Superposed Compartments Or Baffles, E.g., Parallel Plate Type Patents (Class 210/521)
  • Patent number: 7694829
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous separation of crude oil from tar sands include using a hydrocarbon diluent and an aqueous solution in one or more settling vessels. The light components from the oil are collected and recycled to be used as the hydrocarbon diluent, and the aqueous solution is collected and recycled. A second aqueous solution is introduced in the second and subsequent vessels to prevent the formation of an oil film on the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Fred J. Veltri, John B. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7695625
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which an organic solution that is slightly soluble in water is scrubbed of aqueous entrainment and impurities. In particular, the organic solution may be the organic extraction solution of liquid-liquid extraction used in connection with the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals. The purpose is to perform the physical separation of water droplets and the chemical removal of impurities from the organic solution simultaneously. This occurs by routing the solution to be purified in the settling tank through at least one flow plate cassette of reduced cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: OutoTec Oyj
    Inventors: Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto, Eero Ekman, Bror Nyman
  • Publication number: 20100078380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reversing the dispersion formed in the mixing section of liquid-liquid extraction and kept condensed in the separation section and the separated solutions form the rear end of the separation section to flow back towards the feed end of the separation section. The invention also refers to the extraction equipment for implementing the reversed flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Pertti Pekkala, Juhani Lyyra, Launo Lilja, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7686966
    Abstract: An automatic tank cleaning system includes a water recycling unit having a weir therein and a conically-shaped bottom, a cutting box having a portable weir therein, a hydrocyclonic separator, and a mud tank. Tank slop is pumped from the mud tank to the water recycling unit where solids collect at the bottom. The solids are removed and collected in the cutting box. Water in the recycling unit may be pumped through the hydrocyclonic separator. Solids removed by the separator are collected in the cutting box and the water is directed into a clean water compartment defined by the weir within the recycling unit. Water in the cutting box is collected by the portable weir therein and pumped to the clean water compartment. Water from the clean water compartment is pumped to one or more rotary jet heads within the mud tank. Overflow from the water recycling unit may be directed to the cutting box. A chemical inductor may be used to add cleaning chemicals to the water prior to being directed through the wash nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7682509
    Abstract: A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Green Turtle Americas Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Murray, Balreet Singh Dandiwal, Darren Francis Lawless, Gregory Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7678286
    Abstract: A system for separating an emulsion fluid into a recovered fluid and a purified fluid. The emulsion fluid comprises a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The purified fluid is essentially constituted of the continuous phase. The system comprises a vessel at an inlet of which the emulsion fluid may flow. The system further comprises one or more coalescing elements made of Reusable Polymer Absorbent material. Each coalescing element allows to coalesce at least a portion of the dispersed phase from small droplets into large drops further detached from the coalescing element upon a flow of the emulsion fluid. The system further comprises one or more separating and guiding means made of oleophilic material. Each separating and guiding means is located a distance from an associated coalescing element and is disposed at an output of the associated coalescing element to guide the detached large drops for further recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Pays, Christophe Corailler
  • 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: 20100018916
    Abstract: A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. The embodiments of the invention described herein above in the context of the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments of the invention to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Liangchun ZHANG, Jianguo ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20100012557
    Abstract: A simple and improved septic tank wastewater treatment system is needed to improve effluent quality and reduce conventional onsite system failures such as hydraulic overloading and formation of a clogging biomat in the soil treatment area. One illustrative embodiment of the septic tank system (10, 100, 122) disclosed includes a septic tank system having a primary treatment compartment (28, 116) for settling solids and floating fats, oils and grease, and a second treatment compartment (34, 141) adapted to provide an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process for providing additional treatment of the wastewater prior to discharge to soil treatment areas. Another illustrative embodiment of the septic tank system includes separate primary (100) and UASB tanks (122) coupled in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin R. Chaffee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7638065
    Abstract: A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization through treatment of water volume rather than flow rates, using vertically stacked water columns of varying depths to settle small particles. An overflow structure diverts excessive liquid without interfering with purification and separation, and can be placed integrally within or external to the apparatus receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Jensen Precast
    Inventors: R. Russell Stever, Stephen C. Phelps
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7582216
    Abstract: A water treatment system having a system inlet to receive a fluid flow, a treatment chamber, a first system outlet, and a second system outlet. The treatment chamber has an inlet in communication with the system inlet and an outlet in communication with the first system outlet, and is adapted to remove one or more contaminants from the fluid flow. The second system outlet is separated from the system inlet by a weir that prevents the fluid from passing into the second system outlet when the fluid is below a predetermined height, and allow at least a portion of the fluid to pass into the second system outlet without passing through the treatment chamber when the fluid is above a predetermined height. The second system outlet is isolated from the first system outlet such that fluid passing through the first system outlet can not impinge upon the treatment chamber outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Imbrium Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Justin Arnott, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 7575672
    Abstract: A mobile separator system for oil and gas well production fluids consisting of a sled supporting a horizontal three phase separator vessel having an upright vessel or blowcase, with an upper section open to a lower section through a check valve, and a vertical two phase vessel mounted beside each other and seated within the horizontal vessel. A direct fired heater in the horizontal vessel provides the required heating for all three vessels. Production fluids tangentially enter the upper section of the upright vessel with gas rising and the fluid descending through a check valve to the lower section and then transferred into the horizontal vessel. The rising gas outlet is connected to the suction of a compressor and discharged under pressure to the intake of the vertical vessel. Separated gas from the horizontal vessel also is directed to the intake of the compressor. Oil and water separated in the horizontal vessel are transferred into storage or pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Terry S. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 7572370
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the mechanical purification of liquids, said installation comprising a container for separating suspended matter, and a transporting device for transporting the suspended matter to a discharge point. Said container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid. A collecting chamber for suspended matter is formed in the bottom part of the container. The container for separating the suspended matter comprises at least two other chambers, at least one being embodied as a ventilated chamber and at least one as a non-ventilated chamber. The invention also relates to a method for separating suspended matter from liquids in a container comprising an inlet and an outlet for the liquid, and a collecting chamber for suspended matter in the bottom part thereof. According to said method, the suspended matter is separated in a multi-stage manner. At least one stage is a ventilated stage and at least one other stage a non-ventilated stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hans Huber AG Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventor: Wolfgang Branner
  • Patent number: 7572372
    Abstract: In a tank B for water treatment, consisting of at least two plastic material tank parts 1, 2 produced by injection moulding or by injection moulding and embossing a separately produced separation wall T is mounted with the edge at the walls of the tank parts such that the mounting regions at least partly are watertight. The separation wall T extends in the tank B crosswise to the joining plane E. The tank parts have opening edge structures R which fit on each other and which are joined in the joining plane E in watertight fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Graf Plastics GmbH
    Inventor: Otto P. Graf
  • Publication number: 20090184049
    Abstract: A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Murray, Balreet Singh Dandiwal, Darren Francis Lawless, Gregory Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7556157
    Abstract: A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank has a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank. The upper end of the baffle portion being disposed away from the side wall of the clarifier tank. The intermediate central portion between the lower end and the upper end, the baffle portion is curved such that the upper end curves inward towards the center of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Earle Schaller, Elaine Schaller
  • 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: 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: 7544303
    Abstract: The system involves a transitionary septic tank. The transitionary septic tank includes an enclosed containment body having an interior portion. An inlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A first outlet opening is formed in the enclosed containment body. A divider is positioned in the interior portion between the inlet opening and the first outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Norman Frink
  • Patent number: 7540967
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating grease and solid waste from waste water. The grease trap includes a tank having a downwardly shaped bottom. An upwardly shaped divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A hole near an upper part of the divider allows waste into the upper chamber. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming waste water, while an outlet invert removes water from the tank. A lid covers the tank. A pipe extends through the lid, upper chamber, and lower chamber for sucking solid waste out of the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • 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: 7527664
    Abstract: A system for machining workpieces (12) and separating the chips from the workpieces (12) includes a plurality of workstations (14) detachably interconnected by a housing (16) and arranged along a processing path (A). A coolant and filtration device (56) extends through the workstations (14) and is adaptable for separating the chips from the workpieces (12). A mist collection device (54) is cooperable with the workstations (14) and the coolant and filtration device (56) for removing mist generated by the workstations (14) while machining the workpieces (12). The workstations (14) are interconnected with the mist collection device (54) and the coolant and filtration device (56) to form a single machining module (10) of various dimensions and configurations to be adaptable for various manufacturing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Durr Ecoclean, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090107910
    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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7520393
    Abstract: A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Matt G Driggers
  • Patent number: 7517461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled separation of a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction into their own phases in the separation section of the extraction. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion band remaining between the separated phases is dammed up using at least one revert member for said purpose located in the separation section. The equipment according to the invention comprises at least one revert member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Publication number: 20090078630
    Abstract: Separator for removing impurities, especially smaller particles, from rain water. It comprises a first reservoir (2) and a second reservoir (6). The first reservoir (2) performs the function of removing the heaviest portions of the impurities, but is also provided with a lamellar device (4), wherein small drops and impurities of the rain water may be combined to larger impurity aggregates. The second reservoir (6) is divided into a first chamber (6a) and a second chamber (6b), said chambers communicating with each other. A tube (5) provided with perforations (5?) is arranged above the lamellar device (4), through which rain water containing impurities is able to flow from the first reservoir (2) and into the first chamber (6a). The first chamber (6a) is provided with a filter (9). In this way, a more efficient purification of rain water than using the known separator is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Arne Bonnerup
  • Publication number: 20090078647
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bioremediating hydrocarbon contaminated solids. The method can include introducing a slurry comprising one or more drilling fluids and one or more hydrocarbon contaminated solids to a settling system. The settling system can include one or more housings having a receiving compartment at a first end thereof and a collecting compartment at a second end thereof. A barrier can be disposed in the receiving compartment, and at least one wall can be disposed transversely in the housing between the receiving and collecting compartments. The wall can have at least one aperture formed therethrough and at least one flow-restricting baffle disposed thereon, wherein the one or more baffles extend perpendicularly from the wall. The separated hydrocarbon contaminated solids can be contacted with one or more microorganism populations disposed between the receiving compartment and the collecting department.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: W. Lynn Frazier, Gary Sweetman, Darin Harding
  • Patent number: 7507343
    Abstract: The device of the invention includes the following 5 new elements in each mixer-settler: a) agitators with blunt edged turbines, b) decreasing degree of agitation throughout the series of mixing compartments, c) baffle with a central window in the settler interface, located after the flow buffers, and d) baffle without a window, centered in the settler interface, located after the baffle with a window. These elements allow for an operative method which inhibits secondary dispersion, reducing the formation of micro-droplets, without affecting the mass transfer between the phases. Consequently, this obtains a phase separation process with entrainments so small that it is possible to drastically increase the quality of the product, by obtaining an ultra-pure aqueous extract, simultaneously reducing the settling surface required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tecnicas Reunidas S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Martin San Lorenzo, Gustavo Diaz Nogueira, Maria Frades Tapia
  • Patent number: 7497945
    Abstract: A unitary or modular, pre-cast, drive-down pit system suitable for use in a heavy equipment wash installation. The completed pit collects runoff generated by the washing of heavy equipment such as construction, industrial, farming, or road-building equipment. The pre-cast concrete separation unit and separate wall sections have tongue and groove mating ends that facilitate assembling the pit and provide for sealing against leakage of water. The separation unit has up to four chambers: a primary solids collection section; a secondary solids settling chamber; a free oil separating section; and a pump water holding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael A. Solomon, Geoffrey L. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20090032407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for breaking the electrical continuity of the stream of caustic soda produced in mercury-cathode chlor-alkali plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE DE NORA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Meneghini, Raffaello Bertin
  • Publication number: 20080314823
    Abstract: A lamella panel module is formed from extruded PVC side rails and a plastic plate member secured to the opposing side panels. Each side rail is formed with receiver mounts defining recesses for the mounting of the lamella plates. The plates are preferably affixed to the receiver mounts by adhesives to establish a structurally stable panel module. Each side rail has fore-and-aft opposing mating flanges that prevent horizontal movement of the modules, but allow generally vertical movement to enable any module to be removed from the assembly and replaced. The frame of the lamella separator assembly is formed with a support ledge on the opposing lateral sides of the frame to support a walking grid therebetween. The supported walking grid does not interfere with the flow of clarified water into the collection troughs supported on a vertical member projecting above the support ledge and allows cleaning of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Frank M. Kulick, III, Kerry Dissinger
  • Publication number: 20080311262
    Abstract: A system for filtering spent grains from unfermented beer is disclosed. The system has a pot assembly having a stock pot wall, lid, drain tube and outlet valve. A louvered false bottom is positioned in the pot assembly and forms an opening between the false bottom and the stock pot wall. The louvered false bottom has a plurality of raised louvers spaced over the false bottom. Each of the louvers has a top surface, a bottom surface, a leg and a slot. The slot can be made larger or smaller according to the grain crush size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: John Richard Blichmann
  • Patent number: 7465402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction along the longitudinal axis of the separation section in the feed end of an extraction separation section. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion to be fed into the separation section is guided so that it spreads evenly over the cross-section of the separation section using a directional member placed so as to obtain a vertical flow. The equipment in accordance with the invention consists of a directional member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7459090
    Abstract: A separator for stormwater includes a long, U-shaped sediment chamber and an oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick X. Collings
  • Patent number: 7452472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of grease collected in a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor via a pump which may be activated by a programmable timer. In an embodiment, a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor includes a tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet; a tray positioned inside the tank; and a pump located inside the tank, the pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is located within the tray at a level below the tank outlet. The interceptor may include a timer coupled to the pump to control operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Josam Company
    Inventors: Barry Hodgekins, Craig Swider, Wenwei Wu, legal representative, B. Scott Holloway, Ronghua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080277335
    Abstract: A garnet settling/filtration system for use with a plurality of machine tools such as a water jet cutting machine is described. The garnet settling/filtration system comprises a settling tank, which utilizes a removable, disposable settling weir, which is received therein. The settling weir drops into the settling tank and provides an over-under flow system through which the garnet slurry must travel. As the flow of the slurry travels over and under the incorporated series of baffles, the garnet particulate settles out on the bottom of the liner. Once the liner has reached its maximum holding capacity, a series of incorporated, reinforced removal loops located near the top of the liner allow for the easy and quick removal of the liner and the settled-out particulate from the settling tank. The liner can then be discarded and a new one replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby reducing downtime of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Duane C. Allen
  • Patent number: 7449117
    Abstract: A filtration unit that includes a casing that has a closed bottom and is immersed in a water storage tank (or water storage pond) into which raw water is introduced, the casing being composed of a introduction port which introduces the raw water in the water storage tank into the casing, an active carbon supply device which adds active carbon to the introduced raw water, an agitator which agitates the raw water inside the casing to which active carbon has been added, a filtration module which filters the raw water, a back flow preventing device which prevents the raw water inside the casing from flowing back into the introduction port and being discharged into the water storage tank, and a discharging device which discharges the raw water from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7445709
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for treating water by flotation, said installation comprising flotation equipment consisting of a flotation cell (10) into which flocculated raw water mixed with micro-bubbles produced by a pressurization-depressurization system (11) is guided, said cell being provided with a perforated collection device (13) designed in such a way that the surface of the flotation cell is crossed by an identical and uniform flow of water to be treated. The inventive installation comprises capture modules (14) which are arranged in the flotation cell in such a way that the lower part thereof is located at a distance (h) from the perforated collection device (13), said distance being determined such that any disturbance of the uniform distribution established by the perforated collection device is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Beaule, Marco Bosisio, Jean Marchland
  • 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: 7438189
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating bitumen from a bitumen froth output of a oil sands hot water extraction process comprises an inclined plate separator (IPS) for providing a first bitumen separation stage and a cyclone for providing a second bitumen separation stage. The cyclone overflow is recycled to the IPS inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Garner, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 7438807
    Abstract: Discloses apparatus to perform a process to remove water and minerals from a bitumen froth output of a oil sands hot water extraction process. A bitumen froth feed stream is diluted with a solvent and supplied to a primary inclined plate separator stage, which separates the bitumen into an overflow stream providing a bitumen product output from the circuit and a bitumen depleted underflow stream. A primary cyclone state, a secondary inclined plate separator stage and a secondary cyclone stage further process the underflow stream to produce a secondary bitumen recovery product stream and a recycle stream. The secondary bitumen recovery product stream is incorporated into and becomes part of the circuit bitumen product output stream. The recycle stream is incorporated into the bitumen froth feed stream for reprocessing by the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: William Nicholas Garner, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 7438803
    Abstract: A garnet settling/filtration system for use with a plurality of machine tools such as a water jet cutting machine is described. The garnet settling/filtration system comprises a settling tank, which utilizes a removable, disposable settling weir, which is received therein. The settling weir drops into the settling tank and provides an over-under flow system through which the garnet slurry must travel. As the flow of the slurry travels over and under the incorporated series of baffles, the garnet particulate settles out on the bottom of the liner. Once the liner has reached its maximum holding capacity, a series of incorporated, reinforced removal loops located near the top of the liner allow for the easy and quick removal of the liner and the settled-out particulate from the settling tank. The liner can then be discarded and a new one replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby reducing downtime of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ebbco, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane C. Allen
  • Publication number: 20080251465
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids includes a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing lank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and move the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ambrose RALPH, Randy WOLD, Roger ALLARD
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7431852
    Abstract: A separator separates water and oil. An outer housing has an inner volume and an inner housing. One port in the inner housing receives influent mixed liquids. Another port from the inner housing discharges water outside the outer housing and defines a static liquid level. An outlet above the static level from the inner housing to the inner volume allows oil held in the inner housing to flow to the outlet. Surges of influent temporarily raise liquid levels, so oil passes the outlet to the inner volume. A supplemental separator in the outer housing removes oil from the inner volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7416662
    Abstract: A density baffle assembly for use in a water treatment system is disclosed. The density baffle assembly includes a plurality of density baffles where each density baffle comprises a corrugated panel member having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, with a corrugated pattern running across the corrugated panel member. Each density baffle also comprises a support flange integrally connected to the upper edge of the corrugated panel member. The support flange may be affixed to a wall of the water treatment system using a fastening means. Adjacent corrugated panel members may be nested together at their lateral sides and secured to each other using a fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Molded Fiber Glass Water Treatment Products Co.
    Inventors: Raghuram Aditham, Sib S. Banerjee, Michael Sjostrom, Dennis Vorse
  • Patent number: 7416657
    Abstract: An oil water coalescing separator has a coalescing chamber containing oil coalescing media. The separator is preferably substantially transparent so that the thickness of the band of coalesced tramp oil can be visually discerned at a glance. The separator preferably has a magnet base so the separator can be hung on a machine off the floor. The separator is also removable from the magnet base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: NexJen Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert J. Kretchmar
  • Patent number: 7410569
    Abstract: A filtration system for metalworking fluids has panel filter elements arranged in cells in which the filter frames and panels are approximately parallel to one another. The filter frames are disposed such that the filter surfaces are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drag-out tank within which they are installed. The filter elements are constructed by affixing a microscreen filter to a wire mesh support structure. The wire mesh structure provides as much support as the perforated plates of the prior art, while featuring significant gains in effective filter area when compared with perforated plate constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Turhan A. Tilev, John Wayne Nowicki, Kenneth Frederick Packer