Patents by Inventor George Troubounis

George Troubounis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11795617
    Abstract: A method for producing an object, wherein the method comprises drying the object or a primary product thereof, the object or a primary product thereof being at least partially dried in at least one drying device, wherein at least one of the at least one drying units contains at least one infrared radiator which is at least partially heated by means of biogas, a combustion gas selected from the group consisting of oxygen, air or other oxygen-containing gases is added to the biogas before said biogas is supplied to the at least one infrared radiator in order to heat said at least one infrared radiator, and the oxygen content in the waste gas resulting from the at least one infrared radiator being heated by means of the biogas is measured by means of a measuring device and the amount of combustion gas added to the biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Meri Environmental Solutions GmbH, Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Henning Laubrock, Philipp Kückmann
  • Publication number: 20230322599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for continuous cleaning of process water circulating in a device for treating waste paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: MERI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: George TROUBOUNIS, Henning LAUBROCK, Lucas MENKE, Luis DOMENE FIGUEROLA
  • Publication number: 20220106210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning process water circulated in a paper recycling system, comprising a process water treatment step, which comprises at least one pre-acidification step and at least one anaerobic cleaning step, wherein at least some of the process water to be cleaned is subjected to hydrolysis and acidification in the at least one pre-acidification step and the process water thus treated is then brought into contact with anaerobic microorganisms in the at least one anaerobic cleaning step in order to break down impurities in the process water, wherein at least one saccharide-splitting enzyme is added to the process water before or during the pre-acidification step, and the pH of the process water is set to 8.0 or lower at least during the at least one pre-acidification step and during the at least one anaerobic cleaning step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Meri Environmental Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Luis Domene Figuerola, Henning Laubrock, George Troubounis
  • Publication number: 20210198847
    Abstract: A method for producing an object, wherein the method comprises drying the object or a primary product thereof, the object or a primary product thereof being at least partially dried in at least one drying device, wherein at least one of the at least one drying units contains at least one infrared radiator which is at least partially heated by means of biogas, a combustion gas selected from the group consisting of oxygen, air or other oxygen-containing gases is added to the biogas before said biogas is supplied to the at least one infrared radiator in order to heat said at least one infrared radiator, and the oxygen content in the waste gas resulting from the at least one infrared radiator being heated by means of the biogas is measured by means of a measuring device and the amount of combustion gas added to the biogas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Lucas MENKE, George TROUBOUNIS, Henning LAUBROCK, Philipp KÜCKMANN
  • Publication number: 20180334401
    Abstract: A plant for the anaerobic purification of waste and/or process water comprising: i) a reactor tank with at least one feed line for supplying waste and/or process water into tank and with at least one outflow line for draining a mixture of microorganisms, waste and/or process water and gas from the tank, ii) a first separation apparatus outside and downstream of the tank for separating at least a part of the microorganisms from the mixture from the tank, wherein the first separation apparatus comprises at least one separation stage, an inlet line connected with at least one of the outflow line(s), at least one discharge line and at least one outlet line, and iii) a return line for returning the separated sludge separated into the reactor tank, wherein the return line connects with at least one of the at least one outlet line of the first separation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brad LEITNER, Lewis BLASZCZYK, George TROUBOUNIS, Lucas MENKE
  • Patent number: 9216921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying process water, particularly for continuously purifying process water in the paper industry. The method comprises at least one process water treatment step, which comprises the following steps: a) an anaerobic purifying step, wherein process water to be purified is brought in contact with anaerobic microorganisms in an anaerobic reactor in order to decompose impurities present in the waste water, b) a first separating step, wherein gases present in the process water obtained in step a) are separated from said process water, and c) a second separating step, wherein solids present in the process water obtained in step b) are separated from the process water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Meri Environmental Solutions GMBH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Dieter Efinger, Bernhard Niemczyk, Lucas Menke
  • Patent number: 8540884
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus (10) for the separation of solid particles from a suspension with formation of a fraction lacking in solid particles and a fraction rich in solid particles comprises a tank with an inlet (14) for the suspension, with an outlet (16) for the fraction lacking in solid particles, with an outlet (18) for the fraction rich in solid particles, and with at least one block of slats (20) composed of multiple overlapping slats (22), wherein the at least one block of slats (20) has a rear side oriented toward the tank wall and a front side arranged on the opposite side of the block of slats (20). On the rear side of the at least one block of slats, a plate (26) is arranged which extends over at least a part of the rear side of the block of slats, wherein the plate has a plurality of openings which facilitate the penetration of liquid through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke
  • Patent number: 8211305
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for renovating process water, especially during the production of paper. Said system comprises at least one process water renovation unit, at least one of which is provided with an anaerobic reactor spiked with anaerobic microorganisms as well as a lime elimination unit. Also disclosed is a method for renovating process water, particularly during the production of paper, which encompasses at least one process water renovation step in which at least some of the process water continuously delivered to the process water renovation step is subjected to a purification step in an anaerobic reactor that is spiked with anaerobic microorganisms and to a deliming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Publication number: 20120145629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying process water, particularly for continuously purifying process water in the paper industry. The method comprises at least one process water treatment step, which comprises the following steps: a) an anaerobic purifying step, wherein process water to be purified is brought in contact with anaerobic microorganisms in an anaerobic reactor in order to decompose impurities present in the waste water, b) a first separating step, wherein gases present in the process water obtained in step a) are separated from said process water, and c) a second separating step, wherein solids present in the process water obtained in step b) are separated from the process water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MERI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Dieter Efinger, Bernhard Niemczyk, Lucas Menke
