Abstract: This application discloses example embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems related to animal watering systems having a mechanism for circulating and/or filtering water. For example, one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein comprises a main body portion comprising a water storage chamber and a water filtering and circulating chamber, the water storage chamber being fluidly coupled with the water filtering and circulating chamber via a valve between the water storage chamber and the water filtering and circulating chamber; a water tray selectively attachable to the main body portion, the main body portion and the water tray being fluidly coupled to one another when the water tray is attached to the main body portion; a water filtration system in the water filtering and circulating chamber; and a water circulating system that is configured to automatically deactivate when the water in the watering system is insufficient to circulate using the water circulating system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems related to water containers for household pets that have a mechanism for circulating water. For example, one embodiment disclosed herein is a water container for pets comprising: a bowl region on an upper surface of the water container, the bowl region comprising one or more apertures in fluid communication with an interior region of the water container; a pump outlet region on the upper surface of the water container, the pump outlet region comprising a pump outlet aperture, the pump outlet region being located adjacent to the bowl region and joined to the bowl region by a channel configured to transport fluid from the pump output aperture into the bowl region; and a water circulating system, the water circulating system comprising a pump configured to pump water from the interior region of the water container to the pump outlet aperture.

Abstract: A method for reducing the salinity, as well as the hydrocarbon concentration of produced water to levels sufficient to meet surface water discharge standards. Pressure vessel and coflow injection technology developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is used to mix produced water and a gas hydrate forming fluid to form a solid or semi-solid gas hydrate mixture. Salts and solids are excluded from the water that becomes a part of the hydrate cage. A three-step process of dissociation of the hydrate results in purified water suitable for irrigation.