Particulate Media Patents (Class 210/616)
  • Patent number: 7347940
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process integrates a tidal nitration system with a wastewater treatment lagoon. Raw effluent enters a lagoon having a persistent anoxic or anaerobic state and a long residence time to permit suspended solids to settle to the bottom, forming a blanket of sludge. Water above the sludge blanket is comparatively clearer than raw influent. Discharge from the clear water zone contains organic carbon, organic nitrogen, ammonia, and other nutrients. In the lagoon, complex carbohydrates and fats are broken down into simpler organic compounds by bacterial action, a substantial portion transformed to carbon dioxide by bacterial respiration, reducing BOD. Organic forms of nitrogen are transformed into ammonium ions by bacterial action. Adjacent to the lagoon is a sump that takes water from the clear zone to a tidal cell, and recycles water from the clear zone into the tidal cell, which then discharges back into the lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Worrell Water Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David C. Austin
  • Patent number: 7335303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the collection of alkalophilic/alkaline-tolerant microbes and use of said microbes in water glass wastewater treatment. The wastewater is treated directly with alkalophilic/alkaline-tolerant microbes cultured on granular activated carbon without any prior pH adjustment. Subsequently, water glass is separated from the biotreated water by lowering its pH. Alternatively, water glass is separated from biotreated water by distilling the water as water and water glass have different boiling points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Development Center for Biotechnology
    Inventors: Ru-rong Wu Hsiao, Mei-hsien Yeh, Hsiu-ping Pearl Lin
  • Patent number: 7329350
    Abstract: A filtration system comprises a filtration container housing filter media treated to reduce waste in water pumped into the filtration container. An impeller is mounted on the filtration container and forces water and filter media within the container to move within the container. Advantageously, movement within the container, and interaction between, the water and filter media within the container are increased through use of the impeller. The impeller may also cause the water and filter media within the container to move in a substantially non-repeating path within the container so that interaction of the water with the filter media is further increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Aqua Ultraviolet
    Inventor: Ron James
  • Patent number: 7326344
    Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: Universidad de Chile, Biotechnologias del Agua Ltda.
    Inventors: Davor Cotoras Tadic, Fernando Valenzuela Lozano, Miguel Esteban Zarzar Maza, Pabla Leticia Viedma Elicer
  • Patent number: 7318895
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for treatment of waste streams using domestic wastewater. A concentrate waste stream containing one or more of perchlorate, nitrate, bromate, selenate and chromate may be combined with a domestic wastewater stream. The concentrate waste stream may have not less than 3000 mg/l of total dissolved solids. The concentrate waste stream and domestic wastewater stream may be combined at a ratio of between 20% volumetric flow rate and 75% volumetric flow rate to produce a blended stream. The blended stream may be processed in a bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Carollo Engineers, PC
    Inventors: Jess C. Brown, Brandon C. Heidelberger, Rick D. Wheadon, Edwin J. Hansen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080004181
    Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an aqueous polymer gel and the entrapping immobilization pellets are colored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: HITACHI PLANT TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshikawa, Naoki Abe, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7311835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying oxygen to a water purification process, said method comprising providing an oxygen carrier of at least one copolymer of dimethylsiloxane, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, adding said oxygen carrier to the water purifying process, and contacting said oxygen carrier with an oxygen containing gas. The invention further relates to the use of at least one copolymer of dimethylsiloxane, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, as an oxygen carrier in a water purification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kemira Oyj
    Inventors: Estera Szwajcer Dey, Olof Norrlöw
  • Patent number: 7294272
    Abstract: A waste treatment system suitable for domestic use and capable of producing water suitable for recycling within the household. The system includes a bioreactor (30) and a decomposition chamber (16). The bioreactor (30) is adapted to digest liquid-base waste material using bacteria and is operable under anaerobic, anoxic and/or aerobic conditions. The decomposition chamber (16) decomposes substantially solid waste generated in the bioreactor. The bioreactor and decomposition chamber are in fluid communication such that substantially solid waste material generated in the bioreactor can be transferred to the decomposition chamber for further treatment. Resulting solids may optionally be forwarded to a vegetation cell (24) and the liquid (34) leaving the bioreactor may be optionally passed to a membrane treatment unit (40) and a disinfection unit (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Aqua Clarus Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Roy Victor Ames, Matthew John Etherington, Nicholas Michael Czeperko, Ian Joseph Ugarte
  • Patent number: 7291265
    Abstract: A bioremediation system using inorganic oxide-reducing microbial consortia for the treatment of, inter alia coal mine and coal yard runoff uses a containment vessel for contaminated water and a second, floating phase for nutrients. Biodegradable oils are preferred nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Washington Savannah River
    Inventors: Mark A. Phifer, Frank C. Sappington, Margaret R. Millings, Charles E. Turick, Pamela C. McKinsey
  • Patent number: 7279103
    Abstract: Acidic metal-bearing wastewaters are treated to produce a finished water of sufficient purity to meet discharge standards while recovering metals removed in forms which are commercially valuable. The metals are selectively precipitated, either in a batch or in a continuous system, for removal of individual metal products in a specific sequence of steps from the wastewater. In each step, the pH is adjusted to the specific pH range and sulfide ion is introduced to precipitate the metals, excepting the removal of ferric iron and aluminum which is achieved using hydroxide precipitation. Bioconversion process using unique equipment converts sulfate in the wastewater to the hydrogen sulfide gas required for the precipitation process. This bioconversion process reduces the sulfate in the wastewater so that the water can be directly discharged or used for agricultural applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America Enviromental Protection Agency
    Inventors: John Burckle, Rakesh Govind, Fred Kawahara, Richard Scharp, Henry Tabak
  • Publication number: 20070205152
    Abstract: For the biological purification of waste water that contains organic and nitrogen-containing compounds, wastewater is aerated with air and/or oxygen in the presence of a biomass fixed on a carrier material 9 in a reactor 1 through which flow takes place lengthwise and then is separated in a secondary clarification 5 into purified water and sludge. The separated sludge is at least partially returned again to the reactor 1. Carrier particles in an amount that can move freely in the waste water are introduced into the reactor as carrier material 9 for the microorganisms. To enable the decomposition of both the organic compounds and the nitrogen-containing compounds simultaneously. In the reactor 1, a cylindrical flow 10 of the mobile reactor contents is produced by aeration perpendicular to the flow direction in the reactor 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Anton Jell, Manfred Morper
  • Patent number: 7258792
    Abstract: The method of providing for a fluid treatment, that includes providing a treatment zone containing granular activated charcoal, and providing a stream of water containing nutrients, contaminant degrading microbes and dissolved oxygen, and introducing the stream to a treatment zone to effect adsorption of nutrients and microbes onto the granular activated charcoal, thereby to provide a contaminant treatment matrix, whereby contaminant in fluid flow through the matrix is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Xyclonyx
    Inventors: Behzad Mirzayi, Mery C. Robinson, Alvin J. Smith, Dominic J. Colasito
  • Patent number: 7244358
    Abstract: The invention relates to agents for the removal or reduction of inorganic nitrogen compounds, especially nitrate, from biological aquarium waters, containing a biologically degradable polymer, preferably polycaprolactone (PCL) and to the utilization of said agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tetra GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Ritter
  • Patent number: 7189323
    Abstract: A method for biological purification of water such as wastewater using a carrier material is disclosed, wherein the water is treated in a reactor containing carriers for biofilm growth. These carriers are kept in movement in the water and are designed so that they have well-defined passages or compartments providing a surface for biofilm growth, which is protected against collision with the surfaces of other carriers. The carriers have a width or diameter greater than 20 mm, the protected area is larger than 1000 m2/m3 carrier element volume, the length of the passages or the depth of the compartments in the carrier elements as a mean value is smaller than 6 mm or smaller than 3 mm, respectively, and the ratio between the passage lengths or compartment depths and the longest dimension of the inlet openings to the passages or compartments, respectively, is smaller than 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: AnoxKaldnes AS
    Inventors: Anders Löfqvist, Thomas Welander
  • Patent number: 7175766
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for performing tertiary treatment of sewage based on porous filtering media. The apparatus for performing tertiary treatment of sewage based on porous filtering media includes a reaction tank for receiving effluent wastewater from a primary settling tank; and porous filtering media, which is located in the reaction tank and has a predetermined size of surface area and opening, for settling suspension in the effluent wastewater and removing organic matter and nutritive salts included in the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Construction Technology
    Inventors: Young-Sug Kim, Moon-Hyoung Lee, Hong-Kyu Jang, Chung-Hee Chang, Chai-Sung Gee
  • Patent number: 7172700
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 7172701
    Abstract: A method of treating water including mixing the water with an inorganic powder reagent for reducing the content of organic matter. The water, after being mixed with the inorganic powder reagent, is subjected to a membrane separation step that produces blow off products that are then separated into two fractions: a first fraction containing a majority portion of the powder reagent in a first stream of water, and a second fraction containing a majority portion of inorganic matter not absorbed on the inorganic powder reagent rejected by the membrane separation step in a second stream of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: OTV SA S.A.
    Inventors: Abdelkader Gaid, Mickael Uyttewaal, Annie Tazi-Pain
  • Patent number: 7166219
    Abstract: A process for the production of highly purified water 44 from Fischer-Tropsch reaction water 12 includes distillation 14 as a primary treatment stage, biological treatment including anaerobic digestion 20 and aerobic digestion 22 as a secondary treatment stage, solid-liquid separation 32 as a tertiary treatment stage and a dissolved salt and organic removal stage 40 as final treatment stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventors: Luis Pablo Fidel Dancuart Kohler, Gert Hendrik Du Plessis, Francois Jacobus Du Toit, Edward Ludovicus Koper, Trevor David Phillips, Janette Van Der Walt
  • Patent number: 7160460
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a septic tank having a discharge in flow communication with one or more biofilter containers having filter media therein. Wastewater or effluent from the septic tank is allowed to contact the filter media and each container includes an outlet for discharging the wastewater to the environment or transferred to other treatment facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Quanics, Inc.
    Inventor: Theophilus B. Terry, III
  • 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: 7150831
    Abstract: A process for the production of purified water from Fischer-Tropsch reaction water wherein the purified water is an aqueous stream having a COD of between 20 and 500 mg/l, a pH of between 6.0 and 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Luis P. F. Dancuart Kohler, Gert H. du Plessis, Francois J. du Toit, Edward L. Koper, Trevor D. Phillips, Janette van der Walt
  • Patent number: 7150833
    Abstract: Highly porous, beads are comprised of a polymer and a second compound mixed into it. The second compound, an amendment, is either a nutrient or a compound having high affinity to one or more nutrients. A plurality of these beads may be exposed to an aqueous environment, usually a body of water. Bacteria and other microorganisms rapidly enter and remain within the nutrient filled interior space of the beads. Any of a number of various detection methods may then be used to characterize, detect and/or identify the microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventor: Kerry L. Sublette
  • Patent number: 7132050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microbial remediation of organic wastes in sewers and other waste-laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. A bio-reactor containing inoculated carrier media is suspended within a sewer wet-well or other similar environment, and is at least partially immersed in the waste-laden fluid to be treated. Air and nutrients are continuously supplied to the bio-reactor via conduit from a remote, easily accessible location. Beneficial microbial populations are permitted to thrive and spread throughout the waste-laden environment, mineralizing organic wastes and eventually becoming dominant within the subject environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: TMD, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Tommy Mack Davis, Cecil Allen McEntire, John Randolph Ayers, Caroline Ann Metosh-Dickey
  • Patent number: 7109022
    Abstract: This invention relates to a denitrifying composition which is a material to be used for decomposing nitrates nitrogen in effluent by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that consume sulfur and carbonate as nutrients and is characterized by containing particles of calcium carbonate dispersed in sulfur. Preferably, the composition contains 10 parts by weight of sulfur coexisting with 10-15 parts by weight of calcium carbonate and 1-3 parts by weight of a microporous substance. This denitrifying composition can be prepared by heating powder of calcium carbonate and sulfur thereby melting the sulfur, dispersing the powder of calcium carbonate in liquid sulfur and solidifying the dispersion by rapid cooling. The composition simultaneously contains nutrients and alkali source and hence enables denitrification to proceed stably without addition of other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignees: Nitchitsu Co., Ltd, Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yatagai, Tomomichi Gunji, Hiroshi Masujima, Takuma Yabe, Toru Oishi
  • 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: 7060185
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for processing sewage by granulating activated sludge and a method thereof. The sewage processing apparatus includes an anaerobic granulation tank for granulating suspended microorganisms; an indirect aeration tank for supplying oxygen to the supernatant transported through a first transport pipe; an aerobic granulation tank for granulating suspended microorganisms; and a discharge pipe for discharging supernatant of finished water obtained after circulating a series of the anaerobic granulation tank, the first transport pipe, the indirect aeration tank, the aerobic granulation tank repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Construction Technology
    Inventors: Kwang-Soo Kim, Chai-Sung Gee, Hee-Ja Lee, Chang-Woon Kim, Byung-Won Seo, Kwang-Ho Ahn, Hyun-Hee Cho, Yo-Sub Byun
  • Patent number: 7018534
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor comprising a vessel having a bottom region and an interior configured to contain an aqueous suspension of biomass and media. A first gas outlet is provided at the bottom region of the vessel. The first gas outlet is positioned to introduce a first stream of gas to promote growth of the biomass on the media. A lift tube is disposed within the vessel, the lift tube having an inlet disposed at the bottom region of the vessel. A second gas outlet is disposed proximal the lift tube inlet to feed gas to the inlet of the lift tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Frisch
  • Patent number: 6984314
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for biological purification of effluents in mixed cultures using micro-organisms whereof part at least is fixed on solid supports. The invention is characterized in that said supports are activated so as to generate a turbulence in the reaction medium, the intensity of which is such that it reduces the production of biological sludge, the materials constituting said micro-organism supports being abraded and cleaned, while being retained in said reaction medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ondeo Degremont
    Inventors: Paul Etienne, Pierre Buffiere
  • Patent number: 6982037
    Abstract: Method of waste water/water treatment in a submerged membrane bioreactor is disclosed. The bioreactor includes a tank containing a mixed liquor having microorganism; porous carriers in the mixed liquors; and a filtration module immersed in the mixed liquor and having a permeate side into which fluid can flow only through the filtration module. The method includes introducing an influent into the tank; applying a negative pressure source to the permeate side so that liquid in the tank penetrates the filtration module into the permeate side and flows out from the tank; and aerating the mixed liquor in the tank so that the porous carriers keep contact with the filtration module, and thus reduce fouling of the filtration module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ren-Yang Horng, Wang-Kuan Chang, Hsin Shao, Min-Chao Chang
  • Patent number: 6936446
    Abstract: A light weight medium for growing microorganisms includes a mass of polymeric foam, such as a polyurethane foam, having an outer region enclosing an inner region. A plurality of fragments of an inorganic material, such as sand, are at least partially embedded in the outer region. The light weight medium may be used to support growth of microorganisms in a wide variety of biological and/or biochemical processes, or may be used without microorganisms in chemically treating wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Eliminite, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kallenbach, Justin M. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6908556
    Abstract: Highly porous, beads are comprised of a polymer and a second compound mixed into it. The second compound, an amendment, is either a nutrient or a compound having high affinity to one or more nutrients. A plurality of these beads may be exposed to an aqueous environment, usually a body of water. Bacteria and other microorganisms rapidly enter and remain within the nutrient filled interior space of the beads. Any of a number of various detection methods may then be used to characterize, detect and/or identify the microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventor: Kerry L. Sublette
  • Patent number: 6905603
    Abstract: The method of providing for a fluid treatment, that includes providing a treatment zone containing granular activated charcoal, and providing a stream of water containing nutrients, contaminant degrading microbes and dissolved oxygen, and introducing the stream to a treatment zone to effect adsorption of nutrients and microbes onto the granular activated charcoal, thereby to provide a contaminant treatment matrix, whereby contaminant in fluid flow through the matrix is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Behzad Mirzayi, Mery C. Robinson, Alvin J. Smith, Dominic J. Colasito
  • Patent number: 6881339
    Abstract: There is a disclosed or process for treating industrial waste water highly loaded with ammonium, by treating the waste water with nitrifying microogransims (nitric bacteria) in the presence of a suspended carrier substance with a specific surface area of >20 m2/g and optionally a denitrification with denitrifying microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria). According to a modification of the process, a finely-divided carbon-containing material with a surface-pH value of around 6 to 9 is used instead of the silicate carrier substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sud-Chemie AG
    Inventors: Undine Gabriele Högl, Christian Eric Högl, Cindy Diana Högl, Maximilian Högl
  • Patent number: 6863818
    Abstract: An apparatus using activated sludge for the removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater includes a bioreactor for containing a mixture of wastewater under treatment and activated sludge. The bioreactor is divided into a plurality of serially connected treatment zones and includes a wastewater inlet, a downstream aerobic zone and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone. A method for removal of nutrients from a wastewater includes providing a wastewater to an inlet of a serial, multi-zone, activated sludge bioreactor containing an activated sludge. The bioreactor has a downstream aerobic zone from which water is removed and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Albert M. Wollmann, Sudhir N. Murthy, Edwin J. Fleischer, Thomas A. Broderick
  • Patent number: 6852227
    Abstract: A flow-through medium for use in a biological digester has a truncated conical shape, a plurality of internal ribs, and optional external ribs. The conical shape of the media creates a venturi-like action for fluid flowing through the media, which increases the tumbling of the media elements against each other and against the wall of the enclosure in which they are contained. Moreover, the conical shape and venturi-like action prevents slough from accumulating within the media elements, allowing it to be washed through the media. A method of treating sewage effluent includes placing the media elements in an enclosure partially submersed in the effluent and rotating the enclosure to expose the media to the effluent and to a source of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: JRJ Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Petrone
  • Patent number: 6818131
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of CMP wastewater, including wastewater from a copper CMP process. The wastewater treatment system includes a coagulant supply tank from which an FSC polymer coagulant is directed into a reaction tank that separately receives the untreated wastewater. The coagulant may be mixed with the untreated wastewater in selected ratios to provide a desired dosing quantity of the coagulant in the reaction tank. As the wastewater and the FSC polymer coagulant are mixed in the reaction tank, the coagulant flocs the slurry chemicals in the wastewater and removes the chemicals from solution in the wastewater as a precipitate before the wastewater is directed to a clarifier. The clarifier separates the flocked precipitate from the wastewater, and the flocked particles settle on the bottom of the clarifier to form a sludge. The sludge is re-distributed back into the clarifier to coagulate inert particles in the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Max Sha, Howard Ting, Anderson Chen, Lung Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 6818581
    Abstract: A method for denitrification of water, in which the water to be denitrified is made to flow over a porous carrier which comprises a transition metal, preferably palladium, used in an amount between 0.01 and 5% by weight on the carrier and on which denitrifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in the presence of hydrogen are made to adhere, and in which hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and the pH of the reaction is adjusted to values of 4.5 to 7.8 preferably by using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: SUD Chemie MT S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonio Pasquale, Carlo Rubini, Michele Rossi, Luigi Cavalli
  • Patent number: 6797171
    Abstract: A process for in situ anaerobic bioremediation of contaminated earth media and solid waste media, including mining and chemical plant wastes, is shown. The process includes creating an emulsion of organic liquid dispersed in water, followed by infiltrating the emulsion into the media. Water, as the continuous emulsion phase, provides low viscosity and media wetting, favorable to infiltration. The emulsion disengages inside the media leaving dispersed organic nutrient attached to the media where it is accessible for microbial redox reactions, causing anaerobic conditions. Bioremediation includes sulfate reduction and precipitation of metal sulfides, and many other contaminant altering reactions achievable under anaerobic conditions. Components of the organic liquid are selected to enhance microbial activity and media adhesion. Contaminated groundwater and surface water, such as acid mine drainage, can be treated as they flow through a saturated media bed after the emulsion has been introduced into the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6793822
    Abstract: The method of producing aerobic biogranules for the treatment of waste water comprising the steps of: a) introducing waste water into a reactor; b) seeding the reactor with a active biomass material; c) supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the reactor to provide a mixing action to the suspension of biomass material in said waste water, the supply of oxygen-containing gas providing a superficial upflow gas velocity greater than 0.25 cm/s; d) initiating a period of nutrient starvation of the biomass material while continuing to supply oxygen-containing gas; e) allowing formed aerobic granules to settle in a settling zone in said reactor; f) discharging at least a portion of the waste water; g) repeating steps (a) to (f) until at least a portion of the biogranules in said settling zone are within a predetermined properties; and h) recovering said biomass granules within those predetermined properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: Sut Seraya PTE Ltd., Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Joo Hwa Tay, Stephen Tiong Lee Tay, Kuan Yeow Show, Yu Liu, Volodymyr Ivanov
  • Patent number: 6787034
    Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon comprising an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. This invention further provides a bioremediation composition for in situ bioremediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons, comprising an adsorbent capable of adsorbing said hydrocarbons, a mixture of facultative anaerobes capable of metabolizing said hydrocarbons under sulfate-reduction conditions, a sulfate-containing compound that releases sulfate over a period of time, and a nutrient system for promoting growth of said anaerobes, wherein said nutrient system includes a sulfide scavenging agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Remediation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Noland, Bob Elliott
  • Patent number: 6780317
    Abstract: A method of purifying waste water biologically by using three particularly suitable bacteria: Bacillus sp. DT-1, Pseudomonas azelaica, DT-2, and/or Rhizobus sp. DT-5, or mixed populations thereof. The invention further relates to the bacteria and the mixed populations and use thereof in purifying waste water. The invention further relates to a bioreactor including the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Oy Clewer Ltd
    Inventors: Jussi Uotila, Gennadi Zaitsev
  • Publication number: 20040159607
    Abstract: The ammonia nitrification over a calcite slurry process and system may be used for treating an ammonia containing fluid. An influent fluid stream may be introduced into an aerobic contact element that may have a microbial population therein. A plurality of calcite particles and oxygen may be introduced into the aerobic contact element. The contents of the aerobic contract element may be mixed. The contents may be communicated to a separation element to output a nitrified fluid stream overflow and for recycled a collected calcite particle stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Rodolfo Ernesto Kilian
  • Patent number: 6761823
    Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from water that has a relatively low oxygen content with naturally occurring chemoautotrophic bacteria, ferrous iron, manganese, sulfide, and other contaminants. The system comprises an oxygenation vessel for oxygenating the water and a filtration vessel having bio-filtration media with surfaces that are exposed to the oxygenated water. The chemoautotrophic bacteria propagate in the presence of the oxygenated water and deposit certain of the contaminants on the bio-filtration media as by-products. The contaminants are also precipitated in the presence of the oxygenated water and settle on the bio-filtration media in at least the filtration vessel. A secondary filtration stage can further remove contaminants from the water that were not sufficiently removed by the first filtration stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: W. B. Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Maddux, Jay Stender, Shawn Hansen, Ron Destefano, S. Thomas Throne
  • Patent number: 6758965
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater from catering industry, especially restaurants. Said apparatus comprises a single reactor tank, said reactor tank comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and an oil-tight tank therein an upper oil film zone, an anoxic zone below said oil film zone and an anaerobic zone below said anoxic zone are divided; an upper net and a lower net are respectively located in the anoxic and anaerobic zones; and some plastic suspending media as biocarriers are introduced in the anoxic and anaerobic zones. The apparatus requires minimal space, energy and operation costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Great Vision Bioenvironmental Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Guang Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 6734011
    Abstract: This invention relates to a denitrifying composition which is a material to be used for decomposing nitrates nitrogen in effluent by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that consume sulfur and carbonate as nutrients and is characterized by containing particles of calcium carbonate dispersed in sulfur. Preferably, the composition contains 10 parts by weight of sulfur coexisting with 10-15 parts by weight of calcium carbonate and 1-3 parts by weight of a microporous substance. This denitrifying composition can be prepared by heating powder of calcium carbonate and sulfur thereby melting the sulfur, dispersing the powder of calcium carbonate in liquid sulfur and solidifying the dispersion by rapid cooling. The composition simultaneously contains nutrients and alkali source and hence enables denitrification to proceed stably without addition of other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Nitchitsu Co., Ltd, Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yatagai, Tomomichi Gunji, Hiroshi Masujima, Takuma Yabe, Toru Oishi
  • Patent number: 6726838
    Abstract: A biofilm support including a plastic biofilm support element having a maximum dimension which does not exceed 50 mm and having a specific gravity of between approximately 0.70-0.91. A method of manufacture of a biofilm support and a waste water treatment system employing the biofilm support are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Agwise Wise Water Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Eytan B Levy
  • Publication number: 20040050779
    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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 6692642
    Abstract: A process is provided for full treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Waste Management Systems
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin
  • Patent number: 6682653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floated biological treatment apparatus and a process for purifying refractory wastewater or raw water for drinking water. The treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a supporting plate for dividing the treatment apparatus into upper and lower portions. The upper portion is formed into a reactor, and porous compressible carriers are filled with the reactor in an amount of 80 vol % to 100 vol % of the reactor volume. The lower portion is provided with a liquid inlet for introducing the refractory wastewater or raw water and a gas inlet. The reactor is provided with at least one top carrier blocking plate at the top, such that the carriers can be limited by the top carrier blocking plate to be retained in the reactor, and the carriers can become a floating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shun-Hsing Chuang, Chung-Fan Chiou, Huey-Song You, Wang-Kuan Chang, Hsin Shao, Mine-Jine Peng, Ren-Yang Horng
  • Patent number: 6679993
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating waste water in a reactor in order to remove contaminants, including: mixing the waste water with a biomass, the biomass for consuming a quantity of the contaminants or adsorbing the contaminants; dosing the waste water with a micronized zeolitic material; mixing the zeolitic material with the biomass; allowing solids to settle from the waste water; and discharging resultant effluent, wherein a significant portion of the micronized zeolite material has a grain size less than or equal to 100 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zeolite Australia Limited
    Inventors: Leonid Charuckyj, Peter Cooksey