Chemically Specified Precipitant, Coagulant, Or Flocculant Patents (Class 210/705)
  • Patent number: 6268469
    Abstract: Coagulated particles having a low water content are separated and recovered from an emulsified dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer particles. A solid-liquid separation method comprising: a step for adding a coagulant in an emulsified dispersion of fluorine-containing polymer particles to coagulate the fluorine-containing polymer particles with stirring and obtain a slurry of coagulated particles, a step for filtrating the slurry, and a step for pressing the obtained cake. It is preferable to continuously carry out the filtration step and pressing step with a filter press or a belt press. Also a washing step may be provided after the filtration step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Daikin Insdustries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hiraga, Satoshi Komatsu, Tomohisa Noda, Hiroyuki Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6261459
    Abstract: An improved process for the treatment of water, selected from livestock wastewater and a livestock water stream, which process comprises adding to said water a composition comprising a sufficient amount of an acid to lower the water pH to less than 3.5 to 2.0; and wherein said acid is selected from the group of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-hydroxyalkyltriglyoxilic acid (PR-1409SA); 2,2-oxy-diacetic acid; 2,2-ether diglycolic acid; sulfamic acid; and sulfuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Polymer Research Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6261460
    Abstract: A method for removing a contaminant from water includes mixing droplets of a substantially non-water soluble oil with water to combine with the contaminant. The oil can include polar or ionic functional groups. A chemical destabilizer is added to the water to coagulate and aggregate the oil-contaminant mixture. The mixture is then separated from the water by gravity settling, filtration, or dissolved air flotation, thereby removing the contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: James A. Benn, Kenneth C. Thode
  • Patent number: 6251277
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying protein containing waste water, In which a) a first insoluble material is caused to form in the waste water, b) the mixture obtained in step a) is separated to form pre-purified waste water, c) the pre-purified waste water is treated with aerobic microorganisms and d) the mixture obtained in step c) is separated to form finely purified waste water, and in which step b) and step d) are carried out in the same device. Preferably, steps b) and d) are alternately carried out in the same device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Friesland Brands B.V.
    Inventor: Jelle Van Der Spoel
  • Patent number: 6248369
    Abstract: A water soluble copper salt, preferably cupric sulfate pentahydrate, is mixed with water. A small quantity of an acidic flocculant is added to the copper sulfate solution to acidify the water and promote dissolving of the copper sulfate in the water. A 25-50% water solution of an acidic flocculant, with or without a cationic polymeric flocculant aid, is prepared and pumped into a processing vessel or tank. The acidified copper sulfate solution is added to the tank and mixed with the acidic flocculant. The algicide-flocculant solution is transported to a municipal water plant and added to raw water in the clarifier to drop out particulates in the incoming water and control algae in the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Bay Chemical and Supply Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nier, Tosby L. Linn
  • Patent number: 6240585
    Abstract: Wastewater from a commercial laundry is treated by adding coagulant directly to the wastewater from each load of items washed. The amount of coagulant is administered using a controller. The controller in turn is programmed with an amount of coagulant which should be added based on the type of item being washed. The same controller can be used to inject the detergent into the washing apparatus. Thus the operator of the laundry simply enters the type of item being washed into the controller. This will automatically control both the amount of detergent added to the laundry as well as the amount of coagulant added to the wastewater discharged from the washing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Washing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Praechter, David Tibbitts, Andrew J. Weber
  • Patent number: 6238564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment method of sludge, comprising adding and mixing carbide in powder and/or particulate (carbon-containing materials, being porous and of a light weight, produced by baking in a covered pan organic matters such as used tire and rubber other than active charcoal) with sludge to adsorb and float up the sludge, and separating the sludge, and unlike conventional methods for precipitating and separating sludge by using coagulants such as Al and Ca salts and the like, no such coagulants are required, so that the separated sludge is highly safe and can be prepared as compost for recycling, and thus, highly costly incineration disposal or dumping as has been carried out conventionally is not any more needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Yonemi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6221254
