And Additional Treating Agent Other Than Mere Mechanical Manipulation (e.g., Chemical, Sorption, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/631)
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Patent number: 6716351Abstract: A system comprising a first anaerobic digester (12), an ammonia recovery vessel (16) and a second anaerobic digester (14). Microorganisms in the first digester are primarily hydrolyzers and acetogens, while those in the second digester are primarily methanogens. A nitrogen containing feed stock undegoes hydrolysis ans acetogenesis in the first digester. The effluent is passed to the ammonia recovery vessel in which ammonia is removed. The low ammonia effluent stream is passed to the second digester to undergo methanogenesis, generating a biogas. In an alternate embodiment, a single anaerobic digester is used. The effluent is treated for ammonia removal and recycled to the digester to keep the ammonia levels sufficiently low to avoid ammonia inhibition.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
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Publication number: 20040060863Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the thermal hydrolysis of sludge characterized in that it is carried out in at least two reactors operating in parallel, in each of which the sludge undergoes a complete thermal hydrolysis cycle. Said cycle comprises different stages consisting in supplying the reactor with the sludge, injecting live stream in order to bring said sludge to a pressure P and a temperature T at which hydrolysis can occur, maintaining the sludge at said pressure P and said temperature T for a certain amount of time, suddenly bringing said sludge to the atmospheric pressure by releasing the flash steam and emptying said reactor of the hydrolysed sludge. Furthermore, the inventive method consists in time shifting the cycle of one reactor to the other in order to use the flash steam produced from one reactor to inject it into the other reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Soren J. Hojsqaard, Jean-Christian Blagaard, Genevieve Boissonnade
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Patent number: 6712882Abstract: A process for treating waste water from an industrial process for producing propylene oxide, which process involves the steps of: (a) subjecting the waste water to a multi-effect evaporation treatment resulting in a vaporous top fraction and a liquid bottom fraction containing the non-volatile contaminants; and (b) condensing at least part of the vaporous top fraction into a liquid stream which is subject to a stripping treatment resulting in an overhead stream containing volatile waste organic material and purified water as the liquid bottom stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johan Hendrik De Bie, Robert Frank Dee, Raymond Lawrence June, Marinus Van Zwienen
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Patent number: 6709592Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removal of sulfur compounds from wastewater, which process provides recovery of elemental sulfur. The process is carried out in two separate anaerobic reactors. In the first reactor organic compounds are converted to acid compounds and sulfur compounds are converted to sulfide compounds. The sulfide compounds are stripped from said first reactor with a stripping gas. Subsequently, the effluent of the first reactor is fed to a second anaerobic reactor, in which organic compounds, such as the acid compounds, are converted to produce biogas, while any unconverted sulfur compounds from the previous step are converted to sulfide compounds as well. Finally, the sulfide compounds are removed from the second reactor in a stripping system, and converted to elemental sulfur in an adsorber.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast - Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TnoInventors: Johannes Wouterus van Groenestijn, Josephus Sychbertus Adrianus Langerwerf
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Publication number: 20040050779Abstract: A process for treating organically contaminated waste water is provided comprising an initial treatment step whereby microorganisms are replicated and either attach to support media or remain suspended in the waste water. The microorganisms reduce the incoming biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level by consuming the organic contaminants. At least a part of the suspended portion of microorganisms are subsequently removed from the initially treated waste water, and the waste water under goes a further treatment step to further reduce the level of organic contaminants.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
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Publication number: 20040035786Abstract: A submerged, vertically-mounted membrane device, the device receiving a gas-sparged feed stock at a bottom feed inlet to provide airlift circulation of the feed stock through the device and separating the feed stock into filtrate and residual gas-containing retentate which passes from the top end of the device. The device comprises a structure of one or more monolith segments of porous material each monolith segment defining a plurality of passageways extending longitudinally from a bottom feed end face to a top retentate end face. A porous membrane is applied to the walls of the monolith segment passageways to provide a separating barrier. At least one filtrate conduit within the device carries filtrate from within the device toward a filtrate collection zone of the device, and the filtrate conduit provides a path of lower flow resistance than that of alternative flow paths through the porous material. A seal is provided to separate feed stock and retentate from the filtrate collection zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Robert L. Goldsmith
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Publication number: 20040035785Abstract: A three-stage method used for producing biogas having a high methane content from organic substances includes aerobic fermentation, a charring and thermophilic methane fermentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Erich Rebholz
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Patent number: 6696284Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Ajit Haridas, Swachchha Majumdar
