Utilizing Precipitant, Flocculant, Or Coagulant, Each With Accelerator Or With Each Other Or Plural Precipitants, Flocculants, Or Coagulants Patents (Class 210/723)
  • Patent number: 6083404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for dewatering difficult sludges, such as autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion sludges. The method incorporates a three-component treatment system. Initially, the difficult sludge is dosed with an inorganic coagulant and then the resulting sludge-inorganic mixture is dosed with a microparticle component. Lastly, the resulting mixture is dosed with a high molecular weight flocculant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Anthony G. Sommese, Jitendra Shah
  • Patent number: 6071417
    Abstract: A method for removing water-soluble macromolecular compounds is characterized by addition of alkali polyphosphates to an aqueous solution containing residual amounts of cationic, anionic, or amphoteric water-soluble macromolecular compounds, formation of insoluble complexes of the alkali polyphosphate and the water-soluble macromolecular complexes, and separation of the resulting complexes from the aqueous solution. This method does not affect the quality or yield of other important components in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuneyasu Adachi
  • Patent number: 6043405
    Abstract: A method and treatment composition for neutralizing formaldehdye. The treatment composition contains polyethylenimine, urea and an acid having a pH of less than 6. Treatment of formaldehyde solutions with the treatment composition results in a suspension that it easily disposable and non-toxic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Isolyser Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Honeycutt, Baosheng Lee, Youshen Ding, Ashley Myers, Dong Dai
  • Patent number: 6041939
    Abstract: A process which uses selective flocculation with hydroxamates for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays). The increased selectivity of hydroxamates for certain mineral phases within kaolin clays and other mixtures of mineral particles improves the process over selective flocculation processes utilizing other activators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Thiele Kaolin Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. S. Shi, Charles Lamar Williams, Robert A. Lowe, Cesar I. Basilio
  • Patent number: 6036935
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyaluminum chlorides and polyaluminum chlorosulfates useful as coagulants in water treatment. In addition, the invention is directed to the products made by the disclosed processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Delta Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Dulko
  • Patent number: 6027649
    Abstract: A system of purifying water to remove at least one of natural organic matter, color, turbidity, bacteria, cysts and oocysts, viruses, arsenic compounds and insoluble impurities. The system comprises the steps of providing a body of water to be purified; controlling the pH of the body in a range of 5 to 8; and adding a coagulant to the body to provide a floc. The floc is maintained in the body in a concentration in the range of 1 to 6, for purposes of adsorbing at least one of the natural organic matter, color, turbidity and bacteria to provide treated water. Thereafter, a first portion of the treated water and floc is removed from the body of water. A submerged semi-permeable membrane is provided in the body of water for removing a second portion of the treated water. The membrane has a pore size in the range of 0.02 to 1 .mu.m to provide a permeate comprised of purified water and to provide a retentate containing the floc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Benedek, Hadi Husain, Manwinder Singh
  • Patent number: 5985234
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyaluminum chlorides and polyaluminum chlorosulfates useful as coagulants in water treatment. In addition, the invention is directed to the products made by the disclosed processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Delta Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Dulko
  • Patent number: 5968370
    Abstract: A composition and method of removing hydrocarbons from a contaminated sludge which comprises hydrocarbons, solid particles and water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a contaminated sludge including hydrocarbons and solid particles such that the hydrocarbons are bound to at least some of the solid particles; applying a treatment fluid to the contaminated sludge, the treatment fluid comprising water, a silicate, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a phosphate builder and a caustic compound; contacting the contaminated sludge with the treatment fluid for a time sufficient to remove the hydrocarbons from at least some of the solid particles; separating the hydrocarbons from the treatment fluid and from the solid particles; recovering the hydrocarbons; and recycling the treatment fluid by applying the treatment fluid to additional contaminated sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Prowler Environmental Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Trim
  • Patent number: 5958240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste water to generate clarified water for reuse in industrial processes which includes the steps of adding agents to the waste stream to generate floccules, aerating the waste stream to cause a portion of the floccules to float, decanting floating floccules and lighter than water immiscible pollutants from the top surface of the waste stream, directing the waste stream through an incline clarifier so as to permit heavier than water floccules to form sludge in a bottom region of the clarifier. Sludge and decanted pollutants are sent to a bioremediation tank where hydrocarbons are decomposed and the remaining sludge is dewatered and compacted to a solid condition for disposal in a public waste facility. The clarified water is transferred to a steam generator or pressurized water delivery system for reuse. The invention is particularly useful for equipment cleaning operations such as in truckyards or airports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoel
  • Patent number: 5948259
