With Multi-layer Beds Patents (Class 210/290)
  • Patent number: 6969469
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of using crumb rubber from recycled tires as a filter media. The use of crumb rubber as a media differs from conventional sand or anthracite filters in several ways. The crumb rubber media is compressible which allows the porosity between rubber particles to decrease through the filter bed. The crumb rubber media compresses as headloss increases, allowing for better effluent quality late in the run. The crumb rubber media allows greater depth filtration. The crumb rubber media can be used at high filter rates, greater than 20 gpm/ft2. The crumb rubber media performs similarly to other traditional filter media in respect to turbidity and total suspended solids removal. The crumb rubber media properties are closely tied to media size and shape, with smaller media providing better effluent qualities and larger media allowing longer filter runs at higher flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Yuefeng Xie
  • Patent number: 6966987
    Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying process water by filtration comprising a housing containing a filter media, having a bottom gravel bed and an upper silica bed, and a fluidizer for backwashing the filter media. Process water is tangentially introduced and caused to swirl in the housing above a filter media, before passing downwards through silica and gravel beds. The swirling increases the through capacity of the treatment device and reduces the amount of particles that would otherwise become imbedded in the filter media. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid, through first and second components of the fluidizer, into the filter media. The first component is a channel formed in the manifold which provides backwash fluid to the bottom of the gravel bed. The second component provides backwash fluid at the gravel bed—silica bed interface by a series of radially spaced fluidizer arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Process Efficiency Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Morgan, Jr., Stuart H. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6953525
    Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: MS Filter Inc.
    Inventor: Robert LeCraw
  • Patent number: 6936176
    Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Water Missions International
    Inventors: George C. Greene III, George C. Greene IV, Sean P. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 6887373
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for treating water is provided including a treatment mode comprising the steps of drawing said water from a pressurized water source through a controlling device to a treating vessel, the water inlet of said treating vessel being substantially at the top of a treating vessel, contacting said water with pressurized air present at the top of said treating vessel to release substantially all hydrogen sulfide and offensive odors present in the water and to dissolve oxygen in the water which reacts with soluble iron in the water to form ferric oxides, flowing the water through a filter bed of calcite mineral to remove substantially all sediment present in the water and to neutralize the ph of the water and to remove substantially all the ferric oxides from the water, the ferric oxides fastening to the calcite minerals and to already fastened ferric oxides, flowing the water to a final media means and to the outlet of the treating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Brian McCoy
  • Patent number: 6872308
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a condensate polisher system that comprises a feed water flow that enters one or more deep bed condensate polishers. These deep bed condensate polishers contain ion resin beads that exchange a single ion type, typically cation resin for power generation systems. The feed water passing through the deep bed condensate polishers has a substantial portion, and even all of the cations in solution removed. This produces a semi-purified water flow that is then fed into one or more powdered resin polishers. The powdered resin polishers, which contain mixed powdered ion exchange resins or single type powdered resins depending on the nature of the semi-purified water flow, then finish the purification process on the water, producing a purified water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Bellows
  • Patent number: 6869528
    Abstract: The present invention filters runoff water containing oil and an emulsion of oil and water. A tank receives the inlet water and feeds it to a reservoir which in turn feeds the water to the cylindrical filter cells. The water passing through the filter cells is received by a manifold which feeds the clean water to an outlet. However, when the runoff water has a high rate of flow the reservoir soon overflows and the excess water flows directly to an outlet. The reservoir may be either above or below the filter cells. If above, the water entering the inlet flows downward to a reservoir which is perforated to provide water to the filter cells. If, however, the reservoir is below the filter cells it has a perforated top which feeds the filter cells. The water in the reservoir is under pressure. The filter cells may be cylindrical. They have an inner vertical cylindrical passageway surrounded by one or more cylindrical layers. One filtering media is in said inner passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
  • Patent number: 6863808
    Abstract: A water softener system including a hard water flow pipe through which hard water flows, a modular water softener assembly, and a regeneration tank is provided. The modular water softener assembly includes an elongated tube having a first end, a second end, a length extending therebetween, and a predetermined inner volume for storing an amount of water softening particles. The water softener assembly also includes a first end cap coupled to the tube at the first end having a first port in flow communication with the hard water flow pipe and a second port in flow communication with an outlet pipe through which soft water flows. The water softener assembly is supported by the hard water flow pipe and the outlet pipe. The regeneration tank contains a regenerate for regenerating the water softening particles and is in flow communication with the water softener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Fullmer, Richard L. Butsch
  • Patent number: 6858139
    Abstract: A single housing comprising a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein said reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Prismedical Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040188338
    Abstract: A liquid treating apparatus includes a treating tank having at least two walls formed with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet through each of which a liquid to be treated flows, respectively, and a filtering layer unit including an antibacterial filtering layer, an adsorptive filtering layer and a filtering layer, the filtering layer unit being disposed between the liquid inlet and outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Akechi Ceramics Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kato, Satoshi Kameshima, Mitsuro Hyakumachi, Yoshihiro Taguchi, Hideki Watanabe, Hayato Horinouchi
  • Publication number: 20040168968
    Abstract: This invention presents an ion exchange media including a plurality of cation exchange zones and anion exchange zones in flow paths that are contained in a substantially nonporous resin transport framework. During electrodeionization and other potential applications the ion exchange media of the invention prevents unfavorable water splitting at resin-membrane interfaces and encourages water splitting at resin-resin interfaces where the water splitting may be constructively used to regenerate the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Ravi Chidambaran, Pavan Raina, Devesh Sharma, Narendra Singh Bisht
  • Patent number: 6773589
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a tank having an upper chamber and a lower baffle, layers of stone and carbon between the upper chamber and the lower baffle, a water inlet to the upper chamber, and a water outlet below the lower baffle. The upper chamber is divided by a vertical baffle which separates the water inlet from a backwash outlet. A backwash inlet is provided below the lower baffle. An air manifold coupled to an air pump is placed between the lower baffle and the upper chamber. During backwash, air is mixed with water to cause a turbulent flow. The baffle in the upper chamber prevents filter media from exiting the apparatus during backwash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: James P. Sharkey
  • Publication number: 20040144727
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for treating water is provided including a treatment mode comprising the steps of drawing said water from a pressurized water source through a controlling device to a treating vessel, the water inlet of said treating vessel being substantially at the top of a treating vessel, contacting said water with pressurized air present at the top of said treating vessel to release substantially all hydrogen sulfide and offensive odors present in the water and to dissolve oxygen in the water which reacts with soluble iron in the water to form ferric oxides, flowing the water through a filter bed of calcite mineral to remove substantially all sediment present in the water and to neutralize the ph of the water and to remove substantially all the ferric oxides from the water, the ferric oxides fastening to the calcite minerals and to already fastened ferric oxides, flowing the water to a final media means and to the outlet of the treating vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Brian McCoy
  • Publication number: 20040118765
    Abstract: The present invention provides a deep gradient-density filter device capable of effectively filtering a fluid containing a distribution of particles in the range of approximately 25 microns to approximately 0.2 micron at a fluid velocity of at least approximately 100 cm/hr and an initial hydraulic permeability of greater than approximately 10 cm/hr/psi. The deep gradient-density filter device comprises several layers of filtration material, each having specific predetermined particle retention properties. In one product embodiment of the present invention, the deep gradient-density filter device uses “loose” fibrillated cellulose fiber material as a primary filter element. In a method aspect of the invention, the deep gradient-density filter device is used for either the secondary clarification of industrial-scale cultured or fermented protein-containing biopharmaceutical fluids or the primary clarification of pilot-scale volumes of said fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David P. Yavorsky, Jonathan Royce, Matthew Alexander Tomasko, Ven Anantha Raman
  • Publication number: 20040099593
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system for hemodialysis, particularly, a purification system whereby apatite and/or calcium phosphate and sodium polyphosphate are substituted for the standard zirconium oxide and zirconium phosphate, respectively. The concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system is comprised of multiple layers and at least one or more cation and/or anion exchange layer and at least one or more purification layer. One advantage of the concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system is the cost effectiveness of apatite and/or calcium phosphate and sodium polyphosphate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Potito de Paolis
    Inventors: Potito U. De Paolis, Saleh Salehmoghaddam
  • Publication number: 20040094465
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu Rajan
  • Patent number: 6719910
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment system which comprises a housing having a first filter layer and a second filter layer positioned within the housing. The first filter layer absorbs contaminants from stormwater to produce a first treated stormwater having an effluent concentration that meets the USEPA Water Quality Criteria when stormwater permeates the first layer. The second filter layer precipitates substantially all of the dissolved contaminants remaining in the first treated stormwater when the first treated storm water permeates through the second filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
    Inventors: Leon Thiem, Rhett Grant
  • Patent number: 6696284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Ajit Haridas, Swachchha Majumdar
  • Publication number: 20040011720
    Abstract: 001 Fluid enters (1) flow container through (2) inlet. Gravity forces fluid over porous stone, screen and smaller rock to break down impurities. Fluid exists through (A) outlet and (a2) compression seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Lee Pampel
  • Publication number: 20030222009
    Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: MS FILTER INC.
    Inventor: Robert LeCraw
  • Patent number: 6641727
    Abstract: A filtration cartridge faucet assembly contains a filtration cartridge having a filter core that is concealed beneath a sink deck through the use of an escutcheon mount. The escutcheon mount permits access to a renewable filtration cartridge from above the sink deck while concealing and protecting the filtration body. The renewable filtration cartridge is equipped with a flow control device, as well as counter rotation devices that prevent undesirable outrotation of a threaded cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Aldred, Brian Hunter, Robert P. Magyar, Wilhelm Koch, Juergen Sponheimer, Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 6605214
    Abstract: A single housing includes a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein the reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Prismedical Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6605216
    Abstract: A compact, rapid upflow deep media filter for removing suspended solids from a liquid flow, which includes: a filter casing having a liquid inlet port, a liquid outlet port, and a filter bed composed of a volume of granular filter media and located between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a screen, selectably movable between a first operative position and a second operative position within the filter casing, whereat in the first operative position the screen maintains the filter bed in a packed state so as to permit filtration therethrough of a liquid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port, and whereat in the second operative position the screen does not maintain the filter bed in a packed state such that in the presence of a liquid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port the volume of filter media expands so as to enable separation therefrom of suspended solids accumulated during filtration of the liquid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sinomed Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilan Lederman
  • Publication number: 20030116504
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adsorbent for removing arsenic species from ground water and/or surface water systems. Such adsorbent removes both As(III) and As(V), thereby providing potable water. Also provided is a method and/or device (e.g., filter) for removing arsenic species from contaminated waters utilizing such adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Rajan K. Vempati
  • Patent number: 6572769
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus including a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu G. Rajan
  • Patent number: 6541273
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which are useful for detecting the presence of various pesticides, including aryl pyrazoles such as fipronil. Pesticide residues are extracted from a variety of samples, including soil and/or water samples using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. The samples are then concentrated, and transferred to an solid phase extraction cartridge. The SPE cartridge includes activated charcoal, silica gel, magnesium-silica gel and an amino-functional silica sorbent, or suitable equivalents thereof. After cleanup, the eluate containing the analyte of interest can be concentrated to a standard sample size and the amount of pesticide residues quantitated. In a preferred embodiment, the column chromatography materials are assembled in a solid phase extraction cartridge with frits between the chromatography materials. This facilitates the use of the cartridge in standard automated analytical equipment, for example, robotic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aventis CropScience, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert S. Plaisance
  • Publication number: 20030047513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing contaminants from lipophilic fluids, adsorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dewey Edward Burton, Arseni Valerevich Radomyselski, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France
  • Patent number: 6531063
    Abstract: A septic system and method for the removal of nitrogen contaminants, such as nitrates and ammonia, from a wastewater effluent. The system comprises one or more zeolite tanks which contain a regenerable, granulated zeolite material to receive wastewater effluent from a septic tank and to capture the nitrogen contaminants to provide a treated, decontaminated effluent to flow out of the tank into a leach field. The system includes a secondary treatment.tank to reduce suspended solids and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater effluent prior to introduction into the zeolite tank. The system also includes an ion sensor to monitor the ammonium ion concentration in the system and to signal the need to regenerate the zeolite tank with saline water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jane Anne Rose
  • Patent number: 6495014
    Abstract: A porous immobilized ion-exchange material is provided. Also provided is an electrodeionization device incorporating the material. A method for subjecting a fluid to electrodeionization, is provided utilizing porous immobilized ion-exchange material. A salient feature of the material is that it can be regenerated in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: University of Chicago
    Inventors: Rathin Datta, YuPo Lin, Dennis Burke, Shih-Perng Tsai
  • Patent number: 6489132
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
  • Patent number: 6461501
    Abstract: There is provided herein a new skimmer apparatus and a new filter mechanism for use in ornamental ponds and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment there is provided a skimmer apparatus which has an enclosing container with a lower terminus that has a perimeter that is larger than that of the upper terminus. This allows the skimmer to be weighted/locked down within the pond itself and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk that the skimmer will float upward if it is emptied of water. Additionally, there is provided a filter which includes a spline and grove combination to firmly attach a pond liner the filter underneath its snout. Further, there is provided a pond filter which contains a true sedimentation chamber within the bottom portion thereof. Finally, there is provided an adjustable-width skimmer snout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hardscape Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Bradley Porter
  • Publication number: 20020117437
    Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Carlos V. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020096466
    Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Carlos V. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020070155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus including a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation or movement of a packed bed of a solid catalyst and/or solid adsorbent which is provided on the packed bed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus in which a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the top surface of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed, or in which a water-permeable pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed. Such pressure layers are effective in sufficiently preventing the solid catalyst from moving in the packed bed. As a result, there is no problem such as the abrasion of solid catalyst mainly caused by its movement, the deterioration of the performance thereof, and an increase in pressure loss, thereby treating waste water in a stable manner for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: YUSUKE SHIOTA, TOHRU ISHII, KIICHIRO MITSUI
  • Patent number: 6383373
    Abstract: A biological filtration apparatus comprises: a raw water introducing section for introducing raw water as water to be processed; a biological filtration section, disposed on the lower side of the raw water introducing section, for biologically purifying/refining/filtrating the raw water so as to yield processed water; a support section, disposed on the lower side of the biological filtration section, for supporting the biological filtration section, the support section having a liquid and gas permeability; and a water collecting section, disposed on the lower side of the support section, for collecting the processed water; the biological filtration section including a packed bed comprising a hollow carrier particle, made of a resin, having a true specific gravity of at least 1.01 g/ml but less than 1.2 g/ml.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Nakao, Masanobu Koseki
  • Patent number: 6322705
    Abstract: A water-based heating or cooling plant incorporating a filtration device and a pipeline network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration device having a tank with an upright column of horizontal layers of granulated filtration materials, the densities in the layers increasing from the layer at the top downwardly to the most dense bottom layer, at least one layer being a mechanical layer and at least one layer having a chemically active material to increase the pH value of the water to a magnitude exceeding neutral. The invention includes a method for operating the plant and for backwashing the granulated filtration material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: RC EnWa A/S
    Inventor: Svein Olav Stornes
  • Patent number: 6319400
    Abstract: A deep bed filter principally used for filtration of contaminated aqueous fluid comprises a layer of polymeric cylindrical particles in combination with a layer of anthracite particles and a layer of sand. The polymeric cylindrical particles are approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter and in the range of 6-12 millimeters high, with a specific gravity of approximately 1.15. When the filter is backwashed particles of anthracite mix with a portion of the polymeric particle layer, thereby creating larger surface voids for penetration of larger contaminant particles into the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gene Hirs
  • Patent number: 6287469
    Abstract: A method and equipment are disclosed for tertiary sewage treatment by naturally-occurring microorganisms after the sewage has passed from a septic tank or other primary treatment device. Tertiary treatment occurs within enclosed, controlled conditions in a recirculation tank housing a recirculating spray system and a filter bed. The recirculation process is controlled by a timer and a timer float responding to the wastewater level in the recirculation tank. A mixing zone is provided in a bottom portion of the recirculation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ashco-A-Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Ashburn, Edward T. Cogar
  • Patent number: 6274041
    Abstract: An integrated filter for removing impurities from a fluid stream. The filter includes a first element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by physical adsorption, and a second element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by electrokinetic adsorption. Either or both of the first element and the second element further may be adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by sieving. The first element generally may be composed of loose particles or granules, or the first element may be composed of a porous block of an adsorbent, wherein the block is permeable to fluids and has interconnected pores therethrough. The second element generally is composed of a porous, charge-modified fibrous web which includes fibers prepared from a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the thermoplastic polymer may be a polyolefin. As another example, the porous, charge-modified fibrous web may be a nonwoven web, such as a meltblown or microfiber glass web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Williamson, Kevin P. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6267882
    Abstract: The invention describes a filter container, system and method for filtering sewage effluent from a septic tank. The filter container includes a body having a lower end and an upper end, having walls forming a floor positioned at the lower end and sides connected to the floor and positioned to define an inner cavity extending from the lower end to the upper end. The body of the container has a mouth opening positioned at the upper end to provide access to the inner cavity. A lid is positioned on the upper end of the body so as to cover the mouth cavity to thereby close the container. A plurality of pipes connect the container in fluid communication with the septic tank or with another container, the plurality of pipes including at least one inlet pipe for delivering sewage effluent to the inner cavity and at least one outlet pipe for discharging filtered sewage effluent from the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Shooting Star L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael H. Houck, Thomas K. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6245701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a porous ceramic used for producing alkali ion water. The ceramic of the invention includes finely particulate zeolite having an average particle size of 0.1 to 40 &mgr;m and an alkali ion producing material as components. Besides the above components, the invention preferably comprises a fibrous mineral and/or a clay mineral. To produce the ceramic of the invention, a slurry obtained by grinding zeolite by a wet process, a slurry obtained by grinding the alkali ion producing material and the clay mineral by a wet process and a slurry obtained by grinding the fibrous mineral are first mixed and stirred to prepare a mixed slurry. This mixed slurry is then dried and fired to obtain a sintered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Zeolite, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 6238556
    Abstract: A filtration system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid, the filtration system comprises a pre-filtration apparatus and a main filtration apparatus. The pre-filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a back-washing outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering large particulate matter from the liquid and passing fine particulate matter. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The fluid outlet and back-washing outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The main filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering fine particulate matter from the liquid. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fluid Art Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Hawk, Gary D. Cryer
  • Patent number: 6197193
    Abstract: A water filter used for treating tap water. The water filter provides a consumer with protection against major water contaminants found in municipal water supplies. The filter includes a cylindrical filter cartridge with a number of filter layers therein. The filter cartridge includes an upper filter cap and a lower filter cap received in opposite ends of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of filter pads which may or may not be used as dividers between the various layers of filter material. The filter pads are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water. In an upstream upper portion of the cartridge is layer of a granulated zinc and copper alloy. The zinc and copper alloy is used for removing chlorine and some heavy metals in the water and acting as a bacteriostat for keeping bacteria from growing inside said cartridge. In a center portion of the filter cartridge is a layer of granulated activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Virgil L. Archer
  • Patent number: 6193881
    Abstract: An in-situ reactor with hydrologic cells is provided to facilitate recovery of metals such as gold from rocks, or purification of salts such as potassium or magnesium chloride formed by evaporation of brines, by injecting into a source aquifer a fluid, which flows through and reacts with the solids or host rock within the in-situ reactor and then flows into a sink aquifer, from it is drained or pumped out via an exhaust borehole into a plant or a facility for further chemical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tarim Associates for Scientific Mineral and Oil Exploration AG.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6187194
    Abstract: An aeration and filtration system for eliminating waste products in a fluid body having a surface floor is disclosed. The aeration and filtration system includes a support bed disposed above the surface floor of the fluid body and a filter bed of porous media disposed above the support bed. The system further includes a pump having a plurality of inlets adjacent the fluid body level, at least some of the inlets being a plurality of perforated pipes connected to the pump for drawing fluid to and through the filter bed, and a motor connected to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ichthyotech, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Byrne
  • Patent number: 6177005
    Abstract: Ultrapure water having a reduced amount of TOC and a low electrical conductivity is produced in correspondence with a variation in water quality of raw water. A first water tank has an anaerobic organic matter treatment chamber and an aerobic organic matter treatment chamber which are communicated with each other at their bottom portions. Activated carbon bags are arranged in upper portions of both the chambers, and Bincho charcoal is stowed in the lower portion of the chambers. With this arrangement, carbon compounds and organic nitrogen compounds in the water to be treated are biologically treated by microbes, thereby reducing the TOC. Furthermore, nitrate nitrogen generated through the organic nitrogen compound treatment process is denitrified by the anaerobic microbe, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the water to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Toyoichi Nasu, Takahide Miyamoto, Seiji Okamoto, Kazuyuki Sakata, Masami Sera, Atsushi Yokotani
  • Patent number: 6143186
    Abstract: A continuous filter device for liquids has a filter chamber that receives a granular bulk material forming a filter bed. The filter chamber has rectangular inner-walls with a liquid-permeable inlet side and a liquid-permeable outlet side positioned opposite the inlet side. A liquid-impermeable outer wall is positioned at the inlet side and forms together with the inlet side an inlet chamber. The inlet side has openings allowing flow of a liquid to be filtered from the inlet chamber into the filter chamber. A liquid-impermeable outer mantle is positioned at the outlet side and forms together with the outlet side a filtrate collection chamber. The outlet side has openings allowing filtrate flow from the filter chamber into the filtrate collection chamber. A cone-shaped removal chamber is connected to a lower end of the filter chamber. A flow discharge chamber is connected to an upper end of the filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Sabine Van Unen
  • Patent number: 6132610
    Abstract: An endotoxin adsorption system of the present invention comprises a combination of a cation exchange resin having sodium as a counter ion and a cation exchange resin having sodium and one or more metal ions other than sodium as a counter ion, and adsorbs an endotoxin without decreasing of the concentration of cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiyasu Hirai, Eiji Ogino, Takashi Asahi, Nobutaka Tani
  • Patent number: 6103108
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Larry D. Kohlenberg
  • Patent number: 6100081
    Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of waste water and/or waste gas using a biofilter containing a filtering material, wherein the waste water move downwardly thereinto while the waste gas move upwardly or downwardly thereinto, is disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous purification of waste water and waste gas, comprising a filtering material comprised of a succession of layers. More conveniently, the apparatus comprises sufficient filtering material between the gas inlet and water outlet to ensure that the water coming out of the apparatus has not been substantially contaminated by the upwardly moving waste gas. In a preferred embodiment, the upper layer of filtering carrier material has a substantially lower filtration capacity than a lower layer of filtering carrier material, to prevent clogging of the filtering material upon downward flow of the waste water. Further disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous purification of waste water as waste gas moving both downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Quebec
    Inventor: Gerardo Buelna