Abstract: A method and a facility for the treatment of waste from concentrated animal feed operations are disclosed. The method includes receiving manure at a central location, digesting the manure and producing therefrom combustible gases, solid matter and water containing dissolved organic pollutants. The combustible gases are used to provide energy and the water is separated from the solid matter. The solid matter is dried to produce a useful bedding material and the water is treated using an activated sludge aeration system to reduce the dissolved organic pollutants to carbon dioxide, bacteria and water. The facility includes various means for executing the method and includes an ultrasonic treatment station for disrupting bacteria cell walls to improve digestion efficiency.

Abstract: A new process for the production of methane gas from flush dairy operations utilizing heated baffles in a lagoon is disclosed. The baffles are aligned in rows with the rows oriented perpendicular to the flow of nutrient-rich liquid through the lagoon. The baffles are indirectly heated by either hot water or steam and are suspended sheets of porous material upon which methane-producing bacteria are resident. The methane is contained beneath and removed from an enclosing cover over the lagoon.

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: A method for reducing the odors of an anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids or other biosolids or sludge may include separating first anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids into first and second portions, storing second anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids, removing a portion of the second biosolids, and mixing the removed second biosolids portion with the first portion of the first biosolids. The method may be implemented in a system including a separation device, first, second and third transporters, a storage area, and a mixer. The separation device may separate the first biosolids into first and second portions. The first transporter may transport the first portion to the mixer. The second transporter may transport the second portion to the storage area. The storage area may store the second portion for a select time period. The third transporter may transport a portion of the stored first biosolids to the mixer for blending.

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

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: A method of treating sewage sludge comprises a pathogen reduction stage in which raw sludge is incubated for a predetermined incubation period at a temperature in the mesophilic temperature range. The sludge is incubated in a plurality of sequential vessels (1a,1b,1c) comprising an upstream vessel (1a) which receives the raw sludge to be incubated and a downstream vessel (1c) which discharges the incubated sludge. The sludge is fed from the upstream vessel (1a) to the downstream vessel (1c), via any intermediate vessels (1b), and subsequently discharged after spending a predetermined residence time in each vessel, the total residence time being said predetermined incubation period.

Abstract: An induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor includes a vessel in which a septum or other partition is positioned to maintain solids in wastewater being treated toward a lower zone in the reactor. A gas trap, which may also comprise an overpressure protection device, may be arranged at an outlet of the vessel. A distribution plate may be located at an inlet. A central aperture is formed in the septum into which a plug control mechanism, such as an auger, may be positioned to force solids to the lower zone of the reactor or, alternatively, pull solids up above the septum so that they can be removed from the vessel, if desired. A mixer may be utilized in connection with the bioreactor to mix the contents and prevent a crust from forming at the top of the bioreactor. Still further, a wall may be positioned to extend above the septum around its perimeter to assist in separating solids from the wastewater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an anaerobic digestion of biomasses with generation of biogas and sludge, wherein a hydrolyzation phase and a following fermentation of the biomass are included, wherein a hydrolyzation phase (5) and at least two following fermentation phases (7,8,9) are included and wherein the hydrolyzation (5) as well as the following fermentations (7,8,9) are performed in separate containers with specific measurement and control of the temperature, of the mixing degree, of the pH value and of the pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an Up-flow Multi-stage Anaerobic Reactor (UMAR) used for treatment of medium/high concentration organic wastewater. The stated UMAR with forced internal circulation, improved phase separator and added sludge inlet overcomes the disadvantages of a lower load, a longer hydraulic retention time and a larger dimension in traditional anaerobic reactors. The forced internal circulation increases capacity and cycles of internal circulation thus increased efficiency of contaminant removal. The fast jetting is avoided and efficiency of gas/liquid separation is increased by an improved bending outlet of up flow pipe. The simplified sludge addition and usage are obtained by a sludge inlet. The load of UMAR in this invention can reach about 30 kgCOD/(m3d) for treatment of medium/high concentration of organic wastewater from pulp and paper process and similar wastewater, being about four times of load and capacity of traditional Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) reactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen by batch process capable of replacing the existing complex continuous organic waste treatment system by using pretreated organic waste not only as a substrate but also an inoculum. According to the present invention, the existing complex continuous process can be changed into a simple batch process, thereby reducing the installment costs and operational costs. It is possible to obtain economic operation because a long initial start-up period is not required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste material. The apparatus includes a closed container having a relatively circular outer wall. The closed container has a first passage having an inlet in which the waste material flows in a first direction, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a second direction, and a divider having an end. The divider separates the first passage from the second passage, such that the waste material flows around the end of the divider when flowing from the first passage to the second passage. An access port is provided in a roof of the closed container with a sleeve extending into the waste material within the container. A conduit is advanced through the sleeve into the closed container for suctioning debris out of the closed container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing, automated control of wastewater treatment processes. In certain preferred embodiments, method and apparatus for control of aeration in suspended growth biological treatment processes, especially in activated sludge processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic treatment of wastewater and sludge in a digestive reactor in which the length of stay of hydraulic components is decoupled from that of particulate components by discontinuous removal of a portion of the digesting sludge from the digestive reactor, enrichment of the extracted portion of the digesting sludge in a sapropel reactor, and feedback of the enriched digesting sludge into the digestive reactor.

Abstract: A method and system for ballast water treatment are provided. Living organisms are added into a vessel's ballast water tank (e.g., via an existing vent) to consume (i) oxygen dissolved in ballast water contained in the ballast water tank, and (ii) food sources for selected organisms contained in the ballast water.

Abstract: In a biological wastewater treatment system, the addition of an intermittently aerated second bioreactor to accomplish ammonium oxidation to predominately nitrite and then to achieve denitrification by introducing the effluent, containing nitrite, from the second bioreactor into the influent collection system or the head works of a wastewater treatment plant. Denitrification from nitrite occurs in the collection pipe using the influent organics as a carbon source.

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 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: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for a high-performance upflow anaerobic sludge treatment (methane fermentation treatment) targeting an organic wastewater containing an inorganic sulfur compound and an apparatus therefor. The invention relates to a process for methane fermentation treatment of an organic wastewater containing a sulfur compound, which includes: detecting a concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated from a step of methane fermentation treatment; and, conducting a control of subjecting the organic wastewater to a desulfurization treatment operation in the case that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas exceeds a predetermined value, and to an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the aerobic-thermophilic stabilization and decontamination of sludge, in which a) raw sludge having a dry substance concentration of 3 to 7 percent by weight is fed to a first stage and remains there for an average dwell time of four to ten days at minimum temperatures of 42° C. while an oxygen-containing gas is added so as to obtain partially stabilized sludge, b) said partially stabilized sludge is fed to a second stage in which the same is further stabilized and decontaminated for an average dwell time that amounts to 30 to 70 percent of the average dwell time of the first stage at temperatures exceeding 500° C. while adding an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: Integrated sewage or digestible wastes, and fats, oils, greases and waxes (FOG) waste treatment methods, systems and facilities include a slipstream loop incorporating circulation pumps, hot water heat exchangers and conventional anaerobic digesters for continuously circulating actively digesting sludge at a rate to preclude solid settlement accumulation as a warm flowable slurry source. The warmed actively digesting sludge is pumped from the slipstream loop through a rock trap into a delivery/input loop both for aiding transport or delivery of FOG waste to, and for partially filing a closed receiving/conditioning holding tank, where the warmed actively digesting sludge softens and liquefies the FOG wastes offloaded into the holding tank for further treatment at a desired treatment temperature range (whether psychrophilic, mesophilic, or thermophilic).

Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.

Abstract: A process of treating organic waste such as food wastes for anaerobic digestion including preparing a waste-slurry from organic waste such as food wastes, transferring the organic waste-slurry to a paddle pulper/finisher, processing the waste-slurry in the paddle pulper/finisher which reduces the particle size of the solids in the waste slurry and separates the waste slurry into a pulp slurry and pomace, and processing the pulp slurry in an anaerobic digester for the production of methane gas fertilizer and soil amendments. In a further process, the organic waste is slurried by dumping the organic waste in a slurry tank, adding a liquid and mechanically mixing the organic waste and liquid until consistent slurry is attained. In a still further process, the slurry from the slurry tank is processed by forming a macerator-slurry in an inline macerator unit which removes heavy solids and cuts other solids into smaller sizes which can be transferred by a slurry pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising a positive air, oxygen, ozone, or combination thereof, generating pressure pump (40) directing the air, oxygen, ozone or combination through a tube (50) to an air stone (60) suspended in the effluent. Attached growth bacteria grow on a plurality or random directional brushes (116) in an effluent tank, e.g., septic tank (14).

Abstract: A process for producing a biogas by solid-state fermentation of a solid biomass material which comprises the steps of: (1) pelletizing the biomass material into pellets; (2) introducing the pellets into an acid fermentation zone; (3) subjecting the biomass material in the pellets to solid-state acid fermentation under facultative anaerobic conditions or under semi-aerobic conditions kept in an oxygen concentration of 0.01% to 5.

Abstract: The method for treating an ammonium-containing liquid which biologically denitrifies ammonium contained in the ammonium-containing liquid in an anaerobic atmosphere, the method comprises the steps of: bringing the ammonium-containing liquid into contact with anaerobic bacteria in a biological treatment tank, the anaerobic bacteria having an ability to biologically denitrify the ammonium in the anaerobic atmosphere; and adding nitrite to the biological treatment tank from a nitrite storage tank concurrently with the bringing step, the nitrite storage tank storing the nitrite with a certain concentration.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for treating and digesting organic wastes in a wastewater stream. A first wastewater influent stream is mixed with an activated sludge biomass in an aerobic digestion zone, so that least a portion of the organic wastes in the first wastewater influent stream are digested by activated sludge biomass. The first wastewater influent stream is separated from the activated sludge biomass in a first separation zone to recover activated sludge biomass and to provide a wastewater effluent stream. The second wastewater influent stream is mixed with recovered activated sludge biomass from the aerobic digestion zone in a substantially anaerobic adsorption zone so that at least a portion of the organic wastes in the second wastewater influent stream are adsorbed by the activated sludge biomass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic treatment of waste water is described which includes a plug flow bioreactor containing a single bed of inert microbial attachment media and anaerobic microorganisms, and having at least one baffle member which forms a first zone and at least one second zone above the bed of inert microbial attachment media within the plug flow bioreactor.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant, as can be embodied by a system comprising nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria and contacting oxygen and hydrogen.

Abstract: A biological system for removing selenium from waste water comprises a first immobilized cell bioreactor (ICB) and a selenide removal module. The first ICB comprises a chamber having a substrate housed therein and situated to contact the waste water flowing therethrough during use. Anaerobic microorganisms are supported on the substrate, and comprise selenium respiring bacteria capable of reducing selenates and selenites to insoluble elemental selenium and/or sulfate reducing bacteria capable of reducing selenates and selenites to insoluble elemental selenium or to soluble selenides. The selenide removal module includes metallic or oxidized iron compounds capable of chemically reacting with selenide or sulfide compounds in the waste water to form iron selenide or iron sulfide precipitates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic methane fermentation treatment of a wastewater containing a sulfur compound. An oxidizing agent is added to an organic wastewater to oxidize the sulfur compound contained therein to molecular sulfur before the anaerobic treatment step. The wastewater is then introduced into the anaerobic treatment step for the methane fermentation treatment thereof. The amount of the oxidizing agent to be added to the wastewater is controlled using as an indicator the concentration of the residual oxidizing agent in the water flowing into the anaerobic treatment step and/or the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated. The oxidizing agent may be ozone, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite or a bromine based oxidizing agent. When the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in a biogas generated in the anaerobic treatment step is used as said indicator, the oxidizing agent may be suitably added such that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is 3% or less.

Abstract: A covering system that includes a first membrane, a first flotation member coupled to the first membrane. The first flotation member includes a first float and a first float compartment membrane, and the first float compartment membrane is coupled to the first membrane. The covering system also includes a first plurality of gas-relief passageways positioned either within the first float compartment membrane, or within the first membrane and adjacent to the first flotation member. And at least one of the gas-relief passageways within the first plurality is structured so that gas flows unobstructed through it when the system is used. Gas-relief openings formed between overlapping membranes may also be utilized as avenues through which gas may escape to atmosphere from beneath the covers and covering systems. Venting methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The biofilter is used for the purification of a waste liquid using layers of filtering material, wherein the waste liquid moves downwardly by gravity while an O2-containing gas moves upwardly therein. The biofilter comprises a gas collector to capture at least a portion of the gas moving upwardly therein to mitigate the problem of biofilter clogging due to a microbial seal at the surface of the uppermost filtering layer.

Abstract: A method and a facility for the treatment of waste from concentrated animal feed operations are disclosed. The method includes receiving manure at a central location, digesting the manure and producing therefrom combustible gases, solid matter and water containing dissolved organic pollutants. The combustible gases are used to provide energy and the water is separated from the solid matter. The solid matter is dried to produce a useful bedding material and the water is treated using an activated sludge aeration system to reduce the dissolved organic pollutants to carbon dioxide, bacteria and water. The facility includes various means for executing the method and includes an ultrasonic treatment station for disrupting bacteria cell walls to improve digestion efficiency.

Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor is described, which is made especially as a loop reactor with a central guide pipe (2) and gas injection (3). In order to be able to use the bioreactor for treatment of renewable raw materials as well, it is proposed that the treated suspension be removed from a zone of the bioreactor with a small solid concentration and the removed suspension be routed out of the bioreactor by way of a tilted discharge (4). In the tilted discharge (4), separation of gas and solids is produced, and at least a portion of the solids is returned against the main suspension flow in the discharge (4) to the bioreactor. In this way, even for treatment media with a high concentration of dissolved compounds and few suspended solids, the biomass is concentrated in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A process of treating organic waste such as food wastes for anaerobic digestion including preparing a waste-slurry from organic waste such as food wastes, transferring the organic waste-slurry to a paddle pulper/finisher, processing the waste-slurry in the paddle pulper/finisher which reduces the particle size of the solids in the waste slurry and separates the waste slurry into a pulp slurry and pomace, and processing the pulp slurry in an anaerobic digester for the production of methane gas fertilizer and soil amendments. In a further process, the organic waste is slurried by dumping the organic waste in a slurry tank, adding a liquid and mechanically mixing the organic waste and liquid until consistent slurry is attained. In a still further process, the slurry from the slurry tank is processed by forming a macerator-slurry in an inline macerator unit which removes heavy solids and cuts other solids into smaller sizes which can be transferred by a slurry pump.

Abstract: An ambient anaerobic digester system for anaerobic digestion of animal waste with biogas production and recovery is provided. The anaerobic digester system includes a substantially flexible bladder for anaerobically digesting the animal waste with biogas production and transmitting the biogas to at least one biogas storage container, biogas use device or a combination thereof. In a preferred form, the substantially flexible bladder has a waste inlet, a digester effluent outlet, one or more sludge access ports and a biogas outlet in a top surface thereof. The anaerobic digester system may inexpensively, simply, reliably, and effectively be used to treat animal waste without energy expenditure and little capital expense, thus minimizing pollution typically caused by animal waste.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for treating wastewater that utilizes membrane processes, preferably in combination with anaerobic biological treatment, to provide for economical and environmentally superior treatment without high production of biological solids. The process eliminates the need for conventional secondary treatment processes.

Abstract: An inclined plate coupled membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having excessive level of nutrients in particular chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen and suspended solids has an aerobic bioreactor for nitrification and aerobic biodegradation in which membranes are submerged for permeate extraction, and an anoxic bioreactor for denitrification within which the inclined plates are outfitted to confine as much anoxic sludge as possible. An air oxygenating and an air scouring are continuously provided to the aerobic bioreactor to maintain a desired aerobic environment and to mitigate membrane fouling while an intermittent air blowing is provided to the anoxic bioreactor to blow out gaseous content generated through denitrification and to rectify the uniformed flow along the inclined plates. The aerobic sludge is recycled to the lower compartment of anoxic bioreactor and the supernatant of anoxic bioreactor is collected as weir effluent and delivered to the downstream aerobic bioreactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes a thermal hydrolysis reactor receiving the particulate biodegradable organic waste for performing thermal hydrolysis at a temperature of about 130° C. at a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure of the organic waste to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. A pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of the particulate biodegradable organic waste as necessary to provide an acidic pH of greater than about 3.15 before thermo hydrolysis of the particulate biodegradable organic waste is provided. Separating means receive the solubilized organic material and residual solids for separating solubilized organic material from the residual solids. An anaerobic reactor is configured to receive the solubilized organic material.

Abstract: In a covered wastewater reservoir, a gas passage is defined under the membrane cover and along the sides of the reservoir. An accumulation of bio-gases is held captive between the membrane cover and the liquid surface in a central region of the reservoir relative to the gas passage, by a flap-valve attachment condition extending between the accumulation of bio-gases and the gas passage. The new method for breaking this flap-valve attachment condition and for allowing bio-gases to flow from the accumulation of bio-gases toward the gas passage, consists of periodically and momentarily increasing a pressure in the gas passage to equal or to slightly exceed a pressure in the accumulation of bio-gases. In another aspect, the membrane cover is provided with a stiff and rough-surfaced bottom layer to facilitate the breaking of flap-valve attachment conditions when the pressure under the cover is made equal everywhere.

Abstract: A composition for treating waste materials such as, for example, livestock manure and mushroom compost. The composition includes: (1) gypsum obtained either as commercial product or as waste wallboard; (2) lime; (3) silica or fly ash; (4) optionally water; (5) optionally iron slag; and (6) optionally portland cement. Further provided is a method of stabilizing waste materials which includes the step of treating the waste materials with the composition. Still further provided are a method of measuring the amount of ammonia in a waste material, a method of measuring the amount of hydrogen sulfide in a waste material, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fixed-film anaerobic digestion of flushed livestock manure includes an enclosed digester tank (fixed or flexible roof), internal media for biofilm development, a biogas collection and flare system, various pumps, and hydraulic control systems. The preferred media has substantially vertically-oriented, uninterrupted channels to promote enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The immobilization of microbial biomass within the reactor as a biofilm allows effective treatment of the wastewater at ambient and higher temperatures, as well as reasonable hydraulic retention times. The composition and concentration of bacterial groups in the biofilm developed on the media in the fixed-film digester result in a significantly enhanced anaerobic degradation process. This novel fixed-film digester design expands the potential application of anaerobic digestion to dilute livestock waste with significant levels of suspended solids.

Abstract: An ambient anaerobic digester system for anaerobic digestion of animal waste with biogas production and recovery is provided. The anaerobic digester system includes a substantially flexible bladder for anaerobically digesting the animal waste with biogas production and transmitting the biogas to at least one biogas storage container, biogas use device or a combination thereof. In a preferred form, the substantially flexible bladder has a waste inlet, a digester effluent outlet, one or more sludge access ports and a biogas outlet in a top surface thereof. The anaerobic digester system may inexpensively, simply, reliably, and effectively be used to treat animal waste without energy expenditure and little capital expense, thus minimizing pollution typically caused by animal waste.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting organic material into commercially viable products, such as burnable low sulfur engine fuels. The system of the present invention includes an anaerobic stripping reactor for processing organic materials into a bio-softened slurry, a thermobaric cracking chamber and expansion/separation tank for converting the bio-softened slurry into products, and a hydrocarbon separation system for separating the various products. An interfusion system can be provided that selectively combines various of the products to create fuels, such as diesel or gasoline. In one embodiment, the thermobaric cracking chamber operates approximately in the ranges of 350 to 600° F. and 400 to 1,200 psig. In a specific embodiment, the anaerobic stripping reactor is segregated into three areas to create buffer zones both into and out of the anaerobic stripping reactor, thus isolating a main portion of the organic material from reactive shocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the pressure of a liquid/gas multiphase fluid, and a method for compressing a gaseous fluid, comprising: (b1) entrainment of the gaseous fluid using a motive liquid, to obtain a pressurized mixture of gas and motive liquid; (b2) separation of the pressurized mixture obtained in the preceding step in order to obtain, on the one hand, a compressed gas, and on the other hand, an auxiliary liquid. The invention further relates to devices for this purpose. Application to the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved method for treating ethanol distillation still bottoms by recovering, through solids separation and pressurized membrane filtration, potable water from still bottoms for human consumption by bottling or for reuse, and concentrating the solids with beneficial properties recovered such as chemicals, nutrients and medicinals before anaerobic digestion. The invention is on improved process because it can reduce the volume of solids to manage, recovers the water from the fermentation still bottoms while pasteurized, maintains the chemical and physical properties of solids for beneficial property recovery, improves ethanol and energy efficiency, and results in clean discharge to the environment including carbon dioxide recovery. A bioreactor produces a gas rich in methane fuel from the concentrate to power the pressurized filtration process and an aqueous ammonia solution to recover or recycle.

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 controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater using an anaerobic bioreactor which contains a “bio-nest” structure to retain the microbial content and improve digestion efficiency is disclosed. The bionest system results in a longer SRT, good sludge mixing, and reduced wash-out of sludge. The system is particularly useful for treatment of lipid rich wastewater such as dairy wastewater.