Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a liquid including: reaction chambers that utilizes an ionization reaction material in turbulence with the liquid, a first fine collective filtration unit, a first laser photolytic light chamber that utilizes ultraviolet light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range to irradiate liquid, a second ultra-fine collective filtration unit, and a pharmaceutical grade granular activated carbon filter unit.

Abstract: The liquid treatment apparatus includes a raw water tank 1 in which a first magnetic-force nanobubble generator 51 is provided, and a treatment water tank 62 in which a second magnetic-force nanobubble generator 52 is provided. The first magnetic-force nanobubble generator 51 has a magnetic water activator 12, a microbubble generation section 8, a first gas shearing section 6, and a second gas shearing section 4. The second magnetic-force nanobubble generator 52 has a magnetic water activator 48, a microbubble generation section 46, a first gas shearing section 43, and a second gas shearing section 41. In the raw water tank 1 and the treatment water tank 62, magnetic-force nanobubble flows 3, 40 which are nanobubbles generated in water subjected to action of magnetic force by the magnetic water activators 12, 48 are generated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having an anoxic biological treatment zone, an aerobic biological treatment zone and a separator. The concentration of oxygen in streams within the system is strategically managed for improved removal of nutrient from the wastewater. A source of biodegradable carbon may be introduced to reduce the concentration of oxygen within the system. An effective treatment time under anoxic or aerobic conditions may further be varied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to using a squeezing or transfer fluid to transfer fluid or components between bags in a centrifuge wherein the squeezing fluid can be reversed to reduce squeezing and such fluid an also be used to build up a over-pressure for rapid movement.

Abstract: A column packing system comprises a control unit provided with software for monitoring the column interior pressure and/or flow through the column for use in calculating the breakpoint where a movable adapter comes into contact with a consolidated bed of bed media. The calculated breakpoint is used by the control unit to determine how much further the movable adapter has to move into the column in order to achieve a desired amount of bed compression.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of water contaminated with organisms, in particular ballast water in ships, the system including a pump (5) pumping water from the sea trough a cavitation unit (7) and into one or more ballast tanks. The cavitation unit (7) will introduce a strong cavitation in the water, the cavitating action destroying any organic tissue and cell membranes of organisms present in the water. In the cavitation unit (7) hydrogen and steam are added to the water, while oxygen is removed. The oxygen-depleted water will exhibit a reduced corrosive effect on the ballast tanks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing, automated control of wastewater treatment processes. In certain preferred embodiments, method and apparatus for control of aeration in suspended growth biological treatment processes, especially in activated sludge processes.

Abstract: A water treatment system comprising a separable water treatment component and a host water treatment apparatus is described. The component is useable in the host apparatus, and has an electronic circuit which is adapted to co-operate with an electronic circuit in the host apparatus. In typical operation, the electronic circuit of the component includes at least a data tag, and the presence of the data tag is identified by the electronic circuit of the host apparatus upon correct fitment and/or installation of the component, which creates a two-way communication protocol. The host apparatus can then upload relevant data from the data tag, etc., and the component's circuit can download the relevant information from the host apparatus. The present invention provides the benefits of electrical co-operation and data tagging.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by measuring or calculating the blood volume or its volume change as a blood indication level, and by controlling dialysis conditions according to said target blood indication level, wherein the chronological course of said blood indication level is defined as a target control line, and the primary blood volume (BV0) can be calculated as blood indication level. In the former part of the dialysis operation, the water removal is controlled so that the circulating blood volume in the body approach to the standard blood volume (BV st) with the use of said target control line. After the water removal of the former part of the dialysis operation, when the circulating blood volume in the body attains the standard blood volume (BV st), the latter part of the dialysis operation is started. In said latter part of the dialysis operation, the water removal operation is performed by substantively maintaining said standard blood volume (BV st).

Abstract: The invention provides a waste treatment apparatus for the microbial treatment of waste, and comprises at least one reactor vessel (12) for containing waste, waste feed means (7) adapted to feed untreated waste into the vessel, microbial feed means (48) adapted, in use, to feed micro-organisms into the waste, aeration means (28) adapted to aerate the waste in the vessel, and waste outlet means (5) adapted to remove treated waste from the vessel. The invention also provides a method of treating waste, using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage device for a filter unit for microbiological testing of liquids, said drainage device including a mechanical support (10), which is adapted to receive a filter unit (16), and an suction pump (22) connected to said mechanical support to aspirate a liquid substance contained in said filter unit. The device comprises: a weight sensor (18) on which said mechanical support is mounted; a user interface (26) for entering data relating to drainage and/or said liquid substance; and a control unit (24) connected to said suction pump (22), the weight sensor (18) and said user interface (26), said control unit (24) being adapted to determine, from said data, at least a first weight corresponding to a first representative signal; and, when said weight sensor (18) supplies a signal corresponding to said first signal, said control unit (24) starts operation of said suction pump (22) so as to aspirate said liquid substance contained in said filter unit (16).

Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A process and system for denitrification of wastewater. The process includes the steps of measuring an influent flow rate, measuring influent concentrations of nitrates, nitrites, and dissolved oxygen in the wastewater, and using the influent concentrations to determine a nominal amount of methanol to be provided for denitrification. The invention also contemplates the measurement of effluent concentrations of nitrates and nitrites (i.e., NOx), and optionally using the effluent concentrations to adjust the nominal amount of methanol being provided.

Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.

Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater, and more particularly to biological processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.

Abstract: A column packing system comprises a control unit provided with software for calculating the breakpoint where a movable adapter comes into contact with a settled bed of bed media. The calculated breakpoint is used by the control unit to determine how much further the movable adapter has to move into the column in order to achieve a desired amount of bed compression.

Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a dialysis system is provided. The dialysis system includes a display device and a web browser and web server embedded in the dialysis system. The browser and the server operate with the display device to display a number of dialysis therapy set-up procedure screens that require operator input, and to display a number of dialysis treatment screens that graphically illustrate the progress of at least one step in the dialysis therapy in at least substantially real time.

Abstract: A quick countercurrent-type water purifier configured with two filters, two motors, a control circuit, a purified water storage tank and a waste water tank, wherein a pipe extends from the waste water tank. Moreover, a raw water inlet pipe connects to the pipe through one of the motors that thereon forces water through branch pipes into water inlets at bottoms of the two filters. A pipe branches out from each of the two water inlets, and connects to the waste water tank. A flowmeter is configured at a water outlet at a top portion of each of the filters. An electromagnetic valve subject to control by control circuit is configured at each of the water inlets and the water outlets of the two filters, thereby achieving quick reverse washing of contaminants from filter cores of the filters and providing large quantities of purified water for industrial usage.

Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.

Abstract: A blood purification method that purifies blood taken from a body by blood dialysis or by hemodiafiltration includes the step of changing an osmotic pressure of the blood to an increasing condition until a blood volume (BV level) attains a standard blood volume, in a former part of a blood purification process and the step of maintaining a standard blood volume and periodically changing the osmotic pressure of the blood in a later part of the blood purification process.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus, comprising a water pump, wherein the water pump inlet port receives water from an external source, a nonreturn valve in fluid communication with the water pump outlet port, and an ionizer chamber in fluid communication with the nonreturn valve output end, wherein the ionizer chamber doses a bacteriacide into water contained in the ionizer chamber. The apparatus also includes a filter, wherein the input end of the filter is in fluid communication with the output end of the ionizer chamber.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to improve the performance of gradient liquid transfer in nano/micro liquid chromatographs when solvents are mixed. In a gradient liquid transfer device and method for a nano/micro liquid chromatograph, an opening and closing unit (160) capable of opening and closing a solvent passage (150) for transferring a secondary solvent is provided in the vicinity of a solvent mixing section (152) in a liquid transfer system (130); a passage from a metering pump (146) of a liquid transfer section (142) to the opening and closing unit (160) is filled with the secondary solvent in advance; and an appropriate pressure is applied to the secondary solvent. Therefore, the entry of a primary solvent into the solvent passage for transferring the secondary solvent is suppressed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water are provided. In certain examples, the system may include a first stage, a second stage fluidically coupled to the first stage and a third stage fluidically coupled to the second stage. In some examples, the system may provide treated water having a specific resistance of greater than or equal to 1 Megohm-cm. In certain examples, the water recovery rate using the system may be 90% or more by volume.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: A UV light source water disinfection system includes a UV light source that is driven or controlled by a ballast. Improved start-up scenarios are provided by use of a separate heating wire around the lamp or employing an inductive-coupled system to provide initial high power requirements. The UV lamp is discontinuously operated in order to extend the life of the system, save energy, and periodically dose standing water to prevent regeneration of undesired microorganisms.

Abstract: An extracted liquid automatic collecting equipment includes an automatic control device, an input container, a reaction column, a pump electrically connected to the automatic control device, an automatic rolling device electrically connected to the automatic control device, a plurality of collecting devices, a plurality of connecting tubes disposed between the collecting devices and the automatic rolling device. The pump is connected to the input container and the reaction column. The automatic rolling device is connected to the reaction column. The connecting tubes connect the collecting devices to the automatic rolling device.

Abstract: The control systems and technique can regulate or control operations of a water treatment system in a primary control mode and, when appropriate, in a secondary or an alternate control mode. The primary control can represent a normal control mode during which the water treatment system is intended to operate. The alternate control mode can represent a second control or mode of operation. The systems can be operated to control or facilitate regulation, monitoring, and performance of one or more operating parameters of one or more water systems between, or to and from, a first mode, a second or alternate mode, and, in some cases, a third or even a fourth control mode. The change in control mode can be triggered by identifying one or more predetermined, pre-selected, and/or programmed conditions.

Abstract: A method for aligning a disposable cassette within a dialysis machine includes actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette and to contact a pumping portion of the disposable cassette and shift the disposable cassette if need be into proper operational alignment and locking the disposable cassette in place.

Abstract: An adsorption apparatus and method of adsorption for treatment of wastewater is disclosed, and comprises an inlet for the wastewater connected to a metals trap which adsorbs metals and a second trap which filters organic materials from the wastewater, positioned between the inlet and the metals trap, wherein the second trap at least partially comprises either a phosphate or an activated carbon. The metals trap can be, for example, fish bone char. A method of manufacturing fish bone char is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filtration are disclosed. A feed mixture including at least one liquid component a flow of gas may he directed to a filter element and filtrate and gas may be passed through a filter medium from a feed fluid side to a filtrate side. The gas loosens and removes foulants accumulating within and on the upstream surface of the filter medium. The gas and filtrate may be separated from one another after passing through the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single-use chromatography devices and systems for use with a durable component for processing compounds such as protein compounds.

Abstract: An oil/water separator tank having intake, discharge and vent fittings is conditioned for in-situ cleaning of the oil separator plate stacks positioned therein by selective opening of manual valves connected to each of such fittings. When so conditioned by opening of the manual valves, the in-situ cleaning is performed during repeated operational phases under automated control of solenoid operated and motor driven valves through which a plurality of sequential operational steps are performed, consisting of (a) low pressure air injected into an air sparging array within the separator tank, (b) supply of potable water into a mixing tank; (c) mixing of the potable water with the cleaning agent within the mixing tank; (d) introduction of the cleaning agent after the mixing thereof into the separator tank to enhance in-situ cleaning by dispersing the low pressure air from the air sparging array; and (e) drainage of collected waste oil from the separator tank into a waste oil tank.

Abstract: A method for treating water separated from diesel fuel, and a diesel fuel filter or water trap for a fuel water collection system are disclosed. A water trap may generally include a primary reservoir, a drain in fluid communication with the primary reservoir, and a controller for the drain that is operable to selectively exhaust a quantity of water from the primary reservoir to one or more water treatment locations located on the vehicle. A method of removing water from a fuel may generally include accumulating a quantity of water removed from a fuel supply in a primary reservoir, selectively draining a portion of the quantity of water from the primary reservoir, and receiving the portion of the quantity of water at a water treatment location in a vehicle.

Abstract: A separator to separate oil and debris from an aqueous fluid includes a container with a cover, the top portion of which includes a control panel access door. The separator draws an aqueous fluid with one or a plurality of skimmers that float on the aqueous fluid inside one or a plurality of corresponding reservoirs. When the separator is operating, the surface portion of the aqueous fluid is drawn into each corresponding skimmer hose and transferred to the separator by a pickup hose. The separator separates oil, debris and any sludge that may be in the aqueous fluid to provide a substantially filtered aqueous fluid. The substantially filtered aqueous fluid is then returned to the reservoirs through an exit hose.

Abstract: A waste stream from energetics processing is treated using a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, and a metal that has a reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0). The pre-filter is connected to a zero-valent metal column reactor. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), added to the resultant product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. This product is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. Both tanks are monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.

Abstract: A remote control system for providing control of an under-counter water treatment system and garbage disposal. The system includes a remote unit that is electrically connected to an existing switched, under-counter AC power outlet. The garbage disposal and water treatment system are connected to and receive power from the remote unit. The system further includes a control unit that is located above-counter and permits a user to control operation of the remote unit and consequently the garbage disposal and water treatment system. The two units may communicate wirelessly using communication signals that are tagged with a unique security code. In one embodiment, the system includes a microprocessor in each of the control unit and the remote unit, the microprocessor in the remote unit communicating the status of the water treatment system to the control unit and the microprocessor of the control unit appropriately displaying the information.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The system is hydrophilic, can run at low pressures and can be designed from low to extremely high volumes. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising means of decontaminating wastewater; means of measuring control parameters of the wastewater; means for controlling said decontamination means; and a programmable logic controller. The user is able to receive control parameter data and control the various processes of the wastewater treatment system from a remote location.

Abstract: A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.

Abstract: Filters principally for automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. The filters include bags of porous material formed into at least two lobes. At least one divider separates a primary flow path through the bags from multiple debris-collecting pockets.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for the purification of radioisotopes, the formulation of radiopharmaceuticals or both. In preferred embodiments the radioisotopes are produced by a generator. In further preferred embodiments the automated systems comprise replaceable cassettes for easy replacement of the system's networks of tubing. Also provided are replaceable cassettes and kits for use with the automated systems of the invention. The invention further provides methods of using an automated system to purify radioisotopes, formulate radiopharmaceuticals or to do both in series.

Abstract: A system for removing particles from a slurry tank includes a filtering device and a controller. The filtering device collects and removes particles deposited within the slurry tank and the controller controls the placement and movement of the filtering device with respect to the slurry tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for testing the efficiency of a cleaning procedure for a filter in a filtering system. After the cleaning procedure of the filter, the filter pores contain a fluid. The system is pressurized, and a decay in pressure over a predetermined time period is measured. Based on the pressure decay, it is determined whether or not the cleaning procedure has been effective; a pressure decay smaller than a predetermined threshold value indicates that the cleaning procedure has not been effective.