Including Agitation Patents (Class 210/738)
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Patent number: 7828979Abstract: A method for converting animal waste, in the form of waste slurry, to energy and useful byproducts. A screen mesh filters out large objects from waste slurry and the filtered slurry is chopped and fragmented to reduce binding of fibrous materials. The fragmented slurry is mixed at a rate to maintain solids in the fragmented slurry in suspension while minimizing aeration and turbulence within the mixing unit. A solids recovery unit recovers about 95% of the suspended solids. An additive is introduced into the solids recovery unit for providing agglomeration of solids particles. The recovered solids are gasified to produce at least methane/ethane gas. The produced gas is provided to an energy production unit to generate electrical and/or heat energy. Liquid remaining after the solids recovery is treated to remove undesirable contaminants to an extent in compliance with water quality standards set for animal waste flushing, animal washing and animal drinking water, as the case may be.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Agricultural Waste Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. McCorkle
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Patent number: 7820053Abstract: A process for removing fine particles and particulates from water. The process includes mixing a magnetic ballast, flocculant and water to form magnetic floc, and agitating the magnetic floc in a flocculation zone. A portion of the magnetic floc is collected on a magnetic collector in the flocculation zone. Another portion of the magnetic floc is directed downstream to a setting zone where the magnetic floc is settled. The settled magnetic floc is returned upstream of the settling zone where the returned magnetic floc is recombined with other magnetic floc in the flocculation zone. Ultimately, all, or substantially all, of the magnetic floc is removed by one or more magnetic collectors disposed upstream of the settling zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Steven L. Cort
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Patent number: 7820056Abstract: A coagulation sedimentation process for water to be treated in which an inorganic coagulant used in a purified water treatment system is limited, and remaining micro flocks and flocks are made greater in density and finer in particle size, thus obtaining clear water better in quality and reducing the amount of sludge production, including a micro flocculation step for micro-flocculating in advance fine suspended particles in water to be treated, a flocculation step for the micro flocks, and a sedimentation separation step for the flocks, in which as a final stage of the flocculation step, a flock-forming inclined plate whose pitch width is from 5 mm or more to 50 mm or less is provided, and an inorganic coagulant is limited so that the turbidity of the water to be treated after passage of the inclined plate at a ratio to that before passage is 4/5 or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Hisaaki Ochiai
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Publication number: 20100264093Abstract: A method for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids uses an apparatus comprising a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing tank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and then move downward along the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Ambrose RALPH, Randy WOLD, Roger ALLARD
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Patent number: 7815804Abstract: A method or process for treating wastewater containing high organics, silica, boron, hardness, and suspended and dissolved solids. The method includes degasifying the wastewater for the removal of dissolved gases and thereafter chemically softening the wastewater. After the chemical softening step, the wastewater is directed through a media filter or membrane which removes additional solids and precipitants. Thereafter the wastewater is directed through a sodium ion exchange that further softens the wastewater. The effluent from the ion exchange is directed through a cartridge filter and the effluent from the cartridge filter is directed through one or more reverse osmosis units. At a selected phase of the process, prior to the wastewater reaching the reverse osmosis unit or units, the pH of the wastewater is raised and maintained such that the pH of the wastewater reaching a reverse osmosis unit is at a pH greater than 10.5.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: OTV SA S.A.Inventor: LNSP Nagghappan
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Publication number: 20100243576Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: M-I LLCInventors: Gary E. Fout, Julio Roberto Ronderos, Catalin Ivan
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Patent number: 7780854Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of oil and water, in particular through the action of a polymeric material on oil/water emulsions (including oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Galip Akay, John Vickers
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Publication number: 20100198130Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Matthew J. Swift, Barry F. Hecker, Michael D. Leach
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Patent number: 7763176Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process to treat domestic animal manure, such as pigs and swine, so that the treated manure can be environmentally acceptable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process of de-phosphatation of manure comprising the steps of i) adding by-products of electrolysis and foundry (BPEF) to liquid manure, ii) stirring the manure-containing BPEF iii) letting the manure-containing BPEF that was so stirred stand for a time sufficient for the manure to separate into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, the solid fraction depositing in the manure pit; and iv) separating the liquid and solid fractions. The liquid fraction contains less than 50% of total phosphorus initially contained in the manure, the phosphorus being found in the solid fraction.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventors: Gaetan Parent, Régis Simard, Lucie Valée, legal representative
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Patent number: 7762976Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Sorin Group Deutschland GmbHInventors: Johann Schreyer, Erwin Knott, Andreas Hahn
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Patent number: 7754087Abstract: A process of dewatering aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension is a water-soluble or water swellable particulate polymer having a particle diameter of at least 20 microns.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments, LTDInventors: Tony Whittaker, Peter Norman, Darryl Smith
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Patent number: 7754088Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments LTD.Inventors: Tony Whittaker, Peter Norman, Darryl Smith
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Patent number: 7754086Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising dosing the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant to form a thickened suspension and mixing into the thickened suspension a dewatering amount of a second flocculant and subjecting the thickened suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the second flocculant comprises a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of (i) substantially dry polymer particles or (ii) an aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a polymer concentration of at least 2% by weight and having a intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments Ltd.Inventors: Tony Whittaker, Peter Norman, Darryl Smith
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Patent number: 7749392Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant further dewaters the suspension, characterized in that the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of above 30,000 cps (measured at 20° C.).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Water Treatments LtdInventors: Tony Whittaker, Peter Norman, Darryl Smith
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Publication number: 20100147766Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a system for separation of fluids and solids present in a slurry, wherein at least one additive is added to the slurry, which slurry then is fed into a coiled tubing for mixing of the at least one additive with the slurry to obtain a mixed slurry, and thereafter the mixed slurry is separated into fluids and solids. Further, the present invention relates to a coiled tubing for mixing of at least one additive and a slurry. The present invention is especially useful in separation of slurries, such as biomasses and manure from different animals such as cattle, but is also applicable for other types of slurries.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Preben Nissen, Victor Johnson
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Patent number: 7736518Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat and facilitation the separation of mixtures and emulsions of oil and water. Waste heat from the power source for the cavitation device may be utilized to elevate the temperature of incoming mixtures or emulsions. The heated mixture of emulsion is sent to a separation vessel where vapor may be removed and/or recovered, and where oil is removed as it separates into an identifiable layer. The separation vessel may be a flash tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100133199Abstract: A coagulation sedimentation process for water to be treated in which an inorganic coagulant used in a purified water treatment system is limited, and remaining micro flocks and flocks are made greater in density and finer in particle size, thus obtaining clear water better in quality and reducing the amount of sludge production, including a micro flocculation step for micro-flocculating in advance fine suspended particles in water to be treated, a flocculation step for the micro flocks, and a sedimentation separation step for the flocks, in which as a final stage of the flocculation step, a flock-forming inclined plate whose pitch width is from 5 mm or more to 50 mm or less is provided, and an inorganic coagulant is limited so that the turbidity of the water to be treated after passage of the inclined plate at a ratio to that before passage is 4/5 or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Hisaaki Ochiai
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Patent number: 7727404Abstract: A method for removal of dissolved materials and/or particles from a liquid stream comprising flocculation by vigorously mixing polysaccharides or hydrocolloids into the liquid stream and subsequent gelation of the polysaccharides or hydrocolloids with cations capable of gelling same. Large, strong gelled agglomerates of pollutant and polysaccharide or hydrocolloid are formed with the help of suitable cations. The gelled agglomerates are well suited to separation from a liquid stream by flotation, in a sieve, in a centrifuge, in a cyclone or via other conventional separation processes. Also described is a method for mixing of un-dissolved polysaccharide or hydrocolloid with a polluted aqueous stream by shearing the polysaccharide or hydrocolloid into the aqueous stream to improve logistics and provide economic savings in treatment of large volumes of water. Also described is the use of dilute solutions of polysaccharides for treatment of a variety of effluent streams.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Sorbwater Technology ASInventors: Atle Mundheim Ylikangas, Christian Klein Larsen
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Patent number: 7713423Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Moller, Kevin Marshall Brackney, Roger Alan Korus, Gerald Michael Keller, Jr., Brian Keith Hart, Remembrance Louisa Newcombe
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Publication number: 20100098607Abstract: The suspended solids content of a process stream in a process for digesting bauxite ore to produce alumina is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Matthew J. Davis, Morris Lewellyn, Qi Dai, Haunn-Lin Tony Chen, Matthew Taylor
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Publication number: 20100096337Abstract: A system for the treatment of groundwater is described, the system including: a first component for placement into a groundwater table, the first component having a first end and a second end and an interior space defined by an inner wall and extending between the first end and the second end; at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned with the interior space of the first component to provide ultrasonically induced cavitation to a volume of water within the interior space; a pump associated with the first end of the first component to draw water from the groundwater table into the interior space of the first component; an outlet associated with the second end of the first component, the outlet positioned to direct a volume of water away from the first component after the water has passed therethrough; a power supply; and a radio frequency generator capable of providing a radio frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Brian T. Mader, Chad D. Vecitis, Michael R. Hoffmann
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Patent number: 7686960Abstract: A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Steven L. Cort
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Patent number: 7648638Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater. The apparatus comprises a reactor having a flow channel generally centrally located in a reactor and immersed in the water or wastewater in the reactor. An agitator is disposed within the flow channel and induces water or wastewater to enter the open upper end thereof and to move downwardly through the flow channel where the water or wastewater is discharged via a flow divider. A reagent is injected into the water or wastewater and the agitator within the flow channel serves to mix the reagent with the water or wastewater passing therethrough and in the process causes at least a slightly turbulent and downward axial flow through the flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: OTV S.A.Inventors: Karim Essemiani, Valery Ursel
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Patent number: 7611633Abstract: A method for separation of fluid, in particular oil, gas and water, in connection with the extraction of such a fluid from formations under the surface of the earth or the sea bed. The fluid is transported in a supply pipe or transport pipe (4) to a separator (1) in the form of a tubular separator body, a gravitation tank or similar. The separated components, water and oil, are passed out of the separator separately via outlet pipes. The fluid upstream of the separator (1) is subjected to shear forces so that the drops in the supply flow are torn up to form drops that are so small that the interface generally becomes new and “uncontaminated” by surfactants. The shear forces are supplied by a phase inversion device (6) in the form of a valve or similar. Water can expediently be added to the fluid upstream of the phase inversion device (6) to achieve the desired phase inversion.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASAInventors: Per Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
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Patent number: 7578941Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to new liquid-liquid extraction methods for the length-based separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other 1-dimensional nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Kirk J. Ziegler, Daniel J. Schmidt, Robert H. Hauge, Richard E. Smalley, Irene Morin Marek, legal representative
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Publication number: 20090200244Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device to be used in connection with thickening and clarifying apparatuses for shear-thinning of solids containing material such as slurry. According to the invention the flow area of the shear-thinned material (11) is restricted by arranging a restriction element (12) in the conduit (4,15) for discharging back the shear-thinned material (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Richard Triglavcanin
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Patent number: 7569196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: OXENO Olefinchemie GmbHInventors: Horst-Werner Zanthoff, Dietrich Maschmeyer, Thorsten Schwärtzke, Udo Robers, Anita Völkel
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Patent number: 7568523Abstract: Cesium solutions are treated in a cavitation device to increase their temperature and facilitate the removal of water from them. The context is normally an oil well fluid or a mining solution. The concentrated solutions can be reused, in the case of oil well fluids, or more easily handled for recovery of the elemental cesium or cesium in the form of a salt. Thermal energy is saved by using the concentrate or the water vapor to heat various streams within the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7546874Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat, concentrate and recycle or otherwise reuse dilute and other oil well fluids, brines and muds, and solution mining fluids, all of which commonly contain ingredients worthy of conservation. The cavitation device can be powered by a Diesel engine whose exhaust may be used to heat the incoming fluid, and the product of the cavitation device is directed to a flash tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090098266Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating joined components, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two or more components and improving combustion. The apparatus has a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor and a prime mover for rotating the shaft. Fluid within the housing cavitates as the rotor rotates and the protrusions move through the fluid. Cavitation causes joined components within the fluid to separate, kills undesirable organisms within the fluid, promotes interaction of components within the fluid and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. The fluid and components may also be subjected to abrasion and centrifugal and impact forces for separating the components, purifying the fluid, promoting interaction of the components and improving combustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Fernando Roberto Paz Briz, Fernando Roberto Paz Alcazar
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Patent number: 7514005Abstract: A method for processing drilling fluid comprising an oil and water emulsion and solid material includes breaking the emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase, increasing the surface area of the solid material, adsorbing at least some of the water phase to the increased surface area of the solid material, and recovering at least some of the oil phase. The drilling fluid may be moved within a container to break the emulsion and increase the surface area of the solids material. Water phase or solid material may be added to the drilling fluid to maximize the amount of water phase adsorbed into the solid material and minimize the amount of oil phase adsorbed to the solid material. The drilling fluid may be processed while being transported between locations. The solid material may be dried in a thermal dryer to vaporize and recover the water phase and any adsorbed oil phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Neale Browne, Catalin Ivan
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Publication number: 20090078650Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for thickening sludge carried along in waste water, wherein the waste water is subjected to a pretreatment reinforcing the flocculation and is subsequently introduced in the direction of gravity into a bath so as to separate the sludge from the water, in which the sludge particles descend under the action of gravity and are removed in the lower portion of the bath characterized in that the waste water, upon its introduction into the bath, is flowed against a baffle, by which the flow of the waste water in the bath is deflected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Achim Kopmeier
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Publication number: 20090050561Abstract: A system and method for processing wastewater into usable water is provided. The method comprises: receiving a supply of wastewater; passing the wastewater into a refractory vessel having a heat generator associated therewith; increasing the temperature of the wastewater to a predetermined temperature using the heat generator for a predetermined amount of time to produce heated exhaust gases containing at least one product gas and water vapor; separating the at least one product gas and water vapor; and condensing the water vapor to produce usable water. The system comprises a refractory vessel defining a heat processing zone, a heat generator that is used to increase the temperature of the wastewater to produce a heated exhaust gas containing at least one product gas and water vapor, a scrubber to separate the product gases and the water vapor, and a condenser to condense the water vapor into usable water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Jon Inman Sattler
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Publication number: 20080314838Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Gina Young Becker, Sigifredo Castro Diaz, Michael Hanson, Kylo Martin Heller
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Patent number: 7445718Abstract: A method of removing arsenic and heavy metals from water using metal salt hydroxidegels is provided. The arsenic present in water is adsorbed onto the hydroxide-gels which can effectively be filtered through a diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration bed. The combination of DE mixed hydroxide-gels is also effective in removing arsenic from water and heavy metals from water.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignees: The Board of Regents of the Nevada Systems of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno, EP Minerals, LLCInventors: Manoranjan Misra, Peter Lenz
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Publication number: 20080257828Abstract: Wastewater steams may include one or more metal contaminants. In various embodiments, a wastewater stream may be sent to a fluid treatment system to reduce the amount of metal contaminants in the wastewater stream. In some embodiments, a fluid treatment system may include a first vortex nozzle unit positioned in an opposed relation to a second vortex nozzle unit. Contacting the wastewater stream exiting the first vortex nozzle unit with the wastewater stream exiting the second vortex nozzle unit may precipitation of one or more metal contaminants in the wastewater steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
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Publication number: 20080251465Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids includes a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing lank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and move the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Ambrose RALPH, Randy WOLD, Roger ALLARD
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Publication number: 20080237140Abstract: A fluid phase distribution adjuster (10) comprises two or more tubes (14) arranged to provide a plurality of separate flow paths for fluid. Means are provided for generating a radial acceleration of fluid flowing through each tube so as to promote movement of at least one fluid phase towards or away from a wall of the tube. The adjuster can be used as a coalescer for increasing the size of droplets in a distributed fluid phase carried by a continuous fluid phase, or as a mixer for mixing fluid phases.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2004Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicants: KVAERNER PROCESS SYSTEMS A.S., SINTEF ENERGIFORSKNING ASInventors: Jon Liverud, Davoud Tayebi, Bjornar Svingen
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Patent number: 7425271Abstract: Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventor: Robert Longo
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Patent number: 7419603Abstract: 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: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventor: Young I. Cho
