Including Drying (e.g., By Squeezing Or Heating, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/770)
  • Patent number: 7785386
    Abstract: A process for treating an organic matter sludge includes, in a mixing stage, mixing an organic matter sludge and particulate sterilized organic matter, to form an organic matter mixture. This mixture is dried in a drying stage to obtain a homogeneous particulate organic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Capensis Investments 497 (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Hendrik J. Venter, Carl Nieuwmeijer
  • Patent number: 7776218
    Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each additional solvent can have a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: KFI Intellectual Properties L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert A. Wills
  • Publication number: 20100200520
    Abstract: A fiber suspension is dewatered by being introduced from above into a container formed of a wider endless flexible wire band and a more slender endless flexible wire band, which mutually are lap joined at adjacent border parts, which carry a respective part of a coupling, the wider band being reshaped to a C-shape, by folding its border parts over one of the main surfaces, and bringing them into overlapping contact with the overlapping border parts of the extended more slender band. The screening pipe is established along a common longitudinal section of the tracks of the two wire bands, the lower end part of the screening container being kept substantially sealed, and the fiber suspension being introduced by elevated pressure to a centrally placed nozzle assembly with spray nozzles spaced-apart around the nozzle assembly, toward the screening pipe's inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: METSO PAPER, INC.
    Inventor: Ebbe Hoden
  • Publication number: 20100196981
    Abstract: A cellulosic feedstock composition including an oil content of up to 15% of the composition, a cellulose content of 40-99% of the composition, a hemicellulose content of 2-20% of the composition, a lignin content of less than 15% of the composition, a nitrogen containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a protein containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a mineral content of less than 5% of the composition, a sand content of less than 5% of the composition, and a dirt content of less than 25% of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Applied Cleantech, Inc.
    Inventors: Refael Aharon, Israel Biran, Ronny Banker
  • Publication number: 20100133175
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Photonic Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. PUTNAM, Jason A. Putnam, Todd W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7713720
    Abstract: Polymer extraction methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Metabolix Inc.
    Inventors: Johan Van Walsem, Luhua Zhong, Simon S. Shih
  • Patent number: 7713416
    Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Chemical Biosolids Inc.
    Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Publication number: 20100065514
    Abstract: Method for the liquid solid separation of material mixtures and suspensions in which the material mixture under pressure is fed into a closed chamber having at least one filter surface and a hydrostatic pressure is generated within said chamber for separating the liquid phase. After separating the liquid phase the chamber is opened and the filter surface together with the filter cake is removed from said chamber. The material mixture firstly is treated by the means of hydrostatic pressure of about up to 0.2 bar, wherein 80 to 90% of the fed volume is removed as filtrate. Thereafter the concentrated remaining volume is drawn off and is further treated in the closed chamber with a pressure of up to 5 bar. By reducing the volume of the chamber finally with a pressure of up to 50 bar the remaining filtrate is separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Bãhr
  • Patent number: 7674369
    Abstract: A method for separating and recovering ultrafine particulate solid material from a suspension or slurry of the solid material and a hydrocarbon liquid by precipitation or flocculation of a heavy fraction of the hydrocarbon liquid with an effective amount of a precipitation or flocculation agent such that the precipitated heavy fraction encapsulates the particulate solid material. The method further comprises coking the precipitated heavy fraction and grinding the coked product to an ultrafine size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Baha E. Abulnaga, Jose Guitian, Sara Ouzts Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7669349
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: TD*X Associates LP
    Inventors: Carl R. Palmer, Michael J. McElwee, Gregg S. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20100038319
    Abstract: A process for cleaning a wastewater stream which comprises soot and is obtained in the preparation of acetylene, the soot being present in finely divided form in the wastewater, wherein the soot is removed by subjecting the wastewater to a solid concentration by sedimentation and then the soot sludge obtained in the sedimentation is dewatered further by a pressure filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Achim Boehm, Petra Schmitz-Baeder
  • Patent number: 7662296
    Abstract: A filtering and compacting device for solid particles suspended and contained in fluids, such as slurries produced by mechanical operations, comprises a container (11), provided with a cover (12) and an openable bottom (13), and includes an inlet mouth (91) of the fluid to be treated, means for placing the container (11) under pressure, means (20) for opening the bottom (13) of the container (11), in which bottom (13) there is located a first filtering element (90) for retaining the solid particles internally thereof and at least a second filtering element (30) which defines a filtration chamber (31), in which the filtration chamber (31) overlies a compacting chamber (32) of filtered slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: P.M.P.O. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Pancaldi, Vanni Gallocchio
  • Publication number: 20100032384
    Abstract: A method for increasing the removal of a higher fraction of liquid from the press cake in any belt press is described. Specifically, the invention incorporates a series of rollers that create multiple pinch points to compress the solid fraction while removing liquid. After each pinch point, the solid material is allowed to separate from the belt, fall by gravity, and repack so that more liquid can be released at each successive pinch point than is possible if the material is fed to multiple rollers and pinch points in series without decompressing as is done is prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: William Harris Moss
  • Patent number: 7651619
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating dry matter from liquid includes an enclosed separation environment capable of being pressure regulated. Within the enclosed separation environment, a suspension is brought into contact with at least one filter so as to accumulate dry matter on the at least one filter. The filter with the dry matter passes through at least one set of rollers such that liquid is removed from the dry matter on the at least one filter to form a substantially dry filter cake. Thereafter, the substantially dry filter cake is removed from the at least one filter. The above steps are performed in the enclosed separation environment either under vacuum or overpressure. The invention may be used in various fields such as the food industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Preben Bøje Hansen, Peter Stubbe, Hanne Birch, Kirsten Grønning Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20100006515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating fossil and native organic matter from mixtures of organic substances. The invention is characterized by subjecting the mixture of organic substances to a dewatering step (30, 31), to thermomechanical cell lysis (32), to a subsequent dewatering step (33) and to a final sieving step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Reinhard Schu
  • Patent number: 7638068
    Abstract: A cogeneration process and system which provides for the reclamation of a grease fuel from a concentrated grease trap pumping waste stream and the use of said grease fuel in a compression ignition reciprocating engine for the production of electric power. The concentrated grease trap pumpings are heated and mixed in the first stage of the process to ensure all grease is liquefied. This warm mixed stream is then separated by centrifuge into a heavy stream consisting of water and sediments and an oil-rich stream consisting of oil, grease/water emulsion and residual water. This oil-rich mixture is heated sufficiently to evaporate the residual water as well as the water of emulsion yielding a water free grease fuel suitable for use in the compression ignition engine. Heat energy for grease liquefaction and emulsion breaking is supplied by an engine jacket water cooling circuit and an exhaust heat recovery, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Alvin Edwin Toombs
  • Publication number: 20090249685
    Abstract: A closed loop biomass energy system includes at least one agricultural facility that produces agricultural waste; a waste processing system operable to convert the waste into biomass; a wastewater treatment system operable to treat wastewater created by the waste processing system and an energy production system operable to utilize the biomass to produce energy and provide the energy to an energy end-user. In one form, the energy is steam and the energy end-user is a biofuel production facility that utilizes the steam to power production of a biofuel. In a further aspect of this form, wastewater created as a byproduct of the biofuel production is transferred to and treated by the wastewater treatment system. However, additional forms, embodiments, features and aspects are contemplated as discussed in further detail in this document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Troy D. Flowers, Timothy C. Helfeman, Stephen J. Hogan
  • Patent number: 7597812
    Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Innoventor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent F. Schien, Scott A. Moseley, Gary E. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20090236296
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved centrifuge device for preventing cross-contamination. Said centrifuge device comprises a drive shaft that is provided with a rotational shaft, a drum which is connected to the rotational shaft and encompasses a drum bucket and a drum bottom, a filter which is located inside the drum and surrounds a work space, an annular space embodied between the filter and the drum jacket, a catchment disk located across from the drum bottom to close the work space, and a centrifuge housing surrounding the drum and the filter. Also disclosed are devices for preventing cross-contamination, especially injection devices for injecting a rinsing fluid, a sealing arrangement, and a vertical adjusting device. The invention further relates to a method for operating a centrifuge device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Joachim Schmid
  • Publication number: 20090211990
    Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section (*). Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 7569151
    Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Publication number: 20090184065
    Abstract: Brine-containing oilfield fluid of uncertain composition, such as produced water and used oilfield completion and workover brines, are prepared for transportation and storage by reducing them to very high densities but still with little risk of crystallization at a prescribed temperature. The fluids are densified by boiling at a temperature determined to achieve the desired density, under steady state conditions of input and withdrawal of steam or vapor and the desired concentrate, still without knowing the contstituents. Boiling temperature is significantly reduced under subatmospheric pressures while the desired target density is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Justin L. Cremer, Robert L. Sloan, Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7560029
    Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Robert Mc Ginnis
  • Patent number: 7553419
    Abstract: A material processing method produces a fiber product by anaerobic digesting of input material such as dairy flush to produce a gas product and a liquid and solid fiber product, by thereafter separating liquid components and solid fiber components of the liquid and solid fiber product, and by thereafter aerobic conditioning of the solid fiber components to derive the fiber product useful as a soil amendment in the manner of peat moss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Organix, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell V. Davis
  • Patent number: 7537700
    Abstract: A method and a system for removing water from high water content solid such as high water content coal, which enables dewatering with small energy consumption. A liquefied material which is a gas at 25° C. under 1 atm. (hereinafter referred to as material D) is contacted with a solid containing water to allow the liquefied material D to dissolve the water contained in the solid, and to produce a liquefied material D having a high water content and simultaneously remove the water from the solid, and by vaporizing the material D in the liquefied material having a high water content, to thereby separate the water from the resulting gaseous material D, recovering the separated gaseous material D, and liquefying the recovered gaseous material by pressurizing, cooling or a combination thereof, to reuse the resulting liquefied material for removing water from a solid containing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventors: Hideki Kanda, Hiromi Shirai
  • Publication number: 20090114603
    Abstract: A vessel configured to float on a body of seawater has a wastewater treatment system having a wastewater intake port for intaking wastewater onto the vessel, a wastewater treatment component for treating the wastewater to produce treated wastewater and sludge, and a treated wastewater conduit for transporting the treated wastewater away from the wastewater treatment component, a desalination system has a seawater intake for intaking seawater from the body of seawater onto the vessel, a desalination component for desalinating the seawater to produce concentrate and desalinated water, and a desalinated water discharge port for transferring the desalinated water from the vessel, a mixing system has a mixing tank for mixing the treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment system with the concentrate from the desalination system, and a wastewater discharge system for discharging the treated wastewater and concentrate mixture into the body of seawater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: WATER STANDARD COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7514005
    Abstract: A method for processing drilling fluid comprising an oil and water emulsion and solid material includes breaking the emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase, increasing the surface area of the solid material, adsorbing at least some of the water phase to the increased surface area of the solid material, and recovering at least some of the oil phase. The drilling fluid may be moved within a container to break the emulsion and increase the surface area of the solids material. Water phase or solid material may be added to the drilling fluid to maximize the amount of water phase adsorbed into the solid material and minimize the amount of oil phase adsorbed to the solid material. The drilling fluid may be processed while being transported between locations. The solid material may be dried in a thermal dryer to vaporize and recover the water phase and any adsorbed oil phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Neale Browne, Catalin Ivan
  • Patent number: 7513061
    Abstract: There has been achieved a sludge dehydrating processor with less mechanical operation and with satisfactory dehydrating efficiency and heating efficiency. In order to process and convert sludge including an organic substance into solid fertilizer, a heating treatment zone for feeding and sterilizing an object to be treated and a dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone for separating water from the object to be treated and retrieving a treated object are provided. In the heating treatment zone, induction heating for efficiently heating the object to be treated without rotating a kiln body is introduced. In the dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone, a vortex air current producing mechanism for efficiently drying the object to be treated without rotating a dehydrating treatment chamber is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: Dai-Ichi High Frequency Co., Ltd., Bapic Incorporated
    Inventors: Kotaro Hirayama, Alden D. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20090068462
    Abstract: Nanosilver porous material particles and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The nanosilver porous material particles include nanosilver particles distributed on the surface thereof. First, a nanosilver precursor is dissolved in water and a proper quantity of a fixation agent is added to form a solution. Next, a proper quantity of the porous material particles is added into the solution and that is mixed well to form a suspension. Next, the suspension is allowed to stand for a predetermined period of time, and then the suspension is filtered to separate the porous material particles from the solution. Finally, the resulting porous material particles are baked and dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Chiao-Cheng Chang, Austin Tsao
  • Publication number: 20090065448
    Abstract: A slurry handling system comprised of: at least one generation point at which a slurry is generated; a receiver tank adapted to at least temporarily accumulate the slurry; at least one separator; at least one screw press to further remove water from the slurry; a reservoir adapted to accumulate water extracted from the slurry; conduits connecting each component and providing a path for the slurry to move through; and conveying members to move the slurry along the conduits. One embodiment of the separator is comprised of: a drip pan; at least one separation screen on the drip pan; a drip skirt behind the separation screen; and a solids trough below the separation screen, such that as the slurry passes over each separation screen, at least a portion of the water from the slurry passes through the separation screen and temporarily collects in the drip pan. The remainder of the slurry passes over each separation screen and into the solids trough, where the slurry can be accumulated and used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Schedler
  • Publication number: 20090045147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a centrifuge which has a drive shaft used for loading, a drum which is connected to the drive shaft and has a drum casing and a drum base, a filter with a working region situated within the filter, an annular space formed between the filter and the drum casing, at least one drum base opening which is formed in the drum base and opens out into the annular space, and at least one swirl nozzle which is arranged in such a manner that it injects a fluid through the at least one drum base opening into the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Joachim Schmid
  • Patent number: 7459091
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: LJC Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Patent number: 7459092
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream incorporated in an aircraft rinse system. The present invention includes a first pressure source which transports collected rinse fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: LJC Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Publication number: 20080272065
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080264879
    Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Publication number: 20080237150
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of sewage sludge, i.e. sludge originating from wastewater treatment plants, includes a step involving solid/liquid separation by filtration. The method includes a step prior to the filtration step, involving the addition of two types of solid loads, each load type including particles having a homogenous average particle size which is different from that of the particles forming the other load type, in order to form an incompressible filter matrix with a high drainage function during the filtration step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Alain Chekroun, Ammar Bensakhria, Gerard Antonini
  • Patent number: 7416671
    Abstract: A process for the separation of bitumen oil from tar sands and the like. Slurry is supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump at an input end of the process. The slurry is agitated within the jet pump to effect a partial to full phase separation of the oil fraction from the solids fraction of the slurry. The partially to fully separated slurry is discharged into a pipeline and later into a hydrocyclone to effect a second phase separation of the slurry. One or more hydrocyclone separators may be used to separate the bitumen oil and liquid from the solids fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Roderick Michael Facey
  • Patent number: 7413681
    Abstract: A process for partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas or liquid, involving the steps of partial oxidation and removal of soot by forming a slurry having water and carbon from the gaseous oxidation product, and separating part of the water from the slurry to obtain a soot composition having less water, wherein the separation is performed by means of a decanter centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Gerard Grootveld, Franciscus Johanna Arnoldus Martens
  • Patent number: 7410568
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sludge, comprises a press for dewatering the sludge, a compaction device for receiving and compacting sludge dewatered by the press, a shredder for receiving and shredding sludge compacted by the compaction device, and a tube conveyor for conveying shredded sludge from the shredder. The press is controlled to vary the flow rate of the sludge in response to at least one sensed operational parameter of the press, such as the momentary power for operating the press, pressure in the sludge in the press, sludge concentration in the press, sludge feed flow to the press or separated water flow from the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nordic Water Products AB
    Inventor: Jesper Christopherson
  • Patent number: 7396472
    Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 7383766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coal dewatering system, method and apparatus. The dewatering system includes a preheater vessel (82) having a chamber (101) for heating coal, an inlet (84) to permit the passage of coal into the chamber (101), and an outlet (86) for permitting the passage of coal from the chamber (101). The dewatering vessel also includes a heating mechanism (98) associated with the preheater vessel (82) to heat coal contained in the chamber (101) and a non-return valve (92) to substantially prevent heated coal removed from the preheater chamber (101) via the outlet (86) from re-entering the preheater vessel (82) via the outlet (86). The dewatering system further includes a dewatering unit (60) adapted to receive the heated coal from the outlet (86) via the non-return valve (92) and to thereby dewater the coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: MTE Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Malcolm John McIntosh, Danh Quan Huynh
  • Patent number: 7381329
    Abstract: A belt press solid/liquid separation apparatus is provided for separating organic mixtures with substantial amounts of moisture to produce separated solids with solids content of 50-90% while retaining 99% of the incoming solids in the filter cake. Specifically, the invention incorporates a double-belt press apparatus with a non-permeable upper belt, a highly permeable lower belt, a wedge type zone with adjustable spring compression, and a means for re-screening belt press filtrate with either a single belt press or multiple belt presses configured as a multi-step cascade of belt presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: William Harris Moss
  • Publication number: 20080121587
    Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibres (211), with the fibres being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibres around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibres are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Water Maiden Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Ernest Frye, Soren Ingemann Jensen, Philip McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20080116145
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Publication number: 20080078726
    Abstract: A filtering and compacting device for solid particles suspended and contained in fluids, such as slurries produced by mechanical operations, comprises a container (11), provided with a cover (12) and an openable bottom (13), and includes an inlet mouth (91) of the fluid to be treated, means for placing the container (11) under pressure, means (20) for opening the bottom (13) of the container (11), in which bottom (13) there is located a first filtering element (90) for retaining the solid particles internally thereof and at least a second filtering element (30) which defines a filtration chamber (31), in which the filtration chamber (31) overlies a compacting chamber (32) of filtered slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: P.M.P.O. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Pancaldi, Vanni Gallocchio
  • Patent number: 7337860
    Abstract: Drill cuttings associated with drilling fluid are thermally cleaned. The wet cuttings are fed into a vessel chamber having mechanical mixers, such as ribbon blenders, extending lengthwise of the chamber. Direct heating is applied to the chamber contents by introducing hot combustion gas from a heater. A combination of direct heating and mechanical back mixing of wet colder cuttings with drier hotter cuttings results in conditioning and conduction heating of the wet cuttings. The drilling fluid is evaporated and removed as gas. Dried cuttings are separately recovered. Caking and agglomeration of the solids is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Clean Cut Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Barry E. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7335311
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sludge, comprises a press for dewatering the sludge, a compaction device for receiving and compacting sludge dewatered by the press, a shredder for receiving and shredding sludge compacted by the compaction device, and a tube conveyor for conveying shredded sludge from the shredder. The press is controlled to vary the flow rate of the sludge in response to at least one sensed operational parameter of the press, such as the momentary power for operating the press, pressure in the sludge in the press, sludge concentration in the press, sludge feed flow to the press or separated water flow from the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nordic Water Products AB
    Inventor: Jesper Christophersson
  • Patent number: 7314141
    Abstract: A belt filter for effecting separation of liquid from solids where, at the collection zone, a filter belt or belts is changed shape so as to provide a supporting shape to bold liquid, which is then fed into a nipping zone. In an embodiment there is a single belt used which is folded in a middle portion to provide the supporting shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Hedley Day
  • Patent number: 7311838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolating constituents from organic material, comprising the following process steps: a) freeze-drying of the organic material; b) extracting the constituents with a polar solvent or solvent mixture (A) and an organic solvent or solvent mixture (B), it being possible for the extracts of the extraction with (A) and (B) to form one phase; c) combining the extracts (A) and (B) to give one phase; and d) carrying out an esterification/transesterification in the unpolar phase with an alcohol, the esterification/transesterification being carried out in the presence of a volatile acid; the process being a high-throughput process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Metanomics GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael Manfred Herold, Martin Dostler, Ralf Looser, Tilmann B. Walk, Achim Fegert, Martin Kluttig, Britta Lehmann, Silke Heidemann, Annette Hennig, Joachim Kopka
  • Patent number: 7309440
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for desalination of seawater (5, 30) and separation of CO2 from exhaust (77) from a gas turbine (7). LNG (4) is fed into a heat exchanger (6) in which it receives heat from seawater (5) and heat from steam (27) from an exhaust boiler, and heat from combustion air (3) via a line to an air inlet (33) of said gas turbine (7), for evaporating LNG (4) to gas which is fed to a gas export module (10) and to a fuel gas skid (8) for supplying said gas turbine (7) with fuel. Thus said combustion air (3, 28) at the air inlet to said gas turbine (7) obtains a lowered temperature and increases an efficiency of said gas turbine (7). Said CO2-rich exhaust gas (77) from said gas turbine (7) is fed into a process unit (17) having an inlet (35a) with a fan (35b) and an outlet for CO2-reduced exhaust (13). Said cooled seawater from said heat exchanger (6) is fed into said process unit (17) via a coaxial feed pipe (67) for seawater and NH4OH arranged in said process unit (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sargas AS
    Inventor: Knut Erik Børseth