Spaced Along Flow Path Patents (Class 210/199)
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Publication number: 20090090673Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: AQUAFIBER TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
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Patent number: 7510652Abstract: A fuel filter for removing fuel impurities, particularly thiophenes, includes a hollow housing having a filter element therein. The filter element includes a substrate, which may include a nonwoven fiber web, a plurality of particles, or both of these. Where particles are used, the substrate may be homogeneous or may be a mixture of different particles. The substrate may include a sorbent selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metallic salts, organometallic compounds, catalysts, and oxidizing agents. Optionally, a sulfur-treating reactant may be operatively associated with the substrate to reduce the concentration of thiophenes in fuel passing through the filter.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ronald Paul Rohrbach, Russell Johnson, Peter D. Unger, Gordon William Jones, Daniel E. Bause, Gary B. Zulauf
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Patent number: 7511281Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for the treatment of liquids and gases using ultraviolet light. In one embodiment, a substantially enclosed chamber coated with a reflective material containing an ultraviolet lamp and an ultraviolet transmissive tube running through the chamber for the treatment of liquid passed therethrough is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Ultraviolet Sciences, Inc.Inventor: James Randall Cooper
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Patent number: 7491337Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the purification of water, in particular to the removal of surfactants and optionally organic, inorganic and/or biological contaminants from water using adsorption filtration techniques.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Jeffbrad Investments Pty LimitedInventor: Marilyn E. Karaman
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Patent number: 7491324Abstract: A water treatment system comprising: a container having a first end, a second end and a container wall defining an interior and an exterior; an aerator completely disposed within the interior, the aerator comprising an aerator wall having a plurality of perforations, the aerator configured to rotate in a liquid contained in the interior such that the aerator is partially disposed in the liquid, the aerator configured to aerate the liquid, wherein the plurality of perforations are configured to lift a thin film of the liquid from the container by exploiting the surface tension of the liquid, wherein the thin film bridges the plurality of perforations, and the aerator is configured to create a cascading bubbling turbulent flow in the liquid flowing along the aerator wall, as well as the liquid contained in the container; and a rotary motive force element coupled to and configured to rotate the aerator.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Ionic Water Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Patrick L. Moulton
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Patent number: 7485221Abstract: A wastewater treatment system treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a generally vertically oriented first shaft structure adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, a generally vertically oriented second shaft structure spaced apart from the first shaft structure, a connector passage extending between the shaft structures proximate lower ends of the shaft structures, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second shaft structure. The treatment system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater to disinfect at least a portion of the wastewater. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the first shaft structure, then through the connector passage and the second shaft structure, and into the effluent passage, such that flow time through the shaft structures is greater than flow time through the connector passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib
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Publication number: 20090026143Abstract: To provide an ozonized water producing apparatus capable of efficiently and easily producing ozonized water with a high dissolution degree and a high concentration. In an ozonized water producing apparatus constituted by including a pipeline for passing water to be treated through, a gas-liquid mixing structure provided halfway in the pipeline, and an ozone supply structure for supplying ozone into the gas-liquid mixing structure, the gas-liquid mixing structure is provided with a magnet for exerting a magnetic force onto an inside. By causing the magnetic force to act on both the water to be treated and ozone, ozonized water with a high dissolution degree and a high concentration can be efficiently and easily produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Eiji Matsumura, Nobuko Hagiwara
