Geographic Patents (Class 210/170.01)
  • Patent number: 11686060
    Abstract: A surface containment system to contain liquid contaminates escaping from a vessel, the containment system having in one example: a water and oil impermeable barrier liner positioned below the vessel; a perimeter wall surrounding the vessel, the perimeter wall extending vertically from the ground surface and supporting a portion of the barrier liner so as to form a containment reservoir; at least one fluid conduit through the barrier liner, the fluid conduit having a filter configured to retain contaminates and configured to allow water to pass by way of gravity from the reservoir through the impermeable barrier; the perimeter wall formed of a plurality of wall panels connected by way of struts each having a vertical component, a base component anchored to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Gary Ackles
  • Patent number: 11199069
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve is made of a degradable material and may be disposed within a downhole component or may be disposed around an outer surface of the downhole component. The tubular sleeve is positioned relative the downhole component such that fluid flow is prevented from passing through at least one aperture in the downhole component. The tubular sleeve is secured to the downhole component by swedging, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. In the swedging process, the tubular sleeve is mechanically deformed by applying a force to the sleeve, which stretches and then recoils back an amount once the force is removed. Once installed, the tubular sleeve will eventually degrade, allowing fluid to flow through the at least one aperture in the downhole component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Terapat Apicharthabrut, Maxime P M Coffin
  • Patent number: 11124936
    Abstract: A surface containment system to contain liquid contaminates escaping from a vessel, the containment system having in one example: a water and oil impermeable barrier liner positioned below the vessel; a perimeter wall surrounding the vessel, the perimeter wall extending vertically from the ground surface and supporting a portion of the barrier liner so as to from a containment reservoir; at least one fluid conduit through the barrier liner, the fluid conduit having a filter configured to retain contaminates and configured to allow water to pass by way of gravity from the reservoir through the impermeable barrier; the perimeter wall formed of a plurality of wall panels connected by way of struts each having a vertical component, a base component anchored to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Gary Ackles
  • Patent number: 11123776
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for landfill systems, comprising waste, a geosynthetic product, and a layer of foam glass aggregates interposed between the waste and the geosynthetic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Aero Aggregates of North America LLC
    Inventors: Archibald Stewart Filshill, Thomas Liam McGrath
  • Patent number: 10968113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method to quantify the lead exposure of an aqueous feed to humans, remove lead from the aqueous feed, and identify the presence of lead service lines. The device includes an inlet to receive a lead-containing aqueous feed; an outlet to discharge a lead-depleted treated aqueous feed; and at least one cartridge containing sampling media positioned so that the lead-containing aqueous feed passes from the inlet and through the cartridge to produce the lead-depleted treated aqueous feed for discharge through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    Inventors: Darren Alan Lytle, Michael Reed Schock
  • Patent number: 10895422
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system is provided. The chemical delivery system includes a strand of material having a plurality of chemical delivery tablets secured thereto. The strand of material can be inserted into a drain pipe opening and retained within the drain pipe by a retention disc and/or a removable cap. The chemical delivery tablets are measurably consumed as fluid or other condensate material flows through the drain pipe. The strand of material may then be readily replaced with a new strand on a period basis without necessitating disassembly of the pipe thereby preventing growth of algae or other organic material in the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Brian Desilets
  • Patent number: 10869430
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for using photosynthetic biomass to purify water, reduce indoor air pollution, remove greenhouse gases including CO2 from outdoor atmospheric air, and produce biofuel, food products, and fertilizer are provided herein. Also provided herein are systems and methods for enhancing growth of a photosynthetic biomass in a greenhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: CARBON SINK, INC.
    Inventor: Frank O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 10837042
    Abstract: Herein is reported a feed mixing device for adding feed solutions with a non-physiologically pH value to a cell cultivation vessel comprising a chamber for mixing the feed solutions prior to their addition to the cell cultivation vessel as well as its use. With the feed mixing device as reported herein feed components can be provided in solution at a pH value at which they have good solubility and/or good stability whereby the pH value can be clearly different from the pH value of the cultivation medium, i.e. different from the physiological pH value. This allows performing the cultivation with more flexibility compared to a cultivation in which the pH value of the feed solution is limited to a small range around the pH value of the cultivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hoffman-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvia Baumann, Jens Hoffmann, Alexander Jockwer, Christian Klinger, Thomas Troebs
  • Patent number: 10801189
    Abstract: A screen intake apparatus has a concrete platform resting on a water source floor. A screen intake anchors on the platform and forms a half cylinder thereon. A barrier at one end of the platform in divides the flow of water. The screen intake has a half-cylindrical body and half-cylindrical screens. Transition walls in the screen intake divide the body's hollow and the screens' interiors, and at least one flow modifier communicates the interior with the hollow. These flow modifiers also form a half cylinder with the platform. A manifold in the screens receives a supply of air to clear debris. Forming a half-cylinder, the screen intake on the platform can have a much lower profile for the water source than the normal cylindrical screens, which require half of its diameter in clearance above and below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Watson
  • Patent number: 10633263
    Abstract: A conventional media filter such as a gravity sand filter is converted into a membrane filter. The media is removed and replaced by immersed membrane modules. Transmembrane pressure is created by a static head pressure differential, without a suction pump, thereby creating a membrane gravity filter (MGF). Preferred operating parameters include transmembrane pressure of 5-20 kPa, 1-3 backwashes per day, and a flux of 10-20 L/m2/h. The membranes are dosed with chlorine or another oxidant, preferably at 700 minutes*mg/L as Cl2 equivalent per week or less. The small oxidant does is believed to provide a porous biofilm or fouling layer without substantially removing the layer. The media filter may be modified so that backwash wastewater is removed from near the bottom of the tank rather than through backwash troughs above the membrane modules. Membrane integrity testing may be done while the tank is emptied after a backwash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Lucien Cote, Jason Cadera, Steven Kristian Pedersen, Nicholas William H. Adams
  • Patent number: 10300830
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for blending multi-component granular compositions such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling. The system includes the control and management of an on-site storage system for each of the components, regulating the delivery of specified quantities of each component to a blender, and coordinating the flow of materials into and out of the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Solaris Oilfield Site Services Operating LLC
    Inventors: Terry McIver, John Cunningham, William Vaughn Managan, II, Joe Daniel Matkowski
  • Patent number: 10195695
    Abstract: A mixing element in which spiral blade edge portions are disposed in a tube wall portion of a passage tube through which fluid flows and an opening section of the passage tube and the blade edge portions are joined to each other is provided. In an existing manufacturing method using a gas welding machine, when, for example, a mixing element having an inside diameter of 130 mm is to be manufactured, eight 90-degree rotation type spiral blades can be disposed at most. In a method for manufacturing the mixing element according to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a mixing element including 10 or more blades by using a laser processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MU COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Hisao Kojima
  • Patent number: 10132669
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tank level management are disclosed. In some aspects, one or more regions of interest are defined within an image acquired from an imaging sensor. Histograms of pixel values within each region of interest are generated, and thresholds delineating two groups of similar pixel values within each region of interest are determined. In some aspects, the tank level within each region of interest is based on the corresponding threshold. In some aspects, rows of pixel values within each region of interest are thresholded. The thresholded rows may be used to determine the tank level within the region. Some aspects determine whether the pixel values are bimodal based on the generated histogram. Unimodal pixel values may represent either an empty or full tank. A similarity to preconfigured values associated with full or empty tank conditions may facilitate identification of whether the tank is full or empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Quantum IR Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark C. Israelsen
  • Patent number: 10058904
    Abstract: An impoundment closure system that employs a low permeability membrane on top of a waste materials with ponded water on top of the low permeability membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignees: Commercial Liability Partners, LLC, Key Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Froh, Alan E. Briggs, James Clayton
  • Patent number: 9909277
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are in situ waste remediation methods and systems configured to hydraulically isolate waste material from groundwater. Methods for enclosing and/or remediating waste impoundments, landfills and the like using discrete in situ solidification/stabilization techniques are provided. The disclosed methods and systems provide containment techniques to create a vertical barrier to further isolate waste from groundwater and enhance geotechnical stability by increasing embankment strength, reducing saturated conditions and increasing the overall factor of safety for slope failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignees: SILAR SERVICES INC., NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James Tim Silar, Glenn R. Luke, Christopher A. Robb, Roy E. Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 9776225
    Abstract: A process for remediating salt-impacted soils includes forming a heap of salt-impacted soil on an impermeable surface; irrigating the salt-impacted soil heap with at least one amendment solution; and collecting a leachate containing sodium ions at a base of the heap. A system remediates salt-impacted soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ENGLOBE CORP.
