Electrical (including Simultaneous Electrical And Magnetic) Separation Or Purification Of Liquid Or Magnetic Treatment Of Liquid (other Than Separation) Patents (Class 204/554)
  • Publication number: 20100084272
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for treating polluted water by electrocoagulation. The apparatus comprising at least two electrodes (1,2). The apparatus also includes a housing (4), electrically isolated from the at least two electrodes (1,2), to which the at least two electrodes (1,2) are fixed spaced apart from one another. When the at least two second electrodes (1,2) are at least partly submerged in the polluted water and provided with an electrical potential, one of the at least two electrodes (2) is sacrificial so as to provide ions to the polluted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Vivian Noel Edward Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100038248
    Abstract: An electrode includes a plurality of fiber bundles. Each of the fiber bundles includes a plurality of individual fibers of different lengths with respect to an operation end of the electrode device. A screening ring is provided around the fiber bundles. The electrode may be used for example for generating corona discharge, which may be useful in liquid treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Yakov E. Krasik
  • Patent number: 7662268
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventor: Ching-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20100025247
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: William D. Daily, III
  • Patent number: 7625492
    Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: Song Jin, Terry H. Brown, Youwen You, George F. Vance
  • Publication number: 20090260989
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing and using aluminum slurry containing aluminum particles having an extremely small size. In particular, a particle size that is small enough to freely flow through water filtration filters. Once the aluminum particles react with phosphorus, phosphates, and other contaminants, the resulting particles are large enough to be trapped by filters such that the contaminants can be easily removed. The aluminum slurry is created by the use of a unique process which rapidly transforms electrically charged aluminum plates into slurry. The resulting slurry is then added to the body of water where it disperses throughout the water and flocculates with the contaminants. The resulting clumps produced by the reaction are large enough to be trapped by filters in the water treatment facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: John J. Murray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090229981
    Abstract: A liquid purification apparatus, including a flow cell having an opening at each end for conducting a liquid therethrough. The liquid purification apparatus also includes a pair of electrode plates disposed within the flow cell, each electrode plate comprising an elongated rectangle having a length, width, and thickness, the length and width defining a face of each electrode plate, the width being greater than the thickness. The electrode plates are arranged such that the faces of the electrode plates are parallel and opposite one another with a gap therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Mark R. DeSanto
  • Publication number: 20090188801
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Yoav Tsori
  • Publication number: 20090179206
    Abstract: A system, structure, and method of making the structure are disclosed for generating a large chemical potential difference between spin-up and spin-down electrons in non-magnetic materials. The device includes an inverse spin valve of a sandwiched layer structure with alternating non-magnetic and magnetic layers. In an embodiment of the invention, the structure is a tri-layer device with a magnetic layer sandwiched by two non-magnetic metals. Once the inverse spin valve structure is provided, an external electric field is applied to the inverse spin valve to generate a large chemical potential difference between the spin-up and spin-down electrons. In an embodiment of the invention, this feature is exploited to create a tunable light emitting diode or laser. In an embodiment of the invention, a dynamical magnetism is induced and controlled in the valve by an electric field. The dynamical magnetization may be used as spin source, or in electronic storage devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Xiangrong Wang
  • Publication number: 20090166205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for extracting nucleic acid molecules from solution using electric fields. The structures and methods of embodiments of the invention are suited to incorporation into micro and nano fluidic devices, such as lab-on-a-chip devices and micro total analysis systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Steven A. Sundberg, Xing Su, Grace Credo
  • Publication number: 20090152207
    Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Thangavelu ASOKAN, Setu Chokshi, Yuseph Montasser, David M. Polizzotti, Yatin Tayalia
  • Publication number: 20090134029
    Abstract: In a container 10, a first electrode 11 containing a first electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion and a second electrode 12 containing a second electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion are immersed in a liquid (aqueous solution 13) containing at least one type of ion other than hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion. Then a voltage is applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 serves as an anode. This voltage application allows the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to adsorb anions and cations contained in the aqueous solution 13, respectively. In this ion adsorption step, the aqueous solution 13 is treated by a batch method. The voltage to be applied is higher than a voltage that causes electrolysis of a solvent of the solution, assuming that no voltage drop is caused by the liquid (aqueous solution 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Tanah Process Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Tanahashi, Seiji Tanahashi
  • Publication number: 20090115190
    Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, a water desalination and/or purification unit which receives and purifies seawater, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with various embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy J. Devine
  • Publication number: 20090107842
