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.

Abstract: Use of a non-sacrificial electrode made of synthetic graphite for applications utilizing conductive immersed treatment of wastewater is disclosed. The synthetic graphite is manufactured from a petroleum based extruded or molded composite material in any of plate, bar or coil forms. The electrodes are especially useful in the primary reaction chamber of an electrocoagulation apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging particles in non-conductive liquids, so they agglomerate and can be removed by filtering, is comprised of a housing which contains a non-conductive insert having a multiplicity of channels. The incoming stream is divided into two halves, each of which is flowed through a set of charging channels which contain electrodes, preferably metal brush-like electrodes. One set of electrodes is charged to a high positive voltage; the other set is charged to a high negative voltage. The liquid streams are then merged and flowed trough a set of mixing channels, along the path of which are one or more reversals in flow direction. The mixing channel path length is substantially longer than the charging channel path length.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, process, and system for the treatment of a water stream are provided. Such apparatus, method, process, and system characterized by applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes to generate an electric field with such electric field applied across a water stream passing there between the pair of electrodes. At least one of the pair of electrodes comprises a metal, and one or more of a plurality of positively charged ions in the water stream are substituted with one or more positively charged ions of the metal. Additionally, one or more of a plurality of negatively charged ions may react with the one or more positively charge ions of the metal to form an ionic compound. One or more of any remaining of the plurality of positively charged ions may reaction with another one or more of the plurality of negatively charged ions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. 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.

Abstract: A method of reducing naphthenic acids in a wastewater stream. The method begins by processing the wastewater stream to produce a treated wastewater stream with an electrocoagulation device to induce flocculation of the naphthenic acids. The reduction of the naphthenic acids in the wastewater stream occurs from separating flocculated naphthenic acids to produce the treated wastewater stream.

Abstract: The plasma-generating apparatus includes a treatment vessel 509 containing to-be-treated water 510, a first electrode 504 and a second electrode 502 within the treatment vessel, a bubble-generating part which generate a bubble 506 such that a surface where conductor of the first electrode 504 is exposed to the to-be-treated water is positioned within the bubble 506, a gas-supplying apparatus 505 which supplies gas to the bubble-generating part, a pulsed power supply 501 connected to the first and the second electrodes 502 and 504, a control apparatus 520 which controls one or both of the gas-supplying apparatus and the power supply such that the voltage is applied between the first and the second electrodes 502 and 504 when at least surface where the conductor of the first electrode 504 is exposed is positioned within the bubble.

Abstract: There is a method described of treating tailings which are composed of at least some water and clay particles. Within the tailings, at least some water molecules are weakly bond to the clay particles to form a gel like fluid from which water does not readily separate. An alternating current is applied to the tailings to change the electro-chemical properties of the tailings to reduce the weak bonding between the water and the clay particles so that water within the treated tailings is able to separate. Water within the treated tailings is then allowed to separate without further application of electricity. In some embodiments, the treated tailings are allowed to separate through evaporation. Liquid tailings may also be treated with alternating current by applying alternating current to the liquid tailings at a voltage gradient range of 1 to 5 V/cm for a total duration of 24 to 300 hours. The application of alternating current may further comprise applying alternating current at a frequency of 1 to 30 Hz.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration chamber comprising a microfabricated filter enclosed in a housing, wherein the surface of said filter and/or the inner surface of said housing are modified by vapor deposition, sublimation, vapor-phase surface reaction, or particle sputtering to produce a uniform coating; and a method for separating cells of a fluid sample, comprising: a) dispensing a fluid sample into the filtration chamber disclosed herein; and b) providing fluid flow of the fluid sample through the filtration chamber, wherein components of the fluid sample flow through or are retained by the filter based on the size, shape, or deformability of the components.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and processes for increasing fluidity of a flowing fluid. The apparatus may have a number of treatment chambers adapted to receive and pass the flowing fluid. In each treatment chamber a field is applied to the fluid. The fields may be parallel to the fluid's direction of flow, and may alternate in sequence. The fluidity of the fluid is increased through exposure to the fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz and and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating water from a water-in-oil mixture having an elongated inlet vessel with a lower outlet end and an upper inlet end, the length thereof being a multiple of the largest vessel cross-sectional dimension. A separation vessel having an oil outlet and a divergent water outlet has an inlet passageway in communication with the inlet vessel lower outlet end. At least one electrode is positioned within the inlet vessel by which a mixture flowing therethrough is subjected to an electric field.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of a contaminated liquid is described. The system includes a high voltage supply device, a general capacitor bank, one or more general limiting member, such as general switch devices or general resister devices, coupled to the high voltage supply device and to the general capacitor bank. The system further includes one or more working capacitor banks coupled to the general capacitor bank through the general limiting member, and one or more working switches arranged in series with the corresponding working capacitor bank. The system also includes one or more potential electrodes and grounded electrodes immersed in the contaminated liquid and coupled to the working capacitor banks for providing an electric discharge through the contaminated liquid.

Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for optimizing component separation within a fluid using a direct current electric field. The unique sequence and arrangement of concentrically interleaved electrodes increases reactive surface area, decreases time fluid remains within the reactor, and decreases the size of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285?), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: The present invention uses the principles of electrochemical ion absorption (charging) and ion desorption (discharge), and relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, a high-capacity energy storage system, and a water treatment method using the same, in which high-capacity electric energy is stored as electrode materials of a slurry phase and electrolytes simultaneously flow in a successive manner within a fine flow channel structure formed on an electrode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, an energy storage system, and a water treatment method, wherein electrode active materials consecutively flow in a slurry state whereby a high capacity is easily obtained without enlarging or stacking electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus including a housing, an inlet to let water into the housing, an outlet to let water out of the housing, a first electrode, a second electrode, a spacer between the first and second electrodes to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes, and an ion exchange membrane between the first and/or second electrode and the spacer, wherein the membrane has a crosslinked hyperbranched polymer with ion exchange groups.

Abstract: A device for decreasing soot particles in exhaust gas, especially from an internal combustion engine, includes concentric outer and inner tubes forming an intermediate space through which the exhaust gas can flow. At least one annular electrode with a multiplicity of electrode tips protruding radially into the intermediate space is disposed on the inside of the outer tube. Terminals can connect the annular electrode and inner tube to a high voltage source forming an electric field in the intermediate space. At least two electrodes are preferably disposed axially at an electrode spacing of preferably 10 to 30 mm. The electrode tips can be approximately conical or pin-shaped with a radial length of 3 to 10 mm. The electrode tips of each electrode have a tip spacing in circumferential direction of 3 to 20 mm or 5 to 10 mm creating a very effective and uniform radial electric field for ionization.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using charge potentials of 1 V or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove ions from water are provided. The apparatus has at least three electrodes: at least two master electrodes, each master electrode including a current collector connected or connectable to a power supply configured to create an electrical potential difference between at least two master electrodes and at least one floating electrode located between at least two master electrodes. The apparatus is constructed to provide a potential difference between at least two master electrodes and to allow water containing ions to flow from an inlet to an outlet between at least two adjacent electrodes. The ions in the water are attracted to the master and floating electrodes by the potential difference and the at least one floating electrode has an ion barrier layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove ions from water is disclosed. The apparatus has a stack of at least five electrodes in a housing. The stack may have at least three master electrodes, each master electrode comprising a current collector connected to a power controller configured to apply an electrical potential difference. The apparatus is configured such that the electrical potential difference is applied between each two adjacent master electrodes. The stack may have at least two floating electrodes, each floating electrode located between at least two adjacent master electrodes. The apparatus is constructed to allow water to flow from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing between at least two adjacent electrodes and at least one floating electrode may be constructed to attract ions from the water as a result of the electrical potential difference between at least two master electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.

Abstract: A method for controlling the concentration of ions in a liquid comprises the steps of: generating a main stream (1) of liquid; applying a transverse electric field to the main stream by electrodes that are electrically in direct contact with the liquid; deriving a product stream (11) of liquid from the central region of the main stream, and waste streams (12, 13) of liquid from regions of the main stream closer to said electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control valve assembly and method of operating in a blend position at which a supply fluid and a treated fluid are combined into a blended fluid that is directed from the control valve assembly to establish multi-port blending. The control valve assembly is adjustable to accommodate fluctuating demand for treated fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to textiles, reservoirs, or films which may be switchably rendered hydrophilic or hydrophobic for liquid wicking, repelling, moving, holding, absorbing, drying, wetting, dispensing, and other means of electrically manipulation of liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to transfer block copolymers from water immiscible organic phase to aqueous phase using a phase transfer agent. At higher concentrations, micellar networks of the block copolymers were obtained in the aqueous solution that can be coated onto a variety of substrates. Block copolymer films showed very good antifouling properties. The phase transferred block copolymers can be used to synthesize encapsulated nanoparticle aggregates for biodiagnostic imaging applications. The phase transferred block copolymer micelles can be used to encapsulate active compounds. The invention has applications in drug delivery, crop protection, and medical device coating.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus having a housing including an inlet to let water in an interior of the housing, an outlet to let water out of the interior of the housing, a first electrode having a current collector, a second electrode, and a spacer to separate the first and second electrodes and to allow water to flow between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a connector to connect the first electrode, or the second electrode, or both first and second electrodes, with an electrical source. The connector may have two connector parts to clamp the current collector in between the connector parts, the connector constructed and arranged to avoid water-metal contact.

Abstract: A sucker-rod pumping system includes diametrically charged rare earth magnets having significant monopolar character mounted on the rod string and, optionally, within a magnet barrel below the pump barrel. The magnets are jacketed to preclude contact with crude petroleum. The magnets subject the petroleum to a significant magnetic flux to substantially preclude precipitation of paraffins and asphaltenes with a minimum of retrofit to existing equipment and without substantially altering the operation of the rod string.

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet, and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: An electrode “cell” for use in a capacitive deionization (CDI) reactor consists of the electrode support structure, a non-reactive conductive material, the electrode accompaniment or substrate and a flow through screen/separator. These “layers” are repeated and the electrodes are sealed together with gaskets between two end plates to create stacked sets of alternating anode and cathode electrodes in the CDI reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus including an inlet to let water in the apparatus; an outlet to let water out of the apparatus; a capacitor; and a spacer to separate a first and a second electrode of the capacitor and to allow water to flow in between the electrodes. The apparatus further including a power converter configured to convert a supply voltage of a power source to a charging voltage to charge the capacitor. The power converter is constructed and arranged to recover energy from the capacitor by converting the voltage on the capacitor to supply voltage of the power source.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon and titanium containing composite that includes mixing a titanium-containing powder with carbon and forming the mixture of the titanium-containing-powder and carbon into a composite structure at a temperature of less than 1500° C. The forming process provides a net shape having dimensions within 90% or greater than the final shape of the product. The binder of the composite is provided by the titanium, and the dispersed phase of the composite is provided by the carbon. The carbon and titanium containing composite may be employed as in applications including capacitive deionization (CDI), gas separation, chromatography, catalysis and electrode.

Abstract: The present device is a microchannel separator that uses a separation driving force created by an electric field. An ionic fluid flows through the microchannels and is subjected to an electric field by two spaced apart parallel electrodes possessing an electric charge. The ions in the ionic fluid are attracted towards the charged electrodes and thus are concentrated in the region of flow near the charged electrodes and depleted from the central region of flow between the charged electrodes. The charged electrodes are insulated from the ionic fluid by an impermeable barrier which prevents arcing and adherence of the ions to the charged electrodes. After a sufficient length of passage of the ionic fluid through a main channel two blocking plates separate the flow into a central and two outer output channels. The central channel draws a portion of the ionic fluid from the central region of the main channel that has fewer ions than the ionic fluid in the regions near the charged electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is a method of phase separation in liquid mixtures comprising two or more components. The method comprises the steps of inserting the liquid mixture between suitably shaped and positioned electrodes and applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to produce a non-uniform electric field between the electrodes. The phase separation takes place with essentially all electrode geometries and the phase separation is reversible. The method is characterized in that the liquid mixture must contain dissociated positive or negative ions. In this case the phase separation takes place when the applied voltage is a few volts or less and when the temperature is many degrees above the binodal (coexistence) temperature Tc. The invention has many practical applications including: electrical field controlled lubrication, influencing the kinetics and spatial dependence of chemical reactions in liquid environments, controlling the propagation of light, and controlling the opacity of a window.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285? then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for conditioning fluids utilizing a magnetic fluid processor or device that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path. The process utilizes said device to affect and electron configuration within fluids by generating a magnetic field, thereby separating, for example, metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: The invention is a process that utilizes a device or processor that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path, which affects the electrons within fluids, thereby separating, for example, metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the efficient purification of aqueous liquids comprising an ionic solute. The liquids are purified by a plurality supercapacitor desalination units working in tandem; a first unit operating in “charge” mode, deionizing the feed solution and producing a purified product liquid, while a second supercapacitor desalination unit is operated in “discharge” mode, releasing ions into a circulating stream and producing a concentrate. The output of the first desalination unit is removed as a purified product stream. The output of the second desalination unit is a concentrate, which is directed to a common precipitation unit where a portion of the ionic solute is precipitated and separated from the remaining liquid phase, which may be recirculated to the second desalination unit. The use of two supercapacitor desalination units operating out of phase allows the common precipitation unit to be operated continuously under steady state conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a process that utilizes a device or processor that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path, which affects the electrons within fluids, thereby separating, for example, metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: Water treatment, reconditioning, and reclamation systems and methods are described. The systems utilize two treatment vectors. The first treatment vector is created by flowing electrical current through a first conductive rod. The second treatment vector is created by delivering a magnetic pulse by way of a second conductive rod. Water to be treated is exposed to the two vectors simultaneously, which is accomplished by creating relative motion between the conductive rods and the water, either by moving the conductive rods or by moving the water. The electric current of the first treatment vector and the voltage and frequency of the magnetic pulse of the second treatment vector may be reduced as the treatment process proceeds. During treatment, total dissolved solids (TDS) rise and congeal at the top of the water. The congealed TDS are removed from the water. An additional filtering process may be applied.

Abstract: An electrode “flow-through” capacitive desalination system wherein feed water is pumped through the pores of a pair of monolithic porous electrodes separated by an ultrathin non-conducting porous film. The pair of monolithic porous electrodes are porous conductors made of a material such as activated carbon aerogel. The feed water flows through the electrodes and the spacing between electrodes is on the order 10 microns.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.

Abstract: The system for electrostatic desalination provides evaporative desalination of salt water utilizing ionized gas formed through corona discharge. The system includes a plurality of stacked water collection plates, each water collection plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A thin film of salt water is formed on the upper surfaces thereof. A plurality of cathodes are provided, each cathode extending between a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. A plurality of anodes are attached to a corresponding one of the lower surfaces of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. Each anode and cathode is in communication with an external voltage source to generate an electrostatic field between the cathodes and the anodes. Thus, corona-induced ionized gas is produced between each of the stacked water collection plates in order to enhance condensation of pure evaporated water.

Abstract: The capacitive electrodes of the CDI cell are arranged to form a tube. Water to be treated flows through the tube-walls. The CDI electrodes are permeable, and form the tube-walls, whereby the flow passes through the thicknesses of the electrodes and of the spacers. The electrodes may be in the form of concentric tubes, or may be wrapped spirally.

Abstract: Herein provided are methods, kits, systems, devices, etc. relating to the use of electrical energy for the treatment of fluids.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage.