Spaced Along Flow Path Patents (Class 210/199)
  • Publication number: 20130264292
    Abstract: A device and a method for treating liquids by ozone, including a pipe in which a main flow of the liquid is guided in a flow direction from an inlet to an outlet, an ozone feed point at which ozone can be introduced in gas form into the main flow, and at least two mixers which are located downstream of the ozone feed point, wherein the mixers are arranged at a distance from one another, and wherein at least one reaction zone is formed between the mixers, and wherein the mixers are designed in such a way that they each dissolve only a portion of the ozone in the main flow that has been introduced in gas form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: XYLEM IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Arne Wieland, Martin Kampmann, Jens Scheideler, Achim Ried
  • Patent number: 8512571
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for treating iron-contaminated water (e.g., mine drainage) using an innovative treatment approach identified herein as the Activated Iron Solids (AIS) Process. The AIS process is capable of oxidizing and removing iron as iron oxides from iron-contaminated waters (such as, mining-related discharge, groundwater, surface water and industrial waste streams) producing a clean effluent. The AIS process is performed in a single or multiple tank system in which high concentrations of AIS are suspended through mechanical mixing to maintain a catalytic surface chemistry environment that increases iron removal thousands times faster than would naturally occur and hundreds times faster than existing arts (e.g., aerobic pond passive treatment). The AIS process can utilize inexpensive alkaline material (such as, pulverized limestone) where initial mine drainage alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) to ferrous iron (mg/L) ratio is less than approximately 1.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Dietz
  • Publication number: 20130200008
    Abstract: Methods for preparing a chitosan-based material for use in a halogen water treatment system are described. Treating chitosan or chitin with a compound selected from the group consisting of an acid, a base, a mild halogenating solution and combinations thereof provides a chitosan-based material that displays reduced leakage of halide ion. Water treatment systems and methods for treating water comprising at least one contaminant are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: WATER SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: WATER SECURITY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130193053
    Abstract: A water container having a germicidal water purification unit. Water stored in a reservoir passes through a conduit that extends through an array of light sources that operate in at least one of the visible light frequency range and the ultraviolet frequency range to purify the water. The light sources are activated, preferably on a selected as needed basis, by a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SOLAR LIGHT COMPANY, INC
    Inventor: Solar Light Company, Inc
  • Patent number: 8496817
    Abstract: A dechlorinator for dechlorinating a stream of water comprises a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A filter is operatively supported in the housing and located in the flow path. At least one dechlorinating tablet is operatively supported in the housing and located in the flow path downstream of the filter for dechlorinating water flowing from the filter to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Erwin Just
  • Patent number: 8496815
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the recovery of iodine are described. In particular, recovery systems and methods produce an iodine complex from an aqueous brine containing iodide. A head tank for maintains a supply of the brine, a pH controller acidifies brine received from the head tank and an oxidizer converts iodide in the acidified brine to elemental iodine. At least one activated carbon contactor module is removably inserted into a stream of the oxidized brine provided by the oxidizer and binds the molecular iodine to form the iodine complex. A container may enclose the head tank, the pH controller and the oxidizer in order to facilitate transportation of the system and performance of the methods and processes in proximity to a brine source. The brine may be employed or associated with oilfield operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Iofina Natural Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Brix, James Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8480888
    Abstract: A system and process for continuously and immediately removing contaminants from wastewater and treating wastewater, where the wastewater is treated to supply fluid that can be reused in the cleaning system or discharged safely into the environment is disclosed. The system and method comprises one or more pumping means for circulating and recirculating fluids captured or collected by the system to one or more of the processes in the system, such as wash water applications or further treatment cycles. According to one embodiment, the wastewater is transported through purification sections of the device. Depending on the system used, these sections could include several of the following: pretreatment to remove debris and certain heavy solids; treatment by methods such as a conductivity solution injection system and/or electrolytic coagulation system, a polymer injection system, and a inline mixer for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; and an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Ashley, Ben Checketts, Shannon L. Taylor, Bernie L. Larson, Richard W. Frederick, Paul W. Linton
  • Patent number: 8460542
    Abstract: A suction filter may comprise a bag-shaped filter member and a passage member. The passage member is disposed in an internal space of the filter member. The passage member has a fuel passage and a plurality of openings, and guides fuel from the internal space to the outside of the internal space. The openings communicate the internal space of the filter member to the fuel passage. When the passage member is cut along a surface thereof perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the passage member in each of the openings, a position on an outer circumferential surface of the passage member in the cut surface, in which the distance between the outer circumferential surface and the filter member is the smallest, is distant in a circumferential direction from a position on the outer circumferential surface where the opening is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihide Oku, Tetsuya Hara, Yoshinobu Kato
  • Publication number: 20130118979
    Abstract: A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalised dialysate flowing in the second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HEPA WASH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kreymann, Catherine Elisabeth Schreiber, Ahmed Nabeel Al-Chalabi
  • Patent number: 8349191
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 8333888
    Abstract: A microfluidic system including: a substrate, one surface of which is covered with electrodes configured to move, under effect of an electric field, microdrops of a liquid phase including at least one functionalized ionic liquid; and capillaries for introducing a liquid extraction fluid onto the surface and for extracting the liquid extraction fluid from an orifice by forced convection, to obtain an extraction bath located on the surface for extraction of at least one chemical or biological compound from the liquid phase, and the bath is open to a surrounding space on at least two of its opposite sides, for moving, in contact with the surface, the microdrop upstream and downstream of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Guillaume Delapierre, Nicolas Sarrut, Gilles Marchand
  • Publication number: 20120298591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment using an UV AOP. The invention combines an UV AOP (11) applied to a water containing a free chlorine species (8) with a chemical post treatment (14), a quenching. The quenching (14) is applied to said water (9) after the UV AOP (11) able to reduce a remaining content of said free chlorine species in said water (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Cosima Sichel
  • Patent number: 8308941
    Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a base providing a manifold distribution to present lubricant to a series of dispensing chambers. The dispensing chambers are fabricated having a porous sidewall formed in a tubular shape. Additive is stored within a reservoir formed by the tubular shape. A delivery piston is provided proximate and in fluid communication with the manifold. The lubricant applies pressure to the delivery piston. The delivery piston applies pressure to the stored additive. The pressure forces a small volume of additive to pass through the porous sidewall, blending the additive with the flowing lubricant. The reservoir can be formed between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. Lubricant can pass through an interior of the inner tubular member, existing a flow discharge port located proximate an end cap assembled to a distal end of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William A Jacobs, Brian A Jacobs, Neil Graham
  • Patent number: 8293102
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of stimulation fluid that involves passing a mixture of the stimulation fluid and reagents through a sectioned tank, each section having the means to agitate the mixture contained therein. Treated fluid is removed from a final settling section for reuse in oil and gas production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Synoil Fluids Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Mesher, Robin Tudor, Jessie Leighton
  • Publication number: 20120261334
    Abstract: Formation of scale in a wastewater treatment system upstream of a struvite precipitation reactor is inhibited by injection of CO2. The injection may be performed at multiple locations. Injection may be controlled based on one or more of pH, fluid flow and fluid pressure. Injected CO2 may be stripped at the precipitation reactor to enhance struvite production. Scale may be inhibited while maintaining production of precipitated struvite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robert James Baur
  • Publication number: 20120261338
    Abstract: Formation of scale in a wastewater treatment system upstream of a struvite precipitation reactor is inhibited by injection of one or more of CO2 and H3PO4. The injection may be performed at multiple locations. Injection may be controlled based on one or more of pH, fluid flow and fluid pressure. Scale may be inhibited while maintaining production of precipitated struvite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Matt Kuzma, Robert James Baur, Ram Prasad Melahalli Sathyanarayana
  • Publication number: 20120234763
    Abstract: A filter unit may include an electrode structure, a fluid-purifying flow path, and a pH adjusting chamber. The electrode structure may include a cathode, a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, and an anode in that order. The fluid-purifying flow path may be at least one of a path in the cathode, between the cathode and the cation exchange membrane, between the anion exchange membrane and the anode, and in the anode. The fluid-purifying flow path may include an adsorption function. The pH adjusting chamber may be between the cation exchange membrane and the anion exchange membrane. The pH adjusting chamber may be configured to control the pH of the fluid in the fluid-purifying flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Kim, Hyun Seok Kim, Hyo Rang Kang, Ho Jung Yang, Joo Wook Lee, Bok Soon Kwon, Jae Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 8252172
    Abstract: There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: David Hall
  • Publication number: 20120211426
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated method and system for treating a contaminated fluid. The integrated system and method is configured to simultaneously perform multiple functions, for example, transportation, mixing, treatment and separation. The contaminated fluid and treating agents are pumped simultaneously into a processing tank and vigorously mixed by at least one pump-mixer. The at least one pump-mixer is configured to simultaneously perform combined functions such as fluid transportation, rapid and vigorous mixing and treatment. The rapid and vigorous mixing by at least one pump-mixer enhances the processing rates considerably. The contaminants and the disaggregated particles undergo treatment as a result of their reactions with the treating agents. The process residuals, usually in the form of sludge, are separated from the treated fluid. The separation system is also configured to simultaneously perform multiple functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Oronzo Santoro, Tiziano Pastore, Mostafa Moghaddami, Mehrdad Raisee, Ferdinando Crapulli, Domenico Santoro
  • Patent number: 8246822
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water comprises a mixing chamber including mixing members therein for mixing waste water and treatment chemicals therein and a separating chamber at the outlet of the mixing chamber for separating the flocculated contaminants and to provide a supply of clarified water. In a preferred embodiment, the chemicals are injected at sequential locations along an injection tube for sequential mixing of the chemicals with one another in the injection tube prior to the chemicals being injected and mixed into the mixing chamber for mixing with the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond P. Briltz
  • Publication number: 20120205310
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater including: flocculating and granulating the wastewater in a wastewater collection pool through a flocculation sedimentation tank; pumping the flocculated water with a high/low turbidity into a hair filter through a lift pump; pumping the pretreated water into an organic/inorganic membrane filter to yield clear water containing detergent; treating the clear water containing detergent with activated carbon and an ultraviolet lamp; raising the water pressure to 10-15 Kg using a high-pressure pump, and pumping the neutral clear water into a reverse osmosis apparatus for further removal of inorganic matters, organic matters, virus, and bacteria to obtain purified water. A device for recycling treatment of car-washing and laundry wastewater is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Zicheng WU
  • Patent number: 8242441
    Abstract: An electrospray ion source comprises a source of analyte-bearing liquid; a source of sheath gas; a plurality of liquid conduits, each configured so as to receive a portion of the analyte-bearing liquid; at least one electrode associated with the plurality of liquid conduits for producing electrospray emission of charged droplets from an outlet of each of the liquid conduits; a power supply electrically coupled to the at least one electrode for maintaining the at least one electrodes at an electrical potential; and either one or a plurality of sheath gas conduits, each sheath gas conduit comprising an inlet configured to receive sheath gas and an outlet configured to emit a sheath gas flow that circumferentially surrounds, in at least two dimensions, a portion of the emitted charged droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Eloy R. Wouters, Maurizio A. Splendore, Jean-Jacques Dunyach
  • Publication number: 20120145618
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a primary disinfection system and a residual disinfection system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The residual disinfectant may be administered to the water at a level below the taste threshold to prevent backgrowth of bacteria while leaving the taste of the water unaffected. The portable water treatment system may be designed to dispense water at a high-flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Kenneth E. Conrad, William T. Stoner, JR., Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Publication number: 20120125861
    Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbons and scale forming compounds from tap water, contaminated aqueous solutions, seawater, and saline brines, such as produce water, comprising the addition of carbonate ions by CO2 sparging, or divalent cations, so as precipitate calcium and magnesium carbonates by adjusting pH to about 10.2, thus permanently sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and then removing such precipitates sequentially for either sale of disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Sylvan Source, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Thiers
  • Publication number: 20120111793
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater containing peroxide and ammonia includes performing a first stage peroxide pretreatment of the wastewater with a catalyst, and performing a second stage ammonia separation of the peroxide treated wastewater by a distillation process, thereby producing a concentrated ammonium hydroxide end product that is separated from the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Linda N. Daubert, Randall P. Duggan, James M. MacDougall, James G. Sales
  • Publication number: 20120097609
    Abstract: A method for treatment of an aqueous oily solution includes combining the aqueous oily solution with one or more miscible organic solvents to produce a mixture of precipitated solids and a liquid phase; separating the precipitated solids from the liquid phase; separating the liquid phase at least into an organic phase and an aqueous phase; and removing at least a portion of one or more oily substances from the organic phase. A system for treatment of an aqueous oily solution is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jiyang Xia, Wei Cai, Rihua Xiong, Yiwen Sun, Chunjie Liu, George Randall Jones, William Fred Heins
  • Patent number: 8157995
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Rajat S. Ghosh, Dennis Fulmer, Kevin Kitzman, John Smith
  • Publication number: 20120067796
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating slurries of organic solids is disclosed. A slurry of organic solids is admixed with hydrogen peroxide, followed by exposure to microwave irradiation resulting in the heating of the mixture and enhanced hydrolysis of the organic solids. The treated slurry of organic solids can then be further treated in a variety of downstream processes, including solid separation, digestion and fermentation. The supernatant portion of the treated slurry of organic solids can be a source from which to recover compounds such as nutrients (for example nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium) or industrial organic compounds (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), or as a source of readily biodegradable organic compounds for supplementing a biological wastewater treatment process, digester or fermenter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Kwang Victor LO, Ping LIAO, Wayne WONG, Weigang Miles YI, Weng I CHAN, Frederic A. KOCH, Donald S. MAVINIC
  • Publication number: 20120067824
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Michael C. Berg, John H. Dise, Robert P. Mahoney, Kevin T. Petersen, David S. Soane, Kristoffer K. Stokes, William Ware, JR., Atul C. Thakrar
  • Patent number: 8101072
    Abstract: A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Allen Lawrence, Joseph E. Zuback
  • Patent number: 8083935
    Abstract: A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20110297601
    Abstract: A physical water purifier includes a tubular housing and permanent magnets arranged at a specific distance from one another in the tubular housing in a region of the tubular housing facing a water connection. The permanent magnets are arranged so as to form a pumping and eddying effect. The permanent magnets are produced from an anisotropic magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Wolfgang Spier, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schmeding
  • Patent number: 8048298
    Abstract: Plant comprising a homogenization tank (100) equipped with a stirrer (120) and with a pumping unit (140), a connecting pipe (300) leaving the pumping unit (140) comprising an injector of reagents (310) and a static mixer (320), a second chamber (200) surmounted by a mixing tank (210) into which the connecting pipe (300, 320) opens tangentially and comprising a flocculation pan (220) above the sludge pit (230) and surmounted by a filtration chamber (240), a pipe (270) leading down to the bottom (222) of the flocculation pan (220) and a bypass pipe (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 8034238
    Abstract: A multi-chamber basin is sized to collect excess waste water exceeding the processing capacity of a sewage system. In order to disinfect the waste water exceeding the basin capacity, disinfectant is added at a point in the system after the first basin. After the rain event is over and there is excess sewage treatment capacity, the sewage treatment in the multi-chamber basin is returned to the sewage system. By not disinfecting the waste water in the first basin chamber, the overall disinfectant usage can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib
  • Publication number: 20110233143
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 8017001
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods for maintenance of an enclosed body of water generally include mobile systems and/or methods for removal of mineral hardness and other particulate impurities via lime softening filtration. Chemicals are added to a body of water containing unwanted mineral hardness (or other particulate impurities) and mixed to assist dispersion. The chemicals react with the hardness minerals making them insoluble. The resulting precipitate falls out of solution to the bottom of the body of water for subsequent removal via filtration. This eliminates or otherwise reduces the need for draining water and/or adding new water to a body of water to maintain proper mineral hardness balance and/or concentration of other particulate impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rayne Dealership Corporation
    Inventor: David Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110213169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying crude tall oil. The purification method comprises a first purification step (2) for separating at least solids (8) from the crude tall oil and producing solids free crude tall oil, and after the first purification step (2) a second purification step (4) for separating water (14) from the solids free crude tall oil. The purification apparatus comprises at least one solids separator (3, 5?) for separating at least solids (8) from the crude tall oil and producing solids free crude tall oil, and at least one water separator (5, 9) arranged downstream of the solids separator (3, 5?) in the flow direction of the crude tall oil for separating at least water (14) from the solids free crude tall oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matti Ristolainen, Jaakko Nousiainen
  • Patent number: 8002980
    Abstract: A former (11) works, when supplied with wastewater containing heavy metals and hydrogen sulfide, to react heavy metals contained in wastewater with hydrogen sulfide to form sulfide salts, an acquirer (12) works, when supplied with sulfide salts and acid, to acquire hydrogen sulfide and heavy metal ions produced by reactions between sulfide salts and acid, a hydrogen sulfide supply line (13) supplies hydrogen sulfide acquired by the acquirer to the former, and a collection line (20) collects heavy metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ryoichi Arimura, Nobuyuki Ashikaga, Takashi Menju, Atsushi Yukawa, Hiromi Tsukui, Hirofumi Noguchi, Shinji Oono
  • Publication number: 20110186489
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a grey water treatment system includes an oxidation reactor for oxidizing grey water. The grey water treatment system also includes a biological reduction and precipitation system with microbes designed to remove one or more target components from the oxidized grey water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Scott Kain, Dinh-Cuong Vuong, David Brian Fraser, Timothy Michael Pickett
  • Publication number: 20110180470
    Abstract: A process and associated apparatus to reduce both ferrous (Fe++) iron and ferric (Fe+++) iron from an aqueous solution. A pH swing process is described in which a phosphoric acid solution is first added and then a base chemical is added. The combination results in generation and precipitation of iron phosphate. The method and apparatus affords flocculent enhanced settling and removal of the iron precipitates and process suitable buffering of the resulting reduced iron aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: James Jeffrey HARRIS
  • Publication number: 20110174743
    Abstract: Compositions, methods of making the compositions, systems, and processes for treating a fluid containing a contaminant are presented. The treatment reduces the concentration of contaminants, such as such as toxic metals, metalloids, oxyanions, and dissolved silica. The reduction in concentration of a contaminant may be sufficient so as to effect remediation of the fluid with respect to the contaminant. The treatment may reduce the concentration of a plurality of contaminants. The composition typically includes zero-valent iron, an iron oxide mineral, and ferrous iron. The ferrous iron promotes maintenance of the iron oxide mineral. The iron oxide mineral may, in turn, promote the activity of the zero-valent iron. The processes and systems may involve multiple stages. A stage may be optimized for treatment with respect to a particular contaminant. Examples of contaminated fluids include aqueous fluids, such as groundwater, subsurface water, and aqueous industrial waste streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventor: Yongheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20110168639
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Hisashi ISOGAMI, Akira Mochizuki, Hiroshi Sasaki, Tadashi Sano, Satoshi Miyabayashi
  • Publication number: 20110147291
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus that obtains treated water by adding a flocculant and magnetic powder to wastewater accumulated in a tank to thereby generate flocculated magnetic flocs, and recovering the magnetic flocs by means of a magnetic force to thereby remove the magnetic flocs from the wastewater, comprising: a magnetic flocs treatment device which treats the recovered magnetic flocs and which comprises a high pressure pump and a magnetic separation portion; wherein the magnetic separation portion has a structure in which fluid piping is arranged at a magnetic field generating portion, and magnetic powder in the magnetic flocs is recovered by using the high pressure pump to pump the recovered magnetic flocs to the fluid piping of the magnetic separation portion, and causing the magnetic powder in the magnetic flocs to attach to the fluid piping by means of a magnetic force of the magnetic field generating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Hisashi ISOGAMI, Satoshi Miyabayashi
  • Publication number: 20110139691
    Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: MARK N. CHAFFIN
  • Patent number: 7959802
    Abstract: A water purification system performs a water purification process through physical sterilization, and at least includes a compression device and a decompression device. Water is converted into a high-pressure liquid through the compression device, and then is converted into a high-speed fluid by controlling the cross-sectional area of a spout of the decompression device, thus generating physical effects such as pressure drop and shear stress, so as to damage cell walls of bacteria in the liquid to die-off the bacteria. Therefore, purified water is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tung-Chuan Wu, Jen-Hui Tsai, Ta-Hsin Chou
  • Publication number: 20110114570
    Abstract: A method for performing continuous thermal hydrolysis of sludge by feeding the sludge into a tube reactor subsequently elevating the temperature and pressure in the reactor. The sludge is cooled by introducing water into the sludge instead of cooling the sludge with a heat exchanger or a similar unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Søren Johannes Højsgaard
  • Publication number: 20110114568
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a chemical treatment process tank for receiving and chemically treating wastewater. The wastewater treatment system also includes a blending system for receiving and activating a flocculating agent such as a polymer. The wastewater treatment system further includes a static mixer for introducing the flocculating agent into the wastewater and for promoting flocculation of the wastewater as the wastewater flows from the chemical treatment process tank to a clarification tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Brian D. Mize, Joe B. Downing
  • Publication number: 20110114546
    Abstract: A water container having a germicidal water purification unit. Water stored in a reservoir passes through a conduit that extends through an array of light sources that operate in at least one of the visible light frequency range and the ultraviolet frequency range to purify the water. The light sources are activated, preferably on a selected as needed basis, by a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Barry E. Barsky, Jay M. Silverman
  • Patent number: 7943040
    Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from wastewater where the wastewater is treated into a cleaned water that can be reused or discharged into the environment. The wastewater is transported through purification sections, depending on the system including several of the following: pre-treatment via screening and weirs to remove debris and certain heavy solids; a second pretreatment via a sump; strainer; conductivity solution injection system and electrolytic coagulation system; polymer injection system; inline mixers for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; retention tubes for providing residence time for the polymer to react in the wastewater stream; a multi-stage separation system comprised of a plurality of water separation compartments for consecutively separating contaminants from the wastewater stream by removing contaminants that float and heavy contaminants that settle to the bottom; and an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon L. Taylor, Richard W. Frederick, Bernie L. Larson, Paul W. Linton
  • Publication number: 20110100918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water purifier of tap water. According to the present invention, a metal having a higher ionization tendency is ionized by exposing the metal to water to be purified. The metal having a higher ionization tendency is selected based on iron (Fe) and limited to metals having a higher ionization tendency as compared with iron (Fe). Electrons generated when a metal is ionized into water react with heavy metal ions that have already existed in the water to reduce the heavy metal ions. The heavy metal ions react with the electrons and are converted into heavy metal components. The heavy metals are pulled by magnets with a strong magnetism and removed from the water safely. When using a water purifier according to the present invention, users can drink water useful to the human body safely and hygienically since mineral components dissolved into water are not removed at all while removing the heavy metals although small quantities of heavy metals are dissolved into water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Hak-Sub Shim, Duk-Soo Lee