Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for separation of solids from liquids and separation of liquids from liquids (such as oil from water) by dissolved gas floatation. A dissolved gas floatation clarifier is described as is a liquid-gas mixer, a liquid-liquid mixer, and solid-liquid chemical feeders. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for supplying dissolved air and mixing of chemicals for use in separation of solids in dissolved air floatation clarifiers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for mixing a powder into a liquid. In a first aspect, the invention includes an apparatus into which a powder can be fed for mixing into a liquid. The apparatus comprises a wetting housing defining a wetting chamber having a top part, a bottom part, a top port in the wetting chamber's top part, and a bottom port in the wetting chamber's bottom part; means for preventing powder from clumping by fluid force imparted from the wetting chamber's top part to keep the powder from accumulating before mixing; and a spray at the wetting chamber's bottom part to swirl the liquid and mix the powder in the liquid. In a second aspect, the apparatus is a part of a system including a tank that, when filled, contains the liquid and includes a first port and a second port permitting fluid flow through the tank; a source of the liquid; and a controller controlling the operation of the wetting chamber and the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contacting solids and fluids are provided, where the fluids are allowed to traverse a downward path through a plurality of vertically arranged chambers in which said solids are located. The solids may be transferred upwardly through the chambers to assure optimal contact between the solids and the fluids. The transfer of the solids may be accomplished by fluidizing the solids and transporting them in a carrier fluid in a fluid flow loop. At the desired transfer location, the solids are prevented from completing passage through the fluid loop.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing impurities anticipated to be found in industrial waste water, which system is particularly well suited for waste water systems such as those used for laundry or vehicle washing operations. The system includes aeration, mixing/flocculating, and contact media mechanisms to remove suspended solids, hydrocarbons, organic materials and undesired dissolved minerals from the treated water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous treatment of fluid with a contact media. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically arranged chambers through which the fluid flow passes. The contact media may be selectively removed from each chamber and moved to a tank for regeneration. Additionally, the contact media may be selectively moved from one chamber to another.

Abstract: A weld-free all purpose seal for closed fluid systems is disclosed. This sealing device includes a ring body having a flanged top member for coupling to a pipe with a first plurality of apertures in spaced relationship therethrough. The ring body is recessed in the bottom member with a lip extending beyond the apertures. A flexible annular seal is provided having the reduced diameter from top to bottom adapted to be integral with the lip surface of the ring body. A wedge block is also provided with a planar top surface with a second plurality of apertures in spaced aligned relationship with the first plurality and continuing therethrough. The wedge block being of reduced diameter from bottom to top and adapted to receive the flexible annular seal. The wedge block may also have a diameter to interconnect with the recessed area of the ring body bottom member.