Treating The Insoluble Substance Patents (Class 210/710)
  • Patent number: 5437790
    Abstract: A method for increasing the filtration rate of a precipitate produced from a photographic effluent includes treating the effluent with hydrogen peroxide and an alkaline earth metal salt to form a precipitate and adding to the precipitate a diatomaceous earth filtering aid and then filtering the precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John R. Fyson, Martyn S. Glover, David M. Henson
  • Patent number: 5433853
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel method of removing emulsified oils, dissolved solids and particulates from a water containing liquid wastestream comprising chemically treating the wastestream with an acid, a coagulant, and a flocculant and subsequently flowing such treated wastestream upwardly through a vertical plate pack chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Polybac Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony M. Mamone
  • Patent number: 5417861
    Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: N-Viro International Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 5411569
    Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation and supplementation of animal feedstocks. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Kemiron, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence N. Hjersted
  • Patent number: 5405536
    Abstract: Process for pathogen reduction in waste where dewatered sludge having a solids content in the range of 10-60% is mixed with a selected alkaline additive selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide or calcium carbonate group. Hydration to calcium hydroxide occurs with an attendant release of heat. The pH of the sludge is then elevated and the heat of the hydration reaction is retained. Supplemental heat is added to the sludge, either to preheat the sludge prior to mixing it, or while mixing it, or both, such that effective neutralization of pathogens results. The supplemental heat is added by indirectly heating the sludge by heat generated by electric elements carried either in the mixing member, or by the chamber, or both, with electric power being supplied from outside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Christy
  • Patent number: 5403495
    Abstract: A method for removing dissolved fluoride from waste water involving a multiple stage process which includes a first step of contacting a solution comprising calcium fluoride with a calcium ion source to form a first precipitate and a second step of contacting the first precipitate comprising the calcium ion source with the fluoride-containing waste water solution to form a second precipitate. A first portion of the solution that has been treated directly with the waste water and which contains the second precipitate, is preferably recycled, along with calcium fluoride, to the first step for contact with the calcium ion source. A second portion of the solution treated with the waste water may be transported to a thickener or gravity settling step, and/or to a solids-dewatering step wherein standard filtration equipment may be used to produce a filter cake having a controlled particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. Kust, Surendra K. Mishra, James B. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 5403494
    Abstract: An improved process is provided for the steam conversion of dilute printer ink washup fluids, and especially those of a single color, in order to permit reuse of the ink fraction of the fluids as reconstituted printing inks. Preferably, the washup fluids are acidified to create a pin floc therein, with a final pH of from about 2-7; the acidified fluid is then contacted with a stream of steam in a hydroheater (16) in order to convert the residual ink fraction and permit reconstitution thereof into printing ink. The acidifying agent is preferably an acid polymer or an inorganic acid such as HCl or H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: The Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Cain
  • Patent number: 5403496
    Abstract: A process for stabilizing metals in ash to prevent leaching of the metals is disclosed. The pH of an aqueous slurry of ash is reduced to less than 5 in the presence of an iron salt. The pH-reduced slurry is then treated with an organo sulfur containing compound and an alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide in specific weight proportions relative to the iron salt and to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Drew Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Kramer, Kathleen A. Fix
  • Patent number: 5397478
    Abstract: A highly flexible multi-step treatment technology for chemical fixation and stabilization of leachable chromium, particularly hexavalent chrome, in contaminated soils, solid wastes, concrete, sludge, sand and gravel and waste waters is disclosed. The process comprises reducing hexavalent chromium to chromous (Cr.sup.2+) and chromic (Cr.sup.3+) forms in the presence of water under alkaline conditions and fixing the reduced chromium forms with phosphate.The process reduces Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure chromium levels below the regulatory threshold of 5 mg/l as required by the USEPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhiraj Pal, Karl W. Yost
  • Patent number: 5387405
    Abstract: A secondary polishing process for Bayer Process liquors suspension is described. The polishing process uses a combination of bio-polymers, particularly such bio-carbohydrates as dextran, with an inert insoluble solid, such as a filter aid, to treat the primary red mud settler overflow, then clarifying these treated overflow liquors in a secondary clarifier. Results provide for from 0-20 milligrams per liter suspended solids, often from 0-5 ppm suspended solids, and may make sand filter or Kelly filter operation an option in the Bayer Process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Connelly, Robert P. Mahoney, Ralph W. Kaesler, Robert L. Wetegrove
  • Patent number: 5385673
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater biosolids by destruction of pathogens and indicator organisms to meet or exceed USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards. The method first depresses the pH to below 5, followed by pH increase to 12 or higher, causing an exothermic reaction and heat of hydration. The mixture is placed within a confined volume to maintain the temperature at or above 55.degree. C. for at least two hours. The mixture can be dewatered for a higher percent solid characteristic. The material is then tested and if test results indicate, the material is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for human contact. The biosolid materials are suitable for general nutrient values with minimal regulatory restriction and other beneficial uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hazen and Sawyer, P.C.
    Inventor: Robert E. Fergen
  • Patent number: 5384052
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a preparative technique for concentrating or isolating a surfactant from an oil/water emulsion. First, a an emulsion or sludge sample containing surfactants is separated into separate oil, water and solid phases. Thereafter, water droplets are injected into the oil phase. The water droplets fall through the oil phase, causing surfactant in the oil phase to adhere to said droplets which form a high-internal-phase-ratio (HIPR) water-in-oil emulsion that is rich in surfactants. This emulsion is subsequently separated into an oil and a water phase. The separated surfactant-rich oil phase is then analyzed to obtain information concerning the surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: H. M. Princen, Peter O. Staffeld
  • Patent number: 5382368
    Abstract: In the Invention is directed to a method and apparatus for dewatering sludge wastes discharged from a factory such as pulp factory. Sludge wastes are first dewatered by a preliminary dewatering device such as a pre-thickener of a rotary screen type, sludge discharged from the preliminary dewatering device is then supplied to a main dewatering device such as a screw press. Waste liquid discharged from the preliminary and main dewatering devices are supplied to an agglutinating reaction tank together with a macromolecular agglutinating reagent and agglutinated substances in the agglutinating reaction tank are treated by the main dewatering device. The agglutinated substances formed on the bottom surface of the agglutinating reaction tank can be treated by a second main dewatering device other than the main dewatering device. A necessary amount of the macromolecular agglutinating reagent supplied to the agglutinating reaction tank can be reduced without deteriorating the dewatering efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Fukoku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hachiro Sato
  • Patent number: 5370993
    Abstract: Compounds and methods are disclosed for reversibly aggregating particles suspended in a liquid medium. The method comprises combining the liquid medium containing the particles with a polyionic polymer capable of aggregating the particles under conditions suitable for such aggregation. Thereafter, the particles are contacted with a chemical reagent capable of cleaving the polyionic polymer under conditions sufficient to reverse the aggregation. Optionally, magnetic particles are added to the liquid medium in the present method under conditions for non-specific binding and the medium including the aggregates is subjected to a magnetic field gradient to separate the aggregates from the medium. The compounds of the present invention are polyions. The aggregation of the particles is reversible upon contact with chemical agents which cleave at least some of the bonds within the polyionic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Tarnowski, Cheng-I Lin, Edwin F. Ullman
  • Patent number: 5370800
    Abstract: A method for removing metal compounds from waste water comprising the steps of adjusting the pH of the water to from 5 to 12 and preferably 6 to 9; aerating the waste water; adding a flocculating agent to the water and allowing floccules including metal compounds to form; and separating said floccules including metal compounds from the water. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Sanford M. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5354350
    Abstract: A new slow releasing particulate iron humate agricultural nutrient composition exhibiting substantially complete solubility of its iron content in soil solutions as indicated by neutral citrate solubilities, and almost no solubility in water, and a new method for preparing the composition. The method comprises admixing and coreacting iron humate with about equimolar amounts of a divalent metal oxide, an aqueous hydroxide of a monovalent Lewis acid, and a water soluble inorganic phosphate. The iron humate amounts to between 20 and 70 percent of the nutrient particles, and the reaction is carried out at temperatures between 60.degree. and 150.degree. C. for between 4 and 25 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: The Vigoro Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Patent number: 5352250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating (recycling) lacquer coagulum containing lacquer overspray and layered silicate containing coagulating agents, in which the layered silicate containing paint coagulum is vacuum dried, processed at low temperatures and then ground, and to the use of the processed paint coagulum as a basic component, additive, or filler in lacquers and paints, building materials, sealing materials, car underseal compositions or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Juergen Geke, Lutz Huesemann, Hans-Joergen Rehm
  • Patent number: 5338459
    Abstract: A water treatment method and device can perform a regeneration treatment of the muddy water once used in a water excavation work to decrease its specific gravity for reuse in the water excavation work, and a dehydration treatment of various waste waters such as muddy water from the water excavation work and industrial waste water for final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Daiyo Kiko Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaoru Hirose
  • Patent number: 5320759
    Abstract: A process for selectively recovering dissolved heavy metals from a solution is disclosed that involves selectively reacting a xanthate with such dissolved heavy metals. Selective reaction of a xanthate with selected dissolved heavy metals is accomplished by conducting the reaction under conditions such that only some of the heavy metals react with the xanthate, to the exclusion of reaction with other dissolved heavy metals. Selectivity of the reaction is particularly influenced by the pH at which the reaction occurs. Typically, the reaction should occur at a pH below about 4.0. Xanthates, once reacted, can be separated from the heavy metal xanthate reaction product and recycled for use within the process. Purified heavy metal product can be produced if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Enzo Coltrinari
  • Patent number: 5316748
    Abstract: Generation, use, and treatment of new and unique process waters in or for wet-process phosphoric acid manufacturing to substantially eliminate discharge of contaminants to the environment. Acid pond water from conventional wet-process phosphoric acid manufacturing, contaminated with compositions containing fluorine, heavy metals, and radioactive elements such as radium-226, plus residual P.sub.2 O.sub.5, is superseded. Substantially all contaminants from the wet-process are insolubilized and removed, whereas P.sub.2 O.sub.5 normally lost is recovered. Decontaminated gypsum stack water with a mildly acidic pH results from stepwise raising of wastewater pH, with clarification, and subsequent re-acidification, to provide a decontaminated process water with slightly acidic pH adapted to match the pH of environmental ground water. The process is made more economical, while enhancing protection of surrounding air, soil, and water from contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Gordon F. Palm, R. George Hartig
  • Patent number: 5302180
    Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides which generally provide low iron availability to the plant. A more readily soluble iron humate complex is produced by the reacting and or blending of the iron humate residue with various nitrogen containing sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Kemiron, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence N. Hjersted
  • Patent number: 5302295
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing a solid material, e.g., sludge, from the bottom of a body of water. The method includes the steps of: a) placing a turbidity curtain of water impermeable material about a first minor portion of a body of water, the curtain extending from the surface to the bottom of the body and defining a first cell, b) pumping sludge from the first cell, c) placing a turbidity curtain around a second minor portion of the body of water, the curtain extending from the surface to the bottom of the body and defining a second cell, d) pumping sludge from the second cell after pumping from the first cell has ceased, e) after the resuspended solids in the water in the first cell have been allowed to settle for a predetermined time after pumping, moving the first cell to a different location in the body of water, and f) repeating steps d) and e) with the first cell, after being moved, becoming the second cell and the second cell becoming the first cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: YWC Technologies
    Inventors: Stephen R. Kellogg, Ralph A. Klass
  • Patent number: 5295609
    Abstract: A flexible plastic bottle or container includes a body portion having a peripheral side wall having a cross section with a regular polygon shape, a bottom wall and a top wall; a fill opening in the top wall; a closure removably securable over the fill opening; an integral straw portion formed in the body portion and extending above the top wall, the straw having a dispensing opening at an upper end thereof; and a straw cap attached to the closure for engaging and closing the dispensing opening of the integral straw portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5292456
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating radionuclides and other toxic metal-contaminateThe U.S. government has certain rights in this invention pursuant to Contract Number DE-AC02-76CH00016 between the U.S. Department of Energy and Associated Universities, Inc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Inventors: Arokiasamy J. Francis, Cleveland J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5290454
    Abstract: A process is for removal of suspended solids including resin and fatty acids from pulp mill effluents including Chemi-Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (CTMP) mill effluents. The process involves filtration of untreated or primary treated effluents through a mat of primary sludge, pulp or woodroom sludge. A sludge mat is formed on a wire screen or punched drum and the effluent to be treated is filtered through the mat. Most of the suspended solids and a part of colloidal material and dissolved solids are retained by the mat. Following the filtration stage, the sludge is dewatered and removed. A portion of the sludge is recycled to form the mat for the next filtration cycle, while the excess sludge is purged. The filtration is achieved by the application of vacuum below the filter mat or pressure over mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Pump and Paper Research Institute of Canada
    Inventors: Joseph Dorica, Steven Prahacs, Pritham Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 5288392
    Abstract: A process for converting the acid sludge produced by waste oil refineries into an acid sludge intermediary which can be used in the production of asphaltic mixtures. The process includes contacting the entire surface area of acid sludge with a pH altering agent such as an aqueous inorganic liquid, and separating the liquid layer from the sludge layer, thereby producing an intermediate sludge having properties which make it suitable for use in asphalt production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Santos
  • Patent number: 5279637
    Abstract: A method of converting industrial, domestic or other sludge, into a pelletized or granular fertilizer, as well as a sludge converter for practicing the method. The sludge is dewatered to form sludge cake solids which are dried in a dryer, and then sorted with a sorter into a sorted product comprising oversized, undersized, and standard sized product. A portion of the sorted product is recycled for mixing and sizing in a mixer with the dewatered sludge cake solids. To control dust and odors, cyclones and a condenser remove a substantial portion of the gaseous particulate matter and condensable gases from the converter, and any remaining noncondensates are burned in the heat source flame. A waste oil burning heat source supplies heat energy to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignees: PCL Environmental Inc., Sludge Management, Inc., Riedel Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart T. Lynam, Gerald F. Nelson, David H. Meese, Ronald V. Peterson, Michael G. Ruby, Alan White
  • Patent number: 5275733
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: N-Viro Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 5275509
    Abstract: A method of disposing of photographic fixer and developer. The fixer and developer, preferably in equal quantities, are mixed and the mixture combined with an absorbing polymer which is substantially insoluble in the mixture of photographic fixer and developer. The polymer is capable of absorbing at least approximately 20 times its weight of the electrolytic aqueous base solution of fixer and developer. Once immobilized, the silver precipitates as insoluble silver sulfide and the mixture can be disposed of in a landfill or similar site designed to receive nontoxic waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Isolyser Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis W. Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 5274050
    Abstract: Compositions useful as absorbents for organic liquids are disclosed. A diamine or polyamine is reacted with a polymeric resin that contains phosphonic acid groups to produce the absorbent compositions of the invention. Because the polymeric resin component can be combined with the amine either before or after combination with the organic liquid, the absorbents of the invention can be used in many forms. The polymeric resin component can be processed into any desired form (shaped article, solution), and the di- or polyamine can then be added to generate the absorbent in situ. Unlike spent absorbent compositions of the prior art, those of the invention can be converted to pumpable liquids by heating or by adding a gel-breaking agent to liquify the gel. A useful absorbent is recovered from the liquid by precipitation or distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: ARCO Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventors: Shao H. Guo, Roger A. Grey
  • Patent number: 5273661
    Abstract: A method for treating waste water such as that from an industrial processing facility comprising the separation of the waste water into a dilute waste stream and a concentrated waste stream. The concentrated waste stream is treated chemically to enhance precipitation and then allowed to separate into a sludge and a supernate. The supernate is skimmed or filtered from the sludge and blended with the dilute waste stream to form a second dilute waste stream. The sludge remaining is mixed with cementitious material, rinsed to dissolve soluble components, then pressed to remove excess water and dissolved solids before being allowed to cure. The dilute waste stream is also chemically treated to decompose carbonate complexes and metal ions and then mixed with cationic polymer to cause the precipitated solids to flocculate. Filtration of the flocculant removes sufficient solids to allow the waste water to be discharged to the surface of a stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: John B. Pickett, Hollis L. Martin, Christine A. Langton, Willie W. Harley
  • Patent number: 5269939
    Abstract: A waste stream such as from an animal or poultry processing plant is mixed with bentonite or Grafted Bentonite and then with liquid Chitosan as natural flocculents to form a rigid floc which removes fats, oils, greases, and/or proteins from the waste stream. The flocculated solids (sludge) is removed and dried, and either formed into granules or pellets. The recovered material may be used as animal feed, when appropriate. However, it is particularly useful when mixed with coal fines and pelletized to form fuel pellets or used in granule form as a fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Edward L. Laurent, Patricia D. Laurent
  • Patent number: 5266210
    Abstract: Wastewater contaminated with heavy metals is treated in a multi-stage process. In a first stage, wastewater is treated with an effective amount of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide in the form of lime to adjust the pH so that various metals in the water become insoluble. Gypsum formation may also occur if sulfate ions are present in the wastewater. In a second stage, an effective amount of sodium carbonate is added in the form of soda ash to allow formation of calcium carbonate. In a third stage, a coagulant, preferably a polymer, is added to facilitate the formation of a sludge comprising heavy metals, gypsum and calcium carbonate. In a final stage, the pH of the resulting effluent may be adjusted with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to attain acceptable discharge requirements. The sludge formed is substantially stable and dewatered and has low toxic metal leaching characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: McLaughlin Water Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5264135
    Abstract: A method for treating the sludge from industrial wastewater streams which contain soluble metals by adding to the sludge an effective amount of a metal complexing agent sufficient to inhibit leaching of the metal from the sludge solids into the environment. The metal complexing agents comprise diethylcarbamate, dimethyldithiocarbamate, and sodium trithiocarbonate or salts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Mohn
  • Patent number: 5262062
    Abstract: A decontamination treatment of process water is disclosed herein originating from electroplating/metal finishing and etching operations wherein the process water is loaded with heavy metal ions. The inventive process combines predetermined quantities of alkali/acid solutions together with a quantity of Sodium Humate so as to produce a disposable sludge which is environmentally safe and poses the least risk for leeching of harmful metals from the resultant sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Analytical Liquid Waste Systems
    Inventor: Kasi V. Gabbita
  • Patent number: 5259975
    Abstract: A method for treating the sludge from industrial wastewater streams which contain soluble metals by adding to the sludge an effective amount of a metal complexing agent sufficient to inhibit leaching of the metal from the sludge solids into the environment. The metal complexing agent comprises tolyltriazole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Mohn
  • Patent number: 5227073
    Abstract: In a method of dewatering suspensions or the like slurry-like mixtures, in particular waste water slurries, fed to a belt filter press formed by filter belts, with the waste water slurry, is a crumbly dry substance which has been produced by drying from the solids discharge of the belt filter press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Alb. Klein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wendel Bastgen, Otto Klein, deceased
  • Patent number: 5213692
    Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides which generally provide low iron availability to the plant. A more readily soluble iron humate complex is produced by the reacting and or blending of the iron humate residue with various nitrogen containing sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Kemiron, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence N. Hjersted
  • Patent number: 5204007
    Abstract: Method for removing suspended solids from a stream of waste water for subsequent use as an animal feed, wherein bentonite and an anionic polymer are added to the waste water which is maintained within a predetermined pH range. No metallic salts or other materials unacceptable as food additives are added to the waste water stream to facilitate flocculation of the bentonite and suspended solids. The pH range, maintained from 3.5 to 9.0 and optimally from 4.0 to 5.0, facilitates the coagulation of the suspended solids without the use of the metallic salts or other such additives. Microscopic air bubbles are used to float the flocculated bentonite and solids to the surface. In some cases the materials may be floated by gravity forces alone without the use of air bubbles. These floated materials are removed by skimmers or other top-floating solids removing apparatus commonly known in the industry and rendered into animal feed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignees: Kenneth L. Mosley, Hans E. Lundgren
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Mosley, Hans E. Lundgren
  • Patent number: 5200085
    Abstract: According to the process the sludge is homogenized and heated to 30.degree.-60.degree. C. temperature. The heated sludge is circulated under 2-4 bar overpressure, and its temperature is raised to about 130.degree.-150.degree. C. in 1-2 sec by conducting steam of 130.degree.-151.degree. C. and 2-4 bar pressure directly into the sludge, thus granulation is brought about in the sludge. The sludge of increased temperature--while its temperature and pressure maintained--is further circulated for about 60-300 sec. Then, the sludge is adiabatically expanded in 1-2 sec by reducing the pressure to about 0.01-0.02 bar. The expanded sludge is separated to water, fat containing water and solid impurity and wet solid phase containing protein.It is characteristic to the apparatus that it is provided with device for heating the sludge, and pipe (18) for passing on the heated sludge connected with the heating unit (5) where an expansion valve is built in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Richter Gedeon Vegyeszeti Gyar Rt.
    Inventors: Peter Rudolf, Bela Szabo, Ferenc Janko, Erzsebet Neszmelyi, Janos Illes, Istvan Takacs, Ferenc Havas, Gyorgy Bende
  • Patent number: 5200086
    Abstract: A method for treating and resolving a phosphorus containing oily waste emulsion is described. The treatment uses an emulsion destabilizing cationic polymer of low molecular weight in combination with filter aids to form a coacervate slurry. The coacervate slurry can be optionally treated with either high molecular weight anionic or cationic coagulents, or combination thereof. The suspended solids formed by the above treatments are removed from the slurries and wasted or discarded or incinerated. The remaining liquids may be recycled, reused, or treated as effluent meeting environmental standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jitendra T. Shah, Thomas M. Miller, John H. Collins
  • Patent number: 5171452
    Abstract: Phosphoric acid wastewater treatment to substantially eliminate discharge of contaminants to the environment. Acid pond water from conventional wet-phosphoric acid manufacturing is replaced by gypsum pond water having a pH closely matching that of the surroundings. Essentially all fluorides are insolubilized and substantially all phosphoric acid is recovered, minimizing loss to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventors: Gordon F. Palm, R. George Hartig
  • Patent number: 5167821
    Abstract: A method for efficiently thickening and dewatering a slurry sludge in a short period of time without the necessity of a vast site, which comprises the steps of: stirring a slurry sludge added with a coagulant in a stirring tank to convert the slurry sludge into a floc; supplying the floc and a superantant liquid, which are produced in the stirring tank, onto an inlet side of an inclined endless travelling filter cloth of an endless travelling filter cloth type dewatering unit, which comprises a dewatering tank and the above-mentioned inclined endless travelling filter cloth arranged in the dewatering tank; continuously travelling the thus supplied floc, on the endless travelling filter cloth, toward an exit side thereof; thickening the floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located in the supernatant liquid in the dewatering tank, and dewatering the thus thickened floc on a portion of the endless travelling filter cloth, which portion is located above the surface of the sup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignees: Norihito Tambo, NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Norihito Tanbo, Hiromu Fukano, Yasuhiko Kihara
  • Patent number: 5160440
    Abstract: Procedure for dewatering sewage sludge comprising the steps of subjecting pumpable sludge to chemical pretreatment with addition of a flocculation agent, pre-dewatering the chemically pretreated sludge by gravity filtration and conveying the pre-dewatered sludge by gravity, dewatering the pre-dewatered sludge by pressure filtration to form a sludge cake, crumbling the sludge cake to obtain sludge cake pieces, and drying the sludge cake pieces. After the dewatering step, so hard sludge cake is formed that after crumbling the sludge cake pieces are obtained which maintain their shape in accumulated consistency. A plant for the execution of the procedure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Josef Merai
  • Patent number: 5143653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for immobilizing, by an hydraulic binder, radioactive ion exchange resins or IER, which can contain borates in a quantity which can reach up to the equivalent of 1000 g H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 /kg of dry IER, wherein the IER are decanted and then placed in contact for a maximum of three hours with an eluant solution of 100 to 300 g/l in Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 in the proportion of 1 to 2 l/kg of decanted IER, an hydraulic binder of low hydration heat being added to the medium of pH.gtoreq.9 so that the ratio of the water of the eluant solution to the binder (by weight) is between 0.3 and 0.5 and that the incorporation rate:dry IER/final product (by weight) is between 3% and 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme: Societe Generale pour les Techniques Nouvelles-SGN
    Inventors: Guy Magnin, Marie-Francoise Magnin, Veronique Aubert
  • Patent number: 5078899
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method of treating mine water to remove ferric hydroxide comprises:combining acidic mine water with a predetermined amount of a fatty oil to produce a mixture;agitating the mixture for a first predetermined period of time to agglomerate solid ferric hydroxide and oil;allowing the agitated mixture to settle within a vessel for a second predetermined period of time to cause agglomerated ferric hydroxide and oil to rise to an upper level of the agitated mixture to provide a settled mixture of agglomerated hydroxide and oil floating atop remaining liquid therebelow; andseparating the agglomerated ferric hydroxide and oil at the upper level of the settled mixture from the remaining liquid.The process can also be conducted under such conditions that most all of the zinc follows the ferric hydroxide into the agglomerate phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Garrison
  • Patent number: 5076846
    Abstract: An aqueous suspension of minerals and/or fillers and/or pigments having a solid content .gtoreq.60% by weight, the mineral or the filler or the pigment being dispersed with one or more dispersing agents, is characterized in that the dispersing agent contains one or more amphoteric polyelectrolytes and/or cationic polyelectrolytes and/or amphoteric cationoic polyelectrolytes and/or amphoteric anionic polyelectrolytes and/or partially neutralized anionic polyelectrolytes and/or partially neutralized amphoteric anionic polyelectrolytes, the filler and/or pigment and/or mineral particles carrying a charge neutral or positive to the outside.Furthermore is disclosed a process characterized in that a part of the polyelectrolytes according to the invention is added before the grinding, a part thereof may be added during the grinding and a part thereof may be added after the grinding. According to the invention grinding and dispersing is achieved in only one process step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Pluss-Staufer AG
    Inventors: Matthias Buri, Daniel Frey
  • Patent number: 5073271
    Abstract: The soot obtained in the form of a soot-containing aqueous waste liquor in the course of synthesis gas manufacture is utilizable bya) mixing said liquor in a sewage sludge treatment plant with a sewage sludge to which organic flocculants are added as drainage aids with or without a further quantity of finely divided coal or ash,b) filtering this pretreated sludge mixture,c) incinerating the resulting filter cake andd) burying the ash in a sanitary landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Sander, Siegfried Marquardt, Uwe Kempe, Wolfgang Vodrazka, Gero Lueth
  • Patent number: 5066386
    Abstract: The present invention provides a facile method of oil removal from an oil-water emulsion containing suspended solid particulates. In general, the method utilizes a volatile solvent which is liquefied under pressure and forms a two-phase system when in contact with the emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Paspek, Christopher P. Eppig
  • Patent number: RE33998
    Abstract: A completely integrated and automated apparatus by which liquid sewage sludge from any sewage or waste treatment plant may be processed into a completely dry, pelletized and sterilized product of an organic nature containing nutrients valuable for the support of plant life. The apparatus involves one completely integrated and automated unit together with a control center by means of which electric circuits program each component of the apparatus to automatically regulate the operation of each component, so that no labor or other manpower is required in the operation, except for observation, lubrication, maintenance and repair of the various motors and machineries involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Quentin L. Hampton