Using Electrode Containing Ferrous Metal Patents (Class 205/761)
  • Publication number: 20150001164
    Abstract: To remove a contaminant from a liquid, a pulsed electrical arc discharge is effected between two electrodes immersed in the liquid, thereby creating a plurality of particles within the liquid. One or both of the electrodes is metallic, for example iron or titanium. Before the pulsed electrical arc discharge is terminated, another step that promotes destruction of the contaminant by particles, such as removing the particles from the liquid or adding an oxidizer to the liquid, is performed. In the case of the extra step being adding an oxidizer to the liquid, preferably the termination of the pulsed electrical arc discharge is followed by allowing the liquid and the particles therein to age.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Nahum Parkansky, Reuven Lev Boxman, Simon Evelina Faktorovich, Boris A. Alterkop, Olga Berkh, Adi Vegerhof
  • Publication number: 20140346056
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for removing naphthenic acid and/or naphthenic compounds from an aqueous solution. The process comprises one or more of the steps of: (a) feeding an aqueous solution comprising a constituent selected from the group consisting of naphthenic aldehyde, naphthenic alcohol, naphthenic acid, and combinations thereof, into a mix tank; (b) feeding an oxidizing agent into the mix tank forming a reactant mixture; (c) mixing the reactant mixture in the mix tank; (d) coagulating the reactant mixture with a polyvalent metallic electrode forming metallic naphthenate particles; (e) flocculating the metallic naphthenate particles forming floc; (f) sparging to float the floc to the surface of the aqueous solution; and (g) removing the floc from the aqueous solution. A system for removing naphthenic acid and/or naphthenic compounds from an aqueous solution is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Luisa Kling Miller, Jorge Miller
  • Patent number: 8673129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cavitation and electrocoagulation reactor comprising a hollow cylindrical cathode having a cylindrical anode coaxially disposed therein to form an annular interelectrode gap between the contact surfaces. An inlet sleeve and an outlet sleeve disposed in the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode and abutting against opposite ends of the anode seal the interelectrode gap from the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode. A set of channels disposed in the wall of the inlet sleeve connect the inlet to the interelectrode gap. Similarly, a set of openings disposed in the outlet sleeve connect the interelectrode gap to the cathode outlet. An electrical source has first and second terminals respectively connected to the anode and the cathode. The method for removing contaminants from a contaminated fluid flow involves the simultaneous application of hydrodynamic cavitation and electrocoagulation to the contaminated fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim A. Promtov
  • Publication number: 20140061061
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to transform contaminants in water by electrolytic processes are described. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and electrolytic processes couple an anode comprising iron and a high specific surface area cathode. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide advantages over conventional apparatuses and methods such as, for example, cost savings, efficiency, environmentally benign impact and versality for a variety contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Akram Alshawabkeh, Xuhui Mao
  • Patent number: 8518235
    Abstract: A coagulation generating system that combines the advantages of conventional and electrocoagulation. In the coagulation generating system electro-coagulation is performed on an input (e.g., salt/brine) solution to generate a concentrated coagulant solution, which is then added to the source water in the same way as a standard stored chemical coagulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Armin R. Volkel, Meng H. Lean, Kai Melde, Norine E. Chang
  • Patent number: 8486253
    Abstract: A process for electrocoagulation fluid treatment utilizing a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies have first and second conductive plates that are angularly oriented in relation to one another to promote turbulent flow through the tubular member. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient the plates within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Water Rescue Services Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bryon Tarbet, Wes W. Williams
  • Patent number: 8431009
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor is provided for treating waste water and removing contaminants therefrom. The reactor is typically a six sided rectangular water tight housing which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. There are a multiplicity of charged plates located parallel to one another within the housing. Adjacent plates are typically oppositely charged and water will pass between the plates as it flows through the reactor. The electric field between the plates will help encourage coagulation of waste matter which then may be removed from the waste water downstream of the electrocoagulation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kaspar Electroplating Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 8425755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total solids of non-contaminating residues from ethanol distilleries, by means of electro-flotation/oxidation techniques using an electrolytic cell outfitted with galvanized steel electrodes as a function of the initial pH of the medium, the current density and the concentration of H2O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universidad Del Valle
    Inventors: Fiderman Machuca Martinez, Nilson de Jesus Marriaga Cabrales, Javier Andres Davila Rincon
  • Patent number: 8361327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, and more particularly to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, in which phosphorus (P) contained in effluent from a sewage treatment plant is removed by using the iron (Fe)-ionizing module comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing electrode consisting of an iron plate serving as a cathode and a titanium plate serving as an anode and an electrode-washing device. According to the present invention, an effluent treatment process of a sewage treatment plant and an electrode washing process needed for iron ionization can be simultaneously performed, the iron ionization is controlled depending on the concentration of phosphorus contained in the effluent, thereby improving effluent treatment efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Korea Rural Community Corporation, Blue Environment N Tech Co., Ltd., Kyungpook National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Kwang Ya Lee, Hae Do Kim, Jong Hwa Son, Min Hong, Kyung Sook Choi
  • Patent number: 8343328
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Hook, Dan Tirtowidjojo, Frank Koester, Sunil K. Chaudhary, Anil Mehta, Jean Chauvel, Jr., Christopher P Christenson, Timothy Frank, Celio Lume Pereira, Steve Gluck, Glenn Lord, David West, Christine Lundstroem, Annett Horn, Istvan Lengyel
  • Patent number: 8097145
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Publication number: 20110215001
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for removing arsenic from an arsenic contaminated aqueous solution, and its use thereof. The system comprises an anode comprising iron and a cathode comprising iron or an electricity conducting metal that is electropositive relative to iron in contact with the arsenic contaminated aqueous solution. The system is used by running an electric current through the water via the anode and cathode to cause the formation of iron (hydr)oxide from the iron of the anode which then forms an insoluble arsenic-iron (hydr)oxide complex which can be separated from the aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Ashok Jagannath Gadgil, Susan E. Addy, Robert Kostecki
  • Patent number: 7695607
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, V. Gerald Grafe, Frank Huang
  • Patent number: 7691253
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Publication number: 20090038961
    Abstract: A process and system for treating waste water containing contaminants to prevent excessive accumulation on demineralizer media of a driver contaminate capable of such accumulation before another contaminant can reach a predetermined level of accumulation. The waste water is treated upstream of the demineralizer media with removal means for specifically removing the driver contaminant while leaving the other contaminant for subsequent removal by the demineralizer media. The amount of accumulation on the demineralizer media of the other contaminant is monitored, and the supplying of treated waste water to the demineralizer media is terminated when its accumulation reaches the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Mark S. Denton, John M. Raymont, JR., Hubert W. Arrowsmith
  • Publication number: 20080223731
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrocoagulation device for drinking water and wastewater treatment by electro-coagulation and electro-catalytic precipitation principles. The invented device comprises a number of electrolysis cells formed by round-shaped electrode plates through which the raw water and waste water passes. A low DC voltage of 5 to 15 volts is applied to the cells. In addition, an electrode surface activator unit is provided to eliminate or minimize the passivation of the electrode plates. All types of impurities, including suspended solids, sub-micron particles, dissolved matters, dissolved minerals (including heavy metals and colloidal compounds), oil, grease, organic compounds and algae are converted to flocculants, water and carbon dioxide by the device. Micro-organisms and bacteria (pathogens) will be effectively killed at up to 99.99%. The invented device is capable of continuous operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Thiam Seng Lee
  • Patent number: 7374655
    Abstract: An electrolytic water purification system and method use provides a water filtration device with a plurality of electrolytic cells having anodes and cathodes specifically selected to remove contaminants from water. The device is capable of efficiently removing nearly all contaminants from water and is also capable of purifying the water by destroying micro-organisms which are in the water. Many minerals are removed from the purified water, and it is not necessary to add chemicals to the water during or after the purification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Novastron
    Inventors: Gary D. Roberts, David W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6887368
    Abstract: The basic principles of the method for heavy metals electroextraction from technological solutions and wastewater includes pretreating to remove Chromium-6 and high concentrations of heavy metals and periodically treating in a six-electrode bipolar cylindrical electroreactor made of non-conducting material to achieve lower accepted levels of impurities. Six cylindrical steel electrodes form two triode stacks and are fed with three-phase alternating current of commercial frequency (50-60 Hz), which can be pulsed. Each phase of the three-phase current is connected to three electrodes of one triode stack or in parallel to two triode stacks. The parallel connection of three-phase current to two triode stacks is performed so that the same phase of the three phase current is connected in parallel with each two opposite electrodes of six electrodes located along the periphery, or with two adjacent electrodes. A bipolar stationary aluminum electrode is situated in the inter-electrode space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ural Process Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Aron Mikhailovich Khalemsky, Sergei Abramovich Payusov, Leonid Kelner, Jae Jo
  • Patent number: 6709567
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flow of water containing contaminants includes first and second permeable electrodes and a power supply is coupled to each of the first and second permeable electrodes to create an electrical potential therebetween. The first and second permeable electrodes are disposed within the flow of water containing contaminants with the first permeable electrode upstream from the second permeable electrode and the water containing contaminants flowing through and between the permeable electrodes. The permeable electrodes are spaced a select distance to promote an electric current in the water containing contaminants between the electrodes sufficient to sustain oxidation or reduction of the contaminants in the vicinity of the electrodes. The electrodes are preferably substantially planar plates disposed in parallel and substantially normal to the direction of water flow. The distance between the plates is between about 0.001 and 1 meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Clay Sale, David Mark Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6699381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Omega Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Kenji Nagayoshi, Masaki Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6691927
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid emission control of a conductive fluid utilizes a passive electrolytic reaction to ionize the conductive fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid emission system having a reaction chamber that includes an anode and cathode to initiate an electrolytic reaction within the conductive fluid and reaction chamber. An ion-generating member is disposed within the reaction chamber and enhances the electrical bias in the conductive fluid. An oxidation-controlling member disposed within the reaction chamber retards oxidation of the anode and cathode. The metallic component parts and amount of such component parts used in the reaction chamber are chosen to achieve a target voltage, which that amount of voltage created, by the electrolytic reaction necessary to charge a fluid droplet of any density to achieve a maximum acceleration of fluid droplets as the fluid droplets enter and leave a spray cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Malloy
  • Patent number: 6663766
    Abstract: The invention provides an electroflocculation process for producing potable water from impure water, comprising forming trivalent ions in situ by electrolysis of metallic electrodes (16) selected from the group consisting of metallic aluminum electrodes and metallic iron electrodes, wherein water to be treated is caused to ascend sequentially through apertures (22) provided in a stack of parallel metallic plates (16) serving as said electrodes, each plate being charged with a polarity opposite to plates adjacent thereto, apertures of adjacent plates being vertically misaligned, whereby turbulent flow and mixing is created by the sequential passage of said water to be treated from the aperture of the lowest of said plates to the apertures of the plates thereabove to exit from the highest of said plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Avner Adin, Nicholai Vescan
  • 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: 20030164308
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disinfection of water and wastewater contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms. The apparatus includes an electrolytic flow cell including electrodes forming a part of flow pipe or open channel through which water or wastewater passes. The electrodes are formed of iron, stainless steel, carbon or copper and connected to a power supply voltage in the range of 20 to 100 volts and establishing a current in the range of 1 to 6 amperes. Disinfection results from either metal ions impacting microbial cells or through the generation of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid. When the electrodes are copper, toxic metal contamination limits are established through proper design of the flow cell. An ultrasonic transducer is connected to the electrodes and enhances hydroxyl radical generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schlager, Stephen H. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20030106808
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the NOx concentration includes a first measurement chamber 20 communicating with the gas under measurement via a diffusion rate defining layer 4d and a second measurement chamber 26 communicating with the first measurement chamber 20 via diffusion limiting layers 6d, 22d. A first pump current IP1 is controlled so that an output of a Vs cell 6 will be equal to the reference voltage VCO for controlling the oxygen concentration in the first measurement chamber 20 to a pre-set low value. A constant voltage is applied across the second pump cell 8 for decomposing the NOx component in the second measurement chamber 26 for pumping out oxygen for detecting the NOx concentration from a second pump current IP2. The sensor temperature is detected from the internal resistance of the Vs cell for controlling the current supplied to the heaters 12, 14. If the temperature of the gas under measurement is changed rapidly, the sensor temperature is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyata, Noriaki Kondo, Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20020074243
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Kenji Nagayoshi, Masaki Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6383362
    Abstract: Dioxins are eliminated from soot by conversion into oil and water. A gas stream of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a curtain of water in a separator to separate the dioxin-entraining ash from the gas stream. The ash-water mixture is separated by a centrifuge, the separated ash is mixed with water and the mixture is again separated by a centrifuge into ash and an emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This separated ash is also washed with water and the various wash waters and the dioxin-containing oil-water mixture are admixed and electrolyzed in a primary electrolyzer equipped with a carbon anode and a stainless steel cathode to decompose the dioxin components. The remaining aqueous liquid is electrolyzed in a secondary electrolyzer with an aluminum anode and a stainless steel cathode to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water and metal hydroxides by electrolysis of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Yukimasa Satoh
  • 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: 6342150
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flow of water containing contaminants includes first and second permeable electrodes and a power supply is coupled to each of the first and second permeable electrodes to create an electrical potential therebetween. The first and second permeable electrodes are disposed within the flow of water containing contaminants with the first permeable electrode upstream from the second permeable electrode and the water containing contaminants flowing through and between the permeable electrodes. The permeable electrodes are spaced a select distance to promote an electric current in the water containing contaminants between the electrodes sufficient to sustain oxidation or reduction of the contaminants in the vicinity of the electrodes. The electrodes are preferably substantially planar plates disposed in parallel and substantially normal to the direction of water flow. The distance between the plates is between about 0.001 and 1 meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Clay Sale, David Mark Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6332972
    Abstract: An apparatus for decontamination contaminated groundwater in-situ by increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the contaminated groundwater and generating reactive initiators to remediate the contaminated groundwater. The apparatus includes a submersible pump, an electrolytic cell, and a distribution chamber attached to an outlet of the cell. The distribution chamber is vertically oriented and longitudinally-extending from the outlet of the cell. As the groundwater flows across charging plates of the cell, some of the molecules break into their component parts of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. A selected vertical length of the chamber provides a resident time for the fluid allowing a majority of the gaseous oxygen to transition to dissolved oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: H20 Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: John J. Orolin, Vaughn A. Sucevich, Sr., Troy T. Johnson, Scott A. Schorzman
  • Patent number: 6280637
    Abstract: An electrocatalytic process for treating liquid waste material containing at least one environment-polluting substance, comprising causing the liquid waste material to be treated to pass between and to contact at least one pair of spaced apart electrodes, across which a dc potential difference is applied, to cause the at least one environment-polluting organic substance to be at least partially decomposed into a gaseous or liquid form. The invention also relates to a treatment unit for performing the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Eccles
  • Patent number: 6280601
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing microorganisms and/or decomposing organic and inorganic pollutants in a region of ground soil by passing a specified direct current through the contaminated soil region with a controlled voltage applied between at least one pair of electrodes incorporated into the ground soil. For decomposition of the organic and inorganic pollutants, it is postulated that the applied electric field increases the natural capacitance of the individual soil particles to over capacitance sufficient to cause the soil particles to discharge electrons. This electric discharge, in turn, provides the reaction energy to promote the redox reactions which effects decomposition of the pollutants. The voltage is preferable controlled to optimize the amplitude and frequency of the electric discharges emitted by the soil particles which have become subject to over capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Falk Doring
  • Patent number: 6264845
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and pressurized apparatus for removing anions and cations of transition and post-transition metals from aqueous solutions comprising a continuous flow electrolytic cell. Also a method for determining the amount of arsenic in each of its states present in a solution and a method of creating iron III hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and manganese dioxide for use as filter or adsorption media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Watermark Technologies
    Inventors: Loren P. Higby, Travis P. Higby
  • Patent number: 6238546
    Abstract: An apparatus (200) for the treatment of effluent including a chamber (210) having an inlet (212) and an outlet (252), a plurality of plate-type electrodes (211) extending vertically in the chamber (210), and an electrical supply connected to the plurality of plate-type electrodes (211). The plurality of plate-type electrodes (211) define a plurality of channels extending within the chamber (210). Each of the plurality of channels occurs between adjacent electrodes (211). The plurality of electrodes (211) are positioned between the inlet (212) and the outlet (252). The electrical supply delivers electricity of a first polarity to a first set of a plurality of electrodes (211). The electrical supply delivers electricity of an opposite polarity to the second set of electrodes (211).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: Louis H. Knieper, Gary A. Tipton, Daniel G. Noyes
  • Patent number: 6214203
    Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of pipe are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the pipe, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the pipe, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the pipe and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to pipe available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: United States Pipe Foundry
    Inventor: A. Michael Horton
  • Patent number: 6210558
    Abstract: Stainless steel pickling process in which a pickling solution containing HF and Fe3+ ions as essential components is used, and wherein the oxidation to Fe3+ of the Fe2+ formed during the process in order to maintain the Fe3+ concentration to the predetermined value, is electrolytically carried out by submitting the pickling solution as it is to an oxidation process in an electrolytic cell equipped with anode made of inalterable materials chosen among graphite, granular coal, lead and with cathodes made of stainless steel, graphite or other unalterable materials, said cell working with an applied tension between 1 and 8 V and with an anodic current density between 0.4 and 15 A/dm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignees: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, Acciai Speciali Terni S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ioannis Demertzis, Paolo Giordani, Cesare Pedrazzini, Maurizio Busnelli
  • Patent number: 6179987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to electrolytically produce high-purity magnetite particles is provided. The apparatus comprises a container for holding an electrolytic solution. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrolytic solution includes sodium chloride and deionized water. A pair of carbon steel electrodes are submerged within the electrolytic solution. A d.c. power supply is also provided to apply a voltage to the electrodes for a period of time sufficient to produce the magnetite particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: UT Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Constantinos Tsouris, David W. DePaoli, Joel T. Shor
  • Patent number: 6083377
    Abstract: Waters contaminated by nitrogenous compounds such as nitrate, ammonium, etc., are treated by electrochemical transformation of the contaminant to nitrogen gas. Electrodes are placed in the contaminated water to form a cell, in which the voltage of one of the electrodes is set to the Eh voltage at which nitrogen gas is thermodynamically favored. The cell may be electrolytic or galvanic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mei Lin, Gene S Shelp, Ward Chesworth
  • Patent number: 6080300
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating wastewater which comprises producing a ferric hydroxide suspension directly by electrolysis of the wastewater to precipitate heavy metals and organic or inorganic suspended solids thus purifying the wastewater. The purified wastewater, which is a saturated aqueous solution of calcium sulphate, can be recycled for further treatment and production of a low sulphate ferric hydroxide suspension. The process of the present invention is suitable for treatment of wastewaters obtained from mine tailings dams, metal mine pits, etc. and avoids the problems and difficulties of the known processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Ernest Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6077416
    Abstract: The invention relates to purification of waste waters and may be used for water purification from heavy non-ferrous metals, chrome and organic impurities, as well as for separation of impurities from solution. The method is performed by electric coagulation with 3-phase alternating current having a current density of at least 3.0 A/dm2 using a coagulator that is provided with at least one mobile electrode disposed between at least two immobile electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Aron Mikhailovich Khalemsky, Sergei Abramovich Payusov, Anatoly Grigorievich Talanov, Yuri Nikolaevich Yurkov
  • Patent number: 6045707
    Abstract: A process has been invented for the purpose of decontaminating aqueous media derived from industrial wastestreams, sanitary wastestreams and natural sources. The aqueous media may contain solids in the form of sediment, soil or sludge. Contaminants include organic materials such as phenols, nitro containing compounds, PCBs, VOCs, PAHs, dyes; inorganic materials, including radionuclides, organometallic materials and microorganisms. Purification of the contaminated media is obtained by using an Electrochemical Peroxidation process (ECP), by which heated hydrogen peroxide is added to an electrolytic cell having oscillating current passing through large surface area sacrificial iron containing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scrudato, Jeffrey R. Chiarenzelli
  • Patent number: 5792369
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes for non-chemical disinfection of a wide variety of biologically contaminated water streams include a canister with flow control means built therein such that a small portion of a water stream is exposed to disinfecting salts and returned to the principal stream to be treated. An ionized oxidizing gas plasma is also added, together with streams of metallic ions. Improved compositions of sacrificial electrodes for providing disinfectant metallic ions to a flow stream are also disclosed. The invention is described in connection with disinfecting recirculated water as used in cooling tower recirculated water air conditioning plants, commercial laundries, and aircraft head flush water, among other industrial water reclamation uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis E. J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5738778
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing microorganisms and/or decomposing organic and inorganic pollutants in ground soil and ground water by means of a specified direct current applied between at least one pair of electrodes incorporated into the ground soil. For decomposition of the organic and inorganic pollutants, soil particles of the contaminated ground soil are polarized by a voltage applied to the electrodes, or already polarized soil particles are additionally polarized by the applied artificial electric field. The applied electric field is preferably aligned with the natural electric field of the soil particles. The increased polarization of the soil particles causes processes of cathodic reduction at the negatively charged interfaces of the soil particles and simultaneously causes processes of anodic oxidation at the positively charged interfaces of the soil particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: P + P Geotechnik GmbH Ingenieure fur Boden-Und Grundwassersanierungen
    Inventor: Falk Doring
  • Patent number: 5538636
    Abstract: A process to purify waste waters using chemical oxidation and Fenton's reagent by the action in the acid range of hydrogen peroxide and iron(II) compounds and subsequent precipitation in the weakly acid to alkaline range of the iron(III) compounds, said process being characterized in that the sludge containing iron(III) accumulating in addition to the purified waste water is reduced electrolytically back into iron(II) compounds and in that the sludge so reduced is fed back into the process. The process of the invention allows extensive purification of highly concentrated waste waters and furthermore problems arising with the treatment and elimination of the Fenton sludge can be circumvented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Solvay Interox GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gnann, Carl-Heinz Gregor, Siegfried Schelle
  • Patent number: 5531865
    Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a flow of wastewater using an electrolytic oxidation vessel having a chamber and at least one elongate cathode electrode and a plurality of elongate sacrificial anode electrodes aligned parallel with the cathode electrode in the chamber. The flow of wastewater is directed through the chamber of the electrolytic oxidation vessel in a direction parallel with the cathode and anode electrodes so that the flow of wastewater engages the cathode and anode electrodes. A voltage is applied across the cathode electrode and the sacrificial anode electrodes to create a current having a density ranging from approximately 5-7 ma/sq. cm so as to release ions from the anode electrodes which oxidize and render insoluble contaminants in the flow of wastewater and create insoluble contaminants and substantially cleansed water. The insoluble contaminants are separated from the substantially cleansed water. An apparatus for use with the method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Leland G. Cole