Using Membrane Patents (Class 205/746)
  • Patent number: 6984326
    Abstract: There are provided a nitrogen treating method and system for a nitrogen compound, which can treat the nitrogen compound efficiently and which can reduce the size and cost of an apparatus. The gist is that, in a nitrogen treating method wherein a nitrogen compound in for-treatment water is treated according to an electrochemical technique, a cathode reaction region and an anode reaction region are defined by a cation exchange membrane interposed between a cathode and an anode, and the for-treatment water treated in the cathode reaction region according to the electrochemical technique is treated with hypohalogenous acid, or, ozone or active oxygen according to a chemical technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Naoki Hiro, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 6913685
    Abstract: A plastic substrate is processed by a functional water obtained by electrolysis of water or functional water containing active oxygen or active hydrogen for a predetermined time period to selectively remove an alkali and/or halogen component in a surface layer of the plastic substrate to stabilize or remove oligomer in a resin matrix, whereby deterioration of resin and deterioration of properties of a recording medium caused by a remaining unreacted catalyst used for processing the plastic substrate surface or the like can be prevented and the adhesion strength and the durability of a recoding coating to be formed on the substrate are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Unip Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kawaguchi, Tadao Tokushima, Yoshio Hirayama
  • Patent number: 6896790
    Abstract: An apparatus for oxidatively destructing a trace injurious substance includes a structure with anodes, each integrally provided with an electrically conductive oxide on their surface and made of a metal. A partition made of a porous ceramic or resin is provided between the anodes and surrounded by cathodes made of a metal plate having inner walls on both sides to which a noble metal is fused, such that at least two chambers with spaces are formed in a plane symmetrical arrangement to provide an apparatus for oxidatively destructing a trace injurious substance contained in polluted water. The apparatus has a rectangular wave discharging device for applying an electric field to the spaces, such that polluted water flows through the inner space of one of the chambers and is subjected to the irradiation of an electric field, and the supernatant thereafter flows through the inner space of the other chamber and is subjected to the irradiation of an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Science & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Maekawa, Chuanping Feng
  • Patent number: 6837986
    Abstract: This invention discloses a device for producing electrolytic water (100) comprising an electrode unit (2) comprising a closed-type anode chamber (16), at least part of whose wall is a septum (18) and within which an anode (20) is disposed, and a cathode (24) disposed outside of the anode chamber (16); and a power source unit (4) for supplying DC power to the electrode unit (2). Electrolysis is conducted by filling the anode chamber (16) of the device for producing electrolyte water with a 0.01 to 2 M aqueous electrolyte solution while immersing the device for producing electrolyte water in a 0.001 to 0.01 M aqueous electrolyte solution and then supplying electric power between the anode and the cathode. For example, tap water may be directly used as the 0.001 to 0.01 M aqueous electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Kokichi Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 6787021
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the purity of an aqueous onium hydroxide solution. In particular, the invention relates to a process for improving the purity of aqueous onium hydroxide solutions containing undesirable amounts of anions. The invention also relates to the improved high purity onium hydroxide solutions obtained by the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sachem, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Reiter, Kelly Hefner
  • Publication number: 20040168933
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water, in which an anion-exchange membrane 2 is provided in an electrolytic cell 1 so as to separate the electrolytic cell 1 to two chambers at the center; each of the chambers separated by the anion-exchange membrane 2 has a discharge port 11a or 11b for the electrolyzed water; an electrode is disposed in each of the chambers of the electrolytic cell 1; a power source is electrically connected to each of the electrodes so as to apply voltage between each of the electrodes; and an electrode selector 5 switches the polarity of each of the electrodes at predetermined time intervals. Thus, it is possible to continuously supply the acidic water maintaining the required concentration of chlorine, improve the efficiency of the treatment and decrease the manpower for cleaning the anion-exchange membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Takao Inoue
  • Patent number: 6780328
    Abstract: The invention provides the continuous, integrated methods and devices for substantially removing ionized and ionizable carbon compounds from an aqueous stream by first deionization step to produce a first product stream, ionizing nonionized and nonionizable carbon compounds in such stream to form further ionized and ionizable compounds, and removing the latter by a second deionization step. The method can be performed for example in an apparatus including an EDI unit (10), an ionizing unit (60), and EDI unit (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 6773575
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell and process for the simultaneous production of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous ion. The electrolytic cell has an anode chamber housing an insoluble anode capable of oxidizing halide ion, a cathode chamber housing a gas diffusion cathode capable of oxidizing an oxygen-containing gas to produce hydrogen peroxide, a membrane separating the anode and cathode chambers, and means for supplying water containing halide ion to the anode chamber and an oxygen-containing gas and an electrolyte to the cathode chamber, whereby hypohalide and hydrogen peroxide are produced in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, respectively. Also disclosed is a process for treating water using the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: Permelec Electrode Ltd., Katayama Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Nakajima, Yoshinori Nishiki, Genzo Yamane, Masaharu Uno, Akira Katsumoto, Kunio Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6767447
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell and method of electrolysis for producing hydrogen peroxide at a moderate current density while preventing metal deposition on the cathode surface. A feed water from which multivalent metal ions have been removed and in which a salt of a univalent metal, e.g., sodium sulfate, has been dissolved in a given concentration is prepared with an apparatus for removing multivalent metal ions and dissolving a salt in low concentration. The feed water is supplied to an electrolytic cell. Even when electrolysis is continued, almost no deposition of a hydroxide or carbonate occurs on the cathode because multivalent metal ions are not present in the electrolytic solution. Due to the dissolved salt, a sufficient current density is secured to prevent an excessive load from being imposed on the electrodes, etc. Thus, stable production of hydrogen peroxide is possible over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Premelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Uno, Shuhei Wakita, Masao Sekimoto, Tsuneto Furuta, Yoshinori Nishiki
  • Publication number: 20040112763
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soft etching technique for degreasing and removal of oxide layers on the surface of a processed copper article and for improvement of adhesion with a resist film, and a technique by which the waste water treatment accompanying the soft etching can be made non-polluting. Namely, the surface of the processed copper article is treated with at first an electrolyzed alkaline water, then an electrolyzed acidic water and further an electrolyzed alkaline water, sequentially, and then subjected to washing with water and a drying treatment, and the waste water by the treatment with the electrolyzed acidic water and the waste water by the treatment with the electrolyzed alkaline water are mixed and neutralized, and from the thus obtained neutralized water, copper ions are recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Jin-Ichi Itoh, Yasuaki Nishio
  • Patent number: 6743351
    Abstract: A solution containing at least one of carbonate and bicarbonate of alkali metal, for example, a sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, as a solution to be electrolyzed is electrolyzed, and the obtained electrolytic water is used as an undiluted detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: MIZ Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Arai, Kazuhiro Miyamae, Tomoki Seo
  • Patent number: 6730211
    Abstract: This invention discloses an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine exhibiting a lower oxidation-reduction potential than that in an aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine in which a concentration of water-soluble inorganic salts is less than 0.1 M prepared by electrolyzing the starting ascorbyl glucosamine solution as well as a preparation process therefor. A concentration of ascorbyl glucosamine is 0.1 to 3 wt %. A current density in electrolysis is preferably 0.003 to 0.03 A/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignees: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Kokichi Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 6723226
    Abstract: In forming an electrolytic water, pure water or ultra-pure water is added to at least one solid supporting electrolyte selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, ammonium oxalate, ammonium formate, ammonium bicarbonate, and ammonium tartrate to prepare a solution saturated with the supporting electrolyte. The solution containing the supporting electrolyte is subjected to hydrolysis to obtain an anodic water and a cathodic water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Jun Takayasu, Naoto Miyashita, Mikiko Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040055896
    Abstract: A biocidal solution is provided having a pH of from 5 to 7 and an available free chlorine content of from 500 to 1,000 ppm. A method is also provided for producing the biocidal solution in an electrolytic cell or cells having anode and cathode chambers which produce respective anolyte and catholyte solutions, wherein the biocidal activity of the biocidal solution is conferred on the solution primarily in the anode chamber. The method includes the steps of supplying the cell or cells with a solution having a salt concentration of 2.0 to 5.0 g/L, such that the solution passes through the anode chamber at a flow rate per anode surface area of 1.25×103 to 2.75×103 L hr−1m−2, and applying current to the cell or cells sufficient to produce a biocidal solution having the above free chlorine content and pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: STERILOX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Anderson, Fred Pfleger, Paul Eachus, Michelle Porcelli
  • Patent number: 6673229
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7), said cathode (3) comprising a metal complex, ML, where M represents a metal and L represents an organic or inorganic ligand, said complex being capable of forming the hydroxyl radical by a reaction wherein the metal in the complex is oxidised and acquires an additional positive charge, said anode (5) creating positive ions and electrons, said electrolyte (7) allowing the transfer of a positive charges, said cathode being arranged such that the fluid to be purified can come into contact with the metal complex on the cathode. The invention also provides a related electrode and a related electrochemical cell as well as a corresponding method for purifying fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbH
    Inventors: William Ford, Jurina Wessels, Tobias Vossmeyer
  • Publication number: 20030230495
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Everett Anderson, Mark E. Dristy, Tushar Ghuwalewala, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Michael Spaner, Elena Stockton, Eric Styche, Allan Tomasco, John Zagaja
  • Patent number: 6645366
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Kazuo Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20030164286
    Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kinya Kato, Yasutsugu Yamada, Etsuko Sugawa, Masanori Sakuranaga, Akira Kuriyama, Takeshi Imamura, Yuji Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20030164309
    Abstract: A method and device for removing, deodorizing and purifying odor, smoke and harmful substances from exhaust gas or flue gas employs a water solution containing hypohalogen acid such as hypochlorous acid soda, an alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide and a saline electrolyte such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide or potassium bromide which is electrolyzed to produce an electrolytic water solution which is fed to a deodorizing tower and brought into contact with exhaust gas or flue gas to remove odor, smoke and harmful substances in the exhaust gas or flue gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: OMEGA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Jingo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6613215
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Publication number: 20030132124
    Abstract: There is provided a nitrogen treating method capable of treating nitrogen compounds efficiently. The method is a nitrogen treating method of treating nitrogen compounds in for-treatment water by electrolysis and performs a first treating step of producing ammonia from the nitrogen compounds in the for-treatment water by electrolysis using a cathode and an anode between which a cation exchange film is interposed so as to define a cathode reaction region and an anode reaction region, and a second treating step of removing the ammonia in the for-treatment water treated in the cathode reaction region by the first treating step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Naoki Hiro, Motoki Kouchi, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 6585880
    Abstract: In a process for producing kraft pulp, the process is made closed, the yield of pulp is improved and environmental problems are minimized. An alkaline solution containing Na2S which flows in a process of producing kraft pulp, is electrolyzed by an electrolytic oxidation method; a liquid which is formed at an anode side and contains a polysulfide type sulfur in an amount of 6 g/l or more, is added, as it is or after being causticized, to the process before a chip has the maximum temperature, and a NaOH solution formed at a cathode side, is added to at least one step of the process after the chip has the maximum temperature till a final bleaching stage; and at least chemicals in the step wherein NaOH is added, among chemicals discharged in all steps from a cooking step till the final bleaching stage, are recovered and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignees: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Kasei Chemicals Ltd.
    Inventors: Keigo Watanabe, Yasunori Nanri, Kazuaki Sakai, Tatsuya Andoh, Makoto Nakao
  • Patent number: 6565736
    Abstract: A wet process performed in the manufacture of semiconductor devices with cathode water and anode water produced from electrolyte using a 3-cell electrolyzer having an intermediate cell for the electrolyte. The 3-cell electrolyzer includes an anode cell, a cathode cell, and an intermediate cell between the anode and cathode cells, which are partitioned by ion exchange membranes. Deionized water is supplied into the anode and cathode cells, and the intermediate cell is filled with an electrolytic aqueous solution to perform electrolysis. The anode water containing oxidative substances or the cathode water containing reductive substances, which are produced by the electrolysis process, are used in the wet process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Im-soo Park, Kun-tack Lee, Young-min Kwon, Sang-rok Hah, Woo-gwan Shim, Hyung-ho Ko
  • Publication number: 20030089622
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Yves Michel Henuset, Joel Fournier, Barry MacDougall, Michael Gattrell
  • Patent number: 6551492
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed: an electrolyzed water of anode side containing less than 0.1 mM of a water-soluble inorganic salt, 1 to 50 mM of ascorbic acid and 8 to 15 mg/l of dissolved oxygen and having a dismutation activity for superoxide radicals; and a process for producing an electrolyzed water of anode side having a dismutation activity for superoxide radicals, which comprises electrolyzing an aqueous electrolytic solution containing less than 0.1 mM of a water-soluble inorganic salt and 1 to 50 mM of ascorbic acid and then taking out the electrolyzed water of anode side generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignees: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Kokichi Hanaoka
  • Publication number: 20030070940
    Abstract: A method for purifying water characterized in that a chamber is separated by a diaphragm into an anode section and a cathode section, a voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode while an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the cathode section so as to generate a hypohaloric acid and hydrogen peroxide in the anode and cathode sections, respectively, and the water to be treated is first supplied to the anode section to be contacted with the hypohaloric acid and is then introduced to the cathode section to be contacted with the hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: NIPPON OIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Hirayama, Keisuke Nakayama, Yoshiyuki Shimo, Haruyoshi Mizuta
  • Patent number: 6547947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for water treatment. The method comprises supplying an oxygen-containing gas to cathode 6 to yield hydrogen peroxide, supplying an inorganic acid to anode 5 through an acid solution addition opening 4 to yield an oxidation product, e.g., hypochlorous acid, and using both the hydrogen peroxide and oxidation product thus generated to treat a liquid to be treated. The atmosphere around the cathode surface is kept neutral to acidic due to the acidity of the coexisting oxidation product to thereby inhibit the deposition of metal hydroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Uno, Shuhei Wakita, Shuji Nakamatsu, Yoshinori Nishiki
  • Patent number: 6527940
    Abstract: Electrolysis is carried out while supplying an aqueous sodium chloride solution having a weak acidic property to the anode chamber of a water electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell is partitioned with a cation-exchange membrane into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. Furthermore, because the pH of the anolyte is sufficiently reduced due to the acid content and pH of the liquid supplied to the anode chamber from the start of electrolysis, which is different from a conventional electrolytic method, the electrolysis of the present invention may be carried out for a time needed to obtain a sufficiently high oxidation reduction potential. Thus, acid water almost the same as that obtained in a conventional method is obtained in the present invention by consuming about {fraction (1/10)} the electric power that is used in a conventional method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Shimamune, Masashi Tanaka, Yasuo Nakajima, Yoshinori Nishiki, Hideto Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6527942
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anwer Puthawala
  • Patent number: 6517699
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to obtain a cooking liquor containing polysulfide-sulfur at a high concentration by minimizing by-production of thiosulfate ions. The present invention is a method for producing polysulfides, which comprises introducing a solution containing sulfide ions into an anode compartment of an electrolytic cell comprising the anode compartment provided with a porous anode, a cathode compartment provided with a cathode, and a diaphragm partitioning the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, for electrolytic oxidation to obtain polysulfide ions, characterized in that the porous anode is disposed so that a space is provided at least partly between the porous anode and the diaphragm, and the apparent volume of the porous anode is from 60% to 99% based on the volume of the anode compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Kawasaki Kasei Chemicals Ltd., Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Shimohira, Tatsuya Andoh, Junji Tanaka, Keigo Watanabe, Yasunori Nanri
  • Publication number: 20030009857
    Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporative crystallization process to make salt compositions that includes a step wherein a mother liquor is formed that contains an effective amount of a crystal growth inhibitor that is selected from oligopeptides, polypeptides, and polymers bearing two or more carboxylic acid groups or carboxyalkyl groups and optionally further phosphate, phosphonate, phosphino, sulfate, and/or sulfonate groups, such as carboxymethyl cellulose with phosphate groups, to form salt crystals with a (111 ) face. The salt can be washed with a reduced amount of washing water while still containing lower amounts of K, Br, SO4, and/or Ca. A wet salt can be obtained by partially drying the salt crystals that are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Mateo Jozef Jacques Mayer, Rene Lodewijk Maria Demmer
