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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and a system for reducing the amount of fluid in a biological mass comprising solids and fluid in the form of liquid and gas. The system includes a temporary storage container for receiving and temporary storing a biological mass, at least one separator arranged to receive the biological mass from the temporary storage container and separate at least a portion of the fluid of the mass from the solids of the mass, a solids container for receiving the solids fraction separated from the biological mass, and a liquid-purifying device arranged to purify the liquid which is separated from the mass by means of the separator. The system is substantially fluidtight towards the surroundings and the separator includes a screen cloth and a device for inducing a fluid flow. The fluid flow is arranged to carry a portion of the liquid out of the mass and through the screen cloth, the essential part of the fluid flow has been recirculated in the system (1).

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost. A quantity of liquid organic waste material can be added to the biomixer, to the hydropulper and/or to the anaerobic digester. The quantity of liquid organic waste material can be obtained by separating the liquids from any containers and can be stored in a holding tank prior to being added to the biomixer, the hydropulper and/or the anaerobic digester.

Abstract: A method for the removal and sequestration of ammonia nitrogen from anaerobic fermentation effluent while producing a higher BTU biogas. The method includes the steps of removing the slurry from the digester, stripping the ammonia from the slurry or portion thereof with a high BTU biogas, blending the stripped ammonia with the digesters biogas to remove the carbon dioxide and precipitate ammonium bicarbonate/carbonate as a solid while producing a high Btu biogas, a portion of which is used to strip the ammonia and CO2 from the slurry. The process removes ammonia nitrogen from the digester effluent while producing a high Btu biogas and a solid ammonium bicarbonate/carbonate product. Ammonia stripping is accomplished with a recycled stripping gas deficient in CO2 and ammonia that is capable of removing the CO2 and ammonia from solution by virtue of the lower partial pressures of CO2 and ammonia in the stripping unit.

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.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of solid wastes automatic collection ductwork evacuation and comprehensive utilization contemplated to reach a facilitative dropping, quietly, effectively and automatically collecting, evacuating, transporting of all kinds of biodegradable solid waste, getting poly package-less uniform waste particle and jam for recycle that largely reduce the emission of greenhouse gas, pollution of poly package materials, contamination of putrefactive solid waste, generate resource from waste and benefit dwellers, industrials, business units.

Abstract: A method of suspending bio-solids in an activated sludge during wastewater treatment in an activated sludge system is provided. In one example embodiment, the method may include treating the activated sludge under anaerobic conditions and flowing the activated sludge through an open channel into a separation vessel. The bio-solids are suspended in the activated sludge by either intermittent agitation comprising an agitation interval and a rest interval or by upright flow of an influent and/or activated sludge. Diffusion of gas, mechanical devices, flow of an influent, and flow of the activated sludge can be utilized to agitate the bio-solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to using alcalophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria selected from at least one species of a Desulfohalobiaceae or Desulfonatronum species family or from species whose gene encoding for ribosomal PARN 16S has a homology equal to or greater than 97% with a corresponding gene of any species of the Desulfohalobiaceae or Desulfonatronum species family for producing a hydrogen sulphide substantially soluble in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A facility for treating solid and liquid waste includes a receiving station, a screening station, a preprocessing station, a press station and a processing station. The screening station is connected to an inlet capable of receiving liquid and solid waste and includes a screen for capturing at least some of the solid waste. The preprocessing station is in fluid communication with the screening station, and includes a degrit chamber for settling out an additional amount of the solids. The press station included at least one alkali mixing tank and a screw press for separating out an additional portion of the solids. The processing station includes at least one aerobic microorganism generating unit for converting nitrites into nitrogen gas and consuming carbon-based waste material.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater wherein the wastewater is introduced in prescribed doses of wastewater to a first treatment zone, establishing a negative pressure gradient using mechanical ventilation within said zone causing exhaust air flow to remove gases and promote evaporation in the zone. Excess wastewater passing through the zone is collected and reintroduced. The zone contains particulate material with a large wetted surface area covered in a microbiological slime layer.

Abstract: A method of producing methane, an organic based fertilizer and usable water from animal waste includes the step of separating the animal waste into liquid waste and solid waste. The solid waste is subjected to anaerobic digestion to produce methane and a wet by-product. The wet by-product is pressed to into a filter cake which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. The liquid waste is clarified to produce a supernatant and a sludge which is pressed into a filter cake together with the wet by-product. Ammonia is extracted from the supernatant to produce ammonium sulfate and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is filtered to produce a concentrate and water filtrate. The water filtrate may be used as drinking or washing water. The ammonium sulfate and concentrate may be used to supplement to the solid waste which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. In alternative embodiments a portion of the supernatant and aqueous solution may be used as a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: Anaerobic Wastewater treatment system and process in which the influent is passed through a mixing chamber and then through a series of filters of progressively smaller size to separate the materials carrying the colonized bacteria from finer solids in the influent and separate the materials according to size in a completely enclosed and flooded environment. The materials from the filters are progressively reduced to a smaller size, the materials of smaller size are returned to the mixing chamber, and new influent is inoculated with the colonized bacteria carried by the materials returned to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using biomass in a biogas process. The aim of the invention is to use substrates having a high nitrogen and solid content, and which using a small amount of water, has very good energy balance and is particularly environmentally friendly. Said aim is achieved by the virtue of the fact that the substrate is treated with a recirculated product in order to form a pumpable medium, and additionally treated with bacteria in cyclones and fermenters, which simultaneously removes the nitrogen in a stripping process, separates the solid fermentation radicals and further uses the recirculated product as a heat-exchanger and reaction medium. Said process is environmentally friendly and has a very good energy balance.

Abstract: A biogas collection system and method for collecting and utilizing biogas that is produced as a byproduct of anaerobic digestion in a wastewater treatment system having one or more wastewater sources. The biogas collection system comprises an interceptor or septic tank hydraulically connected to the wastewater sources to receive wastewater therein and to generate effluent and biogas from the anaerobic digestion of the wastewater. The system has a wastewater treatment facility hydraulically connected to the interceptor tank by one or more effluent lines and a biogas processing facility hydraulically connected to the interceptor tank by one or more biogas pipelines. Biogas inside the effluent lines is compressed and transported to the biogas processing facility to be utilized as a fuel for power generation or processed to reduce the greenhouse gas effect of the biogas. The biogas collection is a closed system that does not vent biogas to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A hollow gas transfer fiber is arranged in tows and potted into a module. The module may be used to treat wastewater by supplying hydrogen containing gas via the interior of the fibers to a biofilm present on an exterior surface of the fibers.

Abstract: A system for recycling drilling sludge is disclosed. The system has a treatment area and a salt-tolerant bio-reactor coupled to the treatment area. The bio-reactor has i) at least one bio-suspension element for supporting the growth of at least one type of biological microorganism within an enclosed flow zone; ii) an agitator for creating a flow of the drilling sludge through the enclosed flow zone at a flow rate; and iii) an aerator for providing a gas to the enclosed flow zone. The system also has a processor coupled to the agitator and configured to create at least a minimum self-cleaning drag force between drilling sludge passing through the enclosed flow zone and the combined at least one type of biological microorganism and the at least one bio-suspension element. A related method and bio-reactor are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A practical technique that enables effective utilization of organic wastes is provided. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a method for producing methane gas from organic wastes according to the present invention includes: treating organic wastes with at least one of supercritical water and sub-critical water to convert the organic wastes into low molecular weight substances; and subjecting the low molecular weight substances to methane fermentation. According to the method, initially, the organic wastes are treated with at least one of the supercritical water and the sub-critical water so as to be converted into low molecular weight substances that are easily subjected to methane fermentation. Then, the treated substances are subjected to methane fermentation. Consequently, methane gas can be produced from the organic wastes at a high speed with high digestion efficiency.

Abstract: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) in wastewater treatment to remove carbonaceous substrates, nutrients and phosphorus, has recently become increasingly popular worldwide due to increasingly stringent regulations. Biological fluidized bed (BFB) technology, which could be potentially used for BNR processes, can provide some advantages such as high efficiency and compact structure. This present invention incorporates the fixed-film biological fluidized bed technology with the biological nutrient removal in a twin liquid-solid fluidized bed, which has achieved the simultaneous elimination of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, in a very efficient manner and with very compact space requirements. The BNR-LSFB has two fluidized beds, running as anoxic/anaerobic and aerobic processes to accomplish simultaneous nitrification and denitrification and to remove carbonaceous substrates, nutrients and phosphorus, with continuous liquid and solids recirculation through the anoxic/anaerobic bed and the aerobic bed.

Abstract: Already-treated sludge is fed back into incoming sewage, and is effective to supply nutrients needed for the microbiological breakdown of the sludge. The feedback sludge has a solids content of 10% or more, and has been sheared and heated to drive its viscosity down to 10,000 cP or less. In sludge done that way, nutrients are preserved and presented to the sewage to be treated in highly liquidized and solubilized form, whereby the nutrients are very bio-available to the microbes in the sewage. Large improvements in the elimination of biomass can result.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering an alcohol from a fermentation broth using liquid-liquid extraction, wherein at least one ionic liquid is used as the extractive solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating wastewater are provided. The method for treating wastewater includes: a pre-treatment step of removing impurities contained in high concentration wastewater and crushing the impurities using a crusher; a first aerobic treatment step of supplying wastewater containing organic acids to a first aerobic tank and injecting air to the first aerobic tank to be aerobically treated; an anaerobic treatment step of supplying the wastewater, from which excess organic acids are removed by the aerobic treatment, to an anaerobic tank to be anaerobically treated; a degassing step of supplying the wastewater treated in the aerobic and anaerobic treatment steps to a degassing tank to remove air and gas; and a post-treatment step of precipitating the wastewater aerobically treated using a solid-liquid separation tank, a pressure floatation tank or a precipitation tank.

Abstract: An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for processing brewery waste that includes receiving spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater. The spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater is processed with a plug flow anaerobic digester to produce a first output. A portion of the first output is processed with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digester to produce a second output. A portion of the second output is processed with a fixed-film anaerobic digester to produce a third output.

Abstract: An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods of wastewater purification. The present invention provides a process for the energy efficient production of Class A biosolids. More particularly, sewage sludge is subjected to an anaerobic digestion process resulting in class A biosolids, whereby methane gas byproducts are utilized to meet the high energy demands associated with Class A biosolid production.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization and disinfection of sludge wherein a) raw sludge having a dry matter content of from 3 to 7% by weight is fed continuously or quasi-continuously into a first stage, where it remains for an average retention time of three to ten days under aerobic-thermophilic conditions to obtain a partially stabilized sludge; and b) the partially stabilized sludge is fed into a second stage in which disinfection of the partially stabilized sludge is effected at temperatures of at least 50° C., wherein prior to discharging, there is no charging until the partially stabilized sludge has been disinfected.

Abstract: The invention includes an anaerobic solids digestion apparatus comprising a digester, at least one draft tube; at least one nozzle and a biogas source; a method for digesting a waste stream in an anaerobic solids digestion apparatus comprises feeding a waste stream to a digester; reacting the anaerobically biodegradable material in the waste stream with anaerobic bacteria in the digester; introducing a mixed liquor into the digester and mixing the mixed liquor; and a method for minimizing the use of inhibitory polymers by concurrently digesting and concentrating the mixed liquor in the digester.

Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.

Abstract: A lagoon of effluent is stablished, comprising a set of sub-portions at different levels in the lagoon associated with a corresponding set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, each sub-portion of the lagoon having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. An incubator comprising a set of sub-portions associated with said set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen is established, each sub-portion of the incubator having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. A volume of effluent from each sub-portion of the lagoon is transmitted to a corresponding sub-portion of an incubator having a substantially similar concentration of dissolved oxygen as said sub-portion of the lagoon. A first remediated volume of effluent is generated in said corresponding sub-portion of the incubator responsive to proliferating a first microorganism which uses a first compound in said volume of effluent as substrate for growth, the first microorganism enabling a first chemical reaction which alters the first compound.

Abstract: Already-treated sludge is fed back into incoming sewage, and is effective to supply nutrients needed for the microbiological breakdown of the sludge. The feedback sludge has a solids content of 10% or more, and has been sheared and heated to drive its viscosity down to 10,000 cP or less. In sludge done that way, nutrients are preserved and presented to the sewage to be treated in highly liquidised and solubilised form, whereby the nutrients are very bio-available to the microbes in the sewage. Large improvements in the elimination of biomass can result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying effluents in an anaerobic reactor (1) in which the micro-organisms are held by supports, the supports forming a bed which is fixed in a part (4, 5) of the reactor. The inventive method is characterized in that it includes a step wherein the reactor is backwashed once it has been at least partially clogged, by temporarily suspending the supports. Advantageously, the method includes an initial step for starting the reactor, during which the load of the reactor is increased with a short and constant hydraulic residence time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of solid waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pre-digestion treatment chamber and an anaerobic digester chamber coupled to the pre-digestion treatment chamber. A liquid suspension of solid waste is pretreated under aerobic conditions by heating to a desired pre-digestion temperature. One or more chemical or biological additives are added to the suspension of solid waste to improve the anaerobic digestibility of the solid waste. This may include enzymes to destruct poorly digestible solids and/or materials to provide a desired C:N ratio in the solid waste. The apparatus may include mixers, heaters, chemical or biological additives as needed, various sensors and probes, and a control system to monitor and control the anaerobic digestion process and maintain microbial health of the digester.

Abstract: Plant and procedure thereof for the purification of sewage that enables the sewage to be purified and energy to be obtained, and at the same time enables a product to be obtained given by the combination of organic residues and fibre filters, appropriate, for example, to supply a plant for breeding earthworms, or for different types of agricultural crop.

Abstract: A method for processing brewery waste that includes receiving spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater. The spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater is processed with a plug flow anaerobic digester to produce a first output. A portion of the first output is processed with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digester to produce a second output. A portion of the second output is processed with a fixed-film anaerobic digester to produce a third output.

Abstract: An anaerobic digestion process for the treatment of domestic wastewater sludge that requires less space and funding to construct. Sludge to be treated is combined with recycled anaerobic digester sludge to form a blended sludge. The recycled anaerobic digester sludge provides a source of microorganisms necessary to initiate the breakdown of organic matter in the sludge to be treated. The sludge is then concentrated to increase total solids content to about 10-20%. Excess liquid is removed from the concentrated sludge. The concentrated sludge is then digested in an anaerobic reactor system such as a plug-flow reactor. Some benefits of the system's reduced volume, as a result of concentration of the sludge, include elimination of the necessity of substantially continuous stirring and the new possibilities for the types of construction to be used for the reactor. In addition to the reduced cost of the process itself, the process creates biogas that can be used to offset energy requirements for the process.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for making biogas by growth of aquatic plants followed by anaerobic digestion of organic material from the aquatic plants to biogas comprising methane and carbon dioxide. The biogas can be burned as a fuel or can optionally be further processed to produce a liquid fuel, typically alcohol or diesel, by a Fischer-Tropsch process. The biogas is converted to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2, and the synthesis gas is contacted with a catalyst to be converted to liquid fuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating wastewater containing phosphorus and/or nitrogen for removing phosphorus and/or nitrogen from the wastewater, including following steps of: (a) introducing wastewater containing phosphorus and/or nitrogen into a an anaerobic reactor, treating the introduced wastewater with anaerobic microorganisms, to produce biogas from organic matters in the wastewater, and then discharging the treated wastewater saturated with carbon dioxide under carbon dioxide partial pressure of 0.2 to 0.5 atm; and (b) injecting the treated wastewater of step (a) into a carbon dioxide stripping apparatus wherein the wastewater is free-fallen to expose the wastewater to ambient condition with carbon dioxide partial pressure of less than 0.001 atm so that carbon dioxide stripping takes place and increase in pH occurs without addition of alkaline substance, and then providing proper pH of 8.4 to 9.6 to form struvite.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anaerobic purification device for purification of influent. The device has a reactor tank, an inlet for introducing influent into the tank, a water collecting device for collecting purified water, a gas collecting system for collecting gas from the fluid contained in the reactor, a gas-liquid separation device, a riser for passing liquid into the separation device by gas lifting action caused by gas collected in the gas collecting system, and a downer for returning liquid and sludge from the separation device into the lower tank section. According to the invention this device is characterized in that it is arranged to define, in the downer at the level of the liquid surface, a head pressure of, at least, approximately 1.4 m water column (approximately 0.14 bar). The invention also relates to a method for anaerobic purification device for purification of influent.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing waste and producing methane, in which a chamber is filled with waste, in which it undergoes anaerobic degradation. According to the method, a large chamber and a small chamber are filled respectively with slightly organic waste and highly organic waste, and a liquid fraction generated by the degradation of the waste in the large chamber is introduced into the small chamber. Also provided is an apparatus adapted to implement such a method.

Abstract: Special guide means 7 are located in the interior of a loop reactor for circulating the reactor contents. The guide means 7 has at least one central gas supply means 1 with gas distribution means 2 attached thereto for gas charging into the guide means 7. These loop reactors are used, e.g., as biogas reactors for treatment of biowastes or renewable raw materials. The gas distribution means 2 as gas guide elements are open to the bottom and are located above the gas exit openings 3 of the central gas supply means 1.

Abstract: Methods for steady state operation of an upflow anaerobic digester using organic matter that contains a portion of solid, non-digestible matter include (1) providing an upflow anaerobic digester, (2) providing a bacterial culture in the upflow anaerobic digester for the breakdown of organic matter, (3) introducing an influent into the upflow anaerobic digester, wherein the influent comprises a biodegradable component, a liquid component, and an amount of solid non-digestible matter, (4) operating the upflow anaerobic digester in a steady-state, (5) accumulating the solid, non-digestible matter in the upflow anaerobic digester, (6) and removing a portion of the accumulated solid, non-digestible matter from the upflow anaerobic digester through the bottom of the upflow anaerobic digester while maintaining steady-state operation of the upflow anaerobic digester.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water in an anaerobic reactor, said process comprising burning the biogas produced in the purification, in a gas-burner, using the hot gases obtained thereby for indirect heating of water in a hot water boiler, which boiler is connected with the reactor by means of a line between the gas head of the boiler and a compartment through which the waste water flows, such as a conditioning tank or the anaerobic reactor, which line ends underneath the water level in the said compartment at such a level that a pressure of between 0.25 and 3 m of water column is maintained in the gas head of the boiler, in which boiler steam is generated which enters the said compartment through the said line and heats the waste water, and wherein the said boiler is further provided with a valve to let off steam in case the amount of biogas is in excess of the amount needed to heat the waste water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of ethanol and energy. The process includes the steps of fermenting a corn mash in an aqueous medium to produce a beer. Next, the beer is distilled to produce ethanol and a whole stillage. The whole stillage is anaerobically digested to produce a biogas and a residue. The biogas is combusted to produce electricity and steam. The electricity and steam are used during the fermentation and distillation process. The residue may further be separated into a liquid fertilizer and top soil residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined anaerobic process apparatus for treating organic wastes, comprising: a first solid-liquid separator to separate organic wastes into liquid wastes and solid wastes; an acid-forming tank to decompose the liquid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator using acid-forming microorganisms; a USAB reactor to decompose the liquid wastes discharged from the acid-forming tank using anaerobic microorganisms; a crushing tank to crush the solid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator finely; a mixing tank to mix solid wastes crushed through the crushing tank with microorganisms; and a dry-anaerobic tank to dry solid wastes mixed with microorganisms through the mixing tank, in an anaerobic manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for treating the waste water contaminated with methanol and boron in addition to other contaminants. The systems and methods allow specifically for the removal of the methanol and boron without the addition of significant chemicals to raise the pH. The water is treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for treating biomass wastes to result in usable byproducts. Biomass is treated to remove debris, transferred to microbial digester units, such as anaerobic and aerobic digesters, and the resultant solids and liquids are provided to an algae production unit. Algae are harvested and beneficial byproducts are retained. Gases, heat and energy produced by energy conversion units are used in units of the system or provided to external sources. Water is cleaned and when separated from the algae and other solids in the algae harvesting unit may be provided to external sources, or may be used in other units of the system. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide for an efficient and substantially complete use of the components of the input biomass.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of wastewater to reduce, often associated, offensive odors. Irrigation of oxygenated liquid on top of a permeable cover effectively creates an aerobic treatment zone at the top of the lagoon whereby odorous gases being produced anaerobically below the cover are metabolized within this zone before being released to the atmosphere. This same system also serves to increase evaporation from the overall waste handling system therefore substantially reducing or eliminating the need for land application of treated wastewater.