Patents by Inventor David M. Polizzotti
David M. Polizzotti has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10501353Abstract: In a process and apparatus for treating produced water, the produced water flows through a series of treatment units. A portion of the produced water may by-pass one or more of the treatment units but the by-pass portion may be such that the treated water is still acceptable, for example for discharge or reuse. Concentrations of oil and grease, organic carbon, silica, pH or related parameters in the produced water may be monitored and used to control the process or apparatus. Control of the process may involve one or more of altering a by-pass portion, altering the addition of chemicals, and altering the operation of a unit process. The process may be controlled to respond to upset conditions, or such that the concentration of one or more limiting contaminants is near, but not over, a specified maximum for re-use or discharge.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: BL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David M. Polizzotti, Kevin Paul McEvoy, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Carl Vess, Abdul Rafi Khwaja, Matthew Alan Petersen
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Patent number: 9731989Abstract: A system for treating produced water, for example from a SAGD bitumen production operation, has a treatment unit using chemical oxidation (CO) or electromagnetic treatment (ET) to destroy or degrade organics in the produced water. The treatment module may use CO or ET in combination with biological treatment or sorption processes or both. When the treatment module is used upstream of a steam generator, it reduces fouling in the steam generator and in any blowdown water treatment device. A brine concentrator or a crystallizer may be used to treat the blowdown water. The treatment module may be used in combination with a nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter. Optionally, the produced water may be treated with an ET process such as microwaves directly upstream of a steam generator or upstream of a concentrator or crystallizer in a blowdown water stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Brian Christopher Moore, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Abdul Rafi Khwaja, Matthew Alan Petersen
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Patent number: 9593032Abstract: Systems and methods for removing organic contaminants from water may be used, for example, to treat produced water from a steam assisted heavy oil recovery operation. The treated produced water may be re-used to create steam. Alternatively, the produced water may be a blowdown stream treated to facilitate further treatment in a thermal crystallizer. The treatments may include pH adjustment or separating de-solubilized organics or both. Other treatments may include one or more of oxidation, sorption and biological treatments. The treatments may be used alone or in various combinations. One exemplary combination includes reducing the pH of produced water, separating de-solubilized organics from the produced water, and oxidizing the produced water or contacting the produced water with activated carbon.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Christopher Moore, Hope Matis, William Leonard Kostedt, IV, David M. Polizzotti, Matthew Alan Petersen, Jeffrey Lynn Schworm, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku
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Patent number: 8940169Abstract: A spiral wound module is suitable for use with high temperature water that is also very alkaline or has a high pH, for example SAGD produced water. The module uses a polyamide-based membrane with a polysulfone or polyethersulfone backing material. For other components, the module uses primarily one or more of, EPDM; polyamide; polyphenylene oxide; polyphenylene sulfide; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polysulfonamide; polyvinylidene fluoride; mylar; fiberglass; and, epoxy. Polyester is not used. Polypropylene is not used for the feed spacer. For example, a module may use a PVDF feed spacer, a nylon permeate spacer and a polysulfone center tube. The center tube may be provided with 4 rows of 0.063? diameter holes and be rolled under high tension.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Phillip Goebel, David Olson, David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Patent number: 8858802Abstract: Methods of deoiling oily water such as SAGD and frac produce water. The oily water is treated with a natural coagulant selected from tannins and chitosan. A cationic and/or anionic flocculant may also be added to the treated oily water. The thus treated oily water may be subjected to conventional mechanical oil separation techniques such as hydrocyclonic separation, dissolved air flotation, entrapped air flotation, induced gas flotation, gravity filters, reverse osmosis filters, API, or Voraxial® bulk separators and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Patent number: 8784659Abstract: A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter, the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wilson Kurt Whitekettle, Gloria Jean Tafel, Qing Zhao, Linna Wang, Dorothy Reynolds, Paul Frail, Juan Jiang, David M. Polizzotti
