Abstract: A bioreactor for treating a liquid comprises a container having a vertical wall portion with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. The bioreactor also comprises a media support platform securely disposed inside the container at a position below the inlet and outlet ports, and substantially permeable to liquid. The bioreactor comprises at least one cylindrical chamber inside the container at a position above the media support platform. The bioreactor also comprises a plurality of media units topically disposed on the media support platform. The bioreactor comprises a recirculation/aeration system secured at a bottom end of the cylindrical chamber. The recirculation/aeration system has a submersible pump device that can be programmed to pump liquid at variable speeds and has a liquid intake portion having perforations, an air intake tube, and an eductor device. The air intake tube protrudes through a top port of the container.

Abstract: A system for recycling drilling sludge is disclosed. The system has a treatment area and a salt-tolerant bio-reactor coupled to the treatment area. The bio-reactor has i) at least one bio-suspension element for supporting the growth of at least one type of biological microorganism within an enclosed flow zone; ii) an agitator for creating a flow of the drilling sludge through the enclosed flow zone at a flow rate; and iii) an aerator for providing a gas to the enclosed flow zone. The system also has a processor coupled to the agitator and configured to create at least a minimum self-cleaning drag force between drilling sludge passing through the enclosed flow zone and the combined at least one type of biological microorganism and the at least one bio-suspension element. A related method and bio-reactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating a body water to purify it. In this process, a portion of the water to be treated is continuously caused to flow at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute and is continuously agitated, aerated, and fed into a biochamber within which are disposed at least five distinct strains of microorganisms. A screen is disposed in the biochamber below the microorganisms, and air is forced through such screen during the processing of the water.

Abstract: A method for removing selected biodegradable materials from a body of water. In the first step of this method, a plurality of bio-suspension elements are disposed within an enclosure which is floating at least partially submerged in a body of water; the bio-suspension elements provide surfaces for supporting the growth of at least five different biological microorganisms. The different biological microorganisms are intermittently introduced into the enclosure along with water; the water is continuously aerated and fed into the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The treated water so produced is continuously removing from the enclosure at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute. The pH, the total dissolved solids, the temperature, and the flow rate of the treated water is continuously measured.