Abstract: Heat transfer in non-turbulent highly viscous mixed-phase flowing streams can be improved by altering flow characteristics using spiral-shaped elements to eliminate boundary phenomena. The spiral-shaped element promotes helical or spiral flow paths to reduce or eliminate temperature gradients associated with laminar flow characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.

Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly comprising a length of filter screen having a relatively fine filtering surface and terminating at opposite ends with opposed end shafts. Generally open connecting means interconnect the opposed end shafts to define a continuous loop structure. At least one removable filter grid having a substantially fine filtering surface is removably mounted between the opposed end shafts such that the continuous loop structure has a substantially continuous relatively fine filtering surface. Removal of the grid allows internal access to the screen assembly.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment controls that maintain the ORP of a mixed liquor at a relatively stable value during a wastewater treatment process such as an aerated-anoxic wastewater treatment process. The wastewater treatment control may compare a setpoint value of ORP and a measured value of ORP of the mixed liquor, generate a control signal based at least in part on the comparison, and control a biological nutrient removal control parameter using the control signal. Values corresponding to the control signal may be acquired and utilized to adjust the setpoint value of ORP to maintain stable operating conditions of the wastewater treatment process.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system has a sensor or a set of sensors for measuring at least one property of the water or an operating condition of the treatment system.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device of the water treatment system is operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing purified water. An electrochemical system can be configured to pass product water through depletion compartments as well as a cathode compartment. An electrochemical apparatus may also be configured to pass concentrate through both concentrating compartments and an anode compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing purified water. Treated water may be provided for domestic use wherein the water may be treated by removing selected dissolved species while retaining properties that may improve the properties or aesthetics of the water.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point-of-entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system to optimize the operation and performance of the system or components of the system. A flow regulator regulates a waste stream flow to drain and can be operated to recirculate fluid through electrode or concentrating compartments of an electrochemical device and can opened and closed intermittently according to a predetermined schedule or based on an operating parameter of the water treatment system.

Abstract: A treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any undesirable species contained in water from a water source. The treatment system can be operated to reduce the likelihood of formation of any scale that can be generated during normal operation of an electrochemical device. The formation of scale in the treatment system, including its wetted components, may be inhibited by reversing or substituting the flowing liquid having hardness-causing species with another liquid having a low tendency to produce scale, such as a low LSI water. Various arrangements of components in the treatment system can be flushed by directing the valves and the pumps of the system to displace liquid having hardness-causing species with a liquid that has little or no tendency to form scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment or purification system and method for providing treated water in industrial, commercial and residential applications. The treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system includes an electrochemical device, such as an electrodeionization device, that can have at least one compartment that generates and traps hydrogen ions which can be used in another compartment of the electrochemical device such as, an electrode compartment, to reduce or at least dissolve any scale. Other applications of the system would be in the treatment and processing of foods and beverages, sugars, various industries such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, waste water treatment and power generating industries.

Abstract: A system and method for producing salts using a crystallizer with an integrated column is disclosed. In the column, liquid, containing one reactant, absorbs a second reactant, from the gas stream. The second reactant reacts with the first reactant to produce salt. Liquid leaving the column and rich in salt, collects in the crystallizer. Conditions within the crystallizer promote nucleation and crystal growth. A recirculation system withdraws a portion of liquid from the crystallizer for introduction into the column.

Abstract: An assembly for removing grit from a fluid comprising a tank with a fluid inlet into the tank and a discharge from the tank. A flow directing assembly is positioned in the tank adjacent the fluid inlet and includes a substantially U-shaped surface opposite the fluid inlet such that fluid entering the tank through the inlet is caused to have a reversed flow in a direction more than 90 degrees from an inlet flow direction. At least one embodiment of the assembly further comprises a baffle positioned proximate the tank discharge to control flow adjacent the discharge. Yet a further embodiment of the assembly includes a screw conveyor positioned in a trough of the tank and a baffle is positioned proximate the trough to minimize fluid flow velocity adjacent to the screw conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to purification systems, and to sanitization and/or sealing of the purification system. The purification system includes an electrodeionization device which can comprise one or a plurality of stages. The electrodeionization device can be constructed with a resilient sealing member forming a water-tight seal between rigid thermally and dimensionally stable compartment spacers. The construction of the electrodeionization device may allow cycling of hot water and/or other liquids, which, in some cases, can improve efficiency and performance of the electrodeionization device. Moreover, the cycling of hot water and/or other liquids may be used to sanitize the electrodeionization device to at least a pharmaceutically acceptable condition and, preferably, in certain instances, to meet at least minimum requirements according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia guidelines by inactivating any microorganisms present within the electrodeionization device.

Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing a fluid. A fluid distribution device includes a flow chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, an equalization chamber; and a diaphragm separating the flow chamber and the equalization chamber, wherein a valve positioned in a flow path between the flow chamber inlet and the flow chamber outlet comprises a valve body coupled to the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention describes a solid calcium hypochlorite product formulation, including a polymeric alkali salt, which formulation exhibits improved environmental stability and shelf-life while simultaneously inhibiting scale in dispensing equipment, as well as in and on feed equipment used for delivering a calcium hypochlorite solution to a water stream which is to be treated.

Abstract: Injection bonded articles comprised of a rigid core and secured together with an elastomeric material network which also forms seals and encapsulates at least a portion of the rigid core. The elastomeric material is selected to be compatible with the material comprising the rigid core to create a chemical and mechanical bond therebetween. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques are used to fabricate an electrodeionization apparatus spacer comprised of mated rigid segments secured by a unitary elastomeric material network that also forms internal and external seals that fluidly isolate one or more of inlet ports, resin cavities, and outlet ports as well as throughports. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques can also be used to fabricate other articles comprised of multiple segments.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.