Plural Distinct Separators Patents (Class 210/322)
  • Patent number: 7771580
    Abstract: Method and Systems for extracting a concentrated sample of particles include priming a concentrate reservoir by passing a fluid through the concentrate reservoir to remove air. The concentrate reservoir has a first end with an opening and second end with an opening. The second end of the concentrate reservoir is closed off, and particles are accumulated within the concentrate reservoir by use of a particle concentrator. Thereafter, the first end of the concentrate reservoir is closed off, isolating the concentrate reservoir from particle concentrator, from which the particles were obtained. The second end of the concentrate reservoir is thereafter opened, and the particles of the concentrated sample in the concentrate reservoir are extracted to a sample capture reservoir through the second end opening of the concentrate reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Jurgen H. Daniel, Meng H. Lean, Robert Matusiak, Armin R. Volkel, Gregory P. Schmitz, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Ashutosh Kole
  • Patent number: 7718059
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing magnetized water. The apparatus comprises a plurality of magnet bars arranged in a radial manner, in which each magnet bar is structured such that a plurality of neodymium based permanent magnets is stacked in a stainless steel pipe in a manner such that like poles of the permanent magnets face each other. Thanks to this structure, the apparatus has a large contact area between the magnetic field and water flowing through the apparatus, thereby activating water by changing the structure of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Kyung Bae Park, Yeong-Garp Cho, Deuk-Gun Park
  • Publication number: 20100108594
    Abstract: An influent feed system for directing the influent liquid via hydraulic energy to scour the surface of primary treatment tank walls and base to move the scoured solids to a sludge trough. Scouring action takes place during periods of low liquid levels in the tank. The system comprises two identical, adjacent tanks sharing a common distribution box. Either or both of the tanks are in use at any given time. The tank in use will be empty occasionally each day. Influent feed troughs disposed transversely in each tank directs solids towards a sludge hopper in the tank bottom. The IFTs extend over the width of the tank to provide scouring of the entire end wall and floor surface. Each IFT has a sump with a valved discharge piped directly to the sludge trough, and the floor of each IFT is sloped towards the sump to facilitates draining of solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Trans Terra Corporation
    Inventor: Terry WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20100089797
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices and processes for removing asphaltenes and/or metals from crude oil to increase refinery processing of heavy materials. The desalters of this invention reduce and/or remove at least a portion of asphaltenes and/or metals form the crude oil. The separation occurs by mixing water with the crude oil to result in an aqueous phase having water and water soluble salts, an interface phase having asphaltenes and/or metals along with water, and a hydrocarbon phase having desalted, deasphalted and/or reduced metal crude oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Sudhakar Chakka, Steve E. Orwig, Joachim Voelkening
  • Publication number: 20090194272
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for treating a fluid to be injected into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a desalination system (12) having a fluid inlet (16) for receiving a first feed fluid (18) and a first fluid outlet (22) for delivering a first product fluid (20). The apparatus (10) also includes a selective ionic species removal plant (30) having a fluid inlet (36) for receiving a second feed fluid (34) and a fluid outlet (40) for delivering a second product fluid (38), wherein the second product fluid (38) has a preferred ionic concentration. A mixer (46) is provided for mixing at least a portion of the first product fluid (20) and at least a portion of the second product fluid (38) to provide a third or injection product fluid (48). Accordingly, injection fluid can be created which has a preferred ionic concentration suitable for injecting into a well (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: VWS Westgarth Limited
    Inventor: Brian Baillie
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090050581
    Abstract: In order to provide a device for processing backflushed fluid from a backflushing filter containing solids, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the backflushed fluid by sedimentation in a sediment collecting region, which device allows a discharge of solids without auxiliary filter agents, and has a fluid loss which is as low as possible, it is proposed that the sedimentation device should comprise a sluice mechanism, by means of which the sediment collecting region can be connected to a sedimentation container during a sedimentation phase and can be separated from the sedimentation container during a discharge phase and can be emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Egon Kaske
  • Publication number: 20080295797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions on ships using diesel engines equipped with a wet emissions reduction system. In particular, the invention relates to a large diesel internal combustion engines installed on a ship and fitted with a wet emissions reductions system that is supplied water by an onboard advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Publication number: 20080257836
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes devices for light matter extraction and for heavy matter extraction. Each embodiment provides for a plurality, e.g., two or more stacked or layered chambers, and connected to a central compartment of the chambers is a rotating drive shaft. In the light matter extraction, a central conduit feeds fluid input into the lower chamber. An upper portion of the lower chamber communicates with the lower portion of a mid chamber via a port formed in a plate dividing the chambers. The upper portion of the mid chamber communicates with the lower portion of an upper chamber via a port formed in a plate dividing the chambers. The chambers can be fixably connected to one another. In the heavy matter extraction an initial feed conduit feeds fluid into the upper chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Henry J. Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20080167511
    Abstract: A process comprising receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising carbon dioxide, separating the hydrocarbon feed stream into a light hydrocarbon stream and a heavy hydrocarbon stream, separating the light hydrocarbon stream into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream, and feeding the carbon dioxide-lean stream into a hydrocarbon sweetening process, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process compared to the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process when fed the hydrocarbon feed stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Holloman Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Prim
  • Patent number: 7309445
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring slurry from a vessel having a plurality of slurry collection points. The apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets in flow communication with one or more outlets and a plurality of pressure-reducing cyclones. Each cyclone is associated with a respective one of the collection points and a respective one of the manifold inlets and each cyclone has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. In use, each duct being brings a respective one of the slurry collection points of the vessel into flow communication with an inlet port of a respective one of the cyclones, and/or each duct brings an outlet port of a respective one of the cyclones into flow communication with a respective one of the inlets of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventors: Neville Ernest Lange, Geoffrey John Christopher Childs
  • Publication number: 20070246414
    Abstract: A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Jason W. Page, Carrie A. Page
  • Patent number: 6878283
    Abstract: Filter cartridge assemblies and housings are provided and include a tubular housing having an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end, and a second end. The housings include inner walls with shoulders or other radially-inwardly extending flow directors at the intersections of adjacent sections of the tubular body. The assemblies include a plurality of filter media sections within the housing, and each of the plurality of filter media sections preferably has a different filter media composition. One or more of the filter media sections traverses one or more of the shoulders or other radially-inwardly extending flow directors such that the flow directors evenly direct the flow of fluid through the assembly. The assemblies find particular applicability in dialysis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Renal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph P. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6823721
    Abstract: A system which receives as inputs various measurements of solids and liquids in a clarification system and, from these measurements, determines the various constituents and their fractional makeup within the system. The measurements may be made manually or mechanically, but are preferably made manually. From a quantitative analysis of easily accessible sample points, data is acquired and plugged into a spread sheet program, which numerically and graphically displays the breakdown of the constituents which make up the solids and liquids discharged from a treatment stage or of the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hutchison Hayes, L.P.
    Inventors: Lee Hilpert, Gary L. Hensley
  • Patent number: 6824695
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable water purification system, including (a) an ozone supply, (b) an ozone contact chamber mixing a contaminated or potentially contaminated water stream with ozone generated by such ozone supply, (c) an ozone destruction unit for destructing ozone contained in the water stream and converting said water stream into an oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream, and (d) a downstream biologically active carbon filter, for receiving such oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream and biologically destructing at least a portion of contaminants contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard F. Tempest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6743365
    Abstract: A magnetic filtration system includes one or a plurality of collection units (1) comprising a magnet (4) disposed between a pair of plates (2, 3), one plate being magnetized North, the other, South. The plates are provided with facing apertures and facing pole pieces so that particles entering the recesses are both repelled from the apertures and attracted towards and retained in collecting regions between exposed facing plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: John Marlowe
  • Publication number: 20040089616
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Mona D. Jensen, Shari Ommert, Mikayla Kob, Andrea Pierce, Keith Morneau, Hsin Chiang Lin
  • Publication number: 20040026304
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dividing a fluid into desired proportions by means of a filtering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030196950
    Abstract: A fluid strainer device is disclosed. The device includes a housing which defines an open chamber, the chamber having both at least one fluid input port and at least one fluid outlet port. A plurality of spaced strainer baskets are disposed within the chamber. Each basket has a pair of spaced perforated side panels, a perforated rear panel, a perforated top panel and an open front portion in fluid communication with the chamber fluid input port. Finally, each strainer basket is aligned within the chamber for fluid flow from the chamber input port into the basket's open front portion and out through the perforations thereof to filter debris from the fluid while preventing substantial fluid pressure drop between the input and outlet ports substantially independent of debris buildup within the baskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne J. Kraft
  • Patent number: 6589749
    Abstract: A biological fluid collection container comprising a cup member, a lid assembly removably mounted to the cup member comprising a housing with a downwardly extending cylindrical skirt, a luer lock with a throughgoing bore extending from one side of the lid housing. A hollow tube extends from the other side of the lid housing adjacent the luer lock and is axially aligned with the throughgoing bore of the luer lock. The hollow tube is provided with a plurality of throughgoing holes leading into its lumen along its surface to provide for a sampling along various liquid level layers of the biological fluid specimen collected in the cup member so that when the biological fluid specimen is removed from the cup member a representative sampling is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: LaMina, Inc.
    Inventor: Raouf A. Guirguis
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20020166805
    Abstract: A filtration assembly and method of making the same is disclosed. More specifically disclose herein are filter head and cartridge configurations which create custom-fit replacement filter assemblies, have an improved receptacle/lug configuration and are capable of being manufactured exclusively by the injection molding process. The filter head includes a plurality of engagement areas for receiving the cartridge housing lugs. A portion of each engagement area is formed by inserting downwardly projecting blades into the mold assembly which forms the filter head by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gian D. Minns, Michael A. Hawes, John H. Oakey, Ian L. Trew, Philip C. Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 6479680
    Abstract: A process for the reaction of an organic compound with a hydroperoxide comprises at least the steps (i) to (iii) below: (i) reaction of the hydroperoxide with the organic compound to give a mixture comprising the reacted organic compound and unreacted hydroperoxide, (ii) separation of the unreacted hydroperoxide from the mixture resulting from step (i), (iii) reaction of the hydroperoxide separated off in step (ii) with the organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Bassler, Wolfgang Harder, Peter Resch, Norbert Rieber, Wilhelm Ruppel, Joaquim Henrique Teles, Andreas Walch, Anne Wenzel, Peter Zehner
  • Publication number: 20020104809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coolant recovery system is shown. A holding tank is positioned above a cleaning tank. The holding tank receives contaminated coolant from a pre-existing machine coolant tank, and the cleaning tank holds a quantity of relatively clean coolant. Contaminated coolant is pumped into the holding tank and allowed to settle, creating a thin layer of contaminants on top of the coolant. Clean coolant is pumped from the cleaning tank into the holding tank, causing the thin layer of contaminants to drain out of the holding tank via a skim line into a processing zone in the cleaning tank. The processing zone is designed to allow only the coolant portion of the skimmed liquid to pass to the remainder of the cleaning tank. The processed coolant remaining in the holding tank is then pumped back to the machine coolant tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Gary D. Southerland
  • Patent number: 6358415
    Abstract: A vortex sewage disposal apparatus for the disposal of construction sewage, comprising a hopper-type casing, a water inlet pipe, a lower outlet and a frame; within the water inlet pipe these are provided rapid-mixing blades, on the wall of the inlet pipe there are provided an upper and a lower reagent-filling holes used to add two treatment reagents successively, at the center of the hopper casing there is provided a central tube, at the lower end of the central tube there is mounted a conical separator, and inside the central tube there is provided a screw-type water lifter; on the top of the hopper casing there is provided a top baffle plate acting as an upper cover; a bleed pipe is provided for discharging oil and gas, the silt is discharged through the lower outlet, and the clear water ascents to a clear water tank and a water-directing tray and then flows into a water discharging pipe after crossing a dam board to be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wai On Leung
  • Patent number: 6338795
    Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Okajima, Kazuyoshi Takei
  • Patent number: 6322710
    Abstract: A managing system for managing slurry, which is used to machine workpieces. The slurry contains dispersion liquid and abrasive grains. Slurry that has been used in machining further includes impurities that are smaller than the abrasive grains. A first decanter centrifugally separates a mixture of impurities and dispersion liquid from the used slurry to recover recyclable abrasive grains from the slurry. A second decanter centrifugally separates impurities from the mixture to recover recyclable dispersion liquid from the slurry. A specific gravity gage and a viscosity gage detect properties of the used slurry. The rotating speeds of the first and second decanters are controlled in accordance with the detected properties of the slurry. This always maintains the separating efficiency of both decanters at an optimal value thus effectively recovering and recycling the abrasive grains and dispersion liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha Ltd., Nippei Toyama Corporation, Toyobo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Katsumata, Takaharu Nishida, Kazuki Omori
  • Patent number: 6280639
    Abstract: A self-cleaning swimming pool with an improved skimmer and floor drain design. Two skimmers are preferably located approximately across the pool from each other, and each skimmer is located approximately across the pool from two upper return nozzles such that the nozzles tend to direct a flow of water toward the skimmers. A plurality of capped floor drains are located preferably not more than twelve feet apart or more than six feet from each pool end; and a plurality of lower return nozzles are preferably located 6 to 12 inches from the pool bottom to direct debris on the pool bottom towards the floor drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro G. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6241945
    Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Owen
  • Publication number: 20010001643
    Abstract: A 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plate assembly comprises a common base plate having plural apertures (bores), and removable extraction cartridges (containers, tubes) extending through the bores. The plate assembly is mounted on a conventional 96-well plate vacuum manifold. The cartridges preferably snap into the base plate, but may also screw in. The apertures have annular counterapertures (counterbores) complementary to annular ridges protruding from the side walls of the cartridges. Each ridge snaps into a corresponding counteraperture. The modular design allows the end user to customize the extraction medium mix of the extraction plate assembly by inserting extraction containers having different sorbents into a common base plate. Gaskets are used to maintain a vacuum seal between the base plate and extraction cartridges, for maintaining a pressure gradient across the sorbents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Nigel Simpson
    Inventors: NIGEL SIMPSON, DAVID R. NAU, ALBERT J. BUFFA
  • Patent number: 6224767
    Abstract: A fluid separation element assembly comprises a fluid separation element having a membrane unit and a wrapping material formed around the membrane unit, an anti-telescoping plate attached to at least one end of the fluid separation element at a condition free to be detached, and a feed water seal member for preventing feed water from leaking through a gap between the fluid separation element and the anti-telescoping plate. The membrane unit is formed by a separation membrane, a permeate carrier material and a feed carrier material which are spirally wound around a permeate collection tube. By providing the anti-telescoping plate detachably, when the separation membrane has reached its life, it is possible to reuse other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Toray Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Ikada, Hisaaki Fujino
  • Patent number: 6214220
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or gas from a wastewater flow stream includes a vessel having a vessel wall surrounding an interior. A flow inlet is provided for transmitting wastewater to be treated to the vessel interior. The vessel provides a primary oil outlet and a secondary oil outlet. An oil bucket receives floating oil for transfer to the primary oil outlet. A transversely positioned matrix of media extends across the cross section of the vessel interior to separate the vessel interior into first and second sections. The hydrocyclone separator carries a plurality of de-oiler hydrocyclone liners. The separator is positioned at least partially within and communicates with the vessel interior. The hydrocyclone separator is positioned upstream of the secondary oil outlet and downstream of the matrix of coalescing media. Oil separated by the hydrocyclone liners flows to the secondary oil outlet. Water separated by the hydrocyclone liners flows to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Engineering Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Uncas B. Favret, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6132609
    Abstract: A combination water filter tank, which includes a rectangular housing, three transverse partition boards disposed in the housing and defining a first sedimentation chamber, a second sedimentation chamber, a third sedimentation chamber and a fourth sedimentation chamber, a water inlet for guiding water from an external water source into the first sedimentation chamber, a plurality of first longitudinal partition boards of different heights respectively disposed in the first sedimentation chamber, three L-shaped water guide boards respectively suspended in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber, a plurality of second longitudinal partition boards respectively disposed in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber on the middle at an elevation below the L-shaped water guide boards, and a water outlet for guiding water out of the fourth sedimentation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Tsun Shin Chang, Shih Ching Chuang
  • Patent number: 6010011
    Abstract: Flotation equipment for mineral processing having a single column with multi-sections or chambers in which the partitions between chambers can be moved for optimum hydrodynamics resulting in the separation of different particles in each chamber which rises to the top of the chambers entrained with air bubbles to form froth layers. Provision is made for processing large particles in at least one of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Julius Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 5954969
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing a commercially usable iron oxide material by treating iron contaminated water. A clean effluent is also produced. Iron contaminated water is sampled to determine a bicarbonate to iron molar ratio. The flow of the water is directed to a collection basin assembly when the bicarbonate to iron molar ratio is at least 2 to 1. Iron oxide material precipitates in the collection basin assembly. The water from the collection basin assembly is directed to a constructed wetland. After a period of time, the iron oxide material in the collection basin assembly can be harvested and used for commercial purposes without excessive further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Robert S. Hedin
  • Patent number: 5897772
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for environmental applications such as waste water treatment, de-inking of recycled paper, chemical/biochemical waste clean-up, and mineral beneficiation, using a multi-stage flotation column. A series of draft tubes arranged axially and separated by baffles provides individual mixing stages in the flotation column and a special gas distributor generates fine gas bubbles. The draft tubes create repetitive loop flow of the feed fluid in each flotation stage. This provides uniform distribution of the gas bubbles throughout the column and significantly enhances mixing and contacts of the gas bubbles with the impurities to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Shiao-Hung Chiang, Daxin He, Fuxin Ding
  • Patent number: 5807490
    Abstract: A method of separating two immiscible, melt-viscosity-differing thermoplastic polymer components from a mixed liquid stream thereof forms two discrete and continuous phases having a sheath/core configuration, wherein the sheath substantially contains the polymer component with the higher melt viscosity and the core substantially contains the polymer component with the lower melt viscosity. The mixed liquid stream contains a predominant amount (i.e., greater than 50% by volume) of the higher viscosity polymer component and a minority amount (i.e., less than 50% by volume) of the lower viscosity polymer component. The method involves directing the stream through a shear zone at a shear temperature and a shear rate sufficient to form the two discrete and continuous phases, the first of which substantially contains the lower viscosity polymer component and the second of which substantially contains the higher viscosity polymer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Jeffrey S. Dugan, Matthew B. Hoyt, Charles F. Helms, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5797328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for removal of impurities from, and recirculation of, cleaning agent in a printing machine. Contaminated cleaning agent is purified by passing it through a series of sedimentation devices. In these sedimentation devices, gravity is used to separate the cleaning agent into its constituent parts. Once the impurities have been removed from the cleaning agent, the constituent parts that can be reused are recirculated to the washing devices of the printing machine while the impurities are disposed appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Lippold, Edgar Dorsam
  • Patent number: 5702612
    Abstract: A flotation method and apparatus for separating a selected constituent from an effluent of an industrial process is provided. The apparatus includes a conditioning tank and a flotation cell. The conditioning tank allows mixing a flotation reagent with an effluent and includes a mechanism for also dissolving gas in the effluent within the conditioning tank. The flotation cell includes a dissolved gas flotation chamber having an overflow for recovering the selected constituent and a tailings drain. In addition, the flotation cell also includes an added gas flotation chamber having a sparger for injecting gas into the effluent, an overflow for recovering the selected constituent and a tailings drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Xiang-Huai Wang
  • Patent number: 5693225
    Abstract: A downhole fluid separation system is used with submergible pumping systems to separate downhole fluids into different density fluids, recover the lighter fluids to the earth's surface, and dispose the heavier fluids downhole. The fluid separation system includes a plurality of housings connectable one to another, each housing having one or more fluid separators, such as hydrocyclones, therein with an inlet of each fluid separator in communication with an inlet conduit, an overflow of each fluid separator in communication with an overflow conduit, and an underflow of each fluid separator in communication with an underflow conduit. The fluid separation system can be configured for parallel flow where the conduits conveying fluids downstream of a first housing have a greater cross-sectional flow area than corresponding conduits in an adjacent second housing. Also, the fluid separation system can be configured for series flow, for either the separated lighter or the separated heavier fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Che-Keung Lee
  • Patent number: 5611363
    Abstract: A system for removing oil from oil/water or oil/sand or oil/water/sand mixtures. An oil/water mixture is taken from an oil spill on the surface of the water or from other sources such as producing oil wells and is transported to a surge tank where it is agitated and then passed on to a separator which separates the oil from the water. The system also covers separating oil from sand or earth when the spill is on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Separation Oil Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Willis R. Campbell, Forrest L. Robinson, Bruce A. Perry, Dan Schwlefert
  • Patent number: 5575615
    Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of a multiphase fluid, comprises a pretreatment stage (60) upstream of a treatment stage, the pretreatment stage being arranged to cause an incoming flow of multiphase fluid to concentrate fluids of greater and lesser specific gravity into respective flow paths for subsequent treatment in the treatment stage and the pretreatment stage comprising a cyclonic separator device (60) concentrating fluid or fluids of greater specific gravity into an outer annular flow path around an inner flow path for fluid or fluids of lesser specific gravity. The treatment stage comprises a centrifuge having a separator drum (65) rotatable about the axis (66) thereof with an inlet end portion next to the cyclonic separator device (60) comprising concentric inner and outer walls (76, 70) and helical vanes (75) between the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Framo Developments (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Frank Mohn
  • Patent number: 5556539
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid by pervaporation, which comprises at least one pervaporation membrane module unit for purifying a liquid to be treated, a supply line connected to said pervaporation membrane module unit for supplying the liquid to be treated to the membrane module unit, a withdrawing line for withdrawing the permeated fluid from the membrane module unit and a withdrawing line for withdrawing the non-permeated liquid, wherein said supply line is provided with a pressure pump for transporting the liquid and a heater, and the final withdrawing line for the non-permeated liquid is provided with a pressure regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Kasei Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Mita, Kenji Sugimoto, Seiji Sudoh, Katashi Shioda, Moriyoshi Kudoh
  • Patent number: 5543043
    Abstract: Apparatus for clarifying produced water. A flotation chamber has a produced water inlet, a clean water outlet, and is segmented into a plurality of cells by baffles. An oil overflow compartment is in fluid communication with the upper portion of the chamber. Produced gas is introduced into each cell of the flotation chamber by porous sparger tubes creating bubbles of 100 to 1000 microns in diameter. The bubbles rise through the water removing any suspended oil particles. The gas exits through a gas outlet. The removed oil collects on the liquid surface of the produced water and overflows to the overflow compartment. Oil is removed from the overflow compartment via an oil outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jan B. Bates, Steven F. Sciamanna
  • Patent number: 5540849
    Abstract: A filter for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing fluid stream passing through the filter, contains one or more flow plates, each of the flow plates having (a) one or more primary fluid flow passages; and (b) one or more particulates-collecting, eddy current-forming accumulation chambers communicating with the primary fluid flow passages; wherein the accumulation chambers are not situated in the primary fluid flow passages and, when the accumulation chambers contain particulates, the particulate-containing accumulation chambers do not impede fluid flow through the primary fluid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Dugan
  • Patent number: 5509535
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus has an array of flotation cells which are in serial fluid flow communication from a first to a last cell. Each cell is in overflow communication with an overflow froth receiving receptacle which preferably has a top lip of slightly varying height in each cell. Air inlet and mechanical agitation are provided for each cell and are so positioned to promote an upright circular fluid flow in each cell toward the froth receiving receptacle. Each cell has internal surfaces shaped and oriented to promote the upright circular fluid flow and to discourage the creation of reverse eddy currents within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Hydrochem Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: John C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5445730
    Abstract: A grease/oil/water separator device and assembly for a vehicle wash system having a grease/oil/water separator tank which has three tank compartments. A first tank, a settling tank, is provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water allows sludge and debris to fall to the bottom of the settling tank. Water enters a second tank, the trap tank, from the settling tank, the trap tank being provided with entrance and exit piping such that a diagonal cross-flow of water is created so as to allow oil and grease to be separated from the water with the exit piping being located at the bottom of the trap tank which then enters the third tank, the pump tank where the grease and oil separated water is pumped into a sand filter which further filters the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Harley J. Pattee
  • Patent number: 5435914
    Abstract: A clarifying device for waste water has a plurality of containers for receiving waste water, and a device for aerating or gasifying waste water in at least one of the containers. The containers are formed as treatment cells which are combinable with one another to provide a waste water throughflow and which are small when compared with conventional clarifying reservoirs. The treatment cells are closed from outside. A negative pressure source is connected with the treatment cells for producing negative pressure in the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: IEG Industrie-Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 5417806
    Abstract: A method of removing fine contaminants from waste paper fibrous material (S) is described with solution (1) and pre cleaning (2) whereupon the fibrous material is first subjected to a washing treatment (3) and then to a flotation treatment (5). The washing filtrate (12) from the washing treatment (3) is cleaned in a filtrate-flotation treatment (4) so that a cleaned fraction (14) can be returned into the useful material (13) of the washing treatment. The so cleaned waste paper fibrous material can be passed to further treatment steps such as flotation, bleaching and/or dispersion. The reject material from the filtrate-flotation (4) is, in one embodiment, again subjected to a flotation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Sulzer-Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Matzke, Bruno Michelewski