Serially Connected Distinct Treating Or Storage Units Patents (Class 210/195.1)
  • Patent number: 7419608
    Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of purifying oil-laden wastewater, which provides a method for purifying coke-cooling wastewater in a delayed coking process in petroleum chemical field. The method comprises the following steps: (a) cooling the coke-cooling wastewater produced in a delayed coking process to 5-55° C. under 0.1-0.25 MPa absolute pressure, to obtain cooled coke-cooling wastewater; (b) subjecting the cooled coke-cooling wastewater to solid-liquid separation, to obtain a coke breeze phase and a liquid phase; (c) further separating the obtained liquid phase, to obtain an oil phase and a water phase; and (d) further discharging water from the obtained oil phase, to obtain the separated oil phase. The present invention also provides an equipment for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignees: East China University of Science and Technology, Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited, Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Corporation (LPEC) Sinopec
    Inventors: Hualin Wang, Zhuoqun Qian, Jianwen Wang, Baohua Dai, Jiangqing Hu, Shuilong Yu, Chengyu Xu, Tianming Hou, Hejie Li, Jianghua Xu, Lixin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080196156
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a shower head 22, a circuit configured to recirculate at least part of the used water to the shower head, a heater 18 included in the circuit for heating the recycled water to a temperature at which micro organisms in the water are killed and a heat exchanger 16 arranged to exchange heat between the water flowing towards and away from the heater. The system provides an efficient use of water and energy and also allows a high flow rate of water at a relatively low use of energy and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Royal College of Art
    Inventor: Peter Brewin
  • Patent number: 7413656
    Abstract: An aerobic system provided to treat sewage generated by a modern larger home which does not have access to a municipal sewage connection The features of this system are adaptable to upgrade and/or replace existing systems. In a preferred embodiment the system uses two 1000 gallon tanks, a first pretreatment tank to receive raw sewage, remove settleable and floatable solids from the sewage, and discharge into a second tank in which the pool of sewage is aerated. The second tank contains a motor driven aerator and a unique self-cleaning filter driven by an outgoing liquid stream from the aerator. After passing through the filter, the liquid is then discharged into a leaching field or nearby stream as permitted by the proper regulatory agency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mor-Air Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Allen, Thomas W. Olson, Carl E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080185351
    Abstract: System and method for water restoration to a water pool or to water regions associated with freshwater or saltwater marinas. Embodiments include a positive water flow device that works in unison with a negative water flow device, wherein the positive and negative flow devices are separated from each other in the water pool or water regions. The positive flow device, for example, a water jet, directs a stream of water beneath the water surface of the water pool or water regions, and causes a water surface to move towards the negative flow device by a hydraulic pushing action. The negative flow device includes a water pump and receiving port, augments the hydraulic pushing action by providing a complementary pulling action by applying a vacuum or negative pressure to a water receiving port, or scoop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080173582
    Abstract: New industrial, commercial and/or household process and the apparatus to carry out that process. Used in water recycling and reuse treatments applied to laundering, dyeing and stamping processes in general, mainly in the textile segment. Today, residues generated by industrial plants must be disposed of in compliance with the national legislation, established by resolutions issued by the National Environment Council of each region and country. As a result, there are several processes for the treatment of residuary water and effluents in several categories. However, to date, there is no specific treatment for effluents of textile industrial plants and/or similar facilities, because each plant uses different chemical components together with their products, which requires different treatments. Consequently, general purpose effluent treatments are more commonly used, but are not always efficient in treating special cases of effluents containing specific residues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: Lamberto Jose Ramenzoni, Rubens Jose de Oliveria Filho, Leandro Zanini Santos
    Inventors: Rubens Jose de Oliveira Filho, Leandro Zanini Santos
  • Publication number: 20080164192
    Abstract: A device for purification of contaminated liquid includes (a) a prepurification tank in which raw water to be purified and foaming reagent are introduced and mixed and the pH value is adjusted, whereby prepurified water is obtained; (b) at least one tower-shaped main purification block, wherein each of the at least one tower-shaped main purification blocks, includes, arranged vertically one under another; (i) a drum station for combined gas and water scrubbing by foaming; (ii) a defoaming station; (iii) an ionization station; and (iv) a collecting tank for collecting resultant purified water; (c) a separating device in which sludge from the purification tanks is introduced; and (d) at least one afterpurification filtering device connected to the collecting tank of the main purification block by a supply line and wherein a pure water outlet line extends from the at least one afterpurification filtering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Hermann BERTHOLD
