Abstract: Gases containing smoke, pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and a mixing liquid are blended in a swirling vortex into a liquid/gas mixture. Motive air and biological and/or chemical degradation material are introduced through a plurality of spiral jet fluid mixers into the liquid/gas mixture to create a turbulent fluid flow pattern to cause aeration of the liquid/gas mixture, reduce its chemical oxygen demand (COD), and entrain the biological and/or chemical degradation material in the mixture. The biological and/or chemical degradation material significantly reduces or eliminates the pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in the aerated liquid/gas mixture to produce a non-volatile liquid, which flows into a reservoir, holding pond or vegetated pond. A portion of the aerated non-volatile liquid may be conducted to a pond containing vegetative growth to complete carbon dioxide conversion via photosynthesis, and vegetative growth from the pond may be harvested.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant includes a reaction tank connected to an wastewater supply tube and an aeration apparatus to receive wastewater therein, a sludge separation unit dividing an internal space of the reaction tank into upper and lower sections to increase an amount of dissolved oxygen by increasing an contact area of the wastewater and bubbles and to separate relatively light materials by moving low density matters existed on a surface of each section upward in turn, an air exhaust tube mounted on the reaction tank to exhaust bubbles passing through the sludge separation unit out of the reaction tank, a treated water exhaust tube mounted on the reaction tank to exhaust the wastewater that is treated by passing through the sludge separation unit, and a settling tank provided on a bottom of the reaction tank to concentrate and exhaust the settled sludge.

Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that provide for liquid waste aeration.

Abstract: A gas-liquid dissolving apparatus includes an intake unit that takes in to-be-treated water from an oxygen-deficient water area, an oxygen-containing gas supply unit, a bottomed gas-liquid dissolving chamber that has at least one hole formed in a lower portion and a top plate provided in an upper portion, a nozzle that ejects the gas supplied by the supplying unit and the water supplied by the intake unit, a gas-liquid separating chamber that has a gas-vent hole formed in an upper portion and a takeout port provided in a lower portion thereof, and a water supplying unit that returns the water taken out from the takeout port to the oxygen-deficient water area.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the mechanical purification of liquids, said installation comprising a container for separating suspended matter, and a transporting device for transporting the suspended matter to a discharge point. Said container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid. A collecting chamber for suspended matter is formed in the bottom part of the container. The container for separating the suspended matter comprises at least two other chambers, at least one being embodied as a ventilated chamber and at least one as a non-ventilated chamber. The invention also relates to a method for separating suspended matter from liquids in a container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid, and a collecting chamber for suspended matter in the bottom part thereof. According to said method, the suspended matter is separated in a multi-stage manner. At least one stage is a ventilated stage and at least one other stage a non-ventilated stage.

Abstract: A Reactor (1) for solid phase synthesis comprises a vessel (2), a plurality of filters (3) arranged in the vessel (2) and a plurality of filtrate outlets (4) for evacuating the filtrate out of the filters (3). Each filter (3) is connected to one filtrate outlet (4). The reactor (1) comprises means (3, 4) for delivering a gas into the vessel (2) in a region of the vessel (2) near to the bottom (24) of the vessel (2) and beside the filters (3).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method an apparatus for treating wastewater. The wastewater treatment system includes an aeration system that cycles between biological multiple biological basins. The system also includes one or more membrane basins. A method of the invention includes controlling the introduction of air into each biological basin in response to one or more operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating liquid includes a tank having a water inlet for receiving water, a treated water outlet for outputting treated water and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. An injection section of the tank is located along the flow path of the tank with an outlet toward a bottom of the tank. Ozonated liquid containing ozone microbubbles is injected through an injection manifold positioned within the injection section of the tank. The ozone microbubbles adsorb to impurities in the ozonated water. A separation section of the tank is positioned downstream of the outlet of the injection section. The separation section has a contact surface such that the ozonated water travels upward to contact the contact surface and such that at least a portion of the ozone microbubbles adsorb to the contact surface.

Abstract: Taught herein is a reclaimed water reuse device, comprising a biological reaction tank, a membrane module, a water pool, an inlet-drainage device, an outlet device, a water-generating device, a first aeration device, a backwash device and a membrane filtering pool, wherein the inlet-drainage device feeds water into or drains water from the biological reaction tank; the water generating pipe supplies clean water from the membrane module to the water pool; the first aeration device cleans the membrane module; the membrane module is disposed in the membrane filtering pool; the backwash device is connected to the membrane module via the outlet device; and the backwash device washes back the membrane filtering pool. A method for cleaning a reclaimed water reuse device is also taught herein.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: A gas injector that is coupled to the pump strainer basket housing drain port of a pump-circulated system is disclosed. The gas injector that may be installed in a way that is less invasive than currently used gas injection systems to pre-existing plumbing of a pump system and that allows for more efficient gas absorption in water than currently used gas injection systems. The gas injector may be used with all currently existing pump systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to saturating various fluid media with oxygen, for example for aeration and can be used for the food industry, pharmaceutics, perfumery and cosmetics, physio- and aromotherapy, water supply systems, fishing and agriculture, including producing beverages, good additives, drugs, novel perfume and cosmetic products, inhalation and bathing, for improving the habitat and increasing a productivity of fish and other useful animals and microorganisms in aquariums, ponds, pools and for producing means for processing plants and animals. The inventive method for processing a fluid medium consists in passing an oxygen-containing gas flow which is pre-saturated by phyto-excretes of vegetating or cut plants through said medium.

Abstract: An aerator assembly for use in the aeration vessel of a wastewater treatment system comprising a rigid tubular member having an upper end and a lower end, and a diffuser assembly, the diffuser assembly comprising a flexible connector and a diffuser head, the flexible connector connecting the diffuser head to the lower end of the rigid tubular member and providing a fluid flow path between the tubular member and the diffuser head, the upper end of the rigid tubular member being adapted to be connected to a source of an oxygen-containing gas such as air.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound. A particular method is provided for treating a fountain solution including simultaneously exposing the fountain solution to gas microbubbles and high-frequency ultrasound. A particular device is also provided, including a compartment for holding a reservoir of fountain solution, a gas microbubble emitter configured to emit microbubbles into the compartment, and a high-frequency ultrasound-emitter configured to emit ultrasound signals into the compartment. The high-frequency ultrasound may be higher than 100 kHz.

Abstract: An air driven particle recirculator designed to introduce air around a single or multiple compartment septic tank discharge outlet baffle or filter assembly. The air driven particle recirculator causes a movement of waste particles and suspended solids to be forced away from the inlet of the outlet baffle or filter assembly to only allow cleaner filtered effluent to enter the secondary treatment system. The particle recirculator performs a function normally carried out by a settling compartment or clarifier zone associated in aerobic type septic systems. When installed in a single or multiple compartment septic tank utilizing an aerobic process, the particle recirculator will remove waste particles from the discharge area causing cleaner discharge and a cleaner septic tank filter assembly or outlet baffle reducing potential pre-mature failure or damage to the secondary treatment system.

Abstract: A system and method for oxygenating an aerobic sludge digester is provided. The disclosed embodiments include an aerobic sludge digester tank or vessel having a mechanically agitated contactor disposed therein, an oxygen injection subsystem adapted to inject oxygen into the digester tank proximate the mechanically agitated contactor. The embodiments of the mechanically agitated contactor include an agitator or impeller disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator or impeller is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then dispersed into the aerobic digester. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of oxygen dissolution into the sludge and greater bubble residence time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fine bubble diffuser membrane for wastewater treatment, and the tubular diffuser membrane includes a first breathing elastic material fixing layer, a porous elastic polymer laminated layer and a second breathing elastic material fixing layer, and the three layers are attached sequentially with each other, and a number of uniform or non-uniform of penetrating holes are formed on the three layers before or after the three layers are adhered. The three layers sheet is rolled into a tubular shape, and sewed and fixed at the joint, so as to achieve the functions of a quick manufacture and a high efficiency of use.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from fluid in a system where the fluid is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allow oxygen-containing gas from a compressed gas source to flow into the tank through a shuttle valve, which is opened by the gas pressure. Simultaneously, a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The solenoid valve also operates to close the gas supply line and connect the shuttle valve through a vent to atmosphere. Pressure within the tank closes the shuttle valve, which in turn closes the drain valve and disconnects the shuttle valve from the tank. A one-way-flow valve prevents fluid or gas from flowing from the tank backwards through the shuttle valve to the solenoid valve and out the vent.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.

Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.

Abstract: A method of biologically purifying waste water, said method including the following steps in the following sequence a) an aeration step for stripping off H2S and other gases and for removing bactericides from the water, b) a step of decomposing organic matter, c) a sludge precipitation step, d) a clarification step and e) a nitrification step followed by a completing secondary settling step. This method is carried out in a plant, preferably a mini purification plant of the type “immersed aerated bio filter plant” for purifying waste water from households without connection to a sewage system. The plant includes an aerated settling tank (1), a unit for decomposing organic matter (2), a first sludge precipitation unit (5), a nitrification unit (8) and a completing sludge settling unit (5?). The primary settling unit includes means for providing aeration.

Abstract: A method and a plant for waste water treatment include a method for purifying waste that has the steps of a) storing waste water; b) optionally removing phosphorous compounds; c) leading the waste water to a first aerated biodegrading zone; d) leading waste water from the first aerated biodegrading zone to a second aerated biodegrading zone to obtain purified water; and e) leading purified water to at least step a) or to step b) if step b) is present. Advantages of the method are that production of H2S is kept at a minimum, the necessary amount of chemicals used in phosphorous removal is reduced, an improved nitrification occurs, and the purification is improved during start up after a longer break.

Abstract: A membrane filtration system comprising one or more submerged ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane assemblies at ambient pressure, with mixed liquor is discharged underneath each membrane assembly. In a sequenced batch reactor system, a coarse bubble air diffuser for scouring each membrane assembly is supplied with air only during the backwash cycle of the filtration system and not during the filtration cycle. In a membrane bioreactor system, the biological treatment section is physically separated from the filtration section and fine bubble air diffusion is used in the biological treatment section.

Abstract: The invention is a method and an apparatus for continuously controlling denitrification in wastewater purification in a sewage treatment plant having at least one denitrification stage under varying nitrogen loads comprising the steps a) provision of excess sludge, b) treatment of the excess sludge according to running parameters determined in advance, c) separation of the treated excess sludge into an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction, d) measurement of actual values for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the organic fraction, e) recirculation of the organic fraction to one of the denitrification stages, f) comparison of actual values with predetermined setpoint values for DOC fractions and, in the event of difference between actual values and setpoint values, determination of altered running parameters for treatment of the excess sludge in step b), g) repetition of steps a), to f).

Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.

Abstract: A vortex grit trap comprising a generally vertically extending tank of circular cross-section including a separation zone having an inlet and an outlet for liquid flow to and from the tank, and in which liquid is circulated about a longitudinal axis of the tank, and, a grit collection zone positioned beneath the separation zone in use, the trap being characterized by a generally circular tank divider centered on the vertical longitudinal axis of the tank and extending transverse thereto, the divider defining a notional boundary between the separation and collection zones of the tank and being of smaller diameter than the adjacent region of the tank so as to define with the adjacent tank wall an annulus through which grit passes from the separation zone to the collection zone in use, and, means for generating a cloud of gas bubbles migrating in use upwardly through substantially the whole of said annulus whereby substantially all grit passing from the separation zone into the collection zone passes through the

Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system comprising a wastewater holding tank having an interior adapted to hold wastewater, and a generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the holding tank. In one embodiment, the holding tank comprises a gray-water tank, and the system further comprises a non-potable water tank having an interior. In this embodiment, the system further includes a second generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the non-potable water tank and a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to the non-potable water tank. The system can further include a black-water tank having an interior, a third generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the black-water tank, and a conduit coupling the black-water tank to the non-potable water tank.

Abstract: A device for removing solids from a fluid containment space. A hood is arranged or intended to be arranged at a bottom surface of the fluid containment space. At least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening are provided on a first side of the hood. The hood is provided with one or more elements for directing fluids through the respective outlet opening on the first side of the hood from the inner space of the hood to the fluid containment space exterior of the hood in an essentially horizontal direction or in a direction towards the bottom surface of the fluid containment space. Also provided are a separator including such a device and a method for removing solids from a fluid containment space.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a novel means to biologically denitrify nitrogenous compounds in wastewater using a simultaneous reaction under aerobic conditions. To conduct this reaction it is necessary to culture both autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria as well as facultative heterotrophic bacteria such that the facultative heterotrophs can denitrify the oxidized ammonia compounds produced by the autotrophic bacteria as they are produced. The device described herein, along with methods of operating such a device, provides a means to facilitate the above reaction.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for detecting the quality of water with high accuracy. A representative water treatment apparatus includes an aerobic treatment region that treats water aerobically, a downstream region in which the water aerobically treated in the aerobic treatment region flows, a water quality sensor that is submerged in the downstream region and detects the water quality and a sensor washing arrangement that washes the water quality sensor by supplying the water of the downstream region to the water quality sensor at a flow rate higher than water flowing around the water quality sensor. As a result, sludge generated due to aerobic treatment can be prevented from being deposited on the water quality sensor and/or deposited sludge can be removed, so that the accuracy of water quality detection of the water quality sensor can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle assembly for use in a dissolved gas flotation system, comprising: a nozzle having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet being in fluid communication; and a shroud comprising a first shroud portion, the shroud being arranged, in use, to at least partly receive and confine a gas saturated fluid stream emitted from at least one nozzle outlet; the nozzle assembly being arrangeable in use within an ambient fluid, such that the gas saturated fluid stream forms bubbles within the ambient fluid; characterised by: the shroud comprising at least one aperture for, in use, allowing the ambient fluid to communicate with an interior of the shroud.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing, automated control of wastewater treatment processes. In certain preferred embodiments, method and apparatus for control of aeration in suspended growth biological treatment processes, especially in activated sludge processes.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including a biological reactor is disclosed. At least one controlled-reaction-volume module is provided to the biological reactor. The at least one controlled-reaction-volume module includes a fixed-film media for supporting a biological growth. At least one mixer, such as, for example, a high momentum mixer, for communicate a fluid to the at least one controlled-reaction-volume module so that wastewater and the biological growth communicate to thereby treat the wastewater.

Abstract: A bioreactor is for processing a fluid stream. The bioreactor may include a bioreaction chamber for receiving the fluid stream therethrough, a pair of spaced apart gas header assemblies within the bioreaction chamber for coupling to first and second gases, a first plurality of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the first gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber, and a second plurality of HFMs extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the second gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber.

Abstract: The equipment has a main reaction (I) and an anterior reactor (II), as well as facilities for feeding in untreated sewage, removing cleaned water and sludge and aerating the wastewater entered into the main reactor, and a mixer (2) situated in the anterior reactor (II), and it is characterized by that between the main reactor (I) and the anterior reactor (II) there is a facility or there are facilitates for the recirculation of wastewater.

Abstract: Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonphilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonphilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonphilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonphilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.

Abstract: The current invention is referred to a process for biological wastewater treatment. One or more ejectors pump atmospheric oxygen in a bioreactor by aspirating air. The innovative concept of the system relies on the installation of the ejector (s) over and outside of the liquid to be treated at the bioreactor. The operation of the system consists basically in one centrifugal pump per ejector, that pumps the effluent through the ejector, creating with the effluent the liquid motor that aspires air in specific points of the ejector. The ejector (s) are used for bioreactors having a minimum depth of 7.5 m and a draft tube inside. The ejector is characterized by a set of non moving pieces (2), an ejection cup, an aspiration section, a superior conic section of mixing air/liquid, a tubular acceleration section and, an inferior expansion zone. The ejector generates a ratio of aspirated air to motion liquid equal or superior to 2.5 (volume/volume).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sand catcher comprising a deposition chamber (1) that is configured as a steel container with a cylindrical cross-section, traversed in a longitudinal direction. Said deposition chamber comprises air-supply nozzles (4) on one longitudinal side for generating a circulatory motion or the water transversally to the longitudinal direction of the deposition chamber (1) and a sand collection channel (3), located in the lower section, that runs in a longitudinal direction. A waste water inlet (6) for generating the circulatory motion of the water leads into the upper section of the deposition chamber (1), running transversally to said chamber. The air-supply nozzles (4) are provided on the side of the waste water inlet (6) below the latter (6).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.

Abstract: A vessel is provided for treating flowable materials and methods of use wherein the vessel has a substantially cardioid cross-sectional configuration with a central cusp defining two upper rounded lobes. A front and rear wall enclose the ends of the sidewall with one having an inlet and the other having an outlet, both advantageously situated in different lobes forcing the materials to flow laterally within the vessel as well as longitudinally. A bubbler tube may be provided to longitudinally extend along a lower central portion of the sidewall aiding in the flow of materials within the vessel. Optionally, at least one gas outlet port is in an upper portion of at least one of the upper rounded lobes of the sidewall. Optionally, a flange depends from the sidewall cusp and longitudinally extends the sidewall. A bioremediation process is provided where a plurality of vessels are connected in series where the effluent from one vessel feeds the next vessel in series.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising (a) a positive oxygen and ozone-generating, or ozone-generating only, pressure pump having an output, (b) a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the pump output, and (c) an air stone attachable to the second tube end. The pump is used to deliver oxygen and ozone, or ozone only, through the tube to the air stone. As much tube as is required is used to allow the air stone to be introduced into almost any portion of the wastewater treatment system so as to introduce air into the effluent and allow aerobic bacteria to proliferate. The apparatus of the present invention could also include a plurality of such pumps, tubes and air stones, and in many combinations.

Abstract: Nozzle device and nozzle for atomization and/or filtration as well as methods for using the same. The nozzle and nozzle device for atomization, in particular a micro-machined reinforced nozzle plate, may produce small liquid droplets in air (spray) or into a liquid (emulsion) with a narrow droplet size distribution and make small air bubbles into a liquid (foam). A nozzle part for filtration as well as elements and methods to facilitate atomization and filtration are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerated treatment of water is performed using a serially coupled reactor and flotation tank and is performed using so much activated sludge in the water that small bubbles from an aerator are entrained in the activated sludge, leading some of or all the activated sludge to flotate in the flotation tank. A reactor (1) and a flotation tank (36) for performing the process are equipped with at least one aerator (19, 20, 21, 22). A number of preferred processes and designs elaborate on the invention, including how the invention may be incorporated into existing wastewater treatment facilities and exploited there.

Abstract: A bioreactor configured to contain an aqueous suspension of biomass and media is provided. The invention includes a lift tube disposed within the vessel, the lift tube having an inlet disposed at the bottom region of the vessel and an outlet disposed at the top region of the vessel. Disposed at the bottom of the lift tube is a gas inlet positioned to feed gas into the lift tube at a location proximal to the inlet of the lift tube. An adjustable weir is disposed proximal to the outlet of the lift tube, the weir being adjustable between a lower position and a higher position. Biomass is removed from the weir and the weir height is adjustable to control the removal of biomass from the vessel. Also included as a part of the invention is a method for controlling the removal of biomass from a bioreactor as described.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater wherein the biomass associated with the wastewater is subjected to simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a single reactor. The method entails directing a wastewater influent stream into the reactor and measuring the concentration of N—NH4 in the influent wastewater stream at a point upstream from the reactor. Air is supplied to the reactor for aerating the biomass in the reactor. The method includes controlling the quantity of air introduced into the reactor based in part at least on the measured concentration of N—NH4.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms in cutting fluids using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound.

Abstract: A method and system for wastewater treatment includes flowing a quantity of a wastewater into a first microbubble chamber having a plurality of diffusers for injecting microbubbles into the wastewater to promote oxygenation. The microbubble includes activated sludge for treating the wastewater. The wastewater is then flowed from the first microbubble chamber through a plurality of rotating discs having a biofilm of microorganisms mounted thereon. The discs rotate about a shaft such that a portion of each disc is exposed to air during rotation. The wastewater is the flowed into a second microbubble chamber having a plurality of diffusers for injecting microbubbles into the wastewater. The treated wastewater is then recovered.

Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater includes a treatment container for receiving and treating wastewater and a mixing/aeration system disposed in the treatment container. Wastewater is pumped under pressure from the treatment container through a solids/liquid separation system, preferably comprising multiple parallel membrane bioreactors, to separate the solids and liquids in the wastewater. Liquid retentate from the solids/liquid separation system is cycled back to the treatment container via the mixing/aeration system. The closed-loop system and method for solids/liquid separation and aeration/mixing provides for reduced equipment requirements and energy usage during operation.