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Patent number: 7416671Abstract: A process for the separation of bitumen oil from tar sands and the like. Slurry is supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump at an input end of the process. The slurry is agitated within the jet pump to effect a partial to full phase separation of the oil fraction from the solids fraction of the slurry. The partially to fully separated slurry is discharged into a pipeline and later into a hydrocyclone to effect a second phase separation of the slurry. One or more hydrocyclone separators may be used to separate the bitumen oil and liquid from the solids fraction.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Roderick Michael Facey
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Patent number: 7413657Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a fluid containing the unwanted material comprising the steps of introducing an immiscible extraction fluid into the fluid having an unwanted material therein to form a plurality of extraction fluid droplets in the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction fluid droplets to hydrophilicly interact with the unwanted material in the fluid to cause the extraction fluid droplets to form into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted material, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted material from the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Porous Media Ltd.Inventors: Mathews J. Thundyil, Heath Burns, Douglas M. Mittlesteadt, Martin G. Miller, Michael R. Spearman
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Publication number: 20080190857Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a solid-fibrin web. The apparatus includes a centrifuge (600) having a housing (604), and actuator (648), a wheel (660), and a flange (664). The housing includes a recessed area (616) and a base (608) supportable on a surface. The wheel is coupled to the actuator and extends into the recessed area and is adapted to contact a first end of a container (620). The flange extends into the recessed area opposite the wheel and defines an adjustable distance between the wheel and the flange. The flange is adapted to contact a second end of the container and the actuator is operable to rotate the container. The container is oriented substantially parallel with respect to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: CASCADE MEDICAL ENTRPRISES, LLCInventors: Roberto Beretta, Nicholas A. Grippi
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Patent number: 7404903Abstract: A process for the separation of oil from invert mud drill cuttings. Invert mud drill cuttings are supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump. The invert mud drill cuttings are agitated within the jet pump to effect transformation of the solids-oil matrix of the invert mud drill cuttings. Oil is then separeated from the transformed solids-oil matrix in a separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Michael E Kessick
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Patent number: 7404898Abstract: A method of producing lime water comprising deionising dilution water by membrane filtration, distillation or an ion exchange resin and adding silicate ions to the deionised water. Thereafter, the deionised water treated with the silicate ions is mixed with milk of lime to form lime water. In one embodiment, the milk of lime and dilution water are mixed in a saturator where the silicate ions are introduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: OTV SAInventors: Franck Clausse, Philippe Marteil, Germain LeBouc, Frederic LeFort
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Publication number: 20080169245Abstract: A method for separating a low biosolids suspension stream into biosolids and water whereby the biosolids contain the majority of the original beneficial nutrients, and the water is substantially free of components harmful to the environment is disclosed. The method relies on the use of a coagulant and a flocculent to bind the colloidal particles and a rotating screen drum separator. Examples detail a composition of manure stream treated with specific coagulant and flocculent that achieve high separation efficiencies and speeds. A composition for binding colloidal fines using a coagulant and flocculent in several industrial uses is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Aicardo Roa-Espinosa, Michael Dennis Krysiak
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Patent number: 7384562Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: EcoPlus, Inc.Inventor: Ralph W. Rogers
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Publication number: 20080121589Abstract: A fluid clarification system and method is described in which fluid is passed through one or more settling compartments, each having a solids outlet at the base of the compartment. The base of each compartment includes inclined surfaces for guiding settled solids to the outlet. Also described is a polymer reaction trough including baffles to promote gentle mixing of inflow fluid with flocculant. The system is designed to reduce costs of transportation, flocculent, and solids handling. The system is preferably arranged to facilitate transport on a skid or trailer, while maximizing fluid handling capabilities and minimizing costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Scott Blair Godlien
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Patent number: 7374689Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Clean Water Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
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Patent number: 7335309Abstract: A method for removing metal compounds from waste water comprising the steps of adjusting the pH of the water to from 5 to 12 and preferable 6 to 9; aerating the waste water; adding a flocculating agent to the water and allowing floccules including metal compounds to form; and separating said floccules including metal compounds from the water. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Sanford M. Stevenson