Abstract: Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds in an effluent stream are destroyed by means of electro-oxidation. Although electro-oxidation can be used to directly treat effluent, a more efficient use is to pre-concentrate applicable pollutants with filters or sorbents. Concentrated perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds are removed from the filter or sorbent with a regenerant solution and treated by electro-oxidation. A current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 or 1 mA/cm2 effectively reduces the level of perfluorinated contaminants within 1-3 hr. using a titanium electrode. This allows both the regenerant and filter or sorbent to be reused and greatly reduces the amount of material that must be treated as hazardous waste.

Abstract: A continuous flow wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The system can include a main processing circuit comprising an anoxic entry zone and an aerobic exit zone. The system can include a granule-producing sidestream incubator. The sidestream incubator can include an inlet that receives a first portion of return activated sludge (RAS) processed by the aerobic exit zone, a sidestream anoxic zone, and a sidestream anaerobic zone that cooperate to process the first portion of RAS. The sidestream incubator can include an outlet that delivers the processed first portion of RAS to the anoxic entry zone. The sidestream incubator can include a RAS bypass pathway that bypasses the granule-producing sidestream incubator to deliver a second portion of RAS processed by the aerobic exit zone to the anoxic entry zone. In some embodiments, the RAS and/or other fermentate can be step-fed into the sidestream incubator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for digital design tools. One example method comprises obtaining an electronic model of a structure, the electronic model including a objects, and the objects representing physical objects to be constructed. Dependencies between the objects are determined, with the determined dependencies indicating that a first object is to be constructed prior to a second object. Construction orderings are generated based on the determined dependencies, with each construction ordering indicating a unique order in which the objects are to be constructed. A user interface is presented via a user device describing the construction orderings, with a system being configured to trigger updates to the electronic model in response to received material changes associated with the electronic model.

Abstract: A system for tagging and tracking assets anywhere in the world under any environmental condition. Geo-Referencing Identification (GRID) tag, GRID satellite (GRIDSAT) tag and associated cloud infrastructure and user interface meet the objectives of a robust global tagging and tracking system. The GRID tag can be used to identify pieces of equipment or storage containers for low-value or aggregate equipment. GRID tags communicate with each other using a mesh radio in each tag. The GRIDSAT tag consists of a satellite modem, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and mesh radio and can be used by itself for high-value items, large shipping containers, or vehicles and vessels to track and locate them, or used in concert with GRID tags that communicate with each other and with the GRIDSAT tag by means of mesh radio.

Abstract: A continuous flow wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The system can include a main processing circuit comprising an anoxic entry zone and an aerobic exit zone. The system can include a granule-producing sidestream incubator. The sidestream incubator can include an inlet that receives a first portion of return activated sludge (RAS) processed by the aerobic exit zone, a sidestream anoxic zone, and a sidestream anaerobic zone that cooperate to process the first portion of RAS. The sidestream incubator can include an outlet that delivers the processed first portion of RAS to the anoxic entry zone. The sidestream incubator can include a RAS bypass pathway that bypasses the granule-producing sidestream incubator to deliver a second portion of RAS processed by the aerobic exit zone to the anoxic entry zone. In some embodiments, the RAS and/or other fermentate can be step-fed into the sidestream incubator.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for determining a thickness of a nonaqueous phase liquid layer (NAPL) that is disposed adjacent a second layer of aqueous phase liquid (APL). The system can include a pressure transducer assembly having a total density value between a first density value of the NAPL and a second density value of the APL. The pressure transducer assembly can be configured to measure a first pressure associated with the pressure exerted by the first layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to support structures for transportation systems. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a self-supporting arch assembly. The self-supporting arch assembly can be configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system, such as an antenna assembly configured to communicate with a train. In other embodiments, the support structure can comprise a hinged mast assembly comprising a hinge assembly and mast coupled to the hinge assembly. A device, such as an antenna assembly can be disposed at a distal portion of the mast.

Abstract: A structure for effectively providing charging capacity for electric vehicles within urban environments in a safe and space conscious manner uses a new vertical building typology. A modular helix ramp structure with integrated wireless charging panels/coils charges vehicles as they drive up and down the structure without the need to physically park the vehicle in a traditional parking structure. A license plate reader, transponder or other vehicle identification technology registers a vehicle entering the tower, authorize purchase and initiate the up/down charging cycle thru the helix structure. The structure reduces the building footprint required to charge a given number of vehicles. This consolidates electrical infrastructure connection requirements to a single location, and because the vehicles are not occupied during charging exposure of vehicle inhabitants to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A system for providing environmental wave data from floating buoys and equipment is based on the GRID tag system, which includes Geo-Referencing Identification (GRID) tag, GRID satellite (GRIDSAT) tag and associated cloud infrastructure and user interface meet the objectives of a robust global tagging and tracking system. The wave characterization module (WCM) system adds wave detection and computation to the GRID tag system. The WCM tag can be used to identify and track floating equipment while also providing local wave characteristics while communicating with other tags via mesh radio. The WCM-sat tag includes a satellite modem, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and mesh radio to send wave and location data to a remote user. A WCM buoy includes the WCM-sat equipment in a free-floating buoy to report remote oceanic conditions.

