Abstract: This invention relates to the field of water purification and desalination. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods of removing essentially all of a broad spectrum of impurities from water in an automated industrial process that requires minimal cleaning or maintenance during the course of several months to several years, with relatively high yields of product water per unit of input water, flexibility with respect to energy sources, compact design with a low industrial foot-print, the ability to recover valuable by-products, and ultra-low energy requirements.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of using effluent from a wastewater treatment plant are provided, where treated wastewater can exploit geothermal energy while delivering usable thermal energy to buildings by passing through an effluent distribution system including mains. The effluent distribution system mains can also recover the effluent used in each building and return the thermally exploited effluent to one or more ecological recharge basins, where at each basin the mains can join an infrastructure to distribute effluent to vegetation or exploit geothermal energy throughout the basin before redistributing the geothermally regulated effluent to buildings, or export the effluent to a network of EDS, or import effluent from a network of EDS.

Abstract: A production unit for purifying water is provided. The production unit has a fluid intake and a heating basin fluidly connected to the fluid intake by a connector such that a layer of water with a depth of less than about 30 mm is provided. A transparent dome is mounted to the top surface of the base that defines an interior perimeter. A trough in the base is contiguous with an interior surface of the transparent dome. A fluid output is fluidly connected to the trough and extends away from the base. A plurality of lenses is configured to focus sunlight onto a corresponding plurality of focal points located on the layer of water.

Abstract: A method of preparing zirconia-containing nanoparticles and a method of preparing a composite material that includes the zirconia-containing nanoparticles are provided. A method of treating a zirconium carboxylate salt solution to remove alkali metal ions and alkaline earth ions is provided. The treated solution can be used as a feedstock to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles. Additionally, a continuous hydrothermal reactor system is provided that can be used, for example, to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided are a process and device for reducing radioactive material of an object containing the radioactive material to a safe level in a living environment. Included are a step of performing at least a step of carrying out a heating process on the object, into which radioactive material is absorbed and/or adsorbed from an environment or which absorbs and/or adsorbs radioactive material from an environment, in a state where temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature of water and pressure is greater than or equal to the saturated vapor pressure of water, or a step of abruptly releasing the pressure; and a step of separating, after the above step, into liquid and solid.

Abstract: A machine-readable medium with instructions for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oxidizing sulfides. The process can include passing an alkaline stream having about 1-about 30%, by weight, of an alkaline material and one or more sulfide compounds to a reaction zone having a metal phthalocyanine catalyst.

Abstract: A deployable water management unit is disclosed that includes a fixture configured to be secured along an outer surface of a container in fluid communication with a water outlet port. In some embodiments, a water purifier may be positioned within an inner volume of a container and disposed along a water flow path between a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The water purifier may be configured to increase the temperature of inlet water to a preferred temperature. In still other embodiments, a plurality of interfaces may be configured to couple a panel to an outer surface of a container. The systems of the present disclosure may reduce the prevalence of disease associated with sanitation in various communities around the world. Further, the systems may heat water to provide a more enjoyable washing experience thereby encouraging a local community to engage in regular personal hygiene.

Abstract: A device for isolating a component of a multi-component composition. The device includes a housing, a chamber, and a withdrawal port. The chamber is rotatably mounted within the housing. The chamber includes a chamber base and a sidewall. The side wall extends from the chamber base. At least a portion of the sidewall is defined by a filter that permits passage of a first component of the multi-component composition out of the chamber through the filter and to the housing base. The filter restricts passage of a second component of the multi-component composition through the filter. The withdrawal port extends from a position proximate to the housing base to an exterior of the device. The withdrawal port permits the withdrawal of the first component from the housing base to an exterior of the device.

Abstract: Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises a pump-filter hybrid system that uses rotational motion to produce pressure to drive liquid through filter elements, capturing filtrate in an isolated chamber of the device and rejecting separated solids into a second isolated chamber. The fluid filtration device, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent input manifold; an impeller bowl and filter assembly configured to rotate about an axis; a barrier and muting configuration to catch and distribute filtrate; a barrier and routing configuration to catch and distribute rejected solids.

Abstract: To provide a dialysate extraction apparatus which can automate disinfecting work for a collection port or a sealing device of an opening/closing device and can reliably and easily clean the collection port or the sealing device of the opening/closing device. A dialysate extraction apparatus includes a dialysate extraction device that has an introduction port and a discharge port which are connected to a flow route of a liquid and can circulate the liquid and that has a collection port which can collect the circulated liquid; a cap that is attachable to and detachable from the collection port of the dialysate extraction device and can open and close the collection port; a sealing device that is attached to the cap and seals the collection port in a state where the cap is attached to the collection port of the dialysate extraction device; and a heating device that can heat the sealing device of the cap.

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.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for filtering and treating water, such as tap water, well water, spring water, etc., and producing drinking, bathing, and swimming water. More specifically, such systems, methods, and apparatus can produce purified water by removing substantially all suspended as well as dissolved solids, undesirable acids, gasses and all and any contaminates from the water. Additionally, the systems, methods, and apparatus can produce reprogrammed high biophoton mineralized drinking water by chilling vortexing over proprietary lodestones, ingenious, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and creating bicarbonate ions in the water introducing minerals and/or salts into the water.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes.

Abstract: A water filter assembly, and a refrigerator and a water purifier having the same, including: a manifold having a inflow path through which raw water flows in and an outflow path through which filtered water flows out; a case supporting the manifold; and a filter cartridge coupled to a lower side of the case such that it is separable and connected with the outflow port of the manifold, wherein a fluid flow control unit is installed between the manifold and the filter cartridge and rotates according to a rotation of the filter cartridge, the center of the rotation is the same as the center of an outlet of the filter cartridge, and the fluid flow control unit includes a disk having a connection hole allowing the raw water inflow path and an inlet of the filter cartridge to communicate only at a certain position.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical fluid machine, the method comprising: (i) if alternating current (“AC”) power is available, charging a battery, if needed, and powering the medical fluid machine with the AC power; and (ii) if AC power is not available (a) if fuel cell power is available, charging the battery, if needed, and powering the medical fluid machine with the fuel cell power; and (b) if fuel cell power is not available, powering the medical fluid machine using battery power until the AC power or fuel cell power is available.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus, comprises: a filtering unit for filtering water supplied from a wellhead into purified water; a water tank unit including a cold water tank for storing the purified water in a cold water state, and a hot water tank for storing the purified water in a hot water state; a discharging unit for selectively discharging out the purified water stored in the water tank unit; a state detecting unit for detecting an operation state of at least one of the filtering unit, the water tank unit, and the discharging unit; a controller for comparing the information detected by the state detecting unit with a preset reference, thereby judging an abnormal state of the water purifying apparatus; and a state displaying unit for displaying the abnormal state information to outside. When the water purifying apparatus has a breakdown, mal-operated components of the water purifying apparatus may be checked by being displayed on the state displaying unit, without being checked by an A/S specialist.

Abstract: A dehydrating system using multiple water separation membranes aims to prevent damage to the water separation membrane units and also to take appropriate measures against decrease in water permeation rate of the water separation membranes. Provided is a dehydrating system (100) for removing water from a target fluid, including at least two water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3) connected in series in a flow direction of the target fluid; two or more heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) respectively provided in front of the water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3), each of the heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) raising a temperature of the target fluid to a temperature which is lower than a boiling point of the target fluid but close to the boiling point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine having a coupling surface for the coupling of a fluid system, in particular for the coupling of a cassette, and having an actuator arranged on the coupling surface for the movement of an actuator region of the fluid system. In accordance with the invention, a heating element is now provided for the heating of the actuator, with the liquid being able to be heated via the actuator in the actuator region of the fluid system.

Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.

Abstract: A solar powered water purification canteen includes a container, UV LED lights and a solar power panel. The container is adapted to hold a fluid and has a reservoir, an inlet and an outlet. The UV LED lights are around the reservoir and are adapted to kill any bacteria from fluid in the reservoir. The solar power panel is positioned on the outside of the container adapted to power the UV LED lights.

Abstract: A tank for a reducing agent includes a tank wall having an outer side and an interior at least partially delimited by the tank wall. A sensor is disposed at the tank wall and has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact communicate in an electrically conductive manner with the interior, extend through the tank wall from the interior to the outer side of the tank wall and are disposed at a first spacing of less than 5 cm from one another. A motor vehicle having the tank is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for treating domestic sewage and organic garbage are provided. The method comprises the steps of: multi-phase separation, retting, generating sewage gas, and optional biological denitrification and dephosphorization, which can convert the domestic sewage and organic garbage into clear water, sewage gas, organic manure and sludge. The system comprises a multi-phase separation device, a retting device, a sewage gas generating device and a biological denitrification and dephosphorization device, which can treat the domestic sewage and organic garbage effectively and environmental friendly to achieve a reduction in pollution emission.

Abstract: A device for crystalline-enhanced magnetic activation of water and aqueous materials includes a target material container, a crystalline material, an optional conductive metal layer, and a magnet, whereby a target material can be activated by the magnetic field, which radiates through the crystalline material and the conductive metal layer. A method for magnetic activation includes exposing a target material to a magnetic field, while heating the target material, then subsequently cooling the target material to an ambient temperature, and finally actively cooling the target material. Also disclosed is a method to replicate a natural water source, comprising analyzing a natural water source, adding minerals to pure water, heating the re-mineralized pure water, cooling the target material water, while the target material water is exposed to a crystalline-enhanced magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods for water purification are described. In an example, a system may comprise an array of light-focusing elements, a heat exchanger device, a turbine generator, or other components and can be configured to use a source of light (e.g., sunlight) to filter water from a water source and to generate electricity. The electricity may be looped back into the system to further produce filtered water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing liquid from a suspension. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filtration apparatus using vacuum pressure, compressed air and radiant heat to facilitate extraction of water from a suspension and an air flow within the vacuum chamber to remove the evaporate as a cost-efficient and resource-efficient means of filtering and drying solids in large volumes of suspension to remove interstitial and chemically bound liquids, resulting in up to 100% total solids.

Abstract: A dialysis machine, in particular a peritoneal dialysis machine, to which a fluid system having a multi-chamber container with at least two chambers with individual solutions separated by a partition arrangement to be opened mechanically can be coupled includes a controller and at least one sensor for the determination of a measured variable in the fluid system. The controller has an apparatus for the automatic checking of the proper opening of the partition arrangement with reference to the measured variable determined by the sensor.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.

Abstract: Biosolids in the nature of sewage sludge is processed in a controlled environment to produce a dried sludge product of relatively high dry solid content with the elimination of or reduced levels of pathogens. The water containing sewage sludge is dried while cascading within a processing chamber using heated air at a temperature below the ignition or smoldering temperature of the sewage sludge to prevent the formation of embers. The sewage sludge before discharge is retained within the processing chamber for a sufficient time and temperature as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency rules and guidelines.

Abstract: A seawater desalination apparatus includes a spray (1), a gas supplier (9), an atomizing electrode (2), a high voltage power supply (3), a mist classifier (4), and a mist collector (5). The spray includes apertures for producing a seawater mist. The supplier supplies gas for carrying the mist from the spray. The electrode electrostatically produces fine droplets from the mist from the spray. The power supply is connected to the electrode and the spray, and applies high voltage between the electrode and the spray for the production of fine droplets from the mist from the atomizer. The classifier separates the fine droplets in the mist from the electrode. The collector collects the mist discharged from the classifier thereby producing fresh water.