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Patent number: 6692642Abstract: A process is provided for full treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: International Waste Management SystemsInventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin
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Patent number: 6692641Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventors: Thomas A. DeBusk, David L. Haselow
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Publication number: 20040026317Abstract: In a wastewater treatment process involving activated sludge, the invention provides a method for improving suspended solids removal without the need for chemical coagulants. Improved solids removal is obtained through the reintroduction of return activated sludge as a natural flocculent prior to tertiary filtration. In some applications algal solids can be pre-filtered from equalization or detention ponds and lagoons by return activated sludge addition followed by mixing and high solids filtration. The inventions result in improved solids removal and longer run times for the treatment processes with reduced need for chemical coagulants.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Ronald R. Hubenthal, Stephen A. Schupbach
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Patent number: 6685834Abstract: A Method of treating sludge prior to dewatering by mixing with the sludge a cationic metal in the form of an iron or aluminum slat along with a cationic polymer. The addition of the iron or aluminum salt substantially reduces the amount of polymer required for acceptable dewatering, thusly significantly reducing the cost of the dewatering process. The method is enhanced by subjecting the prior digested sludge to mesophilic aeration prior to the cationic metal salt and polymer being added.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Kruger, Inc.Inventors: Sudhir N. Murthy, R. David Holbrook, John T. Novak, Sun-Nan Hong
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Patent number: 6679993Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating waste water in a reactor in order to remove contaminants, including: mixing the waste water with a biomass, the biomass for consuming a quantity of the contaminants or adsorbing the contaminants; dosing the waste water with a micronized zeolitic material; mixing the zeolitic material with the biomass; allowing solids to settle from the waste water; and discharging resultant effluent, wherein a significant portion of the micronized zeolite material has a grain size less than or equal to 100 &mgr;m.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Zeolite Australia LimitedInventors: Leonid Charuckyj, Peter Cooksey
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Publication number: 20030226803Abstract: A process for treating organic wastewater which comprises treating organic wastewater with ozone and successively with alkali and introducing said alkali treated organic wastewater into an anaerobic digestion tank for anaerobic digestion. Instead of the ozone and successive alkali treatments, ozone treatment in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or ozone treatment under UV radiation is applicable. Prior to introduction into the anaerobic digestion tank, the treated wastewater may be separated into solids and phosphorus is preferably recovered from the solution. Solubilization of solids in the organic wastewater and transformation of organic substances into methane are greatly enhanced and sludge to be disposed is greatly reduced. Moreover, phosphorus is efficiently eluted out and recovered from solids in the organic wastewater.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: Mitsibishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiyuki Kamiya, Junji Hirotsuji, Nozomu Yasunaga, Seiji Furukawa, Naoki Nakatsugawa
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Publication number: 20030209490Abstract: A process for reducing organic sulfur in a fluid, which comprises an organic sulfur compound, comprises contacting the fluid with an oxidizing agent to produce a pretreated fluid and contacting the pretreated fluid with an biologically active solid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Carl Eugene Camp, John George Hnat
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Patent number: 6641732Abstract: A tank system and a method for accommodating aquatic life and particularly fish. The tank system comprises a holding tank for holding fluid to sustain aquatic life disposed therein and a filtering means in the form of a biofilter for receiving extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank at one side thereof separated from the biofilter by a partition. A tank discharge means comprising a longitudinally extending lip surmounts the partition to permit the discharge and passage of extraneous fluid from the top of the holding tank via a prefilter to a filtering area in which the biofilter is disposed. Recirculating means including a network of pipes is provided for recirculating the extraneous fluid passed through biofilter by gravity, from the bottom of the filtering area back to the holding tank via one or pumps and a pair of water inlet lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Live Link Australia Pty LtdInventor: Matthew Cheyne
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Publication number: 20030201225Abstract: A process is provided for fill treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin
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Patent number: 6632362Abstract: This invention pertains generally to anaerobic digesters, and more particularly to a system and process that extends the range of acceptable biomass feedstock concentrations and provides pH process control of all known digestion processes: by the creation of a vacuum or vacuum retort in or before the digester that essentially acts to boil off excess liquid, thickening the liquor of the digester to an optimum value; and to control the pH of the various phases or stages of digestion by separating the component products of digestion and mixing or diffusing a portion of said component products into the mixing system of each phase of the process. A system and process: that produces a potable water effluent, clean commercially useful by-products, zero environmental emissions, a very positive ecological impact; and, that has the capability of being completely self powered plus providing energy back to the community or industry that supports or owns it.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Herman P. Miller, III
