Treatment By Living Organism Patents (Class 210/601)
  • Publication number: 20100311148
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disruptor disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disruptor, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Mike Kotelko, Peter Kotelko
  • Publication number: 20100300963
    Abstract: A process has steps of one or more of aerobic treatment to remove COD and nitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to denitrify a waste stream, anoxic treatment to remove selenium and anaerobic treatment to remove heavy metals and sulphur. The process may be used to treat, for example, FGD blow down water. The process may further include one or more of (a) membrane separation of the waste stream upstream of the anoxic digestion to remove selenium, (b) dilution upstream of the biological treatment step, (c) physical/chemical pretreatment upstream of the biological processes or dilution step to remove TSS and soften the waste stream, or (d) ammonia stripping upstream of the biological treatment steps or dilutions step. These processes may be provided in a variety of suspended growth or fixed film reactors, for example a membrane bioreactor or a fixed film reactor having a GAC bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Peeters, William A. Bonkoski, Pierre Lucien Cote, Hidayat Husain, Timothy Michael Pickett
  • Patent number: 7842185
    Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized, the entrapping immobilization pellets comprising entrapped and immobilized purified water sludge containing nitrifying bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Abe, Koutarou Aoyama, Tatsuo Sumino
  • Publication number: 20100276361
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process biologically treats wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of media wheels that rotate into and out of exposure to sunlight for sustained algae growth. One byproduct is algae removed from the rotating media wheels, which may be provided to other processing facilities to produce, for instance, bio-diesel fuel. Waste CO2 from the processing facility may also be returned to the treatment system for enhanced algae growth. Bacteria is provided to form a symbiotic relationship with the algae, fueled by sunlight to effectively remove toxic materials from the wastewater. Large scale facilities may integrate the treatment systems in a regenerative cycle in which the biomass obtained from the algal colonies is used in a separate facility and byproducts of the operation of the separate facility are used by the treatment system to fuel further algal growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher A. Limcaco
  • Publication number: 20100276360
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicants: ALCOA INC., CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: John R. Smith, Jaw Fu, Rajat Ghosh, Kevin Kitzman, Jonell Kerkhoff, Robert C. Horger, Dennis L. Fulmer, Aniruddha Bhattacharyya, Andrew C. Middleton, Robin L. Weightman
  • Publication number: 20100270235
    Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: JPS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Santamaria, Bruce J. Zarozny, Claude J. Chapdelaine
  • Patent number: 7790031
    Abstract: Use of a fungal biomass for treating industrial wastewaters containing at least one dye, wherein: i. the fungal biomass contains at least the fungal species Cunninghamella elegans Lendner; ii. the fungal biomass absorbs the at least one dye, so as to obtain wastewater that is basically free of the at least one dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Marcopolo Engineering SPA, Universita Degli Studi di Torino
    Inventors: Valeria Paola Prigione, Giovanna Cristina Varese, Leonardo Casieri, Samuele Voyron, Antonio Bertolotto, Valeria Filipello Marchisio
  • Publication number: 20100219372
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Hook, Dan Tirtowidjojo, Frank Koester, Sunil K. Chaudhary, Anil Mehta, Jean Chauvel, JR., Chris Christenson, Timothy Frank, Celio Lume Pereira, Steve Gluck, Glenn Lord, David West, Christine Lundstroem, Annett Horn, Istvan Lengyel
  • Publication number: 20100213123
    Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Peter G. Marston, Steven Woodard, Ionel Wechsler
  • Publication number: 20100213122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wastewater treatment in general and to methods of controlling odors and degrading compounds contained in wastewater in particular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Novozymes Biologicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Tatarko
  • Publication number: 20100200502
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus for a wastewater treatment system that includes a septic tank with a lower sludge layer, an upper effluent layer, and a tank floor. The wastewater treatment apparatus includes a positive pressure pump that is configured to pump a fluid, and a tube that has an outlet that is spaced from the tank floor. The tube is in fluid communication with the positive pressure pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Karl K. Holt
  • Publication number: 20100199734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of stable humus- and nutrient-rich and water-storing soil substrates with properties of anthropogenic soil types (Terra Preta) in which pyrogenic carbon, organic biomass, and/or natural mineral materials are used as initial materials in a fermentation process. The soil produced or treated according to the invention leads to a sustainably high soil yield such that mineral fertilizers are no longer needed for agricultural use. Moreover, the soil is suitable for use as a soil substitute, for use as a soil supplement, for greening developments, for preventing erosion, for improving regional water supplies, for preventing floods, for preventing climate change, for reducing carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere, for waste water cleaning and treatment, for exhaust air cleaning and building air purification, for creating material flow cycles from biogenic waste and/or waste water in order to develop and utilize land use and development systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim Böttcher, Haiko Pieplow, Alfons-Eduard Krieger
