With Agitator Patents (Class 210/319)
  • Patent number: 10570030
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of fluids has a flow-through housing, a cover, an inlet, a reactor chamber with inner walls, an outlet and UV LED radiation sources directed into the reactor chamber, and also a power supply. The device achieves a high purifying performance with less technical complexity and less installation space and needs only little electrical power. The interior of the reactor chamber has a flow-related design. The radiation sources are arranged in the fluid on or in an inner wall and a rotating fluid vortex is imparted to a fluid flowing through by the flow-related design. The radiation sources radiate radially from the outside inward and/or laterally onto the fluid vortex. At least a partial stream of the fluid in the fluid vortex passes a number of times by the radiation sources before leaving the reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HYTECON AG
    Inventors: Andreas Kolch, Dirk Paulsmeyer, Hongbin Xu
  • Patent number: 10532318
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system for treating ballast water and ballast water treatment systems in order for treatment effects to be carried out, such as controlling the transportation of undesirable and invasive marine organisms. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods and systems for applying a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave comprising both AC and DC components in a pulsating manner to ballast water within a ballast water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Semb-Eco R&D PTE LTD
    Inventors: Hwee Hong Chew, Poh Kwee Ong
  • Patent number: 10377644
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of fluids has a flow-through housing, a cover, an inlet, a reactor chamber with inner walls, an outlet and UV LED radiation sources directed into the reactor chamber, and also a power supply. The device achieves a high purifying performance with less technical complexity and less installation space and needs only little electrical power. The interior of the reactor chamber has a flow-related design. The radiation sources are arranged in the fluid on or in an inner wall and a rotating fluid vortex is imparted to a fluid flowing through by the flow-related design. The radiation sources radiate radially from the outside inward and/or laterally onto the fluid vortex. At least a partial stream of the fluid in the fluid vortex passes a number of times by the radiation sources before leaving the reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Hytecon AG
    Inventors: Andreas Kolch, Dirk Paulsmeyer, Hongbin Xu
  • Patent number: 10208330
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Manjiri T. Kshirsagar, Kurt J. Halverson, Neil Percy, James E. Aysta
  • Patent number: 9744534
    Abstract: The assay device (10) comprises a micro flow path (76); a porous medium provided near the distal end portion (80) of the micro flow path (76); and a space (82) provided between the micro flow path (76) and the porous medium for controlling the flow rate of a fluid moving from the micro flow path (76) to the space (82). After a fluid moved along the micro flow path (76) based on a lateral flow is brought into contact with the porous medium beyond the space (82) and is absorbed to the porous medium, the fluid is divided by the space (82) so that the fluid stays in the micro flow path (76). With this structure, it is possible to perform solution exchange in the micro flow path without using an external device such as a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yusuke Fuchiwaki, Toshihiko Ooie, Masatoshi Kataoka, Hiroki Takaoka
  • Patent number: 9719125
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Manjiri T. Kshirsagar, Kurt J. Halverson, Neil Percy, James E. Aysta
  • Patent number: 9447313
    Abstract: A hydration system configured to selectively enable a continuous process or a batch process of an additive for a hydraulic fracturing fluid, the hydration system including a hydration tank having a plurality of compartments, wherein the hydration tank is configured to enable movement of a material through the plurality of compartments in the continuous process. The hydration tank is configured to substantially restrict movement of the material between the plurality of compartments in the batch process. Also included is a method of selectively hydrating an additive in a batch process or a continuous process using a hydration system configured to enable both the batch process and the continuous process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jeremy Lynn Weinstein, Richard Wheeler, Bryan Scott Lambert
  • Patent number: 9440444
    Abstract: A liquid management system for supplying or receiving liquid at a controlled pressure, comprising: a closed reservoir having an inlet for receiving liquid from a first remote location and an outlet for supplying liquid to a second remote location; and a pumped outlet disposed in the reservoir and arranged to remove liquid and gas contained within the reservoir, the pumped outlet being disposed such that the level of liquid in the reservoir can be maintained at a constant height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Technology Partnership PLC
    Inventors: Stuart Hatfield, Peter James Brown, Andrew Victor Polijanczuk
  • Patent number: 8647479
    Abstract: Provided is a standalone integrated water treatment system for a distributed water supply. A filter input receives water to be treated. A coagulation system is in operative connection with the filter input, wherein the water which has been filtered is subjected to a coagulation process performed by the coagulation system to create pin floc from suspensions in the water. A maturation buffer tank is in operative connection with the coagulation system, wherein floc is aggregated in size within the water. A spiral separator is in operative connection with the maturation buffer tank, and the water is separated into two water streams, a first stream of water having most of the floc removed, and a second stream of water which includes a concentrated amount of the floc. An optional filtration system is in operative connection with the spiral separator and is configured to receive the first stream of water and to perform a filtration operation on the first stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Armin R. Volkel, Scott A. Elrod, Nitin S. Parekh
  • Patent number: 8557114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification apparatus and method using a pressurized micro-filter preprocessed with a coagulation inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir and a pore-control fiber filter for improvement of a recovery rate, which removes the dissolved organic materials and the turbidity of raw water through a preprocess by a flash mixer, a two-stage coagulation reservoir and an inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir, thereby making it possible to reduce the use of coagulants, the generation of sludge by-products, the inflow load of membranes, and the facility size in comparison with the conventional standard water purification processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Daewoo E&C Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eui-Sin Lee, Bum-Goo Lee, Hee-Kyong Oh, Jung-Yeol Eom
  • Patent number: 8357292
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmentally sensitive mobile cleaning system, and more specifically relates to a closed loop water recirculation system for high or ultra-high pressure mobile cleaning apparatus. The system includes a water tank sized to contain an established volume of fluid sufficient to circulate through the system, a pump to pressure the fluid to a cleaning head, a vacuum system to return the contaminated fluid to the system, and a filter means to remove the contaminants from the fluid so that clean fluid can be reintroduced to the cleaning head. The method comprises the steps of increasing the pressure of a fixed volume of fluid in a closed-loop system, jetting or blasting the surface with the pressurized fluid, vacuuming the blasted fluid into the system, and removing the contaminants from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: James P. Crocker
  • Patent number: 8153003
    Abstract: The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cabanga Innovations (pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Kenneth Carl van Rooyen
  • Publication number: 20120058023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional module comprising one or more units selected from the group consisting of reactor units, filter units, membrane units, reactor-separator units, clarificator units, purificator units, extractor units, and mixer units. The units are connected parallel or in series or both to each other, and each unit has at least one member having a surface, which surface is rotating with the member. The member is rotating around an axis making the unit operate under centrifugal force. One or more chambers for fluids are co-rotating with the rotating member. The present invention relates further to units which could be used in a spinning multifunctional module, and use of a spinning multifunctional module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Kasper Höglund, Barry Johnson, Tommy Noren
  • Patent number: 8101077
    Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Sivaprasad Sukavaneshvar, S. Fazal Mohammad
  • Patent number: 7987995
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7955476
    Abstract: A multiple application recycling and purification device has a coaxial core that is horizontally oriented, non-rotating, cylindrical distillation chamber. The enhanced, completely coaxial configuration continuously cleans the entire distillation chamber and spreads a thin film of liquid to enhance distillation and positively aid in the removal of remaining contaminants. Through a timed and positioned valve, the device removes and purges lower-temperature contaminants. Timed valves and sensors control all phases of the distillation to provide a coaxially integrated, stand-alone, adaptable, scalable and maintenance free distillation unit that self-monitors, self-cleans and economically functions to produce the pure distilled liquid, e.g., water. This device can be modified to purify any numerous array of liquids and can be scaled to produce any amount of purified liquids for either household, commercial, or industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Mansur Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre G. Mansur
  • Publication number: 20100176063
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids effectively are provided in the present invention. Such method and apparatus may allow coalescing of relatively small-sized droplets into larger droplets for easing and improving the degree of separation thereafter. The method may be defined by a system of equations describing the requirements and conditions imposed on the kinetics of droplet breaking and coalescence as functions of properties of the involved liquids, involved energy, and means for inducing mixing energy into the mixture. According to the method, such means may include viscosity, interfacial tension, droplet diameter distribution, average droplet diameter, average volumetric droplet diameter, concentration of the dispersed liquid in the coalescing apparatus, restricting pressure of the electrostatic double layer surrounding the interfacial boundary of the droplets, and turbulent energy dissipation distribution per volume within the coalescing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Yuri KOKOTOV, Leonid BRAGINSKY, David SHTEINMAN, Shalom SLONIM
  • Patent number: 7754076
    Abstract: A reactor for washing sand contaminated with hydrocarbons comprises a vessel having an aperture in a bottom portion thereof. A steam cleaning device is located near a top of the vessel for receiving contaminated sand and cleaning the contaminated sand as it is introduced into the vessel. A rinsing device is positioned below the steam cleaning device for rinsing the sand with water. A sand conveying device comprising an air injection device is positioned in the bottom portion of the vessel for urging sand out of the aperture using compressed air, such that the sand is partially dewatered as the sand is urged out of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Costinel
  • Patent number: 7708152
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7695675
    Abstract: A method of inactivating microorganisms such as viruses within a fluid such as a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a UV reactor, which may take the form of an elongated generally annular reaction chamber surrounding at least one elongated UV lamp, moving the fluid within the reaction chamber in a primary flow directed along the length of the UV lamp, and inducing a circulating secondary flow within the fluid with the secondary flow being superimposed on the primary flow. As the fluid moves through the reaction chamber in the primary flow, it is circulated repeatedly toward and away from the UV lamp in the circulating secondary flow to provide uniform and controllable exposure of the entire volume of fluid to ultraviolet radiation. Microorganisms such as viruses are thus inactivated while desirable components in the fluid, such as proteins, are preserved without the use of a free radical scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: Bayer Healthcare LLC, Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Kaiser, Hans-Juergen Henzler, Joerg Kauling, Rolf Treckmann, Kathryn Remington, Cynthia J. Galloway
  • Patent number: 7674377
    Abstract: A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
  • Patent number: 7651660
    Abstract: Described is a reactor for irradiating ultraviolet light into a fluid reaction medium (3). The reactor consists of at least one housing (15) which encloses a tubular cavity, with a radiation source (1) for generating ultraviolet light and an inner tube (2) which, together with the housing (15), forms an irradiation chamber (26) which, in particular, is of annular shape, the irradiation chamber (26) being connected at least with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for the reaction medium (3) and is perfused by reaction medium (3) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (2), the irradiation chamber (26) being equipped with means (6, 25) for generating an additional radial flow routing of the reaction medium (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Kaiser, Jörg Kauling, Hans-Jürgen Henzler, Isabell Günther, Franz Schmitt, Erhard Beckers, Stefan Quest
  • Publication number: 20090314726
    Abstract: A reclaimer, for the separation of heavier solids from slurry water, including an inlet means (50) to allow loading of a flow of the solid laden slurry water (90), a reclaiming tank (10) to contain the input from the inlet means (50), a plurality of lamella plates (20) to increase the effective separation surface area to improve the separation process, said lamella plates (20) provided at an angle, an agitation mechanism (40) for loosening up the slurry water from the heavier solids, an outlet means (82) to allow the separated slurry water to exit the tank (10), wherein the agitation mechanism (40) is a conveyor, with a plurality of protrusions (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SP-ZICOM PTE LTD
    Inventors: Khee Yang Ng, Samuel Wong, Giau Leong Low, Wei Leng Ng, Giok Lak Sim
  • Patent number: 7531148
    Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ERTH Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Cornay, Ernest Peter Tovani, Gary Matzen
  • Patent number: 7514011
    Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Del Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Publication number: 20070272625
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for filtering out particles in a fluid, the method comprising providing the fluid, creating a turbulent flow in the fluid, and collecting the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Ansul Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter Moskun
  • Patent number: 7169303
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracorporeal processing of blood or other body fluid for the treatment of conditions, such as sepsis, autoimmune disease, or toxemia related to kidney failure, liver failure, or drug overdose are provided. In an extracorporeal treatment system, a fraction of a body fluid is passed into a treatment fluid, at least a portion of which is then passed through a sorbent suspension reactor for treatment by a sorbent suspension. The treatment fluid circuit can be maintained at a fixed volume, which enables accurate fluid balance between the patient and the extracorporeal circuit. Some or all of the treatment fluid, optionally also containing nutrients and/or therapeutic agents, is returned to the patient. In a peritoneal dialysis system, dialysate is passed into a patient's peritoneal cavity, recovered from the cavity, passed through a sorbent suspension reactor in accordance with the invention, and returned to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: HemoCleanse Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sullivan, David J. Carr, Stephen R. Ash
  • Patent number: 6808626
    Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Del Corp.
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 6761822
    Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a first element for trapping small particles and a second filter element for trapping sludge, the second filter element being stacked on the first filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the first filter element and second filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the second filter element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the first filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the second filter element with the oil filtered by the first element. A centrifugal separator is disposed in an annular space between the filter elements and filter housing for imparting a rotary motion to the fluid prior to the fluid passing through the filter elements. This removes large particles from the fluid by centrifugal force so that large particles do not add to the contaminant load in the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Keith Rhyne, Mark Allen Roll, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Johnny Wong
  • Patent number: 6685830
    Abstract: Device and process for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation with a float/sink separator which exhibits a separator tank filled with a liquid separating medium, in which context there are provided devices for generation of a surface flow in the separating medium, which propel the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from a pickup point of the product mix to an output point for the floating fraction, along the surface of the separating medium, at such a speed as to inhibit absorption of the separating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bernhard Hartleitner, Siegfried Kreibe, Thorsten Pitschke, Josef Wagner, Xaver Deisser
  • Patent number: 6533946
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling drilling mud contaminated with particulates, consists of channelling a stream of contaminated slurry onto a screen deck, with the partly cleansed liquid entering a mixing tank. Liquid within the tank is continually mixed. An exit conduit removes liquid from the tank on a continuous basis, where it is given an additional purification with a cyclonic separator. The heavier fraction is further screened, with the resulting purified liquid re-entering the tank. The lighter fraction exists the cyclonic separator, and a portion of the lighter liquid is withdrawn for use as a substantially cleansed liquid. Another portion of the lighter fraction is re-circulated back into the tank, thus providing multi passes through the system to provide enhanced purification. The cleansed liquid may be directed into a separate mixing apparatus, in which additional slurry-forming powder such as Bentonite is added for forming a new slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Roger H. Woods Limited
    Inventor: Doug Pullman
  • Patent number: 6527960
    Abstract: A process for separating oily films from sand particles carried in a solvent free water stream includes the use of a jet pump scrubber in a density classification tank to treat such oily coated particles at controlled operating temperatures above 65° C. whereby, at such controlled temperature, enhanced cavitation in the jet pump separates the oily film from the sand particles to form slop oil, the tank providing for recirculation of the particles through the jet pump before discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Canadian Environmental Equipment & Engineering Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana L. Bacon, Patrick J. Cochrane, Wade R Bozak, Roderick M. Facey
  • Patent number: 6350379
    Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a full flow filter element and a bypass filter element stacked on the full flow filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the full flow filter element and bypass filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the bypass element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the full flow filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the bypass filter element with the oil filtered by the full filter element. During operation of the engine this arrangement tends to provide cleaner lubricating oil and therefore reduces engine wear while increasing the time interval between scheduled maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Roll, Gregory Keith Rhyne, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6299782
    Abstract: A continuous process for treating a liquid-containing organic waste material. Sufficient acid is added to the material to achieve a pH of 2 or less in the material. The material is subjected to a beating treatment sufficient to (a) reduce the viscosity of the material, and (b) by heat-generated by friction during the beating treatment and by heat generated by reaction of the acid with the material, raise the temperature of the material so that liquid in the material is vaporized to gases. Sufficient alkaline medium is added to the material such that the pH of the material is raised to at least 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Conterra AS
    Inventor: Ove Blomkvist
  • Patent number: 6296764
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LaMina, Inc.
    Inventors: Raouf A. Guirguis, Mark T. MacLean-Blevins
  • Publication number: 20010019027
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact solid-liquid separator having a high water surface loading which can limit pollutant's outflow even when flocs are insufficiently pelletized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Sakae Kosanda, Yuichi Fuchu, Yutaka Niida, Koichi Masuda, Seiichi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6165360
    Abstract: A method and a device for dehydrating a heavy oil wherein an emulsion of water and a heavy oil is mixed in a stirring chamber together with a suitable amount of an emulsion breaker, the mixture is subjected to separation in a two-phase separation tank to a heavy oil-rich component and a water-rich component, the heavy oil-rich component is then fed to a dehydrator of a high voltage charge type in which separation to a dehydrated heavy oil and a water-rich component is effected, the water-rich component fractions supplied from the two-phase separation tank and the dehydrator are mixed in a pipeline, the mixture thus obtained is admixed with an O/W emulsion breaker and then, fed to a stirring chamber and finally separated to a heavy oil-containing component and a heavy oil-free water layer in a second separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzumura, Masato Kaneko, Isao Matsuura, Masami Fukunaga, Masaki Iijima
  • Patent number: 6126836
    Abstract: A superb centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating feed, is provided for use in an effective separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary pipe and a rotating feed line comprising a centrifugal rotating downfeeder. The slurry is centrifugally discharged from the rotating downfeeder into the flotation chamber where the slurry is separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Inter-Citic Mineral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Ding, Wan-Tai Yen, Alan R. Pindred
  • Patent number: 6110386
    Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the condition of cutting fluids in a machine tool sump and for the removal of tramp oil from the cutting fluid has a pump to draw cutting fluid from the machine tool sump and transfer the fluid to an auxiliary tank where the fluid outlet is directed to drive a turbine wheel for rotation of a shaft and simultaneously aerate the cutting fluid. Drums on the shaft are partially submerged so as to be wetted by the tramp oil content. Wiper blades bear against the drum surfaces to strip the tramp oil from the drums as they rotate. A collecting trough is positioned below the wiper contact line to receive the tramp oil as it is stripped from the drum and drain it off to a waste container. In this manner, the cutting fluid is in constant circulation, even when the machine tool is idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jasper Underhill
  • Patent number: 6099741
    Abstract: Liquid containing organic waste material and chemicals are continually introduced into the upper part of a vertical, cylindical treatment chamber. While sinking through the chamber, the material is beaten by fast rotating treating elements which also mix the material. The treating elements also move in axial direction to free vapors and gases from the material. Vapors and gases are removed from the top of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Biopartner AS
    Inventor: Ove Blomkvist
  • Patent number: 6096198
    Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the condition of cutting fluids in a machine tool sump and for the removal of tramp oil from the cutting fluid has a pump to draw cutting fluid from the machine tool sump and transfer the fluid to an auxiliary tank where the fluid outlet is directed to drive a turbine wheel for rotation of a shaft and simultaneously aerate the cutting fluid. Drums on the shaft are partially submerged so as to be wetted by the tramp oil content. Wiper blades bear against the drum surfaces to strip the tramp oil from the drums as they rotate. A collecting trough is positioned below the wiper contact line to receive the tramp oil as it is stripped from the drum and drain it off to a waste container. In this manner, the cutting fluid is in constant circulation, even when the machine tool is idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jasper Underhill
  • Patent number: 6051139
    Abstract: A filtering device used to filter the slurry is disclosed, including a crossflow fan within the filter housing, and a driving mechanism relative to the crossflow fan under the filter housing to drive the crossflow fan spinning to agitate the slurry in the filter housing, so as to prevent the particles in the slurry from adhering to the surface of the filter. The filtering device further includes a spoiler between the crossflow fan and the filter, so that larger particles remain circulating somewhere between the tip of the spoiler and the crossflow fan, instead of flowing to the filter, to prolong the lifetime of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Juen-Kuen Lin, Chien-Hsin Lai, Peng-Yih Peng
  • Patent number: 5944998
    Abstract: Rotary filtration devices and processes are disclosed. The devices have at least one inner member and at least one outer member, one or both of which rotate so that they rotate with respect to one another and which define a fluid filtration gap therebetween. There are one or more filters facing the fluid filtration gap and which are located either on the inner member or on the outer member or on both. During the filtration process, permeate passes from the feed fluid in the fluid filtration gap through the one or more filters. The inner member has an internal pathway for the flow of feed fluid. Fluid from the body of fluid to be filtered flows from the body of feed fluid to be filtered through the internal pathway, reverses direction, and then flows through the fluid filtration gap back to the body of feed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins
  • Patent number: 5928508
    Abstract: A medium is separated into a solids-containing component and a liquid component. The latter flows through a filter. Clogging of the filter is avoided in that the latter is moved relative to the medium perpendicularly to the flow direction of the liquid through the filter element. At the same time, the medium is agitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Kleinschroth, Johann Lisson, Klaus Blinn, Josef Sowka
  • Patent number: 5914034
    Abstract: A superb centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating feed, is provided for use in an effective separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary pipe and a rotating feed line comprising a centrifugal rotating downfeeder. The slurry is centrifugally discharged from the rotating downfeeder into the flotation chamber where the slurry is separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Inter-Citic Envirotec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Ding, Wan-Tai Yen, Alan R. Pindred
  • Patent number: 5902489
    Abstract: A chamber for exerting an ultrasound beam on a sample solution containing particles to be concentrated, separated or arranged is provided with a view toward arbitrarily controlling the shape of a spatial distribution of potential energy created by the ultrasound beam and concentrating, separating or periodically arranging the particles. In contrast to the chamber, irradiation ultrasound sources for generating ultrasound beams are provided to create an ultrasonic intensity distribution for producing a position potential energy distribution used to exert a force forwarded in a predetermined direction or a force staying at a predetermined region to each particle. Thus, a specific spatial distribution of potential energy can be realized by ultrasound beams each having a specific intensity, a specific frequency and a specific phase or an ultrasound beam formed by superimposing these on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yasuda, Shin-ichiro Umemura, Kazuo Takeda, Mitsuru Tamura, Norio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5849202
    Abstract: A process and device for the filtration of solid-liquid mixtures, in particular, solid-liquid suspensions with readily sedimenting substances, uses a filtration device such as a rotary filter optionally operating at an overpressure and in a pressure vessel. The process primarily comprises producing a movement in addition to the natural or usual filtration movement of the or in the mixture. Conveniently, a filtration device and, in particular, with rotary filters in a pressure vessel, includes a partly open feeding device, in particular, a feeding pipe for the supply of mixture or suspension, and a device for additionally influencing the natural or usual filtration movement of or in the mixture or suspension for generating an additional flow of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer
  • Patent number: 5595661
    Abstract: A process for recovering a halocarbon from a liquid waste slurry containing the halocarbon admixed with one or more contaminants using countercurrent or co-current extraction is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Schering Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hsin-Chwen Li, Hari K. Tikku, Marc Steinman
  • Patent number: 5489381
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids, slurries or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus comprises an extruder having a dynamic seal and a barrel comprising a slip joint and a floating auger which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 5466370
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a torque sensor and movable cap which allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan