Abstract: An enhanced granular sludge bed (AGBR) process for wastewater treatment, including use of fluidized bed media and process control by regulating redox reaction conditions, is provided. Further embodiments may relate to multiple stage biological processes with fluidized bed media for simultaneous removal of carbon and nutrient from wastewater.

Abstract: A method for mitigating formation of biofilm in a water system using predictive analysis of biofilm growth. An electrical current to the water system is used to deactivate bacteria and mitigate biofilm formation. The method also allows for optional dosing of the water system with biocide. A system is also used for mitigating formation of biofilm in a water system, made of a bacterial deactivator, a biofouling sensor, a biofouling potential analyzer, and a controller to synthesize data from the analyzer and sensor to model and predict biofouling events and operate the bacterial deactivator based upon the modeling and prediction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and strictures for purification or volume reduction of a brine by an advanced vacuum distillation process (AVMD) to achieve higher flux by passage of vapors through an AVMD distillation unit. In one example, brine is circulated in a tank. The tank may include one or more membrane pouches that are submerged in the circulating brine or placed above the water level of the hot circulating brine. In other embodiments the membrane pouches are outside of the tank that includes the hot circulating brine but still in communication with it. The circulating brine is heated, allowing creation of water vapor. Using a vacuum, the water vapor is drawn through the membrane, where it may be condensed and subjected to further beneficial use. This process can concentrate to levels to generate crystals or solids, which can be separated and utilized.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and structures for purification or volume reduction of a brine by an advanced vacuum distillation process (AVMD) to achieve higher flux by passage of vapors through an AVMD distillation unit. In one example, brine is circulated in a tank. The tank may include one or more membrane pouches that are submerged in the circulating brine or placed above the water level of the hot circulating brine. In other embodiments the membrane pouches are outside of the tank that includes the hot circulating brine but still in communication with it. The circulating brine is heated, allowing creation of water vapor. Using a vacuum, the water vapor is drawn through the membrane, where it may be condensed and subjected to further beneficial use. This process can concentrate to levels to generate crystals or solids, which can be separated and utilized.

Abstract: We provide methods, systems, and apparatus for treatment of high chemical oxygen demand wastewater using anaerobic treatment with ceramic membranes. We also provide post-treatment using microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: We provide methods, systems, and apparatus for treatment of high chemical oxygen demand wastewater using anaerobic treatment with ceramic membranes. We also provide post-treatment using microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for removal of selenium and nitrate from waste water includes both electrochemical and bioprocessing treatment. Embodiments include use of activated walnut shell a growth media for selenium-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: We provide a process for treatment of produced water, including but not limited to water produced by a “steam flood” process for extraction of oil from oil sands, including the removal of color from the water. This removal may be accomplished through addition of color-removal polymers and flocculents. This process may also be useful for other water treatment processes including reverse osmosis and filtration.

Abstract: We provide methods, systems, and apparatus for treatment of high chemical oxygen demand wastewater using anaerobic treatment with ceramic membranes. We also provide post-treatment using microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for removal of selenium and nitrate from waste water includes both electrochemical and bioprocessing treatment. Embodiments include use of activated walnut shell a growth media for selenium-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A process for removal of selenium and nitrate from waste water includes both electrochemical and bioprocessing treatment. Embodiments include use of activated walnut shell a growth media for selenium-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reduction of biofouling on reverse osmosis membranes is provided. One embodiment provides a charged filter surrounding a cathode that is, in turn, surrounded by an anode. A plurality of these charged filters may be included in a larger filtration system that may be included in a typical reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and structures for purification or volume reduction of a brine by an advanced vacuum distillation process (AVMD) to achieve higher flux by passage of vapors through an AVMD distillation unit. In one example, brine is circulated in a tank. The tank may include one or more membrane pouches that are submerged in the circulating brine or placed above the water level of the hot circulating brine. In other embodiments the membrane pouches are outside of the tank that includes the hot circulating brine but still in communication with it. The circulating brine is heated, allowing creation of water vapor. Using a vacuum, the water vapor is drawn through the membrane, where it may be condensed and subjected to further beneficial use. This process can concentrate to levels to generate crystals or solids, which can be separated and utilized.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an apparatus and method for a membrane bioreactor process including a media in the water circulation module. Along with air supplied from bottom of the module the media components are kept in dynamic condition between the gaps to scrub the membrane surface area to it clean in-situ. Continued cleaning of the membrane surface results in benefits of reduced/no physical and chemical cleaning requirement, high flux, low TMP, and reduced frequency of chemical cleaning. The use of highly porous polymeric media having large internal surface area provides the advantage of retention of microbiological culture for a longer time without any disturbance causing an upset condition while increasing the biological loading and treatment capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: We provide a process for treatment of produced water, including but not limited to water produced by a “steam flood” process for extraction of oil from oil sands, including the removal of color from the water. This removal may be accomplished through addition of color-removal polymers and flocculents. This process may also be useful for other water treatment processes including reverse osmosis and filtration.

Abstract: We provide a process for treatment of produced water, including but not limited to water produced by a “steam flood” process for extraction of oil from oil sands, including the removal of color from the water. This removal may be accomplished through addition of color-removal polymers and flocculents. This process may also be useful for other water treatment processes including reverse osmosis and filtration.

Abstract: A process for removal of selenium and nitrate from waste water includes both electrochemical and bioprocessing treatment. Embodiments include use of activated walnut shell a growth media for selenium-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of purified water from a reverse osmosis reject stream includes preconditioning a reject stream to remove scaling ions and provide preconditioned water; separating any precipitate that forms in the preconditioned water to form a feed stream; subjecting the feed stream to high pressure membrane filtration system including a recirculating, high pressure pump generating a permeate stream and a second reject stream; adding a make-up water stream to the feed stream; and separating the permeate stream as purified water. Additional features and embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A process for enhanced removal of impurities from water by an enhanced multi-step electrocoagulation process including electrocoagulation, solids separation, hardness removal, crystallization, and, optionally, reverse osmosis and evaporative purification. Embodiments of the invention may remove multiple impurities at substantial savings in time, energy, and chemical use. Zero liquid discharge options are also reported.

Abstract: We report an electro-deionization (EDI) device having split flow arrangement for the purification of second pass RO permeate water with high flow rate in which the feed water is fed through the center port and is diverted into each section of dilute chamber with equal flow rate, producing two product streams. The EDI device has concentrate chambers adjacent to dilute chambers in two sections of the stack, allowing independent flow through the separate sections. The split flow design reduces resin bed depth requirement for processing of second pass RO permeate water. This results in higher flow rate through the stack, elimination of the pressure drop limitation, and reduction of power consumption per unit volume of water.