  • Patent number: 7947178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of waste water, in particular for the continuous purification of waste water in papermaking, where waste water to be purified is fed to an anaerobic reactor (12), the waste water is contacted, in the anaerobic reactor (12), with anaerobic microorganisms in order to degrade contaminants present in the waste water, and the purified waste water is discharged from the anaerobic reactor (12), where at least some of the waste water is subjected to a pressure-release flotation step (30) before being supplied to the anaerobic reactor or after being discharged from the anaerobic reactor, in order to delime the water to at least some extent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Publication number: 20100300990
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus (10) for the separation of solid particles from a suspension with formation of a fraction lacking in solid particles and a fraction rich in solid particles comprises a tank with an inlet (14) for the suspension, with an outlet (16) for the fraction lacking in solid particles, with an outlet (18) for the fraction rich in solid particles, and with at least one block of slats (20) composed of multiple overlapping slats (22), wherein the at least one block of slats (20) has a rear side oriented toward the tank wall and a front side arranged on the opposite side of the block of slats (20). On the rear side of the at least one block of slats, a plate (26) is arranged which extends over at least a part of the rear side of the block of slats, wherein the plate has a plurality of openings which facilitate the penetration of liquid through the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Meri Entsorgungstechnik Fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke
  • Publication number: 20100025325
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for renovating process water, especially during the production of paper. Said system comprises at least one process water renovation unit, at least one of which is provided with an anaerobic reactor spiked with anaerobic microorganisms as well as a lime elimination unit. Also disclosed is a method for renovating process water, particularly during the production of paper, which encompasses at least one process water renovation step in which at least some of the process water continuously delivered to the process water renovation step is subjected to a purification step in an anaerobic reactor that is spiked with anaerobic microorganisms and to a deliming step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Publication number: 20100018918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning waste water, particularly for the continuous cleaning of waste water in the paper industry, wherein oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas and waste water to be cleaned are delivered to an aerobic reactor, the waste water is brought into contact with aerobic microorganisms in an aerobic reactor in order to degrade impurities contained in the waste water, and the cleaned waste water is delivered out of the aerobic reactor. At least a part of the waste water undergoes a pressure release flotation step before being fed into or after being delivered out of the aerobic reactor for the purpose of at least partial softening. In addition, the present invention relates to a device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: MERI ENTSORGUNGSTECHNIK FUER DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Dieter Efinger, Werner Gessler, Lucas Menke
  • Publication number: 20090294355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of waste water, in particular for the continuous purification of waste water in papermaking, where waste water to be purified is fed to an anaerobic reactor (12), the waste water is contacted, in the anaerobic reactor (12), with anaerobic microorganisms in order to degrade contaminants present in the waste water, and the purified waste water is discharged from the anaerobic reactor (12), where at least some of the waste water is subjected to a pressure-release flotation step (30) before being supplied to the anaerobic reactor or after being discharged from the anaerobic reactor, in order to delime the water to at least some extent Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Meri Ensorgungstechnik Fur Die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Patent number: 7270754
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air floatator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Brad Leitner, Bob Knoll, Carl Theunis
  • Publication number: 20060138053
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air floatator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output, a first conductor (10, 12, 29) for mixing incoming raw manure wastewater and the second filtrate output from the screw press thickener (24) to produce the wastewater mixture for input to the rotating filter thickener (20), and a second conductor (34) for branching off a part of the first filtrate output to a spray cleaner (38) for spraying the part of the first filtrate output onto the filtration disks (70) for their cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Brad Leitner, Bob Knoll, Carl Theunis
  • Publication number: 20060138054
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air floatator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Brad Leitner, Bob Knoll, Carl Theunis
  • Patent number: 7056441
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air flotator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output, a first conductor (10, 12, 29) for mixing incoming raw manure wastewater and the second filtrate output from the screw press thickener (24) to produce the wastewater mixture for input to the rotating filter thickener (20), and a second conductor (34) for branching off a part of the first filtrate output to a spray cleaner (38) for spraying the part of the first filtrate output onto the filtration disks (70) for their cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Brad Leitner, Bob Knoll, Carl Theunis
  • Patent number: 6773585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separating device for separating fluids and solids from a composite liquid. Said separating device comprises a channel (12) which is arranged transversely upwards with a closed lower end and an outlet (19). Said channel is provided with an axial screw conveyor (14) which is arranged in the interior. A filter tank (22) communicating with said conveyor is located above the channel (12). An inlet (32) for the composite liquid to be separated is located at the upper edge approximately in the middle of the filter tank (22). A rotation filtering device (34, 70, 92) is arranged at the free end of the filter tank (22). Said device partially dips into the fluid contained in the filter tank (22). The invention provides a means for effectively separating a composite fluid into three different fractions, the clear liquid, a sludge fraction and a particle fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstenchnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke, Gisbert Wünsche
  • Patent number: 6773586
    Abstract: A flotation device for separating materials or mixtures of materials from suspensions includes a reaction and mixing space (18) with eccentric inlet (16) for the mixture of suspension particles with gas bubbles and for further transport into at least one centrally arranged vertical suspension distribution tube (26), wherein the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) are arranged adjacently, the plates (30) surround the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) in an annular manner; and every second annular plate space (31) between adjacent plates (30) is connected to the suspension distribution tube (26) and every other space (31) between plates is connected to the clarified fluid collecting tube (48), so that the flow takes place out of one space (31) between plates from the inside towards the outside to the separating space (32), and subsequently into an adjacent space (31) between plates from the outside towards the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik für die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis