And Gas Injecting Means Other Than By Mechanical Agitation Patents (Class 210/221.2)
  • Patent number: 6913251
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6905610
    Abstract: A method, a module, and a device for gas-liquid contacting. The liquid is sent, in the presence of the gas, in jet form in a first direction onto a wall inclined at an angle of 35-55 degrees with respect to the first direction, the wall dispersing the liquid jet into the gas. The module includes a structure (23, 25) for sending a liquid jet in a first direction, a structure (21) for creating a gas flow, and a wall (11) inclined at an angle of 35-55 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Turchet, Bruno Fournel, Xavier Frechou
  • Patent number: 6893572
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for flotation separation. The method has the steps of feeding an influent stream containing liquids and solids to a vessel, while removing clarified liquid at the same time as the feeding process. The method employs a step for emptying the solids from the vessel based on the solids having formed a float blanket of a predetermined depth. The solids are removed from the vessel through a bottom nozzle as opposed to being skimmed off the top surface with mechanical separators. The depth of the float blanket can be monitored. Once it is determined that the float blanket has reached the predetermined depth, the feed to the vessel is stopped and the vessel is emptied of liquids and solids through a suitable outlet other than the feed inlet, by an arrangement of valves and lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Western Environmental Engineering Company
    Inventor: Dennis A. Burke
  • Patent number: 6884347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater are disclosed. A wastewater treatment apparatus may include an intake unit, one or more gravity separation air flotation units, and a discharge unit. The units or components may be modular and compatible, have standardized sizes, shapes, and configurations, and may be assembled from a limited number of standardized panels having standard size, shape, and configuration. The apparatus may be expandable and allow the insertion of additional modular standardized components made of panels. The intake unit may include a split input manifold and baffle. A gravity separation air flotation unit may contain a raking system for removal of a floc blanket that includes a blade with wheels or rollers that roll along a shelf attached to the unit to distribute the weight of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kriegco Wastewater Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6881297
    Abstract: A device and process for aerating dispersions, particularly for flotation of pulp suspensions, in a de-inking process where the pulp suspension containing dirt particles is sprayed into a tank together with air. The air is injected at a minimum of two successive points and mixed with the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Scherzinger, Helmuth Gabl
  • Patent number: 6875351
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6869530
    Abstract: An internal marine aquarium filter that provides within a single enclosure protein skimming, biological, mechanical and chemical filtration where the unit creates direct adjustable current for the aquarium independent of the activities of filtration and uses one interchangeable pump which can be of different size and manufacture. The unit is comprised of an outer casing with dedicated areas for biological, mechanical and chemical filtration, a removable protein skimmer with collection cup and lid, a removable plumbing assembly connected to a submersible pump, which performs filtration, protein skimming and creates a direct adjustable water current inside the aquarium independent of all other functions, and has sponge filters that provide a place for biological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Alberto J. Venezia
  • Patent number: 6866775
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating metal-working fluid comprises: a heating vessel for receiving and holding metal-working fluid for treatment; a heater for heating the metal-working fluid in the heating vessel; an agitator for agitating the metal-working fluid within the heating vessel; an aerator for aerating the metal-working fluid within the heating vessel; and a holding vessel for receiving from the heating vessel and holding treated metal-working fluid. During heating, heated ambient air may be drawn through air inlets and through the fluid agitate and aerate the fluid, thereby ensuring uniform heating and extracting gaseous contaminants. Mist and/or gaseous contaminants may be removed from the airflow prior to its release into the environment. Concentration in the metal-working fluid of at least one metal may be reduced using an using-exchange filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony H. Gonzalez, Michael D. Birran, Michel Jammal
  • Patent number: 6866788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ondeo Degremont
    Inventors: Sylvie Baig, Michel Cordier, Alain Truc
  • Patent number: 6863817
    Abstract: A reactor has an aerobic tank, an anoxic tank and a sealed membrane tank with conduits for circulating mixed liquor between them. Permeation starts when the mixed liquor reaches a high level and stops when the mixed liquor reaches a low level. A sensor, for detecting the mixed liquor level, may stop and start permeation. Pressure builds in the membrane tank when membrane air is on. Transmembrane pressure is also provided by gravity flow or siphon. Membrane air generates an air lift which drives the mixed liquor circulation. The total amount of air provided by an air source is divided and varied in time between the membrane aerator and the process aerator. The process aerator acts as a screening inlet to the conduit to the membrane tank. Chemical maintenance cleaning is provided by gravity flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Minggang Liu, Hidayat Husain, Pierre Cote, Ian Pottinger
  • Patent number: 6849189
    Abstract: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mote Marine Laboratory
    Inventors: Richard Kevin Curlee, Richard H. Paetsch
  • Patent number: 6840383
    Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is provided with a stock solution feeder (1) for supplying a stock solution containing particles, a bubble generator (2) for generating air bubbles to promote the separation of particles, a first separator (3) for separating the stock solution into a first concentrated solution and a first clear solution, a first discharge passage (4) for discharging the first concentrated solution separated by the first separator (3), a filtering device (5) provided inside the first separator (3) for filtering the particles in the first clear solution, a second separator (6) provided inside the filtering device (5) for separating the first clear solution into a second concentrated solution and a second clear solution, a second discharge passage (22) for discharging the second concentrated solution separated by the second separator (6) to the outside, and a clear solution guide passage (8) for guiding the second clear solution to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Kitano, Hironari Nagahara, Tetsuya Kanbara
  • Publication number: 20040262231
    Abstract: A process to treat water from pollutants by non-stabilized gas bubbles is claimed. Polluting agents are concentrated within thin top water layer and later removed from the treated water either with this top water layer or by a flocculation and further precipitation. The treatment process could go on a continuous basis and be productive. An Apparatus utilizing a water tower for the continuous treatment is claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Viktor Mikhailovskii, Olga Myhaylovska
  • Publication number: 20040245180
    Abstract: The coupling of a sewer treatment station to a treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams and the insertion of said treatment plant for the flocculation and flotation of water streams into a water treatment station. The sewer treatment station is installed upstream from the flocculation and flotation treatment station, in such a way that the outlet of said station is directly connected to the inlet of the flocculation and flotation treatment plant disposed next to the stream bed or next to and interconnected thereto by means of a varying flow canal. The insertion has dynamic introduction of the process of treatment for the flocculation and flotation of fluid beds, all in a closed canal, wherein the flow of secondary streams (E) is dynamically and continuously submitted to flocculation and flotation techniques in an induced flow canal (FE) in the water treatment station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Joao Carlos Gomes De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 6811705
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use on marine vessels or land-based applications treats wastewater by solids separation and oxidation. The system includes a solids separation tank, an oxidation tank having a plurality of chambers and a fluid circuit for re-circulating treated wastewater into the solids separation tank and oxidation tank for further treatment. An ozone generator produces ozone which is dissolved in the treated wastewater in the re-circulating fluid conduit and is used for the solids separation and oxidation processes. The treated wastewater is periodically discharged into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroxyl Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen K. Puetter, Steven C. Depoli, David J. Featherstonhaugh
  • Patent number: 6811690
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6808625
    Abstract: The aquarium protein skimmer utilizes a re-circulating water pump to create a re-circulating flow of water within the skimmer's reaction chamber. The re-circulating water flow retains air bubbles within the reaction chamber for a longer period of time, increasing the capacity of the air bubbles to attract waste material and remove the waste material from the aquarium. Additionally, the re-circulating water flow causes air bubbles to break down into a greater number of smaller sized bubbles, further increasing the skimmer's efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the aquarium protein skimmer utilizes a single water pump both to create a re-circulating flow of air-bubble laden water within the reaction chamber and to circulate aquarium water through the protein skimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Chen-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20040182767
    Abstract: A filter system for use with an aquarium includes a housing having a pre-filter chamber, a biological chamber, and a sump. A protein skimmer receives water flowing from the pre-filter chamber and returns the water to the pre-filter chamber, such that a portion of the water flows through the protein skimmer several times before being returned to the aquarium. The biological chamber has a drip drawer holder having drip drawers for holding filter media pads and dispersing water substantially evenly over biological media in the biological chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Javier Patron
  • Patent number: 6789788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a flotation machine in which a drive shaft for mixing slurry and transporting air is driven by a drive arrangement and the drive shaft is provided with a bearing assembly and the drive shaft is at least partly hollow in the interior for transferring air to a rotor. According to the invention the drive shaft is provided with at least one bearing in a housing separated from at least one element forming an air transfer chamber around the drive shaft. Further, the drive shaft has at least one opening in order to create an essentially continuous connection between the air transfer chamber and the interior of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventor: Jeffrey Belke
  • Patent number: 6787045
    Abstract: A mixing, aerating or oxygenating method and apparatus to aerate or oxygenate ponds, rivers or lakes, sewage or effluent treatment lagoons or beds or to airstrip volatile compounds from water or other solutes by distributing gas through a piped system having a plurality of outlets (4) branching from a common distribution line (2). In order to deliver a desired quantity of air or oxygen at each outlet, a constant flow regulator (5) is disposed in each outlet which limits the flow to a set amount when the pressure in the pipe system exceeds a predetermined minimum value. In one method, the regulator is chosen to achieve this irrespective of pressure drop along the distribution line. In another method, the regulator is chosen to give the desired output with no pressure drop along the distribution line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth O'Hara
  • Publication number: 20040168965
    Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Sionix Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Lambert, James J. Houtz
  • Patent number: 6773585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separating device for separating fluids and solids from a composite liquid. Said separating device comprises a channel (12) which is arranged transversely upwards with a closed lower end and an outlet (19). Said channel is provided with an axial screw conveyor (14) which is arranged in the interior. A filter tank (22) communicating with said conveyor is located above the channel (12). An inlet (32) for the composite liquid to be separated is located at the upper edge approximately in the middle of the filter tank (22). A rotation filtering device (34, 70, 92) is arranged at the free end of the filter tank (22). Said device partially dips into the fluid contained in the filter tank (22). The invention provides a means for effectively separating a composite fluid into three different fractions, the clear liquid, a sludge fraction and a particle fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstenchnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke, Gisbert Wünsche
  • Patent number: 6773586
    Abstract: A flotation device for separating materials or mixtures of materials from suspensions includes a reaction and mixing space (18) with eccentric inlet (16) for the mixture of suspension particles with gas bubbles and for further transport into at least one centrally arranged vertical suspension distribution tube (26), wherein the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) are arranged adjacently, the plates (30) surround the suspension distribution tube (26) and the clarified fluid collecting tube (48) in an annular manner; and every second annular plate space (31) between adjacent plates (30) is connected to the suspension distribution tube (26) and every other space (31) between plates is connected to the clarified fluid collecting tube (48), so that the flow takes place out of one space (31) between plates from the inside towards the outside to the separating space (32), and subsequently into an adjacent space (31) between plates from the outside towards the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik für die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Patent number: 6761820
    Abstract: A paint overspray particulate filtration system includes a collection tank, a floatation consolidation tank, and a vacuum filter assembly having a filter medium that traverses a pair of vacuum chambers. A positive displacement vacuum producer for the first vacuum chamber discharges a first supply of pressurized air at a temperature preferably greater than about 170° F. and a pressure preferably greater than about 6 psig, while a centrifugal compressor discharges a second supply of pressurized air at a temperature of perhaps up to 110° F. and at a pressure of perhaps 4 psig. The first pressurized air supply is heat exchanged with the second pressurized air supply, whereupon the cooled first pressurized air supply is directed through a submerged diffuser nozzle to aerate the collection tank and/or the consolidation tank. The warmed second pressurized air supply is directed onto the paint sludge carried atop the filter medium to enhance sludge dewatering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Air and Liquid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040129621
    Abstract: The Invention relates to a flotation machine (1) which at least consists of a flotation cell (2) having a means for feeding slurry in the flotation cell, a gas dispersion mechanism (3) for feeding gas into the slurry and producing froth, a means for removing froth from the flotation cell and a means for removing tailings from the flotation cell, when there is arranged at least one guiding device (4) near the gas dispersion mechanism (3) in order to guide the dispersed gas (5) away from the gas dispersion mechanism (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Kujawa
  • Patent number: 6749757
    Abstract: An improved production water treatment system and method are disclosed. The treatment apparatus includes a vertically oriented vessel with tangentially disposed injection nozzles including one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of production water and one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of recycled water from the vessel and a sparge gas. The tangential orientation of the injection nozzles creates a cyclonic flow within the vessel for improved sparge gas bubble/hydrocarbon contact. A hydrocarbon-rich layer migrates to the top surface of the liquid in the vessel where it is removed about a center axis of the vessel. The resulting hydrocarbon-lean production water has a sufficiently low hydrocarbon content that it is eligible for more intensive processing, such as with organophillic clay cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Amcol International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Smith, Jerald W. Darlington, John Occhipinti, Gerard A. Just
  • Publication number: 20040108267
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the anaerobic purification of slurry which contains organic constituents. Slurry which is to be treated is fed periodically or continuously to a mixture-filled, substantially closed reactor (2), while the slurry is forcibly mixed with mixture (3) from the reactor. The mixture in the reactor is subjected to upward flow through it and to a hydrolysis process. The mixture is subjected to floatation by injection of a low-oxygen gas, such as biogas which originates from the reactor, and the floating layer of solids which is formed in the process is returned to the mixture in the reactor, while the low-particle liquid which is formed in the process is discharged as effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga, Ronald Mulder
  • Publication number: 20040099607
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for removing contaminants from wastewater on a vessel using electricity. The wastewater treatment system may inject wastewater with one or more disinfectants or ionized gases, or both, to remove at least a portion of contaminants from the wastewater. The water treatment system may produce disinfectants from saltwater using one or more disinfectant generators and return the byproducts to a water body. The wastewater treatment system may also pass wastewater through an electrical coagulation unit in which an electrical current may be emitted into the wastewater, whereby flocculants are formed and cause suspended solids and other materials to settle out of the wastewater. The wastewater treatment system may include a secondary treatment system for further reducing concentrations of contaminants. In addition, the wastewater treatment system may include a solid waste treatment system for incinerating solids produced by the wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Charles E. Leffler, William Paul
  • Patent number: 6736377
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved structure for an oxygen adding and aeration device includes a pump; a two-layer impeller, which is installed on a top of the pump; a pump case, which covers on outside of the two-layer impeller; an air tube, which is installed in impeller inlets of a lower-layer impeller of the two-layer impeller, a top end of the air tube protrudes out of a water level; when starting the pump, the two-layer impeller is then driven to deliver air from the air tube into the lower-layer impeller, partial water is sucked from filter holes into air tube to mix with air becoming an air-water flow, continuously, the air-water injection flow is injected by the lower-layer impeller and the lower-layer outlet of the pump case to form an air-water injection flow, other partial water is sucked from the impeller inlet of the upper-layer impeller into the air tube, continuously, the water passes through the impeller outlet of the upper-layer and the upper-layer outlet of the pump case to form a water i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: PolyVane Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Huan-Jan Chien
  • Publication number: 20040089596
    Abstract: Invention relates to a flotation machine which at least contains a flotation cell (2) having a means for feeding slurry in the flotation cell, a means for feeding gas into the slurry and producing aerated slurry (4) and froth (3), a means for removing froth from the flotation cell and a means for removing tailings from the flotation cell, when the flotation cell (2) is provided with at least one separation device (5), which is arranged to float at the interface (6) between phases having different densities, such as froth (3) and aerated slurry (4), in order to improve the removal of froth phase from the flotation cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Kujawa
  • Publication number: 20040089595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation machine (1) which at least contains a flotation cell (2) having a means for feeding slurry in the flotation cell, gas dispersion mechanism (6) for feeding gas into the slurry and producing froth and aerated slurry (3), a means for removing froth (4) from the flotation cell and a means for removing tailings from the flotation cell, wherein there is arranged at least one separation element (7) in order to separate the upward going flow (8) and the returning flow (9) from each other in the cell (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Kujawa
  • Patent number: 6733671
    Abstract: Treatment apparatus comprising a chamber (11) for treatment of a process fluid and having at least two regions in each of which the process fluid is caused to follow a circulating path, in which the location of openings (13, 14) for introduction and removal of process fluid to and from the chamber and the shape of means defining the paths followed by the components of the process fluid through the chamber is such that the circulating paths followed by the process fluid in the two regions have oppositely directed radial components and the two regions communicate with one another such that process fluid introduced into one region is constrained to flow into the other region before leaving the vessel, at least part of the chamber wall (12′) being formed as a semi-permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Maltin
  • Patent number: 6730232
    Abstract: Apparatus and a process for separating impurities from a suspension in a flotation cell, including an aeration device for aerating a liquid with a gas until the liquid is saturated. An expansion device expands the liquid saturated with gas to form gas bubbles in the liquid. An addition device adds the liquid containing gas bubbles to the suspension in the flotation cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Scherzinger, Helmuth Gabl
  • Publication number: 20040082828
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating soil containing inorganic contaminants having a degree of liberation of at least 60%, comprising the steps of removing from a coarse fraction at least a portion of inorganic contaminants in particulate form contained therein with a jig to produce a treated coarse fraction, removing from an intermediate fraction at least a portion of inorganic contaminants in particulate form contained therein with a separator selected from the group consisting of a spiral and a classifier to produce a treated intermediate fraction, removing from a fine fraction at least a portion of inorganic contaminants in particulate form contained therein with a separator selected from the group consisting of a flotation cell and a multi-gravity separator to produce a treated fine fraction, whereby the combined treated coarse, intermediate and fine fractions are impoverished in inorganic contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mario Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6719911
    Abstract: A process for treating contaminated fluid is disclosed. An apparatus for treatment of contaminated fluid comprises: an integral tank; an inlet for introducing a mixture of flocculent polymer and contaminated fluid; a mixer in the bottom of an innermost cylinder that has first stage aerating means; a rotary skimmer above the fluid level of the innermost cylinder and a second stage aeration cylinder that has second stage aerating means surrounding the innermost cylinder; a de-aeration baffle on the same plane as the rotary skimmer and extending around an outermost cylinder; fluid level control means between the second stage aeration cylinder and the outermost cylinder, directing fluid flow from the second stage aeration cylinder out of the tank; means for powering the mixer and the rotary skimmer; and an outlet permitting clear fluid to exit the tank and an outlet permitting waste effluent to exit the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: CLRPRO, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Bourke
  • Publication number: 20040055941
    Abstract: Apparatus for pressure saturation of a liquid with a gas comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Gunter Weissenberg, Stefan Neumann
  • Publication number: 20040035799
    Abstract: An improved production water treatment system and method are disclosed. The treatment apparatus includes a vertically oriented vessel with tangentially disposed injection nozzles including one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of production water and one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of recycled water from the vessel and a sparge gas. The tangential orientation of the injection nozzles creates a cyclonic flow within the vessel for improved sparge gas bubble/hydrocarbon contact. A hydrocarbon-rich layer migrates to the top surface of the liquid in the vessel where it is removed about a center axis of the vessel. The resulting hydrocarbon-lean production water has a sufficiently low hydrocarbon content that it is eligible for more intensive processing, such as with organophillic clay cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Smith, Jerald W. Darlington, John Occhipinti, Gerard A. Just
  • Publication number: 20040031739
    Abstract: A paint overspray particulate filtration system includes a collection tank, a floatation consolidation tank, and a vacuum filter assembly having a filter medium that traverses a pair of vacuum chambers. A positive displacement vacuum producer for the first vacuum chamber discharges a first supply of pressurized air at a temperature preferably greater than about 170° F. and a pressure preferably greater than about 6 psig, while a centrifugal compressor discharges a second supply of pressurized air at a temperature of perhaps up to 110° F. and at a pressure of perhaps 4 psig. The first pressurized air supply is heat exchanged with the second pressurized air supply, whereupon the cooled first pressurized air supply is directed through a submerged diffuser nozzle to aerate the collection tank and/or the consolidation tank. The warmed second pressurized air supply is directed onto the paint sludge carried atop the filter medium to enhance sludge dewatering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: James E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040020833
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for aeration in a filter system. The present invention provides an air injection adaptor for coupling between a filter tank and a valve controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: EcoWater Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlin A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6669843
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6666967
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: I.B.E. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiharu Oyabu
  • Patent number: 6649067
    Abstract: A flotation method in which the gas bubbles for inducing flotation of the solids in the liquid are produced by a chemical reaction, for example a decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water, induced by catalytic action. The catalyst is on the walls of the flotation reaction and the substance to be flotated is introduced tangentially and caused to flow downwardly and thus upwardly in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Overath
  • Patent number: 6649052
    Abstract: An ozone oxidizing apparatus in which, after fine air bubbles are distributed in a fluid (a waste water) delivered together with air to increase a dissolvable oxygen concentration, when ozone evenly contacts a contaminant of the fluid, oxidation is maximized by virtue of the instantaneous catalytic action of the oxygen air bubbles, thereby effectively removing the contaminant contained in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: IEI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-rai Lee, Se-ho Mun, Gwang-lok Han, Seong-lak Im, Seok-won Son
  • Publication number: 20030205534
    Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is educted into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. The gas is educted into the column independently of the input flow of solvent into the solvent using a pumparound arrangement with the solvent. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The foam passes through concentrators which increase the residency time of the foam in the column to further dry the foam and to create larger bubbles. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is recirculated for injection into the column even after foaming has stopped. The foaming contaminants are concentrated at the surface level of the solvent in the column. These contaminants are removed from the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen A. von Phul
  • Patent number: 6641724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for chemically and physically separating solid materials from a suspension using flotation. A rotationally symmetrical flocculation/flow reactor is provided with outlets in the lower part thereof and is arranged in a separating tank. At least one suspension inlet extends eccentrically into said reactor. The supplied suspension is guided into said reactor. The supplied suspension is guided into the upper area of the flocculation reactor via the suspension inlet. A circular flow is thus created which drains off from the flocculation reactor downwards in a tangential and radial manner over the outer circumference into circularly arranged distribution cells which reinforce the tangential component of the suspension flow when said flow is delivered into the separating tank. In prior art, the flow of the mixture consisting of the suspension and air-sacs extends radially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Niemczyk, Robert Heinz, Lucas Menke, George Troubounis
  • Publication number: 20030201232
    Abstract: An improvement in a fractionation/flotation system for removing waste such as biosolids, nitrates or nitrites from a liquid containing same and an apparatus for separating liquid containing particles of varying mass or specific gravity. A reactor vessel 153 comprises a fractionation column 153a and a foam aggregation chamber 153b surmounting the column. Liquid containing the waste is pumped into the fractionation column 153a via a pump 105 and an outlet 159 that branches into a first inlet 163 and a second inlet 165. These inlets inject liquid into the fractionation chamber 153a at intermediate locations that are axially spaced apart, where the first inlet entry 163a is higher than the second inlet entry 165a. A waste reducing gas such as air, oxygen or ozone is injected into the second inlet immediately prior to insetting the liquid into the fractionation column 153a. Foam generated from the inlet liquid has biosolids adsorbed thereto and is collected within the aggregation chamber 153b for extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Cheyne
  • Patent number: 6616843
    Abstract: A single tank submerged membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having unacceptable levels of ammonia or total nitrogen has both a membrane scouring bubble supply and an oxygenating bubble supply. The membrane scouring bubble supply continuously provides large scouring bubbles to clean the membranes. Permeate is continuously withdrawn from the membranes at a high rate but the large scouring bubbles do not transfer sufficient oxygen to the mixed liquor to create aerobic conditions in the reactor. The oxygenating bubble supply is operated to provide small bubbles of air or oxygen that intermittently produce aerobic conditions in a significant part of the mixed liquor. Alternating aerobic and anoxic conditions occur in a significant portion of the tank suitable for nitrification and denitrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignees: Omnium de Traitement et de Valorisation, Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Behmann, Hidayat Husain, Herve Buisson, Michele Payraudeau
  • Patent number: 6599418
    Abstract: An integrated apparatus that contains both the gravity settling mechanism and the dissolved-air floatation (DAF) mechanism in a compensating manner is provided. The said apparatus comprises a gravity settling chamber (34), a DAF chamber (42), a chamber connection channel (22), an air-dissolving device (38), a means for collecting treated water (24), and a water level control device (16). During treatment, heavy solid particles in water or wastewater can be quickly removed by gravity settling, while the remaining light solid particles and/or oil can be quickly removed by DAF. Thus, the apparatus of this invention is more effective and efficient compared with conventional clarifiers that employ only one clarification mechanism. Therefore, the apparatus of this invention is more compact and can achieve better effluent quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jianmin Wang
  • Patent number: 6596161
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20030127383
    Abstract: An ozone oxidizing apparatus in which, after fine air bubbles are distributed in a fluid (a waste water) delivered together with air to increase a dissolvable oxygen concentration, when ozone evenly contacts a contaminant of the fluid, oxidation is maximized by virtue of the instantaneous catalytic action of the oxygen air bubbles, thereby effectively removing the contaminant contained in the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: IEI Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jong-Rai Lee, Se-Ho Mun, Gwang-Lok Han, Seong-Lak Im, Seok-Won Son