And Liquid Testing Or Volume Measuring Patents (Class 210/662)
  • Patent number: 7879245
    Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gary W. Markham, Harmon L. Kirkpatrick, Rick Guercio, Douglas E. Mast, Stanley C. Gustas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110017672
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, in particular in the aerospace sector, comprising a container which has a sorbent, a feed which supplies the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system to the container for the hydraulic fluid to be passed through the sorbent such that it can be dewatered in a dewatering mode of the device, and a return which returns the dewatered hydraulic fluid from the container to the hydraulic system in the dewatering mode of the device. The hydraulic fluid can be dewatered continuously and very efficiently by the method and the device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ingo Scheel, Ralf Pohlmann, Wolfgang Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20110017671
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus and system, comprising a treatment tank with a plurality of flow-through containers filled with iron shavings. The water is recirculated through the containers of iron shavings in series to treat contaminants, including but not limited to hexavalent chrome. The hexavalent chrome is converted to trivalent chrome via electron transfer between the iron molecules and the chrome molecules. The hydraulic detention time (circulation time) can vary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: ERNEST ROBERTS ALLEY, JR., Matthew T. Tanner
  • Patent number: 7850854
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorbing perchlorate in a fluid and successively destroying it. Perchlorate in the fluid is removed by adsorption on an adsorbent in a column. The adsorbent is then regenerated by desorbing perchlorate, and the perchlorate in the regenerant is then chemically destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: PURE O TECH, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirat D. Gurol, Vladimir Zlotopolski
  • Publication number: 20100237018
    Abstract: A system and method for purifying an aqueous contaminated fluid from colloidal contaminants using a closed-loop feedback control system are disclosed. Contaminated fluid flows into a mixer and mixed with a purifying agent, such as diatomaceous earth, to facilitate metathesis reaction between the purifying agent and the contaminants. The purifying agent entraps the contaminants, and is subsequently removed in a separator into sediments. An estimation of the amount of the purifying agent to dispense is performed using pre-defined equations or look-up tables stored in the database, including relationship between the concentration of contaminants in the fluid and the concentration of the added purifying agent. An automated feedback control is applied to fine tune the purification process into compliance with regulations. High accuracy of measurements is ensured by selecting the same material for both the purifying agent and the trapping medium of analyzers, and additionally by the design of the analyzers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Bryan R. Hollebone, Kexing Liu, Michael Allan Donkers
  • Patent number: 7799143
    Abstract: A radioactive material sequestration system may include a radionuclide containment composition dispenser and a sorption based media container. The radionuclide containment composition dispenser may be configured for holding a radionuclide containment composition and be capable of dispensing the radionuclide containment composition to remove radionuclides from a radioactive material. The radionuclide containment composition is a mixture of a clay mineral and water. The sorption based media container may be configured for holding a sorption based media; receiving dispensed radionuclide containment composition; and sequestering the radionuclides. The radioactive material sequestration system may also include a probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Elmore, Mark Krekeler, Cynthia Tselepis
  • Publication number: 20100224564
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel method for operating a resin treatment system and a novel organic polisher. The method for operating the resin treatment system is efficient and cost effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Anticline Disposal, LLC
    Inventor: Lee L. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20100213132
    Abstract: A ship comprises a bilge water sump collecting bilge water and contaminants. A first contaminant separation device is provided comprising a conveyor arrangement with an endless belt comprising adsorbing/absorbing material. The conveyor arrangement has a first portion submergible into the bilge water and contaminants in the bilge water sump, and a second portion being spaced from the first portion and provided with means for releasing adsorbed/absorbed contaminants from the conveyor belt and means for collecting the contaminants released. The conveyor arrangement is further provided with means for driving the endless belt along a moving path defined by guiding means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: P/F FAROE MARITIME TECHNIC,
    Inventor: Kaj Joensen
  • Publication number: 20100206814
    Abstract: A system for selectively removing at least one undesirable ion from an acidic solution including a tank receiving the acidic solution, a chiller in fluid communication with the tank, the chiller being configured to reduce a temperature of the acidic solution, and an ion exchanger in fluid communication with the chiller, the ion exchanger including an ion exchange resin that is selective for the undesirable ion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Huebner, David L. Crump
  • Publication number: 20100176059
    Abstract: The invention includes ion exchange resins and their use in the removal of chromium from water. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for removing chromium from a water source by contacting the water with an ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin comprises particles of a crosslinked copolymer comprising: an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of at least two polymer components each having a styrenic content greater than 50 molar percent, and a quaternary ammonium functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Daryl J. Gisch, Jing Jin
  • Publication number: 20100163491
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The oxidation reactor may be further configured to oxidize a chemical associated with the flow of wastewater with an oxidation agent. The oxidation reactor may include at least one reaction member configured to pressurize at least a portion of the oxidation reactor. The system may further include at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal, the at least one resin tank configured to receive an output from the oxidation reactor. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Rainer Bauder, Richard Hsu Yeh
  • Publication number: 20100140176
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The apparatus includes an outer element into which contaminated fluid flows and an inner element positioned in substantial axial alignment within the outer element and in spaced relations thereto. The apparatus also includes, between its ends, a pathway defined by an interior surface of the inner element and along which treated fluid may be directed out from the apparatus. A waste nanoadsorbent material can be provided between the outer element and the inner element, for use in removing contaminants within the fluid flowing through the apparatus. A method for the treatment of contaminated fluid is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: John A. Krogue, Daniel Cloud, James McQuaid
  • Publication number: 20100145113
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluorinated hydrocarbons and/or perchlorate species from groundwater which can utilize ion exchange media comprising a hydrophobic polymeric matrix. Fluorinated hydrocarbons can be reduced to a parts per trillion level and perchlorate to a low parts per billion level, rendering the groundwater suitable for consumption as drinking water under regulatory standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Bachman, Timothy J. Peschman, Douglas C. Kellogg, Jeffrey J. Ogle
  • Publication number: 20100133194
    Abstract: A low pressure point-of-use water treatment system may generally comprise at least one inlet port in fluid communication with at least one outlet port to establish a fluid pathway therethrough; an iodinated resin intermediate the at least one inlet port and at least on outlet port, wherein the iodinated resin transfers iodine into the fluid pathway for a volume of water corresponding to an effective life of the iodinated resin; and an ion exchange resin intermediate the iodinated resin and the at least one outlet port, wherein the ion exchange resin removes at least a portion of the iodine transferred by the iodinated resin into the fluid pathway for a volume of water corresponding to a breakthrough point as measured by iodide leakage; and wherein the ion exchange resin inactivates contaminants in the fluid pathway as the iodinated resin nears the end of its effective life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Water Security Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Eric Johnson, Sivarooban Theivendran
  • Patent number: 7722772
    Abstract: The present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of enhancing the reliability of regeneration operation. Further, the present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of simplifying the construction of a salt water supply device. The ion exchange apparatus includes a resin bed housing part (2) in which an ion exchange resin bed (5) is housed; a flow passage control valve (3) for switching between a water service operation and a regeneration operation; and a salt water tank (40) for reserving salt water to be used in regeneration, the flow passage control valve (3) being connected to the salt water tank (40) through a salt water supply line (31), in which the salt water supply line (31) is provided with a flow detecting unit (48) for detecting a flow rate in a direction of supplying salt water and a flow rate in a direction of supplying refill water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Furukawa, Hajime Abe, Makoto Hato, Hironao Kato, Kazutaka Baba
  • Patent number: 7713420
    Abstract: An ion exchange resin tower including a tank, a supply line, an output line, and a plurality of sampling tubes is provided. The supply line guides a liquid into the tank, such that an ion exchange occurs between the liquid and the ion exchange resin in the tank. The processed liquid is guided out of the tank via the output line. The sampling tubes are disposed on a sidewall of the tank to sample the liquid flowing through the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ching-Wei Chu, Cheng-Wen Li, Chien-Chang Yang, Chang-Lung Pan
  • Publication number: 20100102000
    Abstract: A method for filtering a chemical in which a first chemical stored in a first tank is filtered by a filter and a second chemical obtained by the filtering is stored in a second tank has: adding the capture amounts corresponding to the individual first chemicals first to n-th stored in the first tank, and getting an added capture amount; and comparing the added capture amount and a predetermined limit capture amount of the filter, and exchanging the filter based on the comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshihisa KAWAMURA, Hisako Aoyama, Daizo Mutoh
  • Publication number: 20100059444
    Abstract: A water treatment system comprises: an oil removal apparatus including a fixed-bed reactor configured to hold an adsorption particles by use of a magnetic unit, the adsorption particles each including a base material containing magnetite, the adsorption particles configured to adsorb oil included in to-be-treated water; a pretreatment apparatus configured to recover the oil from the adsorption particles sent from the oil removal apparatus; and a thermal energy generating apparatus configured to obtain thermal energy from the oil recovered by the pretreatment apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Shinobu Moniwa, Hidetake Shiire, Satomi Ebihara, Nobuyuki Ashikaga, Tomoaki Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 7671111
    Abstract: A process for reducing the fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion by passing dispersion through a first fixed bed of anion exchange resin to reduce fluorosurfactant content. The first fixed bed has a working zone which moves though the column as the ion exchange resin is saturated. The process includes monitoring a property of the dispersion as the dispersion exits the fixed bed to determine break though of the working zone indicating saturation of the fixed bed. The property being monitored is selected from the group consisting of pH and conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Charles Joseph Noelke, Steven H. Swearingen, David William Johnson
  • Patent number: 7666928
    Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion stabilized with nonionic surfactant. The process includes reducing the fluorosurfactant content of the stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to a predetermined level to provide a reduced surfactant dispersion, adding non-fluorinated anionic surfactant to the reduced fluorosurfactant dispersion, and concentrating the reduced fluorosurfactant dispersion. The non-fluorinated anionic surfactant is added in stages wherein a first portion is added to the dispersion prior to concentrating and a second portion of the non-fluorinated anionic surfactant is added to the dispersion after concentrating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: David William Johnson, Robert John Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 7666929
    Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion. The process includes providing a fixed bed of anion exchange resin having anion exchange groups with counter ions. The anion exchange resin is treated to replace at least some the counter ions with counter ions of non-fluorinated anionic surfactant. The stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion is passed through the treated fixed bed of anion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott Teter, David William Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100032378
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a tertiary effluent treatment process for reducing the phosphate levels in effluent. The process comprises the steps of delivering effluent from a wastewater treatment plant to a primary filter, delivering the filtered effluent to a series of two or more phosphate removal filters, delivering the filtered phosphate-depleted effluent to a treated water tank as treated water, delivering the filtered phosphate-depleted effluent from the treated water tank to a discharge tank as treated water; and, discharging the treated water from the discharge tank as required. Each phosphate removal filter comprises a plurality of polymer-based beads having nano-particles of iron oxide coated thereon. The advantage of using a series of two or more phosphate removal filters is that the process can deliver a final effluent containing specific pre-determined levels of phosphate that may be as low as 0.01 mg/L of effluent, but will in all cases be below 1 mg/L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Philip Patrick Peter O'Brien, Owen Thomas Leonard
  • Publication number: 20100006507
    Abstract: A method of treating low-pressure untreated drinking water includes providing a low-pressure water filter device, running low-pressure untreated drinking water from a source of low-pressure untreated drinking water through a low-pressure water filter of the low-pressure water filter device, removing bacteria and viruses from the low pressure untreated drinking water at a level of Filter Bacteria Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 1 log, and filling a storage housing with treated drinking water at greater than about 5 mL/min. The low-pressure water filter device may include a connector for connecting to an untreated drinking water source, a low-pressure water filter comprising mesoporous activated carbon particles and a storage housing. The average fluid contact time with the low-pressure water filter may be greater than about 2 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: PUR WATER PURIFICATION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John D. Tanner, David James Emmons, Richard P. Riedel, Michael Donovan Mitchell, Dimitris Ioannis Collias
  • Publication number: 20090321360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine comprising at least one filter for the filtration of the dialysis liquid and comprising means for determining the calcification of the dialysis machine, wherein the means for the determining of the calcification of the dialysis machine comprising one or more sensors, with the sensor or sensors being configured and arranged such that the ion concentration or a parameter representative of the ion concentration or of its change of the dialysis liquid, of a solution serving the decalcification or of another measuring solution can be detected by these either downstream or upstream and downstream of the at least one filter, and wherein the means for determining the calcification of the dialysis machine furthermore have an evaluation or calculation unit which is configured such that it determines the calcification of the dialysis machine on the basis of the ion concentration or parameter value detected by means of the sensor or sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Maierhofer, Alfred Gagel, Malte Gross, Michael Koch
  • Publication number: 20090310733
    Abstract: By using a boric acid-resistant anion exchange resin as the anion exchange resin used in a demineralizer that purifies the primary cooling water in a pressurized-water reactor power plant, even when a boric acid-containing primary cooling water is brought into contact with the anion exchange resin disposed in the demineralizer, the generation of breaking or cracking in the anion exchange resin can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ORGANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi KASAHARA, Yusuke SUWA, Chika KENMOCHI
  • Patent number: 7632412
    Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling water tower comprising: providing a cooling tower system, which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream, a source of make-up water, an evaporative cooling unit, a heat exchanger, a bleed off line, and a bleed-off valve which is in communication with said bleed-off line; providing a plurality of conduits through which said makeup water flows into said evaporative cooling water stream, wherein there is at least a first conduit that contains a weak acid cation ion exchange column and a second conduit that does not contain a weak acid ion exchange column, and wherein each conduit has at least one conduit valve; choosing a pH and a conductivity setpoint value and a deadband value above and below said setpoint value in said cooling tower system; measuring both the pH of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more pH meters and conductivity of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more conductivity meters; and implementing a response to said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Johnson, Steven R. Hatch, Arthur J. Kahaian
  • Publication number: 20090289009
    Abstract: A chromatographic method including chromatographically separating sample ionic species in an eluent stream, detecting the separated sample ionic species, catalytically combining hydrogen and oxygen gases or catalytically decomposing hydrogen peroxide in a catalytic gas elimination chamber, and recycling the effluent stream from the chamber to the chromatography separation column. The residence time between the detector and the chamber is at least about one minute. Also, flowing the recycle sequentially through two detector effluent flow channels of an electrolytic membrane suppressor. Also, applying heat or UV energy between the detector and the chamber. Also, detecting bubbles after the chamber. Also, a Platinum group metal catalyst and ion exchange medium in the chamber. Apparatus for performing the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Liu, Kannan Srinivasan, Christopher A. Pohl, Sheetal Bhardwaj, Zhongqing Lu
  • Publication number: 20090289010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for capturing odor- and/or taste-generating substances present in water flowing continuously in a water distribution network via a pipe (12). In characteristic manner, the device comprises: capture means (22) for capturing said substances; at least one chamber (18) containing said capture means (22) and suitable for having network water flow therethrough; and hydraulic link and connection means (14; 42) between said chamber (18) and said pipe (12). The invention is applicable to networks for distributing drinking water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Cedric Feliers, Elise Corbi, David Benanou
  • Patent number: 7601264
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide waste abatement apparatuses and methods for treating waste solutions derived from depleted or used plating solutions, such as from an electroless deposition process or an electrochemical plating process. The waste abatement systems and processes may be used to treat the waste solutions by lowering the concentration of, if not completely removing, metal ions or reducing agents that are dissolved within the waste solution. In one embodiment of a demetallization process, a waste solution may be exposed to a heating element (e.g., copper coil) contained within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be exposed to a catalyst having high surface area (e.g., steel wool or other metallic wool) within an immersion tank. In another embodiment, the waste solution may be flowed through a removable, catalytic conduit (e.g., copper tubing) having an internal catalytic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh H. Golden, Timothy Weidman, Peter Porshnev, Kalyan Sista, Nikhil Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20090246108
    Abstract: A method for the removal of ammonia and its salts from fluid compositions. The method comprises contacting the fluid compositions with a scavenger on a solid support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Desmond Smith
  • Publication number: 20090218296
    Abstract: An interactive sanitizer controller/display pad and method for controlling and selecting a dispensing rate in a sanitizer dispensing system based on the time the system is in a periodic dispensing mode and for indicating when a sanitizing dispenser needs replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Mark Snetting, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090188401
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for conditioning dampening solution for an offset printing press, include a cation exchanger for the removal of salt-forming ions from the dampening solution. The operation of the cation exchanger leaves the pH of the dampening solution unchanged. The apparatus includes a control device based on measuring the water hardness of the dampening solution for the supply of the dampening solution to the cation exchanger. A dampening system and an offset printing press are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Anweiler, Martin Dietze, Uwe Stang, Roland Thiem
  • Patent number: 7556738
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the end of a service step and the duration of a brine/slow rinse step in a water conditioner having a bed of ion-exchange material. A sensor probe and a reference probe are positioned in the bed of ion-exchange material vertically displaced from each other. Voltage from each of the probes are monitored over a plurality of time intervals. When the percent increase in the impedance ratio exceeds a pre-specified value the end of a service step is identified and a regeneration cycle is initiated. During the regeneration step, the rate of change in the impedance ratio of the sensor probe to the reference probe is calculated and used to detect two peaks in the rate of change of impedance ratio between the sensor probe and the reference probe, followed by terminating the brine/slow rinse step after both peaks have been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Kumudika Premathilake, John VanNewenhizen
  • Publication number: 20090145847
    Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: RASIRC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
  • Publication number: 20090145848
    Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Gary W. Markham, Harmon L. Kirkpatrick, Rick Guercio, Douglas E. Mast, Stanley C. Gustas, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090114586
    Abstract: An ion exchange resin tower including a tank, a supply line, an output line, and a plurality of sampling tubes is provided. The supply line guides a liquid into the tank, such that an ion exchange occurs between the liquid and the ion exchange resin in the tank. The processed liquid is guided out of the tank via the output line. The sampling tubes are disposed on a sidewall of the tank to sample the liquid flowing through the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ching-Wei Chu, Cheng-Wen Li, Chien-Chang Yang, Chang-Lung Pan
  • Patent number: 7514484
    Abstract: To obtain a high concentration aqueous PTFE dispersion containing PTFE at a concentration of from 60 to 75 mass % by dissolving from 0.001 to 0.1 mass %, based on the mass of PTFE, of a specific carboxylic acid salt such as ammonium laurate in a low concentration aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising from 1 to 40 mass % of PTFE fine particles, from 0.0001 to 0.02 mass %, based on the mass of PTFE, of a specific fluorine-containing carboxylic acid type emulsifier (for example, ammonium perfluorooctanoate), and from 1 to 20 mass %, based on the mass of PTFE, of a specific nonionic surfactant, and then concentrating the low concentration aqueous dispersion of PTFE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Hoshikawa, Shinya Higuchi, Yasuhiko Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7514483
    Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising from 55 to 70 mass % of PTFE fine particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.1 to 0.5 ?m, from 0.0001 to 0.02 mass %, based on PTFE, of a specific C8 fluorine-containing carboxylic acid salt (APFO) such as ammonium perfluorooctanoate, from 1 to 20 mass %, based on PTFE, of a specific nonionic surfactant and from 0.01 to 0.3 mass %, based on PTFE, of a specific C5-7 fluorine-containing carboxylic acid salt such as ammonium perfluorohexanoate. The aqueous dispersion of PTFE has excellent properties which can form crack-resistant coatings which do not undergo coloration during baking or form problematic ionic impurities by improving the friction stability of aqueous PTFE dispersions even at APFO concentrations without viscosity increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Hoshikawa, Shinya Higuchi, Yasuhiko Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20090020474
    Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Keichiro Uda, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7476311
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the removal and disposal of arsenic from an aqueous medium. The systems and methods include the removal of arsenic from a source by contact with either a chemically treated natural or synthetic zeolite, for example a ferric-loaded zeolite. The spent zeolite is disposed of at an appropriate arsenic disposal site. A system for monitoring and maintaining an arsenic removal/disposal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: WRT International LLC
    Inventors: John E. Litz, Charles S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7468403
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of purifying an aqueous fluoropolymer emulsion by which fluorine-containing surfactants can be removed without lowering the dispersibility of the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersions. The present invention provides a method of purifying an aqueous fluoropolymer emulsion comprising; purifying an aqueous fluoropolymer emulsion by a specific technique of concentration wherein the aqueous fluoropolymer emulsion comprises a fluoropolymer and a fluorine-containing surfactant, said specific technique of concentration comprises concentration by phase separation, electric concentration and/or ion exchange concentration, and said concentration by phase separation, electric concentration and/or ion exchange concentration is carried out for removing the fluorine-containing surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasukazu Nakatani, Kenji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20080237134
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture and release microbe particles using amino-functionalized silica substrates are described. An example apparatus adapted to capture a microbe particle includes a silica substrate and a positively charged material to at least partially coat the silica substrate. The positive charged material includes an aminopropyl functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chia Chang, Zilin Chen, Fu-Chih Hsu, David Battigelli
  • Publication number: 20080190853
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating liquid droplets from a gas stream. The method includes the steps of conditioning the gas stream which contains the droplets so that the gas stream exhibits substantially turbulent flow, passing the gas stream generally axially through a flowpath so that the gas stream is in communication with a collector surface, collecting the droplets on the collector surface, and draining the collector surface to remove the collected droplets from the collector surface. The apparatus includes a flowpath, a collector surface for collecting the droplets, a flow conditioner for conditioning the gas stream, and a drainage mechanism for draining the collected droplets from the collector surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ALBERTA RESEARCH COUNCIL INC.
    Inventor: Peter Toma
  • Patent number: 7393380
    Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-François Vie, Henry Ledon, Philippe Girardon, Christel Girault
  • Patent number: 7393969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to calix[4]arenes which effectively bind alkali metal ions (Na+, K+) and transport them over phase boundaries, their preparation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Traving, Wilfried Gutknecht, Werner Bäcker, Wolfgang Kummer, Rainer Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7390412
    Abstract: A method of managing the valves of a simulated moving bed separation system comprising at least one column of adsorbent beds split into several zones delimited by injection and draw-off points, allowing finer monitoring of a determined concentration profile. The method comprises, during each period between the shift times of the injection and draw-off points, in opening and closing a first valve located at one end of a zone according to a determined law, while opening and closing the valve downstream from the first valve in relation to the direction of flow of the recirculation flow, according to the same law with a lag, referred to as overlap time, in relation to the first valve, which is less than or equal to the period, the law imposing a constant total flow rate for the flow passing through the two consecutive valves throughout the overlap time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Didier Pavone
  • Patent number: 7357871
    Abstract: A method for a cation-exchange resin wherein a strongly acidic cation-exchange resin is contacted with an aqueous eluting solution and the polystyrenesulfonic acid being eluted from this resin is measured, which comprises setting a plurality of molecular weight ranges in the molecular weight distribution of the polystyrenesulfonic acid eluted, and evaluating the performance capability of the cation-exchange resin based on the correspondence relationship of each molecular weight range with the amount eluted in said each molecular weight range. The evaluation method allows on-target and precise evaluation of the performance capability of a cation-exchange resin being independent of the structure of a base resin and the circumstance under which it is used, which leads to the determination of the optimum time for the exchange of a resin in a water treatment system using a cation-exchange resin, and thus to the extension of exchange of a resin and the reduction of an operation cost for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Nagata, Shinichi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7326348
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the removal and destruction of ammonia from an aqueous medium. The methods and apparatuses include the removal of ammonia from an aqueous medium by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite. The spent zeolite is regenerated for continuous use, while the ammonia is concentrated as ammonium sulfate, and ultimately destroyed via combustion. A system for monitoring and maintaining an ammonia removal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: WRT International LLC
    Inventors: John E. Litz, Charles S. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080011683
    Abstract: A system and method to remove a polluting agent or contaminant, including but not limited to mercury, from the liquid phase of a process system using an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment, a magnetic or non-magnetic support with a chemisorbing or physisorbing sorbent is suspended in the liquid phase of a process system, under conditions in which the polluting agent binds to the adsorbent. The pollutant-bearing adsorbent may then be separated from the process system by either physical or magnetic means. The polluting agent may then disassociated from the adsorbent so the adsorbent is regenerated and capable of repeated use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Xing Dong, Henry Paris
  • Patent number: 7309436
    Abstract: Methods and systems for removing perchiorate from water are disclosed which involve the use of a plurality of vessels containing an ion exchange resin having affinity for perchiorate ions, and in which perchiorate-contaminated water is passed over the resin in some but not all of the plurality of vessels operating in parallel to one another thereby removing perchlorate ion from the water stream and generating reduced perchlorate content product water streams and in which a subset of the plurality of vessels is removed from service, their resin is removed and replaced and they are returned to service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Basin Water, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Jensen, Bryan Zinn, John Zitlau