Heavier Constituent Trap, Chamber, Or Recess Patents (Class 210/532.1)
  • Patent number: 7959012
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating oil-based sludge includes a boiler, a heat exchanger having a circulatory steam path in fluid communication with the boiler and a sludge path receiving sludge, a plurality of serially-aligned mixers in fluid communication with the sludge path of the heat exchanger, a separation tank in fluid communication with the plurality of mixers, and wherein the separation tank includes a tank having a plurality of walls, a hydrocyclone mounted within the tank receiving sludge from the plurality of mixers, wherein the hydrocyclone includes a solids outlet directing a solids component towards a bottom portion of the tank and a fluid outlet directing a fluid component into the tank, a means for conveying separated solids along the bottom portion of the tank to a solids outlet, and a plurality of fluid outlets vertically located along a tank wall, wherein each outlet includes a valve providing selective fluid communication from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Catalin Ivan
  • Patent number: 7951294
    Abstract: A hood for mounting over an outlet in a wall of a catch basin is disclosed. The hood includes a hood wall that forms a prow in a horizontal plane. The prow extends along an axis of the hood thereby achieving optimal flow conditions in the catch basin. In some embodiments the hood wall is shaped to be at least partially sealably mounted to the interior wall of a catch basin have a circular cross section in a horizontal plane. This novel hood shape facilitates installation of the hood in the circular catch basin, while also reducing the flow of oil and other pollutants into the outlet pipe in the circular catch basin. In some embodiments a perforated screed is also disclosed that surrounds the hood to aid in the capture of floatable pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Lee A. Duran, Thomas J. Mullen, III
  • Patent number: 7947100
    Abstract: A compact suction and separation device is shown and described. The suction and separation device includes a pump and a separator. The pump includes a vertically oriented rotary vane pump comprising a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. The separator includes a collector configured to receive combinations of solids, liquids and air. The separator separates solids and/or liquids from the air. Air from the separator is routed from an air discharge into the suction inlet of the pump. Solids and/or liquids are drained from a liquids/solids discharge of the separator. The separator may be gravity-based or centrifuge-type separator driven by the pump motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Gast Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Thomas, Christopher Lee Blackburn, Troy Smits
  • Patent number: 7943039
    Abstract: A system for collecting the flow of sand and sediment in a water current including a catch basin and a seawater pumping arrangement. The catch basin includes a basin and a transfer tube, the basin having a bottom and a plurality of angled sidewalls defining a basin. The bottom basin aperture therethrough aligned with an aperture formed in the transport tube affixed horizontally below the bottom. The transfer tube preferably includes a wedge-shaped flow-enhancing cavity immediately downstream of the aligned apertures which enhances the flow of the sand and sediment from the basin. A longitudinal catch plate extending within a midportion of the transfer tube below the apertures prevents the sand and sediment from clogging the transfer tube when water flow through the transfer tube is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Calvin N. LeBuffe
  • Patent number: 7896170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow divider promoting separation, the flow divider comprising an inlet, at least one dividing fin, and two or more outlets. According to the present invention a pipeline leading to the inlet is sufficiently long to promote at least a degree of separation of a fluid that is carried through the pipeline and that initially is mixed, the lighter constituents flowing through a top section of the pipeline, and the heavier constituents flowing through a bottom section of the pipeline, wherein the at least one dividing fin is/are arranged either vertically and/or horizontally in order to divide the flow into two or more smaller flow streams downstream of the flow divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Bernt Bjerkreim, Karl Olav Haram, Per Salater
  • Patent number: 7892425
    Abstract: A water separation system includes a flow container includes a water inlet pipe; an inlet chamber in fluid communication with the water inlet pipe; a first settling chamber configured to settle grit and to float oil; an elevated, horizontally-oriented, elongate-rectangular water treatment flow inlet leading from the inlet chamber to the first settling chamber; a second settling chamber configured to settle solids; one or more plug flow conduits leading from the first settling chamber to the second settling chamber; an outlet chamber; an elevated treatment flow outlet disposed between the second settling chamber and the outlet chamber; a water outlet pipe in fluid communication with the outlet chamber; and an overflow mechanism disposed between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: StormwateRx, LLC
    Inventors: Ayn Generes, Calvin Paul Noling
  • Patent number: 7875174
    Abstract: An input chamber receives runoff water to be cleaned. Part of the way up the chamber wall is a restricted outlet which feeds a system for cleaning the water. At a still higher elevation another opening allows runoff water to flow to another cleaning system. Near the top of the chamber is an outlet pipe. A vertical baffle in front of the outlet cleans water that flows under the baffle on its way to the outlet. When the incoming flow rate is very high, water passes over the baffle to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
  • Patent number: 7875190
    Abstract: An input chamber receives runoff water to be cleaned. Part of the way up the chamber wall is a restricted outlet which feeds a system for cleaning the water. At a still higher elevation another opening allows runoff water to flow to an extended detention chamber. Near the top of the chamber is an outlet pipe. A vertical baffle in front of the outlet cleans water that flows under the baffle on its way to the outlet. When the incoming flow rate is very high, water passes over the baffle to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
  • Patent number: 7846331
    Abstract: A vacuum truck has a cylindrical tank which can be pivoted to discharge through a rear door is arranged for transporting collected solids while liquid is extracted and returned. Two tank extraction outlets in the top wall at the front and rear are connected to the vacuum pump and each includes a float valve ball contained in a receptacle above the top wall as to allow the tank to be filled to the top wall. For separating the materials into liquid which is pumped away and solids for transportation, the tank includes a generally upstanding dividing wall across the tank having a bottom wall portion, which can pivot away as the tank is tilted, and has a top edge defining a weir over which liquid can flow into the liquid collection area, and an upper screening section defined by a support screen and a hanging chain curtain in front of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Slawko Morris Baziuk
  • Patent number: 7846327
    Abstract: A storm water filter box has a floatable skimmer apparatus for preventing floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet. The filter box has an inlet and an outlet and an inlet filter located in the filter box housing. A portable skimmer is positioned in the box between the inlet and outlet and will rise and fall with the water level in the filter box to keep the top of the skimmer above the water level and force the storm water passing through the filter box under the floatable skimmer thereby blocking floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Dolores J. Happel, legal representative, Thomas H. Happel
  • Publication number: 20100300974
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device, system, and process are described that provide a filtered, metal-depleted (treated) fluid. The system includes two pairs of tanks that are piped and valved to allow one pair to fill/react while the other pair decants/discharges, which provides a continuous flow of metal-depleted (treated) fluid. Power requirements are minimal since fluid is pumped at a low head pressure. The design has applications in the potable water, industrial, mining, chemical and environmental sectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Henry O. Pate
  • Patent number: 7820054
    Abstract: A method of removing solids from the slurry at a construction site located on or near a stream in order to improve the quality of water discharged into the stream by forming treatment zones for receiving slurry, said zones comprising walls of filter bags and floors of filter skirts, said bags and skirts comprising geotextile material and the bags being filled with a shredded rubber and woodchip combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Denny Hastings FLP 14
    Inventors: Denny Hastings, Kyle Seagroves, Stephen M. Sliger
  • Patent number: 7806955
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separation system and a method thereof are disclosed. The said system comprises a gas-liquid separation conduit and a drain pipe. The drain pipe is curled and one side of the drain pipe connects to the gas-liquid separation conduit and the other side connects to a sewage pipe. According to the U-Tube principle, the gas and the liquid which both are exhausted by a machinery can be separated in the said system and therefore the said system can prevent related processes causing exhaust piping jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia Chun Wang, Fei Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 7799235
    Abstract: A system and related method for separating floating and nonfloating particulate and entrained, suspended, and/or dissolved contaminants from a fluid. The system includes a tank with a lower chamber spaced from an outlet or upper chamber by a confinement deck. The deck includes one or more sockets for receiving one or more filter units for fluid treatment. In addition, the lower chamber of the tank acts as a pretreatment sump to remove floating and nonfloating particulates, thereby reducing the load on the filter units. The filter units are configured for radial and/or upward flow of the fluid from the lower chamber. The filter units may include one or more filter media through which the fluid pass prior to exiting the tank. The filter units include a removable screening retainer for retaining the filter media and/or to screen relatively large contaminants. The filter unit may be removed for ease of tank maintenance and replacement of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc., I.S.C. Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Brian R. McLaughlin, Daniel P. Cobb, Vaikko P. Allen, II, Derek M. Berg
  • Patent number: 7794609
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kadant Black Clawson Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Egan, III
  • Publication number: 20100224573
    Abstract: A waste trap for a washing machine and for a dryer machine, the trap comprising a housing unit; a mounting bracket attached to housing unit, wherein the mounting bracket is attachable to a wash water discharge outlet of the washing machine and an air discharge outlet of the dryer machine; and a water dish attached to the housing unit such that the water dish is configured to receiving waste water from the washing machine and vented air from the dryer machine; wherein the housing unit provides an air gap between the water dish and the mounting bracket. The invention further provides for a kit for a waste trap for a washing machine and a dryer machine, and a method of using a waste trap for a washing machine and for a dryer machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tony GRBAVAC
  • Patent number: 7790023
    Abstract: The apparatus of this invention consists of a float assembly, constrained in its vertical movement by a perforated riser. The riser is surrounded by a flexible, bellows conduit which will allow the float assembly to move up and down the vertically disposed riser. The float assembly supports a weir collar designed to allow multiple weir orifice openings of different sizes. The flexible, bellows conduit is watertight, and prevents water from entering the riser below the float assembly that is buoyed just below the surface of the liquid basin. The riser is connected to an outlet that discharges the liquid from the liquid basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Nickie D. Mills
  • Publication number: 20100213119
    Abstract: A water separation system includes a flow container includes a water inlet pipe; an inlet chamber in fluid communication with the water inlet pipe; a first settling chamber configured to settle grit and to float oil; an elevated, horizontally-oriented, elongate-rectangular water treatment flow inlet leading from the inlet chamber to the first settling chamber; a second settling chamber configured to settle solids; one or more plug flow conduits leading from the first settling chamber to the second settling chamber; an outlet chamber; an elevated treatment flow outlet disposed between the second settling chamber and the outlet chamber; a water outlet pipe in fluid communication with the outlet chamber; and an overflow mechanism disposed between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Ayn Generes, Calvin Paul Noling
  • Patent number: 7776223
    Abstract: This present invention is related to a method of collecting high-level radioactive contaminated uranium powder underwater. It utilizes a long rod fixed to the pipe of the sewage pump at bottom, and takes another end of the sewage pump to connect to the sediment bag to collect uranium powder which is dispersed and contaminates the pond. Inhaling the pond water contains uranium powder into the sediment bag by sewage pump that is joined to a collecting can under it and waiting for precipitation of the powder. When the uranium powder in the sediment bag is completely precipitated into the collecting can, operator can utilize submersible pump to drain the pond water from the sediment bag. Operator may hold the cable wire of the uranium powder collecting can manually to move it to the collecting shelf and repeat the process several times until the high-level radioactive uranium powder in the contaminated pond are all collected on the uranium powder collecting shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Kuo-Yung Chang, Heng-Shiung Shen, Li Ma, Chung-Sheng Chen, Tsu-Man Chen
  • Patent number: 7753215
    Abstract: A weir assembly for use with a mixer-settler for liquid-liquid extraction includes in one embodiment an organic weir having an inlet opening below the free surface of the organic phase liquid and a vertically-adjustable front wall allowing adjustments in the position and/or height of the inlet opening. The organic weir can also feature an angled bottom coupled to a lip segment, an incline plate in the interior of the weir, and a front wall that is angled with respect to incoming fluid flow. In another embodiment the weir assembly can independently or additionally include an aqueous weir with a labyrinth section. The aqueous weir can optionally include an adjustable lip hingedly coupled to the top of the final partition in the labyrinth section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Michael Giralico
  • Publication number: 20100154727
    Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a fluid storage device for storing a first fluid in a second fluid storage container fillable with a second fluid includes a first fluid storage container, a first fluid inlet coupled to the first fluid storage container, and a first fluid outlet coupled to the first fluid storage container. The first fluid storage container is flexible. The first fluid inlet is communicable in fluid receiving communication with a first fluid source. The first fluid in the first fluid storage container is caused to drain from the first fluid outlet based on at least one of a first fluid level, a first fluid storage container pressure, a second fluid storage container pressure, the second fluid storage container filling with the second fluid, the first fluid outlet being opened for first fluid egress, and a first fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Malgorn, Arnaud Le Ven, Emmanuel Page, Jean-Yves Picard, J. Bruce Schelkopf, Barry Verdegan
  • Patent number: 7740752
    Abstract: A system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral is disclosed. It employs a plurality of stacked, generally flat treatment beds each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid. Since the fluid is spread over a large surface, its velocity slows causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid as a sludge. A pH correction device may add an agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out and into the sludge. Atmospheric oxygen may also be used to effect the precipitation. Portions of the beds may be isolated and the sludge collected resulting in a fluid having substantially less suspended and dissolved materials at a pH and temperature closer to normal. Energy may be produced from the movement of liquid through the system or from the heat energy of the fluid. Magnetics may be utilized to improve the precipitation of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher S. Gillis
  • Patent number: 7731853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment with which an organic solution extraction solution is purified from entrainment of aqueous solution and impurities during hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction. The method treats an organic extraction solution, which is loaded with a valuable metal or valuable substance from the aqueous solution. The purpose is to carry out the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic extraction solution simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Eero Ekman, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Bror Nyman, Jussi Vaarno
  • Patent number: 7731037
    Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Occidental Oil and Gas Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Verlin Frazier, Joel R. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7726494
    Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank maintains a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank and the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Earle Schaller, Elaine Schaller
  • Patent number: 7722763
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to purification and separation of a fluid flow stream, and more particularly, to a separation system including a device for dispersing the fluid flow and separating pollutants there from. The device includes a vertical screen and baffle wall positioned in a fluid flow stream between the inlet and outlet openings of a chamber. The chamber can include a sump for collecting and storing sediment that is separated from the fluid. The present invention also relates to a method of purifying and separating a fluid flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Benty, Mike Kistner, Ken Kistner, Paul Rowe, Paul McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20100122954
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to separate grease and solids from wastewater before reaching the sewers using a grease trap, wherein said grease trap comprises a detachable residue trap reducing turbulence and including a mesh which efficiently trap solid particles from the water waste in other to make easier the compliance with regulating agencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Felix Juan Rodriguez-Jovet
  • Patent number: 7718056
    Abstract: Separator for removing impurities, especially smaller particles, from rain water. It comprises a first reservoir (2) and a second reservoir (6). The first reservoir (2) performs the function of removing the heaviest portions of the impurities, but is also provided with a lamellar device (4), wherein small drops and impurities of the rain water may be combined to larger impurity aggregates. The second reservoir (6) is divided into a first chamber (6a) and a second chamber (6b), said chambers communicating with each other. A tube (5) provided with perforations (5?) is arranged above the lamellar device (4), through which rain water containing impurities is able to flow from the first reservoir (2) and into the first chamber (6a). The first chamber (6a) is provided with a filter (9). In this way, a more efficient purification of rain water than using the known separator is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Arne Bonnerup
  • Patent number: 7718057
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having a fluidizable media carrying anoxic bacteria in a first treatment zone and a filter membrane positioned in a second treatment zone. A wastewater is contacted with the fluidizable media and further contacted with air and a filter membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Edward J. Jordan, Wenjun Liu
  • Patent number: 7717275
    Abstract: An integrated perforated flocculating baffle system for use in a clarifier tank with a tank bottom, and a peripheral vertical wall bounding the interior of the tank is formed by a plurality of individual baffles interconnected and mounted to a support element, extending vertically inside the tank forming a rigid wall of perforated baffles allowing incoming water to pass through its openings and through gaps between individual baffles promoting flocculation of the suspended matter, and distributing the flow equally and uniformly throughout the settling the clarifiers. Each baffle includes solid linear and curved sections followed by perforated sections. The baffles are interconnected along the length by cross connectors to ensure rigidity. The resulting system provides an integrated perforated baffle system by which the water flows uniformly within the tank and flocculation is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Hany Zarif Gerges
  • Patent number: 7699984
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic treatment device comprises a vessel (2) within which is disposed an inner partition (24). The inner partition (24) divides the interior of the vessel (2) into outer and inner regions (22, 28). Flow enters the vessel (2) through a tangentially oriented inlet (14) and establishes a complex circulating flow within the vessel (2). Settleable solids migrate to the bottom of the vessel (2) and are deposited in a sump (20) through a solids outlet opening (18). Flow enters the inner region (28) through apertures (34) in the inner partition (24), and is discharged through an outlet duct (8). The inner region (28) is closed at its lower end by a frusto-conical, downwardly diverging lower wall (30) which projects outwardly from a central cylindrical wall (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro International PLC
    Inventors: Robert Yaw Gyamfi Andoh, Michael Guy Faram
  • Publication number: 20100089821
    Abstract: A baffle system in a clarifier tank having a tank bottom, a periphery, a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank and an effluent channel includes a plurality of baffles mounted on the clarifier tank. Each baffle has a baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end is coupled to a wall of the clarifier tank and the lower end is disposed at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 7695623
    Abstract: A system for enhancing an activated sludge process that includes at least one aeration tank subsystem for receiving a flow a wastewater and for introducing dissolved oxygen to a population of microorganisms to promote growth of biological flocs in a mixed liquor defined by a concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem includes an impregnation tank for mixing the mixed liquor, virgin weighting agent, and recycled weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into biological flocs suspended in the mixed liquor to form weighted biological flocs. A flocculant injection port located downstream from at least one aeration tank for introducing a flocculant to the mixed liquor for enhancing settling and thickening of the weighted biological flocs and for providing agglomeration of non-impregnated biological flocs and/or partially impregnated biological flocs with weighted biological flocs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Cambridge Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Woodard, Peter G. Marston, Ionel Wechsler
  • Patent number: 7694829
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous separation of crude oil from tar sands include using a hydrocarbon diluent and an aqueous solution in one or more settling vessels. The light components from the oil are collected and recycled to be used as the hydrocarbon diluent, and the aqueous solution is collected and recycled. A second aqueous solution is introduced in the second and subsequent vessels to prevent the formation of an oil film on the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Fred J. Veltri, John B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7686961
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water, particularly for the treatment and/or reduction of floating pollutants in storm water waste streams. The apparatus of the invention achieves a high containment level of floating pollutants compared to conventional oil/gas traps available for catch basin use. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is a catch basin trap that arrests the flow of pollutants, particularly floating pollutants. The trap is designed and installed in such a manner that a sealed system is created, ensuring that all fluid flow (e.g., storm water discharge) must pass through the trap and cannot bypass the trap due to unreliable trap attachment mechanisms or unsealed joints. Containment of floating pollutants is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Glynne
  • Patent number: 7666303
    Abstract: A separator tank for separating and trapping contaminants in rainwater and runoff is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the separator tank comprises a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and top wall defining an internal chamber; an insert located inside of the internal chamber, the insert comprising a weir defining an intake area between the weir and the side wall; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area; an inlet conduit for introducing an influent liquid into the intake area; wherein the weir is positioned such that the weir induces the influent liquid to flow in a swirling motion within the intake area. According to another embodiment of the present invention an insert for a separator tank is disclosed. The insert includes a weir defining an intake area for receiving an influent liquid; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Monteco Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Williams, Daniel F. Nason, George E. Hecker, Mahadevan Padmanabhan, James T. Mailloux, Stuart A. Cain
  • Patent number: 7651624
    Abstract: A process for decontamination and separation of a contaminated fluid including a first agent, a second agent, and a third agent may include the steps of directing the contaminated fluid to a first tank, substantially separating first agent in a first layer, a second agent in a second layer and a third agent in a third layer in a first tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum, placing the first agent and the second agent in a second tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum and placing the first and second agents in a second tank, removing the third agent by a vacuum and placing the third agent in a third tank, separating the first agent and the second agent based upon the gravities of the first and second agents, removing the second agent from the second tank and placing the second agent in the first tank based upon and until the first agent is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: B. Donald Parr
  • Publication number: 20100012594
    Abstract: This present invention is related to a method of collecting high-level radioactive contaminated uranium powder underwater. It utilizes a long rod fixed to the pipe of the sewage pump at bottom, and takes another end of the sewage pump to connect to the sediment bag to collect uranium powder which is dispersed and contaminates the pond. Inhaling the pond water contains uranium powder into the sediment bag by sewage pump that is joined to a collecting can under it and waiting for precipitation of the powder. When the uranium powder in the sediment bag is completely precipitated into the collecting can, operator can utilize submersible pump to drain the pond water from the sediment bag. Operator may hold the cable wire of the uranium powder collecting can manually to move it to the collecting shelf and repeat the process several times until the high-level radioactive uranium powder in the contaminated pond are all collected on the uranium powder collecting shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: KUO-YUAN CHANG, Heng-Shiung Shen, Li Ma, Chung-Sheng Chen, Tsu-Man Chen
  • Patent number: 7641805
    Abstract: A solids collector for collecting solids in waste water that are heavier than water includes a roto-molded plastic container having a cylindrical sidewall and a downwardly sloping bottom. An inlet and outlet are connected to the sidewall substantially above the sloping bottom so that solids that are heavier than water in the waste water coming into the container through the inlet have residence time in the container long enough to gravitationally separate towards the bottom. Waste water depleted of solids that are heavier than water discharge from the container through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7638065
    Abstract: A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization through treatment of water volume rather than flow rates, using vertically stacked water columns of varying depths to settle small particles. An overflow structure diverts excessive liquid without interfering with purification and separation, and can be placed integrally within or external to the apparatus receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Jensen Precast
    Inventors: R. Russell Stever, Stephen C. Phelps
  • Publication number: 20090294370
    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. The sludge blanket clarifier preferably has one or more flocculator modules disposed in the clarifier compartment to aid in flocculation and distribution of influent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison, Karl Michael Kyriss
  • Patent number: 7617940
    Abstract: A device in connection with a separator for cleaning or reaming such a separator. The separator includes a tank or a body (2) with an inlet and at least one outlet (5, 6). A transport pipeline (3) is connected to the inlet for the supply of fluid that is to be separated in the separator. The transport pipeline (3) extends from the inlet through the separator body (2). Part (6) of the line that is located inside the separator body (2) is provided with perforations or slits (7) so that fluid that arrives in the transport pipeline (3) flows into the tank through the perforations/slits (7). Mechanical equipment for cleaning the transport pipeline (3) is designed to be sent from a magazine through the separator body (2) and on via a pipe loop back to the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Publication number: 20090277848
    Abstract: A water recycling tank 40 for a filtration system 10 including a filter 30 and pump 20, the tank: (a) in communication with the filter and the pump; (b) that has a substantial height difference between the upper internal space and the lower internal space of the tank whereby the tank is adapted to permit water-borne sediments 47 to settle near the base 52 of the tank over time; (c) has a waste outlet 44 near or on the base; (d) has a recycling outlet 43 above the waste outlet and in communication with the pump; and (e) has an inlet 42 above the recycling outlet in communication with the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Slade, Anthony P. Marchmont, Roland V. Burgers
  • Patent number: 7582216
    Abstract: A water treatment system having a system inlet to receive a fluid flow, a treatment chamber, a first system outlet, and a second system outlet. The treatment chamber has an inlet in communication with the system inlet and an outlet in communication with the first system outlet, and is adapted to remove one or more contaminants from the fluid flow. The second system outlet is separated from the system inlet by a weir that prevents the fluid from passing into the second system outlet when the fluid is below a predetermined height, and allow at least a portion of the fluid to pass into the second system outlet without passing through the treatment chamber when the fluid is above a predetermined height. The second system outlet is isolated from the first system outlet such that fluid passing through the first system outlet can not impinge upon the treatment chamber outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Imbrium Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Justin Arnott, Brian Lee
  • Publication number: 20090211960
    Abstract: A fluid treatment tank for use in a well fluid processing system. The tank is divided into at least three compartments, including an oil treatment compartment for receiving oil from a separator vessel of the well fluid processing system so as to allow stabilization and/or final separation and treatment of the oil, a reject treatment compartment for receiving reject fluid from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow gravitational separation of heavier and lighter components of the reject fluid, and a water treatment compartment for receiving de-oiled water from one or more water treatment units of the well fluid processing system so as to allow degassing and/or final separation of the water. Also, a well fluid processing system including such a fluid treatment tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Aibel AS
    Inventors: Pal Jahre Nilsen, Matteo Chiesa, Peder Hansson, Helge L. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20090206027
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with settling tanks for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided where the tank includes a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. Fluid is removed from the collecting compartment of the tank to be used again in drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Darin Merle Harding
  • Publication number: 20090184049
    Abstract: A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Murray, Balreet Singh Dandiwal, Darren Francis Lawless, Gregory Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7560035
    Abstract: Trough sides enclosing clarified liquid to be guided, and a trough septum, promote efficient clarifier operation. A first side has a liquid outlet, a second side is spaced from and opposite to the first side, and third and fourth sides extend spaced from each other between the first and second sides. The septum extends from the first side to a termination, and extends at an angle with respect to the third and fourth sides. Septum configuration divides the trough into a flow path from the first side to and around the termination back to the first side. The path extends sequentially over clarifier orifices in one row then over clarifier orifices in a next row along a path length. A path area is regulated along the length in direct proportion to length values so the trough flow velocity is constant all along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 7556157
    Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank has a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank. The upper end of the baffle portion being disposed away from the side wall of the clarifier tank. The intermediate central portion between the lower end and the upper end, the baffle portion is curved such that the upper end curves inward towards the center of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Earle Schaller, Elaine Schaller
  • Patent number: 7553410
    Abstract: The present invention generally includes a septage treatment system comprising: (a) a primary treatment process system comprising: (1) a receiving station to pump the septage from a vehicle; (2) equalization tank(s) to receive septage from the receiving station; and (3) two or more mixing and odor control tanks to generate waste activated sludge; (b) a primary settling tank to generate waste activated sludge; (c) a secondary treatment process system comprising: (1) aeration tank(s) to receive waste activated sludge from the primary treatment process system and to generate water effluent; and (d) a tertiary treatment process system comprising: (1) wetland ditch(es) to receive water effluent from the aeration tank and to generate filtered water effluent; (2) wetland pond(s) to receive filtered water effluent from the wetland ditch(es) and to generate filtered water effluent; and (3) an aquaculture hydroponics and sand bed greenhouse to generate filtered water effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Eastwood Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Derrick O. Chennault