Abstract: Finely atomized alkaline sorbent salt solutions are injected into a hot flue gas stream to remove SO2. Flash evaporation of the droplets produces very fine dried sorbent particles, which react efficiently with SO2 in the flue gas. The liquid sorbent may be sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfite, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide or the like. In a coal-fired boiler, the liquid sorbent may be injected after the economizer section, where the flue gas temperature is below 850° F., and upstream of a particulate collection device. The dried sorbent particles react with SO2 and then are removed from the flue gas stream in the particulate collection device, producing a cleaned flue gas stream.

Abstract: Finely atomized alkaline sorbent salt solutions are injected into a hot flue gas stream to remove SO2. Flash evaporation of the droplets produces very fine dried sorbent particles, which react efficiently with SO2 in the flue gas. The liquid sorbent may be sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfite, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide or the like. In a coal-fired boiler, the liquid sorbent may be injected after the economizer section, where the flue gas temperature is below 850° F., and upstream of a particulate collection device. The dried sorbent particles react with SO2 and then are removed from the flue gas stream in the particulate collection device, producing a cleaned flue gas stream.

Abstract: Seating terraces constructed from SPS materials are used to provide integrated HVAC to the seating areas of stadia, arena bowls and similar structures. Portions of the terraces are enclosed from their backsides to provide large ducts or plenums that run beneath the seating terraces where openings into the plenum located between the seats at regular intervals deliver conditioned air to the seating areas. A large header duct runs around the stadium bowl above the top row of seats and delivers air to plenums that run beneath and are integral with the stadium stairways. The seating terrace ducts receive their air supply from the stairway plenums.

Abstract: The installation of one or more prefabricated drains beneath the surface of sediment in a sediment pond utilizing suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the sediment material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the pond surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the sediment material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle or sediment layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer sediment material.

Abstract: The installation of one or more prefabricated drains beneath the surface of sediment in a sediment pond utilizing suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the sediment material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the pond surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the sediment material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle or sediment layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer sediment material.

Abstract: The installation of prefabricated drains in a horizontal, generally co-planar pattern below the surface of the CCR with suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the CCR material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the CCR surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the CCR material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer CCR material.

Abstract: A flue gas desulfurization unit is converted from operating with lime or magnesium enhanced lime under inhibited oxidation into a unit that operates using limestone under inhibited oxidation conditions. A ball mill grinding unit may be installed to crush the limestone thereby producing a suspended slurry of fine limestone particles which is pumped to the reaction vessel. When installed, the ball mill may be installed in the process immediately downstream of the existing slaking equipment. The suspended solution may be maintained at a pH in the range of 3.0 to 6.5, optimally at approximately 5.0 to increase the dissolution rate of the limestone reagent produced by the ball mill. The post-conversion process may also require the addition of organic acids and oxidation inhibitors to achieve better SO2 removal from the flue gas.

Abstract: A device for installing horizontal drains in a coal combustion residual or other sludge pond consists of a trenching device that extends downwardly to the depth of required installation of the drains and an attachment through which the drains are fed during installation. The trenching device and attachment are mounted onto a carrier for floatation of the required equipment on the surface of a water-filled sludge pond. The carrier can be winched, hauled or driven across the surface of the sludge. A hydraulic system may be used to raise and lower the trenching device and attachment. The trenching device may be equipped with a chain driven blade mechanism or dredging device for the purpose of cutting a trench into the pond sludge, and a vibratory trenching device may be used to effectively liquefy the material to make the trenching device easier to pull or tow through the sludge in the pond.

Abstract: The installation of prefabricated drains in a horizontal, generally co-planar pattern below the surface of the CCR with suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the CCR material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the CCR surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the CCR material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer CCR material.

Abstract: A process for treating a flue gas desulfurization discharge stream containing dissolved sulfates is presented. Soluble barium compounds, such as barium chloride or barium carbonate are added to the stream in lieu of the traditional two-step lime/carbon dioxide process. The barium compounds cause the sulfate to precipitate as insoluble barium sulfate. The barium sulfate solids settle out of the discharge stream and can be filtered from the process water. The use of soluble barium compounds eliminates the need for subsequent pH adjustment, results in lowering calcium and magnesium concentrations in the discharge stream, and decreases scaling potential in downstream equipment.

Abstract: A flue gas desulfurization unit is converted from operating with lime or magnesium enhanced lime under inhibited oxidation into a unit that operates using limestone under inhibited oxidation conditions. A ball mill grinding unit may be installed to crush the limestone thereby producing a suspended slurry of fine limestone particles which is pumped to the reaction vessel. When installed, the ball mill may be installed in the process immediately downstream of the existing slaking equipment. The suspended solution may be maintained at a pH in the range of 3.0 to 6.5, optimally at approximately 5.0 to increase the dissolution rate of the limestone reagent produced by the ball mill. The post-conversion process may also require the addition of organic acids and oxidation inhibitors to achieve better SO2 removal from the flue gas.