Water, Sewage, Or Other Waste Water Patents (Class 205/742)
  • Patent number: 8425755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total solids of non-contaminating residues from ethanol distilleries, by means of electro-flotation/oxidation techniques using an electrolytic cell outfitted with galvanized steel electrodes as a function of the initial pH of the medium, the current density and the concentration of H2O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universidad Del Valle
    Inventors: Fiderman Machuca Martinez, Nilson de Jesus Marriaga Cabrales, Javier Andres Davila Rincon
  • Patent number: 8419925
    Abstract: A method for electrode renewal, for use in an electrolytic processing chamber for a liquid therein wherein the processing includes, for a pair of electrodes in the chamber, placing a positive voltage on one electrode in the chamber and placing a like negative voltage on another electrode in the chamber. It has been common practice to reverse the voltage between these electrodes in order to re-dissolve the buildup thereon. Now, the present inventor has observed that a voltage passing through or across an electrode will cause some minor cavitations on the electrode surface between the contact junctures of the voltage, and apparently the cavitations results in the buildup there-on detaching in bulk; which is much faster than the heretofore known re-dissolve processes of electrode renewal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: David Sherzer
  • Patent number: 8419909
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for storing foodstuff comprising: a container for accommodating water and the foodstuff; at least one electrode unit having a negative electrode within the container and a positive electrode therewithin facing the negative electrode; and a power supplier for supplying electric power to the electrode unit, thereby inducing electrolysis between the negative electrode and the positive electrode set apart from each other so as to generate oxidants, and removing bacilli of decaying foodstuff by the oxidants, and thus, maintaining the freshness of foodstuff for a long time without freezing or refrigeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130081956
    Abstract: A system for electrocoagulation fluid treatment having a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies having a first and second conductive plate that are angularly oriented in relation to one another. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient them within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Bryon Tarbet, Wes W. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130081957
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet, and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130062219
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus capable of sterilizing a storage tank and a sterilizing and cleansing method thereof are disclosed. The water treatment apparatus includes: a filter unit purifying raw water; a storage tank connected to the filter unit and storing purified water which has been filtered through the filter unit; an electrolytic sterilizer installed between the filter unit and the storage tank, electrolyzing only purified water which has been filtered through at least a portion of the filter unit to generate sterilization water, and supplying the sterilization water to the storage tank; a drain unit connected to the storage tank and discharging water accommodated in the storage tank; and a control unit controlling a water purification mode of the filter unit and a sterilization mode through the electrolytic sterilizer and the drain unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Soo-Young Lee, Jung-Gyu Jang, Ui-Son Hwang, Claude Kwon, Jung-Hwan Lee, Chul-Ho Kim, Min-Suk Chang, In-Gyue Choi
  • Patent number: 8366885
    Abstract: A water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module is applied to a water body containing oxidizing substances. The water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module includes a self-generating unit and an electrolysis unit. The self-generating unit is coupled to the electrolysis unit. When circulating in a water transmission pipeline, the water body drives the self-generating unit to generate an electric power and deliver the electric power to the electrolysis unit. Upon receiving the electric power, the electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on the water body circulating to the electrolysis unit, so that a reduction reaction occurs to the oxidizing substances in the water body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen Pang Liu, Teh Ming Liang, Bor Yu Hu, Chih Chun Chen, Dong Yuan Lin, Wen Ping Lien, Bo Yin Chu
  • Patent number: 8347960
    Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Water Tectonics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mothersbaugh, Gene Hancock
  • Patent number: 8343328
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Hook, Dan Tirtowidjojo, Frank Koester, Sunil K. Chaudhary, Anil Mehta, Jean Chauvel, Jr., Christopher P Christenson, Timothy Frank, Celio Lume Pereira, Steve Gluck, Glenn Lord, David West, Christine Lundstroem, Annett Horn, Istvan Lengyel
  • Patent number: 8343330
    Abstract: A microfluidic device which electrochemically regulates a pH of a fluid, and a method of regulating a pH of a fluid using the microfluidic device, include a chamber which includes a cathode formed of a metal adsorbing hydrogen gas, and an anode formed of a metal having a higher standard oxidation potential than, and does not react with, water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Joon-ho Kim, Sung-young Jeong, Hee-kyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8337706
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improved separation or clarification of solids from a solids-laden liquid. Entrained gasses can also be removed. A liquid to be treated is introduced into the inlet of a solid-liquid separator modified to include one or more sources of vibrational energy. The liquid to be treated is directed through a conduit within the separator. Preferably the conduit within the separator is configured into a tortuous flow path to assist in the separation of solids from the liquid. Vibrational energy is applied to the flow path, preferably through the flow path conduit. As solids fall out of solution, they are collected. The clarified liquid is also collected. A vacuum can be applied to the system to assist in moving the solid-liquid mixture through the system and to provide vacuum clarification. Electrocoagulation electrodes and gas sparging can also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: 1612017 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 8323462
    Abstract: A device for adjustment of the pH of a target liquid includes a working electrode (10), an electrolyte chamber (16) which holds an electrolyte (14), a counter electrode (12) in electrical contact with the electrolyte, a junction (18) which spaces the electrolyte from a target liquid (20) when the working electrode is in contact therewith, and a source of current (22), for supplying current to the working electrode for electrolysis of water at the working electrode, whereby the pH of the target solution is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Miklos Gratzl, Gautam Nithyanand Shetty
  • Publication number: 20120298526
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical treatment of contaminated water or wastewater comprises a container or tank having an inlet and an outlet and a feed pump for the water to be treated, connected to the inlet for supplying the water through the inlet to the container or tank. Parallel pairs of electrode plates are situated in vertical position in the container or tank and form parallel vertical passages therebetween for the water to be treated. In the pairs of electrode plate at least one electrode plate comprises holes connected to a feed pump for an auxiliary medium. Said pairs of electrode plates are positioned between the inlet and outlet in the container or tank such that in at least part of the flow route between the inlet and outlet the water passes upwards in the vertical passages. The feed pump for the water to be treated and/or the feed pump for the auxiliary medium is a pulsating feed pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Atlantis Life Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Erkki HÄIVÄLÄ
  • Publication number: 20120292202
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to chloride salt compositions and methods for use in electrolytic pool chlorination systems comprising an water soluble chloride salt and an anti-caking additive that facilitates the rapid dissolution and dispersion of the salt in the pool without causing the detrimental effects to the water, pool, or chlorinator systems associated with other commonly used anti-caking agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jessica Adkins, Martin N. Aschauer
  • Patent number: 8313637
    Abstract: A wear of an electrode is prevented as much as possible, thereby efficiently electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution and the like. An electrolysis method includes: passing an electrolytic solution through an electrolysis cell including at least a pair of an anode and a cathode; and supplying the electrodes with an electric power, so as to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, wherein a viscosity of the electrolytic solution is set in a range in response to a current density upon the electric power supply to carry out the electrolysis. The viscosity of a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolytic solution is equal to or less than 10 cP when the current density is equal to or less than 50 A/dm2, the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 8 cP when the current density is from more than 50 to 75 A/dm2, and the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 6 cP when the current density is from more than 75 to 100 A/dm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Uchida, Tatsuo Nagai, Shunichi Kanamori
  • Patent number: 8307484
    Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Publication number: 20120267257
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sanitising water in a swimming pool or the like, which method uses sources of ionic chlorine at significantly lower levels than conventional systems. The method comprises the steps of (i) forming, in the swimming pool water, an electrolyte solution containing from 500 ppm to 9000 ppm of a soluble magnesium halide salt, (ii) treating the electrolyte solution in an electrolytic halogenation cell to form an aqueous solution of hypohalous acid, and (iii) returning the water so treated back to the swimming pool. A mixture of magnesium, potassium and sodium chloride salts with small quantities of a soluble alkaline earth metal bromide, zinc halide, ascorbate, and/or zinc ascorbate may be particularly effective in the sanitisation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ross Leslie Palmer, Stuart Bruce Anderson
  • Patent number: 8287702
    Abstract: The commercial unipolar activation of water to disinfect raw water supply from rivers or wells, seawater, or waste water from sewage, animal waste, processing plant waste, cooling tower water, swimming pool and spa water, ship ballast water and similar polluted waters. Disinfection is accomplished by hydrogen peroxide and ozone including biocides from chlorine and sulphur compounds in the water that are produced during the electrolytic unipolar activation of the water. Unipolar activation can also be used to perform chemical reactions such as in the activation of seawater. This invention can also produce alkaline water that is beneficial for health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Rodolfo Antonio M. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20120255872
    Abstract: A method is provided of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics by creating a variable voltage between two electrodes in the tailings. Flocculation and water release from the tailings is induced by establishing an electrical field between the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electrical power source having the variable voltage to create a cathode and an anode. Compacting the flocculation solids and removing further water released from the compacting solids allows for the creation of a compacted material having a desired load bearing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory J. Smith, Bruce S. Beattie, Robert C. Parrott, James Micak, Paul Garcia, Doug Kimzey, Thomas M. Kroll, JR.
  • Patent number: 8282804
    Abstract: An electrostatic coalescing device including at least one pair of sheet-shaped electrodes arranged at a distance from each other side-by-side. Each one of the electrodes includes a sheet-shaped conductive member of electrically conductive material. The mutual distance between the conductive members of the two electrodes of the pair varies along the electrodes as seen in a direction perpendicular to the intended flow direction of fluid passing through the flow passage between the electrodes. A power supply is configured to apply mutually different electric potentials to the conductive members of the electrodes of the pair so as to form an electric field between the electrodes. The conductive member of one electrode of the pair is planar, whereas the conductive member of the other electrode of the pair is corrugated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hamworthy PLC
    Inventors: Svein Tryti, Peder Hansson, Pål Jahre Nilsen, Nicolai Gedde
  • Publication number: 20120247972
    Abstract: Reducing the concentration of kinetic hydrate inhibitors in produced water may be accomplished by treating the produced water using a method selected from the group consisting of chemical adsorption, solvent extraction, chemical coagulation, electrochemical coagulation and combinations thereof. Such reductions may in some instances allow for the reuse of produced water for irrigation or recycle in oil and gas production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Howard J. Spencer, Marc N. Lehmann, Tudor C. Ionescu, Timothy Z. Garza, Steven J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8277634
    Abstract: A highly stable aqueous solution having a molecular cluster with dimensions which are small enough to ensure substantial chemical-physical stability thereof for a relatively long time. To prepare the solution a fluid treatment device is used, which comprises at least one chamber (7) and at least one anode (4) and one cathode (3) arranged in the chamber (7). The anode (4) and cathode (3) are at least partly made of a first metallic material. At least one of the at least one cathode (3) and anode (4) comprises a coating of nanoparticles (5) of a second metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: APR Nanotechnologies S.A.
    Inventors: Yongge Chen, Roberto De Noni
  • Patent number: 8273249
    Abstract: A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Yunjun Yang, Lili Ding, Xiaolei Shi
  • Patent number: 8273225
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid diamond electrode, a reactor, in particular a reactor comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode having first and second major working surfaces positioned therebetween wherein the at least one bipolar electrode consists essentially of diamond, and methods in which the reactors are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan James Wilman, Patrick Simon Bray, Timothy Peter Mollart
  • Patent number: 8273240
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for treating wastewater that contains emulsified oil is provided. The method comprises feeding the wastewater that contains the emulsified oil to an electrolytic tank, and oxidatively electrolyzing the wastewater that contains the emulsified oil using indissoluble electrodes. The negatively charged emulsified oil particles in the wastewater are neutralized on a surface of an anode during the oxidative electrolysis. The anode comprises an indissoluble electrode with oxygen radical-generating characteristics. The method further comprises particle group electrolyzing the wastewater using particle groups, and discharging the treated wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Deren Hu
  • Patent number: 8268136
    Abstract: Axially fed fluid is sheared during long residence time in a radial workspace between counter-rotating coaxial disk-shaped centrifugal impellers. Gases evolve in the fractal turbulence of a shear layer, which is forced between laminar boundary layers, and an axial suction pump axially extracts evolved noncondensables and volatiles through cores of radial vortices in the shear layer. Cavitation due to shear between the impellers kills pathogens by shock waves, microjets, OH radicals, and nearby UV light pulses. Oppositely charged electrodes bounding the workspace cause electroporesis and electrohydraulic cavitation. The electrodes are counter-rotating ridged armatures of disk dynamos, forming a dynamic capacitor having audio frequency pulsed electric fields. Electrode erosion by arcing is prevented by shear between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: McCutchen, Co.
