Electrical (including Simultaneous Electrical And Magnetic) Separation Or Purification Of Liquid Or Magnetic Treatment Of Liquid (other Than Separation) Patents (Class 204/554)
  • Patent number: 11959923
    Abstract: Flow apparatuses comprising a separation channel, a downstream flow separator, a detection zone, an observation zone, and a waste channel. The separation channel has first and second flows in contact and allows lateral movement of components between contacting first and second flows. The downstream flow separator is in communication with the separation channel and diverts a part of the first fluid flow, the second fluid flow, or both, from the separation channel. The detection zone comprises a detection channel downstream of and in communication with the flow separator and configured to receive a plurality of diverted flows from the flow separator and a label channel configured to label the diverted flows from the flow separator. The observation zone is configured to record an analytical signal indicative of the quantity and the electrical properties of the component. The waste channel is at the downstream end of the observation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Emma Yates, Christopher Dobson, Therese Herling, Tuomas Pertti Jonathan Knowles
  • Patent number: 11767241
    Abstract: A purification device is provided. The purification device includes: an injection channel having an inlet provided on one end thereof; a purification channel and a discharge channel which branch off from the other end of the injection channel via a mesh part, and the remaining substance to be purified is discharged through the discharge channel; an ion-selective membrane contacting at least one side of the mesh part; and a buffer part arranged on the other side of the ion-selective membrane which is in contact with the mesh part, wherein the mesh part has an ion-selective coating layer formed on the surface thereof, and when an electric field is applied, an ion concentration polarization phenomenon occurs to the other end of the injection channel and to the adjacent portion of the mesh part, whereby an ion depletion zone is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignees: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION, INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, HALLYM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Won Seok Kim, Ki Hong Kim, Gun Yong Sung
  • Patent number: 11679369
    Abstract: A process comprises feeding a stream of reactant compounds to a reactor and discharging a liquid plasma into the reactant stream in the reactor, wherein the plasma initiates or accelerates a reaction of the reactant compounds to form a product composition. The reactor can comprise one or more chambers, a high-voltage electrode positioned at a first portion of the one or more chambers, a ground electrode positioned at a second portion of the one or more chambers, and a dielectric plate between the ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode that comprises openings through which the reactant stream can pass from the first portion to the second portion or from the second portion to the first portion. Discharging the plasma can include supplying electrical power to the high-voltage electrode such that plasma is discharged where the reactant stream flows through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Xiao Wu, Shaobo Deng, Jun Zhu
  • Patent number: 11548798
    Abstract: A foam electrode comprising surface treatment by the steps of: 1) impregnating soft compressible polymeric foams with a conductive coating via sequential infiltration synthesis and 2) functionalizing the chemically altered voids with an ultrathin redox coating to enhance capacitive deionization (CDI). The redox coating will allow treated foam to absorb ions under the application of a bias, and mechanical compression/decompression. The CDI apparatus uses the void volume of the foam in the uncompressed state to flow liquids through it while the compressed state is used to enhance desalination by limiting the diffusion pathways for the ions to find an adsorption surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Matthias John Young, Edward F. Barry, Jeffrey W. Elam
  • Patent number: 11530143
    Abstract: This disclosure provides techniques for treatment of aqueous matrices using electrolysis to produce soluble metals. An aqueous matrix of interest is passed through an electrolysis device with at least one consumable electrode, which dissolves under applied current, transferring a desired reagent to the aqueous matrix of interest. In one embodiment, the electrolysis device is used in a water delivery network to passivate hexavalent chromium (Cr6) and/or convert it to trivalent chromium; the electrode can be made of food-grade metal tin, which is electrolyzed to form a stannous reagent, which then reacts with the Cr6. The disclosed techniques provide for Cr6 passivation without requiring the use of concentrated acids or other harmful substances. Long term reagent generation efficiency can be enhanced through the use of cleaning processes which maintain a fresh electrode surface in contact with the aqueous matrix of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AMS Trace Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Dozortsev, Richard Bacon, Jose Antonio Moreno
  • Patent number: 11524910
    Abstract: A bipolar capacitive deionization (CDI) electrode includes a circular current collector having a central hole and inner and outer circumferential surfaces; a nano-carbon coating layer formed on at least top and bottom surfaces of the circular current collector; and a hydrophobic polymer coating layer respectively disposed over the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the current collector. Maintenance and management is facilitated by a bipolar CDI electrode module configured such that individual parts are formed to be removably attached. A water treatment apparatus including the bipolar CDI electrode module exhibits high water treatment efficiency, superior long-term stability, and easy maintenance and management, while solving terminal corrosion problems due to the formation of a hydrophobic polymer coating layer on the surface of an electrode terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Sung Choi, Young Hyun Cho, Jang Yong You
  • Patent number: 11492557
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a computer-implemented method that includes: monitoring, at a gas oil separation plant (GOSP) facility that includes a high-pressure production trap (HPPT) apparatus and a Dual Frequency Desalting (DFD) device, a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters include one or more current measurements from the DFD device, as well as gas temperature and demulsifier concentration from the HPPT; based on the one or more current measurements, determining a rate of change of the one or more current measurements from the DFD device; and in response to the rate of change as well as the gas temperature and the demulsifier concentration, adjusting a demulsifier dosage being injected at the HPPT apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Lopez Andreu, Ramsey James White, Freddy Rubiano Morales, Sultan I. Alghamdi
  • Patent number: 11364762
    Abstract: A vehicle load-bearing member includes an electro-active material, a lead wire for delivering an electric current to the electro-active material, and a controller in communication with a power supply for supplying electric current to the electro-active material for changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material, wherein changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material changes at least one of dampening and stiffness of the vehicle load-bearing member by changing the shape of the electro-active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: DRiV Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Rod Hadi
  • Patent number: 11165312
    Abstract: This invention reduces the shaft voltage of an axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine while ensuring high output and high efficiency. Said axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine comprises the following: a stator comprising a plurality of stator cores, each of which comprises a core and a coil, arranged in a circle around a shaft; a housing, the inside surface of which faces the stator radially; and at least one rotor, the surface of which faces the surface of the stator with a prescribed air gap interposed therebetween in the radial direction of the shaft. The rotor has, on the outside thereof, a conductive section comprising a conductive member. This axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine has a first region where the inside surface of the housing faces the aforementioned conductive section radially and a second region, closer to the stator than the first region is, that extends to the coil side surfaces that face the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirooki Tokoi, Shuuichi Takahashi, Yasuei Yoneoka, Toshifumi Suzuki, Toru Sakai, Katsuyuki Yamazaki, Norihisa Iwasaki, Ryousou Masaki, Yuji Enomoto
  • Patent number: 10937576
    Abstract: The flaky magnetic metal particles of the embodiments include a plurality of flaky magnetic metal particles, each of the flaky magnetic metal particles including a first magnetic particle including a flat surface, at least one first element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni, an average ratio between the maximum length and the minimum length in the flat surface being between 1 and 5 inclusive, an average thickness of the first magnetic particles being between 10 nm and 100 ?m inclusive, an average aspect ratio of the first magnetic particles being between 5 and 10000 inclusive; and a plurality of second magnetic particles disposed on the flat surface, an average number of the second magnetic particles being five or more, an average diameter of the second magnetic particles being between 10 nm and 1 ?m inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomohiro Suetsuna, Tomoko Eguchi, Hiroaki Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 10843147
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for mixing highly viscous fluids to form a mixture. The mixture is created rapidly and has a high level of uniformity. The mixture is created by utilizing induced viscous fluid folding under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is introduced by connecting a nozzle dispensing the fluids in parallel to a voltage supply and grounding a collection plate located below the nozzle. When a certain voltage is applied the co-flow viscous fluids start to fold because the electric field exerts stress on the surface of the fluids, which results in changes of the geometry and dynamics of the viscous fluids. Control of the electric field provides great control over the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VERSITECH LIMITED
    Inventors: Tiantian Kong, Zhou Liu, Ho Cheung Shum, Liqiu Wang
  • Patent number: 10309809
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting stagnant drinking water includes a generator for producing electrical energy, an energy store for storing that energy, a control and analysis unit which detects the charge state of the energy store and a signal transmitter which emits a signal depending on the charge state of the energy store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Christof Ruhnke
  • Patent number: 10287187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate microreactor (1) for desalinating a saline fluid (2), comprising at least one compartment (C1) for migrating ions, at least one compartment (C2) for separating ions and at least one compartment (C3) for collecting fluid, characterized in that first and second cathode electrodes (11A, 11B) and first and second anode electrodes (12A, 12B) each have a first surface (11F, 11G, 12F, 12G) that is in contact with the air and a second surface (11E, 11H, 12E, 12H) opposite said first surface, respectively, said second surface being in direct contact with a plastic wall (13B, 13C, 13A, 13D) that is in direct contact with the saline fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: David Trouve
  • Patent number: 10189725
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of separating impurities from industrial minerals using electrocoagulation and apparatuses for performing the same. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of purifying an industrial mineral composition. The method can include obtaining or providing an aqueous slurry comprising a mineral composition comprising one or more industrial minerals and one or more impurities. The method can include subjecting the aqueous slurry to an electrical current to form at least one coagulation comprising the one or more impurities. The method can include separating at least one of the coagulations from the one or more minerals, providing a purified mineral composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Landis, Shantel J Stone, Bryan Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10065169
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating liquid hydrocarbon fuel for increasing the gaseous content of the fuel includes a treatment unit for increasing the gaseous content of the fuel, the treatment unit including an inlet for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and an outlet for discharging a treated hydrocarbon fuel, and a plurality of concentric, spaced apart circular tubes of substantially equal lengths and of a non-magnetic material, the tubes defining a plurality of intermediary spaces, defining flow paths for the hydrocarbon fuel between the inlet to the outlet, and an innermost tube and an outermost tube are electrically connected to opposite poles of an electrical current generator configured for supplying a fluctuating current to thereby increase the gaseous content of the hydrocarbon fuel flowing through the intermediate tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ULLA SCHØTT JUUL-HANSEN
    Inventor: Antonijo Licitar
  • Patent number: 9976525
    Abstract: A fuel filter device for an internal combustion engine may include a ring filter element separating a raw side from a clean side. A water separator configured as an electric coalescer may be arranged on the clean side for separating water from the fuel. The electric coalescer may include at least two electrodes arranged coaxially with respect to the filter axis, and at least one of the electrodes may be insulated from the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Koppi, Maria Kraut
  • Patent number: 9815029
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method for preparing an antibacterial and dust-removal membrane. The method comprises the following steps: depositing a layer of nano-ZnO on the immersed membrane surface as the seed crystal with the atomic layer deposition instrument (ALD instrument); vertically immersing the membrane covered with nano-ZnO layer in a hydrothermal reactor filled with crystal growth solution, heating it for a period of time, taking the membrane out and cooling it to the room temperate, and removing it from the substrate; finally, heating this membrane in a drier, and purging it with nitrogen to remove the paraffin within the membrane pore to obtain the porous membrane with nano-ZnO arrays growing on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Nanjing Tech University
    Inventors: Zhaoxiang Zhong, Xibo Wu, Zhong Yao
  • Patent number: 9789451
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method, and to a device to produce emulsions and particle suspensions by using electro-hydrodinamic forces and microfluidics This combined use allow the production of droplets with mean diameters which may be either smaller than those obtained in conventional microfluidic devices or larger than those obtained by electrospray, bridging the gap between the two methods acting independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad de Málaga
    Inventors: Ignacio González-Loscertales, Venkata Ramana Gundabala, Alberto Fernandes-Nieves, Regina Gil Garcia
  • Patent number: 9726592
    Abstract: A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described, The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one outlet and a length between the same inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes and a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length. The present invention also includes a method of using said device for separating at least one cell type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: YALE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Hur Koser
  • Patent number: 9546101
    Abstract: An apparatus for the concentration of suspended algae particles in an aqueous solution. The apparatus includes an electrolytic cell containing at least an anode and a cathode, and a filter. The electrolytic cell receives a solution containing suspended algae particles therein. A power supply is near the filter. A zone of depleted suspended algae particles is near the filter, formed under the influence of an applied electric field from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC., PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: E. Jennings Taylor, Maria E. Inman, Joseph Kell, Heather McCrabb, Anthony Ferrante, Ross Youngs, John Nicholas Meister, James Robert Cook
  • Patent number: 9486481
    Abstract: Methods of mobilizing fatty acids are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Reoxcyn Discoveries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Nieman, Bristol Sorensen
  • Patent number: 9387225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gold-platinum based bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions that have nanocrystal surfaces that are substantially free from organic or other impurities or films associated with typical chemical reductants/stabilizers and/or raw materials used in nanoparticle formation processes. Specifically, the surfaces are “clean” relative to the surfaces of metal-based nanoparticles made using chemical reduction (and other) processes that require organic (or other) reductants and/or surfactants to grow (and/or suspend) metal nanoparticles from metal ions in a solution. The invention includes novel electrochemical manufacturing apparatuses and techniques for making the bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions. The techniques do not require the use or presence of chlorine ions/atoms and/or chlorides or chlorine-based materials for the manufacturing process/final suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Adam R. Dorfman, David A. Bryce, Maxwell A. Grace, D. Kyle Pierce, Mikhail Merzliakov, Mark G. Mortenson
  • Patent number: 9328002
    Abstract: A discharge unit includes an alternating high-voltage generator, a pair of electrodes in water, the pair being configured to receive a voltage from the high-voltage generator, and an insulating divider configured to separate the pair of electrodes from each other in the water, and having a small discharge hole defining a path of current to flow between the pair of electrodes. The voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes to generate an electric discharge in the discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaya Nishimura, Kenkichi Kagawa, Tsunahiro Ohdou, Tomoki Saitou, Sachiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9205488
    Abstract: A bulk material formed on a surface is provided. The bulk material includes a plurality of adhered domains of metal material, substantially all of the domains of the plurality of domains of metal material separated by a predetermined layer of high resistivity insulating material. A first portion of the plurality of domains forms a surface. A second portion of the plurality of domains includes successive domains of metal material progressing from the first portion. Substantially all of the domains in the successive domains each include a first surface and a second surface, the first surface opposing the second surface, the second surface conforming to a shape of progressed domains, and a majority of the domains in the successive domains in the second portion having the first surface comprising a substantially convex surface and the second surface comprising one or more substantially concave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Persimmon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Hosek, Sripati Sah
  • Patent number: 9116105
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring water fraction in a fluid mixture flowing in a conductive tubing within a borehole. The sensor comprises: an active probe, a reference probe, and an electronic unit. The active probe includes a first electrode and a second electrode isolated from each other by a first insulating layer, the first and second electrodes are preferably in contact with the fluid mixture. The reference probe is formed from an internal wall of the conductive tubing contacting the fluid mixture and isolated from the reference probe by a second insulating layer. The electronic unit is coupled to the first and second electrodes, and to the reference probe, the electronic unit preferably includes a capacitance module for measuring a capacitance between the active probe and the reference probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Veneruso, Christian Chouzenoux, Yann Dufour, José Teixeira
  • Patent number: 9079775
    Abstract: A method for dispersing nanomaterial comprising an electrochemical process, a solution of dispersed nanomaterial, comprising individual charged nanomaterial at a concentration of about 0.1 mgm?1 or more and a solvent and an electrochemical cell are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: UCL Business PLC
    Inventors: Christopher Howard, Neal Skipper, Milo Shaffer, Sian Fogden
  • Patent number: 9040108
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device includes at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Guangwei Wang, Declan Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 9028689
    Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Global Water Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fraim, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 8997863
    Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Water Tectonics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mothersbaugh, Marvin Eugene Hancock
  • Patent number: 8968873
    Abstract: A microfluidic device to produce polymersomes having three coaxial passageways of increasing size with fluid flowing in one direction. The first and smallest passageway contains the content of the polymersome, the middle passageway contains a block copolymer, and the largest and outer passageway contains an aqueous medium or water. The device can produce polymersomes with control of size and membrane thickness. The device will allow quantitative loading of the polymersomes in high quantities. The device is robust and easily assembled and has the ability to independently control the three streams involved in making the polymersomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: University of Connecticut, Princeton University
    Inventors: Douglas H. Adamson, Michael Stredney, Robert K. Prud'homme, Mustafa Erhan Yildiz
  • Patent number: 8961878
    Abstract: A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described. The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one outlet and a length between the same inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes and a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length. The present invention also includes a method of using said device for separating at least one cell type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Hur Koser
  • Publication number: 20150047983
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Richard T. Mayes, Sheng Dai
  • Publication number: 20150021185
    Abstract: An electrode material may include a porous carbon material and an organic clay. An electrode for a capacitive deionization apparatus may include the electrode material. A method of removing ions from a fluid may include using the capacitive deionization apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Da Hye PARK, Myung Dong CHO, Hyo Rang KANG, Hyun Seok KIM, Joon Seon JEONG
  • Publication number: 20140374258
    Abstract: A system and method of using a traveling electric wave generated by means of intertwined helically wound electrodes powered by a polyphase alternating current, such that the traveling electric wave attracts both anions and cations in alternating bands of anions and cations, providing an electromotive force for these ions along the direction of travel of the electric wave, thus moving a concentrated ionic flow for the purpose of propulsion or removal of ions from a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Hui
  • Publication number: 20140367262
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spacer structure that is configured to be disposed between a pair of electrodes in a capacitive deionization apparatus so as to provide a space for flowing a fluid therethrough. The spacer structure includes a copolymer prepared by copolymerizing a mixture of a polyurethane backbone including a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group, an ion conductive monomer including a carboxyl group and a cation exchange group, and a second polymer including a functional group that reacts with the carboxyl group or sulfonic acid group and forms a cross-linking bond with the polyurethane backbone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Myung Dong CHO, Joon Seon JEONG, Hyun Seok KIM, Hyo Rang KANG, Da Hye PARK
  • Publication number: 20140346046
    Abstract: The polarized electrode flow through capacitor comprises at least one each electrode material, with a pore volume that includes meso and micropores, with contained anionic or cationic groups. The polarized electrodes are in opposite polarity facing pairs, separated by a flow path or flow spacer. Both polarities of the particular attached ionic groups used are ionized at the working pH or composition of the particular feed solution supplied to inlet of the flow through capacitor. The contained groups cause the electrodes to be polarized so that they are selective to anions or cations. The polarized electrode flow through capacitor has better performance compared to identical flow through capacitors made from non-derivitized carbon. The capacitor electrode materials so derivitized provide this polarization function directly without need for a separate charge barrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Mespilus Inc.
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 8871074
    Abstract: A water desalination system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs capacitive deionization to remove ions from source water to produce deionzed and waste water. The process employs charged electrodes to attract ions of opposite polarity from the source water. The process of discharging the electrodes employs solvent drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nam P. Suh, Sang-Gook Kim, Taesik Lee, Ishan Barman, Gyunyoung Heo
  • Patent number: 8852660
    Abstract: Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Dusan Miljkovic
  • Patent number: 8845906
    Abstract: The current invention provides a novel process for the treatment and reclamation of drilling frac flowback and produced wastewater from the drilling industry. The wastewater is delivered to the EMC/F System from a frac tank or other reservoir. The wastewater is pumped into the system and is treated sequentially by passing through a mechanical hydrocavitation unit, an electromagnetic unit, an electrocoagulation unit and/or a hydrocyclone and a flocculation-sedimentation tank. Polishing of the final effluent is accomplished by passing the water through a mixed media tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Don E. Henley and Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Donald E. Henley
  • Publication number: 20140262789
    Abstract: A point of use irrigation water fertigation system utilizes plasma production of nitrogen-bearing species. Soluble nitrogen-bearing species are generated using an atmospheric air plasma treatment of an irrigation water supply. A plasma is generated by a tube having an air intake. A high frequency generator generates atmospheric plasma. The end of the tube is placed above the surface of the irrigation water supply and the plasma emanating from the tube generates nitrogen species in the water. The non-thermal plasma discharge efficiently produces highly reactive radicals and NOx species that have impact on water chemistry including inactivation of microorganisms with high efficacy and accelerated removal of persistent organic pollutants such as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from water samples. Plasma ignition can be initiated with a low flow of helium gas injection. Upon ignition, the gas is transitioned to a helium/room air mix, immediately followed by a transition to ambient room air only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Steven C. Shannon, Detlef Knappe, Brandon Byrns, Daniel Wooten, Alexander Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20140262788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning water is disclosed. Water is flowed past a probe, wherein the water may include impurities. The probe is energized to excite the water and a presence of electrons in the excited water is reduced to produce positively charged water downstream of the probe that causes the impurities to dissociate from the water. The excited water may be deposited on a soil for crop production. The excited water may be further deposited on the soil to flush impurities in the soil to a depth away from a root of a crop planted in the soil to reclaim the soil for crop production. The excited water may further be used to descale pipes, such as used in irrigation, heat exchangers, cooling systems, etc. In yet another embodiment, the probe may be energized at a frequency selected to destroy organism, thereby protecting ecosystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TRANSGLOBAL H2O, LLC.
