Recirculation Patents (Class 210/194)
  • Patent number: 8568585
    Abstract: A water distribution system including a water storage tank, a water treatment unit, a diverter valve, and interconnecting water conduits arranged so that the same water treatment unit can be used to treat water supplied from a fill port to the storage tank during a fill operation, as well as water leaving the storage tank for supply to one or more points of water use during a supply operation. A diverter valve is provided which is movable between a fill position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the fill port and not the point of water use device, and a supply position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the at least one point of water use device and not the fill port. When the diverter valve is in the fill position, water supplied to the fill port can thus flow through the diverter valve and to the water treatment unit for treatment then to the storage tank for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Water-Guard Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Daniel Nolan
  • Publication number: 20130277316
    Abstract: A system for removing lipids from blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is disclosed. The system uses an acoustophoretic separator having improved trapping force. The transducer of the acoustophoretic seperator includes a ceramic crystal. Blood flows through the separator, and lipids are trapped and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: FloDesign Sonics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Dutra, Bart Lipkens
  • Patent number: 8551331
    Abstract: An automatic filtering system for filtering a cooking medium in a fryer, includes a frypot; a filter manifold having removable filter; a pump, that supplies cooking medium from the filter manifold to the frypot; a pressure sensor that senses a pressure of the cooking medium supplied by the pump; and a controlling mechanism that controls an operation of the pump in response to the sensed pressure data. The control mechanism halts the operation of the pump after sensing a drop in the pressure of the cooking medium pressure that is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure drop threshold. The systems and methods of the invention provide automatic filtering that may reduce or eliminate an incorrect refilling operation after the filtering of cooking medium, so that the filtering process may be performed correctly each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Burkett, Thomas Lee Gort, Gary L. Mercer
  • Patent number: 8544158
    Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey A. Curt, Ismail C. Bagci, Gregory D. Shope, Terry W. Shults, Pierrick Bonzi
  • Patent number: 8540877
    Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Woodard
  • Publication number: 20130233798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood treatment device with at least one extra-corporeal blood circuit with a filter element and with at least one centrifugal pump means, wherein furthermore a monitoring means is provided, by means of which the flow resistance of the extracorporeal circuit can be determined, wherein the flow resistance can at least partly be determined with reference to the flow in at least one portion of the extracorporeal blood circuit and the speed of the centrifugal pump means. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a monitoring means for a blood treatment device and to a method for operating a blood treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Wiktor, Arne Peters, Alexander Heide
  • Patent number: 8524086
    Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University, Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, James R. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20130220933
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing target chemicals from water includes a reaction chamber, a source of an aqueous solution of the target chemicals that can be supplied on demand to the reaction chamber, a timer that times a reaction between the particles and the target chemicals such that a concentration of the target chemicals in the aqueous solution reaches a predetermined low level in a desired time, and elements for removing the aqueous phase from the reactor while keeping the particles entrained inside the reactor using a microfilter configured to be back flushed, adding aqueous solution to the reactor from the source and continuing cycles until the particles are saturated, removing and replacing the particles in a final cycle of a particle charge lifetime, and recovering the target chemicals from the particles such that the particles can be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: William A. Farone, Shane L. Palmer, Miguel Rivera, Dwayne C. Chong
  • Publication number: 20130213871
    Abstract: A chemical release system. Implementations may utilize implementations of a first cartridge that include a body coupled with a cartridge head at a first end and coupled with an end plug at a second end where the cartridge head includes a through hole configured to engage with an annular flange in a main head. The body may have an internal cross section. The first cartridge may also include a flow restrictor plate disposed within the body between the first end and the second end where the flow restrictor plate is oriented substantially parallel to the cartridge head within the body, includes only one opening therethrough, and substantially conforms with the internal cross section of the body. The body may include one or more through holes in a side of the body located between the flow restrictor plate and the cartridge head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: NUVOH2O LLC
    Inventor: NuvoH20 LLC
  • Patent number: 8501001
    Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey A. Curt, Ismail C. Bagci, Gregory D. Shope, Terry W. Shults, Pierrick Bonzi
  • Patent number: 8501017
    Abstract: A coolant filtration system and method for use with one or more metal working machines. The system includes a housing, pump, conveyer assembly, drum assembly, and centrifugal separator. The housing includes a tank that receives and holds coolant coming out of the one or more metal working machines. The pump is used to drive the coolant through the coolant filtration system. A part of the conveyer assembly is disposed within the housing in order to carry-away workpiece chips from the coolant. The drum assembly is located near the conveyer assembly in order to filter the coolant. The centrifugal separator receives coolant processed by the conveyor and drum assemblies. The system can further include one or more fine filters for additional filtering of the coolant outputted by the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: JK Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Keith Urban
  • Publication number: 20130192836
    Abstract: A water treatment method includes: filtering water in a membrane filtration unit including at least one membrane filtration module; collecting a permeate and collecting a retentate at the outlet of the membrane filtration module; withdrawing solid materials and/or hydrocarbons contained in the retentate, in order to provide a treated retentate; recycling the treated retentate at the inlet of the membrane filtration module; providing a treated water flow from the permeate from membrane filtration module(s). An installation adapted for applying this method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL S.A.
    Inventors: Samuel Heng, Pierre Pedenaud
  • Patent number: 8491273
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to ballast systems for marine structures. The ballast system comprises a ballast tank and a pump. The pump comprises a low side and a high side and the ballast system comprises a first inlet conduit assembly adapted to provide a fluid communication between the ballast tank and the low side. The ballast system is adapted to provide a first operating condition in which first operating condition a fluid is pumped from the low side to the high side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: GVA Consultants AB
    Inventor: Lars-Olof Liberg
  • Publication number: 20130161247
    Abstract: A blood purification device includes a loop for extracorporeal circulation of blood consisting of an element (1) that extracts plasma from the blood and elements for circulating the thus extracted plasma in elements for purifying the plasma (3, 4, 5, 6 or 8). The device includes in addition a column (2) in the blood circulation loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: INFOMED SA
    Inventor: INFOMED SA
  • Publication number: 20130153473
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a system for treating a wastestream, particularly a radwaste, for safe disposal and, in final processing converting it into one or both forms including an aqueous form for safe discharge to the environment and a solidified form for safe disposal. In another aspect the invention provides the capacity to employ a step where a specific target element strategy can be set up synchronizing sorbent substance choices and multiple recycle options to remove target substances from wastestream as a part of its Sorption or Powder Sorbent Isotopic Reduction step (II). Other steps cooperate with Sorption step (II) including Oxidation (I), Solid-Liquid separation (III), and Selective Ion Exchange (IV) to deliver the wastestream to final processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Diversified Technologies Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Brunsell, Charles E. Jensen, Larry E. Beets
  • Patent number: 8460550
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous processing and solids handling in first near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the first near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Thar Process, Inc.
    Inventors: Lalit Chordia, Jose Martinez, Andrew Kegler, Desai Bhishmakumar
  • Publication number: 20130126430
    Abstract: A water purification system comprising a cross-flow filter is arranged to permit recirculation of the retentate or reject water from the retentate outlet of the filter to the inlet of the filter. A first pump is configured to pump source water into the feed water path of the filter, and to raise the fluid pressure in the feed water path and recirculation path. A second pump is configured to recirculate water from the retentate outlet of the filter to the inlet of the filter at a flow rate substantially higher than the flow rate of water generated by the first pump. A drain path connected to the recirculation path or feed water path may include a flow restrictor to permit removal of highly concentrated reject water while maintaining a minimum fluid pressure within the recirculation flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Ryan K. LaRocque, JR., Andrew A. Schnellinger, Marc A. Nisbet, Paul R. Ambler
  • Patent number: 8440084
    Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus which is a flushed anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm (FAD system) is disclosed. The FAD system creates and maintains an optimum environment for the development and activity of anaerobic bacteria. The FAD system can be used for all treatment methods for anaerobic bacteria, regardless of function. The FAD system is intended for the production of biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwatt
    Inventors: Morgan Jean-David Michael Thomas, Jacques Benoit Michotte
  • Publication number: 20130087488
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing reducing water that maintains a neutral range of pH and exhibits superior reducing force. The apparatus for producing reducing water includes an electrolytic bath including a cathode chamber provided with a cathode, an anode chamber provided with an anode, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, wherein the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber are provided with an inlet through which water is supplied, and an outlet through which water is discharged, a cation exchange membrane is provided between the cathode chamber and the intermediate chamber, and the intermediate chamber includes a cation exchange resin that dissociates hydrogen ions when the cation exchange resin reacts with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8414768
