Spaced Along Flow Path Patents (Class 210/199)
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Patent number: 5785864Abstract: An efficient, economical, portable, movable, and compact apparatus and method for treating a fluid with ozone comprising multiple pressurized contact columns which are arranged in a hybrid parallel and series column configuration, which utilizes a unique control system and piping arrangement to improve the efficiency of the mass transfer of ozone into the water and increase its solubility by increasing the contact time between the water phase and the gas phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: AJT & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo J. Teran, John R. Derrick, Jr., Nidal A. Samad, Igor A. Vassiliev, Carlos V. Diaz, W. Todd Willoughby, Louis V. Mangicapra
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Patent number: 5783071Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating wastewater is provided including a cylindrical tank having a top, a bottom, an outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall extends from the bottom of the tank to a point above a desired water level. The inner wall, the top and the bottom define an inner aerobic zone. The inner wall, the outer wall, the top and the bottom define an outer anaerobic zone. Wastewater may pass from the outer anaerobic zone to the inner aerobic zone through holes in the inner wall. An open ended conical hopper is positioned within the inner aerobic zone with its smaller end pointed toward the bottom of the tank. Several radially spaced air outlet pipes connected to a compressed air source extend downward into the inner aerobic zone where air is discharged through the open ends of the outlet pipes. An inlet line connected to the tank opens into the outer anaerobic zone of the tank. An outlet line is positioned within the clarification zone to remove purified water from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Delta Environmental Products, Inc.Inventor: Monroe Wayne Guy
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Patent number: 5772872Abstract: a portable water treatment system for bulk filling of a swimming pool with treated water. The system discloses a pH conditioning tank and a water conditioning tank allowing for the filling of a pool, without the need for pumps, electricity, or controls on the incoming water source. The system includes the use of soaker devices that allow treatment of the water through the addition of a predetermined amount of chemical as it is exposed to the incoming water. The system allows for treated water to be placed into the pool so as to prohibit early degradation of the walls or materials of the swimming pool surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Donald E. Shelhamer
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Patent number: 5770174Abstract: Oxidation reactions occurring in a plug flow reactor under conditions approximating supercritical water conditions are controlled by injecting a process stream of water and two reactants in non-stoichiometric proportions into the reactor and causing the process stream to flow through the reactor. Water is injected at one or more points downstream from the inlet to lower the temperature of the process stream and additional reactant injected to re-start the reaction. The quench and re-start process is repeated until substantially all oxidizable material in the process stream has be oxidized.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1994Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: RPC Waste Management Services, Inc.Inventors: James M. Eller, Roy N. McBrayer, Jimmy G. Swan
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Patent number: 5766456Abstract: The invention features a water purifier for purifying water in a pool having a volume less than about 13,500 gallons. In general, the water purifier has a threaded fitting that allows it to be removably-attached to a water-exchange fitting, preferably on the side of the pool. The water purifier contains a purification material for purifying the water. The purification material preferably can be a silver-containing material.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Fountainhead Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Peter P. Yurchision
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Patent number: 5766455Abstract: A fibrous matte web is used to support a semiconductor catalyst for use in the photopromoted catalyzed degradation of compounds in a fluid stream. The catalyst, which may be a transition metal oxide, is affixed to at least one side of the matte web, and preferably the downstream side thereof. In one embodiment, the matte web is comprised of a plurality of fibers of glass or other suitable material permitting fluid to pass therethrough, and the side or sides containing the catalyst are directly illuminated by a suitable light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Zentox CorporationInventors: Elliot Berman, Anatoly Grayfer
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Patent number: 5766488Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream solids separation stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the solids separation stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Uban, Richard C. Maxson, Ralph W. Holliday, Mark E. Watson
