With Gas-liquid Surface Contact Means Patents (Class 210/150)
  • Patent number: 7514256
    Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through a microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. The length and cross-sectional area are selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid does not flow into the reaction reservoir unless the pressure of the fluid is increased by an external source, thereby minimizing contamination of the bioreactor. The instant invention may also utilize at least one microchannel and reagent reservoir to regulate, rather than prevent, the passage of various molecules into the bioreactor. A pressure equalizing vent operating on similar principles to the microchannel may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Emilio Barbera-Guillem
  • Publication number: 20090078654
    Abstract: Conversion of an untreated liquid to a clean harmless treated liquid through microbe removal, characterized in that a mechanical treatment for damaging microbes present in a liquid to thereby effect extinction thereof and sterilization, combined with a chlorination in which a chlorine-containing substance is formed from a liquid and injected into a liquid to thereby effect microbe extinction and sterilization, is applied to a liquid. There is further provided an electrolytic circulation system comprising applying a detoxification treatment for extinction of microbes in seawater and sterilization by means of detoxification facilities on land or on the sea to seawater introduced through a seawater introduction channel and accommodating the seawater having been thus treated in a ballast water tank. As a result, facility and operating costs can be reduced. Extinction of microbes of unlimited size and sterilization can be securely achieved without any strength drop on the side of treated liquid accommodation body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuki Nishizawa, Kazuhiko Fujise, Masayuki Tabata, Kiyoshi Sugata, Ryouhei Ueda, Takashi Ueda, Hirokazu Okada, Tomoaki Oomura
  • Publication number: 20090071884
    Abstract: A leaching conduit comprising: a low aspect ratio channel; a pipe in fluid communication with the low aspect ratio channel; wherein the aspect ratio of the low aspect channel is configured to promote aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit. A wastewater system comprising: a processing tank; a leaching conduit in fluid communication with a dosing device; wherein the leaching conduit comprises: a low aspect ratio channel; a dosing pipe in fluid communication with the low aspect ratio channel; and wherein the aspect ratio of the low aspect channel is configured to promote aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit. A dosing pipe comprising: a perforated tube; and a slotted sleeve located over the perforated tube. A slotted sleeve configured to fit over a perforated tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Publication number: 20090071900
    Abstract: A constant velocity serpentine anoxic reactor incorporates a multiple cell vertical serpentine path, as well as a horizontal serpentine path, through the anoxic chamber. A fixed film media is mounted within each cell of the anoxic chamber to provide a structure on which the bacteria can grow to sustain the biological reaction, which convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. The fixed film media can be a cross-flow media and can optionally include a web of textile material integrated within the fixed film media to enhance bacterial growth within the fixed film media or optionally the anoxic vertical serpentine configuration could be applied to an activated sludge operation. A nitrate recycle pump recycles about 75% of the effluent from the aerobic chamber back into the anoxic chamber to provide a nitrate source for the digestion of the BOD within the influent wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Kulick, III, Curtis S. McDowell
  • Publication number: 20090071910
    Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus and a liquid treatment method are provided. The liquid treatment apparatus includes a nozzle configured to cause cavitation bubbles to be generated in liquid to be treated, and a discharger which generates discharge plasma in a region where the cavitation bubbles are generated. The liquid treatment method includes causing the cavitation bubbles to be generated in the liquid to be treated, and generating discharge plasma in the region where the cavitation bubbles are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hideaki IKE, Kazunori Hakiai
  • Patent number: 7497949
    Abstract: A system and method for oxygenating an aerobic sludge digester is provided. The disclosed embodiments include an aerobic sludge digester tank or vessel having a mechanically agitated contactor disposed therein, an oxygen injection subsystem adapted to inject oxygen into the digester tank proximate the mechanically agitated contactor. The embodiments of the mechanically agitated contactor include an agitator or impeller disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator or impeller is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then dispersed into the aerobic digester. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of oxygen dissolution into the sludge and greater bubble residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A. Novak
