Including Recycling Patents (Class 210/712)
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Patent number: 7264729Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the contaminants in condensate resulting from the conversion of bauxite to alumina.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLCInventor: Emmett R. Yawn
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Patent number: 7255794Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, LLCInventors: Michael D. Max, John P. Osegovic
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Patent number: 7247242Abstract: Methods for removing arsenic from water by addition of inexpensive and commonly available magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, or calcium hydroxide to the water. The hydroxide has a strong chemical affinity for arsenic and rapidly adsorbs arsenic, even in the presence of carbonate in the water. Simple and commercially available mechanical methods for removal of magnesium hydroxide particles with adsorbed arsenic from drinking water can be used, including filtration, dissolved air flotation, vortex separation, or centrifugal separation. A method for continuous removal of arsenic from water is provided. Also provided is a method for concentrating arsenic in a water sample to facilitate quantification of arsenic, by means of magnesium or calcium hydroxide adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Robert C. Moore, D. Richard Anderson
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Patent number: 7244360Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventor: Young I. Cho
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Patent number: 7244361Abstract: A metals/minerals recovery and waste treatment process comprising a main separation stage in which a metal/mineral-bearing ore is slurried with water and separated into an enriched fraction and an aqueous metal/mineral waste fraction, and a waste sedimentation stage in which the aqueous metal/mineral waste fraction is sedimented in one or more settling lagoons to provide a thickened sediment layer and supernatant; and the waste sedimentation stage comprises feeding the aqueous metal/mineral waste into a solids contact vessel or other flocculating chamber, wherein the aqueous metal/mineral waste is diluted with water containing one or more flocculant(s) at more than one concentration, one of which concentrations is at least 10 times higher than the other, within the SCV, flocculating the diluted aqueous waste, and sedimenting the diluted and flocculated aqueous waste to provide a liquid supernatant layer and a pumpable thickened sediment layer in a settling basin.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments Ltd.Inventor: Patrick Joseph Dwyer
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Patent number: 7220360Abstract: This invention offers an integrated technology in sequential treatment of wastewater. Low biodegradable organics and heavy metal ions are both contained in wastewater from surface finishing processes. The aim of the invention is to find the solution for treatment of organics and heavy metal ions in complicated wastewater that contains organics and heavy metal ions sequentially. Low biodegradable organics are oxidized by a fenton process with pH ranging from 2 to 5 and temperature ranging from 20° C. to 100° C. Heavy metal ions are then treated by a ferrite process with pH ranging from 8 to 12 and temperature ranging from 20° C. to 100° C. The integrated technology of the fenton process and the ferrite process (2FP) is advantageous to treat the wastewater from surface finishing processes, decrease the production of iron sludge caused in the fenton process and increase the quality of ferrite products.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: National Cheng Kung UniversityInventors: Hung-Ta Chen, Min-Shing Tsai, Juu-En Chang, Tsair-Fuh Lin, Ting-Che Hsiao, Jun-Yi Wu, You-Shen Chen
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Patent number: 7166227Abstract: A method of treating, in wastewater purification, sludge containing organic matter, divalent iron and phosphorus, in which the sludge that is treated is made to contain dissolved iron and phosphorus at a molar ratio Fe:P of above 1:1, the sludge is treated at 0–100° C. with an acid at a pH of 1–5 for dissolution of divalent iron and phosphorus from the sludge, the sludge is supplied with an oxidizer selected from hydrogen peroxide and percompounds, wherein divalent iron is oxidized by Fenton's reaction to trivalent iron, and (i) trivalent iron is precipitated as trivalent iron phosphate (ii) free radicals with a deodorization and sanitation effect are formed by Fenton's reaction, the sludge is then dewatered at a pH of at most 7, and the aqueous solution obtained in dewatering is recirculated to the wastewater purification.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Kemira Kemi ABInventors: Göran Karlsson, Ingemar Karsson, Lennart Pettersson, Michael Recktenwald
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Patent number: 7157007Abstract: A system for separating oil and/or oily coated solids from an oily water mixture. The system includes an upright vessel having an inlet for introducing oily water in a horizontal pattern. The vessel also has a water outlet in a lower portion of the vessel and an oil outlet. An eductor is positioned within a lower portion of the vessel and is arranged to disseminates small gas bubbles in a radial, substantially horizontal pattern and substantially uniformly over the full cross-sectional area of the vessel. The bubbles migrate upwardly against the downward flow of oily water within the vessel and attach to oil droplets and/or oily coated solids augmenting the buoyancy thereof, and thereby enhancing oily contaminant separation from water. A two-stage oil skimmer bucket is located in a top portion of the vessel by which separated oil is collected and discharged through the oil outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: National Tank CompanyInventors: Theodore C. Frankiewicz, Chang-Ming Lee
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Patent number: 7157008Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream before entering the reaction chamber and a buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber. Since some of the buffered sidestream is re-circulated, a fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. Continued sidestream water entry mixes with the fluid bed causing additional precipitation of solids. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer, resulting in a softer, more readily drainable fluid bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
