With Distinct Reactor Tank, Trough Or Compartment Patents (Class 210/205)
  • Patent number: 6602409
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying deozonized ozone sterilized water includes a first UV lamp unit received in an ozone-containing gas generating member to irradiate oxygen-containing gas flowing through the gas generating member to produce ozone-containing gas. The ozone-containing gas is entrained in water flowing in a water supplying conduit for sterilizing the water. A cooling system can cool the gas generating member during the UV radiation for maintaining the ozone concentration entrained in the water. The ozone sterilized water in the conduit is deozonized by a second UV lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Kuo
  • Patent number: 6596161
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6596148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass and the endpoint of the oxidative process detected by a sensor. Residual organics, if desired, and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 6592757
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a wastewater contact tank that is broken into three distinct zones: a selector zone positioned between a stabilization zone and a contact zone. The entire influent is introduced into the selector zone which is maintained in an anoxic condition. Baffles positioned within the selector zone permit control of microorganisms levels present in the zone. The wastewater introduced into the selector zone and treated via the microorganisms present therein, flows over a weir into the contact zone. In the contact zone, the solids suspended in the liquor (the mixture of the wastewater and activated sludge) settle to the bottom and pass through a line which returns it to the selector zone. The return line, however, includes a valve which controls the rate of passage. The treated wastewater (which includes waste activated sludge and treated water) passes from the contact zone into the clarifiers for final processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami M. Nasr
  • Patent number: 6592751
    Abstract: A high-rate reactor system, (applying a high superficial velocity), capable of treating partially soluble, complex, high-strength wastewater. The reactor system is configured in multiple stages and has the ability to retain complex insoluble substrates in a wide range of particle sizes in spatially separate stages for sufficient residence time to enable complete degradation. A vertically oriented vessel has neighboring upper and lower chambers, each chamber having a gas retention space and a liquid retention space. A filter chamber has an inlet communicating with the liquid retention space of the lower chamber and an outlet communicating with the liquid retention space of the upper chamber. A gas conduit communicates the gas retention space of the lower chamber with the gas retention space of the upper chamber. A discharge device enables gas to be periodically discharged from the lower chamber to the upper chamber through the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventor: Ajit Haridas
  • Patent number: 6585886
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment reactor includes an upper chamber 4 biomass therein and a lower chamber including a combination filtering/aerating unit 6 having a gas inlet 9 and a discharge outlet 10 for purified water. In operation, wastewater enters the upper reactor chamber via delivery pipe 12 and is mixed with biomass. During a filtering mode, the wastewater then enters the porous hollow body 7 defining a membrane unit 6 and is filtered thereby. In an aerating mode, gas travels across the membrane in an opposite direction freeing the membrane of biomass lodged therein. A heat exchanger 16 can be provided for exchanging heat energy between the wastewater input and the purified water output. A control device for regulating gas flow, wastewater flow, and pH may also be provided including pressure, pH and oxygen content measurement. A channel 7a may be provided for adding a cleaning medium and also an absorbent reactor 13 for treating waste air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Wolfgang Luehr
  • Patent number: 6585897
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for treating a gas containing a substance to be decomposed comprises an adsorption unit equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing the substance to be decomposed, a steam introduction unit for bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent, a condensation unit for obtaining a condensed liquid containing the substance to be decomposed from the steam containing the substance, a reaction tank, a condensed liquid supply unit for supplying the condensed liquid to the reaction tank, a hypochlorous acid supply unit for supplying a solution containing hypochlorous acid to the reaction tank, and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the reaction tank with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kinya Kato
  • Patent number: 6585898
    Abstract: A system for production of water having dissolved ozone includes a water feeding section, a container part, an ozone feeding part for feeding ozone to a mixing part dissolving ozone in the water, the mixing part drawing water from the lower part of the container, an ozone measuring part for measuring the ozone concentration of the water in the container, a water pump for circulating the water from the lower part to an upper part of the container in dependence of the measured ozone concentration and from the ozone feeding section to the mixing part in dependence of a predetermined ozone concentration, the container having an outlet for water having the predetermined concentration of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Otre AB
    Inventors: Kjell Ekberg, Sudhir Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 6582592
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6579449
    Abstract: In the carbonated water supply system 1, water supplied from the water supply 2 through the water supply conduit 3 is supplied to the carbonator 5 through the water supply valve 4 and high pressure strong carbonated water is produced in the carbonator 5 and supplied to the water purifier 7 through the conduit 8A. Further, high pressure strong carbonated water in the water purifier 7 is purified therein while retaining its high pressure and is supplied to the pressure releasing valve 9 through the conduit 8B, the water supply valve 10. High pressure strong carbonated water is discharged out of the system 1 through the pressure releasing valve 9 as low pressure carbonated water the pressure of which is as same as the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yumi Okada
  • Patent number: 6569332
    Abstract: A process to recover energy, reduce pollution potential, and add value to organic waste such as animal manure is described. The process involves the anaerobic digestion of feedstocks, such as animal manure, at low to high temperatures in batch, semi-continuous or continuous reactors. The process makes use of existing handling and storage equipment at the farm and requires minimal supervision and skill by the operator. The system is not affected by high concentrations of volatile acids and ammonia or nitrogen. The productivity of the anaerobic digester system, in terms of methane gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester employs plural pressurizable anaerobic digesters connected in parallel. Consequently, the process is scaleable, low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
  • Patent number: 6565801
    Abstract: Odor control apparatus comprising a container for containing solid malodorous material, and inlet means for feeding deodorizing gaseous material over the solid malodorous material contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: CSO Technik Limited
    Inventors: David Froud, Colin D. Froud
  • Patent number: 6562240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first material and a second material is described in which the first material comprises a mixture of two or more dissimilar components which it is desired to separate. The method and apparatus involve forming an intimate mixture of the two materials prior to separating the two dissimilar components of the first material. The apparatus involves the use of a hydrocyclone for aerating or gasifying a feed stream, such as waste water containing oleophilic residue or food residue, to entrain the particles of residue within the air or gas bubbles prior to separating the oil or food residues from the carrier material, typically water. Instead of using the hydrocyclone as a separator, it is used as a mixer which provides surprising results and facilitates separation of the aerated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Separation Technologies Group Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Neville Clark
  • Patent number: 6562247
    Abstract: A tubular reactor characterized by having short static mixing elements separated by coalescing zones is used to conduct multiphase liquid/liquid reactions. Small droplets of one of the phases are dispersed into the other phase by the static mixing elements. These droplets coalesce and at least partially phase separate as the mixture passes through the subsequent coalescing zone. The tubular reactor is particularly suitable for nitrating organic compounds while forming low levels of improperly nitrated by-products and low levels of nitrophenolics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Gillis, Helge Braun, Joerg Schmidt, Jan Willem Verwijs, Harald Velten, Kristina Platkowski
  • Patent number: 6562234
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Salt (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 to form either positively buoyant or negatively buoyant (assisted buoyancy) hydrate. The hydrate rises or is carried upward 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. In preferred embodiments, the 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 13, 2003
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael D. Max
  • Patent number: 6555002
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that provides improved reduction of total solids through endogenous respiration while reducing biochemical oxygen demand and utilizing biological nutrient reduction. The wastewater treatment process uses an efficient aeration delivery system to drastically reduce the time needed to oxidize organic matter, and re-circulates, shreds and homogenizes the organic matter and microorganisms and oxygenates the entire mass many more times than traditional systems resulting in a greater biological solids digestion rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Premier Wastwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Garcia, Leonard Davidson, H. Matthew Russell, Martin Perry Johnson, Paul F. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6555055
    Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Adrain Denvir, G. Duncan Hitchens, Thomas D. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030070973
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a mixing tube for receiving the waste water from the inlet and through which the waste water passes to an outlet of the mixing tube assembly for mixing into the waste water a plurality of chemicals for causing flocculation of contaminants in the waste water and a settling chamber connected to the outlet of the mixing tube assembly for receiving the waste water and the chemicals mixed therein for allowing settling of the flocculated contaminants and for supplying clarified water at an outlet of the settling chamber. The mixing tube has a plurality of injection members at spaced positions along the duct each including a pump and a chemical supply for injecting a selected quantity of a selected chemical into the duct and each including a respective mixing member and drive therefore in the duct at spaced positions therealong arranged such that each injection member is associated with a respective mixing member for mixing the chemical into the water in the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond P. Briltz, Robert J. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20030066790
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a typical anaerobic septic tank system into an efficient aerobic treatment system for treatment of liquor containing biodegradable wastes. The apparatus includes a collapsible reactor module that can pass through a relatively small opening in a septic tank cover. The reactor module contains media through which liquor to be treated is recirculated and aerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebori
  • Patent number: 6544415
    Abstract: Containers for use in a dispersal with the containers enabling a fluid mixing stream to separately and controllably disperse two different water treatment materials into a water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6544414
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing and preserving water soluble solid chemical used in erosion feeders for sanitizing water. Outside ambient air is forced through the chemical stored in a feeder chamber. Depending on the temperature of outside ambient air, the air may be heated before being introduced into the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6540922
    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: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric De Meulenaer Cordemans, Baudouin Hannecart, Marie-Françoise Lepeltier, Yves Canivet
  • Publication number: 20030052064
    Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from, and/or for preventing biofilm from forming on, an interior surface of a conduit that receives a supply of water, is performed by disabling the supply of water to the conduit, and passing an ozone-containing gas to the conduit. The ozone-containing gas can be generated from an oxygen-containing gas that is exposed to either a corona discharge or ultraviolet radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the water is disinfected by the ultraviolet radiation. The invention is especially suited for use with dental equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Amos Korin
  • Patent number: 6534001
    Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation system for disinfecting water comprising a conduit which is transparent to ultraviolet radiation, a chamber having an annular cross section, disposed around the conduit, the chamber containing an ionizable gas, and a coil disposed around the chamber for ionizing the ionizable gas to produce an ultraviolet emission which propagates into the conduit to disinfect the water flowing through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Darryl Michael, Bruce Edward Brackett
  • Publication number: 20030047516
    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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Steven R. Alviti
  • Patent number: 6527952
    Abstract: Nestable canisters for use in a dispersal valve that normally holds only a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable for replacing single canisters to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water with different materials. The fluid mixing stream which normally flows through the set of ports that are used for dispensing only one solid chemical into the liquid stream flowing through the dispersal valve is bifurcated to provide for both dispersant type bacteria killing as well as in situ bacteria killing. In addition the nestable canisters are provided with an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing algae in the water and absorbing acids that might be generated by use of chlorine in the dispersal valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6527960
    Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Canadian Environmental Equipment & Engineering Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana L. Bacon, Patrick J. Cochrane, Wade R Bozak, Roderick M. Facey
  • Publication number: 20030038069
    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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gene Bittner
  • Patent number: 6524486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating microalgae from water without rupturing cells. The method comprises the steps of flocculation, flotation and dehydration. Microalgae suspension from a reservoir is passed to a mixer unit where flocculation is carried out, using modified starch or other flocculating agents. The suspension is then directed to a flotation column. Dissolved gas in water is transferred to the flotation column through a disperser. A layer of foam containing microalgae is formed on the liquid layer in the column, which can be skimmed off through an overflow outlet. The flotation column is a telescopic column of adjustable height, which enables the position of the overflow outlet to be aligned with the level of the foam layer for efficient foam removal. Foam containing microalgae is then passed to a filtration unit for cloth filtration, followed by drying in a drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sepal Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Genady Borodyanski, Irina Konstantinov
  • Publication number: 20030034300
    Abstract: A simple, reliable, inexpensive, and efficient anaerobic digester for treating organic wastes at a shortened residence time is described. The anaerobic digester is a multi-chambered digester that can handle wastewater and sludge in a large volume at a high flow rate. The digester also allows collection of methane gas for use as an energy source. The reactor is based on a sequential series of reaction chambers in a design that does not require internal moving parts. The volume of the chambers is adjusted to control the relative residence time of the waste to select an anaerobic microorganism group or groups that can efficiently digest the waste presented to that chamber. Under most conditions, no addition of bacteria is necessary. The digester works efficiently using microbes native to the waste material. After the reaction chambers and just prior to leaving as effluent, a settling chamber is located to reclaim the microbes and remove additional solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Vadake R. Srinivasan, John J. Sansalone
  • Publication number: 20030029792
    Abstract: This invention relates to remediation systems, and more particularly to remediation systems for water, soil, and sediment bodies using thin-layer coated microbubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6517713
    Abstract: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system comprises at least an ozonator and an electrolytic chlorinator. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates; optionally an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium; an ozone injector; an ozone contact chamber having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said water stream injected with ozone enters at or near said top end and is withdrawn from at or near said bottom end; and an electrolytic chlorinator for production of chlorine which is then oxidized to oxychlorine species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Gargas
  • Patent number: 6511605
    Abstract: A device for automatically feeding soluble fluid treating agents in tablet form into a fluid body having an elongated member, a platform member adaptable for holding a plurality of tablets and being selectively positionable relative to the fluid body, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the present device to a portion of the structure surrounding or containing the fluid body. When a plurality of tablets are loaded onto the platform member, the platform member can be selectively positioned such that any portion of one or more of the plurality of tablets can be immersed within the fluid body. Each tablet preferably includes an opening extending therethrough adaptable for receiving the elongated member, the present device having particular utility in a wide variety of different fluid treating applications including toilet bowl tank applications and swimming pool/spa applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Stellar Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas V. Connelly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6506309
    Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Awois, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford
  • Patent number: 6503404
    Abstract: A method according to the present invention for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes receiving excess wastewater from the sewer system in a first portion of a shaft structure; allowing a first quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a tunnel in inhibitable fluid communication with the shaft structure; allowing a second quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a second portion of the shaft structure when flow into the tunnel is inhibited; injecting a treating agent into the second quantity of wastewater so as to treat the second quantity of wastewater; and allowing a portion of the second quantity of wastewater to flow from the second portion of the shaft structure to an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the shaft structure after the step of injecting a treating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib
  • Patent number: 6500334
    Abstract: A water purification device, method and system with the water purification device having a container for holding a water purification material therein with the water purification 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 purification device by directing water and debris over the shroud and around the water purification device while a portion of the water can be directed laterally into the water purification material within the water purification device to thereby purify the water that flows over the water purification materials with the water purification device including multiple spaced and positioned water inlets so that the likelihood of the water inlet being completely obstructed is remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6497822
    Abstract: A feeder uses vortex flow to facilitate the dissolving of a chlorine-containing water treatment chemical. A feeder inlet receives water which is directed to a chamber by a conduit. A vortex flow in the chamber receives amounts of the chemical from a reservoir. Chlorine-containing water exits through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Arch Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Blanchette, Christopher M. Zetena, Michael Paloian, G. Warren Ginn
  • Patent number: 6495036
    Abstract: A device for introducing ozone uniformly into water flowing through a conduit for disinfecting the water. An ozone-contacting vessel is provided and includes a downflow tube through which water is caused to flow. The downflow tube is positioned vertically within a diffusion chamber. Within the downflow tube are a plurality of layers of transversely extending porous elements that are in communication with a source of ozone to provide a relatively uniform distribution of fine ozone bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the downflow tube. The downflow tube can be J-shaped, to convey ozonated water into downstream ozone reaction cells to permit oxidation or disinfection of the water being treated. An outlet seal plate is provided at the J-tube outlet to prevent backflow into the J-tube upon shutdown of the contactor cell containing the J-tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher R. Schulz, James A. Reilly
  • Publication number: 20020185418
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a biological process for continues purification of wastewater by converting its constituents to a solid form that can be easily separated using retainable biological catalysts and a novel reactor hereafter referred to as “Reverse Fluidised Loop Reactor” (RFLR) for performing the above said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Ajit Haridas, Swachchha Majumdar
  • Patent number: 6491812
    Abstract: An ice water cooling system for a multi-story building includes an open chemical tank 304 adjacent the bottom of the building 300. The tank includes a float-level ball 310 positioned therein for controlling the flow volume of water from the pipeline circular system 302. A pump 314 and check valve 312 are positioned downstream of the tank and are configured to prevent reflux from the pipeline circular system. The float-level ball, pump and check valve act to isolate the pressure in the pipeline circular system from that of the open-chemical tank which is at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsaio Hao Pang
  • Patent number: 6491829
    Abstract: For conversion of harmful compound in contaminated liquid into harmless compound by use of reactant, a plurality of agitators are arranged in a vertical superposition within a closed agitation chamber and, after the contaminated liquid is charged into the agitation chamber, the agitators are driven for rotation at a high speed in a rage from 10,000 to 18,000 rpm in order to create a field of super critical conditions in which free radicals are liberated from the harmful compound and coupled by the reactant. Neither high temperature heating nor high level pressurization is needed for processing of the contaminated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Suzuki, Takashi Nishimoto
  • Publication number: 20020179526
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting existing waste water treatment facilities having at least one existing basin including installing generally vertical partitions at spaced locations in the at least one existing basin in order to divide the at least one existing basin into a plurality of treatment stage regions, installing at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions, loading each treatment stage regions with a quantity of floatable porous particles, supplying waste water to at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions and allowing the waste water, but generally not the particles, to flow from at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions to at least another of the plurality of treatment stage regions and operating the at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions to provide aerobic waste water flow therein in operative engagement with the floatable porous particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: AQWISE WISE WATER TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Eytan B. Levy
  • Patent number: 6482322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sewage in cold regions including a pretreatment stage, an aerobic treatment stage, and a discharge stage, where cold outside air is combined with warm recirculating air from within the sewage treatment system to provide oxygen for the aerobic treatment of the sewage, with the treated sewage being discharged intermittently in high volume, high flow-rate batches to prevent freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert C. Tsigonis
  • Patent number: 6482327
    Abstract: In a liquid treating process according to the present invention, colloidal particles in stable hydrated states or in meta-stable hydrophobic colloidal states in a liquid are rendered hydrophobic and separated from liquid molecules by an electric field formed by a microwave. The separated colloidal particles are allowed to collide against one another to become flocculated under a cavitation effect by a ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a low frequency range, and the liquid is deodorized by an electromagnetic ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a high frequency range. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably remove the colloidal particles dissolved in the liquid and to deodorize the liquid without need for a large-scaled equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Proudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Mori, Mitsuo Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6475396
    Abstract: Heated and pressurized reactant material is caused to come into contact with oxidant in an initial contact zone (Z) within a contactor. vessel (11). This initial contact zone is removed from the walls of the vessel and the structure through which the reactant material is introduced into the vessel. Once in the contactor vessel (11), the temperature of the reactant material is elevated to critical temperature or near critical temperature in at least portions of the initial contact zone. Sulfates and similar ions liberated in the oxidation reaction form salts and precipitate from solution generally in. the initial contact. zone removed from the contactor vessel walls and then tend not to adhere to equipment at points downstream from the initial contact zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hydroprocessing, LLC
    Inventors: William Tracy Wofford, III, James Walton Griffith, Richard Wayne Humphries, Justin Wade Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20020148762
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant having a base and a series of wall structures supported on the base, various wall structures or portions thereof together with portions of the base forming separate clarification, aeration, and holding chambers, the walls being constructed of concrete blocks and mortar, there being an inlet into the settling chamber, a conduit forming an outlet from the settling chamber and an inlet into the aeration chamber, a partition disposed and supported in the aeration chamber to form a clarification chamber, and an outlet communicating from the interior of the clarification chamber, either to an optionally provided holding chamber or to the environment, the wastewater treatment plant being installed by forming an excavation in the earth, laying a base, and constructing the various walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 6464868
    Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from, and/or for preventing biofilm from forming on, an interior surface of a conduit that receives a supply of water, is performed by disabling the supply of water to the conduit, and passing an ozone-containing gas to the conduit. The ozone-containing gas can be generated from an oxygen-containing gas that is exposed to either a corona discharge or ultraviolet radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the water is disinfected by the ultraviolet radiation. The invention is especially suited for use with dental equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Amos Korin
  • Patent number: 6464867
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises (A) a piping for supplying ultrapure water through which ultrapure water is supplied, (B) a catalytic reaction portion which is connected with the piping for supplying ultrapure water and in which the ultrapure water is brought into contact with an oxidation-reduction catalyst, (C) a filtration apparatus by which the ultrapure water treated in the catalytic reaction portion is filtered and (D) an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water discharged from the filtration apparatus; and an apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises an apparatus for producing ultrapure water which is equipped with an apparatus for irradiating with ultraviolet light, an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water produced in the apparatus for producing ultrapure water and a catalytic reaction portion which is packed with an oxidation-reduction cat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Osamu Ota, Tetsuo Mizuniwa, Kazumi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6464885
    Abstract: A system for processing water by adding an additive to a stream of pressurized fluid. The system comprises first and second bodies. The first body defines a main passageway having a main inlet and a main outlet. The stream of pressurized fluid enters the main passageway through the main inlet. The second body is secured to the first body. The second body defines an additive passageway having an additive port. The additive passageway is in fluid communication with the main passageway at an injection location. Fluid flowing through the system creates low pressure that draws the additive through the additive port and the additive passageway and into the stream of pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Tony L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6464874
    Abstract: In the waste water treatment apparatus, organic matter-containing fluorine waste water is treated in a reaction tank into which biological sludge and calcium-containing chemical sludge are introduced, thus making it possible to treat organic matters in the waste water by microorganisms contained in the biological sludge, and simultaneously to treat fluorine in the waste water by the calcium-containing chemical sludge. Therefore, since organic matters in the waste water and fluorine in the waste water, which differ in chemical properties from each other, can be treated with one reaction tank, it is no longer necessary to provide two reaction tanks, thus allowing the initial cost to be reduced. That is, this waste water treatment apparatus is capable of reducing the quantity of waste materials and reducing both initial cost and running cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Norio Sawai, Kazumi Chujou