Diverse Type Patents (Class 210/202)
  • Patent number: 8133385
    Abstract: A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Kumudika Premathilake, Gene Wayman, Sharyn Schnabel, Kerry Quinn
  • Patent number: 8133396
    Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
  • Patent number: 8128827
    Abstract: A method of recovering oil from oil-based sludge including the steps of homogenizing an oil-rich phase, a water-rich phase, and a solids-rich phase of an oil-based sludge, removing particulates from the oil-based sludge as the sludge traverses a shaker screen, heating the sludge, injecting a chemical into the heated sludge and mixing the chemical with the heated sludge, separating the phases of the chemically-treated sludge into a solids component stream, a water component stream, a first oil component stream, and a gas component stream, removing solids from the first oil component stream with a decanting centrifuge to form a second oil component stream, and removing water and solids from the second oil component stream with a disk stack centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel Gallo, Catalin Ivan
  • Patent number: 8114283
    Abstract: A separator for separating or partially separating oil, water, gas and solids from hydrocarbon production well fluids comprises a vessel and a cyclone contained within the vessel. An inlet passage passes through a wall of the vessel and into the cyclone, the inlet passage having means for causing the flow to rotate within the cyclone. A first outlet passage for an oil rich phase extends from a position within the cyclone and substantially on a central axis of the cyclone; a second outlet passage for a water phase extends from a base of the vessel; and a third outlet passage for the solids extends from a lower end of the cyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: DPS Bristol (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: David J. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 8101071
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes an oil removal reclamation clarifier system in communication with a body of oil laden wastewater fluid and a conduit for transporting the fluid to the reclamation clarifier system. The reclamation clarifier system includes an oil removal mixing containment device having an influent port, an agent inlet, a sludge collection section in a lower portion of the device for collecting the dispersed liquid, a sludge outlet, and, at least one decant valves located on or near an upper portion of a sidewall of the oil removal clarifier device for permitting unsettled material to exit from the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Spangler
  • 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: 8101083
    Abstract: A pre-treatment method for cleaning and maintaining reverse osmosis membrane filters by injecting sulfurous acid into waters with suspended solids in a liquid fraction to be filtered to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to acid leach heavy metals into the liquid fraction, reduce alkalinity and mineral scaling, add sufficient SO2 as a biocide to attack bacteria and other micro organisms to prevent membrane fouling, reduce iron to prevent iron deposit build-up, scavenge and remove dissolved oxygen prior to filtration to prevent membrane oxidation, and then sequentially filtering the acidified water through membrane filters to create a metal free permeate and a brine retentate, which can be pH adjusted to remove the heavy metals as metal hydroxide precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ruehr, Evelyn Ruehr, legal representative, Terry R. Gong, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 8096425
    Abstract: An extraction system and process for extracting bitumen from a slurry containing bitumen, solids and water. The system comprises a cyclone separation facility for separating the slurry into a solids component stream and a bitumen froth stream with the bitumen froth stream including water and fine solids. The bitumen froth stream is then delivered to a froth concentration facility for separating the bitumen froth stream into a final bitumen enriched froth stream, and a water and fine solids stream. The final bitumen enriched froth stream is suitable for further processing. The system of the present invention is preferably mobile so that the cyclone extraction facility and the froth concentration facility can move with the mine face at an oil sands mining site, however, it is also contemplated that the system can be retrofitted to existing fixed treatment facilities to improve the operational efficiency of such fixed facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford E. Bjornson, Craig Aaron Strand, William Nicholas Garner, John Khai-Quang Diep, Darwin Edward Kiel, Thomas Charles Hann
  • Publication number: 20110315626
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HUGE ASIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Ming Lu
  • 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: 20110303589
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Roy M. Taylor, JR., William T. Stoner, JR., Kenneth E. Conrad, Karen J. VanderKooi, Brian S. Beals, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20110303622
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: LARRY SAIK
  • Patent number: 8075766
    Abstract: A water treatment method is provided for helping to partially or completely remove sodium and methane gas from water. In the method, water is combined with a reactant that is formulated to combine with the sodium in the water and form a compound. The water and compound are then passed through a bed of media for helping to separate the compound from the water. The method also includes aerating the water to release gases contained therein by breaking the water into microdroplets by passing it through a screen. Additionally, the method may include a step wherein the water is passed through an acidic resin for facilitating a cation exchange where additional sodium is removed. A water treatment apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: CST Industries, Inc., Blue Future Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Stellema, Humphrey Blackburn, Brian Parris, Matthew D. Silvey
  • Publication number: 20110290733
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for removing selenium from water. Sulfate and organics are first removed to discourage such materials from overwhelming subsequent processing of water to remove selenium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Vogler, Frank Huang
