Effecting Flotation Patents (Class 210/703)
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Patent number: 8444859Abstract: A mechanical vessel may effectively and simultaneously displace a first undesired gas from within water with a second desired gas, and remove at least one alkaline species and oily matter from the water. The vessel raises the pH of the water and reduces the lime requirement for subsequent lime softening. The vessel receives the water containing the first gas and passes the water through a series of gasification chambers. Each gasification chamber may have a mechanism that ingests and mixes a second gas into the water thereby physically displacing at least a portion of the first gas into a vapor space at the top of each gasification chamber from which it is subsequently removed. There is an absence of communication between the vapor spaces of adjacent chambers. An acid is added to remove the alkaline species, where the first gas is an optional by-product that is also removed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: James C. T. Chen, Shaya Movafaghian
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Publication number: 20130112626Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: SIONIX CORPORATIONInventor: SIONIX CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8431027Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Sionix CorporationInventors: Mark J. Hayes, Joey M. Anderson
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Patent number: 8425668Abstract: A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding an airflow path. A misting system is positioned within the airflow path for spraying a wastewater into the airflow path. Water in the misted wastewater is evaporated, thereby concentrating minerals in the wastewater. A pretreatment system is positioned upstream from the fluid evaporator. The pretreatment system includes a gas induced separator. Separation of hydrocarbons and water are enhanced using a polymer and/or by lowering the pH of the wastewater.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Total Water Management, LLCInventors: Janos I. Lakatos, Edward Clay Slade, Clayton R. Carter, Christopher Allen Jahn, Neil William Richardson
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Publication number: 20130087502Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced water treatment comprise inorganic filter systems for impurity removal. Embodiments for water impurity removal include introducing contaminated water into an impurity removal system having an inorganic filter. The inorganic filter comprises an inorganic membrane layer supported by an inorganic support. The inorganic membrane layer comprises pores sized from about 1,000 Daltons to about 10 microns for filtering impurities such as kinetic hydrate inhibitor. Other pre-treatment and post-treatment stages may be included. The inorganic membrane layer or inorganic membrane support may comprise a ceramic such as alumina, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, and mixed oxides.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: David J. BLUMER, Ying XU, Bruce B. RANDOLPH, John A. CRUZE
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Publication number: 20130082005Abstract: A method for processing interface emulsion, water, and solids contained within a separator vessel that comprises the steps of continually extracting those components from the vessel and then passing them through a gas flotation cell. The cell, which is preferably a vertical induced gas flotation cell, separates the oil and water contained in the interface emulsion and discharges recovered oil from an upper portion of the cell and treated water from a bottom portion of the cell. The recovered oil and treated water may be further processed and recycled to the vessel or sent elsewhere. The treated water may also be recycled to the cell or sent to a process sewer. Fuel gas residing in an upper portion of the cell may be cooled and passed through a splitter. All the steps of the method comprise a closed system with no air emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Ronald D. Hypes
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Publication number: 20130075338Abstract: An improved induced-gas separation vessel made according to this invention and method for its use includes an elongated, horizontally oriented vessel having compartments defined by adjacent pairs of perforated baffles which span the width but not the height of the vessel. One or more gas eductors are located within each compartment. An inlet device controls the momentum or velocity of the incoming water stream and rapidly converts it to horizontal flow prior to it encountering the first perforated baffle. The design of each baffle is such that the flow of water through each perforated baffle is a laminar or smooth flow without any change in direction. By controlling incoming velocity and providing perforated baffles, water distribution within the vessel is increased as is volumetric utilization. The total volumetric use of the vessel is at least 50% and can be as great as 80%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: Terry C. Murtagh
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Publication number: 20130075334Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of water, including for example treatment in connection with hydrocarbon production operations. Silica in water produces undesirable scaling in processing equipment, which causes excess energy usage and maintenance problems. Electrocoagulation (EC) at relatively high water temperature may be combined with a process of ceramic ultra-filtration (UF filtration) employed to treat water, and optionally followed by any of membrane distillation or forward osmosis (FO). Water to be treated may be produced water that has been pumped from a subterranean reservoir. The treated water may be employed to generate steam. The treatment units (e.g., EC, forward osmosis, UF filtration, etc) can be configured into one system as an on-site installation or a mobile unit for on-site or off-site water treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Prakhar Prakash, James Craig Pauley, De Vu
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Patent number: 8404121Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Anaergia Inc.Inventors: Joel Bias, Brian Ross
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Patent number: 8394278Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
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Patent number: 8366938Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying liquid effluents, in which water is separated from substances by performing, in a single vertical enclosure (3), a vertical bubbling in the effluents fed at a flow rate d. The enclosure has a free surface and includes at least two compartments (4, 5, 6, 7) communicating together for enabling a circulation between the compartments successively from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top between the lower portion thereof and a medium level at a flow rate D at least three times higher than the flow rate d. The supernatant phase is continuously discharged and a hydraulic or gaseous chemical oxidation of said effluents is simultaneously carried out in the same enclosure, the chemical oxidation rate and the bubble flow rate and size being selected in order to progressively obtain a separation of the solid/liquid and liquid/liquid phases at the surface of the enclosure for obtaining a COD below a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Orege, Societe a Responsabilite LimiteeInventors: Patrice Capeau, Michel Lopez, Pascal Gendrot
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Publication number: 20130015140Abstract: A method is for the treatment of ballast water, in which the ballast water is carried into a ballast tank via a down pipe and in which an underpressure created at the upper portion of the down pipe induces the formation of gas bubbles in the ballast water. Before flowing into the down pipe, the ballast water is carried via a throttling device into a closed container at the upper portion of the down pipe, the closed container having a flow area larger than the flow area of the down pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: Knutsen Ballastvann ASInventor: Per Lothe
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Patent number: 8343355Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Sionix CorporationInventors: David P. Lambert, James J. Houtz
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Publication number: 20120298587Abstract: A fluid treatment device and method is proposed for the treatment of a fluid that has components to be separated, such as tailings. The fluid treatment device in one embodiment comprises a motive pump connected to drive fluid to be treated along a conduit through a restriction forming a nozzle into a mixing chamber and thence to a discharge. A port, which may be controlled by a valve, admits gas into an initial portion of the mixing chamber. The motive pump, nozzle, gas port and mixing chamber together form a phase separator. Multiple phase separators may be connected together in series. The mixing chamber may have constant diameter and a length to diameter ratio of 20:1 or 60:1 or more. The conduit terminates in a discharge. The discharge may supply the treated fluid to a secondary separation device such as a flotation cell. Solids and liquids may be taken off the flotation cell for disposal, further processing or delivery into a sales line.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: RJ OIL SANDS INC.Inventor: Wade R. Bozak
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Publication number: 20120285892Abstract: A bubble generator for generating gas bubbles for a flotation vessel, the bubble generator including at least one inlet through which a water stream can enter the bubble generator; at least one pair of electrodes capable of electrically decomposing water to create gas bubbles; and at least one outlet through which water entrained with gas bubbles can exit the bubble generator. In use, at least one of the outlets is in fluid communication with a flotation vessel containing waste water including contaminants, the gas bubbles being used to separate at least a portion of the contaminants from the waste water in the flotation vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Process Group Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Philip TUCKETT, Trina Margaret DREHER
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Publication number: 20120273413Abstract: A method of chemically treating partially de-ashed pulp and/or paper mill sludge to obtain products of value comprising taking a sample of primary sludge from a Kraft paper mill process, partially de-ashing the primary sludge by physical means, and further treating the primary sludge to obtain the products of value, including further treating the resulting sludge and using the resulting sludge as a substrate to produce cellulase in an efficient manner using the resulting sludge as the only carbon source and mixtures of inorganic salts as the primary nitrogen source, and including further treating the resulting sludge and using the resulting sludge to produce ethanol.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: AUBURN UNIVERSITYInventors: Yoon Y. Lee, Wei Wang, Li Kang
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Publication number: 20120261350Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing deposited pollutant oil using air, and more particularly to a method of removing pollutant oil, which comprises injecting compressed air when oil has been deposited at the bottom of the sea, and injecting compressed air while supplying water when oil has been deposited on water-free sand, rock or soil, thereby degassing the oil while floating the remaining degassed oil on the water surface. More specifically, the method: introducing an air jet at the bottom below the water surface; injecting compressed air from the air jet, thereby raising water and sand or soil together with the compressed water, discharging gas by the kinetic energy of air bubbles caused by the compressed air flow to degas oil, and floating the degassed oil on the water surface; and removing the floated oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Jae Sik Lee, Kyung Hee Kim
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Patent number: 8281932Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for efficient hydrophobic particles to gas bubble attachment in a slurry is provided. The process comprises: tangentially introducing a slurry stream into a cylindrical chamber having a cylindrical inner wall with sufficient volume and pressure to develop a vortex in the flowing slurry; introducing gas into the flowing slurry during at least a portion of its travel in the chamber, the gas being introduced orthogonally to the stream through means located at the chamber inner wall and for developing gas bubbles which move into the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Hydro Processing & Mining Ltd.Inventors: Jakob H. Schneider, Tomasz Duczmal
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Patent number: 8273248Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20120228232Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: AQUAFIBER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
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Publication number: 20120223019Abstract: A liquid treatment system using gas flotation to separate suspended matter from liquid influent, including a flotation tank into which the liquid influent is fed through an inlet, an outlet conduit through which treated effluent is fed from the flotation tank, a separation conduit for feeding liquid to a bubble release point, means for pressurising the liquid in the separation conduit and dissolving gas in the pressurised liquid, wherein an energy recovery device is used for reducing pressure of the liquid before the bubble release point such that gas bubbles are released into the flotation tank for floating said suspended matter to a surface of the liquid in the tank, and wherein the energy recovery device supplies energy obtained through said pressure reduction of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: GHD Pty LtdInventor: Mark Owen Woodthorpe
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Patent number: 8251228Abstract: Process and apparatus are described for adsorptive bubble separation of hydrophobic particles from liquid dispersions. The process may be used to treat the gas/liquid dispersion after it has been introduced from two or more ducts near the perimeter or from a central duct of the separation vessel. When the gas-liquid-particle dispersion is introduced from a central duct, the rising bubbles are directed by, e.g., a baffle toward the perimeter of the apparatus, where they rise. At the liquid surface, bubbles with attached hydrophobic materials form a floating froth layer, which is directed toward a central froth collection launder. Rising froth at the perimeter pushing the froth bed into the reduced area of the center encourages further coalescence of the bubbles and increases liquid drainage from the froth, thus leading to concentration of the collected materials without the need for complex equipment geometry.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignees: Renewable Algal Energy, LLC, Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Robert L. Clayton, Stephen N. Falling, Jeffrey S. Kanel, C. Calvert Churn, III
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Publication number: 20120211431Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Mark J. Hayes, Joey M. Anderson
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Patent number: 8241503Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Riad Al-Samadi
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Publication number: 20120193294Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation pressure reduction nozzle (60) comprises: an integrally moulded plastics component (61) comprising a discharge spout (62), an impingement plate (64) and one or more fins (66) extending from the impingement plate (64) in the radially outwards and downstream directions; and a control plate (75) upstream of the impingement plate (64).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Enpure LimitedInventors: Tony Amato, David Michael Brown, Jeremy Phillip Ferguson, Neil Valentine
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Patent number: 8216477Abstract: An apparatus for removing organics from water has an upwardly open and downwardly closed column having a tubular side wall and a floor and a generally closed chamber on the floor of the column and forming with the side wall an upwardly open annular space. The column has an outlet opening into the annular space. A pump forces water containing organics into the chamber and thereby fills the column with water that then flows out of the column through the outlet. An aerator pump moves at least some of the water containing organics out of the chamber, mixes the pumped-out water with bubbles, and pumps the water and bubbles back into a downwardly and horizontally closed but upwardly open flow space in the column above the chamber. A skimmer clears the organics from the surface of the water above the flow space.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: DELTEC GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Weidl
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Publication number: 20120168386Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
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Publication number: 20120168385Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the treatment of water and, in particular, an apparatus and method which may be applied to fluids such as grey water to be treated prior to discharge. The invention is intended for particular use on marine vessels such as house boats to treat grey water which at present is discharged untreated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Raymond Anderson
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Publication number: 20120152850Abstract: A combined sedimentation and pressure floatation wastewater treatment tank includes a tank body, a sedimentation treatment device and a pressure floatation treatment device. The tank body contains a predetermined amount of wastewater for treatment. The sedimentation treatment device is operated to remove relatively heavier sludge from the wastewater by sedimentation treatment, and the pressure floatation treatment device is operated to remove relatively lighter sludge from the initially treated wastewater by pressure floatation treatment. In operation, the wastewater is initially treated by the sedimentation treatment device and is further treated by the pressure floatation treatment device. Alternatively, the wastewater is initially treated by the pressure floatation treatment device and is further treated by the sedimentation treatment device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Kuei-Lin Tsai
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Publication number: 20120152849Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for the removal of sodium tripolyphosphate from a waste liquid. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, methods, apparatuses, systems, and articles of manufacture. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. Some techniques described herein include adding a phosphate binder to the waste liquid including sodium tripolyphosphate to cause the sodium tripolyphosphate to adsorb to the phosphate binder, and aerating the waste liquid to form bubbles in the waste liquid and to cause particles of the phosphate binder having the sodium tripolyphosphate adsorbed thereto to adhere to the bubbles and rise to a top surface of the waste liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Empire Technology Developement LLCInventor: Angele Sjong
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Publication number: 20120145642Abstract: A method of fluid treatment of a feed comprising oil and water, the method comprising: supplying the feed into a flotation cell, the feed having an oil concentration, the flotation cell containing a working fluid and the working fluid having a surface; removing an oil phase from the surface of the working fluid; removing fluid from the flotation cell through one or more outlets below a working fluid level in the flotation cell; and controlling flow through the one or more outlets to maintain the working fluid level in the flotation cell within a predetermined range independent of variations in the oil concentration of the feed. A related apparatus is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: RJ OIL SANDS INC.Inventor: Wade R. Bozak
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Publication number: 20120145635Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for treating water with multiple contaminants. The process includes filtering the water to remove relatively large particulates and immiscible organic fluids. The pH of the water is adjusted. Components such as sulfates are added to precipitate heavy metals. Any suspended solids and residual organic compounds are removed with an enhanced air flotation device. The resulting water is then passed through a reverse osmosis system whereby the water is treated in a cascading stage-wise manner with one or more selective membrane units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Arthur L. Lucas, III, John E. Sawyer
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Publication number: 20120145633Abstract: Methods are provided for separating solids containing oily/water of the type normally encountered in SAGD and hydraulic fracturing operations. The solids containing oily/water is subjected to ultrasound separation techniques and mechanical separation operations. The mechanical separation operation may, preferably, comprise centrifugal separation such as that in which the treated solids containing oily/water is separated into a solids fraction, an oil fraction, and a water fraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: David M. Polizzotti, Abdul Rafi Khwaja
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Patent number: 8196750Abstract: A method of concentrating particles in a liquid-particle dispersion feed by adsorptive bubble separation by intimately contacting a gas with a pressurized stream of liquid in a chamber to form an aerated dispersion that retains at least some of the kinetic energy from the pressurized stream, and removing at least some of the kinetic energy from the aerated dispersion to form a dense foam. A liquid-particle dispersion feed is then injected into the dense foam to form a gas-liquid-particle dispersion. The gas-liquid-particle dispersion is injected into a flotation chamber at a point below a surface of a liquid contained therein, where the gas-liquid-particle dispersion forms bubbles of a gas-particle agglomerate, and the bubbles are released from the feed liquid depleted in hydrophobic particles and rise to the surface to form a floating froth enriched in particles.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Renewable Algal Energy, LLC, Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Jeffrey S. Kanel, Robert L. Clayton
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Patent number: 8197607Abstract: A dishwasher is provided having a dishwashing container and a filter system for cleaning dishwashing liquid. The filter system includes a foam volume and the filter system and the dishwashing container are communicated with one another such that at least some of the dishwashing liquid can be discharged from the dishwashing container in association with a washing cycle of the dishwashing machine to the foam volume for passage of the discharged dishwashing liquid through the foam volume. Dishwashing residue contained in the dishwashing liquid is at least partially absorbed or retained by the foam volume such that the fine-grained dirt particles can be filtered out of the dishwashing fluid, a resoiling of the dishwashing fluid or the items to be cleaned can be minimized and the dishwashing result can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: M. Yavuz Dedegil, Rüdiger Eiermann, Helmut Jerg
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Patent number: 8192631Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating raw water. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet for the raw water, an outlet for the skimmed water, a rotor mechanism for creating a plurality of gas bubbles within the raw water, and a disperser device operatively associated with the rotor mechanism for dispersing the plurality of gas bubbles from the rotor mechanism within the vessel. The vessel contains raw water. The gas bubbles create an oily froth on top of the raw water. The apparatus further includes a skim tray positioned about the rotor mechanism for removing the oily froth from the top of the raw water and a secondary skimmer positioned within the skim tray. An external skim tank may be configured to deliver a gas to the rotor mechanism and to receive the oily froth from the secondary skimmer.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: CCS Energy Services LLCInventors: Melvin O. Stacy, Mark G. Arceneaux, Eric Wingate
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Patent number: 8187463Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8182689Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20120108473Abstract: A process for treatment of produced water obtained from an enhanced oil recovery process from a reservoir, said water containing at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein: an oxidising agent is injected into produced water in a quantity such that the viscosity of said water is reduced to a value below 2 cps, advantageously of the order of 1.5 cps, in a short period from the injection of the oxidising agent, a reducing agent is then injected in the necessary quantity to neutralise all the resulting excess oxidising agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: S.P.C.M. SAInventors: René PICH, Ludwig GIL
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Publication number: 20120097616Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydrocyclone for cleaning cellulose suspensions from light impurities i.e. a so called reverse hydrocyclone, having a base end and an apex end and a separation chamber having an elongated shape between the base end and the apex end, at least one inlet arranged at the base end and at least one underflow outlet at the apex end and at least one overflow outlet at the base end. The overflow outlet is provided with an additional, light reject outlet arranged concentrically to a length axis of the hydrocyclone. The invention also concerns a system and a method for producing and/or treating cellulose suspension comprising at least a reverse cleaning stage and at least a dewatering stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Jan Backman, Valentina Kucher
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Patent number: 8137566Abstract: A method of treating tailings comprising a solids fraction and a hydrocarbon fraction is disclosed. A primary flow is supplied to a jet pump, the primary flow comprising water and less than 20% solids by mass. A secondary flow is supplied to a mixing chamber of the jet pump, the secondary flow comprising a slurry of water and tailings, the slurry comprising more solids by mass than the primary flow. The jet pump is operated using the primary flow such that the tailings are agitated to effect at least a partial phase separation of the hydrocarbon fraction from the tailings. The methods disclosed herein may also be applied to treat tailings ponds.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Michael A. Kessick, Roderick Michael Facey
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Patent number: 8133396Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
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Publication number: 20120047941Abstract: A water recovery process for a steam assisted gravity drainage system for a heavy oil recovery facility, the process comprising a flash drum and a flash drum heat exchanger/condenser, wherein the water recovery process receives hot water produced by a facility at a temperature above the water atmospheric boiling point and cools it to a temperature below the water atmospheric boiling point before transferring it to the remaining section of the water recovery process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: KemeX Ltd.Inventor: Kenneth James
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Patent number: 8114296Abstract: A method and device for removing floated matter such as sludge located near the surface of a fluid body is contemplated that employs pneumatic force to remove the floated matter. The contemplated device employs pneumatic force for lifting and blowing the floated matter into an inlet channel. The device is configured to provide substantially uniform airflow across the inlet channel. The inlet channel of the device may also include an adjustable section which allows airflow velocity along the channel to be controlled in a periodic fashion.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Fang Chao
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Patent number: 8101085Abstract: Described is a process for treating an animal husbandry effluent slurry, such as hog manure, containing suspended solid particles. The process includes a) providing a liquid portion of the effluent, b) diluting the liquid to a Newtonian fluid, c) assuring the pH is under 10, d) adding to the fluid i) a soluble salt of alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCl2) and ii) an insoluble basic salt of the same alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCO3) to balance available cations and promote agglomeration of the suspended solid particles, e) adding a cationic coagulant to obtain a pre-treated destabilized colloid mixture with zero zeta potential value, and f) performing electroflotation to obtain a treated liquid and floated solids.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaInventors: Simon Guertin, Daniel Massé, François Lamarche
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Patent number: 8088286Abstract: A gravity separator includes a vessel within which a mixture containing water, oil, and gas can separate under gravity to form vertically discrete oil and water layers and a gas phase. An inlet duct communicates with a vessel entrance for the mixture containing water, oil, and gas. The inlet duct of the gravity separator includes a gas injector that injects a gaseous medium in a volume in the range of from 0.01-1.9 Sm3 of the gaseous medium per 1 m3 of the mixture into the mixture containing water, oil, and gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Norge ASInventor: Jorn Folkvang
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Publication number: 20110315626Abstract: A method and system for treating domestic sewage and organic garbage are provided. The method comprises the steps of: multi-phase separation, retting, generating sewage gas, and optional biological denitrification and dephosphorization, which can convert the domestic sewage and organic garbage into clear water, sewage gas, organic manure and sludge. The system comprises a multi-phase separation device, a retting device, a sewage gas generating device and a biological denitrification and dephosphorization device, which can treat the domestic sewage and organic garbage effectively and environmental friendly to achieve a reduction in pollution emission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: HUGE ASIA LIMITEDInventor: Ming Lu
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Publication number: 20110303613Abstract: This is a new oil spill response process made up of a group of new inventions and or technologies that are new to the oil spill response industry. When used in any combination, these new inventions compliment each other forming a new process for cleaning up oil spills. These new inventions can work by themselves, and or they can work with any of the older equipment, techniques, and or processes for cleaning oil spills.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Timothy Christian Crouse
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Patent number: 8075783Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corp.Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
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Publication number: 20110297620Abstract: A gas flotation separator for use in horizontal tanks, such as those used for oil storage on board Floating Production Storage and Off-loading (FPSO) vessels, includes dividing the tank into a plurality of chambers operating in series. Prior to entering each chamber, the contaminated aqueous phase is mixed with a stream containing gas bubbles to aid in flocculation and flotation of the immiscible phase contaminant. The gas bubble recycle stream can be generated by injecting a controlled rate of a pressurized gas into a liquid stream of the clean produced water in a process external to the tank or by induction of a gas phase internal to the tank. The mixture flows into the first chamber and impinges on an angled inlet water weir. A portion of the immiscible phase and the gas phase rises to the top of the chamber while the remaining immiscible contaminants flow downward with the aqueous phase to the bottom of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Douglas W. Lee, Nicholas Owens