With Heater Or Heat Exchanger Patents (Class 210/175)
  • Patent number: 7585416
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides an apparatus and method for filtration and disinfection of ship's ballast water, such as sea water, based on hydrodynamic cavitation. The apparatus comprises a vortex diode with a tangential entry port and an axial outlet port with single or multiple bleeding holes. The disinfected water may be re-circulated through the system for additional disinfection or released from the tank into the surrounding waterways. The disinfection of seawater/ship's ballast water is achieved through filtration and hydrodynamic cavitation and the method does not involve use of any chemicals or any chemical reaction. The invented apparatus and method is simple, eco-friendly and can be fitted on to existing intake and discharge systems of any ship with minor modifications. It poses no risk to the health of the ship's crew unlike chemical methods and requires no special skill or additional manpower for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Vivek Vinayak Ranade, Anirudh Bhalchandra, Arga Chandrashekar Anil, Subhash Shivram Sawant, Dandayudapani Ilangovan, Rajachandran Madhan, Krishnamurthy Pilarisetty Venkat
  • Publication number: 20090206039
    Abstract: Device for the separation of magnetic particles from a liquid, comprising a first vessel (10), a second vessel (20), a connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200) that runs from the interior of the first vessel (10) to the interior of the second vessel (20), at least one magnet (40) for the provision of a magnetic field, and a guide element (50) by means of which the magnetic field can be guided along one side of the connecting surface (11, 21, 30; 200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Rothmann, Thomas Deutschmann, Christian Lenz, Cordula (Leurs) Homberg
  • Publication number: 20090194272
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for treating a fluid to be injected into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a desalination system (12) having a fluid inlet (16) for receiving a first feed fluid (18) and a first fluid outlet (22) for delivering a first product fluid (20). The apparatus (10) also includes a selective ionic species removal plant (30) having a fluid inlet (36) for receiving a second feed fluid (34) and a fluid outlet (40) for delivering a second product fluid (38), wherein the second product fluid (38) has a preferred ionic concentration. A mixer (46) is provided for mixing at least a portion of the first product fluid (20) and at least a portion of the second product fluid (38) to provide a third or injection product fluid (48). Accordingly, injection fluid can be created which has a preferred ionic concentration suitable for injecting into a well (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: VWS Westgarth Limited
    Inventor: Brian Baillie
  • Patent number: 7560022
    Abstract: A method for the continuous process of fluids is based on mixing the fluid with a supercritical fluid. The mixing of the two fluids may be accomplished using either a co-flow or counter-flow process. The process focuses on the difference in the solubilities of the desired and the undesired components into supercritical fluid and de-emphasizes the influence of the contaminating components of the fluid to be processed. The process of the present invention is particularly advantageous to the recycling of industrial waste fluids, such as used oil, wherein the process is carried out by jet spray micro-orifices atomization of waste material with a supercritical fluid to dissolve oil from the waste material. Additional mixing devices such as an ultrasonic gun may be employed. Thereafter, un-dissolved components are separated first and the dissolved fluid is then separated from the supercritical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fluidphase Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Abdulhaq E. Alkhalidi
  • Publication number: 20090152199
    Abstract: A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through at least a portion of the interior region, and having exterior surfaces and inner hollow regions, where the inner hollow regions are configured to provide flow paths for a distillate fluid. The membrane module further comprises an opening extending through the outer casing for providing a feed solution to the interior region adjacent the exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, where the feed solution provided to the opening has an elevated temperature that is greater than an atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature of the feed solution, and an elevated pressure at which an effective boiling temperature of the feed solution is greater than the elevated temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Zidu Ma, James R. Irish, Xiaohong Liao, Haralambos Cordatos, Xiaomei Yu
  • Publication number: 20090145852
    Abstract: Heating systems and methods of preventing freeze-ups of underground tank systems. In septic underground tank systems, bacteria activity is enhanced by raising the temperature within the bacteria's environment. The preferred heater system includes a thermostatic control unit with a temperature sensor which may be selectively located to sense the temperature within a portion of the underground tank system. The heating systems and methods are particularly useful in mound or drainfield septic systems as well as underground water tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher T. Norgaard
  • Patent number: 7544290
    Abstract: An aquarium is provided that hides ugly electrical wires. The aquarium comprises: a tank capable of holding water, the tank having an interior and an exterior, and a bottom, the bottom having an opening within the interior of the tank, a hollow member disposed within at least the interior of the tank and having an upper opening, a lower opening, an inner surface and an outer surface, the lower opening capable of aligning around or with the opening in the bottom of the tank so that water is prevented from leaking out the opening in the bottom of the tank, the outer surface of the hollow member capable of preventing water flow into the inner surface of the hollow member, and the inner surface of the hollow member capable of receiving one or more electrical wires to or from the upper and lower openings of the hollow member. In various embodiments, a decorative structure is provided that can hide and protect electrical devices typically used in the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Reading Etc., Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Lynn Pulice, Jeff Cameron Wright
  • Patent number: 7537702
    Abstract: A water purification system comprising a thermal hydrolysis catalytic reactor, an adsorbent media bed and a reverse osmosis unit is provided. The water purification system may provide potable water from non-potable water, such as non-potable water contaminated with chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, radioactive agents and/or Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs). Methods for providing potable water using the water purification system of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lupton, Russ Johnson, Peter M. Michalakos, Michel A. Jonqueres
  • Publication number: 20090114582
    Abstract: An enclosure for containing a portable hemodialysis unit includes a housing suitable to support components for performing hemodialysis including a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer. The housing may have a front panel at which blood circuit connections and dialysate fluidic connections are located, e.g., blood line connections for patient blood access, connections for a reagent supply, dialyzer connections for both blood flow and dialysate, etc. The enclosure may also include a pair of vertical, side-by-side doors hingedly mounted to the housing. With the doors in the closed position, access to the patient access and dialysate fluidic connections may be blocked, and the doors may allow for the retention of heat in the housing suitable for disinfection during a disinfection cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, Arun D. Chawan, David E. Collins
  • Patent number: 7520993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Water & Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Laraway, Richard E. Weber, Donald J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7513997
    Abstract: A recirculating wastewater evapotranspiration and disinfection system is disclosed in which wastewater is collected, stored, aerated. and circulated through an unsaturated and optionally heated planter/filter bed containing soil microorganisms and living plants in which aerated wastewater is circulated and recirculated through the system until all of the wastewater and its constituents are utilized by any of evaporation, transpiration, gasification and living plant production and their by-products, or otherwise disinfected for reuse, while energy is gratuitously recovered in the process for productive use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: David Anthony Del Porto
  • Patent number: 7510661
    Abstract: A wastewater separation system for separating an aqueous phase from an organic phase comprising oil, fat and/or grease in wastewater is disclosed. The wastewater may be collected from restaurant grease traps, as well as other food preparation facilities, schools, hospitals, processing plants and the like. A separator, such as a centrifugal separation device, comprises a wastewater inlet, an organic phase outlet for discharging low density liquid and solids and an aqueous phase outlet for discharging water and possibly other high density liquids and solids. The system can be portable and can be mounted on a vehicle for collection and treatment at various sites. Heat can be introduced to the system to accelerate the separation of the aqueous phase from the organic phase of the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Publication number: 20090078631
    Abstract: A fuel heater module and a water-in-fuel sensor module are disclosed that are configured to be connected to an outside surface of a filter assembly. The fuel heater module includes an inlet port and an outlet port with a heating element positioned in the fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A thermostat is included for controlling operation of the heating element. The water-in-fuel sensor module is configured to detect water in the filter housing that it may be drained from the filter housing. Both modules are configured to be attached to an outside surface of the filter housing thereby being readily replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Abby True-Dahl, Gerard Malgorn, Arnuad LeVen, Gildas LeMen, Mark Wieczorek, Zemin Jiang, Jeffrey A. Husband, Ismail C. Bagci, Charles W. Hawkins, Chad M. Thomas, Mark Johnson, Ted Loftis, Robert A. Bannister
  • Publication number: 20090065413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultraviolet radiation lamp. The lamp comprises: (i) a substantially sealed cavity comprising a mercury-containing material; and (ii) a heating unit disposed exteriorly with respect to the cavity. The heating unit is disposed in contact with a first portion of the cavity comprising the mercury-containing material. The heating unit has adjustable heat output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fraser, Michael Sasges
  • Publication number: 20090057234
    Abstract: A method and system for recovering grease from wastewater is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving wastewater comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the organic phase comprises solids and grease; pretreating the wastewater to produce a waste sludge stream comprising water, solids, and grease, wherein a substantial amount of the solids and grease from the wastewater are extracted into the waste sludge stream; separating the waste sludge in a first separation stage to provide a first separation phase consisting essentially of solids, and a second separation phase comprising an immiscible liquid mixture of grease and water; and separating the second separation phase to provide a third separation phase consisting essentially of water and a fourth separation phase consisting essentially of grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SF Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: John Noble ARMSTRONG, Cory Allen Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090045150
    Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine. Oil also is separated from brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20090039030
    Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Conrad S. Revak
  • Patent number: 7488421
    Abstract: Water processing method, in particular for producing fresh water from salt water by membrane distillation. In comparison with previously known methods, a significant reduction in investment cost and operating cost can be achieved by the combination of the following measures: The water to be processed is kept in a supply chamber the wall of which is formed at least in part by a hydrophobic membrane being permeable for water vapor. A hydrophilic membrane having a greater thickness in comparison with the hydrophobic membrane and a lower thermal conductivity per unit area runs in parallel with the hydrophobic membrane. By the pumping action a vapor pressure difference is produced between the water to be processed and the fresh water so that the membrane distillation is driven by the vapor pressure difference resulting from the pumping action, the water condensing in the pores of the hydrophilic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Clean Water Gesellschaft Fuer Wasseraufbereitungstechnik mbH
    Inventors: Guenther Hambitzer, Heide Biollaz, Markus Borck, Christiane Ripp
  • Publication number: 20090018668
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components of a fluid mixture comprising the steps of providing a fluid, providing a sorbent structure (120), sorbing a first component of the fluid, desorbing the first component, and electrokinetically biasing the first component in a direction other than the vector of the fluid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SEPARATION DESIGN GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Douglas Galbraith
  • Publication number: 20090001002
    Abstract: Waste water purification plant by means of plants and waste water purification process. The waste water purification plant (10) has at least one plant container (32), a feed unit (16), an evacuation unit (36) and plants. Waste water to be purified can be supplied to the purification plant (10) by the feed unit (16). Purified waste water can be discharged from the purification plant (10) by the evacuation unit (36). The plants are arranged in the plant container (32) without a substrate. A plant container (32) preferably has at least two plant basins (82-98). At least one other container (20, 24, 26, 146, 162, 172, 186, 188, 197) can be provided. At least part of the plant container (32) is arranged on the roof (147) of a building. Plants of at least two different plant species are provided in the plant container (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Hartmut Bauer, Frank Kozianka, Sandra Endisch
  • Patent number: 7468133
    Abstract: A new process for the production of methane gas from flush dairy operations utilizing heated baffles in a lagoon is disclosed. The baffles are aligned in rows with the rows oriented perpendicular to the flow of nutrient-rich liquid through the lagoon. The baffles are indirectly heated by either hot water or steam and are suspended sheets of porous material upon which methane-producing bacteria are resident. The methane is contained beneath and removed from an enclosing cover over the lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Gary William Norton
  • Patent number: 7459084
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a fluid separation module adapted to separate a given fluid mixture into permeate and retentate portions using bundles of hollow fiber membranes. The membranes may be composed of different kinds of membranes depending on the application being used to separate the fluid mixture. The fluid separation module may be used to separate fluid mixtures by a number of different processes, including but not limited to, pervaporation, vapour permeation, membrane distillation (both vacuum membrane distillation and direct contact membrane distillation), ultra filtration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane stripping and gas separation. The present invention also provides an internal heat recovery process applied in association with those fluid separation applications where separation takes place by evaporation through the membrane of a large portion of the feed into permeate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Petro Sep International Ltd.
    Inventors: Fakhir U. Baig, Abdul M. Kazi, Aiser Al-Hassani
  • Patent number: 7458414
    Abstract: Improvement, in hydraulic systems, such as for vehicle transmissions and the like, in the form of a hydraulic reservoir with integrated heat exchanger having fluid supply/return and fluid return ports, including a central section, having inner and outer shell portions with a first gap therebetween, the outer shell being provided with a plurality of radially-spaced, external cooling fins, longitudinally-directed for the length of the central section; the ends of the latter being closed off via respective bottom and top cap portions, thereby defining a central fluid cavity, the top cap portion having spaced outer and inner cap portions, with a second gap therebetween, with a fluid inlet port, in the outer cap portion, directing incoming fluid from the second gap into and through the entire length of the first gap before entering the central fluid cavity, thereby maximizing heat transfer from the fluid via the plurality of cooling fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew H. Simon
  • Patent number: 7455771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hepa Wash GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kreymann
  • Publication number: 20080264845
    Abstract: Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Michael David Max
  • Publication number: 20080264842
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are micropurification cards, systems, systems and methods, backspace. A micropurification cards include a plurality of fluidic components capable of extracting molecules from samples. Samples include biological cells and the extracted molecules include nucleic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Arcxis Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle W. Hukari, Matthew J. Bartosiewicz, Seth R. Stern, Michael C. DeRenzi, Fabien M. Van De Graaf, Jesse B. Thompson, Jay A.A. West
  • Patent number: 7442353
    Abstract: A process by which heat is removed from a reactant fluid to reach the operating temperature of a known pollutant removal method and said heat is recirculated to raise the temperature of the product fluid. The process can be utilized whenever an intermediate step reaction requires a lower reaction temperature than the prior and next steps. The benefits of a heat-recirculating cooler include the ability to use known pollutant removal methods and increased thermal efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: George A. Richards, David A. Berry
  • Publication number: 20080257807
    Abstract: A radial or crossflow media filter comprising a housing such as a vessel or tank (1), the housing containing filter media (9), a contaminated flow inlet (2) and a discharge outlet (8), the inlet comprising a manifold (5) situated within the housing, the manifold (5) having flow outlets (6) which are directed laterally, away from the discharge outlet (8). The flow inlet may comprise a substantially vertically aligned elongate tubular manifold (5) with a plurality of flow distribution holes or slots disposed along its length. Furthermore, the discharge outlet (8) may be accessed through a chamber within the housing which contains a second filter media (11) which is of larger average particle size than the first filter media (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: David John Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20080251468
    Abstract: A cyclone separator (40) includes a housing (42), in which a cyclone assembly (10) is contained. The housing (42) has an inflow chamber (44), an overflow chamber (46) and a discharge chamber (48). The cyclone assembly (10) has an inner cyclone liner (16) positioned concentrically within a cyclone chamber (12). A displacement means (52) is provided for displacing the inner cyclone liner (16) axially from an operative position in the cyclone chamber (12) to an inoperative position in the overflow chamber (46) of the housing (42). The cyclone chamber (12) has a larger internal diameter than the inner cyclone liner (16), therefore, when the inner cyclone liner is moved to the inoperative position, the flowrate through the cyclone assembly is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: David John Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7431837
    Abstract: A mixing vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By relatively moving the septum with respect to the ends of the vessel, and flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: ILC Dover LP
    Inventors: Donald R. Cohee, Ajay K. Prasad
  • Publication number: 20080202996
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: TANA INDUSTRIES (1991) LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Oranski, Avner Sadot, Israel Heifetz, Yoav Dracher
  • Publication number: 20080196156
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a shower head 22, a circuit configured to recirculate at least part of the used water to the shower head, a heater 18 included in the circuit for heating the recycled water to a temperature at which micro organisms in the water are killed and a heat exchanger 16 arranged to exchange heat between the water flowing towards and away from the heater. The system provides an efficient use of water and energy and also allows a high flow rate of water at a relatively low use of energy and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Royal College of Art
    Inventor: Peter Brewin
  • Patent number: 7407575
    Abstract: A filtering structure intended to be incorporated a vertical swimming pool wall has a filtering device and a pumping device with the pumping device having an electrical part, including an electric motor, and a hydraulic part equipped with a turbine. The filtering structure has a suction port facing towards a nominally horizontal access passageway partly submerged in water, and emerging towards a nominally vertical tank arranged thereunder. The filtering structure has a tank communicating with a nominally vertical column, partly in the upper part of which is arranged the hydraulic part. The electrical part is arranged above the level of the water to be treated and is contained in the nominally horizontal access passageway, while the hydraulic part is immersed in a volume of filtered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Piscines Waterair S.A., Procopi S.A.
    Inventors: Jacques Braun, Pierre Baysse, Pierre Le Guillou
  • Publication number: 20080179228
    Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps. The apparatus includes a vessel for collecting the wastewater and a heating chamber including waste oil burners and a heat transfer liquid such as mineral oil to heat the wastewater mixture to boil off the water and to reduce the volume of liquid for disposal. A wastewater supply tank may be positioned under the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond E. VanKouwenberg
  • Publication number: 20080156734
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: John L. Burba, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Joseph A. Lupo, Joseph R. Pascoe
  • Publication number: 20080149573
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for removing contaminants from seawater by an evaporation/condensation process. The method and system utilize alternative energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and wind energy. The system may include a water separation unit powered by a geothermal system to sufficiently vaporize source water. The system may further include a first input line configured to receive the source water for distillation by the water separation unit. A first heat exchanger coupled to the first input line is powered by a plurality of energy harnessing devices. The first heat exchanger is configured to preheat the source water. At least one second heat exchanger powered by the plurality of energy harnessing devices is configured to condense the vaporized source water into a distilled water product. The plurality of energy harnessing devices are electrically connected to a roadway system electricity grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Genedics LLC
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Patent number: 7387721
    Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Clay Moore
  • Publication number: 20080135227
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating the output fluids of a well by way of efficiently applying heat to the fluids. Separation takes place in a sealed vessel to which heat is applied to the fluid by contact with a multi-pass firetube assembly through which hot exhaust gas is expelled from a forced draft burner. The firetubes forming the assembly are of smaller diameter than used in conventional separators and not subject to high leakage experienced in conventional separating vessels, and the heat transfer is highly efficient resulting in less fuel consumption and less emission of greenhouse gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Les Unrau
  • Patent number: 7374674
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography apparatus includes a separation column, liquid feed pump which feeds eluent into the separation column, a detector which detects elution component fed from the separation column, and a plurality of valves which control a flow of liquid which passes from the liquid feed pump to the detector via the separation column, wherein the liquid feed pump, the separation column, the detector, and the plurality of valves are disposed in a cooled portion within a first unit, and among the mechanical parts and the electrical parts that respectively form the liquid feed pump, the detector, and the plurality of valves, the electrical parts are disposed in a non-cooled portion within the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Miyauchi, Gen-ichi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7357260
    Abstract: A solid material separator for separating solid particles from a mixture containing liquid and these particles which enables the process of separating the solid particles from the liquid to be improved. The solid separator comprising a collecting vessel which is movable from a filling position, wherein the mixture containing the particles and the liquid is fed into the collecting vessel, to a liquid run-off position, wherein the liquid can at least partially drain out of the collecting vessel, and a device for producing a magnetic field by means of which the particles are at least partially retained in the collecting vessel in the liquid run-off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Egon Kaeske
  • Patent number: 7357862
    Abstract: An exemplary method and system for reducing or eliminating the formation of solid precipitates/deposits of a flowing fluid, such as oil, or for reducing or eliminating existing solid precipitates/deposits contained in a flowing fluid, is provided. A fluid conditioning system and method are provided, along with a magnetic fluid conditioner that provides numerous magnetic field transitions through a magnetic flux density in the flow path of the fluid to reduce the formation of precipitates/deposits. A recirculating system using the invention may be set up to reduce deposits, such as paraffin in oil, by circulating oil through a pump, a magnetic fluid conditioner, a tank, and, in one embodiment, and a heater until the deposits/precipitates have been transitioned from a solid to a liquid. A multi-pole magnet, such as an eight-pole magnet, may be used in an embodiment of the present invention to increase the effectiveness of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Flo-Rite Fluids, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. White
  • Patent number: 7335296
    Abstract: A system for processing supercritical and subcritical fluid capable of bringing the inside of at least one processing container (1) formed in a flow passage into a supercritical or subcritical high pressure field, wherein thermal operation is applied to process fluid to apply thermal expansion to the fluid to produce a pressure difference between the processing container (1) and the outside, whereby a specified temperature and the high pressure field suitable for the processing of the supercritical or subcritical fluid can be provided in the processing container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Arai, Hiroshi Inomata, Richard Lee Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7332126
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing the steps of nucleic acid template purification, thermocycling reaction and purification of the products of the thermocycling reaction characterized in that the steps take place sequentially in a microfluidic disc. Also disclosed is a microstructure for fluids comprising at least one inlet opening connected to a first chamber incorporating a means for purifying template nucleic acid which, in turn, is connected to a second chamber incorporating a means for a thermocycling reaction which, in turn, is connected to a third chamber incorporating a means for purifying products of the thermocycling reaction, and a microfluidic disc comprising a plurality of such microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GYROS Patent AB
    Inventors: Nigel Eric Tooke, Per X. Andersson
  • Patent number: 7329340
    Abstract: A continuous flow multistage aerobic wastewater sludge digestion system comprising at least two stages connected in series, each stage comprising one or more covered tanks, tank segments or compartments, each having an enclosed separate gas headspace, wherein the gas headspaces of each stage are connected in a specified sequence that may be identical to or different from the staging sequence followed by the sludge liquid. An oxygen containing gas stream, such as air or an oxygen enriched gas stream, is supplied to the headspace of each stage, and a means for aerating the sludge in one or more of the tanks, tank segments or compartments is provided to enhance the transfer of oxygen from the gas headspace into the sludge liquid for use by bacteria in digestion of the sludge. At least one stage of the sludge digestion system is operated at a thermophilic temperature above 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mixing and Mass Transfer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John R. McWhirter, Prakash G. Balan, Bradley A. Swope
  • Publication number: 20080011598
    Abstract: A freshwater recycling system has an oscillatory still distilling water, and a cooling installation connecting to the oscillatory still through a pipe, for change vapor to liquid water. The oscillatory still has a heating element and an oscillatory lodestone accommodated in a distilling tank, a steam excluding opening at a top portion of the distilling tank and a drainpipe at a bottom portion of the distilling tank. The oscillatory lodestone is made from a natural magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Chun Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 7311834
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7309422
    Abstract: A fryer filtration arrangement utilizes certain automated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Edward Mullaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7297255
    Abstract: A mass transfer or energy transfer module is provided which includes a manifold, a cartridge and a bowl which houses the cartridge. The cartridge and bowl are connected to each other at least two flanges which fit into slots of the bowl to form a unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: David Stockbower
  • Patent number: 7294258
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for physically treating drinking water, in particular, for reducing the formation of limestone. The invention device comprises at least one water inlet (3b) and at least one water outlet (3c), whereby the device is mounted in the cold water supply line (3) of at least one water heater (1), preferably a boiler, and the device is placed in good heal-conductive thermal contact with the hot water area of the water heater (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Watercryst Chemiefreie
    Inventors: Klaus Leiter, Gerhard Walder, Franz Mair
  • Patent number: 7294269
    Abstract: An organic matter disposer is disclosed, including a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub so as to store organic matters therein, a stirrer provided in the drum so as to stir the organic matters, a driving device for rotating the drum and the stirrer, and a heating device for drying the organic matters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Gu Kim, Tae Hee Kwak