    Abstract: The present invention constitutes dialysate formulations that are suitable for use in preparing dialysate solutions for use in batch and/or proportioning systems and for improving dialysis efficiency by reducing or preventing clotting of the dialysis flow paths. The dialysate chemical formulations for one batch of dialysate comprise an acid concentrate stored in a first vessel, and a citrate-containing bicarbonate concentrate stored in a second vessel. The contents of the first and second vessels are emptied into a dialysate preparation tank and mixed with water to form a batch quantity of dialysate solution. Alternately, a dry acid and/or a dry citrate-containing base concentrates are dissolved separately in measured quantities of water to form liquid concentrates which are then used in conjunction with a proportioning machine to generate on-line a final dialysis solution stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Dilip H. Shah, Todd Ing
  • Patent number: 8409439
    Abstract: A high pressure mixer is designed to generate high mixing turbulence within the bottom zone of a liquid holding vessel while simultaneously entraining and transferring liquid from the upper surface down to the vessel bottom. Mixing action is accomplished through the incorporation of two jet nozzles, nested one inside the other, strategically located and powered by pressurized liquid drawn from the vessel being mixed. Surface liquids are entrained using a weir section that is either a fixed or floating component of the mixer assembly. Liquid used for developing outlet velocity in primary jet is drawn from multiple locations including the vessel center zone, the vessel bottom and mixer annulus. Vessel pressure is maintained sufficiently high for a period to create a high concentration of dissolved gas in the slurry during digester operation. After shutting off the mixer pressure is lowered to release dissolved gas resulting in a three region segregation of slurry components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nested Nozzle Mixers, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Peter Tovani, Gary D. Matzen
  • Patent number: 8404799
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cerulean Pharma Inc.
    Inventors: John Podobinski, J. Michael Ramstack, David S. Dickey
  • Publication number: 20130068701
    Abstract: Treatment of an aqueous solution to yield a product is more desirable for disposal by an advanced oxidation process. Ozone is mixed with the solution, and maintaining at an elevated pressure for a time. The process may include recirculation past injector that injects ozone into the solution. Influent may be sewage, septage, leachate, ballast, and so on. The process disinfects and/or denutrifies the effluent. It may include (a) back-to-back processing of batches (b) overlapping processing with a previously treated batch (c) off-gassing (d) repetitive high pressure and low pressure cycles (e) post processing steps, such as retention without addition of ozone for a period of time to permit flocculates longer to form (f) post process filtering to remove flocculates (g) simultaneous post-processing of one batch while another batch is being processed. The process may include the treatment of solutions containing pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bain, David Fancher
  • Publication number: 20130048575
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water treatment systems, and specifically to mobile flotation tanks, mobile chemical mix tanks, and mobile integrated water treatment systems, and methods regarding the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLOGIX ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Eli Gruber, Miguel Ribeiro
  • Publication number: 20130045903
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from used lubricating or hydraulic oil includes a fluid transfer unit that includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port can be in fluid communication with a source of the used lubricating or hydraulic oil. The fluid transfer unit can define a fluid path. The apparatus can include a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent in the fluid path. The first adsorbent can include cellulose. The second adsorbent can include silica gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowder, John H. Burban, Andrew J. Ohotto, Abbey M. Vados, Michael M. Dimovski, David S. Kolstad
  • Patent number: 8372277
    Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fountainhead L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130020255
    Abstract: A ballasted anaerobic system for treating wastewater including at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix weighting agent with the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs to create a weighted anaerobic sludge blanket in the at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from excess sludge and reintroduce the weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130023849
    Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and systems for the removal of pathogens and fragments thereof in hemodialysis patients. In particular, methods and systems are described where lectins can be used to remove the Hepatitis C virus and fragments thereof in hemodialysis patients, and to provide a sustained reduction in viral load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: AETHLON MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: AETHLON MEDICAL, INC.
  • Patent number: 8323499
    Abstract: Biologically treated wastewater is directed as mixed liquor from a treatment tank to a downstream filtration tank having a having a submerged membrane module extending across the cross-sectional area of the filtration tank. Mixed liquor is directed from the bottom of the filtration tank upwardly into the membrane module such that substantially all of the mixed liquor received in the bottom of the filtration tank flows through the membrane module. A permeate stream is produced. A portion of a non-permeate stream is recirculated to the treatment tank. The filtration tank is sized such that there is no substantial recycle of mixed liquor in the filtration tank. Once the mixed liquor in the filtration tank makes one pass through the membrane module the mixed liquor is recycled to the treatment tank and generally not permitted to be recycled through the membrane module without first returning to the treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Hong W. Zhao, Martin Brockmann, Heribert Moeslang, Pierre Girodet
  • Patent number: 8318016
    Abstract: An orbital wastewater treatment system includes a tank assembly, at least one impeller, a flow-diversion mechanism, an actuator, optionally at least one sensor disposed in the tank assembly, and a control unit. The tank assembly has an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone and passages between the two zones. The impeller is disposed in the tank assembly for aeration and for moving mixed liquor under process about the tank assembly. The flow-diversion mechanism is disposed at at least one of the passages between the aerobic and the anoxic zone. The actuator is operatively connected to the gate for regulating the flow state or configuration thereof in response to a signal generated by the control unit at least partially pursuant to a predetermined schedule and/or at least partially in accordance with input from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Leland, Frederick M. Riser, Peter W. Reko
  • Publication number: 20120285873
    Abstract: A portable, integrated organic waste management system comprises a receiver for receiving waste organic material, a particle size reducer for grinding waste organic material, a first pump for pumping ground waste organic material, a storage vessel for receiving pumped ground waste organic material in the form of a slurry, and a second pump for recirculating ground waste organic material in the form of a slurry. The system is contained in a portable module that can be transported to a desired site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: John BRENAN, Heather Brenan
  • Patent number: 8308939
    Abstract: Flat-sheet membrane filter assemblies require open space around equipment to form a viable path for an internal recycle or roll pattern. Creating a dedicated roll pattern for individual filter assemblies is space intensive and imposes process constraints on tank dimensions. A hollow wall or series of pipes forms a recycle wall designed to consolidate roll patterns and reduces space requirements. The recycle wall is designed such that the structural components also serve as a mixed liquor distribution system for the necessary roll pattern. Fixed vertically oriented conduit and sectional channel pieces allow for easy access and removal of membrane filter assemblies installed side by side. Feeding mixed liquor, air and or influent to the bottom of filter assemblies via submerged conduit improves process efficiency when coupled with return channels spaced not more than 10 feet away and above assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Dennis Livingston
  • Publication number: 20120261339
    Abstract: A method for recycling waste water containing slurry from a semiconductor treatment process; including: Filtration in which waste water containing the fresh slurry is continuously introduced into a circulation tank, during which time the mixed waste water is continuously extracted from the circulation tank, the extracted waste water is guided through an ultrafilter device and is concentrated by removing the fluid to form concentrated waste water and the concentrated waste water is introduced into the circulation tank and mixed with the contents of the circulation tank; and concentration in which the addition of fresh waste water to the circulation tank is essentially stopped when the mixed waste water is continuously extracted from the circulation tank, said extracted mixed water waster being introduced through the ultrafilter device and is concentrated by removing the fluid to form concentrated waste water and the concentrated waste water is introduced into the circulation tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HIGHQ-FACTORY GMBH
    Inventor: Franz Brummer
  • Patent number: 8277662
    Abstract: It is intended to effectively suppress corrosion of a feed-water supply pipe in a preheater, by means of recirculation of boiler water to feed-water to be supplied to a steam boiler, even if a concentration of an alkaline component of the feed-water is relatively high. An alkali metal hydroxide is added from an agent-adding unit (14) to feed-water after removing therefrom a water hardness component in a water-softener unit (15) using a cation exchange resin and then removing therefrom dissolved gas in a degasifier unit (16). Then, the feed-water is supplied to a steam boiler 20 via a feed-water supply line 13 while being heated by a preheater (41). A part of boiler water having a pH value increased along with an increase in concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide resulting from enrichment thereof in the steam boiler (20) is mixed with the feed-water via a recirculation line (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120216677
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for contacting two or more fluids, useful, for example for purifying or infusing a fluid (by allowing efficient and/or uniform addition of components to or removal of components from the fluid). The components may be undesirable components to be removed from a fluid, or a desired component or components to be added to the fluid, for example, each of which is referred to herein as “component”. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification or infusion of a fluid by passing a liquid and a fluid through a contacting zone which facilitates intimate mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A differential of partial pressure, activity, fugacity or concentration of the components between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the components between the liquid and the fluid in the intimately mixed liquid and fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Koenig, Wesley Jung, Santosh Y. Limaye, Stuart Robertson, Stephen Walker
  • Publication number: 20120211442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for hydrocyclone sand cleaning comprising a hydrocyclone for receiving a slurry containing sand to be cleaned and a vessel for receiving sand exiting the hydrocyclone, wherein the vessel has an discharge port for the sand. A fluid extractor is provided between the hydrocyclone and the discharge port, for extracting fluid from the vessel to permit an increased flow rate of sand into the vessel. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning sand and a method of increasing the flow rate of sand through a hydrocyclone cleaning system such as that described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: VWS Westgarth Limited
    Inventor: Neville Ernest Lange
  • Publication number: 20120199524
    Abstract: A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: JOSEPH M. BLY, JR., Melvin O. Stacy, Enrique M. Proaño
  • Patent number: 8236174
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Aeration Industries International LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Durda, G. Shawn Brown, Cory Mortenson
  • Publication number: 20120197057
    Abstract: The invention concerns the control of solvent systems in processes and apparatus for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from non-aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid-liquid extraction, extractive distillation, and the combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: John Joseph MONSON, Arnold Hee-Sur CHOI, Dana Lynn PILLIOD
  • Publication number: 20120196990
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for filtering a fluid containing nanoparticles. The systems and methods generally include introducing a stream of the nanoparticle-containing fluid into a holding vessel, and extracting at least a part of a nanoparticle-containing fluid accumulated in the holding vessel. The extracted nanoparticle-containing fluid is passed through a filtration module to separate a nanoparticle-containing retentate from a permeate, and the retentate is returned to the vessel. The filtration cycle can be repeated until a desired concentration of the nanoparticles is achieved in the holding vessel. In many embodiments, the generation of the nanoparticle-containing fluid and its filtration are performed concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: CERULEAN PHARMA INC.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, John Podobinski
  • Publication number: 20120181233
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining dissolved oxygen content in a wastewater treatment process includes a treatment tank for containing wastewater; a pump for drawing the wastewater from the treatment tank and delivering the wastewater to the treatment tank; an injector system mounted for use with the treatment tank, the injector system including a draw pipe in communication with the wastewater and the pump for drawing the wastewater from the treatment tank, an injector pipe in communication with the wastewater and the pump for delivering a return flow of the wastewater from the pump to the treatment tank, and an injector element disposed for communication with the injector pipe for delivering at least one of air and pure oxygen in the return flow to the treatment tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Marcio Rodrigo ARTONI, Marcos GALDEANO
  • Patent number: 8216458
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, in particular in the aerospace sector, comprising a container which has a sorbent, a feed which supplies the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system to the container for the hydraulic fluid to be passed through the sorbent such that it can be dewatered in a dewatering mode of the device, and a return which returns the dewatered hydraulic fluid from the container to the hydraulic system in the dewatering mode of the device. The hydraulic fluid can be dewatered continuously and very efficiently by the method and the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Scheel, Ralf Pohlmann, Wolfgang Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8211296
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: NCH Ecoservices, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome F. Angelilli, Patrick D. Guccione, Jason M. Melton, Daniel Wai-tak Wong, John H. Williams
  • Patent number: 8206581