    Inventors: Wilmot H. McCutchen, David J. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20120217170
    Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions, the apparatus comprising an inlet to let water in the apparatus, an outlet to let water out of the apparatus, a capacitor, and a spacer to separate a first and a second electrode of the capacitor and to allow water to flow in between the electrodes. The apparatus comprises a regeneration mode controller configured to control, during a regeneration mode in which ions previously attracted to the capacitor are released in a waste water stream, one or more of: the electrical current flowing to the capacitor; the voltage on the capacitor; and/or the water flowing in between the electrodes. The regeneration mode controller is constructed and arranged to control one or more of the electrical current, the voltage, and/or the water flow during the regeneration mode such that scaling is reduced or minimized in the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: VOLTEA B.V.
    Inventors: Albert Van Der Wal, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Freddie Kerpels
  • Patent number: 8246804
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of an aqueous stream containing both anionic and cationic species is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Circulating water continuously through an essentially closed loop, the loop incorporating an ion adsorption unit which, in turn, comprises a water permeable layer of an ion adsorbing material. Feeding an aqueous solution containing the anionic and the cationic species to the essentially closed loop. Passing the circulating water, including the aqueous solution containing the ionic and the cationic species, through the ion adsorbing material in the ion adsorption unit in a continuous manner. While at the same time applying an electric potential across the thickness of the layer of ion adsorbing material and removing from the ion adsorption unit more concentrated aqueous solutions of the separate ionic species. Discharging each of the aqueous solutions from the ion adsorption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Jones, Peter James Mawle
  • Patent number: 8242026
    Abstract: Provided is a method for performing etching process or film forming process to a substrate W whereupon a prescribed pattern is formed with an opening. The method is provided with a step of mixing a liquid and a gas, at least one of which contains a component that contributes to the etching process or the film forming process, and generating charged nano-bubbles 85 having a diameter smaller than that of the opening formed on the semiconductor substrate W; a step of forming an electric field to attract the nano-bubbles onto the surface of the substrate W; and a step of performing the process by supplying the substrate with the liquid containing the nano-bubbles 85 while forming the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Sumie Nagaseki
  • Patent number: 8236147
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an inlet, an outlet, and coaxial, cylindrical inner and outer electrodes. A cylindrical ion-selective membrane is located between the inner and outer electrodes and forms respective first and second electrolysis reaction chambers on opposing sides of the membrane. Fluid flow paths along the first and second chambers join together as a combined inlet flow path through the inlet and a combined outlet flow path through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 8226813
    Abstract: A method of purifying cooling water which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale in an electrolytic purifying vessel by taking out the electrodes from the electrolytic purifying vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In the method of purifying circulating cooling water by applying a DC voltage across opposing electrodes while flowing water to be treated therebetween, so that ions in the water are electrolytically precipitated on the surfaces of electrodes on the negative pole side, thereby purifying the water to be treated, the electrodes comprise titanium and have an oxide film preformed by heating having a thickness of 5 nm to 130 nm thereon, and electric current is flown between the electrodes in an amount large enough to apply a voltage capable of dielectrically breaking down the oxide film on the surfaces of electrodes on the positive pole side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20120175272
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing water that includes: immersing at least one electrode unit having a negative electrode within a container and a positive electrode within the container, the positive electrode separated from and facing the negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode has a plurality of negative electrode projections thereon, and the positive electrode has a plurality of positive electrode projections thereon, each positive electrode projection arranged to face and be aligned with each negative electrode projection one by one; and, supplying direct current by at least one power supply to the electrode unit immersed under the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120175271
    Abstract: A device for the purification of water, has the following components: (a) a storage tank (10) for retention of the purified water; (b) a feed pipe (15), leading from the water to be purified to the storage tank (10); (c) a reactor (4) for anodic oxidation of the water arranged within the feed pipe (15); (d) the storage tank (10) having a redox sensor (5) for measuring the redox potential; and (e) water supply from the feed pipe (15) into the storage tank (10) is performed discontinuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Martin Alexander Goldmaier
  • Patent number: 8211290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing impurities from waste water by electroflotation. The waste water to be cleaned is conducted through an electrolytic cell. Electrolysis is performed between two electrodes (1, 2) of different electronegativities, such that the more electronegative electrode (1), which is non-wearing in a cleaning process, is used for producing hydrogen gas and hydroxyl ions from water. The less electronegative electrode (2), which is an active, wearing electrode in a cleaning process, is used for producing metal ions in a solution to be cleaned. In addition to this basic reaction, a desired oxidation-reduction reaction is initiated in the cell in a strictly controlled electric field for removing one or more designated impurities from cleaned water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BCDE Group LLC
    Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
  • Patent number: 8206571
    Abstract: The present invention claims a method for forming [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species. The present invention also provides for an apparatus for forming [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species. Kit claims for formation of [18F] fluoride complexes suitable for performing radio-labelling reactions to generate [18F] fluorinated species are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Alan Peter Clarke
  • Publication number: 20120152759
    Abstract: A process for reducing the concentration of perchlorate in an aqueous concentrated multi-component salt solution comprising treating the salt solution with an amphoteric ion-exchange resin to provide an adsorbed perchlorate and multi anion-containing resin and a perchlorate depleted solution; and removing the perchlorate depleted solution. The multi-anion are selected from chloride, chlorate, perchlorate, sulphate, and dichromate, present in electrolytic processes for the production of sodium chlorate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CHEMETICS INC.
