In Bed Form Patents (Class 210/617)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8454831
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater comprises biologically treating the wastewater in a fixed-biomass biological reactor and then treating the wastewater in a ballasted flocculation system. The ballasted flocculation system produces a clarified effluent and sludge containing inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon and suspended solids. The inert granular material having biomass accumulated thereon is separated from the suspended solids and then cleaned with a cleaning solution. After separating the biomass from the cleaned inert granular material, the cleaned inert granular material is recycled for use in the ballasted flocculation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Phillippe Sauvignet, Kashi Banerjee, Charles D. Blumenschein
  • 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: 8425776
    Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of wastewater that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated wastewater through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventors: James Christopher Post, Garth David Ehrlich, John William Costerton
  • Patent number: 8425775
    Abstract: A method of in situ treatment of fracture fluid that is contaminated with a heavy metal may include passing a flow of contaminated fracture fluid through a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel may contain a plurality of biofilm retaining structures. Each of the structures may at least be partially coated with a biofilm. Additionally, the biofilm may include a plurality of bacteria retained in a matrix and the matrix may include DNA, protein and carbohydrates produced by the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventors: James Christopher Post, Garth David Ehrlich, John William Costerton
  • Patent number: 8404210
    Abstract: An iron composition having a plurality of elemental components is disclosed. The major component is an iron component of at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components by weight include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc. Combined with layers of sand, brick chips and/or charcoal, the iron composition can be used to create a water filter for filtering inorganic arsenic species and soluble metal ions out of water. To enhance hydrous ferric oxide complexation and precipitation, the iron composition may be treated with food grade acids or a water mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: George Mason Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Abul Hussam
  • Patent number: 8404111
    Abstract: A fluidized membrane bioreactor comprising a bioreactor including biochemically active organisms; fluidized particles which is a support media to be attached by the organisms; and membranes which permit treated water to pass through except the organisms, wherein the fluidized particles are in direct contact with the membranes. The membranes are installed internally or externally to the bioreactor. The particles may be granular activated carbon or other suitable materials. The fluidized particles serve not only as support media for microorganisms, but also as media for sorption or otherwise retention of matter that can cause membrane fouling and as an abrasive material for cleaning the membrane surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: INHA Industry Partnership Institute
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Bae, Jeong-Hwan Kim, Perry L. McCarty
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8388844
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Michael Marsolek, Bruce E. Rittmann
  • Patent number: 8388833
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Biofilter Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Robertson, David O'Keefe, John D. Cox, Daniel T. White
  • Patent number: 8372285
    Abstract: Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are utilized that include minerals, carbon compounds, polymers and plastics, ceramics, metals, and the like and shapes thereof are utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water. The reactors desirably have multiple bio-remediation stages therein. The reactor also contains at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: IMET Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet A. Gencer, Paul M. Zakriski, Clark B. Langmack
  • Patent number: 8361319
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds, an anoxic zone having denitrifying bacteria, and an aerobic zone having nitrifying bacteria. The anoxic zone is coupled to the aerobic zone, and wastewater flows from the anoxic to the aerobic zone or vice versa. A fluidized bed heat exchanger configured to accept heat from a heat engine and to transfer the heat from the heat engine to the wastewater is positioned in the aerobic zone or the anoxic zone. The fluidized bed heat exchanger includes particulate media, and fluidization of the particulate media scrubs bacterial growth from portions of the fluidized bed heat exchanger. Treating wastewater can include flowing wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds into a biological reactor having an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone, and heating the wastewater with heat from a heat engine to facilitate denitrification reactions in the anoxic zone and nitrification reactions in the aerobic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander Fassbender
  • Patent number: 8318015
    Abstract: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Contech Engineered Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Vaikko P. Allen, II, Jeremiah M. Lehman, James H. Lenhart, Jr., Hong Lin, Daniel P. Cobb, Gregory W Byrne
  • Patent number: 8303816
    Abstract: A horizontal flow water treatment method and wetland biofilter apparatus provides a chamber with impermeable outer walls spaced away from permeable interior walls of a media filtration bed such that a catch basin is formed between the outer walls and the interior walls. The catch basin creates an open area around the perimeter of the interior walls for influent water to fill within the open area on all sides before penetrating the filtration media, providing a large surface area for influent water to interact with the media filtration bed. The influent water enters the catch basin in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-settling of particulates before making contact with the filtration media. The biofilter design increases the available surface area of the media filtration bed by up to four times for a given volume of water, and thereby minimizes the loading or infiltration rate on the media filtration bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Modular Wetland Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg B Kent, Zach J Kent
  • Publication number: 20120261336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial aquifer for decreasing the contents of metals, metalloids, nitrate, nitrite, pesticides and organic micro contaminants in natural ground water or artificial infiltrated groundwater from surface water. The system comprising a basin of filling material creating a reaction zone, a feeding line, one or more satellite wells, at least one main well and a pumping well, whereby the feeding line is applied in the upper outer periphery of the basin and wherein the main well is connected to a pumping well via a bottom outflow provided with a regulating valve to maintain a given level of water in the aquifer. The invention further relates to a method for purifying water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED WATERS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Willi Brunner
  • Patent number: 8252182
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a subsurface upflow wetland for wastewater treatment that includes a series of parallel treatment cells, each cell including from bottom to top, a layer of gravel, a layer of sand over the gravel to remove pathogens from a septic effluent, a pollution control medium above the sand layer to remove nutrients, total suspended solid, and biochemical oxygen demand and a growth media mixture layered on top of the pollution control media to grow plants, and a gravity distribution system to distribute effluent to the series of parallel treatment cells. The pollution control medium includes at least one recycled material and at least one naturally occurring material. In an embodiment it includes recycled tire crumb, sand and limestone or recycled tire crumb, compost, sand and limestone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ni-Bin Chang, Martin P. Wanielista
  • Publication number: 20120193287
    Abstract: An installation and a method for removing dissolved biodegradable compounds as a biological treatment step up-stream of an equipment to be protected from biofouling being part of a ground water, surface water or tertiary wastewater treatment line, wherein said upstream biological treatment step is carried out in at least one packed bed bioreactor comprising a vessel or a tank filled with packing elements, characterized in that: iv) said packing elements of said packed bed show a void fraction of at least 70% and the flow velocity of water through said packed bed bioreactor is at least 20 m/h, so that said packed bed does not have a removal efficiency of suspended solids in water, if any, of more than 30%; v) said packing elements of said packed bed show a specific surface area of at least 750 m2/m3; vi) said process does not require the use of any biocide or biostatic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT
    Inventors: Harry Brouwer, Erich Wittmann
  • Publication number: 20120152831
    Abstract: A method for cleaning waste water is provided whereby the waste water is led through a throughput tank having filler materials to which aerobic microorganisms are adhered and wherein the throughput tank is ventilated with an oxygen containing gas. As filler materials, materials are used which have a specific weight approximately equal to the specific weight of the waste water whereby the filler materials are suspended in the waste water. The inflow of the waste water into the throughput tank and the ventilation of the throughput tank is affected from bottom of the throughput tank and in such a gas amount that the waste water and the filler bodies suspended therein are mixed and the microorganisms on the filler bodies are supplied with sufficient oxygen. The device has a throughput tank with a tank bottom, a tank wall, wherein the inflow connecting pipe and the ventilation arrangement are arranged on the tank bottom and the outflow connecting pipe is arranged at the upper area of the throughput tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Patent number: 8197689
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds, an anoxic zone having denitrifying bacteria, and an aerobic zone having nitrifying bacteria. The anoxic zone is coupled to the aerobic zone, and wastewater flows from the anoxic zone to the aerobic zone or vice versa. The wastewater treatment system is configured to accept heat from a heat engine to heat the wastewater. Treating wastewater can include flowing wastewater having nitrogen-containing compounds into a biological reactor having an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone, and heating the wastewater with heat from a heat engine to facilitate denitrification reactions in the anoxic zone and to facilitate nitrification reactions in the aerobic zone. In some cases, the wastewater is heated with a three phase fluidized bed heat exchanger having porous particulates in contact with heat exchange tubes, with bacteria coupled to an interior of the porous particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Fassbender
  • Patent number: 8153005
    Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P. Wanielista, Ni-Bin Chang
  • Publication number: 20120055868
    Abstract: Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises: —feeding said aqueous stream containing the organic by-products of the reaction to a distillation column, obtaining two output streams: —an aqueous stream (i) exiting from the column head, enriched with alcohols having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, and other optional volatile compounds; an aqueous stream (ii) exiting from the column bottom, enriched with organic acids having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; —subjecting said aqueous stream (ii) to an anaerobic biological treatment obtaining a purified aqueous stream (iii); wherein said anaerobic biological treatment is carried out with a hydraulic retention time lower than 15 hours, preferably ranging from 4 hours to 10 hours, more preferably ranging from 5 hours to 8 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuliana Franzosi, Pietro Cesti, Roberto Paglino, Lino Carnelli, Roberta Miglio
  • Patent number: 8110105
    Abstract: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaikko P. Allen, II, Jeremiah M. Lehman, James H. Lenhart, Jr., Hong Lin, Daniel P. Cobb, Gregory W. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20110278220
    Abstract: The present invention is a wastewater treatment system utilizing a recirculating filter system comprising sand, gravel, or synthetic media. Septic effluent is continuously, or approximately continuously, dosed under pressure to the treatment media through pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters. The system comprises a commonly known septic tank and recirculation tank. Septic tank effluent is collected in the recirculation tank, from which it is continually dosed by means of a pump to the top of the treatment media of the recirculating filter through pressure compensating drip emitters. Continuous dosing of diluted residential septic tank effluent through drip irrigation emitters provides a slow consistent application of liquid rich in organic material and pathogens over the treatment media. The treated effluent is then recirculated if water is low or went to final disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: David Mark Lowe, Richard D. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 8057676
    Abstract: Drainage water containing an organofluorine compound is introduced into a raw tank (1) and then filtered through a filtration device (4). Next, a microorganism, a micro-nanobubbling auxiliary agent and a nutrient are added thereto in a first transit tank (5) while micro-nanobubbles are generated thereinto by a micro-nanobubbling machine (7), thereby giving treated water. This treated water is then fed into an active carbon column (14) and then the above-described organofluorine compound contained in the treated water is decomposed by the microorganism as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8048303
    Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: William Lucas
  • Patent number: 8043506
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water using a sludge bed system, which process comprises feeding waste water, and optionally recycle water, to the lower part of an upflow reactor, containing mainly granular biomass thus producing biogas in the treatment passing the resulting gas/liquid/solid mixture upward and separating the gas and solid from the liquid in a three phase separator and thereby generating an anaerobic effluent that is withdrawn from the top of the separator, the improvement comprising separating the solids from the liquid in a separator, wherein, above the separation of the gas from the liquid phase, tilted plates, tubes or other tilted internals are installed in the three phase separator body to increase the effective settling surface, to an upflow reactor suitable for this process as well as to a three phase separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Biothane Systems International B.V.
    Inventors: Robertus Johannes Frankin, Michaël Johannes Otten
  • Patent number: 8029673
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical-horizontal filter unit for the biological purification of polluted water, comprising an upper zone of a soil patch planted with plants, having inlets for the polluted water, and arranged underneath a sand layer with a lower filter zone made of gravel and at least one removal point for the purified water, wherein between the upper and lower filter zones a barrier layer with openings is arranged and the filter unit is sealed against the soil on the sides and at the bottom. The openings in the barrier layer are arranged along the edge and/or the barrier layer does not reach the edge of the patch completely. The invention is characterized in that the upper zone acts as an aerobically cleaning zone and the lower zone as an anaerobically cleaning zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Joachim Böttcher
  • Patent number: 8029674
    Abstract: A process for treatment of water to convert ammonia to nitrate including: feeding water containing dissolved ammonia, as an influent introducing water to be treated, into a packed column containing filter media as packing; introducing air through a diffuser at the bottom of the packed column to maintain the water saturated with oxygen throughout the packed column; establishing colonies of bacteria converting ammonia to nitrate within the column; and removing an ammonia-free and nitrite-fee effluent from the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Darren Alan Lytle
  • Patent number: 8021551
    Abstract: A system and method of treating wastewater from an animal confinement operation. The system including at least a first lagoon receiving water from the confinement operation. The system further including a free surface water wetland, a subsurface flow wetland and a vertical flow recirculating media filter. The first artificial wetland including a pipe such that water from the lagoon flows into the first artificial wetland through an inlet of the pipe and is contained within the wetland. The first wetland further including a plurality of wetland plants. A second subsurface flow wetland and a vertical flow recirculating media filter on top of the subsurface flow wetland and wetland plants contained within a first pea gravel bed on top of a coarse gravel bed of the subsurface flow media filter such that water from the lagoon is received by the first wetland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Harrison
  • Patent number: 8012353
    Abstract: A method for treatment of nitrified wastewater, the method including supplying wastewater to be treated to a tank having a layer of biomass supporting media near or at the top thereof, retaining biomass on and below the biomass supporting media for a sufficient time such that the biomass hydrolyses and supplies organic carbon to the wastewater in the tank; denitrifying and simultaneously clarifying the wastewater by providing an upward flow of the wastewater in the tank through the layer of biomass supporting media and discharging excess sludge from the bottom of the tank at a rate which is selected to maintain nitrate and ammonia concentrations below selected thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Aqwise-Wise Water Technologies
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Schechter, Nir Assulin
  • Patent number: 7976703
    Abstract: The present invention provides a treating unit of activated sludge for wastewater treatment and a treating apparatus having the same. The treating unit is constructed by a cage-shaped supporting structure which defines an interior space for containing the microbial cell therein. The present invention provides a measure for simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen compounds from the wastewater under a condition of controlled aeration, and makes the configuration of treating apparatus as well as the treating process more simplified. It is also an alternative to replace the traditional A2O process. According to the present invention, the design of sludge return, which is essential for the conventional activated sludge treatment, is not needed. Moreover, the present invention is compatible with the conventional activated sludge treatment process and is advantageous in its short start-up period during which a stable operation is achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Cheng-Fang Lin, Ping-Yi Yang, Karen Lin
  • Patent number: 7972512
    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: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: William G. Conner
  • Publication number: 20110127215
    Abstract: Numerous different types of waste compositions generally in an aqueous environment are bio-remediated under aerobic conditions utilizing highly diverse and multiple microorganisms within a reactor. The process is carried out with the microorganisms attached or bound by a variety of different surface characteristics to packing substrates, located within the reactor, having high surface areas and high porosity in the form of small micropores. Multiple different types of substrates are utilized that include minerals, carbon compounds, polymers and plastics, ceramics, metals, and the like and shapes thereof are utilized that efficiently dissolve air into the water. The reactors desirably have multiple bio-remediation stages therein. The reactor also contains at least one perforated chimney through which air can flow and optimize dissolving oxygen into the aqueous environment of the various bio-remediation stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: IMET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mehmet A. Gencer, Paul M. Zakriski, Clark B. Langmack
  • Publication number: 20110100905
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for river water purification using a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer. The river water purification apparatus includes a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer which are sequentially and alternately stacked. The treatment soil layer includes a plurality of unit soil layers which are arranged at intervals. A reservoir part which stores a predetermined amount of river water and supplies the river water to an inside of the unit soil layer is provided in an upper end part of the unit soil layer. The permeable filtering medium layer has a higher hydraulic conductivity than that of the treatment soil layer. The river water purification apparatus increases a treatment flux of river water regardless of a coefficient of water permeability of soil and effectively removes nitrogen, phosphorus and nutrient salts by stably forming an anaerobic condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kyu Hong AHN, Kyung Guen SONG, Kang Woo CHO, Dong-Won KI, Jin Woo CHO, Se Yeon WON, Hae Seok OH, Ki Pal KIM
  • Patent number: 7935256
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of waste water from florfenicol production is provided, which mainly comprises the steps as follows: adding iron chips or steel slag to waste water from a copper salt workshop, regulating the pH value, filtering, then adding limestone, lime or Ca(OH)2 and having a solid-liquid separation; blending the treated waste water and waste water from a splitting workshop, oxidizing the residual reductive matter by ozone and removing NH3-N by blowing; blending the treated water and waste water from esterifying or florfenicol workshops and diluting the blended water, adding phosphate and microelement, regulating the pH value, then having an anaerobic treatment in an anaerobic reactor; diluting the treated waste water, then having an aerobic treatment in an aerobic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Lili Ding, Bingqing Xin
  • Patent number: 7914678
    Abstract: A compact high efficiency combined biological and physical unsaturated wastewater treatment filter configured for periodic backwashing is disclosed. The filter utilizes packed media and removes pollutants and pathogens from wastewater and other dirty water sources. The filter comprises a periodic backwashing means to less the chance that biofilm growth will clog the media pores. However, such backwashing still leaves sufficient biofilm attached to the media to maintain a very high level of treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the filter utilizes high frequency dosing to cause pore saturation at or near the surface during dosing and shortly thereafter in order to maximize distribution uniformity and to induce downward airflow into the media. The system provides a number of unexpected benefits; including allowing a very low distribution pressure and providing high oxygen transfer at low energy utilization into the filter media for aerobic biodegradation of pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert A. Beggs
  • Patent number: 7897047
    Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a goetextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin P. Wanielista, Ni-Bin Chang
  • Patent number: 7887706
    Abstract: A method of biofiltration of a liquid effluent by simultaneous nitrification and denitrification uses the adding of an oxygen source at a predetermined rate and optionally the adding of a carbon source (such as whey) thus enabling the complete transformation of the nitrates (NO3) present in the effluent at the time of treatment through a biofilter. The specific operating conditions favoring the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification include the controlled injection of a slight quantity of air, adjustment of the level of nitrogen load (TKN+NO3) and the level of carbon load thereby making possible elimination for the most part of the release of unwanted nitrogen in the form of NO3 or NO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: Gerardo Buelna, Yann Le Bihan, Rino Dube, Paul Lessard, Caroline Dufour-L'Arrivee
  • Publication number: 20110024352
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and process integrating the chemical-free oxidation of a photocatalytic decontamination process with a biological decontamination system to eliminate the THM and HAA precursors in drinking water. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a source providing fluid media contaminated with toxic natural organic matter, and a photocatalytic decontamination subsystem configured to oxidize the toxic natural organic matter via a photocatalytic process into non-toxic natural organic matter having a molecular weight low enough for biodegrading said non-toxic matter. The system may include a biological decontamination subsystem configured to immediately receive the contaminated fluid output from the photocatalytic decontamination subsystem, and employing a biological agent to biologically degrade the low-molecular weight non-toxic natural organic matter in the contaminated fluid to a concentration sufficient to prevent the formation of trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell
  • Publication number: 20110017663
    Abstract: A system and method for simultaneous biologically mediated removal of contaminants (including at least arsenic or nitrate) from water are disclosed herein. The system includes i) a bioreactor having a length suitable for housing at least three different microbial populations, or ii) two bioreactors coupled together, the two bioreactors each having a length and an empty bed contact time that together are suitable for housing at least three different microbial populations. The system also includes a biofilm attachment medium positioned in i) the bioreactor, or ii) the two bioreactors; and the at least three different microbial populations formed on the biofilm attachment medium. The microbial populations are selected from oxygen reducing microbes, nitrate reducing microbes, arsenate reducing microbes, sulfate reducing microbes, and uranium reducing microbes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of Michigan, Carollo Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Lutgarde Raskin, Giridhar Upadhyaya, Kim F. Hayes, Jess C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110011797
    Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: William Lucas
  • Patent number: 7867396
    Abstract: A modular water treatment apparatus is disclosed having a plurality of cells each respectively arranged in use for housing a treatment bed and a plurality of spacers located between respective adjacent cells. In use the spacers are for providing an air gap between the cells. The cells and spacers are stackable to provide a multiple stage treatment apparatus in which water to be treated percolates through the respective treatment beds located in the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Grey Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Worthington Hill
  • Patent number: 7854841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined anaerobic process apparatus for treating organic wastes, comprising: a first solid-liquid separator to separate organic wastes into liquid wastes and solid wastes; an acid-forming tank to decompose the liquid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator using acid-forming microorganisms; a USAB reactor to decompose the liquid wastes discharged from the acid-forming tank using anaerobic microorganisms; a crushing tank to crush the solid wastes separated through the first solid-liquid separator finely; a mixing tank to mix solid wastes crushed through the crushing tank with microorganisms; and a dry-anaerobic tank to dry solid wastes mixed with microorganisms through the mixing tank, in an anaerobic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hanbat National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Sae Eun Oh
  • Patent number: 7842186
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating wastewater containing phosphorus and/or nitrogen for removing phosphorus and/or nitrogen from the wastewater, including following steps of: (a) introducing wastewater containing phosphorus and/or nitrogen into a an anaerobic reactor, treating the introduced wastewater with anaerobic microorganisms, to produce biogas from organic matters in the wastewater, and then discharging the treated wastewater saturated with carbon dioxide under carbon dioxide partial pressure of 0.2 to 0.5 atm; and (b) injecting the treated wastewater of step (a) into a carbon dioxide stripping apparatus wherein the wastewater is free-fallen to expose the wastewater to ambient condition with carbon dioxide partial pressure of less than 0.001 atm so that carbon dioxide stripping takes place and increase in pH occurs without addition of alkaline substance, and then providing proper pH of 8.4 to 9.6 to form struvite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Entechs Co.
    Inventors: In Chung, Chi-Don Sung
  • Patent number: 7833418
    Abstract: A mechanical and biological filter system where in use water entering into a housing first contacts the mechanical filter covering access to the biological filter. As the water travels through the mechanical filter before reaching the biological filter, the water has been processed and cleaned by the mechanical filter, preventing the mechanically filtered elements from being disposed on the biological filters, to improve the reliability of the biological filter. The filtering of the water first through the mechanical filter provides for maximum use of the surface area of the biological filter for their intended purposes of fostering beneficial bacteria growth. The two stages of filtered water ultimately exits out of the housing through a housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Rick C. Warren
  • Patent number: 7828975
    Abstract: To provide an apparatus for treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater for the purpose of degrading and treating oils and fats within a grease trap, which has the advantages from the viewpoint of a high versatility, and also from the viewpoints of cost and maintenance, and a method of treating oil- and fat-containing wastewater, which efficiently degrades and treats oils and fats within the grease trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Amano Enzyme Inc.
    Inventor: Takaichi Oya
  • Publication number: 20100276364
    Abstract: An aerobic treatment unit is disclosed. The unit provides a tank with an influent end and an effluent end. A growth media is between the influent and effluent ends. An aeration chamber with a diffuser plate is disposed near the influent end. At least one pump moves surface liquids from the near the effluent end to the aeration chamber, where the fluids are aerated by the diffuser plate, back to an area in the tank near the influent end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: MICHAEL DALE FLETCHER, WILLIAM WADE CLARKSON
  • Patent number: 7820047
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has two separate but interlinked tanks containing four different zones, namely aerobic, microaerophilic, anoxic and anaerobic, for the biological treatment of the wastewater, as well as two clarification zones and a filtration unit for separation of solids from liquid. The first tank contains the aerobic, microaerophilic and anoxic zone as well as a clarification zone, while the second dank includes the anaerobic zone, a solid-liquid separation zone and a filtration unit. The aerobic zone is an airlift reactor that contains air diffusers at the bottom of the zone to introduce air into the zone. The air bubbles mix the liquid and its content of microorganisms, and provide oxygen for the aerobic biological processes that take place in this zone. Aeration also produces circulation of liquid between the aerobic zone and its adjacent microaerophilic and anoxic zones that are located at the sides and under the aerobic zone, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: BioCAST Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Laleh Yerushalmi, Michael J. Ogilvie
  • Publication number: 20100243560
    Abstract: The invention concerns a filter whereof the reactor comprises: in its bottom part, an inlet for the effluents to be filtered and an outlet of oxygenated gas; in its upper part, an outlet for the filtered effluents; filtering means including media layers and an attached biomass, of density lower than that of the effluents to be filtered and interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor is subdivided by means of racks retaining the filtering means into at least two filtering stages and into an upper outlet stage, wherein emerges the outlet for the filtered effluents. Each filtering stage is provided with a layer and its own filtering means and comprises, in its bottom part, a withdrawing outlet for excess biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ERGALIA
    Inventors: Philip Herve, Maunoir Siegfried
  • Patent number: 7794598
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Clewer Oy
    Inventor: Gennadi Zaitsev