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Patent number: 5755966Abstract: Biological activation waste water purification method is disclosed, wherein the waste water is biologically purified in an activation process. Activated sludge is pumped into a circulation circuit comprising a flow channel and at least one distribution channel. Raw waste water is added to the activated sludge to form an activation mixture which is gradually denitrified as it flows through the circulation circuit. The activation mixture is aerated so as to suspend the activated sludge in the mixture while gradually saturating the activation mixture with oxygen so as to change the denitrifying of the mixture to the nitrifying of a mixture as the mixture flows through the circulation circuit. The activation mixture then flows to a fluidized bed filter where it is separated into purified water and activated sludge.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventors: Svatopluk Mackrle, Vladimir Mackrle
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Patent number: 5753106Abstract: An annular throughflow photoreactor for oxidative photopurification includes an elongate radiation source surrounded by a transparent wall in the form of a spacer tube at a radial spacing of more than 3 cm, preferably in the range of more than 3 cm to 13 cm. The irradiance, i.e. the radiant flux per irradiated area is thereby reduced in comparison to a classic annular photoreactor. At unchanged irradiation power, this results in considerably increased quantum yields or extent of photoconversion in cases in which such conversion is dependent upon the square root of the irradiance, and thus enables enormous savings in radiation energy. Under such conditions, the photoconversion may be additionally increased by using low absorber concentrations and infeeding further absorber on the inside of the outer wall of the photoreactor as well as by working in the presence of gaseous oxygen at an oxygen pressure up to 3 bar and, preferentially, at pH 3.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1995Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Guenther Otto Schenck
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Patent number: 5744028Abstract: A water dispenser including a water tank for storing water supplied from a water bottle; an electrolytic cell including an anode, a cathode, and a three-dimensional carbon electrode provided between the anode and the cathode, the electrolytic cell being provided downstream of the water tank; a water outlet valve provided downstream of the electrolytic cell; and a power supply for applying an electric current to the anode so as to polarize the electrode for sterilizing the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Nobutaka Goto, Peter S. Cartwright
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Patent number: 5736049Abstract: A method for controlling odor in a waste water lagoon comprises the steps of aerating a top horizontal layer of a lagoon adjacent its upper surface at a depth of approximately 12 to 24 inches by introducing air through a plurality of nozzles submerged in the layer to create a plurality of air bubbles in the layer. The nozzles are moved horizontally through the layer. A device for controlling the odor in waste water lagoons includes a support structure with an elongated boom operatively secured to the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom to operatively contact water in an adjacent lagoon. Compressed air is delivered through a plurality of downwardly extending nozzles on the boom into a layer of water on the top of the lagoon approximately 12 to 24 inches deep. Power elements are secured to the boom to cause the boom to move horizontally with respect to the lagoon while the compressed air is being delivered through the nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Dwaine S. Bundy, Ken Bokor, Edward G. Andrews
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Patent number: 5728295Abstract: Metal ions and/or complexes of metal ions are removed from a solution by formation of an insoluble chelated complex of the metal ions and a polymeric precipitating agent. A two-step process of mixing the influent with the precipitating agent is used to induce rapid precipitation and obtain large, self-agglomerated precipitate without addition of flocculating agent and/or pH adjustment. In addition, parallel loops are employed to simultaneously discharge treated metal-free solution and effectively collect/remove the precipitate-containing sludge without interfering with each other. The metal capturing capacity of the polymeric precipitant is maximized by forcing the influent solution through layers of the collected precipitate and by recycling unsaturated metal-precipitant complexes in the processing loop.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Fuji Hunt Photographic Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Hailing Duan
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Patent number: 5702594Abstract: A first reaction/adjustment tank has a lower portion containing a calcium carbonate mineral, an upper portion containing a calcium carbonate mineral and a plastic filler, and an air lift pump for circulating waste water from the lower portion to the upper portion. Exhaust gas is introduced into a space. A second reaction/adjustment tank has a lower portion containing a calcium carbonate mineral and charcoal, and an upper portion containing charcoal and a plastic filler. Waste water circulates sequentially through the lower and upper portions of the first reaction/adjustment tank, and the lower and upper portions of the second reaction/adjustment tank. Exhaust gas circulates sequentially through the upper portion of the first reaction/adjustment tank and the upper portion of the second reaction/adjustment tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Masaki Kataoka, Kazuyuki Sakata, Shirou Imazu
