Diverse Type Patents (Class 210/202)
  • Patent number: 5246592
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil from an oil spill on the surface of a body of water includes a skimmer unit for recovering an oil-water mixture from the surface of the body of water, a three stage coalescer unit for separating the oil in the oil-water mixture from the water therein and a solvent injection assembly for injecting solvent into the coalescer unit after the first and second stages in order to reduce the viscosity of the oil entering the second and third stages. The first, second, and third stages of the coalescer unit comprise interceptors having a surface area ratios between 27 and 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; 65 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 2500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 ; and 500 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3 and 4200 ft.sup.2 /ft.sup.3, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: ACS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Schweizer, Kantilal P. Patel
  • Patent number: 5240597
    Abstract: A waste water treatment equipment adapted to treat, with high removal performance at all times, waste water drained from various sources such as sewage containing solid wastes left after crushing garbage sent out from cooking room, home kitchen, etc. The equipment is provided with a pretreatment device in which chemical is supplied to a treatment tank so as to accellerate decomposition of the solid waste left after crushing garbage by fermentation and putrefaction, and digestion of the solid wastes and water pollution materials by anaerobic bacteria. The sewage pretreated in the pretreatment device is introduced in a sewage treatment device in which sewage is caused to flow in a plurality of sewage treament tanks sequentially in order, and the pollution materials such as BOD, COD, etc. in the sewage are subject to oxidation decomposition and removal by activated sludge process beds of specific configuration in which arrangement of activated sludge varies for each tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignees: Iwao Ueda, Chie Ueda, Etsuko Ueda
    Inventor: Iwao Ueda
  • Patent number: 5234588
    Abstract: A device for use in a system for cleaning a swimming pool includes a housing, a filter and a sterilizing component. The housing has an inlet port adapted to be connected to the sidewall of a swimming pool and an outlet port adapted to be connected to a suction pump, while the filter is disposed in the housing between between the inlet port and the outlet port for removing debris from a stream of pool water flowing from the inlet port through the housing to the outlet port during a cleaning operation. The sterilizing component is disposed in a predetermined location in the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port and in spaced relation with respect to the filter for dispensing a chemical sterilizing agent into the stream during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Doniel G. Aymes
  • Patent number: 5232584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc., USA
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5232585
    Abstract: An improved multi-stage treatment system for biological denitrification of and suspended solids removal from water includes a biological reactor containing rigid media supporting denitrifying bacterial growths, an aeration chamber and an automatic backwash filter. In use, methanol or other carbon source containing influent water flows into the reactor beneath the rigid media and upwardly in contact with said bacterial growths to cause nitrates and nitrites contained therein to be converted into nitrogen. The denitrified water is then aerated in the aeration chamber and subsequently filtered by downward flow through the automatic backwash filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Infilco Degremont Inc.
    Inventor: Peter E. Kanow
  • Patent number: 5232583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing manure, fermented liquid manure being subjected to nitrification in a first step and to denitrification in a subsequent step, an aerated reactor which contains active sludge rich in nitrifying bacteria being used in the nitrification step and acid-neutralizing chemicals being added to said reactor if necessary and a continuously fed upflow slib bed (USB) reactor which contains a very compact biomass which is capable of converting nitrate to nitrogen gas and to which an organic substrate is added being used in the denitrification step, the loading of the reactor being controlled to obtain an optimum nitrification and denitrification and this is obtained on the basis of one or more of the following data:the incoming nitrogen load;the information from the WAZU respiration meter;the pH in the nitrification reactor, the criterion for which is that the pH is in the range limited by 6 and 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Ecotechniek B.V.
    Inventors: Iman W. Koster, Abraham Klapwijk
  • Patent number: 5232582
    Abstract: A water purifying apparatus has feeding device for feeding water under pressure; a bacteria culturing tank; and air supply device for feeding air to the bacteria culturing tank by inducing air by utilizing fluid energy of circulating water; and an air flow detector provided on an air suction duct of the air supply means. A filter provided upstream of the feeding means for feeding water under pressure has the capability of preventing moss from growing in a water tank and sterilizing water. An ultraviolet lamp for sterilizing the water in a water tank is provided in a circulating duct. A carrier for fixing bacteria which grows aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is composed of a basic mineral material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takahashi, Ikuo Kobayashi, Masao Noguchi, Nobuyuki Hirai, Keiko Nakanishi, Masanobu Hattori
  • Patent number: 5227053
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system including a housing supporting an untreated water container, a removable and disposable filter means and a treated water receiving container all of which are self contained in relation to the housing to enable the housing to be supported from a countertop or other suitable surface at the point of use. The filter means includes multiple compartments with purification media therein with two of the compartments including plate means coated with a photoactivated catalyst, preferrably titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). An ultraviolet lamp and reflector directs ultraviolet light energy onto the catalyst. Flow control means is provided in the filter means to provide a slow rate of flow thereby providing long time contact between the water being treated and the purification media in the filter means to provide maximum purification efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Conventure Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley J. Brym
  • Patent number: 5227055
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closed cycle aquaculture system for fish rearing which includes as part of a water treatment subsystem a rotating biological contactor. The contactor nitrifies the contaminated water to remove toxic materials therefrom and also can be operated to maintain the temperature of the water near the wet-bulb temperature of the surrounding air when desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Timmons
  • Patent number: 5225086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of wash water from the gas washing system of an iron ore reduction plant, the wash water being brought into direct contact with dust-laden gas in a gas washer, is removed from the latter and after solids separation is again supplied in cooled form to the gas washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsch Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Bogdan Vuletic
  • Patent number: 5211844
    Abstract: A small-sized, low cost to manufacture and inexpensive wastewater treating biological film tank by which wastewater produced in each home can be treated by each home. A treating tank 10 has therein multi continuous-pore soft ceramic 40. Waste or raw water is supplied into the tank from its top through a waste/raw water supplying pipe 21, and pushed up by the action of air bubble forced into the tank from its bottom through an air bubble generator 30, and then flows over through cylindrical guide 50 into the multi continuous-pore soft ceramic 40 wherein the water is purified by microorganisms which digest the nutrient in the waste or raw water. Surface area of the multi continuous-pore ceramic element 40 is about 25 times larger than that of a conventional plastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignees: Nikki Hanbai Co., Ltd., Takashi Hattori
    Inventors: Takashi Hattori, Kazuo Nakano
  • Patent number: 5209855
    Abstract: A batch type process for purification of a polymer resin, in which a predetermined volume of acid is rapidly emptied and stirred into a fixed volume of polymer slurry for chemically treating impurities in the slurry, is converted to a continuous operation by supplying a substantially constant stream of polymer slurry and a controlled stream of acid to a mixing vessel. pH control of the polymer slurry required for effective purification of the polymer resin is achieved by manipulating the flow rate of the acid stream responsive to a feedforward control signal which operates in conjunction with a feedback signal. The feedforward signal is based on an upstream measurement of slurry flow rate to the mixing vessel and the feedback signal is based on a downstream pH measurement of slurry flowing from the mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Dale M. Solaas, Donald E. Cummins, Glenn W. Kile, George E. Long
  • Patent number: 5207904
    Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: 396234 B C Ltd.
    Inventor: Gunther Abel
  • Patent number: 5196113
    Abstract: Removing radioactive contaminants from liquid hazardous material such as oil, includes recirculating the material between a processing tank and a filter medium. The material is heated to increase viscosity during the circulation through the tank and filters. Chemicals including chelating agents are added to enhance the removal of the radioactive elements. Water is added to the processing tank or upstream, in a settling tank, to effect a water wash of the liquid hazardous material. A pre-filter stage upstream of the settling tank is followed by a mid-range filter stage in the recirculation loop with the main processing tank. A finishing filter stage is in the outlet from the main processing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Southern California Edison Co.
