Geographic Patents (Class 210/170.01)
  • Patent number: 8657528
    Abstract: Brine disposal systems are configured to receive brine from a brine source and to passively collect seawater from a nearby ocean during high tide using one or more tidal forces. Tidal movements during high tide, low tide, or both may be used to mix and thereby dilute the brine with the seawater. The mixture of seawater and brine is then passively discharged into the ocean during low tide using the tidal force, thereby minimizing the impacts on the marine ecosystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Colin Chan
  • Publication number: 20140042064
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ecological biotope water purification system utilizing multi-cells and multi-lanes by considering the width, length, curvature and slope of proposed composition site wetland and pond. The system comprising: a sedimentation pond (200, 200?) for temporarily storing wastewater incoming from an Inlet (100,100?); a marsh (300, 300?) incoming the primarily treated water, being precipitated solid contaminants, and discharged from the sedimentation pond (200, 200?), and at least one Multi-level cell composed an open water-surface pond (400, 400?) entering the primarily treated water from the marsh; a settling reservoir (600, 600?) outflow finally purified water by multi-level cell inflow for temporarily storing through outlet (700, 700?), the multi-level cell consists at least of two multi-lanes (40, 40?, 40?), each lane is separated by small dikes (900, 900?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Chanwoo Byeon
  • Patent number: 8529756
    Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Occidental Oil and Gas Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Joel R. Lehman, Verlin Frazier
  • Publication number: 20130180930
    Abstract: A boat is provided with a pipe assembly operatively connected to a water pump. The pipe assembly can be raised and lowered between transport and use positions. The pump draws water from the body of water, and the water is discharged through a series of holes in a substantially horizontal pipe adjacent the bottom of the body of water. The impingement of the ejecting water dislodges oil or other substances, which then float to the surface for collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Warner Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley William Warner
  • Patent number: 8449219
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-storing and water-cleaning system. Said system is designed in such a manner that it can be used irrespective of location. It is used, inter alia, in agriculture, in horticulture and in reforestation. Said system comprises a reservoir (2) that is filled with a porous material (3), into which the water is seeped. In order to displace the seepage path, the reservoir (2) contains at least one barrier layer (5) made of a water-impermeable material, that separates the two layers made of the porous material (3) and comprises an outlet (6) for connecting the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Luxin (Green Planet) AG
    Inventors: Holger Burkhardt, Arthur Glanzmann
  • Publication number: 20130098818
    Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of a substance such as a liquid includes a treatment pit (10) which has a plurality of chambers (1 to 8). Walls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) separate the chambers. Apertures (36) are located in non-adjacent walls (24, 28, 32) near the base of the pit (10). Further apertures (38) are located in non-adjacent walls (30, 34, 40), near the top of the pit (10). The liquid is introduced into the first chamber (1), and reagents added to the liquid. The water and reagent mix then flows through apertures (36) in the wall (24) between the first (1) and second (2) chambers into the second (2) chamber. Further reagents may be added in the second (2) chamber. The water and reagent mix then flows through apertures (38) in the wall (26) between the second (2) and third (3) chambers into the third (3) chamber. This process continues until the water reaches the final (8) chamber, from which it is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Jason I.N. Beath
  • Publication number: 20130098836
    Abstract: Wastesolution treatment systems and methods are provided which may remove particulates and hydrocarbons from wastesolution. Embodiments may be used to treat scrubber wastesolution from exhaust gas cleaning (“EGC”) systems. Some embodiments may be used with terrestrial EGC systems and others may be used for maritime ship EGC systems. Certain embodiments remove free phase oil and particulates from the wastesolution. Some embodiments may utilize a fixed film biogenerator cultured with hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms to reduce the concentration of oils in the water. Certain embodiments may utilize a biofilter with granulated activated carbon (“GAC”) to adsorb contaminants in the water. Other embodiments may utilize GAC cultured with hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms to reduce oil concentration in the water. The wastesolution may be recirculated through the system until the measured contaminant concentration drops below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: EnSolve Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: EnSolve Biosystems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130087510
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Environmental Lunch Box Technology LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Publication number: 20130075342
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Environmental Lunch Box Technology LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Patent number: 8388836
    Abstract: A waste separator apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first screen assembly for screening fluids from a waste stream where the first screen assembly defining an enclosure. A second screen assembly is provided for screening fluids from the waste stream and is disposed closely spaced-apart within the enclosure of the first screen assembly. A waste stream pathway is defined between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. A first separated fluids stream pathway is defined outwardly of the first screen assembly. A second separated fluids stream pathway is defined inwardly of the second screen assembly. One or more blades extends inwardly from the first screen assembly or outwardly from the second screen assembly for advancing the waste stream through the waste stream pathway. A related system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Emerald Waste Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Lewis Morris Fetterman, III, Durwood Nelson Renfrow, James Eulen Sinclair, Jr., Angela Denise Schroeder, Claude Decator Pyatte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8337695
