Abstract: The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.

Abstract: The disclosed principles provide for a digital industrial network and related method of maintaining and operating a system. An industrial network constructed according to the disclosed principles combines both the control/data signals used with smart control devices and operating power for those devices in one industrial network hybrid cable. In one embodiment, an industrial network comprises smart control devices for maintaining and operating a system, and hybrid cabling connecting the smart control devices in a daisy-chain. In addition, in such an industrial network, the cabling is configured to transmit control/data signals and operating power for the smart control devices along the daisy-chain.

Abstract: An improved system of resins comprising a combination of a sulfate-specific strongly basic anion exchange resin and a heterogenous hybrid thermally regenerable salt sorbent (TRSS) resin is provided. The anion exchange resin contains triethylamine and/or tributylamine groups. The TRSS resin comprises a macroporous host copolymer and a crosslinked guest copolymer having, respectively, weak acid groups and weak base groups. The system is used to treat feed water containing dissolved ions, including sulfate ions, and is efficiently regenerated.

Abstract: Electrical oscillations are supplied to electrodes of a diathermal heating chamber. A liquid is passed through the diathermal heating chamber so as to be heated. The liquid has a minimum level of dissolved solids, which is replenished over time or when the dissolved solids in the liquid fall below a predetermined minimum level. Alternatively, when the level of dissolved solids is excessive, current input or liquid temperature is reduced.

Abstract: Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents is achieved by stimulating anaerobic microorganisms and thus increasing the rate of biological mineralization of the solvents. This is accomplished by a treatment process consisting of colloidal suspension of iron powder, polylactate ester such as glycerol tripolylactate, xylitol pentapolylactate, and sorbitol hexapolylactate, chemical oxygen scavengers in solution with essential nutrients, and vitamin stimulants such as B2 and B12 delivered via compressed gases N or C02 so as not to oxygenate an environment targeted for anaerobic processes. The treatment stimulates naturally occurring microorganisms while oxidizing dissolved phase target compounds via the surface action of the iron particles resulting in the breakdown of chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, carbon tetrachloride and their daughter products.

Abstract: Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents is achieved by stimulating anaerobic microorganisms and thus increasing the rate of biological mineralization of the solvents. This is accomplished by a treatment process consisting of colloidal suspension of metal powder, an organic hydrogen donor, chemical oxygen scavengers in solution with essential nutrients, and vitamin stimulants such as B2 and B12 delivered via compressed gases N or CO2 so as not to oxygenate an environment targeted for anaerobic processes. The treatment stimulates naturally occurring microorganisms while oxidizing dissolved phase target compounds via the surface action of the iron particles resulting in the breakdown of chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, carbon tetrachloride and their daughter products.

Abstract: An artificial log set including a fire grate having a base and an upper section pivotally connected to the base, pivotable between a lowered burning position and a raised access position. A fuel reservoir is supported by the base. A burner head is attached to the upper section so as to be positioned directly over the fuel reservoir when the upper section is in its lowered burning position, and so as to allow access to the fuel reservoir when the upper section is in its raised access position.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from a coal fired power plant exhaust gas includes passing the exhaust gas through a bulk particle filter to remove coarse particles, introducing powdered activated carbon into the exhaust gas downstream of the bulk particle filter, introducing mercury laden powdered activated carbon containing exhaust gas into a fine particle filter to separate the mercury containing powdered activated carbon from the exhaust gas, separating the powdered activated carbon from the mercury at an elevated temperature in an inert gas environment and recirculating the separating powdered activated carbon into the exhaust gas upstream from the fine particle filter. The desorption is preferably effected at a temperature of about 300 to 500° C. for about 5 to 60 minutes. The method is adapted to remove mercury which may be on the order of about 1 to 1000 ppm to 1 to 10 micrograms/cubic meter of exhaust gas. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A pressurized delivery system for in-situ delivery of sub-soil remediation compounds to underground contaminated matter includes a liquid diaphragm pump connected to an inflow source of water, the pump being also in fluid communication with a plurality of bioslurry tanks connected in parallel, the bioslurry tanks each having a drain. Valve means are located between the liquid diaphragm pump and each of the bioslurry tanks for controlling either the alternate or simultaneous flow of fluid from the pump to each of the bioslurry tanks. A second liquid diaphragm pump having an inlet port for receiving the combined flow of the bioslurry tanks has an outlet in fluid communication with a system discharge port. The system further includes a source of compressed gas in fluid communication with the discharge port. A discharge rod is connected to the discharge port for delivery of remedial fluids to underground soils.

Abstract: A system for treating contaminated media is provided. In the process, contaminants are removed from the media using a photocatalytic process operating in an aqueous phase.

Abstract: Decontamination systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first adsorption/desorption subsystem that is configured to receive a contaminated gaseous solution and remove substantially all of the contaminants from the contaminated gaseous solution during an adsorption cycle, while a second subsystem is configured to purge captured contaminants during a desorption cycle. An evacuator is configured to drive potentially flammable gas compositions from the subsystem operating in a desorption cycle back into the system such that potentially flammable gas compositions are purged from the subsystem operating in the desorption cycle at the beginning of the desorption cycle. A heat source is configured to heat contaminants adsorbed in the adsorption/desorption subsystems to remove the contaminants from the adsorption/desorption subsystems in a gaseous state during their respective desorption cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning protective sleeves in UV decontamination systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for decontaminating contaminated media includes a translucent sleeve surrounding a light source, and a housing configured to receive the sleeve. A distance between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the housing defines an annulus for flowing a contaminated fluid. The system also includes a pump for flowing the contaminated fluid through the annulus. In addition, the system in such embodiments may include a honing material in the contaminated fluid, where the flowing of the honing material against the outer surface of the sleeve removes debris aggregated on the outer surface of the translucent sleeve.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly for opening and closing an electrical circuit in response to the temperature within a measurement region. The thermostat assembly includes a relatively low-cost bimetal disc thermostat, but may be used in circumstances where temperature or other conditions exceed the design limitations of the bimetal disc thermostat. An elongated probe has a distal end arranged to extend at least to the measurement region, and a heat-disseminating end in thermal contact with a thermally-conductive outer housing surface of the bimetal disc thermostat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated and streamlined system and method for collecting, containing and processing different types of wastes which provides an economically efficient solution of treating wastes and utilizing the collected data in an operationally useful manner either or both of the waste generator and processor. The present system and method include waste containment in compliance of the laws and governmental regulations, and processing of the wastes. In one embodiment, the system and method also includes compilation and utilization of data relating to the collected and processed wastes.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly for opening and closing an electrical circuit in response to the temperature within a measurement region. The thermostat assembly includes a relatively low-cost bimetal disc thermostat, but may be used in circumstances where temperature or other conditions exceed the design limitations of the bimetal disc thermostat. An elongated probe has a distal end arranged to extend at least to the measurement region, and a heat-disseminating end in thermal contact with a thermally-conductive outer housing surface of the bimetal disc thermostat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated and streamlined system and method for collecting, containing and processing different types of wastes which provides an economically efficient solution of treating wastes and utilizing the collected data in an operationally useful manner either or both of the waste generator and processor. The present system and method include waste containment in compliance of the laws and governmental regulations, and processing of the wastes. In one embodiment, the system and method also includes compilation and utilization of data relating to the collected and processed wastes.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing organic or inorganic matter through simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light energy and ultrasonic wave energy in a non-aqueous environment such as air. The method is suitable for use in a chamber or in a mass production assembly line setting. Purification of air is similarly accomplished using simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light and ultrasonic energy waves.