With Distinct Reactor Tank, Trough Or Compartment Patents (Class 210/205)
  • Publication number: 20080099385
    Abstract: A waste stream from energetics processing is treated using a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, and a metal that has a reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0). The pre-filter is connected to a zero-valent metal column reactor. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), added to the resultant product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. This product is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. Both tanks are monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Byung J. Kim, Seok-Young Oh, Pei C. Chiu, Daniel K. Cha
  • Publication number: 20080093284
    Abstract: A unitary mobile power generation and water management facility is presented. The unitary facility includes a multitude of basic service components mounted on a mobile platform. The unitary basic services facility may include interconnected units, such as: a water storage and distribution unit, a wastewater unit, and a power generation and distribution unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: COMBO ENERGY HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: KEVIN SLOUGH, TROY LUPUL
  • Patent number: 7361270
    Abstract: Water is treated by precipitating dissolved contaminants. A treatment vessel is provided having an inlet for receiving the water under treatment and an outlet for flowing treated water therefrom. A high volume of fine air bubbles are diffused into the water within the vessel as it flows therethrough, causing the water to assume an increased level of dissolved oxygen and thereby cause certain impurities within the water to oxidize and precipitate and flow with the water through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: John W. McBride
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7351336
    Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Hap Nguyen, William Murray Fowler, Howard Roop, Ronald Yoshio Nishida
  • Patent number: 7351329
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing a potable water station includes a pair of conduits providing a fluid connection between the potable water station and the system. It also includes a pump operable for circulating water from the potable water station through one of the conduits to the system and through the other of the conduits from the system to the potable water station. Further, the system includes an ozone generator for injecting ozone into the circulating water to destroy bacterial contamination. A method for sanitizing a potable water station includes the step of circulating water from the potable water station and back to the potable water station. It also includes the step of generating ozone with an ozone generator. Further, the method includes the step of injecting ozone into the water circulating from and back to the potable water station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Semler Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Palm, Loren H. Semler, William E. Schulz
  • Patent number: 7335299
    Abstract: A dual filter apparatus and a process of making a dual filter apparatus that minimizes disruption to the normal flow pattern through the filter apparatus by forming a porous medium suitable to carry a fluid activator and placing an activator proximate the porous filter medium for in situ fluid treatment and removal of debris from the fluid by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 7332079
    Abstract: The present invention is a floatation process and associated apparatus for removing heavy metal waste from various effluent water streams. The process and apparatus generally introduces a population of fine diameter air bubbles and one or more flocculating chemicals into an effluent stream to produce buoyant floc structures that include the heavy metals and that can be removed from the effluent stream. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means of removing heavy metals from effluent water streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Waste Water Services, LLC
    Inventor: C. Lamar Coleman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7332076
    Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Yao B. Kouame
  • Publication number: 20080035539
    Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark N. Chaffin
  • Publication number: 20080035547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080029458
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculent solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculent solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Gary E. Fout, Julio Roberto Ronderos, Catalin Ivan
  • Patent number: 7326330
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrolytically controlling the formation of scale and biofilm in water purification and other systems. An anode is deposited on or disposed on or adjacent to a surface, such as that of a quartz UV tube, providing a low pH environment which inhibits the formation of carbonate scale and biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: MIOX Corporation, ABQ UV Pollution Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Michael Fraim
  • Patent number: 7326337
    Abstract: A method for starting up a system for oxidating organic bodies. The system includes a tubular body wherein an aqueous body is injected into the inlet thereof at a pressure P1, the tubular body having a first zone extending the inlet thereof, a second zone into which an oxidating compound can be injected into the output thereof. The inventive method includes the following steps: a first amount of thermal energy Q1 is provided in the first zone, the amount of thermal energy being able to raise the temperature of the liquid flowing through the tubular body from an initial temperature to a higher temperature T1; and a determined amount of a combustible mixture which can react at the intermediate temperature T1 in order to provide an amount of thermal energy Q2 bringing the temperature of the liquid to a reaction temperature T2 is injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Francois Cansell, Manuel Bottreau
  • Publication number: 20080023407
    Abstract: A method of purifying water or wastewater that comprises the steps of adding a treatment agent to the water, passing the water through a mixing zone, and passing the water through a foam fractionation zone to provide purified water. The water or wastewater can be any type of water found in sewage pipes or any water discharged from domestic, commercial, industrial, agriculture or aquaculture (fresh or marine) processes, or groundwater, bore water and reservoir water. A system for purifying water, the system including a mixing zone comprising one or more mixing columns for mixing the water with a treatment agent and a foam fractionation zone for purifying the water, the foam fractionation zone in liquid communication with the mixing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Bengt Goran Eriksson, Stephen Ross Orpin, Timothy Kevin Graham
  • Patent number: 7320749
    Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eco-Oxygen Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard E. Speece, David A. Clidence
  • Patent number: 7311817
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing and refilling a potable water system onboard a transport vehicle includes a potable water supply conduit, a potable water feed conduit, a potable water return conduit, a drain conduit, and a sanitizing and refilling station wherein the system is operable in a self-flush mode, a sanitizing mode using ozone, and a fill mode. A method of sanitizing and refilling a potable water system onboard a transport vehicle includes the steps of purging stagnant water from a sanitizing and refilling station, draining stagnant water from the transport's potable water system, sanitizing the transport's potable water system using ozone, draining the transport's potable water system, and filling the transport's potable water system by delivering fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Semler Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Palm, Loren H. Semler, William E. Schulz
  • 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: 7306735
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing contaminants from water which includes the steps of first providing a water feed exposed to at least one hydrocarbon or chemical process. This water feed is set in-line with a reverse osmosis system which includes an inlet, at least one reverse osmosis membrane, a permeate outlet, and a reject outlet. Then, pressure is applied to the water feed, or where the pressure of the water feed is higher than desired, the pressure is controlled or reduced. The pressure of the water feed serves to force the water feed through the reverse osmosis system. The reverse osmosis system then separates the water feed into a permeate and reject which includes at least one of the contaminants. The permeate is then directed to the permeate outlet and the reject is directed to the reject outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sean Baggott, Timothy W. Eggert, Chip Knight
  • Patent number: 7306721
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elm Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jamel Bourazak, Larry Coleman
  • Patent number: 7303686
    Abstract: Arrangement for separating suspension, in particular for treatment of wastewater. A flocculating suspension is separated from the liquid by filtration in a fluidized layer in a sludge blanket, wherein the flocks are created from the separated suspension and fluidization is maintained by the rising stream of liquid while liquid with suspension enters the fluidized layer from the bottom and the liquid freed from suspension is discharged above the surface of the sludge blanket represented by the interface between the fluidized layer and the liquid without suspension. Thickened separated suspension in the form of flocks from a sludge blanket is withdrawn from a zone of the fluidized layer the velocity of upward flow in the fluidized layer decreasing in the upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Svatopluk Mackrle, Vladimir Mackrle, Oldrich Dracka
  • Patent number: 7300583
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus and method for the delivery of remediation agents into waste systems wherein the apparatus is capable of generating and maintaining a controlled release of concentrated a remediation composition throughout the delivery cycle. The invention also provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein the remediation agent is a remediation agent that includes living organisms. Finally, the invention provides a dispensing apparatus and methods wherein compositions of remediation agents are conveniently formulated for specific applications providing a range of retention, activation and release profiles that optimize the remediation effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: ABCUSA Environmental Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Heppenstall, Richard James Heppenstall
  • Patent number: 7300579
    Abstract: A flush mixing tank is provided with a flocculant mixing section in which a raw water a to be treated is introduced and a flocculant such as known aluminum sulfate or polychlorinated aluminum is injected, and then they are agitated and mixed; and a floc growing section through which flocculant injected water mixed with the flocculant passes, and the flocculant injected water is discharged as a floc treated water, but a water passing member, which is provided with a plurality of water through-holes for promoting the growth of the flocs in the flocculant injected water, is disposed in the floc growing section. Flocs of flocculant injected water can be rapidly formed, and growth of the flocs can be accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yonekawa, Nobuhiro Aoki, Naoki Murata
  • 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: 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: 7276159
    Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas M. Taylor, David Goslin
  • Patent number: 7270754
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a wastewater processing apparatus and method comprising a rotating filter thickener (20) receiving and filtering a wastewater mixture and producing a first filtrate output and a first sludge output, a screw press thickener (24) receiving the first sludge output and forming a final sludge output and a second filtrate output, a dissolved air floatator (46) receiving the first filtrate output from the rotating filter thickener (20) and producing a first solid output and a third filtrate output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis, Brad Leitner, Bob Knoll, Carl Theunis
  • Patent number: 7267778
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 7267762
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elm Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jamel Bourazak, Larry Coleman
  • 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: 7258788
    Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Noram Engineering and Constructors Ltd.
    Inventor: David C. Pollock
  • Patent number: 7238283
    Abstract: A new and improved wastewater treatment system suitable for the treatment of wastewater from a CMP process. A holding tank receives wastewater from a CMP wastewater collection tank. The holding tank may further receive wastewater from a backside grinding (BG) wastewater collection tank. A reaction tank receives wastewater from the holding tank. A coagulant polymer binds to the slurry particles in the reaction tank to precipitate the slurry particles out of solution. One or a pair of clarifiers receives the wastewater from the reaction tank, and the polymer-bound slurry particles are separated from the wastewater in the clarifier or clarifiers. An effluent collection tank receives the purified wastewater from the clarifier or clarifiers. The purified wastewater may be pumped to a storage tank such as a reused city water (RCW) tank for use in scrubber cleaning processes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Ling Wu, Chih-Hsiung Chen, I-Shin Tang, Wen-Honh Lee, Chang-Tzong Chen, E-Cheng Su, Long-Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 7238280
    Abstract: A user friendly system that permits an unskilled person to quickly add dispersant material to a fluid system with the user friendly system utilizing operator evident dispersant carriers such as drawers, hangars or insertable cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 7238278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by forming in an electrolytic cell molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, hypohalite ions or combinations thereof, from halide ions dissolved in the water; and dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions. The invention also relates to a system for purifying water, having an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes sufficient to electrolytically convert halide ion in the water into molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, or hypohalite ions, or combinations thereof; and a metal generator, which provides concentrations of one or more metals to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Coffey, Alvin Costa, Raymond Albert Hin, Gary Andrew Kennedy, Christopher Kampf, Daniel Nelsen, Michael Pereira
  • Patent number: 7235175
    Abstract: A method and device for treating sludge and slime to enable reuse in soil upgrading and in building material systems. Hydrophilic sludge and slime having a water content not less than 70% are continuously treated in a manner which enables colloid removal, dehydration, oxidation, sanitation, stabilization, mineralization, filtration and porosification. The device for treatment includes a hollow caisson traversed in the longitudinal direction by the treated product and provided with at least an intake for the product to be treated and at least an outlet for the treated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Naturem Environment
    Inventor: Hervé Brisset
  • Patent number: 7211194
    Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Eau-Viron, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 7198715
    Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Knut Herges, Andreas Busch
  • Patent number: 7189330
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to change room temperature or cooling drinking water to hydrogen rich water that contains hydrogen abundantly simply and efficiently without using an electrolytic device, and a hydrogen rich water generator 2 is provided by filling magnesium grain 4 that generates hydrogen gases by reacting with the drinking water 6 and silver grain 3 into the case 1 made of ceramics of water permeability and porosity. This hydrogen rich water generator 2 together with the drinking water 6 are filled in the vessel 5, and the drinking water 6, magnesium grain 4 and the ceramics and the silver grain 3 are caused to react in the vessel 5 to generate the hydrogen gases, and the drinking water 6 in the vessel 5 is purified by the reaction of the silver grain 3 and is changed to the hydrogen rich water having hydrogen abundantly and anti-bacterial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Hayashi, Chisato Daimaru
  • Patent number: 7186334
    Abstract: Water sanitizing apparatus is provided for pools, spas hot tubs and other similar bathing facilities that integrates an ozone generator and a chlorine generator in one unit, in addition to exposing a flow of water to be purified to ultraviolet radiation from the ozone generator for advanced oxidation reactions. In one embodiment, a mixing venturi allows for mixing various substances together prior to insertion into the motive flow. In another embodiment the venturi is constructed as inserts that allow tuning of the venturi for individual systems. In other embodiments, salt is added to a portion of the water flow as a concentrated brine from which chlorine is generated, or the salt may be simply be added to the water of the facility at a much lower concentration and chlorine generated from the flow of water through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7182859
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste. The apparatus includes a tank having an interior chamber. A weir having a lower opening is disposed in the tank and this weir divides the tank into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber receives organic waste and an outlet discharges liquid to a waste disposal system from the outlet chamber. Microbes capable of biodegrading organic waste are introduced into the inlet chamber. A pump recirculates liquid from the bottom of the inlet chamber to the top of the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: PMC Environmental Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Ostahowski, Ronald L. Panter
  • Patent number: 7182861
    Abstract: A method for use in two-components electrostatic image developers is disclosed, in which secure separation of a carrier coating resinous materials from a core magnetic material is achieved without affecting the properties of the core materials through process steps benign to the environment in super- or sub-critical water compositions under the conditions of a temperature of 300° C. or more and a pressure of 20 MPa. The core magnetic material is subsequently recycled for forming carrier. This method may also be useful for processing waste including magnetic materials with silicone resin coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunitoshi Sugiyama, Yoshihiko Itoh, Hideyuki Santoh, Kunio Arai, Tadafumi Ajiri
  • Patent number: 7182863
    Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a filter element and an additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. Placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the filter element before fluid communication with the additive of the additive cartridge. An additive dispersing member is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Eilers, Gerard W. Bilski, Daniel J. Auxter, Gary B. Zulauf, Michael S. Lynch, Philip Treier
  • Patent number: 7179386
    Abstract: Sand is discharged from a vessel at an elevated pressure and is delivered at a lower pressure. The sand is subjected to the following steps before delivery: I) dilution with a dilution fluid, ii) passage through at least one pressure reducing cyclone, the dilution being such that flashing is reduced, and iii) delivery as a slurry at the delivery pressure. This results in less wear of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventor: Neville Ernest Lange
  • Patent number: 7175759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of an industrial process. The apparatus is adapted for being located outside a main process stream of the industrial process. The apparatus includes inlet means (2, 3, 4) for a basic substance, an acidic substance and water, control means (6) for said inlet means (2, 3, 4), a reactor (1) for reacting the basic substance, the acidic substance and the water for providing a predefined alkalinity and pH in the resulting aqueous buffering mixture, and outlet means (9) for supplying said buffering mixture to the main process stream for controlling the alkalinity and the pH of the industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hannu Leino
  • 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: 7173255
    Abstract: An irradiation device, for example a UV irradiation device for disinfecting waste water, is arranged to emit radiation from a source and through an outer wall which is permeable to fluid. Means are provided for varying the fluid pressure behind the inner surface of the outer wall, to cause fluid to permeate through it, either inwardly or outwardly. The arrangement serves to maintain the outer surface of the permeable wall clear of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 7169301
    Abstract: A water purification installation includes a coagulation area, a flocculation area, an area for mixing, in an upflow, the flocculated water with pressurised water which is delivered by a microbubble-generating pressurisation-pressure reduction system, and a flotation area. Suspended matter, which is brought to the surface by the microbubbles, is evacuated from the upper part of the flotation area. Moreover, the lower part of said flotation area includes means of collecting the clarified water. The geometry of the flotation area is such that the ratio between the height (H) of the area located above the clarified water collection means and the length (L) of the area is between 0.3 and 1; and the ratio between the surface (Sa) of the nappe at the outlet of the mixing area and the surface (Sp) of the actual flotation area is between 0.05 and 0.5 and, preferably, between 0.1 and 0.35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Patrick Vion
  • Patent number: 7169297
    Abstract: The invention features a system for treating liquid including a liquid treatment device comprising adsorbent media for removing a substance from liquid and a pH adjuster device located upstream of the liquid treatment device relative to a direction of flow of the liquid. The pH adjuster device contains particulate or solid state pH adjuster material capable of releasing H or OH groups into the liquid or consuming H or OH groups from the liquid effective to raise or lower the pH of the liquid while it passes through the media. The pH adjuster may include acidifier or basifier material. Also featured is a method of using the device to remove a substance from liquid by adsorption and/or ion exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Magnesium Elektron, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly I. Bortun, Mila N. Bortun, Francis J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7166214
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of mercury and other harmful substances from effluents produced in dentist offices is described. The apparatus involves a series of inclined plates upon which mercury reducing bacteria are present, and a subsequent alkaline pH precipitation chambers and an ion exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3MA Solutions Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Armstrong, Colin Morrell