Including Temperature Change Patents (Class 210/774)
  • Patent number: 8202402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and related methods of water purification by distillation that will operate in a self-contained mode using a passive heat source, such as, without limitation, solar heat, air conditioning waste heat, or waste heat from the exhaust or cooling systems of an internal combustion engine, which may be used to desalinate sea water, saline water, or saline water containing contaminants. The present invention may also be used to distil sewage water, creek water, swamp water or water containing contaminants or used to cleanse or purify water contaminated with mud, chemicals, minerals, or bacteria in a local environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hse Hittt Solar Enerji Anonim Sirkerti
    Inventor: Rahmi Oguz Capan
  • Publication number: 20120138546
    Abstract: This specification describes a process to separate lignin from an aqueous mixture derived from a biomass feedstock, wherein the separation is done at or above critical temperature, usually above 60° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Andrea Bonanni, Paolo Corbellani
  • Patent number: 8192588
    Abstract: Water is removed from oily water produced during operation of a separation column by withdrawing the oily water from the column during separation into an external separator where the oily water is separated into a water phase and an oily phase. The oily phase is then heated to a temperature effective to produce a density differential that drives the oily phase back into the operating column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Patent number: 8192627
    Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Theron Cooper, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Patent number: 8192628
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass and in particular biomass comprises photosynthetic microorganisms. Also disclosure are oleaginous compounds obtained using the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sapphire Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Cranford, Alex M. Aravanis, Stilianos G. Roussis
  • Patent number: 8192633
    Abstract: Energy is stored and transferred by separating a sodium sulfate product from water containing sodium sulfate, adjusting the phase change temperature of the sodium sulfate product, storing energy in said product by heating the product above the sodium sulfate-sodium sulfate decahydrate phase change temperature and transferring the stored heat by cooling the heated sodium sulfate product to below said phase change temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grott
  • Patent number: 8187429
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus and method with stair-like heat treatment tanks for performing a breakdown process are disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a mixing tank, for evenly mixing wastewater with reaction agents and thus forming a mixed solution; a plurality of heat treatment tanks, for enabling the mixed solution to circulate therein while being heating for a period of time so as to perform an organic destruction process upon the mixed solution and thus cause a discharging liquid to be formed; a heat exchanger, for enabling a heat exchanging process between the discharging liquid and the mixed solution to be performed therein; a condensation tank, for receiving and cooling the discharging liquid; a water purifier, for purifying and thus separating the discharging water into a cleaned water and a concentrated liquid for outputting; an agent recycling unit, for electrolyzing the concentrated liquid so as to recycle the reaction agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Jen-Chieh Chung, Ming-Hsin Wu, Yu-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 8182556
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Haliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8177985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of oil and water, in particular through the action of a polymeric material on oil/water emulsions (including oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Galip Akay, John Vickers
  • Publication number: 20120111804
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying thermoplastic polymers, including a means for generating and conveying a polymer melt, the means including a first heating unit and a filter means, and the filter means including a second heating unit. And a method for purifying thermoplastic polymers, including a step of filtering a polymer melt by way of a filter means, wherein the filter means is at least temporarily heated to a temperature which is higher than that of the polymer melt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Thomas Friedlaender, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Jörg Zacharias, Stephan Mayr
  • Patent number: 8168037
    Abstract: Methods and related systems efficiently and effectively recover a significant amount of valuable, useable oil from byproducts formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method may include forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may include evaporating the byproduct using a multi-stage evaporator, as well as recovering the oil before the final stage of the evaporator. Further, the step of recovering oil from the concentrate may include using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GS Cleantech Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Winsness
  • Publication number: 20120090467
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separation system comprising a flow inlet (16). The separation system comprises a swirl valve (100), arranged to receive and control the flux of a fluid flow via the flow inlet (16) and to generate a swirling flow, swirling about a central axis (11). The separation system further comprises a separation chamber (40) positioned downstream with respect of the swirl valve (100) to receive the swirling flow from the swirl valve (100), wherein the separation chamber (40) comprises a first and second flow outlet (41, 42). The first flow outlet (41) is positioned to receive an inner portion of the swirling flow and the second outlet (42) is positioned to receive an outer portion of the swirling flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TWISTER B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink
  • Patent number: 8152870
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Publication number: 20120080384
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and apparatus to quickly and inexpensively implement advanced filtration to engines and systems using spin-on oil filter by using a system adapter sandwiched between the spin-on oil filter and the engine block affixed by a nipple adapter. The system adapter has the ability to make quick hydraulic connection to the inlet and outlet of a bypass grade or advanced filter, where oil is super cleaned, without modifications to the engine as is the paradigm by traditional bypass filtration systems and without removing any lubricant from the engine or system that the present invention is connected to, as is the paradigm of traditional bypass filtering systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Adan Reinosa
  • Patent number: 8142661
    Abstract: In the co-production of propylene oxide and styrene monomer, there is produced a sodium-containing heavy residue stream previously suitable only as a low grade fuel. In accordance with the invention, the heavy residue stream is mixed with a hydrocarbon and an aqueous acid, and the resulting mixture is separated into an aqueous sodium salt-containing slurry phase and an organic phase reduced in sodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lyondell Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventors: Dan D. Lindsey, Karl P. Rufener
  • Patent number: 8142659
    Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC.
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8137558
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8137555
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8137564
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: SPI Filtration LLC
    Inventor: William J Gannon
  • Patent number: 8128827
    Abstract: A method of recovering oil from oil-based sludge including the steps of homogenizing an oil-rich phase, a water-rich phase, and a solids-rich phase of an oil-based sludge, removing particulates from the oil-based sludge as the sludge traverses a shaker screen, heating the sludge, injecting a chemical into the heated sludge and mixing the chemical with the heated sludge, separating the phases of the chemically-treated sludge into a solids component stream, a water component stream, a first oil component stream, and a gas component stream, removing solids from the first oil component stream with a decanting centrifuge to form a second oil component stream, and removing water and solids from the second oil component stream with a disk stack centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel Gallo, Catalin Ivan
  • Publication number: 20120047941
    Abstract: A water recovery process for a steam assisted gravity drainage system for a heavy oil recovery facility, the process comprising a flash drum and a flash drum heat exchanger/condenser, wherein the water recovery process receives hot water produced by a facility at a temperature above the water atmospheric boiling point and cools it to a temperature below the water atmospheric boiling point before transferring it to the remaining section of the water recovery process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KemeX Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth James
  • Patent number: 8123864
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Inbicon A/S
    Inventors: Borge Holm Christensen, Lena Holm Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8097172
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for recovering organic compounds from plant waste water. A saturator (10) is coupled to a feed gas stream (70) and a heated makeup water stream (54) which includes recoverable organic compounds. The saturator provides a saturated feed gas stream (70) which includes feed gas, steam and recovered organic compounds. A pump (30) recycles saturator water (56) and the makeup water stream (50) is added to that recycle stream (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Gwo-Jang Abraham Liou, Stephen D. York
  • Patent number: 8092656
    Abstract: A process for treatment of an aqueous stream to produce a low solute containing distillate stream and a high solute/solids containing blowdown stream utilizing a method to increase the efficiency of an evaporator while providing an essentially scale free environment for the heat transfer surface. Multi-valent ions and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from aqueous feed streams to very low levels and then the pH is increased preferably to about 9 or higher to increase the ionization of low ionizable constituents in the aqueous solution. In this manner, species such as silica and boron become highly ionized, and their solubility in the concentrated solution that is present in the evaporation equipment is significantly increased. The result of this is high allowable concentration factors and a corresponding increase in the recovery of high quality reusable water with essentially no scaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Aquatech International Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. Minnich, Ramkumar Karlupudi, Richard M. Schoen
  • Patent number: 8088292
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets with reduced linear stability. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a stability unit used with nozzles of a gas liquid contactor and/or an enhancer for stable jet formation, and more particularly to reducing the stability of liquid jets formed from nozzles of the gas liquid contactor. Another aspect of the invention relates to operating the apparatus at a condition that reduces the stability of liquid jets, e.g., a droplet generator apparatus. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to operation of the apparatus with an aqueous slurry. Still another aspect of the invention is directed towards to an apparatus for substantially separating at least two fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Neumann Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kurt Neumann, Andrew R. Awtry, Jason K. Brasseur, Keith R. Hobbs, Boris R. Nizamov, Thomas Lee Henshaw
  • Patent number: 8083951
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for purifying MTO quench water and scrubbing water via mini-hydrocyclone separation, comprising: removing the entrapped catalyst particles from the MTO quench water via mini-hydrocyclone separation; cooling the quench water purified by mini-hydrocyclone separation so as to effect the recycling of water; removing the entrapped catalyst particles from the MTO quench water to be stripped via mini-hydrocyclone separation, so as to reduce the deposition of the catalyst particles within the stripping tower; removing the entrapped catalyst particles from the MTO scrubbing water via mini-hydrocyclone separation; and cooling the scrubbing water purified via mini-hydrocyclone separation so as to effect the recycling of water. The invention also provides an apparatus for purifying MTO quench water and scrubbing water via mini-hydrocyclone separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: East China University of Science and Technology, Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Corporation (LPEC) Sinopec
    Inventors: Hualin Wang, Yanhong Zhang, Qiang Yang, Ji Ma, Zhishan Bai, Yu Liu, Longhu Liang, Lei Shi, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 8083945
    Abstract: A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. The vessel contains an ionic liquid therein. The fluid is contacted with the ionic liquid for take-up of the fluid by the ionic liquid. There is substantially no chemical change in the ionic liquid and the fluid. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrie L. Wyse, Robert Torres, Jr., Tadaharu Watanabe, Joseph V. Vininski
  • Patent number: 8080166
    Abstract: A multiphase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Liquid Separation Technologies and Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 8080164
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald de Strulle
  • Patent number: 8080139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of anhydrous ethanol production using circulation by multiple towers' alternation, the procedure includes the steps of heating, adsorption, internal circulation, vacuum suction, washing and resolving etc. The method can prolong the life of adsorbent, reduce the heat exchanger's surface, cooling water, the equipment investment and energy consumption, provide high ethanol recovery rate and high dehydration, and protect environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Yaling Zhong, Yuming Zhong
  • Patent number: 8075741
    Abstract: In the water purification process, apparatus, and method, contaminated water vapor is exposed to liquid solvent, which causes a transfer of contaminants from the contaminated water vapor to the liquid solvent. In an advantageous embodiment, this latter step is followed by a second purification step where the decontaminated water in liquid phase is exposed to water vapor which causes a transfer of solvent remaining in the decontaminated water to the water vapor. The energy freed during the condensation of the vapor can advantageously be used for evaporation of the liquids, optionally by compressing the vapors prior to condensation thereof within heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Blanchette
  • Publication number: 20110300231
    Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, James R. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8070951
    Abstract: Metal oxide particles heated while immersed in water in a closed container are combined with membrane filtration to remove contaminants from water. The use of the heated particles reduces fouling of the membrane typically encountered when membranes alone are used to remove contaminants from water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Mark M. Benjamin, Yu-Jung Chang, Jaeshin Kim, Zhenxiao Cai
  • Patent number: 8066889
    Abstract: A method for filtering particulate material from cooking oil used in a frying process at a filtration temperature within the range of 250° F. to 400° F. includes providing a filter comprising a non-woven panel of directionally or randomly oriented fibers of synthetic material, and exposing the filter to the cooking oil at the filtration temperature while drawing the cooking oil therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Masterfil, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bivens, J. Garrieth Clark
  • Publication number: 20110284473
    Abstract: A cleaning method is provided for fluids of a fluid circuit (31) of a mobile device (2) comprising a mobile cleaning module (1), wherein the mobile cleaning module (1) comprises at least one connection element (3, 4, 5, 6) for making a connection to the fluid circuit (31) so that the fluid can be withdrawn from the fluid circuit (31), at least one filter unit (27) for cleaning the fluid, and a connection element (3, 4) for making a connection to the fluid circuit (31) so that the fluid can fed back to the fluid circuit. In a first step, the mobile cleaning module (1) is connected to the fluid circuit by way of the connection element (3, 4, 5, 6). In a next step, the fluid is at least partially withdrawn from the fluid circuit (31) and then the fluid is led through the filter unit (31). Preferably, the fluid can be heated or cooled prior to being introduced to the filter unit (27). In a last step, the cleaned fluid is fed back to the fluid circuit (31) of the mobile device (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Markus Kemper
  • Publication number: 20110278229
    Abstract: A centrifugation method for separating a high specific gravity substance and a low specific gravity substance from a mixture thereof, which prevents the contamination of the high specific gravity substance in collecting the low specific gravity substance after a separation operation, is provided. The centrifugation method includes centrifuging a mixture comprising a high specific gravity substance, a low specific gravity substance, and at least one of a thermoreversible gel and a dissolved gelling agent capable of forming a thermoreversible gel, in which the thermoreversible gel or the dissolved gelling agent forms a gel layer which separates the low specific gravity substance and the high specific gravity substance. The centrifugation is preferably carried out at a temperature equal to or lower than the gelation temperature of the gelling agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TAKARA BIO INC.
    Inventors: Kanako USUI, Sayuri KISHIDA, Tomomi TANAKA, Hiroyuki MUKAI
  • Patent number: 8048304
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving dense gas solvent extraction of a solute and recovery of the solvent are provided. A pressure of the solvent/solute mixture obtained from an extraction chamber is increased, e.g. with a pump, thereby providing the mixture above saturation conditions. The increased pressure provides greater solubility of the solute and less solvent being vaporized in a heat exchanger. A buildup of solute in the system is reduced, thus improving system longevity. Also, process conditions of the separation process are isolated from those of the extraction process. Accordingly, the process conditions for the separating process are maintained while the process conditions of the extraction chamber vary with ambient temperature, thus saving cost and energy. This isolation also provides an ability to use, in the gas recovery cycle, a heat pump that can be used for many applications and environmental conditions while still using a conventional refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dynasep LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Waibel, David J. Lawrence, Michael Case
  • Patent number: 8048314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating a chlorine-containing waste, which can separate and recover a chlorine component from a chlorine-containing waste, and also can achieve a high chlorine removal thereby obtaining a high purity chlorine compound, and can decrease the amount of water for recovering chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd., Japan Water Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Konishi, Hideho Hayashi, Ikuko Watanabe, Takehiko Itoh, Takayuki Kuroiwa, Taichiro Fujimaki
  • Patent number: 8034289
    Abstract: A water treatment process whereby heat is used and recaptured to pasteurize water and or sewage effluent. Contaminated waters are partially treatable utilizing bacterial and chemical processes; however some bacteria (e.g. Cryptosporidium and Giardia) are resistant to chemicals. The present process raises the temperature of the water to a desired pasteurization temperature and for a corresponding required length of time to destroy pathogens and viruses. A heat exchanger is employed to use the waste heat from the pasteurization tank to pre-heat the fluid entering the tank. After the initial heating of the tank, the pre-heating reduces the required heat to maintain the temperature of the tank. Make-up heat increases the temperature within a small temperature range. The make-up heat may be waste heat from a separate process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8029650
    Abstract: A method for purifying used antifreeze is disclosed. An antifreeze recycling systems uses a simple-distillation apparatus adapted to distill clean antifreeze from used antifreeze. A novel scraper blade is used in the simple-distillation apparatus. Also, antifreeze recycling methods that minimize waste and generate nontoxic, landfillable waste are provided. An antifreeze product produced by the present method, and a nontoxic, landfillable sludge product produced by the present method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Dale L. Letcher
  • Publication number: 20110220590
    Abstract: A fluidic device configured for separating components of a fluid includes a flow path within an interior of the fluidic device, and at least one heatable frit positioned in the flow path and arranged to selectively adjust a temperature of the fluid in the flow path within the interior of the fluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Doerr
  • Patent number: 8012355
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Patent number: 8012354
    Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA. The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Dueppen, Samuel G. Zeller, Sandra I. Diltz, Robert H. Driver
  • Publication number: 20110210082
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Richard P. Welle
  • Patent number: 7988864
    Abstract: A process and a device implementing the process, for separating fluids in emulsion and/or in solution, and/or for low pressure distillation, in particular of water and/or gaseous hydrocarbons dissolved in crude petroleum, and/or for separation of crude petroleum droplets emulsified in water, to obtain water with necessary characteristics for its injection without pollution of underground aquifers, and/or when the mixture is dominant in crude petroleum, acceleration of settling of the water in the lower part of the mixture, and/or for low pressure distillation of crude petroleum. The method creates a localized zone of reduced pressure on part of the free surface of a liquid to be processed, within a closed processing tank, without the overall pressure inside the closed processing tank being affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Partex Services Portugal-Servicos Para A Industria Petrolifera, S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Jose Silva Valente
  • Publication number: 20110180494
    Abstract: Device applicable to common internal combustion engines for filtering motor oil from the undesired solid fraction in parallel to an expansion/separation treatment of the liquid phase and filtration of the blow-by flows in an expansion/condensation chamber provided with electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: S.M.O.C.
    Inventor: Piero GIANNONE
  • Publication number: 20110180384
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system for supercritical removal of an inorganic compound. The method includes: bringing a fluid including one or more inorganic fractions at supercritical conditions; separating at least one of the fractions in the fluid; cooling and/or depressurizing the fluid; and removing the at least one separated fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Sybrandus Jacob Metz, Ingo Leusbrock
  • Publication number: 20110168646
    Abstract: A method of evaporating waste water utilizing waste heat employs a forced air thermal evaporator system having an air heat exchanger with: a waste heat inlet, a waste heat outlet, a cold air inlet and a hot air outlet; a compressor connected with the cold air inlet to force air into the cold air inlet; and a distribution header having a hot air inlet connected with the hot air outlet, a waste water inlet connected to a waste water source, and air/water mixing nozzles connected with the hot air inlet and the waste water inlet. Engaging the compressor forces air through the heat exchanger and into the distribution header where the waste water is admixed with the hot air which then exits through spray nozzles as water vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: James Tafoya
  • Patent number: 7976712
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a filter for filtering a dosing fluid in an exhaust aftertreatment system. The filter may comprise a dosing tank configured to contain a dosing fluid, a filter media disposed within the dosing tank, and a support structure supporting the filter media to form a pathway for a flow of dosing fluid. Beneficially, the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention reduce the cost of operation and manufacture of the SCR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Rocheux, Gary Rickle, Julie Graber, Vikrant Aggarwal
  • Publication number: 20110163048
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device, in the form of an oil separator, for cleaning so-called waste oil, which contains oil and water, wherein the cleaned oil is so clean that it can be re-used. The oil separator (1) includes a first separation tank (3) for approx. 80% separation of waste oil fed in from a suction pump (2), a second separation tank (5) including a water filter (8) with a partition (6) containing return water fed in from the first separation tank (3) on one side, and fed in clean, temperature-regulated water (12) on the other side, which forces the oil in the residual water up to the top of the tank (5), from which point the residual oil can be conveyed, via a pipe (9), to a heating tank (4), where this oil, together with the waste oil from the first tank (3), already approx. 80% cleaned, can be heated to approx. 90° C. before the oil is fed to a subsequent collection tank (7), and a filter (11) connected to it, for final cleaning of the separated oil before re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Claes Olofsson