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Patent number: 7473355Abstract: A delivery device for a chemical additive is provided for an oil filter. A carrier supporting a chemical additive is arranged within a central opening of a pleated filter media. The carrier interlocks with a center tube, also arranged within the central opening, that supports that filter media. The carrier includes fingers that axially and radially locate the carrier to prevent movement of the carrier within the filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Purolator Filters NA LLCInventors: L. Steven Cline, Jeremy J. Ramsey
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Publication number: 20080308505Abstract: We disclose a process for the removal of phosphorous and ammonia from an aqueous stream by contacting the aqueous stream with magnesium and base in a first zone having a first pH, to form an (n?1)th mixed stream and a first portion of struvite; separating the (n?1)th mixed stream from the first portion of struvite; removing at least some struvite from the first portion of struvite; contacting the (n?1)th mixed stream with base in an nth zone, wherein n is an integer incrementing from 2 to nmax, wherein nmax is an integer from 2 to about 5, and wherein the nth zone has an nth pH higher than the (n?1)th pH, to form an nth mixed stream and an nth portion of struvite, except no base is added and the nth pH need not be higher than the (n?1)th pH when n=nmax; separating the nth mixed stream from the nth portion of struvite; returning the nth portion of struvite to the (n?1)th zone; and, if n<nmax, incrementing n and repeating the second contacting, second separating, and returning steps, or, if n=nmax, releasingType: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Robert Jansen, Sebastien Camborieux, Genevieve Kenny, Richard Tanner, Loren Luppes, Anthony Baiada, John Kerr, Timothy Windebank
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Patent number: 7462289Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dispensers for a tablet containing or consisting of a dissolvable composition which, when contacted with water, will elute one or more chemical compounds to the water. More particularly the present invention relates to such an improved dispenser for a tablet which according to one aspect of the invention is particularly useful with, or forms a part of a device for the treatment of water, particularly a device useful in the purification of water.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.Inventors: Francesc Ayats, David Augustus Chang, Jay Packman
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Patent number: 7459075Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Ivey Burns, Thoram Charanda, Thomas J. Nicodemo, Richard Davis, Janell Crowder
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Publication number: 20080290043Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7452463Abstract: Provided are a treatment apparatus for removing fluorine content from water to be treated and a method of treating water to be treated using the same. Water to be treated, containing fluorine, is introduced into a treatment tank over a first path. Slaked lime is added to the water to be treated over a second path. Calcium chloride is added to the water to be treated over a third path. Thus, the fluorine contained in the water to be treated combines with calcium forming slaked lime or calcium chloride, thus yielding calcium fluoride, which is immobilized. When a filter film immersed in the water to be treated is used for filtration, the calcium fluoride contained in the water to be treated is concentrated.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Daizo Takaoka, Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Takashi Igarashi, Hiromichi Ohtake
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Publication number: 20080237141Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Patent number: 7429323Abstract: A pressure pipe for transporting corrosive material, such as ozonated water, is formed with a pipe joint that is resistant to ozone. An intermediate portion of the pressure pipe is formed from a low-carbon steel cylinder with inner and outer concrete layers and prestressing wire. A stainless steel slip joint member is attached to an end of the low-carbon steel cylinder to facilitate joining adjacent pipe sections. The stainless steel slip joint members resist the corrosive effects of ozone, while the inner concrete layer protects the low-carbon steel cylinders of the intermediate portion. In one aspect of the invention, a water treatment system constructed from pressure pipe as described above is connected as a bypass loop to a primary pipe run from a water source to a treatment plant. Ozone is introduced to water diverted through the bypass loop. The water decomposes prior to being reintroduced back into the primary pipe run.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Price Brothers CompanyInventor: Richard E. Deremiah
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Patent number: 7422680Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: Richard G. Sheets, Sr.
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Publication number: 20080202993Abstract: An apparatus for treating solid waste to produce a biomass product includes a cylindrical vessel includes a cylindrical vessel comprising a loading doorway and a discharge doorway at opposite ends of the cylindrical vessel. At least two drive tires are mounted on the cylindrical vessel perpendicular to the cylindrical axis. The drive tires each include a smooth exterior surface for rotating the cylindrical vessel without gear teeth and without sprocket teeth. A drive mechanism is coupled to the drive tires for rotating the cylindrical vessel around the cylindrical axis. The drive mechanism includes drive wheels that support and provide torque to the cylindrical vessel from a contact surface on each of the drive wheels that contacts the exterior surface of the drive tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Clean Earth Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Eley, Donald E. Malley
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Patent number: 7416660Abstract: A method and system of ozone treatment diverts a portion of water from a flow of water in a conduit; injects an ozone-containing gas into the portion to provide an ozonated portion; recombines the ozonated portion with the flow of water in the conduit; and regulates the diverted portion to provide a minimum diverted portion flow rate according to flow in the conduit and proportion of ozone in the injected gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Nutech 03, Inc.Inventors: Johannes van Leeuwen, Michael D. Jennings, Richard A. Mueller, Jack H. Robinson
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Patent number: 7396458Abstract: A wastewater treatment equipment of an embodiment of the present invention neutralizes a WTBT 12 by introducing the WTBT 12 containing fluorine components to a first treatment tank 11A and by introducing an NaOH solution from a second path P2 and so on. The fluorine components contained in the WTBT 12 is then fixed as calcium fluoride by adding calcium components to the WTBT 12 stored in a second treatment tank 11B. Furthermore, MTBR like calcium fluoride are separated from the WTBT in a third treatment tank 11C. The separated MTBR are rinsed and dewatered in a filter press 17.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Motoyuki Tsuihiji
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Patent number: 7364657Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventors: Evgenia Mandrusov, Albert K. Chin, William Earl Webler, Jr., Yan Shen, Robert D. Ainsworth, Eugene Michel
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Publication number: 20080093277Abstract: A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The system is hydrophilic, can run at low pressures and can be designed from low to extremely high volumes. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: John Armour
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Patent number: 7361270Abstract: Water is treated by precipitating dissolved contaminants. A treatment vessel is provided having an inlet for receiving the water under treatment and an outlet for flowing treated water therefrom. A high volume of fine air bubbles are diffused into the water within the vessel as it flows therethrough, causing the water to assume an increased level of dissolved oxygen and thereby cause certain impurities within the water to oxidize and precipitate and flow with the water through the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventor: John W. McBride
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Publication number: 20080028839Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous polycrystalline diamond structure that may be employed as a separation device in a separation apparatus for separating at least one reaction product of a chemical reaction, as a stationary phase support and/or stationary phase in chromatography or separation apparatuses, or as a chemical reaction apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction therein. A separation device includes a body of sintered diamond particles. The body includes a proximal inlet end, a distal outlet end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The body further includes a plurality of at least partially interconnected pores that extend between the proximal inlet end and the distal outlet end. The at least partially interconnected pores are capable of communicating fluid from the proximal inlet end to the distal outlet end. Separation apparatuses that utilize the separation device, such as gas or liquid chromatography apparatuses, and chemical reaction apparatuses are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: Michael A. Vail
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Patent number: 7326337Abstract: A method for starting up a system for oxidating organic bodies. The system includes a tubular body wherein an aqueous body is injected into the inlet thereof at a pressure P1, the tubular body having a first zone extending the inlet thereof, a second zone into which an oxidating compound can be injected into the output thereof. The inventive method includes the following steps: a first amount of thermal energy Q1 is provided in the first zone, the amount of thermal energy being able to raise the temperature of the liquid flowing through the tubular body from an initial temperature to a higher temperature T1; and a determined amount of a combustible mixture which can react at the intermediate temperature T1 in order to provide an amount of thermal energy Q2 bringing the temperature of the liquid to a reaction temperature T2 is injected.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)Inventors: Francois Cansell, Manuel Bottreau
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Patent number: 7300578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
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Patent number: 7297254Abstract: Systems and methods for water extraction and purification are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system includes at least one water lifting unit that fluidly communicates with a groundwater source, and a gas generator that is fluidly coupled to the at least one water lifting unit to generate a gas that buoyantly moves water from the groundwater source to a water consumer.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventors: Michael J. Harrington, Katherine Reinleitner
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Patent number: 7288191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
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Patent number: 7273585Abstract: A biological fluid disposal system having a water flow line, a biological fluid line in fluid communication with the water flow line, a disinfectant line in fluid communication with the water flow line and the biological fluid line, and a venturi connected to one of the lines for creating a suction force so as to draw a biological fluid and a disinfectant in mixed relationship through the water flow line. The venturi includes a source of water pressure connected to the water flow line such that the water flow across an opening of either the biological fluid line and disinfectant line creates the suction force. The disinfectant line is connected to the biological fluid line between the water flow line and source of biological fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: James M. White
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Patent number: 7267778Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
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Patent number: 7238283Abstract: A new and improved wastewater treatment system suitable for the treatment of wastewater from a CMP process. A holding tank receives wastewater from a CMP wastewater collection tank. The holding tank may further receive wastewater from a backside grinding (BG) wastewater collection tank. A reaction tank receives wastewater from the holding tank. A coagulant polymer binds to the slurry particles in the reaction tank to precipitate the slurry particles out of solution. One or a pair of clarifiers receives the wastewater from the reaction tank, and the polymer-bound slurry particles are separated from the wastewater in the clarifier or clarifiers. An effluent collection tank receives the purified wastewater from the clarifier or clarifiers. The purified wastewater may be pumped to a storage tank such as a reused city water (RCW) tank for use in scrubber cleaning processes, for example.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.Inventors: Chung-Ling Wu, Chih-Hsiung Chen, I-Shin Tang, Wen-Honh Lee, Chang-Tzong Chen, E-Cheng Su, Long-Chi Yang
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Patent number: 7235175Abstract: A method and device for treating sludge and slime to enable reuse in soil upgrading and in building material systems. Hydrophilic sludge and slime having a water content not less than 70% are continuously treated in a manner which enables colloid removal, dehydration, oxidation, sanitation, stabilization, mineralization, filtration and porosification. The device for treatment includes a hollow caisson traversed in the longitudinal direction by the treated product and provided with at least an intake for the product to be treated and at least an outlet for the treated product.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Naturem EnvironmentInventor: Hervé Brisset
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Patent number: 7232278Abstract: An adjustable outlet riser including a riser (54), a reducer (58) sealed to the riser (54), and an adjustable riser (56) having a tight but slidable fit with the reducer (58). A pond for treatment of aqueous solutions has a piping system dividing its interior into a plurality of cells, the piping system having separate headers for each cell, each header having an adjustable outlet riser in accordance with the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventors: Timothy P. Danehy, Gene T. Hilton, Margaret Hensley Dunn, Clifford F. Denholm, IV, Shaun L. Busler
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Patent number: 7229550Abstract: In the present invention, a potable water treatment system and apparatus for purifying and treating potable water that is being transferred from a potable water source to a number of potable water user(s) via a potable water line is presented. Said potable water purification and treatment system and apparatus has a filter capable of filtering the potable water to an NTU of less than 0.10, removing TOC and disinfection by-products, as well as a chemical feed system which comprises a measuring device for measuring at least one of: the potable water flow and the potable water quality, at least one proportioning device for determining any amount(s) of chemical additives utilizing input(s) from the measuring device(s) and at least one chemical feed pump to transfer at least one chemical additive to the potable water, wherein at least a disinfectant is added to the potable water downstream of filtration.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Richard A. Haase
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Patent number: 7211194Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Eau-Viron, Inc.Inventor: James A. Titmas
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Patent number: 7192517Abstract: A water treatment system for treating coal-bed-methane (CBM) water. The CBM water treatment system includes a pump system for pumping CBM water from one or many CBM wells into a common reservoir and a solid-based sulfurous generator that produces aqueous sulfurous acid to treat the CBM water and an injection system that increases the amount of calcium contained in CBM water. In one embodiment, the injection system is a gypsum injector that injects soluble gypsum into the CBM water. Moreover, in one embodiment, the solid-based sulfurous generator includes a hydraulic air inlet shut off valve safety system for automatically reducing the combustion air to the sulfurous generator when water is not delivered to the solid-based sulfurous generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: SO2 Solutions, LLCInventor: James Webb