  • Publication number: 20090045141
    Abstract: Water decontamination systems including aerator modules are described herein. Such systems are capable of removing contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, from the water. Certain volatile organic contaminants can be removed at high efficiencies. The systems may be automated to remove the contaminants and produce cleaned water on a continuous basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: David S. Drewelow
  • Patent number: 7491323
    Abstract: In a water distributor device for aquariums, ponds and the like, comprising a main body (30) wherein an impeller (70) is inserted, the impeller (70) is rotated by entering water and is kinematically connected by gears to a nozzle (50) rotatably mounted on the main body (30) and the gears continuously rotates said nozzle (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hydor SRL
    Inventors: Valerio Bresolin, Giancarlo Baron, Luigi Signori
  • Patent number: 7491324
    Abstract: A water treatment system comprising: a container having a first end, a second end and a container wall defining an interior and an exterior; an aerator completely disposed within the interior, the aerator comprising an aerator wall having a plurality of perforations, the aerator configured to rotate in a liquid contained in the interior such that the aerator is partially disposed in the liquid, the aerator configured to aerate the liquid, wherein the plurality of perforations are configured to lift a thin film of the liquid from the container by exploiting the surface tension of the liquid, wherein the thin film bridges the plurality of perforations, and the aerator is configured to create a cascading bubbling turbulent flow in the liquid flowing along the aerator wall, as well as the liquid contained in the container; and a rotary motive force element coupled to and configured to rotate the aerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ionic Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Moulton
  • Patent number: 7491325
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting biomass for treating sludge or wastewater includes a first corrugated sheet having crests and valleys, a second corrugated sheet having crests and valleys and an intermediate member mounted between the first and second corrugated sheets. The crests have peak surfaces and the valleys have trough surfaces. The first corrugated sheet has a first longitudinal axis and the second corrugated sheet has a second longitudinal axis. The corrugations of the first corrugated sheet define a first corrugation angle of about zero degrees (0°) to about forty-five degrees (45°) relative to the first longitudinal axis and the corrugations of the second corrugated sheet define a second corrugation angle of about zero degrees (0°) to about forty-five degrees (45°) relative to the second longitudinal axis. The second corrugated sheet is mounted to the first corrugated sheet and the intermediate member has openings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Kulick, III, Timothy E. Krell, Robert W. Hartung, Curtis S. McDowell
  • Publication number: 20090032451
    Abstract: An aeration-less water treatment apparatus including an anaerobic reactor which receives sewage to cause the sewage to flow as an upward stream, and an aerobic reactor which receives treated water from the anaerobic reactor to cause the water to flow as a downward stream so that the water contacts aerobic microorganisms and air to aerobically treat the polluted matter in the water, the apparatus further including a suspended sludge section located in a lower part of the anaerobic reactor and in which the anaerobic microorganisms are suspended in the sewage, and a carrier section located in an upper part of the anaerobic reactor and having carriers to which the anaerobic microorganisms are attached, the anaerobic microorganisms having flowed from the suspended sludge section being further attached to the carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Masahiko Tsutsumi, Takumi Obara, Nobuyuki Ashikaga, Katsuya Yamamoto, Hiroshi Tamura
  • Patent number: 7485232
    Abstract: In a water treatment apparatus, microorganisms propagating on wood charcoal are activated by micro-nano bubbles contained in treatment water. Water treatment is carried out with the activated microorganisms propagated on the wood charcoal. Thereby, a stable treatment is achieved. Organic matters adsorbed by the wood charcoal are decomposed by the activated microorganisms propagated on the wood charcoal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7479220
    Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Universidad De Chile, Biotechnologies Del Aqua Ltda.
    Inventors: Davor Cotoras Tadic, Fernando Valenzuela Lozano, Miguel Esteban Zarzar Maza, Pabla Leticia Viedma Elicer
  • Patent number: 7476321
    Abstract: A method and a plant for waste water treatment include a method for purifying waste that has the steps of a) storing waste water; b) optionally removing phosphorous compounds; c) leading the waste water to a first aerated biodegrading zone; d) leading waste water from the first aerated biodegrading zone to a second aerated biodegrading zone to obtain purified water; and e) leading purified water to at least step a) or to step b) if step b) is present. Advantages of the method are that production of H2S is kept at a minimum, the necessary amount of chemicals used in phosphorous removal is reduced, an improved nitrification occurs, and the purification is improved during start up after a longer break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Biokube International A/S
    Inventor: Henrik U. Hedegaard
  • Patent number: 7476322
    Abstract: A membrane filtration system comprising one or more submerged ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane assemblies at ambient pressure, with mixed liquor is discharged underneath each membrane assembly. In a sequenced batch reactor system, a coarse bubble air diffuser for scouring each membrane assembly is supplied with air only during the backwash cycle of the filtration system and not during the filtration cycle. In a membrane bioreactor system, the biological treatment section is physically separated from the filtration section and fine bubble air diffusion is used in the biological treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dimitriou, Joseph G. Krall, David Rice, Velupillai Yogendran, Roger J. Byrne, Kenneth P. George, John E. Koch, III
  • Publication number: 20090001002
    Abstract: Waste water purification plant by means of plants and waste water purification process. The waste water purification plant (10) has at least one plant container (32), a feed unit (16), an evacuation unit (36) and plants. Waste water to be purified can be supplied to the purification plant (10) by the feed unit (16). Purified waste water can be discharged from the purification plant (10) by the evacuation unit (36). The plants are arranged in the plant container (32) without a substrate. A plant container (32) preferably has at least two plant basins (82-98). At least one other container (20, 24, 26, 146, 162, 172, 186, 188, 197) can be provided. At least part of the plant container (32) is arranged on the roof (147) of a building. Plants of at least two different plant species are provided in the plant container (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Hartmut Bauer, Frank Kozianka, Sandra Endisch
  • Patent number: 7470362
    Abstract: A complete storm water management system and process which incorporates a wetlands water treatment system. This system creates an infrastructure, flow control which is multi-level and multi-stage. This is a modular system which includes three or more chambers and/or ditches through which the storm water or other influent passes and is cleaned. The influent which flows into a storm drain, curb inlet, or inflow pipe into the system is directed first into a screening type catch basin inset filter within the first chamber of the system. The influent is treated within the first chamber before it passes out of this chamber into the incorporated wetlands system. The water flows through the wetlands chamber or ditch where it is further filtered and decontaminated through both an aerobic and anaerobic process. In situations of high runoff there is a bypass component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Modular Wetland Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg B. Kent
  • Publication number: 20080314826
    Abstract: A hollow gas transfer fibre is arranged in tows and potted into a module. The module may be used to treat wastewater by supplying hydrogen containing gas via the interior of the fibers to a biofilm present on an exterior surface of the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Hidayat Husain, Henry Behmann, Pierre Lucien Cote
  • Patent number: 7468135
    Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system comprising a wastewater holding tank having an interior adapted to hold wastewater, and a generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the holding tank. In one embodiment, the holding tank comprises a gray-water tank, and the system further comprises a non-potable water tank having an interior. In this embodiment, the system further includes a second generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the non-potable water tank and a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to the non-potable water tank. The system can further include a black-water tank having an interior, a third generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the black-water tank, and a conduit coupling the black-water tank to the non-potable water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl K. Holt
  • Patent number: 7468134
    Abstract: A system is described for collecting, filtering and removing dirt, debris, detritus, active organic materials, chemicals and toxins from water in fish ponds and general aqua-culture applications. This system includes a filter tank with supporting base containing biological filtration media, a multi-port valve, a strainer, a diffuser head, and a quick drain assembly. The filter tank is fabricated using transparent material allowing for visual inspection of the mechanical and biological activities inside the filter tank. The strainer and diffuser head are slotted so as to capture debris, retain filter media, and maintain unrestricted water flow. The quick drain is a vertical tube covered by drainage slots. The top end of the tube is capped. The bottom end of the tube extends through the filter tank wall to the exterior where a drain valve is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Hung Hoang
  • Patent number: 7465394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Aeration Industries International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Durda, G. Shawn Brown, Cory Mortenson
  • Patent number: 7462285
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides a novel means to biologically denitrify nitrogenous compounds in wastewater using a simultaneous reaction under aerobic conditions. To conduct this reaction it is necessary to culture both autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria as well as facultative heterotrophic bacteria such that the facultative heterotrophs can denitrify the oxidized ammonia compounds produced by the autotrophic bacteria as they are produced. The device described herein, along with methods of operating such a device, provides a means to facilitate the above reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel E. Wickham
  • Patent number: 7459075
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivey Burns, Thoram Charanda, Thomas J. Nicodemo, Richard Davis, Janell Crowder
  • Patent number: 7455775
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for detecting the quality of water with high accuracy. A representative water treatment apparatus includes an aerobic treatment region that treats water aerobically, a downstream region in which the water aerobically treated in the aerobic treatment region flows, a water quality sensor that is submerged in the downstream region and detects the water quality and a sensor washing arrangement that washes the water quality sensor by supplying the water of the downstream region to the water quality sensor at a flow rate higher than water flowing around the water quality sensor. As a result, sludge generated due to aerobic treatment can be prevented from being deposited on the water quality sensor and/or deposited sludge can be removed, so that the accuracy of water quality detection of the water quality sensor can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Clean Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Suzuki, Yukio Doi, Hayato Kurokawa, Yosuke Tabata, Toshiyuki Iwama
  • Publication number: 20080272056
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid stream includes a feed tank for containing an untreated liquid, a mixer for generating and mixing bubbles throughout the wastewater, and a settling tank for allowing the wastewater to settle for removal of impurities through dissolved gas floatation. The mixer includes a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing. The rotor is electrically isolated and the peripheral wall of the housing is electrically isolated and the rotor preferably has bores formed in its peripheral surface to produce cavitation to aid in mixing of fluid within the mixer. A power supply is coupled to establish a relatively positive electrical charge on the rotor and a relatively negative electrical charge on the wall of the housing. The charge causes electrolysis to occur within the fluid, which forms small low surface tension gas bubbles on the rotor and housing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Bijan Kazem
  • Publication number: 20080264843
    Abstract: The application device for liquid containing micro-nano bubbles generates micro-nano bubbles in a wide size distribution with use of a submerged pump-type micro-nano bubble generator and a spiral flow-type micro-nano bubble generator. A micro-nano bubble generating aid metering pump is controlled by a bubble level meter and a level controller, so that the supply amount of a micro-nano bubble generating aid is controlled in response to the level of bubbles from a fluid level. The supply amount of a micro-nano bubble generating aid is also controlled by a turbidimeter and a controller in response to the turbidity of the liquid in a micro-nano bubble generation tank, while the amount of air supplied to the submerged pump-type micro-nano bubble generator is controlled in response to the turbidity of the liquid. Therefore, the device can produce a large amount of various micro-nano bubbles in a wide size distribution more economically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7442307
    Abstract: The equipment has a main reaction (I) and an anterior reactor (II), as well as facilities for feeding in untreated sewage, removing cleaned water and sludge and aerating the wastewater entered into the main reactor, and a mixer (2) situated in the anterior reactor (II), and it is characterized by that between the main reactor (I) and the anterior reactor (II) there is a facility or there are facilitates for the recirculation of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Organica Kornyezettechnologiak Zet.
    Inventors: Gyula Czepek, Zoltán Takács, István Kenyeres
  • Publication number: 20080251954
    Abstract: Membrane strip diffusers are disclosed, useful for example in aerating wastewater in activated sludge plants. These diffusers have membranes, diffuser bodies comprising gas conduits and, in addition to the conduits, integral membrane supports elongated in the same general direction. Such conduits are for example co-extruded with the diffuser bodies. The supports are apertured to discharge gas into chambers formed beneath the membranes when they inflate, and the membranes have pores to discharge the gas. Ways to edge- and end-seal the membranes to the diffuser bodies and ways to support the diffusers are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Casper, Mark A. Schoenenberger, Brad D. Laubenstein, James A. Reilly, Joseph G. Krall, Neil S. Tischler
  • Publication number: 20080251448
    Abstract: A complete storm water management system and process which incorporates a wetlands water treatment system. This system creates an infrastructure, flow control which is multi-level and multi-stage. This is a modular system which includes three or more chambers and/or ditches through which the storm water or other influent passes and is cleaned. The influent which flows into a storm drain, curb inlet, or inflow pipe into the system is directed first into a screening type catch basin inset filter within the first chamber of the system. The influent is treated within the first chamber before it passes out of this chamber into the incorporated wetlands system. The water flows through the wetlands chamber or ditch where it is further filtered and decontaminated through both an aerobic and anaerobic process. In situations of high runoff there is a bypass component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: GREG B. KENT
  • Publication number: 20080251451
    Abstract: The invention provides a waste treatment apparatus for the microbial treatment of waste, and comprises at least one reactor vessel (12) for containing waste, waste feed means (7) adapted to feed untreated waste into the vessel, microbial feed means (48) adapted, in use, to feed micro-organisms into the waste, aeration means (28) adapted to aerate the waste in the vessel, and waste outlet means (5) adapted to remove treated waste from the vessel. The invention also provides a method of treating waste, using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Christian, Nicholas Foster
  • Publication number: 20080245731
    Abstract: Biomass support members, including woven textile media, useful in biological contact processes and apparatus; biomass support panels of limited flexibility and substantial surface expanse, with or without frames, comprising a variety of different woven or non-woven biomass supporting members, which may or may not include the foregoing media; biological treatment processes using biomass supporting panels in any at least partly supported growth biological process, whether a wastewater treatment or not; and biological wastewater treatment apparatus comprising diffusers and biomass support panels that may or may not include the above media, and which may also include certain preferred spatial and operational relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Efim Monosov
  • Patent number: 7431847
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying contaminated water by photochemical oxidation has at least a subflow of water that is directed through a flow channel in which the water is irradiated with UV electromagnetic radiation from at least one UV lamp assembly. The UV lamp assembly includes a high-pressure UV halogen lamp, which is mounted generally parallel with the flow direction in the channel. A method of irradiating the water flow with UV radiation includes using the at least one UV halogen high-pressure lamp assembly, which has energy intensive wave lengths in the range of 150 nm to 260 nm, preferably in the range of 160 nm to 220 nm, and most preferably in the range of 192 nm to 205 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Povl Kaas
  • Patent number: 7431832
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sam Houston State University
    Inventors: Gordon Alf Plishker, Robert Gavin Jones, Ralph Edward Holm, Joshua Richard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20080237141
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7429320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising (a) a positive oxygen and ozone-generating, or ozone-generating only, pressure pump having an output, (b) a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the pump output, and (c) an air stone attachable to the second tube end. The pump is used to deliver oxygen and ozone, or ozone only, through the tube to the air stone. As much tube as is required is used to allow the air stone to be introduced into almost any portion of the wastewater treatment system so as to introduce air into the effluent and allow aerobic bacteria to proliferate. The apparatus of the present invention could also include a plurality of such pumps, tubes and air stones, and in many combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Aero-Stream, LLC
    Inventor: Karl K. Holt
  • Patent number: 7425261
