With Gas-liquid Surface Contact Means Patents (Class 210/150)
  • Publication number: 20140263045
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes gasifying a fuel source using a first oxygen stream supplied from an air separation unit (ASU), discharging a gasifier blowdown from a gasification and scrubbing system configured to gasify the fuel source, generating a grey water from the gasifier blowdown, and biologically treating the grey water in a reactor using a second oxygen stream supplied by the ASU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anindra Mazumdar, Dinh-Cuong Vuong, James Scott Kain, Paul Roberts Scarboro
  • Publication number: 20140263096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid handling system comprising a reactor, wherein the reactor is structured such that it contains a gaseous phase and an aqueous phase, both phases being in contact with a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst immobilised or suspended within the aqueous phase, wherein the gaseous phase comprises hydrogen and wherein the aqueous phase comprises (i) a solution of amines; and (ii) nitrosamine and/or nitramine compounds resulting from amine-based gas sweetening processes. The invention further relates to a process for in-situ destruction of compounds in the aqueous phase from a scrubber system, wherein the process comprises contacting the aqueous phase with a gas phase comprising hydrogen and a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the aqueous phase comprises (i) a solution of amines; and (ii) nitrosamine and/or nitramine compounds resulting from amine-based gas sweetening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Kolbjørn Zahlsen, Bernd Wittgens, Aslak Einbu
  • Publication number: 20140251882
    Abstract: A segmented, stackable wastewater treatment apparatus suitable for small remote and temporary camps is provided. The segments are typically flat cylindrical in shape and contain permanent biofiltration medium such as absorbent foam. They are transported to site in small vehicles or aircraft and assembled into a stack to treat the sewage. After use, they are disassembled into the component segments, which are then transported by small vehicles or aircraft to the next site, re-assembled in a stack, and re-used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: E. Craig JOWETT
  • Publication number: 20140251903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improving the results of anaerobic digestion of organic waste especially animal manure such as chicken manure by removing the grit in the waste. by digesting the waste in a slurry at a temperature of 50 degrees C. or more for a period of time sufficient for the grit to settle out of the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Chia Hsing Shih
  • Publication number: 20140238933
    Abstract: Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are generally utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water, as well as to maximize the concentration and diversity of types of microorganisms. Reactors are utilized that desirably have tubes therein containing the multiple types of packings and microorganisms and contain at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: IMET CORPORATION
    Inventors: MEHMET A. GENCER, KAAN GENCER, PAUL M. ZAKRISKI
  • Publication number: 20140202954
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes an outlet barrier for controlling a flow of wastewater from a treatment zone to an outlet from the wastewater environment. An immersed support structure is disposed in the treatment zone for supporting aquatic plants in the wastewater environment. The support structure has adjustable buoyancy such that a position of the support structure relative to the upper surface of the wastewater in the treatment zone may be adjusted by adjusting the buoyancy of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Leon A. Lassovsky
  • Publication number: 20140202965
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a method for killing aquatic organisms in liquid by which aquatic organisms in liquid can be killed at low cost, and the object is attained by a method including a first step of generating microbubbles in a range of 4 to 100 ?m from bubbles containing ozone discharged into liquid in a pipe, a second step of forcibly crushing the microbubbles in the pipe generated at the first step to generate OH radicals as a result of crushing of the microbubbles themselves due to the forcible crushing, and a third step of generating OH radicals as a result of dissolution and decomposition of the ozone contained in the microbubbles in the liquid due to the forcible crushing of the microbubbles, wherein the OH radicals generated at the second and third steps, OH radicals generated as a result of self-crushing of the microbubbles themselves in the liquid in the pipe, and OH radicals generated as a result of dissolution and decomposition of the ozone contained in the microbubbles in the liquid due to
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Honda, Ryoichi Miyanabe, Shuji Ueki
  • Patent number: 8784658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating wastewater that includes the steps of: —a contact step, wherein wastewater contacts bacteria retained on a support surface and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the wastewater is maintained at 2.0 mg/l or less; an aeration step, wherein gas is passed through wastewater that has passed through the contact step and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the wastewater is reduced as the wastewater passes through the aeration step; a sedimentation step, wherein wastewater that has passed through the aeration step is substantially separated into treated water and sludge; and a sludge recycling step, wherein sludge from the sedimentation step is passed to the contact step. The invention also relates to a processing unit on which the aforementioned process may be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bluewater Bio Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Garry Hoyland
  • Patent number: 8764986
