With Control Responsive To Sensed Condition Patents (Class 205/743)
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Patent number: 8147673Abstract: A system and process for de-halogenating ballast water before releasing the ballast water from the vessel. In one embodiment, the system comprises a means for measuring the halogen content of the ballast water, a reducing agent source in fluid communication with the ballast water, and a means for controlling the amount of reducing agent supplied to the ballast water. In one aspect, the means for measuring the halogen content comprises one or more oxidation/reduction potential analyzers. In another embodiment, the system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells for generating hypochlorite to treat the ballast water. One embodiment of the process for de-halogenating ballast water comprises measuring the oxidation/reduction potential of the ballast water and adding one or more reducing agents to the ballast water to de-halogenate the ballast water in response to the measured oxidation/reduction potential.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Severn Trent De Nora, LLCInventors: Harold E. Childers, II, Randolto Fernandez, Rudolf C. Matousek, James B. Moore, David W. Hill
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Patent number: 8038867Abstract: A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yu Du, Yunfeng Liu, Saijun Mao, Xiaoming Yuan, Chao Yang, Rihua Xiong, Chun Cao, Shengxian Wang, Wei Cai, Chang Wei, Jiyang Xia
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Patent number: 8025779Abstract: A water quality analyzer comprises: sensor electrodes 1a, 1b made of different metals from each other, the electrodes in a liquid of inspecting object generating a sense voltage in proportion to the liquid's impurities concentration; an operational amplifier OP1 amplifying the sense voltage without inverting to provide for a CPU 3; a resistor R0 whose one end is connected to the electrode 1a; and a voltage divider 2 applying a voltage obtained by dividing the sense voltage by a prescribed division ratio to R0's another end. The CPU 3 calculates input signal from OP1 to obtain chlorine concentration and displays the calculated result on a LCD 4 in a measurement mode, and sets the division ratio of the divider 2 so that sense voltage across electrodes 1a, 1b soaked in a liquid including prescribed concentration chloride approximately agrees with a reference voltage of prescribed concentration in a sense-voltage calibration mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignees: Tanita Corporation, FIS Inc.Inventors: Kiyoshi Sagawa, Shinichi Harima, Kazuo Onaga, Junko Yanagitani, Osamu Inazawa
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Patent number: 8007653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Aquatron, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Porat
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Publication number: 20110198235Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus including an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is provided between an anode and a cathode. The water electrolysis apparatus is configured to generate oxygen on a side of the anode and hydrogen on a side of the cathode at a pressure higher than a pressure of the oxygen through electrolysis of water. A gas-liquid separation apparatus separates unreacted water and produced gas discharged from a water outlet of the water electrolysis apparatus. A water circulation apparatus circulates the water between the water electrolysis apparatus and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water circulation apparatus includes a return pipe having an on-off valve and connecting the water outlet and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. A hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the return pipe between the water outlet and the on-off value and extends upward from the water electrolysis apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun TAKEUCHI, Masanori Okabe, Hisashi Nagaoka, Koji Nakazawa
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Publication number: 20110120887Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: KOGANEI CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshiyuki Taguchi, Takayuki Nakano, Masahito Kato
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Publication number: 20110120885Abstract: A cooling tower water management system is disclosed. A water treatment module is positioned in a water circulation line in a cooling tower. The water treatment module comprises a treatment cell having a cathodic tube and an anodic rod within the tube. A controller and power supply create a pulsed electrical potential across water in the treatment cell from the cathode to the anode to perform electrolysis on the water. Suspended and dissolved solids in the water are built up on a surface within the treatment cell. The controller can initiate a regeneration cycle to remove the built up solids from the surface. The regeneration comprises switching the electrical contact from the anode to a portion of the cathodic tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Earthwise Environmental Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Miller, Robert C. Warnecke
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Publication number: 20110120886Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system. The electrochemical device can be operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.Inventors: Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Michael Reardon
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Publication number: 20110108438Abstract: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method of controlling an electrochemical treatment process where treatment is performed in a flow cell to ensure that a controlled dose of electrical energy or current is delivered to all volumes of the liquid being treated. In addition the invention provides for further optimization of the dose based on other factors and sensor inputs. This invention also provides a method to estimate, display and record a forecast of process efficacy such as disinfection, oxidation or other desired treatment that otherwise cannot be measured in an online manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: James A. Tretheway, Brian R. Hale, Dennis E. Bahr, Ajit K. Chowdhury, Jeremy J. Vogel, Karl W. Marschke
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Publication number: 20110100839Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Dan Prokop
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Publication number: 20110079519Abstract: The water outflow fitting has a fitting body (2) which possesses a water duct (4) with an inlet and an outlet (3). A water valve (7) and means (14) for disinfecting the water are arranged in the water duct (4). The means (14) for disinfecting the water is an electrochemical cell (14) arranged in the water duct (4). Preferably, the electrochemical cell (14) is arranged in the water duct (4) in a region in which standing water is located when the water valve (7) is closed and flowing water is located when the water valve is open, the electrochemical cell (14) being located in standing water in the first case and being washed around or washed through by water in the second case. Preferably, in the event of the fitting being used, the electrochemical cell (14) is activated by means of a proximity sensor (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: GEBERIT INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Roland WIDLER, Joachim KECK
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Publication number: 20110036727Abstract: A micro-current electrolysis-sterilization-algaecide device includes the solution conductivity detector installed in the inlet pipe of the tank, at least a group of electrodes set in the tank in accordance with the order of anode, auxiliary electrode, and cathode, and the controller, which judges the conductance values, controls the electrode polarity and the circuit connections. Said controller includes judging unit to determine the conductance values of water, and according to the results to trigger the corresponding seawater electrolysis-model unit, the fresh water electrolysis-model unit, or the pole-reversing electrolysis-model unit. The device can be used to the seawater and fresh water sterilization algaecide, with good bactericidal algaecide effect, automatic scaling, and a wide range of applications. By adding ultrasonic generator, the device can destroy a variety of bacteria and algae cells. Said device has a simple structure and a wide range of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: QINGDAO HEADWAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xueliang Cao, Xuelei Cao, Qinghua Du, Bingyan Liu, Ye Chen
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Publication number: 20110017609Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically producing nano-gold/silver ionized water, the method including: a raw water supply step in which raw water is filtered by a filter F, passed through a flow control valve V for controlling the amount of raw water, and supplied after the amount of raw water is measured by a flow meter M in real time; a nano-gold/silver ionized water production step in which after the amount of the raw water is measured by the flow meter M, the raw water is passed through a nano-gold/silver ionized water producer P to produce nano-gold/silver ionized water; a control step in which a controller C connected to the nano-gold/silver ionized water producer P controls a microprocessor and a driver, which control the filter F and the flow meter M, a current/voltage driver, and the opening/closing of a valve; and a sensing step in which a sensor I connected to the controller C measures the amount and concentration of ionized water passing through the nano-gold/silver ionized wateType: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Moon Sik Choi
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Patent number: 7875164Abstract: A method for in situ self-calibrating of an electrochemical sensor for measuring the concentration of one or more species in an aqueous medium. The method includes: taking a first measurement of the current of a working electrode representative of the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the medium, applying an anode current of predetermined density and duration to a generating electrode to produce a defined increase in the local concentration of the dissolved oxygen, taking a second measurement of the current of the working electrode representative of the concentration of oxygen after applying the anode current to the generating electrode, and computing from the first and second measurements a calibration factor for one or more species that relates the oxygen concentration of the medium to be analyzed and the actually measured current between the working electrode and its counter electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignees: Adamant Technologies SA, Züllig AGInventors: Eduardo Santoli, Philippe Rychen, Jean Gobet, Remo Pfändler, Paul Bitsche
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Publication number: 20100252447Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment device includes a plurality of spaced reaction plates disposed within a reaction chamber. A voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. The device includes various embodiments adapted for use as a large industrial unit, a portable unit or for use within the home. The voltage and amperage of the electrical field chamber may be adjusted by placing selected reaction plates in electrical contact with the voltage source. One embodiment is especially adapted for treatment of oil slop to remove water from the oil, and for treatment of seawater to desalinate the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Scott Wade Powell
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Publication number: 20100219082Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral system for treating the water for cooling towers and other processes such as reverse osmosis rejection, regeneration of the anionic units of demineralization systems, aircraft blue water and wastewater, in which it is desired to reduce and/or eliminate contaminants such as silica, total, of calcium and magnesium hardness, suspended solids, organic matter and microorganisms, heavy metals, detergents or arsenic, for obtaining a water quality that enables it to be reused in different industrial processes, generating savings in terms of water and chemicals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Juan Jorge Diaz Gonzalez Alcocer
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Publication number: 20100187128Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating liquids, particularly ocean, brackish water, refuse liquid, and waste water, wherein a hot carrier gas flow charged with water vapor is present in a predetermined treatment step as a hot water vapor carrier gas flow, particularly from a device for the treatment of liquids. According to the invention, at least a partial flow of the hot water vapor carrier gas flow is subjected to water vapor electrolysis in a water vapor electrolysis device in which at least part of the hydrogen and oxygen is separated from the hot water vapor carrier gas flow, and a dried carrier gas flow is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Joachim Neubert, Karl Ferdinand Staab
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Patent number: 7722746Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Maytal Tech, LLCInventor: Omer C. Eyal
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Publication number: 20100122913Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: Rudolf Matousek, Dana Casbeer, David Hill, Rubin Bariya
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Publication number: 20100116689Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of controlling an ion concentration in water, for example, a silver ion concentration. The method of depositing ions in the water includes determining a conductivity level of the water using a reference probe. A power level based on the determined conductivity level is also determined. Power is applied to a deposition probe corresponding to the determined power level using a first electrical circuit, and a concentration of ions are deposited in the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Tom Greene, Richard Moyers
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Patent number: 7695606Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic device for disinfecting water in a water supply system using active chlorine, comprising an electrolytic cell having electrodes and a generator driven by the water, a part of the water being guided through the electrolytic cell and at least a part of the feeding of the electrolytic cell being guided through a salt dosing device containing a compound capable of supplying chloride ions to the water.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Johannes Petrus Paulus Tholen
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Patent number: 7638031Abstract: A method and device for protecting an aqueous system from scale precipitation by depressing scale precipitation in a bulk phase of a water supply, the device including: (a) an electrolytic cell for fluidly connecting to the system, including: (i) a tank for receiving the water supply, the tank having a copper surface forming a cathode of the cell; and (ii) an element having a zinc surface disposed within the tank, and forming an anode of the cell; (b) a controlling unit for controlling a current (I) from the power supply; and (c) a flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of the water supply, the flow rate associated with a flow rate of water into the system, wherein the controlling unit is designed to control the current according to the flow rate so as to depress the scale precipitation in the bulk phase of the water supply, and wherein the current I exceeds (1.84?A)*Q and is less than (1.84+A)*Q, wherein I is measured in amperes; Q is the total flow rate (m3/h); and A is a positive number and less than 1.05.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Elgressy Engineering Services Ltd.Inventor: Gabi Elgressy
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Publication number: 20090236234Abstract: An electrolytic process for managing urban sewage wherein sewage, before entering the treatment unit, is mixed with oxidants produced in an electrolytic mode and the mixture enters the treatment unit wherein, while containing oxidants, it passes successively through a) a sand sedimentation tank, b) fine self-cleansed grids, c) a DAFF system for defatting, d) a number of filters, finally coming to an oxidation tank wherein on the basis of the readings of a REDOX meter and a pH-meter is performed, if necessary, a further oxidation on a PLC command. The sewage under treatment passes subsequently through an electrode of high hydroxyl root production is reduced when getting out of the electrode and finally passes through an activated carbon filter. The gridates and filtrates are forwarded to a continuous electrolysis tank till oxidized to the degree provided by the legislation in force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Markos Ninolakis
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Publication number: 20090236235Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point-of-entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system to optimize the operation and performance of the system or components of the system. A flow regulator regulates a waste stream flow to drain and can be operated to recirculate fluid through electrode or concentrating compartments of an electrochemical device and can opened and closed intermittently according to a predetermined schedule or based on an operating parameter of the water treatment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.Inventors: Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Anil D. Jha
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Publication number: 20090173639Abstract: A water draining system for a fuel filter having a water collecting reservoir is disclosed. The water draining system has a housing adapted for attachment to the reservoir, the housing having a water sensor arranged to protrude into the reservoir and having a valve with an inlet for draining water collected in the reservoir. The valve is selectively moveable between an open and a closed configuration. The water draining system also has a controller connected to the sensor such that when the water level in the reservoir reaches a predetermined level, the sensor sends a signal to the controller and movement of the valve between the open and closed configuration is directly or indirectly dependent upon subsequent signals generated by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Lana Ferrari, Phil Core
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Publication number: 20090159460Abstract: A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yu Du, Yunfeng Liu, Saijun Mao, Xiaoming Yuan, Chao Yang, Rihua Xiong, Chun Cao, Shengxian Wang, Wei Cai, Chang Wei, Jiyang Xia
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Patent number: 7520973Abstract: A method for the regeneration of etching solutions containing iron for the use in etching or pickling copper or copper alloys and an apparatus for carrying out the method is described. The method involves feeding the etching solution to be regenerated from the etching system into an electrolysis cell being hermetically sealed or having an anode hood (8), the electrolysis cell comprising a cathode (1), an inert anode (2), means (3) for removing the electrolytically deposited copper from the cathode and means (4) for collecting the removed copper and applying a potential to the removed copper, wherein the electrolysis cell does not have an ion exchange membrane or a diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Kai-Jens Matejat, Sven Lamprecht
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Patent number: 7507323Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Maytal Tech, Inc.Inventor: Omer C. Eyal
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Publication number: 20090008266Abstract: A method for purifying a liquid comprising the steps of: passing said liquid through a first filtration to remove contaminants in said liquid; causing said liquid to be in turbulent flow; ionizing said liquid in turbulent flow with a reaction material; irradiating said liquid to light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range; passing said liquid through a second filtration of said liquid, and passing said liquid through an activated carbon filtration unit to filter out aromatic ring structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Quench Environmental Products, LLCInventor: Robert D. Fite
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Publication number: 20080277289Abstract: A new system is disclosed for extracting ammonia from a wastewater stream, and for transferring the ammonia into the secondary water circuit, where the dissolved ammonium is electrolysed and transformed into gaseous nitrogen. The new system makes use of a membrane of gas-permeable hydrophobic material. The wastewater is raised to pH of 11, and 50° C., to make the transfer of ammonia through the membrane more efficient. Also disclosed is a process-control system for the ammonium disposal system, in which pH sensors are used to control operation. Instruments for measuring ammonia-concentration directly are expensive, whereas pH-sensors are simple, reliable, and responsive. Disclosed are procedures for establishing the relationships between pH and the progress of the ammonium disposal treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Leonard Paul Seed, Gene Sidney Shelp
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Publication number: 20080264800Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroionic apparatus for treating an aqueous solution, including a flow cell through which the aqueous solution may flow, and a high frequency AC power source. A pair of electrodes within the flow cell are in contact with the aqueous solution and coupled to the AC power source. The AC power source generates a signal that is transmitted to the electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and an ionic current within the aqueous solution in the flow cell. Each electrode includes a plurality of perforations defined through the plate electrode. Electrodes within the flow cell may be formed of materials having a catalytic effect upon the electroionic reactions within the flow cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Kenneth J. Schlager, Stephen H. Gorski
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Publication number: 20080128292Abstract: An electronic water treatment apparatus includes an electronic impulse generator and control box attached to a power source. An impulse chamber includes a cylindrical anode rod inside a tubular cathode and is connected to the impulse generator and control box with a low-voltage cable which is no more than about six feet long. The impulse generator and control box supply about 16 v DC power and 120-180 milliamps to the impulse chamber at between 2300 and 5200 Hertz. The discharge frequency within the impulse chamber automatically varies with the conductivity of the aqueous solution within the impulse chamber. The impulse generator and control box supply power with a waveform that includes about a two microsecond break between each positive and negative pulse to prevent corrosion of the electrodes and create the aragonite form of calcium carbonate instead of the calcite form.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Sven Mierswa
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Patent number: 7258779Abstract: A method and means for producing a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water using a pulsed application of water onto electrodes while applying an electrical potential between electrodes and where the electrodes are not immersed in the water which flows between the electrodes while undergoing electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventors: Alan Patrick Casey, Stewart Smith
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Patent number: 7250110Abstract: A method for treating hard water comprising the steps of flowing water containing suspended colloidal mineral particles through a confined treatment zone, applying an electrical potential across the flowing water to cause electrical current to flow through the water, increasing the zeta potential of the suspended colloidal particles. The increased zeta potential causes the particles to repel each other, preventing aggregation and precipitation onto surfaces in contact with the water to form scale or create hard pan conditions in soil on which the water falls.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventors: George C. Bruce, Thomas J. Martin
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Patent number: 7186323Abstract: An electrolytic ion-water production apparatus in which purified water without residual chlorine is electrolyzed to produce alkaline-ion water without any chloride smell of lime in use of the apparatus, and in which a mixture of purified water treated by a water purifier and tap water containing residual chlorine is electrolyzed to produce alkaline-ion water containing sodium hypochlorous acid (NaOCl) of low concentration and to retain the produced alkaline-ion water in an introduction passage for reliably preventing propagation of microbes.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuo Hara
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Patent number: 7160434Abstract: An electrolysis device is provided. The electrolysis device includes an ionizer unit having first and second plate assemblies that each provide a different surface area that is contacted by water when the unit is in use. The plate assemblies may each provide a different surface area by providing a different number of plates. The plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, to enhance the reliability of the device. The present invention further provides a control unit programmed to provide an output to the ionizer unit that varies in polarity over time.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Robert E. Moroney, LLCInventors: Hans Becker, Robert E. Moroney
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Patent number: 6878268Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for purification of water in which impurities in contaminated water can be removed with a reduced amount of flocculant and with high efficiency. The apparatus comprises, in the order from the side where contaminated water is introduced, an electrolysis tank (1) for electrolyzing the contaminated water, a gas mixing tank (2) for mixing carbon dioxide into the contaminated water electrolyzed, a coagulation tank (3) for mixing Fe3+ supplied from a flocculant producing device (7) to coagulate impurities in the contaminated water, and a floatation tank (4) for floating and separating the impurities coagulated. The electrolysis tank (1) electrolyzes the contaminated water to lower zeta potential of colloid particles in the contaminated water, and then the contaminated water is mixed with Fe3+ in the coagulation tank (3), thereby reducing the amount of positively charged Fe3+ to be added for neutralizing the colloid particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sawada
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Patent number: 6814853Abstract: There is provided a method for water treatment, capable of greatly improving the effect of removing microbes contained in water for eating and drinking, or discharged water.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhito Kondo, Yasuhito Shimizu, Masahiro Iseki
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Patent number: 6797179Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
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Publication number: 20040147907Abstract: The present invention is disclosed herein as an electrochemical cell having a cell housing with a first half cell and a second half cell, and an ion selective membrane between the cells. The electrochemical cell further has a first electrode positioned within the first half cell, a second electrode positioned within the second half cell, an electrolyte in electrical communication with both the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrodes of the cell are configured so that the electrochemical cell maintains a substantially constant salt concentration level throughout operation. The cell is preferably used in conjunction with an implantable fluid delivery apparatus. A method for using the device is additionally disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Felix Theeuwes, Jeremy Corwin Wright, Stahinja K. Zecevic
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Patent number: 6733679Abstract: A method of treating an electroless plating waste is provided. The waste is contained and an ability of a reducing agent to reduce a metal of the waste is decreased, for example by adding a stabilizing chemical or by exposing the waste to an anode to which a positive voltage is applied. Poisonous and explosive gases evolve from the waste, which are vented. Upon completion, the waste is drained.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Valery M. Dubin, Chin-Chang Cheng, Christopher D. Thomas
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Patent number: 6712947Abstract: A purifying apparatus for purifying flowing water includes a negative electrode plate disposed on a flowing water bed and a positive electrode plate disposed at an upper face opposite to the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate is adapted to be dipped below a water surface of the flowing water with floats being disposed at least at upstream and downstream end portions or opposing side portions of the positive electrode plate in a flowing direction of the flowing water. A structure is provided for positioning the positive electrode plate at a position opposite the negative electrode plate. Also, as necessary, a vertical-movement structure is provided to allow vertical movement of the positive electrode plate and of a gas collecting unit. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are provided with an electric field generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Japan Science and Technology CorporationInventors: Takaaki Maekawa, Kazuo Fujita
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Patent number: 6699381Abstract: It is a compact water purification/sterilization method and its device with a high electrolytic efficiency in which even though it is used continuously for a long period of time in order to purify and sterilize water with low electrical conductivity such as the water from a swimming pool, bathtub, pond, 24-hour bath, farming tank or AC, there is no deterioration or breakage of the electrodes or deformation of the plastic case for the electrolyzing device due to heat, and even if the electrical flow per electrode surface area is increased, it provides superior long-term endurance performance. Barrel-shaped (cylindrical-shaped) anodes and cathodes are arranged alternately in a concentric manner in layers at given inter-electrode intervals. The anode is a ferrite rod with a long hole along the center axis direction or a ferrite pipe, and in the hole, heating so that it has fluidity, or mercury, which is liquid at ordinary temperature, is filled, in advance, fills a low-melting point metal.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Omega Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Kenji Nagayoshi, Masaki Miyashita
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Publication number: 20030230495Abstract: One embodiment of a method of operating an electrochemical cell system comprises: flowing supply water to an anode electrode of an electrolysis cell, applying a first current density to the electrolysis cell, electrolyzing the supply water at the anode electrode wherein hydrogen ions and a first portion water migrate to a cathode electrode of the electrolysis cell, collecting the first portion of water in a chamber in fluid communication with the cathode electrode, monitoring a first portion water level in the chamber, when the first portion water level attains a first selected level, decreasing the supply water flow to the anode electrode a sufficient amount to draw the first portion water from the chamber to the anode electrode, and electrolyzing the first portion water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Everett Anderson, Mark E. Dristy, Tushar Ghuwalewala, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Michael Spaner, Elena Stockton, Eric Styche, Allan Tomasco, John Zagaja
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Patent number: 6652733Abstract: A method of operating a reactor for removing impurities by electrochemical means from liquids, such as aqueous solutions. The liquid is passed through series of plateshaped reaction electrodes electrically insulated against each other with a liquid speed above a minimum to prevent dissociation into constituent gases, but sufficient to ensure interaction with an electrical current passing between the plateshaped electrodes. The latter has corrugated forms and/or their surfaces provided with embossed relief patterns to enhance the electrochemical effect between the electrodes. The conductivity of the treated liquid, the organic contents of the liquid and the flow of the liquid is measured and the length of the flow path for the liquid in the reactor is established in dependence on the measured parameters. Ultrasonic vibrations are generated in the flow path for stimulating a reaction process.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Adept Technologies A/SInventor: David Napper
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Patent number: 6645366Abstract: A waste water treatment device is provided in which removal of phosphorus and removal of nitrogen can efficiently be carried out and a decrease in size of the device and a decrease in cost can be achieved. The waste water treatment device includes a waste water treatment chamber; at least one set of electrodes disposed so that at least a part of the electrodes are immersed in waste water in the waste water treatment chamber, at least one of said electrodes dissolving out, by electrolysis, iron ions or aluminum ions for precipitating and removing phosphoric acid ions in waste water; a power source for supplying an electrolytic current to the set of electrodes; a control section for controlling the power source; and a metallic catalyst which is disposed in the vicinity of at least one of the sets of electrodes and which effects a denitrifying reaction with hydrogen in waste water.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Kazuo Ikegami
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Publication number: 20030188976Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Culvey, Kim Bong Jun
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Patent number: 6572902Abstract: A process for producing improved alkaline water includes filtering potable source water to remove selected particles and then purifying the filtered water. Selected alkaline minerals are added to the purified water, with the resulting mineralized water being then electrolyzed to produce streams of acidic water and alkaline water, the alkaline water having a pH within the range of 9-10, a TDS range of 22-240 ppm (parts per million) and alkalinity in the range of 12-216 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Advanced HInventors: Robert M. Abramowitz, George Arnold
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Patent number: 6533942Abstract: A cooling tower water purification system uses an electrical cleaning method by passing water over or through an anode and a cathode. The pH of the water is monitored and adjusted using injected CO2 gas. The water can also be mechanically filter to remove the now dead biofilm and biomass as well as any scale or other debris. An additional embodiment can use an additional device such as a water jet to “stir” the bottom of the cooling tower to increase the efficiency of the filter in removing any built up or remaining biomass, scale or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: TLC Envirotech, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Steffens, James H. Joyner, Boyd R. Waddle
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Patent number: 6527942Abstract: A conditioning system for reducing an oxygen content of water carried in a subsystem of an industrial plant includes an electrolysis unit having a hydrogen side, an anode, and a cathode. The anode and cathode are connected to the subsystem to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. A hydrogen/oxygen recombination catalyst is connected to the subsystem. The hydrogen/oxygen recombination catalyst follows the anode and cathode on the hydrogen side. A method for lag reducing an oxygen content of water carried in a subsystem of an industrial plant, includes the steps of electrolytically decomposing water from a subsystem of an industrial plant into hydrogen and oxygen, and using the hydrogen generated at the same time for recombining the oxygen contained in the water.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Anwer Puthawala