Bubbling (e.g., For Flotation Of Solids, Etc.) Patents (Class 205/757)
  • Patent number: 11596881
    Abstract: A device for filtering liquids includes a tank, a tank inlet for introducing a liquid to be filtered into the tank, a tank outlet for a retentate, and at least one rotor rotatably drivable around a tank axis, the at least one rotor having a hollow shaft supported in an end wall and attached thereto a support device for filter elements arranged at a distance from the tank axis, the filter elements being fluidically connected to the hollow shaft for discharging a filtered permeate from the tank, wherein an inner lateral surface of the tank comprises at least one guide for diverting the liquid toward the filter elements. At least one of the at least one guide forms a receptacle for at least one conditioning device for adjusting process conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: PANTREON GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Lüer
  • Publication number: 20150126711
    Abstract: A method for concentrating plant proteins from an aqueous liquid is provided in which gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from a gas containing a hydrogen gas and a foam is thereby formed in which plant proteins are concentrated and extracted as a result. The gas bubbles are generated electrochemically in an advantageous manner. The method is particularly suitable for obtaining native proteins from a liquid such as potato fruit water with a very low glycol alkaloid content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Lehmann, Oskar Lichner
  • Patent number: 8877032
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Patent number: 8721869
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high volume, foul-resistant electrolytic process for treating contaminated water comprising at least one upflow electroflocculation cell consisting of (i) a lower (or “bottom”) electrode (3) in form of a porous, non-fluidized bed of loose iron or aluminium granules kept in periodic motion by pulsed gas injections and (ii) an upper (or “top”) vibrating electrode (4) made of an iron or aluminium grid mesh or ribmesh. A voltage potential between the upper (4) and lower (3) electrode causes ions to be released from the moving electrodes. These ions oxydise and/or render insoluble contaminants in the ascending flow of wastewater and create easy filterable insoluble contaminants resulting in substantially cleansed water. Such moving electrodes electroflocculation cells are useful at municipal water works and commercial and industrial applications were large amounts of raw water have to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Patent number: 8673129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cavitation and electrocoagulation reactor comprising a hollow cylindrical cathode having a cylindrical anode coaxially disposed therein to form an annular interelectrode gap between the contact surfaces. An inlet sleeve and an outlet sleeve disposed in the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode and abutting against opposite ends of the anode seal the interelectrode gap from the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode. A set of channels disposed in the wall of the inlet sleeve connect the inlet to the interelectrode gap. Similarly, a set of openings disposed in the outlet sleeve connect the interelectrode gap to the cathode outlet. An electrical source has first and second terminals respectively connected to the anode and the cathode. The method for removing contaminants from a contaminated fluid flow involves the simultaneous application of hydrodynamic cavitation and electrocoagulation to the contaminated fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim A. Promtov
  • Patent number: 8603320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating and applying a sanitizing liquid. The method includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor and electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device by passing the liquid through a functional generator having first and second electrode chambers that are separated by an ion exchange membrane such that the liquid activated in the first electrode chamber comprises O3 molecules. Substantially all of the liquid activated in the first and second electrode chambers are dispensed from the device within 5 seconds of the time at which the liquids are activated by the functional generator without an intermediate step of storing either of the liquids produced in the first or second electrode chambers. At least some of the dispensed liquid is recovered from the floor with a recovery device carried by the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 8603321
    Abstract: A system for separating small particles from liquid media comprising: a reactor vessel(s), a hollow primary electrode(s) within the reactor vessel(s), a secondary electrode(s) within the primary electrode(s), an air delivery apparatus configured to deliver coarse air bubbles within the primary electrode(s), an electrical charge apparatus, a separation vessel fluidly coupled to the reactor vessel(s), tertiary electrodes within the separation vessel, and a skimming device configured to collect flocculated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Derived, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Collier
  • Patent number: 8470161
    Abstract: A self-contained system which promotes the multiplication of algae from either salt water or fresh water sources as a feedstock. This process inspires a direct output of lipids for bio-diesel fuel as well as a significant raw algae yield which can be further processed into additional bio-fuel as well as other valuable resources. In addition to inspiring a direct output of algal lipids for bio-diesel, the system generates massive raw algae biomass output that can be directly utilized as an agent for efficiently cleaning up oil spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8465653
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Severn Trent De Nora, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolf Matousek, Dana Casbeer, David Hill, Rubin Bariya
  • Patent number: 8425755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total solids of non-contaminating residues from ethanol distilleries, by means of electro-flotation/oxidation techniques using an electrolytic cell outfitted with galvanized steel electrodes as a function of the initial pH of the medium, the current density and the concentration of H2O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universidad Del Valle
    Inventors: Fiderman Machuca Martinez, Nilson de Jesus Marriaga Cabrales, Javier Andres Davila Rincon
  • Patent number: 8323474
    Abstract: Provided is an electro-chemical water treatment apparatus and method for removing total nitrogen ingredients of ammonia nitrogen, nitrous acid nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen etc., organic materials of BOD and COD induction ingredients, and cyanogen included in wastewater and dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Jung Jeon, Jong-Sung Kim, Kwang-Su Kim, Sang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 8273249
    Abstract: A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Yunjun Yang, Lili Ding, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20120205257
    Abstract: A system for separating small particles from liquid media comprising: a reactor vessel(s), a hollow primary electrode(s) within the reactor vessel(s), a secondary electrode(s) within the primary electrode(s), an air delivery apparatus configured to deliver coarse air bubbles within the primary electrode(s), an electrical charge apparatus, a separation vessel fluidly coupled to the reactor vessel(s), tertiary electrodes within the separation vessel, and a skimming device configured to collect flocculated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Collier
  • Patent number: 8211290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing impurities from waste water by electroflotation. The waste water to be cleaned is conducted through an electrolytic cell. Electrolysis is performed between two electrodes (1, 2) of different electronegativities, such that the more electronegative electrode (1), which is non-wearing in a cleaning process, is used for producing hydrogen gas and hydroxyl ions from water. The less electronegative electrode (2), which is an active, wearing electrode in a cleaning process, is used for producing metal ions in a solution to be cleaned. In addition to this basic reaction, a desired oxidation-reduction reaction is initiated in the cell in a strictly controlled electric field for removing one or more designated impurities from cleaned water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BCDE Group LLC
    Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
  • Publication number: 20120160705
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a reservoir for holding water to be treated, one or more primary electrode pairs at least partially immersed in water held in the reservoir, a power supply adapted to power the one or more primary electrode pairs, and an agitator operable to cause movement in the water and particles and gases therein. Water is treated in the system by performing at least a first electrolysis phase wherein one or more of the primary electrode pairs are powered using electrical current of a first polarity such that for each powered primary electrode pair one electrode provides dissolved ions which act as an attractant for impurities to aid removal of the impurities from the water. The agitator can be operated during the first electrolysis phase to cause movement in the water and particles and gases therein to aid carriage of ions and impurities away from the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: AQUATECH WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Valrie Dene Robinson
  • Patent number: 8152990
    Abstract: Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The solids are floated by sparging and then the floating solids are swept from the surface of the water into an exit port using a conveyor from which downwardly depending flaps skim or near the surface, thus sweeping the floating floc into the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Potable Water Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Jorge Miller, Luisa Kling Miller
  • Publication number: 20120073985
    Abstract: In a method for treating sludge (1), at least two electrodes (2) are provided for generating an electric field. Water present in the biosludge is electrolyzed and OH° radicals (OH°) are generated at least in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Hahn, Hermann Schwarz, Jochen Straub, Manfred Waidhas
  • Patent number: 8101085
    Abstract: Described is a process for treating an animal husbandry effluent slurry, such as hog manure, containing suspended solid particles. The process includes a) providing a liquid portion of the effluent, b) diluting the liquid to a Newtonian fluid, c) assuring the pH is under 10, d) adding to the fluid i) a soluble salt of alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCl2) and ii) an insoluble basic salt of the same alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCO3) to balance available cations and promote agglomeration of the suspended solid particles, e) adding a cationic coagulant to obtain a pre-treated destabilized colloid mixture with zero zeta potential value, and f) performing electroflotation to obtain a treated liquid and floated solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Inventors: Simon Guertin, Daniel Massé, François Lamarche
  • Patent number: 8097145
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Patent number: 8025787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a cleaning liquid having a pH in a range between pH6-pH8 and an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) between ±50 mV. The liquid is converted into an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid having respective pHs outside of the range between pH6-pH8 and having respective ORPs outside the range between ±50 mV. The anolyte and catholyte liquids are applied to a surface, wherein the anolyte and catholyte liquids are, for example, in a combined state on the surface and substantially neutralize to a pH between pH6-pH8 and an ORP between ±50 mV within one minute of the time at which the anolyte and catholyte liquids are converted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8016996
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8012340
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor; electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device, and dispensing the electrochemically activated liquid from the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8007654
    Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7959788
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7959790