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for removal of undesirable substances from a body of liquid. The system can include an aeration structure having a continuously inclined surface configured to provide an interaction of air bubbles against substantially an entire length of the continuously inclined surface while the air bubbles are moving toward a top of the body of liquid. The continuously inclined surface can be substantially submerged in the body of liquid. A bio-film of diverse bacteria colonies is disposed on the continuously inclined surface, and a high surface area-to-volume structure is located in proximity to the aeration structure, upon which a bio-film of bacteria colonies can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kraig Johnson, Lawrence D. Reaveley, Fred Jaeger, Hua Xu, Joyce A. Okey
  • Publication number: 20140166559
    Abstract: A microbial attachment means with consistent physical properties and non-degradable material suitable for submerged or free-draining filtration of wastewater is provided in the present invention. The material is used in the construction and landscaping industries and is readily available and cost-effective. It consists of a web or mesh of loosely overlapping polymeric filaments forming sheets with small three-dimensional topographic undulations or “hill and valley”, corrugated morphology. The sheets are configured into a variety of shapes that form an isometric matrix of irregular filaments as protected surface area for microbial attachment, and with intervening large pores for water and air circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ROWANWOOD IP INC.
    Inventors: E. Craig Jowett, Christopher Richard James
  • Publication number: 20140166574
    Abstract: A biological filtration system includes a reservoir configured to receive an aqueous liquid, a multiplicity of polymeric container closures in the reservoir, a fluid inlet fluidically coupled with the reservoir, and a fluid outlet fluidically coupled with the reservoir. The fluid inlet is configured such that an aqueous liquid provided to the reservoir via the fluid inlet contacts the multiplicity of polymeric container closures. The polymeric container closures support biofilm growth. Treating the aqueous liquid provided to the biological filtration system includes contacting the polymeric container closures with the aqueous liquid, growing biofilm on the polymeric container closures in contact with the aqueous liquid, thereby removing contaminants from the aqueous liquid to yield a treated aqueous liquid, and removing the treated aqueous liquid from the biological filtration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander Fassbender
  • Patent number: 8753505
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Publication number: 20140158614
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for biologically treating water and/or wastewater. The methods and devices for treating wastewater may be enhanced using an surge lifting device which moves water and/or solids using volumes of air (for liquid transfer and mixing) and the automatic sludge return mechanism, combined with alternating aeration on and off operation to achieve comprehensive nitrogen and phosphorus removal. This surge lifting device can provide occasional surges of water using large bubbles which are able to move great volume of liquid while minimizing dissolved oxygen transfer to the surrounding liquid. Use of the devices and processes herein provides a simple, eloquent approach to wastewater treatment with less operation and maintenance costs than conventional devices and/or processes. The same surge lifting device can also be installed in an anaerobic digester, and use the biogas generated below the device to automatically mix the digester, without external energy input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Jianmin Wang
  • Patent number: 8741100
    Abstract: A liquid concentrator having an evaporator assembly and a cyclonic separator includes features designed to improve the performance of the liquid concentrator. A settling chamber is separated from a sump of the cyclonic separator. A liquid inlet opening into a mixing chamber of the evaporator injects wastewater at low pressures. Features to aid in the cleaning of the liquid concentrator include easy open doors and clean water injection ports for cleaning interior portions of the liquid concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventor: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8741101
    Abstract: A liquid concentrator having an evaporator assembly and a cyclonic separator includes features designed to improve the performance of the liquid concentrator. A settling chamber is separated from a sump of the cyclonic separator. A liquid inlet opening into a mixing chamber of the evaporator injects wastewater at low pressures. Features to aid in the cleaning of the liquid concentrator include easy open doors and clean water injection ports for cleaning interior portions of the liquid concentrator. In one feature a settling tank is disposed below the cyclonic separator and has a width that is larger than the width of the cyclonic separator. In another variation, the cyclonic separator has a tubular body with an interior that is substantially unobstructed between an inlet from the evaporator assembly and an exhaust outlet. In yet another variation, the cyclonic separator has an upper chamber that is separated from a lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventor: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8734727
    Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a product gas (eg hydrogen and ozone) comprises: a supply of reactant gas (eg oxygen and steam) (14); a pair of electrodes (24) with a space between them of less than 1 mm (28); a conduit to lead the reactant gas from the source through the space between the electrodes; a power source (26) to apply a voltage across the electrodes to dissociate the reactant gas and ultimately permit formation of product gas; and a conduit (40) to supply the product gas to an outlet. A sterilization unit for water treatment employs such apparatus and includes a fluidic oscillator to oscillate the flow of oxygen and/or ozone, and wherein said outlet comprises a plurality of orifices (42) to be submerged in said water and for the purpose of forming micro bubbles of ozone. An analyzer for detecting large organic molecules in eg air can employ the ozone generator to breakdown the large molecule into simpler and easier-to-detect-and-identify molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Perlemax Ltd.
    Inventors: William Bauer Jay Zimmerman, Jaime Humberto Lozano Parada
  • Publication number: 20140138310
    Abstract: A device for sewage treatment including a reactor and a magnetic field generator. The reactor includes a water inlet at the upper end, a water outlet on the side wall, and a sludge outlet at the lower end. A stirrer and an aeration device are disposed in the reactor. The reactor is filled with magnetic powder and activated sludge. The magnetic field generator includes a magnetic field tester, an iron cover, a power supply, a transformer, and a spiral coil. The spiral coil loops around the outer surface of the reactor. The transformer, the spiral coil, and the power supply are connected in sequence. The iron cover surrounds the periphery and the bottom of the reactor, and the magnetic field tester is disposed within the reactor. A method for sewage treatment using the device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Hongqiang REN, Chuan NIU, Jinju GENG, Ke XU
  • Patent number: 8721888
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment method using annularly arranged microorganism carriers in a reaction tank, which defines therein an upper reaction area, a lower reaction area and a passage area surrounded by the microorganism carriers and kept in communication between the upper reaction area and the lower reaction area. Microorganisms including nitrifying bacteria and autotrophic denitrifying bacteria are attached to the surface of each microorganisms carriers and suspending in the water of the reaction tank for causing Anammox reaction to convert NH4+ and NO2? in wastewater into nitrogen gas, achieving removal of total nitrogen compounds from water. The microorganism carriers are used to retain microorganisms in the reaction tank, enhancing the treatment efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Leaderman & Associates Co., Ltd., National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Der-Ming Lee, Ming-Kuei Chiang, Chin-Te Chen, Keng-Chuan Sung, Jih-Gaw Lin, Sin-Han Su
  • Publication number: 20140124420
    Abstract: A water quality purification system for a hybrid artificial wetland includes a first aerobic artificial wetland, an anaerobic artificial wetland, and a second aerobic artificial wetland. Here, the first aerobic artificial wetland induces a vertical flow of water, which is to be purified, and allows pollutants to be removed. The anaerobic artificial wetland induces a horizontal flow of treated water which is introduced from the first aerobic artificial wetland, and allows pollutants to be further removed. Additionally, the second aerobic artificial wetland induces a vertical flow of treated water which is introduced from the anaerobic artificial wetland, and allows air to be supplied inwardly such that the amount of dissolved oxygen of the introduced treated water increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: KORBI CO., LTD., SUNG IL EN-TECH CO.LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Chul Kim, Gwang Ju Cho, Goo Hyeon Park, Moon Sik Hyun, Hee Jin Yang, Seol Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20140124438
    Abstract: Installation and method for processing wastewater, comprising: a) providing wastewater for processing; b) reducing O2 content of said wastewater by unactivated aerobic digestion; c) subsequently to ‘b’, eliminating substantially all O2 from said wastewater by anaerobic digestion; d) subsequently to ‘c’, transferring said wastewater to a closed photobioreactor; and e) subsequently to ‘d’, maintaining said wastewater in said photobioreactor in conditions favorable for algal photosynthesis, thereby allowing algae to grow in said photobioreactor. A method for growing algae is also disclosed whereby time, density and flow speed are controlled. The photobioreactor may have a conduit with two proportions of different cross sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Ariel-University Research and Development Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Yaakov Anker, Erez Katz
  • Publication number: 20140120018
    Abstract: A process and apparatus to remove and breakdown volatile organic compounds from drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, frack water and air exhaust. The process entails filling a tank, chamber, pipe, or column with ozone-containing gas, introducing into this ozone-containing gas-filled tank, chamber, pipe or column, very small droplets of water, contaminated with volatile organic compounds which then volatilize out from the water and break down in the ozone gas thereby improving the water quality and associated air quality. The current invention has been shown to achieve more than 99% combined removal efficiency. The process can also be used to treat air streams containing volatile organic compounds. To increase efficiency, ozone is introduced where the atomized particles are smallest. Three configurations utilizing said process include upward and downward spray of contaminated water into ozone and pumping through openings in an enclosure to a reaction chamber filled with ozone-containing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Marcia Jada Berger, Isaac Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140097132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane bioreactor (“MBR”) system that includes a mechanical membrane reciprocation system to reduce or eliminate membrane fouling. The disclosed MBR system can be operated with higher flux and lower fouling than MBR systems using air scouring. Furthermore the system can remove nitrogen and phosphorous with one RAS and one or no internal recirculation line. The membrane can be reciprocated by a low RPM motor connected to a pulley via belt to rotate rotor to convert rotational motion into reciprocating motion of membrane. Various mechanical means can also be employed to create the reciprocating motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20140097137
