Including Dewatering Sludge Patents (Class 210/609)
  • Patent number: 7455997
    Abstract: A process of producing fermentation product comprising the steps of, (i) forming an acidified suspension of particulate plant derived material comprising a first polysaccharide which is more readily hydrolysable and a second polysaccharide which is more difficult to hydrolysable, (ii) allowing the first polysaccharide to undergo hydrolysis by action of the acid at a temperature of at least 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan Hughes
  • Patent number: 7455773
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Harmon, Terry Gong, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Publication number: 20080264856
    Abstract: A 10,000 gallon sequencing batch reactor tank for the on-site bio-degradation of oily sludge. Bacteria already present in and adapted to oily sludge degrade the hydrocarbons found in oily sludge within two weeks from 20,000 ppm to less than 100 ppm. A degradation cycle requires 5 days. After five days a recirculation pump and aeration system are turned off and solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. An ultrafiltration unit connected to the tank requires approximately 16 hours to process the contents of the reactor tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Gerardo F. Maga, Frederick E. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20080251449
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: TVT US Corp.
    Inventors: Volker A. Hausin, Eddie L. Cheatham, David A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7429329
    Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus G. Theodore
  • Publication number: 20080230472
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, for a wastewater purification system, where the status of a wastewater purification system employing a batch activated sludge process is accurately understood by analyzing the data waveforms of DO, ORP and pH. In the control method for a wastewater purification system, an aeration device is controlled by a programmable sequencer, a controller acquires respective data waveforms from a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor and the control status data of the programmable sequencer, the controller analyzes the data waveform of dissolved oxygen concentration from the first sensor, the data waveform of oxidation-reduction potential from the second sensor, and the data waveform of hydrogen ion concentration from the third sensor, and the controller performs an alarm process when a deviation from a previously fixed normal state is discovered as a result of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Sakujiro Nakamura, Seiji Yokoi, Yasuo Kodera
  • Patent number: 7422687
    Abstract: The invention discloses a biotechnological process for the treatment of hydroxide sludge containing As produced in potable water production processes which use FeCI3 as a coagulant. The process seeks to modify the physicochemical properties of the produced sludge in such a way to facilitate the use of mechanical dehydration methods that allow decreasing the sludge volume and facilitating its final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Universidad Catolica del Norte
    Inventors: Cecilia Demergasso, Pedro Galleguillos Pérez, Victor Zepeda Álvarez, Lorena Escudero
  • Patent number: 7410583
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: East Bay Municipal Utility District
    Inventors: Donald M. D. Gray (Gabb), Paul J. Suto
  • Patent number: 7387727
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle which is capable of recycling contaminated liquid in a factory or the like swiftly and efficiently without performing incineration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Zeotek Research Institute Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Inoue, Kouichi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20080135474
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and process includes a treatment system for biologically treating wastewater to produce substantially clean water effluent and byproducts. The treatment system includes an array of rotating media wheels for sustained algae growth. The media wheels are supported so that the algae rotates into and out of the wastewater for exposure to sunlight. 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 may also be provided to the facility 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. Rotation of the media wheels can be accomplished by air jets that also operate to dislodge excess algae as a byproduct of the system and process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher A. Limcaco
  • Patent number: 7375173
    Abstract: The invention relates to cationic water-soluble polyelectrolytes, especially terpolymers, which are obtained by polymerising monomers of (meth)acrylamide, a quaternised (meth)acrylamide derivative, a (meth)acrylic acid derivative and/or hydrolysis-stable cationic monomers. The composition of the polyelectrolytes is characterised by a toxicity index formula Fi=(QTP?2QME)/10?1 wherein QTP represents the total cationic charge of the polymer and QME represents the charge part of the ester type monomer. The invention also relates to the production and use of said polyelectrolytes and water-in-water polymer dispersions which contain said polyelectrolytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Steiner, Gregor Herth, Werner Fischer, Horst Redlof
  • Publication number: 20080099396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying water, in particular for the continuous purification of water in the paper industry, said device comprising at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the water. The device also comprises a compression device for at least one sub-stream of the water, an injection device for injecting at least one gas and an expansion device for expanding at least one sub-stream of the water. In addition, the device comprises a unit for separating different phases of the water for purification. The device is characterized by a control system, which detects at least one parameter of the water and controls at least the addition of at least one additive in accordance with the process parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicants: Kowitec Ingenieurgesellschaft Fuer Wassertechnik MBH, Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Rother, Frank Wiemeyer, Eberhard Kopp, Christoph Gundlach
  • Publication number: 20080073267
    Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an existing water treatment system having one or more biological reactor systems and one or more gravity clarifiers. To retrofit the existing water treatment system, the one or more gravity clarifiers of the existing water treatment system are converted to one or more biological reactors. In addition, one or more high rate clarifiers (HRCs) are added to the existing water treatment system. In some cases one or more high rate clarifiers are added downstream of the converted biological reactors, in other cases one or more HRCs is added upstream of the biological reactors, and in other cases a number of HRCs are added, upstream and downstream with respect to the biological reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven L. Cort
  • Publication number: 20080073268
    Abstract: A nitrification-denitrification process using magnetic seeding and magnetic separation to treat water is provided. The process includes biologically converting ammonia to nitrates with a biofilm disposed on magnetic seed. Suspended solids are removed by mixing flocculant and magnetic seeds with the water and magnetically removing floc formed floc from the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven L. Cort
  • Patent number: 7344648
    Abstract: A method for causing or facilitating the flow of dispersions of solid particulates in liquids, having characteristics of high viscosity or resistance to flow, with particular reference to sludges from purification plants of civil or industrial wastes, which method comprises the addition to the dispersions of silicones of formula wherein R and R? are identical or different and represent a radical chosen between C1-C5 alkyl and aryl; x is an integer comprised between 3 and 2000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Vomm Chemipharma S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppina Cerea
  • Patent number: 7332084
    Abstract: A multistage activated sludge process involving a predation effect caused by microorganisms realizes further improvement in treatment efficiency and further decrease in the amount of excess sludge generated while a stable quality of the treated water is maintained. This process includes a first biological treatment process for treating BOD in organic wastewater at a high load to convert the BOD to dispersed bacteria, and a second biological treatment process for forming the converted dispersed bacteria into a floc and allowing microorganisms to coexist. The second biological treatment process is performed under a condition of pH 5 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Fujishima, Motoyuki Yoda
  • Publication number: 20080035561
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: East Bay Municipal Utility District
    Inventors: Donald M.D. Gray (Gabb), Paul J. Suto
  • Patent number: 7320759
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7318894
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Graham John Gibson Juby, Heinrich O. Buhr
  • Patent number: 7294269
    Abstract: An organic matter disposer is disclosed, including a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub so as to store organic matters therein, a stirrer provided in the drum so as to stir the organic matters, a driving device for rotating the drum and the stirrer, and a heating device for drying the organic matters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Gu Kim, Tae Hee Kwak
  • Patent number: 7175764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying wastewaters, particularly wastewaters produced in the paper industry, involving the following steps: a) aerobic clarification of the wastewater using activated sludge in an activation stage; b) carrying out, in a secondary settling tank, a subsequent clarification of a portion of the wastewater/activated sludge mixture leaving the activation stage; c) desiccating, in a desiccation unit, another portion of the wastewater/activated sludge mixture leaving the activation stage; d) returning at least a portion of the activated sludge removed in steps b) and c) into the activated sludge tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Papierfabarik August Koehler AG
    Inventors: Harald Kraft, Hans-Thomas Armbruster, Wendelin Benz
  • Patent number: 7166220
    Abstract: A system and method for organic wastewater treatment through denitrification and nitrification processes. The system for treating organic wastewater includes a multistage treatment tank having at least two stages in series. Each stage has a denitrification tank and a nitrification tank connected in this order. The system includes a pipe for distributing feed water to the denitrification tank in each stage, a device for filtering and separating at least a part of an activated sludge mixed liquor present in at least one nitrification tank, and a pipe for supplying at least a part of the concentrated sludge mixed liquor obtained by the filtration and separation treatment to the denitrification tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Tanaka, Yosei Katsu, Satoshi Konishi
  • Patent number: 7160713
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
  • Patent number: 7157000
    Abstract: A Catalytic Bioconversion (CB) process using kenaf core powder is used to promote an environmentally friendly method to biologically treat the petroleum contaminants in these wastes and waste waters while simultaneously producing a high energy solid fuel. The new process has very low capital and operating costs, treats and converts hazardous waste to non-hazardous waste, and can produce a viable solid fuel product instead of a waste. Typically, these petroleum-contaminated waste/wastewaters undergo some type of hydrocarbon separation and recovery via phase separation using heat and chemical treatment in storage tanks. The objective is to recover as much “good” hydrocarbon as possible and recycle it back to the production process. The material that is not recoverable, an emulsion of oil, water, and solids must be further processed and eventually discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Eric B. Tiemeyer
  • Patent number: 7156998
    Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence K. Reid
  • Patent number: 7135115
    Abstract: A method for treating waste water uses a membrane bioreactor that produces excess biological sludge and treated water components. This is achieved by extracting the biological sludge from the bioreactor then causing contact between the biological sludge and dewatered effluent to form two resulting products. The first product contains polyclectrolyte loaded sludge. Polyelectrolyte is continually added to the polyelectrolyte loaded sludge during dewatering to separately form dewatered sludge and the dewatered effluent. This is followed by extracting, as a second product, polyelectrolyte free effluent. The polyelectrolyte free effluent is recycled to the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventors: Chrystelle Langlais, Michel Cordier
  • Patent number: 7101482
    Abstract: A process and system for treating excess sludge produced from a biological treatment system. The process includes biologically treating water or wastewater and producing excess sludge. The excess sludge is directed to a solubilizer where the sludge is solubilized. The solubilized sludge is directed to a liquid/solid separator, which separates the solubilized sludge into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. The process further includes at least partially digesting the liquid fraction and directing the partially digested liquid fraction to the biological treatment system where the liquid fraction is subjected to further treatment. Finally, the solid fraction is subject to further solubilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: OTV S.A.
    Inventors: Julien Chauzy, Lucie Patria, Didier Cretenot
  • Patent number: 7087171
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for dewatering sewage sludge by using sludge-coal-oil co-agglomeration (“SOCA”) which comprises the steps of physically, chemically or biologically conditioning sludge to impart hydrophobicity and lipophilicity to the sludge (conditioning step), supplying oil and coal to the conditioned sludge with stirring to form sludge-coal-oil agglomerates (agglomerating step), enlarging the particle diameter of sludge-coal-oil agglomerates (size enlargement step), and remaining the enlarged sludge-coal-oil agglomerates over a sieve to selectively separate them from hydrophilic materials dispersed in tailing water(screening step). According to the method, since sludge can be rapidly, easily and effectively dewatered and purified when compared to conventional sludge treatment methods. In addition, there is no risk of involving malodor and air pollution. Furthermore, the dewatered sludge can be utilized as a high-quality fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Sung-Kyu Kang, Hyun-Dong Shin
  • Patent number: 7083728
    Abstract: A method and system for treating at least bioorganic, organic, wastewater, and sewage sludge using recycle. The method of producing a treated sludge product comprises the following steps: (a) forming a sludge mixture by mixing untreated sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the sludge mixture to a level of at least about 12 and to increase percent solids in the sludge mixture to at least about 40% by weight; (b) forming a dried sludge mixture by drying the sludge mixture from step (a) in a direct or indirect dryer thereby increasing the percent solids thereof to at least about 50% by weight; (c) recycling a portion of the dried sludge mixture from step (b) to step (a); and (d) pasteurizing the dried sludge mixture from step (b) at a temperature at or above about 52° C. to form a treated sludge product. Exemplary applications for the treated sludge product include an agricultural liming agent, a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, a topsoil blend ingredient, and a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: N-Viro International Corporation
    Inventors: Terry J. Logan, Michael G. Nicholson, Neil Webster
  • Patent number: 7070693
