Including Geographic Feature Patents (Class 210/747.1)
  • Patent number: 11448462
    Abstract: A plurality of modular units are connected together on a slightly sloped drainage field with a perforated header pipe at the lower side conveying water away from the drainage system. An impermeable flexible liner cushioned on both sides is located below the modular units. The modular units are each made up of rigid boxes that have connecting cross slots at the bottom thereof and vertical perforations there through. The rigid boxes are lined with a drainage fabric that is site specific and have an expanded geosynthetic material therein, which is held in place when filled with porous granular material. High flexural strength mats are connected together over the tops of the modular units. An air inlet pipe connects air to the cross slots, down the sloped drainage field, to the header pipe to drain water from the bulk granular material resting on the high flexural strength mats. Some of the modular units have a pneumatic vibrator connected to a source of pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: R.T.D. ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Troy W Emery, Robbie W Emery, Karl V Krotzer, Jacob L Baumler
  • Patent number: 11088545
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-powered utility delivery system that includes an energy generator that produces electrical energy and consequently regulates a pressure of utility flowing through the self-powered utility delivery system. Additionally, the self-powered utility delivery system includes an electronic utility meter that monitors a quantity (e.g., volume) of utility that flows through the self-powered utility delivery system and toward a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Roman Leon Artiuch
  • Patent number: 10605051
    Abstract: A method of pumping fluids down a wellbore. The method first comprises providing a wellbore. The wellbore has been completed with a pumping system comprising a string of production tubing, a polished rod, and a sucker rod string extending down into the production tubing. A traveling valve is connected at a lower end of the sucker rod string. The method also includes adjusting a position of the polished rod relative to the pumping system to enable the traveling valve to tag a standing valve. The method further comprises compressing the traveling valve to cause the traveling valve to open. The method additionally includes pumping a fluid down the production tubing. The fluid is further pumped across the traveling valve and the standing valve, optionally while the standing valve remains seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Unseated Tools LLC
    Inventor: Andrew T. Moja
  • Patent number: 10418139
    Abstract: A method of cleaning naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) from filtration socks utilizes a system that is equipped with a centrifuge, a disposal well, a surfactant and heated water. Through oil production, filtration socks become saturated with oil and NORMs. Typically, the used filtration socks are disposed of in a radioactive landfill or other proper disposal means. Through the method of cleaning NORMs, the used filtration socks are placed into a washing drum within a centrifuge and agitated with a surfactant and heated water to extract the NORMs from the used filtration socks. The centrifuge is spun to eject the waste solution from the washing drum, where the waste solution is pumped out of the centrifuge and into a class II disposal well to properly dispose the NORMs and brine from oil production processes. Cleaned filtration socks are then reusable or disposable in a more convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Joe Richard Rockefeller
  • Patent number: 10279382
    Abstract: Provided is a dynamic two-way guide and drainage control method for leachate and landfill gas. The dynamic two-way guide and drainage control method is used in a waste landfill. By implementing the present invention, the water-guiding permeability inside the waste body is improved, and the problems that the water level of the leachate is raised, the landfill gas is escaped, the collection efficiency is extremely low and the like during a waste landfilling process at present are solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School
    Inventors: Jae Hac Ko, Qiyong Xu, Fan Yang
  • Patent number: 10084313
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-powered utility delivery system that includes an energy generator that produces electrical energy and consequently regulates a pressure of utility flowing through the self-powered utility delivery system. Additionally, the self-powered utility delivery system includes an electronic utility meter that monitors a quantity (e.g., volume) of utility that flows through the self-powered utility delivery system and toward a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Roman Leon Artiuch
  • Patent number: 9913004
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-powered utility delivery system that includes a regulator that decreases a pressure of the utility flowing through the self-powered utility delivery system while producing electrical energy as a result of pressure regulation. Additionally, the self-powered utility delivery system includes an electronic utility meter that monitors a quantity (e.g., volume) of utility that flows through the self-powered utility delivery system and toward a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Roman Leon Artiuch
  • Patent number: 9879885
    Abstract: A cooling water supply system includes a separator (3) that separates high-temperature/high-pressure geothermal water introduced from a production well (1) into steam and hot water; an evaporator (7) that evaporates a heat medium by performing heat exchange with the steam separated by the separator; a steam turbine (9) that is driven with steam of the heat medium evaporated by the evaporator (7); a power generator (9a) that is driven by the steam turbine (9) to generate power; a condenser (16) that condenses the heat medium introduced from the steam turbine (9) by performing heat exchange with cooling water; a cooling tower (20) that cools the cooling water to be supplied to the condenser (16); and a reservoir (11) that supplies the cooling water to the cooling tower, wherein the geothermal water introduced from the production well (1) is used as the cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Takata, Tsuyoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9581023
    Abstract: An opencast coal mine underground water reservoir comprising an impermeable layer and, provided below the impermeable layer, a water storage space and a purification layer. The water storage space comprises a first water storage space and a second water storage space. The purification layer comprises a first purification layer and a second purification layer. The first purification layer is provided horizontally in the water storage space and divides the water storage space into the first water storage space and the second water storage space. The first water storage space is provided below the impermeable layer and between same and the first purification layer. The second water storage space is provided below the first water storage space and the bottom of the second water storage space is provided at the bottom of the opencast coal mine underground water reservoir. The second purification layer is provided vertically within the second water storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: CHINA SHENHUA ENERGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dazhao Gu
  • Patent number: 9315982
    Abstract: An embodiment of a septic system comprises a primary tank, a wastewater inlet, and a passive overflow discharge system. The wastewater inlet is in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the primary tank, and the passive overflow discharge system comprises an overflow repository that is in fluid communication with at least one of the interior cavity of the primary tank and the wastewater inlet. In various embodiments, the overflow repository can comprise at least one auxiliary tank, a leach field system or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: John Matthew Weed
  • Patent number: 8999153
    Abstract: A liquid waste treatment system is described. The system may include a first treatment conduit, a second treatment conduit, and at least one junction pipe disposed there between. In some instances, the system may include an upper junction pipe and a lower junction pipe disposed between a first and a second treatment conduit. In one or more embodiments, the system may be arranged in a substantially linear arrangement, such as a straight trench arrangement or a serial distribution arrangement. The system may reduce the need for additional treatment conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Presby Patent Trust
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Patent number: 8945395
    Abstract: A vessel for use in settling particulate matter from a fluid stream is provided. Fluid is introduced to the vessel through an angled inlet, with flow into the vessel both disrupted and deflected by an inlet baffle, to redirect the fluid stream parallel to a horizontal axis of the vessel. The velocity of the fluid stream is reduced within the vessel, allowing the particulate matter to settle along the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bonavista Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Bjarne Tweit, Robert John Garnier
  • Patent number: 8926792
    Abstract: A method for on-site dissemination and disposal of all wastewaters or leachate, that is generated by a landfill or other wastewater generating site includes collecting the wastewater or leachate which comprises an aqueous solution, having solids, elements and compounds of concern therein. The wastewater or leachate is directed to an “Integrated Mobile Aerosolization System (IMAS)” having a turbine and being integrated and mobile. The turbine is driven so as to generate a fully integrated and mobile system of highly accelerated air that moves through the IMAS. An integrated pump is utilized to move the leachate or wastewater to a series of nozzles that aerosolizes the leachate or wastewater into the path of the system of air to form an air-wastewater mixture or an air-leachate mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Kelly K. Houston
  • Patent number: 8889007
    Abstract: The present invention is a wastewater treatment system utilizing a recirculating filter system comprising sand, gravel, or synthetic media. Septic effluent is continuously, or approximately continuously, dosed under pressure to the treatment media through pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters. The system comprises a commonly known septic tank and recirculation tank. Septic tank effluent is collected in the recirculation tank, from which it is continually dosed by means of a pump to the top of the treatment media of the recirculating filter through pressure compensating drip emitters. Continuous dosing of diluted residential septic tank effluent through drip irrigation emitters provides a slow consistent application of liquid rich in organic material and pathogens over the treatment media. The treated effluent is then recirculated if water is low or went to final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: David Mark Lowe, Richard D. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 8882969
    Abstract: A system for treating recovered fluids in-line that includes a thermal reactor for separating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants by applying heat to the contaminated drill cuttings so as to vaporize contaminants from the contaminated drill cuttings; a first condenser in fluid connection with the thermal reactor for condensing the vaporized contaminants; a separator in fluid connection with the first condenser for separating the condensed vapors into an oleaginous liquid and an aqueous liquid, wherein at least a portion of one of the aqueous liquid and oleaginous liquid is fed back into the first condenser via a feedback line; and an ozone generator operatively coupled to the feedback line, wherein at least the portion of the fed back liquid is ozonated by the ozone generator and fed into the condenser is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Mukesh Kapila, Ivan Batinic, Paul Gover, Neale Browne
  • Publication number: 20140319075
    Abstract: A liquid treatment device for treatment of liquid contaminated with living organisms comprising a rotating means having a first surface for receiving the liquid to be treated, where the first surface is provided with engaging means for engaging the liquid and to provide acceleration to the liquid upon rotation of the rotating means, stationary means which is stationary relative to the rotating means and arranged to form a boundary in order to constrict the liquid on the first surface of the rotating means, where the stationary means is arranged to define at least one slit between the first surface of the rotating means and a first end of the stationary means allowing the liquid to pass between the rotating means and the stationary means, and where the engaging means are at least provided on a surface area of the rotating means that interacts with the at least one slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Søgaard
  • Publication number: 20140305879
    Abstract: A method of supplying water using a natural water pipeline includes withdrawing impaired water from an impaired water body connected to a waterway and treating the impaired water from the impaired water body to produce treated water. The method also includes discharging the treated water into the waterway and conveying the treated water via the waterway to one or more locations proximate to one or more remote operational facilities that withdraws water from the waterway at the one or more locations. The method further includes receiving a monetary value from one or more operational entities operating the one or more remote operational facilities and providing at least a portion of one or more water access rights to the one or more operational entities in exchange for the monetary value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hydration Company of PA LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Domitrovitsch, William A. Formica, III
  • Publication number: 20140263044
    Abstract: A solid dissolver system for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system. The solid dissolver system includes a housing. The housing includes a cover and a platform portion for receiving the cover. A cartridge containing agents for the treatment of waste material is disposed within the cover, the cover substantially surrounding and enveloping the cartridge, the cover including an opening. A water inlet is provided into the housing, the water inlet terminating at a spray means disposed proximate to or inside the cover opening, the spray means being capable of directing water at an exposed surface of the cartridge, the platform portion being capable of collecting any effluent from the water directed at the exposed surface of the cartridge by the spray means. A water outlet for channeling the effluent into a waste water collection system is included in the platform portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Eric D. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8834727
    Abstract: Devices, processes, systems, and articles of manufacture adapted to treat contaminated fluid, such as organic wastewater, are described. These are described to include lifting contaminated fluids, treating contaminated fluids, or both, through gas application. In certain designs, gas, such as pressurized air, may be used to lift contaminated fluids, such as organic wastewater (i.e., water having contaminating organics of some kind, e.g. residential septic wastewater). In certain designs, gas, such as pressurized air, may also be used to treat fluids interfacing with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Patent number: 8815094
    Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Presby Patent Trust
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Patent number: 8812236
    Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns so as to not allow for coarser drilled solids to degrade beyond the point of mechanical separation to prevent a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed from the drilling fluid during the drilling operation due to their size. An optimal drilling system requires that drilling fluids be modified through the following process to attain the appropriate particle sizing distribution to: make the most efficient use of the drilling operation, reduce the amount to drilling fluids utilized, and reduce formation damage. The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters, to obtain a unique particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Particle Size Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Freeman, Paula S. DeWitte, Robert W. Troy
  • Patent number: 8708422
    Abstract: An in situ recovery of uranium operation involves circulating reactive fluids through an underground uranium deposit. These fluids contain chemicals that dissolve the uranium ore. Uranium is recovered from the fluids after they are pumped back to the surface. Chemicals used to accomplish this include complexing agents that are organic, readily degradable, and/or have a predictable lifetime in an aquifer. Efficiency is increased through development of organic agents targeted to complexing tetravalent uranium rather than hexavalent uranium. The operation provides for in situ immobilization of some oxy-anion pollutants under oxidizing conditions as well as reducing conditions. The operation also artificially reestablishes reducing conditions on the aquifer after uranium recovery is completed. With the ability to have the impacted aquifer reliably remediated, the uranium recovery operation can be considered inherently safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Krumhansl, Patrick V. Brady
  • Patent number: 8678080
    Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Alvin Curole, Eugene Bruce Greene
  • Patent number: 8668831
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a permeable reactive barrier and an effective method of removing contaminants from water using adsorbent powders, such as zero valent iron particles, adhered throughout a reticulated foam structure. This structure provides improved mass transfer, higher reaction rates and reduced residence times. The barrier includes a reticulated foam substrate with high permeability, an adherent coating and a reactive adsorbent arranged in a reticulated foam structure. The substrate can be selected from various materials including polyurethane and polyester. The adherent may be selected from a wide range of materials including polyurethanes, acrylics, silicones, siliconized acrylics, latex emulsions, and other inherently tacky materials that cure to a water resistant coating. The reactive adsorbent can be selected from various adsorbents including a powdered zero-valent iron (ZVI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hydro, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sawyer, Geoffrey Papelier, Marty L. Weirick
  • Patent number: 8650876
    Abstract: Ammonia sometimes present in geothermal steam increases the solubility of hydrogen sulfide in the steam condensate produced by the surface condenser in a steam cycle geothermal power generating unit by reacting with the hydrogen sulfide to produce nonvolatile ammonium bisulfide. The condenser vent gas also produced contains carbon dioxide. Contacting the steam condensate with the condenser vent gas at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric causes carbon dioxide to dissolve in the condensate, decreasing pH and converting bisulfide ion back to hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently exposing the acidified condensate to condenser vacuum strips the hydrogen sulfide from the condensate, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment of the condensate to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide partitioning performance is further improved by converting the hydrogen sulfide in the vent gas to sulfur dioxide before contacting it with the condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ChemTreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Oleh Weres
  • Patent number: 8617402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of raising the pH of a body of water having a pH of less than 4.5 by introducing neutralizing agent, the raising of the pH taking place in at least two stages thus: at pH levels below 4.5, a first neutralizing agent having a final conductivity of not more than 100 ?S/cm, and, after attainment of a pH of at least 4.5, a second neutralizing agent, having a final conductivity of more than 100 ?S/cm, is introduced into the body of water, the final conductivity of the neutralizing agents being defined as the conductivity of an aqueous suspension or solution of neutralizing agent in solution equilibrium at 25° C., having a neutralizing agent content of 0.015% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinkalk GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher Pust, Günter Scholz, Helma Honig, Wolfgang König
  • Patent number: 8616279
    Abstract: A method for treating water at a water treatment facility is provided. In one aspect, the water has been circulated through a subsurface formation in a shale oil development area. The subsurface formation may comprise shale that has been spent due to pyrolysis of formation hydrocarbons. The method in one embodiment includes receiving the water at the water treatment facility, and treating the water at the water treatment facility in order to (i) substantially separate oil from the water, (ii) substantially remove organic materials from the water, (iii) substantially reduce hardness and alkalinity of the water, (iv) substantially remove dissolved inorganic solids from the water, and/or (v) substantially remove suspended solids from the water. The method may further includes delivering the water that has been treated at the water treatment facility re-injecting the treated water into the subsurface formation to continue leaching out contaminants from the spent shale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: William A. Symington, Piyush S. Shah, John D Miller, Jesse D Yeakel, Ganesh L Ghurye
  • Patent number: 8562838
    Abstract: Provided is a method for treating sludge from the mining or mineral industry, including before above-ground spreading, contacting the sludge with a flocculating agent that is a water-soluble, organic polymer having a molecular weight of from 5,000,000 to 25,000,000 g/mol and an anionicity of from 10 to 40 mol %, to produce contacted sludge, wherein the water-soluble organic polymer includes at least one anionic monomer having a carboxylic function or having a sulfonic acid function, at least one non-ionic monomer, and optionally one or more cationic monomers, where the flocculating agent is branched, and has from 0.02 to 2 mol % hydrophobic monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: SNF S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frédéric Poncet, Nicolas Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20130270193
    Abstract: A method of sanitising swimming pool water including forming a matrix comprising one or more insoluble metal salts adjacent an at least one anode and/or an at least one cathode of an electrolytic cell. When water from the pool is passed through the active electrolytic cell the presence of the matrix of insoluble metal salts enhances the generation of active oxygen species which results in sanitisation of the swimming pool water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: POOLRITE RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventor: Ross Leslie Palmer
  • Patent number: 8469092
    Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Alvin Curole, Eugene Bruce Greene
  • Publication number: 20130118993
    Abstract: Light expanded clay aggregates are described that are prepared by firing and expanding a clay-based material, wherein metals such as palladium, copper or nickel are added to the clay together with iron prior to expansion and firing. The expanded clay aggregates can be used for cleaning of water contaminated with halogenated organic compounds. The latter are chemically degraded to harmless compounds in proximity of the added metals. The aggregates can be used as a reactive medium for treatment of contaminated groundwater, wastewater and landfill leachate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Van Nooten
  • Patent number: 8425782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid; for example, by a centrifugal separator such as a vortex or cyclone separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for reuse or disposed of. The separated or concentrated solids are reintroduced into the sewer main dynamically in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading, or alternatively, the solids loading, in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. The system can be adapted to reducing demand of wastewater volume flowing within a wastewater treatment plant by diverting the wastewater in the flow path between the wastewater plant inlet and the biological processing stage and reintroducing separated solids downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L Culler
  • Patent number: 8425775
    Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of fracture fluid that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated fracture fluid through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventors: James Christopher Post, Garth David Ehrlich, John William Costerton
  • Publication number: 20130075343
    Abstract: A self-contained water polishing system includes at least a first containment basin that has an inlet for inflow of water from a collection source and contains calcium carbonate for treatment of water flowing through the system; at least a first polishing basin in communication with the containment basin and that contains at least a first pollutant collection substrate for treatment of water flowing through the system; and a vacuum pumping system in fluid communication with the containment and polishing basins that draws water through the polishing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Wasserwerk, Inc.
    Inventor: Wasserwerk, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130075342
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Environmental Lunch Box Technology LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Patent number: 8333894
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Theophilus B. Terry
  • Patent number: 8297881
    Abstract: A saltwater intrusion prevention system for use at an interface between a fresh water body and a saltwater body includes a water recovery subsystem for recovering fresh water from a fresh water body. A retention reservoir in fluid communication with the water recovery subsystem receives and redirects the recovered fresh water. A saltwater intrusion barrier subsystem in fluid communication with the retention reservoir is positioned at an interface of the fresh water body and the saltwater body. The saltwater intrusion barrier subsystem includes a plurality of submerged return discharge ports for vertically ejecting the recovered fresh water for providing hydraulic mounding zone, and a fine air bubbler header for creating a mixing zone. The hydraulic mounding zone and the mixing zone increase the density of the fresh water for offsetting saltwater from the saltwater body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Saltwater Separation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 8299937
    Abstract: A self-powered in-pipe fluid meter to be mounted inside of a pipe carrying a fluid therein. The fluid meter comprises at least one sensing unit capable of measuring one or more parameters of the fluid inside of the pipe; a telemetric data transmission unit capable of telemetrically transmitting data including a measured fluid parameter to a host terminal and/or another fluid meter; and at least one fluid-driven power source unit capable of generating power from the fluid flow within the pipe and supplying power to the sensing unit and/or the transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Zhenfeng Wang, Ser Youn Lim, Wei Fan, Danhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8293117
    Abstract: A system for controlling water quality of a reservoir including one or more covers that at least partially cover a reservoir, one or more water quality sensors that sense physical, chemical, and biological water quality characteristics of water in the reservoir, a mixer for circulating/mixing water layers of the reservoir, and a controller in communication with the water quality sensors that processes input from the sensors to circulate/mix water layers of the reservoir that are exposed to an uncovered surface of the reservoir so as to control water quality characteristics of water in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aquate Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Barak Yekutiely
  • Publication number: 20120261353
    Abstract: A solids separator for use in a sewer overflow chamber having an inlet, flow chamber and main outlet, whereby liquid, having solids entrained therein, flows from the inlet through the flow chamber to the outlet, the solids separator comprising: an overflow weir over which liquid flows during overflow into a separation chamber; a filter in the separation chamber that filters solids and allows liquid to pass through to an overflow outlet; and a return outlet through which filtered solids return back into the flow chamber, wherein the filter includes an array of vertical filter members spaced from a top of the overflow weir such that a liquid flowing over the weir passes through the filter members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Ian Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120211230
    Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase fluid, the fluid comprising a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, the method comprising: introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multi-phase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region; wherein fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region; and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, SR., Raghunath Gopal Menon, Sandeep Patni, Moye Wicks, III, Patrick Gitau Mahinda, Rajneesh Varma
  • Patent number: 8236182
    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: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Occidental Oil and Gas Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Joel R. Lehman, Verlin Frazier
  • Patent number: 8226833
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Theophilus B. Terry
  • Patent number: 8226832
    Abstract: A method that can be used in a portable system and apparatus to effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject method is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: NCH Ecoservices, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome F. Angelilli, Patrick D. Guccione, Billy E. Pierce, Daniel Wai-tak Wong, John H. Williams
  • Patent number: 8221031
    Abstract: The invention relates a method for transporting sediments in dammed bodies of water, especially in hydraulic power plants, said sediments being deposited because there are no erosion processes as a result of the absence of a current. According to the invention, the sediment deposits are picked up in the sedimentation zone of the reservoir and are transported to the erosion zone near the discharge element/s of the reservoir such that the sediments are transported into current water by the erosion processes of the effluent water caused by the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Detering
  • Patent number: 8187472
    Abstract: A drip disposal system includes a fluid source including a pump for cyclically pumping fluid from the fluid source, a set of drip field lines connected to the fluid source for dispersing at least some fluid provided by the source across an area of ground, and a return line for returning fluid not dispersed by the set of drip field lines to the fluid source. A blow-out valve is connected to the return line for controlling fluid flow through the return line during each cycle, the blow-out valve opening when a pressure of the fluid flowing through the return line exceeds a selected minimum pressure and closing when the pressure of the fluid flowing through the return line goes below the selected minimum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Rudy James Svetlik, III
  • Patent number: 8158010
    Abstract: A filter sleeve is fabricated from a variety of media selected to preferentially remove particulates and specific contaminants from water or other liquids. The layers of the filter sleeve may be configured to remove 1-micron particulates, while another layer or layers may be configured to remove a range of petroleum hydrocarbons, fats, oils, and greases, while yet another layer may be configured to remove metals, and yet another layer could be configured to remove bacteria, algae, mold, and fungus. Filter sleeves that are configured to remove different particulate sizes and contaminants can be used simultaneously by placing the filter sleeves inside one another to accrue the capabilities of several individual filter sleeves as one unit. The filter sleeve can be used to remove particulates and hydrocarbons from waste water accumulated in underground vaults, enabling such waste water to be discharged directly into the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Herb Pearse, Mary Peacock
  • Patent number: 8142656
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for reuse or can be disposed of, for example, in a body of water or pumped into the ground. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L. Culler
  • Patent number: 8101078
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for reuse or can be disposed of, for example, in a body of water or pumped into the ground. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L. Culler
  • Patent number: 8097168
    Abstract: A treatment method for wastewater employing sulfur dioxide and lime chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental photo biomass/algae biological treatment system growing photo biomass/algae to reduce dissolved solids, heavy metals, and ammonia in the wastewater to produce recovered treated wastewater for vegetation consumption, biofuel feedstock, and biofuel and carbon credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus G. Theodore, Larry P. Wardle