Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating selenium-containing wastewater, in which wastewater containing hexavalent selenium is subjected to reduction treatment, selenium can be effectively removed at a small amount of metal leached, and, preferably, sludge produced during treatment is white, thereby facilitating the disposal of the sludge. The selenium-containing wastewater is brought into contact with an alloy or a mixture of metallic titanium and a first metal other than metallic titanium to partially leach the first metal, thereby subjecting selenium in the wastewater to reduction treatment.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates, in various embodiments, to novel wastewater heat systems, novel wastewater dosing systems, novel gas bubbling systems, novel flow control systems, novel disinfection systems, novel wastewater conveyance systems, and novel portable wastewater treatment systems, each of which may enhance the wastewater treatment process and its applicability.

Abstract: An aggregating agent injector (12) employs water currents generated by a raw water pump (10) to have flowing raw water undergo injection of an aggregating agent for aggregation of solids in raw water to form flocs, a first stirrer (13) works, as raw water inflows with the aggregating agent injected therein, for use of water currents thereof to stir inflowing raw water, and cause to outflow, a flocculation vessel (14) works, as stirred raw water inflows, to have inflowing raw water reside therein to form flocs, and cause to outflow, by using water currents thereof, and a centrifugal separator (15) works, as raw water inflows with flocs therein, for use of water currents thereof to have inflowing raw water swirl, effecting centrifugal separation thereof into flocs as solids and processed water.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process includes a treatment system for biologically treating wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of rotating media wheels for sustained algae growth. The media wheels are supported so that the algae rotates into and out of the wastewater for exposure to sunlight. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 may also be provided to the facility for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Rotation of the media wheels can be accomplished by air jets that also operate to dislodge excess algae as a byproduct of the system and process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating ballast water, the apparatus being capable of treating ballast water so as to meet the ballast water standard established by the IMO exactly at low costs. The treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises a filter (4) that filters sea water to trap aquatic organisms, a bactericide supply apparatus (5) that supplies bactericide to the filtrate sea water, and a venturi tube 7 that introduces the sea water to which the bactericide is added, to produce cavitation in the sea water, thereby diffusing the bactericide and also damaging and destroying aquatic organisms in the sea water.

Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmentally sensitive mobile cleaning system, and more specifically relates to a closed loop water recirculation system for high or ultra-high pressure mobile cleaning apparatus. The system includes a water tank sized to contain an established volume of fluid sufficient to circulate through the system, a pump to pressure the fluid to a cleaning head, a vacuum system to return the contaminated fluid to the system, and a filter means to remove the contaminants from the fluid so that clean fluid can be reintroduced to the cleaning head. The method comprises the steps of increasing the pressure of a fixed volume of fluid in a closed-loop system, jetting or blasting the surface with the pressurized fluid, vacuuming the blasted fluid into the system, and removing the contaminants from the fluid.

Abstract: A multi-stage air and water filtration and remediation system is described that can destroy, neutralize, or otherwise facilitate the elimination of many types of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and so forth), hazardous chemicals (e.g., heavy metals, radioactive species, poisonous gases, hormones, and so forth), and other harmful substances contained in contaminated air and water. The filtration and remediation system includes exposure of the contaminated air or water to an iodine-containing stage, a sulfur-containing stage, an oxidation stage, an anion resin stage, a centrifugation stage (for the contaminated water only), and a carbon-containing stage. The introduction of the contaminated air or water into, and through, the filtration and remediation system can be accomplished by gravity flow or pressure, various pumps, suction devices, and so forth. Additionally, optional iodine removal, UV radiation, ozonation, and re-titration stages can also be provided.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method for cleaning and maintaining reverse osmosis membrane filters by injecting sulfurous acid into waters with suspended solids in a liquid fraction to be filtered to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to acid leach heavy metals into the liquid fraction, reduce alkalinity and mineral scaling, add sufficient SO2 as a biocide to attack bacteria and other micro organisms to prevent membrane fouling, reduce iron to prevent iron deposit build-up, scavenge and remove dissolved oxygen prior to filtration to prevent membrane oxidation, and then sequentially filtering the acidified water through membrane filters to create a metal free permeate and a brine retentate, which can be pH adjusted to remove the heavy metals as metal hydroxide precipitates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the footprint of chemical/mechanical/biological wastewater treatment facilities employing sulfur dioxide disinfection and chemical dewatering of solids in conjunction with an environmental biological systems for treating the separated treated wastewater.

Abstract: A method for producing a nitrite type nitrification-reactive sludge includes the step of subjecting an activated sludge to alkali treatment so that the pH of the activated sludge containing at least the ammonium oxidizing bacteria and nitrite oxidizing bacteria can be 10 or higher, in order to accumulate ammonium oxidizing bacteria with higher priority in the activated sludge.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising: a first treatment zone (11) fluidly connected to one or more further treatment zones (12-14), a membrane module (16) comprising a filter membrane is positioned in or fluidly connected to the further treatment zone; and a gravity settling device (15) fluidly connected to the first treatment zone (11) to receive overflow therefrom. A method of treating wastewater comprising flowing wastewater through one or more treatment zones (11-14) to produce a fluid product which is passed through a filter membrane (16) to produce a concentrated mixed liquor and a filtrate; returning at least a portion of the concentrated mixed liquor to at least one of the treatment zones (11); when the flow of wastewater water exceeds a predetermined level, flowing a portion of the returned mixed liquor to a gravity settling device (15) and clarifying the mixed liquor within the gravity settling device (15).

Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a saturated ion exchange resin tank and to apply a water rinse to the resin to generate a resin slurry. The vacuum filter band system may further include a vacuum filter band configured to receive the resin slurry. The vacuum filter band system may also be configured to generate a mixed metal solution. The system may further include a metal specific purification system including a plurality of purification units configured to receive a continuous flow of the mixed metal solution, each of the purification units configured to target a particular metal from the mixed metal solution. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a desalination plant that operates with a sea water or brackish water feed and produces a concentrated and selectively improved salt reject stream and a pure water permeate stream from a first treatment section that is arranged to produce primarily water at high recovery using membrane desalination processes. The reject stream from the first treatment line has a component distribution that is substantially reduced in native di- and polyvalent scaling ions, essentially depleted of sulfate, has substantially higher total dissolved solids than a traditional sea water reverse osmosis reject, yet is suitable for thermal treatment processes. The system may be enhanced by monovalent salt components. The unit may be integrated with a second treatment section, in which the first reject stream is further concentrated, purified, and processed to produce a high purity salt product.

Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: An energy-efficient process for dewatering an aqueous organic solution includes using freely available solar energy to concentrate a draw solution within a reservoir. The draw solution is used in conjunction with a membrane to remove water from the organic solution in a forward osmosis process. The draw solution is diluted by the osmosis process, and returned to the reservoir to be re-concentrated and reused in the osmosis process.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: A water treatment system that performs a water purifying treatment by use of ultraviolet radiation, comprises a front stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a front stage process in a water purifying treatment process, a rear stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a rear stage process, and a controller for controlling these ultraviolet radiation devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.

Abstract: A system and process for concentrating hydrocarbons in a bitumen feed comprising bitumen, water and solids. The system comprises an inclined plate separator, a hydrocarbon cyclone and a centrifuge. The inclined plate separator separates the bitumen feed into a first overflow stream and a first underflow stream, the first overflow stream having a first bitumen concentration greater than that of the first underflow stream. The hydrocarbon cyclone separates the first underflow stream into a second overflow stream and a second underflow stream. The centrifuge separates the second overflow stream into a third overflow stream and a third underflow stream, the third overflow stream having a third bitumen concentration that is greater than that of the third underflow stream.

Abstract: A mobile hydrocarbon and heavy metal removal unit for removing hydrocarbons and heavy metals from dirt, coal tar, sludge, slurries and aqueous particulates.

Abstract: The present invention refers to titanium oxide microspheres having photocatalytic properties which can, for example, be used in a method for cleaning wastewater which uses a submerged membrane reactor.

Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbon and heavy metals from dirt, coal tar, sludge, slurries and aqueous particulates having three mobile units including: a hydrocarbon removal mobile unit, a heating and power support unit, and a clarifying mobile unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial liver system comprising a fixed-bed bioreactor packed with gel beads containing hepatocytes of an animal, a plasma reservoir, a plasma separator, and an efflux chamber, wherein the plasma reservoir is located at a position higher than the bioreactor, a ventilation filter in contact with atmosphere is provided at the top of the plasma reservoir, and the top of the plasma reservoir is directly connected to the efflux chamber via a connecting line. The inventive system satisfactorily performs the essential liver functions without the problems of gel bead damage or channeling.

Abstract: A system for processing drilling mud, the system including a primary separation tank having an inlet for receiving drilling waste and an outlet in fluid communication with a feed line, and an injection pump in fluid communication with a polymer tank and the feed line. The system also includes a clarifying tank in fluid communication with the feed line and a first collection tank, wherein effluent from the clarifying tank is discharged into the first collection tank, and a centrifuge in fluid communication with the clarifying tank and a second collection tank, wherein effluent from the centrifuge is discharged into the second collection tank.

Abstract: Methods for recovering iodine from an aqueous solution containing sodium chloride and iodide are disclosed. In particular, sodium hypochlorite is generated from the aqueous solution itself, and the sodium hypochlorite is used to oxidize the iodide into iodine. The iodine is then recovered from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.

Abstract: A water filter with a sterilizing function has a filtering device, a sterilizing device and a pipe connecting the filtering device and the sterilizing device. The filtering device has a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet is connected with a water supplying pipe for receiving water. The sterilizing device has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected with an output pipe for providing water. The inlet is connected to the water outlet of the filtering device. The water flows through the filtering device and the sterilizing device as it goes through the water filter. Therefore, chemical materials and bacteria in the drinking water are removed.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a sludge, characterized in that a raw waste water is subjected to a solid-liquid separator and then to a primary filtration device, to separate it into a solid material and a liquid material, and the resultant liquid treated material is then treated by a process comprising an ozone treatment and a special light ray treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wastewater treatment facilities, and more particularly to an improved membrane bioreactor for treatment of wastewater. In one embodiment, a membrane bioreactor for treatment of wastewater includes first and second anoxic basins for anoxic treatment of such wastewater, and first and second aerobic basins for aerobic treatment of such wastewater. The bioreactor also includes a first flow path connecting the first anoxic basin and the first aerobic basin, and a second flow path connecting the second anoxic basin and the second aerobic basin, for flow of the wastewater from the respective anoxic basin into the respective aerobic basin. The bioreactor also includes a membrane chamber with a plurality of membrane tanks, the membrane chamber being arranged in series with the aerobic basins, and the membrane tanks being arranged in parallel with each other, and third and fourth flow paths connecting the membrane chamber to the first and second aerobic basins.

Abstract: A system is described for the treatment of fluorochemicals in an aqueous environment, the system includes: a first treatment station configured to receive a first stream or volume of water comprising fluorochemicals, the first treatment station configured to provide a first treatment to the first stream or volume of water to thereby provide a second stream or volume of water comprising fluorochemicals; and a second treatment station configured, to treat the second stream or volume of water by ultrasonically induced cavitation at a frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method and an apparatus for removing metals in waste water, such as thallium contained in waste water generated by rinsing waste containing chlorine, ash obtained by burning garbage, fly ash, etc. and reduces the concentration of metals in the waste water to a discharge standard, and the present invention provides a method for removing metals comprising applying direct-current electricity by an electrolyzer 5 to waste water S5, which contains metal aggregate, discharged via a reaction tank 1, a settler 2, and a reaction tank 4, and thereby the waste water S5 is electrolyzed together with depositing metals dissolve in the waste water S5 as metal oxides, separating the waste water containing deposited metal oxides in a precision filtration apparatus 6 into suspended solid MP and waste water S7, and removing a small amount of metals dissolve in the waste water S7 after removing the suspended solid MP in an ion exchange unit 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating environmentally hazardous substances, such as heavy metals and oil, from a contaminated mass, such as sewage sludge or soil from industrial sites. According to the process, an aqueous metal hydroxide solution comprising Na, K or Ca is added to the contaminated material in form of high-pressure jets, in order to disintegrate the material and provide a homogeneous mixture. Thereafter, liquid containing the hazardous substances is separated from the washed material and subsequently filtrated. The essentially pure water resulting from the filtration step may be used for producing new metal hydroxide solution to be used in the process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for de-watering waste drilling fluid. In some embodiments, the de-watering system includes a drilling fluid reclamation system receiving the waste drilling fluid from a wellbore and removing at least some solids from the waste drilling fluid, a manifold combining the waste drilling fluid from the drilling fluid reclamation system and organic polymers, whereby an aggregated mixture of solids in the waste drilling fluid and water are formed, and a centrifuge receiving the aggregated mixture and separating the solids from the water in the aggregated mixture, whereby solid drilling fluid waste and substantially colloidal-free water are formed.

Abstract: A settling system for use in solvent extraction separation of a first phase from a second phase after mixing, the second phase having a greater chemical affinity for a component dissolved or dispersed in the first phase for extracting the component from the first phase. The settling system includes a pre-settler of a plurality of channels arranged for flow of the first and second phases generally counter-currently with respect to each other for initial separation of the first and second phases. The settling system also includes a main settler for further separating the first and second phases.

Abstract: A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus.

Abstract: A settling and retention basin includes an interior chamber having a peripheral wall preferably provided with two diametrically opposite openings in each of which is received a flow port member having a flow equalization port therein. Depending upon wastewater levels and surges, the flow port members can be removed and replaced by other flow port members of an identical construction, except for different sizes of design flow equalization ports thereof.

Abstract: A portable water purification unit in the form of a stiff, tubular housing with a first opening at a first end for entrance of water into the tubular housing and a mouthpiece at an opposite end. The tubular housing comprises at least a first module and a connected second tubular module containing mutually different water purifying granular resins. The first module or the second module have at least one water permeable mesh with a mesh size smaller than the grain size of the resins for preventing mixing of the resins.

Abstract: Liquid dispenser or water purification unit with a housing and a mouthpiece configured for contact with the mouth of a person, wherein at least part of the housing or part of the mouthpiece or parts of both have an antimicrobial surface.

Abstract: A device for purification of contaminated liquid includes (a) a prepurification tank in which raw water to be purified and foaming reagent are introduced and mixed and the pH value is adjusted, whereby prepurified water is obtained; (b) at least one tower-shaped main purification block, wherein each of the at least one tower-shaped main purification blocks, includes, arranged vertically one under another; (i) a drum station for combined gas and water scrubbing by foaming; (ii) a defoaming station; (iii) an ionization station; and (iv) a collecting tank for collecting resultant purified water; (c) a separating device in which sludge from the purification tanks is introduced; and (d) at least one afterpurification filtering device connected to the collecting tank of the main purification block by a supply line and wherein a pure water outlet line extends from the at least one afterpurification filtering device.

Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.

Abstract: A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor for anaerobically treating waste water, especially treating waste water from the paper industry. Said reactor comprises a reactor vessel, at least one supply pipe which is arranged in the bottom area of the reactor vessel and is used for feeding waste water that is to be treated into the reactor, at least one supply distributor for mixing the waste water fed to the reactor with the medium located in the reactor, at least one overflow port which is disposed on the top reactor vessel and is used for discharging treated water, and at least one separator The supply distributor is provided with at least one deflection means that is embodied such that waste water discharged from the at least one supply pipe is diverted into a circular current from the perspective of the cross-section of the reactor, one to 80 percent of the cross-section of the reactor being filled by the at least one deflection means. The invention further relates to a method for anaerobically treating waste water.

Abstract: A food processing effluent refurbishing system of the present invention refurbishes effluent water in a first and a second food processing loop. The system includes first and second circulation systems, first and second balance tanks, and a side stream. The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop. The first balance tank connected to the first circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the first food processing loop. The second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop. The second balance tank connected to the second circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the second food processing loop. The side stream connects the first and second circulation systems.

Abstract: A method of producing safe drinking water from virtually any water source utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes a combination of water purification methods with a control system that evaluates water quality and functional processing parameters, such as pressure and flow. The control system determines what water processing methods to utilize and how most efficiently to operate them. The system is capable of treating highly contaminated water to the necessary degree to produce safe drinking water. Furthermore, the system regulates and cleans itself to maintain functionality despite receiving high concentrations of various contaminants from the feed water source.

Abstract: An improved water purification system and method for converting contaminated water into potable water in an inexpensive and reliable manner that includes several active and passive purification components contained within a housing. The passive components may include, for example, a macro filtration unit for filtering debris; a pre-depth mixed bed media filtration unit to mechanically filter out various contaminants; and a post-depth mixed bed media filtration unit to remove particles or organic growth that may have resulted from active filtration. The active components may include, for example, a specialized media filtration unit to destroy and remove organic and inorganic contaminants; an ozonation unit to break down and destroy oxidizable matter; an active carbon filtration unit to neutralize ozone, adsorb contaminants, and improve taste; and a UV sterilization unit to destroy any remaining microorganisms and neutralize ozone.

Abstract: A filtration unit (A) is immersed in raw water (W) that is held inside a reservoir tank, and includes a membrane module (5) that filters the introduced raw water (W). This filtration unit (A) includes a casing (3) which is in the shape of a box having a bottom and includes the membrane module (5) housed therein, and an activated carbon cartridge (4) inside which activated carbon is provided in cartridge form. Inside the casing (3) are provided an intake port that is used to introduce the raw water into the interior of the casing, and an opening/closing device that is installed on this intake port and controls a flow of the raw water into the interior of the casing, and the activated carbon cartridge (4) side and the membrane module (5) side are separated so as to allow the raw water (W) introduced into the interior of the casing 3 to circulate from the activated carbon cartridge (4) side to the membrane module (5) side.