    Inventors: Felix M.F. Mok, Ronald P. Van Heek, Gilbert Thibault, Thomas S. Drackett
  • Publication number: 20120152760
    Abstract: The present invention provides water treatment systems and methods. An electrolysis based water treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reservoir for holding the water to be treated, two or more electrodes of two or more types, each type of electrode having a different material composition, and positioned to be at least partially immersed in water held in the reservoir, and a power supply adapted to power the electrodes. The electrodes used and the polarity of current applied to power the electrodes for different electrolysis phases are selected based on the material composition of the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: AQUATECH WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Valrie Dene Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120137882
    Abstract: A method for electrolytically producing alkaline water comprises the steps of (a) providing an electrolytic cell (50) containing at least one anode electrode (30) and at least one cathode electrode (40) in a spaced manner, without a separator or a diaphragm arranged between at least one anode electrode (30) and at least one cathode electrode (40), both the anode and cathode electrodes being made of magnesium; (b) supplying water to the electrolytic cell (50); and (c) applying a direct current across at least one anode electrode and at least one cathode electrode for causing electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell (50) to produce alkaline water. An apparatus (100) corresponding to the method and the use of the alkaline water produced by the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Hwee Hong Chew
  • Publication number: 20120118760
    Abstract: A system carried by a watercraft for reducing the population of microorganisms in a body of water, including an electrolytic apparatus for producing antimicrobial chlorine-containing compounds and conduits for discharging electrolyzed water into the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Chester J. Sohn
  • Publication number: 20120111800
    Abstract: A method for harvesting potable water and energy from waste that comprises the steps of collecting the waste, separating the waste into a water fraction, a solid fraction, and a gas fraction, sterilizing the water fraction, converting the solid fraction into an energy resource; and scrubbing the gas fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Carol Ann Collins
  • Patent number: 8157984
    Abstract: Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The water is then continuously oxidized with chlorine electrolytically to destroy the nitrogen compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Potable Water Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Miller Jorge, Miller Luisa Kling
  • Publication number: 20120085094
    Abstract: A photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system and a method of cooling photovoltaic (PV) cells in the system is described herein. Energy from an excitation source such as the sun hits the PV cells in the PV-T system causing heating that reduces PV efficiency. The PV cells are cooled by fluid in an intact heat-transfer system making a heated water byproduct while the PV cells release a form of energy. In addition, the PV-T system can be implemented in a desalination plant to harvest energy and heat for desalination processes. The present invention also includes methods for transferring heat from PV cells to the earth to improve PV performance and reduce thermal shock to the PV cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Thomas A. Davis, Malynda A. Cappelle
  • Patent number: 8152973
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning device for a heat exchanger which safely and effectively cleans the heat exchanger and which can sufficiently obtain a deodorizing effect and a sterilization effect. The cleaning device for the heat exchanger includes an electrolysis unit for treating dew condensation water of the heat exchanger by an electrochemical technique, a supply unit for supplying electrolytic water produced by the treatment performed by this electrolysis unit to an outer surface of the heat exchanger, and an control unit for controlling the electrolysis unit and the supply unit, and the control unit allows the electrolysis unit to electrolytically treat the dew condensation water of the heat exchanger and produce the electrolytic water, and allows the supply unit to supply the produced electrolytic water to the outer surface of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 8152989
    Abstract: A system and process for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with ballast water. The total organic carbon content of the ballast water is ascertained and the amount of hypochlorite generated is modulated in response to the total organic carbon content of the ballast water. In one embodiment the system comprises a total organic carbon analyzer for measuring total organic carbon content. In one embodiment of the process of the invention, hypochlorite production is modulated so that the residual halogen-containing oxidizing agent is maintained in the ballast water. In another embodiment of the process, hypochlorite production is modulated to maintain a weight ratio of hypochlorite to total organic carbon in the ballast water ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Severn Trent De Nora, LLC
    Inventors: Harold E. Childers, II, Randolfo Fernandez, Rudolf C. Matousek, James B. Moore, David W. Hill
  • Patent number: 8147701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment process applicable to degrade or transform organic and inorganic pollutants, commonly found in industrial wastewaters, contaminated aquifers and gas emissions, in which reduction or oxidation reactions (e.g. redox reactions) are involved. The treatment concept comprises reactors in which catalysts, with redox mediating properties, have been immobilized on ion exchange resins in order to improve and accelerate the transformation of priority pollutants by chemical or biological means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Instituto Potosino De Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica A.C.