  • Publication number: 20110290737
    Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: David P. Lambert, James J. Houtz
  • Publication number: 20110290666
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for removing selenium from water. Sulfates and organics are first removed to discourage such materials from overwhelming subsequent processing of water to remove selenium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Vogler, Frank Huang
  • Publication number: 20110293506
    Abstract: An object (first object) of the invention is to provide a waste water treatment technology (pretreatment technology in particular) which makes it possible to recover fluorine at a high recovery rate as highly pure calcium fluoride, without diluting waste water containing fluorine and silicon, i.e. to recover fluorine from high-concentration waste water containing fluorine and silicon. Waste water containing fluorine and silicon is supplied to a pH controlling tank 1 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added thereto, with the result that sodium silicate is precipitated. Thereafter, the waste water is supplied to a solid-liquid separator 2 so that solid-liquid separation of sodium silicate is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Tanida, Tsutomu Kinoshita, Hiroyuki Chifuku, Sousuke Onoda
  • Publication number: 20110288320
    Abstract: A process for the removal of impurities from fatty materials comprising the steps of providing a fatty material that may already have undergone some purification treatment, adding an aqueous suspension of liquid adsorbent to the fatty material and causing it to form a mixture with the fatty material, optionally adding some water to the mixture, and forming an aqueous phase separate from the fatty material and removing the aqueous phase from the fatty material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Massoud Jalalpoor, Patrick Brems, Wim DeGreyt, Marc Kellens
  • Publication number: 20110284477
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is described. The treatment system can include an aerobic digestion system, an anaerobic digestion system, and a ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PRESBY PATENT TRUST
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Patent number: 8062517
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20110278221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating urea-containing water. The invention also relates to a domestic toilet provided with such a device. The invention also relates to an animal accommodation provided with such a device. In addition, the invention comprises a method for treating urea-containing water. The device comprises a nitrification unit adapted to oxidize urea to nitrates and carbon dioxide, wherein the nitrification unit is also provided with an oxygen feed, a gas discharge and a throughfeed for feed of waste water nitrified by the nitrification unit to a filtration unit connected to the nitrification unit. The nitrification unit preferably comprises nitrifying bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
    Inventors: Christel Dominique Paule Paille, Christopher Andre Antoine Lasseur, Josef Johannes De Swart, C.J. de Swart, Robertus Christiaan Josephus Suters
  • Publication number: 20110277670
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kyle Self, Kasra Farsad, Robert W. Elliott, Brian Curtis, Srikanth Bellur
  • Publication number: 20110266215
    Abstract: An advanced water treatment method processes a continuous flow of water in a sequence of stages including pre-filtering [200] to remove solids, conditioning [202] to adjust pH, blending [210] with a recycled dense microalgae culture, and passing the resulting mixture through an enclosed, environmentally-controlled photobioreactor [212] where nutrients, PCB's, trace metals and other pollutants and regulated compounds are taken up by the algae. The flow from the PBR is separated using cross-flow filtration [222] to produce a treated water flow and a dense microalgae flow that is recycled to the blending stage [210] upstream. Thus, whereas the algae is recycled, the water entering the system is treated by flowing sequentially through the stages of the system, without any recycling or repetition of treatment stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Terry S. Robinson, Kevin S. McGraw, Jared W. Sylvester, Jesse D. Weidow
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110259822
    Abstract: Water from underground and other sources of water are brackish and not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in water make it brackish. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration systems, filtration systems, crystallizers and hydrophobic membrane carrying filter are used to desalinate the brackish water. Solar energy and ceramic filters are used as add on to existing technology. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide a useful technology to eradicate water scarcity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: King Abdulaziz City for Organization Name Science and Technology "KACST"
    Inventor: Saad A. Al-Jlil
  • Publication number: 20110259805
    Abstract: A system for, and method of, removing particulate material from wastewater discharged from an industrial source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: KURT STANDLEY, TROY HARTZELL
  • Publication number: 20110253626
    Abstract: The installation comprises three reaction vessels (100, 200, 300) in series, each containing an aqueous phase and a specific bacterial population. The vessels serve in succession to dissolve the liquid feedstock for treatment by enzymatic hydrolysis, then to biodegrade the resulting effluent by biological digestion, and finally to reduce the residual bacterial components by biological action. The vessels are mutually isolated by tangential filters (108, 208, 308) and by centrifugal separators (212, 312) for filtering the biomass from the reaction products. The result is a final liquid effluent (EFF/N) that is essentially non-organic, with the filtered biomass downstream constituting an ultimate organic waste (DU) of reduced volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: William Everett
  • Patent number: 8038875
    Abstract: A practical treatment apparatus for ship ballast water, which can kill aquatic organisms contained in the ballast water, is provided by being easily incorporated in an existing ballast-water system piping in a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuwo Fukuyo, Takeaki Kikuchi, Jun Waki, Seiji Kino, Kazunobu Hirao, Katsumi Yoshida, Syuji Ueki