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Publication number: 20140151296Abstract: Systems and methods for removing organic contaminants from water may be used, for example, to treat produced water from a steam assisted heavy oil recovery operation. The treated produced water may be re-used to create steam. Alternatively, the produced water may be a blowdown stream treated to facilitate further treatment in a thermal crystallizer. The treatments may include pH adjustment or separating de-solubilized organics or both. Other treatments may include one or more of oxidation, sorption and biological treatments. The treatments may be used alone or in various combinations. One exemplary combination includes reducing the pH of produced water, separating de-solubilized organics from the produced water, and oxidizing the produced water or contacting the produced water with activated carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Christopher MOORE, Hope MATIS, William Leonard KOSTEDT, IV, David M. POLIZZOTTI, Matthew Alan PETERSEN, Jeffrey Lynn SCHWORM, Anthony Yu-Chung KU
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Publication number: 20130126442Abstract: A method for reducing inorganic contaminant levels during supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is provided. The method utilizes a fluidized bed reactor wherein inorganic contaminants in the water precipitate out onto the catalyst. The clean water is reclaimed after oxidation of organic contaminants and reduction of inorganic contaminant levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Steve T. Bakas, David M. Polizzotti, Stephen Robert Vasconcellos
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Publication number: 20130118354Abstract: Methods for recovering water from the plume of a heat removal or exhaust device are provided. The methods utilize a condensation apparatus (1) with a heat transfer wall (7), a condensation side (3), and a cool-air side (5). The plume is fed to the condensation side (3) as cool air is fed to the cool-air side (5). As the plume travels through the condensation side, water condenses on the heat transfer wall (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: David M. Polizzotti
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Publication number: 20130048563Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of reducing fouling of ceramic membranes by adding an effective amount of a tannin polymer to SAGD process water. Additionally, a cationic and/or an anionic flocculant can also be added to treat the process water. Once the process water is treated, the solids are then separated out and the resulting clean process water is then passed through a ceramic membrane. Typically, the tannin polymer used in treating the process water is comprised of a Mannich reaction product of an amine, an aldehyde, and a tannin. The components are reacted at an acidic pH wherein the molar ratio of amine to tannin present is from about 1.5:1-3.0:1. Exemplary tannin/amine/formaldehyde compounds include tannin/melamine/formaldehyde polymers, and tannin/monoethanolamine/formaldehyde polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Abdul Rafi Khwaja, David M. Polizzotti, Carl Vess, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku
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Publication number: 20120325744Abstract: In a process and apparatus for treating produced water, for example for re-use in an oil or bitumen extraction operation of for treating frac water, the produced water flows through a series of treatment units. A portion of the produced water may by-pass one or more of the treatment units but the by-pass portion may be such that the treated water is still acceptable, for example for discharge or reuse. Concentrations of oil and grease, organic carbon, silica, pH or related parameters in the produced water may be monitored and used to control the process or apparatus. Control of the process may involve one or more of altering a by-pass portion, altering the addition of chemicals, and altering the operation of a unit process. The process may be controlled to respond to upset conditions, or such that the concentration of one or more limiting contaminants is near, but not over, a specified maximum for re-use or discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: David M. Polizzotti, Kevin Paul McEvoy, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Carl Vess, Abdul Rafi Khwaja, Matthew Alan Petersen
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Publication number: 20120267310Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of using Electron-beam technology to remove recalcitrant organic matter and/or volatile organic compounds from a target water sample or other fluid samples. A fluid is directed into a first vessel; and a beam of electrons from an electron beam generator is used to irradiate the fluid. Specifically, once the water is loaded into a first vessel and the organic contaminants are absorbed to saturation levels, a control sensor initiates influent water to be directed to a second vessel while the first vessel is isolated and desorbed using an energy means such as heat or microwave. The desorbed materials are directed through a common manifold containing an E-beam. The E-beam is then used to destroy organic matter desorbed from the first vessel. VOCs may be treated in this way as well, or they may be treated directly without first sorbing and desorbing prior to irradiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: David M. POLIZZOTTI, Michael Salerno