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Environmental Luchbox Technology LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Publication number: 20120305476
    Abstract: A treatment method for reducing or preventing the production of sulfide compounds of hydrogen such as H2S dissolved in aqueous effluent constituents of waste water passing through a conduit of a sewerage system upstream of a plant for the biological treatment of water, the conduit containing sulfate-reducing bacteria and organic or mineral sulfur-containing compounds, wherein an alkaline-earth or alkali metal nitrite is injected into the effluent entering the conduit, the effluent and/or the bacterial biofilm covering the inner wall of the conduit containing or being supplemented, if necessary, by a combination of aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria other than SRB bacteria, the concentration of nitrite injected into the effluent entering the conduit under full load being 0.036 mole/m3 to 0.087 mole/m3 to reduce the concentration of H2S dissolved in the effluent at the outlet from said conduit that would be produced in the absence of nitrite by 1 g/m3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), SOCIETE DES EAUX DE MARSEILLE
    Inventors: Marie-Thérèse Giudici-Orticoni, Gisèle Leroy, Vincent Mejean, Patrick Lanneluc, Gérard Lieutaud
  • Patent number: 8323506
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which may be used in drainage openings in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filtration and means for melting snow may be incorporated. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. If a hydrocarbon spill occurs, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SPI Filtration LLC
    Inventor: William J Gannon
  • Publication number: 20120298576
    Abstract: A method and system for waste water treatment and disposal includes the use of a sealed chamber having a plurality of sealed light transmitting windows and a relatively large basin connected to the chamber by a large multi-channel conduit. A large fan exhausts gases, humidity and odor from the chamber into a lower portion of the basin. An upper portion of the basin includes a multi-layer grid including layers of hydro stones and/or artificial hydro stones, sand, fertilizer and earth together with a plurality of shallow rooted trees. Any carbon dioxide produced by the waste water is ultimately converted to oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Abdulreidha AlSaffar
  • Publication number: 20120273403
    Abstract: A reclaimer system for removing solid material from a fluid-filled pit. The reclaimer system comprises a screen, a pump, and a conveyor. The screen is positioned within the pit such that the pit is divided into a first portion and a second portion. The screen includes a plurality of openings. The pump is positioned in the first portion of the pit and includes at least one intake port in fluid communication with the first portion of the pit. The conveyor is positioned in the second portion of the pit adjacent the screen. The conveyor includes a frame, a belt, a plurality of flight members mounted on the belt, and a conveyor deck. The flight members are mounted on the belt and move the solid material along the conveyor deck, carrying the solid material out of the pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas E. Daniels, Jeremy N. Fuhr
  • Publication number: 20120273402
    Abstract: The invention relates to environment protection and can be used for cleaning industrial wastewater, liquidation of oil spills resulted from ecological disasters. The invention provides a reliable device for cleaning water from oil nano- and micro-particles and other impurities. Such device comprises a pump pumping a liquid flow of water with impurities particles. The pump is connected to a water dynamic purification unit (WDPU) with a channel including a first type section with variable cross-section decreasing downstream, a minimal passage cross-section, a second type section with variable cross-section increasing downstream. The first type section includes a zone with a plurality of protrusions and deepenings. One protrusion has a maximal height greater than the heights of other protrusions. Preferable sizes and relations of channel elements are disclosed. The WDPU uses cavitation that allows decomposing oil particles, and reduction of the flow speed for commencement of cavitation and sedimentation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Vladimir Ilych Kormilitsyn, Vladimir Pavlovich Lobko, Oleg Olegovich Tikhonenko
  • Publication number: 20120261353
    Abstract: A solids separator for use in a sewer overflow chamber having an inlet, flow chamber and main outlet, whereby liquid, having solids entrained therein, flows from the inlet through the flow chamber to the outlet, the solids separator comprising: an overflow weir over which liquid flows during overflow into a separation chamber; a filter in the separation chamber that filters solids and allows liquid to pass through to an overflow outlet; and a return outlet through which filtered solids return back into the flow chamber, wherein the filter includes an array of vertical filter members spaced from a top of the overflow weir such that a liquid flowing over the weir passes through the filter members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Ian Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120248042
    Abstract: A system and method for managing fluid mature fine tailings (MFT) containment volume in a tailings pond to a minimum, fixed steady-state volume by balancing the accumulation of the MFT in the pond with consumption of the MFT from the pond by one or both of spiking the MFT into coarse sand tailings forming a coarse sand beach with trapped fines which is segregating for forming a trafficable deposit or centrifuging MFT from the tailings pond and depositing the resulting centrifuge cake on the coarse sand beach. During the life of the oil sand operation, when the volume of MFT approaches the fixed volume of the tailings pond, MFT is consumed from the pond using both sand-spiking and centrifugation as required. Production of MFT in the pond is also reduced by diverting an underflow from a secondary flotation cell in an extraction plant from the tailings pond to a thickener where the fines-rich thickened tailings from the thickener are beached for subsequent dewatering and reclamation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL E&P CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: David BALDREY, Francis DEPARIS, Alexandre PACTAT, Pedro RIBEIRO, Bill SHAW, Alexander William HYNDMAN
  • Publication number: 20120228232
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AQUAFIBER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Patent number: 8256989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-storing and water-cleaning system. Said system is designed in such a manner that it can be used irrespective of location. It is used, inter alia, in agriculture, in horticulture and in reforestation. Said system comprises a reservoir (2) that is filled with a porous material (3), into which the water is seeped. In order to displace the seepage path, the reservoir (2) contains at least one barrier layer (5) made of a water-impermeable material, that separates the two layers made of the porous material (3) and comprises an outlet (6) for connecting the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Luxin (Green Planet) AG
    Inventors: Holger Burkhardt, Arthur Glanzmann
  • Publication number: 20120217193
    Abstract: An apparatus to convey and seal a material recovery and separation container (MRSC) that is water and air permeable for in-place material recovery and separation of a primary product of clean water and clean air and a secondary product of floating contaminants such as an oil spill or other pollution from a composite mixture of products at the surface of water or at depths (oil plume). The apparatus has a horizontal platform base for support and to provide a lay-down area, provide an operator support area, and provide a structure for connecting to a local containment boom and standoff. One embodiment is a hook and rail conveying system brings the MRSC to the composite mixture, through the composite mixture for collection, to a container closing area and to a lay-down area. The MRSC is closed after filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Sky Bleu Martin
  • Publication number: 20120217206
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for collecting surface material in marine environments, comprising (1) one or more arm members extendable from an operation platform; (2) at least one sprayer releasably attachable to a distal end of at least one arm member; (3) at least one skimmer releasably attachable to a distal end of at least one arm member, the skimmer being operationally configured to collect material from a water surface; and (4) a fluid delivery means in fluid communication with the sprayer, the sprayer being operationally configured for linear discharge of fluid to a target, the direction of fluid discharge being adjustable in relation to the location of the operation platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Robert S. Brown, III, Robert S. Brown, IV, Larry Howell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120211230
    Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase fluid, the fluid comprising a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, the method comprising: introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multi-phase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region; wherein fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region; and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, SR., Raghunath Gopal Menon, Sandeep Patni, Moye Wicks, III, Patrick Gitau Mahinda, Rajneesh Varma
  • Patent number: 8221621
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Environmental Lunch Box Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Kryzak
  • Patent number: 8216455
    Abstract: A plurality of buildings each have a plurality of primary devices adapted to dispense potable water and a plurality of secondary devices adapted to dispense salt water. A primary feed line and branch feed lines convey the potable water to the primary devices. A secondary feed line and secondary branch feed lines convey the salt water to the secondary devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mackenzie Anne O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20120152855
    Abstract: A non-filtration pre-separation device and method for the removal of algae using the same, comprising a system having a hydrodynamic separator including at least one curved structure for the removal of bio-organisms from seawater, such structure having an inlet in operative connection with a source of raw seawater and a bifurcated outlet operative for passing pre-treated effluent fluid to a downstream filtration system and the removal of waste fluid. Various fluidic structures, implementations and selected fabrication techniques to realize such a device, whether singular or in stacked and/or packed parallel configuration are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Joe Zuback, Norine E. Chang, Ashutosh Kole, Kai Melde, Jeonggi Seo
  • Publication number: 20120145628
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for the production of enhanced water from desalinated water, the system consisting of: a desalinated water inlet for allowing the desalinated water to enter the system; a post inlet medium for prefiltering the desalinated water; a water enhancing assemblage of aquatic plants and microorganisms for enhancing the prefiltered desalinated water; a balance pit 5 for maintaining level of enhanced water; an enhanced water accumulation tank 6. The water is enhanced in that boron levels are decreased and levels of enzymes, secondary metabolites, vitamins, and minerals are increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Yeal Ben Zvi, Limor Gruber, Dovrat Weizer
  • Patent number: 8187461
    Abstract: A system and method for processing and reusing graywater. At least two vertical flow wetland units are provided, each of which comprises a container filled with at least one granular substrate and at least one species of a hygrophilous plant, and an outlet. At least one of the wetland units is set to an inactive state during a predetermined period of time such that influx of graywater to each of the inactive units is prevented, to regenerate each inactive wetland units. At least one of the wetland units is set to an active state to allow introduced graywater to be purified. Purified graywater is discharged from the outlet of each active unit to a sink. At least a portion of the purified graywater is recirculated to each active wetland units so that a portion of the purified graywater, when desired, is discharged to a domestic site for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Moshe Elazar Ernest
  • Publication number: 20120125865
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, comprising a particle separation space, which is connected to an inflow opening through which water that contains particles can enter the particle separation space, a particle-collecting space into which particles that have been separated from the water that contains particles reach from the particle separation space via a separation mechanism and an adjustment mechanism, which is configured to regulate a filling level of the water that contains particles in the particle separation space. In addition, the invention relates to a method for picking up particles, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, from the surface of a water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN
    Inventors: Günther Clauss, Florian Sprenger
  • Patent number: 8182174
    Abstract: A drainage system includes: at least one first drainage pipe to be disposed within the ground and including a single-piece first porous pipe wall that has a top open end, a bottom open end for extending to a level distant from the ground surface, and a plurality of first through holes to permeate the surface water into adjacent soil areas; and at least one second drainage pipe transversely connected to the first drainage pipe, and including a single-piece second porous pipe wall that has two opposite open ends, and a plurality of second through holes disposed between the two opposite open ends of the second porous pipe wall to permeate the surface water into adjacent soil areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120111798
    Abstract: A method and a device are described to be able to neutralise the damages from an oil spill at sea or on a lake by rapid addition of an absorbent where this can also be carried out in very poor weather, and also a method to remove oil spills as particulate absorbed material, store this at sea and thereafter transport this ashore, and also process the spill further ashore. An application of the method is described for oil protection emergencies and in oil spills at sea or in lakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Atle Mundheim Ylikangas
  • Patent number: 8146662
    Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe and a wire wrap layer. The wire wrap layer includes a wire wrapped around support ribs. The wire wrap layer has an axial end section wrapped at a first gage and an intermediate section wrapped at a second, larger gage. A mesh layer is provided around the wire wrap layer. An outer shroud is provided around the mesh layer, the outer shroud sealed to the wire wrap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Shoemate
  • Patent number: 8128316
    Abstract: A method of restoring a lake that has a high saline level is disclosed herein. In order to restore the lake, a series of concentric dikes or levees are provided that separate the lake into a plurality of smaller lake sections, each having a water surface. The smaller lake sections include an outer lake section which is next to the periphery of the lake and one or more inner lake sections. Each dike and each smaller lake section water surface have an elevation. Water is flowed from an influent source to the outer lake section and then to each of the inner lake sections. The outer lake section surface has a higher elevation. The inner lake section surfaces have cascading lower surface elevations. At a central area, a breathing brine area is provided that is surrounded by the smaller lake sections to provide an area that can be used to concentrate brine. The smaller lake sections can have differing salinity levels for sustaining diverse marine and plant life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: C. F. Bean L.L.C.
    Inventors: Pieter van Groen, Jorrit K. de Groot
  • Publication number: 20120048789
    Abstract: A subsurface hydrocarbon capture apparatus having a filtration member connected to a mouth frame, wherein the filtration member is composed of a material that is hydrophobic and lipophilic, the apparatus having buoyancy and weight members to maintain the apparatus in a subsurface disposition when pulled by a boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman
  • Publication number: 20120024766
    Abstract: A wastewater reuse system has a wastewater treatment system connected to a dwelling for receiving wastewater therefrom. The wastewater treatment system has a pump tank with an outlet that can be connected to a central wastewater collection system. There can be a pump in the pump tank for pumping water from the pump tank to a use recipient of treated wastewater such as an irrigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20120006757
    Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Joel R. Lehman, Verlin Frazier
  • Publication number: 20110309021
    Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention relates to a treatment for irrigation water by removing microbiological impurities and DBP precursors, utilizing filtration media comprising zero-valent metal to retain and inactivate microbiological agents such as viruses and bacteria such as Escherichia coli. One of the objectives of the present invention is to remove microbiological agents such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from irrigation water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Yan JIN, Pei Chiu
  • Patent number: 8080157
    Abstract: A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Patent number: 8075783
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Publication number: 20110284477
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is described. The treatment system can include an aerobic digestion system, an anaerobic digestion system, and a ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PRESBY PATENT TRUST
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Publication number: 20110240534
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system including a reaction tank in which raw water and ozone are imported and made to react each other for a predetermined period of time to kill microorganisms existing in raw water, an ozone decomposer in which water containing residual ozone discharged from the reaction tank is imported and the residual ozone is decomposed, and a circulation pump installed between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer, forming a circulation system which removes the residual ozone by means of circulating the water containing the residual ozone between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer. Accordingly, this system dispenses with a deaeration tank which would require a wide space for installation, small cost and is able to be applied to existing ships easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito, Noboru Takemura, Yukirou Kadomoto, Takeo Nojiri, Izumi Onishi, Masahiro Kuwajima, Masabumi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110240533
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system including a reaction tank in which raw water and ozone are imported and made to react each other for a predetermined period of time to kill microorganisms existing in raw water, an ozone decomposer in which water containing residual ozone discharged from the reaction tank is imported and the residual ozone is decomposed, and a circulation pump installed between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer, forming a circulation system which removes the residual ozone by means of circulating the water containing the residual ozone between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer. Accordingly, this system dispenses with a deaeration tank which would require a wide space for installation, small cost and is able to be applied to existing ships easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito, Noboru Takemura, Yukirou Kadomoto, Takeo Nojiri, Izumi Onishi, Masahiro Kuwajima, Masabumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8017012
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Kryzak
  • Patent number: 7985338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an algal purification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a biological purification system incorporating light-converting materials and sun trackers to enhance photosynthesis of algae therein in order to treat wastewater from municipal, agricultural and industrial sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Ning Chong, Lan Wong
  • Publication number: 20110174706
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for recycling and reusing water from sprinkler systems to water or irrigate a yard or an area of land. The system includes a water reclamation tank that stores water captured from beneath the area of land. When it is time to water the area of land, the sprinkler system draws water from the water reclamation tank. A portion of this water is then recaptured and supplied back to the water reclamation tank for further storage until the next time the sprinkler system is activated. This cyclical process occurs repeatedly and enables a significant reduction in the amount of freshly supplied water used to maintain the area of land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Austin Russell
  • Publication number: 20110146976
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator assembly includes a longitudinal housing configured for disposal in a wellbore, wherein the longitudinal housing comprises a discharge head disposed at one end of the longitudinal housing, wherein the discharge head includes at least one overflow port and at least one underflow port; a plurality of hydrocyclones disposed arranged in a same orientation in the longitudinal housing, wherein the plurality of hydrocyclone each comprise an overflow exit and an underflow exit, wherein at least two of the overflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to a common tubing that is connected to the at least one overflow port on the discharge head, wherein at least two of the underflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to separate tubings that are connected to the at least one underflow port on the discharge head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Hackworth, Brigitte Finkiewicz, Dwayne Cartier
  • Publication number: 20110108494
    Abstract: Included herein is a carbon dioxide delivery system. The system may include any of the following: (1) a body of a liquid; (2) a carbon dioxide recapture element in communication with the body; (3) a carbon dioxide generator in communication with the recapture element; and (4) a carbon dioxide effluent line exiting the generator and in communication with the body. Also included is a process of delivering carbon dioxide. The process includes capturing a first gas having a measurable amount of carbon dioxide from a body of liquid. The method also includes transmitting the first gas to a carbon dioxide generator and delivering a carbon dioxide enriched gas to the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Weston Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20110062067
    Abstract: The invention discloses a process to implement and maintain water bodies larger than 15,000 m3 for recreational use, such as lakes or artificial lagoons, with excellent color, transparency and cleanness properties at low cost, which comprises the following steps: a.—providing a structure able to contain a large water body larger than 15,000 m3; b.—feeding the structure of step (a) with inlet water having iron and manganese levels lower than 1.5 ppm and turbidity lower than 5 NTU; c.—measuring water pH, ideally it should be within a range lower than 7.8; d.—adding an oxidizing agent to the water contained in the structure of step (a), with which a 600 mV minimal ORP is controlled in water for a minimal period of 4 hours and in maximal cycles of 48 hours; e.—adding a flocculating agent in concentrations within 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: CRYSTAL LAGOONS CORPORATION LLC
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann Torres
  • Publication number: 20110011797
    Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: William Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110005999
    Abstract: A portable water recycling and treatment system and process for used and produced flowback frac water pumps the water from a collection tank through a series of dedicated hydration, retention and filtering tanks and vessels that provide treatment for the removal of chemicals, sediments and other containments. The system, which is enclosed, can be readily assembled on-site by interconnecting the dedicated tanks, vessels and pumps. The tanks and vessels may be situated in a plurality of trailers/units that are transported separately to the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Chad Allen Randal