Plural Membranes Patents (Class 205/748)
  • Patent number: 11780754
    Abstract: The present invention provides return flow ICP and ED systems and methods that can be used for water desalination and/or concentration of a wide range of target brine and other aqueous and contaminated streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jongyoon Han, Junghyo Yoon
  • Patent number: 9725812
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for nitrogen recovery from an ammonium including fluid and a bio-electrochemical system for the same. In an embodiment, the method includes providing an anode compartment including an anode; providing a cathode compartment including a cathode, wherein the compartments are separated by at least one ion exchange membrane; providing the ammonium comprising fluid in the anode compartment and a second fluid in the cathode compartment; applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode; and extracting nitrogen from the cathode compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: W&F TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Philipp Kuntke, Tomas Hubertus Sleutels, Hubertus Victor Hamelers, Machiel Saakes, Cees Jan Buisman
  • Patent number: 9371592
    Abstract: A method for extraction of target components from raw liquid streams includes steps of providing at least one electrochemical cell arranged to support redox reactions resulting in electrochemical change of oxidation states and concentration of at least one ionized target component, and to control at least one pH value of at least one electrolyte in the at least one electrochemical cell; introducing a raw liquid stream comprising a combination of constituent ionic species into the at least one electrochemical cell; operating the at least one electrochemical cell to change concentrations of at least two oxidation states of at least one targeted ionic species from the constituent ionic species; operating the at least one electrochemical cell to maintain a predetermined range of pH of the at least one electrolyte and to eliminate at least one target component pertinent to the at least one oxidation state of the targeted ionic species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Blue Planet Strategies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Patrick I. James
  • Patent number: 9340436
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrochemical cell for treating water comprising at least one water chamber configured to hold water to be treated; at least one redox electrode comprising reactants capable of accepting and having a reversible redox reaction with at least one negative ion in the water; at least one intercalation electrode capable of accommodating and intercalating at least one positive ion in the water, wherein the intercalation electrode is immersed in the water chamber or separated from the water chamber by an optional porous separator; and an anion exchange membrane separating the redox electrode from the water chamber. The cell can be used to desalinate water having a wide range of salinities, including sea water, and brackish water. The cell can also be used to collect salt, which can subsequently used to concentrate industrial brine. Methods for using the electrochemical cell to treat water, such as desalinate saline solutions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Saroj Kumar Sahu, Francisco E. Torres
  • Patent number: 9080970
    Abstract: A device for controlled transport of ions is provided comprising an ion source element and an ion target element both conducting ions of a first class e.g. cations, and an ion selective element which conducts ions of a second class e.g. anions. The device further comprises a transport element, which receives ions from the ion source element and releases them to the ion target element in response to an electrochemical potential difference provided across the ion transport element. In use a first electrochemical potential is applied to the control element, which increases the concentration of ions of said second class, which increased concentration in turn increases the ion transport rate of ions of said first class in the ion transport element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: OBOE IPR AB
    Inventors: Klas Tybrandt, Magnus Berggren
  • Patent number: 9011669
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which includes an anode compartment defined by an anode structure where oxidation is effected, containing a liquid electrolyte anolyte, and a cathode compartment defined by a cathode structure where reduction is effected containing a liquid electrolyte catholyte. In addition, the electrolytic cell includes at least one additional compartment arranged at least partially between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and separated from the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a separator structure arranged to supports ionic conduction of current between the anode structure and the cathode structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Blue Planet Strategies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Patrick I. James
  • Publication number: 20140374274
    Abstract: Between two juxtaposed similar ion exchange membranes (AEMs or CEMs), an ion depletion zone (dde) and ion enrichment zone (den) are generated under an electric field. As cations are selectively transferred through the CEMs, for example, anions are relocated in order to achieve electro-neutrality, resulting in the concentration drop (increase) in ion depletion (enrichment) zone. The concentration drop (i.e. salt removal) is low and spatially gradual at relatively low voltage or current (i.e. Ohmic regime). However, at higher voltage or current (i.e. overlimiting regime), strong electroconvective vortex accelerates cation transport through CEMs, allowing us to “relocate” most salt ions. The flat depletion zone occurs with significantly low ion concentration, and corresponding strong electric field in the zone, and any charged agents (e.g. proteins and bacteria) cannot penetrate this flat zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Rhokyun Kwak, Jongyoon Han
  • Publication number: 20140299529
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for desalinating water, such as seawater. The system, method, and/or apparatus includes an electrodialysis cell that can separate monovalent ionic species from multivalent ionic species, so they may be separately treated. Each separate treatment may include precipitation of salt via the use of an organic solvent, followed by processing of precipitated salts and membrane treatment of water to remove solvent and remaining salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Rakesh Govind, Robert Foster
  • Patent number: 8753489
    Abstract: An electrolyzing system for electrolyzing a brine solution of water and an alkali salt to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water is provided. The system includes an internal chamber for receiving the brine solution and two electrolyzer cells immersed in a brine bath. Each electrolyzer cell includes an electrode, at least one ion permeable membrane supported relative to the electrode to define a space communicating between a fresh water supply and a chemical outlet into which brine enters only through the membrane. One of the electrodes is coupled to a positive charging electrical supply and the other to a negative charging electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Gregory John Swartz, James B. Swartz, James Ira Moyer
  • Patent number: 8679515
    Abstract: Contaminants are filtered from a fluid flow stream and the filter is regenerated by a process including steps of: providing a filter material comprising both carbon and potassium iodide; passing a contaminated fluid stream in contact with the filter material; adsorbing contaminants from the fluid stream onto surfaces in the filter material; passing an electric current through the filter material with adsorbed contaminant thereon; disassociating contaminant from the surfaces of the filter material; and removing disassociated contaminant from the filter material by carrying away the disassociated contaminant in a fluid flow mass. Separately, a stable, active iodine solution is also provided for numerous deodorizing and disinfecting applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Biolargo Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Code, Joseph Provenzano
  • Publication number: 20140076740
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which includes an anode compartment defined by an anode structure where oxidation is effected, containing a liquid electrolyte anolyte, and a cathode compartment defined by a cathode structure where reduction is effected containing a liquid electrolyte catholyte. In addition, the electrolytic cell includes at least one additional compartment arranged at least partially between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and separated from the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a separator structure arranged to supports ionic conduction of current between the anode structure and the cathode structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Blue Planet Strategies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Patrick I. James
  • Patent number: 8491771
    Abstract: A three-electrode electrolyzer cell is described that can produce either alkaline water or acid water, by selecting polarity and ion exchange membrane type. The cell has a middle chamber and two side electrolysis chambers bordering the middle chamber. Each of the side electrolysis chambers is separated from the middle chambers by a membrane, which is the same on both sides. Porous electrodes are placed on the electrolysis side of each membrane. The electrolysis chamber electrodes are placed next to the membranes, and they are both charged with either positive or negative polarity at the same time. The electrode in the middle chamber is charged with the opposite polarity to the electrolysis chamber electrodes. Each of the electrolysis chambers has inlets and outlets for flowing a solution to be electrolyzed through the cells. The electrolyte solution is in the middle chamber. It is not circulated, or is only circulated to replenish electrolytes or remove gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Yoichi Sano
  • Patent number: 8449747
    Abstract: In order to carry out a selective extraction of cations (Mn+) by an electrochemical transfer in a solution from a first electrolyte (E1) to a second electrolyte (E2), the method includes using as an electrolyte separation wall a transfer wall (2) made of chalcogenide with molybdenum clusters (MonXn+2 or MxMonXn+2) and ensuring the cation transfer through the transfer wall by generating a potential difference (?E) between the electrode A1 in the first electrolyte (E1) and the electrode C2 in the second electrolyte (E1) or the transfer wall (2) in order to induce an intercalation of the cations in the transfer wall on the side of the first electrolyte, a scattering of the cations therein, and the de-intercalation thereof in the second electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Universite de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Clotilde Boulanger, Sakina Seghir, Nathalie Leclerc, Sebastien Diliberto, Jean-Marie Lecuire
  • Publication number: 20130048510
