheeting of aqueous rinse liquid from solid surface. The rinse aid comprises alkyl polyglycoside (APG) and reverse, polyoxyethylene-containing polyoxyalkylene block copolymer. The aqueous rinse solution obtained by diluting the rinse aid with water is compatible with thermoplastics such as polycarbonate and polysulfone.

Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices

Abstract: A validated healthcare facility cleaning and sanitizing system provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to cleaning and sanitizing practices at a hospital or other healthcare facility. The validated hospital cleaning system identifies hospital vectors of contamination; that is, sources through which hospital acquired infections (HAIs) may be spread. The validated system defines a plurality of modules within a healthcare facility, each having an associated cleaning process map designed to meet the particular cleaning and/or sanitizing needs and challenges faced by that module. Various stages of the cleaning process map include validation points, at which certain parameters designed to ensure proper cleaning and/or sanitizing of the module are verified.

Method of inhibiting scale formation and deposition in desalination systems

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of inhibiting corrosion and calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate scaling in thermal and membrane desalination processes. The method includes adding a composition having an oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid to seawater or recirculation brine in a desalting process to produce water for drinking and industrial applications. The method also includes adding a composition including mono, bis, and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid adducts to the desalting process.