    Abstract: An improved method for the electro-coagulation c treatment of water and waste water includes an electrolytic cell having an anode and a helical cathode mounted longitudinally within a duct for receiving the contaminated water or waste water at one end and for discharging the treated water and electro-coagulated precipitates at the other end. The electro-coagulated precipitates can be subsequently separated by conventional flocculation, settlement and filtration systems. The anode forms a central longitudinal sacrificial rod defining a cylindrical outer surface and the helical cathode comprises an elongate wire coiled helically around and along the anode so as form a plurality of turns of the wire which turns are wrapped around the anode surface in the form of a constant helix of constant diameter with the turns spaced each from the next and spaced from the anode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: David Lorne Woytowich, Daniel Robert Oger, Ronald Bruce Oger, Christopher Paul Marino Davie
  • Patent number: 7959789
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor; electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device, and dispensing the electrochemically activated liquid from the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7914686
    Abstract: A process using an electrical signal for electrokinetic floatation of solids and semi-solids in paint sludge water includes collecting the paint sludge water into a tank. The process further includes generating the electrical signal from a bottom of the tank to separate the solids and semi-solids from the water in the paint sludge water to induce electrokinetic floatation of the solids and semi-solids to a top surface in the tank. After separating the solids and semi-solids from the water, the process includes removing the solids and semi-solids from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Faiz Yono, Julie Q Shang, Gary George, Shelley Sullivan, Mitra S Sioshansi
  • Publication number: 20100264039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, and more particularly to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, in which phosphorus (P) contained in effluent from a sewage treatment plant is removed by using the iron (Fe)-ionizing module comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing electrode consisting of an iron plate serving as a cathode and a titanium plate serving as an anode and an electrode-washing device. According to the present invention, an effluent treatment process of a sewage treatment plant and an electrode washing process needed for iron ionization can be simultaneously performed, the iron ionization is controlled depending on the concentration of phosphorus contained in the effluent, thereby improving effluent treatment efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicants: KOREA RURAL COMMUNITY CORPORATION, BLUE ENVIRONMENT N TECH CO., LTD., Kyungpook National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Kwang Ya Lee, Hae Do Kim, Jong Hwa Son, Min Hong, Kyung Sook Choi
  • Patent number: 7731834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids and electrolyzing contaminated liquids includes the positioning of a vibratable element, such as a metal spring, within a cylindrical liquid conduit. A treatment additive is introduced into the liquid upstream of the vibratable element and the liquid is directed through the conduit. The flow of the liquid in proximity to the vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive. The conduit and the vibratable element may be electrically charged such that the flow of the liquid in proximity to the charged and vibrating element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid. The vibration of the element also prevents fouling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Clean Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 7704390
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for removing contaminants from wastewater on a vessel using electricity. The wastewater treatment system may inject wastewater with one or more disinfectants or ionized gases, or both, to remove at least a portion of contaminants from the wastewater. The water treatment system may produce disinfectants from saltwater using one or more disinfectant generators and return the byproducts to a water body. The wastewater treatment system may also pass wastewater through an electrical coagulation unit in which an electrical current may be emitted into the wastewater, whereby flocculants are formed and cause suspended solids and other materials to settle out of the wastewater. The wastewater treatment system may include a secondary treatment system for further reducing concentrations of contaminants. In addition, the wastewater treatment system may include a solid waste treatment system for incinerating solids produced by the wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ionz Bluewater Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Leffler, William Paul
  • Patent number: 7695607
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, V. Gerald Grafe, Frank Huang
  • Patent number: 7691253
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Publication number: 20090242424
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating water or wastewater for drinking and/or industrial use. The method and apparatus comprises of a plurality of vertically positioned electrodes, which are placed in a treating chamber and wherein the electrodes are interconnected to one another. The positive and negative electrodes are insulated there-between. The polarity of the direct current supply is changeable at regular intervals in order to prevent passivation of the electrodes when reaching an even abrasion. The current can preferably be pulsatory. In order to be able to keep the current density between the electrodes at a desired value, the most efficient possible electrolysis is achieved by means of a minimum total current and wherein the spacing between the electrodes are adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Bernd Leopold Behr
  • Patent number: 7087176
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high-pressure electrocoagulative treatment of aqueous and viscous fluids and sludge is provided. The apparatus includes a plate and frame design utilizing mechanical closure on a plurality of recessed, gasketed, non-electrically conductive electrocoagulation spacer plates that completely enclose and isolate all fluids, electrical contacts, and electrodes within the confines of the apparatus. The spacer plates include intergral supports that position and support said plates with enclosed electrodes on top of the side rails of the supporting frame of the apparatus allowing said plates to be separated for electrode replacement and maintenance and conversly closed, pressured and put into service. The apparatus includes a baffled influent and effluent chamber at both ends for the addition and flash mixing of chemical reagents and/or flocculants and to provide a means of fluid communication between fluid conduits and chambers formed within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Tom Gus Gavrel, Ira B. Vinson, David Wayne Otto
  • Patent number: 6923901
    Abstract: Contaminated water, particularly, ballast water, blackwater, galley water, accommodation water, laundry water, fresh water and seawater, is disinfected by admixture of a highly reactive gas stream containing ions of oxygen and nitrogen, formed by exposure of air to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, and of chlorine, formed in situ by electrolysis of salt in the water. Solids removal can be accomplished by electrophoresis in the same unit employed for electrolysis to release chlorine, or in a separate unit. Heavy metals maybe removed by plating or sacrificing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Marine Environmental Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Leffler, Dennis E. J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6746593
    Abstract: A high volume electrolytic water treatment system and process for treating wastewater. The system and process is designed to treat waste streams that are both complex and with variable contaminate compositions. The system includes pumping influent water to a headworks screen for removing solids in the water. The screened water is then discharged into primary and secondary surge tanks. The tanks include electrocoagulation electrodes. The electrodes, using alternating current, destabilize materials such as fats, oils, greases and surfactants. The pretreated influent water is then pumped to one or more elongated flow-through modules. The flow-through modules also include electrocoagulation electrodes for further treating of the influent water. From the flow-through modules, the treated water is sent to a foam removal apparatus and then to a clarifier. Clear water from the clarifier then flows into an effluent weir and discharged from the system thereby completing the water treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Herbst
  • Patent number: 6719894
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Tom Gus Gavrel, David W. Otto, Ira B. Vinson
  • Patent number: 6689271
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kaspar Wire Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 6689262
    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 hydrogen forms bubbles at the cathode, which bubbles rise to the surface. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. The electrodes may be a metal or oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, iron, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium and osmium or oxides thereof. The electrodes may be formed into open grids or may be closed surfaces. The most preferred cathode is a stainless steel mesh. The most preferred mesh is a {fraction (1/16)} inch grid. The most preferred anode is platinum and iridium oxide on a support. A preferred support is titanium. Models suitable for different uses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aqua Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw
  • Patent number: 6663766
    Abstract: The invention provides an electroflocculation process for producing potable water from impure water, comprising forming trivalent ions in situ by electrolysis of metallic electrodes (16) selected from the group consisting of metallic aluminum electrodes and metallic iron electrodes, wherein water to be treated is caused to ascend sequentially through apertures (22) provided in a stack of parallel metallic plates (16) serving as said electrodes, each plate being charged with a polarity opposite to plates adjacent thereto, apertures of adjacent plates being vertically misaligned, whereby turbulent flow and mixing is created by the sequential passage of said water to be treated from the aperture of the lowest of said plates to the apertures of the plates thereabove to exit from the highest of said plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Avner Adin, Nicholai Vescan
  • Patent number: 6613217
    Abstract: A stream of process liquid is treated while flowing through in a horizontally elongated chamber having an open top. Longitudinally elongated electrode blades are aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the chamber. An overhead disbursement chamber supplies a sweeping air stream over the open top of the chamber for removing foam and gas reaction by-products. The electrode blades are separated and held at a desired spacing by small portable guides located below and above the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: F. William Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20030136686
    Abstract: A high volume electrolytic water treatment system and process for treating wastewater. The system and process is designed to treat waste streams that are both complex and with variable contaminate compositions. The system includes pumping influent water to a headworks screen for removing solids in the water. The screened water is then discharged into primary and secondary surge tanks. The tanks include electrocoagulation electrodes. The electrodes, using alternating current, destabilize materials such as fats, oils, greases and surfactants. The pretreated influent water is then pumped to one or more elongated flow-through modules. The flow-through modules also include electrocoagulation electrodes for further treating of the influent water. From the flow-through modules, the treated water is sent to a foam removal apparatus and then to a clarifier. Clear water from the clarifier then flows into an effluent weir and discharged from the system thereby completing the water treatment process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Herbst
  • Patent number: 6558527
    Abstract: An apparatus electrochemically removes fine metal particles from an oil in water emulsion. The apparatus has a container for accommodating the emulsion. A supply port supplies the emulsion to the container. A plurality of cathode plates and anode plates are located in the container to face each other. The water in the emulsion is electrolyzed when a predetermined direct voltage is applied between the plates. The fine metal particles float with hydrogen generated by the electrolysis. Al(OH)3 attaches to H2 bubbles. A discharge port is located in a lower part of the container for discharging the emulsion from which the fine metal particles, sludge, oil and greese have been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Enomoto Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Enomoto, Toshiaki Yamamoto, Chen-Lu Yang
  • Patent number: 6488835
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment method wherein voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically with respect to the chamber which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. Gases formed in the electrocoagulation process are allowed to rise to the top of the liquid line and can be vented to the atmosphere. The voltage and amperage of the electrical field within the reaction chamber may be adjusted as necessary by placing selected reaction plates in electrical contact with the voltage source. The incoming line voltage itself may be kept at a constant which eliminates the need for a separate transformer. The reaction plates are easily removed from the reaction chamber and may be replaced individually or as a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Wade Powell
  • Publication number: 20020096437
    Abstract: An apparatus electrochemically removes fine metal particles from an oil in water emulsion. The apparatus has a container for accommodating the emulsion. A supply port supplies the emulsion to the container. A plurality of cathode plates and anode plates are located in the container to face each other. The water in the emulsion is electrolyzed when a predetermined direct voltage is applied between the plates. The fine metal particles float with hydrogen generated by the electrolysis. Al(OH)3 attaches to H2 bubbles. A discharge port is located in a lower part of the container for discharging the emulsion from which the fine metal particles, sludge, oil and greese have been removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Yukio Enomoto, Toshiaki Yamamoto, Chen-Lu Yang
  • Publication number: 20020040855
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 6358398
    Abstract: A method for separating contaminants from a aqueous source containing contaminants. In one embodiment, the method involves the use of a high powdered oxidant dissolved within the aqueous system. The gas is dissolved within a reservoir in the aqueous solution and the pressure within the reservoir is controllable. This allows maximum contact of the oxidizing dissolved gas with the contaminant material. Once oxidized, the outlet of the reservoir is adapted to permit hydraulic cavitation. The net effect of the cavitation is to induce a foam formation which foam transports a floc into a separate phase from the aqueous solution. In this manner, the process is effectively a dissolved oxidizing gas mass transfer process. In another embodiment, the process may be augmented by electrocoagulation. This involves the use of an electric cell which is disposed within the reservoir containing the oxidant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Oxidation Technologies (2000) Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Halldorson, Lawrence Lambert, Steve Kresnyak
  • Patent number: 6325916
    Abstract: A method for separating contaminants from a aqueous source containing contaminants. In one embodiment, the method involves the use of a high powdered oxidant dissolved within the aqueous system. The gas is dissolved within a reservoir in the aqueous solution and the pressure within the reservoir is controllable. This allows maximum contact of the oxidizing dissolved gas with the contaminant material. Once oxidized, the outlet of the reservoir is adapted to permit hydraulic cavitation. The net effect of the cavitation is to induce a foam formation which foam transports a floc into a separate phase from the aqueous solution. In this manner, the process is effectively a dissolved oxidizing gas mass transfer process. In another embodiment, the process may be augmented by electrocoagulation. This involves the use of an electric cell which is disposed within the reservoir containing the oxidant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Oxidation Technologies (2000) Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lambert, Steve Kresnyak
  • Patent number: 6001238
    Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of metal ions in pure water or ultrapure water and thereby obtaining pure water or ultrapure water. Such purified pure water or purified ultrapure water is used, for example, when washing semiconductor wafers, as a starting material of electrolytic ionic water, or for diluting washing water. A pair of carbon electrodes is disposed in an ultrapure water storage tank containing pure water or ultrapure water or in a purifying tank disposed in a line leading from an ultrapure water storage tank. A D.C. voltage is applied across the electrode pair. A carbon electrode material having a large specific surface area is chosen, and an electrode structure with which there is little detachment of carbon fragments is used. After the carbon electrode is molded, a carbon layer is formed on the surface of the molding by dipping the molding in an amorphous carbon bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Jun Takayasu, Naoto Miyashita
  • Patent number: 5928493
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of industrial waste water using electrocoagulation to effect separation of contaminants, which may include heavy metals, dyes, oils, fats, solvents, and salts. The process comprises passing waste water containing contaminants susceptible to electrocoagulation between pairs of electrodes within a reactor cell, energizing the electrodes with direct current, thereby breaking down and chemically altering contaminants in the electrolyzed water to form a sedimentable flocculate therein; and separating the flocculate from cleaned water. The invention also anticipates an apparatus for treating waste water which comprises: an electrocoagulation reactor cell having spaced-apart electrodes energized by direct current, a pump for passing industrial waste water through the reactor and between the electrodes, a de-foam tank, a mechanical clarifier, and a recessed-plate filter press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kaspar Electroplating Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar, Jonathan M. Petru