Chromium Patents (Class 210/913)
  • Patent number: 6830695
    Abstract: An in situ process for treating ambient solid materials (e.g., soils, aquifer solids, sludges) by adding one or more divalent metal cations to the ambient solid material. The added divalent metal cations, such as Cu2+ or Zn2+, combine with metal oxide/hydroxides (e.g., ferric oxide/hydroxide or aluminum oxide/hydroxide) already present in the ambient solid material to form an effective sorbent material having a large number of positively-charged surface complexes that binds and immobilizes anionic contaminant species (e.g., arsenic or chromate). Divalent metal cations can be added, for example, by injecting an aqueous solution of CuSO4 into an aquifer contaminated with arsenic or chromate. Also, sludges can be stabilized against leaching of anionic contaminants through the addition of divalent metal cations. Also, an inexpensive sorbent material can be easily formed by mixing divalent metal cations with soil that has been removed from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick V. Brady, Nadim R. Khandaker, James L. Krumhansl, David M. Teter
  • Patent number: 6814867
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for reducing or substantially eliminating chromium in non-volatile residue obtained from a certain processes, and particularly from cyclohexane oxidation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Inuista North America S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Ludovic Fodor, Bennett Haines Novak, Jules Charles Joseph Perilloux, Jr., Bhagya Chandra Sutradhar
  • Patent number: 6719902
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed waste aquifers, based on a synergistic combination of reductive treatment using zero-valent iron and anaerobic biotransformations. Also disclosed are methods for in situ and ex situ remediation of groundwater and wastewater via these iron-bacterial compositions in a variety of devices including batch reactors, permeable and semipermeable reactive barriers, flow-through reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and sediment tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Pedro J. Alvarez, Brian A. Till, Lenly J Weathers, Gene F. Parkin, Jerald L. Schnoor
  • Patent number: 6656360
    Abstract: A unique filtration device (10) which removes metal ions from a contaminated aqueous stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid (18) which can capture the metal ions in the aqueous stream. The wicking fibers (20) are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from a chamber (16) through which the aqueous stream is directed into a chamber (18) wherein the unwanted metal ions are removed from the extracting liquid (18). The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected liquid extraction (18) which remains within the fiber through capillary action by which capillary action the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid,(18) with which they comes into contact, through the internal cavities (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Paul Rohrbach, Gordon William Jones, Peter Unger, Daniel Bause, Russell Dondero, Lixin Xue
  • Patent number: 6649071
    Abstract: A treatment effective for removing or substantially reducing the amount of Cr+6 present in drinking water or wastewater is described. The method includes adding a stannous salt of a non-carbon acid, in an amount effective to reduce most or substantially all of the chromic ion in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: A. S. Incorporated
    Inventor: William E. Stapp
  • Patent number: 6632364
    Abstract: An in situ method and system for reductive dechlorination, the precipitation of chromium, the precipitation of heavy metals, and microbial denitrification. The invention comprises the formation of in situ anaerobic reactive zones to precipitate and filter out dissolved heavy metals as metallic sulfides, to degrade nitrate to nitrogen gas, to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons to ethene, and to precipitate and filter out chromium. The invention is comprised of an injection well or wells that extend into a contaminated groundwater. A conduit located within the injection well conveys a reagent to the contaminated groundwater. The reagent may be a carbohydrate rich solution. Microbes digest the carbohydrates to produce sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions within the reactive zone that include a dissolved oxygen level less than about 0.5 mg/l, a redox potential less than about −250 mv, and a dissolved organic carbon to contaminant ratio of greater than about 50:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Arcadis G & M
    Inventor: Suthan S. Suthersan
  • Patent number: 6630071
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste water containing heavy metals in which sulphur components and/or metals are biologically reduced to precipitate the metals as water-insoluble metal species, which are separated from the waste water. The biological reduction and the precipitation of the metal species are carried out in a moving sand bed, in which sand particles partly immobilize the bacteria and retain the precipitated metal species, treated waste water is separated from the precipitated metal species and the precipitated metal species are subsequently separated from the sand particles. Metals like selenium and uranium can be precipitated without sulphur components, whereas metals like antimony, cadmium, copper, zinc and the like are precipitated as sulphides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Paques Bio Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Cees Jan Nico Buisman, Hendrik Dijkman