  • Publication number: 20110247978
    Abstract: A system and process for treating an industrial wastewater stream is provided using a membrane biological reactor in which granular activated carbon material is introduced into an aeration portion and maintained upstream of a membrane operating system. The size of the granules of activated carbon is selected so that they can be screened or otherwise readily separated from the mixed liquor stream before the mixed liquor enters the membrane operating system tank(s) containing the submerged membranes, thereby preventing abrasion of the membrane by the carbon granules. The aeration portion includes a waste discharge port whereby a portion of spent granular activated carbon can be removed when the effluent concentration of chemical oxygen demand compounds approaches limits typically set by governmental agencies, and replaced by addition of fresh or regenerated granular activated carbon having greater adsorbent capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: William G. Conner
  • Patent number: 8034246
    Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Meredith B. Gustafsson, Bal K. Kaul, Brian S. Fox, David A. Masciola, Bowornsak Wanichkul
  • 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: 20110226706
    Abstract: A filter to provide potable water may generally comprise an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet, a halogen release system intermediate the inlet and the outlet, a filter material comprising chitosan or a derivative thereof intermediate the halogen release system and the outlet, and a scavenger barrier intermediate the filter material and the outlet. The filter material may comprise a chitosan-halogen complex. The filter material is capable of regeneration during periods of stagnation. The filter may have a Log reduction value for viruses of at least 4 and a Log reduction value for bacteria of at least 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Water Security Corporation
    Inventors: Sivarooban Theivendran, James J. Kubinec, Jeff Snelling
  • Publication number: 20110226683
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system is revealed. Water with contaminants is drawn from sources to the sewage treatment system for automatic and fast water purification. Thus clean drinking water is generated. The water with contaminants is sent to a treatment tank by a motor. Then non-toxic and odorless chemicals are sprayed in the treatment tank. By stirring and mixing of movable blades, the contaminants are coagulated and precipitated into a funnel under the treatment tank to be discharged. Next clean water in the treatment tank is sent to a centrifuge separator to be filtered and dehydrated by centrifugation. Water comes out from the centrifuge separator is drinking water. The sewage is converted into clean water. The system can provide clean safe drinking water to regions without water treatment plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: CHI-HSUEH RICHARD
  • Patent number: 8020707
    Abstract: A cyclone used in a separator apparatus includes a body and a vortex finder. The body includes an inlet passageway, a cylindrical passageway connected to the inlet passageway, and a conical passageway connected to the cylindrical passageway. The cylindrical passageway has an upper end through which first particles in a fluid are exhausted, and a lower end. The conical passageway has an upper end connected to the lower end of the cylindrical passageway, and an opened lower end through which second particles having a specific gravity greater than that of the first particle are exhausted. The vortex finder is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical passageway. A first exhaust passageway is vertically formed in the vortex finder so that the first particles spirally ascend through the first exhaust passageway from the cylindrical passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., C&H Hi Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Un Kim, Sa-Mun Hong, Wang-Keun Kim, Sang-Gon Lee, Sang-Yeoul Hwang
  • Patent number: 8021542
    Abstract: A water recovery method and apparatus which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle. The apparatus uses liquid-contactor to transfer water vapor from the vehicle exhaust to the liquid desiccant. The desiccant is then transferred to a reverse osmosis system which separates the liquid desiccant into potable water and a concentrated desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard Eugene Kirts
  • Patent number: 8021549
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard Eugene Kirts
  • Patent number: 8011330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions on ships using diesel engines equipped with a wet emissions reduction system. In particular, the invention relates to a large diesel internal combustion engines installed on a ship and fitted with a wet emissions reductions system that is supplied water by an onboard advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Publication number: 20110210069
    Abstract: A water treatment device comprises: a membrane desalination unit; a first conduit transporting a first stream of feed water to the membrane unit; a second conduit transporting a first stream of product water from the membrane desalination unit; an electrical separation unit; a third conduit transporting a first stream of reject water from the membrane desalination unit to the electrical separation unit; a fourth conduit transporting a second stream of product water from the electrical separation unit; a precipitation unit; a fifth conduit transporting a second stream of reject water from the electrical separation unit to the precipitation unit; a sixth conduit transporting a second stream of feed water from the precipitation unit to the electrical separation device; a seventh conduit releasing a discharge stream of water; and a chemical injection unit communicating with at least one of the electrical separation device and the precipitation unit. Associated method is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Andrew Jon Zaske
  • Publication number: 20110210068
    Abstract: A method includes performing at least two of the following three treatments to produce at least two types of treated water: reverse osmosis, alkalinization, and carbon filtration. The types of treated water are individually dispensed at different times from a common spout. A method includes individually cooling the types of treated water at different times in a common cold tank prior to dispensing. The common cold tank is purged prior to cooling a different type of treated water. A method includes treating water by electrolysis to produce alkaline water and acidic water and producing at least one additional type of treated water by reverse osmosis or carbon filtration. Consumer containers are rinsed with the acidic water. A system includes: a dispensing unit, a treatment unit remotely located from the dispensing unit, treated water supply lines connecting the treatment unit to the dispensing unit, and a process control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Peggy I. Lalor, Douglas M. Horn
  • Publication number: 20110210065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for treating water to be treated, said method involving a filtration through at least one membrane coupled to an activated sludge reaction chamber, characterised in that added particles are present in at least one volume of activated sludge in contact with the membrane and in that variations in a flow generated in said volume of activated sludge parallel to the membrane are applied, enabling the creation of a level of average turbulent intensity greater than that corresponding to a constant flow in the immediate proximity of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Thomas Thouvenot, Patricia Grelier, Line Fournier, Emmanuel Trouve
  • Publication number: 20110203977
    Abstract: The filtration apparatus of the invention includes a filtration member 12 which has a ribbon-like suspended-solid-capturing member for capturing suspended solid present in fed treatment water 1, wherein the filtration member is charged in a filtration tank 11 such that a filtration portion of the filtration tank has a percent void of 50 to 95% during passage of the treatment water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Keijirou Tada, Hiroyuki Ikeda, Masanobu Osawa
  • Patent number: 8002973
    Abstract: A lubricant reclamation system having a reclamation device (100) is sectioned into three processing sections: a centralized core section (150), a peripheral filtering section (170), and a base filtering section (190). A series of peripheral conduits (172, 182) are disposed within the peripheral filtering section (170) having an entrance port (174) in communication with an inlet manifold (105) and discharging via an exit port (176) in communication with the base filter (190), a peripheral filtering material (178), or the core filtering section (150). The peripheral conduits (172, 182) can be linear, multi-directional, tapering, and spiraling. The filter is in fluid communication with a series of stacked reclamation members (130, 140). The stacked reclamation members (130, 140) provide processing and/or monitoring of the lubricant via electrical or pneumatic interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William A Jacobs, Brian A Jacobs, Frank W Lotz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8002974
    Abstract: A stormwater inlet near an upper edge of a layered filter media vessel is equipped with a distribution header that ensures effective use of the surface area of the filter media by providing plural spaced streams of stormwater thereat, each at a point of impact having its energy dissipated by a layer of material that covers the upper layered filter media surface. The stormwater inflow is metered to control the stormwater pollutant removal process kinetics, thereby slowing the mean free path of the stormwater therethrough and optimizing pollutant capture. The water level within the vessel is height adjustable manually by a pivot arm in the form of a standing column of water coupled to the water within the container. Weep conduits are provided to slowly drain down the standing water in the system between storm events, simplifying maintenance and promoting best removal of pollutants from first-flush storm events. Stormwater pretreatment, e.g. by use of an oleophilic agent or a pH-buffering agent, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: StormwateRx, LLC
    Inventors: Calvin Noling, Daniel Scarpine
  • Publication number: 20110192780
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20110186498
    Abstract: A screw separator for separating solids out of suspensions, having at least one housing and at least one feed pipe for the suspension, at least one discharge pipe for liquids, and at least one outlet for the at least partially dewatered solids. At least one strainer basket is provided in the housing in which a screw is rotatably mounted where at least one press basket is mounted downstream of the strainer basket, and the strainer basket is received in the housing radially floating and the press basket, radially fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Czwaluk, Matthias Rabener
  • Publication number: 20110180485
    Abstract: In a system for decomposing organic compounds in water for use in semiconductor manufacturing, a chemical reactor vessel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a persulfate anion addition system upstream of the reactor vessel, and a light emitting device contained within the reactor vessel. The light emitting device provides light capable of decomposing persulfate anions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Fluid Lines
    Inventors: Steve Donald Sitkiewitz, Gary Michael Carmignani, Lee William Fredrick
  • 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: 20110174709
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment system according to the present invention includes a plurality of reaction sequences including a first sedimentation tank, a reaction tank, a final sedimentation tank, a first channel which connects the first sedimentation tank and the reaction tank and a second channel which connects the reaction tank and the final sedimentation tank. In one reaction sequence of the plurality of reaction sequences, the reaction tank has a membrane separation tank including a carrier, a membrane unit, and activated sludge and in which an MLSS concentration of the activated sludge is in a range of 500 mg/L to 7000 mg/L, and wastewater is supplied to the reaction tank via the first channel, and wastewater in a quantity exceeding a treatment capacity of the reaction tank is supplied to the final sedimentation tank via the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Naomichi MORI, Kazuhiko Noto, Makoto Onishi
  • Patent number: 7981287
    Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sionix Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Lambert, James J. Houtz