  • Patent number: 7396455
    Abstract: Brine container, at which a suction filter (24) is disposed, in which the brine container has a circulating filter system (28), which has a filter (34) and a pump (30), with which the brine (22) can be pumped through the circulating filter system (28), the filter (34) having an exchangeable filter element (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Schröder Maschinebau KG
    Inventors: Eric Heidbreder, Christoph Umbach
  • Publication number: 20080156724
    Abstract: A recirculating wastewater evapotranspiration and disinfection system is disclosed which wastewater is collected, stored, aerated. and circulated through an unsaturated and optionally heated planter/filter bed containing soil microorganisms and living plants (a phytosphere) in which aerated wastewater is circulated and recirculated through the entire system until all of the wastewater and it's constituents are utilized by either evaporation, transpiration, gasification and the production of living plants and their by-products (phytomass) or disinfected for reuse. A phytosphere is comprised of the rhizoplane/rhizosphere (roots of plants and their associated soils and soil organisms) and the phytomass (stalks, shoots, vines, trunks, hold-fasts, leaves, fruits, seeds and flowers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: David Anthony Del Porto
  • Publication number: 20080149565
    Abstract: Provided is a process for adsorptive separation of p-xylene from an aromatic hydrocarbon mixture comprising other isomers of xylene, and a device used therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a separation process employing simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorptive chromatography, characterized by subjecting the extracts eluted from a plurality of adsorption chambers arranged in parallel, to a crystallizer for additional separation, thereby improving productivity, and a device used therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS, CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-Suk Lee, Nam-Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 7390400
    Abstract: A denitrification reactor with a culture fixed to an organized plastic-type support is combined with an installation for the nitrification and elimination of the carbon-based pollution The reactor is supplied with a mixture of the raw effluent to be treated and of the effluent originating from the installation for the nitrification and elimination of the carbon-based pollution. The reactor includes two denitrification compartments (3, 4) arranged in parallel and operating altenatingly between a filling phase (denitrification and self cleaning-out of the excess biomass); and an emptying phase (denitrification and drainage of the excess biomass). A system for supplying the mixture of effluents consisting of a rotary arm (11) which alternately supplies the mixture to each of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Suez Environnement
    Inventors: Cédric Geneys, François Virloget
  • Patent number: 7387721
    Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Clay Moore
  • Publication number: 20080128352
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A. Novak
  • Patent number: 7374677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: KKJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer K. McLaughlin, Don Schoendorfer
  • Patent number: 7351329
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing a potable water station includes a pair of conduits providing a fluid connection between the potable water station and the system. It also includes a pump operable for circulating water from the potable water station through one of the conduits to the system and through the other of the conduits from the system to the potable water station. Further, the system includes an ozone generator for injecting ozone into the circulating water to destroy bacterial contamination. A method for sanitizing a potable water station includes the step of circulating water from the potable water station and back to the potable water station. It also includes the step of generating ozone with an ozone generator. Further, the method includes the step of injecting ozone into the water circulating from and back to the potable water station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Semler Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Palm, Loren H. Semler, William E. Schulz
  • Patent number: 7329344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane bioreactor process combined with an advanced biological sludge digestion process that provides significant improvements in sludge digestion by reducing the costs and resources required for disposing of digested sludge. The offline treatment vessel is used to solubilize the organic material by operating in a very low oxygen environment. Digested process fluid is transferred back to the membrane bioreactor. The processes and apparatus substantially reduce the production of waste sludge. The device includes one or more weirs operable to remove grease and scum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Edward John Jordan, Robert Elefritz
  • Patent number: 7329354
    Abstract: A chemical distribution system having improved organic solvent fluid purity and consistency includes a vessel containing ion-exchange media positioned within a fluid flow pathway such that the organic solvent fluid passes through the ion-exchange media, thereby effecting removal of undesired impurities. Different embodiments of the invention position the vessel at varying locations within the fluid flow pathway. The chemical distribution system also preferably includes a return chemical flow pathway that recirculates purified organic solvent fluid through the ion-exchange media-containing vessel and thereby enables the system operator to conduct incremental adjustment of the solvent purity until a desired overall purity is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: PPT Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Mullee
  • Patent number: 7326339
    Abstract: An apparatus for recirculating water through a magnetic field comprises: a) a funnel; b) a water injector configured to deliver water around an interior peripheral surface of a top portion of the funnel; c) a magnet positioned along and adjacent to the narrow spout of the funnel so that magnetic flux passes within the spout; d) a receptacle to collect the water discharged from the spout of the funnel; and, e) a recirculating system having a pump which pumps processed water from the receptacle to a top portion of the funnel. Over time water within the receptacle will have had multiple passes through the spout and will thereby be better magnetically energized. In a preferred aspect the above apparatus a funnel cover portion is used to enclose a top open portion of the funnel and to carry and directionally maintain the water injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Randy Hatton
  • Publication number: 20080023385
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a nonwoven filtration medium is provided comprising substantially continuous sheath/core bicomponent filaments arranged to form an open, porous, fluid permeable spunbond nonwoven fabric. The core component of the filaments comprises polyester or polypropylene and the sheath component comprises polyethylene having a melting temperature less than the melting temperature of the core component and including an organic antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. A multiplicity of bond sites are distributed uniformly throughout the fabric and defined by regions where the lower-melting sheath component has softened and flowed together at filament cross-over locations, with the individual being filaments spaced apart from one another except at the filament cross-over locations. The spunbond nonwoven fabric preferably has a thickness of about 10 to 40 mils and an air permeability from 150 to 270 cfm/ft2/min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: John Frank Baker, Jr., John M. Reeves, Peter J. Angelini
  • Patent number: 7314547
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Stinson, David D. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 7311824
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fine particle separation treatment system containing: a storage tank for storing a solution; a solution circulating passageway for circulating the solution in the storage tank, a cyclone separator disposed in the solution circulating passageway for separating fine particles in the solution and a particle trap box for trapping the precipitated fine particles in the cyclone portion through a communication hole. An electrode rod is disposed at the center of the particle trap box, and the fine particles are electrically separated by applying a potential between the electrode rod and an electrode of the particle trap box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Hideto Yoshida, Kunihiro Fukui, Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7311799
    Abstract: The invention provides a hydrofluoric acid wastewater treatment method that achieves efficient recovery of hydrofluoric acid from hydrofluoric acid wastewater and also achieves sufficient reduction in the hydrofluoric acid concentration of the dehydrofluorinated water after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Sasakura Engineering Co., Ltd., Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junji Mizutani, Mitsuo Maeda, Tamito Mukaida, Yasushi Nishimura, Yutaka Shiomi, Koji Harada, Yoshio Tanimoto, Toshiaki Muratani
  • Publication number: 20070289911
    Abstract: A process line for separating oil sand slurry comprising coarse solids, fines, bitumen and water, into a first product comprising bitumen, fines and water and a second product comprising coarse solids, fines and water is provided comprising a plurality of countercurrently operating solid/liquid separators arranged in series along a pipeline, wherein the underflow of one separator is fed to the next separator in series and the overflow of each separator is fed to the preceding separator, the underflow of the last separator being the second product and the overflow from the first separator being the first product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicants: CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED, CANADIAN OIL SANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, CONOCOPHILLIPS OILSANDS PARTNERSHIP II, IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES, MOCAL ENERGY LIMITED, NEXEN OIL SANDS PARTNERSHIP, MURPHY OIL COMPANY LTD., PETRO-CANADA OIL AND GAS
    Inventors: GEORGE J. CYMERMAN, JESSICA VANDENBERGHE
  • Patent number: 7309419
    Abstract: A device for diverting the flow of liquid in a wastewater treatment system in flow communication with effluent returning from a recirculating treatment section and in flow communication with a discharge line for removing a portion of treated effluent to a receiving body. The device also has openings for returning a percentage of the effluent back to the wastewater treatment system. A valve operatively responsive to a float in the treatment system whereby when the effluent level in the system falls below a critical point, all of the effluent is recirculated back into the treatment system and when the effluent level rises sufficiently a percentage of cleaned effluent exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Quanics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Rhorer, Theophilus B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 7306731
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a diary milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus is particularly conductive for feeding a digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Daritech, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave C DeWaard
  • Patent number: 7303666
    Abstract: A water filtration system includes a filter for receiving water to be filtered and having an output. A water storage vessel is connected to receive water from the filter output; and water is removed from the storage vessel and supplied back to the input of the filter, whereupon filtered water to be utilized is obtained solely from the output of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Charles W. Mitsis
  • Patent number: 7300578
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
  • Patent number: 7300570
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for treating wastewater using contact media. The water treatment apparatus includes a biofilm reactor (13) including first and second biofilm contact layers (2 and 3) alternately arranged in a hopper, a precipitator (9) for receiving wastewater from a wastewater collecting tank and purified wastewater from a collecting hopper (4), and precipitating sludge contained in the wastewater, the precipitator (9) being connected with a sludge discharge pipe (8), and a wastewater circulating unit (11) for recycling decant water in the precipitator (9) into the biofilm reactor (13), using a circulating pump (10). By this arrangement, it is possible to achieve a considerable enhancement in wastewater purification efficiency while achieving compactness of the installation because sewage, sanitary sewage, and wastewater can be purified by the alternating biofilm contact layers vertically arranged in pairs to form a multi-stage laminated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: SE GI Synthetic Environment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kihae Yang, Koseok Dock
  • Patent number: 7291269
    Abstract: A device and method for an extracorporeal blood treatment is described. The device comprising at least one exchanger equipped with at least one first inlet for the blood to be treated, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, an input line for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet of the exchanger, a blood output line (or venous line) connected to the first outlet of the exchanger, at least one treatment unit comprising at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet, the second outlet of the exchanger being in fluid communication with the first inlet of the treatment unit, where the first outlet from the treatment unit is in fluid communication with the input line and the second outlet of the treatment unit is in fluid communication with a first waste liquid discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jacques Chevallet, Guy Mercier, Hiram Rada, Mehran Monchi
  • Patent number: 7288191
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7279093
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a module for processing foaming wastewater containing organic compounds. The UV/ozone oxidation removal module mainly includes an ozone generator, an ozone injector, an ozone dissolution tank, a gas-liquid separator, an ozone destruct unit, a UV reaction tank, a recycling pipeline. The gas-liquid separator contains a stainless tank with an adsorbent inside, preferably activated carbon, for removing foams and a portion of ozone, so that foams are prevented from entering and adversely affecting the ozone destruct unit, and thus a foaming organic wastewater can be treated with the UV/ozone oxidation removal module of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kon-Tsu Kin, Pei-Lin Chang, Kuang-An Yang
  • Patent number: 7267778
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Publication number: 20070205151
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Gordon Alf Plishker, Robert Gavin Jones, Ralph Edward Holm, Joshua Richard Quinn
  • Patent number: 7252766
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for treating wastewater containing biodegradable material wherein a submerged stand alone perforated cylinder reactor pod containing aerobic bacterial growth media and a draft tube with air pressure induced pumping action creates a spray or splash pattern so as to recirculated aerated liquor through the media and also to the area surrounding the cylinder pod. Free interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the perforations in the cylindrical pod wall. Provision is also made for back flushing the media and returning mixed liquor to an area remote from the reactor pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: William L. Stuth, Sr., Matthew M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7238284
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing an alkaline solution includes a storage tank storing the alkaline solution to be processed; a processing unit sucking a foam phase disposed on the liquid surface level of the alkaline solution in the storage tank, defoaming the foam phase by centrifugal separation, and extracting the foam phase outside the storage tank, the processing unit including an extraction tube; a separating tank separating scum and a liquid, the separating tank being connected to the extraction tube; a scum-discharging component discharging the scum in the separating tank outside the separating tank; and a liquid-discharging component discharging the liquid in the separating tank outside the separating tank. In the apparatus, the scum and the liquid separated in the separating tank are separately discharged outside the separating tank with the scum-discharging component and the liquid-discharging component, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hotani Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Setsuo Hotani
  • Patent number: 7217358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for killing or inhibiting growth of undesired microorganisms using ultraviolet radiation. A vortex turbulated flow of water is established within a vertical tube through which is transmitted ultraviolet radiation. In a preferred embodiment the dwell time of water within the tube may be varied to achieve optimum exposure. The method can be used to treat water alone or to treat objects suspended in water. In a particularly preferred embodiment freshly cut pieces of fruit may be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Lionel Evans
  • Patent number: 7214312
    Abstract: A sterilized fluid management kit for use in renal replacement therapy isolates a replacement fluid container from touch contamination and provides for sterilization of replacement fluid by filtering using an installed filter that is hermetically connected to the replacement fluid container. A method is described where replacement fluid is automatically generated before treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nxstage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 7198716
    Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terence K. Reid
  • Patent number: 7192518
    Abstract: A circuit for filtering a liquid, comprising a storage vessel (10), a pump (17), a consumer device (14), a filter element (23) and a controller (24). The circuit maybe used in systems where liquid, e.g. water, oil or fuel, is filtered and at least part thereof is returned to the storage vessel. Liquid is pumped in the circuit from the storage vessel by the pump through lines (11, 13, 15, 16), filtered by filter (23) and supplied to the consumer device. Excess liquid not required by the consumer device (14) is returned via return line (15) to the controller (24) which directs the liquid either to the filter or the storage vessel—depending on liquid temperature. The controller (24) and the filter are arranged in a common housing (18) having connectors for an unfiltered liquid inlet (19), a filtered liquid outlet (20), a liquid return (21) and a liquid outlet (22). The connectors (19–22) enable rapid assembly of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Roesgen
  • Patent number: 7179375
    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. The depleted water is then pumped to a second mixing station, wherein oxygen is introduced into the depleted water to provide oxygen enriched water. The oxygen enriched water is then returned to reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microdiffusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 7179369
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil filter installation for cleaning or cleaning and dessication of the oil in a tap changer at a power transformer or a plunger core coil, wherein a measuring device for detecting the volume flow of the throughflowing oil is provided and the electric pump motor is influenced by way of an interposed frequency converter in accordance with the result of a comparison of this measured value with a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Dohnal, Karsten Viereck
  • Patent number: 7172691
    Abstract: A system and method for removal of uranium and other contaminants from aqueous solution, utilizing live algae, are described. The system includes a bioreactor, in which a reaction mixture of live algae, preferably photosynthetic algae, and contaminated solution are introduced; a means for introducing carbon dioxide gas in the reaction mixture; a means for exposing the reaction mixture to light; means for mixing and impelling the reaction mixture; and means for separating out algae from remediated solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Eric H. Dunlop, Ravendra Naidu, Megharaj Mallavarapu
  • Patent number: 7157008
    Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream before entering the reaction chamber and a buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber. Since some of the buffered sidestream is re-circulated, a fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. Continued sidestream water entry mixes with the fluid bed causing additional precipitation of solids. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer, resulting in a softer, more readily drainable fluid bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
  • Patent number: 7153431
    Abstract: A method and system for treating water or wastewater to remove both soluble BOD and suspended solids. The method entails a ballasted flocculation process where a flocculant and insoluble granular material is added to the water or wastewater to be treated causing solids in the water or wastewater to aggregate around the granular material to form ballasted floc particles. In a settling zone, ballasted floc particles form settled sludge and the settled sludge is separated from clarified effluent. At some point in the process, activated sludge, in the form of return activated sludge or mixed liquor, is mixed with the water or wastewater being subjected to the ballasted flocculation process. The addition of activated sludge enables the process to remove soluble BOD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: I. Kruger Inc.
    Inventor: James Scott Daugherty
  • Patent number: 7140441
    Abstract: A method and a system for separating the phases of a multiphase fluid from one or more wells. The system includes at least one first gravity separator and at least one second gravity separator, and elements for conducting the fluid from the well or wells to the first and second gravity separator(s). The system includes elements for selectively conducting the fluid to the first and second gravity separators either in parallel or in subsequent steps depending on the properties of the well fluid and process conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Vetco Aibel AS
    Inventors: Espen Hauge, Øystein Grande
  • Patent number: 7135106
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device adapted to provide water purified to human consumption level, and arranged for connection to a water supply. The device comprises a water purifier, a container for purified water and connections between the water purifier and the purified water container, The water purifier includes a filtering system that removes particles present in water to be purified as well as any undesirable adsorbable material, The filtering system is in fluid communication with the water supply on the one hand, and the container, on the other hand. The device also includes an ozone generator and a venturi for injecting ozone into filtered water downstream of the filtering system, but before introduction of the purified water into the container. A pump is arranged to draw water from the water supply, to feed same to the filtering system, and thereafter to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aquagenex Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Marquis, Maxime Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7115107
    Abstract: A blood circuit (1) for a dialysis machine is made form plastic material and is provided with a metallic plate (30), which is applied to an external face of the blood circuit (1) and is connectable to a voltage generator (34) in such a way as to form a capacitor, in which the plate (30) and the blood act as the capacitor plates and the plastic material acts as the dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Annalisa Delnevo, Carlo Alberto Lodi
  • Patent number: 7112282
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: David J. Stinson, David A. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 7108784
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the removal and destruction of ammonia from an aqueous medium. The methods and apparatuses include the removal of ammonia from an aqueous medium by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite. The spent zeolite is re-generated for continuous use, while the ammonia is concentrated as ammonium sulfate, and ultimately destroyed via combustion. A system for monitoring and maintaining an ammonia removal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: WRT International LLC
    Inventors: John E. Litz, Charles S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7101476
    Abstract: A soil covered sewage treatment system for eliminating organic impurities from a household sewage is provided. The house hold sewage treatment system is covered with 1) a top layer planted with grasses and flowers of the local area, 2) a second top layer filled with the local soil, and 3) a third layer from the top that is divided into six sections and each section is separated from each other by walls that are extended from each baths and is filled with chips of stones and marbles. The sewage treatment system is comprised of; a decanting and denitrification bath, a primary oxidation bath, a decanting bath, a secondary oxidation bath, and a discharging bath with partial recycling pipes which are buried under the third layer. Microorganisms living in the local soil facilitate denitrification and oxidation of a household sewage. The roots of grass covering the top surface of the reaction baths absorb and utilize water, impurities, and decomposed compounds as fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Jung Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 7097762
    Abstract: The modular waste water treatment system receives waste water from a waste water source containing organic waste and produces a treated water effluent. The modular system includes bioreactors and a bioreactor support module. The bioreactors receive a waste water mixture from the bioreactor support module and produce treated water substantially free of organic waste. The bioreactor support module is a transportable unit fabricated upon a frame adapted for transport by a truck upon a public roadway. The bioreactor support module includes items of equipment needed for conditioning waste water for intake by the bioreactors, items of equipment for receiving, processing and discharging treated water from the bioreactors and may include other items of equipment for receiving and processing other byproducts from the bioreactors. The transportable bioreactor support module is sized to support the operation of between one and preferably as many as six bioractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: ICM, Inc., Phoenix Bio-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Ruocco, Paul John Russell