    Abstract: A method to manufacture a carbon fiber electrode comprises synthesizing polyamic acid (PAA) as a polyimide (PI) precursor from pryomellitic dian hydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) as monomers and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst, adding dimethylformamide (DMF) to the polyamic acid (PAA) solution to prepare a spinning solution and subjecting the spinning solution to electrostatic spinning at a high voltage to obtain a PAA nanofiber paper, converting the PAA nanofiber paper into a polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper by heating, and converting the polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper into a carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper by heating under an Ar atmosphere. Also, the method to manufacture a polyimide carbon nanofiber electrode and/or a carbon nanotube composite electrode may utilize carbon nanofibers having diameters that are lessened by optimizing electrostatic spinning in order to improve spinnability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dae Wook Park, Hyong Soo Noh, Hideo Nojima, Thi Xuyen Nguyen, Chul Ho Song, Young Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 7524424
    Abstract: A fluid is treated by coil assembly close to the fluid. An AC power is provided to the coil assembly. Current is conducted from the AC source in a first loop including a first switch during at least a portion of a first half-cycle of the AC power source. The first switch is opened during a second half-cycle and a subroutine of producing a first ringing pulse in the coil assembly and a second and subsequent ringing pulse is performed. The second pulse may be produced after or before the preceding pulse substantially decays. An apparatus for the method includes a controller configured to close the first switch and open the second switch during the first half-cycle and to perform the subroutine of closing and then opening the second switch during the second half-cycle to produce at least one ringing pulse of current in the coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Clearwater Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Wittmer, Walter F. J. Crewson
  • Patent number: 7524423
    Abstract: A method and system of generating a ringing magnetic pulse for the treatment of flowing liquids include's a coil and an SCR coupled in series with the coil to form a first loop. An electronic switch is coupled in series with the coil to form a second loop. An AC voltage signal is applied to the coil having first and second half-cycles. Current is conducted through the first loop during the first half-cycle when the SCR is forward biased while preventing current from conducting through the second loop. Current is conducted through the second loop during a portion of the second half-cycle while current is prevented from conducting through the first loop. Current is interrupted through the second loop during another portion of the second half-cycle upon the coil current reaching a predetermined value to interrupt current flowing through the coil, thereby generating a ringing magnetic pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Clearwater Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Wittmer, Walter F. J. Crewson
  • Publication number: 20090095631
    Abstract: An electrode plate (20) for storage batteries is immersed into an aqueous solution (18) containing phosphoric acid, an ethoxy alcohol, ammonium bifluoride, sulfonic acid and sodium xylenesulfonate, and the aqueous solution (18) is stirred by a screw stirrer (22). The aqueous solution (18) is kept at about 30° C. by a heater (14), and the active material of the electrode (20) is separated therefrom. The aqueous solution (18) contains the respective solutes in the following mass ratios: 15-20 parts by mass of the phosphoric acid; 3-7 parts by mass of the ethoxy alcohol; 2-6 parts by mass of the ammonium bifluoride; 4-8 parts by mass of the sulfonic acid; and 1-3 parts by mass of the sodium xylenesulfonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicants: PANASONIC EV ENERGY CO., LTD., OMEGA TECHNO MODELING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Kamo, Kyoichi Shukuri, Shunji Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20090092892
    Abstract: An anode capable of improving charge-discharge efficiency, and a method of manufacturing the anode, and a battery using the anode are provided. An anode 22 has a configuration in which an anode active material layer 22B is arranged on an anode current collector 22A. The anode active material layer 22B includes anode active material particles made of an anode active material including at least one of silicon and tin as an element. An oxide-containing film including an oxide of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium and tin is formed in a region in contact with an electrolytic solution of the surface of each anode active material particle by a liquid-phase method such as a liquid-phase deposition method. The region in contact with the electrolytic solution of the surface of each anode active material particle is covered with the oxide-containing film, thereby the chemical stability of the anode 22 is improved, and charge-discharge efficiency is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Horiuchi, Kenichi Kawase, Tadahiko Kubota, Hideki Nakai, Takakazu Hirose
  • Patent number: 7488421
    Abstract: Water processing method, in particular for producing fresh water from salt water by membrane distillation. In comparison with previously known methods, a significant reduction in investment cost and operating cost can be achieved by the combination of the following measures: The water to be processed is kept in a supply chamber the wall of which is formed at least in part by a hydrophobic membrane being permeable for water vapor. A hydrophilic membrane having a greater thickness in comparison with the hydrophobic membrane and a lower thermal conductivity per unit area runs in parallel with the hydrophobic membrane. By the pumping action a vapor pressure difference is produced between the water to be processed and the fresh water so that the membrane distillation is driven by the vapor pressure difference resulting from the pumping action, the water condensing in the pores of the hydrophilic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Clean Water Gesellschaft Fuer Wasseraufbereitungstechnik mbH
    Inventors: Guenther Hambitzer, Heide Biollaz, Markus Borck, Christiane Ripp
  • Publication number: 20080302663