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Patent number: 5693204Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the pH of an electrolytically dissociated process stream is disclosed. The apparatus includes a matrix of pH adjusting chemical and an erosion rate modifier. The pH adjusting chemical is preferably citric acid and the erosion rate modifier is preferably polyethylene glycol. A porous material such as a sponge may be interposed between the matrix and the process stream to further modify the erosion rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Great Lakes Instruments Inc.Inventor: William J. Popp
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Patent number: 5693222Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation tank system is disclosed which is configured to provide educted gas or air into recirculated effluent fluid from the tank which includes a pump system which increases the dissolution rate of gas into the effluent fluid thereby eliminating the need for retention tanks and related equipment which adds to high equipment costs. The dissolved gas flotation tank system of the present invention also provides a pre-contact chamber for assuring immediate and intimate contact between the suspended solids in an influent feed stream and the recirculated effluent fluid in which gas is dissolved, as well as flocculant when used, to produce a better agglomerate structure for improved flotation and separation. The dissolved gas flotation tank of the present invention also provides an improved means of removing and processing float from the tank, and employs a dewatering system enhanced by the addition of chemicals or flocculants into the float removal system.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anthony G. Galvan, Ravinder Menon
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Patent number: 5690834Abstract: In the process for separating off by flotation (pressure release) suspended matter from liquids which are present in a gas-introduction reactor, the suspension to be withdrawn for flotation is conducted at a flow velocity .ltoreq.0.3 m/s against the natural direction of bubble rise, gas being additionally introduced into the suspension. The gas-treated suspension is withdrawn at the bottom of the gas-introduction apparatus and it is fed to flotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Horst Bennoit, Gerhard Muller, Friedhelm Zorn
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Patent number: 5688401Abstract: Spent solutions from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines. Many of the clumps of flocculated solids become enlarged enough to individually extend across and substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the conduit. As a result, the enlarged clumps substantially block passage of and strain from the solution remaining fine particles which then adhere to the clumps.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas W. Bober, Terry W. Pearl, Dominick Vacco, David C. Yeaw
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Patent number: 5685976Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: North East Environmental Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce L. Lamarre
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Patent number: 5650070Abstract: An improved biomass waste treatment process wherein an aerobic biological reaction takes place in a vertical chamber having a first portion defining a first zone and a second portion defining a second zone below said first zone, said process comprising feeding a first biomass influent having a first biomass concentration to the first zone; feeding a first oxygen-containing gaseous stream to the first zone to effect mixing of the first oxygen-containing gaseous stream with the first biomass influent to effect circulation in unidirectional upward flow by gas lift and bioxidation to provide a first biomass effluent having a second biomass concentration; feeding first biomass effluent in plug flow mode to the second zone; feeding a second oxygen-containing gaseous stream to the second zone to effect mixing of the second oxygen-containing gaseous stream with the first biomass effluent without re-circulation to the first zone to effect bioxidation and provide a second biomass effluent and removing second biomass efType: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Deep Shaft Technology Inc.Inventor: David C. Pollock
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Patent number: 5645797Abstract: Especially for use in disinfecting water by bubbling a was such as ozone, novel apparatus having an inlet an outlet for liquid and which defines a flow path therebetween, the path including, in succession, a downward flow zone including a gas bubble inlet and an upward flow zone, the adjacent downward and upward flow zones being separated by a wall beneath which there is a gap for the flow between the zones, wherein the gas bubble inlet is at a height of at least 50% of the height of the gap.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Anglian Water Services, Ltd.Inventor: Sin-Man Lo
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Patent number: 5645725Abstract: A process and a device for biologically treating an organic waste mixture containing organically polluted waste water and solid components. The process and the device involve exposing the organic waste mixture to a first decomposition stage where the solid components and the waste water are separated from one another and where the solid components are decomposed under predominantly aerobic conditions. The waste water is then passed to a second decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed under anoxic conditions. Thereafter, the waste water is passed to a third decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed again under aerobic conditions thereby creating recirculation water. At least a portion of the recirculation water is returned from the third decomposition stage to the first decomposition stage for continuously recirculating water through and between respective decomposition stages.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Protec Partner Fuer Umwelttechnik GmbHInventors: Dorit Zitzelsberger, Gerd Ahne, Josef Winter, Karl Bleicher
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Patent number: 5643443Abstract: A system for purifying dredging water comprises a mixing compartment and an agitating means that mixes water with a coagulating agent. A discharge means collects the coagulated sediment and delivers it to a centrifugal sediment water separating means. An outlet at the top of the fluid container collects the purified water. Recirculation means connects the decanter with the container such that the water extracted from the sludge is returned to the mixing compartment. A conveyor means collects and transports decanted sediment. Preferably, baffles partially separate the container into compartments configured to promote mixing and sedimentation. The conveyor means may comprise a solidification reaction acceleration agent injector to mix this agent with the sediment to further dehydrate and solidify it.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Taiki Corporation, U.S.A.Inventor: Yukio Ishikura
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Patent number: 5635059Abstract: A system for disinfecting water streams comprises a source of ionized plasma, that is, a stream of air including ionized oxygen and nitrogen gas molecules, including ozone, and an additional source of metal ions. The gas plasma is introduced into the water stream upstream of the metal ion stream to produce a variety of oxidizing, coagulating, and disinfecting reactions. Further, the metal ions combine with the gas ions to form additionally known disinfectant compounds. The source of ionized gas molecules is an ultraviolet lamp juxtaposed to a coil providing electric and/or magnetic fields, to excite and ionize oxygen and nitrogen molecules of the air. The sacrificial electrodes may comprise alloy members of the metal elements to be provided to the water stream. A DC potential applied to the electrodes is uniformly reversed at intervals, to encourage sacrificial erosion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Aqua-Ion Systems, Inc.Inventor: Dennis E. J. Johnson
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Patent number: 5620593Abstract: An in-well system for simultaneously treating and extracting groundwater by injecting compressed gas through the groundwater in multiple successive stages as it is pumped out of a well. The process is usable for in-well aeration stripping of Volatile Organic Compounds from groundwater or for other applications in which it is desirable to pass compressed gas through groundwater to alter the physical, chemical, or radiological properties of the groundwater prior to its discharge from the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1996Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Inventor: Joseph C. Stagner
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Patent number: 5601724Abstract: A tower-like pressure vessel utilizes the injection of gas bubbles for aeration of liquids. A cylindrical conduit extends vertically in the interior of the vessel. The interior conduit has a first end connected to an inlet liquid flow conduit and a second end disposed immediately adjacent the top of the pressure vessel thereby forming a gap which serves as a flow restriction. An outlet for the vessel is located adjacent to the bottom of the vessel.A gas injector located outside the pressure vessel injects gas into the inlet liquid flow conduit thereby forming a plurality of small gas bubbles that adhere to the walls of a portion of the inlet conduit having a bend. The small bubbles amalgamate to form larger bubbles substantially consistent in size prior to being swept by the liquid stream through the flow restriction at the top of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Aquatex Group Industrie, S.A.Inventor: Denis J. St. Pierre
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Patent number: 5597479Abstract: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Aqua-Ion Systems, Inc.Inventor: Dennis E. J. Johnson
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Patent number: 5587069Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for decontaminating water, using an ionizing reactor. Water contaminated by organic compounds is introduced into a chamber in which it is concurrently irradiated by microwave and an ultraviolet source to activate it by photolysis. The water is then introduced to a hydroxyl reactor chamber. An oxidizing reagent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is irradiated by subjecting it to the UV source. The activated water and irradiated oxidizing reagent are then vectored to a locus at which they are mixed under continuing UV radiation from the source. The apparatus and method may be incorporated into a water treatment system employing existing contaminant extraction techniques, such as immiscible fluids separation and turbo-aspirated sparging.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Wayne F. Downey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5578205Abstract: A plant for processing untreated water, particularly drilling water, to at least partially remove mircopollutants thereform. The plant includes at least one main feed pipe for feeding water into the bottom of a reactor via a submerged inlet at end of said main pipe for delivering ozone into the water, a means communicating with said main pipe for delivering hydrogen peroxide into the water, at least one liquid gas transfer system including at least one static mixer downstream from said ozone delivery means and said hydrogen peroxide delivery means, and upstream from said reactor; and a means for evenly distributing the flow of water out of said feed pipe and through the inlet and allowing a drop in the kinetic energy of the water as it enters said reactor.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: TrailigazInventor: Nathalie Martin
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Patent number: 5578200Abstract: A sewage treatment system is provided for cleaning sewage by filtering solid components in the sewage through use of a floating filter medium, wherein the filtration performance can be improved and the filtration cleaning can be performed efficiently. The sewage flows upwardly in the treatment tank and is filtered through the floating filter media layer made of cylindrical mesh floating filter media which have a smaller specific gravity than the sewage. To wash the floating filter medium, air is jetted from the air jetting pipes to generate a circular flow to scape off solid components adhering to the filter medium. Then the waste, which has washed the floating filter medium is discharged to the outside of the treatment tank while the air is jetted from the air jetting pipe for full jetting of the floating filter media layer unidirectionally.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignees: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Yasushi FunakoshiInventors: Yasushi Funakoshi, Khoji Ogata, Masayuki Kojima, Hitoshi Kawaziri, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Noto, Naomichi Mori
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Patent number: 5560822Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation reactor is alternately supplied with a feed stream and a flushing stream. The feed stream contains organic and inorganic materials. The organic materials are oxidized under supercritical conditions in the reactor and the inorganic materials precipitate out of solution under the same conditions. The flushing stream is a solution in which the inorganic material is soluble. More than one supercritical water oxidation reactor may be connected so that the feed stream is alternately supplied to each reactor. During the period when the feed stream is being supplied to a reactor the effluent from the reactor is cooled to a temperature at which inorganic precipitates are soluble and is then supplied as a flushing stream to one or more of the remaining connected supercritical water oxidation reactors.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Luke D. Bond, Charles C. Mills, Philip Whiting, Stanley L. Koutz, David A. Hazlebeck, Kevin W. Downey
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Patent number: 5549828Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in situ purification by aeration and biofiltration of water from a water body. According to this method, polluted and/or oxygen deficient water is drawn through a conduit into a submerged chamber held adjacent to the surface of the water body. Water is oxygenated from three sources: air injected into the conduit to draw the water into the submerged chamber, air diffusing from the surface of the water body; and air injected in a lower portion of the chamber. The oxygenated water flows downwardly from the chamber through a submerged biofilter having a filter bed made of filtering media which may be preinoculated with beneficial microorganisms and essential nutrients. Rafted or floating vascular plants can be inserted into the chamber to enhance purification by fixing metals.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Inventor: Karl F. Ehrlich
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Patent number: 5549820Abstract: Spent solution from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas W. Bober, Terry W. Pearl, Dominick Vacco, David C. Yeaw
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Patent number: 5545335Abstract: A system for purifying and recirculating water in a tub during the course of a bath. The system includes an apparatus comprising a pump in communication with a suction port. The pump is in communication with one end of a disinfecting unit. The disinfecting unit includes a mechanism for disinfecting the water with ultraviolet radiation and structure for enhancing the turbulence in the water, to further inhibit bacteria growth. The second end of the disinfecting unit attaches to structure for delivering the treated water to the tub.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Adrian P. SweenInventors: Adrian P. Sween, Raymond D. Nass
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Patent number: 5543040Abstract: The present industrial purification system consists of an electronic power supply and control unit, an ionization delivery unit, having at least one unique Copper/Silver electrode rods. It's objective as applied to water-based fluids in a closed-loop flow system is to prevent electrostatic materials from building up on the cathodic ionization rods and/or achieving ionization in very low conductive water-based systems which have as their medium de-ionized, ultra-purified, or reverse osmosis filtered water. The power supply and control unit requires 120 or 240 vac input at less than 1 amp, and provides an adjustable regulated dc voltage to the electrode rods, dc voltage being 50 volts. A zero center meter on the control panel indicates the actual voltage supplied to the electrodes, whereas current flowing through the electrodes is indicated by a second zero centered meter.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: FI-Tek Purification Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Fite, Jr., John S. Ilasenko, Edwin H. Colburn
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Patent number: 5536400Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying fluids with ozone and ultraviolet radiation. A housing defining an ozone creation chamber having a plurality of ultraviolet radiation sources disposed circumferentially around the inner surface of the housing is provided. Oxygen containing gas, such as ambient air, is directed to flow within the housing. An effluent conduit of ultraviolet radiation permeable material is disposed coaxially within the housing. A venturi is disposed within the effluent conduit. An ozone gas discharge conduit is connected between the ozone creation chamber and the venturi, such that ozonated gas generated within the ozone creation chamber is sucked into the effluent stream flowing within the effluent conduit, thereby purifying the fluid contained therein. The mixture of ozone and fluid passes out the outlet of the effluent conduit and into either a water supply, or is recirculated back through the apparatus for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Aqua Care Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Schultz
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Patent number: 5514284Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream filtering stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the filtering stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Wheelabrator Engineered Systems Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Uban, Richard C. Maxson, Ralph W. Holliday, Mark E. Watson
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Patent number: 5505840Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the apparatus in the final stages of purification of sewage water in which the effluent is placed under pressure by a pump and forced through a filter. Part of the effluent is sampled and chlorinated by a chlorine gas injector and then reintroduced into the lager body of effluent. The entire mixture is held within a detention chamber in order to allow the chlorine to dissipate, and then pumped out into a natural stream through a pipe in which air bubbles are injected in order to replenish the oxygen level.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventor: Dean Caldwell
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Patent number: 5498347Abstract: Reactor for the optimized ozonization of water intended for human consumption, in which the direct oxidizing action of the ozone is supplemented by the radical oxidizing action of the ozone, the latter being intensified by the introduction of hydrogen peroxide, characterized in that it comprises three contact tanks arranged in series: a first contact tank receiving the water to be treated and intended for the direct and rapid oxidizing action by the ozone which is introduced into the said tank and brought into contact with the liquid to be treated; a second contact tank intended to ensure the disinfection of the liquid and into which is injected the quantity of ozone necessary to maintain in the liquid to be treated the residual ozone concentration necessary for the disinfection of the water; and a third contact tank intended to ensure the radical action of the ozone, into which there is injected, besides the ozone, a quantity of hydrogen peroxide intended to increase the quantity of OH radicals available forType: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: DegremontInventor: Yves R. Richard
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Patent number: 5489380Abstract: A process for the biological purification of sewage is specified, with which sewage (AW), containing dissolved pollutants, and air (LT) are fed together to a reactor (1) via at least two mutually separate nozzles (3,4). To achieve a high substance exchange in the reactor (1), the streams of the two-substance mixture emanating from the nozzles (3,4) are conducted such that they make impact with each other in the said reactor in an impact zone (PZ). The sewage (AW) is passed from the reactor (1) into Pa settling tank (8), in which bio sludge settles.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Otto Oeko-Tech GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Edward S. Gaddis
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Patent number: 5480559Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating liquid carrying suspended solids comprising the following steps: (i) introducing the liquid into a primary treatment vessel (1) and causing agglomeration of solids suspended in the liquid to form flocs which are not settleable to any substantial degree within the time the said liquid is permitted to remain in the primary vessel; (ii) transferring an aqueous component comprising the flocs from the primary treatment vessel (1) to a secondary treatment vessel (5) where a floc of a settleable nature is caused to form; and (iii) permitting said floc to settle under gravity in the secondary vessel (5) and recovering an aqueous component having a substantially reduced concentration of suspended solids relative to the original liquid; wherein the liquid is subjected in the primary vessel to flow patterns, including a low energy circulating flow about a vertical axis of the primary vessel, which provide conditions for the formation of the substantially non-settleable flocs contaType: GrantFiled: November 15, 1993Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Hydro International PLCInventor: Robert P. M. Smisson
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Patent number: 5480537Abstract: An apparatus for waste water treatment, wherein fluorine contained in waste water is treated into a fluoride through a chemical reaction and sludge containing the fluoride is thickened and dehydrated into a sludge cake, has first and second tanks each packed with calcium carbonate mineral. In the first tank, waster water containing fluorine is agitated by air discharged from an air diffuser and caused to react with the calcium carbonate mineral. Through this reaction of the waste water with the calcium carbonate mineral and action of microorganisms on the surface of the calcium carbonate mineral, a pH value and a fluorine concentration of the waste water is adjusted till the pH value and the fluorine concentration fall within their respective predetermined ranges.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1993Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Yoshihiro Hamaguchi, Shunji Hosoda, Kazuyuki Sakata, Takashi Imai, Shigetoshi Okatani, Satoshi Nishio, Tuyoshi Takahashi, Kenji Matuura, Noriyuki Tanaka, Teruaki Nagayasu, Hiroshi Makino
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Patent number: 5478464Abstract: A method for the biodegradation of organic contaminants in a mass of particulate solids. The method comprises providing a contaminated mass of particulate solids on an impervious surface in fluid communication with an impervious recovery reservoir. The impervious surface has operating thereon air supply and/or air suction means to provide suitable and continuous oxygenation of the mass and/or to remove undesirable vapor emissions from the mass. The mass is periodically irrigated by applying on its surface a culture medium comprising at least one bacterial strain and co-substrates thereof. The bacterial strain has the ability to degrade the organic contaminants. The medium is drained through the mass and washings recovered in the reservoir to be reused to irrigate the mass.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Biogenie Inc.Inventor: Benoit Cyr
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Patent number: 5470459Abstract: A method and process for the treatment of liquids, comprising moving at least one injection wand into a tank containing the liquid to be treated, wherein the angle between the injection wand and the tank bottom or the angle between the injection wand and the wall of the tank can be altered, and injecting a treating solution through the injection wand to increase the reaction mixing between the injected treating solution and the liquid being treated.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Rust Industrial Services Inc.Inventors: James W. Barrington, Randy W. Masters, Mark D. Denny
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Patent number: 5470461Abstract: An apparatus for producing pure water is provided which includes means for ionizing non-ionic silica which is contained in water comprising a vessel for allowing the water to pass therethrough and stay therein for predetermined lengths of time; means for dissolving ozone in the water in this vessel; means for irradiating the water in which ozone has been dissolved with ultraviolet rays; means for separating gases from liquids located between the means for dissolving ozone and the means for irradiating water; and means for fixing ionized silica in the water to a solid electrolyte by ion exchange.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1992Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan Organo Co., LtdInventors: Cozy Ban, Motonori Yanagi, Takaaki Fukumoto, Toshiki Manabe, Hiroshi Yanome, Kazuhiko Kawada
