Water Purification Only Patents (Class 203/10)
  • Patent number: 7943047
    Abstract: Process for the treatment of wastewater from an aldolization process which is contaminated with water-soluble and/or dispersed organic impurities by means of single-stage or multistage extraction with an organic liquid of the aldolization process wastewater which has been set to a pH of from 0 to 6, in which an organic liquid obtained by stripping of the acidified aldolization process wastewater or of the acidified and extracted aldolization process wastewater, condensation of the stripped compounds and phase separation of the condensate is used as extractant for the extraction of organic impurities from the acidified aldolization process wastewater and wastewater having a lower content of organic impurities than the aldolization process wastewater fed to the extraction is taken off from the stripping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Siegmar Maassen, Roland Krokoszinski, Detlef Kratz
  • Publication number: 20110108406
    Abstract: Apparatus for distilling a fluid such as water includes a vessel and heat transfer plates within the vessel structures to form at least one each cooling channel, evaporative channel, and condensing channel. Air enters the vessel and passes through the cooling channel, where it is cooled due to evaporation taking place in an adjacent evaporative channel. In the evaporative channel, input fluid is supplied to the walls of the heat transfer plates facing into the evaporative channel and evaporation forms vapor. The vapor is condensed in a condensing channel. In some embodiments, an evaporation channel forms a vacuum chamber and a condensing channel forms a compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: IDALEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Valeriy Maisotsenko, Leland E. Gillan, Alan D. Gillan, Rick J. Gillan
  • Patent number: 7931809
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7927463
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel tritium distillation device, which includes a container, a radiator covered on top of the container with a protrusion at the bottom, a conduit penetrating the container with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being arranged in correspondence with the protrusion, and a heating device fixed below the container. The method of operating the tritiated water distillation includes the steps of adding environmental tritiated water in the container, covering the radiator on top of the container closely, heating environmental tritiated water to cause tritiated water steam to be condensed to the bottom of the radiator, and collecting the tritiated water condensation dropped from the protrusion with conduit. The present invention uses a simple structure to ease assembly and reduce the cost of cooling water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Fang
  • Patent number: 7922874
    Abstract: A multi-effect evaporator, having an upstream and a downstream end, adapted for distillation of water. It comprises a plurality of effects serially connected and arranged into groups. Each group has a common parallel water feed inlet adapted to supply all effects in the group with feed water. The evaporator further includes a main feed water line in fluid communication with the most upstream group. An array of heaters is disposed along the line, adapted for heating the feed water before its entry into the effects of the latter group. Each effect comprises means for forwarding the second outlet vapor into one of the heaters for heating the feed water. Each group comprises a pump adapted to extract the concentrate from the effects of the group and pump it into the common parallel water feed of an adjacent downstream group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: I.D.E. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Avraham Ophir, Joseph Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20110073460
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus and method with stair-like heat treatment tanks for performing a breakdown process are disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a mixing tank, for evenly mixing wastewater with reaction agents and thus forming a mixed solution; a plurality of heat treatment tanks, for enabling the mixed solution to circulate therein while being heating for a period of time so as to perform an organic destruction process upon the mixed solution and thus cause a discharging liquid to be formed; a heat exchanger, for enabling a heat exchanging process between the discharging liquid and the mixed solution to be performed therein; a condensation tank, for receiving and cooling the discharging liquid; a water purifier, for purifying and thus separating the discharging water into a cleaned water and a concentrated liquid for outputting; an agent recycling unit, for electrolyzing the concentrated liquid so as to recycle the reaction agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Jen-Chieh Chung, Ming-Hsin Wu, Yu-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7914680
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying liquids. In a particular implementation, the system includes a forward-osmosis unit for diluting a water source for a downstream desalination unit. A pretreatment unit may be located hydraulically upstream of the desalination unit, such as upstream or downstream of the forward-osmosis unit. In certain embodiments, the system includes an extraction unit for extracting a relatively easily extractable osmotic agent from an osmotic draw solution. The system may include one or more forward-osmosis units downstream of the desalination unit for diluting a concentrated brine stream produced by the desalination unit. In particular embodiments, a downstream forward-osmosis unit uses the concentrated brine stream as an osmotic agent, such as to extract water from seawater or brackish water. Another downstream forward-osmosis unit may use impaired water as a feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Tzahi Y. Cath, Amy E. Childress
  • Publication number: 20110070635
    Abstract: A combined solar reflector and desalination assembly is provided for generating energy and fresh water from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A combined solar reflector and desalination assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. At least one catchment device and collection assembly are coupled to the tube. The elongated tube may have an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Advanced Lab Group Cooperative
    Inventors: John D.H. King, Nicholas A. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7901580
    Abstract: Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Ival O. Salyer
  • Publication number: 20110048920
    Abstract: An adsorption-desalination unit utilizing a silica gel—water working pair adsorbent—adsorbate having an economizing heat exchanger to pre-heat the incoming source seawater to be desalinated in an evaporator from about 8° C. to about 1° C. above the ambient seawater temperature. The economizing heat exchanger employs heat captured during the adsorption cycle to pre-heat incoming source seawater, thereby increasing the efficient use of energy in the unit. The heating fluid utilized to drive the desorption cycle is further utilized to heat the evaporator. A mist eliminator positioned intermediate the evaporator and the adsorbent heat exchanger chambers prevents non-vaporized water from entering the adsorbent heat exchanger chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Randall N. Avery, Charlie Booth
  • Publication number: 20110048006
    Abstract: A desalinization plant and process utilizes solar radiation to produce steam from seawater which is then used to generate freshwater and electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cap, Alan V. von Arx
  • Publication number: 20110048921
    Abstract: A desalinization plant and process utilizes solar radiation to produce steam from seawater which is then used to generate freshwater and electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cap, Alan V. von Arx
  • Patent number: 7897019
    Abstract: Systems and methods for desalting seawater by distillation are disclosed. Warm air is fed into the bottom of a natural draft tower. The warm air passes through seawater in an exchange means to increase the water content of the air. The moisture-laden air then rises and is drawn through a condensing means. The condensing means is cooled by cold water drawn from deep ocean depths. Desalted seawater is collected from the condensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Alan Dayton Akers
  • Publication number: 20110042199
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and device for purifying a liquid (4) comprising liquid particules and residual particles, comprising the steps of;—heating the liquid particules and residual particules for purifying; (6)—carrying the liquid in of liquid droplets into a purification space,—applying a similar electric charge to the liquid droplets and to a condensation surface; (20)—evaporating liquid particles in the purification space;—condensing the evaporated liquid particles to form condensation on the condensation surface; (20)—discharging the condensation (22) and the unevaporated residual particles separately (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sybrand Jacob Metz, Gerrit Oudakker, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen
  • Publication number: 20110036703
    Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch
  • Publication number: 20110024281
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to solar distillation methods and systems for recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, a process for water distillation includes a cycled arrangement, alternating between a day cycle and a night cycle to enhance the yield of potable water. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system includes a solar still having a design and orientation to maximize solar energy capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Hillery Thomas Kemp
  • Publication number: 20110029410
    Abstract: A method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer, which may be at the point of entry, and/or between the point of entry and point of use, and/or at the point of use. The method includes treating the water and delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, and reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: BERNARD FRANK
  • Publication number: 20110011724
    Abstract: An improved system to reduce the volume of makeup water necessary for the operation of a cooling tower, which system includes a combination of a floating heat exchanger and a cooling tower in such a manner that the wastewater discharged from the cooling tower is added to a surface impoundment equipped with said floating heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ralph Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7871520
    Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through at least a portion of the interior region, and having exterior surfaces and inner hollow regions, where the inner hollow regions are configured to provide flow paths for a distillate fluid. The membrane module further comprises an opening extending through the outer casing for providing a feed solution to the interior region adjacent the exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, where the feed solution provided to the opening has an elevated temperature that is greater than an atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature of the feed solution, and an elevated pressure at which an effective boiling temperature of the feed solution is greater than the elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Milton Roy Company
    Inventors: Zidu Ma, James R. Irish, Xiaohong Liao, Haralambos Cordatos, Xiaomei Yu
  • Patent number: 7866176
    Abstract: An autonomous water source for extracting water from ambient air and delivering it to a plant to support growth. The system is based on an adsorption-desorption-condensation cycle using a sorption material to extract moisture from ambient air and condensing the water vapor driven off from the sorption material by subsequent heating and followed by condensation. Liquid condensate produced in this process on the condenser is collected and delivered by gravity to a plant to reduce thermal stress and to support growth. The invention provides a sustainable source of irrigation water for agriculture and forestry, including areas where no water resources exist or are not economically viable. It can be tailored in size, and therefore, output capacity, reflecting the desired water requirements of a particular application, and can be used to replace most agricultural situations now reliant on surface water drip feed systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Aqwest LLC
    Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, Katerina Vetrovec
  • Patent number: 7862692
    Abstract: A method of evaporating liquid in a liquid evaporating system having heat exchangers, evaporators, and steam reheaters, includes: preheating condensed water in the heat exchangers; distilling in the evaporators the condensed water from the heat exchangers, wherein the evaporators each has a horizontal plane evaporating chamber at an upper side thereof and a horizontal plane steam heating chamber at a lower side thereof, wherein heating steam is provided from an external boiler to the heating chamber; exchanging heat between the evaporating chamber and the heating chamber using a heat exchange boundary face formed in a concavo-convex shape, wherein the heat exchange boundary face is formed of a metal plate; and reheating in the steam reheaters the steam from the respective evaporators, wherein the reheaters each are coupled to a subsequent one of the heating chambers to serve as a heating source of the subsequent heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jeong-Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 7857945
    Abstract: A solar still includes a relatively shallow chamber with a pyramid shaped transparent cover and a transparent base. The still also includes a pair of rollers and an endless heat absorbing belt rotatable about the rollers. The still is positioned to receive solar energy passing through the transparent cover and impinging on an upper surface of the heat absorbing belt in order to vaporize seawater within the chamber. The efficiency of the still is increased by one or more mirrors disposed below the still for reflecting sun light up through the transparent base to impinge on a lower outer surface of the belt to enhance the vaporization of the seawater. One or more fans are also provided for cooling the cover to enhance the condensation of water that will then run down the cover and into a pure water receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Garni, Ayman Kassem, Farooq Saeed
  • Publication number: 20100320071
    Abstract: Saline waters are made suitable for use in large quantities in petroleum refining operations by evaporative desalination of a water source having a dissolved salt content of at least 30,000 ppmw with the heat liberated during the steam condensation used as low quality heat for petroleum refining operations. Sea water is most suitable for evaporative purification processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael SISKIN, Ramesh VARADARAJ
  • Publication number: 20100314238
    Abstract: A hydro-thermal exchange unit (HTEU) for desalinating feed water in accordance with a humidification-dehumidification includes feed water, fresh water and gas conduit circuits for transporting feed water, fresh water, and gas, respectively. The unit also includes an evaporator through which a portion of the feed water conduit and the gas conduit pass. The evaporator causes evaporation of a portion of the feed water to produce vapor that is transported through the gas conduit. The unit also includes a condenser through which a portion of the gas conduit and the fresh water conduit pass. The condenser has input and output ports for coupling the gas and fresh water conduit circuits. The condenser extracts moisture from the vapor transported therethrough by the gas conduit. The extracted moisture is discharged through the fresh water conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SUNLIGHT PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sergey Frolov, Michael Cyrus, Allan James Bruce
  • Publication number: 20100314237
    Abstract: An evaporation device has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is made of a hydrophilic membrane, such as DutyionT. The outer tube is preferably made of a material that readily absorbs solar radiation and is a good heat conductor. There is a gap between the inner tube and the outer tube for the flow of air. The inner tube contains a flow of impure water. The hydrophilic membrane allows water to pass to the outside of the inner tube as vapour, but prevents impurities from passing through. Air flowing in the gap takes up the water vapour and humidified air exits the evaporation device. This humidified air is subsequently cooled to collect the vapour and provide purified water, e.g. at a condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Tonkin
  • Patent number: 7849921
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Publication number: 20100300287
    Abstract: A slurried solid media for simultaneous water purification and carbon dioxide removal from gas mixtures includes the steps of dissolving the gas mixture and carbon dioxide in water providing a gas, carbon dioxide, water mixture; adding a porous solid media to the gas, carbon dioxide, water mixture forming a slurry of gas, carbon dioxide, water, and porous solid media; heating the slurry of gas, carbon dioxide, water, and porous solid media producing steam; and cooling the steam to produce purified water and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Brian Viani
  • Publication number: 20100282591
    Abstract: The present application concerns a process for the removal of hydrocarbons from an aqueous stream, which process may include conducting a phenol-containing water stream into a separation column, separating the phenol-containing water in the column using heat to form an overhead portion and a bottoms portion, and collecting the overhead portion as well as the bottoms portion. Further, the process may include adding an eluent to an aqueous stream, thereby forming an aqueous mixture, subsequently conducting the aqueous mixture into a separation vessel, wherein it is allowed to settle into two phases, which form a hydrocarbon stream and a phenol-containing water stream, subsequently collecting the hydrocarbon stream, and conducting the phenol-containing water stream to the separation column for further separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNOLOGY OY
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjo, Maarit Aarni-Sirvio
  • Publication number: 20100282592
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods useful in waste processing. Disclosed is the use of a regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) unit for production of industrially useable steam. Disclosed are systems including a stripping unit associated with a regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) unit so that the stripping unit provides fuel for the RTO unit and the RTO unit provides a stripping gas for the stripping unit. Disclosed are systems including an RTO unit providing steam to operate a vapor condensation (VC) unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Elcon Recycling Center (2003) Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvi Elgat, Alexander Levin
  • Publication number: 20100275600
    Abstract: A method recovering heat and water from a warm slurry, such as warm tailings from a oil sands extraction mining operation, is provided. The method comprises providing the tailings to a vacuum vessel, removing, from the vacuum vessel, warm vapor derived from the tailings, condensing the warm vapor in a condenser to produce water, and recovering the water from the condenser. Cool river or pond water can be warmed with the heat from the vapor for additional uses in the mining operation. Essentially pure water can be obtained in the process. This can also be achieved using one or flash vessels in series to condense the vapor. Power can also be generated from the vapor using a turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Brian C. Speirs, James Andrew Dunn
  • Publication number: 20100279181
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation and capture of carbon dioxide from water are generally described. In some embodiments, a vapor stream containing carbon dioxide and water is separated using a cascade of at least two flash drums. Additional flash steps may be incorporated to remove atmospheric gases, such as nitrogen and argon, from the feed. Carbon dioxide may be condensed and pressurized at purities suitable for pipeline transport and eventual storage in geological formations. In addition, water may be recovered at high purity. In some embodiments, fuel cells may be used in combination with fuel reforming or gasification to produce syngas. Certain aspects of the invention involve innovations related to the combined reforming and fuel cell process, that, in certain embodiments, do not depend upon water and carbon dioxide separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Adams, II, Paul Inigo Barton
  • Publication number: 20100270171
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and a system for reducing the amount of fluid in a biological mass comprising solids and fluid in the form of liquid and gas. The system includes a temporary storage container for receiving and temporary storing a biological mass, at least one separator arranged to receive the biological mass from the temporary storage container and separate at least a portion of the fluid of the mass from the solids of the mass, a solids container for receiving the solids fraction separated from the biological mass, and a liquid-purifying device arranged to purify the liquid which is separated from the mass by means of the separator. The system is substantially fluidtight towards the surroundings and the separator includes a screen cloth and a device for inducing a fluid flow. The fluid flow is arranged to carry a portion of the liquid out of the mass and through the screen cloth, the essential part of the fluid flow has been recirculated in the system (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Per Reider Orke
  • Publication number: 20100258426
    Abstract: A water desalination system includes an evaporator for evaporating saline water to produce water vapor and an adsorption means in selective vapor communication with the evaporator for reversibly adsorbing the water vapor from the evaporator. The adsorption means is in selective vapor communication with a condenser, and desorbing means for desorbing the adsorbed water vapor from the adsorption means for collection by the condenser. The condenser is adapted to condense the water vapor to desalinated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicants: National University of Singapore, Kyushu University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    Inventors: Kim Choon Ng, Xiao-Lin Wang, Lizhen Gao, Anutosh Chakraborty, Bidyut Baran Saha, Shigeru Koyama, Atsushi Akisawa, Takao Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 7811420
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus is disclosed for water desalination including steps of transferring water vapor from salt-water in a vaporization zone 7, via a water vapor transfer zone 12, to a condensation zone 11, and condensing the water vapor into fresh-water. The water vapor transfer zone 12 is maintained substantially free of any gas other than water vapor. Heat is supplied to the vaporization zone 7 and extracted from the condensation zone 11, at relative rates such that there is a net transfer of water from the vaporization zone to the condensation zone. Also disclosed is a method of and apparatus for degassing salt water using at least two degassing chambers 17A, 17B each provided with a valved vent 47 and a valved inlet 21,29,90,91, with a valved pipe circuit 17a, 72-82,85-87, having a pump 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Sven Olof Sonander
  • Patent number: 7799178
    Abstract: An improved method for efficiently adding additional heat values into a distillation process to optimize the production of distillate from water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Veatch Holding Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Eddington
  • Patent number: 7794572
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus (10) includes an evaporating chamber (13), a light concentrator (11), and a heat pipe (12). The evaporating chamber is for containing impure water. The evaporating chamber has a connecting opening (134) and a vapor outlet (131). The light concentrator is for concentrating sunshine. The heat pipe has an evaporating section (121) and a condensing section (122). The evaporating section is irradiated by the concentrated sunshine, and the condensing section is disposed in the evaporating chamber through the connecting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100224476
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for purifying a liquid, such as an impaired water. In some examples, seawater or brackish water is purified, such as to a potable level. Some configurations provide a system which includes a membrane-distillation unit, such as a vacuum-enhanced direct contact membrane distillation unit. The system also includes a forward-osmosis system, which may include one or more forward-osmosis units. A concentrated draw stream from the membrane-distillation unit, such as a concentrated brine solution, serves as a draw solution for a forward-osmosis unit, which may extract water from a source water, such as an impaired water. In some implementations, the forward-osmosis system includes a second forward-osmosis unit which uses the diluted draw solution from the first forward-osmosis unit as a draw solution to extract water from a source water. The system may include additional components, such as a heater or a buffer tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Tzahi Y. Cath, Amy E. Childress, Christopher R. Martinetti
  • Patent number: 7785448
    Abstract: A method of operating an evaporator is described. In evaporator feed water, a Taylor bubble is developed which has an outer surface including a thin film in contact with an inner surface of an outer wall of an evaporator tube. The Taylor bubble is heated as it rises within the evaporator tube so that liquid in the thin film transitions into vapor within the bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Kingston Owens
  • Patent number: 7771567
    Abstract: The salt water distillation system includes a sprinkler to form a mist of salt water over a distillation plate. The distillation plate is heated by applying electrical current to a heating coil. The steam is transferred to a condensation chamber and condensed fresh water is collected. During the desalination process, salt impurities are deposited on the hot distillation plate. A sludge remover, i.e., a steam head and movable ram, is provided to clean the distillation plate of the salt impurities. An exhaust fan is provided to cool fresh water condensate and lower air pressure in the system. Heat transferred from the steam during condensation is used to pre-heat the salt water to increase efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Michael L. Rives, James O. Riley
  • Publication number: 20100181185
    Abstract: A desalination process comprising heating brine in a preheating chamber and transferring the brine to a rotary kiln to be sprayed against the wall structure of the rotary kiln to boil to steam and a residue of salt/impurities, the exiting steam being pressurised in a compressor and passed to an externally powered heater to be heated and then fed to a hollow wall structure of the rotating kiln in which the steam condenses to pure water to be transferred to the preheating chamber to preheat the incoming brine, the rotating kiln being arranged to rotate past a scraper to remove salt/impurities from the wall structure for collection at the base of the kiln.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: DESALINATION TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD
    Inventor: Garth Davey
  • Patent number: 7744761
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100154679
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100158786
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100147673
    Abstract: An improved water desalination system is disclosed, in which contaminated water such as seawater or brackish water is preheated and fed into a primary pressure vessel through a distribution head. The seawater is distributed from the distribution head over a non-adherent surface such as a plurality of silicone chords hanging below a distribution tank or a cone- and cylindrical-shaped surface. The water is exposed to a high temperature steam environment in the chamber to cause at least a portion of the water in the contaminated water to evaporate, while the remaining concentrated salts from the contaminated water fall to the bottom of the chamber. A portion of the steam in the primary pressure vessel is withdrawn to be condensed into fresh water. The energy withdrawn with the steam extracted from the primary pressure vessel is made up by a supplemental energy apparatus, such as a steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Water Desalination International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Passarelli
  • Patent number: 7731854
    Abstract: An in situ system used for treating an oil and gas well drilling fluid and treating water after a well is completed. The system includes a fluid treatment unit used in a reserve pit and a water treatment unit disposed next to the pit. The fluid treatment unit includes a floating electrocoagulation unit in the reserve pit for destabilizing contaminates in the fluid and dropping out stable precipitates. The clear treated fluid is then pumped, using a submersible pump, to the water treatment unit. The water treatment includes a number of components including a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and a heat exchanger for first treating the fluid. The filtered and heated fluid is then piped into a reverse osmosis unit for removing salt and any remaining minerals found therein. From the reverse osmosis unit, approximately 70 to 80% of the filtered water is cleaned and piped to a clean water storage tank for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: H2O Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Herbst
  • Patent number: 7731847
    Abstract: An submersible desalination unit composed of a structure containing a water intake system for acquiring sea water, a sea water pre-filtration system for removing lager contaminants and debris, a reverse osmosis system for the purification of the water, a permeate transfer system to carry the water to where it will be used, a power source for powering the equipment used in the process and a control system that operates and monitors the equipment and process of removing salt from the water and transferring the desalinated water to other use and returning the brine solution to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Huy Ton That
  • Patent number: 7707830
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David F. Bednarek, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill, Kingston Owens
  • Publication number: 20100089740
    Abstract: A method for processing wastewater is provided. The method includes pretreating a flow of the wastewater using at least one of a softening/clarification system, a sludge handling system, a filtration system, and an ammonia stripping system, evaporating the pretreated flow to produce at least a distillate and an evaporator brine; separating the evaporator brine to produce a liquid recycle stream and salt crystal mixture; and channeling the liquid recycle stream to a feed stream. The method eliminates the salt drying process that significantly reduces the costs of construction and operation of the standard zero process water discharge process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Dinh-Cuong Vuong, James Scott Kain
  • Publication number: 20100078306
    Abstract: The once-through multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plant with feed cooler is a desalination system utilizing a feed water cooler. Particularly, the plant includes a conventional MSF system, with a separate water cooler for cooling the seawater or brine that is input into the system, prior to the passage of the brine into the condensation conduits and brine heater. In use, the cooled brine is pumped, under pressure, through at least one conduit that passes through a plurality of flash chambers. The brine is then heated and injected into the plurality of flash chambers, where it is flashed into steam. The steam condenses on an external surface of the at least one conduit, and the condensed water is then extracted from the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Majed Moalla Alhazmy
  • Patent number: 7681643
    Abstract: A process for conditioning of wastewater treatment brines for deep well injection during recovery of heavy hydrocarbon oils in situ. High pressure steam is used to mobilize oil, which is recovered in a mixture of oil and produced water. The produced water is pre-treated by removing residual oil. The remaining water is acidified and steam stripped to remove non-hydroxide alkalinity and non-condensable gases, and is then fed to a crystallizing evaporator, where it is evaporated from a circulating brine slurry to produce (1) a distillate stream having a trace amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown stream containing, as dissolved or suspended solids, substantially all of the solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate stream is used as boiler feedwater, either directly or after polishing. The evaporator blowdown is conditioned to remove substantially all suspended solids and to produce a clear brine solution for deep well injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins