With Distinct Reactor Tank, Trough Or Compartment Patents (Class 210/205)
  • Publication number: 20040154998
    Abstract: An ozone purification system for fluids that includes a pump having an inlet for receiving the fluid. The pump includes at least one opening. An expansion tank is in communication with a first of the at least one opening of the pump, wherein the fluid may flow from the pump through the at least one opening to the expansion tank. The system includes an ozone generator having an ozone impregnator, which is in fluid communication with the expansion tank and is adapted to inject an amount of ozone into the fluid. A holding tank is in communication with the pump. A valve is in communication with the pump and includes a first and a second position. The valve directs the fluid to exit the system when valve is in the first position, and the valve recycles the fluid to the expansion tank when the is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Charles M. Minnix
  • Patent number: 6773581
    Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrothermal treatment includes a scraper formed as a hollow cylinder. The scraper is positioned in the reactor vessel with the scraper axis substantially co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical reactor vessel. A mechanism is provided to rotate the scraper about the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. One or more elongated scraper bars are positioned inside the reactor vessel between the scraper and the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. Each scraper bar may be held stationary with respect to the reactor vessel, or each scraper bar may rotated relative to an axis passing through the scraper bar to remove any solids that have accumulated on the scraper or on the scraper bar. To prevent accumulation of precipitating solids on the scraper bar itself, each scraper bar may have internal cooling channels or the capability of releasing a purging fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Michael H. Spritzer, Kevin W. Downey, Martin R. Martinez, Toshisuke Isoya, Kunitoshi Suzuki, Satoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6773609
    Abstract: An improved method for water treatment which comprises subjecting a water to be containing a hazardous material such as a dioxin or PCB to an ozone treatment contacting the water with fine bubbles of ozone having an average diameter of 0.5 to 3 microns; and a combination of the ozone treatment with one or more of a hydrogen peroxide treatment, a UV radiation treatment, an electrolysis treatment and a treatment with a carbonaceous filter material. The above ozone treatment or combination of treatments can be used for surer realization on of an intended effect of a water treatment, which is difficult to achieve by the use of a conventional method wherein ozone or hydrogen peroxide is simply mixed with a water to be treated. In particular, the combination of treatments leads to a more improved effect of water treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Kazuto Hashizume
  • Patent number: 6773593
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Nils Young
  • Patent number: 6773587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle (152) and cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure (64) to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle plate (322) and a vaned baffle plate (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (40) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, James A. Woodard, Jr., Rick G. Good
  • Patent number: 6773608
    Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous liquid. The process includes: passing the liquid by force of gravity through a treatment area, the liquid having an upper surface exposed to ambient pressure; disrupting the flow of the liquid as it passes through the treatment area, and exposing the upper surface of the liquid as the flow is disrupted to UV light. Disrupting the flow includes directing lower portions of the liquid toward the surface of the liquid to bring such portions into contact with UV light. A process for treating an aqueous liquid in which the treatment process is monitored. This process includes passing the liquid through a treatment area to bring the liquid into contact with reflective walls submerged below an upper surface of the liquid, and exposing the upper surface of the liquid to light emitted from a UV light source such that UV light penetrates the liquid to strike the submerged reflective surfaces and to be reflected therefrom to emerge through the upper surface of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: UV Pure Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Hallett, Douglas J. Hallett
  • Patent number: 6773584
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect water (5) in a flow tube, where the flow tube (10) acts a fluid filled light guide for the ultraviolet radiation and the ultraviolet radiation propagates through the flow tube via total internal reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 6773611
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of a ballast water treatment system are disclosed. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system and a ballast tank system. The control system controls the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system. In addition, the ballast water treatment system can be implemented in a vessel. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system, a biocide generation system, and a ballast tank system. The control system is capable of controlling the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system by controlling the amount of the biocide feed into the ballast tank system from the biocide generation system. Further, the ballast water treatment system involves methods for controlling organisms in ballast water of a vessel. A representative method includes providing the ballast water, and treating the ballast water with chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ecochlor, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Perlich, Charles Goodsill
  • Patent number: 6764594
    Abstract: A reservoir for a water filtering system includes a tank having a separate board to define an upper space and a lower space in the tank. A water level control system is connected to the tank and located in the upper space to control the volume of the filtered water entering the upper space. An aperture is defined through the separate board and a pipe connected between the aperture and a pump so that filtered water is pumped from an outlet defined through a wall of the tank to a faucet via a pipe. A water quality improvement device is received in the upper space of the tank to ensure the quality of the filtered water in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Ping Lee
  • Publication number: 20040134860
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site treatment and reclamation of oil and gas well waste water or fracturing fluids. The mobile treatment process and apparatus provide both chemical precipitation and filtration to treat the drilling fluid waste to a technically and environmentally acceptable level allowing for reuse. Alkaline treating agents are applied to the drilling waste fluids, as they are pumped through the treatment apparatus, to increase the pH of the fluid waste to a preferred pH range and to also cause selective soluble contaminants in the fluids to form a precipitate. The waste fluid is allowed to clarify as the precipitate of insoluble contaminants, through flocculation, settle and form a sludge at the bottom of the drilling pit. The clarified fluids are then filtered to satisfy applicable industry and environmental requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Paul John Hart, Rebecca K. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6762057
    Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. Alternatively, the capillary column may have a rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Gilton
  • Patent number: 6746612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system of water recycling in residential households. A water recycling method includes the steps of collecting water from at least one residential water source and channeling water from at least one residential water source through pipes via gravity to a storage tank. The method includes the steps of filtering and treating the water with a sanitizing agent to remove impurities. The method includes the step of delivering water to the soil and subsoil of the landscape. A water recycling system includes at least one residential water source and a storage tank to collect recycled water from at least one household water source. The pipes are adapted to channel water from at least one residential water source via gravity. A filter and a sanitizing agent can be included to remove impurities. A water delivery device is included to deliver water to the aquifer, soil and subsoil of the landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Scot M. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6736979
    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: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 6733667
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael David Max
  • Patent number: 6732953
    Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a washer fluid reservoir having washer fluid therein and a separator for receiving washer fluid from the reservoir and for adjusting the concentration of hydrocarbon additive within the fluid contained within the reservoir as a function of referenced temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Krause, Michael L. Greenfield, Scott Alan Wojan, Timothy John Wallington
  • Patent number: 6730225
    Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater including: delivering untreated wastewater into a permeable container disposed in an impoundment. A wastewater input moves untreated wastewater to the interior of the permeable container. Treated wastewater is flowed through the permeable container and is removed via a wastewater output. A method of practicing wastewater treatment, comprising the steps of delivering untreated wastewater into a permeable container contained within an impoundment; treating the wastewater in the permeable container; moving treated wastewater from the interior of the permeable container to a position between the interior of the permeable container and the exterior of the impoundment; and removing the treated wastewater from the impoundment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. Duke, Jack Fowler
  • Patent number: 6730215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus including a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation or movement of a packed bed of a solid catalyst and/or solid adsorbent which is provided on the packed bed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus in which a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the top surface of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed, or in which a water-permeable pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed. Such pressure layers are effective in sufficiently preventing the solid catalyst from moving in the packed bed. As a result, there is no problem such as the abrasion of solid catalyst mainly caused by its movement, the deterioration of the performance thereof, and an increase in pressure loss, thereby treating waste water in a stable manner for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Shiota, Tohru Ishii, Kiichiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 6723243
    Abstract: Periphyton filtration is a known method for performing bioremediation of polluted water, removing nutrients from the influent on which the attached algae thrive. The present system improves upon this method by adding a strong oxidizer to the influent, and, in some cases, to the effluent, to make organically bound nutrients available to a target culture of periphyton or aquatic plants to reduce the population of undesirable microinvertebrates, to make organically bound nutrients available to the periphyton, and to reduce the level of toxic compounds. A particular embodiment comprises ozonating the water. A pesticide may be added to control insect populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle R. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040069698
    Abstract: A water treatment device, method and system with the water treatment device having a container for holding a water treatment material therein with the water treatment device including a shroud extending in a direction generally normal to a flow of debris laden water with the shroud inhibiting direct flow of debris into a water inlet in the water treatment device by directing water and debris over the shroud and around the water treatment device while a portion of the water can be directed laterally into the water treatment material within the water treatment device to thereby purify the water that flows over the water treatment materials with the water treatment device including multiple spaced and positioned water inlets so that the likelihood of the water inlet being completely obstructed is remote.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6719897
    Abstract: Treatment apparatus comprising a treatment chamber (10), for receiving a process fluid, in which there are provided means for introducing gas (19, 20) at a low level within the chamber to create bubbles which drive the process fluid to circulate within the chamber as they rise, in which there are provided means associated with the gas inlet openings for collecting solid particles entrained with the process fluid which sink as a consequence of contact with the bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Maltin
  • Publication number: 20040065621
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of CMP wastewater, including wastewater from a copper CMP process. The wastewater treatment system includes a coagulant supply tank from which an FSC polymer coagulant is directed into a reaction tank that separately receives the untreated wastewater. The coagulant may be mixed with the untreated wastewater in selected ratios to provide a desired dosing quantity of the coagulant in the reaction tank. As the wastewater and the FSC polymer coagulant are mixed in the reaction tank, the coagulant flocs the slurry chemicals in the wastewater and removes the chemicals from solution in the wastewater as a precipitate before the wastewater is directed to a clarifier. The clarifier separates the flocked precipitate from the wastewater, and the flocked particles settle on the bottom of the clarifier to form a sludge. The sludge is re-distributed back into the clarifier to coagulate inert particles in the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Max Sha, Howard Ting, Anderson Chen, Lung Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 6716340
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating water in a device using water as a circulating medium comprises an extractor line for removing water from the device and ozone generation means for producing and conveying a supply of ozone. A contactor/mixer member is provided and has an entry passage for receiving water from the extractor line and ozone from the ozone generation means. The contactor/mixer member has contacting passages for receiving a water and ozone mixture from the entry passage and is configured so as to create turbulence to intimately mix the water and ozone along at least a portion of its length. A return line is provided for receiving and transporting the water and ozone mixture from the contacting passages back to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Will Craig Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040055969
    Abstract: A water treatment system and method are provided that comprehensively treats a body of water. A mixing apparatus receives ozone gas, a chemical composition, and contaminated water to form a mixture and thus oxidize, balance, disinfect, and kill algae in the water. A high level of ozone flow is used in the system to treat the water in a highly concentrated environment of ozone and chemical composition. Undissolved ozone is separated from the mixture and recirculated to efficiently use ozone while advantageously preventing or minimizing the venting of ozone from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Barnes
  • Patent number: 6709603
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and filter apparatus (10) for filtering and/or treating water are shown and described, each embodiment being for multiple-stage processing of water or other liquid, with storage intermediate between the stages. Preferably, water is passed through a first zone (28) of a filter housing cavity and conducted through an intermediate port (16) to storage (24). When water is demanded by a usage device (22), water flows in reverse from storage back into the filter (10), to flow through the second zone (42) for a second stage of filtering/treatment, and then preferably out an outlet port (18) to the usage device. Water may also flow from the water source directly through the first and second zones (28, 42) and to the usage device (22), without intermediate storage. Preferably, both first and second zones are contained and axially arranged within a single filter housing (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 6709601
    Abstract: In addition to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83), a hydrothermal treatment system (60) includes an effluent stream splitting arrangement (86) for receiving hydrothermal reaction effluent and splitting this effluent to produce two separate effluent streams. These separated effluent streams are used to heat at least a water stream and first reactant material stream before these streams are injected into the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A first split effluent heat exchange arrangement (81) places one split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A second split effluent heat exchange arrangement (79, 80) places the other split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with both the first reactant material and the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroprocessing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Tracy Wofford, III, James Walton Griffith, Richard Wayne Humphries, Justin Wade Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20040026307
    Abstract: A water activation device efficiently activates water and maintains its activation performance over a long period of time. The water activation device includes a conductive body having an in-flow opening and an out-flow opening, a cover member that coats the outer perimeter of the body through insulation material and is insulated from water pipes, and activation material unit formed in a small block containing minerals as a main component. The activation material units are held in a retainer of a holder without contacting with one another, and multiple holders are placed along the same straight line in the direction of the flow in the internal space of the body. Further, the outside of holder is fitted with an inner surface of the internal space so that water can flow through the multiple flow openings formed on the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kikuo Tamura
  • Patent number: 6685827
    Abstract: A water treatment device, method and system with the water treatment device having a container for holding a water treatment material therein with the water treatment device including a shroud extending in a direction generally normal to a flow of debris laden water with the shroud inhibiting direct flow of debris into a water inlet in the water treatment device by directing water and debris over the shroud and around the water treatment device while a portion of the water can be directed laterally into the water treatment material within the water treatment device to thereby purify the water that flows over the water treatment materials with the water treatment device including multiple spaced and positioned water inlets so that the likelihood of the water inlet being completely obstructed is remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040016697
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. Although the apparatus is continuous, the controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic nutrient composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jon Shaffer, Jack Fernandes, John Lucido
  • Publication number: 20030234212
    Abstract: The mineral water making apparatus has a structure that includes a water tank having a mineral eluting material disposed therein, a water supply pipe for introducing raw water such as tap water into the water tank, and a water intake pipe for intaking mineral water made in the water tank; and an acidic food-additive supply apparatus for supplying an acidic food additive into the water tank is further installed. Since the acid concentration in the water tank thereby rises, the mineral-eluting efficiency of the mineral eluting material is improved, and the mineral concentration is elevated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Miwako Ito, Kazushige Watanabe, Motoharu Sato
  • Publication number: 20030230538
    Abstract: Systems and methods for polymer addition control for sludges from water and wastewater treatment. In a treatment process where flocculating agents are used to promote solids aggregation, intrinsic physical properties of the liquid rich stream following separation may be continuously measured in order to control or optimize the amount of flocculating or treatment agent that is added to the process. These intrinsic physical properties may include, for example, the flocculating suspension or network strength. By determining the floc strength using various treating agent dosages, a optimum treating agent dose can be determined. The optimum treating agent dosage is the minimum in a floe strength to polymer dose curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Mohammad Abu-Orf, Banu Ormeci
  • Patent number: 6663769
    Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Takachiho Corp.
    Inventor: Makoto Hosoya
  • Patent number: 6660168
    Abstract: A continuous method is provided for dissolving a solid oxidizer into an aqueous solution which yields a stream of the aqueous solution having a constant or near constant concentration of solid oxidizer. The method of the present invention includes (a) disposing a bed of solid oxidizer into a container; (b) introducing an aqueous solution below the top surface of the bed; and (c) removing any solution above the top surface of the bed while maintaining a constant or near constant level of aqueous solution above the bed. Preferably, step (c) is performed at about atmospheric pressure. This method can be achieved with a feeder that includes a tank for containing a bed of solid oxidizer and a disperser for introducing the aqueous solution into the tank. A sensor/control unit is provided for sensing a combined bed and aqueous solution volume within the tank and maintaining the combined volume within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lonza Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Gerdon Sweeny, James Howard Harvey
  • Patent number: 6649052
    Abstract: An ozone oxidizing apparatus in which, after fine air bubbles are distributed in a fluid (a waste water) delivered together with air to increase a dissolvable oxygen concentration, when ozone evenly contacts a contaminant of the fluid, oxidation is maximized by virtue of the instantaneous catalytic action of the oxygen air bubbles, thereby effectively removing the contaminant contained in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: IEI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-rai Lee, Se-ho Mun, Gwang-lok Han, Seong-lak Im, Seok-won Son
  • Publication number: 20030209501
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid purification and disinfection system, which includes a housing, an ultraviolet lamp and a photocatalytic oxidation device. Said housing therein is an enclosed case that is fitted with an inlet and an outlet. Furthermore, said ultraviolet lamp is mounted inside the housing. Said photocatalytic oxidation device is a disinfection core coated with photocatalyst. Said disinfection core is installed around said ultraviolet lamp, and is fixed onto said housing. Said photocatalyst therein is titanium dioxide. The working principle of the fluid purification and disinfection device in accordance with the present invention is to utilize ultraviolet light to irradiate the titanium dioxide-coated surface of the photocatalytic oxidation device to generate the photocatalytic oxidation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: EnvironmentalCare Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan Ming Leung
  • Patent number: 6645385
    Abstract: A system for removing fluoride from wastewater is provided. The system comprises a reaction tank for processing said wastewater by adding calcium salts, a filtration tank for removing the precipitated fluoride formed in the reaction tank, a single fluoride electrode disposed at the reaction tank for measuring a concentration of fluoride in the influent wastewater and providing an output signal, and a programmable controller for controlling addition of said calcium salts into said reaction tank. The programmable controller defines a setpoint of fluoride concentration in the reaction tank and automatically controls addition of calcium salts based on the setpoint and the output signal provided by the single fluoride electrode. A method of removing fluoride from wastewater is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ionics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald A. Krulik, Gennadiy Sverdlov, William Hannan
  • Patent number: 6641724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for chemically and physically separating solid materials from a suspension using flotation. A rotationally symmetrical flocculation/flow reactor is provided with outlets in the lower part thereof and is arranged in a separating tank. At least one suspension inlet extends eccentrically into said reactor. The supplied suspension is guided into said reactor. The supplied suspension is guided into the upper area of the flocculation reactor via the suspension inlet. A circular flow is thus created which drains off from the flocculation reactor downwards in a tangential and radial manner over the outer circumference into circularly arranged distribution cells which reinforce the tangential component of the suspension flow when said flow is delivered into the separating tank. In prior art, the flow of the mixture consisting of the suspension and air-sacs extends radially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Niemczyk, Robert Heinz, Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Patent number: 6632362
    Abstract: This invention pertains generally to anaerobic digesters, and more particularly to a system and process that extends the range of acceptable biomass feedstock concentrations and provides pH process control of all known digestion processes: by the creation of a vacuum or vacuum retort in or before the digester that essentially acts to boil off excess liquid, thickening the liquor of the digester to an optimum value; and to control the pH of the various phases or stages of digestion by separating the component products of digestion and mixing or diffusing a portion of said component products into the mixing system of each phase of the process. A system and process: that produces a potable water effluent, clean commercially useful by-products, zero environmental emissions, a very positive ecological impact; and, that has the capability of being completely self powered plus providing energy back to the community or industry that supports or owns it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Herman P. Miller, III
  • Patent number: 6630073
    Abstract: An apparatus and water treatment method uses Sonically Induced Dissociative Reactions (SIDR) and Multi-bubble Sonoluminescence (MBSL) to facilitate Sonically Bounds State Oxidation (SBSO) within a SIDR chamber. Included within the SIDR chamber is counter-flow ultrasonic radiation and an optional binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene A. Moskal, H. Willard Spencer, III
  • Patent number: 6630070
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment equipment is provided with a reaction tank and a separate reaction unit installed in the reaction tank. In the separate reaction unit, a reaction different from a reaction in the reaction tank is carried out with returned sludge and a acid or alkali. Reactants are generated from the returned sludge in the separate reaction unit and then introduced from a bottom portion of the separate reaction unit into the reaction tank so as to be used for wastewater treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Norio Sawai, Kazumi Chujou
  • Patent number: 6627073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new water treatment device comprising an electrolytic tank to put water in, an electrode provided in the electrolytic tank, a water treating path for pouring, from a pool storing water, the water into the electrolytic tank and returning to the pool the water in the electrolytic tank, a residual chlorine sensor for measuring the residual chlorine concentration of the water, and a circulating pump provided on the downstream side of the electrolytic tank on the water treating path in order to circulate the water, and capable of simply and efficiently sterilizing water stored in pools of various sizes from a swimming pool to a home bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hirota, Yoshihiro Inamoto, Kiyokazu Fujikawa, Yozo Kawamura, Minoru Nakanishi, Minoru Kishi, Takaaki Yonezawa, Tamotsu Kawamura, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Yasuhiko Shimizu, Yasuhito Kondo
  • Patent number: 6627070
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for aeration in a filter system. The present invention provides an air injection adaptor for coupling between a filter tank and a valve controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlin A. Frank
  • Publication number: 20030178375
    Abstract: A powered in-line blender for mixing additives to sludges or other flowable liquid/solid mixtures. The blender is particularly useful in a method of blending polymer to municipal sewage sludges to improve the dewatering characteristics, and thus improving total costs for dewatering, handling, and disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: SHARPE MIXERS, INC.
    Inventors: Phil E. Sharpe, Jay G. Dinnison, Steven Drury
  • Publication number: 20030173304
    Abstract: Disclosed is an environmentally friendly fluid treatment assembly comprising: a back-flushable filter, a fluid conditioning device and a control valve. During normal operation, fluid is directed by the control valve to pass through the conditioning device wherein the precipitation of solids dissolved within the fluid takes place. The fluid is then directed to flow through a filter medium within the back-flushable filter where precipitates and other solids are removed from the flow. The fluid then exits the assembly via the control valve. During back-flushing, the direction of fluid flow through the assembly is reversed and the filter medium is fluidised while precipitates and other solids are flushed out of the filter through the control valve. The assembly finds particular but not exclusive application to the treatment of water. Water treatment devices comprising an embodiment of the present invention lead to the precipitation of carbonates from hard water and removes those precipitates from the water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Michael David Joslin, John Christopher Sutherland Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6620322
    Abstract: Apparatus can comprise an anoxic zone, an aeration zone in communication with the anoxic zone, and a sedimentation zone in communication with the aeration and anoxic zones. The sedimentation zone may include a first outlet in a lower portion thereof adapted to recycle material. A device may be provided to control the flow rate of the recycle material. Another device may be positioned relative to a sedimentation zone inlet and adapted to manipulate a material flow profile as material travels into the sedimentation zone. A sedimentation zone may also define an inlet comprising an overlapped area. Methods for purifying a waste inlet material comprise the steps of providing an anoxic zone, an aeration zone and a sedimentation zone. The methods may comprise the step of recycling material from a first outlet in a lower portion of the sedimentation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Smith & Vesio LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Vesio, John M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6620317
    Abstract: A system for treating waste water includes a dry-feed hopper and a wetting flume for receipt of dry flocculant and waste water. The dry-feed hopper includes a container with a volume of dry flocculant therein. A manifold receives a nozzle connected to an air source to periodically deliver dry flocculant to the wetting flume. An inline static mixer is provided after the wetting flume. The output of the inline static mixer is introduced into an agitation stage via a constricting nozzle which includes a base support and a cylindrical housing with an outer wall and an, inner wall and is resiliently mounted to the top surface of said base support. A downward spiraling length of corrugated hose is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall. Waste water from the inline static mixer is introducing into the top entry port of the length of corrugated hose to exit at the bottom exit port of the corrugated hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Bel Air Finishing Supply Corp.
    Inventor: Steven R. Alviti
  • Patent number: 6616849
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of and system for continuously processing liquid material by which enzymes in the liquid material are inactivated and the liquid material is sterilized effectively. In one example of the system according to the present invention, a liquid material is introduced into a processing chamber 11 from an introduction port at the bottom, and liquefied carbon dioxide formed into micro-particles by a filter 16 is also introduced in the chamber 11. The micro-particles of liquefied carbon dioxide dissolves into the liquid material efficiently. The liquid material taken out from a take-out port 18 is introduced into a warming pipe 20 kept at such a preset temperature and pressure where the carbon dioxide turns to a supercritical fluid. After that, the liquid material is introduced through a pressure control valve 24 into a pressure-reducing chamber 24. The carbon dioxide rapidly changes from supercritical fluid to gas, and vaporizes from the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Osajima, Mitsuya Shimoda, Michinosuke Takada, Masaki Miyake
  • Patent number: 6613225
    Abstract: A first object is to provide an apparatus for photocatalytic reaction with high treating efficiency and treatment ability that is not degraded with an elapse of operating time and a second object is to provide a method for simply and efficiently immobilizing a photocatalyst on a support. The first invention is to immobilize (coat) a photocatalyst on a surface of a support, continuously supply solution to be treated in atmosphere in thin film shape on the surface of the immobilized photocatalyst, and irradiate the photocatalyst surface with light for causing photocatalytic reaction to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Himeka Engineering
    Inventors: Atsushi Toyoda, Tatsuo Kanki
  • Patent number: 6610199
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of water integrating the use of pods. The pods have a sturdy rigid base and a flexible permeable membrane. The tank itself has a viewing port in the sidewall for an observer to witness the treatment process. The tank also has a base with anchor rods for securing the lid. The lid has a monitoring unit and permits the flow of water into and out from the tank. Inserted into the tank is an internal riser tube acting as the return line for the water to the monitoring unit and a directional flow disk. Pods are stacked on top of one another in a predetermined order for the treatment of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Gene Bittner
  • Patent number: 6607671
    Abstract: The present invention involves an improved integrated reactor and solids settler system for solids removal from a water stream. The integration of the rapid mix reactor and the solids settler of the present invention uses an overflow line from the rapid mix reactor to eliminate both the rapid mix reactor level indicator and controller and the flow controller in the solids settler clarified water outlet. The proposed design is simple, cost effective, and eliminates the possibility of unnecessary downstream unit shutdowns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Dinh-Cuong Vuong
  • Patent number: 6605209
    Abstract: A self-sustaining non-biodegradable waste breakdown system has a preprocessing assembly, a heating assembly, a reaction assembly and a filtering assembly. The reaction assembly has a filtering layer to retain long chain molecules of the melted waste for continuous breakdown so as to change the long chain molecules into short chain molecules. The filtering-adjusting mechanism of the filtering assembly recycles the medium with a special concentration, viscosity and heat resistance in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Green Formosa Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-En Lei, Fu-Jung Huang, Wen-Pin Wu, Shyh-Shin Chen, Joe Yueh Chou