Diverse Type Patents (Class 210/202)
  • Publication number: 20080314828
    Abstract: A facility for treating solid and liquid waste includes a receiving station, a screening station, a preprocessing station, a press station and a processing station. The screening station is connected to an inlet capable of receiving liquid and solid waste and includes a screen for capturing at least some of the solid waste. The preprocessing station is in fluid communication with the screening station, and includes a degrit chamber for settling out an additional amount of the solids. The press station included at least one alkali mixing tank and a screw press for separating out an additional portion of the solids. The processing station includes at least one aerobic microorganism generating unit for converting nitrites into nitrogen gas and consuming carbon-based waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BIG FISH ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080308473
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a liquid including: reaction chambers that utilizes an ionization reaction material in turbulence with the liquid, a first fine collective filtration unit, a first laser photolytic light chamber that utilizes ultraviolet light in the 100 to 300 nanometer range to irradiate liquid, a second ultra-fine collective filtration unit, and a pharmaceutical grade granular activated carbon filter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Quench Environmental Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Fite
  • Publication number: 20080308479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biological treatment and filtration system equipment that can reliably remove most of materials harmful to the human body and arsenic components not capable of being removed until now, which are contained in the raw water, by a series of purification operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Toyofumi Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20080296215
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system according to various embodiments of the present invention includes one or more of a settling tank for receiving wastewater; a mineral removal system receiving water from the settling tank, the mineral removal system being for removing at least some of the minerals from the water; and a vaporization system receiving water from the mineral removal system, the vaporization system being for vaporizing the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel F. Simon
  • Publication number: 20080290024
    Abstract: A method for reducing the odors of an anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids or other biosolids or sludge may include separating first anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids into first and second portions, storing second anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids, removing a portion of the second biosolids, and mixing the removed second biosolids portion with the first portion of the first biosolids. The method may be implemented in a system including a separation device, first, second and third transporters, a storage area, and a mixer. The separation device may separate the first biosolids into first and second portions. The first transporter may transport the first portion to the mixer. The second transporter may transport the second portion to the storage area. The storage area may store the second portion for a select time period. The third transporter may transport a portion of the stored first biosolids to the mixer for blending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Todd Owen Williams
  • Patent number: 7442305
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbon and toxic constitutes from contaminated soils and sediment. The method comprises the removal of contaminated materials from soils and performs bioremediation for the removed contaminated materials in an efficient mode. The remained contaminated materials in the soils are biologically stabilized to allow microorganisms to grow and to consume the remained contaminated materials in the soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Vitabio, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Cheng-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 7438817
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: OTU SA
    Inventors: Lnsp Nagghappan, Robert P. Helwick
  • Patent number: 7438805
    Abstract: The pH value of excess sludge taken out from a biological oxidation tank (2) is adjusted to 8 to 14, and the pH-adjusted sludge is injected into a solubilizing device (3). The sludge taken out from the solubilizing device (3) is heated to 110° C. to 350° C. at a pressure higher than saturated steam pressure to solubilize the sludge to a state readily degradable by microorganisms. The solubilized sludge is returned to a biological oxidizing tank (2), and the pH value of the sludge in the biological oxidizing tank (2) to 5 to 9. The use of the above method of treating excess sludge and an apparatus therefore enables substantially reducing the volume of excess sludge with economic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7438799
    Abstract: A portable, refillable water dispenser serving batches of water purified of organic and inorganic pollutants includes a portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel for holding and pouring water having a spout and, inside the portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel, moving water and still water processing module cooperative to remove inorganic and organic pollutants from water received batchwise by the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Headwaters R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Jeremy Hamilton, Troy C. Anderson, Charles R. Lanning
  • Patent number: 7438807
    Abstract: Discloses apparatus to perform a process to remove water and minerals from a bitumen froth output of a oil sands hot water extraction process. A bitumen froth feed stream is diluted with a solvent and supplied to a primary inclined plate separator stage, which separates the bitumen into an overflow stream providing a bitumen product output from the circuit and a bitumen depleted underflow stream. A primary cyclone state, a secondary inclined plate separator stage and a secondary cyclone stage further process the underflow stream to produce a secondary bitumen recovery product stream and a recycle stream. The secondary bitumen recovery product stream is incorporated into and becomes part of the circuit bitumen product output stream. The recycle stream is incorporated into the bitumen froth feed stream for reprocessing by the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Garner, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 7438189
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating bitumen from a bitumen froth output of a oil sands hot water extraction process comprises an inclined plate separator (IPS) for providing a first bitumen separation stage and a cyclone for providing a second bitumen separation stage. The cyclone overflow is recycled to the IPS inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Garner, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Publication number: 20080245738
    Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The ultrapure water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a particulate removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The particulate removal system can comprise one or more ultrafiltration apparatus. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized in feedforward or feedback mode to regulate addition of the precursor compound and the actinic radiation source, and to maintain a temperature of the ultrapure water product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
  • Publication number: 20080245748
    Abstract: A modular waste treatment system for substantially liquid waste streams and methods of treating liquid waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste treatment system includes a maceration chamber for initial treatment and homogenization of waste material; a metal ion infusion chamber in fluid flow communication with the maceration chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; and an oxidation chamber for wet oxidation of the waste stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph B. Dooley, Jeffrey G. Hubrig, Richard A. Lowden
  • Publication number: 20080230485
    Abstract: A method for removal of foam from at least one foam accumulation region in a wastewater treatment facility, the method including causing the foam to flow from the at least one foam accumulation region into at least one foam collector and removing the foam from the at least one foam collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Eytan Baruch Levy, Nir Moralechai Assulin
  • Patent number: 7425304
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignees: Fenwal, Inc., Cerus Corporation
    Inventors: Serge de Gheldere, Mahmood Mohiuddin, Peyton S. Metzel, George D. Cimino, Derek J. Hei, Michael S. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20080217256
    Abstract: A water purification unit is described having a number of sub-assemblies arranged in a more or less modular arrangement including a compression unit and a sterilization unit. The water purification unit is operated at a throughput rate less than the maximum throughput rate so that the flow rate of raw water being treated by the water purification unit is as at a predetermined in order to reduce the effects of blinding of the filter. The sterilization rate is calculated in accordance with the predetermined first flow rate so that the dosage rate of sterilization agent remains substantially constant thereby avoiding fluctuations in the dosage rate so that the treated water has an amount of sterilizing agent within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: WODAPURE PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Everton
  • Publication number: 20080203015
    Abstract: A system for enhancing an activated sludge process that includes at least one aeration tank subsystem for receiving a flow a wastewater and for introducing dissolved oxygen to a population of microorganisms to promote growth of biological flocs in a mixed liquor defined by a concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem includes an impregnation tank for mixing the mixed liquor, virgin weighting agent, and recycled weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into biological flocs suspended in the mixed liquor to form weighted biological flocs. A flocculant injection port located downstream from at least one aeration tank for introducing a flocculant to the mixed liquor for enhancing settling and thickening of the weighted biological flocs and for providing agglomeration of non-impregnated biological flocs and/or partially impregnated biological flocs with weighted biological flocs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peter G. Marston, Steven Woodard, Ionel Wechsler
  • Publication number: 20080185321
    Abstract: The invention concerns a plant comprising, on a vertical axis, a homogenizing vessel (1) followed by a settling vessel (2) and a flocculating vat (3). The homogenizing vessel (1) is fed by tangential intake (92) of the effluent and the input (611) and the output (612) of the upper tube (61) comprise a helical guide (613, 614) for driving the effluent in rotation. The lower tube (62) of larger diameter than that of the upper tube (61) is terminated by an outlet in the form of an upside-down cone (622) with reduced cross-section (621). The lower portion (31) of the flocculation vat (3) is truncated, with an apex angle, smaller than that of the upper portion (32), said lower portion being parallel to the cone of the outlet of the lower tube (62), and anti-backflow cones (7, 8) surround the conduit (6) in the settling vessel (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20080169244
    Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20080164192
    Abstract: A device for purification of contaminated liquid includes (a) a prepurification tank in which raw water to be purified and foaming reagent are introduced and mixed and the pH value is adjusted, whereby prepurified water is obtained; (b) at least one tower-shaped main purification block, wherein each of the at least one tower-shaped main purification blocks, includes, arranged vertically one under another; (i) a drum station for combined gas and water scrubbing by foaming; (ii) a defoaming station; (iii) an ionization station; and (iv) a collecting tank for collecting resultant purified water; (c) a separating device in which sludge from the purification tanks is introduced; and (d) at least one afterpurification filtering device connected to the collecting tank of the main purification block by a supply line and wherein a pure water outlet line extends from the at least one afterpurification filtering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Hermann BERTHOLD
  • Patent number: 7378022
    Abstract: A biological system for removing selenium from waste water comprises a first immobilized cell bioreactor (ICB) and a selenide removal module. The first ICB comprises a chamber having a substrate housed therein and situated to contact the waste water flowing therethrough during use. Anaerobic microorganisms are supported on the substrate, and comprise selenium respiring bacteria capable of reducing selenates and selenites to insoluble elemental selenium and/or sulfate reducing bacteria capable of reducing selenates and selenites to insoluble elemental selenium or to soluble selenides. The selenide removal module includes metallic or oxidized iron compounds capable of chemically reacting with selenide or sulfide compounds in the waste water to form iron selenide or iron sulfide precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lupton, William G. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20080110816
    Abstract: A filter assembly is operably connected to a supporting structure. The filter assembly removes contaminants from a fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge, and a reticulated foam fluid treatment media. The filter housing has an inlet, an outlet and a chamber extending through the filter housing. The filter cartridge is positioned in the chamber of the filter housing. The filter cartridge is constructed from a fibrous material used to filter contaminants from a fluid. The filter cartridge has a passageway extending from a proximal end of the filter cartridge to a distal end of the filter cartridge. The reticulated foam fluid treatment media is disposed within a portion of the passageway of the filter cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: David Leavitt, John Famula, Christer Broman, Jeremy Hess, Elmo Geppelt
  • Patent number: 7371320
    Abstract: A magnetic separation unit can prevent any magnetic flocs deposited on an inner wall of a water passing pipe from closing a water channel for stabilizing a magnetic separation performance and reduce cost by a small-diameter portion of the water passing pipe. The magnetic separation unit has an air-core solenoid type magnet provided around the water passing pipe guiding, from a lower side, treated water including magnetic flocs in which contaminants and magnetic particles are flocculated, a rotating disc type magnetic filter case provided above the air-core solenoid type magnet for attracting the magnetic flocs in the treated water supplied from the water passing pipe and flushing means for flushing the matrixes to which the magnetic flocs are attracted. The water passing pipe has a small-diameter pipe positioned in the air-core solenoid type magnet, and an enlarged pipe enlarged from the small-diameter pipe toward a water passing part of the rotating disc type magnetic filter case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd., T-Tec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yoda, Satoshi Yumoto, Minoru Morita
  • Publication number: 20080087596
    Abstract: A universal water purifier unitary assembly device comprising a device housing unit support structure, a manually operated air pump, a force-fed water filter cartridge of multiple separable stages and a separable sealing means to seal the junction and opening between said universal water purifier unitary assembly device housing unit support structure and water container of water to be filtered wherein junction and opening between of said water purifier unitary assembly device housing unit support structure and said water container is sealed to retain compressed air. Water of said container is filtered, treated and used as needed on demand as in a group environment wherein individual use and consumption of purified water is relevant. The water is stored in a container, being pumped from the container by compressed air provided by an air pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Filtrex Holdings Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Govind Bommi, Krishna Murthy Bommi
  • Publication number: 20080083666
    Abstract: A system for processing contaminated water is disclosed. The system processes contaminated water, yielding water that is suitable for (1) re-use in an application (e.g., an industrial application) that requires water but does not require potable water, or (2) discharge (e.g., discharge into the environment), or (3) both (1) and (2). All embodiments of the system include a separator for removing sediment and large suspended solids from contaminated water; a coagulant delivery device for delivering coagulant to contaminated water; a clarifying device for removing fine suspended solids from contaminated water; an adsorbing device for removing organic substances from contaminated water; a deashing device for removing dissolved inorganic salts from contaminated water; and a disinfecting device for destroying microorganisms present in contaminated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Industrial Chemical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Carroll H. Brown, Carroll H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7351335
    Abstract: A filter module provided with a housing (3) having an inlet (6) for a liquid to be filtered and an outlet (10) for filtered liquid, with a first filter element (7-9, 12) accommodated in the housing (3), in the form of a porous mass provided with a central through-opening, to which the inlet (6) connects, and with a second filter element (1) accommodated in the housing (3) in the form of a number of lengths of tube-shaped filtering membrane (2), which together define a cylinder shape, which cylinder shape, at at least one extremity, between the open-ended filter membranes (2), is filled up with a sealing material, to which extremity the outlet (10) connects. The inlet (6) connects to the central through-opening of the first filter element (7-9, 12), which is surrounded by the second filter element (1), which has the form of a tubular casing obtained by winding from tube-shaped filtering membrane (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Norit Proces Technologie Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Lute Broens, Harry Futselaar, Ingo Blume, Annemieke Bernadette Edmond Mattheeuws, Michiel Jan Lensink, Lucas Johannes Cornelis Kouters, Marc Johannes Fleuren
  • Publication number: 20080073260
    Abstract: A device for reducing microorganisms comprising: an outer cylinder which liquid to be processed flows into; a mesh inner cylinder which is disposed inside the outer cylinder; and an ultrasonic oscillator which is disposed inside the mesh inner cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ELEKON SCIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kokichi Ido
  • Publication number: 20080053913
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for cost-effective and efficient nutrient recovery from a waste stream. The nutrients recovered may include ammonia, phosphorous, and/or potassium. The ammonia and phosphorous recovery may be simultaneously accomplished. In some embodiments, ammonia is recovered along with other nutrients using lime or lime-based products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
  • Patent number: 7329343
    Abstract: Water treatment bypass loops combining ozone and chlorine injection, and an adaptable clamp apparatus to support efficient retrofit installation of forward bypass loops (around filters) or reverse bypass loops (around pumps) and associated equipment are disclosed. Combined injection of ozone and chlorine exploits high oxidation potential of ozone to enhance oxidation effectiveness of chlorine while still retaining longer lived residual effectiveness of chlorine, particularly against biological and organic contaminants. A method for reducing costs of salt chlorine generation electrolysis cells and power supplies by using ozone to reduce deposit buildup on electrode plates is also disclosed, as is an apparatus for generating chlorine for use in water treatment in bathing facilities without requiring addition of sodium chloride or other halogen salts to water in a swimming pool or spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20080029459
    Abstract: A water treatment equipment has a raw water tank as a mixing section, a micronanobubble generation tank, a floatation tank, and a treated water tank. Waste water as treatment water is introduced into the raw water tank and mixed with the water containing micronanobubbles produced by the micronanobubble generation tank. Thereafter, the waste water, as treatment water, is introduced into a lower mixing section of the floatation tank from the raw tank by a raw water tank pump. Also, treatment water containing fine bubbles is introduced into the lower mixing section from a pressure tank. Therefore, the micronanobubbles is mixed with the fine bubbles in the lower mixing section of the floatation tank, thereby almost all the suspended matter in the treatment water is surfaced. Thus, the water treatment equipment enhances separatability of suspended matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7311799
    Abstract: The invention provides a hydrofluoric acid wastewater treatment method that achieves efficient recovery of hydrofluoric acid from hydrofluoric acid wastewater and also achieves sufficient reduction in the hydrofluoric acid concentration of the dehydrofluorinated water after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Sasakura Engineering Co., Ltd., Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junji Mizutani, Mitsuo Maeda, Tamito Mukaida, Yasushi Nishimura, Yutaka Shiomi, Koji Harada, Yoshio Tanimoto, Toshiaki Muratani
  • Patent number: 7311834
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7306717
    Abstract: It is an object of the present teachings to provide a technique for effectively providing a packed region in a water treatment apparatus in which the packed region is provided in a path of water to be treated and is filled with biomembrane-deposited members. According to the present invention, a representative water treatment apparatus may include a packed region provided in a path of water to be treated, a first packed part arranged in the packed region, a block of first biomembrane-deposited members that are packed in the first packed part, a second packed part that is arranged under the first packed part, and a plurality of second biomembrane-deposited members that are packed in the second packed part. According to the invention, the first biomembrane-deposited members are configured to prevent the second biomembrane-deposited members from moving into the first packed part by pressing the second biomembrane-deposited members from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Clean Co.
    Inventors: Keiji Tezuka, Mitsuyuki Yamada, Shin-ichi Mizuno, Koichi Matsuo, Tsuyoshi Ichinari, Yohei Aizawa
  • Patent number: 7306733
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Laurent Olivier
  • Patent number: 7300578
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
  • Patent number: 7297258
    Abstract: The coupling of a sewer treatment station to a treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams and the insertion of said treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams into a water treatment station. The sewer treatment station is installed upstream from the flocculation and flotation treatment station, in such a way that the outlet of said station is directly connected to the inlet of the flocculation and flotation treatment plant disposed next to the stream bed or next to and interconnected thereto by means of a varying flow canal. The insertion has dynamic introduction of the process of treatment for the flocculation and flotation of fluid beds, all in a closed canal, wherein the flow of secondary streams (E) is dynamically and continuously submitted to flocculation and flotation techniques in an induced flow canal (FE) in the water treatment station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: João Carlos Gomes De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7288191
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7276154
    Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: VAV Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Schaefer, Valery D. Zimin, Vladimir N. Shtern, Michael A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7258798
    Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: MS Filter Inc.
    Inventor: Robert LeCraw
  • Patent number: 7252771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for decontaminating waters, especially groundwaters, which are heavily and complexly polluted with organic halogen compounds (HHC), in which process the contaminated waters are pre-treated in order to convert low-volatility HHC into more readily volatile components, the halogenated hydrocarbons are subsequently transferred from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase where complete conversion into halogen-free compounds takes place at elevated temperature by means of catalytic reductive dehalogenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum fur Umweltforschung GmbH-Ufz
    Inventors: Franz-Dieter Kopinke, Katrin MacKenzie, Robert Koehler, Holger Weiss, Peter Grathwohl, Christoph Schueth
  • Patent number: 7252760
    Abstract: A waste liquid processing method comprising a solvent separation process for separating a chlorine-based organic solvent contained in a waste liquid; a first vaporization process that includes vaporization of the chlorine-based organic solvent remaining in the waste liquid after the solvent separation process; a collection process for collecting substances other than the chlorine-based organic solvent contained in the waste liquid after being vaporized in the first vaporization process; a second vaporization process for vaporizing the chlorine-based organic solvent remaining in the waste liquid after the first vaporization process and the collection process; a photo-oxidative decomposition process where photo-oxidation is used to decompose a chlorine-based organic gas generated in the first vaporization process and in the second vaporization process, and a post-treatment process for carrying out adsorption, absorption, and neutralization of a decomposition product gas generated in the photo-oxidative decompos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Yamamoto, Akira Osawa, Yoichi Nagasaki, Kunimasa Muroi
  • Patent number: 7250111
    Abstract: A water disinfection delivery treatment system first filters the supply by a particle and then a carbon filter. The partially treated flow is split in two and a first part passes through a first cutoff valve and is fed into a disinfection (iodine) chamber, filter or feeder via a flow restricter. The chamber output passes through a second solenoid driven cutoff valve. The second part is fed to a third cutoff valve and this valve's output is summed with the second valve's output and then fed into a holding tank. The tank retain's a volume such that the water remains therein for at least a period sufficient to permit a minimum 3 log reduction of pathogenic microbes. A final carbon filter is downstream of the tank as is a meter and dispenser. A method is also provided for delivering potable drinking water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Pure H20 Bio-Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Doxey, Dennis Bordeaux, Mark E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7226536
    Abstract: A portable water filtration device includes a liquid-tight filter container and a filtration device mounted in the liquid-tight container. The filtration device includes an inlet opening extending through one of the walls and a first filtration device in liquid transfer connection with the inlet opening operative to receive and filter liquid flowing therethrough. A second filtration device is operative to receive liquid from the first filtration device and further filter the liquid flowing therethrough. The first and second filtration devices are selected from the group including ultraviolet, activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters, and an outlet opening extending through one of the walls then receives the treated water and releases the water from the filtration device. Finally, the liquid-tight filter container is operative to prevent liquid from entering the interior volume thereof thereby preventing contamination of the filtration device from accidental incursion of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Tyran Adams
  • Patent number: 7198713
    Abstract: Installation for the removal and the deactivation of organisms in the ballast water, with the following characteristic features: a first feed pump for conveying the ballast water, an equipment for gravity precipitation of coarser solids and bigger organisms, connected to the first feed pump, and/or a backwashable filtration equipment, a downstream side connected equipment for the deactivation of micro-germs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hammann AG
    Inventors: Knud Hamann, Holger Hamann
  • Patent number: 7198717
    Abstract: The anoxic biological reduction system and method for treating wastewater may be an anoxic biological reduction element disposed in a membrane anaerobic stabilization system. The wastewater may be treated to produce an effluent suitable for membrane filtration with the treating incorporating processes substantially free of aerobic biological treatment. The effluent may be filtered through a membrane element selected from the group consisting of a microfiltration system and an ultrafiltration system or a combination thereof. The membrane effluent may then be treated in an anoxic biological reduction element to produce a process effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Graham John Gibson Juby
  • Patent number: 7179375
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water. The depleted water is then pumped to a second mixing station, wherein oxygen is introduced into the depleted water to provide oxygen enriched water. The oxygen enriched water is then returned to reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microdiffusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 7175768
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for clarifying, by flotation, waters contaminated with suspended matter, wherein the clarification treatment takes place in two successive steps implemented in a single installation. The method principally involves flowing contaminated water through a downflow static flocculation step and then down through a lamellar settler separation step positioned directly below the downflow static flocculation step, the settling rates of the heavier particles of the lamellar settler separation step removing heavier particles from the water retained during the static flocculation/lamellar separation step being less than or equal to the settling rates of the floatable particles. The water which has passed through the static flocculation/lamellar settler separation step is then subjected to a flotation step which removes the light particles in the water of which the settling rate is lower than a flotation cutoff threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Patrick Vion
  • Patent number: 7172687
    Abstract: A water treatment system for treating water. The water treatment system includes a primary water treatment station and a solid-based sulfurous generator downstream from the primary water treatment station for producing aqueous sulfurous acid for further treatment of the water. 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. Also, in one embodiment, the water treatment system includes a control system that monitors the pH of the treated water to control the water flow rate through the solid-based sulfurous generator to achieve the desired concentration of sulfurous acid in the water being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: SO2 Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: James Webb
  • Patent number: 7172701
    Abstract: A method of treating water including mixing the water with an inorganic powder reagent for reducing the content of organic matter. The water, after being mixed with the inorganic powder reagent, is subjected to a membrane separation step that produces blow off products that are then separated into two fractions: a first fraction containing a majority portion of the powder reagent in a first stream of water, and a second fraction containing a majority portion of inorganic matter not absorbed on the inorganic powder reagent rejected by the membrane separation step in a second stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: OTV SA S.A.
    Inventors: Abdelkader Gaid, Mickael Uyttewaal, Annie Tazi-Pain
  • Patent number: 7163628
    Abstract: A method of treating water includes exposing influent comprising water desired to be treated to ozone in sufficient quantity to disrupt cell walls of undesired microorganisms therein, thereby releasing nutrients from within the microorganisms in a form amenable to bioassimilation. The ozone is further in sufficient quantity to oxidize toxic, humic substances to a form amenable to plant bioassimilation. Aquatic plants are contacted with the ozone-exposed water, the aquatic plants being adapted to remove the released and oxidized nutrients therefrom. Water emerging from the aquatic plants is then again exposed to ozone in sufficient quantity to further purify the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle R. Jensen