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20080257739
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Harry G. Wallace, Davis L. Taggart, David R. Manen
  • Publication number: 20080251382
    Abstract: Accordance to various embodiments, there are methods of separating molecules, devices, and method of making the devices. The method of separating molecules can include providing a nanofluidic device including a plurality of nanochannels on a top surface of a substrate, wherein each of the plurality of nanochannels has a first end and a second end and extends from the top surface into the substrate. The nanofluidic device can also include a dielectric layer disposed over each of the plurality of nanochannels, an inlet at the first end of the plurality of nanochannnels, an outlet at the second end of the plurality of nanochannels, and an optically transparent cover disposed over the plurality of nanochannels to form a seal. The method of separating molecules can further include providing a solution in the plurality of nanochannels through the inlet and creating a longitudinal pH gradient along each of the plurality of nanochannels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Sang M. Han, Youn-Jin Oh, Danny Bottenus, Cornelius F. Ivory
  • Publication number: 20080237045
    Abstract: Injection bonded articles comprised of a rigid core and secured together with an elastomeric material network which also forms seals and encapsulates at least a portion of the rigid core. The elastomeric material is selected to be compatible with the material comprising the rigid core to create a chemical and mechanical bond therebetween. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques are used to fabricate an electrodeionization apparatus spacer comprised of mated rigid segments secured by a unitary elastomeric material network that also forms internal and external seals that fluidly isolate one or more of inlet ports, resin cavities, and outlet ports as well as throughports. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques can also be used to fabricate other articles comprised of multiple segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Emile O. Montminy, Li-Shiang Liang
  • Publication number: 20080233249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for wine evolution by electrochemical way, with reduced treatment times and controlled selectivity. The process may be carried out at the anodic compartment of an electrochemical reactor subdivided by a semipermeable membrane on a valve metal anode, for instance a titanium anode, provided with catalytic coating containing platinum or other noble metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Mario Bertuccioli, Gian Nicola Martelli, Luciano Iacopetti, Dario Oldani, Salvatore Peragine, Cleto Simoncelli
  • Publication number: 20080190770
    Abstract: A process for the treatment and/or removal from Condenser of contaminants from a waste water, waste stream, industrial or municipal sludge, metals, oils, organics and other materials consider to be harmful to the environment are removed from the feed stock; in the case of non-metals, mineralized and in the case of metals, plated to the cathode. The present invention provides an apparatus and methods which overcome some of the problems associated with the treatment of wastewater and sludge and offers a new, novel approach to the treatment of waste, by employing the use of electroplasma processing which utilizes aspects of ultraviolet blue light, thermal energy, cavitation, flocculation, aeration, and electrical energy. The ability to control flow rates, energy density, cavitation density, aeration density and heat generation within the system offers a new level of control over different materials for treatment of waste, contaminants or metals within the same process and apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: CAP TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edward O. Daigle, Pankaj Gupta, Gregory J. Tenhundfeld
  • Patent number: 7407589
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. 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: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 7404907
    Abstract: Ammonium perfluorooctanoate—also called APFO, PFOA or C8—is a surfactant associated with the production of Teflon®, and is also present in products such as fire-fighting foams and may be formed from the microbial degradation of grease-resistant coatings applied to items such as pizza boxes. APFO itself does not hydrolyze, photolyze, or biodegrade under environmental conditions and is biologically additive. A process by which APFO may be removed and recovered from water by electrosorption is discovered. Removal and recovery by electrosorption form an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of removal and recovery of APFO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Kelydra Elizabeth Welcker
  • Publication number: 20080169196
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which utilizes an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system that manipulates cathode particulates motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Ismail James, George Stejic
  • Patent number: 7396441
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Aqua Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw
  • Publication number: 20080156649
    Abstract: A method of augmenting the separation of immiscible heavier and lighter components of an emulsion including the steps of conducting the emulsion into a treatment vessel, providing an AC voltage source, employing from the source an AC voltage of at least one selected frequency F1 to establish at least one electric filed within the vessel through which the emulsion passes, and cyclically modulating the AC voltage with a method of modulation selected from: (a) amplitude modulation; (b) frequency modulation; and (c) combined amplitude and frequency modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Gary W. Sams
  • Publication number: 20080135412
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for activating an electronic paint including at least two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22), an electronic brush (30) including an electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32), and a controller (40). The controller (40) is operably coupled to the two independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and the electronic-brush ultrasonic transducer (32). An electronic-brush location with respect to locations of the independently movable ultrasonic transducers (20,22) is determined from ultrasonic signals communicated between the ultrasonic transducers (20,22) and received by the controller (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hubertus M.R. Cortenraad, Anthonie H. Bergman
