With Mechanical Agitator Patents (Class 210/219)
  • Patent number: 6126361
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a fluid dispenser (10) in a submerged relation in wastewater of a wastewater chamber (14). The fluid dispenser (10) is secured to a bracket (44) which slides along a vertical post (32) in the wastewater to a desired depth at which a stop (46) positions and blocks further sliding movement of the bracket (44) and fluid dispenser (10). Fluid dispenser (10) and sliding bracket (44) move downwardly from the upper end of post (32) and when sliding bracket (44) hits the stop (46), bracket (44) and dispenser (10) pivot relative to the post (32) to a desired position and direction of the dispenser (10). Serrated knife edges (100) on propeller (92) cooperate with serrated knife edges (112) on collar (90) on opposed sides of an orifice (106) to cut and remove any solid particles obstructing the orifice (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Jack C. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 6103128
    Abstract: A mixing device in the form of a centrifugal pump is used to mix gas (typically air) with liquid (typically effluent water, dispersion water, or waste paper pulp suspension, etc.). The pump is provided with a common inlet conduit for both the liquid and the gas so that liquid and gas flow freely and in an arbitrary ratio into the pump, that is there is no controlling or adjusting of the flows. The gas is allowed to either dissolve in the liquid or be mixed as small bubbles with the liquid, and any surplus gas is separated from the mixing device (e.g. by holes in the pump impeller leading to a rear portion of the pump which is attached to a vacuum source, such as a liquid ring pump). The liquid and gas dissolved therein, and small bubbles mixed therein, are discharged from the mixing device at a pressure that is raised from the inlet pressure, due to the action of the impeller, which pressure development enhances the dissolution of gas in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Pumpen AG
    Inventors: Arto Koso, Heikki Manninen
  • Patent number: 6103107
    Abstract: Ferrofluid coated particles resulting from a ferrofluid materials separation process are washed with a solvent which is the same material as the liquid carrier employed in the ferrofluid. The result is a "dirty" solvent which is a very weak ferrofluid. The dirty solvent is then filtered or centrifuged to remove dust particles and other impurities and then the solvent is recovered by distillation in a distillation unit. The solvent can then be reused in the materials reclamation process. The residue in the distillation unit is surfactant-coated particles of ferrofluid. This residue is mixed with either clean or unprocessed solvent in the right proportion and the slurry is passed through an attritor to convert it to a high grade ferrofluid. The ferrofluid can also be reused in the materials separation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ferrofluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuldip Raj
  • Patent number: 6099741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Biopartner AS
    Inventor: Ove Blomkvist
  • Patent number: 6079864
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system including a liquid mixing device and method for generating and maintaining a substantially uniform, horizontal velocity profile in a liquid circulation system, such as a plug flow reactor, which requires less horsepower than conventional liquid mixing systems without losing mixing effectiveness. The liquid mixing device employs a top-entry, vertically-oriented impeller and a housing that directs the pumped flow in a generally horizontal direction. The liquid mixing module may be positioned in close proximity to an aeration source within a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Chemineer, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Dean
  • Patent number: 6070734
    Abstract: Excessive vibration in industrial mixers such as flotation cells and draft tube mixers is attenuated by connecting a vibration dampening device to a rotor or impeller which is disposed in a mixing tank for pumping a nonhomogeneous fluidic material placed in the tank. In a draft tube mixer, where the rotor is connected to a drive shaft in turn connected to a motor for rotating the rotor, the vibration dampening device is connected to the shaft on a side of the rotor opposite the motor. In a froth flotation cell, if the rotor is hollow, the vibration dampening device is disposed inside a pipe in turn mounted inside the rotor along an axis thereof. The vibration dampening device takes the form of a tuned mass dampener tuned to a resonance frequency of the particular mixing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerry W. Hunt, Dennis M. Greenlee, Lyn Maurice Greenhill
  • Patent number: 6024881
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing absorption of two fluid phases with one another and for the magnetic treatment of the phases for molecular realignment for effective separation of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Gerard A. Just
  • Patent number: 5993651
    Abstract: An endless screen lifts fecal matter and sewer influent debris from an influent channel. The endless screen is powered by an externally positioned air cylinder driving a pawl and rachet to move the screen in an elliptical path. A tank positioned below a top drop point for the screen receives the fecal matter and debris. A paddle mixer breaks up the fecal matter for return to the sewer channel and a conveyor picks up the debris and deposits it in a landfill receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce O. Wiesemann
  • Patent number: 5993670
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus in which a distribution head 6 is arranged in a sludge pipe 1, through which a wastewater or sewage sludge stream 2 flows, is associated with a rotational plane 18 and includes flocculation liquid outlets (10) and mixing blades (11). It is desirable to provide for a better admixing of the flocculant liquid to the wastewater or sewage sludge. This is achieved by forming the flocculant liquid outlets 10 as slots and the mixing blades 11 as strips which extend transverse to the rotational plane 18 and have a length equal to at least half of the width of the sludge stream. The flocculant liquid exits from each slot as a broad strip into which a following blade extends and pulls along its outer edge the flocculant liquid in a form of a foggy strip through the wastewater or sewage sludge. The water content of the flocculant liquid should be such that maximum 3 parts of the flocculant liquid is admixed to 100 parts of the wastewater or sewage sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Joachim Friedrich Knauer
  • Patent number: 5942108
    Abstract: A waste water system having an embedded separator capable of concentrating activated denitrified sludge, and recycling the denitrified sludge to an anaerobic cell, provides a highly efficient method and apparatus for sewage disposal. The basic system is described in several embodiments which are selected on the basis of the waste water content. The improved system minimizes dilution of mixed liquor, increases hydraulic retention time at the various process points, and conserves energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chester Qixing Yang
  • Patent number: 5849202
    Abstract: A process and device for the filtration of solid-liquid mixtures, in particular, solid-liquid suspensions with readily sedimenting substances, uses a filtration device such as a rotary filter optionally operating at an overpressure and in a pressure vessel. The process primarily comprises producing a movement in addition to the natural or usual filtration movement of the or in the mixture. Conveniently, a filtration device and, in particular, with rotary filters in a pressure vessel, includes a partly open feeding device, in particular, a feeding pipe for the supply of mixture or suspension, and a device for additionally influencing the natural or usual filtration movement of or in the mixture or suspension for generating an additional flow of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer
  • Patent number: 5770056
    Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Franklin David Deskins
  • Patent number: 5720876
    Abstract: Reactor for biological sewage purification having a tank with a casing and a bottom surface and a funnel-shaped member in the tank. An activation space is defined between the casing and the funnel-shaped member and a separation space is defined inside the funnel-shaped member with a passage in the funnel-shaped member for communication between both spaces. A partition extends from the casing to the funnel-shaped member. A recirculation means defines an inlet communicating with the separation spaces and an outlet communicating with the activation space. A circulation circuit is formed for circulating fluid between the activation space and the separation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Svatopluk Mackrle, Vladimir Mackrle
  • Patent number: 5716518
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating substantially liquid sludge having means for providing sludge of less than 10% solids content to a basin, means for providing an alkaline additive in sufficient quantity to the sludge in the basin to increase the ph of the sludge in the basin, a sludge/alkaline blender having a sludge arm conduit, an alkaline arm conduit, and an exit conduit, means for delivering alkaline additive to the alkaline arm conduit, means for delivering recirculated sludge/alkaline mixture drawn from the basin to the sludge arm conduit, means for delivering sludge/alkaline mixture containing newly added alkaline additive thoroughly intermingled with the recirculated sludge/alkaline mixture through the exit conduit of the blender, and means for mixing the sludge and alkaline mixture in the basin to ensure substantially all particles of the sludge alkaline mixture have a pH level of a minimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Amsco Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy L. Whitaker, Randall S. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 5707512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer, Reinhard Pinter
  • Patent number: 5653872
    Abstract: Process for producing free-flowing solid material from an aqueous sludge waste composition that includes mixing the sludge with previously dried solids, pelletizing the composition to form strand-like material, drying the outside layer of the strand-like material, and drying the partially dried material by contacting with heated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Allan N. Cohan
  • Patent number: 5641397
    Abstract: A device for separating inorganic material polluted by organic material from a fluid, especially of sand polluted by organic material in sewage devices, is provided with a circular shaped container (1), which in its upper region has a feed device (19) for the introduction of the fluid into the container (1), with an extractor device (32) for the inorganic material positioned in the lower region (7) of the container (1) and with an extractor device (29) to discharge the organic material and the fluid. A fluidized sand bed (14) is provided in the lower region (7) of the container (1) in order to separate the organic material from the inorganic material. The fluidized sand bed (14) is kept in motion by an upward flow of liquid distributed via a perforated base (8). A by-pass (38) is provided to transfer part of the sand from the fluidized sand bed (14) into the extractor device (32) in the lower region (7) of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Hans Huber GmbH Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventor: Johann Grienberger
  • Patent number: 5611921
    Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Franklin D. Deskins
  • Patent number: 5582733
    Abstract: To purify untreated water, for example waste water, containing organic pollution, materials in suspension and nitrogen-containing pollution, reagents are added under conditions adapted to coagulate all of the materials in suspension, including colloidal materials, to form granular physical/chemical floc. Diluting water is added, preferably after the reagents, in a flowrate ratio of at least 2/1. The dilute flocculated water is caused to flow through a bed of sludge in the form of such dense and granular floc and denitrifying bacteria. The bed is subject to turbulent but intermittent agitation. A denitrified effluent is recovered. This denitrified effluent is caused to flow through a biological filter or preferably through a fluidized bed containing nitrifying bacteria and into which oxygen or air is injected. A clarified effluent is obtained, some of which is recycled as the diluting water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Omnium de Traitements et de Valorisation
    Inventors: Gilbert Desbos, Philippe Rey, Frank Rogalla
  • Patent number: 5562821
    Abstract: A foam fractionator which can create a vortex is utilized to remove proteins from an aquatic environment by skimming. The vortex is created by a propeller arrangement located at the bottom of an internal chamber, centrally located within a main reaction chamber. Air sucked from the atmosphere by the vortex passes down through a central chamber and is dispensed outwardly into the main chamber where air bubbles form and rise to the surface. The air bubbles attract protein deposits which stick thereto which results in the formation of a protein-containing surface foam that is collected within a collection cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
    Inventor: Santiago Gutierrez-Collazo
  • Patent number: 5558763
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system is provided, for cleaning a sewage by filtering solid components in the swage through floating filter medium, wherein the filtration performance can be improved and the filtration cleaning can be performed efficiently. The sewage 18 is flowed into the treatment tank 12 in upward-flow, and filtered through the floating filter media layer 22 made of the meshy cylindrical floating filter medium 20 which have smaller specific gravity than the sewage 18. To wash floating filter medium 20, the air is jetted from the air jetting pipe 54 and the revolution flow is generated to scale solid components adhering to filter medium, and then the sewage 18, which has washed the floating filter medium 20, are discharged to the outside of the tank 12 while the air is jetted from the air jetting pipe 56 for full jetting to jet the floating filter media layer 22 in whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignees: Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Yasushi Funakoshi
    Inventors: Yasushi Funakoshi, Khoji Ogata, Masayuki Kojima, Hitoshi Kawaziri, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Noto, Naomichi Mori
  • Patent number: 5525216
    Abstract: A floating inlet assembly for use with a mixing apparatus in a digester. The floating inlet assembly comprising a floating inlet housing which is vertically reciprocable with respect either to a fixed inlet tube or to a guide tube structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jozef D. Matasovic
  • Patent number: 5522989
    Abstract: A method for aerating waste water, wherein the interface area between air and waste water is enlarged by splashing the water by means of blades and wherein the sludge present in the waste water is kept in suspension by creating flows and/or turbulence in the water. The waste water is set in motion by moving a plurality of blades arranged in a circle through the waste water, in such a manner that the connecting parts interconnecting the blades substantially do not extend into the waste water. The device for aerating waste water is provided with a container for waste water and with a rotor being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, whose portion pointing downwards may extend into the waste water. The rotor comprises blades having surfaces which are substantially radially and axially oriented, whereby the blade surfaces are at least partially located below the rotor parts interconnecting the blades so that the connecting parts substantially do not extend into the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Hubert B.V.
    Inventor: Dirk T. Hove
  • Patent number: 5500120
    Abstract: Apparatus for chemical reforming of organic materials comprises a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and an open-end tube rotatably positioned in the tubular housing generally parallel to the axis, which tube carries radially extending projections. Also, halogenated, organic compounds may be chemically reformed by the device of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: David L. Baker
  • Patent number: 5484524
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant for removal of organic matter, suspended solids and other pollutants comprising a pre-treatment chamber, a biofilm-aeration chamber and a settling chamber. Biofilm grows on biofilm support structure which is stationary and submerged in the mixed liquor of the biofilm aeration chamber. The combination of submerged or surface aeration and suspended solids particle size reduction occurs thereby creating a sufficient fluid flow within the biofilm aeration chamber. This combination of sufficient fluid flow, and reduced size suspended organic particles results in the efficient digestion of organic matter and pollutants by the biofilm growing on the biofilm support structure submerged in the biofilm aeration chamber. This results in a vastly more effective digestive process than conventional processes producing no sludge. Further, resulting treated effluent has a high dissolved oxygen content and low BOD and SS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: JET, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. MacLaren, Nianfa Tang
  • Patent number: 5480540
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for separating solids from fluids is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a spray feed inlet, a distributor cup and a heat exchanger and it allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 5468375
    Abstract: A wastewater pretreatment tank assembly reduces the amount of solid matter on sludge in household sewage before the wastewater is introduced into a municipal sewage treatment system. Bacteria and enzymes are added to the wastewater in a first chamber where the sludge is digested. Then the wastewater spills over a weir into another chamber where ammonia is stripped. The wastewater is aerated and optionally chlorinated. The pretreatment of household sewage reduces the burden on the municipal sewage treatment facility, and reduces the risk of exceeding the capacity of the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nova Power Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Lira
  • Patent number: 5462661
    Abstract: A solid-liquid separator for sludge which includes a tank with a sludge suction port, an intake/exhaust port and a sludge discharge port. A plurality of agitating blades are mounted on a rotatable shaft within the tank and are capable of being driven in either of two rotational directions. A plurality of injection nozzles are internally mounted on the bottom of the tank in such a manner as to eject a mixture of sludge coagulant and air into sludge contained within the tank. A pump which is capable of producing a vacuum or pressure is connected to the intake/exhaust port so as to produce either a vacuum or a pressure within the tank and the sludge suction port is adapted to be connected to a source of sludge to intake the sludge into the tank. The injection nozzles are connected to a source of sludge coagulant and air. The disclosure also relates to the method of treating the sludge to separate into solid and liquid phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Motohito Nasu
  • Patent number: 5456829
    Abstract: An apparatus for recycling wastewater solutions includes a treatment tank and an air-operated pump and piping system for pumping wastewater contaminated with oil, heavy metals, and suspended solids from industrial equipment such as a jetwasher to the treatment tank, and for subsequently returning the purified water solution to the industrial equipment for reuse. A weir tube initially skims oil contaminants from the surface of wastewater in the treatment tank into a collection vessel. The recycling apparatus is powered solely by compressed air, which drives a rotary air motor powering mixing vanes in the treatment tank. Exhaust air from the mixing motor outlets into the treatment tank for the purpose of creating turbulence to enhance mixing. Air directed through an induction nozzle entrains flocculating polymer powder from a hopper in an air stream within a polymer supply hose exhausting into the treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignees: William Fishman, Philip Waldbaum
    Inventor: Keith O. Brown
  • Patent number: 5454938
    Abstract: The invention provides a reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor containing a media bed composed of particulate solids and biomass adhered thereto. The reactor apparatus also includes a biomass monitoring system for measuring changes in the size of the media bed and for activating a biomass growth control system when conditions with the reactor call for removal of excess biomass. The biomass monitoring system includes a vertical tubular member that is supported in the reactor and that serves to isolate a parameter or condition indicative of the size of the media bed. The biomass monitoring system also includes a sensing device for measuring changes in the isolated parameter or condition, and a mechanism for activating the biomass growth control system when signaled by the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Doyle, Peter J. Petit, Eugene Mazewski
  • Patent number: 5433844
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for pathogen reduction in waste where dewatered sludge having a solids content in the range of 10-60% is mixed with a selected alkaline additive selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate group. Hydration to calcium hydroxide occurs with an attendant release of heat. The pH of the sludge is then elevated and the heat of the hydration reaction is retained. Supplemental heat is added to the sludge, either to preheat the sludge prior to mixing it, or while mixing it, or both, such that effective neutralization of pathogens results. The supplemental heat is added by indirectly heating the sludge by heat generated by electric elements carried either in the mixing member, or by the chamber, or both, with electric power being supplied from outside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Christy
  • Patent number: 5413703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Edward H. Greenwald, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5407566
    Abstract: Waste water is disposed in a flocculation mixing tank 1, an anaerobic tank 2 and an aerobic tank 3 connected in series. First, a dephosphorization flocculating agent and, if necessary, a polymeric flocculating agent are added to waste water in order to produce and grow phosphorus-containing flocs therein. Then, to the water is added a recycling solution from an aerobic tank 3, said solution containing nitrates and nitrites. The mixture water is charged in an anaerobic tank 2 until microbially decomposable components (herein referred to BOD components), nitrates and nitrites are anaerobically and microbially decomposed and gas is produced. In the aerobic tank 3 is charged a supernatant solution from the anaerobic tank 2, said solution containing ammonium compound and BOD components, to nitrates, nitrites and CO.sub.2. At least a part of supernatant solution containing the nitrates and nitrites is recycled to the anaerobic tank 2. Solids discharged from the anaerobic tank 2 and the aerobic tank 3 are wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignees: Norihito Tambo, Tatsuo Shimizu, Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihito Tambo, Tatsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5401402
    Abstract: A method of treating sewage sludge is provided, in which the sludge is mixed with an alkaline material in such a way as to provide intimate surface contact that enables the alkaline material to permeate even small particles of the sludge, and to deliver the resultant product in a granular, scatterable form. The sludge and alkaline material are delivered to a mixing chamber and are confronted therein with a screw type mixer having generally helical flighting carried by a shaft, with the mixer being rotatably driven in generally horizontal arrangement to convey the mixture toward an outlet, with the mixture that is being mixed being maintained at a level in the mixer such that a spiral rolling action is imparted to the sludge and alkaline additive by the flighting engaging particles of sludge and rolling those particles up over the rotating shaft of the screw mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventors: Paul G. Christy, Richard W. Christy
  • Patent number: 5387335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sewage disposal apparatus employing large buoyant filter media and is directed to prevent effectively clogging in these filter media. The intended object of the invention can be attained by circulating the filter media by a circulation arrangement to allow the filter bed as a whole to flow very calmly, and more efficiently by removing sludge deposited on the filter media utilizing the circulatory movement of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventors: Isamu Iwai, Chikatsu Nirasawa
  • Patent number: 5380427
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus and system for treating small batches of waste material from a septic tank or holding tank of a portable restroom service truck. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank capable of holding a small batch of waste material. The processing tank is designed to function as a processing tank in which oxidation of the waste material occurs and as a separation tank in which the oxidized waste material is separated into sludge and waste water. The processing tank has an upper section and a lower hopper section with a discharge pipe attached to the hopper section. Viewing ports are manufactured on the front surface of the processing tank which enables the operator to determine the amount of waste material placed inside the processing tank and to view the oxidation and separation processes occurring therein during treatment. A mixer is also provided which is used to mix the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Milton K. Foss
  • Patent number: 5330639
    Abstract: Self-propelled mobile apparatus for aerating water includes a vessel configured for movement across a body of water, and a mechanism contained entirely on the vessel for propelling the vessel across a body of water. A water aerating device is disposed on the vessel for aerating water as the vessel is propelled across a body of water.A method of aerating a body of water includes placing an entirely self-propelled vessel on a body of water to be aerated, propelling the self-propelled vessel across the body of water, and activating an aeration device disposed on the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Larry Murphree
  • Patent number: 5314076
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a preferred application for the treatment of stored, waste or filtered water by the transfer of an oxidizing gas into this water. In this case, it has the functions of a turbojet with mass transfer. The installation is constituted by a vessel comprising two concentric parallel chambers communicating with each other at least by their ends,and the central chamber is provided, firstly, at least with two turbines arranged in stages, the rotational axis of which is the same as the axis of symmetry of the installation and, secondly, structures forming counter-blades placed in an alternating position with the turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Gie Anjou-Recherche
    Inventors: Christian La Place, Nathalie Martin, M. Michel Faivre
  • Patent number: 5277803
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-st vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the seprator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5264130
    Abstract: A waste liquid treatment system (10) includes an aeration chamber (10A) and a settling chamber (13). An aerator (11) is disposed within the aeration chamber (10A). A conduit (12) delivers liquid from the aeration chamber (10A) to the settling chamber (13). A gas pocket (P) is provided in the aerating chamber (10A), with at least a portion of the gas pocket (P) being situated beneath the liquid level line (L.sub.13) of the settling chamber (13). Conduits (18 and 19) are provided for delivering liquid from the settling chamber (13) to the aeration chamber (10A). The conduits (18 and 19) have respective outlets (24, 26) which empty into the gas pocket (P) at an elevation below the settling chamber liquid level line (L.sub.13). In one embodiment, a gas pocket (P) is provided in the interior of a tubular component (23) of the aerator (11). In another embodiment, a gas pocket (P') is provided beneath a concave hood (32) which traps gas bubbles (30) introduced into an aeration chamber (110A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Vladimir Etlin
  • Patent number: 5248613
    Abstract: A centrifugal film bioreactor useful for processing both shear sensitive and shear requiring or tolerant cells. A liquid phase is directed upward in a guide tube to rotating truncated conical surfaces which transport the liquid phase across their surfaces. After leaving the conical surfaces, the liquid passes through a gaseous phase and may contact the wall of the fermentation vessel and then combine with the downward moving liquid phase in the lower part of the fermentation vessel, where it circulates. The maximum entrainment of the gaseous phase into the liquid phase occurs while the liquid phase is passing through the gaseous phase. Different configurations of guide tube propellers and fermentation vessel, allow for processing of different shear tolerant cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Rudolf V. Roubicek
  • Patent number: 5248416
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system which presents a main flow line and a recirculating line, the former for flock which has appreciated in size due to the addition of a polymer and passage through an area of agitation/turbulence and the latter for the return of small sized flock to the agitator/turbulence area for size increase. The passageways of the system include movable flaps, serving recirculation purposes, and a ledge or flutter for current creation and flock build-up. Raw liquid sewage enters the system, where the outlet leads to a belt press and/or a dry bed to cake the resulting sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Ronnie E. Howard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5248419
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sewage sludge treatment system resulting in an oxygenated and/or ozonated treated sludge containing substantially no pathogens. The system includes apparatus and a process for mascerating raw sludge, adjusting the pH to about 2.5 to about 3, adjusting the solids content to about 2.5% to about 4%, adjusting the temperature, if necessary, to about 20.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C., mixing an oxygen-rich gas, such as oxygen and/or ozone with the sludge as the sludge is mixed or recirculated through a hyperbaric vessel and simultaneously injecting the oxygen-rich gas into a combination gas and sludge mixing and dispersing assembly in an upper portion of the hyperbaric vessel. Such injection causes mixing of the gas and sludge and dispersement of such mixture in a plurality of streams to atomize and oxygenate the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Long Enterprises
    Inventors: Charles A. Long, Jr., Robert D. Blythe, William A. Cobb, Philip M. Grover
  • Patent number: 5240599
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fragmenting waste water sludge particles to destroy sludge particles and to enhance a dewatering process performed on the sludge. Sludge is passed through a slotted rotor that centrifugally propels the sludge through slots in a surrounding annular stator. Sludge particles forcibly impact against the side surfaces of the stator slots to fragment into smaller sized particles. During the fragmentation process water located in the pores of the sludge particles is released. The free water can later be separated from the sludge in a dewatering apparatus. When passing through the rotor and stator slots, organic cells are broken apart and a portion of each is converted to dissolved sugars and proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Kinetic Dispersion Corporation
    Inventors: S. Alan Kew, Robert M. Kritzer, Bruce E. Soule
  • Patent number: 5234112
    Abstract: A foam flotation reactor for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic products is provided. The reactor combines a material to be beneficiated, collector reagents, and a stream of specifically generated gas bubbles, in order to collect the desired product in the foam in a more efficient manner. A narrowed upper part of the reactor and accompanying water sprays force separation of undesired particles. A foam generator efficiently supplies a bubbly liquid/frothing agent to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Servicios Corporativos Frisco S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Ulises M. Valenzuela, Guillermo R. Moguel
  • Patent number: 5232584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc., USA
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5217617
    Abstract: A transportable apparatus for biological treatment of a slurry of contaminated materials, including a series of square reactor cells having substantially parabolic lower portions, set at the same elevation and communicating in series. Gas diffusers are placed in each cell for aerating and mixing the slurry, and an airlift slurry transport system is employed for recirculating the slurry. The apparatus also has applicability to the treatment of water and waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven P. Duncan, Robert C. Emmett, Jr., Gunter H. Brox, William J. Grove, Jr., Douglas E. Hanify
  • Patent number: 5206169
    Abstract: A compost crib is provided for the on-site disposal of animal carcasses accumulated during commercial operations, in which passive solar energy is utilized to assist in the decomposition process. Aerobic, thermophilic bacteria multiply in the sunlight, solar heat and heat of decomposition and convert nitrogenous material in carcasses and manure, as well as the carboniferous cellulose additive to the compost, to a bacterial biomass. The crib is simple in construction, having a frame with mesh walls to allow for adequate exposure to air. Access doors are provided for loading carcasses and for unloading recycled compost material for rotation back onto the compost mass. Solar panels are provided in the roof for the generation of solar heat and to provide sunlight to aid in bacterial photosynthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Robert O. Bland
  • Patent number: 5194144
    Abstract: An improved aeration device for septic tanks which allows fine bubbles of air to aerate waste material in the tank so that aerobic bacteria may fully perform their decomposing function. Air enters the upper end of a shaft and exists adjacent a propeller. The propeller is protected from interfering with its bubble formation action by a guard bushing concentrically positioned in the air tube so that typical non-organic waste adulterants such is plastic and rubber materials, that are often found in septic tanks, are not drawn into the propeller to interfere with its action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Sewage Aeration Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Blough
  • Patent number: 5192441
    Abstract: A process for the biological treatment by nitrification and/or denitrification of an effluent containing nitrogen pollution includes the following steps:an incident flow of this water is brought into a mixing zone with at least one compartment in which, by turbulent mechanical agitation, an inconsumable and insoluble granular material, loaded with biomass, is put in homogeneous suspension in this water, and is maintained at a more or less constant mass concentration;this water and this granular material in suspension are circulated in a separation zone from which is extracted on the one hand clarified water, and on the other hand biomass loaded granular material; andalmost all of the active biomass fixed on said granular material is brought back by forced recycling to the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Omnium de Traitements et de Valorisation (OTV)
    Inventors: Jacques Sibony, Gilbert Desbos