  • Patent number: 6623646
    Abstract: A method is taught for converting metal contaminants in the soil to less toxic forms as well as permitting their removal from groundwater. A first reactive solution comprising ferrous sulfate and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is injected to decomplex contaminants and precipitate them as insoluble compounds. A second reactive solution comprising hydrogen peroxide, and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is then injected to destroy organic liquids and enhance decomplexation. The pH of the first solution may range from 3 to 5, and the pH of the second solution range from 3 to 7, preferably 5 to 7. The process is particularly effective where chromium compounds such as hexavalent chromium are the contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: James Daniel Bryant, James Thomas Wilson
  • Patent number: 6607651
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a flushing solution from an ion exchanger used in electroplating operations by co-precipitating or selectively precipitating out metal hydroxides derived from metal ions from the structures being plated in the electroplating bath, metal ions from the electrodes use in the electroplating bath and metal ions from the plating metal used in the electroplating bath, and a pH raising agent having a cation with a valence of at least 2. After the metals are precipitated out of the flushing solution, the flushing solution is aerated with carbon dioxide to precipitate out the cation from the pH raising agent as a carbonate. The carbonate precipitate is removed from the flushing solution and the resulting solution consists essentially of water that may be recycled for use in the electroplating plant or safely discharged into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: CWS Parts Company
    Inventor: Alfred H. Stiller
  • Patent number: 6596182
    Abstract: A process for removing heavy metals from water is provided. The process includes the steps of introducing magnetite to a quantity of water containing heavy metal. The magnetite is mixed with the water such that at least a portion of, and preferably the majority of, the heavy metal in the water is bound to the magnetite. Once this occurs the magnetite and absorbed metal is removed from the water by application of a magnetic field. In most applications the process is achieved by flowing the water through a solid magnetized matrix, such as steel wool, such that the magnetite magnetically binds to the solid matrix. The magnetized matrix preferably has remnant magnetism, but may also be subject to an externally applied magnetic field. Once the magnetite and associated heavy metal is bound to the matrix, it can be removed and disposed of, such as by reverse water or air and water flow through the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: F. Coyne Prenger, Dallas D. Hill, Dennis D. Padilla, Robert M. Wingo, Laura A. Worl, Michael D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6491822
    Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency and usable life in a cross flow membrane filter used to remove contaminants from bilgewater. The bilgewater is passed upstream of the cross filter membrane through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified output from the infused filtration media is then provided as input for the cross flow membrane filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mycelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 6475393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from an oily bilgewater. In the method the bilgewater is passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The contaminants are thereby immobilized at said media, and the purified bilgewater having passed through the filtration media is discharged, e.g. into a body of navigable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mycelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Haluk Alper
  • Patent number: 6471871
    Abstract: A batch or continuous process for the removal by flocculation of silicon and heavy metal contamination from aqueous waste streams by the addition of an aluminum salt, particularly, aqueous streams recycled as electrolyte in the electrolytic production of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorates. The process is particularly suited to the removal of heavy metals and silicon contamination in an electrolyte recycled to an electrolytic cell subsequent to the removal by crystallization of a chlorate salt. An aluminum salt, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and polyaluminum chlorides including polyaluminum chloride sulfates is effective as a flocculating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Finnchem USA, Inc
    Inventor: Charles L. Pitzer
  • Patent number: 6398968
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions. The methods and systems of these embodiments are particularly suited to removal of arsenic species as well as transition-metals, post-transition-metals, phosphates and other contaminants in aqueous solutions. The methods and systems of embodiments of the present invention provide for the addition of a reagent to a contaminated solution in combination with a pressurization process and a depressurization process. Contaminant particulates and solids produced in these processes may be removed by conventional separation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Watermark Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Loren P. Higby
  • Patent number: 6383395
    Abstract: A media is used to remove species from aqueous solutions, particularly in the treatment of water to enable it to be suitable for drinking. The media includes a material selected from the group consisting of zirconium hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, hafnium hydroxide and combinations thereof. A preferred form of the media is a layer having an aspect ratio of at least 1:1, more preferably, at least about 10:1. Removed from the water are species selected from the group consisting of arsenate, selenate, chromate, borate, perchlorate, fluoride and combinations thereof. In particular arsenite (As+3) containing species are also removed from water. Arsenite may be removed from water to levels not greater than 10 parts per billion with a single exposure to the media. The media is selective for certain species over others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Luxfer Group Limited
    Inventors: Stephen R. Clarke, Richard J. Clarke, Roderick Murdock, Clive J. Butler, Sam Mohanta
  • Patent number: 6383388
    Abstract: A process and a system for removal of metals from ground water or from soil by bioreducing or bioaccumulating the metals using metal tolerant microorganisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is tolerant to the metals, able to bioreduce the metals to the less toxic state and to accumulate them. The process and the system is useful for removal or substantial reduction of levels of chromium, molybdenum, cobalt, zinc, nickel, calcium, strontium, mercury and copper in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Paula A. W. Krauter, Gordon W. Krauter
  • Patent number: 6350380
    Abstract: A method for treating in situ large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for in situ immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6350383
    Abstract: A material and method for removal of environmental oxyanions (and especially phosphates), the material comprising a substrate such as a clay modified with complexing elements selected from Group IIIB, Group IVB, and lanthanide elements (or a mixture of such elements). The resultant modified substrate can bind oxyanions and make them unavailable for utilisation in the environment; in the case of phosphates, by algae and the like. The method includes forming a capping of material at the sediment/water interface, applying the material in the form of pellets at the sediment/water interface, or injecting the pellets into the sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventor: Grant Brian Douglas
  • Patent number: 6322700
    Abstract: An in situ method and system for reductive dechlorination, the precipitation of chromium, the precipitation of heavy metals, and microbial denitrification. The invention comprises the formation of in situ anaerobic reactive zones to precipitate and filter out dissolved heavy metals as metallic sulfides, to degrade nitrate to nitrogen gas, to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons to ethene, and to precipitate and filter out chromium. The invention is comprised of an injection well or wells that extend into a contaminated groundwater. A conduit located within the injection well conveys carbohydrates and sulfates to the contaminated groundwater. Microbes digest the carbohydrates to produce sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions within the reactive zone that include a dissolved oxygen level less than about 0.5 mg/l, a redox potential less than about −250 mv, and a dissolved organic carbon to contaminant ratio of greater than about 50:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Arcadis Geraghty & Miller
    Inventor: Suthan S. Suthersan
  • Patent number: 6274045
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence Kreisler
  • Patent number: 6270679
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence Kreisler
  • Patent number: 6264841
    Abstract: A method of removing a dissolved metal constituent from a contaminated liquid is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a flow stream containing the contaminated liquid; providing a plurality of shell components formed by comminuting a shell stock including at least one shell having a biomineralized calcium carbonate composition; combining the shell components with the flow stream; and converting at least one shell component to a substantially insoluble biometallic nodule by maintaining contact between the shell components and the dissolved metal constituent over a predetermined time period. The biometallic nodule thus formed contains at least a portion of the metallic constituent in a biogenic metallic carbonate form. After their formation, the biometallic nodules are separated from the treated flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Helen E. A. Tudor
  • Patent number: 6264840
    Abstract: The process of the present invention comprises the steps of (a) a step of dissolving a condensed tannin powder in an aqueous alkaline solution, (b) a step of admixing an aqueous aldehyde solution with the aqueous solution obtained in the step (a), (c) a step of adding the aqueous solution obtained by the above step (b) to a hydrophobic solvent containing a polyether type nonionic surfactant under heating and stirring to disperse the aqueous solution in the form of droplets in said hydrophobic solvent and (d) evaporating water components from the above-mentioned droplets to form a spherical and gelled insoluble tannins. Water content of the gel can be widely controlled as 5 to 90% as compared with the conventional adsorbent and the network structure and molecular space are changed depending on the size of the metal ion to be adsorbed so that a gelled insoluble tannin which can increase an adsorption capacity of metals can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Nakano, Yasuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6254782
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal form waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the lie are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence Kreisler
  • Patent number: 6238570
    Abstract: A non-iron sulfide is introduced into an iron-containing zone to form ferrous sulfide. A contaminated aqueous composition is then contacted with the ferrous sulfide to react with said contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Timothy Mark Sivavec
  • Patent number: 6177015
    Abstract: An aqueous solution, for example, effluent from an off-gas scrubber, is treated to remove metal and metalloid ions by in situ precipitation of ferrous ions by the addition thereto of a ferrous ion-containing solution, salt or other such ferrous ion-containing source and a hydroxyl-yielding base in the presence of the metals and metalloids. The reaction conditions include a temperature of at least about 60° C., and a pH of from about 6 to about 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Inco Limited
    Inventors: Brian Charles Blakey, Justin Raskauskas
  • Patent number: 6143177
    Abstract: An in situ method and system for reductive dechlorination, the precipitation of chromium, the precipitation of heavy metals, and microbial denitrification. The invention comprises the formation of in situ anaerobic reactive zones to precipitate and filter out dissolved heavy metals as metallic sulfides, to degrade nitrate to nitrogen gas, to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons to ethene, and to precipitate and filter out chromium. The invention is comprised of an injection well or wells that extend into a contaminated saturated zone. A conduit located within the injection well conveys carbohydrates and sulfates to the contaminated saturated zone. Microbes digest the carbohydrates to produce sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions within the reactive zone that include a dissolved oxygen level less than about 0.5 mg/l, a redox potential less than about -250 mv, and a dissolved organic carbon to contaminant ratio of greater than about 50:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Arcadis Geraghty & Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Suthan S. Suthersan
  • Patent number: 6136199
    Abstract: Phosphates and chromates are selectively removed from contaminated water by a new class of sorbent, referred to as a Polymeric Ligand Exchanger (PLE). The exchanger bed comprising a styrene-divinylbenzene or polymethacrylate matrix having an electrically neutral chelating functional group with nitrogen or oxygen donor atoms, and a Lewis-acid type metal cation, such as copper, bonded to the chelating functional group in a manner that the positive charges of the metal cation are not neutralized. PLEs are very selective toward phosphates and chromates, chemically stable, and also amenable to efficient regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Julius James Jablonsky
    Inventors: Arup SenGupta, Dongye Zhao
  • Patent number: 6096223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating contaminated water to precipitate metals without increasing the total dissolved solids content. In particular, the invention relates to the use of phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide to adjust the pH of chromium contaminated groundwater during the treatment process without increasing the total dissolved solids (TDS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef El-Shoubary, Subash C. Seth, Ned A. Speizer
  • Patent number: 5976383
    Abstract: Aluminum particles are reacted with heavy metal ions in a first acidic aqueous solution to form heavy metallic particles that are suitable for recycling and reuse when recovered from the first aqueous solution. The first residual aqueous solution may also contains ferrous ions obtained by acid redissolving a co-precipitated heavy metal hydroxide and ferrous hydroxide sludge that is produced in the treatment of a dilute chelated heavy metal solution. The first residual aqueous solution with heavy metals substantially removed is recycled and reused as the ferrous reagent for treating said dilute chelated heavy metal bearing solution. The process disclosed herein is useful for treating both dilute and concentrated wastes and wastewaters generated by industries such as metal plating and metal etching and printed circuit board fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Romar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G Guess, Stephen E. Lavalley
  • Patent number: 5967965
    Abstract: A method for treating heavy metal contaminated soils, particularly those containing hexavalent chromium, which includes a first soil washing at pH 9-12 with an anionic synthetic organic flocculant followed by a liquid-solid phase separation such as by gravity separation including sedimentation, an optional second soil sludge washing at pH 2.5-3.0 with addition of a metal valency reducing agent which when done is followed by a second liquid-solid phase separation using a cationic synthetic organic flocculant, combining the first and second stage liquids and optional treating the liquid phase with a metal valency reduction agent such as sodium metabisulfite under acidic conditions followed by treatment with an alkaline agent to form insoluble metal hydroxide which is separated in a phase separation process and is combined with the final sludge, recycling the liquid from washing stage or stages for use in soil processing, dewatering the separated sludge or sludges using a separation method (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Envirem
    Inventors: Tamara V Vyshkina, Mark Y. Kigel, Mikhail Kofman, Gerard N. Pica, Peter J. Diglio, Salvador A. Riggi
  • Patent number: 5958248
    Abstract: A method and a system which enable simple and inexpensive removal of heavy metals from a heavy-metal-containing substance. In this method, a substance containing heavy metals and water are introduced into a mixing bath in proportions by weight of 1:3 to 1:6. A strong acid is added to the mixture, and the mixture is stirred while its pH is maintained at a pH lower than 4. As a result of stirring of the substance at a pH 4, heavy metals are extracted into the liquid as metal ions. The metal-ion-containing liquid is input to a heavy metal precipitation bath, and the pH of the liquid is increased to a pH higher than 10 by addition of alkali to the liquid. Gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas are input to the liquid from a lower portion of the heavy metal precipitation bath, and they are broken into a large quantity of small gas bubbles of carbonic acid gas by turbine blades. The large quantity of gas bubbles of carbonic acid are brought into contact with the metal-ion-containing liquid having a pH higher than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Yukimasa Satoh
  • Patent number: 5932109
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling water used in plating processes to eliminate discharge of pollutants including a plating tank for chrome plating selected materials, at least one rinse tank which holds rinse water where parts from the plating tank are rinsed to remove chrome compounds used in the plating tank and transfer means to transfer water from the rinse tank to a purification tank where hydrazine is added to the rinse water in quantities sufficient to maintain selected pH in the water returned to one of the rinse tanks for precipitation of the chromic compounds to chromic hydroxide which can be easily filtered for disposal as a dry material. High quality water such as deionized water is added to the rinse tank to makeup lost water and a catalyst such as cobalt salt can be added to the purification tank to assist in reduction of the chromic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Griffin Chemical Company
    Inventor: Gus Griffin
  • Patent number: 5928517
    Abstract: A process of selectively separating a target metal contained in a solid matrix from the solid matrix by contacting a solid matrix containing a target metal with an aqueous solution including a water-soluble polymer adapted for complexation with the target metal for sufficient time whereby a water-soluble polymer-target metal complex is formed, and, separating the solution including the water-soluble polymer-target metal complex from the solid matrix is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Barbara F. Smith, Thomas W. Robison, Nancy N. Sauer, Deborah S. Ehler
  • Patent number: 5908559
    Abstract: A method for recovering and separating precious and non-precious metals from waste streams, which removes, separates, and recovers such metals in a cost effective manner with more than 95% removal from waste streams and with minimal amounts of unprocessed solids and sludge remaining in the environment. Metals such as chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, vanadium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, aluminum, tin; and the like are removed and recovered from the waste streams with at least 95% removal and other metals and compounds, such as antimony, sulfur, and selenium are removed and recovered from waste streams with at least 50% removal. The method employs a unique complexing agent comprising a carbamate compound and an alkali metal hydroxide which facilitates the formation of the metals into ionic metal particles enabling them to be readily separated, removed and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence Kreisler
  • Patent number: 5888404
