On Different Levels Patents (Class 210/262)
  • Patent number: 5516434
    Abstract: A simplified single cell apparatus and method for removal of suspended impurities in liquids using gas flotation and filtration is provided wherein the method and apparatus are preferably directed to induced gas flotation separation of suspended impurities in combination with a filter media for filtration removal of remaining suspended impurities. A filter media is contained within the single cell apparatus such that liquid exiting the vessel must pass through the filter media after having been subjected to flotation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Unicel, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Cairo, Jr., John A. Young
  • Patent number: 5503743
    Abstract: A compact sludge dehydrating apparatus having a replaceable upper part, with a lower part, a replaceable upper part having a sludge inlet, a plurality of columns for detachably mounting the upper part to the lower part with a space, a first sludge dehydrator for performing a first dehydration of the sludge waste and being provided in the upper part, a second sludge dehydrator for performing a second dehydration of the sludge waste and being mounted on the lower part. This second dehydrator communicates with the first dehydrator through a pipe. The first and the second cases are interconnected. A plurality of drains is provided to drain the waste waters extruded from the sludge waste as a result of sludge dehydration to a water collection tank of the lower part. The apparatus provides, for the upper part being replaceable for different kinds of the wastes to be treated, which reduces the moisture content of the resulting sludge waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Hong S. Oh
  • Patent number: 5474675
    Abstract: A filter separator for decomposing a fluid consisting of a mixture of liquids containing solid components has a filter press combined with a micro- and ultrafiltration apparatus. The filter press separates the solid components from the fluid and the micro- and ultrafiltration apparatus separates from one another liquid components according to their different molecular structures. A modular construction with a very compact design and relatively large filter surface areas is shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Herco-CFF ChiralFlow Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Kupka
  • Patent number: 5474673
    Abstract: A wet/dry filter system that is mounted on the top of an aquarium allows flexible flow control to and between the wet section and the dry section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: David J. Ludlow
  • Patent number: 5454937
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing machine tool coolants wherein the used coolant fluid includes emulsified oils of light density or the like to be separated from a heavier density metal working fluid such as oil or water. The apparatus also removes particles, bacteria and odor from the processed fluid. Contaminated used coolant is prefiltered of particles prior to passing through a coalescer separation reservoir consisting of a plurality of adjacent configured plates permitting the low density emulsified oils to rise to the surface of the liquid within the separation reservoir. The emulsified oils pass over a weir and are drained away, and the skimmed coolant fluid passes from the separation reservoir to an accumulation reservoir whose level is sensed by a float controlling a pump which removes the coolant fluid from the accumulation reservoir and passes the fluid through a fine activated charcoal filter to complete the processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Adam F. Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 5441634
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating circulation of a mixture containing solid waste and water such as sludge and separating these components. The apparatus includes a tank housing, in inverted funnel-like element within the housing for constricting upward flow of a gasborne mixture, a trapped gas pocket for degassing the gasborne mixture, a containment element interposed between an effluent weir and the inverted funnel for directing downward and outward flow of the degassed mixture, and a deflecting surface in the path of the downward flow to promote settling of the solids from the degassed mixture and for allowing clarified water to rise within the containment element and the tank housing to reach the effluent weir. For aerobic treatment, a diffuser is arranged within the inverted funnel to supply air or gas to create upward flow of the gasborne mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Edwards Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Haskell Edwards
  • Patent number: 5441632
    Abstract: A septic system has an above-ground septic tank which is installed in the house for which it is to be used, or within an enclosure attached to the house. The septic system further includes a secondary containment sump which surrounds the septic tank, and an in-ground leaching field. The septic tank has a removable cover, an inlet for receiving waste material, and an outlet for discharging liquid effluent to the leaching field which is built into the ground around the house. The secondary containment sump is operative for containing leakage or spillage of the septic tank contents in the event the septic tank leaks. In this connection, the septic system further comprises an alarm which signals the presence of fluid in the containment sump. The septic system still further includes an electric heater and thermostatic switch for preventing the septic tank from freezing. The instant septic system is particularly effective for use in waterfront areas where in-ground septic tanks are not permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Sep-Tainer Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Charon
  • Patent number: 5435914
