Diverse Patents (Class 210/259)
  • Patent number: 8852430
    Abstract: A water treatment device includes a control module communicating with a feed line; an energy pipe communicating with the control module; a light wave pipe assembly communicating with the energy pipe; and magnetizing pipe communicating with the light wave pipe assembly through the second manifold then with an exit line. The light wave pipe assembly communicates with the light wave generator so that the wave guide tube grants the light wave energy to the water liquid. The magnetic energy of magnets of the magnetizing pipe magnetizes the water liquid. Furthermore, with the use of multiple loops which refine molecules of the water liquid, the energy of the water liquid increases to allow the water liquid to be easily absorbed by human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Hann Huang
  • Publication number: 20140291249
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising hydrocarbons and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Chad L. Felch, Matthew Patterson, Shane Wiercinski, Eric A. Lorge
  • Publication number: 20140291259
    Abstract: A separation method (10) comprising the following method steps: (i) Passing an organic waste material to a primary washing step (16) in which a clean organic stream (18) and a fraction with a specific gravity of greater than 1 (20) are produced; (ii) Passing the clean organic stream (18) from step (i) to a drainage step (22) to remove free water therefrom; and (iii) Passing the organic material product (24) of step (ii) to a dewatering step (26) in which the water content of the organic material is reduced to a level suitable for passing to a bioconversion process. An apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ANAECO LIMITED
    Inventors: Martin Richard Gravett, Paul Austin Wootton, Timothy James Elkington
  • Patent number: 8845894
    Abstract: A flocculation-magnetic separation is provided which reduces the usage amount of flocculation agents as well as the usage amount of magnetic powders and realizes an improvement in the quality of treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Hisashi Isogami, Satoshi Miyabayashi, Akira Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8840789
    Abstract: A local sewage processing unit is provided that receives sewage from a local source of sewage, extracts water from the received sewage that is suitable for re-use and includes a pump that is configured to pump sewage from a receiving section of the local sewage processing unit into a pressure sewer network, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mono Pumps Limited
    Inventors: Alan Creffield, Andrew Moore, Stephen Watt
  • Publication number: 20140263043
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of treating wastewater. The present invention may include a method of treating such wastewater comprising selenium in the form of water soluble selenates, selenites, and/or selenides, the method including: a chemical/biological treatment process, causing the water soluble selenates, selenites, and/or selenides in the wastewater to be converted into insoluble elemental selenium; and a physical treatment process, trapping the insoluble elemental selenium in a filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Infilco Degremont, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunil Mehta, Raed Labban
  • Patent number: 8834723
    Abstract: The system and process of the present invention will consist of specific monitors in tandem with interface probes reading in multiple locations, divert valves which are operated by the readings of the interface probes and online ppm monitors. Such monitors would function in conjunction with these leading indicators through a software program and computerized logic controller used to manipulate the controls of this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Enviro-Tech Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank A. Richerand, Frank A. Richerand, II
  • Patent number: 8834715
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a copper recovery apparatus includes a precipitation tank configured to precipitate copper hydroxide grains in water, a filter aid supplier, a mixing tank configured to mix the filter aid with a water to produce a suspension, a separator provided with a filter, a line configured to supply the suspension to the separator, thereby forming a precoat layer formed of the filter aid on the filter, a separation tank configured to receive the detached matter of the precoat layer discharged together with the detaching water from the separator to magnetically separate copper hydroxide grains and filter aid, a line configure to discharge and recover the detaching water from the separation tank, and a line configured to return the separated filter aid to the filter aid supplier from the separation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Taro Fukaya, Kenji Tsutsumi, Atsushi Yamazaki, Ichiro Yamanashi, Hirofumi Noguchi, Yasutaka Kikuchi, Shuji Seki
  • Publication number: 20140246369