  • Patent number: 7384791
    Abstract: A method of analyzing blood includes delivering a blood sample to a test device, applying a spatially varying electric field to the blood sample to provide a depleted cell concentration in a portion of the blood sample, and sensing a property of the portion of the blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Tyvoll, Winthrop D. Childers, Kirk Norton, Bryan J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080128282
    Abstract: An electronic water treatment apparatus includes an electronic impulse generator and control box attached to a power source. An impulse chamber includes a cylindrical anode rod inside a tubular cathode and is connected to the impulse generator and control box with a low-voltage cable which is no more than about six feet long. The impulse generator and control box supply about 16v DC power and 70 milliamps to the impulse chamber at between 2300 and 5200 Hertz. The discharge frequency within the impulse chamber automatically varies with the conductivity of the aqueous solution within the impulse chamber. The impulse generator and control box supply power with a waveform that includes about a two microsecond break between each positive and negative pulse to prevent corrosion of the electrodes and create the aragonite form of calcium carbonate instead of the calcite form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Sven Mierswa
  • Publication number: 20080105548
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Li-Shiang Liang, Emile Montminy
  • Patent number: 7368542
    Abstract: The binding specificity of at least one plasma protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium is altered by exposing the protein to an oxidizing agent or an electric current sufficient to alter its binding specificity. A masked protein such as an autoantibody can be recovered from blood or blood products or extracts by oxidizing the protein to change its binding specificity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Redox-Reactive Reagents LLC
    Inventor: John A. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20080067129
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating hydrocarbon fluids to inhibit the deposition of paraffin compounds on the interior of pipes and other surfaces. The method includes injecting a catalyst fluid containing scale forming compounds into the hydrocarbon fluid. The scale forming compounds may be calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium, bicarbonate barium sulfate, or other compounds/ingredients. The catalyst fluid may be an aqueous or non-aqueous solution. The method further includes inducing an electromagnetic field in the fluid so as to cause the formation of seed crystals from the scale forming compounds. The paraffin will then adhere to the seed crystals, i.e., scale particles. The resulting particles can then be filtered out or otherwise removed from the solution. Paraffin deposition on the interior of pipes and other surfaces is therefore inhibited. Also disclosed herein are hydrocarbon wells and other piping systems constructed to take advantage of the described techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL JUENKE, LAWRENCE RZEZNIK
  • Publication number: 20080017514
    Abstract: A system and process are provided for extracting a substance from a molecular combination. The process comprises heating the molecular combination to dissociate the molecular combination into cations and anions, moving the cations and anions through a magnetic field to separate cations and anions, and isolating cations from anions with a barrier. The system comprises a non-conductive conduit for guiding an ionized particle stream, a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field through which the ionized particle stream moves, and a barrier located in the conduit. The ionized particle stream has a velocity relative to the conduit, and the magnetic field source is oriented relative to the velocity of the ionized particle stream so that cations are separated from anions as the ionized particle stream moves through the magnetic field. The barrier is oriented in the conduit so that cations are isolated from anions after separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy O. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7294233
    Abstract: A system and method for altering the tack of a material, namely a polymer used as an adhesive, also known as stickies, or pitch. The present invention reduces the tack of the stickies and pitch by exposing the materials for a short duration to low-energy pulsed electrical discharges between a pair of electrodes that are submerged in a liquid medium, such as a fiber stream, water, a pulp slurry, or whitewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sujit Banerjee, Howard Corcoran
  • Patent number: 7276170
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus employing the laminar nature of fluid flows in microfluidic flow devices in separating, sorting or filtering colloidal and/or cellular particles from a suspension in a microfluidic flow device is disclosed. The microfluidic flow device provides for separating a particle within a suspension flow in a microfluidic flow chamber. The chamber includes a microfluidic channel comprising at least one inlet port for receiving a suspension flow under laminar conditions, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The chamber further includes an interface for translating a particle within the channel. The first outlet port receives a first portion of the suspension exiting the said channel and the second outlet port receives the particle in a second portion of the suspension exiting the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: John Oakey, David W. M. Marr
  • Patent number: 7252752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Herbert William Holland
  • Patent number: 7166218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating an effluent comprising phases of different density and conductivity, the device comprising a pair of electrodes (12, 13), means (10) for introducing the effluent between said electrodes, means intended for separation (3) and discharge (4) of said separated phases. The separation means comprise at least one centrifugation element including a helical channel (19) in which the effluent is centrifuged after passing between the electrodes. An opening extends over the entire periphery of said centrifuged effluent so as to discharge part of the centrifuged effluent. The discharge means further comprise sealing means for limiting discharge of the less dense phase through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Trapy, Christine Noïk
  • Patent number: 7160472
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a waste stream in a waste treatment system involve performing a unit process of the waste treatment system by contacting the waste stream with oxyhydrogen-rich gas generated on-site by an oxyhydrogen gas generator that implements water dissociation technology. In a preferred embodiment, the oxyhydrogen gas generator involves applying a pulsed electrical signal to a series of closely-spaced electrodes that are submerged in the waste stream to produce oxyhydrogen-rich gas from a water component of the waste stream. Operation of the oxyhydrogen gas generator in the waste stream may accomplish one or more unit processes for waste treatment, such as conditioning, stabilization, thickening, and dewatering, among others. At least a portion of the oxyhydrogen-rich gas can be conveyed for a second use in the waste treatment system, such as a source of combustible fuel for incineration or power generation, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Xogen Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Van Vliet, Herbert Wallace Campbell, Stephen Barrie Chambers
  • Patent number: 7150836
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in separating, at least in part, a mixture, including at least one chamber and at least one microwave generation device configured for communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber is disclosed. The rotor assembly may comprise an electric generator for generating electricity for operating the microwave generation device. At least one microwave generation device may be positioned within a tubular interior shaft extending within the rotor assembly. At least a portion of the tubular interior shaft may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. Microwave energy may be emitted in an outward radial direction or toward an anticipated boundary surface defined between a mixture and a separated constituent thereof. A method including flowing a mixture through at least one chamber and communicating microwave energy into the at least one chamber while rotating same is disclosed. Methods of operating a centrifugal separator and design thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: David H. Meikrantz
  • Patent number: 7018522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 7018545
    Abstract: A components separation device including well (2) for containing a sample, being an object of separation, which well (2) is disposed on stage (1). Well (2) is fixed at only one point of the bottom on stage (1). Base (13) formed on stage (1) is further provided with an actuator for vibrating well (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaya Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6974561
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved electrostatic device for energizing fluids, in particular water based fluids, which will be used to provide a benefit to living organisms, machinery, processes and substances. The improved device of the invention will include an electrostatic voltage spike signal generator, two or more radio frequency signal generators, one or more antennas, optional one or more signal boosters and a fluid conduit. When fluid is treated with the improved device of the invention, the fluid will become energized and can be used to provide significant benefits in applications such as milk production, flower production, fruit production, crop production, vegetable production, shrimp production, egg production, meat production, gasoline combustion, waste fluid combustion, scale removal, water purification, fluid tracking, fluid sterilization and more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Howard Thomason
  • Patent number: 6966995
    Abstract: A method of treating and activating sea water or polluted water into drinking water comprising the steps of separating and removing impurities from sea water or polluted water containing a great amount of deleterious materials such as chlorine, various kinds of heavy metals, environmental hormones, and miscellaneous bacteria by an electrode located in a primary treating tank, then introducing sea water or polluted water subjected to the primary treatment into a filtration tank for filtration and further introducing filtered water into a secondary treating tank, releasing useful minerals by magnetic ores and providing active power to various kinds of useful organic materials remained not filtered in the treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Kayohiko Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6905608
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Exergy Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Fred P. Reinhard
  • Patent number: 6878287
    Abstract: An electrolytically activated, microcidal aqueous solution is disclosed which is used in the elimination and control of biofilm in dental unit water lines. The solution has a pH between 6.75 and 10 with microcidal as well as anti-oxidising, dispersing and surfactant properties, rendering the solution bio-compatible and non-corrosive, as well as capable of eliminating biofilm in dental unit water lines, while simultaneously dispersing and dislodging the biofilm from the water lines so as reduce the micro-organisms in the dental water to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Radical Waters IP (Pty) Limited
    Inventor: Jacobus Theodo Marais
  • Patent number: 6875360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for water softening utilising magnetic pulses is provided. The magnetic pulses are presented to a volume of water within a water conduit 6 or water container over a predetermined time period with a relaxation time period between successive predetermined time periods of action upon the volume of water. The magnetic pulses are in the range 1.6 to 6.8 KHz and generally presented in a manner whereby the frequency is ramped in discrete frequency shifts over fixed time periods through the predetermined time period in order to facilitate greater water softening action. Normally, each frequency harmonic is initiated by an initiation spike of enhanced magnetic strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Edward Allen, Russell Newman