    Inventors: Alexandre Myre, Nicolas Moreau, François Lafrenière, Donald Tremblay, Christian Bélanger, Dany Landry
  • Patent number: 9777462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dredging an underwater bottom in an area using a dredging device. The method includes: determining the present positions of the dredging device and of a source of contamination in the area; entering input data relating to the area into a hydrodynamic model of the area; determining with the hydrodynamic model the degree of contamination at positions in the area resulting from spread of the contamination from the source; comparing the degree of contamination at positions in the area to a threshold value for these positions; and optionally adapting the dredging if the degree of contamination exceeds the threshold value. Underwater bottom can be dredged using the invented method, such that on the one hand the production is maximized and on the other the consequences for the natural environment are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Baggerwerken Decloedt en Zoon
    Inventors: Luk Verstraelen, Arjan Cornelis Sybren Mol
  • Patent number: 9732492
    Abstract: A system and method for in situ dewatering and stabilizing waste material deposits previously created from sluicing into a waste impoundment. The method includes access for installation of wells and grading for surface drainage and storm water control. If free water is present, primary dewatering siphons or decants the free water in the pond. The system includes vertical dewatering well installation that requires drilling, well completion materials for filtering leachate, and well pump installation for removing leachate from the well. Collection piping collects leachate from the wells and transfers the leachate to a discharge solution. The dewatering operation collects and removes leachate from the pond ash deposit and impoundment, reuses or treats the leachate at a discharge solution, remediates contaminants and/or hydraulic head in the impoundment, and consolidates and stabilizes the dewatered solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BlackRock Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Ahlberg, William Lupi, Nicholas Parks
  • Patent number: 9637760
    Abstract: This invention refers to a procedure for obtaining a biocrude from greenhouse gases, a procedure which is advantageous industrially and continuous. By means of said procedure it is possible to capture, convert and revalue CO2, among other greenhouse gases, in an efficient manner, in such a way that a net negative balance is obtained, which in other words means that with this procedure it is possible to capture more CO2 than is generated which makes it beneficial and sustainable in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Bernard A. J. Stroïazzo Mougin
  • Patent number: 9556579
    Abstract: A system and method for in situ dewatering and stabilizing waste material deposits previously created from sluicing into a waste impoundment. The method includes access for installation of wells and grading for surface drainage and storm water control. If free water is present, primary dewatering siphons or decants the free water in the pond. The system includes vertical dewatering well installation that requires drilling, well completion materials for filtering leachate, and well pump installation for removing leachate from the well. Collection piping collects leachate from the wells and transfers the leachate to a discharge solution. The dewatering operation collects and removes leachate from the pond ash deposit and impoundment, reuses or treats the leachate at a discharge solution, remediates contaminants and/or hydraulic head in the impoundment, and consolidates and stabilizes the dewatered solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BlackRock Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Ahlberg, William Lupi, Nicholas Parks
  • Patent number: 9439368
    Abstract: An apparatus for directing apportion of a flow of water in an irrigated field having a pre-formed irrigation wheel track comprising a first trough capable of receiving a wheel of a mobile irrigation system, the first trough having an elevation. Further provided is an irrigation track system for directing a water flow having a pre-formed irrigation track comprised of (1) a first trough having an elevation and the first trough capable of receiving a wheel of a mobile irrigation system, (2) an irrigation reservoir having an elevation and (3) an irrigation canal having an elevation and connecting the first trough and the irrigation reservoir, the elevation of the first trough is higher than the elevation of the first irrigation reservoir and the elevation of the irrigation canal is higher than the elevation of the irrigation reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Keith
  • Patent number: 9409180
    Abstract: The compostable waste processing apparatus includes a pulverizing device and a shredding device in separate compartments within a housing. The pulverizing device and the shredding device may be driven by at least one electronic motor. The electronic motor may be powered by one or more batteries that are charged by a photovoltaic panel of the housing. The compostable waste processing apparatus has a simple and efficient structure to facilitate use by a wide range of end-users, including households.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Dhuha Hamed Nawab Ali
  • Patent number: 9314715