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Publication number: 20120228219Abstract: A spiral wound module is suitable for use with high temperature water that is also very alkaline or has a high pH, for example SAGD produced water. The module uses a polyamide-based membrane with a polysulfone or polyethersulfone backing material. For other components, the module uses primarily one or more of, EPDM; polyamide; polyphenylene oxide; polyphenylene sulfide; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polysulfonamide; polyvinylidene fluoride; mylar; fiberglass; and, epoxy. Polyester is not used. Polypropylene is not used for the feed spacer. For example, a module may use a PVDF feed spacer, a nylon permeate spacer and a polysulfone center tube. The center tube may be provided with 4 rows of 0.063? diameter holes and be rolled under high tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Phillip GOEBEL, David OLSON, David M. POLIZZOTTI, Abdul Rafi KHWAJA
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Publication number: 20120152546Abstract: A system for treating produced water, for example from a SAGD bitumen production operation, has a treatment unit using chemical oxidation (CO) or electromagnetic treatment (ET) to destroy or degrade organics in the produced water. The treatment module may use CO or ET in combination with biological treatment or sorption processes or both. When the treatment module is used upstream of a steam generator, it reduces fouling in the steam generator and in any blowdown water treatment device. A brine concentrator or a crystallizer may be used to treat the blowdown water. The treatment module may be used in combination with a nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter. Optionally, the produced water may be treated with an ET process such as microwaves directly upstream of a steam generator or upstream of a concentrator or crystallizer in a blowdown water stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: David M. Polizzotti, Brian Christopher Moore, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Abdul Rafi Khwaja, Matthew Alan Petersen
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Publication number: 20120145633Abstract: Methods are provided for separating solids containing oily/water of the type normally encountered in SAGD and hydraulic fracturing operations. The solids containing oily/water is subjected to ultrasound separation techniques and mechanical separation operations. The mechanical separation operation may, preferably, comprise centrifugal separation such as that in which the treated solids containing oily/water is separated into a solids fraction, an oil fraction, and a water fraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Publication number: 20110147316Abstract: Methods of deoiling oily water such as SAGD and frac produce water. The oily water is treated with a natural coagulant selected from tannins and chitosan. A cationic and/or anionic flocculant may also be added to the treated oily water. The thus treated oily water may be subjected to conventional mechanical oil separation techniques such as hydrocyclonic separation, dissolved air flotation, entrapped air flotation, induced gas flotation, gravity filters, reverse osmosis filters, API, or Voraxial® bulk separators and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Publication number: 20110147306Abstract: Methods for treating oily wastewater comprising adding to the wastewater a cationic coagulant and an acrylamide copolymer flocculant. The acrylamide copolymer flocculant may comprise either an anionic acrylamide copolymer flocculant or a cationic acrylamide copolymer flocculant or both. The acrylamide flocculants may be present in an emulsion or mixture along with activated starch or maleamate derivatized starch. The method may be employed, for example, to clarify SAGD and/or frac produce waters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Patent number: 7931813Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Setu Chokshi, Yuseph Montasser, David M. Polizzotti, Yatin Tayalia
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Publication number: 20110052656Abstract: A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter, the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Wilson Kurt Whitekettle, Gloria Jean Tafel, Qing Zhao, Linna Wang, Dorothy Reynolds, Paul Frail, Juan Jiang, David M. Polizzotti
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Publication number: 20100294719Abstract: A process for treating produced water in heavy oil production comprises, providing an oil/water mixture gathered from an oil/water collection well, whereby oil from said oil/water mixture is separated to provide an oil product and a produced water product containing oil, dissolved gases and dissolved solutes. Said produced water product is then deoiled, and the deoiled water subsequently passes though a membrane system, resulting in permeate water and reject. The resulting permeate water is sent on to a boiler system for production of steam, and the reject is introduced into an evaporator to result in distillate water and blow down. Thereafter, the blow down may be charged into zero liquid discharge treatment; and the distillate water added to the membrane permeate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: David M. Polizzotti, Graham Sim