  • Publication number: 20030000849
    Abstract: For dosing lithium in cooling water containing cationic impurities or for reducing cationic impurities, the invention guides cooling water cycle through a first side of an electrodialysis unit and guides a concentration cycle through a second side of the electrodialysis unit. Cationic impurities are filtered out of the medium of the concentration cycle with a selective ion exchanger that is disposed in the concentration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Meintker, Michael Bolz, Gunther Enkler, Wilfried Ruhle
  • Patent number: 6482327
    Abstract: In a liquid treating process according to the present invention, colloidal particles in stable hydrated states or in meta-stable hydrophobic colloidal states in a liquid are rendered hydrophobic and separated from liquid molecules by an electric field formed by a microwave. The separated colloidal particles are allowed to collide against one another to become flocculated under a cavitation effect by a ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a low frequency range, and the liquid is deodorized by an electromagnetic ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a high frequency range. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably remove the colloidal particles dissolved in the liquid and to deodorize the liquid without need for a large-scaled equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Proudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Mori, Mitsuo Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6478947
    Abstract: Glycerin is effectively produced from a waste oil by a method comprising adding a strongly alkaline reducing water obtained by electrolyzing water containing sodium chloride to a waste oil selected from the group consisting of a waste edible oil, a fossil fuel waste oil and a mixture thereof, and extracting natural glycerin or synthetic glycerin by chemical reaction. Further, reusable edible oil is produced from a waste edible oil by a method comprising electrolyzing an aqueous solution having an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell, mixing a strongly alkaline reducing water generated at a cathode side of the electrolytic cell with a waste edible oil under ordinary temperature condition, and conducting oil/water separation, thereby purifying the waste edible oil to an extent such that it can be edible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Komeisha Corporation
    Inventors: Kohji Nagasaku, Akira Matsunaga, Sungrak Jang
  • Patent number: 6475371
    Abstract: Electrolytic reduced water free of hypochlorous acid and chlorine gas is provided which is effective for cancer treatment. Water including NaOH is subjected to electrolysis. Electrolytic reduced water obtained at a cathode electrode side has been found to suppress metastasis of cancer cells. The water had no effects on growth of healthy cells during a one-week test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Nihon Trim Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sanetaka Shirahata, Kazumichi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 6468414
    Abstract: A method for purifying a Redox mediator used in a chemical process of oxidation of organic compounds. The desired purification is obtained by recovering the mediator in the form of a solution and heating this solution to evaporate the volatile impurities contained in it and to oxidize the non volatile impurities into compounds which precipitate and are extracted by filtration. The purification takes place before the mediator is regenerated in the electrolysis cell. This prevents the impurities contained in the mediator solution to negatively affect the operation of this cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Behzad Mahdavi, Stephen Harrison, Kamyab Amouzegar
  • Patent number: 6461445
    Abstract: A glass substrate is cleaned by contacting a preliminarily polished glass surface with functional water having a positive ORP potential for a predetermined period of time in the last rinsing step in order to repair the structure of the glass so as to achieve higher surface hardness and improved corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Unip Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Hirayama, Masao Kawaguchi, Toshimichi Morizane, Tadao Tokushima
  • Patent number: 6462250
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds in the presence of functional water under light irradiation, where the target substance for decomposition contained at a low concentration in the exhaust or discharge from the decomposition unit is adsorbed by an adsorption unit, and at regular intervals, the adsorbed target substance is released from the adsorption unit and returned to the decomposition unit. The concentration of the target substance in the waste or discharge can be easily and efficiently reduced below the environmental standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kuriyama, Kinya Kato
  • Publication number: 20020134691
    Abstract: The present invention provides reducing electrolyzed water which has a pH of 3 to 12 and an oxidation-reduction potential of up to −200 mV, preferably a pH of 5 to 11 and an oxidation-reduction potential of up to −500 mV, and in which the common logarithm of the product of the hydrogen ion concentration [H+] and the electron concentration [e−] is at least −4.5, preferably at least 0. The reducing electrolyzed water is used as potable water, agricultural fertilizers, drip solutions and other injections, dialysis solutions and face lotion, and particularly shows significant medical effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: FUMITAKE SATOH, SHOUKA HAN, TOMOYUKI YANAGIHARA, TATSUYA NAITOU, TAKEMI KOIZUMI
  • Publication number: 20020079235
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Publication number: 20020074241
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of beverages. The apparatus comprises an electrolysis chamber for oxidizing and reducing beverages; a first pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the oxidized beverage; and a second pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the reduced beverage. The electrolysis chamber may further comprise one or more neutral, anion or cation membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Shinichi Natsume
  • Patent number: 6402932
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and dispose of biological waste materials. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte, which comprises one or more oxidizing species in their higher valence states in aqueous solution. The electrolyte, which can be regenerated, is used to oxidize specific molecules of the waste materials, breaking them down and preventing the formation of dioxins. The waste treatment process takes place at a temperature range from room temperature up to a temperature slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte solution (usually the temperature will be below 100° C.), and can be altered by adding ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Bruce W. Bremer, Roger W. Carson
  • Patent number: 6391188
    Abstract: The invention provides novel processes and apparatus for removal of copper from a solution or fluid, particularly spent etchant solutions that contain copper produced through printed circuit board manufacture. The invention is particularly useful for recovery/removal of copper from aqueous admixtures that contain a copper complexing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Martin T. Goosey
  • Publication number: 20020050451
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7),
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: William Ford, Jurina Wessels, Tobias Vossmeyer
  • Patent number: 6375827
    Abstract: An electrochemical treating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode spaced apart from the anode, the anode including an electrode material made of diamond and the cathode including an electrode material made of diamond. Also disclosed is an electrochemical treating method for electrochemically decomposing a substance contained in a gas or solution, which comprises introducing a gas or solution containing a substance to be treated into the electrolytic cell, passing an electric current through the electrolytic cell, and recovering a treated gas or solution. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolytic cell comprises an anode including an electrode material made of diamond, a cathode including an electrode material made of diamond and an ion exchange resin or an ion exchange membrane as an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Tateki Kurosu, Shuhei Wakita, Miwako Nara, Shuji Nakamatsu, Yoshinori Nishiki
  • Publication number: 20020023847
    Abstract: A system for cleansing using an alkaline solution formed in an electrolysis chamber. The system comprises an electrolysis chamber wherein the alkaline solution is formed from an electrolyte, such as salt, and water. At least one pump outputs the alkaline solution onto a object to be cleansed. Further, a second pump may output an acidic solution formed in the electrolysis onto the object to disinfect or sterilize the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Shinichi Natsume
  • Patent number: 6328875
    Abstract: Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs with electrodes comprising a plurality of conductive porous elements in electrical contact with one another. The cells may be divided or undivided, and connected in monopolar or bipolar configuration. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation, particularly when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, both organic and inorganic types, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Zappi Water Purification System, Inc.,
    Inventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Norman L. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6315886
    Abstract: Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs, which may be divided or undivided, allowing connection as monopolar or bipolar cells. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation particular when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Electrosynthesis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Norman L. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6280600
    Abstract: A first electrolytic chamber which houses an anode plate and a cathode plate with an ion-permeable membrane interposed therebetween is supplied with raw water containing an electrolyte as chloride ions. The raw water is electrolyzed to obtain electrolyzed water at a cathode side in the first electrolytic chamber. The electrolyzed water is then electrolyzed at an anode side in a second electrolytic chamber which houses an anode plate and a cathode plate with an ion-permeable membrane interposed therebetween, for thereby generating hydroxyl radicals in the electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water containing the hydroxyl radicals is added to water containing an organic substance to cause the hydroxyl radicals to attack to the organic substance for thereby decomposing the organic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Miyashita, Keiji Nagano, Go Muto
  • Patent number: 6277266
    Abstract: A device for producing ion water comprises an electrolytic cell; two partition walls disposed such that the electrolytic cell is partitioned into three electrolytic chambers, having an ion exchange membrane; an anode provided in an intermediate electrolytic chamber of the electrolytic cell such that the anode is attached fixedly or movably in the direction of the electrolytic chambers located at both sides of the electrolytic cell; and a cathode provided in each of the electrolytic chambers located on both sides of the electrolytic cell such that the cathode is attached fixedly or movably in a direction such that the distance between the anode and cathode changes, each cathode being fed half the amount of electric current which is delivered to the anode, so that the desired pH of three kinds of ion water can be achieved by controlling the quantity of hydrogen ions generated as determined by the amount of electricity delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Tateki Yamaoka