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Patent number: 6630067Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Wen K. Shieh, Leon Weiss, Shu K. Tai
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Patent number: 6630070Abstract: A wastewater treatment equipment is provided with a reaction tank and a separate reaction unit installed in the reaction tank. In the separate reaction unit, a reaction different from a reaction in the reaction tank is carried out with returned sludge and a acid or alkali. Reactants are generated from the returned sludge in the separate reaction unit and then introduced from a bottom portion of the separate reaction unit into the reaction tank so as to be used for wastewater treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Norio Sawai, Kazumi Chujou
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Publication number: 20030178364Abstract: Disclosed are the methods for providing an improved process for organic sludge treatment. In the present invention, sludge is subjected to a membrane bioreactor and a fraction of sludge in the bioreactor is circulated through pretreatment devices. According to the present invention, since the biodegradability of cells in the sludge increases greatly by chemical and/or physical pretreatment, and since the solid-liquid separation and biodegradation occurs simultaneously in the membrane bioreactor, it is possible to significantly enhance sludge reduction efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Ick Tae Yum, Hyung-Soo Kim, Jae-Hyun Kwon, Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 6623642Abstract: Phosphate-contaminated water passes through a domestic sewage treatment system, in which oxidation of the ammonium progresses far enough to cause a lowering of the pH to 5 or less. The water is passed over sand grains coated with aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite). Enough Al3+ ions enter solution, at the low pH, to cause all the phosphate-P to precipitate as aluminum phosphate, and nothing else precipitates other than the aluminum phosphate.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Centre for Research in Earth and Space TechnologyInventor: William Dean Robertson
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Publication number: 20030168403Abstract: A bioreactor for microbial conversion of at least one conversion substrate, which comprises a treatment zone to accommodate when in use a solution of said at least one conversion substrate, a culture holding zone to accommodate when in use a microbial culture capable of metabolising said at least one conversion substrate, a source of primary growth substrate for the microbial culture, a first permeable membrane forming an interface between the treatment zone and the culture holding zone, and a second permeable membrane forming an interface between the source of primary growth substrate and the culture holding zone, the first permeable membrane being of a material which will allow passage of the at least one conversion substrate from the treatment zone to the culture holding zone whilst being impermeable to the microbial culture, the second permeable membrane being of a material permeable to the primary growth substrate but substantially impermeable to water; and a process of operating said bioreactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Diego Corcho-Sanchez, David Nicholas Lerner, Richard John Stephenson, Robert James Watkinson
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Patent number: 6616843Abstract: A single tank submerged membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having unacceptable levels of ammonia or total nitrogen has both a membrane scouring bubble supply and an oxygenating bubble supply. The membrane scouring bubble supply continuously provides large scouring bubbles to clean the membranes. Permeate is continuously withdrawn from the membranes at a high rate but the large scouring bubbles do not transfer sufficient oxygen to the mixed liquor to create aerobic conditions in the reactor. The oxygenating bubble supply is operated to provide small bubbles of air or oxygen that intermittently produce aerobic conditions in a significant part of the mixed liquor. Alternating aerobic and anoxic conditions occur in a significant portion of the tank suitable for nitrification and denitrification.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignees: Omnium de Traitement et de Valorisation, Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Henry Behmann, Hidayat Husain, Herve Buisson, Michele Payraudeau
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Patent number: 6616844Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for treating high-concentrated organic wastewater, such as night soil or livestock wastewater, which has high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous. In particular, it is related to a method for treating night soil or livestock wastewater having high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, comprising an anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (Anammox) step and a biopond step. The process for treating wastewater according to the present invention provides good efficiency in removing organic material and nutrients.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Wan Cheol Park, Tae Hyung Kim, Chang Ju Lee, Hun Jung
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Publication number: 20030159990Abstract: A method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane biological reactor comprising adding to the mixed liquor an effective coagulating and flocculating amount of one or more water soluble cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or combination thereof and methods of reducing membrane fouling, enhancing membrane flux and reducing sludge production.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: John H. Collins, Kristine S. Salmen, Deepak A. Musale, Seong-Hoon Yoon, William J. Ward
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Publication number: 20030159987Abstract: A process for treating water to remove concentrations of nutrients and pollutants using ozone prior or after the water is exposed to natural filtration by periphyton or other aquatic plants. A system employs a deep water tank containing water to be treated is injected at the bottom with concentrated ozonated water to expose the water to be treated to ozone. The treated water exits from the tope of the tank whereby it is flowed over aquatic plant system to remove the undesired matter, such as pesticides. The process can be repeated successively to further treat the water if desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Kyle R. Jensen
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Publication number: 20030141243Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removal of sulfur compounds from wastewater, which process provides recovery of elemental sulfur. The process is carried out in two separate anaerobic reactors. In the first reactor organic compounds are converted to acid compounds and sulfur compounds are converted to sulfide compounds. The sulfide compounds are stripped from said first reactor with a stripping gas. Subsequently, the effluent of the first reactor is fed to a second anaerobic reactor, in which organic compounds, such as the acid compounds, are converted to produce biogas, while any unconverted sulfur compounds from the previous step are converted to sulfide compounds as well. Finally, the sulfide compounds are removed from the second reactor in a stripping system, and converted to elemental sulfur in an adsorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Johannes Wouterus Van Groenestijn, Josephus Sychbertus Adrianus Langerwerf
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Publication number: 20030141245Abstract: A method of treating animal waste includes separating the solids by flocculation and dissolved air flow, followed by screening of the solids to separate them from the waste water. The resulting solid portion is used as the basis for manufacturing value-added products including organic fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, soil amendments and soilless media.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Lewis M. Fetterman, C. Ray Campbell
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Patent number: 6599424Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a unique method for treating anaerobic bodies of water including, but not limited to, agricultural waste treatment lagoons. The treatment method of the present invention includes the steps of analyzing the characteristics of the wastewater and sludge to be treated in an animal wastewater lagoon, identifying and propagating beneficial aerobic bacteria such that a selective dominance of the beneficial aerobic bacteria may be established in the animal wastewater lagoon, sizing an aeration means according to the quantity of water to be treated, aerating the animal wastewater lagoon and aerobically treating the wastewater in the animal wastewater lagoon further comprises propagated aerobic bacteria selected to aerobically digest organic material, and clarifying the wastewater by injected the aerobically treated wastewater with a polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Agrimond, LLCInventors: Alfredo J. Teran, Richard G. Wood, Nidal A. Samad, Wesley Todd Willoughby, John R. Derrick, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030136733Abstract: The invention offers a method and apparatus for solubilizing excess sludge, having a high solubilizing ability, a low total cost, and capable of reducing the size of facilities. The method for reducing excess sludge comprises adding a solubilizing agent to excess sludge generated by microbial treatment of organic sewage, applying ultrasonic waves, applying a reduced pressure swelling step, then returning the result to the microbial treatment, whereby the volume of the excess sludge can be reduced. The apparatus for reducing excess sludge comprises means for adding a solubilizing agent to excess sludge generated by applying a microbial treatment to organic sewage, ultrasonic wave applying means for applying ultrasonic waves, and reduced pressure swelling means provided downstream of the ultrasonic wave applying means for applying a reduced pressure swelling process to the excess sludge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Shu Ting Zhang, Toshiki Yoshimura, Kumihiko Miseki
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Publication number: 20030136716Abstract: Disclosed is an improved, fully automated system for on-site growth and conditioning of microorganisms for use in water body restoration. The system includes a reservoir for the microorganisms and the nutrients, a bioreactor system, a water conditioning system, and an electrical control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: AQUARESEARCH CANADA LTD./ AQUARECHERCHE CANADA LTEEInventors: Scott Moffitt, Karl F. Ehrlich, Bruce Arrington
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Patent number: 6589425Abstract: A process for treating industrial waste water highly loaded with ammonium, by treating the waste water with nitrifying microorganisms (nitric bacteria) in the presence of a suspended carrier substance with a specific surface of >20 m2/g and in a given case a denitrification with denitrifying microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria). According to a modification of the process, a finely-divide carbon-containing material with a surface-pH value of around 6 to 9 is used instead of the silicate carrier substance.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Sud-Chemie AGInventor: Maximilian Högl
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Publication number: 20030121851Abstract: A method for treating particulate biodegradable organic waste includes sizing the waste and adding a base prior to introducing the waste to a thermal hydrolysis reactor and hydrolyzing the waste at a temperature of about 130° C. or greater and a pressure greater than the saturated water vapor pressure to produce a slurry including solubilized organic material and residual solids. The solubilized organic material is separated from the residual solids using a liquid/solid separator and the solubilized organics are subjected to anaerobic digestion to produce a methane gas. The base is preferably potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a concentration of about 1%. The method may further include preheating the particulate biodegradable organic waste with latent heat of the separated solubilized organic material prior to thermal hydrolysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: John W. Lee
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Publication number: 20030111410Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for processing agricultural waste to make alcohol and/or biodiesel. The agricultural wastes are subjected to anaerobic digestion which produces a biogas stream containing methane, which is subsequently reformed to a syngas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas is converted to an alcohol which may be stored, sold, used, or fed directly to a reactor for production of biodiesel. The solids effluent from the anaerobic digester can be further utilized as slow release, organic certified fertilizer. Additionally, the wastewater from the process is acceptable for immediate reuse in agricultural operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventor: Jerrel Dale Branson
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Patent number: 6572771Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced through the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer, and thus conserves electrical energy, but can neutralize the waste water.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazumi Chujo, Seiji Okamoto, Yukihiro Tao
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Patent number: 6569331Abstract: The method and apparatus for processing of animal excreta or manure for further use or environmentally friendly disposal introduces a new first stage and ancillary elements for improved processing of manure material. The improvement involves an initial process to rapidly sterilize the material to remove undesirable microorganisms prior to further processing. This new first stage processing results in a refined end product for further use or environmentally friendly disposal. Additionally, ancillary equipment for digesting the initial material input to extract methane gas for use as a fuel in the process is included. Further, a thermal oxidizer to treat extracted gasses created in the new first stage process is used to reduce pathogens, other pollutants and toxic gasses prior to passing the gas to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Rodney Raeyes
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Publication number: 20030080052Abstract: A system and method for treatment of soot-laden waste water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating the soot from the waste water initially in a clarifier. The concentrated soot is then treated with an activated sludge mixture in a digester with a very long average hydraulic retention time to effectively digest the materials found in the concentrated soot. Soot-free waste water is treated via standard aerobic, and anoxic reactor basins and a clarifier with activated sludge recirculation. The system effectively removes soot from soot-laden waste water in a cost effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: William C. Hiatt, James R. Brocato, Olaf McDavid, Murthy S. Duvvuri, Donald O. Lierman, Uwe Wegmann, Peter Paessler
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Publication number: 20030052059Abstract: A method for inhibiting the adverse effects on settling and compaction in aqueous systems such as biological waste treatments systems is disclosed. The method comprises adding to the aqueous system a treatment comprised of a combination of a biologically active surfactant and a divalent metal active species. The preferred biologically active surfactants are alkyl ethoxylates.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Scott M. Boyette, Peter E. Norman, Kelly S. Smith
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Patent number: 6531063Abstract: A septic system and method for the removal of nitrogen contaminants, such as nitrates and ammonia, from a wastewater effluent. The system comprises one or more zeolite tanks which contain a regenerable, granulated zeolite material to receive wastewater effluent from a septic tank and to capture the nitrogen contaminants to provide a treated, decontaminated effluent to flow out of the tank into a leach field. The system includes a secondary treatment.tank to reduce suspended solids and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater effluent prior to introduction into the zeolite tank. The system also includes an ion sensor to monitor the ammonium ion concentration in the system and to signal the need to regenerate the zeolite tank with saline water.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Inventor: Jane Anne Rose
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Publication number: 20030034302Abstract: An insecticide delivery apparatus may include an insecticide extraction chamber having an outlet adjacent a lower end thereof, and a screen adjacent the outlet for holding a mass of insecticide bearing bodies to partially fill the insecticide extraction chamber. A nozzle may be positioned adjacent an upper end of the insecticide extraction chamber for directing a water stream downwardly therefrom toward the mass of insecticide bearing bodies. An air control device may control the water level and associated head space so that the insecticide bearing bodies are at least partially submerged in the water. The bodies may be churned in the water by action of the stream to enhance delivery of insecticide into the water. The apparatus may provide efficient and cost effective control of a number of insects, such as midge flies, that are prevalent in a trickling filter of a typical wastewater treatment plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: PRECISION CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Patrick M. Anthony, Parker O. Anthony
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Patent number: 6521129Abstract: A process for treating manure using anaerobic digestion includes introducing manure into a mixing vessel containing a digester liquid and agitating and filtering a slurry formed therefrom to remove substantially all water insoluble solids, thereby leaving a liquid containing ammonia and reactive organic materials. The liquid is then heated and ammonia is removed therefrom to produce a substantially ammonia-free liquid containing reactive organic materials, which is cooled and placed in a digester containing anaerobic bacteria to convert the reactive organic materials in the liquid to biogas and to produce a digester liquid. The biogas is withdrawn and utilized to generate electricity, and a small amount of the digester liquid is withdrawn from the digester and recycled back to the mixing vessel. The water insoluble solids and ammonia removed during the process may be converted to ruminant animal feed and concentrated liquid fertilizer, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventors: Ken Stamper, Richard Skinner
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Publication number: 20030029794Abstract: The invention relates to the purification of untreated water which is polluted with dissolved organic carbon compounds which can be biologically or adsorptively removed in a three-step process, whereby the upstream purification step is predominantly biological, i.e. operates as a biofilter (1), and both subsequent purification steps are predominantly adsorptive in nature, i.e. operate as adsorbers (2, 3). The biofilter (1) is purified by backwashing, whereby the backwashing periods occur according to the TOC determined between the biofilter (1) and the upstream adsorber (2) and/or running time and/or pressure loss. The upstream adsorber (2) is also cleaned by backwashing and is subsequently shifted into a downstream position alternating with the other adsorber (3). The method is suitable for obtaining TOC concentrations in treated water of less than 500 ppb.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Ulrich Keil, Harald Kusch, Toralf Schonfelder, Bernd Bendinger, Knut Wichmann
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Publication number: 20030029792Abstract: This invention relates to remediation systems, and more particularly to remediation systems for water, soil, and sediment bodies using thin-layer coated microbubbles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Publication number: 20030024876Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating solid waste with an organic fraction. A slurry (4) of the waste (1) diluted with water (3) is sieved, at least by means of a sieving device (5) which lets pieces through whose dimension in at least one direction, and preferably in at least two standing directions, is situated between 2 and 20 mm, after which, from the slurry (7) which has passed through, a part of the ferrous metals (8) which are present in the waste (1) is removed from said waste by means of magnets, and the slurry (7) is finally dewatered.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Jan Smis, Philippe Vandevivere, Luc De Baere
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Publication number: 20020179534Abstract: Sintered light expanded clay aggregates are described that are prepared by expanding and firing a clay-based material, and where the finished aggregates have a diameter of up to about 32 mm, for use as filtration medium for purifying water, wherein carbonates of calcium and/or magnesium are added to the clay as flux material prior to expansion and firing. Uses of the expanded clay aggregates for removing phosphorous by utilising die clay aggregates are also described, as well as a method for removing phosphorus by using the clay aggregates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: a. s Norsk LecaInventors: Roy Rennesund, Petter Deinboll Jenssen, Tore Krogstad
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Patent number: 6488853Abstract: Wastewater can be treated using a combination of a settleable solids separator, such as a vortex separator, and a gas floatation separation system.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Great Circle Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven B. Mullerheim
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Patent number: 6488854Abstract: A improved activated sludge system and method for treating wastewater containing contaminants is disclosed which offers a broad array of advantages over conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment systems, including smaller size, higher rates of operation, higher oxygen transfer efficiency, lower operating costs, and a substantially decreased level of excess sludge production. The improved activated sludge waste treatment system of the present invention has two processing tanks rather than the several tanks that are commonly found in activated sludge systems for treatment and sludge management equalizations, including anaerobic processes. The first processing tank is a contact tank which hosts a reaction which functions not merely to digest the maximum amount of contaminants, but instead to bind contaminants to the microorganisms through absorption, adsorption, precipitation, or digestion so that they can then be removed from the liquid in a solid/liquid separator.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Procorp, Inc.Inventors: Kevin P. O'Leary, Thomas H. Probst, Jenchie Wang, David A. Wilson, Henry J. Probst
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Patent number: 6482322Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sewage in cold regions including a pretreatment stage, an aerobic treatment stage, and a discharge stage, where cold outside air is combined with warm recirculating air from within the sewage treatment system to provide oxygen for the aerobic treatment of the sewage, with the treated sewage being discharged intermittently in high volume, high flow-rate batches to prevent freezing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Robert C. Tsigonis
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Publication number: 20020166819Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the treatment of liquid manure and wastewater produced in animal production plans. The method combined application of filtration, bioreaction, and electrochemical treatment to effect separation of contaminants from the water fraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: ENVIROGAIN INC.Inventors: Camil Dutil, Gilles Gagne, Rock Chabot, Yves Comeau