And Internally Circulating The Liquid Patents (Class 210/629)
  • Patent number: 7678274
    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: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aeration Industries International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Durda, G. Shawn Brown, Cory Mortenson
  • Patent number: 7674380
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sewage using a semi-batch process is provided. The apparatus may include an aeration tank, a thickening tank, a dephosphorization tank, and first and second reactor basins. The first and second reactor basins may each include an opening portion formed by opening a side wall thereof so as to be connected with a lateral portion of the aeration tank and an aeration unit installed therein. The apparatus may also include a flow distribution pipe including a start pipe and a pair of flow pipes, a pair of stirrers each provided at a respective side of the auxiliary pipes in each of the pair of flow pipes, operating in turn to stir the dephosphorized sewage overflowing from the dephosphorization, and a decanter installed across the top of the side opposite to the opening portions of the first and second reactor basins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Essa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20090314711
    Abstract: A photoelectrocatalytic oxidizing device having a photoanode being constructed from an anatase or rutile polymorph of Ti as the support electrode. Alternatively, the photoanode is a composite electrode comprising an anatase or rutile polymorph of Ti as the support electrode coated with a thin film of sintered nanoporous TiO2 derived from a stable, dispersed suspension of nanoparticulate TiO2. The device being useful for removing ammonia, protein and other contaminants from water in aquariums and aquacultures thereof. The device being cylindrical in shape and having a flow-through configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Terence P. Barry, Dean T. Tompkins, Marc A. Anderson, Walter A. Zeltner
  • Publication number: 20090211972
    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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: AQWISE-WISE WATER TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Nir Assulin
  • Publication number: 20090152196
    Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Carl W. Podella
  • Publication number: 20090050562
    Abstract: An activated sludge wastewater treatment method is provided. The disclosed method includes: receiving a stream of wastewater into a mixed liquor in an uncovered activated sludge basin; introducing high purity oxygen to the mixed liquor in the activated sludge basin to produce euoxic conditions (i.e. a dissolved oxygen level in the range of between about 5 mg to 15 mg) in the activated sludge basin; passing a portion of the mixed liquor in the activated sludge basin through a clarifier to separate activated sludge and produce an effluent stream and an activated sludge stream; and recycling a portion of the activated sludge stream to the activated sludge basin to produce a mixed liquor having a solids loading of between about 3000 mg and about 10000 mg of suspended solids per liter of mixed liquor and a solids retention time of between about 7 days and 40 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Richard A. Novak, Malcolm Fabiyi, Amitabh Gupta
  • Patent number: 7488413
    Abstract: A waste water treatment plant includes a treatment chamber or reactor (26) containing a plurality of buoyant sludge carriers (38). In the base of the treatment chamber (26) is a biofilm collection chamber (40). Arranged coaxially within the chamber (26) is a hollow shaft (30) with an air injection device (32) arranged at the foot thereof. In use waste water is introduced into the treatment chamber through an inlet (28) and is caused to circulate around the treatment chamber through the pumping action of the shaft (30) and air injector. Treated water passes through the biofilm collection chamber (40) to an outer settlement chamber (42) having an outlet (44) for treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Bioshaft Water Technology, Inc
    Inventor: Hassan Hans Badreddine
  • Patent number: 7485232
    Abstract: In a water treatment apparatus, microorganisms propagating on wood charcoal are activated by micro-nano bubbles contained in treatment water. Water treatment is carried out with the activated microorganisms propagated on the wood charcoal. Thereby, a stable treatment is achieved. Organic matters adsorbed by the wood charcoal are decomposed by the activated microorganisms propagated on the wood charcoal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7481935
    Abstract: The present invention describes improved methods and systems for treating waste water and solid waste, which may include the addition of catholyte and anolyte. The methods and systems of the present invention may be used to treat waste water and solid waste from animal farms, such as for example, hog farms, dairy farms, and cattle and sheep ranches. The methods and systems of the present invention may also be used to treat waste water from other sources, such as human waste or farm runoff from irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Laurent Olivier
  • Patent number: 7479224