    Inventors: Francisco J. Cervantes, Jose Rene Rangel-Mendez, Alberto Garcia-Espinosa, Maria Antonieta Moreno Reynosa, Elias Razo-Flores
  • Publication number: 20120073985
    Abstract: In a method for treating sludge (1), at least two electrodes (2) are provided for generating an electric field. Water present in the biosludge is electrolyzed and OH° radicals (OH°) are generated at least in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Hahn, Hermann Schwarz, Jochen Straub, Manfred Waidhas
  • Patent number: 8142624
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of normal saline solution and cleansing apparatus for contact lens, more particularly, a cleansing apparatus for contact lens comprising: a lens receiver for accommodating lenses, at least one electrode unit including a negative electrode and a positive electrode which set apart from the negative electrode each other, a power supply for supplying electric current to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, thereby effectively disinfecting and sterilizing viruses and bacteria and to remove foreign substances within the short time and protein on contact lenses in the lens receiver by oxidants generated by electrolysis in the electrode unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120070696
    Abstract: Enhanced contaminant degradation systems via rapid transfer of electrons in an environment or matrix through bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry, electron transfer conduit and conductive materials. Specialized circuitry may be used with respect to the anode, cathode, and transmission line design including floating cathodes, anchored anodes, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Song Jin, Paul H. Fallgren, Christopher H. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120067739
    Abstract: Decomposition is performed with the application of the method and apparatus by separating solid contaminants from the emulsion, absorbing CO2 gas in the emulsion, thereby switching the emulsion type from W/O to O/W, pre-heating the emulsion utilizing a heat regenerator (32), setting the stability minimum of the emulsion by adjusting the pH, resolving the emulsion in an electrochemical decomposition reactor (38) by passing it between an anode made of electrochemically active material and a cathode made of electrochemically inactive material, while the colloid particles of the emulsion are bound in flocks forming a foam utilizing as a flocculant the compound produced in situ from the electrochemically active anode, —discharging the foam produced in the above step, and—discharging the decontaminated water through a final settlement tank (47) and/or a final filter (44) and a heat regenerator (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicants: HM ELEKTRONIKAI, LOGISZTIKAI ES VAGYONKEZELO ZARTKORUEN MUKODO RESZVENYTARSASAG, G.I.C. IPARI SZOLGALTATO ES KERESKEDEKLMI KFT.
    Inventors: István Schremmer, Bernadett Ivett Kovács, József Kis-Benedek, László Ébert
  • Patent number: 8137514
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing sterilized water, spraying apparatus thereof and capsule containing salt using therein, more particularly, comprises a container having a water receiver for accommodating water; at least one negative electrode having at least one negative electrode projection formed thereon in the water receiver; at least one positive electrode having at least one positive electrode projection formed thereon arranged to face the negative electrode projection in the water receiver; and a power supply for supplying electric current to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, thereby promptly manufacturing a large amount of sterilized water within a short time, and thus, enabling users to use for disinfecting and sterilization the fresh sterilized water immediately after directly manufacturing the sterilized water without having aseptic to injured area or the inside of a nose for rhinitis' patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim