Including Oxidation Patents (Class 210/721)
  • Publication number: 20110220571
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent. The adsorbent may be collected and used at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: King Abdulaziz City for Organization Name Science and Technology "KACST"
    Inventor: Saad A. Al-Jlil
  • Publication number: 20110220585
    Abstract: A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NANJING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Yunjun Yang, Lili Ding, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20110204000
    Abstract: There is provided a method for removing selenium from an aqueous influent, comprising: adding a water-soluble reducing agent to an aqueous influent containing an oxidized selenium compound (Sex, wherein x is the oxidation state and x>0); reducing said Sex using said reducing agent at a temperature; removing said Se0 from said aqueous influent using a sorbent or a technique selected from the group consisting of filtration, coagulation, flocculation, clarification and centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Larry Elbert Reed, Mark A. Hughes, Bruce Bradley Randolph
  • Patent number: 7981297
    Abstract: A method for removing helminth egg and other suspended solids from a wastewater stream includes directing the wastewater to a ballasted flocculation system and adding a coagulation agent, flocculation agent and a ballast into the wastewater. Sludge is settled from the wastewater in a settling tank at a rate of at least 10 meters per hour. The method further includes removing helminth egg by filtering the effluent through a fine screen having a mesh diameter of approximately 5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. After passing through the fine screen, the filtered effluent has less than one helminth egg per liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: OTV SA
    Inventors: Philippe Sauvignet, Claus Poulsen Dahl
  • Patent number: 7967990
    Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7947183
    Abstract: A method and a device for purifying water from contaminant trace species, especially arsenic, by co-precipitating trace species during oxidation and precipitation of iron compounds with subsequent separation. The co-precipitation is improved by contacting the water with an iron-containing material prior to oxidation to increase the iron content of the water. Arsenic and other trace species harmful to health may be removed from water effectively and in a simple manner, thus being able to comply with the more restrictive limits of arsenic in drinking water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: MicroDrop Aqua ApS
    Inventor: Finn Lebech
  • Publication number: 20110100839
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Patent number: 7935261
    Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and cleaning up oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase, vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination, an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature. Optionally the water fraction of the mud can be vaporized, solutes and salts can be captured as evaporite and then be mixed with the soil product. The method has the unique advantage of producing no persistent hazardous waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Arkansas Reclamation Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jones, Richard T. Davis, Charles R. Richesin
  • Publication number: 20110049058
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit and method for preventing a body of water from clouding, comprising: (a) a first container containing a first water treatment composition, the first water treatment composition comprising 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); and (b) a second container containing a second water treatment composition, the second water treatment composition comprising an oxidizer; wherein the body of water contains polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Unhoch
  • Publication number: 20110006012
    Abstract: A method of decomposing an organic liquid, having a solubility in water of 0 or less than 50 g/l at 25° C., comprising: a) emulsifying an amount of the organic liquid in an amount of an aqueous medium to form an emulsion of the organic liquid in the aqueous medium; and b) electrochemically decomposing the emulsified organic liquid on a surface of an oscillating electrode in an electrochemical cell, wherein the electrode is oscillating at a frequency of at least 5 KHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: WINDSOR SCIENTIFIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Clive Edward Hall, Keith William Dawes
  • Patent number: 7867399
    Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and decontaminating oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, and separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase. The solids may then be treated by either or both of two approaches. One approach involves vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. Another approach involves at least partially vaporizing the residual oil from the solids and recondensing the oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination (or is sufficiently decontaminated to allow reuse), an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber or a soil dryer can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Arkansas Reclamation Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jones, Charles R. Richesin, Richard T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110000854
    Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: HaloSource, Inc.
    Inventors: Everett J. Nichols, James R. Scott, Jeffrey F. Williams, Yongjun Chen
  • Publication number: 20100320147
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 7833499
    Abstract: A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using fiber-film technology is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Tiejun Zang, V. Kenneth Turner
  • Patent number: 7820055
    Abstract: The invention discloses a process to implement and maintain water bodies larger than 15,000 m3 for recreational use, such as lakes or artificial lagoons, with excellent color, transparency and cleanness properties at low cost, which comprises the following steps: a.—providing a structure able to contain a large water body larger than 15,000 m3; b.—feeding the structure of step (a) with inlet water having iron and manganese levels lower than 1.5 ppm and turbidity lower than 5 NTU; c.—measuring water pH, ideally it should be within a range lower than 7.8; d.—adding an oxidizing agent to the water contained in the structure of step (a), with which a 600 mV minimal ORP is controlled in water for a minimal period of 4 hours and in maximal cycles of 48 hours; e.—adding a flocculating agent in concentrations within 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Crystal Lagoons Corporation LLC
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann Torres
  • Publication number: 20100230363
    Abstract: A sulfurous acid treated wastewater disposal method employing soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for artificial recharge of groundwater through infiltration basins allowing fully or partially-treated sewage effluent to infiltrate into the soil and move down to the groundwater through a “vadose” zone, which acts as a natural filter to remove essentially all suspended solids, biodegradable materials, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Gong, John Harmon, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7790042
    Abstract: A method for removing submicron colloidal particulates, such as hydrocarbons, from water. The method includes first adding a soluble, cationic polymer, such as chitosan, a salt, or solution of chitosan to water containing the submicron particulates and a halogenating agent, followed by adding a soluble, anionic polymer or anionic salt to the water. The resulting flocs are filtered to remove the submicron particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: HaloSource, Inc.
    Inventors: Everett J. Nichols, Jeffrey F. Williams, James R. Scott, Christine M. Palczewski
  • Patent number: 7785470
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20100187178
    Abstract: Contaminants, including arsenic, are removed from water and other aqueous feeds preferably by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing a rare earth (e.g., cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide), to oxidize contaminants in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the contaminants in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with a rare earth-containing precipitating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventors: John Leslie Burba, Richard Donald Witham, Edward Bayer McNew
  • Publication number: 20100185039
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing contaminants from soil and groundwater by extracting the contaminants and assisting the extraction by provision of an oxidant introduced prior to or simultaneously with a surfactant into the subsurface. Extractable contaminant can be extracted from the subsurface. The amount and/or distribution of contaminant in the subsurface can be characterized. The extracting of contaminant and the introducing of oxidant and surfactant can be coordinated to reduce contaminant to a target amount. A portion of the contaminant can be oxidizable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: VERUTEX TECHNOLOGIES ,INC.
    Inventors: George E. Hoag, John B. Collins, Douglas K. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7736519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing an aqueous effluent (E) containing in solution at least one type of metal (M) nitrite or nitrate whose oxide is stable in an aqueous medium consisting (I) in introducing cations NH4+ in aqueous solution, generally in the form of an aqueous ammonia solution, into the aqueous effluent and, subsequently (II) in processing the obtainable medium at a temperature ranging from 100 to 700° C. and a pressure of 1-50 MPa (i.e. from 10 to 500 bar), thereby converting the metal (M) nitrite or nitrate into metal (M) oxide, nitrogen and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherge Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: François Cansell, Marie Gaudre, Jean-Michel Tauzia
  • Patent number: 7718073
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 7713422
    Abstract: Lignin and alkali are efficiently sorted out of alkaline black liquor discharged from the paper manufacturing/pulp and paper manufacturing industries and the treated water is made as purified water. Acid is added to the black liquor and its pH is adjusted to 2.5 to 3.5. An aggregating agent is added to have lignin contained in the black liquor settled and the black liquor is separated into lignin and clean water. Ozone gas, preferably in the micro bubble state, is given to the clean water for contact reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: K.I. System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Kitagawa, Akira Ako
  • Publication number: 20100102007
    Abstract: This is a reliable cost-effective adsorption based method for removing the dissolved and suspended organic matter by adding a natural “flocculent sorption particles” which is (Sodium, Calcium, Alumino silicate hydrated), and ferric Chloride, using a mixing tank. Heavy Macro-particles are formed that can be gravity separated and easily dewatered. The supernatant is first treated by OZONE to reduce the remaining organic pollutants and kill the bacteria, then filtered through a single layer of filter media. The suspended solids are mechanically strained down to 3-5 microns. The effluent water quality will be conform, or better, to the official water discharge standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Abdel Magid Kalo
  • Patent number: 7704399
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of water for human consumption using a naturally occurring inorganic catalyst working within a pH range between 3 and 13, combining the inorganic catalyst at 3 parts per million to an oxidant, primarily hydrogen peroxide and a metal salt used as a coagulant and a primary catalyst, resulting in an efficient and economical phasic water purification and filtration system and process. The inorganic catalyst is a zeolite a synthetic zeolite or preferably chabazite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Randy Gene Condit
  • Patent number: 7699988
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 7686976
    Abstract: Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Donald Witham, Edward Bayer McNew, John Leslie Burba, III
  • Publication number: 20100051555
    Abstract: An arsenic removal process where arsenic 3 is oxidized to arsenic 5 where the water is passed upflow through a bed of manganese dioxide (MnO2) at a sufficient flow rate such that the MnO2 bed is fluidized whereby precipitating or precipitated iron and/or manganese and/or any other suspended solids will pass through the bed. The suspended matter is then removed by passing the water through disposable or reusable filters. The oxidized arsenic is then removed by passing the water through applicable arsenic removal media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Frank S. Craft, SR.
  • Publication number: 20100044317
    Abstract: Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Donald Witham, Edward Bayer McNew, John Leslie Burba, III
  • Patent number: 7638063
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from fluid in a system where the fluid is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allow oxygen-containing gas from a compressed gas source to flow into the tank through a shuttle valve, which is opened by the gas pressure. Simultaneously, a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The solenoid valve also operates to close the gas supply line and connect the shuttle valve through a vent to atmosphere. Pressure within the tank closes the shuttle valve, which in turn closes the drain valve and disconnects the shuttle valve from the tank. A one-way-flow valve prevents fluid or gas from flowing from the tank backwards through the shuttle valve to the solenoid valve and out the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Maas, Paul A. Beres, Kevin A. Hellenbrand, William M. Kavey, Daniel A. Klein
  • Publication number: 20090255678
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating aqueous fluids and their associated methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing an untreated aqueous fluid with a first concentration of a contaminant. The method further comprises chemically treating the aqueous fluid to precipitate at least a portion of the contaminant. The method further comprises mechanically treating the aqueous fluid to remove at least some of the precipitated contaminant from the aqueous fluid, and to produce a treated water with a second concentration of the contaminant, wherein mechanically treating the aqueous fluid comprises flowing the aqueous fluid through a centrifuge. The method further comprises placing the treated water in a first well bore of the well treatment operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Randy Rosine, Johanna Haggstrom, Michael McCabe
  • Publication number: 20090250404
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to materials for the decontamination of fluids and methods of use thereof. The material and methods find applications in the decontamination of intermediates, chemical contaminants, a biological contaminants, wastewater, industrial effluents, municipal or domestic effluents, agrochemicals, herbicides and/or pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Berkowitz, Ishai Dror
  • Patent number: 7591952
    Abstract: A product and apparatus for cleaning water or industrial and sewage waste water includes a mixture of diatomite that is heated and stirred to impart an enhanced negative electrical charge to the diatomite. A mixture of approximately 50% aluminium chloride (AlCl3) by volume is blended to provide a powder mixture for use as a flocculant in the system. According to a modification, the charged diatomite is instead blended with a mixture of approximately 50% ferric chloride (FeCl3) by volume and is stored in liquid form for later use as a flocculent in the system. From one to five percent, by volume, of polyacrylamide is preferably added to the mixture for use in sewage waste water treatment applications. An efficient system for reacting either the mixture or separately adding the diatomite and the metallic chloride to the water is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Wing Yip Young
  • Publication number: 20090230059
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 7575691
    Abstract: A composition and method for cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining contained bodies of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, fountains, ornamental ponds, etc. The composition includes pre-determined percentages of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and aluminum sulfate by weight. The composition and method reduce amounts of chlorine and an amount of labor associated with the cleaning, sanitization and maintenance of contained bodies of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Moore, William C. Betts
  • Patent number: 7569196
    Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalyzed liquid reactions in which the catalyst is present as a dispersion in the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one inlet and outlet, with all starting materials being fed in via the inlet and all products being discharged via the outlet. The inlet and outlet can be switched so that an exit previously serving as the outlet is utilized as an entrance serving as the inlet and at the same time an entrance previously serving as the inlet is utilized as an exit serving as the outlet. The inlet and outlet each include a filter element that keeps the catalyst in the reactor. The reactor also includes a device that ensures homogeneous distribution of the catalyst and the starting materials in the reactor. This reactor can carry out reactions at a high solids content without the catalyst having to be separated off from a product stream in an extra process step and without regular cleaning and thus shutdown of the process being necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: OXENO Olefinchemie GmbH
    Inventors: Horst-Werner Zanthoff, Dietrich Maschmeyer, Thorsten Schwärtzke, Udo Robers, Anita Völkel
  • Patent number: 7497956
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing and conditioning wastewater sludge. The invention is characterized in that it consists in treating sludge in an acid environment (3.0?pH?5.0), with an inorganic acid and two oxidizing agents, that is a ferric iron salt and hydrogen peroxide. The ferric iron salt is used in such an amount as to obtain a concentration ranging between 5 and 40 kg of Fe per ton of dry sludge; the hydrogen peroxide is used in such an amount as to obtain a concentration ranging between 5 and 40 kg of H2O2 per ton of dry sludge; mixing the treated sludge for a time interval sufficient to stabilize the sludge and improve its dehydrability; then flocculating the stabilized sludge by adding an organic polymer; then dehydrating the flocculated sludge. Said method enables to significantly improve the dehydrability properties of the sludge while increasing the dry solid content during its mechanical dehydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Corporation Biolix
    Inventors: Jean-François Blais, Guy Mercier, Patrick Drogui
  • Patent number: 7497953
    Abstract: An automatic, self-regulating method of water treatment for use in water circulating towers in which water is evaporated, and make up water is added, with components which synergistically function to cut chemical, energy, water, corrosion, pollution, and maintenance costs, by passing the water through a Water Conditioning unit to prevent adhering evaporation scale deposits along with their content of concentrated biofouling nutrients from forming on the flooded surfaces of the tower and its associated water flow circuit, adding a trace level of iodine to the input make-up water to enhance the further disinfection of nutrient-deprived surfaces from any residual biofllm and chance pathogen contaminations, and adding a trace level addition of zinc ions in the water such as by an assured treatment feeder to the input make-up flow for inhibiting residual iodine-resistant algal and bacterial organisms of hazard for restoring bionutrient tower conditions, such as within sun-lit environments, and apparatus for carryi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Envirotower Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick James Dart, John Owen Richmond
  • Publication number: 20080296231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of cross-linked enzyme aggregates, which method is characterised by the following steps: i. generating aldehyde groups on enzyme molecules that may or may not be dissolved in a suitable solvent; ii. precipitating the enzyme molecules using a suitable precipitation agent; iii. cross-linking the precipitated enzyme molecules provided with aldehyde groups, using an amine composition, yielding cross-linked enzyme aggregates with improved properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: CLEA TECHNOLOGIES BV
    Inventors: Willem Robert Klaas Schoevaart, Lukas Michael Van Langen, Ronald Tako Marinus Van Den Dool, Johannes Wilhelmus Leonardus Boumans
  • Patent number: 7445717
    Abstract: A waste stream is treated in a pre-filter having media, preferably sand, connected below a zero-valent metal column reactor incorporating a metal with reducing potential, preferably elemental iron (Fe0); the combination preferably configured as a single unit. The waste stream is pumped through the pre-filter to trap solids and deoxygenate it, then enters the reactor and is subjected to a reducing process. Most of the Fe0 is transformed to the ferrous ion (Fe+2), mixed with the reduced product, and fed to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in which Fenton oxidation occurs. The output is then sent to a sedimentation tank and pH-neutralized using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The aqueous portion is drawn off and the sludge pumped from the sedimentation tank. The system is monitored and controlled to optimize required additives, while monitoring of pressure drop across the pre-filter and column reactor establishes replacement requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel K. Cha, Seok-Young Oh, Pei C. Chiu, Byung J. Kim
  • Publication number: 20080264873
    Abstract: A method for supercritical water oxidation comprises the steps of: causing a first process stream containing water and organic material to flow in a reaction chamber (11); adding a first flow of oxidant to the first process stream in stoichiometric shortage; reacting the organic material in the first process stream with the oxidant; adding a second process stream containing water and organic material to the reacted first process stream, the second process stream having a temperature which is lower than a temperature of the first process stream to thereby reduce a temperature in the reaction chamber; adding a second flow of oxidant to the process streams; and reacting organic material in the first and second process streams with the second flow of oxidant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Anders Gidner
  • Patent number: 7442311
    Abstract: An emulsion and affluent process which treats and breaks very tight emulsions and separates dissolved solids from associated fluids produced in industry, whereby solids and fluids are separated into clean interfacial phases thus providing an improved quality saleable product resulting in significant reductions in base sediments and water, and compliance with international saleable product and environmental effluent standards with a specific focus on biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand levels for treated fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrocarb (Trinadad) Limited
    Inventor: Dolly Nicholas
  • Patent number: 7413664
    Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, to convert selenocyanate to selenite, followed by removal of the selenite from the aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Lord, III, Larry E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20080179256
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing oxidizable metals from a liquid without the use of chemicals. This aeration technology maximizes the surface area-to-volume ratio of oxygen in the gas used. A system may comprise a dissolved oxygen addition device configured to receive the liquid and comprising a substrate with pores. A compressed gas source is connected to the device and configured to inject compressed gas containing oxygen through the substrate and into the liquid. Sub-micron sized bubbles are created on the substrate when the gas passes through the pores and expands in the liquid. The bubbles are removed from the substrate by passing liquid media while they have buoyancy insufficient to overcome a surface tension between the substrate and the bubbles. The bubbles then diffuse into the liquid to oxidize soluble oxidizable metals in the liquid media to create oxidized insoluble metal particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: PURIFICS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell
  • Patent number: 7404902
    Abstract: A composition for treating water contained in enclosures, such as swimming pools, spas, whirlpool tubs and cooling towers, which includes at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier is provided. A composition and method for treating salt water contained in enclosures using halogen generators to generate sterilizing halogen in situ, wherein the method includes adding to the water effective amounts of a composition having at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier, such that they are present in the water simultaneously is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Haviland Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Don H. Girvan, Paul J. Nederveld, Arthur F. Harre, III
  • Publication number: 20080142450
    Abstract: A process for removing selenium from an aqueous stream using a supported sulfur material, to convert selenocyanate to selenite, followed by removal of the selenite from the aqueous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Charles J. Lord, Larry E. Reed
  • Patent number: 7384562
    Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: EcoPlus, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080116143
    Abstract: Filtration of water to provide cleansed water, using an assembly that monitors the volume of water cleansed and back-flushes the filtration media based on that volume. The assembly includes a control valve that monitors the amount of water that has been processed, controls the addition of water and oxygen to the assembly, and thus affects the overall operation of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas G. Griesbach
  • Patent number: 7374687
    Abstract: A decolorization treatment method in which not only can a liquid that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank be decolorized swiftly with simple equipment, but moreover the treatment water can be purified to an extent that reuse as a washing liquid or the like is possible. The method of decolorizing stock-raising treatment water comprises adding ferric polysulfate and a nonionic or anionic organic coagulant to a filtrate that has been obtained by treating raw water that is stock-raising treatment water in a purifier tank, and agitating the obtained product to bring about reaction and thus separate into solid and liquid components, and removing the solid component. Preferably, a two-stage reaction is carried out in which the ferric polysulfate is added and agitation is carried out to bring about reaction, and then the nonionic or anionic organic coagulant is added thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: IK Shoji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isamu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7374694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for treating water for human consumption, for an industrial process, for agricultural purposes or for other purposes. The method used to remineralize raw water comprises a stage in which carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base are injected. According to the invention, the method comprises the following stages: the flow Q of raw water is separated into a flow Q1 and a flow Q2; only flow Q1 is remineralized by injecting carbon dioxide and at least one inorganic base, said remineralization being carried out in at least one remineralization basin; remineralized flow Q1 is mixed with untreated flow Q2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: OTV S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gaudinot, Gaid Abdelkader