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating waste water sludge comprising at least one metal originating from a waste water treatment coagulant, and phosphorus and heavy metals in order to recover said at least one metal and phosphorus and to discharge said heavy metals. In this method said waste water sludge is acidified to dissolve metals contained in the sludge thereby yielding an acidified sludge solution containing at least 1% by weight of at least one metal to be recovered. In a first precipitation stage the pH of said acidified sludge solution is raised to precipitate at least one metal to be recovered as a phosphate, and thereafter the phosphate precipitate is separated, thereby leaving a solution comprising heavy metals. In a second precipitation stage the pH of said solution comprising heavy metals is raised and, if necessary, an appropriate chemical is added to precipitate heavy metals, and thereafter the precipitate is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Kemira Kemi Ab
    Inventor: Simo Jokinen
  • Patent number: 5851398
    Abstract: A method for removing pollutants from water, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of providing algal spores for seeding, providing a source of water for flowing through a floway, and the water contains a quantity of pollutants and has a pH on entry into said floway, providing a growing surface in the floway upon which the algal spores form an attachment, subjecting the algal spores in the floway to operating conditions resulting in the formation of an algal turf in which the algae has cell walls on its surface, adjusting the floway operating conditions such that a predetermined pollutant precipitates onto and/or into the algal cell walls but not into the water, and harvesting a portion of the algal turf including the cell walls onto and/or into which the pollutants have precipitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Aquatic Bioenhancement Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter H. Adey
  • Patent number: 5833855
    Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwaters is provided. The method provides utilizing a treatment solution comprising a soluble source of organic carbon, ferrous iron, and sulfate. Additionally, the treatment solution may comprise sulfate reducing bacteria as well as nutrients for bacterial metabolism. The treatment is designed to stimulate the growth of naturally occurring sulfate reducing bacteria such that the metals are coprecipitated in iron sulfide and the hydrocarbons are reduced to innocuous byproducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventor: James A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5795486
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of barium sulphide or strontium sulphide for the removal of heavy metals in industrial acidic solutions.The invention is applicable to the purification of contaminated acids, in particular of spent battery acid, or of industrial solutions of titanyl sulphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Chane-Ching, Fabrice Fourcot
  • Patent number: 5770090
    Abstract: A waste water stream containing a heavy metal such as chromium, zinc, copper, and the like is directed from a source after pH adjustment to a tank containing adsorption material in the form of granular activated carbon. A waste water stream is directed to the tank in either an upward or downward flow mode. The heavy metal is adsorbed onto the surface of the adsorption material which is pretreated to an initial pH in the range between about 1.5 to 2.5. The water stream free of the metal contaminant is directed to an effluent tank for safe discharge. Thereafter a stripping solution preferably containing sulfuric acid is circulated through the tank to remove the adsorbed metal for the adsorption material. The metal is carried by the stripping solution from the tank to an electrolytic metal recovery unit. The unit includes a cathode terminal and the stripping solution passes through a voltage potential resulting in electrolytic deposit of the heavy metal onto the cathode terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Tom Lewis, III
  • Patent number: 5744420
    Abstract: Adsorbent alumina particulates which comprise coagulated droplets, extrudates or crushed alumina particles having a volume of pores with a diameter greater than 80 .ANG. of at least 0.15 cm.sup.3 /g and a particle size of less than 4 mm are well suited for adsorbing chelated organometallic compound values thereon, in particular from a medium of polymerization comprising same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Le Loarer, Christophe Nedez
  • Patent number: 5736048
    Abstract: In a process of remediating chemical contamination of a pond contaminated with one or more toxic heavy metals or aromatic compounds, the steps include: preparing a silage of grass clippings, placing the silage on the surface of a pond, and inoculating the pond with an alga and Bacillus cereus in sufficient quantities to cause a mixed algal and bacterial bloom to form on the pond surface and become annealed to the silage, leaving the silage with the annealed bloom on the surface of the pond for a sufficient amount of time to allow the bloom to withdraw at least some of the toxic heavy metal content or to degrade at least some of the aromatic compound content of the pond, and removing the silage with the annealed bloom from the pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Spelman College