    Abstract: Apparatus for purifying a fluid through a through-flow condenser, which comprises a tank of solubilising product and means for inserting it into a momentarily interrupted supply conduit. After having inserted a measured dose of solubilising product received from a tank into the same supply conduit, a logic control unit controls its forward motion in the condenser through the passage of a fluid transportation flow rate measured to transport the dose of solubilising product up to the electrodes of the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: IDROPAN DELL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tullio SERVIDA
  • Patent number: 8337686
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus that includes a cation exchange chamber containing a cation exchange resin and an anion exchange chamber containing an anion exchange resin. A bipolar interface is located between the resin chambers and defines a zone of water disassociation. A cathode communicates with the cation exchange chamber through a cation exchange membrane. An anode communicates with the anion exchange chamber through an anion exchange membrane. Dilution or flushing water flows through cathode and anode chambers and conveys captured ions to a drain or other waste connection. A baffle may be used in some configurations to divide a resin chamber into an exhausted resin region and a regenerated resin region and causes incoming water to flow through the exhausted resin region first. The exhausted resin region is located near its associated electrode, thus improving the electrical efficiency of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: David F. Rath, Christopher L. Hansen, Lyle Edward Kirman, Christopher S. Putka, James E. Bolton
  • Publication number: 20120255873
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytic reducing water with excellent reducing ability and a pH that is maintained neutral by combining advantages of a conventional water purifier and a conventional alkaline ionized water device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: NANO TEC CO., LTD., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-suk KWAK, Young-chul Ko, Tae-gyu Kim, Jong-ho Ahn, Bok-soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20120255874
    Abstract: An energy-saving ionized water production device and a production method are provided that are capable of producing strongly alkaline ionized in a short period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Alone World
    Inventors: Kazunori Osamura, Takao Kawajiri, Yutaka Nakamura, Noboru Kudo, Masae Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120241378
    Abstract: An electrolytic CO2-removal device for anion analysis of a liquid sample. The device includes a basic chamber and CO2-permeable tubing in the basic chamber. Anion exchange membranes are disposed on opposite sides of the basic chamber, and electrodes are disposed outside the membranes. The device can be integral with a suppressor in an ion chromatography system and/or an aqueous stream purifier. Also, methods performed by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Riviello
  • Patent number: 8173006
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water production apparatus and method safely and simply produce electrolyzed water having a sterilizing action, having a physiologically neutral pH value, and, in addition, simultaneously with strong acidic electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water depending upon the structure. The electrolyzed water production apparatus has an electrolyzer tank with an end that receives or stores raw water, and a power supply. The interior portion of the electrolyzer tank is partitioned by a plurality of diaphragms into a plurality of regions. An anode and a cathode (constituting an electrode pair) are positioned on either side of the diaphragm. In a certain region of the electrolyzer tank, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to face each other without a diaphragm sandwiched between them. When raw water for electrolysis is electrolyzed, electrolyzed water having a desired pH of a neutral range is produced during electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Osaka Electro-Communication University
    Inventors: Koichi Umimoto, Shunji Nagata
  • Publication number: 20110266159
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water production apparatus and method safely and simply produce electrolyzed water having a sterilizing action, having a physiologically neutral pH value, and, in addition, simultaneously with strong acidic electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water depending upon the structure. The electrolyzed water production apparatus has an electrolyzer tank with an end that receives or stores raw water, and a power supply. The interior portion of the electrolyzer tank is partitioned by a plurality of diaphragms into a plurality of regions. An anode and a cathode (constituting an electrode pair) are positioned on either side of the diaphragm. In a certain region of the electrolyzer tank, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to face each other without a diaphragm sandwiched between them. When raw water for electrolysis is electrolyzed, electrolyzed water having a desired pH of a neutral range is produced during electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: OSAKA ELECTRO-COMMUNICATION UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Koichi UMIMOTO, Shunji NAGATA
  • Publication number: 20110259760
    Abstract: An electrolyzing system for electrolyzing a brine solution of water and an alkali salt to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water is provided. The system includes an internal chamber for receiving the brine solution and two electrolyzer cells immersed in a brine bath. Each electrolyzer cell includes an electrode, at least one ion permeable membrane supported relative to the electrode to define a space communicating between a fresh water supply and a chemical outlet into which brine enters only through the membrane. One of the electrodes is coupled to a positive charging electrical supply and the other to a negative charging electrical supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Gregory John SWARTZ, James B. Swartz, James Ira Moyer
  • Publication number: 20100270172
    Abstract: A three-electrode electrolyzer cell is described that can produce either alkaline water or acid water, by selecting polarity and ion exchange membrane type. The cell has a middle chamber and two side electrolysis chambers bordering the middle chamber. Each of the side electrolysis chambers is separated from the middle chambers by a membrane, which is the same on both sides. Porous electrodes are placed on the electrolysis side of each membrane. The electrolysis chamber electrodes are placed next to the membranes, and they are both charged with either positive or negative polarity at the same time. The electrode in the middle chamber is charged with the opposite polarity to the electrolysis chamber electrodes. Each of the electrolysis chambers has inlets and outlets for flowing a solution to be electrolyzed through the cells. The electrolyte solution is in the middle chamber. It is not circulated, or is only circulated to replenish electrolytes or remove gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Yoichi Sano
  • Patent number: 7790016
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the electrolytic and electrodialytic removal of metal ions from wastewater in a single cell. A battery of cells, each of which consists of a cathode, anode, anion exchange membrane and cation exchange membrane, is used. The battery of cells may be used in both batch and continuous processes, and is capable of reducing metal ion concentration from thousand ppm to few ppm. It can be used to concentrate dilute acids as a by-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Sleem Ur Rahman, Nabil Salem Abo-Gander, Syed Mohammad Javaid Zaidi
  • Publication number: 20100187129
    Abstract: A method for producing of electrolyzed water involves, using an electrolyzing apparatus for water having a structural feature of dividing an electrolyzer into an anode chamber (D) and a cathode chamber (E) by a diaphragm (1) and arranging an anode plate (3) in the anode chamber and a cathode plate (4) in the cathode chamber and carrying out the electrolysis by filling water to which electrolyte is previously added, wherein the flow rate of water to be provided to the cathode chamber is restricted to 40 mL/min. per 1 A (ampere) of loading electric current or less, and softening previously the water provided to the cathode chamber (10) alone. It is possible to divide the electrolyzer into three chambers by 2 diaphragms, filling an aqueous solution of electrolysis in the center chamber and to provide the electrolysis by electrophoresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB, INC.
    Inventor: YOICHI SANO
  • Publication number: 20100065439
    Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a relatively slow discharge flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20100065438
    Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using charge potentials of 1 V or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20100044245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment process applicable to degrade or transform organic and inorganic pollutants, commonly found in industrial wastewaters, contaminated aquifers and gas emissions, in which reduction or oxidation reactions (e.g. redox reactions) are involved. The treatment concept comprises reactors in which catalysts, with redox mediating properties, have been immobilized on ion exchange resins in order to improve and accelerate the transformation of priority pollutants by chemical or biological means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Francisco J. CERVANTES, Jose Rene Rangel-Mendez, Alberto Garcia-Espinosa, Maria Antonieta Moreno Reynosa, Elias Razo-Flores
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6413409
    Abstract: A separator (1), electrode (2) and collector (3), each made of a polygonal sheet, are stacked up in a multi-layer serial arrangement of [{fraction (3/2)}/½] sub n/3, with the provision of a through-hole in the respective sheets in the corresponding position for passage of a liquid. The stack is accommodated in a housing (8) so that it may be compressed from both sides at a pressure 0.5 kg per cubic meter G by tightening a retainer (4) which doubles as a cover. The liquid to be treated is passed through the capacitor through an inlet and outlet (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Biosource, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiro Otowa, Naoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6284124
    Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus and method. The electrodeionization apparatus includes an ion-depleting compartment in which alternating layers of an electroactive media are positioned. One of the alternating layers is doped to provide a more balanced current distribution through the apparatus. The method involves reducing the difference in conductivity between the alternating layers positioned in the ion-depleting compartment by adding a dopant material to one of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Felice DiMascio, Anil Jha, Gary C. Ganzi, Frederick Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6217743
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an onium compound from waste solutions or synthetic solutions containing the onium compound and impurities including the steps: contacting the waste solution or synthetic solution with a metal ion scavenger to remove metal ion impurities, wherein the metal ion scavenger comprises at least one of a chelating compound, a nanoporous material, and a magnetically assisted (MACS) material; charging the waste solution or synthetic solution to an electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the cell whereby the onium compound is regenerated or produced; and recovering the onium compound from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sachem, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Moulton, Weilian Lang, Allen Tanner
  • Patent number: 6126810
    Abstract: A recirculation system for electrochemically activated antimicrobial solutions returns antimicrobial solution which has been depleted of active antimicrobial species to a electrolytic cell for regeneration of the active species. Organic load, which frequently contaminates items to be sterilized or disinfected, such as medical instruments, rapidly depletes the active antimicrobial species in a conventional treatment system, reducing the effectiveness of microbial decontamination by electrochemically activated solutions. By recirculating the antimicrobial through the electrolytic cell, the concentration of active species is maintained at a level at which efficient sterilization is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Fricker, Paul S. Malchesky, Brian C. Wojcieck, Jason M. Sell
  • Patent number: 5961803
    Abstract: An increasing problem with the pulping chemical recovery system, is the presence of chloride and potassium in the recovery boiler. Chloride and potassium increase inter alia the stickiness of carryover deposits and dust particles to the recovery boiler tubes, which accelerate fouling, corrosion and plugging of the recovery boiler. As the environmental legislation becomes more stringent, the degree of system closure increases. The present invention relates to a process by which the collected precipitator dust is leached, at a temperature exceeding 50.degree. C., for a residence time sufficient to get a chloride and potassium enriched leach solution and to remove at least a part of the content of metal ions in a solid phase. Said leach solution is electrochemically treated, preferably in an electrodialysis cell, in order to remove at least a part of the chloride and potassium therein. By the present process, the problem of sticky deposits in the recovery boiler can be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eka Chemicals AB
    Inventors: Johan Landfors, Roy Hammer-Olsen, Kimona Haggstrom
  • Patent number: 5951845
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for recovering an organic hydroxide from waste solutions containing the organic hydroxide and impurities including the steps: contacting the waste solution with a metal ion scavenger to remove metal ion impurities; charging the waste solution to an electrochemical cell containing at least two compartments, a cathode, an anode and a divider and passing a current through the cell whereby the organic hydroxide is regenerated; and recovering the organic hydroxide from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sachem, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger D. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5888357
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing ionic water which are capable of producing ionic water containing a low concentration of electrolyte with high reproducibility. The present invention also provides an apparatus and a method for producing electrolytic ionic water capable of producing electrolytic ionic water having stable characteristics. The ionic water producing apparatus has at least a gas-liquid mixing device for mixing raw water and a gas, and an ultrasonic exciting device for applying ultrasonic waves to the gas-liquid mixture obtained by the gas-liquid mixing device to generate ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignees: Frontec Incorporated, Tadahiro Ohmi, Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Mitsumori, Yasuhiko Kasama, Koji Yamanaka, Takashi Imaoka, Tadahiro Ohmi
  • Patent number: 5876590
    Abstract: An electrochemical leaching system for cleaning contaminated fines. The system has a waste vessel for receiving and holding a contaminated fines and lixiviant mixture. On a side of the waste vessel is an anolyte vessel holding an anolyte fluid. An anolyte barrier separates the waste and anolyte vessels. On an opposite side of the waste vessel is a catholyte vessel holding a catholyte fluid. A catholyte barrier separates the waste and catholyte vessels. A potential between an anode in the anolyte vessel and a cathode in the catholyte vessel ionizes the fines contaminants into anionic and cationic contaminants in the lixiviant. The anolyte and catholyte barriers allow the anionic and cationic contaminants, respectively, to flow from the lixiviant and into the anolyte and catholyte fluids in their respective vessels without allowing bulk transfer therebetween. The anionic and cationic contaminants are then removed from the anolyte and catholyte fluids. A cleaner lixiviant and fines exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Scientific Ecology Group Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Snyder, Dale L. Keairns
  • Patent number: 5846397
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for obtaining inhibitively active "I" water and stimulatively activated "S" water which comprises:a parallelipipedic column having an open top;a support for said column;a cover closing said top of said column;at least one electrode assembly in said column and including:a pair of spaced apart mutually parallel porous membranes defining between inner surfaces thereof a supply space receiving water to be separated into inhibitively activated "I" water and stimulatively activated "S" water,respective porous electrodes spaced from outer surfaces of said membranes and parallel thereto, anda respective spacer between each of said electrodes and the respective outer surface whereby water flows outwardly from said supply space through said membranes and said electrodes;means for electrically connecting one of said electrodes as a positive electrode and the other of said electrodes as a negative electrode;means in said column for forming a first storage space adjacent said positive electrode f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: S. C. Tehman
    Inventors: Ioan Manzatu, Vasile Ionita-Manzatu
  • Patent number: 5783790
    Abstract: A surfactant is added to anodic or cathodic water obtained by electrolyzing deionized water or high-purity water. Then, an object of treatment is treated with the anodic or cathodic water containing the surfactant. The object of treatment may be treated, in this way, while irradiating it with an ultrasonic wave having a frequency between 30 kHz and 3 MHz. Furthermore, the anodic or cathodic water is continuously jetted or dropped onto the object of treatment from a nozzle, while irradiating an ultrasonic wave at least at a part in the feed pipe of the anodic or cathodic water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignees: Organo Corporation, Tadahiro Ohmi
    Inventors: Kenichi Mitsumori, Yasuhiko Kasama, Koji Yamanaka, Takashi Imaoka, Tadahiro Ohmi
  • Patent number: 5756874
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Eosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Anthony Steward
  • Patent number: 5733434
    Abstract: An improvement is proposed in the cleaning treatment of semiconductor silicon wafers in which the conventional step of cleaning with an aqueous solution of an acid is replaced with a cleaning treatment with a temporarily acidic pure water which is produced electrolytically by the application of a DC voltage between an anode and a cathode bonded to the surfaces of a hydrogen-ion exchange membrane so that the acidic cleaning treatment can be performed under mild conditions so as to eliminate the troubles unavoidable in the conventional process. The apparatus used therefor comprises a rectangular vessel partitioned into a central anode compartment, in which the wafers are held in a vertical disposition within an upflow of pure water, and a pair of cathode compartments on both sides of the anode compartment by partitioning with a pair of hydrogen-ion exchange membranes, on both sides of which an anode plate and a cathode plate are bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignees: Pre-Tech Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Harada, Shigeyoshi Netsu, Shouichi Miura
  • Patent number: 5725753
    Abstract: An improvement is proposed in the cleaning treatment of semiconductor silicon wafers in which the conventional step of cleaning with an aqueous solution of an alkali is replaced with a cleaning treatment with a temporarily alkaline pure water which is produced electrolytically by the application of a DC voltage between a cathode and an anode bonded to the surfaces of a hydrogen-ion exchange membrane so that the alkaline cleaning treatment can be performed under mild conditions so as to eliminate the troubles due to formation of COPs unavoidable in the conventional process. In addition, the pure water rinse following the alkali cleaning of the wafers before transfer to the succeeding acidic cleaning step can be omitted to greatly contribute to the improvement of productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignees: Pre-Tech Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Harada, Shigeyoshi Netsu
  • Patent number: 5720869
    Abstract: A high-purity water producing equipment comprises a primary purification treatment system, a primary deionized water tank, a secondary purification treatment system for producing high-purity water from a primary deionized water, a circulatory system pipe for returning the produced high-purity water to a primary deionized water tank and a branch water feed system branched off from the circulatory system for feeding the high-purity water to a use point. An electrolytic unit for producing the anolyte EIW (electrolytic ionized water) to be catholyte EIW from the electrolysis of the high-purity water is provided as a bypass midway along the circulatory system. The anolyte EIW is added to the circulatory pipe downstream of the branching point toward the use point, when cleaning of units is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamanaka, Takashi Imaoka, Takashi Futatsuki, Yukinari Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5705050
    Abstract: Improvements on the electrolytic reactor and process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,816 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/400,950, filed Mar. 9, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,742, are disclosed for the controlled oxidation and reduction of inorganic and organic species in dilute aqueous solutions. More specifically, other physical forms and additives for the modified ion exchange material can be used in the packed bed electrolytic reactor, including powdered ion exchange materials and solid membranes containing the modified ion exchange materials. Direct contact with only one electrode, the anode for oxidation, and the cathode for reduction, is required for the modified ion exchange resin, instead of with both electrodes. Superior performance is also demonstrated for bipolar operation of the electrolytic reactor in comparison to monopolar operation. Preferably, the polarity of the electrodes is reversed every 1 to 60 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Richard L. Sampson, Allison Hawkins Sampson
  • Patent number: 5679229
    Abstract: Improved electrodialysis (ED) stacks are disclosed having one or more components selected from the group:a) cation exchange membranes having ion exchange groups predominantly sulfonic acid groups and a minor amount of weakly acidic and/or weakly basic groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent cations and simultaneously therewith, cation exchange granules selective to monovalent cations as packing in the dilute compartments;b) anion exchange membranes having as ion exchange groups only quaternary ammonium and/or quaternary phosphonium groups and substantially no primary, secondary and/or tertiary amine and/or phosphine groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent anions simultaneously therewith, anion exchange granules selective to monovalent anions as packing in the dilute compartments;c) as packing in the dilute compartment, anion exchange granules which are selective to monovalent anions, or cation exchange granules which are selective to monovalent cations, or cation exchange granules
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Ionics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arthur L. Goldstein, Wayne A. McRae, Keith J. Sims
  • Patent number: 5679228
    Abstract: Improved electrodialysis (ED) stacks are disclosed having one or more components selected from the group:a) cation exchange membranes having ion exchange groups predominantly sulfonic acid groups and a minor amount of weakly acidic and/or weakly basic groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent cations and simultaneously therewith, cation exchange granules selective to monovalent cations as packing in the dilute compartments;b) anion exchange membranes having as ion exchange groups only quaternary ammonium and/or quaternary phosphonium groups and substantially no primary, secondary and/or tertiary amine and/or phosphine groups or membranes which are selective to monovalent anions simultaneously therewith, anion exchange granules selective to monovalent anions as packing in the dilute compartments;c) as packing in the dilute compartment, anion exchange granules which are selective to monovalent anions, or cation exchange granules which are selective to monovalent cations, or cation exchange granules
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Ionics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Irving D. Elyanow, Wayne A. McRae, Keith J. Sims, Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 5616221
    Abstract: An electrolytic ionized water (EIW) producing apparatus comprises an anode, a cathode, an electrolyzer which includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and an intermediate chamber, inlet lines for supplying an influent water to the three chambers, and outlet lines for discharging effluent water from the chambers. Further, an acidic electrolyte supplying unit is connected to the outlet line from the anode chamber, and an alkaline electrolyte supplying unit is connected to the outlet line from the cathode chamber. The electrolyte supplying units can selectively control at least the dosage level of elelctrolyte(s) to be supplied, the composition and concentration of the electrolyte(s) or pH of EIW after the addition of the electrolyte(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Aoki, Koji Yamanaka, Takashi Imaoka, Takashi Futatsuki, Yukinari Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5599438
    Abstract: The method for producing electrolyzed water includes the step of applying a voltage to electrodes disposed in an electrolytic cell containing therein pure water including electrolyte therein. A strength of an electric field generated by applying a voltage to the electrodes is controlled to be variable by means of various techniques. The method makes it possible to produce electrolyzed water with a smaller amount of energy than prior methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimi Shiramizu, Masaharu Nakamori, Hidemitsu Aoki, Hirofumi Seo, Haruto Hamano
  • Patent number: 5593563
    Abstract: In an electrodeionization apparatus having a cathode compartment and an anode compartment for removing ions from a liquid under the influence of a voltage, the cathode compartment includes electron conductive particles such as metal particles and/or carbon particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Denoncourt, Jacques Moulin
  • Patent number: 5536385
    Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, teaches a process for treating ammonia or ammonium-sulfate-containing waste effluent from an acrylonitrile, caprolactam or acetonitrile manufacturing facility. In one such process the effluent is fed to a deep well oxidizer, e.g. a water oxidizer vertical tube reactor (super critical or subcritical), to degrade organic contaminants. Certain embodiments of the deep well oxidizer have, according to this invention, an oxygen inlet tube movable by a coil tubing system. The output stream from the vertical tube reactor is, preferably, filtered, and then it is fed to an electrodialysis unit. In one aspect the electrodialysis unit produces an output stream at a pH of about 5 with a concentration of ammonium sulfate at least, preferably, of about 15% by weight, and most preferably between about 20% and about 26% by weight. This output stream may be neutralized and then further treated to remove ammonia and/or ammonium sulfate solids, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Envirocorp Services & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sheldon, Walter H. Stanton, Edward Malachosky, Fred Applegath