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of septage, particularly grease trap waste, is disclosed. The inventive process will convert the septage into Biosolids (sludge) and water dischargeable to the environment. The treated septage achieves pathogen reduction, and reduced vector attraction. Treatment of septage by pasteurization causes the destruction of harmful pathogens. Pasteurization of septage having high water content provides for even temperature elevation and distribution of heat within the thermal mass of the septage allowing for consistent pathogen destruction. An alkaline compound is utilized to form a filter cake from the solids fraction of the pasteurized septage preventing vector attraction, while producing a beneficial bio-solid. The liquid fraction of the septage is treated by biological process allowing for its discharge into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7052607
    Abstract: Wastewater is delivered to a single tank of a bioreactor system to undergo biological treatment. After undergoing such biological treatment, the wastewater is centrifugally separated outside the tank into contaminated portions with lowered and increased concentration of solids therein to respectively undergo filtration within a small volume chamber of the tank and continuous return to a large volume chamber for biological retreatment during operation of the bioreactor system. Under different conditions of the wastewater delivered to the tank, one of the separated portions of the biologically treated wastewater is disposed of by direct discharge in by-pass relation to the small chamber when delivery thereof into the small chamber is interrupted under selective valve control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Frank M. Kulick, III
  • Patent number: 7045063
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system for treatment of biodegradable waste, including sewage sludge, forestry waste, food waste, agricultural waste, municipal waste, and the like. The integrated system comprises an anaerobic reactor, at least one aerobic reactor, a filtration device, and a desalinization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ruihong H. Zhang, Jane H. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 7033503
    Abstract: Disclosed are efficient municipal wastewater treatment apparatus and process characterized in that the nitrogen is removed by nitrification and denitrification reaction in the cyclic aeration reactor wherein Anaerobic state, Anoxic state and Oxic state are change into time concept in a single reactor, and the untreated organic materials are further removed by the 24-hour-continuous reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Korean Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Wan Cheol Park, Tae Hyung Kim, Seung Ho Lee, Chang Ju Lee, Mi Ae Lee
  • Patent number: 7005068
    Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of wastewater to reduce often associated offensive odors by promoting aerobic conditions through decreasing the amount of oxygen required to maintain aerobic cultures and/or aerobic biological activity in the wastewater. Also, the wastewater is screened or otherwise separated the wastewater to remove or concentrate the solids which are anaerobically digested. By concentrating the solids, a smaller digester can be used. The anaerobic digestion produces biogas that may be collected and used, or burned by a flare or oxidized by a semipermeable membrane to deodorize the biogas. The heat produced from the biogas may have a variety of uses, including raising the temperature of the anaerobic digester and the bacterial metabolism. The wastewater is also clarified to remove nitrogenous and organic carbon wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hoffland Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert O. Hoffland
  • Patent number: 7001520
    Abstract: A method of treating of municipal sludge, paper-pulp sludge, animal and plant waste, and the like, whereby the treatment thereof via electroporation causes the breakdown of waste activated sludge, which is then recycled back to a bioreactor, or to one or more additional bioreactors such as aerobic, facultative, anoxic, or strictly anaerobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Opencel LLC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Held, Satya P. Chauhan
  • Patent number: 6966941
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating organic waste sludge such as sewage sludge is disclosed wherein the sludge is first dewatered, moved to a day hopper for storage, and then successively passed through first and second reactors. As the sludge is passed through the first reactor, in a continuous fashion, the sludge and acid are thoroughly mixed and has the pH thereof substantially lowered due to the addition of acid in the first reactor. The sludge is then moved through the second reactor where the sludge is subjected to a base material to substantially raise the pH thereof. The treated sludge is then pumped from the second reactor to a pugmill and then to a dryer which dries the material. The dried material is then suitable for use as a fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: BER Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Grobler, John A. Bewsey, Oliver O. Hart
  • Patent number: 6921485
    Abstract: The process and system may have an organic matter influent introduced into an acid reactor. The acid reactor may be maintained under conditions to facilitate creation of volatile acids in a fluid having water and suspended solids forming a sludge effluent. The sludge effluent may be communicated to an acid separation element where the water and volatile acids may be separated from the suspended solids. A liquid stream may be communicated from the acid separation element to a methane reactor and a solids recycle stream may be communicated to the acid reactor. The methane reactor may be maintained under conditions to facilitate creation of biogas. A liquid effluent may be communicated from the methane reactor to a methane separation element where liquid water may be separated from the solids. A second solids recycle may be communicated from the methane separation element to the methane reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventors: Rodolfo Ernesto Kilian, Allen Craig Todd
  • Patent number: 6893566
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system is disclosed in which a waste stream is separated into a primary sludge and water effluent, and the primary sludge is anaerobically digested and dewatered to produce a Class A biosolid. The water effluent is aerobically digested and separated to provide a waste activated sludge. The waste activated sludge is heated in a two-stage process with steam injection and indirect steam before it is passed to a hydrothermal process. The pH of the treated waste activated sludge is then increased, and the nitrogen is stripped and recovered as an ammonium salt. A low nitrogen stream with volatile fatty acids and soluble organics is then separated and fed to the aerobic digester. Biogas generated during anaerobic digestion provides energy for heating the waste activated sludge for the hydrothermal process, and reject heat from the hydrothermal process heats the primary sludge for thermophilic anaerobic digestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
  • Patent number: 6890429
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating waste water containing biological wastes such as animal waste generated in livestock-raising operations, wherein the waste water is subjected to a series of operations to separate solids from the liquid phase of the waste water and to biologically treat the waste water to break down organic components. The separated solids are stored for further treatment or conversion into useful materials. The treated liquid phase can be put to various uses. In one embodiment, the treated liquid is recycled as flush water for flushing animal waste from an animal barn, whereby little or no liquid phase escapes the system into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Hog Slat, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Herring, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6872312
    Abstract: An activated sludge process for the clarification of wastewater comprising introducing the wastewater into a reactor where microorganisms consume organic material in the wastewater to form a mixed liquor comprising water, the microorganisms and an activated sludge; separating clarified water from the mixed liquor by filtration through a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane; separating the activated sludge from the mixed liquor; adding to the activated sludge at least one high molecular weight water soluble polymer to form a mixture of water and coagulated and flocculated solids; dewatering the coagulated and flocculated solids to form a mixture of dewatered solids and filtrate water; and recycling the filtrate water into the mixed liquor and a method of controlling polymer dosage, preferably using fluorescence emission spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Jitendra T. Shah, Kristine S. Salmen, John H. Collins
  • Patent number: 6855268
    Abstract: The invention concerns a composition useful for conditioning sludge obtained by mixing an invert emulsions containing at least a cationic polyelectrolyte with an invert emulsion or an aqueous solution containing at least a mineral cation with a charge not less than two. The invention also concerns the corresponding applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Yvette Pescher, Bruno Bavouzet, Michèle Raffard
  • Patent number: 6837999
    Abstract: A process is described for dewatering a water-containing material by mixing sphagnum plants into the material as a structural element, and that the mixture thereafter is subjected to a drying process. By mixing sphagnum plant into to such water-containing materials, and thereafter by dewatering the material, traditional processing methods such as composting and incineration of such materials will be much improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Sphagnum AS
    Inventor: Oyvind Bones
  • Patent number: 6838000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for utilizing waste waters which comprises the separate collection of gray water and/or black water and membrane filtration of the seperately collected gray water and/or solids/liquid seperation of the separately collected black water. The present invention preferably relates to a process for producing potable water from gray water or one or more of its partial streams. Moreover, an apparatus for producing potable water from gray water and an apparatus for utilizing black water and its use is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ulrich Braun
  • Patent number: 6830690
    Abstract: A process for treating organically contaminated waste water is provided comprising an initial treatment step whereby microorganisms are replicated and either attach to support media or remain suspended in the waste water. The microorganisms reduce the incoming biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level by consuming the organic contaminants. At least a part of the suspended portion of microorganisms are subsequently removed from the initially treated waste water, and the waste water under goes a further treatment step to further reduce the level of organic contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 6808628
    Abstract: A submerged membrane bioreactor includes a tank containing a mixed liquor having microorganism; and a filtration module immersed in the mixed liquor and having a permeate side in fluid communication with the mixed liquor only through the filtration module. The filtration module includes a porous support having a first surface forming the permeate side and a second surface opposing to the first surface; and a non-woven fabric membrane covering the second surface and having a thickness of 0.1-2 mm and a pore size of 0.2-100 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wang-Kuan Chang, Min-Chao Chang, Ren-Yang Horng, Hsin Shao
  • Publication number: 20040168977
    Abstract: A method of treating of municipal sludge, paper-pulp sludge, animal and plant waste, and the like, whereby the treatment thereof via electroporation causes the breakdown of waste activated sludge, which is then recycled back to a bioreactor, or to one or more additional bioreactors such as aerobic, facultative, anoxic, or strictly anaerobic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Held, Satya P. Chauhan
  • Patent number: 6773597
    Abstract: The invention offers a method and apparatus for solubilizing excess sludge, having a high solubilizing ability, a low total cost, and capable of reducing the size of facilities. The method for reducing excess sludge comprises adding a solubilizing agent to excess sludge generated by microbial treatment of organic sewage, applying ultrasonic waves, applying a reduced pressure swelling step, then returning the result to the microbial treatment, whereby the volume of the excess sludge can be reduced. The apparatus for reducing excess sludge comprises means for adding a solubilizing agent to excess sludge generated by applying a microbial treatment to organic sewage, ultrasonic wave applying means for applying ultrasonic waves, and reduced pressure swelling means provided downstream of the ultrasonic wave applying means for applying a reduced pressure swelling process to the excess sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: Able Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu Ting Zhang, Toshiki Yoshimura, Kunihiko Miseki
  • Publication number: 20040149650
    Abstract: A system and method for treatment of soot-laden waste water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating the soot from the waste water initially in a clarifier. The concentrated soot is then treated with an activated sludge mixture in a digester with a very long average hydraulic retention time to effectively digest the materials found in the concentrated soot. Soot-free waste water is treated via standard aerobic, and anoxic reactor basins and a clarifier with activated sludge recirculation. The system effectively removes soot from soot-laden waste water in a cost effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: William C. Hiatt, James R. Brocato, Olaf McDavid, Murthy S. Duvvuri, Donald O. Lierman, Uwe Wegmann, Peter Paessler
  • Patent number: 6767463
    Abstract: A system and method for minimizing new water use in the water circulation system of a treatment plant in which the matter to be treated is purified and/or disaggregated using water in a treatment step. The suspension containing the remaining components is subjected to mechanical purification and the mechanically purified suspension is separated into two processing water streams. The first processing water stream is supplied back into the treatment step and the second processing water stream is subjected to a chemical-physical clarification. The chemically-physically clarified processing water stream is separated into two clarified water streams. The first clarified water stream is led into one of the two processing water streams and/or into the suspension and the second clarified water stream is subjected to a biological clarification. The biologically clarified water stream, being a fresh water stream, is led into one or two clarified water streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Der Grune Punkt-Duales System Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Martin Bender, Michael Langen, Jorg Wolters
  • Patent number: 6746646
    Abstract: A biosolids treatment system comprising a storage tank for containing a quantity of biosolids sludge, a system of disinfection piping within the storage tank comprised of a segment of inner biosolids piping having a plurality of holes spirally arranged at a desired spacing around its perimeter concentrically arranged with a segment of outer steam piping, delivery pumps for delivering a quantity of biosolids to the storage tank, biosolids pumps for delivering a flow of biosolids from the storage tank to the inner biosolids piping; and steam pumps for delivering a flow of steam to the outer steam piping and thereby injecting a flow of steam from the outer steam piping into the inner biosolids piping for thermally disinfecting the flow of biosolids in the inner biosolids piping. The system includes computerized controls for continuously and simultaneously monitoring and operating the biosolids and steam pump means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Resource Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Winkler