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Patent number: 7179375Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Microdiffusion, Inc.Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
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Patent number: 7157008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
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Patent number: 7147786Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions, by dissolving hypohalite into the water, and by regulating the residence time, and thus hypohalite concentration in the device using a venturi nozzle disposed between the metal generator and the hypohalite generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.Inventors: Alvin Costa, Richard T. Coffey, Michael Pereira, Daniel Nelsen, Thomas Parent, Christopher Kampf
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Patent number: 7138049Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater streams by adding, either separately or as a mixture, a nitrate containing compound and an alkaline material in an amount sufficient to achieve a lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides downstream of the addition as compared to the atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides present in the wastewater stream prior to the addition. By adding alkaline material in addition to a nitrate containing compounds, the amount of nitrate containing compound added can be reduced by at least 10% as compared to the amount of nitrate that would theoretically need to be added in the absence of alkaline material to achieve a comparable lower concentration of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide and dissolved sulfides in the wastewater stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: USFilter CorporationInventors: David J. Hunniford, David L. Morano, James Paul Harshman
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Patent number: 7135112Abstract: A flocculation apparatus and method for treating colloidal suspensions. The apparatus includes a suspension inlet, a suspension outlet and an inner cone mounted centrally in a conical outer housing. The inner cone and/or the outer housing is rotatable relative to one another and a gap for through-flow of suspensions is present between the inner cone and the outer housing. In the method, continuously measuring a flock size distribution of a suspension stream passed into the flocculation apparatus is provided. Additionally provided is axially displacing the inner cone and/or outer housing as a function of the flock size distribution and the suspension volume flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Clausthaler Umwelttechnikinstitut GmbH (CUTEC-Institute)Inventors: Christian Schroeder, Michael Sievers
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Patent number: 7105084Abstract: A passive treatment system for removing metals, especially manganese, from mine drainage and other aqueous solutions. The Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP) is an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal or vertical operational flow path through a bed of treatment media together with a vertical flow path for flushing accumulated solids from the bed. The bed preferably contains basic steel slag, limestone, marble, blast furnace slag, other types of slag, organic material, or mixtures thereof. In another aspect of the Hybrid Flow Pond, a tiered piping system divides an interior of the treatment bed into cells. Each cell has its own header and adjustable riser whose output level can be raised or lowered to change the head experienced by each cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventors: Gene T. Hilton, Jr., Timothy P. Danehy, Margaret Hensley Dunn, Clifford F. Denholm, IV, Shaun L. Busler
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Patent number: 7094342Abstract: A water activation device efficiently activates water and maintains its activation performance over a long period of time. The water activation device includes a conductive body having an in-flow opening and an out-flow opening, a cover member that coats the outer perimeter of the body through insulation material and is insulated from water pipes, a plurality of holders overlapped with one another in an axial direction of the body, and a plurality of activation material units each being formed in a cylindrical block containing minerals as a main component. The activation material units are held in a retainer of the holder without contacting with one another. Each of the holders is formed of a retainer having a plurality of flow openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: Kikuo Tamura
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Patent number: 7083715Abstract: A method is provided for thickening sludge produced through a ballasted flocculation process. The sludge and granular material from the ballasted flocculation process are directed to a sludge separator where the sludge is separated from the granular material. Thereafter the separated sludge is sent to a degassing area and the sludge is degassed. A flocculating agent is mixed or injected into the sludge. The sludge is directed to a sludge thickener with a load at a sill calculated on the surface of the thickener greater than 200 kgMIS/m2/day. This process produces a thickened sludge having a concentration greater than 10 gm/l.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: OTV SA S.A.Inventor: Patrick Binot
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Patent number: 7074328Abstract: A mixing, aerating or oxygenating apparatus to aerate or oxygenate ponds, rivers or lakes, sewage or effluent treatment lagoons or beds or to airstrip volatile compounds from water or other solutes by distributing gas through a piped system having a plurality of outlets branching from a common distribution line. In order to deliver a desired quantity of air or oxygen at each outlet, a constant flow regulator is disposed in each outlet which limits the flow to a set amount when the pressure in the pipe system exceeds a predetermined minimum value. In one embodiment, the regulator is chosen to achieve this irrespective of pressure drop along the distribution line. In another embodiment, the regulator is chosen to give the desired output with no pressure drop along the distribution line.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Kenneth O'Hara
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Patent number: 7052600Abstract: The inventive method and apparatus for treating water and water systems. The apparatus and method also assures the retention of calcium in drinking water provided to an animal by suppling water to a water feed line which is connected to a drinking device, oxidizing the water to retain calcium in the water in solution, ionizing the water using copper/zinc electrodes, the ionization sanitizing the water and providing residual copper and zinc ions which act as an algicide and a biocide, and providing the ionized oxidized drinking water which retains calcium in solution to the animal for drinking.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Enproamerica, Inc.Inventor: Scott McKay
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Patent number: 7045060Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating a liquid with a first and a second chemical. A liquid to be treated flows into a first inlet port of an intake manifold. A second inlet port of the intake manifold introduces a first chemical into the liquid. A first static mixing device comprising a spirally twisted tube forming a plurality of helixes and having an inlet port connected in fluid communication with an outlet port of the intake manifold is provided for mixing the first chemical with the liquid. The outlet port of the first static mixing device is connected to a first inlet port of an interconnecting manifold. A second inlet port of the interconnecting manifold introduces a second chemical into the liquid. A second static mixing device has an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet port of the interconnecting manifold for mixing the second chemical with the liquid and for eluting the treated liquid from an outlet port of the second static mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Inflowsion, L.L.C.Inventors: John Kevin Liles, Gregory A. Schmidbauer
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Patent number: 7029587Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating water in an ice machine or a beverage-dispensing machine comprising an ultraviolet radiation source, an ozone source and a controller. As potable water enters the apparatus via a conduit, the potable water is decontaminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which irradiates the potable water, and by an ozone generation system that provides ozone to be injected into the potable water to oxidize contaminants. Because water is often circulated within ice machines, the circulating water conduits and reservoir are also treated with ozone and UV radiation. The present invention also provides a controller for optimizing the decontamination process by providing UV light and ozone production only when required for decontamination. Typically, ozone generation and UV radiation are required whenever makeup potable water is brought into the apparatus or when the refrigeration compressor is running.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventor: Craig C. Andrews
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Patent number: 7029580Abstract: A sludge concentrating apparatus comprising a sludge tank for storing sludge and a filter cloth having a shape of endless belt which turns between upper and lower rollers, further comprising filtering means of which at least the lowermost of rollers is immersed in the sludge, washing means of the filter cloth, and a filtrate chamber having a filtrate introducing port in contact with the filter cloth and a weir, wherein a sludge distributing tank serving as sludge introducing means into the sludge tank is provided near the upper end of the filtrate introducing port, and a concetrated sludge discharge tank serving as concertrated sludge introducing means with the filter cloth in between; said sludge concentrating apparatus further comprising coagulant adding means for adding an acid, and a flow adjustment device serving as a sludge uniform feeding means which feeds sludge fed into the sludge tank uniformly in the width direction of the filter cloth.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignees: Japan Institute of Wastewater Engineering Technology, JFE Engineering CorporationInventors: Kiyoshi Suzuki, Kinichiro Kouno, Takashi Etou, Itaru Sakai, Satoru Udagawa, Arimitsu Ishii
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Patent number: 7014781Abstract: A composition and the method for sustaining the biocidal activity of chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads. The method comprises supplying a continuous low level halogen concentration to the chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads in the water to be treated that flows in contact with the chlorinated polystyrene hydantoin beads, resulting in treated water suitable for drinking.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Vanson Halosource, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Bridges, Hiroyuki Kawai, Tay-Yuan Chen, Everett J. Nichols, Jeffrey F. Williams, Steven McClure, Jerry Wetherbee
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Patent number: 7014752Abstract: A water treatment control system for minimizing trihalomethane formation includes chlorine injection equipment having a plurality of chlorine injectors (11d, 12, 13), a fluorescence analyzer 7 provided on the upstream of the chlorine injectors, and a water flowmeter 6. An chlorine injection rate necessary to reduce a trihalomethane formation potential is calculated by a chlorine injection rate calculating apparatus 14a based on a measured value from the fluorescence analyzer 7. An chlorine injection amount from the chlorine injectors is controlled by chlorine injection amount control apparatuses 15a–15c based on the chlorine injection rate and a measured value from the flowing water flowmeter 6.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Seiichi Murayama, Futoshi Kurokawa, Masao Kaneko, Kotaro Iyasu, Kenji Taguchi, Kie Kubo, Shojiro Tamaki, Akira Hiramoto, Takumi Hayashi, Nobuyoshi Kaiga