Serially Connected Distinct Treating Or Storage Units Patents (Class 210/195.1)
  • Publication number: 20130299405
    Abstract: A system for processing drilling mud, the system including a primary separation tank having an inlet for receiving drilling waste and an outlet in fluid communication with a feed line, and an injection pump in fluid communication with a polymer tank and the feed line. The system also includes a clarifying tank in fluid communication with the feed line and a first collection tank, wherein effluent from the clarifying tank is discharged into the first collection tank, and a centrifuge in fluid communication with the clarifying tank and a second collection tank, wherein effluent from the centrifuge is discharged into the second collection tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: John O. Pruett, Gary E. Fout
  • Patent number: 8574435
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an advanced treatment system processing contaminated water or fouled water/waste water, and particularly, a system for membrane fouling control and reduction in the amount of sludge producing in a membrane combined-type fouled water/waste water advanced treatment system, and more particularly, a system capable of making sludge soluble using plasma and then re-utilizing cell byproducts of destructed sludge as a supply source of external carbon source, and possibly capable of removing a cake layer formed on a membrane using each kind of radical and ozone generated by plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Hoseo University Academic Cooperation Foundation, Kumkang Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Soung Chang, Ji Sun Lee, Seun Young Joung, Cheol Ku Lee
  • Patent number: 8574438
    Abstract: A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalised dialysate flowing in the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hepa Wash GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kreymann, Catherine Elisabeth Schreiber, Ahmed Nabeel Al-Chalabi
  • Publication number: 20130248430
    Abstract: An expanded bed chromatographic adsorption (EBA) column for a biochemical separation process comprises a pressure equalization liquid distributor having a self-cleaning function below a porous blocking sieve plate at the bottom of the expanded bed, an upper part nozzle assembly having a backflush cleaning function at the top of the expanded bed, a better distribution of the feedstock liquor added into the expanded bed ensuring that the fluid passed through the expanded bed layer displays a state of piston flow. The expanded bed layer displays a state of piston flow. The expanded bed chromatographic separation column has advantages of increasing the separation efficiency of the expanded bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SHANGHAI ZHIXIAN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiongyi Gu
  • Publication number: 20130240422
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting plasma reduced platelets potentially suspended in a synthetic solution from a donor. Whole blood is drawn from the donor and introduced into a separation chamber. Platelets are extracted from the separation chamber into a container, using, for example, surge (with anticoagulated plasma or a synthetic solution) or push methodologies. The remaining blood components in the separation chamber are returned back to the donor. The steps of drawing whole blood and introducing the whole blood into the separation chamber, extracting platelets from the separation chamber into the container, and returning the remaining components in the chamber back to the donor are repeated. The sequestered platelets in the container are reintroduced into the separation chamber, whereupon a plasma reduced platelet product is extracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Ohashi, Etienne Pagès, Dominique Uhlmann, Pascal Maillard, Michael Ragusa
  • Publication number: 20130228497
    Abstract: A method of processing a liquid having magnetic particles includes increasing a magnetic particle content in at least a portion of the liquid; forming an effluent using the portion of the liquid that has the increased magnetic particle content; and filtering the effluent using a magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ricky D. Watts
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8518257
    Abstract: A denitrification system is disclosed, where a plurality of biological regenerated adsorptive cells or units. Each cell includes a counterflowing absorptive media and waste water to achieve a two or three zone biomass nitrate/nitrite degradation environment. The system includes a backwash water recirculation loop and a media recirculation loop, where the media recirculation loop subjects the media a sufficient shear to dislodge dead microbes and/or weakly bound microbial films from the media surface, but insufficient to substantially reduce the particle size of the friable media. Nutrient supply and distribution and gas controls are used regulate cell characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan Operating L.P. “C”
    Inventors: Randy A. Galgon, Allen Ray Stickney
  • Publication number: 20130213891
    Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a sorbent cartridge in fluid communication with at least one of a patient or a dialyzer, the sorbent cartridge including a housing having a zirconium phosphate layer followed by at least one of a urease layer, a zirconium oxide layer, or a carbon layer; a storage container in fluid communication with the sorbent cartridge; a pump in fluid communication sorbent cartridge and the storage container; and a control unit in operable communication with the pump, wherein the control unit is programmed to cause the pump to pump a dialysis fluid to flow (i) in a first direction through the sorbent cartridge, wherein the zirconium phosphate layer is contacted by the dialysis fluid before the at least one of the urease layer, zirconium oxide layer or carbon layer and (ii) in a second direction, reverse from the first direction, through the sorbent cartridge wherein the at least one of the urease layer, zirconium oxide layer or carbon layer is contacted by the dialysis fluid before the zircon
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: Baxter Healthcare S.A., Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Sujatha Karoor
  • Patent number: 8512567
    Abstract: A desalination system wherein a latent heat of condensation produced by the temperature gradient across a membrane distillation (MD) module is transferred directly to a latent heat of vaporization during desalination of a liquid flow stream. The desalination system comprises the MD module disposed within an object and configured to receive an input feed stream for desalination and produce an output flow stream of a product. The system also comprises a vapor compressor in fluidic communication with the MD module and configured to introduce a hot steam to a high temperature side of the MD module and extract a cool steam, having a temperature less than the hot steam, from a low temperature side of the MD module, thereby creating a temperature gradient across of the MD module. A desalination method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Andrew Philip Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8506816
    Abstract: Water and fuel contaminating material may be removed from a stream operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the contaminated oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membrane and housing a flow of air for disposition outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Andrew M. Mance
  • Patent number: 8496808
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus (10) includes one or more treatment tanks (12, 14). Each treatment tank (12, 14) has an associated oxygenation treatment circuit (18) including a gas and liquid mixing chamber (20), a gas injector (22) upstream of the mixing chamber (20) and one of an oxygen generator (24) or an ozone generator (26) supplying gas to the gas injector (22), and a pump (28, 29) for pumping wastewater from the treatment tank (12, 14) through the mixing chamber (20) and back to the treatment tank (28, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Seair Inc
    Inventors: Harold Kinasewich, Chris Kinasewich
  • Patent number: 8491786
    Abstract: A circulation type water purifier prevents production of bacteria and microbes by periodically circulating water and also increases pump life and reduces pump costs by varying circulation times depending on an amount of water used. The purifier includes a filter 100; a purified water storage tank 200; a cold/hot water supply tank 300 having respective outlets for hot and cold water and drain outlets; a sterilizer 900; and a pump 400. Under control of a microcomputer, the pump periodically circulates water through various circulation piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dongyang Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jaekyeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130175210
    Abstract: An odor treatment device for septic tanks, including an electrolytic oxidation module that has one or multiple electrode sets and processes odor precursors or organic matters that cause odor from organic wastewater and excretion flow inside by an electrolytic oxidation reaction; a supply line through which the excretion is supplied from a septic tank to the electrolytic oxidation module; a circulation line through which the organic wastewater and excretion with the odor precursors and organic matters processed by the electrolytic oxidation module are circulated back to the septic tank; a circulation pump that is disposed in the supply line and continuously circulates the organic wastewater and excretion; a direct current power supply unit that supplies direct current to the electrode sets of the electrolytic oxidation module; and a pump power supply unit that supplies power to the circulation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicants: EXEN ENVIRONMENTAL INC., Industry-Academia Cooperation Group Of Sejong University
    Inventors: Industry-Academia Cooperation Group Of Sejong, EXEN ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
  • Patent number: 8480905
    Abstract: A method and system for recycling and treating dyeing wastewater are provided. To begin with, the dyeing wastewater is added with an adsorbent for assisted decolorization and filtration. Then, the wastewater is filtered with a first filtration device having hydrophilic membranes. The liquid having passed through the hydrophilic membranes undergoes an RO membrane-base filtration process to produce recycled water and concentrated wastewater. The concentrated wastewater is delivered into a second filtration device having hydrophobic membranes, before a micro-bubbling process is performed on the concentrated wastewater in the second filtration device to turn the concentrated wastewater into a creamy-white nebulized working liquid of high gas content. The steam in the working liquid can readily pass through the hydrophobic membranes to produce an effluent that meets effluent standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jr-Jung Iang
  • Patent number: 8480888
    Abstract: A system and process for continuously and immediately removing contaminants from wastewater and treating wastewater, where the wastewater is treated to supply fluid that can be reused in the cleaning system or discharged safely into the environment is disclosed. The system and method comprises one or more pumping means for circulating and recirculating fluids captured or collected by the system to one or more of the processes in the system, such as wash water applications or further treatment cycles. According to one embodiment, the wastewater is transported through purification sections of the device. Depending on the system used, these sections could include several of the following: pretreatment to remove debris and certain heavy solids; treatment by methods such as a conductivity solution injection system and/or electrolytic coagulation system, a polymer injection system, and a inline mixer for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; and an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Ashley, Ben Checketts, Shannon L. Taylor, Bernie L. Larson, Richard W. Frederick, Paul W. Linton
  • Publication number: 20130168333
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for circulating process waters from plants of dust-pressure or entrained-flow gasification of solid and liquid fuels are provided, wherein process waters are separated from solids or reduced in their solids content by a pressure filtration unit under process pressure and returned to consumer loads, such as raw gas quenching processes and scrubbing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Fleischer, Frank Hannemann, Manfred Schingnitz, Peter Taffelt
  • 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: 20130092637
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings, specifically, shakers that incorporate modifications including vacuum systems and/or partitions and methods of operating such shakers to affect a high degree of fluid separation. The systems and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs. The systems are also particularly effective in assisting in the separation of gases from drilling fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
  • Patent number: 8419935
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tervita, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Patent number: 8404120
    Abstract: An apparatus and method permit continuous separation of an adsorbate from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins, alone or in combination, without pretreatment. The processing is carried out while a loop adsorbent is circulated. An adsorbate is adsorbed, not by supply of the processing solution through the adsorbent, but by contact thereof with the adsorbent. In addition, the adsorbent after desorption of the adsorbate is cleaned. As a result, the apparatus and the method achieve continuous processing and separation of the adsorbate even from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins alone or in combination without pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Osaka Prefecture University
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshida, Hidemi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130068530
    Abstract: Processes and systems are provided with a hydrophilic liquid or solution for clarifying drilling mud to separate diesel oil or other oil lubricants out from the drilling mud such that the diesel oil or other oil lubricants may be recycled to a well for reuse as a lubricant for drilling components, such as a drilling bit. The hydrophilic liquid or solution may be recovered and reused/recycled in the processes and/or systems as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Jurgen D. Scheide
  • Patent number: 8398859
    Abstract: Device for haemodiafiltration, which comprises a first circuit for a dialysis solution and a second circuit for blood, so that the toxic substances from the blood flow pass into the dialysis liquid within a haemofilter (11), a liquid pump (20) located upstream of the haemofilter (11) in the first dialysis liquid circuit, is adapted for injecting replacement liquid into the dialysis solution flow after a blood pump (15) finishes pumping blood to the interior of the haemofilter (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fundacion Para la Investigacion Biomedica del Hospital Gregorio Maranon
    Inventor: Juan Francisco Del Cañizo López
  • Publication number: 20130062219
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus capable of sterilizing a storage tank and a sterilizing and cleansing method thereof are disclosed. The water treatment apparatus includes: a filter unit purifying raw water; a storage tank connected to the filter unit and storing purified water which has been filtered through the filter unit; an electrolytic sterilizer installed between the filter unit and the storage tank, electrolyzing only purified water which has been filtered through at least a portion of the filter unit to generate sterilization water, and supplying the sterilization water to the storage tank; a drain unit connected to the storage tank and discharging water accommodated in the storage tank; and a control unit controlling a water purification mode of the filter unit and a sterilization mode through the electrolytic sterilizer and the drain unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Soo-Young Lee, Jung-Gyu Jang, Ui-Son Hwang, Claude Kwon, Jung-Hwan Lee, Chul-Ho Kim, Min-Suk Chang, In-Gyue Choi
  • 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: 8377308
    Abstract: A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalized dialysate flowing in the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hepa Wash GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kreymann, Catherine Elisabeth Schreiber, Ahmed Nabeel Al-Chalabi
  • Patent number: 8372274
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. In one embodiment, the wastewater treatment system includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers. The first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel M. Early, Scott F. Easter
  • Patent number: 8366924
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for desalinating seawater utilizing a two stage seawater desalination system, a first stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive seawater feed pressurized by a first stage pump sufficiently and to produce a first permeate, and a second stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive the first permeate pressurized by a second stage pump to between about 200 psi and about 300 psi to produce potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: City of Long Beach
    Inventor: Diem Xuan Vuong
  • Patent number: 8366938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying liquid effluents, in which water is separated from substances by performing, in a single vertical enclosure (3), a vertical bubbling in the effluents fed at a flow rate d. The enclosure has a free surface and includes at least two compartments (4, 5, 6, 7) communicating together for enabling a circulation between the compartments successively from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top between the lower portion thereof and a medium level at a flow rate D at least three times higher than the flow rate d. The supernatant phase is continuously discharged and a hydraulic or gaseous chemical oxidation of said effluents is simultaneously carried out in the same enclosure, the chemical oxidation rate and the bubble flow rate and size being selected in order to progressively obtain a separation of the solid/liquid and liquid/liquid phases at the surface of the enclosure for obtaining a COD below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Orege, Societe a Responsabilite Limitee
    Inventors: Patrice Capeau, Michel Lopez, Pascal Gendrot
  • Publication number: 20130026107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering contaminated water from an oil or gas well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 8349191