Abstract: A heating system for desalination. One system includes a desalination system configured to receive a brine and to produce desalinated water from the brine. The system also includes a power production system having an engine configured to provide power to the desalination system. The power production system does not include combined cycle power production. The system also includes a heating system driven by the power production system and configured to provide heat for heating the brine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in operation of wash columns, and more in particular to an apparatus for separating solid particles from a slurry and to a process for separating solid particles from a mother liquor slurry. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wash column (1), which comprises a melting circuit (8,10,11,21), wherein means (22,23) are present to introduce a compound or composition to said wash column between a wash front (6b) formed in said wash column in operation and a product outlet and/or in the melting circuit.

Abstract: Devices for treating chemical compositions of a sample and methods for use thereof are disclosed here. In one embodiment, for example, a device may include a container; an opening; a magnetic component that induces a magnetic field across a portion of the device; and a sorptive media loaded within the container. The device may further comprise a magnetizable fluid loaded within the container. The sorptive media may be configured to filter a composition from a magnetizable fluid. The magnetic field may be configured to drive filtration of the magnetizable fluid containing composition after reacting the composition in order to remove or separate constituents of the composition.

Abstract: A machine is provided with a slot to releasably receive and retain a cartridge in which dialysis is effected. The machine is configured for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in haemodialysis and is operable to maintain, in a sterile condition, residual water contained therein after completion of a haemodialysis treatment.

Abstract: A system for treating ballast water in ballast tanks onboard vessels and offshore constructions is provided. The system comprises one or more ballast tanks, a circulation pump capable of circulating or recirculating, via a tubing, ballast water from and to the one or more ballast tanks, a gas supply unit which is connected to the tubing on the delivery side of the recirculation pump in such a manner that gas, such as air and/or inert gas such as nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide can be supplied to the ballast water; and one or more nozzle heads that are functionally connected to the tubing and is/are arranged in one or more ballast tanks, said one or more nozzle heads comprising at least one nozzle for injection of the gas-containing water into the one or more ballast tanks, and a device configured for removing and/or killing live organisms in the ballast water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy wherein a working liquid such as is evaporated to generate a stream of a working fluid. According to the invention, the stream of the working fluid is a stream of pressurized distillate produced by evaporation and condensation using a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) unit, said stream of pressurized distillate having a pressure of at least one bar, and a converter such as a turbine is used for generating mechanical energy from said stream of said pressurized distillate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an effective system and method for reducing or eliminating the formation of scale in desalination systems. The system utilizes at least one pair of electrodes in direct contact with a liquid to induce an oscillating electric field directly in a portion of the liquid or a liquid stream of the desalination system. The electric field is capable of inducing bulk precipitation of ions, minerals, salts, particulates, contaminants or a combination thereof from the liquid stream.

Abstract: A sewage reuse system distributes a plurality of reuse water supply sections, each including a water introducing opening formed in a sewer trunk line; a treated sewage tank for storing reuse water; and a water level sensor for measuring a water level of the treated sewage tank, in a demand area of reuse water along the sewer trunk line. The system includes a movable sewage treatment section which moves to any of the plurality of water introducing openings; performs the sewage treatment to generate reuse water; and supplies the generated reuse water to the treated sewage tank, a communication section which transmits the water level data measured by the water level sensor, and a central control section which controls a water storing quantity of the treated sewage tank on the basis of the demand information of reuse water and the water level data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for dewatering mixture of ethanol and water. The method comprises steps for feeding mixture of ethanol and water (1) into an evaporator (2), evaporating said mixture of ethanol and water (1) and feeding a stream of vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) to a vapor recompression unit (4), pressurizing vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) in the vapor recompression unit (4) and feeding a stream of pressurized vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (5) to a membrane unit (6), and dividing said stream of pressurized mixture of ethanol and water (5) in to a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (8) and into a stream of dewatered mixture of ethanol and water (7).

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat-exchange section including a first group of tubes and a second group of tubes alternating with the first group of tubes. The first and second groups of tubes are in contact with a heat-conductive medium. In one structure, a first inlet manifold at a first end of the heat-exchange section is fluidly coupled to first ends of the first group of tubes. A first outlet manifold is isolated from the first inlet manifold and is fluidly coupled to first ends of the second group of tubes. A second inlet manifold at a second end of the heat-exchange section is fluidly coupled to second ends of the second group of tubes. A second outlet manifold is isolated from the second inlet manifold and is fluidly coupled to second ends of the first group of tubes.

Abstract: A method for transferring heat includes flowing a wastewater through a tank and flowing a fluid through a heat exchanger having an outer surface. The method further includes aerating the wastewater to produce a convective flow, contacting the outer surface of the heat exchanger with the convective flow to exchange heat, and cleaning the outer surface of the heat exchanger with the convective flow. A system for transferring heat includes a tank, a heat exchanger with an outer surface disposed in the tank, and a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. Wastewater located in the tank flows over the outer surface of the heat exchanger, and a diffusion pipe disposed in the tank provides air into the tank to produce a convective flow in the wastewater.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method in which magnetic flocs are formed by adding to wastewater an inorganic flocculant, magnetic particles, and a high molecular polymer as a polymeric flocculant, and the magnetic flocs are collected with magnetic force to thereby obtain treated water having the magnetic flocs removed from the wastewater, wherein the improvement comprises that the magnetic particles are added to the wastewater after adding the inorganic flocculant to the wastewater to flocculate suspended solids in the wastewater, after that or substantially at the same time as the magnetic particles are added, the high molecular polymer is added to the wastewater, and flocculates of the suspended solids and the magnetic particles are combined with each other with the high molecular polymer to thereby obtain the magnetic flocs.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.

Abstract: A fryer is provided which, during a standby for cooking, can keep the temperature of a cooking oil slightly lower than a cooking temperature and, during cooking, can quickly raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature. The fryer also has capabilities of easily performing a heat exchange operation on the cooking oil, preventing degradation of the cooking oil, securing a good kitchen environment and enhancing a work efficiency. The fryer comprises a fryer tank having oil and water for cleaning the oil stored in two layers one upon the other; and a heater installed in the oil layer; wherein the water in the water layer is drawn out from a water suction opening at a bottom of fryer tank, cleaned by a filtering water tank and then delivered into the fryer tank almost horizontally in an off-centered direction from a water supply opening formed in a lower, side wall of the fryer tank, thus rotating the water in the fryer tank in a swirl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bottom nozzle filtering device and a debris-preventive bottom nozzle that can be used for a light water reactor (LWR) nuclear fuel assembly. The bottom nozzle filtering device includes a plurality of successively spliced unit plates; a through flow channel is formed between the spliced adjacent unit plates; the flow channel includes a plurality of spaced straight-section flow inlets and straight-section flow outlets, and a flow subchannel communicating; the outlet section of each straight-section flow inlet in the middle splits respectively into two flow subchannels, and the inlet section of each straight-section flow outlet in the middle communicates respectively with the two flow subchannels. The flow direction of the coolant is controlled by the straight-section flow inlet, the straight-section flow outlet, the flow subchannel to prevent unnecessary eddies forming, making the pressure loss effectively controlled and improving the filtering effect.

Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprises a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel, a heater for heating the un-separated fuel and a pressure apparatus for pressurizing the un-separated fuel. In the device, un-separated fuel is heated by the heater and is pressurized by the pressure apparatus such that the state of the un-separated fuel is changed to a mixed gas phase and liquid phase state of a gas weight ratio from 50% to 95% before coming into contact with the separating membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank insert module (1) for extracting liquid from a vehicle tank, comprising a basic body (2) composed of a plastic, on which basic body are arranged a liquid extraction device (23), which comprises an extraction opening (4) which can be assigned to the tank interior space, and at least one electric heating element (7), wherein the electric heating element (7) comprises a heating body (8) with an extrusion-coated plastic encapsulation (9). It is provided here that the plastic encapsulation (9) has a plastic which can be welded to the basic body, in particular high-density polyethylene, and/or the same plastic as the basic body (2), and also at least one filler material with high thermal conductivity, and is welded to the basic body (2) at at least one contact point (17). The invention also relates to a liquid tank for vehicles.