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment system including a substantially water impermeable treatment container for treating stormwater through a bioretention mechanism. The treatment container includes an overflow/bypass opening to receive stormwater that bypasses the treatment container filter media, or is only partially treated as a result of high stormwater flows in excess of the capacity of the container to treat the stormwater. The stormwater is directed into the container through an inlet, such as an inlet pipe, preferably connected to a roof drain system for processing and treating stormwater from the roof of a building. The overflow/bypass opening may be adjacent the top wall or bottom wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Americast, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Lee Siviter, Brian Richard Hofe, Edward Stuart Kay, Larry S. Coffman
  • Patent number: 7425268
    Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, a device for purifying water in a water water garden or fish pond comprises a filter medium configured to clean the water flowing through the device, and a housing configured to contain the filter media. The housing includes a wall configured to whirl the water flowing through the device to remove suspended particulates from the flow. Liquid flows into the housing, is turned by the wall to whirl the water about an axis, and exposed to elements held by the filter medium for cleaning the liquid. The liquid then flows out of the housing. Cleaning the medium is performed by opening a drain port and adding water to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Russell
  • Publication number: 20080190847
    Abstract: An activated sludge system for the purification of wastewater includes a membrane reactor comprising: (i) an array of pairs of vertical membranes (14) parallel to each other, (5) the membranes being spaced apart from each other and being permeate to liquid but substantially impermeable to solid particles, (ii) liquid flow channels between the membranes (14) of each pair, (iii) a liquid-collecting channels communicating with the liquid-flow channels for receiving liquid which has permeated through the membranes (14), and (iv) gaseous fluid sparging ducts (5) allocated to and co-planar with the respective pairs of membranes (14) and extending substantially horizontally for introducing gaseous fluid into a mixture of the liquid and the solid particles about the array, so that the gaseous fluid rises through the gaps (8) among the outer major surfaces of the membranes (14), each of the ducts 5 having therealong only one row of sparge holes (6), those holes (6) being downwardty directed for emitting the gaseous fl
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: BRIGHTWATER ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Alan David Cole Cantwell
  • Patent number: 7407584
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater wherein the biomass associated with the wastewater is subjected to simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a single reactor. The method entails directing a wastewater influent stream into the reactor and measuring the concentration of N—NH4 in the influent wastewater stream at a point upstream from the reactor. Air is supplied to the reactor for aerating the biomass in the reactor. The method includes controlling the quantity of air introduced into the reactor based in part at least on the measured concentration of N—NH4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: OTV SA S.A.
    Inventors: Cyrille Lemoine, Michele Payraudeau
  • Publication number: 20080179240
    Abstract: The present invention includes a portable Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetlands system for removing pollutants from a body of water. The portable wetlands system includes a sealed container having pipes for the inflow and outlet of the water. The system also includes a high surface area substrate located in a lower portion of the container and a heavier substrate and at least one emergent aquatic plant located in an upper portion of the container. The container of the system may be mounted on a trailer and the entire system may be light enough to be capable of being towed by a normal mid-sized pickup truck. The present invention also contemplates a method for removing pollutants from water using such a portable wetlands system. The water to be treated is flowed through the portable wetlands system in order to remove pollutants. The present invention further contemplates a method for constructing such a portable wetlands system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Frederick J. Kauppi, James H. Welsh, Stephen R. Lyon
  • Patent number: 7402241
    Abstract: A water purification device including a water inlet that receives water generated by a condenser. The water purification device has a water heating apparatus that receives water from the water inlet. The water heating device has a thermal energy source that can pasteurize or flash pasteurize the water by heating the water to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time. The water heating device expels the water at the end of the predetermined length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Aquamagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Wright, David W. Richards, Brent L. Cannell
  • Patent number: 7396453
    Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater includes a treatment container for receiving and treating wastewater and a mixing/aeration system disposed in the treatment container. Wastewater is pumped under pressure from the treatment container through a solids/liquid separation system, preferably comprising multiple parallel membrane bioreactors, to separate the solids and liquids in the wastewater. Liquid retentate from the solids/liquid separation system is cycled back to the treatment container via the mixing/aeration system. The closed-loop system and method for solids/liquid separation and aeration/mixing provides for reduced equipment requirements and energy usage during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Procorp Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas H. Probst
  • Patent number: 7390400
    Abstract: A denitrification reactor with a culture fixed to an organized plastic-type support is combined with an installation for the nitrification and elimination of the carbon-based pollution The reactor is supplied with a mixture of the raw effluent to be treated and of the effluent originating from the installation for the nitrification and elimination of the carbon-based pollution. The reactor includes two denitrification compartments (3, 4) arranged in parallel and operating altenatingly between a filling phase (denitrification and self cleaning-out of the excess biomass); and an emptying phase (denitrification and drainage of the excess biomass). A system for supplying the mixture of effluents consisting of a rotary arm (11) which alternately supplies the mixture to each of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Suez Environnement
    Inventors: Cédric Geneys, François Virloget
  • Publication number: 20080135474
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process includes a treatment system for biologically treating wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of rotating media wheels for sustained algae growth. The media wheels are supported so that the algae rotates into and out of the wastewater for exposure to sunlight. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 may also be provided to the facility for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Rotation of the media wheels can be accomplished by air jets that also operate to dislodge excess algae as a byproduct of the system and process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher A. Limcaco
  • Publication number: 20080121587
    Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibres (211), with the fibres being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibres around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibres are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Water Maiden Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Ernest Frye, Soren Ingemann Jensen, Philip McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20080121577
    Abstract: A filter for composite water treatment and sewage treatment includes at least two filters for sewage to pass through respectively. Each of the filters is composed of numerous ringed filaments twisted and entangled together irregularly. And, among the ringed filaments, there are also numerous interspaces formed to let sewage flow through. Each filter has a coarser diameter for its ringed filaments and a larger space for its interspaces than that positioned behind it does.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Talloen Marc
  • Patent number: 7378021
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a tidal, sequential vertical flow marsh cell system having at least three marsh cells in serial forward fluid communication. Incoming wastewater to be treated is channeled to at least the first and a second marsh cell, and a portion of water exiting a final marsh cell, to the first marsh cell surface. Each marsh cell is alternately flooded and drained for enhancing aeration of incoming water and marsh cell contents, which include media and plant roots having biofilms growing thereon, the biofilms including a population of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, for achieving substantially simultaneous nitrification and denitrification of the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Worrell Water Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Austin, Eric Lohan
  • Patent number: 7374683
    Abstract: The biofilter is used for the purification of a waste liquid using layers of filtering material, wherein the waste liquid moves downwardly by gravity while an O2-containing gas moves upwardly therein. The biofilter comprises a gas collector to capture at least a portion of the gas moving upwardly therein to mitigate the problem of biofilter clogging due to a microbial seal at the surface of the uppermost filtering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Centre de Recherche industrielle du Quēbec
    Inventors: Gerardo Buelna, Rino Dubé, Yann Le Bihan
  • Patent number: 7374670
    Abstract: A leaching conduit comprising: a high aspect ratio channel; a first pipe in fluid communication with the high aspect ratio channel; and where the aspect ratio of the high aspect channel is configured to allow for aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit. A wastewater system comprising: a processing tank; a leaching conduit in fluid communication with a dosing device; wherein the leaching conduit comprises: a high aspect ratio channel; a dosing pipe in fluid communication with the high aspect ratio channel; and where the aspect ratio of the high aspect channel is configured to allow for aerobic conditions in and around the leaching conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Publication number: 20080099397
    Abstract: A system for treating liquids by forming bacteria flora using earthworm humus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a containment tank for receiving a contaminated liquid distributed through an opening into the tank, the containment tank further including a layer of earthworm humus through which the liquid is filtered, a medium layer for bacteria inoculation below the earthworm humus layer in the containment tank, and an inert layer below the medium layer proximate to the base of the containment tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Alex Manuel Villagra Fuentes