With Separator Patents (Class 210/151)
  • Patent number: 11951420
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter apparatus (1) for mechanically filtering a liquid (W). The filter apparatus (1) includes a filter chamber (5) for containing a plurality of filter elements (7) that form a filter pack (29) for filtering the liquid. The filter chamber (5) has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (14). The filter apparatus (1) includes means for introducing air into the filter chamber (5) through one or more air inlets (25) to agitate the filter elements (7). The filter chamber (5) is substantially sealed and the air introducing means (22) may be configured to draw air into the filter chamber (5) as liquid is drained from said filter chamber (5). In certain embodiments, the filter chamber (5) may have a substantially constant profile or a substantially continuously tapered profile along its longitudinal axis (X-X). The present disclosure also relates to methods of filtering a liquid (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: EVOLUTION AQUA LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicholas John Jackson, Jasper Hendericus Maria Kuijper
  • Patent number: 11883764
    Abstract: An apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge from a clarifier is provided including a wasting pipe fluidly connectable to a waste conduit, a manifold fluidly connectable to the wasting pipe, an upper header for collecting the flocculant sludge fluidly connectable to the manifold, a return sludge pipe fluidly connectable to a return sludge well, a lower header for collecting settled sludge fluidly connectable to the return sludge pipe, and a drive mechanism for rotating the upper header and the lower header about a center axis. A wastewater treatment system is provided including the clarifier fluidly connectable to a source of a mixed liquor and the apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge. A method of separating settled sludge from a clarifier is provided including withdrawing flocculant sludge and withdrawing settled sludge. A method of retrofitting a clarifier is also provided including providing the manifold, the upper header, and the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Thiel, Jeffrey P. Germait, Govardhan R. Katta, Allen Lepak
  • Patent number: 11839578
    Abstract: Examples relate to devices, systems, and methods for collecting bodily waste as well as separating the liquids from the solids in the bodily waste. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein utilize a bodily waste separation device having an at least semi-rigid tray, a lid fluidly sealed to the at least semi-rigid tray, an output manifold fluidly sealed to the at least semi-rigid tray, an intake configured to fluidly connect the interior region of the at least semi-rigid tray to a source outside of the separation device, and a filter disposed between the at least semi-rigid tray and the output manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: PUREWICK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jill M. Jones
  • Patent number: 11773365
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides cassettes for use in automated cell engineering systems that include cell concentration filters for reducing fluid volume of a cell sample during or following automated processing. The disclosure also provides methods of concentrating a cell population, as well as automated cell engineering systems that can utilize the cassettes and carry out the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: LONZA WALKERSVILLE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph O'Connor, Erika McAfee, Samatha Bandapalle, Yaling Shi, Eytan Abraham
  • Patent number: 11708284
    Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Cambrian Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Silver, Justin Buck, Noah Taylor
  • Patent number: 11420888
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a treatment process for a submerged lifting circulation type bio-membrane filter, wherein the treatment process comprises the following steps: two groups of symmetrically staggered filter curtains (2A and 2B) are adopted; the two groups of filter curtains (2A and 2B) are periodically lifted up and down in a reciprocating manner in a biofilter (1) under the action of a lifting mechanism (4), so that bio-membranes on the two groups of filter curtains (2A and 2B) are in contact with the atmosphere and sewage in turns, absorb organic matters in the sewage when lifting down for submerging, absorb oxygen when lifting up and exposing into to the atmosphere, and bring oxygen into the sewage and cause sewage turbulence in a water tank when lifting down for submerging again, so that the dissolved oxygen is uniformly distributed, thereby purifying the sewage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: HUNAN SCIENTOP AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT SHARES CO. LTD, HUNAN SHAKAL ENVIRON. SCI AND TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shen Wang, Yunliang Liu
  • Patent number: 11396466
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of water, the method comprising the steps of anaerobic uptake and storage of at least a portion of the organic components in the water by a heterotrophic denitrifying biomass absorption of ammonium ions with an ammonium ion absorbent; and aerobic oxidation of the absorbed ammonium by a nitrifying biomass comprising ammonium oxidizing microorganisms, wherein the step of aerobic oxidation of the absorbed ammonium is preceded by the step of exposing at least a portion of the nitrifying biomass to atmospheric oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ralf Cord-Ruwisch, Liang Cheng, Raphael Marie-Guillaume Flavigny, Md Iqbal Hossain
  • Patent number: 11365142
    Abstract: A biological filler includes an embedding agent and an embedded complex. The embedded complex includes a scallop shell powder, 1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone, and Thiobacillus denitrificans. The embedding agent includes a poly(vinyl alcohol)-sodium alginate blend membrane and a crosslinked composite membrane. The embedded complex is embedded by the embedded agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: HEBEI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Zaixing Li, Yanfang Liu, Xiaoshuai Liu, Xin Yue, Jianwei Lyu, Yongtao Lyu, Fan Zhang, Xuebin Han
  • Patent number: 11358889
    Abstract: Wastewater containing organic matter may be treated using a multi-zone apparatus. In a first zone, organic matter in the wastewater may, among other things, be converted to at least volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and, thereafter, a portion of the treated wastewater may flow to a second zone that may, among other things, convert the VFAs to methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Justin Buck, Matthew Silver, Zhen Huang, Tzipora Wagner, Matthew Dorson
  • Patent number: 11299415
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a contact tank, a dissolved air flotation unit, a fermentation unit, and a biological treatment unit is disclosed. A method of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system by arranging the wastewater treatment system such that floated biosolids are fermented in an anerobic environment and fluidly connecting the biological treatment unit to receive at least a portion of the fermented solids is also disclosed. The method optionally includes providing a fermentation unit and fluidly connecting the fermentation unit to a biological treatment unit. A method of treating wastewater including combining the wastewater with activated sludge, floating biosolids from the activated wastewater, fermenting the floated biosolids, and biologically treating the effluent with the fermented solids is also disclosed. A method of facilitating delivery of soluble organic carbon to a biological treatment unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Antonneau
  • Patent number: 11261114
    Abstract: An aerobic treatment system is disclosed herein in which an aerobic holding treatment tank, having an inlet adapted to receive wastewater and an outlet adapted to discharge treated wastewater therefrom, is in communication with an aeration pump having an inlet nozzle in communication with the aerobic holding treatment tank for providing a source of air to the contents of the aerobic holding treatment tank. The aerobic treatment system may further include a generation pump disposed below ground level and in fluid communication with the aerobic holding treatment tank. The generation pump is provided in fluid communication with a high pressure pump in fluid access with an evaporator fan and misting nozzle. The system may further include electronics to connect to grid power, backup electronics for connection to auxiliary power sources, and at least one solar collector for providing a source of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: David DeChristofaro, Michael Broeker, Berry L. Meadows, Thomas A. Joseph, III
  • Patent number: 11247924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and treating wastewater (1) based on biodegradation-recombination-biodegradation process, comprising: a shell (1.1), the space inside the shell is divided into a first chamber (1.2) and a second chamber (1.3) by a divider wall (1.4), wherein: the first chamber (1.2) contains biological medium suitable for heterotrophic microorganisms growth; the second chamber (1.3) contains biological medium suitable for autotrophic microorganisms and heterotrophic microorganisms growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Dan Van Truong
  • Patent number: 11225426
    Abstract: As pellets grow from seed/sand in a fluidized bed pellent reactor, the weight of the reactor is measured and the density of the contents of the reactor is calculated, and the input flow of untreated water, water treatement chemical, and seed/sand are adjusted to provide improved removal of water hardness while reducing fine particulates in the outflow of softened water from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Christy
  • Patent number: 11154830
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for limiting the entrainment of solid particles placed inside a three-phase fluidized reactor, said device being constituted by an assembly of flat or truncated cone-shaped plates ranked vertically in one or more rows, and the maximum horizontal cross section area of the device being in the range 1 to 10 times the horizontal cross section area of the outlet pipework for the gas effluents. It also concerns a three-phase process employing said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: AXENS
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Le Coz
  • Patent number: 11117815
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SAFE FOODS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin Massey, Tim Yeaman
  • Patent number: 11034601
    Abstract: A system and method to treat wastewater or non-potable water using a reactor that is perforated at its bottom arranged in a vessel at a depth. Air pressure from an air grid at a reactor bottom induces an uplift of liquid and media to move highly aerated liquid through the media, which provides surfaces for microbial attachment and growth. An alkali porous material is suspended in the upswelling liquid that dissolves to reduce acidity and balance the pH of the liquor. The upswell in the reactor is at a higher elevation than the vessel giving directional discharge outlets head or velocity creating stirring and mixing to an area surrounding the reactor. Interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the bottom perforations. Provision is also made for unit to cycle off and on so that the media can decant and for solids to settle out of the treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Anua International LLC
    Inventors: M. Sean McGuigan, Colin Bishop
  • Patent number: 10960371
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to the use of an upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound, to a method for producing a dihydroxy compound, and to a method for manufacturing polycarbonate. The upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound of the disclosure comprises: a vessel; a catalyst bed disposed in said vessel; a distributor in fluid communication with an inlet through which reactants are introduced to said distributor, said distributor being disposed at a lower end of said vessel and comprising distributor perforation(s) disposed in said distributor, at least part of which distributor perforations are in a direction facing away from said catalyst bed; and a collector through which said product dihydroxy compound is removed, said collector being disposed at an upper end of said vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Surya Prakasa Rao Daliparthi, Paulus Johannes Maria Eijsbouts
  • Patent number: 10875802
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable wastewater treatment system includes an anaerobic reactor in which organic material within the wastewater can be broken down, a membrane filter that receives wastewater from the anaerobic reactor and filters the water to produce permeate, and a small shipping container in which the reactor and the membrane filter are contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Daniel H. Yeh, Robert A. Bair, Onur Y. Ozcan, George H. Dick, Jorge Luis Calabria, Matthew Jeffrey Woodham
  • Patent number: 10836992
    Abstract: Anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a first chamber for retaining organic matter before and/or during anaerobic digestion and a second chamber for retaining organic matter during anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion apparatus is configured to refrigerate or heat the first chamber to suppress methanogenesis in the first chamber. The anaerobic digestion apparatus comprises a controller programmed to regulate the anaerobic digestion process and to thereby reduce system perturbations. The flow of organic matter to the second chamber where methanogenesis is regulated. There is disclosed an inoculum for anaerobic digestion comprising Acetobacterium woodii and Methanosaeta concilii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Ifeyinwa Rita Kanu
  • Patent number: 10781112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dehydrogenation tank. An atomization spray is disposed at the center of the upper part of the dehydrogenation tank, and flow stirring modules used for stirring a flowing solution are respectively disposed at the middle and the bottom of the dehydrogenation tank. Each of the two flow stirring modules includes at least two layers of flow stirring meshes. By means of disposing the atomizing spray and the flow stirring modules in the dehydrogenation tank, the TRO solution flowing into the dehydrogenation tank are fully stirred, so that hydrogen gas mixed with the TRO solution is able to diffuse out fully and rapidly, thereby increasing dehydrogenation efficiency as well as reducing volume of the dehydrogenation tank. In addition, the present invention also provides a ballast water treatment system having the dehydrogenation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SUNRUI MARINE ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guangzhou Liu, Dongxia Duan, Ping Yao, Hongren Wang
  • Patent number: 10773981
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system, includes a solid-liquid separating apparatus having a first filtering medium packed layer packed with a predetermined filtering medium, configured to separate sewage to be treated into solid components and filtered water by passing the sewage through the first filtering medium packed layer upward, and configured to reversely wash the first filtering medium packed layer by passing the filtered water through the first filtering medium packed layer downward at a predetermining timing; and a trickling filter installed on a latter stage of the solid-liquid separating apparatus, having a second filtering medium packed layer packed with a filtering medium attached with microorganisms, and configured to allow the filtered water to fall into the second filtering medium packed layer by trickling the filtered water onto an upper part of the second filtering medium packed layer to flow out treated water acquired by biotreating the filtered water by the microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyata, Shigeki Takeda, Tetsutarou Kuruma
  • Patent number: 10696941
    Abstract: Compositions and methods and apparatus for growth and maintenance of microorganisms and/or bioprocesses using one or more gases as electron donors, electron acceptors, carbon sources, or other nutrients, and for a bioprocess that converts hydrogen and carbon dioxide, or syngas, or producer gas into lipid products, bio-based oils, or other biochemical products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Kiverdi, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dalla-Betta, John S. Reed
