Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity.

Abstract: A device for thermally treating products in containers, including supply and discharge conveyors for containers; with at least one irrigation or spraying zone for irrigating or spraying the containers with a process liquid, for example water; and a circulation circuit for at least partially reusing said process liquid, the circulation circuit including at least one pump; with at least one separation unit with several essentially parallel lamellae for cleaning the process liquid from particles, for example broken glass and/or sand, and the pump pumps the process liquid along the lamella.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: The invention concerns a treated water purification system (107) comprising a water flow loop (110), said loop (110) being closed onto a tank (10) of treated water to purify, and said loop (110) successively comprising, in the direction of flow of the water downstream of the tank (10), at least one pump means (102), at least one first filtration means (103), at least one second filtration means (104) and at least one point of use (U), the system (107) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one diversionary pipe (112) linking the first filtration means (103) to the tank (10), and a loop return pipe (114) linking the second filtration means (104) to the tank (10). Method for use of such a system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a versatile multi-use high water recovery process that integrates the use of water purification membranes including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration with ion exchange water softening resins in a number of configurations that optimize operation and achieve maximum membrane permeate recoveries while eliminating the use of fresh water, sodium chloride and other chemicals needed to regenerate the IX resin. The invention provides process mobility and flexibility that enable selection of optimum process configurations and features to address variability in the Influent Water quality.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system. The electrochemical device can be operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.

Abstract: A process for removing a solvent from a source solution, said process comprising a) contacting the source solution with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, b) contacting a draw solution having a higher osmotic pressure (higher solute concentration) than the source solution with the opposite side of the membrane, such that solvent from the source solution passes across the membrane to dilute the draw solution by direct osmosis, c) removing solvent from the diluted draw solution to regenerate the draw solution, and d) recycling the regenerated draw solution to step a), characterized in that a portion of the draw solution is discarded or treated before and/or after the draw solution is regenerated in step c) so as to reduce the concentration of any solute species present in the draw solution from the source solution.

Abstract: A system for treating ballast water in ballast tanks onboard vessels and offshore constructions is provided. The system comprises one or more ballast tanks, a circulation pump capable of circulating or recirculating, via a tubing, ballast water from and to the one or more ballast tanks, a gas supply unit which is connected to the tubing on the delivery side of the recirculation pump in such a manner that gas, such as air and/or inert gas such as nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide can be supplied to the ballast water; and one or more nozzle heads that are functionally connected to the tubing and is/are arranged in one or more ballast tanks, said one or more nozzle heads comprising at least one nozzle for injection of the gas-containing water into the one or more ballast tanks, and a device configured for removing and/or killing live organisms in the ballast water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a phase (A) from a phase (B), phase (A) having a higher viscosity than phase (B), by inverting the direction of dispersion from phase (B) in phase (A) to phase (A) in phase (B) by recycling a stream comprising phase (B) in excess.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source by using brackish concentrate mixed with salty water. The various embodiments also provide methods and apparatus for the treatment of toxicity of brackish concentrate, which brackish concentrate exhibits on aquatic life inhabiting the area of discharge of the brackish concentrate, as well as a method for environmentally safe disposal of brackish concentrate.

Abstract: A liquid evaporation system for evaporating clean water from a reservoir of wastewater includes a liquid evaporator to evaporate and separate water vapor from the wastewater in a confined space, an air blower to supply air to the liquid evaporator, and a wastewater heating system arranged to collect heat to heat the wastewater in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration process for enriching and concentrating a neutral organic compound into the permeated liquid with negative retention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing solutes from wastewater are disclosed. An embodiment provides a reactor tank having a manifold located at or near an interface between a lower (upstream) section having a first cross-section and a higher (downstream) section having a second cross-section smaller than the first cross section. An inlet for wastewater to enter the reactor tank is located in or below the first cross-section. A recycling path is provided for removing wastewater from the manifold and recycling at least part of the removed wastewater into the reactor tank. An outlet for water to exit the reactor tank is located downstream from the manifold.

