Abstract: A water treatment system filters out solid material containing carbon, and provides that solid material to a fermenter. Volatile fatty acids are produced within the fermenter. After fermentation, a second filtering operation is utilized to permit passage of water and volatile fatty acids while filtering out solids from the fermenter. The volatile fatty acids are used as a food source for bacteria during secondary treatment of the water.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method consists of an electrolytic cell designed for simultaneous removal of total aqueous ammonia in the anolyte and production of high purity hydrogen gas in an electrolyte-free cathodic compartment. The system is designed as a divided electrochemical cell, separated by a proton exchange membrane. The cathode side is of “zero-gap-design”, where a carbon-based catalytic material is hot-pressed onto the proton exchange membrane adjacent to a cathodic current collector. Ammonia is concentrated in a high concentration brine, which flows through a conduit that is positioned in between the dividing membrane and a metal anode. The pure, high concentration brine permits operation at high current densities without the formation of fouling layers. Protons released from the oxidation of ammonia are transported across the proton exchange membrane, where hydrogen evolution proceeds in a porous, catalyst coated cathode, and facilitates the production of significant amounts of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A rapid water-chilling system for a water dispenser that can quickly replenish cold water in the water dispenser when water has been dispensed or the water rises above a pre-set limit; so that when a user requests cold water, the user does not get ambient or warm water dispensed instead of the requested cold water or has to wait for the water to be chilled back to the requested temperature.

Abstract: The present invention entails dual centrifuges configured to remove suspended solids, silica, and other precipitants from evaporator brine prior to the brine being disposed of via deep well injection. First, the evaporator brine is directed through a highly efficient first centrifuge configured to remove essentially all suspended solids, including very small suspended solids that typically cannot be retained in a filter or other dewatering devices. The centrate from the first centrifuge, depleted in suspended solids, silica and other precipitants, can be disposed of via deep well injection. The first centrifuge also produces a slurry that is directed to a separate centrifuge that produces a second centrate and waste wet cake. The second centrate is recycled and mixed with the evaporator brine and the mixture is directed to the first centrifuge.

Abstract: A heat transfer surface monitoring (HTSM) system and cell for direct detection and monitoring of fouling, scaling, corrosion, and pitting of heat transfer surfaces. The system has a heat transfer plate (HTP) that has a heat transfer monitoring surface (HTMS). The system also includes an edge-lit light guide and light source to illuminate the HTMS, a fluid flow channel module, a heating/cooling module, a surface imaging module to view the HTMS, and a system controller. The environment is controlled to mimic the environment within heat exchange equipment, which are indicative of the changes inside heat exchange equipment. Output of signals relating to the HTMS are used as a guide mitigate problems related to the monitored heat exchange equipment. The system can also use a heat exchanger cylindrical tube with slit light guides along the tube, and the surface imaging module views the inner surface of the heat exchanger cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge filtration assembly for a water dispenser that has a replaceable filter cartridge that can easily installed or removed by a technician or a user of the water dispenser. The replaceable filter cartridge has a handle with locking extensions that engage notches formed in the cartridge housing that the replaceable filter cartridge fits into to lock the replaceable filter cartridge in place.

Abstract: A variable temperature control assembly for a water dispenser, using a variable water temperature selector, that delivers water to the consumer at the temperature requested on the variable temperature selector by calculating the required ratio of hot water, cold water and ambient water needed to deliver water at the temperature requested.