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to multiphase fluid separation via a multiphase separation system. The multiphase separation system is configured to feed a multiphase fluid into feed lines within the multiphase separation system, wherein the feed lines consist of an upper line, a middle line, and a lower line. The upper line is configured to flow a first stream substantially including oil into an oil section of a control volume. The middle line is configured to flow a second stream substantially including an oil/water emulsion into an oil/water emulsion section of the control volume. The lower line is configured to flow a third stream substantially including water into a water section of the control volume. The control volume is configured to adjust fluid flow rate at an outlet, wherein the oil section, the water section, and the oil/water emulsion section each commingle at different heights of the control volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Grave, Adam S. Bymaster, Michael D. Olson, Per-Reidar Larnholm, Scott M. Whitney
  • Patent number: 9290924
    Abstract: A liquid run-off disposal system 10 comprising an elongate tank structure 22 having one or more sections adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. The tank structure 22 also includes a plurality of apertures 14 provided in the side walls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the tank structure 22 it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Michael John Wynne
  • Patent number: 9095799
    Abstract: A debris catcher and sand trap for removing debris, sand, or both from a pipeline flow is disclosed. The debris catcher includes an upper pipe, a lower pipe, and at least one diagonal pipe. A grate filter may be disposed within the upper pipe and configured to retain or remove debris from a flow. The diagonal pipe and/or lower pipe may be configured for sand to settle in these areas, so that a flow exiting the lower pipe through a vertical pipe may be substantially free of sand or other fines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: John Henry Packard
  • Publication number: 20150129472
    Abstract: Cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone is electrospun into fibers having diameters of nanometer scale to form a first mat that is capable of absorbing hydrocarbons. A second mat may be formed from a solution of cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone further containing tungsten trioxide. The solution is electrospun onto a copper mesh and then thermally oxidized to create a nanostructure comprising a grid or network of tungsten trioxide crystals and copper oxide crystals. The nanogrid is capable of photocatalyzing the degradation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. The grid may be combined with the first mat to degrade hydrocarbons that the first mat absorbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Pelagia-Irene Gouma, Jusang Lee
  • Patent number: 9003785
    Abstract: The invention relates to a facility for converting water power into mechanical or electrical energy, including at least one hydraulic turbine, a water reservoir (R), and a pipe (5) for supplying the turbine with water (E) from the water reservoir. The facility also includes a device (200) submerged in the water reservoir and suitable for imposing an ascending movement on a water flow (E0) moving in the water reservoir (R) towards the opening (51) of the supply pipe (5), and a gas-collecting means (400), arranged above a portion (V200) of the device (200) in which the ascending movement of the water flow (E0) takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Alstom Renewable Technologies
    Inventor: Paul Toulouse
  • Publication number: 20150076080
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: William R. Becker
  • Patent number: 8968578
    Abstract: A method of treating water may comprise receiving water through an intake of a water treatment system, treating the water to neutralize contaminants, structuring the water by passing the water flow through a water structuring assembly and a plurality of structuring objects, injecting at least one biological component into the water passing through the water treatment system, and passing the water through an outlet of the water treatment system. A water treatment system may comprise a pump configured to move water between an intake and an outlet, a water pretreatment assembly configured to remove particles from the water, a water treatment assembly configured to neutralize contaminants in the water, a water structuring assembly having an entry and an exit and configured to passing the water flow about a plurality of structuring objects, and an injection apparatus configured to inject at least one biological component into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Verity Farms LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Kamolvathin, Matthew L. Lammers, Aaron W. Mach
  • Publication number: 20150041409
    Abstract: Reactive treatment cells (RTCs) are described in combination with sediment capping systems as a means for environmental remediation. RTCs include an impermeable housing defining an interior, a permeable ceiling and floor typically including filtration materials such as geotextiles, and at least one interior compartment for treatment reagents. One RTC includes a gabion-like cage structure retaining a geomembrane-supported geosynthetic clay liner (GM-GCL) housing, while a second embodiment includes a hard, cylindrical shell as a replaceable reagent cartridge. RTCs may be employed in initial capping system installations or retrofitted into existing capping systems. RTCs may include optional baffles, flow restrictors, floating discs, sensor probes, and two or more serial reagent zones or compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: AQUABLOK, LTD.
    Inventors: Dennis Gregory Grubb, John H. Hull
  • Patent number: 8945395
    Abstract: A vessel for use in settling particulate matter from a fluid stream is provided. Fluid is introduced to the vessel through an angled inlet, with flow into the vessel both disrupted and deflected by an inlet baffle, to redirect the fluid stream parallel to a horizontal axis of the vessel. The velocity of the fluid stream is reduced within the vessel, allowing the particulate matter to settle along the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bonavista Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Bjarne Tweit, Robert John Garnier
  • Publication number: 20150027939
    Abstract: The oil recovery system is used to remove oil from water. The system includes rollers rotatably supported on a frame, one of the rollers having drive sprockets. A belt extends between the first and second rollers and a roller press squeezes the belt to thereby remove oil from the belt. The belt has a first layer of oleophilic material, a second layer of oleophilic material and a third central reinforcing scrim layer between the first and second layer. Chains extend along the side edges of the belt, and are driven by the sprockets. The chains are connected to the side edges by a plurality of flanges that are integral the chains, reinforcing cords extending along the side edges, reinforcing strips wrapped around the reinforcing cords and extending along the side edges, and a plurality of pins that extend through the flanges, the strip and the three layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: VICTOR MANUEL QUINONES
  • Patent number: 8940161
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Air & Earth LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Publication number: 20150021247
    Abstract: A water reclamation system includes a drainage lane overlaying a downward graded area of land and configured to receive water run-off from the land. At least one collection ditch coupled to the at least one drainage lane is configured to receive water from the drainage lane. At least one collection pipe housed is within and extends outwardly from the at least one collection ditch. A first container is coupled to the at least one collection pipe and configured to receive water from the at least one collection pipe. Housed within the first container is at least one water purifying filter and a pump configured to evacuate at least a portion of water within the container to a destination. A second container is in communication with the first container and is configured to: subject water received from the first container to a purification process; and store the purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Catherine G. Lin-Hendel
  • Patent number: 8936725
    Abstract: Constructed wetland wastewater treatment equipment under low temperature for continuous operation which includes: three-section substrates filled in a constructed wetland, ventilation pipes being arranged in the substrates, a height of a bed of the constructed wetland being higher than a height of the substrates; a double wall being filled with an organic substance used as a barrier at periphery of the constructed wetland; a water distributing pipe disposed at a top of the three-section substrates and a water collecting pipe disposed at a bottom of the three-section substrates; and a water inlet pipe connected to an upper portion at one end of the three-section substrates and a water outlet pipe connected to a lower portion at the other end of the three-section substrates, a water outlet of the water outlet pipe being higher than the height of the bed of the constructed wetland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
    Inventors: Beidou Xi, Lieyu Zhang, Jixi Gao, Jinbiao Wang, Xunfeng Xia, Qigong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140363364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of produced water and to a system for carrying out the inventive method. Further, the invention relates to a purified produced water product obtainable according to the invention. A unique sequence of unit operations including the addition of dissolved calcium hydroxide and the subsequent precipitation thereof enable a particularly efficient removal of contaminating substances from produced water from the petrochemical industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: PURETEQ A/S
    Inventor: Dennis Søgaard
  • Patent number: 8905677
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in undersea environments. Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a vessel. The bladder is coupled to a support, which supports the weight of the bladder with the aid of a support driver. A sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support, allowing determination of the volume of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Savanna Hantz
  • Publication number: 20140326668
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for desalinating fluids produced or returning from a subterranean formation using pressure from a subterranean formation. Fluid from a formation is sent to a liquid/liquid separator for separating water from the fluid and then to a reverse osmosis unit, one or more of which are configured to operate from pressure delivered from a subterranean formation. The liquid/liquid separator operates under pressure and includes oleophilic materials for extracting oil from the formation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: INNERGEO
    Inventor: Ronald Lee Loveday
  • Publication number: 20140319039
    Abstract: An oil spill containment and clean-up apparatus uses an absorbent containment barrier for stopping the spread of the spill and for absorbing the spill for disposal as the barrier is collapsed around the spill. A skimmer boat is also employed, with adjustable skimmer positions to reduce the amount of water collected with the spill in order to maximize efficiency. Oil collection pans can be mounted on cranes for remote collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Monzer Hourani
  • Publication number: 20140319075
    Abstract: A liquid treatment device for treatment of liquid contaminated with living organisms comprising a rotating means having a first surface for receiving the liquid to be treated, where the first surface is provided with engaging means for engaging the liquid and to provide acceleration to the liquid upon rotation of the rotating means, stationary means which is stationary relative to the rotating means and arranged to form a boundary in order to constrict the liquid on the first surface of the rotating means, where the stationary means is arranged to define at least one slit between the first surface of the rotating means and a first end of the stationary means allowing the liquid to pass between the rotating means and the stationary means, and where the engaging means are at least provided on a surface area of the rotating means that interacts with the at least one slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Søgaard
  • Publication number: 20140305879
    Abstract: A method of supplying water using a natural water pipeline includes withdrawing impaired water from an impaired water body connected to a waterway and treating the impaired water from the impaired water body to produce treated water. The method also includes discharging the treated water into the waterway and conveying the treated water via the waterway to one or more locations proximate to one or more remote operational facilities that withdraws water from the waterway at the one or more locations. The method further includes receiving a monetary value from one or more operational entities operating the one or more remote operational facilities and providing at least a portion of one or more water access rights to the one or more operational entities in exchange for the monetary value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hydration Company of PA LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Domitrovitsch, William A. Formica, III
  • Patent number: 8852432
    Abstract: An induced symbiotic osmosis pump (ISOP) (and method of using same) comprising: a closed loop comprising a riser pipe and a downpipe having substantially the same length fluidly communicating at a base with an induced osmosis semipermeable membrane and fluidly communicating at an opposed end with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a pressure exchanger fluidly communicating with a reverse osmosis membrane, the downpipe comprising a check valve; the induced osmosis semipermeable membrane of the closed loop fluidly communicating with an initial reverse osmosis module fluidly communicating with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a source of fluid having an initial salinity; the brine pump electronically communicating with an electrical source; and, the reverse osmosis membrane fluidly communicating with a storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Maher Isaac Kelada
  • Publication number: 20140231326
    Abstract: A floatable-material harvester is disclosed, including a vacuum source, transport hose, and a floatable-material receiver. In one embodiment, the transport hose has at least one air inductor/intake along its length, which allows air to enter the transport hose to accelerate its contents, by negative pressure air induction. In another embodiment, a transport hose has at least one floatable-material thruster along its length, comprised of at least one nozzle, which provides pressurized fluid (e.g., air or water) in the direction of the flow of the harvested floatable material by positive pressure induction. A method is disclosed whereby the floatable material harvester is used to harvest an absorbent material (e.g., wood chips, straw, perlite, zeolite, polypropylene mesh, titanate nanofibres) that has absorbed a pollutant (e.g., oil, solvent, radioactive isotopes) from a beach or in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Island and Prairie Suction Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Karl Wayne Biley, Sean Careis Farrell, Sarah Ng
  • Patent number: 8795518
    Abstract: A method and system for waste water treatment and disposal includes the use of a sealed chamber having a plurality of sealed light transmitting windows and a relatively large basin connected to the chamber by a large multi-channel conduit. A large fan exhausts gases, humidity and odor from the chamber into a lower portion of the basin. An upper portion of the basin includes a multi-layer grid including layers of hydro stones and/or artificial hydro stones, sand, fertilizer and earth together with a plurality of shallow rooted trees. Any carbon dioxide produced by the waste water is ultimately converted to oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Abdulreidha Alsaffar
  • Publication number: 20140175021
    Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for treating ballast water for a ship, the system including a rotary filtration apparatus including a filter that is cylindrically formed so as to surround an axis, that is rotatable around the axis, and that has a pleated shape that is folded in a cylinder radial direction; and an electric motor for rotating the filter. A distance between the cleaning nozzle and a recess of the filter is 120 mm or less. The system and the method are configured to perform a steady-state operation that satisfies the following conditions a to d: a) a rotation speed of the filter during a filtering operation is in the range of 20 to 100 rpm, b) a flow speed of cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle is 250 m/min or more, c) a flow rate of filtered water per unit area of the filter is 5.1 m/h or less, and d) a flow rate of discharged water discharged from the discharge channel is 5% of the flow rate of filtered water or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Munetsugu Ueyama, Isao Ozawa, Kenichiro Miyatake, Ryusuke Nakai
  • Patent number: 8753507
    Abstract: An artificial oil lifting unit uses an endless olephilic absorbent belt, driven by a surface equipment and tensed by a down hole equipment placed in the well production casing. The said absorbent belt (1) is looped over a central pulley (2) from a driving and collecting module (C) and driven by a double toothed belt (4) looped over six pulleys from which five are free (6,7,8,9 and 10). One is a driving pulley (5) placed over an entry shaft (36), the double toothed belt (4) being looped also over the oil absorbent belt on the central pulley and tensed with two identical systems (I) with pulleys commanded from the exterior of the case (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Vasile Comsa
  • Patent number: 8740499
    Abstract: A passive ocean current deflector has an elongated conduit positionable in an ocean with its lower inlet end below the euphotic zone and anchored in place and its upper outlet end positioned in the euphotic zone and retained in place. Ocean currents direct cooler, nutrient rich ocean water into the inlet end and upwardly through the conduit to exit out the outlet end to intermix with water in the euphotic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Heavenor
  • Publication number: 20140138323
    Abstract: A system and method include a shaker configured to separate solids from a drilling fluid, the shaker having a screen assembly, and an actuated arm operatively coupled to the shaker, the actuated arm configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker. The actuated arm is configured to interact with the screen assembly of the shaker, with the actuated arm configured to remove, to inspect, to clean, to repair, or to replace the screen assembly of the shaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley N. Jones, Thomas Geehan
  • Patent number: 8708422
    Abstract: An in situ recovery of uranium operation involves circulating reactive fluids through an underground uranium deposit. These fluids contain chemicals that dissolve the uranium ore. Uranium is recovered from the fluids after they are pumped back to the surface. Chemicals used to accomplish this include complexing agents that are organic, readily degradable, and/or have a predictable lifetime in an aquifer. Efficiency is increased through development of organic agents targeted to complexing tetravalent uranium rather than hexavalent uranium. The operation provides for in situ immobilization of some oxy-anion pollutants under oxidizing conditions as well as reducing conditions. The operation also artificially reestablishes reducing conditions on the aquifer after uranium recovery is completed. With the ability to have the impacted aquifer reliably remediated, the uranium recovery operation can be considered inherently safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Krumhansl, Patrick V. Brady
  • Patent number: 8678080
    Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Alvin Curole, Eugene Bruce Greene