Material Supply Distributor Patents (Class 210/519)
  • Patent number: 7794609
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kadant Black Clawson Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Egan, III
  • Publication number: 20100193446
    Abstract: A separation unit for separating oil from oily water has a first oil to water ratio and the separation unit comprises a body which defines an inner chamber and which has a first end-wall and an opposite second end-wall and first and second side-walls that extend between the first end-wall and the second end-wall. The inner chamber is at least partly delimited by the first end-wall and the second end-wall, the first side-wall and the second side-wall. The separation unit further comprises a third wall which constitutes a separation wall extending from the first end-wall towards the second end-wall and divides the inner chamber into a first and a second sub-chamber. An inlet is defined at the first side-wall and the first end-wall and a first outlet is defined at the second side-wall and the first end-wall. A passage is defined at the third wall and the second end-wall and a fluid path from the inlet which passes through the first sub-chamber and the passage and the second sub-chamber to the first outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Tommy Byskov
  • Publication number: 20100187191
    Abstract: A thickening apparatus (1) and method adapted to liquids carrying suspended particles, such as slurry containing minerals, when there is a tank (2), where settling of solids takes place, a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having means for receiving fed material (11), such as slurry and at least one outlet (5) in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, means for delivering the fed material (11), at least slurry, into the feedwell, when inside the feedwell there is arranged a separate mixing space (12) for the fed material (11), when there is arranged at least one horisontal element (7, 15, 22, 23) reaching at least partly the cross-section of the feedwell, from which mixing space the fed material (11) is allowed to flow into other section (14) of the feedwell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventor: Richard Triglavcanin
  • Patent number: 7753215
    Abstract: A weir assembly for use with a mixer-settler for liquid-liquid extraction includes in one embodiment an organic weir having an inlet opening below the free surface of the organic phase liquid and a vertically-adjustable front wall allowing adjustments in the position and/or height of the inlet opening. The organic weir can also feature an angled bottom coupled to a lip segment, an incline plate in the interior of the weir, and a front wall that is angled with respect to incoming fluid flow. In another embodiment the weir assembly can independently or additionally include an aqueous weir with a labyrinth section. The aqueous weir can optionally include an adjustable lip hingedly coupled to the top of the final partition in the labyrinth section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Michael Giralico
  • Publication number: 20100163473
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating wastewater includes a treatment tank having a first edge region and a second edge region opposite the first edge region, a feed line configured to provide the wastewater to the treatment tank, a movable wastewater distributor connected to an end of the feed line and configured to distribute the wastewater in the treatment tank, and a traction mechanism. The wastewater distributor includes a plurality of outlet openings and is moveable within the treatment tank and the traction mechanism is configured to move the wastewater distributor in a reversing manner between the first and second opposite edge regions of the treatment tank. The feed line is elastically deformable so as to allow a movement of the wastewater distributor in a direction of back and forth movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Johan Verink
  • Patent number: 7745106
    Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Cascade Medical Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Roberto C. Beretta, Nicholas A. Grippi
  • Publication number: 20100155320
    Abstract: An apparatus for the flocculation of solid particles in a solid-liquid stream including an enclosure, an upwardly converging flow diverter defining a first zone and a second zone within the enclosure, and a solid-liquid stream inlet into the first zone of the enclosure at or towards the bottom of the first zone in proximity to the lower region of the flow diverter, the upwardly converging flow diverter having an upper opening for fluid communication between the first zone and the second zone. The apparatus is preferably a feedwell for a separation device for separating solid particles from a liquid in a solid-liquid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH OR
    Inventor: Tuan Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7740752
    Abstract: A system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral is disclosed. It employs a plurality of stacked, generally flat treatment beds each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid. Since the fluid is spread over a large surface, its velocity slows causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid as a sludge. A pH correction device may add an agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out and into the sludge. Atmospheric oxygen may also be used to effect the precipitation. Portions of the beds may be isolated and the sludge collected resulting in a fluid having substantially less suspended and dissolved materials at a pH and temperature closer to normal. Energy may be produced from the movement of liquid through the system or from the heat energy of the fluid. Magnetics may be utilized to improve the precipitation of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher S. Gillis
  • Patent number: 7731853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment with which an organic solution extraction solution is purified from entrainment of aqueous solution and impurities during hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction. The method treats an organic extraction solution, which is loaded with a valuable metal or valuable substance from the aqueous solution. The purpose is to carry out the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic extraction solution simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Eero Ekman, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Bror Nyman, Jussi Vaarno
  • Patent number: 7722776
    Abstract: A gravitational separation device for purifying water includes a basin for receiving and holding the water. The basin includes an internal wall. At least one supply channel is provided to the periphery of the basin for providing water to the basin. A plurality of openings is provided in a bottom or floor portion of the supply channel. Disposed under the openings is a plurality of deflector plates. A skirt spaced from the internal wall of the basin is inclined towards the interior of the basin at an angle of approximately 5° to 80°. A discharge channel is provided for discharging liquid from the basin, and there is also provided a device for discharging suspended particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: OTV SA
    Inventors: Karim Essemiani, Olivier Iborra, Michel Badard
  • Patent number: 7717275
    Abstract: An integrated perforated flocculating baffle system for use in a clarifier tank with a tank bottom, and a peripheral vertical wall bounding the interior of the tank is formed by a plurality of individual baffles interconnected and mounted to a support element, extending vertically inside the tank forming a rigid wall of perforated baffles allowing incoming water to pass through its openings and through gaps between individual baffles promoting flocculation of the suspended matter, and distributing the flow equally and uniformly throughout the settling the clarifiers. Each baffle includes solid linear and curved sections followed by perforated sections. The baffles are interconnected along the length by cross connectors to ensure rigidity. The resulting system provides an integrated perforated baffle system by which the water flows uniformly within the tank and flocculation is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Hany Zarif Gerges
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7704400
    Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Costinel
  • Publication number: 20100051520
    Abstract: Protein skimmers having an upright housing including an open topped body with a manually removable foam collection cup for sealing mounting on the body. The foam collection cups encircle a foam collection duct except for a recessed inspection window for exposing an area of the foam collection duct's exterior surface for enabling an aquarist a generally horizontal line of sight to continuously inspect the foam collection duct's interior. The protein skimmers have a canister-like configuration with a front control panel including a main inlet, a main outlet and at least one aspirating pump for circulating an air/water mixture. The protein skimmers include a disperser for dispersing an incoming flow of organic loaded water peripherally downward into a reaction chamber in a substantially uniform manner. The protein skimmers include a washing mechanism for periodically washing their foam collection ducts without having to remove their foam collection cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Neil H. Marks, Sharon Ram
  • Patent number: 7666303
    Abstract: A separator tank for separating and trapping contaminants in rainwater and runoff is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the separator tank comprises a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and top wall defining an internal chamber; an insert located inside of the internal chamber, the insert comprising a weir defining an intake area between the weir and the side wall; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area; an inlet conduit for introducing an influent liquid into the intake area; wherein the weir is positioned such that the weir induces the influent liquid to flow in a swirling motion within the intake area. According to another embodiment of the present invention an insert for a separator tank is disclosed. The insert includes a weir defining an intake area for receiving an influent liquid; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Monteco Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Williams, Daniel F. Nason, George E. Hecker, Mahadevan Padmanabhan, James T. Mailloux, Stuart A. Cain
  • Publication number: 20100006517
    Abstract: A gravity separator comprises a vessel within which a mixture containing water, oil, and gas can separate under gravity to form vertically discrete oil and water layers and a gas phase. An inlet duct communicates with a vessel entrance for the mixture containing water, oil, and gas. The inlet duct of the gravity separator comprises injector means injecting a gaseous medium in a volume in the range of 0.01-1.9 Sm3 gaseous medium per 1 m3 mixture into the mixture containing water, oil, and gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jorn Folkvang
  • Patent number: 7641805
    Abstract: A solids collector for collecting solids in waste water that are heavier than water includes a roto-molded plastic container having a cylindrical sidewall and a downwardly sloping bottom. An inlet and outlet are connected to the sidewall substantially above the sloping bottom so that solids that are heavier than water in the waste water coming into the container through the inlet have residence time in the container long enough to gravitationally separate towards the bottom. Waste water depleted of solids that are heavier than water discharge from the container through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Publication number: 20090321362
    Abstract: The device (1) serves for the generation of a discrete liquid phase in a continuous liquid phase with a first or a second liquid. The two liquids coexist as separate phases, have different densities and permit a desired exchange of material. Provision is made to arrange the device in a container (9) which contains the second liquid forming the continuous phase. The device includes a distribution member (2), in particular a cylindrical tube, and a collection passage (3) for the first liquid in a horizontal longitudinal extent. The collection passage has an outlet side (4), a collection side (5) and at least one side wall (6) connecting the outlet side and the collection side. The side wall establishes a connection between the outlet side and a horizontal drip edge (7). This side wall has a shape and an inclination which enables the formation of a liquid film of the discrete liquid phase. For enhancing the stability of the Film, the side wall (6) can have a good wettability for the first liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Gottlieb Bachmann, Ansor Gäbler
  • Patent number: 7637379
    Abstract: The improved circular secondary clarifier of the present invention requires less surface area and low HRT and provides efficient solids-liquid separation. The improved clarifier has better SS and BOD reduction and provides high under flow solids concentrations, as compared to conventional secondary clarifiers. The improved clarifier is even capable of treating wastewaters containing low MLSS concentration. One of the biggest advantages of improved clarifier is that it does not require a separate sump cum pump house as it removes the settled sludge using suction mechanism thereby reduces capital and recurring cost. Further, it provides natural flocculation, which is essential for agglomeration of solids and increases particle size referred to as ‘floc’ and eliminates provision for a separate flocculation facility thereby reduces capital and recurring costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Girish Ramesh Pophali, Tapas Nandy, Santosh Narain Kaul, Sukumar Devotta
  • Publication number: 20090294370
    Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater including a sludge blanket clarifier for removing at least some impurities from influent. The sludge blanket clarifier includes a clarifier compartment in which a sludge blanket is to be formed to remove at least some impurities from influent directed into the clarifier compartment and through the sludge blanket. The clarifier compartment has at least one vertical sidewall extending from a bottom of the clarifier compartment to a top of the clarifier compartment. The clarifier compartment has a cross-sectional area that varies over at least a portion of a height of the clarifier compartment such that the velocity of influent just prior to entry into the sludge blanket is less than the velocity of influent just after entering the clarifier compartment. The sludge blanket clarifier preferably has one or more flocculator modules disposed in the clarifier compartment to aid in flocculation and distribution of influent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison, Karl Michael Kyriss
  • Publication number: 20090283483
    Abstract: A method of extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the method comprising: injecting said suspension into a duct presenting a first section that is straight and a second section that is curved; and at the outlet from said curved section of the duct, extracting a liquid-enriched fraction of said suspension that is spatially separated from a particle-enriched fraction of the suspension; the method being characterized in that the injection flow rate of the suspension and the geometry of the duct are selected in such a manner that: in the straight section, lift forces cause particles to be superconcentrated in a ring around the longitudinal axis of the duct; and in the curved section, Dean secondary flows deform said ring and give rise to spatial separation between said liquid-enriched fraction and said particle-enriched fraction. A device for implementing such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jean Luc Achard, Elodie Sollier, Herve Rostaing
  • Patent number: 7617940
    Abstract: A device in connection with a separator for cleaning or reaming such a separator. The separator includes a tank or a body (2) with an inlet and at least one outlet (5, 6). A transport pipeline (3) is connected to the inlet for the supply of fluid that is to be separated in the separator. The transport pipeline (3) extends from the inlet through the separator body (2). Part (6) of the line that is located inside the separator body (2) is provided with perforations or slits (7) so that fluid that arrives in the transport pipeline (3) flows into the tank through the perforations/slits (7). Mechanical equipment for cleaning the transport pipeline (3) is designed to be sent from a magazine through the separator body (2) and on via a pipe loop back to the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Patent number: 7591946
    Abstract: The invention provides an extraction device (1) for liquid suspensions and pulps and is designed for use in the field of mineral processing. The extraction device includes two adjacent upstream and downstream concentric chambers (2) and (3) defining a feedwell (4). The feedwell is centrally located upstream of a third chamber in the form of a thickening tank (5). All three chambers are in sequential unidirectional fluid flow relationship such that feed liquid flows firstly from chamber (2) to chamber (3) and then to the tank (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventor: David John Buchanan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7591381
    Abstract: A cover system for a clarifier tank having a combined effluent and influent trough separated by a dividing wall. The cover system includes a mounting bracket attached to an inboard wall of the influent trough and at least one openable cover panel attached to the mounting bracket. An opposite support bracket is located on the dividing wall between the influent and the effluent troughs, where the cover panel covers the effluent channel and is openable for cleaning of the effluent channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: NEFCO
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 7591983
    Abstract: The invention is intended to produce high-pressure light fuel gas with good combustibility by contacting and reacting high-temperature, high-pressure water and heavy oil with each other in a contact-reaction unit to extract light oil components from the heavy oil and to remove metals. The high-temperature, high-pressure water and the heavy oil are introduced to the contact-reaction unit for contact and reaction with each other therein. Heavy oil components not dissolved in the high-temperature, high-pressure water are separated by precipitation from hydrocarbon gases and light oil components which are dissolved in the high-temperature, high-pressure water. The separated heavy oil components are burnt or incinerated without any further modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Petroleum Energy Center
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takahashi, Shinichi Inage, Nobuyuki Hokari, Masahiko Yamagishi, Akinori Hayashi, Osami Yokota, Youji Ishibashi
  • Publication number: 20090218300
    Abstract: A gravitational separation device for purifying water includes a basin for receiving and holding the water. The basin includes an internal wall. At least one supply channel is provided to the periphery of the basin for providing water to the basin. A plurality of openings is provided in a bottom or floor portion of the supply channel. Disposed under the openings is a plurality of deflector plates. A skirt spaced from the internal wall of the basin is inclined towards the interior of the basin at an angle of approximately 5° to 80°. A discharge channel is provided for discharging liquid from the basin, and there is also provided a device for discharging suspended particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventors: Karim Essemiani, Olivier Iborra, Michel Badard
  • Patent number: 7578930
    Abstract: A mobile water treatment unit is provided with separation and filtration components secured to a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: AquaShield, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kelly Williamson, Eric Rominger
  • Publication number: 20090206027
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with settling tanks for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided where the tank includes a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. Fluid is removed from the collecting compartment of the tank to be used again in drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Darin Merle Harding
  • Publication number: 20090173701
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Kadant Black Clawson Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Egan, III
  • Patent number: 7550120
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a cylindrical settler having a longitudinal axis, a conical base centered on the longitudinal axis, a outer wall centered on the longitudinal axis, a mix tank centered on the longitudinal axis and within the outer wall, and a coalescence fence extending from the outer surface of the mix tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Giralico, Michael Joseph Preston
  • Patent number: 7549441
    Abstract: A fluid inlet for waste water treatment equipment adapted to dissipate energy of a fluid that flows through the fluid inlet. The fluid inlet includes a bottom wall, a side wall and a plurality of spaced apart ports. The ports are in fluid communication with a chamber formed by the bottom wall and the side wall. Directional deflectors are respectively associated with each port. The directional deflectors of adjacent pairs of ports direct respective flows of fluid from the adjacent pair of ports toward one another such that the respective fluid flows from adjacent pairs of ports impinge upon one another and thereby dissipate energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: McNish Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Dornfeld
  • Publication number: 20090152214
    Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Shi-Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 7547396
    Abstract: A feedwell assembly for a thickener/clarifier including a feedwell body, at least one feed channel connected at a downstream end to the body, and a plate member disposed in the feed channel for separating froth from an incoming slurry stream to where the separated froth may be dissipated by a liquid spray directed onto the plate member. The plate member may include a planar upstream portion inclined upwardly from an upstream end of the plate member and may further include a planar downstream portion inclined downwardly from a downstream end of the upstream portion. At least one spray nozzle may be disposed above an elevated portion of the plate member so as to direct a liquid spray onto the plate member in a region about the joint, for further dissipating froth guided onto the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: FLSmidth Technology A/S
    Inventors: Don J. Foreman, Dennis MacGillivray, Fred Schoenbrunn
  • Patent number: 7547397
    Abstract: A pretreatment particle-accelerating deposition and separation apparatus and method for purifying turbid raw water, which based on the theories of laminar flow requirement, particle-accelerating vertical deposition and water horizontal movement, separates water molecules from turbidity particles in a laminar flow region (with a Reynolds number lower than 1,000). By accelerating the velocity of high-turbidity raw water and the turbidity particles, the particles settle vertically because of inertia. Thus, the turbidity particles can be removed physically from the raw water and clean water can be collected at different heights of the apparatus while concentrated turbid water can be released to a nearby body of water after appropriate treatments. Thereby, turbid water can be purified for the subsequent coagulation, sedimentation and filtration processes in traditional water treatment plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Shi-Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 7544302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells is provided. The apparatus comprises a tank with a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. Fluid is removed from the collecting compartment of the tank to be used again in drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Darin Merle Harding
  • Patent number: 7527731
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for removing sediment and other materials from storm water runoff is provided. An exemplary embodiment of this device includes: a first substantially cylindrical chamber a second substantially cylindrical chamber concentrically disposed within the upper portion of the first chamber, a first baffle concentrically disposed within the second chamber, and a second baffle disposed within the lower portion of the first chamber. A water inlet is attached to or formed integrally with the second chamber; a water outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber; and an optional bypass outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Yuming Su, Gayle F Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7527726
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Q'Max Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Slough, Troy Lupul
  • Publication number: 20090095672
    Abstract: An assembly for removing grit particles from a fluid having a flow. The assembly includes a tank having walls for holding fluid for separation of grit particles from the fluid, a fluid inlet for flow of fluid into the tank, a fluid outlet for flow of fluid from the tank, an inlet diffusion baffle assembly including a baffle positioned to direct fluid flow toward the tank walls and a lower chamber of the tank, and an outlet baffle assembly including a baffle positioned in a rear of the tank at an upward slope from the center of the tank toward the fluid outlet configured to direct fluid flow toward the center of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wilcher, Robert Slaby, Thomas W. Quimby
  • Publication number: 20090078650
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for thickening sludge carried along in waste water, wherein the waste water is subjected to a pretreatment reinforcing the flocculation and is subsequently introduced in the direction of gravity into a bath so as to separate the sludge from the water, in which the sludge particles descend under the action of gravity and are removed in the lower portion of the bath characterized in that the waste water, upon its introduction into the bath, is flowed against a baffle, by which the flow of the waste water in the bath is deflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Achim Kopmeier
  • Publication number: 20090032476
    Abstract: A cover system for a clarifier tank having a combined effluent and influent trough separated by a dividing wall. The cover system includes a mounting bracket attached to an inboard wall of the influent trough and at least one openable cover panel attached to the mounting bracket. An opposite support bracket is located on the dividing wall between the influent and the effluent troughs, where the cover panel covers the effluent channel and is openable for cleaning of the effluent channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 7481321
    Abstract: An interceptor configured to at least partially separate a mixture of a first material and a second material, the first material being a fluid. The interceptor includes a container having a base and a sidewall portion that extends upwardly from the base to at least partially define a separation chamber configured to receive the mixture and to facilitate separation of the first and second materials. The interceptor further includes an inlet aperture and an inlet diffuser. The inlet aperture is configured to provide fluid communication between the separation chamber and an inlet conduit that delivers the mixture to the interceptor. The inlet diffuser is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture and the inlet diffuser includes a body portion located within the separation chamber and an elongated outlet aperture that extends through the body portion to provide fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schier Products Company
    Inventor: Martin B. Ismert
  • Publication number: 20090020466
    Abstract: A separator tank for separating and trapping contaminants in rainwater and runoff is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the separator tank comprises a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and top wall defining an internal chamber; an insert located inside of the internal chamber, the insert comprising a weir defining an intake area between the weir and the side wall; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area; an inlet conduit for introducing an influent liquid into the intake area; wherein the weir is positioned such that the weir induces the influent liquid to flow in a swirling motion within the intake area. According to another embodiment of the present invention an insert for a separator tank is disclosed. The insert includes a weir defining an intake area for receiving an influent liquid; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Williams, Daniel F. Nason, George E. Hecker, Mahadevan Padmanabhan, James T. Mailloux, Stuart A. Cain
  • Patent number: 7479231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating mixtures of fluids having different densities. According to one aspect of the invention, a lower density fluid is separated from a higher density fluid. A mixture of the two fluids is received in a tank. A centrifugation of the mixture is induced in the tank. The lower density fluid is evacuated from the tank until the level of an interface created at least in part by the centrifugation between the higher density fluid and the lower density fluid reaches a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robert H. Bernard
  • Publication number: 20080314838
    Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gina Young Becker, Sigifredo Castro Diaz, Michael Hanson, Kylo Martin Heller
  • Patent number: 7445704
    Abstract: An above ground oil and water separator including a pump to draw potentially contaminated water from a containment area, and to supply a flow of water to an enclosure. An enclosure inlet pipe takes water from the diaphragm pump into the enclosure. A first sub-enclosure is formed within the enclosure by a wall containing a plurality of coalescing spheres. The coalescing spheres are bagged within the first wall and can be removed through an external lid during cleaning and removal of coalesced oil. A heat source contained within an electrical panel heats water and supplies the heated water to the enclosure to prevent freezing within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Roy W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7435864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the production of alkylate(s) by sulfuric acid alkylation of at least one isoparaffin such as isobutane with at least one olefin, such as butylenes. The device includes a mixing chamber for preparing a mixture of the isoparaffin with recycled reaction products. It also includes an emulsion chamber for preparing a first hydrocarbons-in-sulfuric acid emulsion, where the mixture prepared in the mixing chamber is injected in multiple parallel jets into a sulfuric acid composition. The device further includes a pre-reaction chamber for preparing a second emulsion, where a given portion of the olefin is injected in jet streams into the first hydrocarbons-in-sulfuric acid emulsion coming from the emulsion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Orgral International Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Semen Gershuni
  • Publication number: 20080245728
    Abstract: An oil-water separation pack includes an upper body having cross-sectional shape narrowing from a bottom to a top. The upper body includes an oil rising region provided in an inside central portion thereof, and an oil-discharging opening provided in a top portion thereof. A lower body disposed beneath the upper body includes a plurality of oblique flow-in ports, which allow an oil-water mixture to flow obliquely into an inside portion thereof and flows of the oil-water mixture to collide with each other and stagnate in the inside portion of the lower body, thereby enabling the oil to float and be separated from water. A coupling unit integrally couples a bottom portion of the upper body with a top portion of the lower body, thereby forming a continuous space extending from the lower body to the upper body. The continuous space allows oil to float therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Cheon Eok Lee
  • Publication number: 20080237120
    Abstract: An interceptor configured to at least partially separate a mixture of a first material and a second material, the first material being a fluid. The interceptor includes a container having a base and a sidewall portion that extends upwardly from the base to at least partially define a separation chamber configured to receive the mixture and to facilitate separation of the first and second materials. The interceptor further includes an inlet aperture and an inlet diffuser. The inlet aperture is configured to provide fluid communication between the separation chamber and an inlet conduit that delivers the mixture to the interceptor. The inlet diffuser is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture and the inlet diffuser includes a body portion located within the separation chamber and an elongated outlet aperture that extends through the body portion to provide fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the separation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHIER PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventor: Martin B. Ismert
  • Patent number: 7429332
    Abstract: A device for separating constituents of a fluid mixture includes an elongate vessel oriented at an acute angle to horizontal. The vessel is operable to receive the fluid mixture and direct the fluid mixture to flow in a convection cell spanning substantially a length of the vessel. The convection cell is formed by gravitational forces acting on the fluid mixture and is operable to deposit a heavy constituent of the fluid mixture about a lower end of the vessel and a light constituent of the fluid mixture about an upper end of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7422683
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vortex separator for separating floating and settling substances from storm-water. The vortex separator of the present invention can separate fine settling substances as well as coarse settling substances, floating substances and oil from storm-water. To achieve the above purpose, the vortex separator of the present invention includes a separation casing, a guide plate, which is provided in the separation casing and supported by a connection plate, and an inlet pipe, which is coupled to the guide plate and extends outside the separation casing, so that the storm-water is drawn into the guide plate through the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: No Yeon Park