    Abstract: A method of purifying an aqueous liquid stream is provided, wherein the liquid stream is pressurized and contains proteinaceous materials, such as blood, and suspended solids, comprising the introduction of carbon dioxide into the liquid stream in a manner to reduce the pH of the liquid stream sufficient to cause coagulation ofthe proteinaceous materials. Specifically, it is intended that the pH of the liquid stream is reduced to a level below the isoelectric point of the proteinaceous materials, preferably at a level below pH 4.5. In a preferred method, the liquid stream is moved by a dissolved gas pump, wherein the carbon dioxide is introduced into the dissolved gas pump, and wherein a first portion of the gas is caused to dissolve within the liquid stream, and a second portion of the gas is caused to entrain within the liquid stream in the form of micro-fine bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: J. Rodney Dickerson, Mark W. Moshier
  • Patent number: 6217765
    Abstract: A calcium carbonate mineral is placed in a lower portion of a second water tank, while sludge precipitated in a sixth water tank is returned to an upper portion. A blower and an air diffusion pipe weakly aerate the lower portion. Thus, an unreacted chemical sludge zone is formed in the upper portion of the second water tank. As a result, the second water tank can execute a primary treatment of fluorine in a waste water by the calcium carbonate mineral, a secondary treatment of fluorine and a primary treatment of phosphor by unreacted chemicals, treatment of surface active agent by microorganisms in a return sludge and reduction treatment of hydrogen peroxide by anaerobic microorganisms in the return sludge. The unreacted chemicals are thus reused, so that the amount of generation of waste can be reduced and concurrently the treatment can be executed with energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Noriyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6210585
    Abstract: A method of separating solids and preventing foaming in an industrial water system comprising adding to fluids in the industrial water system an effective amount of a low foaming latex polymer prepared using a tallow amine ethoxylate/polyoxyethylene oleyl ether emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: James Morton Tippett, Graeme John Farquharson, Radhakrishnan Selvarajan, John T. Malito
  • Patent number: 6177571
    Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals, selected from palladium, tin and nickel, from heavy metal complexes with thiazole compounds in aqueous or alcoholic solution, by precipitation as sulfides, characterised in that such solutions are treated with a water-soluble ammonium, alkaline or alkaline-earth sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Zambon Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Fantucci
  • Patent number: 6165369
    Abstract: Stable suspensions can be made from acidic metal salt solutions and finely divided acid-insoluble solid particles that have a particle size of less than twenty-five microns, preferably less than ten microns, and most preferably, about one micron. These suspensions can be used to treat surface waters to remove organic materials therefrom. The suspension forms a floc that includes the solid particles and organic materials, which floc rapidly settles out of solution, leaving purified water as the supernatant liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: General Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: James Nelson Tanis, Jawahar Chunilal Parekh
  • Patent number: 6146465
    Abstract: An improved process for clarifying sugar syrup in the flotation system of a sugar making operation. Neutral phosphate-based compounds are added to the flotation system to aid in clarifying the sugar syrup. The use of the neutral phosphate-based compounds will eliminate the use of phosphoric acid and the commensurate need for neutralizing chemical as well as elimination of the tanks for phosphoric acid and neutralizing chemical mixing at field installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Betzdearborn Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Roberto Xavier, Claudio Candido Luiz, Luiz Antonio Fernandes
  • Patent number: 6132625
    Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to clarify substantially aqueous streams and optionally separate biosolids, especially proteins, from food processing operations which comprises contacting an aqueous stream comprising biosolids with an anionic inorganic colloid and an organic polymer, to flocculate the biosolids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Robert Harvey Moffett
  • Patent number: 6126837
    Abstract: Methods for removing suspended particles from a solution are disclosed. These methods generally comprise adding to the solution to be treated an effective amount of a composition comprising a Mannich derivatized polyether. The polyether is generally described as the condensation polymer of Mannich derivatized bisphenol and a difunctional monomer. The methods have broad application in a wide variety of industries and are effective in removal of all types of suspended particles even when numerous types of particles are contained within the same solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Miknevich, Shih-Ruey T. Chen
  • Patent number: 6117333
    Abstract: A process is disclosed which involves removing hydrocarbons, arsenic and mercury from wastewater produced in oil and gas fields. An oxidant, ferric ions, and flocculent are sequentially added to the wastewater to form a removable sludge containing the arsenic, hydrocarbon, and mercury contaminants. The Oxidation-Reduction Potential of the wastewater is controlled by oxidant addition to allow the required arsenic oxidation to occur while maintaining the mercury in elemental form. The process requires relatively short residence times between chemical additions and provides for large wastewater throughputs. The cleaned wastewater is suitable for discharge to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Theodore C. Frankiewicz, John Gerlach
  • Patent number: 6113797
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-stage high pressure high recovery process utilizing two reverse osmosis membrane systems intended to provide very high overall water recoveries from contaminated inorganic scale-containing water in an economical manner while preventing scale formation on the membrane and prolonging the useful life of the membrane. The first stage of the process involves using a low pressure membrane system to preconcentrate scale compounds while purifying the bulk volume of the scale-containing water (using antiscalants with pH control) and combining the influent water with a recycle stream of concentrate from the second stage membrane process in order to prevent scale formation. This first stage membrane system is followed by a second stage membrane system wherein the concentrate from the first stage membrane system is treated further at higher pressure in order to provide purification of the remaining preconcentrated stream and achieve very high overall water recoveries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Riad A. Al-Samadi
  • Patent number: 6082548
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated soil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel for holding a volume of water which is subdivided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The chambers are in fluid communication and are partially separated by a baffle. A soil conveyor is provided for conveying a supply of the contaminated soil to the first chamber. A gas supply directs a supply of pressurized gas into the first chamber, thereby creating a turbulent mixture of soil and water in the first chamber to effect segregation of the soil into a substantially small particle size first fraction and a substantially large particle size second fraction. The reactor vessel includes a first outlet located in a lower portion of the second chamber for withdrawing a slurry comprising the second soil fraction from the reactor vessel. The lower portion of the second chamber may be funnel-shaped to help direct the mixture of soil and water toward the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Chemtech Analysis Inc.
    Inventors: Robert John Stephenson, Choom Jim Lim, Kok-Seng Lim
  • Patent number: 6077433
    Abstract: A new process for simultaneous extraction of dispersed and dissolved hydrocarbon contaminants from water. The process is based on the principle of injecting natural hydrocarbon gas to the water feed stream under pressure and temperature conditions which permit the gas to act as a solvent for dissolved and dispersed hydrocarbon contaminants. The dispersed particles "swell" and have a reduced density which markedly improves the efficiency of the downstream separation by liquid--liquid-hydrocyclones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Cagniard de la Tour AS
    Inventors: Inge Brun Henriksen, Gary William Pace
  • Patent number: 6074549
    Abstract: In a process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a sent free water stream, the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65.degree. C. whereby at such controlled temperature enhanced cavitation in said jet pump separates said oily film from said sand particles to form slop oil, said tank providing for recirculation of sand particles through said jet pump before discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Canadian Environmental Equipment & Engineering Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana L. Bacon Cochrane, Patrick J. Cochrane, Wade R. Bozak, Roderick M. Facey
  • Patent number: 6063281
    Abstract: In a process for the extraction of organic compounds contained in an aqueous solution of non-ionic surfactants which contain the organic compounds to be extracted, the aqueous solution is intensely mixed with a liquid which is not miscible with water whereby the organic compounds transfer to the liquid which is not miscible with water, and the blend of the aqueous solution and the liquid which is not miscible with water is then separated, the mixing and the separation process being performed in a centrifugal extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Bonkhoff, Franz-Hubert Haegel, Silke Kowalski, Gunter Subklew
  • Patent number: 6036881
    Abstract: A stabilized lime slurry for treatment of biological solids in sewage. The composition preferably includes 30-36% calcium hydroxide, 10-16% potassium hydroxide, 2-4% potassium chloride, 2-4% magnesium hydroxide, all on a dry basis, and the balance in water. This composition raises the pH rapidly for destroying pathogens, is sufficiently concentrated for economically feasible transportation, and reduces the cost, difficulties and dangers of treating sewage with a lime based composition while providing a resulting product from the sewage treatment process which can be spread upon agricultural soil in a manner which improves soil fertility without introducing undesirable or contaminating materials into the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: New Eezy Gro, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis S. Hurst
  • Patent number: 6019904
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for clarifying ink-laden water obtained from the recycling of paper stocks by treating said water with a hydrophilic dispersion polymer. The hydrophilic dispersion polymer of the invention is a copolymer of a diallyl N,N-disubstituted ammonium halide cationic monomer and (meth)acrylamide (AcAm). Following dosing with the polymer, a floc is formed. The floc contains ink and impurities which are removed from the water process stream by means of solid liquid separation; the solid liquid separation comprising a dissolved air flotation method. A preferred copolymer is formed from DADMAC and AcAm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jane B. Wong Shing, Karen R. Tubergen
  • Patent number: 5977190
    Abstract: A process of washing an emulsion such as a silver halide emulsion which contains a hydrophilic colloid comprises deionizing the emulsion and coagulating the emulsion with an anionic polymer and separating the coagulum from the supernatant and resuspending the coagulum with hydrophilic colloid, water and a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Lobo, Kenneth B. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5968369
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sorin, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Anderson, Lee Edward Ellenburg
  • Patent number: 5958240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste water to generate clarified water for reuse in industrial processes which includes the steps of adding agents to the waste stream to generate floccules, aerating the waste stream to cause a portion of the floccules to float, decanting floating floccules and lighter than water immiscible pollutants from the top surface of the waste stream, directing the waste stream through an incline clarifier so as to permit heavier than water floccules to form sludge in a bottom region of the clarifier. Sludge and decanted pollutants are sent to a bioremediation tank where hydrocarbons are decomposed and the remaining sludge is dewatered and compacted to a solid condition for disposal in a public waste facility. The clarified water is transferred to a steam generator or pressurized water delivery system for reuse. The invention is particularly useful for equipment cleaning operations such as in truckyards or airports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoel
  • Patent number: 5948270
    Abstract: A method for reducing turbidity in laundry waste water comprising the steps of treating said water with effective amounts of a first polymer comprised of a dialkyl diallyl ammonium halide containing (meth)acrylic acid moieties and a second anionic, nonionic or cationic acrylamide polymer is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventor: Denis E. Hassick
  • Patent number: 5938936
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, portable dredging system that employs a series of screens and gravity separation devices with flocculation to remove sediments from the dredged slurry. The system produces a treated water stream having low solids content and a recovered solids product having a low water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Solomon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hodges, Robert Leland Schwartz, George C. Kane
  • Patent number: 5935448
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for purifying water wherein a highly dispersed, hydrophobic flocculant is produced in situ. In the preferred methods, a dispersion of a water-insoluble, metallic soap is produced in situ by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, multivalent metal salt with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, alkali soap. The apparatus of the present invention includes a first mixing chamber for producing in situ an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic flocculant. The apparatus further includes a second mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and a flocculation/separation basin. The hydrophobic flocculant is evenly dispersing within the contaminated water by introduction into the second chamber through a high pressure pump and sparger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Jorge Miller
  • Patent number: 5897810
    Abstract: Shell fossil powder is added to a flocculation agent which is mainly composed of gypsum and silicate compound, and the mixture is added to a suspension. The mixing ratio of the flocculation agent and shell fossil powder is 3:1. The flocculation agent functions as a coagulation core A, and the shell fossil powder is able to absorb grains in the suspension as a carrier B and is acquired by the coagulation core A. The carrier B is a grain which is able to effectively utilize Ca.sup.2+ flocculation site of the coagulation core A, which absorbs a great deal of suspending grains, wherein the suspending grains are acquired by the coagulation core A and form a large flock and are quickly settled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignees: Yutaka Tamaura, Chiiki Shinko Jigyo-dan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Tamaura, Takashi Kiryu
  • Patent number: 5897784
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for treating swimming pool waters in order to remove one or more nutrients necessary for algal growth and to accelerate the breakdown of objectionable chloramines within chlorinated pool waters. The target nutrients of preference are those containing phosphorus or nitrogen. Phosphorus nutrients are preferably removed by ion-exchange with finely divided lanthanum carbonate, or by direct precipitation in the pool with liquid lanthanum chloride. Nitrogen nutrients (including, in particular, chloramines) may be removed (possibly with the aid of catalysts and in separate reactors). The same reagents used to scavenge phosphates are useful in this regard, the nitrogen being released from the pool water as a nitrogenous gas. To allow the fine lanthanum carbonates to be conveniently handled in the pool environment, they may be linked to larger carrier particles, such as those of diatomaceous earth, or they may be embedded within porous beads formed from polymers or gels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Dudley John Mills
  • Patent number: 5865899
    Abstract: A process for refining a raw sugar, particularly raw sugar from the sugar cane sugar industry, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:(a) remelting of the raw sugar for obtaining a raw sugar syrup,(b) carbonatation or phosphatation of said raw sugar syrup, and(c) tangential microfiltration and/or tangential ultrafiltration of the raw sugar syrup, which has been subjected to carbonatation or phosphatation.The process is completed by the steps of:(d) decolorization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (c), and(e) crystallization and/or demineralization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Applexion
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Theoleyre, Stanislas Baudoin
  • Patent number: 5830388
    Abstract: A coagulating and flocculating agent based on aluminum pentahydroxychloride for purifying and treating water and/or waste water and/or sludge and/or other contaminated liquids as well as to separate suspended and colloidal particles from liquids in industrial manufacturing processes has its activity enhanced with an inorganic or organic flocculation enhancing additive such as natural or synthetic zeolite and/or cationic, anionic and non-ionic powdered, emulsified or liquid polyacrylamide. Aluminum pentahydroxychloride is formed by treating a natural nepheline, aluminum powder, aluminum oxide or other aluminum providing material with hydrochloric acid after which it is mixed with the flocculation enhancing additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: American EnviroCare, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Kigel, Mikhail Kofman, Mikhail Faylond, Tamara V. Vyshkina
  • Patent number: 5827432
    Abstract: Water is recovered from sludge, such as from sewage treatment plants, or wood processing or food processing industries, by either electrically ionizing the sludge or treating the sludge with ultrasound, and then adding coagulant to the sludge to effect coagulation. Prior to or substantially simultaneously with coagulation, the sludge is vigorously mixed, and then the sludge is flocculated and water is mechanically removed from the flocculated sludge. Water removal can be optimized by adding news print pulp, or a tenside, to the sludge just prior to mechanical removal. Free water may also be removed by filtering just prior to mechanical removal, and mechanical removal can take place in two consecutive stages, first a low pressure (1-5 bar) stage to produce a cake, and then the cake is broken up and subjected to a high pressure (5-60 bar) stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Raision Tehhtaat Oy AB
    Inventors: Markku Huhtamaki, Markku Lehtokari, Jaakko Paatero
  • Patent number: 5811013
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oil separating method in which oil-contaminated water in a separation tank is mixed with air bubbles in a bubble-generating apparatus provided at the bottom of the separation tank to jet out said air-water mixture into the separation tank,wherein a surfactant and/or an antifoamer are(is) previously added to the oil-contaminated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: FSK Inc.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Ito
  • Patent number: 5798046
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing secondary fiber contaminants from paper mill process waters comprising adding a polyvinyl chloride, a cationic polymeric coagulant and a polymeric flocculant to paper mill process waters containing secondary fiber contaminants in an amount sufficient to agglomerate the secondary fiber contaminants to larger particles sizes, and removing the secondary fiber contaminants from the process water by a dissolved air flotation clarification technique. The addition of particulate polyvinyl chloride in combination with a polymeric coagulant and flocculant prior to the DAF clarification process causes the contaminants to become preferentially coated with the polyvinyl chloride particles. This coating is what causes the subsequent removal of the secondary fiber contaminants in the DAF clarification process to be more effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Carol S. Greer, Ann M. Capozzi, Linda S. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5788867
    Abstract: This invention relates to processes for modifying the flow characteristics of slurries, particularly mineral slurries such as red mud from the Bayer process, using water-soluble polymeric emulsions to increase the slurries' angle of repose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Pearson
  • Patent number: 5783089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sorin, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Anderson, Lee Edward Ellenburg
  • Patent number: 5779908
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Sorin, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Anderson, Lee Edward Ellenburg
  • Patent number: 5759283
    Abstract: An efficient method for manufacturing a purified juice product from sugar beets. Untreated beet juice is initially prelimed using lime and CaCO.sub.3 to produce a prelimed juice product. Instead of subjecting the prelimed product to main liming and dual carbonation stages, the product is delivered to a porous filtration membrane which allows sugar molecules to pass therethrough which preventing the passage of solid matter and dissolved impurities. Optimum results are achieved if the prelimed product flows across the membrane from end to end. The membrane permeate is thereafter combined with CO.sub.2(g) in a single carbonation stage to remove dissolved lime. This step generates a purified juice product which can be processed to manufacture pure crystalline sugar. The membrane retentate can be combined with water and refiltered to collect residual sugar materials. The foregoing process uses less energy and raw materials (e.g. lime) compared with conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Western Sugar Company
    Inventors: Eric P. Ekern, Bimal Goculdas, Michael Donovan, Marc Hlavacek
  • Patent number: 5750034
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for clarifying ink-laden water obtained from the recycling of paper stocks by treating said water with a conventional coagulant followed by treatment with a hydrophilic dispersion polymer. The hydrophilic dispersion flocculant of the invention is a copolymer of dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate methyl chloride quat (DMAEA.multidot.MCQ) cationic monomer and (meth)acrylamide (AcAm). Following dosing with the flocculant, a floc is formed. The floc contains ink and impurities which are removed from the water process stream by means of solid liquid separation; the solid liquid separation comprising a dissolved air flotation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jane B. Wong Shing, Karen R. Tubergen
  • Patent number: 5744043
    Abstract: Stickies derived from pulping or deinking of cellulosic material are controlled by adding to the cellulosic liquor containing the stickies an emulsion in water of cross-linked, insoluble, ionisable and swellable polymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Allied Colloids Limited
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Cutts, Anthony John Burke
  • Patent number: 5656174
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, portable dredging system that employs a series of screens and gravity separation devices with flocculation to remove sediments from the dredged slurry. The system produces a treated water stream having low solids content and a recovered solids product having a low water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Solomon Venture
    Inventors: Michael Hodges, Robert Leland Schwartz, George C. Kane
  • Patent number: 5647997
    Abstract: A process for the separation and purification of fat-containing waste water including the step of adding an effective flocculating and oxidizing amount of a composition comprising:10-30% wt. peracid precursor15-70% wt. hydrogen peroxide1-10% wt. phosphoric acidbal. waterThe process may also include the addition of ferrous sulfate or other source of ionic iron to accelerate the action of the peracid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Birko Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Dana J. Johnson, Terry McAninch
  • Patent number: 5643460
    Abstract: A method for separating emulsified oil from water in petroleum production is disclosed. Low molecular weight polymers of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride and benzyl chloride quaternary salt have good activity as reverse emulsion breakers for freeing oil tied up as a oil-in-water emulsion. The polymer reverse emulsion breakers are preferably prepared and used as aqueous solutions to obviate the need for inversion techniques and the use of hydrocarbon compatibilizers and surfactants as required for a latex polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Nalco/Exxon Energy Chemicals, L. P.
    Inventors: Robert A. Marble, Manian Ramesh, Norman Edward Byrne
  • Patent number: 5637221
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas J. Coyne
  • Patent number: 5635024
    Abstract: Digestion liquor is used in the paper pulping process to dissolve lignins and free the cellulose fiber from raw wood chips. After pulping, spent digestion liquor is laden with lignins. Heretofore, it was known that lignins could be coagulated by acidification of the digestion liquor, but such method coagulated the lignins in a slimy gelatinous mass that was difficult to separate from the liquor. It has been discovered that the addition of water soluble, surface active, polymeric agents to the digestion liquor prior to acidification, results in an easily separable lignin coagulant after acidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Bountiful Applied Research Corporation
    Inventor: Hassan E. Shall
  • Patent number: 5597513
    Abstract: The present invention deals with compositions utilized to demulsify wash liquors, tramp oils or coolants. The compositions of the present invention are useful per se as cleaning compositions. The ability to rapidly demulsify from a waste liquor solution allows rapid recovery of fats, organic components, paint residues, greases and oils and rapid passage of the effluent to a sewage treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Elliot Cohen
  • Patent number: 5573675
    Abstract: The invention relates to the clarification of deinking process waters which result from the recycling of paper. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of containing vinylamine as water clarifying agents in said processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Anthony G. Sommese, Karen R. Tubergen, Daniel K. Chung
  • Patent number: 5552316
    Abstract: A method which uses a combination of polymeric cationic and an anionic flocculants to clarify an aqueous solution containing cells of a microorganism and parts thereof is described. The anionic flocculant is based upon a copolymer of an alpha-beta unsaturated monomer of an anhydride, a carboxylic acid or salt and an alpha-beta Unsaturated sulfonic acid or salt monomer. The polymeric cationic surfactant is preferably a quaternary ammonium or tertiary amine containing polymer produced from an alpha-beta unsaturated amino monomer. The method is particularly useful for clarifying solutions wherein a bacterium is used to produce an expressed material such as a protein, peptide, or amino acid dissolved in the solution which is to be separated from the cells or cell parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Environmental Marketing Services, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Savage