    Abstract: A coupling bioreactor in the form of a tower type seal structure filled with a suspended carrier. A water inlet pipe, an air inlet pipe, and a first microporous aerator are arranged at the bottom of the coupling reactor. The water inlet pipe is connected to a water distributor. The air inlet pipe is connected to the first microporous aerator. A gas inlet pipe and a second microporous aerator are arranged at the middle part of the coupling bioreactor and are connected with each other. An annular overflow weir is arranged at the upper part of the coupling bioreactor and is connected to a water outlet pipe. A gas outlet pipe is arranged at the top of the coupling bioreactor. The ratio of the height to the diameter of the coupling bioreactor is between 3 and 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Hongqiang REN, Ke XU, Lili DING, Jinju GENG
  • Publication number: 20140097136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite microorganism reactor, wherein both dephosphorization and denitrification occur in one reactor, and an apparatus and a method for water treatment using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: DAEWOONG ECOSYSTEMS AND SOLUTION
    Inventors: Kwang Jae Woo, Yeon Gil Kim
  • Patent number: 8691093
    Abstract: An anaerobic waste treatment apparatus comprises a container wherein randomly oriented bio-film media are disposed. An example waste treatment apparatus includes a container and optionally has at least two zones of bio-film media that are disposed within the container. In one example, the bio-film media includes torus-shaped materials, or other materials with voids therein, and the container is a dug out portion of earth. Moreover, the anaerobic waste treatment apparatus may additionally comprise a waste pump that is coupled to a waste pipe and configured to introduce waste into the container at one or more locations. When two zones are included, one zone may be randomly oriented, while a proximate zone may be substantially horizontal and/or an organized zone. The random zone may also have a transition layer thereon that supports the organized zone or that provides an interface between the organized and random zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: J-U-B Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy M. Green
  • Patent number: 8691092
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating floating wetlands and improving water quality is provided. The apparatus includes a lower retainer; an upper retainer; a floatable waste material disposed between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; and an organic material planted between the lower retainer and the upper retainer; wherein the organic material is configured to denitrify the water source. A method of making a floating wetland device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Biohabitats Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher A. Streb
  • Publication number: 20140083941
    Abstract: A biological reactor for treating wastewater. The reactor includes a gas injection system and a system for directing wastewater into the reactor. Further, the reactor includes a biological filter comprised of a packed bed of biofilm carriers and a volume of moveable biofilm carriers. During the method of treating the wastewater, the wastewater moves upwardly through the reactor and through the biological filter while gas is emitted from the gas injection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Suport
    Inventors: Xavier Le Tallec, Morten Lindegaard
  • Publication number: 20140083918
    Abstract: Soak vessels for impregnating biomass with a liquid such as a dilute acid and methods for impregnating biomass are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soak vessel includes an impeller assembly with impellers that create a vortex to submerge the biomass, that agitate and separate contaminants from the biomass and that direct biomass and contaminants to separate vessel outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ABENGOA BIOENERGY
    Inventors: Quang A. Nguyen, Weidong He, Leroy D. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8679327
    Abstract: The bioretention box includes a vault, a lid and a removable grate positioned within the lid, the combination of the vault, lid and grate being positionable with a dugout subgrade region and capable of supporting vehicular traffic within a parking area. Within the bioretention box is a treatment region to remove contaminants from storm water ingress. The treated water moves through openings in the bottom of the vault or through pipes to outside the vault, to a storm drain. The bioretention box includes overflow pipes which accommodate heavy storm water flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BCRA Engineering
    Inventors: Donald G. Mellott, James B. Dort, Danielle J. Santman
  • Publication number: 20140076803
    Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment is provided for a vessel with a ballast water tank system that pumps water from a local environment through a conduit into at least one tank on the vessel. The water contains aerobic micro-organisms from the local environment. Oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the water as it is pumped through the conduit. Living organisms are added into the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein. As a result, the tank receives a mixture of the water with the oxygen-containing gas introduced therein and the living organisms added thereto. The living organisms are selected to consume (i) the aerobic micro-organisms, (ii) oxygen dissolved in the water, and (iii) food sources for the aerobic micro-organisms contained in the water. A vacuum is applied to the tank's ullage space at a point in time after the mixture is received in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sea Knight Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Lechler, Claude R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8673140
    Abstract: In an apparatus for treating wastewater, e.g sewage water, the water passes through absorbent material. The material comprises e.g inexpensive scraps or off-cuts of plastic foam. The pieces of material are contained by being stuffed into lengths of plastic mesh tubing, which are then formed into closed-ended socks. The socks are stacked in layers, and the water to be treated is trickled down through the layers. The socks can also advantageously be used for anaerobic and submerged treatment of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rowanwood IP Inc.
    Inventors: E. Craig Jowett, Christopher Donald Jowett
  • Patent number: 8663464
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Peter H. Zahn
  • Publication number: 20140054209
    Abstract: A method for removing a target compound from a liquid can include arranging two active surfaces so as to be separated by a distance. The active surfaces can be placed within a flow of the liquid and can be capable of supporting an electrical charge, biological growth, and/or enzymes and proteins. The method can further include developing a population of microorganisms concentrated on the active surfaces where the population of microorganisms is configured to or capable of transformation of the target compounds. The method can further include developing enzymes or proteins concentrated on the active surfaces where the enzymes or proteins are configured to or capable of transformation of the target compounds. The method can further include applying a potential difference between the two active surfaces. The microorganisms and the potential difference can be sufficient in combination and/or with specific nutrients to remove the target compound from the liquid and maintain the population of microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: D. Jack Adams
  • Publication number: 20140054242
    Abstract: A plasma-generating apparatus includes a first electrode of which at least a part is positioned within a treatment vessel that is to contain liquid, a second electrode of which at least a part is positioned within the treatment vessel, a bubble-generating part which generate a bubble when the liquid is contained in the treatment vessel, such that a surface where conductor is exposed, of a surface of the first electrode which surface is positioned within the treatment vessel, is positioned within the bubble, a gas-supplying apparatus, a power supply for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shin-ichi Imai
  • Publication number: 20140048494
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for creating dense nano-multi molecular packing of gaseous molecules concentrated in liquid solutions and the ionization of the resultant dense gaseous nano-multi-molecular molecules forming a concentration of free-radicals saturating liquid solutions without cavitation of nuclei and without bubbles for the dissolution, destruction, disinfection and remediation of biological, chemical and electrochemical threats and contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick Lee Simmons, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140048464
    Abstract: A fluid purifying apparatus that purifies fluid containing organic matter has a reactor including a first transfer part that receives the fluid from outside and transfers the fluid in a vertical direction from an upper side to a lower side while heating and pressurizing the fluid and mixing the fluid with an oxidant, a second transfer part that receives the fluid that has passed through the first transfer part and transfers the fluid in the vertical direction from the lower side to the upper side, and a partition member that partitions an upper part of the reactor into the first transfer part and the second transfer part, and a solid storage part that communicates with the first transfer part and the second transfer part below the partition member and receives solid matter contained in the fluid that settles while the fluid is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi HAYAKAWA, Shogo SUZUKI, Hideyuki MIYAZAWA, Kimio AOKI, Noriaki OKADA, Aya UTSUKI, Yuu ZAMA, Toshiyuki MUTOH, Shigeru YAMADA, Makito NAKASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140042085
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aerobically processing waste, in which an aerobic bioreactor is in selective fluid communication with a source of oxygen-rich liquid medium. The aerobic bioreactor is configured for aerobically processing waste via bacteria fixed on media to provide processed effluent from the waste. The source of oxygen-rich liquid medium is different from the aerobic bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Remy BLANC, Ehud LESHEM
  • Publication number: 20140034572
    Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and methanol may be removed from wastewater obtained from oil or gas exploration or production operations by way of a bioreactor. The bioreactor may employ anaerobic microorganisms that metabolize various VOCs. In some embodiments, such a bioreactor may be configured to selectively change the temperature of the conditions of wastewater placed in the bioreactor, or of wastewater re-circulated through the bioreactor. A centralized valving or control station may optionally control heating or other conditioning elements for both feed and re-circulation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: R N INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Walter E. McAlister, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140027373
    Abstract: In a waste treatment system and process, relatively low and high solids concentration streams are treated in generally parallel anaerobic reactors. The reactors may share a common wall or gas collecting cover. The reactors may also share a common downstream aerobic treatment unit. Solids produced during downstream treatment of effluent from one or both anaerobic reactors may be returned to the high solids concentration stream. The low solids concentration stream may be treated in an attached growth anaerobic digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Juan Carlos JOSSE, Ashwani KUMAR
  • Publication number: 20140027378
    Abstract: A biofilm carrier screen is adapted for use with a moving bed bioreactor (MBBR). The screen has a screening body connected to an effluent pipe. The effluent pipe optionally has two parts separated by a union, preferably a pitless adapter. The screening body can be lifted from a bioreactor tank for maintenance after disconnecting the union. The screening body may have an aerator to provide bubbles to disperse biofilm carriers from the screening body. The screening bod may extend downwards from a mount near the top of the tank. In the case of an anaerobic MBBR, the screening body may extend downwards from a service box through a cover over the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ANAERGIA INC.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos JOSSE, Sasha ROLLINGS-SCATTERGOOD, Michael THEODOULOU
  • Publication number: 20140027376
    Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as BTEX methanol and other non-phase separable hydrocarbons may be removed from wastewater obtained from oil or gas exploration or production operations by way of a bioreactor. The bioreactor may employ anaerobic microorganisms that metabolize various VOCs. In some embodiments, such a bioreactor may be configured to treat process flow rates of thousands of barrels of wastewater per hour. Such a bioreactor may comprise a large vessel at a larger water treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: RN Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry J. Spiroff, Nathan Zaugg, Huiwei Yu
  • Publication number: 20140021131
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds, an anoxic zone having denitrifying bacteria, and an aerobic zone having nitrifying bacteria. The anoxic zone is coupled to the aerobic zone, and wastewater flows from the anoxic to the aerobic zone or vice versa. A fluidized bed heat exchanger configured to accept heat from a heat engine and to transfer the heat from the heat engine to the wastewater is positioned in the aerobic zone or the anoxic zone. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes particulate media, and fluidization of the particulate media scrubs bacterial growth from portions of the fluidized bed heat exchanger. Treating wastewater can include flowing wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds into a biological reactor having an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone, and heating the wastewater with heat from a heat engine to facilitate denitrification reactions in the anoxic zone and nitrification reactions in the aerobic zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Alexander Fassbender
  • Publication number: 20140008309
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a system and method for producing cleaner water and air without using additional power. The system produces cleaner water by heating the sucked air, which improves the efficiency of the air stripping. The system produces cleaner air by fanning the contaminated air through a thermal oxidizer and/or a carbon filterator. The fanning is powered by a belt pulley powered by the gravitational force from the contaminated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Slaby
  • Publication number: 20140001119
    Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Woodard
  • Publication number: 20130341269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for desulphuration of the digestate and biogas in a digester (1) of urban and/or agricultural and/or industrial effluent, by biochemical and/or thermochemical processes, the digester consisting of an enclosure (2) which is closed at the top, in which anaerobic digestion of a mass of products to be treated making up the digestate (4) takes place, the digester comprising at least one loop (10) for external recirculation of the digestate; an oxidant is injected at least at one point (13, 14) of the loop (10), the injection conditions being as follows: the speed of circulation of the digestate in the loop (10) must be high enough to prevent the deposition of sulphur on the walls of the pipes; the contact time between the injected oxidant and the recirculated digestate recirculated from the injection point (13, 14) of the oxidant until the reinjection point (11 b) of the digestate must be long enough for all the oxidant to be dissolved in the liquid phase of the digestate; the amo