    Abstract: A high efficiency reverse osmosis system which utilizes a tuned injector in fluidic communication with a reverse osmosis membrane. The tuned injector includes an injector housing, an injector nozzle, a mixing chamber and an injector throat. The tuned injector utilizes line hydrostatic pressure to inject raw water with an injector nozzle into the mixing chamber to mix with recirculated concentrate water drawn into the mixing chamber by venturi effect and hydrostatic pressure to form feed water. The feed water is then discharged through the injector throat across a reverse osmosis membrane to produce permeate water using the line hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas E. Richetti
  • Patent number: 8197693
    Abstract: Sea water is not suitable for human consumption. Naturally present dissolved chemicals in sea water make it inconsumable. The precipitants and dissolved chemicals need to be separated from water to make it consumable. A combination of aeration system, filtration system, crystallizer, hydrophobic membrane carrying filter and pressure retarded osmosis system are used in various combination to desalinate the sea water. Pressure retarded osmosis process is also used to produce pressurized diluted brine which is further decompressed to by the turbine and used by the generators to produce electricity. Various heat exchange apparatus are used for energy conservation and efficient processing of water in a feasible way. The disclosure enables to purify water and provide an economical means for producing electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: King Abdulazia City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventor: Saad A Al-Jlil
  • Publication number: 20120097616
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydrocyclone for cleaning cellulose suspensions from light impurities i.e. a so called reverse hydrocyclone, having a base end and an apex end and a separation chamber having an elongated shape between the base end and the apex end, at least one inlet arranged at the base end and at least one underflow outlet at the apex end and at least one overflow outlet at the base end. The overflow outlet is provided with an additional, light reject outlet arranged concentrically to a length axis of the hydrocyclone. The invention also concerns a system and a method for producing and/or treating cellulose suspension comprising at least a reverse cleaning stage and at least a dewatering stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jan Backman, Valentina Kucher
  • Patent number: 8163174
    Abstract: A submerged biofiltration purifying apparatus includes a settling zone being a 3D space having open top, bottom, and two lateral sides; one or more filtering zones coupled to the two lateral sides of the settling zone, and each being a 3D space with open sides and having soft contact media connected thereto; and one or more bubble aeration units connected to bottoms of the filtering zones. The soft contact media allow biological films to grow thereon. The bubble aeration units generate air bubbles that guide sewage to flow toward the soft contact media, so that organic substances in the sewage are adsorbed to the biological films. The soft contact media are arranged at a specific angle for the sewage to naturally diffuse toward two lateral sides of the settling zone and recycle. And, purified water settles in the settling zone again to remove remaining suspended solids to achieve sewage purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jun-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 8129158
    Abstract: An agricultural waste digester and biogas generation system. The system includes a digester assembly having a cylindrical body, a hollow interior, a center axis and a plurality of wheel segments within the interior of the digester assembly. A gas conduit extends from the interior of the digester assembly to a power generation device. Also included is a water vessel containing water, and each of the plurality of wheel segments have an acruate, contoured surface area which restrict biogas movement within the digester assembly to produce induced agitation of agricultural waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Straeter
  • Patent number: 8123955
    Abstract: A feed system is used in a sedimentation vessel. The feed system includes an inlet for receiving a quantity of feed slurry and an outlet for delivering the feed slurry to a separation zone within the sedimentation vessel. The feed slurry includes a mixture of solids and liquids that are to be separated in a separation zone within the sedimentation vessel. An airlift pump is used to cycle at least a portion of either the separated solids or the separated liquids from the separation zone and return it to the feed system. This returned portion mixes with the feed slurry and may operate to dilute the feed slurry to a concentration for optimal separation. Additionally, feed conditioning chemicals may be mixed into the feed slurry prior to or after the mixing of the feed slurry with the returned portion of the separated products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: WesTech Engineering Inc., Paste Thick Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Philip Lake, Mark Crozier, Jeffery H. Easton
  • Publication number: 20120031849
    Abstract: A reaction tank useful for precipitating struvite from aqueous solutions such as wastewater comprises an aeration system. The aeration system includes air diffusers in the reaction tank. The air diffusers are located at a level below an outlet of the reaction tank. The airflow control mechanism comprises means for automatically controlling the flow of the stripping gas from the diffusers. The airflow control mechanism may be configured to automatically control the flow of stripping gas in response to a signal from a sensor measuring the pH of the aqueous solution the alkalinity of the aqueous solution or the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: OSTARA NUTRIENT RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Ahren Britton