Vapor Or Gas Removal Patents (Class 210/180)
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Patent number: 6309542Abstract: A waste water treating device can be simply installed in a small area and destroy combustible wastes and sludge to reduce fuel consumption cost of a burner. Moreover, the waste water treating device can increase a treating amount of the waste water per unit time to thereby reduce an activation time thereof and decrease installation and maintenance cost, to thereby obtain an economic advantage.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Seung-Wook Kim
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Publication number: 20010032823Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: George Plester, Willy Van Esch
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Patent number: 6299774Abstract: A process to recover energy, reduce pollution potential, and add value to organic waste such as animal manure is described. The process involves the anaerobic digestion of feedstocks, such as animal manure, at low to high temperatures in batch, semi-continuous or continuous reactors. The process makes use of existing handling and storage equipment at the farm and requires minimal supervision and skill by the operator. The system is not affected by high concentrations of volatile acids and ammonia or nitrogen. The productivity of the anaerobic digester system, in terms of methane a gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester requires only a singe reaction vessel. Consequently, the process is low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
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Patent number: 6287455Abstract: The present invention provides a means of removing water, antifreeze and fuel from lubricating or hydraulic oil by evaporating these impurities and venting them out of the purifier. The oil is heated by heat of an exposed horizontal heating wand within the evaporator. The oil then passes over the upper lip of the evaporator and cascades downward over the evaporator's ridged outer surface, thereby impeding the flow of oil and increasing the rate of evaporation of the impurities. The evaporated impurities then rise upward along the interior of the domed cover and are vented out of the purifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: C. Barclay Whitmore
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Patent number: 6264830Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: George Plester, Willy Van Esch
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Patent number: 6261447Abstract: A water filtration system which utilizes steam pressure to provide energy for the pumping process, has a boiler (1) which shall be used to develop steam (19) and shall be heated by a stove (27). The steam produced shall flow through a steam tube (7) and into a water bottle (9) which contains contaminated water (21) to be filtered and wherein floating insulation (17) exists to thermally isolate the steam from the water. The steam pressure in the water bottle shall force the water out through a water tube (25) and then through a water filter (23) at which point potable water will be available to the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventors: Philippe J. Van Herle, Geoffrey S. Howard, Stewart Prince, Gregory Dato
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Patent number: 6258273Abstract: A method of and apparatus for decontamination of ground water or soil. The method and apparatus includes placing a structure into subsurface contaminated soil and ground water to enhance subsurface conditions for contaminant removal. Subsurface conditions are enhanced through a number of methods including exposure of contaminated soil and ground water to ambient air and sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: John R. Gee
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Patent number: 6228153Abstract: A solvent delivery pump assembly for use in high performance liquid chromatography systems, which accurately delivers a solvent (eluent) drawn from a reservoir, and having removed gases, dissolved in the eluent, and then delivering the eluent as desired for analysis. The apparatus comprises two pump units, each with two plungers of different diameters on a single shaft; one of the plungers in one of the pump unit is of a large diameter size for driving a first pump head in large volume, and the other plunger in the other pump unit is of a smaller diameter for driving a second pump head in small volume.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignees: Micro Electronics Inc., Moleh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Toshinori Saitoh
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Patent number: 6214219Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions, particularly used invert water-in-oil drilling fluid, are separated into an aqueous component and an oil component by passing the emulsion through a knock down tube having an outer member, the outer member having a receiving end and a terminal end, the receiving end receiving the heated invert water-in-oil drilling fluid, an inner member, substantially coaxially disposed with the outer member, said inner member defining a plurality of apertures through which separated oil passes into the outer member, at least one exit port for a separated oil phase to leave the knock-down tube, said exit port defined by the outer member; at least one compressed air entry in air communication with the source of compressed air, and an exit port into a conduit passing through a filter means for the aqueous phase defined by the terminal end of the knock-down tube; heating the emulsion, and pressurizing the heated emulsion. The separated components are recovered and stored for recycling or disposal.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Calvcs, LLCInventor: Cal Fisher
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Patent number: 6187206Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the treatment of wastewater solutions containing cyanide and other dissolved organic material, having an elongated tube having an entrance (28) and an exit (32), and an energy source (22) for the tube, preferably positioned adjacent the exit. The energy source generates intense energy such that a cyanide/organic material-containing solution can be treated by passing it through the tube to expose it to said energy so that the solution absorbs sufficient energy from the energy source to degrade the cyanide and/or dissolved organic material contained therein. The source of intense energy is preferably a plasma, e.g. a plasma generated by a plasma torch or a DC electric arc. The invention also relates to a process of treatment of such a wastewater solution by passing it through such a reactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Alcan InternationalInventors: Jean Luc Bernier, Luc Fortin, Frank M. Kimmerle, Maher I. Boulos, Vijay Kasireddy, Gervais Soucy
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Patent number: 6139744Abstract: A waste treatment device for treating waste having both liquids and solids therein includes a primary waste reservoir which receives influent waste and includes biological decomposing enhancing media for enhancingly biodegrading the waste rendering a first phase separation of solids and liquids and a secondary waste reservoir operably connected to the primary waste reservoir to receive substantially liquid waste having suspended solids therein and includes biological decomposing enhancing media for biodegrading the received waste rendering a second phase separation of solids and liquids.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Microseptec, Inc.Inventors: David Spears, R. C. Shades, Christina Edvardsson, D. Glen Raiger
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Patent number: 6139725Abstract: An oil reclamation device includes a full flow filter (10) fitted around a partial flow filter (12) within an open-ended casing (8). The open end of the casing is capped by a housing defining a vaporization chamber (6). In normal operation, oil flows from oil passage (14) through the full flow filter (10) to a branched leg (22). A metering jet (34) provided in the branched leg allows a minor portion of the oil to flow through the partial flow filter and then into the vaporization chamber. The full flow filter extracts solid contaminants having a particle size of 15 microns or greater. The partial flow filter extracts solid contaminants of 1 micron or greater. The filter element of the partial flow filter is composed of compressed cotton fibers and preferably has a higher density in an upper end adjacent the vaporization chamber. In the vaporization chamber, liquid contaminants are removed from the minor portion by a heating element (72).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Purdayn Filter Technologies IncInventors: Richard Henry Howard Barr, Albert Neal Davies
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Patent number: 6120689Abstract: A method for producing high purity product water using a three pass reverse osmosis system.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Zenon Environmental, Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Tonelli, Ake Deutschmann, Susan L Wesno
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Patent number: 6106716Abstract: The invention provides a system 10 for treatment and purification of domestic household effluent, and for the elimination within said system of organic solid wastes, comprising elements 12 and 14 for separately collecting first and second constituents of the sewage of a domestic residential unit, lavatory sewage comprising said first sewage constituent, and bath, shower, wash basin, laundry, kitchen sink sewage and the like comprising said second sewage constituent, a first and a second dual-purpose vessel 22 and 24, each vessel having at least one inlet port 18 and 20 and at least one outlet port 26, 28, 30, 32 and being arranged so that during the time period that one of said vessels 22 receives said first sewage constituent and acts as a collector and settling tank, the remaining vessel 24 operates as an anaerobic reaction vessel, the vessel operating as an anaerobic reaction vessel carrying out a decomposition process during which the volume of sludge 34 contained therein is greatly reduced by conversionType: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Eliezer Berkman
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Patent number: 6103191Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system includes a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet and structure within the liquid flow chamber between the inlet and the outlet defining a continuous path for maintaining a continuous flow of a slurry from the inlet toward the outlet at a predetermined rate for establishing a minimum period of residence time of the slurry within the flow chamber, the residence time sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry at a predetermined minimum temperature of between about 145 and 160 degrees F, a pump for introducing a continuous flow of a liquid slurry of sludge into the liquid flow chamber and for establishing and maintaining a continuous flow of a liquid slurry through the liquid flow chamber from the inlet to the outlet at the predetermined rate, and a source of heat for introducing heat into a liquid slurry being introduced into the liquid flow chamber for heating the continuous flow of slurry to the predetermined minimum temperature, and dewatering apparatusType: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Riverside County Eastern Municipal Water DistrictInventor: Michael A. Luker
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Patent number: 6099755Abstract: A method and composition for simultaneously controlling the deposition of scale and the formation of corrosion in a cooling water system comprising adding to the system a combination of (a) a water soluble copolymer having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl, F is H.sub.2 or O, M is a water soluble cation, R.sub.2 is (CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n, ##STR2## or mixture of both, n is an integer of from 1 to about 40, R.sub.3 is H, lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkyl or an acetate, and (b) a water soluble polymer characterized by the structural formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 is H or lower alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3); R.sub.2 is OH, OM, or NH.sub.2 ; M is a water soluble cation; R.sub.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Betzdearborn Inc.Inventors: Stephen M. Kessler, Donald T. Freese
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Patent number: 6099742Abstract: An emulsion treater has an elongate vessel for receiving oil in which water is emulsified and gas is entrained, and for separating these impurities from the oil. The vessel is supported so that the axis is oblique through the horizontal, thus defining an upper and a lower end, each of which is closed by a head which may be hemispherical in shape. An elongate sleeve extends coaxially through the vessel and has an upper sleeve end projecting through the upper vessel head, and is itself closed by an upper sleeve head. At the lower end, the sleeve is open, with the open end being located at an intermediate position in the vessel. An elongate firetube extends coaxially through the vessel and the sleeve, and projects through the upper sleeve head and through the lower vessel head, thus defining a chamber with the sleeve which surrounds the firetube. A burner is provided for injecting hot combustion gases into the firetube at the upper end.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Stephen M. Komistek
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Patent number: 6083406Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved in-line contaminant removal from engine lubricating oil are provided which employ gravity to achieve a desired flow rate of oil. The invention is adapted for use with an existing engine oil lubrication system and continuously processes a side stream that after processing, is returned to the engine oil. During processing, the oil is first filtered and then drained and deposited upon the upper central surface portions of a heated dome whereon the oil forms a thin film from which relatively low boiling volatile impurities (especially water) are rapidly separated in a gaseous state. The gas is vented through a pressure relief valve to the manifold while the recovered reconditioned oil is collected and recycled.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Marine Oil Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. DePaul, Frank DePaul
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Patent number: 6080309Abstract: The method of separating impurities from an aqueous solution by means of rotating the aqueous solution at high speeds until a high pressure and a high temperature is reached. At that time the impurities are separated from the solution. The aqueous solution is kept at high temperatures and pressures until the impurities are separated from the liquid. Preferably, a device providing a centrifugal force, such as a centrifuge, is used to achieve the high temperatures and pressures which should preferably be no lower than 705.4.degree. F. and 3,208 psi, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventors: Allen F. Reid, Albert H. Halff
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Patent number: 6077447Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Terry L. Wolf, Curtis D. Mau, Jeffery D. Arnett, Richard F. Huyser
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Patent number: 6048452Abstract: A waste treatment device for treating waste having both liquids and solids therein includes a primary waste reservoir, a solids processor operably connected to the primary waste reservoir to receive waste therefrom in a manner to permit combustion of a substantial part the solids and generate a resultant waste, ash and gas, a secondary waste reservoir operably connected to the solids processor to receive the resultant waste, and a liquid processor operably connected to the secondary waste reservoir to receive the resultant waste in a manner to separate at least a part of the resultant waste into an environmentally safe water and resultant waste concentrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventors: R. C. Shades, Judie Forbes, Jack Slovak, Robert Slovak, David Spears, Christina Edvardsson, Sung Chiu
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Patent number: 6027642Abstract: A water purification system which filters particulates from the water and treats organic contaminats with ozone. The incoming contaminated water flow is divided, with half passing through each of two filter and ozone contact systems. Initially, each stream is passed though a sand separation device to remove large high density particulate mater, then through a multi-stage filter arrangement incorporating disposable filter cartridges. Ozone is injected into each stream leaving the filter system. The flow passes through elongated plug-flow tubing to assure optimum water/ozone contact, then enters a multi-compartment secondary contactor having a series of perforated baffle plates through which the water flows to assure complete ozone/water contact. Finally, each stream passes through a final filter stage, then the streams are combined and pass to storage or a purified water outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventors: Richard N. Prince, Alan M. Young, Donald M. Young
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Patent number: 6001246Abstract: A process wastewater treatment plant, and a process relating thereto, which converts process wastewater generated in battery manufacturing and the like into clean process water and sodium sulfate salt by treating the process wastewater to remove impurities and contaminants, including debris, oil/grease, heavy metal oxides, lead and other heavy metals, suspended solids, bacteria, organic compounds, and/or gases, from the wastewater to obtain a clean neutral sodium sulfate brine, subjecting the brine to heat to obtain distilled water and sodium sulfate salt, and purifying the distilled water by reverse osmosis for reuse as clear process water.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Charles M. Suenkonis
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Patent number: 5997745Abstract: A method for producing high purity product water using a three pass reverse osmosis system.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Anthony A. Tonelli, Ake Deutschmann, Susan L Wesno
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Patent number: 5988283Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Union Pacific Resources CompanyInventor: Don Mike Gann
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Patent number: 5989423Abstract: A disposable cassette for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a pair of diaphragms, tube connectors, pump chambers, channel paths, and valves. A disposable dialysate delivery set for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a cassette, multiple liquid flow paths, multiple valves, tube connectors, and disposable flexible plastic tubes to convey dialysate to and from the patient and other locations within the system. A system for performing peritoneal dialysis includes disposable supply containers of fresh dialysate, a cassette including a pump, a disposable heater container, and conduits for carrying fresh dialysate and carrying heated dialysate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Lanigan, Douglas E. Vincent
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Patent number: 5980694Abstract: An installation for cleaning oil-polluted water, in particular at oil and gas production plants, is provided with a distillation column having a polluted water feed and at least one contact packing above which the outlet of the polluted water feed is located, a vapor discharge, a clean water outlet and a measuring device for the analysis of the water from the clean water outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: EMSYS Separation Technology B.V.Inventors: Adrianus P. Apeldoorn, Jachebus W. Bos, Johannes J. Dozy, Johannes J. Elling, Leonardus C. Gordijn, Pieter Ottens, Wayne S. Penny, Cornelis Spel, Aatje J. Spel-van der Linde, Tom M. Vader, Theodorus J. De Wit
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Patent number: 5958229Abstract: An electrolytic disinfectant system especially useful in a maritime application for treating freshwater so as to render it potable, provides a brine solution that is stored in a tank from which hypochlorite as the disinfectant is fed to a freshwater supply. Gases also fed to the disinfectant storage tank including hydrogen is discharged therefrom and passed to a hydrogen recombiner through which the hydrogen is disposed of by reaction with oxygen under control of external heating bands to generate water vapor. The system thereby provides enhanced disinfectant effectiveness and eliminates storage of hazardous chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: George Filiopoulos, Thomas E. Wenzel
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Patent number: 5958252Abstract: A waste treatment device includes a waste holding tank for receiving waste, a solids-gas processor operably connected to the waste holding tank, an aqueous holding tank operably connected to the processor and the waste holding tank and an aqueous purification device operably connected to the aqueous holding tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: MicroSepTic, Inc.Inventor: R. C. Shades
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Patent number: 5944987Abstract: The present invention especially for machine applications, also improves the invention air cleaning device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,599 dated Apr. 29, 1986. The present invention is the said air cleaning method U.S. Pat. No. 4,585.599 and which is in addition forming a multipurpose combinatory oil, air, gas, and pollution filtration system based on processing oil through purified water mixtures, includes water of hydration, in general, is based on the interaction of two liquid systems distinguished in nature and viscosity from each other. For example: oil as the solute which include polluted particles mixed within and purified water (H20) as the solvent and which are optionally charged electrostatically with opposite charges positive and negative. In addition, electro-magnetic separator is provided within for attracting magnetic particles from the oil into the water, for disposal.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Yanush Edward Czarno
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Patent number: 5916437Abstract: The present invention provides treatment of domestic sewage containing oil. The resulting products will be purified water, dry fertilizer, and fuel (gas and liquid) containing no contaminants that could pollute the environment. After the initial settling process, two parallel flows are created: one containing liquid plus crude sediment (0.2 mm and greater) and the other containing liquid and fine particles (less than 0.2 mm), the latter termed "settled domestic sewage". The two flows are treated separately. The settled domestic sewage after treatment in a low-pressure separator that will separate out liquid fuel, followed by aeration, ultrafiltration, and finally sterilization by ozone or chlorine, results in pure water. The biochemical treatment of the sediments results in the production of gas fuel containing mainly methane gas and solid product that after drying and disinfecting is converted into fertilizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Mikhail Levitin
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Patent number: 5888453Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system including a heat exchanger, a source of heat for introducing into the heat exchanger, an inlet for introducing a liquid slurry of sludge into the heat exchanger for heating the sludge to a predetermined minimum temperature, a circulating circuit for maintaining the slurry in circulation at the predetermined temperature for a minimum period of about thirty minutes, sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry prior to dewatering, and a dewatering unit for removing water from the sludge.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Riverside County Eastern Municipal Water DistrictInventor: Michael A. Luker
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Patent number: 5879566Abstract: A method and system for processing waste dries and reforms a sludge stream of the waste with a first reformed effluent stream to produce a gas effluent stream and a solids effluent stream. The gas effluent stream is reformed further to produce the first effluent stream, which is then directed back to the sludge stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: The Scientific Ecology Group, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Stephen Snyder, Matthew Reed Cage, John Gregorie Wagner, Bryan Arthur Roy
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Patent number: 5876594Abstract: The patent claims concern a method for a more efficient "wet ?combustion! oxidation" of COD-containing effluents from industrial processes and municipal plants and for a more efficient COD-reduction by enzymes in aerobic and anaerobic biological cleaning processes and for same sorts of effluents. The method implies a strong increase of the reaction speed between added oxygen and the elements in the liquid to be oxidized through so-called "Turbo Oxidation", which implies that the liquid is submitted to strong movements nd turbulence during several circulations within one or more liquid circuits during continuous addition of oxygen. By the same method, COD reduction by enzymes can also be made more effective. The single circuit is placed in connection to and communicates liquid-wise with a pressurized reaction tank, from where the developed reaction gases are continuously let out.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Sigurd Fongen
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Patent number: 5865992Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical oil, water and gas separator with end closures for receiving a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas improved by means for defoaming the gas, separating the oil, water and gas into distinct laminar layers and a means for absorbing the impetus and energy of the flowing water layer as it impacts the end closure near the water outlet conduit, and can include a heating means for reducing the viscosity of the mixture with increased heat exchange surface, an electric field through which the oil can flow downward for coalescing water droplets that may be entrained within the oil and further can contain a series of coalescing baffles having a spray jet washing system and hinged bottom segments to expedite cleaning and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Jerry M. Edmondson
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Patent number: 5866004Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system. The SFE system includes a mechanism for providing supercritical fluid for extracting analyte from a sample. The SFE system also includes an extraction vessel and a mechanism for moving the extraction vessel into fluidic communication with the SFE system so that supercritical fluid can flow through the extraction vessel and extract analyte from the sample. Preferably, the SFE system is additionally comprised of a mechanism for holding a plurality of extraction vessels and an extraction chamber assembly. In this design, the moving mechanism selectively moves an extraction vessel from the holding mechanism into the extraction chamber in fluidic communication with the SFE system. Preferably, the SFE system further includes a computer for controlling the functions of the SFE system. The computer, for instance, could automatically and sequentially control the supercritical fluid extractions of the samples within the holding mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1995Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Suprex CorporationInventors: Raymond K. Houck, Douglas J. Koebler, Glen P. Williams, Kenneth J. Kato, Robert D. Parks, Paul A. Bauer, Jr.
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Patent number: 5858248Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: George Plester, Stijn Vandekerckhove
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Patent number: 5853579Abstract: A treatment system is provided which can treat solid materials and/or liquid materials. Preferably, a separator initially separates liquid and solid materials, and the solid materials are deposited upon a substrate within a microwave cavity. Liquids remaining with the solid materials drain through the substrate, and the solid materials are subjected to microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are preferably also passed through a filter assembly which retains any suspended particles remaining in the liquid, and subjects the particles to microwaves. Exhaust filters can also be provided for the microwave cavities, and the exhaust filters can also be subject to microwaves to incinerate any particles remaining in the exhaust gas. Fire tube arrangements for incinerating solid materials retained or extracted by substrates or filters are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Wastech International Inc.Inventors: John M. Rummler, Thomas R. Beal, Guy D. Marchesseault
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Patent number: 5846378Abstract: A method is described for the treatment of a solid containing material obtained from effluent from an industrial plant or process, eg. a plant for the de-inking of waste paper. Such effluent comprises an aqueous suspension of solids comprising organic material and inorganic particulate material. The inorganic particulate material contains a substantial amount of calcium carbonate and is likely also to contain kaolin or metakaolin. The solids may also contain carbon particles. The method includes subjecting the solid containing material to a heat treatment process such that the temperature is controlled to be maintained in the range 600.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. preferably 600.degree. C. to 750.degree. C., to cause burning of the organic material without decomposition of more than about 50% by weight, preferably not more than about 10% by weight, of the calcium carbonate present to produce a particulate calcium carbonate-containing inorganic material substantially free of organic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: ECC International Ltd.Inventor: Jonathan Stuart Phipps
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Patent number: 5843284Abstract: A new and improved two-stage oil bypass filter device is provided to enable effective and efficient removal of both solid particulate and volatile oil contaminants while also allowing the addition and mixing of certain oil additives as required by specific internal combustion engine or industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Paul J. T. WatersInventors: Paul J. T. Waters, Scott A. Hahn
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Patent number: 5843304Abstract: A materials treatment system which includes filtration and treatment of solid and liquid components of a material, such as a waste material. A filter or substrate assembly is provided which allows liquids to pass therethrough, while retaining solids. The solids are then incinerated utilizing microwave energy, and the liquids can be treated after passing through the filter element, for example, utilizing a treatment liquid such as an oxidant liquid. The filter assembly can also include an exhaust filter assembly which removes solids or particulate matter from exhaust gasses, with the retained solids/particulates incinerated utilizing microwave energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Wastech International, Inc.Inventors: Guy Marchesseault, John M. Rummler, Heinz Sauk-Schubert, Thomas Beal
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Patent number: 5827424Abstract: A contaminant reduction system is shown for a disk drive assembly having a closed interior and slider disk components located therein which would be adversely affected by condensed volatiles generated within the assembly. A Peltier element is located within the closed interior of the disk drive assembly so as to condense volatiles present within the interior at a desired condensation point within the closed interior. A getter material, such as a microporous sintered alumina, is located within the closed interior of the disk drive assembly at the condensation point for permanently trapping and maintaining condensed volatiles which are condensed by the Peltier element.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Donald R. Gillis, Andrew Marian Homola, David H. Jen, Erhard T. Schreck
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Patent number: 5810074Abstract: A serial heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a serial passage extending from an inlet to an outlet and a plurality of vapor liquid separators extracting vapor from the passage.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Stephen S. Hancock
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Patent number: 5800705Abstract: The invention relates to a tube bank heat exchanger for use in reducing the temperature of air delivered under pressure to an air diffuser system within a wastewater treatment facility. The tube bank heat exchanger, submerged within the wastewater, is of a configuration which extends the air flow path from the air source to the diffuser system. By such configuration the temperature of the air delivered to the diffuser system is reduced to a temperature of no more than about 140 degrees F.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventor: Ernest W. Downs
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Patent number: 5788835Abstract: A water purifier which works in accordance with the membrane distillation principle includes a degassor for degassing incoming crude water prior to commencing the membrane distillation precess; a membrane for the membrane distillation of degassed water; and an outlet which functions to discharge a residual quantity of degassed undistilled water when a degassed undistilled water level has fallen to a predetermined lower level in a container which receives the crude water to be purified. The container is provided with an upper level sensor and a lower level sensor and a temperature sensor. The upper level sensor functions to activate the start of circulator for the circulation of crude water through the degassor, and also to activate the start of crude water heater. When the level of water in the container falls, the lower level sensor functions to activate opening of the outlet means so as to discharge remaining undistilled water.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: H.V. Water Purification ABInventors: Frederic Telander, Aapo Saask, Seppo Syrjala
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Patent number: 5776333Abstract: A water treatment apparatus uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A permanent heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gasses such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: George Plester, Stijn Vandekerckhove
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Patent number: 5772895Abstract: A system for controlling the composition of color coupler on a real time basis, the system comprises a mixer for mixing the color coupler with a non-permanent solvent for forming a preliminary solution. A heat exchanger receives the preliminary solution for altering the temperature of the preliminary solution, and a separator receives the preliminary solution from the heat exchanger for separating the preliminary solution into a color coupler solution suitable for use in producing photographic paper and into a residual vapor. An in-line viscometer receives the color coupler solution from the separator for determining the viscosity of the color coupler solution, and a process control system alters the temperature of the heat exchanger in response to a signal received from the viscometer for optimizing the composition of the color coupler solution.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: James Michael Sanchez, Kevin F. Prinzing, Eric M. Gilbert
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Patent number: 5766480Abstract: A method is provided for priming a hollow fiber oxygenator which is integrated with a hollow tube heat exchanger. A closed priming circuit is created between a cardiosurgery reservoir, the combined hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger and a vacuum source. Vacuum pressure is applied to the closed priming circuit to evacuate the residual air from the circuit. Priming solution is released from the cardiosurgery reservoir and fills the evacuated closed priming circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Minntech CorporationInventors: Louis C. Cosentino, John E. Briddon, Richard P. Goldhaber, Paul H. Hess
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Patent number: 5725770Abstract: A waste treatment process including the steps of: (i) passing waste material which may comprise animal or human faeces comprising an insoluble component such as lignocellulose through a bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in said waste material; and (ii) separating suitably by filtration the insoluble component from the waste material. A waste treatment plant including: (i) a bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series for treatment of waste material; (ii) means such as filtration for separating an insoluble component from said waste material after passage through the bioreactor system.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Fungi-Gulp Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Dick P. Henry
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Patent number: RE36527Abstract: A combination filter and evaporator unit for use in small engine applications includes a filter member that is screw threadedly engaged to the evaporator unit to facilitate replacement of filter media as needed. The design of the unit constrains incoming oil to flow first through the filter media and then to an evaporation chamber. A central hub and a bottom wall of the evaporation chamber are directly heated by a heating element, and the evaporation chamber is closed by an imperforate lid so that heat loss is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Premo Lubrication Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas L. Arntz