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 8349192
    Abstract: A method for collapsing a microbubble includes applying stimulation to the microbubble during the gradual decrease of the its size. As a result, the microbubble floating in a solution that decreases in size due to the natural dissolution of a gas contained in the microbubble and disappears after a while, has the speed of its size decrease enhanced and causes the microbubble to disappear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Reo Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Takahashi, Kaneo Chiba
  • Patent number: 8333887
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the efficient purification of aqueous liquids comprising an ionic solute. The liquids are purified by a plurality supercapacitor desalination units working in tandem; a first unit operating in “charge” mode, deionizing the feed solution and producing a purified product liquid, while a second supercapacitor desalination unit is operated in “discharge” mode, releasing ions into a circulating stream and producing a concentrate. The output of the first desalination unit is removed as a purified product stream. The output of the second desalination unit is a concentrate, which is directed to a common precipitation unit where a portion of the ionic solute is precipitated and separated from the remaining liquid phase, which may be recirculated to the second desalination unit. The use of two supercapacitor desalination units operating out of phase allows the common precipitation unit to be operated continuously under steady state conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Manio Silva
  • Patent number: 8318023
    Abstract: Contaminating water and/or fuel material may be removed from a stream of internal combustion engine lubricating oil being circulated over parts of an operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and/or fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membranes and housings using streams of flowing air heated to a pre-selected temperatures using waste engine heat for disposition outside the housing. Application of this practice to other membrane-separable mixtures is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Andrew M. Mance
  • Patent number: 8287731
    Abstract: A return flow filtration assembly for filtering return hydraulic fluid is provided. The filtration assembly includes a first return fluid chamber including a first inlet and first and second of outlets. The second outlet is configured to be coupled to a secondary return flow filter for providing micro-filtering of the return fluid. The first outlet includes a restriction element for restricting flow through the first outlet and generating an artificial back pressure within the first return fluid chamber to drive fluid through the second outlet, when the second outlet is coupled to a secondary return flow filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Helgesen Design Services, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Marshall, Robert E. Broman
  • Patent number: 8282830
    Abstract: Devices and methods for producing purified water. The device includes a reverse osmosis subsystem, a dehumidification subsystem and a purified water storage tank fluidly coupled to the subsystems such that purified water produced by each can be locally stored. A vehicular platform, such as a ship, can be used to locate the device adjacent a supply of saline water and humid air. A saline water inlet, membrane and purified water outlet cooperate in the reverse osmosis subsystem to allow preferential passage of water relative to salt in a saline water supply, while the dehumidification subsystem includes a heat exchanger that extracts moisture from the ambient humid air. Purified water produced by each of the subsystems can be used as a potable water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Ival O. Salyer
  • Publication number: 20120234776
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed for treating water received from one or more sources or treating water that has been stored in a storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Taylor Sand
  • Patent number: 8257594
    Abstract: A water-on-water filtration system that includes a filter member and two storage vessels. The system includes a plurality of valves that are controlled to place a first of the storage vessels in a fill state in which the first storage vessel is being filled with filtered water, and concurrently place the second of the storage vessels in a service state in which filtered water held in the second storage vessel is delivered as an output of the filtration system. The filtration system can be configured to supply a constant output of filtered water to meet a constant demand while using a relatively small filter member and relatively small storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Astle, Martin J. Blaze, Katrina Prutzman
  • Publication number: 20120199537
    Abstract: An apparatus for conducting single-pass filtration of ink waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a filter connected to a housing unit and a plurality of absorbent layers within the housing unit, wherein the plurality of absorbent layers are in any order and include: a layer for removing metal and polar compounds, a layer for removing non-polar color impurities, a layer for removing acid functional components, a layer for removing additives with polar or protic functional groups, and a layer for removing residual water. A process and a system that include or utilize the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Doris Pik-Yiu Chun, Hou T. Ng
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120160777
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention relate to treating water including contacting a liquid stream with a source comprising inorganic and/or divalent ions and separating the stream into an effluent and a fluid comprising less sulfate than the stream, wherein the effluent comprises more sulfate and more inorganic and/or divalent ions than the stream. Methods and apparatus relate to treating water including a reaction unit comprising an inlet for feed fluid and an inlet for inorganic and/or divalent ions and a separator unit comprising an inlet for output from the reaction unit, an outlet for effluent, and an outlet for fluid comprising less sulfate than the feed fluid. Some embodiments include introducing the fluid comprising less sulfate than the stream into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: M. Fazrie B A. Wahid
