Including Collecting Or Storing Gas (e.g., Fuel, Carbon Monoxide, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/603)
  • Patent number: 9222108
    Abstract: This invention relates to bioreactor processes, particularly bioreactor processes for the production of hydrogen gas from biomass, more particularly to bioreactor processes for the production of hydrogen gas employing a mixed anaerobic thermophilic bacterial consortium during the anaerobic fermentation of biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
    Inventor: Vincent Myles Gray
  • Patent number: 9217162
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a process and an anaerobic digestion system for crop stalk/straw. The process in one example comprises (A) Feeding, (B) Heating and Digestion at the set temperature, (C) Discharging of Biogas, Sludge and Effluent. The system in one example comprises (I) High Solid Content Digester (II) Hydro-Circulation Digester and (III) Stalk/Straw Feeder. Steps (A), (B) and (C) are accomplished in the devices (I) and (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Shengli Oilfield Shengli Power Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiliang Chen, Jianzhong Zhao, Rongjun Li, Shaopeng Zhang, Taitao Wang, Tong Wang, Zhiguo Chen
  • Patent number: 9216921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying process water, particularly for continuously purifying process water in the paper industry. The method comprises at least one process water treatment step, which comprises the following steps: a) an anaerobic purifying step, wherein process water to be purified is brought in contact with anaerobic microorganisms in an anaerobic reactor in order to decompose impurities present in the waste water, b) a first separating step, wherein gases present in the process water obtained in step a) are separated from said process water, and c) a second separating step, wherein solids present in the process water obtained in step b) are separated from the process water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Meri Environmental Solutions GMBH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Dieter Efinger, Bernhard Niemczyk, Lucas Menke
  • Patent number: 9174883
    Abstract: Food waste streams may be managed efficiently with a waste-processing facility, which in some embodiments may be co-locating a food distribution facility. The waste processing facility includes a pulper fluidly connected to an input configured to receive a heterogeneous waste stream including biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, the pulper configured to mechanically de-fiber the biodegradable component and form a de-fibered biodegradable material, and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor fluidly connected downstream of the pulper and configured to produce biogas and anaerobic effluent from the de-fibered biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FEED RESOURCE RECOVERY, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Begin, Shane Eten
  • Patent number: 9145300
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated process for producing a fermentation product from fossil carbon and hydrogen present in a purge gas stream resulting from a hydrogen production process. According to the invention, a purge gas stream obtained from a hydrogen production process is fermented with microorganisms in one or more bioreactors to produce the fermentation product. A fermentation exhaust gas stream from the one or more bioreactors comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or methane is then obtained and heat is generated therefrom to provide energy for a reforming unit that forms part of the hydrogen production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Iogen Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick J Foody
  • Patent number: 9127299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directed selective solid-phase culturing of stable microbial mixed populations for the continuous preparation of defined enzyme and metabolite mixtures, enzyme and metabolite materials obtained by such method and suitable devices therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SENZYME GMBH
    Inventors: Udo Hölker, Martina Janssen, Jürgen Lenz
  • Patent number: 9102550
    Abstract: In an anaerobic treatment method in which contaminated water is introduced into an acidification tank to decompose polymer components in the contaminated water into organic acids, and the effluent from the acidification tank is introduced into a methane production tank containing non-biological fluidized carriers so as to convert the acids into methane, the treatment is carried out stably and continuously by preventing the occurrence of floating of carriers in the methane production tank. The CODCr concentration of polymer components other than organic acids in the acidification tank effluent to be introduced into the methane production tank is controlled to be not more than 300 mg/L. This control prevents the occurrence of acid production reactions in the methane production tank and the consequent proliferation of microorganisms, and thereby suppresses sticking of carriers as well as the occurrence of floating and blockage by the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Shinto, Takaaki Tokutomi
  • Patent number: 9102885
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for transporting viscous slurries, especially at high pressures, using fluid injection, especially steam injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Renmatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Adam Simard, Perry Gerdes
  • Patent number: 9090488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the purification of influent water by means of anaerobic microorganisms comprising at least one separator which is configured so as to separate a three phase mixture withdrawn from the reactor into three phases, namely into sludge, water and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: VOITH MERI ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brad Leitner, Rob Gloudemans, Steve Bartsch
  • Patent number: 9079790
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and working method for purification and/or treatment of organic waste and/or wastewater flows. The invention also concerns a working method for the production of biogas. The system according to the invention contains: a sealable pressure vessel provided with an inlet to supply a flow for purification and/or treatment whereby the pressure vessel is equipped to execute an anaerobe conversion of the flow that is to be purified/treated in, amongst others, biogas, at least one exhaust manifold for the products that need to be removed from the pressure vessel, a control system to drive the process, a pump that cooperates with the inlet to convey the flow to be purified/treated whereby the pump can be put into motion through the biogas from the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Zagt Zelf B.V.
    Inventor: Christiaan Emanuel Zagt
  • Patent number: 9067809
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for anaerobic wastewater treatment with a membrane, which effectively generates biogas and suppresses fouling on a membrane surface by performing anaerobic treatment to wastewater. The apparatus for anaerobic wastewater treatment with a membrane includes: an anaerobic reactor for performing anaerobic treatment to wastewater and generating biogas; an anaerobic membrane bio-reactor for filtering wastewater discharged from the anaerobic reactor by means of a membrane module and providing an additional anaerobic treatment space for the wastewater; submerged membrane modules provided in the anaerobic membrane bio-reactor to filter wastewater; rotating disks provided at both sides of the submerged membrane module to induce turbulence to the wastewater by means of rotation; and a second media provided in the anaerobic membrane bio-reactor to circulate according to the flow of the wastewater so that foulants on a surface of the membrane module are detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kyung Guen Song, Jung Yeol Lee, Jun Hee Ryu, Se Yeon Won, Min-hyuk Yoon
  • Patent number: 9045355
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering nutrients from digestate comprises one or more solid-liquid separation steps, and dryer, an ammonia stripping device, and an evaporator. In a process, digestate is separated into a solids portion and a liquid portion. Ammonia is stripped from the liquid portion and converted into an ammonium solution or salt which may be used as, or blended with, a fertilizer product. At least part of the remaining liquid portion is concentrated to produce brine. The brine is mixed with the solids portion. The mixture is dried and may be used as, or blended with, a fertilizer product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: ANAERGIA INC.
    Inventors: Ashwani Kumar, Juan Carlos Josse
  • Patent number: 9044708
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating headspace gas has a production water tank, a source of at least one of oxygen and ozone, a diffuser, and a reaction tank. The production water tank contains a headspace gas and a headspace gas outlet. At least a portion of the headspace gas is a sulfide gas. The diffuser diffuses a mixture of the at least one of oxygen and ozone and headspace gas from the production water tank via the headspace gas outlet into a liquid solvent. The at least one of oxygen and ozone oxidizes at least a portion of the sulfide gas as they pass through the diffuser. The reaction tank for receives the liquid solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Seair Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Kinasewich, Kyle Greene, Todd J. Webb
  • Patent number: 9039897
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of optimizing CO2 concentration to increase the specific growth rate of Anammox bacteria and methanogens in wastewater and sludge treatment, as well as novel systems and methods of treating wastewater and sludge. The specific growth rate or doubling time of the Anammox bacteria and methanogens were determined to be sensitive to dissolved CO2 concentration. Optimizing dissolved CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the Anammox bacteria, which may be used as an alternative biological nitrogen removal process for the treatment of domestic wastewater. In the method and system of treating sludge, the CO2 stripper returns biogas with low CO2 concentration to the headspace of an anaerobic digester in order to lower the headspace CO2 concentration and therefore, the soluble CO2 concentration. The lower soluble CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the methanogens for a more efficient anaerobic digestion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Peter George Stroot
  • Patent number: 9023209
    Abstract: A method for removing methane from biogas is described. The method includes: (i) receiving biogas including methane and other components into a first tank; (ii) receiving water into the first tank; (iii) contacting the biogas with the water inside the first tank; (iv) dispensing methane gas from an outlet of the first tank; and (v) producing from the tank an effluent stream that includes other components of the biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Silver Fish LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Ott
  • Patent number: 9005442
    Abstract: An anaerobic lagoon wastewater treatment system, which includes a plurality of wastewater treatment zones. The treatment zones are either formed by providing a plurality of separate lagoons or by providing one or more partitioning elements within one lagoon. One or more treatment zones may also be provided in the form of an anaerobic tank. The first wastewater treatment zone in the direction of wastewater flow has a smaller volume than the second wastewater treatment zone. Further, the first wastewater treatment zone achieves a significant reduction in fat, oil and grease removal, as well as in total suspended solids removal, but only a modest reduction in biological oxygen demand. An effluent from the first wastewater treatment zone is mixed with an effluent from the second wastewater treatment zone such that a predetermined ratio of carbon to nitrogen is maintained within the mixture of first and second effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Patent number: 9005443
    Abstract: An anaerobic digestion device includes a digester body configured to receive organic waste and a plurality of plates coupled to one another so as to divide an interior volume of the digester body into a plurality of compartmentalized chambers. The compartmentalized chambers are movable relative to the digester body to advance a slurry of said organic waste along a length of the digester body. A plurality of ports spaced along the digester body and arranged to vent biogas from the digester body. A storage vessel is configured to receive and store biogas received from the digester body via the ports, and a heating system configured to heat the digester body. The heating system is fuelled by the biogas vented from the digester body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald E. Arnoldsen, Jr., Debra A. Arnoldsen
  • Publication number: 20150096343
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for pre-treating sewage sludge in a sewage treatment works (STW) to facilitate anaerobic digestion. These methods include (a) passing sewage sludge through one or more pre-treatment devices, wherein each pre-treatment device comprises (i) a passage of substantially constant diameter having an inlet in fluid communication with the STW and an outlet; and (ii) a transport fluid nozzle communicating with the passage and adapted to inject high velocity transport fluid into the passage; (b) passing the sewage sludge treated in step (a) to an anaerobic digester; and (c) collecting methane produced in step (b). Other methods are also provided for pre-treating a bio-degradable waste flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Bart Pieper, Michelle Gina Elizabeth Gothard
  • Patent number: 8999164
    Abstract: Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises: —feeding said aqueous stream containing the organic by-products of the reaction to a distillation column, obtaining two output streams: —an aqueous stream (i) exiting from the column head, enriched with alcohols having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, and other optional volatile compounds; an aqueous stream (ii) exiting from the column bottom, enriched with organic acids having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; —subjecting said aqueous stream (ii) to an anaerobic biological treatment obtaining a purified aqueous stream (iii); wherein said anaerobic biological treatment is carried out with a hydraulic retention time lower than 15 hours, preferably ranging from 4 hours to 10 hours, more preferably ranging from 5 hours to 8 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuliana Franzosi, Pietro Cesti, Roberto Paglino, Lino Carnelli, Roberta Miglio
  • Publication number: 20150083661
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) in sewage sludge. These methods include passing the sewage sludge through one or more devices that contains (a) a hollow body provided with a straight-through passage of substantially constant cross-section, the passage having an inlet end and an outlet end for the entry and discharge respectively of the sewage sludge, (b) a transport fluid nozzle substantially circumscribing and opening into the passage intermediate the inlet and outlet ends thereof, (c) a transport fluid inlet communicating with the transport fluid nozzle for the introduction of a transport fluid, and (d) a mixing chamber being formed within the passage downstream of the transport fluid nozzle. The sewage sludge is then passed through a digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Bart Pieper, Michelle Gina Gothard
  • Publication number: 20150076058
    Abstract: A waste processing system includes: an input module for converting input organic waste into processed input waste; a digester module, coupled to the input module, for generating biogas and digester effluent from the processed input waste, including: a digester tank; baffles affixed within the digester tank; a digester process solution in the digester tank including, hydrolytic bacteria, acidogenic bacteria, acetogenic bacteria, methanogenic bacteria, or a combination thereof, for converting the processed input waste into the biogas and the digester effluent; and an output module, coupled to the digester module, for collecting the biogas and digester effluent after a residence period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff Brooks, Chaiyos Siripoke
  • Patent number: 8980089
    Abstract: The present application relates to a high-rate anaerobic pool bioreactor (“BLAAT”) as an improved processing unit for treating biodegradable wastewater, which allows the conversion of a low-performance rate traditional system, such as the anaerobic pool, into an efficient, compact system that enables clean energy to be recovered in the from of biogas. The application also describes a process for the anaerobic treatment of wastewater that uses said bioreactor, which optimizes the processes of mixing and contact between the biomass and the substrate and presents a novel process for separating out the biomass by means of improved sedimentation in horizontal laminar flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Universidad del Valle
    Inventor: Miguel Ricardo Pena Varon
  • Patent number: 8974669
    Abstract: Novel methods and systems for efficient and economic treatment of wastewater, and other fluidized and solid organic wastes, comprise heating the aerobic digestion process with waste heat given off by the generation of power fueled by the biogas by-product of a co-located anaerobic digestion process. Other power generation processes may be utilized for supplying supplemental waste heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ecocyclet LLC
    Inventor: David Anthony Del Porto
  • Patent number: 8973491
    Abstract: A system for producing secondary food product from primary food product waste is disclosed that comprises several modular subsections: a staging subsystem, a processing subsystem, a drying subsystem, and a pelletization subsystem. Each subsystem, and the connections between subsystems, are sealed such that the food product being processed is isolated from the general environment. Product is dried by the dryer in such a way that it emerges from the dryer at a desired moisture content level and at ambient temperature. A moisture sensor may provide control data to a controller that in turn controls product throughput to obtain a desired moisture content level. High nutritional content and long lifespan of the processed product can be maintained, while reducing the weight of the final product. One or more of the subsystems may be portable and configured for convenient connection and disconnection to mating subsystems, and to facilitate permitting for portable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sustainable Alternative Feed Enterprises
    Inventors: John Pastusek, Louis Anthony Pellegrini, Kerry Zundel, William L. Ford
  • Publication number: 20150060356
    Abstract: A method for improved anaerobic digestion is presented. The method includes mixing a volume of waste material with water to form a feedstock mixture. The volume of waste material includes an initial amount of biomass and the feedstock mixture includes methanogenic bacteria either naturally present in the waste material or introduced artificially. The method also includes introducing one or more promoter substances to the feedstock mixture. The one or more promoter substances are capable of modifying the methanogenic bacteria. Modifying includes stimulating novel enzyme production in the methanogenic bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Verliant Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Barry
  • Publication number: 20150027179
    Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, Andrew Benedek
  • Patent number: 8936725
    Abstract: Constructed wetland wastewater treatment equipment under low temperature for continuous operation which includes: three-section substrates filled in a constructed wetland, ventilation pipes being arranged in the substrates, a height of a bed of the constructed wetland being higher than a height of the substrates; a double wall being filled with an organic substance used as a barrier at periphery of the constructed wetland; a water distributing pipe disposed at a top of the three-section substrates and a water collecting pipe disposed at a bottom of the three-section substrates; and a water inlet pipe connected to an upper portion at one end of the three-section substrates and a water outlet pipe connected to a lower portion at the other end of the three-section substrates, a water outlet of the water outlet pipe being higher than the height of the bed of the constructed wetland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
    Inventors: Beidou Xi, Lieyu Zhang, Jixi Gao, Jinbiao Wang, Xunfeng Xia, Qigong Xu
  • Patent number: 8932466
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sludge treatment, comprising the following steps: (1) mixing a sludge feed from a sewage biotreatment process with a first mixed liquor to obtain a second mixed liquor; (2) subjecting the second mixed liquor to an oxygen-supplying process to obtain a third mixed liquor; (3) subjecting the third mixed liquor to an anoxic process to obtain a fourth mixed liquor; (4) separating the fourth mixed liquor to obtain a supernatant liquid and a first concentrated mixed liquor; (5) discharging the supernatant liquid, and returning at least a part of the first concentrated mixed liquor as the first mixed liquor to the step (1), wherein the amount of sludge of the first concentrated mixed liquor that does not return to the step (1) is less than the amount of sludge of the sludge feed. The present invention further relates to the use of the method for sludge treatment in sewage treatment. The method for sludge treatment can achieve a long term stable run without sludge discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Jinmin Li, Liankui Zhou, Dayong Li
  • Patent number: 8926841
    Abstract: An organic waste processing system and method for producing a slurry for the production of bio-gas, transportation fuels and chemical products, and a residual solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Waste Management National Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James L Denson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140367329