    Abstract: A process for treating oils and solvents contaminated by radioactive substances includes a step of subjecting the oils and solvents to the action of pre-selected micro-organisms in the presence of air and a very large volume of water, relative to the volume of oils and solvents to be treated. The micro-organisms destroy organic molecules, and in particular transform them into CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. Further steps of the process include preparing a predetermined volume of water having predetermined characteristics of dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and redox potential and adding a predetermined charge of oils and solvents contaminated by radioactive substances to this volume of water, the charge corresponding to a volume of oils and solvents which is a predetermined fraction of the predetermined volume of water. The charge is subjected to the action of micro-organisms at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Richmond Agency Limited
    Inventors: Joanes Deguitre, Maurice Stingre
  • Patent number: 5916448
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving the dewatering and odor reduction characteristics of a liquid wastewater sludge, sediment, or soils to ultimately form a dewatered solid residual that includes nutrition enhancement of a resultant material that is suitable for distribution and marketing, and for incorporation in a fertilizer blend. The material meets Class A pathogen reduction by achieving disinfecting conditions. The method includes the addition of selective acids and bases to the liquid sludge which forms insoluble precipitates, and enmeshes the solids in the sludge to form a granular product. The method's applicability includes municipal, agricultural, food processing, industrial liquid and semi-liquid sludges, sediments, and soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Hazen & Sawyer P.C.
    Inventor: Robert E. Fergen
  • Patent number: 5904856
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of solutions of aluminum salts, characterized in that an aluminate of an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal is dissolved in an acid solution to the formation of a solution which is used as such or is diluted to a suitable concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kemira Kemi Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Magnus Kvant, Roger Barstrom
  • Patent number: 5897810
    Abstract: Shell fossil powder is added to a flocculation agent which is mainly composed of gypsum and silicate compound, and the mixture is added to a suspension. The mixing ratio of the flocculation agent and shell fossil powder is 3:1. The flocculation agent functions as a coagulation core A, and the shell fossil powder is able to absorb grains in the suspension as a carrier B and is acquired by the coagulation core A. The carrier B is a grain which is able to effectively utilize Ca.sup.2+ flocculation site of the coagulation core A, which absorbs a great deal of suspending grains, wherein the suspending grains are acquired by the coagulation core A and form a large flock and are quickly settled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignees: Yutaka Tamaura, Chiiki Shinko Jigyo-dan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Tamaura, Takashi Kiryu
  • Patent number: 5891342
    Abstract: A dewatering process in which a product comprising water and other materials is simultaneously subjected to compressive mechanical forces and electro-osmosis using a belt (12) having a plurality of connected spiral yarns and, at least in part, electrically conductive material thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Scapa Group PLC
    Inventor: A. Ten Tije
  • Patent number: 5879651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of basic polyaluminium chlorosulphates. This process consists, after basification, in carrying out cooking at a temperature between 60.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. such that the cooking time is proportionately shorter than the higher cooking temperature. The polychlorosulphates obtained according to the process of the invention can be used for the treatment of drinking water, effluents and in the paper industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Dufour
  • Patent number: 5876605
    Abstract: The method of the invention is for preparing a plasma or serum sample from whole blood and includes mixing an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt or an amino acid or salt thereof with the whole blood in an amount of 20% or less of the whole blood volume so that concentration of the inorganic salt or the amino acid or salt thereof becomes 10 to 200 .mu.mol/1 ml whole blood, and then, filtering the whole blood to remove blood cell components. According to the method of the invention, plasma separation from whole blood can be achieved efficiently, and recovered volume of plasma can be increased. By selecting reagent, good plasma which has no deviation in component viewpoint, and which is possible to measure in the same level accuracy as a plasma obtained by centurifuging, can be obtained through a simple filtration operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Kenichiro Yazawa
  • Patent number: 5863439
    Abstract: A process for preconcentrating and separating radium from a contaminated solution containing at least water and radium includes the steps of adding a quantity of a water-soluble macrocyclic polyether to the contaminated solution to form a combined solution. An acid is added to the combined solution to form an acidic combined solution having an ?H.sup.+ ! concentration of about 0.5M. The acidic combined solution is contacted with a sulfonic acid-based strong acid cation exchange medium or a organophilic sulfonic acid medium having a plurality of binding sites thereon to bind the radium thereto and to form a radium-depleted solution. The radium-depleted solution is separated from the strong acid cation exchange medium or organophilic sulfonic acid medium. The radium remaining bound to the exchange medium or organophilic reagent is then stripped from the exchange medium or organophilic medium and the activity of the radium is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Arch Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Dietz, E. Philip Horwitz, Renato Chiarizia, Richard A. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 5855787
    Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: De la Rue Giori S.A.
    Inventor: Fausto Giori
  • Patent number: 5851404
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for treatment of sludge is provided. The process includes providing sludge in a substantially liquid form and an alkaline additive to a preferably substantially closed reactor vessel, mixing the sludge and additive to ensure said pH is greater than about 12, maintaining the pH for a predetermined period of time, optionally applying supplemental heat to the sludge mixture in the reactor vessel to a predetermined elevated temperature for a predetermined period of time, maintaining the sludge mixture in a substantially fluid liquid condition, and discharging the sludge and additive mixture from the reactor vessel in a substantially liquid form such that it lends itself to be handled by gravity flow. The apparatus provides means to accomplish the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Paul G. Christy
  • Patent number: 5843315
    Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system for recovering aggregate fine size particles from a carrying medium. The method comprises:(a) introducing a feed containing particles to a sand screw, and separating the particles into separate groups of large and fine particles, the fine particles being present in a fine particle stream;(b) introducing the fine particle stream from the sand screw to one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators which overflow a fine particle stream and discharge a coarse particle stream;(c) introducing the overflow fine particle stream from the one or more hydraulic centrifugal separators to a thickening tank and removing precipitated material as an underflow stream from a lower portion of the thickening tank; and(d) introducing the underflow from the thickening tank to a filtering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Vulcan Materials Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Baughn, Dennis M. McClelland
  • Patent number: 5843320
    Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of cationic water-soluble polymers are provided, as well as processes for making and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Sun-Yi Huang, Louis Rosati, Joseph J. Kozakiewicz
  • Patent number: 5833863
    Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a method for treating a concrete slurry to recover constituents thereof, the constituents including water, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and cement solids, the method comprising removing aggregate from the concrete slurry with aggregate separation apparatus, the aggregate separation apparatus producing a secondary slurry containing cement solids, feeding the secondary slurry to a clarifier in which cement solids settle out from the secondary slurry to a bottom of the clarifier and a liquid which is primarily water is disposed above the cement solids, removing the liquid from the clarifier, feeding settled out cement solids in liquid from the clarifier to a centrifuge, separating settled out cement solids from the liquid in the centrifuge producing an amount of liquid and an amount of settled out cement solids with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Tuboscope Vetco Int'l Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Richards, James R. Dial
  • Patent number: 5830315
    Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising tannin containing hydroxyl groups which has been (a) chemically modified by reaction of at least one of said hydroxyl groups with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an esterification agent (e.g. acetic anhydride), etherification agent (e.g. dichloromethane or quaternary organic amine such as N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride) to form the corresponding ester, or ether, through said hydroxyl group, and (b) derivatized. The chemically modified tannin is derivatized by reaction with aldehyhde (e.g. formaldehyde), or aldehyde and at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonia and organic amine containing at least one primary or secondary nitrogen (e.g. cyclohexyl amine); said derivatized tannin being water soluble or dispersable at a pH below 7 and water insoluble at a pH above 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: BetzDearborn Inc.
    Inventors: David Brian Mitchell, Ralph Lemmel Minnis, Thomas Peter Curran, Steven M. Deboo, John Arthur Kelly, Rashmi Patwardhan, Wun Ten Tai
  • Patent number: 5830388
    Abstract: A coagulating and flocculating agent based on aluminum pentahydroxychloride for purifying and treating water and/or waste water and/or sludge and/or other contaminated liquids as well as to separate suspended and colloidal particles from liquids in industrial manufacturing processes has its activity enhanced with an inorganic or organic flocculation enhancing additive such as natural or synthetic zeolite and/or cationic, anionic and non-ionic powdered, emulsified or liquid polyacrylamide. Aluminum pentahydroxychloride is formed by treating a natural nepheline, aluminum powder, aluminum oxide or other aluminum providing material with hydrochloric acid after which it is mixed with the flocculation enhancing additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: American EnviroCare, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Y. Kigel, Mikhail Kofman, Mikhail Faylond, Tamara V. Vyshkina
  • Patent number: 5827432
    Abstract: Water is recovered from sludge, such as from sewage treatment plants, or wood processing or food processing industries, by either electrically ionizing the sludge or treating the sludge with ultrasound, and then adding coagulant to the sludge to effect coagulation. Prior to or substantially simultaneously with coagulation, the sludge is vigorously mixed, and then the sludge is flocculated and water is mechanically removed from the flocculated sludge. Water removal can be optimized by adding news print pulp, or a tenside, to the sludge just prior to mechanical removal. Free water may also be removed by filtering just prior to mechanical removal, and mechanical removal can take place in two consecutive stages, first a low pressure (1-5 bar) stage to produce a cake, and then the cake is broken up and subjected to a high pressure (5-60 bar) stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Raision Tehhtaat Oy AB
    Inventors: Markku Huhtamaki, Markku Lehtokari, Jaakko Paatero
  • Patent number: 5820752
    Abstract: A recycling apparatus which preferably treats used antifreeze/coolant in four cycles is disclosed. The recycling apparatus includes a number of tanks for storing the antifreeze/coolant during the various treatment cycles, a number of containers for storing chemical reagents used to chemically treat the antifreeze/coolant and a number of filters used to capture impurities suspended in the treated antifreeze/coolant. During a fill cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is introduced into a treatment tank and the concentration of the antifreeze/coolant is adjusted, if necessary, to a predefined range. During a mix cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is mixed with various reagents to adjust the pH value, as well as to coagulate and flocculate the impurities. A reverse mixing and aspiration of the antifreeze/coolant in the tank during the mix cycle ensure that the reagents will mix well and react with the impurities in the used antifreeze/coolant to form a sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norman D. Berke, Stephen M. Woodward, Aleksei V. Gershun, Peter M. Woyciesjes, Robert J. Rosvally
  • Patent number: 5795486
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of barium sulphide or strontium sulphide for the removal of heavy metals in industrial acidic solutions.The invention is applicable to the purification of contaminated acids, in particular of spent battery acid, or of industrial solutions of titanyl sulphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Chane-Ching, Fabrice Fourcot
  • Patent number: 5792366
    Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of cationic water-soluble polymers are provided, as well as processes for making and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Michael W. Coville
  • Patent number: 5792363
    Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from contaminated liquid by the steps of passing the contaminated liquid after the addition of a flocculation agent and dissolved gas as a vortex flow through a tapered upwardly divergent conduit from a conduit entry end to a conduit outlet end. Trapping flocs at the outlet end of the conduit in a depressurised dischargeable chamber which extends into the conduit at the outlet end and is in communication with the liquid in the conduit and simultaneously discharging floc free liquid from a zone between the chamber and the conduit wall defining the conduit outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: William Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5785862
    Abstract: A process for preparing a polymeric form of ferric sulphate wherein an acidic aqueous solution including ferrous sulphate is oxidized to form ferric sulphate in the solution in an oxidation stage at ambient pressure and in the absence of oxidation catalyst using at least one oxidizing agent. The ferric sulphate is subsequently at least partially hydrolyzed by addition to the solution of at least one base. The ferric sulphate is kept in contact with the base at the temperature selected for a time sufficient for polymerization of the at least partially hydrolyzed ferric sulphate. The polyferric sulphate (PFS) obtained by embodiments of such a process can be used as a coagulant or flocculant in water treatments for decolorizing, purifying or reducing pollutants with improved performance compared to conventional ferric sulphate and aluminium sulphate treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Imperial College of Science Technology & Medicine
    Inventors: Nigel Johnathan Douglas Graham, Jiaqian Jiang
  • Patent number: 5783089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sorin, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Anderson, Lee Edward Ellenburg
  • Patent number: 5714076
    Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of black marks on the walls of sunken pools containing water contaminated by copper ions, which consists in treating the water using an effective amount of a metal sulfide having a water solubility at least equal to the solubility of copper sulfide. The treatment reduces the concentration of copper ions in the water and prevents the formation of black marks on the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Plavina & Cie (Societe en Nom Collectif)
    Inventor: Hans Tanghe
  • Patent number: 5711923
    Abstract: The invention comprises a process for improved flocculation of Bayer process red mud-containing slurry. The improvement comprises adding to the red mud-containing liquor a hydroxymethyl diphosphonic acid polymer optionally in addition to the conventional flocculant. The polymer is added to the red mud-containing liquor in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of suspended solids in the supernatant phase and/or increase the rate of sedimentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Harris, Robert P. Mahoney, Manian Ramesh
  • Patent number: 5683953
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for treating swimming pool waters in order to remove one or more nutrients necessary for algal growth and to accelerate the breakdown of objectionable chloramines within chlorinated pool waters.The target nutrients of preference are those containing phosphorus or nitrogen. Phosphorus nutrients are preferably removed by ion-exchange with finely divided lanthanum carbonate, or by direct precipitation in the pool with liquid lanthanum chloride. Nitrogen nutrients (including, in particular, chloramines) may be removed (possibly with the aid of catalysts and in separate reactors). The same reagents used to scavenge phosphates are useful in this regard, the nitrogen being released from the pool water as a nitrogenous gas.To allow the fine lanthanum carbonates to be conveniently handled in the pool environment, they may be linked to larger carrier particles, such as those of diatomaceous earth, or they may be embedded within porous beads formed from polymers or gels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Dudley John Mills
  • Patent number: 5681481
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for treatment of sludge is provided. The process includes providing sludge in a substantially liquid form and an alkaline additive to a preferably substantially closed reactor vessel, mixing the sludge and additive to ensure said pH is greater than about 12, maintaining the pH for a predetermined period of time, optionally applying supplemental heat to the sludge mixture in the reactor vessel to a predetermined elevated temperature for a predetermined period of time, maintaining the sludge mixture in a substantially fluid liquid condition, and discharging the sludge and additive mixture from the reactor vessel in a substantially liquid form such that it lends itself to be handled by gravity flow. The apparatus provides means to accomplish the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Paul G. Christy
  • Patent number: 5679260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process to remove tumour necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF.alpha.) or/and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from an aqueous liquid, in particular blood, blood plasma or serum, in an extracorporeal perfusion system after removing corpuscular blood components if necessary, wherein(a) the pH value of the body fluid is adjusted to pH<6,(b) a precipitation reagent in the form of a polyanion is added,(c) precipitated substances are removed by filtration or/and centrifugation and(d) the resulting liquid is passed over an anion exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Karl-Siegfried Boos, Dietrich Seidel, Annette Trautwein, Gerold Morsch
  • Patent number: 5660735
    Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Enzo Coltrinari, Wayne C. Hazen
  • Patent number: 5659002
    Abstract: The invention is a process for preparing alkylated tannin Mannich polymers by reacting a tannin Mannich condensation polymer, prepared from a condensed tannin, and amine, and formaldehyde, with an alkylating agent at a pH between 5 and 14. Optionally, the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer may be reacted further with formaldehyde to increase its viscosity.The invention further comprises a method of removing color form waste water utilizing the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer produced by the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Peter E. Reed, Martha R. Finck
  • Patent number: 5652148
    Abstract: Red blood cells are removed from whole blood or a fraction thereof by contacting whole blood with a combination of an agglutinating agent and nucleating particles to form clusters of red blood cells. High molecular weight polyethylene glycol may be added further to enhance agglutination. The clusters of red blood cells are much larger than the size of individual red blood cells, so that the clusters can easily be filtered through a porous medium. The plasma which is substantially free of red blood cells is further passed through a filter that optionally contains an additional agglutinating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Actimed Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonal R. Doshi, John K. McGeehan, Wai Tak Law
  • Patent number: 5637229
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combined flocculating and clarifying medium for flocculating and separating solid particles from waste water comprising a mixture of solid filtering or aggregating particles and a dry flocculating agent effective to flocculate the solid particles to form larger and heavier aggregates with the filtering or aggregating particles in the waste water and filtering or gravity separating the formed aggregate from the waste water. Preferably, the filtering and aggregating particles are silicious particles, such as rice hull ash, diatomaceous earth, and perlite. The flocculating and clarifying medium can be combustible or can chemically fix the aggregated solid particles in a silicious cement, which solid particles can include heavy metal particles in silicious cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: enviroGuard, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy S. Rieber
  • Patent number: 5632897
    Abstract: A method for removing aluminum from blood includes the step of adding to the blood an anticoagulant and a complexing agent for aluminum or one compound effective in both preventing coagulation of blood and capable of complexing aluminum. The complexing agent or compound capable of complexing aluminum is allowed to intermingle with the blood and complex with aluminum present in the blood. The complex of complexing agent and aluminum formed during the intermingle step is then separated using a semi-permeable membrane, and the blood is recovered. The method is particularly useful in treating patient's having aluminum intoxication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Bernd Mathieu
  • Patent number: 5628911
    Abstract: An improved partial oxidation, gasification process using low grade hydrocarbon feedstock involving the steps of gasification, waste heat recovery and carbon removal under formation of a soot water slurry containing the unburned carbon and ash. The soot water slurry is filtered to form a filtercake of carbon and ash, which cake is removed from the process. A direct once-through, partial oxidation process is thereby established, avoiding the recycle of unburned carbon and ash. The method also comprises filtration of the soot-ash slurries containing 0.5-3% unburned carbon and 0.1-2% ash having appreciable amounts of Fe, Ni and V. The slurry is cooled to a temperature below 80.degree. C. and filtered while confined between movable closed belts maintaining a constant pressure against the shrinking mass of carbon/ash particles until the moisture content is reduced to below 80% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kowallik, Hans J. Maaz, Thomas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5597510
    Abstract: Coagulant compositions, advantageously solvent (water) solution thereof, well suited for the treatment/purification of impure aqueous media, e.g., surface waters, wastewaters, effluents, etc., via sedimentation technique, comprise (i) at least one basic aluminum polychloride or polychlorosulfate, (ii) at least one iron(II) and/or iron(III) compound, and (iii) at least one alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal halide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Kemrhone France
    Inventors: Sylvain Danda, Magnus Kvant, Yvette Pescher
  • Patent number: 5594096
    Abstract: A contaminant precipitating composition and method are disclosed. The composition comprises a water soluble branched polymeric composition effective for the purpose of precipitating contaminants from an aqueous solution. The method comprises adding an amount of the composition, effective for the purpose, to the aqueous solution so as to complex, precipitate and remove contaminants from the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: BetzDearborn Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Carey, Ellen M. Meyer, Jeffrey H. Peltier
  • Patent number: 5587086
    Abstract: Coagulant compositions, advantageously solvent (water) solution thereof, well suited for the treatment/purification of impure aqueous media, e.g., surface waters, wastewaters, effluents, etc., via sedimentation technique, comprise (i) at least one basic aluminum polychloride or polychlorosulfate, (ii) at least one iron(II) and/or iron(III) compound, and (iii) at least one alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal halide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Kemrhone France
    Inventors: Sylvain Danda, Magnus Kvant, Yvette Pescher
  • Patent number: 5573674
    Abstract: A stable activated silica sol is made by reacting sodium aluminum sulfate and a solution of silica. This solution removes suspended particles from aqueous streams rapidly and effectively. The silica sol is stable for many days and thus can be prepared off-site and transported to the point of use. Further, the activated silica or colloidal silica sol solution of the invention can be continuously added to water and waste water streams, or paper making pulps, stocks and furnishes, without danger of solidifying in the transport systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: General Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Lind, Michael A. Ware
  • Patent number: 5552316
    Abstract: A method which uses a combination of polymeric cationic and an anionic flocculants to clarify an aqueous solution containing cells of a microorganism and parts thereof is described. The anionic flocculant is based upon a copolymer of an alpha-beta unsaturated monomer of an anhydride, a carboxylic acid or salt and an alpha-beta Unsaturated sulfonic acid or salt monomer. The polymeric cationic surfactant is preferably a quaternary ammonium or tertiary amine containing polymer produced from an alpha-beta unsaturated amino monomer. The method is particularly useful for clarifying solutions wherein a bacterium is used to produce an expressed material such as a protein, peptide, or amino acid dissolved in the solution which is to be separated from the cells or cell parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Environmental Marketing Services, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Savage
  • Patent number: 5536416
    Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Enzo Coltrinari, Wayne C. Hazen
  • Patent number: 5529698
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, separating contaminants from a base liquid and whereby the contaminated base liquid is passed through a pretreatment vessel before being passed to a conventional separator. In one embodiment, the pretreatment vessel is of generally cylindrical form arranged with its axis substantially vertical. Base liquid to be decontaminated is supplied into the mid-height regions of the vessel through a tangential device to cause circulating flows within the vessel. The vessel includes an outlet in its top region for the release of light contaminants, an outlet in its lower region for the release of heavy contaminants and an outlet duct in its mid-region, spaced from the inlet, for releasing partially contaminated liquid from the vessel for release into a conventional separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: The Clean Water Company Limited
    Inventor: Alban Timmons
  • Patent number: 5514282
    Abstract: A system and related method for the treatment of dairy and other food processing plant wastewaters provides recoverable by-products from two separate stages and a final water effluent clean enough for direct discharge or process reuse. The system provides an effective alternate to conventional wastewater treatment and includes, as its operating steps which provide useful by-products, dissolved air flotation and membrane separation. The recoverable by-products from these two unit operations are high in amino acids and provide sufficient nutritional value to permit their use as animal feed or fertilizer products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: David C. Hibbard, Bala Raghunath, Craig S. Guyse