Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytic reduced water capable of electrolyzing purified water, which is filtered through reverse osmosis, by use of concentrated water that remains after the purification. The apparatus includes a water purifying apparatus, and an electrolytic cell provided with a first chamber having a cathode, a second chamber having an anode, and a third chamber disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber to receive concentrated water from the water purifying apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the outlet of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (c) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: A sucker-rod pumping system includes diametrically charged rare earth magnets having significant monopolar character mounted on the rod string and, optionally, within a magnet barrel below the pump barrel. The magnets are jacketed to preclude contact with crude petroleum. The magnets subject the petroleum to a significant magnetic flux to substantially preclude precipitation of paraffins and asphaltenes with a minimum of retrofit to existing equipment and without substantially altering the operation of the rod string.

Abstract: A UV disinfection system and methods of UV disinfection are provided. The disinfection system may include a UV transparent conduit to carry a flowing liquid to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the liquid and an outlet to discharge the liquid and two or more radiation sources positioned within the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the conduit. The walls of the conduit may be coated with a reflective coating acting as a back-surface mirror for enhancing the performance of the disinfection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element (20), comprising individual components (2, 4, 8), such as a filter medium (8) as one component and further filter element components (2, 4), of which at least one component (4) is made of a material that is at least partially transparent to laser light and at least one further component (2), in the manner of a barrier layer, is made of a material that is at least partially opaque to laser light in order to perform a transmission welding method by means of laser light for the purpose of connecting associable filter elements to each other, wherein said method is characterized in that at least some of the components of the filter element that are exposed to the laser light during the transmission welding method are at least partially electrically conductive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for inhibiting scale formation and microorganism growth within a moving water system, with the apparatus including: (i) a pulse-power assembly having a fly-back pulse generator circuit effective to produce a current pulse that when terminated yields a voltage spike and generates a plurality of frequencies of energy, where the fly-back pulse generator circuit comprises a coil as an integral portion of the fly-back pulse generator circuit; and (ii) a chamber for passing water from the moving water system therethrough, where the coil is wound around the chamber so as to transmit the plurality of frequencies of energy into the chamber in order to inhibit scale formation and microorganism growth within the moving water system. Water treatment systems and methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for altering the characteristics of a membrane comprising a dielectric material. The method comprises heating the membrane and applying an electric field in a direction out of the plane of the membrane to at least a portion of the dielectric material. At least a portion of the dielectric material becomes aligned with the applied electric field. In some embodiments, the membrane is piezoelectric and application of an electric signal to the membrane causes out of plane movement of the membrane. Also disclosed are membranes and systems and apparatuses comprising such membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, and more particularly to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, in which phosphorus (P) contained in effluent from a sewage treatment plant is removed by using the iron (Fe)-ionizing module comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing electrode consisting of an iron plate serving as a cathode and a titanium plate serving as an anode and an electrode-washing device. According to the present invention, an effluent treatment process of a sewage treatment plant and an electrode washing process needed for iron ionization can be simultaneously performed, the iron ionization is controlled depending on the concentration of phosphorus contained in the effluent, thereby improving effluent treatment efficiency.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285? then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing green-energy water, including: conducting water flow through a self-support visible-light photocatalytic reaction device, which decomposes the water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions; conducting the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions through an ion separation device, which separates the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions from each other; and conducting the separated hydroxide ions into an amount of water to form an amount of alkaline green-energy water and conducting the separated hydrogen ions into another amount of water to form an amount of acidulous green-energy water. The green-energy water manufactured in this way is environmentally friendly and can be used in cleaning purposes of photoelectric and semiconductor industries, processing of waste water, organic cultivation, organic agriculture, purification of water, sterilization of medical facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting ions in order to produce hydrogen gas from water. A first electric field source is electrically isolated from water by an insulating layer. A first conductive deionization surface is positioned within a field line of said first electric field source. An electric conductor is connected to said first conductive deionization surface and is adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions located on the first conductive deionization surface. Hydrogen is produced on said first conductive deionization surface when said first conductive deionization surface is positioned within the water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the efficient purification of aqueous liquids comprising an ionic solute. The liquids are purified by a plurality supercapacitor desalination units working in tandem; a first unit operating in “charge” mode, deionizing the feed solution and producing a purified product liquid, while a second supercapacitor desalination unit is operated in “discharge” mode, releasing ions into a circulating stream and producing a concentrate. The output of the first desalination unit is removed as a purified product stream. The output of the second desalination unit is a concentrate, which is directed to a common precipitation unit where a portion of the ionic solute is precipitated and separated from the remaining liquid phase, which may be recirculated to the second desalination unit. The use of two supercapacitor desalination units operating out of phase allows the common precipitation unit to be operated continuously under steady state conditions.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an advanced treatment system processing contaminated water or fouled water/waste water, and particularly, a system for membrane fouling control and reduction in the amount of sludge producing in a membrane combined-type fouled water/waste water advanced treatment system, and more particularly, a system capable of making sludge soluble using plasma and then re-utilizing cell byproducts of destructed sludge as a supply source of external carbon source, and possibly capable of removing a cake layer formed on a membrane using each kind of radical and ozone generated by plasma.

Abstract: A filter apparatus that while maintaining a high revolution speed, realizes reduction of filter element vibration.

Abstract: A cross-flow filtration system includes a first filter element having a first conduit for receiving a flow of a first aqueous feed stream, a second conduit operable to discharge a flow of first permeate water and a third conduit operable to discharge a flow of first retentate water. The cross-flow filtration system includes a coil assembly disposed about the first conduit. The first coil assembly is operable to subject the first aqueous feed stream to electromagnetic pulses. A second filter element is in fluid communication with the first filter element via the third conduit. The second filter element is operable to receive the first retentate water via the third conduit. A second coil assembly is disposed about the third conduit and is operable to subject the first retentate water to electromagnet pulses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter device (10), particularly a liquid filter, comprising a filter element (16) that is disposed in a filter housing (12, 14) and a heater (28) for heating medium flowing through the filter device (10). The inventive filter device (10) is characterized in that the heater (28) is designed with at least one heating circuit (30) that is molded into the filter housing (12, 14). Alternatively or additionally, the heater (28) is designed with at least one heating circuit (30) which is provided with an electrical contact (34) in at least one of the final zones thereof, said electrical contact (34) being riveted to the heating circuit (28).

Abstract: Herein provided are methods, kits, systems, devices, etc. relating to the use of electrical energy for the treatment of fluids.

Abstract: A filter unit may include a water permeable first electrode, a second electrode arranged so as to be spaced apart from and opposite to the first electrode, and a non-water permeable separator that is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may include a metal adsorbent (metal-adsorbing material) and thus may adsorb a metal included in the water. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode may induce a water hydrolysis reaction to produce H+ ions to regenerate the metal adsorbent. The filter unit may further include a voltage applier to provide a filter system.

Abstract: A component separating device includes a flow channel, an acoustic wave generator for generating an acoustic wave in the flow channel, a first inlet channel for introducing a fist solution containing solid particles into the flow channel, a second inlet channel for introducing a second solution, and outlet channels for discharging a solution from the flow channel. A density grade generator is provided at the first inlet channel for forming a density grade of the solid particles. This component separating device extracts the solid particles into a high-purity solution at a high collecting rate.

Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for treating liquids, and methods for treating liquids, particularly by using such devices. Reticulated electrode structures with a high proportion of surface area to volume are formed with at least two metals, and are coupled in arrays to an electrical driving signal such as an alternating and/or direct current voltage source, for ion exchange with a liquid to be treated, to produce, e.g., potable water.

Abstract: A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.

Abstract: A filter device may include a filter unit including a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged so as to be spaced apart and opposite to each other. At least one of the first and second electrodes may include an electrode material layer that is electrically conductive. The electrode material layer may include a metal-adsorbing material (metal adsorbent). A voltage applier for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode for a desired amount of time based on the conditions after operation of the filter unit, and a method for driving the same.

Abstract: Fluid treatment elements substantially inhibit electrical charge imbalances and/or build-ups of electrical charges. A fluid treatment element may comprise a multilayer composite including an electrically conductive fibrous matrix, having an upstream side and a downstream side, disposed on a porous substrate, also having an upstream side and a downstream side, which supports the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix may include a combination of conductive and nonconductive fibers. The multilayer composite may also include a drainage layer positioned along one of the upstream side of the fibrous matrix and the downstream side of the porous substrate.

Abstract: Fluid treatment elements substantially inhibit electrical charge imbalances and/or build-ups of electrical charges. A fluid treatment element may comprise a multilayer composite including an electrically conductive fibrous matrix, having an upstream side and a downstream side, disposed on a porous substrate, also having an upstream side and a downstream side, which supports the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix may include a combination of conductive and nonconductive fibers. The multilayer composite may also include a drainage layer positioned along one of the upstream side of the fibrous matrix and the downstream side of the porous substrate.

Abstract: Device designed to desalinate brackish water which performs said function by the combined action of magnetic fields generated inside the device and ion-selective membranes, thus obtaining two separate water currents, one with a low salt concentration and the other reject current with a high salt concentration. It comprises an external cylindrical body of magnetized iron (1), an inner body also cylindrical and made of the same material (2) and an intermediate chamber (3) in which are placed a series of ion-selective membranes (6 and 7) arranged radially around the axle common to all of the bodies, and placed alternately such that each negative-ion selective membrane has a positive-ion selective membrane on either side.

Abstract: A portable fluid ozonation apparatus includes a container for treating and storing fluid, a filter that attaches to the container and an ozone generator. In use, a fluid is dispensed into the container and optionally passed through the filter. At this point, power is supplied to the ozone generator which operates for a period of time necessary for disinfecting the fluid. Additives and post filters can be utilized in conjunction with the ozonation apparatus in order to obtain sufficient purified fluid within a short time frame.

