Heavier Constituent Trap, Chamber, Or Recess Patents (Class 210/532.1)
  • Publication number: 20090152214
    Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Shi-Ping Liu
  • Publication number: 20090152213
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Verlin Frazier, Joel R. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7544302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus comprises a tank with 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Darin Merle Harding
  • Patent number: 7540967
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating grease and solid waste from waste water. The grease trap includes a tank having a downwardly shaped bottom. An upwardly shaped divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A hole near an upper part of the divider allows waste into the upper chamber. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming waste water, while an outlet invert removes water from the tank. A lid covers the tank. A pipe extends through the lid, upper chamber, and lower chamber for sucking solid waste out of the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7540954
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying polluted water is disclosed, which can naturally remove polluted water stagnated in a treatment tank. The apparatus includes a treatment tank and an infiltration tank. The treatment tank has an inlet at its one side, and first and second outlets at its other side. The treatment tank treats the polluted water that flows through the inlet and discharges the treated polluted water through the first outlet. The infiltration tank is connected to the second outlet and has a plurality of infiltration holes formed on the body thereof. The infiltration tank allows the treated polluted water that flows from the second outlet of the treatment tank to permeate into the ground though the plurality of infiltration holes. Since the polluted water stagnated in the treatment tank can be naturally released, odor due to decay of the polluted water and a subsequent insect infestation can be prevented. In addition, maintenance fees to maintain to the treatment tank can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Chasedai Environment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeong-Chan An, Jae-Hong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7534344
    Abstract: An upflow stormwater filter has horizontally aligned filter media to provide a high throughput for treatment of contaminated water, longer life to filter media, and without material head drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignees: AquaShield, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kelly Williamson, Eric Rominger
  • Patent number: 7527731
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for removing sediment and other materials from storm water runoff is provided. An exemplary embodiment of this device includes: a first substantially cylindrical chamber a second substantially cylindrical chamber concentrically disposed within the upper portion of the first chamber, a first baffle concentrically disposed within the second chamber, and a second baffle disposed within the lower portion of the first chamber. A water inlet is attached to or formed integrally with the second chamber; a water outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber; and an optional bypass outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Yuming Su, Gayle F Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7520997
    Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 7520393
    Abstract: A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Matt G Driggers
  • Patent number: 7507333
    Abstract: Runoff water from parking lots and filling stations is cleaned by first passing via an inlet pipe tangentially into a vortex chamber where the swirling action separates the contaminants from the water. Floating contaminants are stored in the vortex chamber, trapped at the top of the chamber by the roof of that chamber and at the lower part of the chamber by a skirt. That roof has an access opening to permit removal of the floating contaminants. The body of the fluid thereafter moves downward into a settling chamber where heavier-than-water contaminants settle. As the fluid in the settling chamber builds up, it passes through cleaning screens to a clean water outlet. A by-pass overflow pipe to process very large volumes of water extends upward from the settling chamber. Each screen may have louvers for preventing contaminants from blocking the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Austin Meyermann
  • Publication number: 20090065449
    Abstract: A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Matt G. Driggers
  • Patent number: 7497945
    Abstract: A unitary or modular, pre-cast, drive-down pit system suitable for use in a heavy equipment wash installation. The completed pit collects runoff generated by the washing of heavy equipment such as construction, industrial, farming, or road-building equipment. The pre-cast concrete separation unit and separate wall sections have tongue and groove mating ends that facilitate assembling the pit and provide for sealing against leakage of water. The separation unit has up to four chambers: a primary solids collection section; a secondary solids settling chamber; a free oil separating section; and a pump water holding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael A. Solomon, Geoffrey L. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20090050583
    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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Justin Arnott, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 7488418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090032450
    Abstract: The system comprises one or more of the following: primary treatment units, flexible pipes, and optionally, one or more pumps. The system is designed and installed in a manner that enables the flow of liquid to be predominantly due to gravity, although one or more pumps may optionally be included at key positions. The system can be sealed and pressure tested in order for optimal performance to be achieved during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Clearford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Connelly, Duane Smith
  • Patent number: 7484627
    Abstract: An oil-water separation pack includes an upper body having cross-sectional shape narrowing from a bottom to a top. The upper body includes an oil rising region provided in an inside central portion thereof, and an oil-discharging opening provided in a top portion thereof. A lower body disposed beneath the upper body includes a plurality of oblique flow-in ports, which allow an oil-water mixture to flow obliquely into an inside portion thereof and flows of the oil-water mixture to collide with each other and stagnate in the inside portion of the lower body, thereby enabling the oil to float and be separated from water. A coupling unit integrally couples a bottom portion of the upper body with a top portion of the lower body, thereby forming a continuous space extending from the lower body to the upper body. The continuous space allows oil to float therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Cheon Eok Lee
  • Patent number: 7481321
    Abstract: An interceptor configured to at least partially separate a mixture of a first material and a second material, the first material being a fluid. The interceptor includes a container having a base and a sidewall portion that extends upwardly from the base to at least partially define a separation chamber configured to receive the mixture and to facilitate separation of the first and second materials. The interceptor further includes an inlet aperture and an inlet diffuser. The inlet aperture is configured to provide fluid communication between the separation chamber and an inlet conduit that delivers the mixture to the interceptor. The inlet diffuser is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture and the inlet diffuser includes a body portion located within the separation chamber and an elongated outlet aperture that extends through the body portion to provide fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schier Products Company
    Inventor: Martin B. Ismert
  • Publication number: 20090020466
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Williams, Daniel F. Nason, George E. Hecker, Mahadevan Padmanabhan, James T. Mailloux, Stuart A. Cain
  • Patent number: 7476318
    Abstract: A mud tank for processing drilling mud during drilling operations wherein the interior of the mud tank has sloping walls to guide sinking aggregate toward a sand trap disposed at the point of convergence thereof. The sand trap is comprised of the convergences area of the sloping walls and an inverted V-shaped cap member located thereabove along the entire length with ¼? gaps provided between the edges of the cap and their respective sloping walls. Aggregate is drawn through the gaps into the sand trap by a sand pump that provides a suction line therein. A center-divider within the mud tank separates the tank into a dirty tank and a clean tank to provide redundant cleaning operation for more effective removal of aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: James A Tibban
  • Patent number: 7473373
    Abstract: A stormwater pollution management apparatus for a stormwater basin including a water intake assembly having a first end and a second end generally aligned along an axis and includes a hollow inverted T-shaped connector. A horizontal intake projects in a first direction from one side of the T-shaped connector toward the first end of the water intake assembly. The axially elongated intake defines a series of openings along the length and about the periphery thereof. An outlet projects in a second direction from a second side of the T-shaped connector toward the second end of the water intake assembly. A wrapper extends along and about the generally horizontal intake for creating an energy differential between the sediment water flowing into the water intake assembly and the water in the basin thereby affecting separation of particulate sediment from the water flowing into the water intake assembly. A hollow riser extends upwardly from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Perry W. Danler
  • Publication number: 20090001026
    Abstract: A paint reclamation clarifier system in communication with a sump tank in a paint booth containing a carrier fluid for capturing paint droplets and a conduit for transporting the carrier fluid mixed with paint droplets to the reclamation clarifier system is presented. The clarifier system includes an influent port, a detackification agent inlet, a sludge tank in a lower portion of the clarifier for collecting the dispersed carrier liquid, where the paint droplets bond with the agent and settle to the bottom of the sludge tank, a sludge outlet, and, at least one effluent port located on or near an upper portion of a sidewall of the clarifier system permitting unsettled material to exit from the clarifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: John M. Spangler
  • Publication number: 20090001030
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for collecting solids selling on the bottom of a liquid reservoir and/or floating solids, the apparatus (10) having a hollow suction head (23) and at least one outlet duct (26) extending from the suction head (23). Air can be supplied to the suction head (23) to create a suction pressure in the suction head (23) to cause settling solids beneath the suction head (23) to pass along the outlet duct or ducts (26). The suction head (23) may be connected to a collector (11) which is provided with a float (21) to support the collector (11) at the surface of the liquid, and the outlet duct or ducts (26) are connected to the collector (11) which collects the solids. The collector (11) may also have an inlet to collect floating solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Ian Bradley Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080314823
    Abstract: A lamella panel module is formed from extruded PVC side rails and a plastic plate member secured to the opposing side panels. Each side rail is formed with receiver mounts defining recesses for the mounting of the lamella plates. The plates are preferably affixed to the receiver mounts by adhesives to establish a structurally stable panel module. Each side rail has fore-and-aft opposing mating flanges that prevent horizontal movement of the modules, but allow generally vertical movement to enable any module to be removed from the assembly and replaced. The frame of the lamella separator assembly is formed with a support ledge on the opposing lateral sides of the frame to support a walking grid therebetween. The supported walking grid does not interfere with the flow of clarified water into the collection troughs supported on a vertical member projecting above the support ledge and allows cleaning of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Frank M. Kulick, III, Kerry Dissinger
  • Publication number: 20080314838
    Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gina Young Becker, Sigifredo Castro Diaz, Michael Hanson, Kylo Martin Heller
  • Patent number: 7468136
    Abstract: A vortex grit trap comprising a generally vertically extending tank of circular cross-section including a separation zone having an inlet and an outlet for liquid flow to and from the tank, and in which liquid is circulated about a longitudinal axis of the tank, and, a grit collection zone positioned beneath the separation zone in use, the trap being characterized by a generally circular tank divider centered on the vertical longitudinal axis of the tank and extending transverse thereto, the divider defining a notional boundary between the separation and collection zones of the tank and being of smaller diameter than the adjacent region of the tank so as to define with the adjacent tank wall an annulus through which grit passes from the separation zone to the collection zone in use, and, means for generating a cloud of gas bubbles migrating in use upwardly through substantially the whole of said annulus whereby substantially all grit passing from the separation zone into the collection zone passes through the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.
    Inventor: John C. Bache
  • Patent number: 7465402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction along the longitudinal axis of the separation section in the feed end of an extraction separation section. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion to be fed into the separation section is guided so that it spreads evenly over the cross-section of the separation section using a directional member placed so as to obtain a vertical flow. The equipment in accordance with the invention consists of a directional member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7462290
    Abstract: A device for removing solids from a fluid containment space. A hood is arranged or intended to be arranged at a bottom surface of the fluid containment space. At least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening are provided on a first side of the hood. The hood is provided with one or more elements for directing fluids through the respective outlet opening on the first side of the hood from the inner space of the hood to the fluid containment space exterior of the hood in an essentially horizontal direction or in a direction towards the bottom surface of the fluid containment space. Also provided are a separator including such a device and a method for removing solids from a fluid containment space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Espen Hauge, Deborah Wood
  • Patent number: 7459090
    Abstract: A separator for stormwater includes a long, U-shaped sediment chamber and an oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick X. Collings
  • Publication number: 20080277335
    Abstract: A garnet settling/filtration system for use with a plurality of machine tools such as a water jet cutting machine is described. The garnet settling/filtration system comprises a settling tank, which utilizes a removable, disposable settling weir, which is received therein. The settling weir drops into the settling tank and provides an over-under flow system through which the garnet slurry must travel. As the flow of the slurry travels over and under the incorporated series of baffles, the garnet particulate settles out on the bottom of the liner. Once the liner has reached its maximum holding capacity, a series of incorporated, reinforced removal loops located near the top of the liner allow for the easy and quick removal of the liner and the settled-out particulate from the settling tank. The liner can then be discarded and a new one replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby reducing downtime of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Duane C. Allen
  • Patent number: 7449109
    Abstract: In a device for separating water and filtering impurities out of liquid hydrocarbons or fuels, comprising a housing including a first vertically arranged hollow body receiving the coalescer element and a second vertically arranged hollow body receiving a fine filter, and the first and second hollow bodies are joined to one another via a flow-routing component, both being oriented perpendicularly to the horizontally arranged flow-routing component which has a relatively large volume and a configuration for quieting the fuel flow to enhance collection of water droplets in a collection chamber formed at the bottom of at the bottom of the flow-routing component from where the collected water can be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Helmut Pichler
  • Patent number: 7445707
    Abstract: A waste treatment system that removes as much of the inorganic and organic solids as possible prior to treating the collected waste material in treatment lagoons. First, inorganic solids, such as sand, are removed, if needed. Then coarse solids are removed, including manure and other organic material such as straw. After removal of inorganic and coarse solids, additional fine solids are removed through two settling basins. For example, after coarse solids separation and fine solids separation, the solids concentration has been reduced by over 80%. Preferably, the coarse solids separation and fine solids separation has reduced size requirements of the treatment lagoons to accommodate an organic loading, as total volatile solids, between 0.00253 lb/ft3 of lagoon volume/day×K and 0.0105 lb/ft3 of lagoon volume/day×K, where K varies from about 0.4 to about 1.2. Finally, the remaining liquid is treated in the treatment lagoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Envirolytic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Menke, David Ricke
  • Patent number: 7438803
    Abstract: A garnet settling/filtration system for use with a plurality of machine tools such as a water jet cutting machine is described. The garnet settling/filtration system comprises a settling tank, which utilizes a removable, disposable settling weir, which is received therein. The settling weir drops into the settling tank and provides an over-under flow system through which the garnet slurry must travel. As the flow of the slurry travels over and under the incorporated series of baffles, the garnet particulate settles out on the bottom of the liner. Once the liner has reached its maximum holding capacity, a series of incorporated, reinforced removal loops located near the top of the liner allow for the easy and quick removal of the liner and the settled-out particulate from the settling tank. The liner can then be discarded and a new one replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby reducing downtime of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ebbco, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane C. Allen
  • Patent number: 7438808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sand catcher comprising a deposition chamber (1) that is configured as a steel container with a cylindrical cross-section, traversed in a longitudinal direction. Said deposition chamber comprises air-supply nozzles (4) on one longitudinal side for generating a circulatory motion or the water transversally to the longitudinal direction of the deposition chamber (1) and a sand collection channel (3), located in the lower section, that runs in a longitudinal direction. A waste water inlet (6) for generating the circulatory motion of the water leads into the upper section of the deposition chamber (1), running transversally to said chamber. The air-supply nozzles (4) are provided on the side of the waste water inlet (6) below the latter (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Werkstoff & Funktion Grimmel Wassertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Grimmel
  • Publication number: 20080251465
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids includes a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing lank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and move the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ambrose RALPH, Randy WOLD, Roger ALLARD
  • Patent number: 7431852
    Abstract: A separator separates water and oil. An outer housing has an inner volume and an inner housing. One port in the inner housing receives influent mixed liquids. Another port from the inner housing discharges water outside the outer housing and defines a static liquid level. An outlet above the static level from the inner housing to the inner volume allows oil held in the inner housing to flow to the outlet. Surges of influent temporarily raise liquid levels, so oil passes the outlet to the inner volume. A supplemental separator in the outer housing removes oil from the inner volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7429332
    Abstract: A device for separating constituents of a fluid mixture includes an elongate vessel oriented at an acute angle to horizontal. The vessel is operable to receive the fluid mixture and direct the fluid mixture to flow in a convection cell spanning substantially a length of the vessel. The convection cell is formed by gravitational forces acting on the fluid mixture and is operable to deposit a heavy constituent of the fluid mixture about a lower end of the vessel and a light constituent of the fluid mixture about an upper end of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20080230463
    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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Earle Schaller, Elaine Schaller
  • Patent number: 7427356
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a gravity draining automatic FOG interceptor with solids removal capability used as a first stage in the treatment of gray water. A preferred embodiment comprises a multi compartment container, the compartments separated by baffles, having a serviceable solids strainer in a first compartment, a second compartment having a cogged belt for FOG removal and collection, a third compartment for collection of clarified effluent, and a fourth compartment for tertiary treatment of the gray water effluent, for example, the introduction of biotechnology. The unique baffle configuration prevents biotechnology backflow migration from the fourth compartment with resulting bacterial contamination of the FOG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Chapin
  • Patent number: 7422683
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vortex separator for separating floating and settling substances from storm-water. The vortex separator of the present invention can separate fine settling substances as well as coarse settling substances, floating substances and oil from storm-water. To achieve the above purpose, the vortex separator of the present invention includes a separation casing, a guide plate, which is provided in the separation casing and supported by a connection plate, and an inlet pipe, which is coupled to the guide plate and extends outside the separation casing, so that the storm-water is drawn into the guide plate through the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: No Yeon Park
  • Patent number: 7410584
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ashbrook Simon-Hartley Operations, LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Devine
  • Patent number: 7401704
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying solid material in a process vessel includes, a first baffle set comprising a plurality of inclined baffles located above the eductors and arranged to restrict upward flow of solids in the direction of movement of the solids. A second baffle set may be used to prevent particles rebounding from an end wall and back into upper levels of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cyclotech Limited
    Inventors: David Hadfield, Michael Hess, Alastair Sinker, Ian Smyth, Pete Thompson
  • Patent number: 7390420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and compressing a dispersion formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction. The compression of the dispersion is achieved by reducing the cross-section of the separation section in the direction of flow and by equipping the separation section with a dispersion-damming member. The equipment according to the invention thus comprises a settler, which is essentially trapezoid in shape so that its cross-section is wider at the feed end of the settler and gets smaller towards the rear end of the settler, from whence the separated solutions are discharged from the settler, and the settler is equipped with at least one device to dam up the dispersion. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Publication number: 20080142438
    Abstract: A self-contained wetlands treatment system to remove pollutants from water and treat stormwater runoff or other grey water. This is system and method wherein the water is passed through a wetland filtering and treatment system. This invention removes solids, metals (dissolved/particulate), nutrients (dissolved/particulate), oils, and bacterial contaminants from the water. The system and system housing can be fabricated, built, and assembled in a broad range of sizes and materials to accommodate and treat a broad range of influent flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: GREG B. KENT
  • Patent number: 7384551
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a trapezoid settler having a longitudinal axis, a base, a first side wall oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, a second side wall opposing the first side wall and oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and a coalescence fence connected to the first side wall and the second side wall. The coalescence fence has a first screen, a second screen oriented generally parallel to the first screen, and a media disposed between the first screen and the second screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Giralico, Bernd Gigas, Michael Joseph Preston
  • Patent number: 7383958
    Abstract: A desanding vessel is inserted in a high velocity fluid stream containing entrained particulates. The vessel comprises an upper freeboard portion having a large cross-sectional wherein the fluid stream velocity drops and particulates fall from suspension. Preferably the fluid stream is introduced offset upwardly from an axis of a horizontally oriented cylindrical vessel, released particulates falling to accumulate in a lower belly portion. The freeboard portion is maintained using a depending flow barrier adjacent the vessel's outlet which sets the depth of accumulation in the belly portion. A cleanout enables periodic removal of accumulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Specialized Tech Inc
    Inventors: Christopher A Hemstock, Bruce G Berkan, Kevin D Price
  • Publication number: 20080121589
    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, flocculent, 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Blair Godlien
  • Patent number: 7367459
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating grease and solid waste from waste water. The grease trap includes a tank having a downwardly shaped bottom. An upwardly shaped divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A hole near an upper part of the divider allows waste into the upper chamber. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming waste water, while an outlet invert removes water from the tank. A lid covers the tank. A pipe extends through the lid, upper chamber, and lower chamber for sucking solid waste out of the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7334689
    Abstract: An overflow launder for a separation cell where particles are fluidiZEd and rise to the top of the cell, has a primary trough (1) surrounding the rim of the cell (2), and an array of secondary troughs (4) extending across the fluid surface from the side (5) of the rim to the opposite side (6). FluidiZed particles can report directly to the secondary troughs (4) without travelling across the surface of the cell, reducing the incidence configurations with radial secondary troughs and external and/or internal primary troughs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Galvin, Maurice Munro
  • Patent number: 7331472
    Abstract: A tank has an inlet opening mounted at an end wall at the beginning of an elongated horizontal path for supplying a mixture to be separated, and two outlet openings mounted at the end of the elongated horizontal path for separately draining the separated liquids. An outlet opening located below the inlet opening and is connected to a vertical channel furnished with a sink located at least on the level of the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lisopharm AG
    Inventors: Alexander Seregin, Victor Ermolov, Vladimir Minaev, Andrey Orlov
  • Patent number: 7328809
    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: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Michael Giralico