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anaerobic water purification system, conversion kit and method for treating a liquid. The anaerobic water purification system according to the invention comprises: -a container for the liquid for treatment provided during use with a sludge bed; -a supply conduit operatively connected to the container for supplying the liquid for treatment; -a distribution system connected to the supply conduit for distributing the liquid over the sludge bed from above; -carrier material which is arranged during use in the container and to which anaerobic sludge material can attach; and -a gas roof arranged at or on the container and provided with a volume which can be adapted during use to the biogas production. The carrier material is preferably free-floating material. The discharge conduit for discharge of treated liquid is preferably connected to a riser pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Antonius Johannes Hendrikus Hyacinthus Engelaar, Leeuwarden Steenbrink, Alje Haan
  • Patent number: 8911627
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for biomass digestion and products formed thereof. The products include one or more biogases, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Landmark IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Detlev K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140353246
    Abstract: Procedure using zeolite, clinoptilolite type in an upflow anaerobic reactor and sludge blanket (UASBs) in order to obtain granular active sludge, thereby improving the density of the sludge, and thereby, their settling properties, and increase of biomass within reactor by immobilizing microorganisms, to achieve an increase in the efficiency of the removal of organic material and the production of biogas (60-70% methane) in more than 20% over the same type reactor used so far without zeolite, enabling the use of such reactor for treating wastewater with a high concentration of proteins, amino acids and other nitrogen compounds and which prevents the accumulation of nitrogen, which is toxic to the process by allowing zeolite-clinoptilolite, the exchange with alkali and alkaline earth found in specific points of the crystal structure of clinoptilolite by ammonia nitrogen, and also preventing the development of filamentous bacteria, which are difficult to hold up within the reactor and reduces its efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Universidad de Santiago de Chile
    Inventors: Silvio Jacinto Montalvo Martinez, Enrique Pablo Sanchez Hernandez, Lorna Elena Guerrero Saldes, Elena
  • Patent number: 8900456
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater containing an organic compound includes feeding wastewater to an anoxic tank, adding compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus components to wastewater, performing anaerobic treatment on wastewater, and discharging treated wastewater as pre-treated water; introducing pre-treated water into an anaerobic treatment tank, performing anaerobic treatment on pre-treated water, thereby decomposing the organic compound into organic compounds of smaller molecular size and a mixture gas containing methane and carbon dioxide, and discharging treated water as primary water; introducing primary water into an aerobic treatment tank, performing aerobic treatment on primary water, and discharging treated water through a solid-liquid separator as secondary water; and introducing at least a part of secondary water into a reverse osmosis membrane separation unit, and separating part of secondary water into RO permeated water and RO concentrated brine, wherein at least a part of RO concentrated
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Chiyoda Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayo Shinohara, Kazuhige Kawamura, Hiromi Satoh, Toshinobu Imahama, Atsushi Kitanaka, Masahide Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8894854
    Abstract: A digester with separate stages for hydrolysis and methanogenesis is disclosed. The digester includes a leachate bay reactor, which may be configured as modular, multi-bay units. Waste material is added to the leachate bay reactor. A leachate storage tank is fluidically connected to the leachate bay reactor, which facilitates hydrolysis. Leachate from the leachate storage tank is recirculated through the leachate bay reactor. A high rate methanogenic reactor is fluidically connected to the leachate storage tank to cycle the leachate in a fixed film environment for biogas production from solubilized organic matter. The reactor may be operated in an anaerobic digestion mode, or a dual aerobic-anaerobic digestion mode. The reactor may also include a struvite system having a crystallizer unit and a separation unit to reduce ammonium and phosphate accumulation during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Lucas Hans Loetscher, Sybil Sharvelle
  • Patent number: 8894855
    Abstract: A hybrid method and system of treating wastewater with reduced energy usage is disclosed. The treatment system has a sorption system and an anaerobic digester that digests or converts at least a portion of the solids or sludge from the sorption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wenjun Liu, Edward John Jordan, George W. Smith, Joseph Edward Zuback
  • Patent number: 8877490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material with a low content of organic dry matter (oTS), comprising at least one inlet for the pumpable organic material, at least one fixed bed reactor for the pumpable organic material with at least one primary and one secondary section and at least one outlet the remaining fermentation residue. Furthermore, the fermenter can optionally comprises at least one sedimentation chamber for the pumpable organic material, arranged between the primary and secondary sections and at least one recycling section connected to the sedimentation chamber and designed such that specific lighter fractions of the pumpable organic material can be recovered and reintroduced to the rising (primary) section of the fixed bed reactor or a preceding or subsequent conventional fermenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Wilhelm Gantefort, Jürgen Beck
  • Patent number: 8871094
    Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as BTEX methanol and other non-phase separable hydrocarbons may be removed from wastewater obtained from oil or gas exploration or production operations by way of a bioreactor. The bioreactor may employ anaerobic microorganisms that metabolize various VOCs. In some embodiments, such a bioreactor may be configured to treat process flow rates of thousands of barrels of wastewater per hour. Such a bioreactor may comprise a large vessel at a larger water treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: R N Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry J. Spiroff, Nathan Zaugg, Huiwei Yu
  • Patent number: 8864992
    Abstract: A method for recovering phosphate from sewage treatment plants using multi-stage anaerobic digestion includes the treatment of organic acid digest with calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and similar compounds to raise pH to near neutral values and precipitate calcium phosphate compounds such as brushite and similar amorphous compounds. The method includes the formation of calcium phosphates on weak-acid ion exchange columns and membranes in contact with organic acid digest. The system includes removal of the calcium phosphate compounds formed by sedimentation, either static or against an upwelling flow, centrifugation, or filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip Barak
  • Publication number: 20140263040
    Abstract: A batch reactor includes a first portion, a second portion, a first drainage tank, a second drainage tank, and a first flow control mechanism. The first portion includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber in fluid communication with one another configured for a flow of at least one biomaterial therethrough. The second portion includes a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with one another configured for a flow of the least one biomaterial therethrough. The first drainage chamber is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. The second drainage chamber is in fluid communication with the third chamber of the first portion and the second chamber of the second portion. The first flow control mechanism is disposed between the third chamber of the first portion and the first chamber of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Epcot Crenshaw Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Satish Smith
  • Publication number: 20140251899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for taking liquid anaerobic digestion effluent and increasing the solids content by using the effluent and biomass to further digest both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Chia Hsing Shih
  • Patent number: 8801930
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for the solid wastes automatic collection pipeline transportation and comprehensive utilization contemplated to reach a easily dropping, automatically collecting, discharging, transporting of all kinds of the solid wastes, getting the plastic package free renewable waste for recycle. The disclosed method and apparatus comprise going toward and near the multiple waste fluidizing collectors set indoor and outdoor, automatically opening the lid of the collector, putting the wastes into the specified containers according to the requirement of the waste recycle program, respectively fluidizing all kinds of the solid wastes into flowable particle and jam to satisfy the pipeline transportation, the multiple waste fluidizing collector in the invention is designed to receive, deposit the wastes and change the solid waste from solid into liquid, that leads to the solid waste automatic collection, transportation and getting the plastic package free, renewable uniform waste for recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Zeguo Qiu
  • Patent number: 8801931
    Abstract: A hybrid method and system of treating wastewater with reduced energy usage is disclosed. The treatment system has a sorption system, an anaerobic digester that digests or converts at least a portion of the solids or sludge from the sorption system, and an aerobic treatment tank that partially reduces oxygen demand of a portion of the sludge from the sorption tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wenjun Liu, Edward John Jordan, George W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140197097
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: EUGENIO WILLIAM GIRALDO
  • Patent number: 8765449
    Abstract: A three stage, multiple phase anaerobic digestion system and method designed to separate the biological phases, optimize microbial activity in each phase, and significantly increase system reliability and energy production. The system physically separates the biological phases of anaerobic digestion based on particle size, particle density, and solubility of metabolic products. The system allows a complex multi-phased biological system to develop without the need for excessive control or operator intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Bio Energy Development LLC
    Inventor: William C Stewart
  • Patent number: 8758613
    Abstract: An anaerobic water purification system including an anaerobic water purification unit receiving water to be treated and providing an anaerobic-treated water output and biomass carriers for supporting anaerobic microorganisms in the anaerobic water purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Aqwise-Wise Water Technologies Ltd, Westt
    Inventors: Tamar Arbel, Nir Assulin, Antonius Johannes Hendrikus Hyacinthus Engelaar, Tammy Yalin
  • Patent number: 8758614
    Abstract: A waste stream having anaerobically biodegradable components is fed to an anaerobic reactor where the components react with microorganisms to biodegrade the components and produce biomass and biogas. Mixing occurs in select portions of the anaerobic reactor, particularly the bottom and top portions of the reactor. Relatively heavy solids settle to the bottom and are mixed with the mixed liquor while relatively light or fine solids float to the top portion of the anaerobic reactor where they are mixed with the mixed liquor. Mixed liquor is pumped from an intermediate portion of the anaerobic reactor to a membrane separation unit where the mixed liquor is separated into a permeate stream and a retentate stream that is concentrated with solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventor: John Ewing
  • Patent number: 8758616
    Abstract: The invention, belongs to the field of wastewater treatment technology, is a two-phase anaerobic reactor enhanced by addition of zero valent iron (ZVI). In the reactor, 2˜4 ZVI-filling layers are settled in the middle of the anaerobic hydrolysis-acidification tank, the effluent of which is fed into the rear anaerobic methanogenic tank. The degradation of organics is effectively enhanced in the anaerobic hydrolysis-acidification tank with dosing of ZVI, which may produce more acetic acid that is a desired substrate for the subsequent methanogenesis. Meanwhile, the acidic environment of the hydrolysis-acidification tank is helpful for the dissolution of ZVI to maintain its activity. The reactor is reasonably designed with high performance and strong shock resistance in anaerobic treatment of various wastewaters. Tests in lab-scale showed that hydrolysis-acidification and methanogenesis in this combined system were significantly improved compared with a reference reactor without addition of ZVI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Dalian University of Technology
    Inventors: Yaobin Zhang, Yiwen Liu, Xie Quan, Xusheng Meng, Shuo Chen, Zhiqiang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8758615
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing anaerobic digestion of biomaterials using a clarifier, a batch reactor, and/or a digester are disclosed. The clarifier performs pretreatment processing of biomaterial to improve anaerobic digestion. The batch reactor and/or the digester are coupled to the clarifier and are configured to digest the processed biomaterial. A control system for an anaerobic digestion process includes a flow control system, a temperature control system, and a totalization system. The flow control system controls the flow of biomaterial and the delivery of chemical agents to the biomaterial based on conductivity, temperature, pressure, and/or composition of the biomaterial. The temperature control system includes a heat source and heat exchangers that control the temperature of the biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Epcot Crenshaw Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Satish Smith
  • Patent number: 8753876
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew K. Schwartz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8741142
    Abstract: A multistage anaerobic digester for treatment of wastewater including complex organic polymers, includes a hydrolysis stage converting the complex organic polymers received at an inlet to solubilized monomers at an outlet; an acidogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the hydrolysis stage, converting the solubilized monomers into intermediate products at an outlet of the acidogenesis stage; an acetogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the acidogenesis stage, converting the intermediate products into simple molecules at an outlet of the acetogenesis stage; and a methanogenesis stage, coupled to the outlet of the acidogenesis stage, converting the simple molecules to an end product, the end product including a quantity of methane and a quantity of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Filtration Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Wayne Cook