    Inventors: Roger E. Fearon, Jeffrey M. Carlitz, Seenappa Poola, Michael A. Champ, James Smallwood, Jessica Bobenrieth
  • Publication number: 20140246364
    Abstract: A system for performing ozone water treatment comprises a voltage supply circuit and a plasma eductor reactor. The voltage supply circuit includes an H-bridge controller and driver, a transformer, and an output port. The H-bridge controller and driver are configured to switch the electrical polarity of a pair of terminals. A primary of the transformer is connected to the H-bridge driver and controller. A secondary of the transformer connects in parallel with a first capacitor and in series with an inductor and a second capacitor. The output port connects in parallel with the second capacitor. The plasma eductor reactor includes an electric field generator, a flow spreader, and a diffuser. The electric field generator includes a pair of electrodes that generate an electric field. The flow spreader supplies a stream of oxygen. The diffuser supplies a stream of water. The streams of water and oxygen pass through the electric field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Eon Labs LLC
    Inventors: Chris Hruska, Walter Buchanan, David Forsee
  • Patent number: 8808433
    Abstract: A novel method and system of separating carbon dioxide from flue gas is introduced. Instead of relying on large temperature or pressure changes to remove carbon dioxide from a solvent used to absorb it from flue gas, the ion pump method, as disclosed herein, dramatically increases the concentration of dissolved carbonate ion in solution. This increases the overlying vapor pressure of carbon dioxide gas, permitting carbon dioxide to be removed from the downstream side of the ion pump as a pure gas. The ion pumping may be obtained from reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, thermal desalination methods, or an ion pump system having an oscillating flow in synchronization with an induced electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier
  • Patent number: 8795590
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter B. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20140209465
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for separating oil and water streams. The method includes separating a fluid stream into an oil continuous stream and a water continuous stream using a cyclonic separator, flowing the oil continuous stream to a first gravity separation vessel, and flowing the water continuous stream to a second gravity separation vessel. The method also includes separating the oil continuous stream in the first gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream and separating the water continuous stream in the second gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Scott M. Whitney, Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 8784657
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yong Yang
  • Patent number: 8784667
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of fluid treatment for a plurality of fluids with a first and a second non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved within at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit providing a plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Wilsa, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Publication number: 20140183046
    Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic devices and systems for the desalination of water. The devices and systems can include an electrode configured to generate an electric field gradient in proximity to an intersection formed by the divergence of two microfluidic channels from an inlet channel. Under an applied bias and in the presence of a pressure driven flow of saltwater, the electric field gradient can preferentially direct ions in saltwater into one of the diverging microfluidic channels, while desalted water flows into second diverging channel. Also provided are methods of using the devices and systems described herein to decrease the salinity of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Richard A. Crooks, Kyle N. Knust, Robbyn K. Anand
  • Publication number: 20140171632
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating fibrous materials includes: an introduction unit through which fibrous materials capable of performing Brownian motion are introduced; a moving path providing section prepared in a state in which at least one field causing movement of the fibrous materials in a predetermined direction is applied thereto, and providing a moving path for the fibrous materials; at least three capture zone-providing segments provided to the moving path providing section so as to at least temporarily capture the fibrous materials; and an collecting unit collecting the fibrous materials having passed through the moving path providing section. The apparatus and method have improved safety and improved purity of separated fibrous materials, enables separation of large amounts of fibrous materials through a simple separation process, and the apparatus and method have other various advantages inferred from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the apparatus and method may significantly increase yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Yong-Gu Lee
  • Patent number: 8753499
    Abstract: A deionization apparatus for regenerating electrodes using vibration and a method of controlling the same. The deionization apparatus includes electrodes to which ions contained in a fluid are absorbed, and a piezoelectric element to separate the ions absorbed to the electrodes by vibration. Since the ions absorbed to the electrodes are separated using mechanical energy generated by the piezoelectric element, it may be possible to more rapidly perform regeneration of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrey Troshin, Dae Wook Park, Hideo Nojima, Seon Uk Na