  • Patent number: 10689277
    Abstract: One or more new, or existing, or modified, open bottom bio-remediation reactors R are contained within a commercial, industrial, or municipal waste water aeration treatment facility or tank directly above existing and/or new stand-alone diffusers located on the bottom of the facility or tank. The reactors R increase solubility of air and/or oxygen in water, increase energy efficiency, increase through put of treated waste water, and improve bio-remediation of the waste water. Also, a tube reactor having no packing substrates in a non-tube area is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: IMET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mehmet A. Gencer, Kaan Gencer, Clark B. Langmack, Paul M. Zakriski
  • Patent number: 10662097
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for sewage deep denitrification with high pollutant carrying capacity and low energy consumption and a method for running the same, characterized in that: the apparatus mainly includes a settling tank, an electrodialysis device, a pH adjusting tank, a first chemical storage tank, a biofilter, a second chemical storage tank, a redox potential measuring device, a backwash pump, and a clean water tank, wherein the biofilter is provided with a gas collecting device, an uniform water distributor, a first filter bed, a second filter bed, a third filter bed, and a fourth filter bed sequentially from up to down, a second dosing port is arranged underneath the second filter bed, and the second chemical storage tank is communicated to the second dosing port respectively through a first flow path and a second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: NANJING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hui Huang, Qing Wang, Hong-qiang Ren
  • Patent number: 10660978
    Abstract: Microbial growth of at least one microorganism may be decreased, prevented, and/or inhibited in a fluid by providing ultrasonic waves to the fluid. In an optional non-limiting embodiment, an amount of at least one gas may be provided to the fluid for further decreasing the microbial population, preventing microbial growth, and/or inhibiting microbial growth. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fluid may be a downhole fluid, such as but not limited to, drilling fluids, completion fluids, production fluids, injection fluids, stimulation fluids, refinery fluids, servicing fluids, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the fluid or downhole fluid may have a temperature ranging from about 25 C to about 100 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Crystal Lee
  • Patent number: 10624283
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: GreenOnyx LTD
    Inventors: Tsipi Shoham, Benjamin Shoham
  • Patent number: 10604429
    Abstract: The invention comprises an activated sludge treatment system and process that aerates wastewater undergoing treatment using venturis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: New Evironmental Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stewart Lang
  • Patent number: 10550009
    Abstract: Methods of treating a high suspended solids liquor having a waste stream and a suspended solids content including powdered activated carbon and biological material by contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are disclosed. Methods of treating a waste stream by combining the waste stream with powdered activated carbon and biological material to produce the high suspended solids liquor and contacting the high suspended solids liquor with a membrane unit are also disclosed. Treatment systems including a membrane unit fluidly connected to a source of a high suspended solids liquor are disclosed. Treatment systems including a bioreactor fluidly connected to a source of a waste stream and a membrane unit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William Cunningham, Philip A. Burclaff, Chad L. Felch, Andrea J. Larson, Duane R. Smith, Simon Larson
  • Patent number: 10494282
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor for treating sewage comprising an aerobic tank including a mixing cell for receiving sewage to be supplied from an inlet and mixing the sewage with activated sludge and an aerobic reactor tank in which the activated sludge adsorbs organic substance existing in the sewage; a backwashing cartridge filter for removing floc resulting from growth of the activated sludge adsorbing the organic substance; and an anaerobic tank for carrying out a denitrification process for denitrifying treated water flowed through the backwashing cartridge filter using anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria wherein the backwashing cartridge filter allows the sewage discharged from the aerobic tank to pass through the cartridge filter and separates the floc and the treated water using difference in size between the floc contained in the sewage and pores in the cartridge filter, and wherein foreign matter adsorbed on the cartridge filter is easily removed by means of washing water to be injected into
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries Construction Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hwan Chul Cho, Seong Ju Kim, Yang Oh Jin, Chul Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 10486987
    Abstract: Method for treating water comprising: a step for putting said water into contact with an adsorbent powdery material in a concentration of 0.1 to 5 g/L in a membrane reactor containing at least one submerged filtration membrane; a step of filtration by submerged membrane of said water containing said adsorbent powdery material in said membrane reactor, said membrane being at least partly constituted by an organic material; characterized in that it includes steps aimed at limiting the abrasion of said at least one submerged membrane by said adsorbent powdery material, said steps consisting in: putting said water containing said adsorbent powdery material into contact, in said membrane reactor, with a particulate polymer material constituted by particles in a concentration of 1 g/L to 10 g/L, said particles having an average diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm and a density of 1.05 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Abdelkader Gaid, Annie Tazi-Pain, Catherine Daines-Martinez
  • Patent number: 10399875
    Abstract: The invention concerns a wastewater treatment plant and a method for it. The plant comprising at least one main reactor module (30) having a plurality of stackable filter-modules (50), each filter-module purifying wastewater independently by being individually charged batchwise with wastewater. The wastewater is discharged on each filter-module by means of a deflector (44) referenced to a filter-module (50), the deflector creating a back pressure in dependency of the gravity-flow-force of the wastewater leading to that the wastewater is spilled from the deflector (44) in an angle of discharge relative to a horizontal plane evenly onto every independent filter-module, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Tariq Kaddoura, Moritz König, Julius Jacob
  • Patent number: 10384968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ternary sewage treatment method integrating microbial fuel cells with anaerobic acidification and forward osmosis membrane, and belongs to the technical field of sewage treatment. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: Sewage is driven into the anaerobic acidification device for mixture with the NaOH solution. The mixed liquid enters into the MFC for converting the enriched organics to bioelectricity and then flows back to the anaerobic acidification device. A part of the mixed liquid passes through the MF membrane module to form effluent and enters into the sedimentation basin for phosphate removal and finally passes through activated carbon adsorption column, another part passes through the FO membrane module to form effluent and obtain high quality recycled water after the RO membrane processing. The method is a new coupled model of FO membrane and MFC and it provide a ternary combined technique integrating MFCs with anaerobic acidification and FO membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xinhua Wang, Jinmeng Liu, Yuqin Lu, Xiufen Li
  • Patent number: 10299339
    Abstract: There is disclosed a desalinization apparatus, and methods related to desalinization. In an embodiment, a desalinization apparatus includes at least one port for receiving airflow therethrough, at least one port for receiving salt water therethrough, at least one output for providing outflow of pure water vapor, and at least one output for proving outflow of a mixture of water, salt and air; and a plurality of chambers for evaporating the salt water into the airflow, at least one of the chambers forming a plurality of ports arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, a method includes providing airflow to a desalinization apparatus; providing salt water to the desalinization apparatus; forming a vortex in the airflow to evaporate water vapor from the salt water; and providing the water vapor in the airflow to a condenser so as to obtain pure water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: LYTESYDE, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce E. Nadeau, Jr., Kelly P. Rock
  • Patent number: 10239775
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for relieving surface-layer clogging of a denitrification deep-bed filter and a method for running the same, which belongs to the field of sewage treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NANJING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hui Huang, Qing Wang, Hong-qiang Ren, Si-Jia Ma
  • Patent number: 10201799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing element for a structured packing including at least two adjacent corrugated sheets, wherein each of the corrugated sheets has a plurality of alternately oriented peaks and troughs, wherein adjacent corrugated sheets are oriented such that the corrugations of the adjacent corrugated sheets intersect in crisscross fashion with the corrugations of the corrugated sheets extending obliquely relative to the vertical direction, wherein each corrugated sheet contacts each of the adjacent corrugated sheets at points of intersection between the corrugations of the corrugated sheet and those of the adjacent corrugated sheets, wherein all corrugated sheets are tied together by means of at least one rod, wherein the at least one rod penetrates the corrugated sheets perpendicularly to the longitudinal section of the corrugated sheets, wherein on the at least one rod before the first corrugated sheet of the packing element and/or after the last corrugated sheet of the packing eleme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Florian Kehrer
  • Patent number: 10155682
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater is disclosed in which a flow equalization reactor is provided that includes at least one wastewater treatment zone. A first wastewater treatment process is performed in the at least one wastewater treatment zone, which can be switched to a second wastewater treatment process. The flow equalization reactor is designed with a variable liquid depth and volume that can operated as a mixed wastewater zone, an anaerobic reactor zone, an anoxic reactor zone or an aerobic reactor zone. The equalization reactor provides sufficient variable liquid depth and volume above a minimum liquid depth and residual volume to provide the necessary hydraulic flow equalization or surge volume to achieve a relatively constant effluent pumping rate or feed forward flow rate over 24 hours per day, seven days per week into the downstream biological treatment processes, clarifiers, filters, or disinfection units, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Patent number: 10085430
    Abstract: An aquarium filtration and algae control system, for use with an aquarium containing a quantity of water, having a housing having a growth chamber and an overflow part. The growth chamber includes at least two cells separated by at least one photocontactor wall. Water from the aquarium is sprayed into each of the cells to create circuitous high velocity water flow and each cell and each photocontactor wall is illuminated by a high intensity light source to promote diatom algae growth within the growth chamber and thereby prevent undesirable algae growth elsewhere in the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ernest Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10086326
    Abstract: A gas separation module and assembly for housing ceramic tubular membranes. The module includes a plurality of tubes containing the ceramic tubular membranes. The tubes are arranged parallel to one another and are supported by tube sheet plates at each end. Gas-tight seals surround each membrane, preventing a feed gas and a residue gas within the inner lumen of the membrane from mixing with a permeate gas in the tube interior. The module also contains a gas distribution pipe for withdrawing the permeate gas out of, or introducing a sweep gas into, the module. This configuration allows for ceramic tubular membranes to be modularized for use in an assembly that carries out many types of gas separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Su, Moyeen Mohammed, Alicia Breen, Mamoon Rashid Khan, Nicholas P Wynn
  • Patent number: 10065876
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an algal system for improving water quality through the use of algae. In example embodiments, the algal system comprises an elongate device including algae enclosed therein and capable of reducing at least the levels of nitrates and phosphates in water directed through the device. The algae may be capable of also reducing E. coli bacteria, other bacteria, and viruses in the water. Preferably, the algae comprises a filamentous green algae, including without limitation, Spirogyra grevilleana algae. In one example embodiment, the algal system comprises an elongate device and an elongate cartridge that is pre-configured to treat certain chemical compounds, bacteria, and viruses, and certain other characteristics of water. The cartridge is delivered to the site where the water is to be treated and installed in the field, possibly replacing an existing cartridge. After use, algae may be processed into biofuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Malcolm A Barnard
  • Patent number: 10040711
    Abstract: A method for biologically treating effluent involves pouring the effluent into a basin in which mobile supports are submerged for developing a biofilm and for carrying out a treatment by fixed fluidized bed, aerating the effluent in the basin with a distribution of air flow, from the bottom of the basin, according to a floor configuration, the aeration supplying air for treating the nutrients, and keeping the supports moving, regulating the aeration to modulate the air flow depending on at least one parameter taken from the following parameters: the residual oxygen concentration, and/or the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of N—NH4, and/or the permitted load; modifying the distribution of the air supply from the floor configuration to a spiral flow configuration when the operating conditions result in an air flow lower than a minimum air flow required to keep the mobile supports moving in the floor configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: DEGREMONT
    Inventors: Laure Graveleau, Troy Holst
  • Patent number: 9957177
    Abstract: A wastewater disposal method using a two-way oxygen supply horizontal-flow biofilm includes a carrier that is formed of a permeable material so that oxygen is supplied to the biofilm from the bottom layer of the biofilm adjacent to the surface of the carrier, so as to achieve a mode of simultaneously supplying oxygen from the surface layer and the bottom layer of the biofilm. Wastewater disposal equipment using a two-way oxygen supply horizontal-flow biofilm includes a water intake system, a reaction system and a water discharge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TONGJI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rongchang Wang, Yalei Zhang, Jianfu Zhao
  • Patent number: 9944961
    Abstract: A process for removing sulphide from an aqueous solution comprising sulphide is disclosed, in which the aqueous solution is subjected to sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen in a reactor to oxidize sulphide to elemental sulphur. According to the process, a molecular-oxygen containing gas is supplied to a reactor containing the sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in an aqueous medium, such that one or more aerated zones and one or more non-aerated zones are created in the aqueous medium with upward liquid flow in the aerated zones and downward liquid flow in the non-aerated zones; and a feed stream of the aqueous solution comprising sulphide is injected into the reactor in the one or more non-aerated zones, wherein the one or more aerated zone(s) are not separated from the one or more non-aerated zone(s) by means of vertically extending reactor internal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Paques I.P. B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Van Zessen, Antonius Johannes Jorna, Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga, Hendrik Dijkman
  • Patent number: 9932549
    Abstract: An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc., Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Anthony Gross, Zhiyou Wen
  • Patent number: 9932254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater by means of photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, comprising the following steps: a) supplying wastewater to photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, b) conveying the wastewater supplied to the algae against gravity from a lower level to a higher level while simultaneously exposing the wastewater mixed with the algae to light, c) introducing the wastewater supplied to the algae from the higher level into the upper region of a sedimentation tank, d) allowing the algae to sediment in the sedimentation tank, and e) removing the wastewater freed of the algae by sedimentation as treated wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Niels Holm
  • Patent number: 9902638
    Abstract: This method improves and controls ex-situ or in-situ, aerobic or anaerobic digestion of organic materials and toxic or damaging compounds through increased control of multiple chemical and biological settings and conditions. The ability to control flow, natural processes, and biological activity, while adjusting to individual site conditions, offer many opportunities to modify results. Large quantities of modified or adjusted organisms are developed and utilized. Identification and strategic manipulation of the multiple elements of the system result in performance modifications. Energy is utilized to manipulate characteristics of a natural degradation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Lee Aho
  • Patent number: 9868649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus that treats waste water, in particular waste water containing surfactants and including grey water, for local reuse. According to the invention, the process comprises a) collecting waste water in a reservoir; b) injecting gas into waste water from the reservoir to form bubbles in the waste water; c) separating the bubbles, and any entrained contaminants, from the waste water; d) drying the separated bubbles and returning any water recovered from the dried bubbles to the waste water undergoing treatment; e) optionally repeating steps b) to d) to achieve the desired purification of the waste water; and f) collecting the purified waste water. The invention provides a robust process and a mechanically simple apparatus that does not require regular replacement of chemicals or filters, yet is capable of treating waste water locally, and in particular grey water for household reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nexus eWater Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: William Peter Keith Kennedy, Andrew James Hermann, Thomas Andrew Wood
  • Patent number: 9828263
    Abstract: A method of removing particulate silicon from an effluent water in accordance with various embodiments may include: adding a base to the effluent water, an amount of the added base being sub-stoichiometric with regard to a basic oxidation reaction of an entire amount of silicon contained in the effluent water to ortho-silicic acid or ortho-silicate ions; maintaining a resulting mixture of the effluent water and the base in a predetermined temperature range for a period of time, so that a sediment including silicon is formed; and separating the sediment and the effluent water from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Kroener, Zeljka Kroener
  • Patent number: 9790459
    Abstract: A bioreactor can include a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell can include a floor configured to support a volume of liquid, the floor being symmetric across at least one axis of symmetry, and an injection port oriented at a center point of at least one axis of symmetry and configured to inject a fluid into the volume of liquid. The bioreactor can also include a peripheral side wall surrounding the plurality of unit cells such that the volume of liquid is retained in the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Leonard Franklin Pease, III, Swomitra K. Mohanty, John McLeenan, Tony Butterfield, Tyler Lee, Samuel Doane, Rete Browning, Yen-Hsun Tseng
  • Patent number: 9783440
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater including a dissolved air flotation operation performed upon a portion of a mixed liquor output from a contact tank prior to the mixed liquor entering a biological treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Argun O. Erdogan, Michael L. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9738549
    Abstract: Method and system for treating wastewater includes treating sludge with ozone in a plug-flow type reactor to cause lysis of biosolids in the sludge. The ozonated sludge may be provided to an anaerobic or anoxic section of the wastewater treatment system to aid the denitrification processes occurring in the anaerobic or anoxic section of the wastewater treatment system or to other sections of the wastewater treatment system such as a fermenter, an aerobic digester, or an anaerobic digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Novak, Malcolm E. Fabiyi