Each With Lighter Constituent Discharge Patents (Class 210/522)
  • Patent number: 11945733
    Abstract: Plant (1) intended for the treatment of a fluid (15) by passage of an upflow (90) of said fluid (15) through a bed of adsorbent media particles (13). The plant (1) comprises a reactor (2) intended to contain the bed of adsorbent media particles (13), comprising: a means for injecting and distributing fluid to be treated, disposed at the bottom part, for forming the upflow (90) of fluid (15) within the reactor (2) and enabling the fluidization and expansion of said bed of adsorbent media particles (13); a means for recovering treated fluid; a means for deflecting fluid (20) disposed at the top part, intended for reducing the speed of the upflow (90) of fluid (15) and enabling the formation of a tranquil zone (27), said means for recovering treated fluid being disposed downstream from said tranquil zone (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventor: Abdelkader Gaid
  • Patent number: 11939233
    Abstract: An oil-water separation system including a vessel for receiving an oil-water mixture and passing a treated water having a lower concentration of oil than the oil-water mixture. The system further includes a first overflow baffle for directing the oil-water mixture fluid flow over the first overflow baffle, and a first underflow baffle positioned downstream along a fluid flow pathway of the first overflow baffle for directing the oil-water mixture fluid flow under the first underflow baffle, and a second overflow baffle positioned downstream along the fluid flow pathway of the first underflow baffle having a mesh with a plurality of perforations which directs fluid flow over the second overflow baffle and through the plurality of perforations. The second overflow baffle permits a water portion of the oil-water mixture to traverse through the mesh and an oil portion of the oil-water mixture to traverse over the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Fahd Ibrahim Alghunaimi, Young Chul Choi, Olanrewaju M. Oshinowo, Hasan A. Al Abdulgader
  • Patent number: 11738291
    Abstract: A method of forming a honeycomb-shaped assembly comprises providing a plurality of profiled strips. Each of the profiled strips comprises two base sides positioned at an obtuse angle relative to each other to form a trough-shaped configuration. An inner projecting flange and an outer projecting flange extend from the base sides. One of the inner projecting flange and outer projecting flange comprises an groove. Two connecting sides each extend along a plane from one of the two base sides and each includes at least one free end including a projection. The plurality of profiled strips are stacked to form an octagonal honeycomb configuration by inserting the projection of a connecting side of one of the plurality of profiled strips into the groove of a base side of another of the plurality of profiled strips. At least a portion of the projection is received by the groove in an interlocking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Enexio Water Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Nina Woicke, Ingo Neumann
  • Patent number: 11739017
    Abstract: A method of treating oil and gas produced water may include: receiving produced water from one or more wells; separating an aqueous portion of the produced water from oil and solids included in the produced water in order to provide recovered water; performing anaerobic bio-digestion of organic matter included in the produced water using a biomass mixture of anaerobic bacteria obtained from a plurality of wells; aerating the recovered water in order to promote metal precipitation; and performing aerobic bio-digestion of organic matter present in the recovered water. Some embodiments may also include one or more of anoxic equalization, filtration, pasteurization, reverse osmosis, and biocide treatment of the recovered water. The recovered water may be used for oil and gas well fracking and/or land and stream application. Other methods of treating oil and gas produced water are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Rio Resources LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Yates, Brenna D. Villines, Kenneth M. Yates
  • Patent number: 11697079
    Abstract: Separating apparatus, comprising a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel disposed underneath and being in fluid communication with the sedimentation settler, the collection vessel forming a receiving chamber having an outlet at or adjacent to the chamber bottom and having an inlet opening, wherein the collection vessel is arranged such the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Oskar Braunersreuther, Alexander Jockwer, Torsten Klabuhn, Michael Pohlscheidt, Joerg Thiele
  • Patent number: 11655169
    Abstract: Provided are a method of treating spent caustic occurring in a refinery process, a petrochemical process, and an environmental facility, and an apparatus thereof, wherein the spent caustic may be economically treated by a Fenton-like oxidation reaction at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in a reactor in which catalyst structures are stacked as compared to conventional methods of treating spent caustic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignees: SK Incheon Petrochem Co., Ltd., SBE&E Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Lee, Sang Ho Lee, Min Hee Lee, Ji Hoon Yoo
  • Patent number: 11628383
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to settler plates for a plate settler. The settler plates generally include a hollow support with a hollow interior to receive clarified liquid from a flow channel between adjacent settler plates. An orifice is formed through the hollow support to direct clarified liquid from the flow channel into the hollow interior. The orifice can be positioned such that clarified liquid can flow upwardly out of the flow channel and downwardly through the orifice into the hollow interior. The hollow support can be integrally formed with the settler plate. For example, the hollow support can be formed by bending a tab extending from an end of the settler plate. The tab can be bent into a hollow support with a cross section that is generally polygonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: MEURER RESEARCH INC.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Hanson, Galen J. M. Fitzpatrick, Donald F. Bersell
  • Patent number: 11596984
    Abstract: A cleaning vehicle generally has a grey water reservoir having a pre-filter; an aspiration conduit leading into the grey water reservoir upstream from the pre-filter and a vacuum pump adapted to create a vacuum inside the grey water reservoir to draw grey water; a vortex separation subsystem connected downstream from the pre-filter; a filtration bag subsystem connected downstream from the vortex separation subsystem; a filtrate reservoir connected downstream from the filtration bag subsystem; a high pressure hose having an end connected downstream from the filtrate reservoir and another end having a high pressure spray nozzle; a filtrate path extending from the grey water reservoir to the high pressure spray nozzle via the pre-filter, the vortex separation subsystem, the filtration bag subsystem and the high pressure hose; and at least one pump adapted to entrain a flow of fluid along the filtrate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: OMEGA LIQUID WASTE SOLUTIONS INC
    Inventors: Tony Vachon, Henri Jean Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 11491418
    Abstract: An emulsion separation device including a plurality of inclined plates, a buoyancy device, and an electric field generation system. Also disclosed are systems and methods for the separation of an emulsion into a continuous aqueous phase and a continuous oil phase. The systems may include: a vessel having an emulsion inlet, a continuous aqueous phase outlet, and a continuous oil phase outlet. A separation device may be disposed in the vessel, the separation device including: a plurality of inclined plates and a buoyancy device configured to maintain the plurality of inclined plates between the continuous aqueous phase and the continuous oil phase. An electric field generation system may also be provided and configured to expose the emulsion to an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien Duval, Olanrewaju Malcolm Oshinowo
  • Patent number: 11406917
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus for separating oil from a dispersion containing water as a continuous phase and oil as a dispersed phase. The apparatus comprises a vessel having one or more longitudinal cell sections in its longitudinal direction, at least one of the one or more longitudinal cell sections comprising: an underflow weir, an overflow weir displaced downstream from the underflow weir, a gas injection structure located below the underflow weir or in the channel formed between the underflow weir and the overflow weir, a removal structure for removing a fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level from the liquid level, and a hydraulic structure for hydraulically pushing the fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level into the removal structure using a liquid stream, a liquid/gas stream and/or a gas stream that is ejected by the hydraulic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventor: Per Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 11260322
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatus, and methods used to remove solids from water are provided. A plate assembly for a plate settler assembly is provided which includes a plate body with a plate body thickness. The plate assembly also includes a first support plate attached to the plate body on a first axis extending between the first and second end of the plate body. The plate assembly may further include a second support plate attached to the plate body on a second axis extending between the first and second end. The plate assembly may also include a stiffener or a central stiffener attached to the plate body on a third axis. The plate assembly may still further include a flow control plate along the first end. The thickness of the support plates, stiffener, and flow control plate are greater than the plate body thickness. A corresponding method of manufacture is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Jim Myers & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Krell, Kerry E. Dissinger
  • Patent number: 11040300
    Abstract: A flow back system for separating solids from a slurry recovered from a hydrocarbon well. The system includes a V-shaped tank with a first series of baffles configured to cause the settling of solids that are moved by a shaftless auger to a conduit fluidly connected to a dispersing device mounted over or adjacent to a shaker such as a linear shaker. The shaker receives and processes the output of the dispersing device and dewaters solids. The underflow of the shaker is recirculated through the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: DEL Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 11027226
    Abstract: There is described a tray unit for a wastewater treatment device. The tray unit has a substantially frusto-conical profile defining an axis and a central aperture. The tray unit comprises a plurality of distinct tray sections arranged around the axis. Each tray section comprises a portion of the substantially frusto-conical profile of the tray unit and is connectable to one or more of the other tray sections so as to form the tray unit. There is also described a method of assembling a tray assembly for a wastewater treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Hydro International Ltd
    Inventors: Anthony Tadek Leslie Kolanko, Joseph M. Cooley
  • Patent number: 11027222
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the gravitational separation of the first and second liquid phases of a two phase liquid containing predominantly a continuous first liquid phase with a dispersed second liquid phase having a lower specific gravity than the first liquid. The apparatus comprises a tank defining an interior chamber. A feed inlet introduces the two 5 phase liquid into the lower portion of the chamber. The upper portion of the chamber has an upward flow zone through which the two phase liquid rises, with the dispersed second liquid rising more than the first liquid and being separated therefrom due to the second liquid's lower specific gravity. The second liquid forms a floating layer and a conduit directs separated second liquid from the floating layer to a second liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SUEZ GROUPE
    Inventor: Hugo Lessard
  • Patent number: 10724314
    Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting, treating, and recycling oilfield drilling fluids, used oilfield water, and other wastewater are disclosed. A separator may be used to separate a fluid mixture into one or more liquids and one or more solids. Water, oil, or other liquids may be recovered from the separator and further processed by aeration, filtration, and/or pasteurization, making them suitable for reuse in oilfield drilling and/or fracking operations or other industrial applications, such as truck or equipment washing. Sludge from the separator may be dried to produce dried solids, which may also be used for various applications, such as road base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Rio Resources LLC
    Inventor: Dale Ross Yates
  • Patent number: 10428636
    Abstract: A weir assembly system comprises an insert dimensioned to be inserted into a section of a wellbore and a plurality of weirs spaced within the insert so as to increase the separation of solids from fluid within the section of the wellbore when the fluid is flowing through the wellbore. The plurality of weirs may be oriented to create a tortuous fluid flow path, such that a flow opening of a first weir causes solids to deposit at a second weir without obstructing a flow opening of the second weir. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, Michael Malave
  • Patent number: 10413848
    Abstract: A scum or floating oil concentration device comprises a scum or floating oil concentration cone (11) and a scum or floating oil conveyor (12). Said scum or floating oil conveyor (12) is arranged above said scum or floating oil concentration cone (11). Said scum or floating oil conveyor (12) comprises a conveying helix (1) rotating around a shaft, a scum or floating oil conveying pipe (2) and a skimmer (3). Said conveying helix (1) is arranged inside said scum or floating oil conveying pipe (2). An opening is arranged on said scum or floating oil conveying pipe (2). Said skimmer (3) is arranged at said opening of said scum or floating oil conveying pipe (2). An inclined separation plate (13) and a scum or floating oil collection and concentration system are further provided in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Yin Xu
  • Patent number: 10344466
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus directed to an innovative approach for the treatment of stormwater utilizing hydrodynamic separator assembly designed to maximize flow movement for more efficient sediment removal and maximize clearance space within assembly to facilitate cleaning and increase storage capacity of trash, debris, and sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Bio Clean Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachariha J. Kent
  • Patent number: 9890520
    Abstract: A water capture device for installing in an elevated location on a building. The water capture device comprises a plurality of exterior walls, an input opening, a main chamber, a release opening, an overflow channel, and an overflow opening. The plurality of exterior walls defines a cavity. The input opening allows for allowing water to enter the cavity. The main chamber is within the cavity configured to fill with water. The release opening is for selectively releasing water from the main chamber for use by a user. The overflow channel within the cavity is for receiving excess water from the main chamber that rises above a threshold associated with the overflow channel. The first overflow opening is for allowing excess water within the overflow channel to freely exit the water capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DrainCube LLC
    Inventor: David W. Brucker
  • Patent number: 9751790
    Abstract: The system and method is directed to improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid, including the removal of low gravity solids. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid is directed through a conduit within the separator. This conduit can be configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid, the tortuous path being interconnected between two separation towers. Vibrational energy and gas sparging is applied to the flow path. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: 1612017 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Derald L. McCabe, William W. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 9664109
    Abstract: An apparatus to auto-adding an energy-saving activator has a container and a control unit. The container has a heater electrically connected to a control circuit of the control unit. The control unit has a vibration sensor and a sound sensor. When both the vibration and sound sensors transmit signals, the control circuit will actuate the heater to heat the energy-saving activator in the container so that the heated energy-saving activator turns into vapor and leaks out of the container toward the internal combustion engine to decrease the carbon deposits. Using both the vibration and sound sensors is in order to actuate the heater correctly without erroneous judgment. The heated vapor drafts into the internal combustion engine at once to mix with the fuel so that the fuel is burned oxyfuelly and completely to efficiently decrease the carbon deposits. Therefore, the efficiency of the internal combustion engine is also enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: GATHER FORWARD TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Huang Yang
  • Patent number: 9328499
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an improved means of water treatment effectiveness. The invention strips floating and sinking particulates from flowing water with netting and inclined settling cells, which are arranged in an overlapping fashion to save treatment space. The effluent invert is virtually level with the influent invert to minimize pressure loss. The device pre-treats water for further treatment by filtering methods and among other application is ideally suited for applications where low depth profile treatment is beneficial or required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Stephen Duncan, Hans de Bruijn
  • Publication number: 20150122739
    Abstract: An apparatus has a stirred tank with a stirrer movable upwards and downwards. Oil-containing grinding sludge is introduced into the stirred tank by a supply conduit. Separating agent is introduced into the stirred tank for separating the grinding oil from the grinding sludge. The sludge is discharged into a receiving tank via a discharge conduit. In the stirred tank, a movable annular plate is guided to form a seal on a stirrer guide tube and/or on the inner face of the wall of the tank. The plate has a passage for discharging the grinding oil. A discharge conduit for the de-oiled grinding sludge is at the lowest point of the tank. The stirrer achieves a homogeneous mixture of separating agent and grinding sludge, so that the grinding oil can be separated from grinding particles of the sludge. The grinding oil can then float and be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Georg Himmelsbach, Günter Abendschein
  • Patent number: 9017548
    Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus is provided to recover polluted nature environment and to keep nature environment clean in such a way that oil leaked over river or ocean is effectively collected on the spot, and only the oil is removed by separating water and oil, wherein the volume of the water tank configured to separate water and oil can be reduced in half, so the present invention may be applied to a small size ship, and only the oil leaked over river and ocean may be separated and collected on the spot. A water surface cleaner with an excellent oil connecting capacity may be built using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jung Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8985343
    Abstract: A separator plate is used for separating immiscible liquids and solids from a liquid mixture. The oil water separator plate is composed of bi-directional corrugations extending in both lateral and longitudinal directions, thereby forming a plurality of peaks and valleys. A ramp extends from each peak to the neighboring valleys. An elongated oil port is formed in the peak for passing immiscible liquids that disengage from the liquid mixture. The oil port includes a tip portion angled approximately vertically from horizontal. Solids disengaged from the liquid mixture translate through a solids aperture. Fences are included along the lower surface of the plate to guide rising immiscible liquid. The separator plate is configured for stacking by selectively engaging a pin with one of a number of sockets in another plate. The pin and sockets permit varied vertical spacing and alignment in both lateral directions and longitudinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Kirby Smith Mohr
  • Patent number: 8940166
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation apparatus is disclosed integrated with a plate clarifier and sludge chamber for effluent treatment. The clarifier includes first and second tanks, an electrocoagulation reactor positioned in the first tank. The sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLC
    Inventor: Reginald A. Wiemers
  • Patent number: 8906230
    Abstract: An integrated unit operations for the treatment of a waste stream, such as spent caustic, is provided in a single vertical vessel having at least three separate zones: a mixing, a settling, and a mass transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Tom Varadi, Marie-Cecile Medine, Arturo Ramon Puigbo, Ramiro G. Vazquez, Tiejun Zhang, James F. McGehee
  • Patent number: 8865006
    Abstract: The invention pertains generally to waste management and debris removal, and more particularly to systems and methods for separating and recovering the water and solids from a volume of concrete washout following the washing out of concrete mixer trucks and other concrete mixing and delivery equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Ford
  • Patent number: 8691097
    Abstract: The system and method is directed to improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid and removal of entrained gasses. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid is directed through a conduit within the separator. This conduit can be configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed along with height adjustable weirs and an oil accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: 1612017 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 8585896
    Abstract: A filter or clarification system for removing impurities from a liquid to be treated, i.e., influent. The system preferably includes a chamber for receiving a liquid to be treated. The chamber has a settling assembly including a plurality of inclined settling members forming a plurality of inclined liquid passageways through which the liquid to be treated is directed to remove impurities from the liquid to be treated. Preferably, the headloss of the settling assembly is solely controlled by one or more orifices formed in the settling members, i.e., the settling assembly is free of gaps formed between the settling members that appreciably affect the headloss of the settling system. Support members are provided for each of the settling members to allow the settling members to be easily and readily removed. Preferably, the support members provide sufficient stability to allow an individual to walk on the tops of the settling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roberts Marketing DE, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison
  • Patent number: 8562841
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: James Philip Hygate
  • Publication number: 20130200004
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for separating low density particles from feed slurries, a bubbly mixture is formed in a downcomer and issues into a mid region in a chamber. An inverted reflux classifier is formed by parallel inclined plates below the mid region allowing for efficient separation of low density particles which rise up to form a densely packed foam in the top of the chamber, and denser particles which fall downwardly to an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NEWCASTLE INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin Patrick Galvin
  • Patent number: 8480908
    Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Patent number: 8388833
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Biofilter Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Robertson, David O'Keefe, John D. Cox, Daniel T. White
  • Publication number: 20130015123
    Abstract: A water purifying apparatus and system capable of sedimenting particulates in the fluid over time, and allowing for the quick flushing of sedimented particulates. Top and bottom baffles act as barriers for the sediments, with the bottom barriers having a removable barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Angel Torres-Collazo
  • Patent number: 8337706
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: 1612017 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 8308958
    Abstract: A fluid clarification system and method is described in which fluid is passed through one or more settling compartments, each having a solids outlet at the base of the compartment. The base of each compartment includes inclined surfaces for guiding settled solids to the outlet. Also described is a polymer reaction trough including baffles to promote gentle mixing of inflow fluid with flocculant. The system is designed to reduce costs of transportation, flocculant, and solids handling. The system is preferably arranged to facilitate transport on a skid or trailer, while maximizing fluid handling capabilities and minimizing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Blair Godlien
  • Publication number: 20120152864
    Abstract: A separator for separating oils from waste water and solids. Waste liquids are drained into a baffle tube of the separator so that the oils rise and the waste water and solids migrate to the bottom of the separator. A collection head having a restriction is located at the bottom of the separator and is adapted for suctioning the waste water and the solids therein and carrying the same to a discharge outlet of the separator. Waste liquids drained into the separator provide the hydraulic force to accelerate the waste water and solids into the collection head. Liquids drained into the separator also provide the hydraulic force that allows the oils to be drained from the top of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Richard H. Sowerby, Rafael A. Carreras, John C. Sowerby, Douglas F. Samuelson, Jonathan Owen
  • Patent number: 8197679
    Abstract: A particle separation assembly comprises a vessel provided with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The assembly is arranged such that the flow rate of fluid through the inlet is greater than the flow rate of fluid through the first outlet such that there is a resultant fluid flow of lighter particles up the vessel and through the second outlet. Flow adjustment means are provided to enable the velocity of this resultant fluid flow to be adjusted, said means comprising a pivotable flap in one example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Vapormatt Limited
    Inventor: Terence Ives Ashworth
  • Patent number: 8168071
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Patent number: 8146484
    Abstract: A system for filtering spent grains from unfermented beer is disclosed. The system has a pot assembly having a stock pot wall, lid, drain tube and outlet valve. A louvered false bottom is positioned in the pot assembly and forms an opening between the false bottom and the stock pot wall. The louvered false bottom has a plurality of raised louvers spaced over the false bottom. Each of the louvers has a top surface, a bottom surface, a leg and a slot. The slot can be made larger or smaller according to the grain crush size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: John Richard Blichmann
  • Patent number: 8119015
    Abstract: The device (1) serves for the generation of a discrete liquid phase in a continuous liquid phase with a first or a second liquid. The two liquids coexist as separate phases, have different densities and permit a desired exchange of material. Provision is made to arrange the device in a container (9) which contains the second liquid forming the continuous phase. The device includes a distribution member (2), in particular a cylindrical tube, and a collection passage (3) for the first liquid in a horizontal longitudinal extent. The collection passage has an outlet side (4), a collection side (5) and at least one side wall (6) connecting the outlet side and the collection side. The side wall establishes a connection between the outlet side and a horizontal drip edge (7). This side wall has a shape and an inclination which enables the formation of a liquid film of the discrete liquid phase. For enhancing the stability of the Film, the side wall (6) can have a good wettability for the first liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Christian Gottlieb Bachmann, Ansor Gäbler
  • Patent number: 8080157
    Abstract: A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Publication number: 20110259836
    Abstract: A material separator removes material such as sand from a fluid utilizing an inclined housing having a fluid flow inlet in a lower portion of the housing. Higher density material descends by gravity to a lower wall of the inclined housing and continues to travel down the lower wall portion to a lower section of the housing where it is removed. The remaining fluid which may contain a liquid and a gas is removed from the housing via an outlet at the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: EXPRESS ENERGY SERVICES OPERATING LP
    Inventor: Jerry W. Noles, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110226693
    Abstract: A separator 2 for separating solids, such as grit, from an influent, such as water, the tray assembly 4 comprising a plurality of nested tray units 14 which are spaced apart from one another along a vertical separator axis 16. Each tray unit 14 comprises a substantially conical tray 18, an aperture 20 in the apex of the tray 18, and a means for restricting flow through the respective aperture 20, such as a baffle 22 disposed at or adjacent the aperture 20. In use, grit is separated from water circulating among the trays 18 and falls through successive apertures 20 in each of the trays to exit through the bottom of the tray assembly 4. The baffles 22 restrict upward flow through the apertures 20 in the trays 18 thereby reducing agitation of the grit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Yaw Gyamfi Andoh, Jeremy Fink, Michael Guy Faram, Paul Stephen Barter
  • Patent number: 8020710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7927485
    Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater including a sludge blanket clarifier for removing at least some impurities from influent. The sludge blanket clarifier includes a clarifier compartment in which a sludge blanket is to be formed to remove at least some impurities from influent directed into the clarifier compartment and through the sludge blanket. The clarifier compartment has at least one vertical sidewall extending from a bottom of the clarifier compartment to a top of the clarifier compartment. The clarifier compartment has a cross-sectional area that varies over at least a portion of a height of the clarifier compartment such that the velocity of influent just prior to entry into the sludge blanket is less than the velocity of influent just after entering the clarifier compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: RG Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison, Karl Michael Kyriss
  • Patent number: 7850860
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a plate settler comprising: a plurality of plates, each plate defining a first end, a second end, and a settling surface there between; a plurality of angular support members extending from and structurally supporting the first ends of respective ones of the plurality of plates, each angular support member defining a first lateral flow encouraging surface and a second lateral flow encouraging surface; and a plurality of headloss control gaps defined by the plurality of angular support members. The first lateral flow encouraging surface of each angular support member may combine with the second lateral flow encouraging surface of an adjacent angular support member to define a generally v-shaped lateral flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Jim Myers & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Dissinger, David Myers
  • Patent number: 7828962
    Abstract: An integrated unit operations for the treatment of a waste stream, such as spent caustic, is provided in a single vertical vessel having at least three separate zones: a mixing, a settling, and a mass transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Tom Varadi, Marie-Cecile Medine, Arturo Ramon Puigbo, Ramiro G. Vazquez
  • Patent number: 7820040
    Abstract: A filtration device and method for removing pollutants from fluid such as storm-water. The filtration device has a chamber including a series of pivotal filtration assemblies each including a weir and filter. The filters are selected and positioned for sequentially filtering larger then smaller pollutant particles from the water flowing through the device. The weirs are configured and positioned for sequentially permitting water overflow of (and thereby taking off-line) the smaller-particle size filters then the larger-particle size filters from the water flowing through the device. And the filtration assemblies are pivotally mounted to the chamber walls and configured so that, when one of the filters becomes clogged, the water pressure against it causes that filter assembly to pivot into a bypass position permitting water to flow under it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: John Sebastian Moll, Clark Joseph Use