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Patent number: 7083718Abstract: A water boiler system for producing steam or hot water includes an apparatus for removing dissolved minerals from the boiler water without the use of water softeners or other chemical treatment agents. An electromagnetic flux producing device first treats water of the boiler system with alternating electromagnetic flux to cause nucleation of dissolved minerals in the bulk boiler water, rather than on boiler surfaces, with nucleated particles then accumulating into particulates which settle by gravity to a low area of the boiler. Water is continuously drained from the low area of the boiler and fed by a pump to a mechanical separator which continuously separates solids from the drain water and continuously passes cleansed water at a high temperature back to the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Clearwater Systems Corp.Inventor: Rudolph T. Beaupre
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Patent number: 7037432Abstract: A clarification system for fluids in which particles are separated from the fluid by flotation and in which the buoyant media inducing the flotation is recycled. Flotation can be assisted by a flotation assistance device, such as dissolved air flotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: The F.B. Leopold Co., Inc.Inventors: Andrew Eades, Jeffrey Penno
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Patent number: 7037434Abstract: A water stream containing hardness minerals is subjected to a water treatment process using an alkali agent to precipitate the hardness minerals and to produce a softened water stream is used to create an integrated water treatment and flue gas desulfurization process. Thereafter, the softened, alkaline water stream is utilized in a scrubber to scrub a flue gas containing sulfur dioxide to produce a sulfur-lean flue gas. The invention may be applied to a steam-based bitumen recovery operation where bitumen, sour produced gas or other sulfur containing fuels are burned for producing steam for bitumen recovery. More specifically, the associated produced water from the bitumen recovery process may be softened for re-use and for utilization as a scrubbing agent for high-sulfur containing flue gas arising from the steam generators. The process provides an economically favorable process while minimizing waste disposal requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Ronald D. Myers, Mainak Ghosh, John B. MacLeod, Michael K. Bridle
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Patent number: 7022240Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site treatment and reclamation of oil and gas well waste water or fracturing fluids. The mobile treatment process and apparatus provide both chemical precipitation and filtration to treat the drilling fluid waste to a technically and environmentally acceptable level allowing for reuse. Alkaline treating agents are applied to the drilling waste fluids, as they are pumped through the treatment apparatus, to increase the pH of the fluid waste to a preferred pH range and to also cause selective soluble contaminants in the fluids to form a precipitate. The waste fluid is allowed to clarify as the precipitate of insoluble contaminants, through flocculation, settle and form a sludge at the bottom of the drilling pit. The clarified fluids are then filtered to satisfy applicable industry and environmental requirements.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Hart Resource Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul John Hart, Rebecca K. Snyder
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Patent number: 7008544Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael D. Max
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Patent number: 7001524Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. This invention is a means of keeping the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside the water heater by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate tank connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Steven Clay Moore
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Patent number: 6986358Abstract: The levels of iron sulfide present in a conduit, such as a pipeline, are reduced by contacting the conduit, on an inner surface, with a composition obtained from an aqueous solution containing at least one compound of Formula (I) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative in the presence of a solvent, wherein X is an anion of valency n. Preferably, the pH of the solution is about 8. Alternatively, the method employs a composition comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (TRIS) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative. The amine preferably is ammonia or a primary alkylamine. The compositions readily complex and thereby dissolve deposits of iron(II) sulfide, removing them from the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Synergy Chemical Inc.Inventors: Mark Andrew Mattox, Edward J. Valente
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Patent number: 6977048Abstract: A method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oil component and an aqueous component. The method includes: mixing the invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion clearing agent, wherein the emulsion clearing agent is a mixture of an anionic tensid and a non-ionic tensid; and separating the oil component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaking agent that is a combination of an anionic tensid, a non-ionic tensid and an alkyl polyglycoside tensid.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: M-I LLCInventors: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller, Juergen Rudolph
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Patent number: 6969467Abstract: In hydrate-based desalination or other water purification conducted using naturally buoyant or trapped-gas-assisted buoyancy hydrate in a hydrate fractionation column, a portion of fresh or purified product water is extracted from an upper, hydrate dissociation region of the fractionation column and reintroduced into a lower portion of the fractionation column at a point above but generally near a product water/saline water interface. The difference in density between the reintroduced product water and the fluid in the hydrate fractionation column above the point of reintroduction (water, hydrate, and gas) drives a natural circulation system which enhances the rate at which hydrate rises into the hydrate dissociation region.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael D. Max, Jens Korsgaard
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Patent number: 6942809Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating soybean refinery wastewater. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for treating soybean refinery wastewater with an aqueous iron salt solution to produce purified water. An aqueous iron salt solution is admixed with soybean refinery wastewater, the resulting mixture is agitated and passed through at least one filter device to form a filtered effluent, and the pH of the filtered effluent is adjusted to a value below about 8 to form purified water.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: IP Holdings, L.L.C.Inventor: Dick Copeland
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Patent number: 6896816Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for separating contaminants from waste material including waste water derived from a chemical processing or manufacturing plant, such as the waste water from a coconut processing plant. The separation method and apparatus involves the use of a mixer to aerate a partially treated waste water material prior to mixing the aerated material with a new supply of waste water to aerate the waste water feed supply for admission to a separation vessel in which the contaminants of the waste water are collected as sludge at the top of the aerated zone for disposal. The treated waste water now substantially free of contaminants is collected in a clean zone for discharge or recirculation. Prior to discharge the partially treated waste water in the clean zone can be recycled through a recirculation loop containing the mixer. The recirculation loop can be operated independently of the rate of supply of new waste water.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Alcos Technologies Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Michael Everton
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Patent number: 6881349Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: M-I LLCInventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
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Patent number: 6858093Abstract: A composition and method for treating oversprayed paints in paint spray booths is provided. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a compound such as chitosan, and a complex metal salt, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, capable of flocculating the oversprayed paint, and optionally, bentonite clay. The composition is useful for detackifying and flocculating oversprayed paint, and is particularly useful as a liquid concentrate for the addition to wash systems in paint spray booths for water-based and solvent-based paints. The composition is also useful in decreasing the time for phase separation of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in solvent-based removal processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Albu, Phillip J. Beauchamp
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Patent number: 6821439Abstract: Water purification using organic salts. Feed water is mixed with at least one organic salt at a temperature sufficiently low to form organic salt hydrate crystals and brine. The crystals are separated from the brine, rinsed, and melted to form an aqueous solution of organic salt. Some of the water is removed from the aqueous organic salt solution. The purified water is collected, and the remaining more concentrated aqueous organic salt solution is reused.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Robert P. Currier
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Patent number: 6776914Abstract: A process for treating liquid septage and other biosolids having the steps of placing a known amount of liquid septage in a tank, mixing in a sufficient quantity of alkaline material to raise the pH to a desired level, flocculating the septage, storing the pH adjusted septage for a predetermined period of time, thickening the septage, de-watering the septage, and pasteurizing the resultant liquid effluent and de-watered solids cake. The process for treating liquid septage and biosolids disclosed by the current invention meets the Class A vector attractant reduction and pathogen reduction requirements mandated by the U.S. EPA. The end product of septage and other biosolids treated using the process disclosed by the current invention can be sold as fertilizer, and utilized without any additional permits.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Roger A. Hickey
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Patent number: 6773603Abstract: A pre-filtration apparatus and system using dissolved oxygen ozone-treated water processed through an oxygen saturator having a flow distributor for even distribution of the water. Fully saturating the water with excess oxygen and injecting this high-pressure mixture into a blender have a lower pressure atmosphere to produce a plurality of micro-bubbles known as white-water. Influent water enter the blender through nozzles aligned with the injection of the high-pressure water to blend with the white-water. The blend passes into a hydrocyclone separator from the bottom, spirals up separating waste water from the clean water. Clean water is discharged; waste water is passed to a recovery unit for further processing and recycled. Volatile gas from dissolved toxic chemicals adsorbed by the micro-bubbles is discharged through a carbon filter recovery process.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Intellectual Capital Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Jack Moorehead, Joseph T. Lodico
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Patent number: 6746592Abstract: A method for the reduction of soluble aluminum species in an evaporated salt alkali metal halide brine containing up to 500 ppb aluminum species to provide a brine feedstock suitable for use in a chlor-alkali membrane cell process, said method comprising treating said brine with a magnesium salt in an amount to provide a Mg to Al molar ratio selected from 5-20 to 1 at a Mg concentration selected from 0.5-10 ppm, and sufficient alkali metal hydroxide to provide an excess alkalinity concentration of between 0.1-0.5 g/L alkali metal hydroxide to effect precipitation of a magnesium aluminum hydroxide complex; and removing said complex to provide said brine feedstock.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Kvaerner Canada, Inc.Inventors: Felix Mok, R. Ganapathy Subramanian
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Patent number: 6689277Abstract: In the typical embodiments disclosed in the specification, a ballasted flocculation liquid treatment arrangement includes a mixing chamber in which liquid to be treated, flocculating agents and granular material are mixed. The mixture is supplied to the bottom of a flocculating chamber adjacent to the mixing chamber through an opening in a common wall between the chambers and is maintained in suspension in the flocculating chamber by turbulence generated by a rotating blade array. Ballasted flocs are transferred from the flocculation chamber to an adjacent sludge tank through a first opening in a common wall between them and liquid which contains lighter flocs is returned to the flocculation chamber through a second opening in the common wall. Liquid from the flocculation chamber passes upwardly through a turbulence control arrangement where flocs and particulates are substantially removed and into a clarification chamber where clarified liquid is passed over a weir to an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Parkson CorporationInventor: Philip Streat
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Patent number: 6685802Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process and an apparatus (1) for removing dissolved and undissolved solids and/or high boiling point liquid contaminants from a mixture of miscible liquids (9). A recycle liquor stream (6) is fed at high velocity through a heat exchanger having a single flow path (12) and the heat added by the heat exchanger is sufficient to vaporize the feed stream (2) when the recycle liquor and feed stream are mixed upon delivery to the separation vessel (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Craig Nazzer
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Patent number: 6682655Abstract: A method for recovering usable material from waste concrete is herein described. Specifically, waste concrete is mixed with water containing hydration stabilization admixtures, forming an aggregate slurry. The aggregates are then removed from the slurry for recycling. The slurry itself is then used for mixing with additional waste concrete, during which time the density of the slurry is monitored and action taken to ensure that the density of the slurry remains within acceptable parameters. The slurry is then used in place of fresh water when preparing subsequent batches of concrete.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Knelson Patents Inc.Inventors: David James Beckham, Alan Joseph Lowe, Michael John Fullam
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Patent number: 6666973Abstract: A method is provided for fixing and eliminating fluorine and phosphorus in waste water wherein the waste water includes a fluorophosphate compound in which hydrochloric acid is added to the waste water including the fluorophosphate compound. The waste water to which hydrochloric acid has been added is heated in order to decompose the fluorophosphate compound into hydrogen fluoride and phosphoric acid, while hydrogen chloride gas located within a treating vessel in which the waste water is contained is introduced into a condenser provided outside of the treating vessel, and then a calcium salt is added to the waste water after decomposition in order to fix and eliminate fluorine and phosphorus.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Stella Chemifa Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirohisa Kikuyama, Toshirou Fukudome, Masayuki Miyashita
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Patent number: 6641741Abstract: Chloride is selectively isolated as NaCl from N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid process wastes by evaporative crystallization of the caustic neutralized brine.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLCInventor: Scott G Phillips
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Patent number: 6635182Abstract: The present invention is a floatation process and associated apparatus for removing heavy metal waste from various effluent water streams. The process and apparatus generally introduces a population of fine diameter air bubbles and one or more flocculating chemicals into an effluent stream to produce buoyant floc structures that include the heavy metals and that can be removed from the effluent stream. The present invention provides a reliable, cost-effective means of removing heavy metals from effluent water streams.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Industrial Waste Water Services, LLPInventor: C. Lamar Coleman, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030173305Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for separating contaminants from waste material including waste water derived from a chemical processing or manufacturing plant, such as the waste water from a coconut processing plant. The separation method and apparatus involves the use of a mixer to aerate a partially treated waste water material prior to mixing the aerated material with a new supply of waste water to aerate the waste water feed supply for admission to a separation vessel in which the contaminants of the waste water are collected as sludge at the top of the aerated zone for disposal. The treated waste water now substantially free of contaminants is collected in a clean zone for discharge or recirculation. Prior to discharge the partially treated waste water in the clean zone can be recycled through a recirculation loop containing the mixer. The recirculation loop can be operated independently of the rate of supply of new waste water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Michael Everton
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Patent number: 6582610Abstract: A method for treating a fluid slurry with concrete grindings to separate constituents thereof, the constituents including water, sand and cement particles, the method including removing solids (e.g. large concrete fragments, rock, etc.) from fluid slurry with vibratory separation apparatus, the vibratory separation apparatus having screen apparatus for separating materials, the vibratory separation apparatus producing wet solids flowing off the top of the screen apparatus and a fluid stream containing water and cement particles, the fluid stream discharged beneath the screen apparatus, feeding at least a portion of the fluid stream to centrifuge apparatus, and separating cement particles from the fluid stream with the centrifuge apparatus and producing a stream of water with the centrifuge apparatus; and re-usable cement particles recovered using such a method.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Clifton T. Williams, Barry Lynn Sorteberg
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Patent number: 6555010Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining colloid-forming metal particles from an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form. In accordance with this process, an aqueous mine waste solution containing that metal in ionic form is provided having a pH value of about 4.0 to about 6.5. The solution is electrified with direct current a about 1.2 to about 2.0 volts to reduce the desired metal ions to colloidal metal particles. A slurry of cellulose particles is agitatingly added to the colloid composition followed by a flocculant to form a solid phase cellulosic floc containing the colloid. The solid and liquid phases are separated, and the solid phase is dried, fluxed and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the flux and colloid and form larger metal particles that can then be recovered. The colloid-forming metal is preferably gold.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Keith Barrett
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Patent number: 6547970Abstract: A method for the treatment of a wiping solution, characterized by including: adding a flocculant to a used wiping solution for flocculation of ink contained in said used wiping solution; filtering said used wiping solution for separation of said used wiping solution into sludge and a filtrate; heating said filtrate to produce distilled water and a concentrated solution; returning said distilled water for recycling to serve as a raw material of a wiping solution; and heating said concentrated solution for separation of said concentrated solution into steam and a solid residue. An apparatus for performing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Komori CorporationInventor: Nobuyoshi Shinoda
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Patent number: 6497794Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems L.L.C.Inventor: Michael David Max
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Publication number: 20020190004Abstract: A method for removing a solute from a fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation includes magnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation; adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or after application of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate the increased available solute particles to form colloids; and collecting the colloids for removal from the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Ionel Wechsler, Peter G. Marston
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Patent number: 6495050Abstract: A treating method and apparatus for treating a manganese containing water by crystalizing and removing a soluble manganese in a water to be treated containing carbonic acid ions by passing the water to be treated as an upward flow through a fluidized bed reaction tower having no support bed and containing manganese sand as a fluidized bed material and by adjusting a pH value of the water to be treated in said fluidized bed. A suspended manganese is also removed together with said soluble manganese in the water to be treated by forming a suspended solid in the water to be treated into a layer on said manganese sand fluidized bed by removing said layer of suspended solid. Further, a desired quantity of the treated water is introduced into the water to be treated for circulatory use.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Junichi Nomura, Shinichiro Egawa
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Patent number: 6471871Abstract: A batch or continuous process for the removal by flocculation of silicon and heavy metal contamination from aqueous waste streams by the addition of an aluminum salt, particularly, aqueous streams recycled as electrolyte in the electrolytic production of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorates. The process is particularly suited to the removal of heavy metals and silicon contamination in an electrolyte recycled to an electrolytic cell subsequent to the removal by crystallization of a chlorate salt. An aluminum salt, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and polyaluminum chlorides including polyaluminum chloride sulfates is effective as a flocculating agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Finnchem USA, IncInventor: Charles L. Pitzer
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Patent number: 6447687Abstract: The present invention relates to a sludge treatment plant in which sludge is flocculated and then dewatered to form a cake and a reject liquor is modified by recycling 3 to 40% of the reject liquor into the sludge immediately before the dewatering process.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemcials Water Treatments Ltd.Inventors: Edward H Winn, Dewey W Hunter
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Patent number: 6423234Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using halogen, e.g. chlorine donors to prevent the accumulation of undesirable chlorinated by-products. The feed rate of a chlorine donor is controlled for maintaining a desired ORP. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP range expanded by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The rate of oxidation is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of the undesirable by-products. Treatment removes the by-products from the water and surrounding air by maintaining continuous breakpoint halogenation conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventor: Roy Martin
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Publication number: 20020088758Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the treatment of water and wastewater. In one embodiment, a method of treating water according to the present invention includes mixing sludge and precipitant with the water to be treated, mixing ballast with the water, and separating the water into treated water and sludge. Some or all of the separated sludge may be recycled for mixing with the precipitant and water to be treated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Charles D. Blumenschein, Kashi Banerjee
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Patent number: 6416672Abstract: Small amorphous silica particles are used to provide a relatively large surface area upon which silica will preferentially adsorb, thereby preventing or substantially reducing scaling caused by deposition of silica on evaporative cooling tower components, especially heat exchange surfaces. The silica spheres are contacted by the cooling tower water in a sidestream reactor, then separated using gravity separation, microfiltration, vacuum filtration, or other suitable separation technology. Cooling tower modifications for implementing the invention process have been designed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: William S. Midkiff
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Patent number: 6409926Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using a combination of halogen, e.g. chlorine donors and peroxygen, e.g. potassium monopersulfate. The peroxygen compound elevates the oxidation-reduction potential of the body of water being treated. Simultaneously, a halogen donor is added to the body of water to maintain a PPM level of free halogen sufficient to insure sanitization. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP effective range expanded to 700-850 mv by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The feed rates and concentrations of both oxidizers are optimized so as to achieve and maintain the targeted parameters. A high level of oxidation is maintained which removes by-products from the water and surrounding air.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventor: Roy Martin
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Patent number: 6387275Abstract: A pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for recycling exhaust water, for purifying exhaust water to a water quality acceptable to ordinary water-purification equipment, has advantages of small space occupation, low energy consumption, and lower cost. By providing a mixing piping with coarse interior, a series of closed micro continuous stirred tank reactors can be established inside the pipe to form plenty of turbulent regions for thoroughly mixing the chemical and the exhaust water. Flocculent gels that carry pollutants and particles of the exhaust water then can be removed by a filtering unit, for purifying the exhaust water. Also, by providing a modified silt density index, the pollution of a sample water can be clearly scaled and monitored.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Chang Chang, Shih-Cheng Lin, Hsing-Fen Tsai
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Patent number: 6383398Abstract: A remediation agent and process produces a treated water that meets discharge standards required by local regulations and generates stabilized waste which does not require further treatment prior to disposal. The composition of the treatment chemical is applicable to the treatment of industrial wastewaters and more specifically those from automobile production, metal finishing, metal processing, oil refineries, textiles, wood treatment, tannery, circuit board manufacturing, and other miscellaneous industrial waste streams from operations such as paints, coatings, adhesives, soap and detergents, chemicals, and food processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Sultan I. Amer
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Patent number: 6358423Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating and conditioning circulated rolling oil, comprising removing dirt and abrasion particles from the returned rolling oil by filtration, feeding filter aids in a controlled manner, and adjusting an electric conductivity preventing electrostatic charging in the purified rolling oil. So that conductivity additives can be omitted, a flocculating agent is employed as the filter aid, and the amounts in which the agent is added depends on the residual contamination remaining in the filtrate, so that a preset minimum conductivity caused by the remaining residual contamination is preserved in the filtrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Achenbach Bushchhütten GmbHInventors: Axel Barten, Arnt Kohlrausch
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Publication number: 20020030012Abstract: A process is provided to create a treated recycle stream through pre-treatment and solids separation for reuse in animal feeding operations without odors and creates a treated liquid effluent that can be stored for reuse, or can be land applied without odors and is free from pathogens and nutrients. Additionally the methods describe a means of converting animal manure to organic fertilizer and removing nutrients from the liquids to create a feed supplement from biomass. The organic fertilizer is non-leaching and free from pathogens. The entire process is accomplished in a reduced footprint from other treatment processes and allows waste ponds to be removed from service.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: John Michael Sullivan, Gregg Anthony Crocco
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Publication number: 20010054208Abstract: The present invention provides a process for efficient recovery of dyestuffs from dye-based optical disks, and to provide a solvent used for recovery. Disclosed herein is a process for recovering dyestuffs from dye-based optical disks by treating the dyestuff-containing layer with a solvent containing a singlet oxygen quencher. Disclosed also herein is a solvent for dyestuff recovery which contains a singlet oxygen quencher.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 1999Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: MARI ICHIMURA, HIDEMI TOMITA