    Abstract: A method of biologically purifying waste water, said method including the following steps in the following sequence a) an aeration step for stripping off H2S and other gases and for removing bactericides from the water, b) a step of decomposing organic matter, c) a sludge precipitation step, d) a clarification step and e) a nitrification step followed by a completing secondary settling step. This method is carried out in a plant, preferably a mini purification plant of the type “immersed aerated bio filter plant” for purifying waste water from households without connection to a sewage system. The plant includes an aerated settling tank (1), a unit for decomposing organic matter (2), a first sludge precipitation unit (5), a nitrification unit (8) and a completing sludge settling unit (5?). The primary settling unit includes means for providing aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: KWH Pipe (Danmark) AS
    Inventor: Henrik Ulf Hedegaard
  • Publication number: 20090001017
    Abstract: A method for removing contaminant from feedwater by forming a dispersion comprising bubbles of a treatment gas in a continuous phase comprising feedwater, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the treatment gas is selected from air, oxygen, and chlorine. A method for removing contaminants from a feedwater by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising feedwater and a treatment gas to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s?1 in a high shear device to produce a dispersion of treatment gas in a continuous phase of the feedwater. A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom is also presented, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap; and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas to the high shear mixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Ebrahim BAGHERZADEH, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory BORSINGER, Aziz HASSAN
  • Patent number: 7465394
    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: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Aeration Industries International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Durda, G. Shawn Brown, Cory Mortenson
  • Patent number: 7459083
    Abstract: A membrane bioreactor system includes one or more biological reactors and one or more membrane tanks with each membrane tank having one or more membrane filters. To control membrane fouling, various process control variables are employed. First, the membrane filters are cleaned by an air scouring process where bubbles are moved upwardly adjacent the membrane filters and clean the same in the process. To control membrane fouling, a process is utilized that dynamically varies the air scouring flow rate (V) as a function of transmembrane pressure (TMP). In addition, the process entails allowing permeation to start and stop which results in a series of cycles where each cycle includes a permeation phase and a relaxation phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: I. Kruger Inc.
    Inventors: Sun-Nan Hong, Hong W. Zhao, Richard W. DiMassimo
  • Publication number: 20080290026
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a dome, lower housing, aerator device and flotation device, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. The dome and lower housing create an air tight space, wherein the barometric pressure is raised by a blower, in order to pop foam bubbles and allow for optimum mixing of air into the oxygen depleted liquid, and intake and discharge openings of the lower housing are positioned beneath the liquid line, thereby preventing the escape of foam, noise and odorous gases into the local environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, JR.
  • Patent number: 7455776
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing high viscous liquids with gas is provided. The disclosed embodiments include a reactor or mixing vessel having a draft tube disposed therein, a gas injection subsystem adapted to inject gas into the reactor or mixing vessel proximate the entrance of the draft tube. The embodiments also include an agitator disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then ejected into the reactor or mixing vessel. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of gas dissolution into the high viscous liquid within the draft tube and greater bubble residence time within the high viscous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A Novak
  • Patent number: 7445714
    Abstract: There is a biological composition and method of use. Included is a microorganism quantity, and a nutrient quantity which may have a supplement, a short-term nutrient and a long term nutrient. The composition may be applied to a container having water wherein the microorganisms rapidly reproduce. As the microorganisms reproduce they may be extracted. Once extracted, they may be introduced into a cleaning system and dispersed to surfaces of an animal production facility. There, the microorganisms may process animal waste and the slime associated thereto. Further, the microorganisms may flow into a lagoon to beneficially participate in waste processing. Still further, the microorganisms may enhance the ability of the lagoon to prepare the waste for distribution to plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond W. Stock
  • Patent number: 7425269
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method which eliminates rotating impellers and air plates. And, as a result, less horse power per unit can be used to achieve smaller entrained air bubbles resulting in increased residence time and enhanced lateral oxygen transfer to replace oxygen consumed by aerobic bacteria during the biodegradation process. It may be used on industrial waste water sources of all types which are biodegradable by aerobic bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Jerard B. Hoage
  • Patent number: 7422688
    Abstract: An aerated treatment of water is performed using a serially coupled reactor and flotation tank and is performed using so much activated sludge in the water that small bubbles from an aerator are entrained in the activated sludge, leading some of or all the activated sludge to flotate in the flotation tank. A reactor (1) and a flotation tank (36) for performing the process are equipped with at least one aerator (19, 20, 21, 22). A number of preferred processes and designs elaborate on the invention, including how the invention may be incorporated into existing wastewater treatment facilities and exploited there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lars Ekeroth
  • Patent number: 7419594
    Abstract: A bioreactor configured to contain an aqueous suspension of biomass and media is provided. The invention includes a lift tube disposed within the vessel, the lift tube having an inlet disposed at the bottom region of the vessel and an outlet disposed at the top region of the vessel. Disposed at the bottom of the lift tube is a gas inlet positioned to feed gas into the lift tube at a location proximal to the inlet of the lift tube. An adjustable weir is disposed proximal to the outlet of the lift tube, the weir being adjustable between a lower position and a higher position. Biomass is removed from the weir and the weir height is adjustable to control the removal of biomass from the vessel. Also included as a part of the invention is a method for controlling the removal of biomass from a bioreactor as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Frisch
  • Patent number: 7413656
    Abstract: An aerobic system provided to treat sewage generated by a modern larger home which does not have access to a municipal sewage connection The features of this system are adaptable to upgrade and/or replace existing systems. In a preferred embodiment the system uses two 1000 gallon tanks, a first pretreatment tank to receive raw sewage, remove settleable and floatable solids from the sewage, and discharge into a second tank in which the pool of sewage is aerated. The second tank contains a motor driven aerator and a unique self-cleaning filter driven by an outgoing liquid stream from the aerator. After passing through the filter, the liquid is then discharged into a leaching field or nearby stream as permitted by the proper regulatory agency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mor-Air Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Allen, Thomas W. Olson, Carl E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080156727
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method which eliminates rotating impellers and air plates. And, as a result, less horse power per unit can be used to achieve smaller entrained air bubbles resulting in increased residence time and enhanced lateral oxygen transfer to replace oxygen consumed by aerobic bacteria during the biodegradation process. It may be used on industrial waste water sources of all types which are biodegradable by aerobic bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: JERARD B. HOAGE
  • Publication number: 20080156724
    Abstract: A recirculating wastewater evapotranspiration and disinfection system is disclosed which wastewater is collected, stored, aerated. and circulated through an unsaturated and optionally heated planter/filter bed containing soil microorganisms and living plants (a phytosphere) in which aerated wastewater is circulated and recirculated through the entire system until all of the wastewater and it's constituents are utilized by either evaporation, transpiration, gasification and the production of living plants and their by-products (phytomass) or disinfected for reuse. A phytosphere is comprised of the rhizoplane/rhizosphere (roots of plants and their associated soils and soil organisms) and the phytomass (stalks, shoots, vines, trunks, hold-fasts, leaves, fruits, seeds and flowers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: David Anthony Del Porto
  • Publication number: 20080116132
    Abstract: A system and method for oxygenating an aerobic sludge digester is provided. The disclosed embodiments include an aerobic sludge digester tank or vessel having a mechanically agitated contactor disposed therein, an oxygen injection subsystem adapted to inject oxygen into the digester tank proximate the mechanically agitated contactor. The embodiments of the mechanically agitated contactor include an agitator or impeller disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator or impeller is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then dispersed into the aerobic digester. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of oxygen dissolution into the sludge and greater bubble residence time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A. Novak
  • Publication number: 20080118946
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing high viscous liquids with gas is provided. The disclosed embodiments include a reactor or mixing vessel having a draft tube disposed therein, a gas injection subsystem adapted to inject gas into the reactor or mixing vessel proximate the entrance of the draft tube. The embodiments also include an agitator disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then ejected into the reactor or mixing vessel. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of gas dissolution into the high viscous liquid within the draft tube and greater bubble residence time within the high viscous liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A. Novak
  • Patent number: 7329351
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for increasing biological activity in waste treatment ponds and lagoons. In this process a floating fluid circulator having an annular space between nested frusto-conical surfaces is operated in a pond or lagoon. An aerator within the scope of the floating fluid circulator is provided. That aerator includes an upper float chassis having a frusto-conical configuration, a sectional diverter arranged in a lower portion of the upper float chassis, the sectional aerator having a lower diverter portion and motor driven means mounted on the upper float chassis connected to a rotatable impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Absolute Aeration
    Inventors: Ricky Eugene Roberts, James Rhrodrick Key, Griscom Bettle, III
  • 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: 7300584
    Abstract: A process and a device for biological treatment of a suspension in a bioreactor (2) are described. To circulate the suspension, at least some of the suspension is routed through a vertically aligned guide zone (5) so that a vertical flow of the suspension is produced. To control sediment problems, it is suggested that by feeding a fluid, especially a free liquid jet, via at least one nozzle (11), a horizontal flow is superimposed on the vertical flow in the vicinity of the bottom of the bioreactor (2), by which a spiral flow to the central outlet area of the bioreactor (2) is produced (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Linde-KCA-Dresden GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Langhans, Matthias Herms, Thomas Buechner
  • Patent number: 7290669
    Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes an auger positioned in the aperture of the septum. The vessel includes an opening in the top for receiving the auger. The auger extends from a drive housing, which is position over the opening and provides a seal around the opening. The drive housing is adjustable relative to the vessel. The position of the auger in the aperture can be adjusted by adjusting the drive housing relative to the vessel. The auger adjustment mechanism allows the auger to be accurately positioned within the aperture. The drive housing can also include a fluid to provide an additional seal around the shaft of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Carl S. Hansen, Conly L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7279104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating domestic and industrial biological waste using diffusers to force circulation and aerate a treatment lagoon. Several lagoons may be used in series to treat raw waste and different variations may be employed to stepwise process the waste. A blend of aerobic and anaerobic microbes is chosen to remove undesired species initially present in the waste or later formed therein, as well as to process the waste itself, depending on the nature of the waste. Aeration with slightly ozonated or oxygenated air facilitates rapid and complete processing of large amounts of waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Waterpure Technologies, Inc., Keeton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Keeton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7270751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of predominantly urban sewage plant sludges, characterised in comprising a step for treatment of the sludges by microfungi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Societe d'Amenagement Urbain et Rural
    Inventor: Sylvie Fleury
  • Patent number: 7252766
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for treating wastewater containing biodegradable material wherein a submerged stand alone perforated cylinder reactor pod containing aerobic bacterial growth media and a draft tube with air pressure induced pumping action creates a spray or splash pattern so as to recirculated aerated liquor through the media and also to the area surrounding the cylinder pod. Free interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the perforations in the cylindrical pod wall. Provision is also made for back flushing the media and returning mixed liquor to an area remote from the reactor pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: William L. Stuth, Sr., Matthew M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7163632
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system and method for dissolving a gas into a fluid and subsequently allowing microbial or chemical reactions with the fluid mixture to decontaminate the fluid. The system comprises a pressurized gas transfer reactor, a depressurization device, a means of rapid dilution, a reactor, and a means of secondary clarification. Gas is dissolved into a fluid within the pressurized gas transfer reactor. The fluid is then transferred to the depressurization device where it is depressurized and diluted. Thereafter, or concurrently, the fluid flows into the reactor where microbes consume contaminants and dissolved gas within the fluid. The decontaminated fluid then either flows into a secondary clarification tank or membrane system where the bacteria within the decontaminated fluid are removed, or the fluid is recycled through the system. The method of present invention utilizes the system of present invention and operates pumps and a regenerative turbine or throttling valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Richard E. Speece
  • Patent number: 7150832
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an anaerobic digester for receiving organic waste, an aerobic digester, and a feed pump for pumping effluent from the anaerobic digester to the aerobic digester. The digesters each comprise a reaction vessel and each reaction vessel has a spray nozzle at or adjacent to its apex for spraying an anti-foam liquid at the contents of the vessel. A method of treating organic waste is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Enviro Control Limited
    Inventor: David Anthony Stafford
  • Patent number: 7147781
    Abstract: A backwash system and method for a waste treatment system employ a waste inlet duct extending into an accumulation of microbial growth media particles in a lower region of a tank, with a vertical duct having a duct outlet in an upper region of the tank. A downwardly convergent strainer extends around the vertical duct beneath the duct outlet, with a liquid collector beneath the liquid leakage openings and a liquid outlet from the liquid collector communicating with the exterior of the tank. Compressed air is supplied into the vertical duct to impel the waste water up to the duct outlet and onto the strainer. A solids return duct has an upper end opening through the downwardly convergent strainer and a lower end opening above the accumulation of microbial growth media particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Mijodrag Gordic
  • Patent number: 7105091
    Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, or for solids minimization purposes in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be added back to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population with low yield organisms, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Treatment Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Miklos
  • Patent number: 7101483
    Abstract: A process for treating a body of water in which a bioreactor and a water eductor are located in a body of water such that the eductor is submerged beneath the body of water to a depth of at least about 3 feet. The water eductor produces a water flow at a rate of at least about 60 feet per minute; the water flow is substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water. Water is also passed through a bioreactor that contains a plurality of bio-suspension elements within an enclosure located above a screen in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: TVT US Corporation
    Inventors: Hausin Volker, Daniel J. LaGasse, Darrin J. Costantini
  • Patent number: 7081199
    Abstract: A digester is provided for aerobically and microbially digesting a batch of bodily waste material, such as an aqueous slurry of pig manure. The digester comprises side-by-side digestion and separation compartments, separated by a partition wall. A first slanted pipe extends through the wall and has its inlet at the lower end of the separation compartment. Pressurized air is injected into the inlet so that slurry from the separation compartment is drawn into the bore of the first pipe, is mixed and aerated therein and is ejected into the slurry in the digestion compartment as a powerful jet. The jet establishes a vertical circulation in the digestion compartment. Slurry, containing undigestible solids, drains through a second pipe from the central core of the circular flow into the separation compartment. Here the aerated non-digestible solids tend to float and can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Al Leskow
  • 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: 7041219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a lagoon based advanced treatment system or upgrading an existing lagoon system for advanced treatment of wastewater. The lagoon is provided with a baffle to create a complete mix zone in which an aeration system and bioconcentration modules are installed. Biological solids are concentrated in the modules and drop through their open bottoms where the solids are recirculated and mixed by the aeration system. Once a biomass equilibrium is reached in the complete mix zone, excess solids are passed into the rest of the lagoon for standard treatment there. The complete mix zone is operated as a low rate activated sludge process with a detention time much less than for the rest of the lagoon, maintaining sufficient heat and sludge aging to effect complete biological nitrification and/or denitrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Environmental Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Tharp, Randall C. Chann
  • Patent number: 7025883
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: OK Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Laurent Olivier
  • 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: 7014769
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for reducing the nitrate concentration in wastewater within a wastewater treatment apparatus configured to define an aeration zone and a quiescent zone or dilution zone. The method comprises the step of ceasing airflow into the aeration zone for a predetermined time period or until the dissolved oxygen level within the wastewater has reached a predetermined threshold. The method also comprise the step of mixing the wastewater in the aeration zone to prevent suspended particles within the wastewater in the aeration zone from settling and to avoid substantially disturbing the quiescence of the quiescent zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Pentair Pump Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raleigh L. Cox, Christopher E. Cox, Brenda Guy, Michael D. Catanzaro, Murphy M. Arcemont, III, Travis L. LeJeune
  • Patent number: 7011757
    Abstract: A process that removes nitrogen by the MLE Process or nitrogen and phosphorus by the Bio-P Process from municipal or industrial wastewaters by combining at least one dual-use jet recirculation pump with jet manifolds disposed at the bottoms of deep tanks functioning as Reactors to withdraw mixed liquor from a flow-connected tank and mixed liquor from a downstream tank in selected amounts, both mixed liquors being pumped to the jet manifold within the flow-connected tank that mixes the contents of the tank, whereby higher operating costs for electric power and higher capital costs for larger pumps and piping are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Patent number: 7008538
    Abstract: A process for treating wastewater and a system for practicing the process includes: providing a plurality of zones within a single vessel wastewater treatment system; feeding wastewater into the system; maintaining an aerobic zone in the upper central portion of the vessel; feeding air into the aerobic zone for oxygenation and creating an upflow; maintaining an annularly disposed anoxic zone about said aerobic zone; causing the upflow from the aerobic zone to produce a downflow in the anoxic zone; causing at least a portion of the downflow from the anoxic zone to pass into the upflow of the aerobic zone; maintaining an annularly disposed clarification zone about said anoxic zone for clarified liquid, including an upflow; causing at least a portion of the downflow from the anoxic zone to pass into the upflow of the clarification zone; maintaining a facultative transition zone below the upper aerobic, anoxic and clarification zones; maintaining an anaerobic zone below the facultative zone for absorbing solids s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Kaspar A. Kasparian, Eric Verret
  • Patent number: 6984325
    Abstract: The method of treatment of a body or bodies of liquid, that is essentially aqueous, and containing other components, the method including introducing O2 molecules into said liquid body or bodies to increase dispersed or dissolved oxygen content of the liquid, and allowing at least some of the dispersed or dissolved O2 to sink in the body of liquid for retention and treatment of said other components. A submerged venturi is preferably used to entrain air in a stream of such liquid, sub-micron oxygen being formed and dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Robert T. Venable
  • Patent number: 6958121
    Abstract: A digester is provided for aerobically and microbially digesting a batch of bodily waste material, such as an aqueous slurry of pig manure. The digester comprises side-by-side digestion and separation compartments, separated by a partition wall. A first slanted pipe extends through the wall and has its inlet at the lower end of the separation compartment. Pressurized air is injected into the inlet so that slurry from the separation compartment is drawn into the bore of the first pipe, is mixed and aerated therein and is ejected into the slurry in the digestion compartment as a powerful jet. The jet establishes a vertical circulation in the digestion compartment. Slurry, containing undigestible solids, drains through a second pipe from the central core of the circular flow into the separation compartment. Here the aerated non-digestible solids tend to float and can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Al Leskow
  • Patent number: 6929746
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of digesting raw animal waste using diffusers to force circulation and aerate a digesting lagoon. Several lagoons may be used in series to treat raw waste and different variations may be employed to successively digest raw waste. Aeration with slightly ozonated air facilitates a blend of aerobic and anaerobic microbes to quickly and completely digest large amounts of raw animal waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Waterpure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Keeton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6926830
    Abstract: A new biofilm-activated sludge Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) treatment process for sewage or wastewater has successfully been developed as the third generation SBR (SBR3). This new SBR3 process utilizes a multi-stage and multi-sludge SBR configuration receiving either continuous or intermittent inflow of wastewater. Each stage has individually controlled continuous or alternating anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic operation, with or without mixing and recycling from the other stage(s). The configuration and operation is dependent upon the treatment objectives and effluent discharge requirements. In the preferred embodiment, carriers are used to facilitate control of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Kingsford Environmental (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Kin Man Ho, Paul F. Greenfield, W. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6841072
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the anaerobic purification of slurry which contains organic constituents. Slurry which is to be treated is fed periodically or continuously to a mixture-filled, substantially closed reactor (2), while the slurry is forcibly mixed with mixture (3) from the reactor. The mixture in the reactor is subjected to upward flow through it and to a hydrolysis process. The mixture is subjected to floatation by injection of a low-oxygen gas, such as biogas which originates from the reactor, and the floating layer of solids which is formed in the process is returned to the mixture in the reactor, while the low-particle liquid which is formed in the process is discharged as effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Paques Bio Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga, Ronald Mulder
  • Patent number: RE39203
    Abstract: A defined current and aeration system for the aeration chamber of an aerobic wastewater treatment plant is disclosed. It includes the release of oxygenation gas or air into the aeration chamber through a diffuser or the like at a position such that the air injected into the tank provides the necessary amount of oxygen for aerobic bacterial digestion of the waste while creating a current or circulation pattern in the chamber that forces every portion of the fluid within the aeration chamber into circulation thus preventing the accumulation of solids as sludge in the wastewater treatment plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry McKinney