Abstract: Enhanced fluid filtration methods, systems, and techniques are disclosed that can leverage the function of a supplemental pump in combination with the existing components of a machine, such as the main pump of an electrically-powered machine with an engine. In various embodiments, a supplemental filter apparatus may be operatively associated with the supplemental pump to provide filtration of fluid flowing through the machine. A control module may be operatively associated with the supplemental pump and/or various components of the machine. The control module may be programmed to activate or deactivate the supplemental pump, a valve, or take other actions in association with detecting the existence of one or more filter triggering conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process of running the system that allows for the long term filtration of product without loss of filtration capability due to clogging or fouling. The system is a normal flow filtration system having one or more filter cartridges attached to an outlet of a housing in the system. The filter cartridge(s) are contained within a bowl and depend preferably vertically from the outlet. Liquid enters the bowl of the housing and contacts the outer surfaces of the one or more cartridges. Impurities are trapped on or in the surface of the filter and the filtered liquid flows through the filter and through the outlet. One or more parameters such as flow rate, transmembrane pressure drop and/or time are measured and when the desired parameter(s) are met, the filtration ceases. A backflushing occurs back through the filter cartridges so as to remove the trapped impurities on or in the filter surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for treating wastewater produced at a thermoelectric power plant, other industrial plants, and/or other industrial sources are disclosed. The wastewater is directed through a wastewater concentrator including a direct contact adiabatic concentration system. A stream of hot feed gases is directed through the wastewater concentrator. The wastewater concentrator mixes the hot feed gases directly with the wastewater and evaporates water vapor from the wastewater. The wastewater concentrator separates the water vapor from remaining concentrated wastewater. A contained air-water interface liquid evaporator may be arranged to pre-process the wastewater before being treated by the wastewater concentrator.

Abstract: A new and improved biomass conversion system is disclosed using high-temperature flow-though pretreatment and a nanoporous membrane to provide more digestible biomass for subsequent conversion to biofuels.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification apparatus and method using a pressurized micro-filter preprocessed with a coagulation inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir and a pore-control fiber filter for improvement of a recovery rate, which removes the dissolved organic materials and the turbidity of raw water through a preprocess by a flash mixer, a two-stage coagulation reservoir and an inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir, thereby making it possible to reduce the use of coagulants, the generation of sludge by-products, the inflow load of membranes, and the facility size in comparison with the conventional standard water purification processes.

Abstract: A system for the production or handling of heavy oil comprises means (18) for introducing an immiscible viscosity-reducing fluid into the heavy oil at an upstream end of a flow line (10,22) to create a dispersion of oil and viscosity-reducing fluid, and means (24,30) for separating the viscosity-reducing fluid at least partially from the oil at a downstream end of the flow line. The separating means comprises a cyclonic fluid conditioning unit (24) connected receive the dispersion of oil and viscosity-reducing fluid from the downstream end of the flow line (22), said cyclonic fluid conditioning unit being constructed and arranged to subject the dispersion to a cyclonic conditioning process; and a gravity separator unit (30) connected to receive the conditioned dispersion from the cyclonic fluid conditioning unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method of filtering metalworking fluid is disclosed. A particle filter is provided in fluid communication with a sump of machining equipment to filter particles from a metalworking fluid. The metalworking fluid is filtered using the particle filter to remove metal filings and debris from the metalworking fluid. A tramp oil filter is provided in fluid communication with the particle filter to remove tramp oil, wherein the tramp oil filter includes hydrophobic material to absorb oil. The oil-free metalworking fluid may then be re-circulated back to the machining equipment.

Abstract: A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. A rejuvenator is installed in the solvent circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. The rejuvenator includes a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed outside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system operates at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.

Abstract: A coolant filtration system and method for use with one or more metal working machines. The system includes a housing, pump, conveyer assembly, drum assembly, and centrifugal separator. The housing includes a tank that receives and holds coolant coming out of the one or more metal working machines. The pump is used to drive the coolant through the coolant filtration system. A part of the conveyer assembly is disposed within the housing in order to carry-away workpiece chips from the coolant. The drum assembly is located near the conveyer assembly in order to filter the coolant. The centrifugal separator receives coolant processed by the conveyor and drum assemblies. The system can further include one or more fine filters for additional filtering of the coolant outputted by the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: An internal bypass filtration circuit including a microfine depth filtration cartridge, which operates in combination with the sump filter of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present depth filtration cartridge functions to remove particulate matter as small as five microns to improve fluid cleanliness level without restricting fluid flow to the pump ensuring its volumetric efficiency. In one embodiment transmission fluid passes through a calibrated orifice in the bypass circuit to regulate flow to the depth filtration cartridge. In an alternate embodiment the depth filter media itself regulates filtration below a predetermined fluid pressure. The internal bypass circuit is installed by accessing a pressurized fluid circuit in the transmission valve body. A hydraulic bypass line interconnects such pressurized fluid circuit with the depth filtration cartridge, which is mounted internally of the transmission housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for circulating process waters from plants of dust-pressure or entrained-flow gasification of solid and liquid fuels are provided, wherein process waters are separated from solids or reduced in their solids content by a pressure filtration unit under process pressure and returned to consumer loads, such as raw gas quenching processes and scrubbing processes.

Abstract: The process relates improving terephthalic acid purge filtration rate by controlling % water in filter feed slurry and to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic acid, while utilizing pressure filtration.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous processing and solids handling in first near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the first near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a second fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.

Abstract: A thickening tank has a peripheral overflow launder and a centrally disposed feed well. Feedstock slurry is fed to a mixing box which also receives supernatant liquid and is supplemented by flocculated material flowing into the interior of the feed well onto a distributor baffle plate. The supernatant liquid is delivered at a controlled rate from a receiving vessel formed by an upright cylinder provided at its lower end with an impeller of a lift pump which is operated by a controller positioned at the upper end of a vertical drive shaft extending axially through the receiving vessel. The feed well is surrounded by a second launder which is closed at its base and formed with a cup. The lower end of the receiving vessel is spaced from the floor of the cup to draw supernatant liquid exclusively from the second launder rather than from the thickener tank.

Abstract: A coolant for a machine is filtered by passing some of the coolant into a discharge tube having an opening, the discharge tube supporting a filter bag. Coolant flowing into the discharge tube flows out of the tube through the opening, and then through the bag, and the filtered fluid is recirculated. An end piece, pivotably mounted to the discharge tube, prevents the bag from falling off while in operation, but can be pivoted to a position which facilitates insertion and removal of the bag. When filled, the bag can therefore easily be removed and replaced with a new bag. The invention greatly simplifies the process of filtering a coolant fluid.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.

Abstract: A vessel-based system and method for disposing of wastewater including bilge water from a bilge of the vessel. The system including a treatment unit for receiving and treating the wastewater to produce a substantially oil-free treated water and, an evaporator for receiving the treated water from the treatment unit. In an embodiment, the evaporator having an evaporation element for transferring heat to the treated water to evaporate the treated water.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising a liquid fuel tank, an engine, and a coalescing filter adapted to separate water from fuel, the filter having an inlet fluidically connected to the fuel tank, a first outlet fluidically connected to a fuel feed system for the engine, and a second outlet fluidically connected to the fuel tank, wherein the coalescing filter is adapted to discharge fuel filtrate from the second outlet and filtrand from the first outlet. Also, a method of removing water or ice from a fuel tank, the method comprising directing a flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a coalescing filter adapted to separate water from fuel, discharging filtrand from a first outlet of the coalescing filter to a fuel feed system for consumption by an engine, and discharging fuel filtrate from a second outlet of the coalescing filter and returning the fuel filtrate to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A ship comprises a bilge water sump collecting bilge water and contaminants. A first contaminant separation device is provided comprising a conveyor arrangement with an endless belt comprising adsorbing/absorbing material. The conveyor arrangement has a first portion submergible into the bilge water and contaminants in the bilge water sump, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion and provided with means for releasing adsorbed/absorbed contaminants from the conveyor belt and means for collecting the contaminants released. The conveyor arrangement is further provided with means for driving the endless belt along a moving path defined by guiding means.

Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is separated from its suspension by passing a suspension of water-soluble cellulose ether particles in water through a filter of perforated metallic or ceramic filter medium under pressure, removing the filter cake of water-soluble cellulose ether from the filter medium, and cleaning the filter medium with steam, compressed air or water under pressure. The invention enables to separate a water-soluble cellulose ether, especially having a high dissolution temperature, avoids the filter from being clogged, and extends the operative time of the filter.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wastewater treatment plant and method for treating wastewater, and to a wastewater treatment system having a plurality of filter layers disposed one under the other for purifying the wastewater, wherein at least one feeding device (200) for feeding wastewater to the filter layer (110) and at least one discharge device (300) for discharging the purified wastewater from the filter layer (110) is associated with each filter layer (110). The feeding device (200) for at least two of the filter layers (110) is directly fluidically connected to a wastewater feeding line (400) and the discharge device (300) is directly fluidically connected to an intermediate store (600), such that the unfiltered quantity of wastewater fed to each filter layer (110) can be filtered by said filter layer (110).

Abstract: A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating draw solution solutes and product solvent from a draw solution using a plurality of distillation columns is disclosed. In one embodiment, the draw solution is used in a Forward Osmosis (FO) water desalination process. In this embodiment, the draw solution is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in parallel while the energy stream (heat) is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in series such that the efficiency of heat use is improved and in turn the cost of the heat is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.

Abstract: A cartridge type filter is mounted in a housing and is serviced through the top of the housing. The cartridge includes first and second media packs axially stacked. The second media pack is in series behind the first media pack, and filters a portion of the liquid therethrough. The second media pack has a higher efficiency than the first media pack. The overall design has a drain system which allows liquid to drain from the interior of the filter housing and back to the sump before the filter cartridge is completely removed from the housing. Other optional features include an oil cooler, various valving, and a filter cartridge lockout mechanism.

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.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method includes determining whether a universal serial bus (USB) peripheral device is connected to a USB monitoring device that is connected to a medical device and drawing power from the medical device. The medical device is configured for use in a medical procedure with a patient. The method also includes determining whether the USB peripheral device is drawing power from the medical device if the USB peripheral device is determined to be connected to the USB monitoring device.