Utilizing Contact Surfaces Supporting Microorganism (e.g., Trickling Filter, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/615)
  • Patent number: 8535532
    Abstract: A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater produced after anaerobic digestion; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Ott
  • Publication number: 20130233793
    Abstract: Anaerobic treatment of water is performed under anaerobic conditions with a biofilm formed on a surface of a fluid non-biological carrier in a reaction vessel. Stable high-load treatment is performed by preventing the blockage of the reaction vessel caused by the flotation and adhesion of the non-biological carrier in the reaction vessel and effectively recovering the settleability of the carrier floating owing to adhering air bubbles by simple means. A reaction vessel is charged with a fluid non-biological carrier having a size in the range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm and a settling velocity in the range of 200 to 500 m/h. Part of the carrier that has floated and flowed out of the reaction vessel is fed downward through a pipe having a vertical height of 50 cm or more so as to remove air bubbles adhering to the carrier and is returned to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokutomi, Hideaki Shinto
  • Patent number: 8524076
    Abstract: A fluid purification unit includes a case including a hollow and a plurality of openings communicating with the hollow to flow a fluid inside into the hollow and outside from the hollow, the case including combining protrusions formed on a first face and concave portions formed on a second face opposite to the first face, each of the combining protrusions having a first cross sectional area and being regularly arranged in a first direction and at a first interval and each of the concave portions having a second area corresponding to the first cross sectional area and being arranged at a second interval corresponding to the first interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Segi Environment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Hae Yang
  • Publication number: 20130193068
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more basins which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: R. Gavin Jones, Phillip Grisham, Kenneth Wilson, Sabin Holland, Michael D. Rainone
  • Publication number: 20130193069
    Abstract: A system for treating an effluent includes a cap assembly and a reactor module. The cap assembly captures the effluent discharge from a source. The reaction module includes a reaction chamber housing a substrate and an illumination device. In operation, the effluent is drawn into the cap assembly and directed downstream, into the reactor module. The effluent flows over the substrate, causing adsorption of bacteria to substrate. Additionally, the illumination device is selectively activated to direct photons toward the effluent for selected periods of time. With this configuration, a biomass formed of algae develops in the reaction chamber (e.g., on the substrate). The biomass is effective to reduce the amount of contaminates within the effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Brian L Aiken, Blair M. Aiken
  • Patent number: 8480902
    Abstract: A method of prevention of acid rock drainage excludes oxygen from waste rocks that contain ferrous sulfides by building an oxygen bio-barrier over exposed surfaces of the waste rock. The bio-barrier may be formed by applying a slurry to the rock. The slurry may contain several components such as microbial material, one or more nutrients, water or another fluid, and optionally water-absorbent material. The microbial material may include bacteria, algae, fungi or a combination thereof. Additionally, the slurry may contain one or more acid-neutralizing compounds, one or more cellulose-containing substances, and one or more UV protecting agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventors: James Christopher Post, Garth David Ehrlich, John William Costerton
  • Publication number: 20130153493
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a moving bed membrane bioreactor. The moving bed membrane bioreactor package plant comprises a pre-treatment system, a moving bed membrane bioreactor, and a post-treatment system. This disclosure further relates to mechanical devices and operational processes for a moving bed membrane bioreactor package plant for greywater and wastewater reclamation and reuse. This disclosure further relates to a bioreactor for greywater reclamation that integrates biofilm carriers with a hollow fibre membrane module and dual aeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
    Inventors: Stephanie Young, Alex Munoz
  • Patent number: 8460547
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a hollow microsphere having a porous circumferential wall comprised of nanofilaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Nanyang Technological University, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Delai Darren Sun, Pei Fung Lee, Xiwang Zhang, Jianhong Du, James O. Leckie
  • Publication number: 20130134091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable biofilter and degasser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: James T. Michaels, Peter Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20130126426
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: R. Gavin Jones, Phillip Grisham, Kenneth Wilson, Sabin Holland, Michael D. Rainone
  • Publication number: 20130126427
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: R. Gavin Jones, Phillip Grisham, Kenneth Wilson, Sabin Holland, Michael D. Rainone
  • Publication number: 20130126428
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: R. Gavin Jones, Phillip Grisham, Kenneth Wilson, Sabin Holland, Michael D. Rainone
  • Patent number: 8444855
    Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a fluid-material comprising: providing at least one substrate comprising a three-dimensional knit in an initial configuration made of knitted polymeric fiber which substantially resumes the initial configuration after it is released from stretching or compressing force; and submerging said at least one substrate in a fluidic material for treatment of the fluidic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jonah Gavrieli, Pinhas Hascalovich
  • Patent number: 8440084
    Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus which is a flushed anaerobic digester with fixed biofilm (FAD system) is disclosed. The FAD system creates and maintains an optimum environment for the development and activity of anaerobic bacteria. The FAD system can be used for all treatment methods for anaerobic bacteria, regardless of function. The FAD system is intended for the production of biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwatt
    Inventors: Morgan Jean-David Michael Thomas, Jacques Benoit Michotte
  • Publication number: 20130105392
    Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: PRESBY PATENT TRUST
    Inventor: Presby Patent Trust
  • Publication number: 20130105391
    Abstract: A module for use in a membrane bio film reactor is described, and systems comprising such modules are described. The module comprises a fabric formed from a sheet of hollow-fiber membranes and a spacer material situated between adjacent membrane sheets, which are wound around a central core tube in the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: APTwater, Inc.
    Inventor: APTwater, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8431025
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for biologically treating fluids, in particular municipal or industrial wastewater or the like, the apparatus comprising a pair of reservoirs each containing growth medium having a biofilm thereon, the apparatus being arranged to pump the wastewater from one reservoir to another such as to alternatively expose the biofilms within the reservoirs to air and wastewater, thus making it possible to achieve sequential aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions in the biofilms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Michael Rodgers, Edmond O'Reilly, Xinmin Zhan, Rose C. Mulqueen
  • Patent number: 8419942
    Abstract: A unit for performing waste water treatment provides a simple and inexpensive approach to purifying water on a small scale at remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Biokube International A/S
    Inventor: Henrik U. Hedegaard
  • Publication number: 20130068688
    Abstract: There is provided a method for treating spent metal working fluid (MWF), comprising the steps of: (a) providing a biofilm of microorganisms on a solid support matrix in a first bioreactor; (b) transferring at least a portion of the solid support matrix comprising the biofilm of microorganisms from the first bioreactor into a second bioreactor; and (c) incubating the microorganisms in the second bioreactor to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of the spent MWF contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Microbial Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Duane Ager, Timothy Goodall, William Pope
  • Patent number: 8398856
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the bioremediation of soluble sulfates from an environmental effluent, include a first chamber including lactic acid bacteria immobilized on a first matrix and a second chamber including sulfate-reducing bacteria immobilized on a second matrix. The methods include providing the lactic acid bacteria a suitable medium for the production of lactic acid, which is directed to the culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria for use as a substrate/electron donor for the reduction of sulfates present in the environmental effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: West Bengal University of Technology
    Inventors: Shaon Ray Chaudhuri, Ashoke Ranjan Thakur
  • Patent number: 8394273
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for removing contaminants from a body of surface water. The method and apparatus may include tubular members such as hollow-fiber components. The tubular members have a reactive gas diffused through wall of the member. Contaminants in the water can be removed when the reactive gas reacts with bacteria on the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce E. Rittmann
  • Patent number: 8394272
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method that uses heterothrophic ammonia oxidation bacteria (HAOB) to remove carbon and nitrogen pollutants in wastewater. The method includes the cultivation of the heterotropic bacteria in an activated sludge environment and the removal of carbon and nitrogen from the wastewater. According to the physiological characteristics of HAOB and the principles of combined oxidation of carbon and nitrogen, the method is able to achieve simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen under the condition that the cells do not grow. The process is able to be carried out in the temperature range of 6-40° C. No excess sludge is produced in the process. The invention is able to control the process and product composition of anaerobic ammonia oxidation through the control of organic carbon source, and is able to realize zero-accumulation of NO3?N in the nitrification process. The invention can fully utilize existing activated sludge systems to remove carbon and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Guanghao Peng
  • Publication number: 20130056411
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment method using annularly arranged microorganism carriers in a reaction tank, which defines therein an upper reaction area, a lower reaction area and a passage area surrounded by the microorganism carriers and kept in communication between the upper reaction area and the lower reaction area. Microorganisms including nitrifying bacteria and autotrophic denitrifying bacteria are attached to the surface of each microorganisms carriers and suspending in the water of the reaction tank for causing Anammox reaction to convert NH4+ and NO2? in wastewater into nitrogen gas, achieving removal of total nitrogen compounds from water. The microorganism carriers are used to retain microorganisms in the reaction tank, enhancing the treatment efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY, LEADERMAN & ASSOCIATES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Der-Ming LEE, Ming-Kuei Chiang, Chin-Te Chen, Keng-Chuan Sung, Jih-Gaw Lin, Sin-Han Su
  • Patent number: 8388845
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a wastewater treatment method for treating wastewater containing ammonium nitrogen, including the steps of: oxidizing the ammonium nitrogen in the wastewater to nitrite with nitrifying bacteria in a treatment tank in which the nitrifying bacteria and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria having a half-saturation constant of 6.1 mgN/L or more with respect to nitrite coexist; and denitrifying the nitrite formed through the oxidation of the ammonium nitrogen, with the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in the treatment tank, while using the ammonium nitrogen contained in the wastewater as a hydrogen donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuichi Isaka, Yuya Kimura, Tatsuo Sumino
  • Publication number: 20130048558
    Abstract: A urea removal capability is increased in a water treatment method of introducing raw water containing organic substances, specially, urea to a reaction tank, adding water-soluble bromide salt and an oxidizing agent to perform an oxidation treatment on the urea, subsequently, performing a bio-treatment by a bio-treatment means. According to the water treatment method, TOC, particularly, urea in the raw water can be highly decomposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Nobukazu Arai, Nozomu Ikuno
  • Patent number: 8382984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biologically treating waste water, using a set of micro-organisms having different metabolic spectra, in order to eliminate carbon and nitrogen, even phosphorus. Some of the micro-organisms are fixed to mobile solid carriers (2) and form a fluidised fixed biomass. Some of the micro-organisms are free to be used in an activated mud treatment. To this end, a first non-aerated treatment zone (21a) is followed by a second aerated treatment zone (21b); the treated effluent is subjected to a solid/liquid separation by flotation (6) at a speed higher than 10 m/H; and part of the mud recovered by flotation is recirculated (8) towards the activated mud treatment, said recirculation being controlled (9, 10, 11) so that the MES concentration of the effluent subjected to the liquid/solid separation remains compatible with the retained flotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Laure Graveleau
  • Patent number: 8382985
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and process for wastewater treatment. The apparatus can include a basin for receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid having a direction of flow, and a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the growth of microorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact with the liquid, wherein the pendant sheets are oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Corwyn Oldfield
  • Patent number: 8372277
    Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fountainhead L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130032532
    Abstract: A water treatment method and a method for producing ultrapure water are provided in which urea in raw water is sufficiently decomposed, and an organism (bacterial cells) in biological treatment is prevented from flowing downstream. In a water treatment method for performing biological treatment of raw water containing urea, a carbon source is added to the raw water, and the raw water is then supplied to biological treatment means 1 and 2 having a fixed bed formed of an organism-supporting carrier to perform the biological treatment. The biological treatment after the addition of the carbon source to the raw water improves the efficiency of decomposition and removal of urea. The biological treatment means using a fixed bed formed of an organism-supporting carrier decreases the number of bacterial cells flowing downstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobukazu Arai, Nozomu Ikuno
  • Publication number: 20130032533
    Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Libman, Boris Eliosov
  • Publication number: 20130001161
    Abstract: A filter media supporting the biological treatment and filtering of fluids and the method thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Boner
  • Publication number: 20120325740
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods, apparatuses, and cellular compositions and cellular products for purifying environmental liquids, such as wastewater and brine, using halophilic bacteria that produce, or can be made to produce, siderophore metal chelators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Publication number: 20120312743
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the bioremediation of soluble sulfates from an environmental effluent, include a first chamber including lactic acid bacteria immobilized on a first matrix and a second chamber including sulfate-reducing bacteria immobilized on a second matrix. The methods include providing the lactic acid bacteria a suitable medium for the production of lactic acid, which is directed to the culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria for use as a substrate/electron donor for the reduction of sulfates present in the environmental effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: West Bengal University of Technology
    Inventors: Shaon Ray Chaudhuri, Ashoke Ranjan Thakur
  • Publication number: 20120312744
    Abstract: A filtration device for an aquarium comprising a filtering chamber for receiving water and a filter medium therein wherein said filter medium comprises fibers having a diameter from 0.1 nm to 3000 nm and an aspect ratio of length to diameter of 5:1 to 10,000 to 1 wherein said fibers provide for colonization of nitrosomonas bacterium and/or nitrobacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Glen S. AXELROD
  • Patent number: 8329035
    Abstract: A system and process for treating an industrial wastewater stream is provided using a membrane biological reactor in which granular activated carbon material is introduced into an aeration portion and maintained upstream of a membrane operating system. The size of the granules of activated carbon is selected so that they can be screened or otherwise readily separated from the mixed liquor stream before the mixed liquor enters the membrane operating system tank(s) containing the submerged membranes, thereby preventing abrasion of the membrane by the carbon granules. The aeration portion includes a waste discharge port whereby a portion of spent granular activated carbon can be removed when the effluent concentration of chemical oxygen demand compounds approaches limits typically set by governmental agencies, and replaced by addition of fresh or regenerated granular activated carbon having greater adsorbent capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: William G. Conner
  • Patent number: 8323497
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the removal of selenium species from water containing high-salt concentrations and/or petroleum contaminants are described. The compositions and methods use a selenium-reducing microorganism adapted to adverse environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aptwater Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Borg, David Friese, Tyze-Kuan Tim Yin
  • Publication number: 20120273414
    Abstract: A system for treating wastewater including at least one water-treatment pathway having at least one wastewater inlet, at least one oxygen-permeable, water-impermeable wall, separating an interior of the pathway from outside air, and at least one treated wastewater outlet and arranged for at least aerobic treatment of the wastewater as it flows from the at least one wastewater inlet to the at least one treated wastewater outlet, at least one wastewater supply conduit, supplying the wastewater to the at least one wastewater inlet of the water-treatment pathway and at least one treated wastewater conduit, supplying treated wastewater from the at least one treated wastewater outlet of the at least one water-treatment pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: EMEFCY LTD.
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Lior Eshed, Eytan Baruch Levy, Tamar Ashlagi Amiri
  • Publication number: 20120273412
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a treatment system and a method for treating waste product. In some examples, the treatment system may include a container effective to receive a waste product. The treatment system may further include one or more filters in communication with the container. The filter or filters may include a polymer carrier material. The polymer carrier material may include at least one of Sphingomonas bacteria, Flavobacteriales bacteria or Chryseobacterium bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: PEKING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhengfang Ye, Zhongyou Wang, Mohe Zhang
  • Patent number: 8298425
    Abstract: A methodology, and related systems and structures for accomplishing the methodology, of biological remediation of hazardous or undesirable organic matter, wherein a plurality of carrier members are disposed in a localized retaining member, the carrier members releasing or exposing microorganisms to the undesirable organic matter on a staggered basis over an extended period of time, the microorganisms being capable of biologically remediating the undesirable organic matter by utilizing the organic matter as a food source, thereby converting it into environmentally safe bi-products. Carrier members containing nutrients necessary for the survival of the microorganisms and having release times corresponding to the release times of the microorganisms are also provided to insure that the microorganisms remain viable upon release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Mark D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8298426
    Abstract: A counter current supersaturation oxygenation method includes an apparatus, which includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the apparatus preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dean E. Farrell, Ronald W. Ketler
  • Publication number: 20120255901
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent J. Thorgersen, John H. Bacon, Eric D. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8273246
    Abstract: A system for treating ammonia-based wastewater is provided. The system includes a first reactor, including: denitrification bacteria for denitrification; a second reactor disposed on the back of the first reactor, wherein the second reactor includes an aerator and aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, and has an HRT of less than 6 hours; a third reactor disposed on the back of the first reactor, wherein the third reactor contains nitrification bacteria carried on the carriers for improving nitrification; and a solid-liquid-separating reactor disposed on the back of the third for separating the solids and liquids in the effluent of the third reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kuan-Foo Chang, Sheng-Hsin Chang, Shwu-Huey Perng, Wang-Kuan Chang, Huey-Song You, Shan-Shan Chou
  • Publication number: 20120234753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling method and cooling system comprising a cooling device (1), in particular a cooling tower (1), for cooling cooling water and at least one consumer (4) to be cooled, wherein the cooling device (1) and the at least one consumer (4) are arranged in a cooling water circuit (1, 2, 3, 4), a filter (11) having immobilized microorganisms, in particular having a microorganism colony, being arranged in the cooling water circuit (1, 2, 3, 4) between the at least one consumer (4) and the cooling device (1) or in a separate circuit (1, 9, 10, 11, 12) connected thereto, in order to specifically filter out nutrients from the cooling water by means of metabolizing and/or storing the nutrients by the microorganisms in the filter (11), wherein the immobilized microorganisms are inoculated and cultivated outside the circuit with autochthonous and/or allochthonous microorganisms from the cooling system and are integrated into the cooling system as a functionally ready collection of microorganism
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Marc Alexander Flettner, Juergen Scheen
  • Publication number: 20120234752
    Abstract: A method of improving nitrification in a wastewater treatment plant is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) providing a trickling filter effluent water basin having biological filter media placed on a support platform positioned at least three feet above a bottom of the basin; and (b) contacting the filter media with the wastewater. Nitrification (removal of ammonia by conversion to nitrate) can be improved at least 30% as compared to a trickling filter without the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: SCOTT DUNN
  • Publication number: 20120228216
    Abstract: A floating water treatment device for biological treatment of water in a body of water, the device comprising: a submerged biomass-carrying system having at least one biomass-carrying element; a water aeration device adapted to aerate the water in the body of water in the vicinity of the biomass-carrying system; and at least one flotation system, having at least one floating element, the at least one flotation system adapted to float on the surface of the body of water and to support the submerged biomass-carrying system and water aeration device from totally submerging into the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: J.P. AquaKnit Ltd
    Inventors: Jonah GAVRIELI, Pinhas Hascalovici, Emil Hascalovici
  • Patent number: 8246830
    Abstract: Provided is a biological nitrogen removal method which includes, causing to flow a support having, on the surface portion thereof, a two-layered microbial film which holes, in the outer layer, nitrite type nitrifying bacteria or aerobic bacteria and nitrite type nitrifying bacteria as a dominant species and, in the inner layer, anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria as a dominant species while being surrounded with the nitrite type nitrifying bacteria; and thereby carrying out denitrification of the water to be treated by making use of the anaerobic ammonia oxidation reaction. In the biological nitrogen removal method, a feed rate of the support (total surface area of the support per unit capacity of the reaction tank) is adjusted so that an amount of nitrous acid produced by the nitrite type nitrification reaction through the action of the nitrite type nitrifying bacteria reaches a level to inhibit a nitrate type nitrification reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Takeda
  • Patent number: 8236174
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Aeration Industries International LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Durda, G. Shawn Brown, Cory Mortenson
  • Patent number: 8216477
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing organics from water has an upwardly open and downwardly closed column having a tubular side wall and a floor and a generally closed chamber on the floor of the column and forming with the side wall an upwardly open annular space. The column has an outlet opening into the annular space. A pump forces water containing organics into the chamber and thereby fills the column with water that then flows out of the column through the outlet. An aerator pump moves at least some of the water containing organics out of the chamber, mixes the pumped-out water with bubbles, and pumps the water and bubbles back into a downwardly and horizontally closed but upwardly open flow space in the column above the chamber. A skimmer clears the organics from the surface of the water above the flow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: DELTEC GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Weidl
  • Patent number: 8216471
    Abstract: An integrated bioreactor and its applications as well as a method for treatment of highly-concentrated organic wastewater using the same. The integrated bioreactor with a concentric columnar structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer, in which the inner layer is an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and the outer layer is a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). The effluent of the MBBR is recycled into UASB via a reflux pump mounted between a water tank and the integrated bioreactor. A water outlet of the UASB is arranged with an on-line pH monitor and a mechanical agitation device is arranged on the top of a bottom water distributor. The bioreactor is low in cost, features friendly maintenance, stable operation, and high degree of automation, and can be applied under low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Ke Xu, Lili Ding, Jicheng Xie, Xinkun Ren
  • Patent number: 8211306
    Abstract: A biotrickling filter treatment method includes the steps of: arranging waste tires in an organic treatment area to form at least one waste tire array; forming biological membranes on the waste tire array; and circulating wastewater in the organic treatment area to pass through the waste tire array and ventilating the organic treatment area. The biotrickling filter treatment tank includes an organic treatment area, a waste tire array and a sprayer unit. The waste tire array is formed from a plurality of waste tires on which to form biological membranes and is provided in the organic treatment area. The sprayer unit is aligned with the waste tire array to spray wastewater on the waste tires for wastewater treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Hsu-Hsien Sun