  • Publication number: 20100200495
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for cleansing fuel processing effluent containing carbonaceous compounds and inorganic salts, the method comprising contacting the fuel processing effluent with an anode of a microbial fuel ell, the anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of the carbonaceous compounds while producing electrical energy from the oxidative degradation, and directing the produced electrical energy to drive an electrosorption mechanism that operates to reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic salts in the fuel processing effluent, wherein the anode is in electrical communication with a cathode of the microbial fuel cell. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Abhijeet P. Borole, Constantino Tsouris
  • Publication number: 20100193433
    Abstract: A bioreactor for treating a liquid comprises a container having a vertical wall portion with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. The bioreactor also comprises a media support platform securely disposed inside the container at a position below the inlet and outlet ports, and substantially permeable to liquid. The bioreactor comprises at least one cylindrical chamber inside the container at a position above the media support platform. The bioreactor also comprises a plurality of media units topically disposed on the media support platform. The bioreactor comprises a recirculation/aeration system secured at a bottom end of the cylindrical chamber. The recirculation/aeration system has a submersible pump device that can be programmed to pump liquid at variable speeds and has a liquid intake portion having perforations, an air intake tube, and an eductor device. The air intake tube protrudes through a top port of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TVT US CORP.
    Inventors: Volker A. Hausin, Daniel J. LaGassee
  • Publication number: 20100140169
    Abstract: A system and method for treating high-strength organic liquid waste. Generally, the method includes feeding influent high-strength organic liquid waste including organic molecules to an anaerobic digester, converting at least a portion of the organic molecules in the liquid waste to acids using acid forming bacteria, converting at least a portion of the acids in the liquid waste to methane using methanogenic bacteria, separating the liquid waste after treatment with the methanogenic bacteria into alkaline sludge and effluent, and using the alkaline sludge to adjust the pH of the liquid waste in the anaerobic digester. In the case of acidic high-strength organic liquid wastes, a portion of the acids produced by the acid forming bacteria may be recirculated to the front of the anaerobic digester and combined with influent high-strength organic liquid waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20100133175
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Photonic Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. PUTNAM, Jason A. Putnam, Todd W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7704733
    Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7691267
    Abstract: A bioreactor is for processing a fluid stream. The bioreactor may include a bioreaction chamber for receiving the fluid stream therethrough, a pair of spaced apart gas header assemblies within the bioreaction chamber for coupling to first and second gases, a first plurality of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the first gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber, and a second plurality of HFMs extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the second gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Dynamac Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Smith, Tony Rector, Jay L. Garland
  • Publication number: 20100072130
    Abstract: A membrane distillation bioreactor (100) is provided for treating contaminated inflow such as wastewater. A contaminated inflow may be treated by biodegrading a contaminant in the inflow with a biological agent in the bioreactor to produce a lower contaminant inflow, which may be distilled, by membrane distillation, through a distillation membrane (108) in fluid communication with the bioreactor, to produce an outflow. The inflow may be wastewater. The outflow may be purified water. In one embodiment, the membrane may be located in the reaction chamber of the bioreactor vessel (102) and may be submerged in the mixed liquor. In a different embodiment suitable for wastewater treatment, the membrane may be located external to the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be aerobic or anaerobic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Anthony G. Fane, Jirachote Phattaranawik, Fook-Sin Wong
  • Patent number: 7678559
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial composition for the neutralization of alkaline waste waters by biological means and a method of neutralization of alkaline waste waters using a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Bacillus alkalophilus and Bacillus sp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Rita Kumar, Anil Kumar, Alka Sharma, Sharad Gangal, Santosh Makhijani
  • Publication number: 20100059436
    Abstract: In preferred embodiments, bioremediation systems are provided that comprise electricigenic microbes that use electrons provided directly from the anode of an electrical bioremediation system to carry out reductive dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbon contaminants, including chlorinated solvents. The present invention also provides methods of performing in situ bioremediation of halogenated solvents in groundwater or soil through the use of the provided systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicants: University of Massachusetts, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Derek R. Lovley, Sarah Strycharz, Frank Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20100044304
    Abstract: [Problems] To provide a method of treating an organic substance-containing waste liquid, and a treatment apparatus therefor, and an additive for treating an organic substance-containing waste liquid, and a bacterium for degrading an organic substance component or the like in the waste liquid, capable of accomplishing at least one of treatment of the organic substance-containing waste liquid with a high efficiency and a high treatment rate, without substantially generating a foul odor, and obtainment of water quality that is suitable for releasing to sewage, a public water area, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: IBIDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryozo Irie, Michio Tabata, Yoshihisa Hibi
  • Patent number: 7655455
    Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Publication number: 20100012580
    Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Ott
  • Patent number: 7645384
    Abstract: Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonophilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonophilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonophilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonophilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: ThinkVillage-Kerfoot, LLC
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7645606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: PHA Environmental Restoration
    Inventors: Lamar E. Priester, III, Brian Harmison, John Huff
  • Publication number: 20100000940
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor for anaerobically treating waste water, especially treating waste water from the paper industry. Said reactor comprises a reactor vessel, at least one supply pipe which is arranged in the bottom area of the reactor vessel and is used for feeding waste water that is to be treated into the reactor, at least one supply distributor for mixing the waste water fed to the reactor with the medium located in the reactor, at least one overflow port which is disposed on the top reactor vessel and is used for discharging treated water, and at least one separator The supply distributor is provided with at least one deflection means that is embodied such that waste water discharged from the at least one supply pipe is diverted into a circular current from the perspective of the cross-section of the reactor, one to 80 percent of the cross-section of the reactor being filled by the at least one deflection means. The invention further relates to a method for anaerobically treating waste water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Lukas Menke, Georglos Troubounis, Ulrich Knöerle, Dieter Efinger
  • Publication number: 20090308808
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for remediating an underground and/or aqueous contaminant. The method and apparatus utilize at least one electrically conductive surface to attract aqueous hydrogen ions. At the surface, the hydrogen ions interact with excess electrons to form dissolved hydrogen molecules. Dissolved hydrogen molecules provide a proton source for bioreactive material, either provided to or naturally occurring in the environment. The bioreactive material assists in the reduction of the contaminant into a less environmentally harmful compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Guy Sewell
  • Publication number: 20090301963
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for treating wastewater. In one process, wastewater is directed into a treatment tank and biologically treated. The biologically treated wastewater is directed as mixed liquor from the treatment tank to a bottom portion of a downstream filtration tank having at least one submerged membrane module that extends across substantially the entire cross sectional area of the filtration tank mixed liquor is directed from the bottom of the filtration tank upwardly into the membrane module such that substantially all of the mixed liquor received in the bottom of the filtration tank flows through the membrane module. As the mixed liquor flows vertically through the membrane module, the method includes inducing at least some of the mixed liquor through walls of one or more membrane filters that form a part of the membrane module, producing a permeate stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventors: Martin Brockmann, Heribert Moeslang, Dietmar Schnuell, Hong Zhao, David Thaure, Pierre Girodet
  • Publication number: 20090294353
    Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: 6SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Cecil T. Massie
  • Patent number: 7615153
    Abstract: A mixed culture of Dehalococcoides species is provided that has an ability to catalyze the complete dechlorination of polychlorinated ethenes such as PCE, TCE, cDCE, 1,1-DCE and vinyl chloride as well as halogenated ethanes such as 1,2-DCA and EDB. The mixed culture demonstrates the ability to achieve dechlorination even in the presence of high source concentrations of chlorinated ethenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignees: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Clemson University
    Inventors: Christopher E. Bagwell, David L. Freedman, Robin L. Brigmon, William B. Bratt, Elizabeth A. Wood
  • Publication number: 20090266760
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of improving the removal and/or treatment of substances in bulk volumes, particularly to methods of improving the removal and/or treatment of contaminants in bulk volumes by nucleic acid interaction and by including such nucleic acid interactions in organisms. The present invention further relates to methods for generating and/or improving the interaction of nucleic acids with substances for removal and/or treatment. Bulk volumes may generally refer to any volume of substance wherein the removal and/or treatment of substances therein may occur. Nucleic acids may be utilized to bind and/or catalytically interact with substances in the bulk volume. Further, the nucleic acids may be included in an organism for sequestering substances within cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: George William Jackson, Roger Joseph McNichols
  • Patent number: 7604740
    Abstract: A method of treating a mixture of microorganisms containing phosphorus and magnesium, by first inducing the mixture microorganisms to release phosphorus and magnesium which is then tapped off as the mixture is thickened, to produce phosphorus and magnesium-rich liquid and phosphorus and magnesium-reduced treated mixture. This treated mixture is placed in an anaerobic digester where ammonia is formed but combines very little with phosphorus or magnesium as these elements have been greatly reduced in concentration. Next the high-ammonia mixture is dewatered, to produce an ammonia-rich liquid, which is combined with the phosphorus and magnesium-rich liquid. In one preferred embodiment a useable struvite product is harvested from this combination. Additionally, the production of nuisance struvite in the anaerobic digester is greatly reduced, in comparison with prior art waste treatment methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Clean Water Services
    Inventor: Robert James Baur
  • Patent number: 7604741
    Abstract: An apparatus and method produces nitrate ions on-site from water, natural gas and air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The apparatus generates nitrate ions and brings the nitrate ions into contact with an aqueous system. Hydrogen sulfide present in the aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated by the apparatus and added to the aqueous system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: The Lata Group Inc.
    Inventors: Donald O. Hitzman, D. Michael Dennis, Bruce Alan Iiams
  • Publication number: 20090255867
    Abstract: A filtration appliance for wastewater purification, preferably for a sewage treatment plant, in particular for a small sewage treatment plant, including at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms, to a sewage treatment plant having such a filtration appliance, a method of purifying wastewater, in particular in a sewage treatment plant, wherein microorganisms present in the wastewater are separated off by means of at least one ceramic-based membrane, and also to the use of a ceramic-based membrane as filter for separating off microorganisms and, if appropriate, fine solids, from wastewaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ItN Nanovation AG
    Inventor: Ralph Nonninger
  • Publication number: 20090246519
    Abstract: Isolated tellurite-resistant or selenite-resistant marine organisms capable of precipitating tellurium or selenium when grown aerobically are described. A method for using these isolated organisms to produce an aqueous suspension of purified nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium and the nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium produced by this method are also described. The nanoparticles may further comprise cadmium or zinc. A method of remediation utilizing the described organisms is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20090246336
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing or preventing bacterial contamination in food includes application of a bacteriophage treatment to any type of food product at any stage of processing the food product. The bacteriophage treatment may also be applied to non-food surfaces and water systems, which may be susceptible to bacterial contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria. The bacteriophage treatment comprises at least one bacteriophage in a concentration sufficient to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination from pathogenic bacteria and/or spoilage bacteria. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage is able to reduce or eliminate bacteria introduced to a food product after the bacteriophage treatment was applied to the food product. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a buffering agent to maintain the bacteriophage at a pH level that sustains the bacteriophage. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a surfactant and/or a thickener to aid in applying the bacteriophage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Burnett, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Bruce R. Cords
  • Publication number: 20090223890
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water using a sludge bed system, which process comprises feeding waste water, and optionally recycle water, to the lower part of an upflow reactor, containing mainly granular biomass thus producing biogas in the treatment passing the resulting gas/liquid/solid mixture upward and separating the gas and solid from the liquid in a three phase separator and thereby generating an anaerobic effluent that is withdrawn from the top of the separator, the improvement comprising separating the solids from the liquid in a separator, wherein, above the separation of the gas from the liquid phase, tilted plates, tubes or other tilted internals are installed in the three phase separator body to increase the effective settling surface, to an upflow reactor suitable for this process as well as to a three phase separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Robertus Johannes Frankin, Michael Johannes Otten
  • Publication number: 20090188858
    Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein the entrapping immobilization pellets have a phosphorus content of 0.05 mass % or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI PLANT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshikawa, Naoki Abe, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7556961
    Abstract: A method for collecting bacterial cells comprising the steps of: feeding water to be treated containing ammonium and nitrite to an anaerobic ammonium oxidation vessel to denitrify ammonium and nitrite by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria; and feeding the denitrified treated water to an acclimatization vessel or returning the water through the acclimatization vessel to the anaerobic ammonium oxidation vessel to collect anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria in the treated water as immobilized microorganisms attached to an immobilizing material in the acclimatization vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuichi Isaka, Tatsuo Sumino
  • Patent number: 7553418
    Abstract: This is a method of filtration of a liquid comprising steps of sequential filtration of said liquid through at least one deep bed medium producing at least one first filtrate followed by at least one membrane medium filtration producing at least one second filtrate, wherein said membrane medium is at least periodically within said deep bed media Many types of deep bed and membrane media can be used. The domain of using contact clarification (direct filtration) can be expanded towards greater solids concentration. Operation and backwash, is simplified, continuous filtration becomes possible. Water can be water from natural source water, process water, wastewater, aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions, emulsions, solutions. Treatment can include mechanical interception of suspended particles, chemical, physical chemical, electrochemical, and biological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Khudenko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris M. Khudenko, Rocco M. Palazzolo, James R. Stafford
  • Publication number: 20090159529
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disrupter disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disrupter, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Mike Kotelko, Peter Kotelko
  • Publication number: 20090101572
    Abstract: A system and method were used to treat produced water. Field- testing demonstrated the removal of contaminants from produced water from oil and gas wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Enid J. Sullivan, Lynn Katz, Kerry Kinney, Robert S. Bowman, Soondong Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090078644
    Abstract: Disclosed are seamless membrane bags for example, a membrane bag comprising a spacer fabric and a volume for permeate collection, the spacer fabric comprising a first part and a second part that are spaced apart and tied together at a predefined distance by monofilament thread and the first and second parts are at least partially embedded with membrane substance and the volume for permeate collection is interposed between the first and second parts. The membrane substance embeds portions of the monofilament thread and fills the spacer fabric along the border of the membrane bag. The membrane substance completely enclosing the volume is seamless. Also disclosed are processes for producing such bags, a filtration unit comprising such a membrane bag and their uses in the separation of fluids, vapours and particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Willem Mues, Bart Cobben, Wim Doyen, Walter Adriansens, Bart Molenberghs
  • Publication number: 20090071898
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel isolated microorganism characterized in that it is capable of: i) transforming Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and/or nitrogen oxides into gas nitrogen; and ii) transforming carbonaceous matter into carbon dioxide; both transformation processes being carried out in aerobic condition. The invention also concerns a method for treating wastewater using said microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ECO SOLUTION
    Inventor: Alexandre Da Costa
  • Publication number: 20090071896
    Abstract: A membrane bag comprising a volume for permeate collection, wherein the volume is completely enclosed in seamless membrane substance; a filtration unit comprising at least one above-described seamless membrane bag; the use of at least one above-described seamless membrane bag in a membrane bioreactor; the use of at least one above-described seamless membrane bag in water filtration or waste water purification; and the use of at least one above-described seamless membrane bag for the filtration or separation of a mixture of fluids, vapours and particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Willem Mues, Bart Cobben, Wim Doyen, Walter Adriansens, Bart Molenberghs
  • Patent number: 7504035
    Abstract: A method of treating putrescible cakes to reduce the E. Coli and odor present in the cake and prevent further odor generation comprising the step of maintaining the cake under substantially anoxic condition in the presence of ammonium and/or nitrate moieties at pH 7.5 to pH 10.5 for a period of more than 1 day, the cake having a solids content of between 20% to 75% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: United Utilities PLC
    Inventors: Son Le, Duc Do
  • Patent number: 7494589
    Abstract: Procedure for the decontamination of a food liquid from one or more chemical and/or biological contaminants, based on the contact of said liquid with at least a biocompatible membrane, to which antibodies specific for said contaminants are covalently bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dox-Al Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivo Volpato, Bernard Bizzini, Flavio Veneroni
  • Patent number: 7482151
    Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of ammonia in aqueous environments, such as aquaria and wastewater are also provided, using the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Aquaria, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Hovanec
  • Publication number: 20090020474
    Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Keichiro Uda, Kazumi Chuhjoh