Abstract: In systems for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species, the contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter gasified and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume gas and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Gas consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-gas mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time gas concentration measurements provided by a corresponding gas probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids and electrolyzing contaminated liquids includes the positioning of a vibratable element, such as a metal spring, within a cylindrical liquid conduit. A treatment additive is introduced into the liquid upstream of the vibratable element and the liquid is directed through the conduit. The flow of the liquid in proximity to the vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive. The conduit and the vibratable element may be electrically charged such that the flow of the liquid in proximity to the charged and vibrating element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid. The vibration of the element also prevents fouling.

Abstract: In systems for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species, the contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter gasified and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume gas and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Gas consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-gas mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time gas concentration measurements provided by a corresponding gas probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species. The contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter oxygenated and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume oxygen and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Oxygen consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-oxygen mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time oxygen concentration measurements provided by a corresponding oxygen probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable contaminated mixing apparatus includes a reactor head and a down tube extending from the reactor head. A plurality of ports are formed in the reactor head and configured to impart a spinning motion to the contaminated liquid as it passes from the reactor head into the down tube. Each port is adapted to receive a flow restrictor to permit selectively control of velocity and flow volume of the liquid through the down tube. Typically, the flow restrictors are removable flow restriction plugs inserted into in a removable cartridge of the reactor head.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for optimizing chemical additions, mixing energy, mixing time, and other variables while treating a contaminated liquid stream. Samples from the contaminated liquid stream are tested to determine the optimal parameter for each variable, including type and amount of the chemicals to be added, chemical sequence, mixing energy, mixing time, temperature, and pressurization. A system of mixers, a flotation chamber, and a dewatering subsystem are designed to achieve optimal turbidity of the wastewater stream. The system can be modified in real-time in response to a continually changing contaminated liquid stream via a controller and set of sensors, valves, and ports.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species. The contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter oxygenated and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume oxygen and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Oxygen consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-oxygen mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time oxygen concentration measurements provided by a corresponding oxygen probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a liquid includes filtering objects of a relatively large dimension. The liquid is then mixed with additives to adjust the chemistry of the liquid. The liquid is pressurized and directed through a gasification device to dissolve gas into the liquid. This is accomplished by directing the liquid into an inlet of a hydrocyclone of the gasification device, directing the liquid exiting the hydrocyclone upwards to remove large bubbles, and removing liquid containing dissolved gas from a bottom portion of a vessel of the gasification device. The pressure of the liquid is then reduced and the liquid is introduced into a separation tank, and the contaminants are removed from the liquid by stratification. The treated water is removed from the separation tank, and sludge formed by skimming flocs from a liquid surface of the tank is subjected to a dewatering process.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid includes directing a pressurized stream of the liquid into a cyclone apparatus having an inlet closed to the atmosphere and a submerged outlet. A liquid vortex is formed along an inner surface of the cyclone apparatus, and a central portion defined by an inner surface of the liquid vortex is substantially evacuated of gases to create a near vacuum condition. Treatment gas may be selectively added to the liquid vortex through the evacuated central portion. Photon energy may be directed through the evacuated central portion and into contact with the treatment gas, or the liquid vortex. Pressure levels within the evacuated central portion are measured using a pressure sensor or gauge. Upon exiting the cyclone apparatus, the liquid is subjected to collision and cavitation forces.

Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.

Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable contaminated mixing apparatus includes a reactor head and a down tube extending from the reactor head. A plurality of ports are formed in the reactor head and configured to impart a spinning motion to the contaminated liquid as it passes from the reactor head into the down tube. Each port is adapted to receive a flow restrictor to permit selectively control of velocity and flow volume of the liquid through the down tube. Typically, the flow restrictors are removable flow restriction plugs inserted into in a removable cartridge of the reactor head.

Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids and electrolyzing contaminated liquids includes the positioning of a vibratable element, such as a metal spring, within a cylindrical liquid conduit. A treatment additive is introduced into the liquid upstream of the vibratable element and the liquid is directed through the conduit. The flow of the liquid in proximity to the vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive. The conduit and the vibratable element may be electrically charged such that the flow of the liquid in proximity to the charged and vibrating element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid. The vibration of the element also prevents fouling.

Abstract: A method for treating liquid includes directing a pressurized stream of the liquid into a cyclone apparatus having an inlet closed to the atmosphere and a submerged outlet. A liquid vortex is formed along an inner surface of the cyclone apparatus, and a central portion defined by an inner surface of the liquid vortex is substantially evacuated of gases to create a near vacuum condition. Treatment gas may be selectively added to the liquid vortex through the evacuated central portion. Photon energy may be directed through the evacuated central portion and into contact with the treatment gas, or the liquid vortex. Pressure levels within the evacuated central portion are measured using a pressure sensor or gauge. Upon exiting the cyclone apparatus, the liquid is subjected to collision and cavitation forces.

Abstract: A method for treating livestock wastewater includes directing screened wastewater to a hydrocyclone/separation tank system. The hydrocyclone directs the wastewater stream in a generally helical fashion to create bubble-particle aggregates. Activating chemicals can be added to the wastewater upstream of the hydrocyclone or within the hydrocyclone itself. The wastewater is channeled from an outlet of the hydrocyclone through a diffuser to a separation tank, where the bubble-particle aggregates are separated as they rise and accumulate on a free liquid surface of the tank. The treated wastewater settles below the bubble-particle aggregate accumulation and is transferred to a reservoir for later use as irrigation water or barn wash water. Salts may also be removed from the wastewater by filtering the wastewater through salt-removing filters before the wastewater is transferred to the reservoir.

Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.

Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.