    Abstract: A clarifying device for waste water has a plurality of containers for receiving waste water, and a device for aerating or gasifying waste water in at least one of the containers. The containers are formed as treatment cells which are combinable with one another to provide a waste water throughflow and which are small when compared with conventional clarifying reservoirs. The treatment cells are closed from outside. A negative pressure source is connected with the treatment cells for producing negative pressure in the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: IEG Industrie-Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 5413706
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes inner and outer relatively telescopic units, the outer telescopic unit including an outer container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall collectively defining a generally upwardly opening chamber, a filter exteriorly of the peripheral wall and defining therewith a first downstream settling zone, control openings in the peripheral wall for controlling wastewater flow through the first settling zone generally in response to the level of wastewater in the first settling zone, the inner telescopic unit including an inner container having a chamber defined in part by a peripheral wall, the peripheral walls being in relatively spaced relationship to each other and therebetween defining a second settling zone, a third settling zone within the inner telescopic unit chamber, and the inner and outer telescopic units each being a distinct unitized structure which permits the same to be bodily telescopically assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company d/b/a NORWECO, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • Patent number: 5395529
    Abstract: A sewage treatment apparatus is disclosed comprising a tank (11) for receiving sewage effluent to be treated defining an inlet port (1) and an outlet port (8), compartmentalised so as to define a first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) below the level of the inlet port (1), a second sewage effluent settlement zone (7) below the level of the outlet port (8) and a trough compartment (14) such that the first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) is in communication with the trough compartment (14), and the trough compartment (14) is in communication with the second sewage effluent settlement zone (7); a first arrangement of substantially parallel baffle plates (16) disposed in the first sewage effluent settlement zone (3) between the inlet port (1) and the trough compartment (14); a rotating biological contactor (4) mounted for rotation in the trough compartment (14); a second arrangement of substantially parallel baffle plates (20) disposed in the second sewage effluent settlement zone (7) between the trough co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: James P. J. Butler
  • Patent number: 5336398
    Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Container-Care International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Russell, Louis Mohar
  • Patent number: 5336402
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sewage treatment apparatus formed of an aeration chamber; and a settling chamber, into which aerated water is introduced from the aeration chamber for sedimentation of sludges. In this apparatus, the settling chamber is disposed upwardly of the aeration chamber. A bottom portion of the settling chamber serves as a hopper unit having a surface tapered downwards to an opening for discharging the sludges. A washing water supply unit for flowing out the washing water for washing away the deposited sludges is provided towards the hopper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: INAX Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuro Yamamoto, Yoshinao Kashino
  • Patent number: 5322596
    Abstract: A combination filter and evaporator unit for use in small engine applications includes a filter member that is screw threadedly engaged to the evaporator unit to facilitate replacement of filter media as needed. The design of the unit constrains incoming oil to flow first through the filter media and then to an evaporation chamber. A central hub and a bottom wall of the evaporation chamber are directly heated by a heating element, and the evaporation chamber is closed by an imperforate lid so that heat loss is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Premo Lubrication Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Arntz
  • Patent number: 5308490
    Abstract: A plant suitable, in particular, for denitrifying sewage purification by the activated sludge process comprises several tanks which are charged with untreated water via a common delivery conduit which is preferably designed as a ring main. This delivery conduit, which is arranged above the maximum water level in the tanks, has an essentially horizontal course and serves as storage space for the sewage feed to the individual tanks via rapid-closing and -opening gate valves for spontaneous or gravitational emptying into the particular tank. The delivery conduit is preferably designed as a closed double channel with a lower discharge conduit, which is located below the minimum water level in the tanks, for discharging the sludge/water mixture to the final clarification tank. It is expedient to include an operation bridge or walkway with the delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Forschungzentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schroeder, Dietmar Loch, Bernhard Woeffen, Joost Groeneweg, Carl J. Soeder
  • Patent number: 5306422
    Abstract: A compact water treatment plant has at least one vertical stack of dissolved air flotation (DAF) type clarifiers. Raw water is directed first to a single stage clarifier with a shallow tank. Its output is fed to an underlying two stage clarifier, preferably one with tall, mutually isolated cells, inclined baffles over a filtration medium in each cell, a cell-by-cell backwash capability, and an arrangement for isolating the first filtrate from the clarified water. Preferably, there are two such stacks in side-by-side array to provide a peak-load capacity, redundancy, and extreme compactness. Also preferably, clarified water from the single stage clarifier flows to the two stage clarifier via a bioreactor and an associated DAF clarifier. A source of aeration defines an upper, aerobic zone in the reactor where bacteria act on organic contaminants (COD's and BOD's). Strips of a deep pile, woven textile form a biocarrier. The strips oscillate in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 5269919
    Abstract: A water purifying system including two or more stages for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from source water. The system may be configured such that water is first passed through a biocidal resin, and then through a granular metal alloy and an activated carbon filter to remove iodides released into the water by the biocidal resin. The granular metal alloy may be agitated by turbulent motion as the water treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Wallace von Medlin
  • Patent number: 5264120
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes inner and outer relatively telescopic units, the outer telescopic unit including an outer container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall collectively defining a generally upwardly opening chamber, a filter exteriorly of the peripheral wall and defining therewith a first downstream settling zone, control openings in the peripheral wall for controlling wastewater flow through the first settling zone generally in response to the level of wastewater in the first settling zone, the inner telescopic unit including an inner container having a chamber defined in part by a peripheral wall, the peripheral walls being in relatively spaced relationship to each other and therebetween defining a second settling zone, a third settling zone within the inner telescopic unit chamber, and the inner and outer telescopic units each being a distinct unitized structure which permits the same to be bodily telescopically assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • 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: 5230794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a three phase separator which comprises a compartment for the substantial separation of the gas-phase, this compartment being equipped with at least one partition which is applied for an internal gaslift circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Biothane Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Heijnen, Wilhelmus A. A. Koevoets, Robert J. Zoetemeyer
  • Patent number: 5228999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an artificial aquatic environment for supporting aquatic organisms comprises forming a water tank with a water drain outlet located on a bottom of the water tank, providing a water filter means adjacent a water fill line of the water tank, the water filter means having a water containment housing with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water containment housing extending above and below the water line of the water tank, the water inlet being positioned higher than the water outlet, the water inlet being positioned at or below the water fill line of the water tank, a filter element removably positioned between the water inlet and the water outlet within the water containment housing, connecting the water drain outlet to the water filter means with a water drain conduit means such that the water filter means and the water tank have a common water line when the water tank is filled with water to the water fill line, providing a pumping means to pump water from the water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Hyun W. Yang
  • 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: 5207895
    Abstract: A separator for removing oil-like substances from water using vertical columns of coalescing media to then enhance separation of the two phases. The coalescing media is an inert packing material having surfaces to enhance coalescing without significant resistance to flow. Final oil removal is achieved by a vertical column of charcoal pellets. The separator is of particular value in the processing of oil/water discharges from air compressing systems. This produces water that can be discharged in an environmentally safe manner to conventional sewers, etc. The oil is held in a convenient storage vessel for ultimate disposal. No pumping devices are needed in the separator as flow is provided either by the pressure in the outlet from the compressor system, or by gravity from a feed tank. The vertical columns are arranged within a cylindrical vessel to minimize floor space and plumbing. The oil concentration in the product water is below current EPA standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Pioneer Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjiv K. Basseen, Devendra K. Sahu, Masoud Zarif
  • Patent number: 5207896
    Abstract: A mechanism for wastewater treatment which includes a plurality of solids settling chambers, at least a primary, secondary and a tertiary filter for selectively filtering wastewater and effecting settling of solids of different sizes in the settling chambers and flow equalization ports for effecting demand flow of wastewater through the mechanism and the eventual discharge of high quality effluent. Chlorination and optionally dechlorination are effected as integral process functions of the wastewater treatment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • Patent number: 5204048
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing particulate impurities from liquids wherein the liquid flows upward through a bundle of tubes having a helical shape to present an inclined path where settling of particulates back down the tube occurs. The bundle is preferably formed around a central standpipe. This modular helical tube bundle arrangement provides a compact and inexpensive structure and great convenience for maintenance. The preferred cross sectional shape of each tube is oval to increase settling rate. In order to form the tubes from rigid tubing, a concrete form is made in accordance with a procedure which includes forming a "tent" of strings, sculpting a plasticene negative form using the tent of strings as a guide, casting concrete against the form to produce a mold that resembles a sliding board with an outside drooping edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Allison L. Rider
    Inventors: Allison L. Rider, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5196123
    Abstract: Separation of oil from an aqueous condensate is effected by feeding the condensate into the headspace of a liquid pool containig separation tank so that a layer of oil will settle on top of water in the pool. An oil-receiver tank above the separation tank and connected thereto by a vertical pipe, also has a liquid pool therein above which a head space at sub-atmospheric pressure exists. Oil in the layer is accessed with a lower entry to the vertical pipe submerged below the separation tank liquid level and ascends into the pipe and upwardly to the oil-receiver tank, the oil ascent being accompanied by descent of water from the liquid pool in the oil-receiver tank. When the oil-receiver tank and an upper section of the vertical pipe are filled with oil only, the oil-containing tank can be drained. Separation operation can resume following reestablishment of the liquid pool in the oil-receiver by inletting a quantity of clean water thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Scales Air Compressor Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Guthy
  • 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: 5160440
    Abstract: Procedure for dewatering sewage sludge comprising the steps of subjecting pumpable sludge to chemical pretreatment with addition of a flocculation agent, pre-dewatering the chemically pretreated sludge by gravity filtration and conveying the pre-dewatered sludge by gravity, dewatering the pre-dewatered sludge by pressure filtration to form a sludge cake, crumbling the sludge cake to obtain sludge cake pieces, and drying the sludge cake pieces. After the dewatering step, so hard sludge cake is formed that after crumbling the sludge cake pieces are obtained which maintain their shape in accumulated consistency. A plant for the execution of the procedure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Josef Merai
  • Patent number: 5133860
    Abstract: A solid and liquid separator with a liquid filter, having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder combined together to rotate synchronously to let solids naturally separate from liquid, and a filter for the separated liquid to be further filtered and the separated solids to be collected together away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Liang C. Tai
  • Patent number: 5122276
    Abstract: A tri-modal filter canister adapted to contemporaneously remove both entrained water and suspended solid particles from non-aqueous fluids, said water and particulate removal functions being separate and substantially severable within said filter canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel J. Loikits
  • Patent number: 5114578
    Abstract: A settling apparatus for the separation of amalgam from waste water in a dental procedure includes an inclined passage through which the water is caused to flow from below and upwards while depositing amalgam. The inclined passage has an inclination of between 3.degree. and 15.degree.. It is filled with a large number of thin-walled, narrow tubes, which contact each other in a side-by-side manner. The water flows from below and upwards through the tubes and through the channels between the tubes while amalgam is settled and deposited on the interior, as well as on the exterior, surfaces of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Stiftelsen Centrum for Dentalteknik Och Biomaterial I Huddinge
    Inventor: Gustaf F. Sundstrom
  • Patent number: 5053145
    Abstract: A dual direction transfer system for removing oil from an oily water source includes an oil separator mounted on a separator tank located so that its liquid level is above the liquid level of the oily water source, a dual direction transfer pipe through which flows the oily water and substantially oil free water in opposite directions, and a pump to force oily water from the source to the separator tank through the dual direction transfer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Billy L. Ellison
  • Patent number: 5049266
    Abstract: A water treatment module (14) has a sedimentation compartment (20), into which water is introduced under high pressure. A filter or microsieve (1) can be provided upstream of the sedimentation compartment (20). Above the sedimentation compartment (20) there is located a flooded first fixed bed reactor (22) for microbiological denitrification, which is flowed through from below. The water travels by way of an overflow device (34) and a sprinkler system (36) through which dissolved nitrogen is stripped and oxygen enrichment from the air occurs, into a second fixed bed reactor (38) for microbiological denitrification. This is constructed as a drip device, and is flowed through by air in a chimney-like fashion. Below the second fixed bed reactor (38) is located a catch basin (44) with a drain (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Metz Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Gotz, Ludwig Scheibinger, Peter Steinbach
  • Patent number: 5047149
    Abstract: An apparatus for the clarification of liquids, such as notably water, fruit juices, musts such as grape musts, including an enclosure in which is brought the liquid to be clarified after a pretreatment operation, such as screening, as well as a flotation equipment, fed by a transfer pump with liquid pressurized and relieved of the pressure prior to its introducting in the flotation equipment, from which the clarified liquid is introduced in a filtration system. The apparatus includes the features that the flotation equipment is placed above the assembly used for the pretreatment of the liquid so as to obtain a sufficient load for bringing about a hydraulic balance of the various constituents of the apparatus, in order that it can operate with a small load available upstream and allow a possible recycling, by simple gravity, of the floating particles collected at the surface of the flotation equipment to any point of the pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Patrick Vion
  • Patent number: 5045200
    Abstract: A device for removing free fatty acids from cooking oil is formed by a pair of superposed reservoirs having a screen and filter pad provided partition dividing the reservoirs from each other through which the cooking is forced from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir by air pressure. A powder commingled with the oil prior to the filtering step is trapped with free fatty acids on the filter pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Edward E. Brook
  • Patent number: 5013435
    Abstract: A system for removing impurities from liquids wherein the liquid is forced upward through several zones, the first zone being a bundle of tubes having a helical shape to present an inclined path where settling of particulates back down the tube occurs, then through a stack of filter modules which are over the bundle of tubes and contain treatment media, the arrangement of the filter modules being such that the passage of fluid in the upward direction removes particulates before flushing through the treatment media and agitates the treatment media so as to prevent packing. The helical form of the settling tubes and the modular arrangement provides a compact and inexpensive structure and great convenience for maintenance. The preferred cross sectional shape of each tube is oval to increase settling rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Allison L. Rider
    Inventors: Allison L. Rider, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 4986910
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a method of dehydrating a wet sludge. The wet sludge which is subjected to a preliminary dehydration by gravity dehydration or the like, is pelletized by a pelletizer, and obtained pellets of the sludge are subjected to compression dehydration with a pair of endless filter fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Kokan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Uyama, Yasuhiko Kihara
  • Patent number: 4956080
    Abstract: The improved high pressure oxygen-saturated water treatment apparatus of the present invention functions to provide super-saturated oxygen treatment to waste water for purification thereof. The apparatus includes a pressurized treatment tank having a substantial longitudinal dimension, with a chamber separation plate forming two interconnected chambers in the tank. An input conduit for flowing waste water into the first chamber of the tank is provided. An oxygen input conduit is connected to the tank for providing oxygen-containing gas under substantial pressure within the tank. An oxygen output conduit is also disposed on the tank for receiving the oxygen-containing gas from the tank to form a pressurized oxygen-containing stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Microlift Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: John Josefik
  • Patent number: 4940546
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for aerobic biological purification of pollutant-containing water, which installation consists of an axial-flow submerged reactor and a sedimentation tank for separation of the biosludge from the purified water. The reactor is a pipe containing a two-stage activated-sludge chamber, which pipe contains (a) a first activated-sludge stage in which a driving-jet nozzle is disposed at the downstream end for the dispersion of the air and the microorganisms in the waste water to be purified, and (b) a second activated-sludge stage in which internals are disposed for homogeneous dispersion of the gas bubbles and the microorganisms as well as for immobilization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: TECON GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Vogelpohl, Norbert Rabiger
  • Patent number: 4909931
    Abstract: A water-purifier device, comprises a housing to be mounted vertically, a water inlet, a water outlet, and two tubes extending generally horizontally of the housing when the housing is mounted vertically. The first tube defines a first water flow passageway including a filter for removing solid particles and a quantity of activated carbon for removing undesirable odors and tastes from the water flowing through the first flow passageway. The second tube defines a second water flow passageway connected between the first tube and the housing outlet, and including an ultraviolet lamp subjecting the water flowing therethrough to ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Tana - Netiv Halamed-He Industries
    Inventor: Eitan Bibi
  • Patent number: 4880535
    Abstract: A water supply station is provided with series connected reservoirs for receiving and storing potable water or the like under different temperature conditions. The station includes a first reservoir for receiving an incoming water flow, and a second reservoir coupled to the first reservoir via an overflow conduit. When the first reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition, additional water flow spills through the overflow conduit for passage into the second reservoir. The water within the two reservoirs is maintained under different conditions, such as at selected cold and hot temperatures, respectively, ready for immediate dispensing through appropriate dispensing valves. The water supply station is particularly adapted for use as a countertop unit wherein the reservoirs respectively store water for immediate dispensing and use, for example, in cold or hot beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 4844800
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water. The method comprises a primary sedimentation stage, an activation stage comprising high, medium and then low loading rate oxidation stages, a filtering stage and a clarification stage. All of these stages are performed in a single flat-bottomed parallelepipedal basin. The water treatment apparatus comprises a sludge recirculator (23, 24), an aerator (22, 25), a skirt (26), a filter (29) and a horizontal laminar flow clarifier (27). The clarifier is made up of a succession of inclined baffles (27a) joined together in pairs at their upper and lower edges. Sludge aspirator pipes (28) are provided adjacent the bottoms of the inclined baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Christian Brucker
  • Patent number: 4818420
    Abstract: A liquid filtering and backwashing apparatus comprising a filter tank having a first outlet valve and a filter cell disposed within the filter tank is disclosed. The filter cell includes a conduit and an outer member with the outer member spaced apart relative the conduit with a filtering medium positioned between the conduit and the outer member. A plurality of openings in the outer member enable fluid communication between the liquid to be filtered in the filter tank and the filtering medium. The conduit is provided with a plurality of slits to enable fluid communication between the filtering medium and interior of the conduit while retaining the filtering medium external the conduit. A backwash holding tank in fluid communication with the conduit collects the filtered liquid. The backwash holding tank includes a second outlet valve for the filtered liquid to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Uddo Mims International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Mims
  • Patent number: 4818393
    Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic treatment of waste water, including in a same closed enclosure, under a gas pressure, a fermentation zone and a decantation zone, with internal recycling of the slurries from the decantation zone to the fermentation zone, made of at least two attached identical cells in mutual communication. The two cells operate alternately and reciprocally as a fermentation cell and as a decantation cell. Each cell is fitted out, in order to be fed while it operates as a decantation cell, with a gas-lift transfer device with two branches, one of the branches opening into the cell which is attached to that where it is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Degremont, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Durot, Roger Nicol
  • Patent number: 4818400
    Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering. The effluent to be dewatered is passed through a hydrocyclone. The underflow of the hydrocyclone is confirned by a shroud to convert horizontal components of spray into vertical components. The effluent is driven forcibly vertically onto an endless driven filter belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Russell, Roy D. Lister
  • Patent number: 4726899
    Abstract: Apparatus for anaerobic digestion of organic waste material comprises a container divided into three interconnected chambers situated one below the other, the upper chamber being an inlet chamber, the lower chamber being a mixing chamber and the intermediate chamber being a settlement chamber, the inlet chamber having an inlet for material to be treated, a duct from the inlet chamber down into the mixing chamber, at least one transfer duct from the mixing chamber up into the settlement chamber, the duct or ducts extending below the upper extent of that mixing chamber, a gas collection zone at the upper extent of the mixing chamber, at least one recirculation duct from the base of the settlement chamber down into the mixing chamber, a further gas collection zone in the upper extent of the settlement chamber and an outlet from the settlement chamber situated below the further gas collection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Cardiff Laboratories for Energy & Resources Limited
    Inventors: David A. Stafford, Stephen P. Etheridge, Colin Genner
  • Patent number: 4720341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the produced water that is associated with hydrocarbons. The method consists of providing a plurality of serially connected individual compartments in a vertical flume or pipe with each compartment connected to the next compartment by a flow path that induces the oil droplets to coalesce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4693819
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating emulsions and industrial waste waters includes a reaction container in which the fluid to be treated is treated with a chemical mixture and a settling container in contact with the same in which the settling precipitate separates and settles from the fluid. Devices for discharging the precipitate from the container and devices for dividing the chemical mixture among the fluids to be treated are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Ralf F. Piepho Abwassertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf F. Piepho
  • Patent number: 4692246
    Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus uses an outer container configured to receive a removable columnar-like filter having its largest filter elements located at the bottom and its finest filter elements located at the top, from which a port communicates to a space within the housing, outwardly of the filter, for storing the cleaned fluid. The fluid to be cleaned passes through the columnar filter through a pipe through a space immediately below the filter. A pan-like dish communicates to the upper portion of the pipe to receive the fluid to be cleaned. A valve communicates to the storage area adjacent the inner walls of the housing and is used to draw off the cleaned fluid when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Abraham E. Simon
  • Patent number: 4655918
    Abstract: Device and method for cleaning waste water, wherein the waste water (19) and oxygen gas (31) are flowing in opposite directions through a cylindrical multireactor (20) having a central rotatable pipe (24), the multireactor comprising a number of bioreactors and at least one separation chamber (75). The average pressure difference between two successive bioreactors is at most seven meter water column. The bioreactors are separated from each other by stationary walls (40, 41, 48, 55, 60), and each bioreactor has its own mixing device (50) for mixing waste water and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Bastiaan B. Eertink