    Inventor: Victor M. Ibeanusi
  • Patent number: 5660735
    Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Enzo Coltrinari, Wayne C. Hazen
  • Patent number: 5660730
    Abstract: Process for the inertization of liquid waste, mud and solid waste, containing sulphates and heavy metals, which comprises a neutralization step of the compounds to be treated and an anaerobic reduction step of the sulphate ion to allow the formation of sulphide ions necessary for the process. A consortium of sulphate-reducing bacteria and lactobacilli is used, with whey as a carbon and nitrogen source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Eniricerche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Lucchese, Andrea Robertiello, Giuseppe Scolla
  • Patent number: 5635073
    Abstract: A method for the removal of metal from a metal-containing aqueous medium wherein the aqueous medium is passed through a particulate carrier material in the presence or ferrous iron and an oxidant and at such velocity and in such direction that the carrier material particles are fluidised in the aqueous medium and wherein metal-containing coatings are formed on the surfaces of the carrier material particles and wherein the particles thus coated are separated from the aqueous medium. A method for the production of iron oxyhydroxide-containing adsorbent wherein the carrier material particles are fluidised in an aqueous medium in the presence ferrous iron and an oxidant so as to form iron oxyhydroxide coatings on the particles and wherein the particles thus formed are separated from the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Kruger AS
    Inventors: Henrik Aktor, Terkel C. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5573676
    Abstract: Process for the decontamination of decontaminants in waste waters, wherein the waste water stream to be treated pass sequentially through following process steps,waste water treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2), irradiating at the same time with UV light,treatment with a reducing agent such as sodium dithionite,precipitation of existing metal contaminants, optionally followed by a filtration and/or a treatment with a selective ion exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ultra Systems GmbH UV-Oxidation
    Inventors: Karl F. Massholder, Wilfried Werz, Erwin Ecker
  • Patent number: 5547583
    Abstract: Metals and organics are extracted from solution by co-precipitating them with a gel comprising aluminum hydroxide and a complexing agent such as EDTA. After the gel is processed to remove the metals and organics, it can be recycled for further use by dissolving it in a high-pH solution, leaving no secondary waste stream. A number of alternative complexing agents perform better than EDTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Donald H. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5547588
    Abstract: A process for treatment of hazardous liquid waste comprising trace amounts of hazardous elements in solution as oxyanions by oxyanion fixation within ettringite and related minerals. In accordance with the disclosed process, reagents for forming ettringites are mixed with the waste stream resulting in the formation of oxyanion-substituted ettringite and related materials. The resulting ettringite and related minerals are separated by filtration from the liquid. Thereafter, the liquid, having an elevated pH, is neutralized by carbon dioxide sparging resulting in precipitation of excess reagents in the liquid. Thereafter, the precipitates are filtered, producing a clean liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: David J. Hassett, Jeffrey S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5545331
    Abstract: Heavy metal ions react with iron particles in acidic aqueous solution to form heavy metallic particles that are suitable for recycling and reuse when recovered from the aqueous solution. Chelating agents that are present are deactivated by bonding to ferrous ions produced from the iron particles. An alkali metal hydroxide is utilized to precipitate remaining heavy metal ions including ferrous and ferric ions which are recycled to the acidic aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Romar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Guess
  • Patent number: RE36915
    Abstract: A process for treating industrial waste water containing hexavalent chromium (Cr.sup.+6) and other heavy metals is disclosed which comprises reduction of Cr.sup.+6 to trivalent chromium (Cr.sup.+3) and the precipitation thereof with other heavy metals by addition of sulfide ion and ferrous ion to the waste stream at a pH of about 7 to 9 under conditions such that sludge production by the process of the invention is substantially less than that characteristic of prior art processes. Polymers are added to the solution to assist flocculation and clarification of the waste stream. More specifically, the invention comprises adding sulfide ion in a sulfide to hexavalent chromium ratio of about 0.7-2.5:1 and adding ferrous ion in a ferrous to hexavalent chromium ratio of about 0.5-5.0:1. The waste stream pH is preferably maintained in the range of about 7.2 to 7.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Dan F. Suciu, Penny M. Wikoff, John M. Beller, Charles J. Carpenter