    Abstract: A process and system for treating wastewater is described. The invention degrades sludge produced by treatment of the wastewater to reduce or eliminate the need for sludge dewatering and disposal. The invention also reduces the amount of nutrient additives required to sustain the aerobic wastewater treatment process. In one embodiment the invention includes the steps of (a) providing an aerobic treatment system receiving a supply of the wastewater; (b) treating a supply of the sludge to rupture microbial cells present therein to produce treated sludge having an increased liquid:solid ratio and an increased degradation potential in comparison to untreated sludge; (c) conveying a supply of the treated sludge to the aerobic treatment system; and (d) substantially degrading the supply of treated sludge in the aerobic treatment system. The treated sludge may optionally be subjected to anaerobic digestion prior to delivery to the aerobic treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: PARADIGM ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert John Stephenson, Scott Christopher Laliberte, Preston Yee Ming Hoy, Patrick William George Neill
  • Patent number: 8821727
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes one or more aeration tanks for receiving wastewater, a controller for controlling the amount of air delivered to each of the one or more aeration tanks by a blower assembly, and a sensor assembly for periodically measuring values corresponding to the amount of dissolved oxygen in at least one of the one or more aeration tanks. When the sensor assembly measures values that are less than a low setpoint value, the controller causes the blower assembly to incrementally deliver more air until the sensor assembly measures values that are not less than the low setpoint value. When the sensor assembly measures values that exceed the low setpoint value, the controller causes the blower assembly to incrementally deliver less air until either the sensor assembly measures values that are not greater than the low setpoint value, or the blower assembly reaches a preselected low operating threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aero-Mod Incorporated
    Inventors: John Maurice McNellis, Brian Scott Thiemann, Robin Dale Mahan, Jeri Louis Meyer, Todd Lee Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8815095
    Abstract: An artificial kidney that regenerates dialysate includes: a catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen for communication with a peritoneal cavity of a patient; a fluid circuit in fluid communication with the catheter for circulating dialysate into, through and out of the peritoneal cavity; a pump configured to circulate the dialysate; a cleaning cartridge coupled to the fluid circuit for removing solutes from the dialysate, including a therapeutically effective amount of urea from the dialysate as the dialysate circulates along the fluid circuit; and wherein the fluid circuit is configured to receive a volume of ultrafilterate removed from the patient, such that the pump can mix the ultrafiltrate volume with the dialysate to an increase an overall therapy fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Brian R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 8808544
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater including a dissolved air flotation operation performed upon a portion of a mixed liquor output from a contact tank prior to the mixed liquor entering a biological treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: George W. Smith, Wenjun Liu, Michael L. Doyle, Colin M. McKean
  • Patent number: 8801928
    Abstract: A fuel supply device (1), particularly for an internal combustion engine (6), is equipped with a particulate filter and a water trap. In order to improve the separation effect, while simultaneously reducing the separation material that is required, it is proposed to configure the water trap (5, 8, 30) as a separate component connected downstream of the fuel filer (4) and to provide it with a first separation stage made of coalescent material and a second separation stage made of hydrophobic material, and to dispose the separation stages such that between them the fuel is diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Steffi Kiedaisch, Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 8801923
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus that obtains treated water by adding a flocculant and magnetic powder to wastewater accumulated in a tank to thereby generate flocculated magnetic flocs, and recovering the magnetic flocs by means of a magnetic force to thereby remove the magnetic flocs from the wastewater, comprising: a magnetic flocs treatment device which treats the recovered magnetic flocs and which comprises a high pressure pump and a magnetic separation portion; wherein the magnetic separation portion has a structure in which fluid piping is arranged at a magnetic field generating portion, and magnetic powder in the magnetic flocs is recovered by using the high pressure pump to pump the recovered magnetic flocs to the fluid piping of the magnetic separation portion, and causing the magnetic powder in the magnetic flocs to attach to the fluid piping by means of a magnetic force of the magnetic field generating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Isogami, Satoshi Miyabayashi
  • Patent number: 8801930
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for the solid wastes automatic collection pipeline transportation and comprehensive utilization contemplated to reach a easily dropping, automatically collecting, discharging, transporting of all kinds of the solid wastes, getting the plastic package free renewable waste for recycle. The disclosed method and apparatus comprise going toward and near the multiple waste fluidizing collectors set indoor and outdoor, automatically opening the lid of the collector, putting the wastes into the specified containers according to the requirement of the waste recycle program, respectively fluidizing all kinds of the solid wastes into flowable particle and jam to satisfy the pipeline transportation, the multiple waste fluidizing collector in the invention is designed to receive, deposit the wastes and change the solid waste from solid into liquid, that leads to the solid waste automatic collection, transportation and getting the plastic package free, renewable uniform waste for recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Zeguo Qiu
  • Publication number: 20140217020
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Meyer, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Martin T. Gerber, Mark F. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8795531
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes: a recycle line that brings a part of salt-enriched membrane separation concentrated water 26 back to the rear flow side of a pretreatment apparatus 12; a water discharge line that discharges the remained concentrated water into a sea area; and a control apparatus 31 that controls to adjust the ratio between the discharging amount of the discharging membrane separation concentrated water to be discharged into a sea area and the supplying amount of supplying seawater. A pH is set to be equal to or less than 7.3 by adding acid 21. The salt 18 is obtained from the dryer 19, and produced water (fresh water) 29 is obtained by combining evaporated water 28 supplied from the evaporator 16 with the permeated water 24 supplied from the reverse osmosis membrane apparatus 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takeuchi, Yoshiaki Ito, Hidemasa Kakigami, Hideo Iwahashi, Katsunori Matsui, Kenji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140209526
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an upflow bioreactor removes trapped gases within the bed that effect water flow and a downflow bioreactor removes carbonaceous compounds and retains the particulate elemental selenium. The system integrates biological selenium reduction with biological filtration (via the downflow bioreactor) and an optional membrane filtration. The membrane filtration removes residual selenium and other particulate matter, which would get into the effluent. In one embodiment, the novelty of the invention is the utilization of an upflow bioreactor followed by a downflow bioreactor applied to selenium removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Pickett, James John Peterson
  • Patent number: 8784653
    Abstract: A filter-anchor for placement on a sea floor is provided. It includes a filter housing for filtering sea water prior to entry into a water desalinization system. The filter housing has an exterior, an interior chamber, at least one inlet for providing the sea water to the interior chamber, and at least one outlet for enabling filtered water to be pumped from the interior chamber. A sand filter is disposed in the filter housing. The filter housing has at least one water conduction outlet conduit for filtered water to be pumped to the desalinization system. A wave energy conversion system utilizing the filter anchor is also provided to effect the pumping of the filtered water to the desalinization system. A method of anchoring a wave energy conversion system and providing filtered water to a desalinization system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Murtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Murtha, Michael E. McCormick, Mark Washington
  • Patent number: 8784658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating wastewater that includes the steps of: —a contact step, wherein wastewater contacts bacteria retained on a support surface and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the wastewater is maintained at 2.0 mg/l or less; an aeration step, wherein gas is passed through wastewater that has passed through the contact step and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the wastewater is reduced as the wastewater passes through the aeration step; a sedimentation step, wherein wastewater that has passed through the aeration step is substantially separated into treated water and sludge; and a sludge recycling step, wherein sludge from the sedimentation step is passed to the contact step. The invention also relates to a processing unit on which the aforementioned process may be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bluewater Bio Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Garry Hoyland
  • Publication number: 20140197097
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: EUGENIO WILLIAM GIRALDO
  • Patent number: 8778176
    Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Murtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Murtha, Michael E. McCormick, Mark K. Washington
  • Publication number: 20140183144
    Abstract: The invention in at least one embodiment includes a system for treating water having an intake module, a vortex module, a disk-pack module, and a motor module where the intake module is above the vortex module, which is above the disk-pack module and the motor module. In a further embodiment, a housing is provided over at least the intake module and the vortex module and sits above the disk-pack module. In at least one further embodiment, the disk-pack module includes a disk-pack turbine having a plurality of disks having at least one waveform present on at least one of the disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: QWTIP LLC
    Inventor: Whitaker B. Irvin, SR.
  • Patent number: 8758607
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating run-off water, the apparatus including a mechanical-sorption filter for removing particulate and colloidal material; an ion exchange filter for removing positively charged ions; and, a sorption filter for removing at least other soluble contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GHD Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Konstantinos Athanasiadis
  • Patent number: 8753513
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater containing peroxide and ammonia includes performing a first stage peroxide pretreatment of the wastewater with a catalyst, and performing a second stage ammonia separation of the peroxide treated wastewater by a distillation process, thereby producing a concentrated ammonium hydroxide end product that is separated from the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Linda N. Daubert, Randall P. Duggan, James M. MacDougall, James G. Sales
  • Patent number: 8753876
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew K. Schwartz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140151283
    Abstract: This desalinization system, which obtains industrial-use water and drinking water from seawater and wastewater, is provided with: a purification device that purifies wastewater by removing activated sludge therefrom; a first RO membrane that removes salt from the output of the purification device by transferring said salt to first concentrated water, thereby producing industrial-use water; a UF membrane that seawater passes through and that removes particulates from said seawater; a second RO membrane that removes salt from the treated output of the UF membrane by transferring said salt to second concentrated water, producing drinking water; an agitation device to which the second concentrated water from the second RO membrane and the first concentrated water from the first RO membrane are sent to be agitated; and a third RO membrane removing salt from the liquid mixture agitated by the agitation device by transferring said salt to third concentrated water, producing industrial-use water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Sekine, Kazuhiko Noto, Akira Sasaki, Kotaro Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8734645
    Abstract: A system for producing high purity water, and particularly for the production of water that is suitable for injection, as well as method of using the same, are disclosed. The system includes a unique combination of known water purification methods that is particularly well-suited to the production USP purified water and USP water that is suitable for injection. The system minimizes potential for organism growth within the system by providing multiple means of organism destruction and removal and by not utilizing any standard water treatment media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Heiss
  • Patent number: 8734647
    Abstract: Process for the biological treatment of organic wastes, includes a first anaerobic digestion phase and a second aerobic digestion phase in succession, a respective filtration phase of the solid substance being provided between the two digestion phases, a separation phase of the biogas released in the anaerobic digestion phase and a nitrogen recovery phase from the exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances separated from the aerobic digestion phase. The solid substance coming from each of the filtration phases is separately returned to the respective digestion phase, while the liquid phase coming from the filtration phase downstream of the anaerobic digestion phase is sent to aerobic phase. In the nitrogen recovery phase the gaseous current consisting of exhaust gases rich in ammoniac substances is treated with a solution of carbonic acid supplied in countercurrent in a first gas/liquid contactor to obtain a mixture of nitrogen salts (ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bioenergia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Bresciani, Andrea Manfredini, Andrea Peri, Federico Peri, Mario Peri, Vanessa Pizzaballa, Martino Pretalli, Antonio Tabarelli, Antonio Trilli
  • Patent number: 8728319
    Abstract: A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Boying Xiamen Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiwen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140131273
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and retaining solids in an activated sludge process for the improving wastewater treatment using screens. The screens can be used to separate and retain solids based on size or compressibility. The screens are used to separate and select for slow growing organisms, faster settling organisms, or materials added to absorb, treat or remove constituents in the activated sludge process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: D.C. Water & Sewer Authority
    Inventors: Sudhir N. Murthy, Eugenio Giraldo, Norman D. Dockett, Walter F. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20140131279
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for removing oil from a oil-containing liquid comprising oil and gas comprising: a source of oil-containing liquid; and a membrane contactor system in fluid communication with the source of oil-containing liquid, the membrane contactor system comprising one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein the first surface coalesces oil and removes gas from the oil-containing liquid, and the oil and gas are collected on the second surface from the oil-containing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: Organic Fuels Algae Technologies, LLC, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Frank Seibert, Stephen William Briggs, Stacy S. Truscott, Peter B. Kipp
  • Patent number: 8721885
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing phosphorous (P) from P-containing wastewater are disclosed. The system includes a main filter unit (MFU) comprising P-adsorbing material. The MFU receives the P-containing wastewater and forms therefrom MFU-filtered wastewater having a first pH. A pH adjusting unit (AU) that contains pH-reducing material receives the MFU-filtered wastewater and forms therefrom AU-filtered wastewater having a second pH lower than the first pH. A replaceable filter unit (RFU) similar to the MFU but smaller may be arranged upstream of the MFU to pre-filter the P-containing wastewater. Some or all of the RFU may be replaced when maintaining the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Aleksandra Drizo, Hugo Picard
  • Patent number: 8721887
    Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing biological wastewater treatment processes to remove nutrients from wastewater containing reduced sulfide compounds may include treating the wastewater in an anaerobic zone, an anoxic zone, and an aerobic zone. The wastewater is first treated in the anaerobic zone to uptake residual biodegradable organic material using specialized bacteria known as phosphorus accumulating organisms (“PAOs”) and glycogen accumulating organisms (“GAOs”). After treatment in the anaerobic zone, the wastewater is treated in an anoxic zone to convert nitrates to nitrogen gas and sulfur to sulfates. Following treatment in the anoxic zone, the wastewater is treated in the aerobic zone to oxidize ammonia to nitrate and to complete removal of phosphorus. After treatment in the aerobic zone, the wastewater may be treated in other zones, or may be delivered to a liquid-solids treatment stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Julian Sandino, Steven J. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8715501
    Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ecologico-Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Hiatt, Mohammed Memon, Jacob J. L. Dickinson, James DeWitt Stein, Gary L. Ailes
  • Patent number: 8715504
    Abstract: Alkaline solutions resulting from extracting sulfide from hydrocarbon fluids can be treated in a combination of one or more electrodialysis cells and a bioreactor. The electrodialysis cell (2) includes an anode (4), a cathode (5), an electric power supply (7) and a first (12) and a second (11) compartment separated from each other by an anion exchange membrane (9). The alkaline solution is fed into the first compartment at the cathode side and the diluate (sulfide-depleted stream) leaving the first compartment has a lowered sulfide content and can be reused as the alkaline extractant solution. The concentrate (sulfide-enriched stream) leaving the second compartment is treated in the bioreactor (3) for removing sulfide and is then returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Paques I.P. B.V.
    Inventors: René Alexander Rozendal, Sjoerd Hubertus Josef Vellinga, Erik van Zessen
  • Patent number: 8715498
    Abstract: A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Tervita Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bly, Jr., Melvin O. Stacy, Enrique M. Proaño
  • Publication number: 20140116952
    Abstract: A water treatment system (100) incorporating a solubles concentration reduction device (104) between a powdered activated carbon treatment (PACT) system (106) and a wet air regeneration (WAR) system (108). Soluble components may be removed by sequentially dewatering (20) then re-slurrying (28) spent carbon sludge (18). The reduced concentration of soluble materials reduces the need for scale removal maintenance and eliminates the necessity for exotic materials of construction of the WAR system components. The solubles concentration reduction device also facilitates active control of the solids concentration being delivered to the WAR system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Claude E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8702977
    Abstract: A water distribution system configured for control by a remote control system is disclosed comprising of a water filtration unit for filtering water and a water storage unit for storing the filtered water and including a water dispenser. A control unit is provided that is configured to control the operation of the water filtration unit and includes a sensor system to measure the quality and the quantity of the water filtered, and to monitor the functioning of one or more components of the water filtration unit. A point of sale device is also provided comprising of a service management device mounted on the water dispenser and is configured to control the operation of the water dispenser and a user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to process user payments for the dispensing of water at the remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Piramal Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Anand Shah, Naman Shah, Sameer Kalwani
  • Publication number: 20140102976
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for continuous treatment of water. According to the invention, such a method comprises a step of biological treatment of water followed by a step of filtration, characterized in that it comprises a step of enzymatic treatment planned between said step of biological treatment and said step of filtration, said step of enzymatic treatment being carried out by enzymes fixed on at least one three-dimensional support, said enzymes being capable of degrading at least a part of the organic matter contained in the water coming from said step of biological treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT
    Inventors: Alicia Mansour, Thierry Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20140102980
    Abstract: A process and apparatus treat brackish or non-brackish waters containing an oxidant such as perchlorate. The feed water is converted into a treated water stream and a concentrate stream in an ED, EDR, NF or RO unit. The concentrate passes through an IX resin. The IX resin removes oxidant from the concentrate stream to produce a second treated water stream. The IX resin is periodically regenerated, for example biologically in a fluidised bed reactor in regeneration system. Concentrate that has passed through the IX resin has a reduced concentration of oxidant, preferably a concentration safe for discharge or use. In the case of a brackish feed water, the second treated water stream may be desalted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Neil Edwin Moe, Mohamadali Sharbatmaleki
  • Patent number: 8696892
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a radioactive nitrate waste liquid includes: a denitrification tank (12) that accommodates active sludge which adsorbs or takes in a radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) containing nitrate and the radioactive substance and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitrate to nitrogen gas grows; a reaeration tank (14) that aerates and mixes a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12) with the active sludge in which the aerobic microorganism grows; and a sludge dissolution tank (81) that dissolves redundant sludge (26A, 26B) discharged from the denitrification tank (12) and the reaeration tank (14). Acetic peracid (80) is supplied to the sludge dissolution tank (81) to dissolve redundant sludge, a sludge lysate is supplied to the denitrification tank (12) as a carbon source (22), and acetic acid is supplied to the denitrification tank (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Ogawa, Katsushi Shibata, Kazuhiko Kuroda, Hiromitsu Nagayasu
  • Patent number: 8696907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant and a method for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing salts and oil, in particular produced water, comprising at least one settling area for receiving the waste water and for separating oil proportions from the waste water, at least one subsequent reed bed area having plants for the uptake and degradation of contaminants in the waste water, at least one modular basin area having a plurality of utility basins, whereby a utility basin, controlled by way of distribution means, can be supplied with treated waste water from the reed bed area and/or from at least one other utility basin, and at least one saline area for the reception of the residual water from the modular basin area and for the evaporation of water and the concentration of salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bauer Umwelt GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Rausch, Roman Breuer
  • Publication number: 20140097140
    Abstract: A method of treating water to reduce pollutants comprises mixing an adsorbent reagent with the water to form a water-adsorbant reagent mixture. Thereafter, subjecting the mixture to a liquid-solids separation process that produces treated water and sludge. The method further includes contacting the water or treated water with a living aquatic organism wherein the value of at least one property of the organism is correlated to the concentration of pollutants in the water. This value is evaluated and the method entails adjusting the quantity of adsorbent reagent mixed with the water as a function of the value of the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Abdelkader Gaid, Philippe Sauvignet
  • Patent number: 8691094
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Huge Asia Limited
    Inventor: Ming Lu
  • Patent number: 8685235
    Abstract: An integrated sewage biochemical treatment plant containing mechanical treatment devices, a sewage-and-sludge mixing chamber with a circulation pump and a combined biological treatment device, includes a plane feed biofilter, a spray line, collecting trays and drain collectors connected to water-jet aeratic columns sunk in the aeration zones, and aftertreatment devices. The combined biological treatment device whose capacity is 5 to 15,000 m3/day has a biofilters spray line that includes trays with emptying fittings and reflecting disks, the distance from the trays emptying fittings upper ends to the disk reflectors is 0.8 to 2 m, and the distance between the trays centers and the distance between the trays fittings axes is 0.6 to 1.8 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Petrovich Kolesnikov
  • Patent number: 8685246
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: American Water Works Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugenio Giraldo
  • Patent number: 8685247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes of wastewater treatment and, in particular, to systems and methods of treating wastewater utilizing biological treatments utilizing two mixed liquor recycle streams for nutrient removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John Edward Olson
  • Patent number: 8679339
    Abstract: This invention relates to a refuse landfill leachate wastewater treatment system comprising a collection well, an adjustment tank, a filter, a comprehensive treatment system having a multi-stage anoxic/aerobic pool and a membrane biological reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Zhiping Kuang, Bin Lu, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 8679338
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Flodesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Rietman, Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne