Including Multiple Operation Unit Patents (Class 210/260)
  • Patent number: 5281335
    Abstract: A process for biological treatment of waste water is characterized by the following sequence of steps: mixing of the incoming raw waste water with activated sludge containing a first, chemoorganotrophic biocenosis in an anerobic preliminary stage (APS); separation of the solution from the activated sludge in an intermediate settling basin (IS); nitrification of the separated solution by means of a second, chemolithotrophic biocenosis in a nitrification stage (NIR) with an aerobic medium; remixing of the nitrified solution with the activated sludge containing the first, chemoorganotrophic biocenoses; common denitrification of the mixture of solution and activated sludge in a denitrication stage (DER) with an anoxic medium; aeration to obtain an aerobic medium; separation of the purified waste water from the activated sludge in a resettling basin (RSB); recycling (C) of the activated sludge to the anaerobic preliminary stage (APS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Eberhard Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5267655
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a gas containing aqueous fiber suspension in a fiber line process of a pulp mill including at least one of pulp screening, washing and bleaching includes (a) transferring the gas containing fiber suspension at a consistency to a treatment station; (b) treating said fiber suspension at the same level by removing a portion of the water from the fiber suspension so as to generate aqueous filtrate and treated fiber suspension having a relatively higher consistency; (c) simultaneously pumping and degassing the filtrate at the same level; and (d) pumping the treated fiber suspension having the relatively higher consistency away from the treatment station at the same level by imparting to the treated fiber suspension sufficient shear force so as to render the fiber suspension pumpable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Heino, Kaj Henricson, Pasi Immonen, Raimo Kohonen, Erikki Savolainen, Pentti Vikio
  • Patent number: 5248420
    Abstract: Provided below the funnel-shaped outlet opening of a receptacle filled with wet slag sand is an outlet funnel which is closed to begin with and forms a conical annular gap around the receptacle. This gap fills with slag sand, as a result of which dewatering occurs according to the principle of the siphon effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Calmes, Radomir Andonov, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 5240600
    Abstract: A biological treatment system involving the use of a gas dissolving pressure vessel, a pressurized water release assembly, a pretreatment chamber, a bioreactor, an open vessel, a post-treatment unit, a sludge removal unit, and a removable gas collection and purification unit for both wastewater treatment and air emission control is described. Gases are dissolved efficiently in a water inside the pressure vessel under controlled high pressure and high rotating velocity. Chemicals, or microorganisms, or both arm dosed to an influent water producing a pretreated water containing chemical flocs and biological flocs. The bioreactor comprising a hanging biological contactor is adopted when biochemical reaction is intended. A pressurized water containing supersaturated gases is produced in the pressure vessel and than depressurized through the pressurized water release assembly becoming a depressurized water containing micro bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc., USA
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Lubomyr Kurylko, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5227071
    Abstract: A five stage treatment system for treating oily wastewater to fit it for discharge to surface waters comprising a coalescer for separating free oil, an ultrafiltration unit for separating emulsified oil, an activated carbon filter for separating residual light organic compounds, a cation exchanger for removing heavy metal ions, a pH adjusting unit for adjusting the treated water to substantially neutral pH prior to discharge, and a controller for regulating the operation of the system. An optional gravity separation stage and/or a clarifier stage may also be included, if desired. Flow of permeate from the ultrafiltration stage is monitored and control valves admitting feed solution to the ultrafiltration unit or discharging retentate from the ultrafiltration unit are adjusted in response to the measured values to maintain a desired rate of permeate flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Madison Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Torline, Richard K. Williams
  • Patent number: 5227053
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system including a housing supporting an untreated water container, a removable and disposable filter means and a treated water receiving container all of which are self contained in relation to the housing to enable the housing to be supported from a countertop or other suitable surface at the point of use. The filter means includes multiple compartments with purification media therein with two of the compartments including plate means coated with a photoactivated catalyst, preferrably titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). An ultraviolet lamp and reflector directs ultraviolet light energy onto the catalyst. Flow control means is provided in the filter means to provide a slow rate of flow thereby providing long time contact between the water being treated and the purification media in the filter means to provide maximum purification efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Conventure Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley J. Brym
  • Patent number: 5225073
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminant from water, the contaminant being of lower density than water. The apparatus comprises a settlement chamber, initial separating means, and an entry port for introducing the liquid to be separated into the initial separating means for flow therethrough into the settlement chamber. A contaminant outlet opens from an upper region of the settlement chamber. A pump intake is located towards the lowermost part of the settlement chamber, and feeds a pump. The outlet from the pump is directed to a molecular separation filter capable of separating water from contaminant. Water discharges from the molecular separation filter, and can be further treated by an optional activated carbon filter. Contaminant leaving the molecular separation filter is directed back into the initial separating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Limited
    Inventors: Colin T. Billiet, Robert M. Fielding
  • Patent number: 5211841
    Abstract: A pretreating plastic waste device including a tank containing a liquid to which the plastic waste is introduced, a washing pump, a dripping drum, and a dewatering device comprising a press-screw adapted for separating the washed waste from the washing liquid and a drying drum fed by a hot air blower, and a filtration vat. A programmable controller receiving signals from various level and temperature sensors and various working parameters allows total control, at all stages, of the waste pretreatment cycle. The programmable controller is associated with a screen for displaying error messages and a control desk for allowing direct selective intervention at the level of the concerned elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Lutz et Kempp Industries (L.K.I.)
    Inventors: Olivier Krempp, Andre Renot
  • Patent number: 5209843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for treating waste water, particularly metal-containing waste water. The process includes separating and removing metals and other impurities from the waste water by the sequential addition of a base, a polyelectrolyte and an acrylamide-containing copolymer dispersion. The purified water is recycled for continuous reuse while the small quantities of metal-rich residue are available for reclamation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: John Wese
  • Patent number: 5207904
    Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: 396234 B C Ltd.
    Inventor: Gunther Abel
  • Patent number: 5196117
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil from an oil/water mixture. The mixture is introduced into a vessel through entry ports and passes through a coalescing filter, flowing therethrough into a settlement chamber. Separation of oil and water occurs in the chamber and oil flows therefrom through an outlet to a waste collection vessel. Water is taken from the lower part of the chamber through a pipe and passes through a sorbent bed prior to discharge through an outlet located at a level below the level of the oil outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Limited
    Inventors: Colin T. Billiett, Robert M. Fielding, Anthony Harrop, Paul A. Feather
  • Patent number: 5178758
    Abstract: A biochemical water filter comprising a cylindrical shell, a solar light tube and several ultraviolet tubes disposed in the shell so as to cultivate nitric bacteria to get rid of harmful bacteria with help of the light tubes for purifying water used in an aquarium, and a plurality of filtering plates for useful bacteria to fasten and grow thereon and for filtering water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Ching F. Hwang
  • Patent number: 5174901
    Abstract: In a system for purifying liquid, a method is provided wherein the liquid is pretreated by passing it through a sand filter water softener and carbon filter for removal of hardness and particulate matter. The liquid is then pumped through a reverse osmosis membrane for removal of organic compounds and ionized and biological impurities. The liquid passes from the reverse osmosis membrane through a strong acid cation exchange resin for removal of the cations present in the reverse osmosis effluent. The acidified liquid is neutralized hy passing it through calcium carbonate, thus adding calcium salt and carbonic acid to the liquid for a better tasting, calcium-enriched product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Verity C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5167806
    Abstract: An improved gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system involving the use of multi-stages gas dissolving pressure vessel and the use of a pressurized water release assembly and an open vessel is described. The gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system includes a liquid pressure pump, a pressure vessel, a gas injector, an inlet nozzle assembly, a gas compressor, gas regulators, gas flow meters, pressure gauges, a safety valve, a bleed-off point, feeders, pumps, a pressurized water release unit, a liquid flow meter, an open vessel, sludge removal means, and air emission control means. More than one gases introduced at different inlets are dissolved simultaneously and efficiently in the pressure vessel under controlled high pressure and high rotating velocity. The improved liquid treatment system is compact, simple and cost-effective, and is applied to ozonation, chlorination, recarbonation, oxygenation, bio-oxidation, nitrogenation, aeration, and flotation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Lubomyr Kurylko, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5160041
    Abstract: A coagulation reaction tank comprises a cylindrical tank provided in the central part thereof with a rotary stirring mechanism furnished with stirring vanes and a filtration tank for introducing the liquid from within the cylindrical tank in the form of filtrate and discharging the filtrate out of the cylindrical tank. This coagulation reaction tank is characterized by the fact that the filtration tank provided in the bottom thereof with slits is disposed in the cylindrical tank above the stirring vanes or the cylindrical tank provided in the upper part of the wall thereof with slits and the filtration tank is disposed outside the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignees: Japan Sewage Works Agency, Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohiro Taniguchi, Syuzo Koike, Yasuhiko Watanabe, Tadao Takeuchi, Noboru Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5141653
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site treatment of a fluid, such as sewage, utilize a plurality of self-contained, separately housed, and separately transporable modules (2a, 2b,2c) for carrying out one or a sequence of treatment operations on the fluid. There is an inlet (3) whereby the apparatus is connectible with a source of the fluid to be treated and an outlet (4) from the apparatus for discharge of the treated fluid. The apparatus may be moved between different sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Thames Water plc
    Inventors: Alan J. Smith, Jennifer J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5135666
    Abstract: An improvement in efficiency of marine type oil spill clean up is achieved by using slideable fastners and support legs extending from a floatable unit to hold a skimmer unit in a relatively fixed horizontal position while using retractable cables with a hydraulic tensioning means to maintain the skimmer in a nearly constant relationship to the wave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: James E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5112479
    Abstract: A mobile purification apparatus for purifying oil contaminated with grit, metal particles, water and the like. The apparatus includes a strainer with a filter cartridge for removal of large contaminant particle and a filter apparatus. The filter apparatus including a heater and an upper filter element section with a plurality of filter media layers therein. The filter media layers are supported by a screen and compressed by a biasing spring. A lever is provided for off-loading compression on the filter media layers so a top of the filter apparatus can be removed to allow for cleaning and replacement of the filter media layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Micropure Filtration, Inc.
    Inventor: Vichai Srimongkolkul
  • Patent number: 5084165
    Abstract: A water treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water, wastewater or sludge streams which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, flotation chemical monitoring and optimization, gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, and final water treating by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, coagulating and clarifying colloidal substances and microorganisms, magnetic or electronic treating the remaining contaminants in the water to produce a purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu Hao S. Wang, Chong Sup Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5069783
    Abstract: A liquid treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water, wastewater or sludge streams which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, adsorption, filtration and disinfection by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, coagulating and clarifying colloidal substances and microorganisms, adsorbing, filtering and disinfecting the remaining contaminants in the liquid to produce a purified liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang, Chong S. Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5068031
    Abstract: A sludge treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for sludge concentration and liquid stream treatment which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, chemical monitoring and optimization, built-in gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, grit settling, multiple stage upward flotation thickening, downward gravity thickening, and final magnetic or electrical treatment to produce a highly concentrated sludge slurry and a treated effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang, Chong S. Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5064531
    Abstract: A water filtration multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water or wastewater which includes chemical feeding, in-line static mixing, filtration chemical monitoring and optimization, aeration, hydraulic flocculation, grit settling, adsorption, filtration, disinfection, and final water conditioning by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, and then by filtering the insoluble contaminants, adsorbing residual dissolved contaminants, disinfecting the living microorganisms, and applying magnetic or electronic field for conditioning to produce a purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu Hao S. Wang, Chong S. Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5035795
    Abstract: A waste treatment module (10) designed for placement within an aeration basin (12) is provided which performs all of the desirable functions of aeration, flocculation, sedimentation, sludge return, effluent collection and skimming. the module (10) includes walls (20) defining an upright chamber (22); the latter is provided with a pair of side marginal, slotted inlets (28, 30) with corresponding flocculators (24, 26) below the respective inlets (28, 30). Each flocculator (24, 26) is equipped with a plurality of vertically spaced baffle plates (86, 88, 90) having offset openings (92, 94, 96, 98) so as to cause solids within the wastewater to traverse a tortuous descending flow path which promotes flocculation. An agglomerated flocculent is collected within a lower sedimentation zone (34) and then passes into a central collector (108) of inverted V-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Aero-Mod, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 4997557
    Abstract: A mixing, aerating and decanting unit adapted for floating installation in a liquid treatment basin and operable to provide mixing, aeration, settling and decanting phases in an SBR (sequencing bath reactor) process. The unit comprises a rigid support structure with floats for buoyantly supporting the unit in the basin, a mixing apparatus operable to mix liquid in the basin, an aerating apparatus selectively operable to supply air to the water in the basin, and a decanter apparatus for decanting liquid from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 4986903
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removal of suspended matter from a liquid, such as used for treatment of oil containing water. A cylindrical horizontal vessel is divided into a single gasification chamber and a single degasification chamber by a partition which extends through the interior chamber of the vessel and allows fluid communication between the two chambers. A liquid to be treated is introduced through distribution header(s) adjacent a bottom of the vessel and/or an alternative inlet nozzle which is combined with a gas eductor in order to achieve a more intimate mixture of the gas and liquid. The gas eductor has its outlet slightly above the outlet of the distribution headers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventors: Anthony S. Canzoneri, Ronald A. Boze
  • Patent number: 4919777
    Abstract: A treater for electrostatically and/or mechanically separating emulsified brine from oil during longitudinal flow through a horizontally elongate metal tank, wherein coalescer elements are provided for enhancement of the de-emulsification process. Following the diffusion and distribution of the flowing emulsion across the transverse area of the treater, the emulsion is directed through electrical fields where the brine droplets take on an electrical charge, then moved through an electrically-grounded coalescing element comprising a multiplicity of longitudinally-extending downwardly-inclined open-ended tubes arranged in bundle-fashion. Individual tubes present opposition to the flow of emulsion for contact between brine droplets of the emulsion and the interior surfaces of the tubes, the brine droplets adhering to the tube surfaces where they lose their charge and accumulate, trickling downwardly by gravity to a brine sump. De-emulsified oil is removed in a stream separate from the brine stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Hendrix R. Bull
  • Patent number: 4909948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of waste water above ground is disclosed. Effluent is deposited in a first tank wherein solids are broken down and liquified by a primary preconditioning unit. The preconditioned effluent is transferred to a second tank. A secondary conditioning unit in the second tank suspends liquid and solid particles in the tank air and vapor, vaporizes the suspended liquid and any entrained solid particulate material, and then discharges the vaporized material into the ambient atmosphere. An automatic control means senses vapor temperature and operates a stack damper and vacuum means which causes the vapor stream, thus preventing escape of non heat-treated vaporized materials. Another automatic control means activate the secondary treatment unit heater only when the liquid level of the second tank is within a preselected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Philip T. Eichelberger, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4894149
    Abstract: A filtration device is disclosed comprising an assembly of three concentric tubular members in longitudinal upright position, having a closure wall at each end, the inner and middle tubular members being perforated over substantially their entire length to permit water flow therethrough, and the outer tubular member being substantially solid over its entire length. An inlet is connected to the inner tubular member at each end, and an outlet is connected to the outer tubular member. The space between the inner tubular member and the middle tubular member is a filtration chamber containing a filtration medium. A dividing device is laterally positioned in the inner tubular member dividing it into upper and lower non-communicating portions, and a dividing device is also laterally positioned in the filtration chamber dividing it into upper and lower non-communicating filtration chambers. The filtration medium is adapted to not pass through the perforations of the inner and middle tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Steven J. Block
  • Patent number: 4869814
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating dispersed phases from fluid mixtures comprising a fluid separation chamber provided with a plurality of fluid outlet ports for discharge of fluids with different densities, and fluid inlet means for introducing the mixture into the chamber comprising at least one tubular neck portion in which a cluster of fibers is compressed to a fibrous bed. Each tubular neck portion is arranged to a level between the top portion and a bottom portion of the chamber and at an angle relative to the vertical thereby reducing the chance of accumulation of foamy or solid contaminants in the fibrous bed and allowing continuous removal thereof from the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Victor B. Hughes, Ian Veltman
  • Patent number: 4859329
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an oil decontamination and water recycling system which is designed to prevent oil, grease, and fuel contamination of ground or surface water and to return the clean water in a single pass for reuse. Water contamination results from pressure or steam cleaning of grit, scale, oil, grease and fuel contaminated equipment. The system is a closed loop separation, filtration and absorption system which removes these contaminants and most other petroleum products. The free oils are discharged to a holding barrel and the solids are removed from the settlement tank and drained off from the centrifugal separator. The petroleum based contaminants such as oil, grease and fuel are absorbed mechanically by a cartridge filter for easy disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Ronald G. Fink
  • Patent number: 4857458
    Abstract: An installation for facilitating the recovery of energy from waste and residues is disclosed. According to the invention, the residues, after sieving, are subjected to bacterial digestion in a methanization reactor and the solid phase of the digestate is then subjected to incineration in a furnace which in turn supplies a heat recuperator. The furnace is supplied with methane by the digester. The heated fumes from the recuperator may be used for heating at least one secondary circuit, e.g., for heating the residues during their treatment in the digester and/or for heating the liquid phase of the digestate, before the heated fumes are recycled through the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Propiorga
    Inventors: Bernard Nobilet, Michel Bonhomme, Philippe Desplat
  • Patent number: 4837157
    Abstract: A plurality of analytes are analyzed by liquid chromatography in a liquid biological sample containing many components which can interfere with analysis by liquid chromatography. The sample, containing the analytes of interest, are passed to a first passage of a dialyzer which removes molecules in the sample which interfere with analysis. A diluent is passed through a second passage of the dialyzer in which the two liquids are separated from each other by a semipermeable membrane having holes large enough to permit the analytes of interest to pass into the diluent but holes small enough to prevent passage of sample components which interfere with analysis. The analyte-containing diluent is passed to a retaining element for temporarily retaining the analytes of interest by adsorption and/or partition. The analytes of interest are removed from the retaining element by a second diluent which is then passed through a chromatography column with a detector and the analytes are analyzed chromatographically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Coventry Health Authority
    Inventors: David C. Turnell, John D. H. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4830761
    Abstract: A portable, manned method and apparatus for cleaning cooling towers having a water collection basin at the base while permitting the tower to continue in operation comprises removing water and particulate contaminants from the bottom of the tower basin by venturi suction or aspiration through a tubular wand having an elongated wide opening to draw in water and particulate matter from a defined area of contact. The suction wand is moved around the bottom of the cooling tower basin to remove water and particulate matter therefrom. The removed water is filtered to separate coarse contaminant particles therefrom. The filtration is by a plurality of screens positioned one above another of successively finer mesh from top to bottom and having a motor for vibrating the screens to remove collected particulate matter therefrom. A collector is positioned adjacent to the ends of the screens to receive the particulate matter discharged by vibration of the screens by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventors: Jack S. Leach, Thomas H. Baize
  • Patent number: 4787985
    Abstract: A counter-current process for purifying chemicals using cyrstal purification. The unit process has a purification and recovery section which contain substantially identical stages. In operation, the unit process purifies the chemical by utilizing sequential recrystallizer. The size and purity of the crystals increases from the last recrystallizer in the recovery section through each subsequent stage to the last recrystallizer in the purification section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Grenco Process Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus P. Roodenrijs, Wilhelmus H. J. M. Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 4774008
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of solid and liquid components including a tank for the mixture with at least one inlet for the mixture under pressure and at least one outlet. One or more separators are provided within the tank and including one or more circular-cylindrical filter elements within the tank. Each of the filters includes a wall portion which is permeable to the liquid component of the mixture. Further, a helical transporting and scraping element is mounted within the circular-cylindrical wall of the filter and is sized so as to scrape the solid component of the mixture as cake from the inner wall of the filter and return it to the mixture within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Grenco Process Technology, B.V.