  • Publication number: 20120152812
    Abstract: The systems and methods described provide for reducing sludge generation, and thus sludge wasting and handling, by including an anaerobic completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) as a bioreactor in a side-stream. The CSTR provides a significant simplification of side-stream treatment design, enhanced sludge minimization, and enhanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorous without the need to add organic carbon. The described systems and methods provide generation of biogas including both hydrogen and methane from the activated sludge system. The described systems and methods avoid complex reactor designs for nutrient removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Chul Park, Dong-Hyun Chon
  • 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: 20120138529
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a metal and separating arsenic from an arsenic-containing solution. The method includes contacting the arsenic-containing solution with a fixing agent that comprises a rare earth compound to produce an arsenic-depleted solution and an arsenic-laden fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises a rare earth-containing compound that can include cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The fixing agent is separated from the arsenic-depleted solution and a recoverable metal is separated from one or more of the arsenic-containing solution and the arsenic-depleted solution. Recoverable metals can include metal from Group IA, Group IIA, Group VIII and the transition metals. The arsenic-containing solution can be formed by contacting an arsenic-containing material with a leaching agent. Arsenic-depleted solids formed during the leach can also be separated and recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Charles F. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20120138528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing arsenic from an arsenic-bearing material. The method includes the steps of contracting an arsenic-bearing material with an arsenic leaching agent to form an arsenic-containing solution and arsenic-depleted solids. The leaching agent can be an inorganic salt, an inorganic acid, an organic acid, and/or an alkaline agent. The arsenic-depleted solids are separated from the arsenic-containing solution, which is contacted with a fixing agent to produce an arsenic-depleted solution and an arsenic-laden fixing agent. The fixing agent comprises a rare earth-containing compound that can include cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The fixing agent is then separated from the arsenic-depleted solution. A recoverable metal in the arsenic-depleted solids, arsenic-containing solution or arsenic-depleted solution can be separated and recovered. Recoverable metals can include metal from Group IA, Group IIA, Group VIII and the transition metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Charles F. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20120138530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating arsenic from an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The method includes the steps of contacting an arsenic-containing solution with a first portion of fixing agent to remove at least a portion of the arsenic. An arsenic-laden fixing agent is separated from the solution and the partially depleted solution is contacted with a second portion of fixing agent. The fixing agent can include a high surface area insoluble compound containing one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. Following removal of the arsenic, the arsenic-depleted solution can be further processed to separate a recoverable metal through metal refining. The arsenic-laden fixing agent can be filtered to recover and recycle a filtrate to the solution for additional treatment, as well as using a partially saturated fixing agent to remove arsenic from fresh solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Charles F. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8187474
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system for removing contaminants from fluids includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The system also includes a fluid pump between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a filter material between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The filter material comprises a dual-valence polymer with negative valence monomer groups and positive valence monomer groups, the negative valence being stronger than the positive valence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Mark C. Freeman, Jon J. Freeman, Clarence S. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20120118804
    Abstract: A system and method treat oilfield produced water by two-stages of hazardous sulfide treatments. In an embodiment, a two-stage oil and gas field produced water treatment system includes an oil removal vessel. The oilfield produced water is introduced to the oil removal vessel. The oil removal vessel removes a portion of the hydrocarbons from the oilfield produced water to provide a reduced oil produced water. In addition, the system includes an iron sponge. The reduced oil produced water is introduced to the iron sponge, and the iron sponge removes a portion of the hazardous sulfides from the reduced oil produced water to provide a reduced sulfide produced water. The system also includes a stabilized sodium percarbonate solution. The stabilized sodium percarbonate solution is mixed with the reduced sulfide produced water to remove a portion of the hazardous sulfides from the reduced sulfide produced water to provide a treated produced water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen D. Matza, Martha T. Smith
  • Patent number: 8163175
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for conveying lime slurry, removing and controlling the amount of grit, and feeding lime slurry, wherein the lime slurry moves through a recirculation loop, and wherein gravity removal of grit from the lime slurry takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Christy, Michael Quici