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Patent number: 5468375Abstract: A wastewater pretreatment tank assembly reduces the amount of solid matter on sludge in household sewage before the wastewater is introduced into a municipal sewage treatment system. Bacteria and enzymes are added to the wastewater in a first chamber where the sludge is digested. Then the wastewater spills over a weir into another chamber where ammonia is stripped. The wastewater is aerated and optionally chlorinated. The pretreatment of household sewage reduces the burden on the municipal sewage treatment facility, and reduces the risk of exceeding the capacity of the facility.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Nova Power Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Joseph R. Lira
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Patent number: 5462657Abstract: New techniques and means for their utilization are described for substantially improving gas to liquid transfer including aeration of hydroelectric project tailwaters and treatment of sewage sludge and sewage treatment effluent or other wastewaters. Liquid flow is directed over an infuser device to separate the liquid into a plurality of free-falling curtains disposed to impinge upon a collection pool therebeneath wherein a substantial number of gas bubbles entrained by any particular curtain are acted upon by successive impingements of downstream curtains to effect turbulent interaction, shearing, and reentrainment of such bubbles and substantially increase the residence time thereof in the resulting recombined flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Tennessee Valley AuthorityInventors: Tony A. Rizk, Gary E. Hauser
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Patent number: 5460731Abstract: A method of aeration of liquids utilizing the injection of gas bubbles. A stream of liquid is injected with a gas, creating gas bubbles. Next, the liquid stream is directed through a restriction whereby the gas bubbles pass more quickly through the restriction and pneumatically accelerate the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Aquatex Group Industrie, S.A.Inventor: Denis J. St. Pierre
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Patent number: 5453203Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for purifying a low polluted water containing concurrently or selectively inadequate matters including heavy metals such as iron contents and manganese, and fine suspended matters, which comprises adding a reactant primarily containing a colloidal silica from a reactant charger to the polluted water stored in a primary tank to emulsify the inadequate matters; adding a coagulant primarily containing chitosan into the polluted water from a coagulant charger; feeding external air under high pressure by a pump into the polluted water, and separating the air from the polluted water, followed by dissolution of the air under pressure in the polluted water using a water separator; injecting the thus treated polluted water into a polluted water stored preliminarily in a secondary tank to generate very fine bubbles in polluted water stored in the secondary tank under releasing of the pressure; allowing the inadequate matters emulsified and flocculated to float up onto the water surfType: GrantFiled: October 22, 1993Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignees: Toyo Dynam Co., Ltd., Tokai Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadao Higuchi
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Patent number: 5443719Abstract: An improved system and a novel vessel and method for treating contaminated liquids, e.g., aqueous effluent streams, contaminated with a variety of contaminants. The vessel comprises upper and lower mixing chambers connected by an intermediate tubular section and a fluid exit tube running coaxially down the center of the intermediate tubular portion. The contaminated fluid stream to be treated flows in a spiral pattern generally upwardly entering the exit tube at its upper end and flowing downwardly to a lower exit. A magnetic field may be induced in the flow stream. Streams of the fluid to be treated and of an ionized coagulant are combined prior to entry into the vessel and are subjected to very turbulent flow and to the magnetic field, to encourage both very thorough mixing and magnetic coalescing of the coagulant with the fluid to be treated. Magnetite particles may additionally be added to the flow stream to further encourage coagulation in the presence of a magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Aqua-Ion Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dennis E. J. Johnson, Clifford F. Frith
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Patent number: 5435913Abstract: An apparatus for treating fluids by increasing the fluid's rate of diffusion, removing minerals in solution, releasing entrained gases, and destroying bacteria includes a pair of cascaded vortex nozzles positioned in opposed relation. Each of the vortex nozzles communicates with a fluid source to receive a fluid stream which it rotates. The cascaded vortex nozzles feed their rotating fluid stream into the rear of the vortex nozzle with which they are cascaded. The rotating fluid streams fed into the vortex nozzles combine with the rotating fluid stream within each nozzle. The combined streams then circularly rotate and exit the opposed vortex nozzles to collide in a chamber. The collision between the combined rotating streams results in the breaking of the bonds holding the fluid, gases, and minerals in their molecular array, thus, increasing the fluid's diffusion rate, allowing the gases to escape, the minerals to agglomerate, and destroying bacteria.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Inventor: Clifford L. Ashbrook