Patents by Inventor Michael J. Rutsch
Michael J. Rutsch 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).
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Concentrated Wastewater Slurry Thickening and Storage System and Stabilization Batch Treatment Plant
Publication number: 20170225992Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a slurry thickening and storage system. The slurry thickening and storage system includes a slurry thickening tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a thickened slurry storage tank fluidly connected to the slurry thickening tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin -
Patent number: 9617168Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 9366479Abstract: An exhaust gas plume mitigation process and system includes either mixing secondary heat into a moisture rich exhaust gas stream, or diverting a moisture rich exhaust gas stream into a primary exhaust stack having hot exhaust gases flowing therethrough. Moisture rich exhaust gas from a liquid concentrator may be diverted into a high temperature exhaust stack of an engine, a generator, or a flare. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare raise the temperature of the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare are also lower in moisture content, so that the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator is diluted by the drier high temperature exhaust gas. As a result, the mixed gas is less likely to develop a moisture plume upon exit to the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20160096744Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for treating wastewater produced at a thermoelectric power plant, other industrial plants, and/or other industrial sources are disclosed. The wastewater is directed through a wastewater concentrator including a direct contact adiabatic concentration system. A stream of hot feed gases is directed through the wastewater concentrator. The wastewater concentrator mixes the hot feed gases directly with the wastewater and evaporates water vapor from the wastewater. The wastewater concentrator separates the water vapor from remaining concentrated wastewater. A contained air-water interface liquid evaporator may be arranged to pre-process the wastewater before being treated by the wastewater concentrator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Rutsch, Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 9296624Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. The compact and portable liquid concentrator is mountable on a truck bed or skid for easy transportation to remote sites.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin, Robert F. Irwin, IV
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Patent number: 9156711Abstract: An air stripper includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube to deliver a gas into the vessel and a contaminated liquid inlet that provides a contaminated liquid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of process fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the process fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the process fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
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Publication number: 20150202545Abstract: A direct contact liquid concentrator selectively separates and concentrates water soluble salts from a wastewater stream containing two or more water soluble salts by concentrating the wastewater stream until the concentrated wastewater stream approaches or reaches a saturation level of the first water soluble salt; delivering the concentrated wastewater to a first settling tank, where the first water soluble salt begins to precipitate out of solution in solid form; drawing a first liquid solution from the first settling tank and sending the liquid solution to a second settling tank; and drawing a second liquid solution from the second settling tank, the second liquid solution having a higher ratio of a second water soluble salt to the first water soluble salt than the first liquid solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: July 23, 2015Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20150122498Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a flowback water concentrating system. The flowback water concentrating system includes a settling tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a supernatant liquid concentration sensor for measuring a concentration of dissolved solids in the supernatant liquid in the settling tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20140346032Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid, which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation. Additionally, vapor exiting the submerged gas evaporator is condensed in a condensing unit thus precipitating vapor into a liquid for removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch
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Publication number: 20140332454Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20140319032Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator and contaminant scrubber includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. A reagent may be mixed with the liquid to react with contaminants in the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20140311684Abstract: A reservoir evaporation system for evaporating fluid from an open reservoir of effluent containing a contaminant includes a fluid evaporator, an air pump, and an air supply conduit functionally connecting the fluid evaporator with the air pump. The fluid evaporator includes a vessel adapted to be positioned in an operative position partially submerged on the top surface of the effluent in the reservoir with a lower chamber submerged in the effluent and an upper chamber extending above the top surface of the effluent. In operation, air from the air pump mixes with the effluent inside the fluid evaporator and subsequently is discharged through exhaust openings. A fluid discharge pipe can also simultaneously discharge aerated effluent back down into the reservoir. Fluid is thereby separated from the effluent in the lower chamber by evaporation in a controlled manner that minimizes spread of contaminants to surrounding environments by wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Craig Clerkin, Michael J. Rutsch
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Publication number: 20140262054Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 8833738Abstract: A desalination system in the form of a submerged gas evaporator that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a fluid inlet that provides a fluid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of fluid within the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the fluid, which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation. Additionally, vapor exiting the submerged gas evaporator is condensed in a condensing unit thus precipitating vapor into a liquid for removal.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
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CONCENTRATED WASTEWATER SLURRY THICKENING AND STORAGE SYSTEM AND STABILIZATION BATCH TREATMENT PLANT
Publication number: 20140251881Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a slurry thickening and storage system. The slurry thickening and storage system includes a slurry thickening tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a thickened slurry storage tank fluidly connected to the slurry thickening tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin -
Patent number: 8808497Abstract: A reservoir evaporation system for evaporating fluid from an open reservoir of effluent containing a contaminant includes a fluid evaporator, an air pump, and an air supply conduit functionally connecting the fluid evaporator with the air pump. The fluid evaporator includes a vessel adapted to be positioned in an operative position partially submerged on the top surface of the effluent in the reservoir with a lower chamber submerged in the effluent and an upper chamber extending above the top surface of the effluent. In operation, air from the air pump mixes with the effluent inside the fluid evaporator and subsequently is discharged through exhaust openings. A fluid discharge pipe can also simultaneously discharge aerated effluent back down into the reservoir. Fluid is thereby separated from the effluent in the lower chamber by evaporation in a controlled manner that minimizes spread of contaminants to surrounding environments by wind.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 8801897Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator and contaminant scrubber includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. A reagent may be mixed with the liquid to react with contaminants in the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 8790496Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Publication number: 20140159259Abstract: An exhaust gas plume mitigation process and system includes either mixing secondary heat into a moisture rich exhaust gas stream, or diverting a moisture rich exhaust gas stream into a primary exhaust stack having hot exhaust gases flowing therethrough. Moisture rich exhaust gas from a liquid concentrator may be diverted into a high temperature exhaust stack of an engine, a generator, or a flare. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare raise the temperature of the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare are also lower in moisture content, so that the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator is diluted by the drier high temperature exhaust gas. As a result, the mixed gas is less likely to develop a moisture plume upon exit to the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Heartland Technology Partners, LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
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Patent number: 8721771Abstract: An exhaust gas plume mitigation process and system includes either mixing secondary heat into a moisture rich exhaust gas stream, or diverting a moisture rich exhaust gas stream into a primary exhaust stack having hot exhaust gases flowing therethrough. Moisture rich exhaust gas from a liquid concentrator may be diverted into a high temperature exhaust stack of an engine, a generator, or a flare. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare raise the temperature of the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare are also lower in moisture content, so that the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator is diluted by the drier high temperature exhaust gas. As a result, the mixed gas is less likely to develop a moisture plume upon exit to the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLCInventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin