Flow Line Connected In Series With Distinct Separator Patents (Class 210/181)
-
Patent number: 6033571Abstract: An activated sludge treatment apparatus having an aeration tank 14 for subjecting an organic waste water to an aerobic biological treatment, a first precipitation device 16 for separating a waste water treated in aeration tank 14 into treated water and a sludge, a recycle route 18 for returning a portion of the sludge separated by precipitation device 16 to aeration tank 14, a solubilizing treatment device 24 for solubilizing, at a high temperature, excess sludge separated by precipitation device 16, and a return route 30 for returning a treated solution solubilized by solubilizing treatment device 24 to aeration tank 14, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Shinko Pantec, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Susumu Hasegawa, Masahiko Miura, Kenji Katsura, Hideki Yokoyama, Akihiko Hogetsu
-
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
-
Patent number: 6007719Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treatment of high concentrated waste water from animal husbandry, human excretion and other high organic waste. This process includes warming, anaerobic digestion, separation with ultra filtration (UF)/reversed osmosis (RO) membranes. The residual solution after RO separation is the raw material of liquid fertilizer for water culture and foliar spray.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Seuk Won YooInventors: Seuk Won Yoo, Kyu Seung Lee
-
Patent number: 6001243Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Chematur Engineering ABInventors: James M. Eller, Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., Richard D. Peacock, John S. Barber, Walter H. Stanton, Fred Applegath, Gordon H. Lovett, deceased
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 5951863Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Robert J. Kruger, Warren P Frederick, R. Hayes Helgren, Mark E. Larkin, Joaquin Mayoral, Brad A. Schmolesky, Roman W Siczek, Kenneth J. Timmons
-
Patent number: 5948247Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting dialysis devices are disclosed including a first circulation conduit for circulating a first fluid through at least a portion of the supply conduit to a dialyzer in order to disinfect that portion of the supply conduit and a second circulation conduit for circulating a second fluid through at least a portion of the removal conduit from the dialyzer for disinfecting that portion of the removal conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Gambro ABInventors: Bjorn Gillerfalk, Sture Hobro, Jorgen Jonsson, Erik Linderup
-
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
-
Patent number: 5897780Abstract: In order to treat water contaminated with warfare agents and containing less than 500 ppm of salt, a separation stage 10 is normally provided downstream of the reverse osmosis. In the separation stage, the untreated water is divided into residue and permeate. Warfare agents have the property of acting as softeners on the semi-permeable organic polymer membranes of separation stages. As a result of this, the warfare agents pass through the membranes of separation stages in increasing quantities once the latter have been in operation for a few hours. In order to improve the treatment of water contaminated with warfare agents, salt is added to the untreated water which, with a salt content of over 1000 ppm, is then drawn through the separation stage 10 down stream of the reverse osmosis stage. The invention is suitable for use with mobile facilities used for producing drinking water.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Fed. Republic of Germany, Federal Defense MinistryInventors: Alexander Grabowski, Michael Dolle, Ingo Haser
-
Patent number: 5888389Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: HydroProcessing, L.L.C.Inventors: James Walton Griffith, William Tracy Wofford, III, James Randolph Griffith
-
Patent number: 5876596Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Coleman Sudol, LLPInventor: Grigory Sadkhin
-
Patent number: 5865993Abstract: A filter centrifuge includes a centrifuge drum having a solids removal opening for solids collected in the centrifuge drum. A solids drying housing into which the solids removal opening opens is provided. The solids drying housing has a sieve bottom, a gas inlet for introducing a drying gas, and a gas outlet for removing the drying gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Heinz-Jurgen Wienicke
-
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.
-
Patent number: 5853597Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and an apparatus for efficiently and economically discharging solid particles, which have sedimented on the bottom of a tank, out from the tank. A liquid is ejected from an ejector installed in the tank to move the sedimented solid particles to a predetermined place from which the sedimented solid particles are discharged out from the tank. Further, a solution which contains sedimentary solid particles is cooled and the solid particles are efficiently separated by a solid-liquid separator.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Kawasaki Steel CorporationInventors: Masahiro Yoshioka, Masahiko Ito, Mitsuru Sakuta, Makoto Suzuki, Masaharu Ikeda
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 5785847Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for cleaning and reclamation of an industrial waste containing oily metallic solids by magnetically concentrating the oily magnetic solids, mixing the concentrated solids with a chemical release agent, applying microwave radiation to the mixture, and separately collecting the clean metallic solids and recovered oil components.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.Inventors: David A. Purta, Alberto M. Guzman
-
Patent number: 5766451Abstract: An anti reversionary valve assembly with a replaceable anti reversionary valve element for prevention of back flow of lubricant in a machine using fluid pumped through passages for lubrication. The anti reversionary sealing action prevents the drainage of lubricant from passages supplying bearings and high friction areas with lubricant avoiding damages to machinery from dry starts.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Thomas Sparling
-
Patent number: 5744028Abstract: A water dispenser including a water tank for storing water supplied from a water bottle; an electrolytic cell including an anode, a cathode, and a three-dimensional carbon electrode provided between the anode and the cathode, the electrolytic cell being provided downstream of the water tank; a water outlet valve provided downstream of the electrolytic cell; and a power supply for applying an electric current to the anode so as to polarize the electrode for sterilizing the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Nobutaka Goto, Peter S. Cartwright
-
Patent number: 5736059Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and system to recover heat from wastewater in a new or existing building comprising a convector heat exchanger with thermal storage that accepts wastewater of any temperature, an in-line separator to direct large solids away from the heat exchanger, a process to create turbulent flow in the tubing from which the heat exchanger is made, an automatically switched vibration base to improve heat transfer, an automatic flush system for the wastewater heat exchanger and a method of installation in slab-built buildings.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Winston R. Mackelvie
-
Patent number: 5725762Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Wastech International, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Beal, Steven McHenry, John M. Rummler
-
Patent number: 5711873Abstract: An apparatus is described for recovery and reuse of liquids which are used as solvents and for the specific dilution of the solvent in the chemical reaction and/or the processing of substances.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Siegfried Rewitzer, Peter Manfred Roth
-
Patent number: 5698096Abstract: A water filter of stainless steel material is intended for use in a drinking water machine and is composed of a plurality of hollow filtration cylinders and hollow support cylinders. The filtration cylinders are different in diameter and have a minutely perforated periphery capable of separating solid particles and impurities from water. The support cylinders are different in diameter and are provided respectively with a periphery having a plurality of through holes. The support cylinders are dimensioned differently such that they can be fitted into one another, and that they can be fitted into the filtration cylinders, and further that one of the support cylinders is smallest in diameter and is provided at the top end thereof with a threaded portion engageable with a nut for fastening the filtration cylinders and the support cylinders together securely.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Inventor: Jen-Yi Wang
-
Patent number: 5695643Abstract: A method of treating and disposing of waste water containing salt, such as the brine that results from production of oil and/or gas wells, which includes introducing the waste water into a reverse osmosis unit to produce concentrated brine, and passing the concentrated brine through a combustion heat evaporator wherein said combustion heat is generated in a submerged combustion evaporator or exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to power a waste heat evaporator to produce a further concentrated brine. The concentrated brine from the combustion heat evaporator can then be mixed with a liquid such as the waste water that is introduced into the reverse osmosis unit. The resulting product can then be injected into a subterranean formation for purposes of disposal. The method allows the volume of the waste water to be significantly reduced while also increasing the salt concentration of the waste water.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Aquatech Services, Inc.Inventors: Harry Brandt, John H. Tait
-
Patent number: 5653884Abstract: A method of separating a solute from a supercritical fluid which includes reducing the pressure of the supercritical fluid and is characterized in that the supercritical fluid and solute are mixed with another fluid, eg an inorganic or organic solvent under pressure, to cause a partial reduction in the pressure of the supercritical fluid followed by reduction of the pressure of the fluid mixture comprising the supercritical fluid and said other fluid. The fluid mixture pressure reduction may occur in a collection device. Such a device may have a collection solvent already present therein. The said other fluid used partially to depressurise the supercritical fluid may act as a collection solvent in a collection device. The collection device may include one or more collection vessels or alternatively a solid phase trap or a packed column for the purpose of trapping and collecting the solute.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLCInventors: Neil Graham Smart, Mark D. Burford, Anthony A. Clifford, Keith D. Bartle, Catherine M. Cowey
-
Patent number: 5647984Abstract: An extracorporeal fluid treatment apparatus which is selectively operable in a disinfecting mode or a treatment mode includes an inlet line, a pre-treatment portion, an input pump, a heater, an input shunt, a filtration device, a post-treatment portion, a drain line and an output shunt. The apparatus also includes a combination of valves which are selectively positionable in disinfecting mode to create an input fluid circuit which includes the pre-treatment portion and the input shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the post-treatment portion and from the filtration device. In disinfecting mode, the valves are also selectively positionable to create an output fluid circuit which includes the post-treatment portion and the output shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the pre-treatment portion and from the filtration device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Roy S. Hovland, Byron W. Larson, Jo-Ann B. Maltais
-
Patent number: 5637209Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for extracting organic compounds from solid materials. A generator vessel has a removable closure for receiving a solid or liquid solvent which is heated with a resistive heating element to a gaseous or supercritical phase. The removable closure is unencumbered because the side wall is penetrated with an outlet for the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The generator vessel further has a pressure transducer that provides an electronic signal related to pressure of the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one extraction cell having a top and a bottom and a wall extending therebetween, wherein the bottom is sealably penetrated by an inlet for gaseous or supercritical solvent received through a manifold connected to the outlet, the top having an easy-open removable closure cap, and the wall having an outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Bob W. Wright, Thomas S. Zemanian, William H. Robins, Leslie J. Woodcock
-
Patent number: 5584238Abstract: A fat/stock separator comprising a colander, a transparent hopper vessel with a trap, a support base and a flow valve mounted to and connected through the wall of the hopper vessel to the trap for draining fluid from the hopper vessel. The colander in a preferred embodiment is sufficiently large to accept the stock and meat parts produced from cooking a large portion of meat or fowl, such as a complete turkey. The oil and fat contained within the stock separates and floats to the top after standing for a period of time. It is then possible to draw off through the flow valve fat free stock from beneath the layer of oil. The contours of the trap and the transparency of the hopper vessel facilitate determining accurately where the fat free stock ends, thereby making it possible to draw off fat free stock, whether there is a large or a small amount of liquid in the hopper vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: Robert J. Newton, Sr.
-
Patent number: 5582721Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid by pervaporation, which comprises at least one pervaporation membrane module unit for purifying a liquid to be treated, a supply line connected to said pervaporation membrane module unit for supplying the liquid to be treated to the membrane module unit, a withdrawing line for withdrawing the permeated fluid from the membrane module unit and a withdrawing line for withdrawing the non-permeated liquid, wherein said supply line is provided with a pressure pump for transporting the liquid and a heater, and the final withdrawing line for the non-permeated liquid is provided with a pressure regulating valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignees: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Kasei Engineering CompanyInventors: Masaaki Mita, Kenji Sugimoto, Katashi Shioda, Furuto Seiryo, Moriyoshi Kudoh
-
Patent number: 5562828Abstract: Spent acid contaminated with metal salts in a hot solution removed from a metal pickling bath is directed to one side of an anionic membrane to separate acid ions from the metal salt solution by diffusion dialysis through the membrane. Most of the metal salts in the remaining low acidity mother liquor are crystallized by refrigerating the mother liquor. The crystals are dewatered (in a centrifuge, for example) to produce a commercially viable noncorrosive byproduct, and the substantially decontaminated mother liquor is directed to the opposite side of the diffusion membrane, where it receives the acid ions diffusing through the membrane, and is then recycled to the pickling bath. Heat interchange between the hot spent acid solution and the recycled acid lowers the temperature of the spent acid to an optimum value for dialysis while raising the temperature of the recycled acid to close to the bath temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Inventors: Douglas R. Olsen, Daniel E. Bailey
-
Patent number: 5560821Abstract: A system for the treating of waste water comprising a first container for receiving and holding waste water to be treated. Further including a second container for effecting a thermal reaction and having a discharge for effluent from the second container. Also including is a third container receiving the effluent of the second container with an associated mechanical separation system for completely breaking down the solids and means to sequentially feed a flow of waste water to the first container and then to the second and third containers.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Enzo Leo, Billy E. Hendrix, Marlene P. Hendrix
-
Patent number: 5560822Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation reactor is alternately supplied with a feed stream and a flushing stream. The feed stream contains organic and inorganic materials. The organic materials are oxidized under supercritical conditions in the reactor and the inorganic materials precipitate out of solution under the same conditions. The flushing stream is a solution in which the inorganic material is soluble. More than one supercritical water oxidation reactor may be connected so that the feed stream is alternately supplied to each reactor. During the period when the feed stream is being supplied to a reactor the effluent from the reactor is cooled to a temperature at which inorganic precipitates are soluble and is then supplied as a flushing stream to one or more of the remaining connected supercritical water oxidation reactors.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Luke D. Bond, Charles C. Mills, Philip Whiting, Stanley L. Koutz, David A. Hazlebeck, Kevin W. Downey
-
Patent number: 5558783Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Inventor: Thomas G. McGuinness
-
Patent number: 5554279Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating sewage sludge having the steps of providing sludge at a desired rate, mixing the sludge with at least one alkaline additive at a proportionate rate to the sludge to raise the pH of the mixture to at least a desired level, providing a pasteurization chamber having a means to heat the contents of the chamber, continuously delivering the sludge and alkaline additive mixture to the inlet opening of the pasteurization chamber, heating the pasteurization chamber to maintain a minimum temperature of the sludge and alkaline additive mixture in the pasteurization chamber, continuously conveying the sludge and alkaline additive mixture without any substantial agitation of the mixture for a desired duration through the pasteurization chamber such that the thixotropic mixture does not become watery, and continuously discharging the sludge and alkaline additive mixture from the discharge opening of the pasteurization chamber, whereby harmful pathogens are destroyed in the sludge.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: RDP CompanyInventor: Paul G. Christy
-
Patent number: 5549819Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting an analyte from a sample using a field-portable extraction instrument. The preferred embodiment of the extraction instrument includes an extraction fluid source, a sample container, a valve element, a nozzle, and a collection trap vessel. The methods of the present invention include the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container, attaching the sample container to the instrument, and providing a quantity of pressurized extraction fluid from the pressurized extraction fluid source into the sample container to initiate the extraction process. Extraction is facilitated by directing the extraction fluid into the sample at a rapid flow rate such that the sample and extraction fluid are vigorously mixed and a sample/solvent mixture is created. The valve element is then operated to isolate the extraction fluid source and to fully close the sample container.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Mark A. Nickerson
-
Patent number: 5543041Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply system for pre-treating a petroleum distillation residual oil to be fed to a hydrogenation apparatus. In order to remove iron fine particles having a particle size of less than 25.mu. in the feed oil which could be not removed in the prior art, by constituting a system comprising a heater for heating the feed oil to a given temperature by heat exchange with a high temperature bottom oil of a fractionating tower after hydrogenation treatment of the feed oil, a filter equipped with a back washing mechanism for filtering solid materials in the feed oil after heating, and a high gradient magnetic separator for magnetically separating magnetic iron fine particles having a particle size of less than 25.mu. contained in the feed oil.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignees: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd., Nippon Petroleum Refining Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hajime Okazaki, Manabu Kazato, Masaoki Ouchi, Haruki Nagano, Masaru Ushio, Kozo Kamiya
-
Patent number: 5543061Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means (10,11,12,110,111,112) for mixing a process material with a process liquid (13,113) (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means (17,18,21,24,117,120,230,420) is provided for pressuring (16,26,116,126) and heating (61,36,173,227) the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means (28,128,320,420) for reducing the pressure (27,127) to the slurry or emulsion and for further increasing the temperature (33,227) of the slurry or emulsion. The drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes components of the slurry or emulsion to convert to gases and separate from the remainder of the slurry or emulsion which is removed from the processor in the form of solids (32,132). The gas is fed to one or more condensers (10,63,64,65,177,178) which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Inventor: Paul T. Baskis
-
Patent number: 5527458Abstract: The device for continuous filtration and drying of a solid suspension comprises a belt filter (1) and downstream a belt drier (2). By use of a porous conveyor belt (3) the filter cake generated in the belt filter (1) is conveyed further into the belt drier (2) in which there are provided heating devices for heating and drying the filter cake (7) which is on the conveyor belt (3). After leaving the belt filter (1), the filter cake (7) is present on the conveyor belt (3) in the form of a gas-permeable bed of solids in layer form having a maximum layer thickness of 50 mm, preferably a maximum of 20 mm. The heating devices in the belt drier (2) comprise, on the one hand, a hot gas chamber (8) disposed above the conveyor belt (3) to generate a hot gas which flows through the bed of solids downwardly from above and, on the other hand, one or more contact heating elements (10, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22) disposed above and/or below the conveyor belt (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dietrich Gehrmann, Norbert Schweigler
-
Patent number: 5525229Abstract: A process for the anaerobic digestion of organic carbonaceous material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) hydrolyzing organic carbonaceous material to produce a digester stream including hydrolysis products; (b) subjecting the digester stream to a first methanation phase operating at thermophilic conditions to produce a gaseous product including methane; and (c) subjecting the digester stream to a second methanation phase operating at mesophilic conditions to produce further gaseous product including methane, and to recover heat. An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of organic carbonaceous material is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventor: Jason C. H. Shih
-
Patent number: 5484538Abstract: The invention relates to a compact, portable multiple service apparatus and method for purifying and disinfecting water from potable or non-potable water sources and dispensing ice, room temperature water, cold water, and hot water made from the purified/disinfected water in this apparatus. This apparatus is equipped to receive input water from either a direct connection to a tap water system (in home or office), or other source of water (such as a well, stream or lake), or by a bottled reservoir containing water. The apparatus employs a particulate filter, an ultraviolet water germicidal treatment unit, and a carbon-type filter (or the like). A chiller unit is used for cooling the water and storing the cooled, purified water. A heater unit is used for heating the water. A freezer unit is employed for making ice cubes from the purified water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air from the freezer unit is diverted to the chiller unit to chill the purified water.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1993Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Texavia International, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Woodward
-
Patent number: 5480539Abstract: An arrangement for reducing the moisture content of sludge includes a spray dryer to which the sludge, a dispersion medium in the form of gas or vapor as well as hot gas can be supplied. The arrangement further includes a separating unit with solids discharge arranged following the spray dryer via a transfer line and a heater for raising the temperature level of the gas entering the separating unit, wherein the heater is arranged in a connecting line between the separating unit and the spray dryer.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Langbein & Engelbracht GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Heiko Schneider
-
Patent number: 5480540Abstract: A novel apparatus for separating solids from fluids is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a spray feed inlet, a distributor cup and a heat exchanger and it allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
-
Patent number: 5472612Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction system and method for extracting a sample from a matrix by use of supercritical fluid and collecting components of the matrix in a solid phase extraction collection column. This system includes a variable restriction valve for depressurizing the fluid with entrained sample and an integral adapter directly connected at a first end with the valve and directly sealingly engaging the collector column and having a second end for passage of the depressurized fluid and sample with matrix components into the collector column.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventor: Robert J. Maxwell
-
Patent number: 5472045Abstract: A filter device is provided for use with the heat exchanger utilizing a filter having a low volume mass of filter media wherein residual oil remaining in the filter is eliminated as a major environmental concern. The heat exchanger has first and second discrete flowpaths for fluid to be filtered. One of the flowpaths is designed to be in heat exchange relation with a coolant. Means are provided to establish fluid communication between the first and second discrete flowpaths with a low volume filter being situated between the establishing means and the heat exchanger, and clamp means are provided to maintain the establishing means and the low volume filter in sealed, assembled relation with the heat exchanger with the clamp means including means for providing access to an axial passageway through the clamp means.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Modine Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Robert F. Poehlman
-
Patent number: 5464537Abstract: A filter for removing debris from a flow of molten plastic includes a cartridge containing a screen and a holder which seats one face of the cartridge. The flow of molten plastic is directed at an acute angle through the screen producing a filtered plastic flow through a downstream face of the screen and a flow of debris separated from the filter plastic along the upstream screen face. A compartment extends along the upstream screen face and accumulates the separated debris. A passage in the holder communicates with the debris-accumulating compartment and discharges the accumulating debris. A cooling mechanism regulates the rate at which debris is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Inventors: Jaroslav J. Kopernicky, Salvatore Infan
-
Patent number: 5456827Abstract: The auxiliary or working liquid is cleaned by being urged through a pervaporation membrane module (3), then the permeate stream from the membrane module is led through a condenser (4), where the impurities concentrated in the permeate stream precipitate. The stream of retentate and the stream of permeate from the membrane module are then fed back to a compressor (1). The differential pressure of the compressor belonging to the compressor system is used to operate this circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignees: SIHI GmbH & Co KG, GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbHInventors: Karl-Heinz Nikutta, Dietmar Gosch, Erwin Zimmermann, Klaus Ohlrogge, Jan Wind, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann
-
Patent number: 5445731Abstract: Apparatus for breaking or separating a liquid mixture or emulsion having two or more components. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having one or more sequentially connected filtering compartments holding a filtering element such as a membrane assembly capable of achieving a multi-stage pervaporation to separate out a vaporous component of the solution. The apparatus further includes a bypass facility which interconnects adjacent filtering compartments. To compensate for the loss of heat energy during the vaporization segments, the residual liquid solution is bypassed into a second vaporization phase, the bypass facility including heating means for maintaining the residual solution of a predetermined liquid temperature prior to its entering the second or subsequent filtering phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: David Tuohey, Craig R. Bartels, Vatsal M. Shah
-
Patent number: 5431810Abstract: A system is provided for the purification of waste water which has been contaminated through the cleaning of circuit boards or other parts. The system continuously recycles rinse/wash water from an aqueous or semi-aqueous cleaner, using a separation tank and a purification unit to continuously purify and deionize the contaminated water. The separation tank removes immiscible organic compounds such as terpenes from the contaminated water to produce partially-purified water. The purification unit heats, further purifies, and deionizes the water. Fresh make-up water is automatically added as needed to assure a sufficient supply of water to the cleaner. The separation tank is designed to provide effective removal of the immiscible organic compounds and to resist solvent attack by the organic compounds and corrosion by the deionized water.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Inventors: John F. Russo, Martin S. Fischer, Donald A. Ventullo
-
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