Abstract: For extracting phosphorous from algae-in a body of water, the algae are deposited into a sealable tank (200) that is then evacuated, thereby rupturing the algal cell walls. The ruptured algae are then moved to a second tank (260), mixed with water and bacterial cultures, and allowed to settle until the lipids rise to the top and the oil-less debris settles to the bottom. The second tank also contains sacrificial (295) and rusted electrodes (320). The phosphorous from the algae combines with the rust. The lipids and debris are then removed. Next, an electrical source (315) causes the rust to be removed from the rusted electrodes and settle. In addition, a phosphorous-rich scum floats to the top. These components are placed in storage containers for later use and the water is returned, thereby reducing its phosphorous content.

Abstract: A transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.

Abstract: Fluid treatment elements and assemblies include a spring-biased electrical contact arrangement to dissipate electrical charge from the fluid treatment pack and/or the end caps to the housing.

Abstract: A method for harvesting potable water and energy from waste that comprises the steps of collecting the waste, separating the waste into a water fraction, a solid fraction, and a gas fraction, sterilizing the water fraction, converting the solid fraction into an energy resource; and scrubbing the gas fraction.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. 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 an economical means for producing electricity.

Abstract: A system for the electrical agglomeration of particles in a fluid using a plurality of electrically charged panels, such as electrets, metal panels, or any conductive material, positioned in series perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid. The panels are about 20% to 80% open to the flow of fluid. The panels produce agglomerates of increasing size and number from the particles in a fluid as the fluid flows through each of the panels. The panels have an electrical charge of about 5,000 to 12,000 volts with amperage about 0.001 amps to 100 amps. Agglomerates are trapped by downstream capture media.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method comprises a treatment chamber having a filtration membrane spanning an effluent outlet of the chamber and a pair of electrodes in the treatment chamber so as to be in communication with the wastewater. An electrical potential difference is applied between the electrodes such that one of the electrodes functions as an anode and one of the electrodes functions as a cathode. A flow of fluid is induced out of the treatment chamber through the filtration membrane to the effluent outlet. Accordingly the treatment chamber is arranged to biologically treat the wastewater, electrochemically treat the wastewater and mechanically filter the wastewater through the filtration membrane commonly therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor employing an electrolysis subassembly connected in an electrical circuit which includes the electric motor. While controlling the throughput of electrical current through the electrolysis subassembly, there is simultaneously generated a fuel gas useful for fueling an internal combustion engine. The invention includes a novel electrolyte utilizing novel electrode structure and mode of operation. The electrolysis may be powered by a battery pack.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid treatment tank for use in a well fluid processing system. The tank is divided into at least three compartments, including an oil treatment compartment for receiving oil from a separator vessel of the well fluid processing system so as to allow stabilization and/or final separation and treatment of the oil, a reject treatment compartment for receiving reject fluid from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow gravitational separation of heavier and lighter components of the reject fluid, and a water treatment compartment for receiving de-oiled water from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow degassing and/or final separation of the water. Also, a well fluid processing system including such a fluid treatment tank.

Abstract: A liquid treatment discharge unit includes a pair of electrodes (52, 53) provided in liquid, a high-voltage DC power supply (61) for applying voltage to the pair of electrodes (52, 53) to generate electric discharge between the pair of electrodes (52, 53), and a current density concentration section (70) for increasing a current density of a current path between the pair of electrodes (52, 53).

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a control module. The sensor includes an electrically actuated moving member. The sensor is in fluid communication with a reservoir of a separator that separates a first fluid from a fuel. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the sensor to actuate the member. The control module measures the current and determines a parameter of the current. The control module identifies one of presence and absence of the first fluid in the reservoir based on the parameter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device comprising (1) an array of electromagnetic elements comprising coils, metal cores, and metal core heads, and (2) a controller that is adapted to control a current for one or more coils individually, to vary the current for said one or more coils individually, to reverse the current for one or more coils individually, and to generate a specific magnetic flux distribution and gradient across two or more coils; wherein the metal core head is at one end of the coil and the metal core head has a geometry to create a desired magnetic flux, intensity and gradient, in a region of interest between two adjacent coils; further wherein the device is functionally coupled to a fluidic device to concentrate and transport magnetic particles in a fluid without fluidic movement of the fluid.

Abstract: An ion chromatography apparatus comprising: (a) a first chromatography column, (b) a second chromatography column, the volume of the second column being no greater than 0.9 times the volume of the first; and (c) valving disposed between said first and second columns permitting selective transfer of separated ionic species from first chamber to second chamber for further analysis.

Abstract: A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus and related methods involving the use of replaceable treatment cartridges that include a treatment media, wherein the treatment cartridge is electrically enhanced to form regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The treatment cartridge can include a pair of fixed polarity conductors that can be electrically connected to a power source so as to induce regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The fluid treatment apparatus can be utilized to treat liquids including aqueous solutions as well as gases such as an air supply by exposing the fluid to the regions of differing polarity.