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: DEGREMONT
    Inventors: Caroline Bouchet, Roger Nicol, Claude Prevot
  • Publication number: 20130334133
    Abstract: The invention discloses systems and methods for producing a gas stream containing ozone and a “carrier” or sweep gas that has an oxygen concentration that is below a predetermined percentage for treatment of organic waste feed stocks in an anaerobic digester. In one embodiment, ozone and unreacted oxygen from an ozone generator are delivered to a pressure swing adsorption cycle, wherein the ozone is adsorbed onto a sieve and the excess oxygen is removed from the cycle. The sweep gas, which has a limited oxygen concentration, is then used to desorb the ozone from the pressure swing adsorption cycle and deliver the ozone to an anaerobic digester, where the ozone is used to treat the feed stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Annemarie Ott Weist, Vipul P. Dholakia, Neil Hannay
  • Publication number: 20130327708
    Abstract: An anaerobic lagoon wastewater treatment system has a flow-splitter tank for accurately dividing a flow of raw, untreated wastewater. The system is designed as an earthen basin or as a tank and includes at least one partitioning element for providing two connected wastewater treatment zones. The first wastewater treatment zone in the direction of wastewater flow has a larger volume and is more efficient in the removal of biological oxygen demand (BOD) than the second wastewater treatment zone. The flow-splitter tank divides the incoming wastewater flow into two streams, which are conducted to the first and second wastewater treatment zones, respectively. A predetermined ratio of carbon to nitrogen is maintained within an effluent pumped from the second wastewater treatment zone by adjusting the relative amount of raw wastewater added directly to the second wastewater treatment zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Publication number: 20130327717
    Abstract: Liquid clarifier and method for clarifying liquid, comprising a liquid reactor which comprises an cylindrical tank having an upper vertical section and a lower tapered section, an inner cylinder extending along at least part of the upper section of the tank and an outlet for clarified liquid at the top of the tank, where the liquid clarifier further comprises a gas compressor adapted to inject compressed gas into the lower region of the cylinder and an inlet for an unclear liquid at the upper region of the cylinder, and at least one partition wall inside the cylinder, where the at least one partition wall create flow channels in the lower region of the inner chamber, where the compressed gas is adapted to be injected through gas inlets in flow channel/s in order to create an upward flow in the flow channel/s having gas inlets, which will create a downward flow in the flow channel/s without gas inlets, where the at least one partition wall extends out of the lower region of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Flocazur AB
    Inventors: Ninni Petersson, Luc Antelme
  • Publication number: 20130327694
    Abstract: A mixer for anaerobic decomposition of sludge in a digester, captures and compresses biogas emitted by the decomposing sludge. The compressed biogas proceeds through supply lines to gas accumulating apparatus mounted in the lower portion of the digester, close to or on the digester floor. Biogas accumulates in the gas accumulating apparatus to emerge as large mixing bubbles from 6 inches to 10 feet in diameter along their largest dimension. The mixing bubbles are large enough to generate a strong mixing current in the sludge that moves sludge as the bubbles rise to the surface. The mixing current mixes the sludge containing dissolved and suspended pollutants to promote the conversion of the pollutants by microorganisms contained in the sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Kristinn G. Drewry, Richard J. Koopmans, William A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130327710
    Abstract: An anaerobic lagoon wastewater treatment system, which includes a plurality of wastewater treatment zones. The treatment zones are either formed by providing a plurality of separate lagoons or by providing one or more partitioning elements within one lagoon. One or more treatment zones may also be provided in the form of a tank. The first wastewater treatment zone in the direction of wastewater flow has a smaller volume than the second wastewater treatment zone. Further, the first wastewater treatment zone achieves a significant reduction in fat, oil and grease removal, as well as in total suspended solids removal, but only a modest reduction in biological oxygen demand. An effluent from the first wastewater treatment zone is mixed with an effluent from the second wastewater treatment zone such that a predetermined ratio of carbon to nitrogen is maintained within the mixture of first and second effluents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: John H. Reid