    Inventor: Brian D. Metz
  • Patent number: 5196111
    Abstract: Improved reactor for the biological treatment of sewage, intended to replace the aeration tank in plants comprising an anaerobic tank in which denitrification takes place, an anaeration tank where the nitrification of the effluents by aerobic bacteria is carried out and a final clarifier, which comprises a single tank having three separate zones which are, in the order in which the liquid to be treated passes through them successively:an aeration operating with plug flow;an anaerobic zone; anda completely mixed zone comprising means permitting it to operate under adjustable aeration conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventors: Roger Nicol, Vincent Savall
  • Patent number: 5192441
    Abstract: A process for the biological treatment by nitrification and/or denitrification of an effluent containing nitrogen pollution includes the following steps:an incident flow of this water is brought into a mixing zone with at least one compartment in which, by turbulent mechanical agitation, an inconsumable and insoluble granular material, loaded with biomass, is put in homogeneous suspension in this water, and is maintained at a more or less constant mass concentration;this water and this granular material in suspension are circulated in a separation zone from which is extracted on the one hand clarified water, and on the other hand biomass loaded granular material; andalmost all of the active biomass fixed on said granular material is brought back by forced recycling to the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Omnium de Traitements et de Valorisation (OTV)
    Inventors: Jacques Sibony, Gilbert Desbos
  • Patent number: 5190649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing metals from metal-charged waste sludges from industry, clarification plants, or the like, in which the sludges are treated with a solvent for the metals, the resulting solution is separated from the undissolved substances and worked up to yield the metals, and the remaining solids are dumped as safe waste materials or used as fertilizers. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this working-up method, characterized by a mixing apparatus for mixing the solvent and the sludge which is to be treated, a residence zone, an adjoining apparatus for separating the metal-charged solvent from the insoluble fraction, and optionally an apparatus for drying the insoluble fraction. Metal sludges can be continuously worked up, if desired, in the apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Antonio M. Celi
  • Patent number: 5178755
    Abstract: Ozonated liquid is mixed within a multi-stage clarifier system with wastewater to be treated and suspended solids are removed. The clarified effluent is filtered and exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Ozone is injected into the irradiated effluent and received within a contact tower where reaction between the contaminants and ozone takes place. The ultraviolet irradiated, ozonated, and clarified liquid is recirculated through an ozone injector and discharged through a mixer plate into a purge chamber. The purge chamber effluent is split, with a portion returning to the contact tower and passing through a second ultraviolet radiation source, and the remaining purge chamber effluent being distributed within the clarifiers. After a predetermined residence within the system, a diverter valve in the return line is operable to discharge the treated water through a carbon filter and out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: ESTR Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylen R. LaCrosse
  • Patent number: 5176798
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for recovering and disposing of volatile organic contaminants, from water contaminated with organics, which system includes a pump to feed water from the body of contaminated water to the system, with indirect heat exchange and direct steam addition to raise the temperature of the water, a stripping vessel to strip the heated water with gas to strip the volatile contaminants from the water, gas supply to provide stripping gas to the vessel conduits to pass the removed volatile contaminants to a vessel containing a bed of adsorbent selective for the removal organics and regenerating the near-saturated bed by stripping with ambient air heated by heat exchange with the exhaust gas from a fuel-fired heater, passing the contaminant-containing regenerating gas from the regenerating bed to said fuel-fired heater, and combusting the contaminants in said fuel-fired heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: John B. Rodden
  • Patent number: 5174879
    Abstract: A device for the continuous disinfection of and removal of nitrate/nitrite ions as well as other adsorbable organic impurities from water and a process for using the device are disclosed. Three or more containers may be arranged in series in the direction of water flow. A first container may contain a water reservoir with a level control. A second container may contain a gaseous disinfecting agent producing device, which may be a cartridge releasing hypochloric acid through a membrane. Alternatively, the gaseous disinfecting agent producing device may be a sodium chloride electrolytic cell having a diaphragm. A third container may include a plurality of acrylic filters and a nitrate-specific ion exchanger. A fourth container may include an activated charcoal filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Medarex Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Elke M. Gadke-Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 5167806
    Abstract: An improved gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system involving the use of multi-stages gas dissolving pressure vessel and the use of a pressurized water release assembly and an open vessel is described. The gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system includes a liquid pressure pump, a pressure vessel, a gas injector, an inlet nozzle assembly, a gas compressor, gas regulators, gas flow meters, pressure gauges, a safety valve, a bleed-off point, feeders, pumps, a pressurized water release unit, a liquid flow meter, an open vessel, sludge removal means, and air emission control means. More than one gases introduced at different inlets are dissolved simultaneously and efficiently in the pressure vessel under controlled high pressure and high rotating velocity. The improved liquid treatment system is compact, simple and cost-effective, and is applied to ozonation, chlorination, recarbonation, oxygenation, bio-oxidation, nitrogenation, aeration, and flotation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Lubomyr Kurylko, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5160440
    Abstract: Procedure for dewatering sewage sludge comprising the steps of subjecting pumpable sludge to chemical pretreatment with addition of a flocculation agent, pre-dewatering the chemically pretreated sludge by gravity filtration and conveying the pre-dewatered sludge by gravity, dewatering the pre-dewatered sludge by pressure filtration to form a sludge cake, crumbling the sludge cake to obtain sludge cake pieces, and drying the sludge cake pieces. After the dewatering step, so hard sludge cake is formed that after crumbling the sludge cake pieces are obtained which maintain their shape in accumulated consistency. A plant for the execution of the procedure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Josef Merai
  • Patent number: 5158678
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-stage separator vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the separator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5158677
    Abstract: Apparatus for reconditioning water-based, synthetic and semi-synthetic coolants. The apparatus comprises a stainless steel mesh filter for removing larger particulate, a coalescer to agglomerate oil droplets and enable a disk skimmer to remove and transfer the separated oil to an oil reservoir, and an inverted, coolant-driven centrifugal separator to separate the smaller particulate down to one micron or smaller in size. Part of the cleaned coolant is combined with the partially cleaned coolant to enable multiple passes of the coolant to assure removal of the particulate. The coolant is pumped using two double-diaphragm air pumps for best control of flow rate and pressure and for good suction for the size of the pump. A biocide may optionally be added to stabilize the coolant. In addition to being able to separate particulate, the separator has sufficient thrust to partially separate the constituents of the coolant as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventors: Robert M. Hewitt, Hugh D. Martin
  • Patent number: 5147530
    Abstract: The well water removal and treatment system of the present invention includes a pumping and well water withdrawl loop consisting of an above ground pump, a pressurized water drive line from the pump outlet to a well water ejector, a water return line from the well water ejector to an aeration and precipitation tank, an inlet line from the aeration and precipitation tank to the pump and a venturi nozzle air mixing manifold fluidically connected between the high pressure drive water line and the lower pressure water delivery line to mix air into the water during the entire pump cycle. The water delivery line from the pumping and withdrawal loop has a flow control regulator therein that controls the water flow therethrough in proportion to the water pressure in the pumping and withdrawal loop above a preselected minimum control level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Water Soft Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Chandler, William D. Chandler, Jr., William J. Conery
  • Patent number: 5145585
    Abstract: A method for treating water in a cooling system including a cooling tower and heat exchanger are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of removing water from the main cooling water circuit, serially subjecting the water to magnetic treatment, treatment with ozone, filtering with a centrifugal separator, and then returning to the main cooling water circuit. Underflow from the centrifugal separator is filtered with a bag filter, and the filtered water returned to the magnetic treatment step. The pH of the water may be controlled by regulating the production of dry air supplied to the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Alden L. Coke
  • Patent number: 5137625
    Abstract: A multi-stage active biological waste water treatment Apparatus. An anaerobic, sludge settling first lagoon or chamber has a distributed piping system providing multiple, spaced outlets for the inflow of waste water; the multiple outlets distribute the buildup of sludge within the anaerobic chamber, which otherwise tends to block influent pipe outlets, by shifting flow from one outlet pipe to the next as sludge builds up.A controlled flow aspirator system then injects air into the odoriferous effluent from the anaerobic chamber as part of the natural water flow out of the anaerobic chamber into the first of a series of biological treatment chambers, without exposing the effluent to local surroundings.Within an aerobic duckweed treatment chamber, a rotating effluent outflow pipe retains an effective biomass of duckweed for the treatment process, yet, as desired, removes a chosen quantity of this growing biomass for harvesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Billy C. Wolverton
  • Patent number: 5126050
    Abstract: A periodic multistage process which minimizes fugitive pollutant emissions has been developed for the removal and destruction of volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile organic contaminants from either water, wastewater, or spent granular activated carbon. This invention relates to methods, materials, and systems for treating these contaminants by a process and devices which uniquely combine granular activated carbon adsorption and desorption with biological treatment. The process and devices extend existing treatment systems by: (1) providing biofilm growth in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor on gas permeable membrane which uses oxygen for the supply of the electron acceptor and other organics (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: SBR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Irvine, Lloyd H. Ketchum, Jr., Peter A. Wilderer, Carlo D. Montemagno
  • Patent number: 5124032
    Abstract: Chemical treatment device, i.e., a chlorinator for use in a swimming pool filtration and circulation system having a skimmer system with a water intake from the pool, a filter for receiving and filtering water intaken, and a pump for returning filtered water to the pool. The device has a vessel of synthetic material with a compartment for treatment chemical, and is provided with an array of break-opens at different levels for opening through from exteriorly of the vessel into the compartment. The device includes an arrangement for locating the vessel to receive flow of water entering the skimmer causing flow to be exposed to the chemical for dissolving it. Interior walls of the compartment diverge downwardly to prevent bridging of the chemical within the compartment. The compartment has a drain for discharging treated water into the skimmer system. Discharging may also take place through the break-opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Harry W. Newhard
  • Patent number: 5124034
    Abstract: New systems for the purification of liquids containing suspended solids and/or dissolved solid materials basically include a conical flocculator unit and a conjoined conical clarifier unit. The flocculator has a cylindrical lower portion, frustum middle portion and large diameter cylindrical top portion while the clarifier is essentially a large diameter cylindrical top portion over a lower frustum portion. Water or other liquid to be purified enters the flocculator lower portion via opposed, unequally sized nozzles to assume a helical flow upward past a series of deflector plates positioned at the top of the lower flocculator portion while a sludge blanket forms therein. A double flume plus slot arrangement located at the junction of the flocculator with the clarifier separates solids from liquid as fluid flow from the flocculator passes into the clarifier where it is subjected to further separation of sludge from clarified liquid with part of the sludge being recycled to the flocculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Infilco Degremont Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Maness
  • Patent number: 5122268
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is described a method and apparatus for concentrating dissolved and solid radioactive materials carried in a waste water solution containing a hazardous chelating agent used for cleaning nuclear equipment. An oxidizing stage for receiving the waste water containing the radioactive materials and the hazardous chelating agent in the presence of an oxidizing agent oxidizes the chelating agent into non-hazardous constituents including gas and water. A separator coupled to the oxidizing chamber receives the waste water containing the radioactive material and separates the radioactive solids from the waste water containing dissolved radioactive materials. An ion exchange chamber containing an ion exchange resin receives the waste water containing the dissolved radioactive materials and removes the same from the waste water by ion exchange with the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert D. Burack, William J. Stenger, Clinton R. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5122263
    Abstract: A continuously and automatically functioning device for the drainage of sludge treated with a flocculent, especially of sewage sludge, comprising a screw conveyor installation with a driven conveyor screw consisting of shaft (16) and helix (17) and a screen wall (18). The screw conveyor installation possesses a first cylindrical area (10) of a large diameter and gap width followed by a conical area (12) for purposes of volume reduction in the throughput direction of the sludge. Connected to the conical area (12) of the screw conveyor installation is at least one pressure area (13) which, with the diameter of the shaft (16) being constant, possesses a decreasing lead of the conveyor helix (17) at the side of the entrance, and in its final area carries a conical piece (49) placed upon the shaft (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Hans G. Huber
  • Patent number: 5114576
    Abstract: Biological decontamination and the avoidance of accumulation of dissolved solids are both achieved in captured and recirculated water systems by a continuously operating system involving the use of a chemical filtration unit, removal of dissolved solids as they are concentrated at the filtration unit, a disinfectant treatment, and the protection of the chemical filtration unit from degradation by the disinfectant where necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: TriNeos
    Inventors: Lee C. Ditzler, Ronald Lemberger, Willam K. McGrane, Jerry F. Choy
  • Patent number: 5114586
    Abstract: A sanitation system for treating a black water stream and a grey water stream. The black water stream is inputted into a black water digester wherein the black water stream is aerobically digested to produce a treated black water stream and the treated black water stream is discharged from the black water digester. The treated black water stream is inputted into a black and grey water digester and the grey water stream also is inputted into the black and grey water digester. The treated black water stream and the grey water stream are aerobically digested in the black and grey water digester to produce a treated black and grey water stream and the treated black and grey water stream is outputted from the black and grey water digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Frank Humphrey
  • Patent number: 5112477
    Abstract: A vending machine that dispenses either purified ice or purified water in predetermined quantities in response to a fixed payment by a user. The machine consists of compartmentalized sections for each specific function, comprising a water purification and storage portion, an ice making portion, an ice storage portion, and a product dispensing and control portion. Water from an outside source is processed to eliminate particulate and chemical impurities and it is stored for ready availability to purchasers. At the same time, a portion of the purified water is converted to ice and similarly stored in a separate compartment. Just prior to dispensation to a purchaser, the water is further treated by ultraviolet radiation to eliminate micro-organisms. As the supplies of either water or ice are depleted, the machine automatically replenishes them by processing more feed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Jerry J. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 5110459
    Abstract: A sequencing batch waste treatment facility with pretreatment mixing, blending and dilution, with post-treatment liquid effluent recirculation and with anaerobic sludge digestion wherein high biological oxygen demand (BOD) waste is treated and reduced to an acceptable BOD level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: B & B W/W, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Baxter
  • Patent number: 5108612
    Abstract: A method and a device for the selective elimination of plasma components from blood, by means of which the blood is diluted with a diluting material prior to separation of the plasma therefrom. The blood diluted in this manner is separated from its plasma components in a separation filter and the plasma components are exclusively processed and the recombined with the corpuscular blood components and freed of the diluting solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Flaig, Hans v. Baeyer
  • Patent number: 5106495
    Abstract: A portable ozonization system having a tank mounted on a base housing a battery, pump and associated components. A photovoltaic battery charger is mounted on a surface of the tank. Water from the tank is periodically circulated from under the control of a low voltage DC timer by the pump through a venturi where it is subjected to DC generated ultraviolet radiation to treat virus, cysts, bacteria and organic material. Water is withdrawn from the tank for use through a filter to further enhance the water quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Harold Hughes
  • Patent number: 5102535
    Abstract: Plant to precipitate suspended matter out of water, such as surface run-off water, industrial waste water, biologically treated waste water and landfill leachates with in-pipe flocculation, a filter filled with granular filter material situated above the sedimentation tank of the plant the direction of flow through which is from top to bottom and a backwash tank and whose subsequent sedimentation and filtration stages comprise the following features: that the backwash tank for filtered water is situated above the filter; that a float seals off an aperture with an enlargened cross-section connecting the filter with the backwash tank in a position raised by buoyancy; that a bypass directs the treated filtered water past the float to the backwash tank if the said aperture is closed off; and that the sludge outflow pipe in the floor of the sedimentation tank and the sludge valve in the sludge outflow pipe are directed against gravity to such an extent that when the sludge valve in the sludge outflow pipe is opene
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Andreas Grohmann
  • Patent number: 5100546
    Abstract: A system for removing dissolved and undissolved oil from contaminated water which recycles and reclaims absorbing fluid. An absorbing fluid (CCl.sub.2 FCClF.sub.2) is used in a wet-spiral mixer-absorber-contactor to absorb oil contaminants in produced-water. A downflow spreader system in a processing separator separates the heavier oil absorbing fluid from the oil-decontaminated water. Unspent absorbing fluid is recycled to the absorber-contactor and the decontaminated water is released into the surrounding environment. Spent absorbing fluid is reclaimed in a distillation treatment unit where the oil is used as fuel oil or stored. The absorbing fluid's vapors are drawn off under vacuum from the distillation unit by a jet eductor pump, mixed and condensed with the decontaminated water which drives the jet pump, and then redirected into the system for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5096580
    Abstract: A system and method removes soluble iron from potable water by oxidation. It includes a pressure tank, an oxygen induction device and a filtration tank. Untreated water flows under pressure into the pressure tank, where the water is held for delivery to service. Upon demand, the untreated water leaves the pressure tank and flows into the oxygen induction device. The oxygen induction device mixes air with the untreated water using a venturi apparatus. This aeration causes an oxidation reaction to occur so that the soluble iron in the untreated water transforms into insoluble iron and precipitates. The aerated water then flows into a filtration tank where the oxidized iron precipitates are filtered out by a filtration media mix. Purified water is provided to service by the filtration tank. Backwashing of the filtration media is also provided to rejuvenate the media for prolonged use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Hydrosource, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter E. Auchincloss
  • Patent number: 5096596
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing mineral contaminants from water is disclosed which has an aeration tank connected to a supply of water and having an inlet for admitting the water to the aeration tank and an outlet for discharging water. A diffuser is connected to the aeration tank inlet and has a plurality of apertures which permit the diffusion of the contaminated water into an airhead within the aeration tank. A source of compressed oxygen is in direct communication with the top of the aeration tank. A controller controls the source of compressed air to permit oxygen to be supplied independently of the water supply to the interior of the aeration tank for recharging the aeration tank with oxygen. A bed of calcium carbonate chips may be positioned inside the aeration tank beneath the spray of contaminated water. A pick-up tube has an open end located above the bed of calcium carbonate chips and is connected to the outlet of the aeration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Hellenbrand Water Conditioners, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence P. Hellenbrand, Jeffrey J. Hellenbrand
  • Patent number: 5092993
    Abstract: A filter system (10) is disclosed that includes a filter assembly (12) and input/output hardware (14). The filter assembly includes a housing (16) and cap (18) that cooperatively support a prefilter (20) and main filter (22) in a fluid flow path. Fluid flow through the filter assembly occurs radially through the prefilter and axially through the main filter. The prefilter and main filter are cooperatively designed to produce enhanced filtration rates and to remove particulate down to 0.5 micron. By substituting the cap and hardware, the filter assembly (12) is readily converted to different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: HealthGuard, Incorporated
    Inventor: Percy E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5093008
    Abstract: A dewatering porocess and apparatus for recovering water from waste drilling fluid for concurrent reutilization in an active drilling operation includes a storage area, an intermixer for introducing treatment chemicals into the waste drilling fluid and a centrifuge. Flocculation is chemically induced in the waste drilling fluid as it passes through the intermixing means for introducing treatment chemicals into the waste drilling fluid. The waste drilling fluid is then transferred to the centrifuge wherein it is separated into solid waste and clear reuseable water. The water is returned to the storagge area and may be chemically adjusted prior to being returned to the drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Geo Drilling Fluids
    Inventor: James Clifford, III.
  • Patent number: 5093006
    Abstract: Liquid separator and method of separating oil and water components of a liquid mixture wherein the oil component is made up of droplets of a less dense phase in a more dense water phase, using a hydrocyclone for separating the components. A less dense component of the mixture separated by the hydrocyclone is passed from the underflow of the hydrocyclone to a filter device for further separation. A residence vessel may be provided upstream of the hydrocyclone for coalescing the mixture prior to passage into the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Conoco Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Kalnins
  • Patent number: 5092563
    Abstract: A reactor for recovering metals such as copper, tin and lead from concentrated, acidic aqueous solutions includes a reaction vessel retaining a bed of scrap aluminum in a packed bed above the bottom of the vessel; a plenum below the packed bed of scrap aluminum, and a filter situated within the plenum, including a first perforated pipe enclosing a coaxial second perforated pipe, through which liquid can be filtered and withdrawn for recirculation into the reactor above the packed bed of scrap aluminum. Metal recovery is effected by reduction of metal ions in solution and precipitation onto the scrap aluminum. Multiple reactor systems including equipment required for pH adjustment of the wastewater also may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Midwest Printed Circuit Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fehsenfeld, Boro Vujasin
  • Patent number: 5084168
    Abstract: A filtering assembly is provided for removal of certain substances from a solution. More particularly, apparatus are provided for removal of hazardous or environmentally unacceptable chemicals from a first solution before it is discharged. The device includes a cylindrical housing having a spaced apart inlet and outlet. Adjacent the inlet, a metal precipitate chamber is provided to collect precipitates which includes rolled fiberglass for capturing precipitates. A filter subassembly is provided on the downstream side of the inlet. The solution is then directed through an adsorption chamber containing activated carbon. In this chamber, certain chemicals are absorbed onto the carbon. A second embodiment of the invention provides multiple inlets for chemicals being introduced into the chamber as well as a water inlet. The chemical inlets are provided with distribution manifolds to evenly disburse the incoming solution within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Manfred Woog
  • Patent number: 5084165
    Abstract: A water treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water, wastewater or sludge streams which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, flotation chemical monitoring and optimization, gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, and final water treating by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, coagulating and clarifying colloidal substances and microorganisms, magnetic or electronic treating the remaining contaminants in the water to produce a purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu Hao S. Wang, Chong Sup Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5069783
    Abstract: A liquid treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for removing dissolved, colloidal, volatile, suspended and living contaminants from water, wastewater or sludge streams which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, sedimentation, flotation, adsorption, filtration and disinfection by converting dissolved solids to insoluble forms by oxidation and chemical precipitation, coagulating and clarifying colloidal substances and microorganisms, adsorbing, filtering and disinfecting the remaining contaminants in the liquid to produce a purified liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang, Chong S. Hwang, Harold Rhow
  • Patent number: 5068031
    Abstract: A sludge treatment multi-stage process and apparatus thereof for sludge concentration and liquid stream treatment which includes chemical feeding, static mixing, chemical monitoring and optimization, built-in gas pressurization, hydraulic flocculation, grit settling, multiple stage upward flotation thickening, downward gravity thickening, and final magnetic or electrical treatment to produce a highly concentrated sludge slurry and a treated effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignees: Int'l Environmental Systems, Inc., Globe Environmental Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang, Chong S. Hwang, Harold Rhow