Gas Removed From Closed Tank Patents (Class 210/218)
-
Patent number: 6866788Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying aqueous effluents, in particular polluted water, by catalytic oxidation using a three-phase reactor comprising two communicating chambers. The invention is characterised in that it consists in: maintaining the catalyst suspended and continuously circulating it between the two chambers of said reactor, by entrainment under the effect of carrier gas injected into one of said chamber, and in oxidizing the pollutants in contact with the in the other chamber, by injecting a reactive oxidizing gas in said other chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Ondeo DegremontInventors: Sylvie Baig, Michel Cordier, Alain Truc
-
Patent number: 6827820Abstract: The invention relates to a degassing centrifugal apparatus such as a pump and to a process for pumping and degassing a fluid. The apparatus has a rotatable hollow rotor connected to a stationary fluid inlet at one end and a stationary liquid outlet at the opposite end and a gas exhaust in the center thereof. The rotor has at its inlet end a bladed wheel with arcuate blades. The bladed wheel accelerates a fluid flow in said rotor inlet end and causes the fluid to rotate at a peripherical velocity higher than the peripherical velocity of said rotor inlet end. The apparatus is especially useful for pumping and degassing backwater in the production of paper or board in a paper machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: POM Technology Oy ABInventor: Paul Meinander
-
Patent number: 6811690Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
-
Patent number: 6808637Abstract: An ozone water producing system and control method, which is flexibly used indoor or outdoor irrespective condition of a flow channel, is provided for reconstituting polluted water as environmentally friendly. The ozone water generating system is maintained in an optimum state for improving entire performance of the system as well as predicting and preventing the backflow of ozone water, which is occurred due to outlet blocking in a discharging process. The controlling method of the present ozone water producing enables to prevent the deteriorating the performance and ensure the operation stability. The ozone water-producing system comprises an influent air controller, an injector, a gas-liquid separator, and an ozone water-backflow, preventing device. The present system and controller is designed to prevent water backflow, being frequently occurred in the conventional system, for improving the performance, stability and extending operating lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Dong Woo Kiyoun Inc.Inventor: Soo Hawn Cho
-
Patent number: 6790349Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus for the treatment and processing of wet material is provided. The apparatus comprises an inlet hopper adapted for receipt of the wet material. A pre-conditioning unit is provided having an input and an output end wherein the wet material is received from the inlet hopper at the input end and is conveyed to the output end wherein the wet material is processed to reduce moisture and pathogen content. A blower is provided for providing a forced air stream to direct the flow of the wet material and for directing the flow from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit. A pre-separation cyclone is provided and is operatively positioned for receiving the wet material from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit via the air stream powered by the blower, wherein the wet material is processed under the influence of cyclonic forces that further reduce the moisture content, pathogen content, and reduce the particle size of the wet material.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Global Resource Recovery Organization, Inc.Inventor: Bud Sawyer
-
Patent number: 6780331Abstract: Contaminated liquids are treated by ozonation in a pressurized environment. Ozone is injected into a contaminated liquid to form a gas/liquid mixture. The mixture is injected into a mixing chamber for providing turbulent gas/liquid contact. The mixture is flowed from the mixing chamber into a pressurized reaction vessel. In an alternative embodiment, contaminated liquid is treated in situ using pressurized injection wells for injecting ozone-containing liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Thomas John Galatro, Steven Raymond Zimmers, Daniel Allen Delp, John Hale Templeton, Frank Salvatore Capitani
-
Patent number: 6730224Abstract: An improved method for the aerobic thermophilic treatment of organic material of the type in which air is passed through organic matter contained in a reactor, in which at least a portion of the air that has passed through the organic matter in the reactor being captured and again passed through the organic matter.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois UniversityInventor: James W. Blackburn
-
Patent number: 6716351Abstract: A system comprising a first anaerobic digester (12), an ammonia recovery vessel (16) and a second anaerobic digester (14). Microorganisms in the first digester are primarily hydrolyzers and acetogens, while those in the second digester are primarily methanogens. A nitrogen containing feed stock undegoes hydrolysis ans acetogenesis in the first digester. The effluent is passed to the ammonia recovery vessel in which ammonia is removed. The low ammonia effluent stream is passed to the second digester to undergo methanogenesis, generating a biogas. In an alternate embodiment, a single anaerobic digester is used. The effluent is treated for ammonia removal and recycled to the digester to keep the ammonia levels sufficiently low to avoid ammonia inhibition.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
-
Patent number: 6710142Abstract: There is provided a method for extracting a gaseous fluid which comprises extracting the gaseous fluid through fluid extraction ports set up on the top face portion of a vertical-type agitation tank equipped inside with an agitator, wherein two fluid extraction ports are set up at positions approximately symmetrical about the center of the top face portion of the vertical-type agitation tank, or wherein at least three fluid extraction ports are set up each at a vertex of an approximately regular polygon having the central point identical with the center of the top face portion of the vertical-type agitation tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunobu Kaneko, Takamichi Matsumura, Tomoo Nambu, Itaru Matsuhiro
-
Patent number: 6669843Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of suspended solid particles from fluids, for separation and mixing of fluids, and for dissolving gases in aqueous fluids. The apparatus employs a grooved ring to divide the fluid stream and impart a high velocity on each of the divided or sub-streams. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be spiral in shape is used to create a high velocity circular motion on a divided stream for separation of suspended solid particles by centrifugal force in a cyclone filter and for saturation of liquid with gases in a fluid mixer where gases are introduced through a diffuser. A grooved ring with any number of grooves that may be radial is used in a fluid mixer to divide a stream of fluid, produce a high velocity flow through each groove, introduce a second fluid through an orifice into the first fluid flowing through each groove, and direct the fluid mixture to a center impact zone where the various streams collide to complete the mixing.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
-
Patent number: 6666967Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently remove foam produced in water by the aeration. Further, another object of the present invention is to improve water and air. Said objects can be attained by providing a foam removing apparatus consisting of a core having a spiral groove on its surface and a cylinder in which said core is inserted, and an air-water treating apparatus consisting of an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted in said outer cylinder, a block having gas permeability inserted in said inner cylinder, and a core inserted in said inner cylinder and disposed above said permeable block, to which block an air introducing pipe connecting from the outside, and on the surface of said core a spiral groove being formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: I.B.E. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiharu Oyabu
-
Patent number: 6638428Abstract: Formation of bubbles is prevented during filtration operation by placing an oil on top of a solution-to-be filtered, where the oil is not admixable with the solution and has a lower specific gravity than the solution. The oil seals the solution from air so that no bubbles are formed. The oil does not pass through the filter even after all collectable filtrate of the solution has passed therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignees: Hitachi Chemical Research Center, Inc., Hitachi Chemical Co., LTDInventor: Mieko Ogura
-
Patent number: 6627070Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.Inventor: Marlin A. Frank
-
Patent number: 6599431Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying water including groundwater contaminated with a pollutant such as organohalogenated compounds are provided. The contaminated water is purified by aeration to expel the pollutant into gas phase, and the pollutant containing gas is then mixed with a chlorine-containing gas under light irradiation to decompose the pollutant, where the chlorine-containing gas may generated from functional water by aeration.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Kawaguchi, Kinya Kato, Akira Kuriyama
-
Patent number: 6585886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Wolfgang Luehr
-
Patent number: 6585899Abstract: Disclosed are waste processing systems capable of being used on-board a transport such as a train, bus, airplane, boat, or other similar vehicles. The liquid waste is evaporated and condensed primarily as water vapor. The resulting liquid may be safely discharged in most places without adverse environmental and health effects. If desired, the liquid can be stored and reused for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing. The solid waste is converted to inert ash or carbon and may be either stored in a filter or discharged as carbon or ash into the water, air, or onto the railroad tracks. The system may also be used in stationary or semi-stationary applications where on-site treatment of waste may be desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Microseptec, Inc.Inventors: Christina Edvardsson, Tomas Edvardsson
-
Patent number: 6569332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
-
Patent number: 6565744Abstract: The present invention provides treatment of wastewater containing oil, organic and inorganic industrial compounds, urea, and e.t.c. The resulting products will be purified water, dry fertilizer, pure carbomide, uncontaminated gas and liquid fuel, and other products that can be separated from the concentrate after ultrafiltration. In order to accomplish those and other objectives the present invention improves the system for cleaning wastewater by subjecting the wastewater to a magnetic field and heating it before the initial settling process. In addition, before ultrafiltration, the liquid is treated in an electroflotation device. The wastewater cleaning system can also be comprised of a urea separator for separating urea from other products.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventors: Mikhail Levitin, Boris Khaytin
-
Patent number: 6555359Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic treatment of organic wastes in a liquid filled vessel wherein particles of the waste are buoyed and form a floating bed in the liquid by the gasses generated by the anaerobic digestion of the wastes. The bed forms to an upper stratum of the least digested, least dense waste and a lower stratum of the most digested, most dense waste. Liquid from beneath the bed is continuously sprayed over the upper surface of the bed through a series of discharge ports which expands to bed downwardly. Each spraying period is followed by a quiescent period to allow the bed to reform. Over time the floating bed is moved from an inlet end to an outlet end of the vessel where the most digested waste is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Anaerobics, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
-
Patent number: 6527960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Canadian Environmental Equipment & Engineering Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Diana L. Bacon, Patrick J. Cochrane, Wade R Bozak, Roderick M. Facey
-
Publication number: 20030038079Abstract: Method and process for dramatically increasing mixing, energy and operating efficiency of wastewater treatment plants at reduced capital and operating cost per unit volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Herman P. Miller
-
Patent number: 6482322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Robert C. Tsigonis
-
Patent number: 6406630Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus (10) including one or more vertically oriented curtains (11) each formed of mesh material having a minimal aperture size of 0.001 mm, means for applying liquid waste to said curtain(s) located above said curtain (17, 15) and collection means (20A) for collection of treated waste after passage through said one or more curtains (12). There is also provided a method of treatment of waste using the waste treatment apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Fungi-Gulp Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Dick Peter Henry
-
Patent number: 6391202Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for treating waste water from oil seed and cereal processing, especially olive oil mill waste water (OMW), guaranteeing a substantial reduction of environmentally damaging waste water ingredients while taking economic factors into account. The aim of the invention is to develop a method and system designed to treat olive oil mill waste water, whereby higher physical, chemical, biochemical and biological elimination rates can be achieved using the material and energy potential of the OMW while taking economic aspects into account. The installation needs to be able to operate at short notice due to the amounts of seasonal waste. In the inventive method and installation thus disclosed, the fresh waste water is pre-treated by subjecting it to acidification with biogenic flocculation and separation of solid particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventors: Michael Knobloch, Andreas Schmidt, Reinhard Koch, Volkmar Peukert
-
Patent number: 6383367Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating water from oil includes creating a vacuum in a container so that oil which contains water and gas bubbles is drawn upward through a first section of the container. At the top of the first section, the oil impacts a baffle plate, thereby releasing water vapor. The oil then flows downward through an obstruction component in a second section of the container, thereby releasing additional water vapor.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: NOR Instruments ASInventor: Jens Grötheim
-
Patent number: 6372131Abstract: The present invention is a waste water treatment system, which includes at least one closed, covered structure having waste water ingress and waste water egress and waste water treatment capabilities within the structure, and having an ambient air ingress with predetermined volumetric air flow rates, and having an ambient air egress for release of air to the atmosphere; and further includes an ionic oxygen generator connected to the air ingress or egress and has sufficient capacity to generate at least 200 ions of ionic oxygen for removal of odor from exiting air before it is released to the atmosphere. In some preferred embodiments, the waste water treatment is a dissolved air flotation treatment with at least one covered tank containing solid-liquid waste content, and includes sufficient pumping capacity to floatate a solid component of the solid-liquid waste content of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Bernard J. Mirowsky, Paul D. Mirowsky
-
Patent number: 6315893Abstract: A polluted water purification apparatus includes a pump 2 and nozzles 4 for delivering polluted water from a polluted water region to a pressure tank T; a gas supplying device 9, 10 for supplying a gas, e.g. oxygen, to the pressure tank; a water level controlling device 5, 6; a degasifier (e.g. 15); and a discharging device 13 for returning the polluted water to the polluted water region. The degasifier periodically discharges gas from the pressure tank in order to prevent toxic gaseous substances (e.g. ammonia) which accumulate in an upper portion of the pressure tank from re-polluting the water therein whenever a concentration of gas in the pressure tank reaches or exceeds a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sawada
-
Patent number: 6299782Abstract: A continuous process for treating a liquid-containing organic waste material. Sufficient acid is added to the material to achieve a pH of 2 or less in the material. The material is subjected to a beating treatment sufficient to (a) reduce the viscosity of the material, and (b) by heat-generated by friction during the beating treatment and by heat generated by reaction of the acid with the material, raise the temperature of the material so that liquid in the material is vaporized to gases. Sufficient alkaline medium is added to the material such that the pH of the material is raised to at least 5.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Conterra ASInventor: Ove Blomkvist
-
Patent number: 6299774Abstract: 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 a gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester requires only a singe reaction vessel. Consequently, the process is low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
-
Patent number: 6251287Abstract: A system for treating a nitrate contaminated liquid to remove deleterious or undesirable nitrates therefrom wherein a supply of ionized nitrogen is entrained into a continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid and thereafter is exposed to treating apparatus which changes the nitrates in the nitrate contaminated liquid into at least ionized nitrogen which then combines with the ionized nitrogen entrained in the continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid to form a separated nitrogen gas and a treated liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Water Systems Integrators, LLCInventors: William M. Fields, Donald L. Boyd
-
Patent number: 6153094Abstract: The treatment system is for use with septic tank effluent. Water is passed over polyurethane foam blocks, arranged in a heap so that air can circulate freely around the blocks. The size of the foam cells is small enough that water soaks into the blocks and is retained therin. The foam is soft and easily deformed. At the points of block-to-block engagement, the blocks deflect and conform to each other, giving rise to a large contact area through which water can pass between blocks.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: E. Craig JowettInventors: E. Craig Jowett, Michaye Louise McMaster
-
Patent number: 6132629Abstract: Method and apparatus for a continuous or intermittent supply of ozonated fluid, particularly water, from a closed loop system for sanitation, consumption, and other purposes. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus aspect of the invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone entraining system, and a closed loop water circuit. The closed loop circuit permits continuous recirculation and ozonation of fluid not drawn from the system for use. Optionally the apparatus provides for the removal of an arbitrary fraction of ozonized or ozonated water to any arbitrary service application, such as food- or medical-equipment sterilization, with simultaneous addition of makeup water to maintain a relatively constant mass balance in the overall system, so that ozonized water is continuously available. Unused water is stored indefinitely in a reservior. Further options include venting of off gases and destruction of any ozone gas fraction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Roger J. BoleyInventor: Roger J. Boley
-
Patent number: 6117313Abstract: An improved aquaculture system is provided which, in various embodiments, utilizes a single integrated unit to perform the biologic filtering, aeration and degassing functions; has a fish tank with an integrated multiphase drain for removal of fecal solids and uneaten feed with minimum water loss, for removing most of the water from the tank to be processed and returned to the tank and for segregating and for then selectively removing moribund and dead fish from the tank, preventing their cannibalization by other fish in the tank; and a single integrated unit for performing degassing, aeration, gas concentration and reaction/separation functions. An improved biologic filter is also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventors: Joshua Goldman, Rosco Perham, Scott Lindell
-
Patent number: 6099741Abstract: Liquid containing organic waste material and chemicals are continually introduced into the upper part of a vertical, cylindical treatment chamber. While sinking through the chamber, the material is beaten by fast rotating treating elements which also mix the material. The treating elements also move in axial direction to free vapors and gases from the material. Vapors and gases are removed from the top of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Biopartner ASInventor: Ove Blomkvist
-
Patent number: 6083385Abstract: A cleansing system for removing pollutants from a liquid waste by being pumped from a source to a blend recycle tank. The blend recycle tank supplies liquid waste to a first receiving reactor tank through an overflow pipe. A circulating flow is established between the first receiving reactor tank and a primary reactor tank through a lower conduit and an upper overflow conduit. An ozone generator supplies ozone to the lower conduit. An upper gas fume conduit returns excess ozone from the primary reactor tank to said receiving reactor tank and to the supply of liquid being pumped from a source for further mixing of ozone and liquid waste.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventors: Charles O. Benskin, Harley A. Weisse
-
Patent number: 6071407Abstract: A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a non-magnetic fraction (iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the vessel; and (iv) collecting precipitated material from the vessel for use as the adsorbent product. In an embodiment, a solution comprising heavy metals is fed to a chemostat containing sulphur-generating micro-organisms, iron, sulphates and a nutrient compound together with N.sub.2. Liquid is drawn off to a high gradient magnetic separator where the non-magnetic fraction containing decontaminated liquid is separated off; the slurry is removed for use as an adsorbent. Sulphide generating micro-organisms are listed. Dy and Er salts or complexes can be added, as can other specified micro-organisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: University of SouthamptonInventors: James Henry Peter Watson, Derek Clifford Ellwood
-
Patent number: 6063273Abstract: For the biological purification of waste water, use is made of a column containing a UASB reactor (1) at the bottom and an aerobic reactor (2) at the top. The two reactors (1; 2) are separated from one another by a partition (12) in which openings are provided to allow the anaerobic effluent through into the aerobic reactor. The partition (12) is situated at some distance above the gas collection means (8) in order to form a buffer zone (13) for anaerobic sludge which has flowed through. Preferably, a floatation apparatus (3) is mounted on the aerobic reactor in order to separate biomass from the purified water.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Paques B.V.Inventors: Leonard Hubertus Alphonsus Habets, Antonius Johannes Hendrikus Hyacinthus Engelaar, Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga
-
Patent number: 6054046Abstract: A gas treatment system for liquids can increase gas exposure and contact time. A liquid stream is directed into a vortex chamber (130). The vortex chamber (130) creates a downward spiral flow of the liquid stream forcing it into an upper end inlet (145) of a contact tank (114) and downward in the contact tank (114). When the liquid stream reaches a lower region (170) of the contact tank (114), a portion is drawn into a draw tube (120) while the other portion is drawn into a re-circulation system (160). In the re-circulation system (160), a gas injector system (166) entrains bubbles of a treatment gas into the liquid stream creating a re-circulated stream that is displaced into an upper region (168) in the contact tank (114). The portion drawn into the draw tube (120) then moves upwardly to a degassing chamber (146) wherein the treatment gas is separated from the liquid and delivered through an outlet (124) for use.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: William R. Nelson
-
Patent number: 6036863Abstract: In a reactor for water treatment of the type that contains particle-like carriers on which a biofilm grows that generates a desired decomposition of the contamination, a forced current is created such that the water in another current flows downwardly. In a special embodiment the upwardly flowing current is created in a tube. The reactor proves to be exceptionally effective and can be utilized together with other water purification and water treatment equipment. It is a distinctive feature that the downflowing current tears air down thus causing an exceptionally high oxygen concentration in the water. The reactor can furthermore be used for denitrification. Among other things the invention provides a minibiological purification plant servicing a single or very few households. As micro film carriers are preferably used, particles having an outwardly open cell structure for increasing the total effective surface area.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Knud Peter Brockdorff
-
Patent number: 6027441Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Robert J Cantu, Kyungyoon Min, Douglas W Reitz
-
Patent number: 6013189Abstract: A purifier for a batch of liquid in a reservoir has a vent space and a pumping system for the vent space above the surface of liquid in the reservoir. This allows a closure lid giving easy access to the reservoir, and the pumping system is arranged so that ozone is exhausted from the vent space and reduced before entering the atmosphere. This allows a user early access to the reservoir after completing a purification cycle and protects the user from exposure to ozone.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: William Alan Burris
-
Patent number: 5980739Abstract: The treatment system is for use with septic tank effluent. Water is passed over polyurethane foam blocks, arranged in a heap so that air can circulate freely around the blocks. The size of the foam cells is small enough that water soaks into the blocks and is retained therin. The foam is soft and easily deformed. At the points of block-to-block engagement, the blocks deflect and conform to each other, giving rise to a large contact area through which water can pass between blocks.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: E. Craig JowettInventors: E Craig Jowett, Michaye Louise McMaster
-
Patent number: 5972219Abstract: A process is described for the aerobic treatment of effluent in a reactor of the UASB type, into the bottom of which the effluent to be treated is fed and, at the same time, oxygen is fed in an amount such that the growth of a facultative and an aerobic biomass is promoted. An apparatus for the aerobic treatment of effluent is also described, which apparatus consists of a UASB rector, distributors for supplying liquid and aeration means being located at the bottom of the reactor and means for integrated settling of biomass and gas collection being located at the top of the reactor. The apparatus can also be an integrated anaerobic/aerobic reactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Paques B.V.Inventors: Leonard Hubertus Alphonsus Habets, Wilhelmus Johannes Bernardus Maria Driessen
-
Patent number: 5961831Abstract: The present invention is an automated aquaculture system which comprises: one or more culture tanks connected to a closed system of filters and ultraviolet or ozone sources for water purification prior to returning water to the culture tanks. Also disclosed as part of the system are automated biofilters that automatically monitor water conditions in the system, and video cameras in the tanks that monitor growth and condition of the animals in the tank. This invention is also a process useful for culturing an aquatic species, using the disclosed systems. Preferred species include shrimp, squid, marine fishes and fingerlings and marine mollusks.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Phillip G. Lee, Philip E. Turk, John L. Whitson
-
Patent number: 5958229Abstract: An electrolytic disinfectant system especially useful in a maritime application for treating freshwater so as to render it potable, provides a brine solution that is stored in a tank from which hypochlorite as the disinfectant is fed to a freshwater supply. Gases also fed to the disinfectant storage tank including hydrogen is discharged therefrom and passed to a hydrogen recombiner through which the hydrogen is disposed of by reaction with oxygen under control of external heating bands to generate water vapor. The system thereby provides enhanced disinfectant effectiveness and eliminates storage of hazardous chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: George Filiopoulos, Thomas E. Wenzel
-
Patent number: 5951860Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating wastewater is provided including a cylindrical tank having a top, a bottom, an outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall extends from the bottom of the tank to a point above a desired water level. The inner wall, the top and the bottom define an inner aerobic zone. The inner wall, the outer wall, the top and the bottom define an outer anaerobic zone. Wastewater may pass from the outer anaerobic zone to the inner aerobic zone through holes in the inner wall. An open ended conical hopper is positioned within the inner aerobic zone with its smaller end pointed toward the bottom of the tank. Several radially spaced air outlet pipes connected to a compressed air source extend downward into the inner aerobic zone where air is discharged through the open ends of the outlet pipes. An inlet line connected to the tank opens into the outer anaerobic zone of the tank. An outlet line is positioned within the clarification zone to remove purified water from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Delta Environmental Products, Inc.Inventor: Monroe Wayne Guy
-
Patent number: 5948275Abstract: An integrated method for purifying industrial and/or urban effluents containing a large amount of organic material in solution and/or suspension, wherein said effluents are treated in a wet oxidation reactor. The effluents are oxidized in the presence of at least one oxidizing gas to mineralize a large part of the organic material therein by producing a gas phase and an essentially liquid phase mainly containing soluble residual organic material, as well as an essentially inorganic solid phase in suspension. The essentially liquid phase from the reactor is subjected to liquid/solid separation to separate the solid phase, and at least a fraction of the separated solid phase is recycled in the wet oxidation reactor. Various alternative embodiments of the method include adding a catalyst and/or an agent for acidifying the recycled solid phase fraction. The facility may operate continuously or semi-continuously between interruptions.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: OTV Omnium de Traltements et de Valorisation S.A.Inventors: Malik Djafer, Francis Luck, Jacques Sibony
-
Patent number: 5916437Abstract: The present invention provides treatment of domestic sewage containing oil. The resulting products will be purified water, dry fertilizer, and fuel (gas and liquid) containing no contaminants that could pollute the environment. After the initial settling process, two parallel flows are created: one containing liquid plus crude sediment (0.2 mm and greater) and the other containing liquid and fine particles (less than 0.2 mm), the latter termed "settled domestic sewage". The two flows are treated separately. The settled domestic sewage after treatment in a low-pressure separator that will separate out liquid fuel, followed by aeration, ultrafiltration, and finally sterilization by ozone or chlorine, results in pure water. The biochemical treatment of the sediments results in the production of gas fuel containing mainly methane gas and solid product that after drying and disinfecting is converted into fertilizer.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Mikhail Levitin
-
Patent number: 5885448Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic microorganisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: IP Holding CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Norcross, Yanlong Li
-
Patent number: 5876594Abstract: The patent claims concern a method for a more efficient "wet ?combustion! oxidation" of COD-containing effluents from industrial processes and municipal plants and for a more efficient COD-reduction by enzymes in aerobic and anaerobic biological cleaning processes and for same sorts of effluents. The method implies a strong increase of the reaction speed between added oxygen and the elements in the liquid to be oxidized through so-called "Turbo Oxidation", which implies that the liquid is submitted to strong movements nd turbulence during several circulations within one or more liquid circuits during continuous addition of oxygen. By the same method, COD reduction by enzymes can also be made more effective. The single circuit is placed in connection to and communicates liquid-wise with a pressurized reaction tank, from where the developed reaction gases are continuously let out.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Sigurd Fongen