    Inventor: Jack P. Roodenrijs
  • Patent number: 4737282
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating oil, gas, and sand from a waste water stream and for separating oil from oily sand in said waste water stream including:a. upper oil manager means for removing low pressure gas and at the same time collecting and conveying any oil separated from said waste water stream;b. sand helix means connectable to said upper oil manager means for separating sand particles and oil particles from said waste water stream;c. sand manager means connectable to said sand helix means for collecting sand separated from said stream of waste water and removing oil from said sand;d. flow control means connectable to said sand manager means and the lower oil manager for controlling the flow of oil, water and sand through said apparatus;e. lower oil manager means connectable to said flow control means for receiving oil and transferring said oil to a storage tank outside of said apparatus;f. oil reservoir means located beneath said lower oil manager means for receiving and containing oil, andg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventors: Corley P. Senyard, Sr., Corley P. Senyard, Jr., Thomas J. Senyard
  • Patent number: 4689145
    Abstract: A filtration system is provided for a dry well in the form of a buffer tank made of concrete to remove sediment and pollutants from water supplied from a header to an inlet pipe in the tank, so that the water exiting from an outlet pipe is free of particulate matter and pollutants. This is accomplished by providing a sediment pit and a baffle at the inlet side of the tank and then passing the water through a multiple stage set of filters having different aperture sizes. These filters remove particles and pollutants from the water as it passes through the buffer tank on its way to a dry well drain pipe attached to the outlet of the buffer tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventors: Lester R. Mathews, John A. Work
  • Patent number: 4673494
    Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of septic tank effluent to remove suspended particles for clarifying and purifying the water prior to discharge into the leaching field or for use for other purposes. The apparatus, which is small enough to be conveniently installed in individual households, comprises a vertical main tank, flocculation material supply means to form flocs for combining with suspended solids in the unclarified water introduced into the main tank, a water electrolysis unit in the main tank for producing gaseous bubbles to which the flocs become attached and which rise to the surface where the entrapped solids are removed and returned to the septic tank, and a filter device at the bottom of the main tank for removing remaining precipitated flocs with entrapped solids. The anode of the electrolysis unit is made of aluminum to provide aluminum hydroxide as a flocculating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Lenox Institute For Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 4670139
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning drilling muds by removing entrained solids and impurities and returning cleansed and for recycling. The machine comprises a centrifuge desander operatively connected to a plurality of cooperating conical desilters to remove gases and separate materials of varying densities. Initially muds containing solid materials are pumped at a controlled pressure from the cleaning bed into an initial cyclone chamber, where, under increasing centrifugal force, the processed mud is separated into relatively heavier and lighter components, which are transmitted via separate pathways to twin chambers in the lower level compartment of a particle separating drum. The first chamber of the drum receives heavier materials and transmits them to a large desander cone where the heaviest impurities are removed; the second drum chamber receives the lighter components which are further separated and delivered to a network of desilter cones which output properly cleansed mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventors: Walter L. Spruiell, Jerry L. Spruiell
  • Patent number: 4668391
    Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating protein containing aqueous slude, e.g., sludge produced in slaughter houses, which comprises an agglomerator positioned above a filter device, the agglomerator having a bottom wall, a cylindrical outer wall, a cylindrical inner wall, the inner wall and the outer wall providing an annular space therebetween, a sludge inlet duct and a steam inlet duct, the sludge inlet duct and the steam inlet duct communicating with said annular space substantially diametrically opposite each other. The steam is injected in such a way that shear forces will be created in the liquid sludge, thus resulting in an improved precipitation of the proteins of the sludge. The steam is preferably injected tangentially with respect to the outer wall of the agglomerator and the annular space is preferably provided with a helically-extending baffle, the steam inlet extending parallel to the surface of a baffle turn. This provides an excellent precipitation of proteins in a continuous process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Erroll P. K. Ottens
  • Patent number: 4626360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating oil, gas, and sand from a waste water stream and for separating oil from oily sand in a waste water stream including an upper oil manager for removing low pressure gas and at the same time collecting and conveying any oil separated from the waste water stream; a sand helix connected to the upper oil manager for separating sand particles and oil particles from the waste water stream; a sand manager connected to the sand helix for collecting sand separated from the stream of waste water and removing oil from the sand; flow controls connected to the sand manager and the lower oil manager for controlling the flow of oil, water and sand through the apparatus; a lower oil manager connected to the flow controls for receiving oil and transferring oil to a storage tank outside of the apparatus; an oil reservoir located beneath the lower oil manager for receiving and containing oil, and an oil helix connected to the lower oil manager for separating trace oil from the waste water st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventors: Corley P. Senyard, Sr., Corley P. Senyard, Jr., Thomas J. Senyard
  • Patent number: 4608157
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a wastewater treatment plant which includes pretreatment, aeration, final clarification and overflow/backwash chambers adapted to receive a fluid, such as home wastewater, which is to be subjected to extended aeration or aerobic digestion, the aeration chamber including an aerator having a shaft whose lower end is normally received in the fluid which is to be treated, an aerator foam deflector carried by the shaft which under abnormally high fluid levels increases the torque on the shaft and, thus, indicates abnormal operation, the final clarification chamber including a demand use filter, an overflow outlet operative should the filter become disabled, and a backwash nozzle located in the filter by reverse pumping therethrough fluid pumped from the overflow or backwash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • Patent number: 4505813
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a wastewater treatment plant which includes pretreatment, aeration, final clarification and overflow/backwash chambers adapted to receive a fluid, such as home wastewater, which is to be subjected to extended aeration or aerobic digestion, the aeration chamber including an aerator having a shaft whose lower end is normally received in the fluid which is to be treated, an aerator foam deflector carried by the shaft which under abnormally high fluid levels increases the torque on the shaft and, thus, indicates abnormal operation, the final clarification chamber including a demand use filter, an overflow outlet operative should the filter become disabled, and a backwash nozzle located in the filter by reverse pumping therethrough fluid pumped from the overflow or backwash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • Patent number: 4468320
    Abstract: In a flotation basin a flotation zone and a pure liquid zone are formed which are separated by filter means. A liquid containing suspended matter is introduced into the flotation zone via an inlet and subjected to pressure release flotation by saturating pure liquid with pressurized gas under a pressure in the range of 3 to 8 bar and injecting the pressurized gas saturated liquid into the flotation zone in the region of the inlet. The flotated mud accumulating at the surface of the liquid is removed laterally by removal means coacting with the filter means or is removed by means of a combined filtering and removing device together with non-flotatable suspended matter on a filter web circulated or passed through the flotation basin. The mud is predried on the filter web and separated therefrom by redirecting its run, if desired, with assistance by a scraper. The mud falls into a collecting container separated from the flotation basin or its contents by a partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Friedrich-Karl Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4421645
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an apparatus for separating various sizes, shapes, and textures of solid particles from a liquid, comprising: a settling tank having an elongated ramp at one end with a scraper flight conveyor, driven at the upper end of the ramp, to scrape settlings from the bottom of the tank up the ramp out of the tank; and at least one cylindrical rotatable filter drum assembly snapped between spaced rigid guide and supporting brackets in the tank. An axial end of the filter drum has a ball duct seating in a socket duct connected to the intake of a continuously-operating pump for circulating filtered liquid to the machine tools with a bypass into a clean tank that overflows into the settling tank. The other end of the filter drum assembly is axially outwardly resiliently pressed, such as by a spring against an opposite wall of the tank, to urge the ball and socket joint together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Creps, Robert J. Fox, Ted W. Guelde, Eugene H. Harms, Stephen N. McEwen
  • Patent number: 4378290
    Abstract: A mobile, self-contained, self-powered three stage apparatus is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. Three stack separator pods are mounted over a housing on a mobile platform. A plurality of hydrocyclones are readily mounted with respect to the separator pods to provide for separating the solidds therewithin. Each successive separator pod contains a greater number of smaller diameter hydrocyclone so as to enable the separation of smaller diameter of particles. Each separator pod also includes degassing capabilities. A plurality of holding tanks act as reservoirs for the fluid and solid mixture prior to and subsequent to each separator pod. A system of internal weirs allows overflow of liquids from a holding tank containing cleaner mixture to a holding tank containing a greater proportion of solids, whereby liquid equilibrium is maintained within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Inventor: Alvin B. Kennedy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4351722
    Abstract: A water treatment plant comprising a generally horizontal cylindrical tank and an upstanding cylindrical tank usually having a diameter less than the horizontal tank and being integrally attached to and intersecting an end wall portion thereof. The horizontal tank includes a transverse partition and a longitudinal partition which extends from an intermediate portion of the transverse partition to the upstanding tank and divides the first tank into an aeration chamber, a sludge holding chamber and a purifying or chlorine contact chamber. The second tank comprises a clarifying chamber including an upper portion having influent and effluent pipe means and skimming means and a bottom portion having a circular bottom surface, an outlet and scraper means for moving sediment into the outlet for recirculation either to the aeration chamber or to the sludge holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: American Enviro-Port, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Mixon
  • Patent number: 4336135
    Abstract: An apparatus for anaerobically treating waste to allow the waste to be safely disposed of and/or to reclaim useful gas therefrom. The apparatus includes a tank, a cylinder positioned within the tank to divide the tank into first and second areas, and media such as stones or the like positioned within the first and second areas of the tank for supporting anaerobic bacteria growth. Liquid waste is introduced into the first area of the tank over the media therein. As the waste flows through the media, the waste will be partially treated and methane gas or nitrogen gas will be formed or reclaimed therefrom. As more waste is introduced into the first area of the tank over the media therein, waste that has passed through the media in the first area will be forced upward through the media in the second area where it is further treated. Waste that has passed upwardly through the media in the second area of the tank is removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Inventor: Richard H. Price
  • Patent number: 4306967
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for removing solids and particulate material from water in the basin of a cooling tower and having a trailer with a frame supporting a platform and a plurality of wheels for enabling said trailer to be towed from place to place, a power driven pump means mounted on said platform and having a suction side adapted to be placed into communication with water contaminated with solids in the basin of a cooling tower, a filter device arranged on said platform and including a filter medium therein, an inlet for liquid influent connected to the pump outlet and an effluent outlet downstream of the filter medium, the filter medium being so constructed and arranged as to retain solid particles thereon whose diameter is in excess of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Bill B. Trautwein
  • Patent number: RE32135
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an apparatus for separating various sizes, shapes, and textures of solid particles from a liquid, comprising: a settling tank having an elongated ramp at one end with a scraper flight conveyor, driven at the upper end of the ramp, to scrape settlings from the bottom of the tank up the ramp out of the tank; and at least one cylindrical rotatable filter drum assembly snapped between spaced rigid guide and supporting brackets in the tank. An axial end of the filter drum has a ball duct seating in a socket duct connected to the intake of a continuously-operating pump for circulating filtered liquid to the machine tools with a bypass into a clean tank that overflows into the settling tank. The other end of the filter drum assembly is axially outwardly resiliently pressed, such as by a spring against an opposite wall of the tank, to urge the ball and socket joint together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Creps, Robert J. Fox, Ted W. Guelde, Eugene H. Harms, Stephen N. McEwen