Level Sensing Patents (Class 210/744)
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Publication number: 20090084734Abstract: An Ultraviolet-C (UVC) based portable water purification system employing a novel array of baffles increases the efficiency per unit energy of irradiating UVC light in the eradication of pathogens in the water. Closed loop feedback allows monitoring the application of UVC light power to ensure high levels of pathogen eradication. This system is capable of eradicating a wide range of waterborne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminthes, yeast, and mold found in natural freshwater sources worldwide. By adding pre- or post-filters, the system can remove harmful organic compounds, pesticides, inorganic compounds and heavy metals from the water. The system can also be used to eradicate pathogens in fluids other than water. As a feature of this invention, a communications systems that can reach geographically dispersed populations at low cost without the need to install costly wired communications infrastructure is combined with and powered by the water purification system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: STEPHEN A. YENCHO
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Publication number: 20090078652Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for purifying a waste fluid stream. The system includes a recirculation pump having an inlet for a recirculation stream and an outlet to expel a pressurized stream. The system includes a compressor having an inlet for an evaporation stream and an outlet for a pressurized evaporation stream. A primary heat exchanger has inlets for the pressurized stream and the pressurized evaporation stream, an internal surface area for heat transfer from the evaporation stream to the pressurized stream, and outlets for a cooled product stream and a heated pressurized stream. The heated pressurized stream is formed by heating the pressurized stream and the cooled product stream is formed by cooling the evaporation stream. The system includes an evaporation unit having an inlet for the heated pressurized stream and outlets for an evaporation stream and the recycled liquid bottoms stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: H2OIL, INC.Inventors: Larry D. Sanderson, James W. Schleiffarth, Leslie D. Merrill, Bradford M. Rohwer
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Patent number: 7481940Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: NewBio E-Systems, IncorporatedInventors: Robert E. Clifford, III, John Mills, Greg Stadden, Michael S. Gratz
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Patent number: 7479231Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating mixtures of fluids having different densities. According to one aspect of the invention, a lower density fluid is separated from a higher density fluid. A mixture of the two fluids is received in a tank. A centrifugation of the mixture is induced in the tank. The lower density fluid is evacuated from the tank until the level of an interface created at least in part by the centrifugation between the higher density fluid and the lower density fluid reaches a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Robert H. Bernard
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Publication number: 20090014392Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: M-I LLCInventors: Greg McEwen, Joe Sherwood
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Publication number: 20080296233Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Ivey Burns, Thoram Charanda, Thomas J. Nicodemo, Richard Davis, Janell Crowder
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Patent number: 7455778Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports. A water intake system installed on a sea-going vessel positioned on the surface of a body of water includes an apparatus for taking up seawater from the body of seawater. The apparatus includes a water intake member, a water intake positioned on the water intake member, and an impingement, entrainment, and entrapment mitigation device at least partially surrounding the water intake and including a plurality of apertures sized to prevent entry of marine organisms into the water intake.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Water Standard Company LLCInventor: Andrew W. Gordon
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Publication number: 20080277353Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid is provided and includes a fluid storage tank for partially containing a fluid and a gas, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. The fluid treatment apparatus also includes a first aeration device, wherein the first aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity. The fluid treatment apparatus further includes a pumping device, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the fluid portion of the tank cavity to flow through the fluid outlet pipe and a second aeration device, wherein the second aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid outlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Raymond Leroy Frosti
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Publication number: 20080272064Abstract: A rainwater treatment assembly (1) comprising a rainwater storage tank (2) and a treatment tank (3). Rainwater is delivered from the storage tank (3) where ozone is injected into it at regular time intervals. The ozone kills bacteria and oxidises transition metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Owen Thomas Leonard
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Publication number: 20080272059Abstract: A system (1) for separating a fluid stream (2) comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid, the system comprising a separation vessel (5) that is arranged to define a downwardly extending separation space and comprises a downwardly sloping tube (8), the separation space having an inlet (10) for the fluid stream at a first height, an outlet (20) for heavy liquid at a second height below the first height, an outlet (30) for light liquid at a third height between the first and second heights, an outlet (70) for gas above all outlets for liquid, wherein a further outlet (51, 56) for light liquid is provided at a fourth height between the first and third heights, and wherein at least the outlet at the third height is provided with a control valve (33) that is operative to open and close in dependence of the type of liquid in the pipes at that level, and a method of separating a fluid stream comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid in such a system, wherein an indication of height of an interface betType: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Jill Hui Chiun Chieng, Frederick Jan Van Dijk
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Patent number: 7442294Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by measuring or calculating the blood volume or its volume change as a blood indication level, and by controlling dialysis conditions according to said target blood indication level, wherein the chronological course of said blood indication level is defined as a target control line, and the primary blood volume (BV0) can be calculated as blood indication level. In the former part of the dialysis operation, the water removal is controlled so that the circulating blood volume in the body approach to the standard blood volume (BV st) with the use of said target control line. After the water removal of the former part of the dialysis operation, when the circulating blood volume in the body attains the standard blood volume (BV st), the latter part of the dialysis operation is started. In said latter part of the dialysis operation, the water removal operation is performed by substantively maintaining said standard blood volume (BV st).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
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Publication number: 20080245737Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The ultrapure water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a particulate removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The particulate removal system can comprise one or more ultrafiltration apparatus. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized in feedforward or feedback mode to regulate addition of the precursor compound and the actinic radiation source, and to maintain a temperature of the ultrapure water product.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
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Publication number: 20080237142Abstract: Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Michael V. Carpenter, Lyle G. Roybal, Alan Lindquist, Vicente Gallardo
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Patent number: 7416670Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system (10) having only two cells (18, 20) can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system (10) has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber (16) and two gasification chambers or cells (18, 20), each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism (32), and a discharge chamber (24). A common primary skim collection channel (40) atop the partition (44) dividing the gasification chambers (18, 20) efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Melvin Stacy, Kenneth C. Tolmie, James C. T. Chen
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Publication number: 20080164216Abstract: A septic tank housing system with extension element for use in a septic system including a filter housing with sides, a top section and a bottom; a filter element holder; a plurality of filter elements; a tubular element secured to the outside of the filter housing: a filter housing extension element for extending the overall height of the filter housing; and preferably, a pump for discharging filter liquid effluent from the filter housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Zoeller CompanyInventors: Jay E. Collins, James R. Zimmerman, Jason D. Fletcher, Matthew E. Byers
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Publication number: 20080142451Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and shutting down a part-time wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The wastewater treatment system has a water input to receive an influent flow of wastewater to be treated, a water output to discharge treated clean water effluent, and a water treatment capacity volume. An effluent external tank receives the clean water effluent and has a size greater than or equal to the capacity volume. Influent flow of wastewater is terminated. Clean water effluent is pumped through a fluid pathway from the effluent external tank to the water input. A sufficient volume of clean water effluent is passed through the wastewater treatment system to complete treatment of the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system, purge wastewater from the wastewater treatment system, and fill the wastewater treatment system with clean water effluent. The wastewater treatment system is thus prepared to be shut down.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael R. Rusnack, Stephen D. Allen
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Publication number: 20080116134Abstract: A brine recycling apparatus and process form a part of a water softening system (10). The water softening system (10) has a brine tank (43) for receiving brine solution that has passed through a softening tank (19) of the softening system (10) to remove hardness ions adsorbed on resin regenerating particles in the softening tank (19). The brine solution in the brine tank (43) is forced through a filter such as a nanofilter (25) that allows a much higher proportion of the brine ions to pass than the hardness ions. The liquid passing through the filter (25) is returned to the brine tank (43). The liquid that does not pass through the filter (25) may be directed to a drain. A preferred system uses a pump (51) to force the brine solution through the filter (25).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2005Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Peter S. Cartwright
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Patent number: 7368060Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for detecting contaminant in a fuel system, such as a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a fuel filter comprising an upper unit having a fuel inlet port, a fuel outlet port, and a closeable vent port and a lower unit releasably mounted to the upper unit and comprising a contaminant collection zone adapted for holding collected contaminant and a closable contaminant outlet port adapted for draining the collected contaminant. The apparatus further includes a programmable low-voltage variable contaminant detection sensor formed integrally within the upper unit of the fuel filter and comprising detection probes extending into the lower unit of the fuel filter for sensing contaminant levels within the contaminant collection zone, the sensor being adapted for generating a signal upon detection of a predetermined level of contaminant in the contaminant collection zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Warning SAInventor: Mihalis Faxides
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Publication number: 20080099396Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying water, in particular for the continuous purification of water in the paper industry, said device comprising at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the water. The device also comprises a compression device for at least one sub-stream of the water, an injection device for injecting at least one gas and an expansion device for expanding at least one sub-stream of the water. In addition, the device comprises a unit for separating different phases of the water for purification. The device is characterized by a control system, which detects at least one parameter of the water and controls at least the addition of at least one additive in accordance with the process parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2005Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicants: Kowitec Ingenieurgesellschaft Fuer Wassertechnik MBH, Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbHInventors: Uwe Rother, Frank Wiemeyer, Eberhard Kopp, Christoph Gundlach
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Patent number: 7364661Abstract: A mixture of fluids is separated into at least two phases, one of which has a higher density than the other, passing the mixture through a normally horizontal supply pipe, by creating a stratified flow in the supply pipe, by passing the mixture through an inclined pipe, whilse maintaining a stratified flow in the inclined pipe, by extracting fluid with lower density (“lighter phase”) via a first discharge system and fluid with a higher density (“heavier phase”) via a second discharge system, wherein the interface between the lighter phase and the heavier phase is monitored in the inclined pipe by a level controller means that varies the flow of the fluid of higher density to keep the interface between set levels.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Eric Johannes Puik
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Publication number: 20080087608Abstract: A method and apparatus for inline, controlled water separation from a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream. The method includes the steps of directing the multiphase hydrocarbon production stream to a gas/liquid separator in order to separate into a gas stream and a liquid stream. The level of liquid in the gas/liquid separator is monitored and controlled. The liquid stream removed from the gas/liquid separator is directed to an enlarged pipe section in order to separate into an oil portion and a water portion. The level of the oil portion in the enlarged pipe section is monitored and controlled. The water portion from the enlarged pipe section is directed to a liquid-liquid cyclone centrifugal separator in order to separate into a water stream and a hydrocarbon concentrated stream. The water stream from the liquid cyclone centrifugal separator is directed to at least one de-oiling hydrocyclone separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: MULTIPHASE SYSTEMS INTEGRATIONInventors: Shoubo Wang, Luis Gomez, Ram Mohan, Ovadia Shoham
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Publication number: 20080083674Abstract: A reservoir is configured to receive a first fluid, and has an inlet configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet. Second fluid received in the reservoir drives a corresponding amount of first fluid out of the outlet and into the wastewater treatment system. A method also is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Murphy J. Cormier, Troy L. Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, Robert K. Pertuit, Donald L. Brown
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Patent number: 7347945Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating out an effluent made up of a multi-phase fluid mixture. According to the invention, said installation includes gravity separator means whose geometrical separation characteristics can be adjusted during said separation operation. According to the invention, the method makes it possible to adjust the geometrical separation characteristics of the separator as a function of how the multi-phase composition of the effluent varies over time.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jul Amado, Baptiste Germond, Pierre Le Foll
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Patent number: 7314509Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Proton Energy System, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
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Patent number: 7303667Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions, wherein the hemodialysis treatment is carried out under dialysis conditions determined by defining the course of said chronological target blood indication level as a target control line, measuring the blood indication level at each measurement point (controlling point) in said chronological course, calculating the dialysis conditions with the use of said measured blood indication level and the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point) of said measurement point (controlling point) in the hemodialysis apparatus carrying out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions with the use of blood volume (BV level) or blood volume change as an indication level (hereinafter also referred to as blood indication level), to attain the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
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Patent number: 7273560Abstract: An apparatus for recycling the stripper solutions with higher recycling rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stripper condenser; a first buffer tank; a second buffer tank connecting to said stripper condenser by a first pipe and connecting to said first buffer tank by a second pipe; a recycling device connecting to said first buffer tank by a fourth pipe; a first pump mounted on said first pipe; a second pump mounted on said second pipe; a concentration detector mounted in said stripper condenser; and a controller electrically connected to said concentration detector, said flow meter, and said liquid level sensor for receiving the signals therefrom, and electrically connected to said first pump and said second pump for sending on-off messages to said second pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Ta Sen Su, Chien Chou, Ji Luen Chen
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Publication number: 20070215557Abstract: A method and apparatus for a grease processing unit for wastewater treatment. An embodiment of a grease processing unit includes a tank to hold influent. The tank has a top, a bottom, and one or more sides, and the influent is a mixture of grease and water. There is a first inlet in a side of the tank to allow influent to be pumped into the tank, and a second inlet in a side of the tank to allow water into the tank. The tank has an outlet in a side of the tank, where the outlet allows effluent to be released out of the tank. The grease separation unit also includes a control unit, the control unit to control the operation of the grease processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Kevin L. Gallegos, Michael J. Kruckenberg, Larry Dean Brown, Ronald Hill, Daniel Tonello, Jack Beach, Timothy Morse, Edwin Tankersley, Charles Bosshardt, Timothy Boyles, S. Bret Guillory
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Patent number: 7270755Abstract: Presented is a liquid filtering apparatus and method that overcomes the disadvantages encountered with prior bed filtration systems by providing a filtering apparatus that incorporates a super-buoyant filter medium having a specific gravity very substantially lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. This feature enables a majority of the medium to float on top of the process liquid. Due to the significant differences in specific gravity between the media and the process liquid, super-buoyant media produce a highly advantageous means of naturally, gravimetrically separating both clean and contaminated filter media and process liquid into separate “phases”. Under normal filtering operation, the filter media is contained within a filter housing by a bed support near the top of the filter housing, and particulate material is filtered from a process liquid that passes through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Steven H. Schwartzkopf
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Patent number: 7264006Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Jens Fittkau, Johannes Seiwert, Christiane Gottschalk
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Publication number: 20070181507Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus 10 has an upper apparatus body 12 on which a plurality of upper fluid handling sections 16 are arrayed, and a lower apparatus body 14 capable of mounting thereon the upper apparatus body 12. Each of the upper fluid handling sections 16 of the upper apparatus body 12 has an upper fluid handling chamber 28 in which a large number of beads 24 are housed, and a valve body 26 which is provided in the bottom portion of the upper fluid handling chamber 28, the valve body 26 being pushed up by a protruding portion 18b when the upper apparatus body 12 is mounted on the lower apparatus body 14.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventor: Takuhito Ohse
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Patent number: 7247243Abstract: A separator device including a vessel for separating water from oil. The separator device is provided with a measurer for measuring the temperature of the wall of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia ASInventor: Klas-Gøran Eriksson
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Patent number: 7241378Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes means for measuring or calculating a blood volume or a blood volume change as a blood index level, a hemodialysis means, and a controlling means that controls hemodialysis conditions of the hemodialysis means according to the blood index level. The controlling means controls the hemodialysis means so that hemodialysis operation is carried out without performing water removal at the time of the initiation of the hemodialysis operation until the blood volume stabilizes. The hemodialysis operation is carried out by performing water removal after the blood volume is stabilized by the hemodialysis operation without performing water removal, and that is a constitution so that it is possible to calculate the primary blood volume (BV0) of each patient according to the following formula (I), from % ?BV of hemodialysis operation which has been carried out before the blood volume is stabilized, and the increased blood volume circulating outside the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
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Patent number: 7204930Abstract: An oxidation filtration system for cleaning groundwater, the system having an aeration tower and a filtration tank. Within the filtration tank is an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contained within the lower chamber is a plurality of Styrofoam™ filter media. Separating the upper chamber from lower chamber is a filter media mash which keeps the filter media from entering into the upper chamber. The aerated water from the aeration tower enters into the base of the lower filter chamber and rises through the filter media into the upper filter chamber. As the water passes through the filter media, the dissolved solvents fallout of the groundwater and attach themselves to the Styrofoam™ media. An automated back flushing and clarifying process is also provided using a back flush port and a clarification port, a higher level water sensor in the aeration tower and a programmable logic controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Skagit Farmers SupplyInventor: William Nightingale
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Patent number: 7172704Abstract: A method for treating waste water fluid, wherein the method comprises the steps of macerating waste water fluid in a first tank forming a sheared fluid, filtering the sheared fluid to remove solids, forming unfiltered waste water and product water, flowing product water to the first tank when the waste water fluid level is below the product water manifold, flowing the product water to a second tank when the waste water fluid level covers the product water manifold, flowing product water in the second tank into a vented loop to a third tank, diluting fluid in the third tank with raw water from a raw water source forming de-chlorinated water; and removing the de-chlorinated water from the third tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.Inventors: John L. Kroesser, III, Paul Craig Mellinger, Mark Wayne Mellinger, Lynn Wallace, Art Smith, Randy Lego, Melvyn Wayne Mellinger, Scott Hudson
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Patent number: 7153436Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method and system for enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic centrifugal separators (cyclones) in the removal of fine size particles from a liquid carrying medium. More particularly, it is concerned with improvements in the removal efficiency of any number of cyclonic devices that rely on the use of centrifugal force to separate fine size particles of differing density from the liquid carrying medium by addition of polymeric additives, both before, and, as necessary, inside the cyclone body.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Patrick W Bair, Charlynn Bair
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Patent number: 7125393Abstract: A device for carrying fluids for a medical treatment device with two balancing chambers, each having two partial chambers. The filling times of the partial chambers are initially determined using a monitoring device, and then the filling times of the first partial chambers of the first and second balancing chambers, are compared to the filling times of the second partial chambers of the first and second balancing chambers, respectively, to detect leakage or an incomplete filling or discharging of the respective partial chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventors: Helge Brauer, Walter Ehrenberger, Helmuth Ender, Joachim Noack
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Patent number: 7118677Abstract: In order to use so-called gray water for the flushing of toilets, for example in a conveyance such as a passenger aircraft, the gray water is passed through at least one filter, preferably through a coarse filter followed by a fine filter, into a treatment tank where it is anodically oxidized. The rinsing is performed by a pump that may be a rotary pressure pump or a piston cylinder pump. The pump passes the processed or oxidized water through an excess pressure valve and through at least one spray nozzle into a toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
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Patent number: 7074338Abstract: Using the filter auxiliary agent separated by backwashing from a filter element repeatedly and effectively, the consumption amount of a filter auxiliary agent and the generation of industrial waste can be suppressed. In a filter auxiliary agent pre-coat circuit, a filter auxiliary agent in a pre-coat tank is attached and stacked on a filter element in a filter case, and a filter auxiliary agent layer is formed. In a filter circuit, the filter auxiliary agent layer of the filter element removes sludge in the filter treatment liquid in a main tank. A backwashing circuit breaks down the filter auxiliary agent layer and a sludge layer, separates the filter auxiliary agent layer and the sludge layer by backwashing from the filter element, and circulates to the pre-coat tank. After repeating these steps a plurality of times, the filter auxiliary agent and sludge separated by backwashing are taken out to the exterior.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha NikuniInventor: Yuji Mizuno
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Patent number: 7074337Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Robert L. Miller
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Patent number: 7060189Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Robert L. Miller
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Patent number: 7052612Abstract: A skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. A tank portion of the unit defines an interior skimmer chamber, one or more ultraviolet light chambers, filter chamber, and pump chamber. Water is received through a pivoting weir door of a skimmer faceplate assembly affixed to the tank portion. Water is directed downward from the weir opening to a skimmer basket, then through unidirectional ports defined in a lower portion of a partitioning wall to one or more ultraviolet light chambers where it is subjected to ultraviolet light. After being subjected to ultraviolet light, the water is passed through a filter chamber then to a pump chamber where it is pumped away from the skimmer and filter unit. An interlocking lid is secured to the tank portion to seal the interior of the tank portion and protect the tank from deformation caused by the surrounding environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Charles F. Kelty
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Patent number: 7045065Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring and eliminating gas build-up in an anion exchange column comprised of an anion exchange material placed within a vessel and a liquid layer comprising water contaminated by at least antimony passing through said vessel, which method comprises maintaining said anion exchange material within said liquid layer by allowing gases produced by a reaction of said liquid layer with said anion exchange material to be released from said anion exchange vessel though a valve or other gas release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventors: Luis M. Penafiel, Pedro M. Buarque de Macedo
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Patent number: 7034193Abstract: A method for purifying a spent acid catalyst from an acid catalyzed chemical reaction that generates a mixture of a product, spent add and tar, includes the steps of separating the mixture of product, spent acid, and tar into a product fraction and a spent acid fraction, said spent acid fraction comprising a mixture of spent acid and tar, and separating the spent acid fraction, by flotation separation, centrifugation, or liquid-liquid coalescence, into a tar fraction and a de-tarred spent acid fraction. The fluidized tar and the de-tarred spent acid can each be further processed to produce concentrated acid.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Rhodia Inc.Inventors: Richard Wai-Chun Liu, Philip Dean Hill, Thomas Edwin Pruitt, Forrest Lee Sanders, Albert Yi Yang
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Patent number: 7025888Abstract: A floating decanter and method for charging supernatant from a vesel without drawing floating solids or scum into the discharge. The decanter includes a weir (16) having a central opening, and a solid bottom side, a float (12) adjacent to an outer edge of the weir, a weir lift and drive (14) having at least two screw jacks (20) attached to the float and a attachment arm (26) extending to the weir, and an discharge pipe (32) attached to the bottom of the weir. The weir is lowered with respect to the float to discharge supernatant.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Ashbrook Simon-Hartley Operations, LPInventors: James E. Thompson, Jeffrey S. Devine, Michael Combs
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Patent number: 7017663Abstract: System for producing de-watered oil from an underground formation to the surface, which system comprises a reception well having a substantially horizontal or inclined section for primary oil/water separation of the well fluid; a water discharge system having an upstream end that is capable of receiving during normal operation liquid from the lower region of the downstream part of the reception well; and a secondary underground oil/water separator having an upstream end that is capable of receiving during normal operation liquid from the upper region of the downstream part of the reception well, the secondary separator having an outlet for de-watered oil that is in fluid communication with the inlet of a production well and an outlet for a water-enriched component that is in fluid communication with the water discharge system.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Gerardus Hugo Polderman, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek, Jelle Sipke Bouma, Eric Johannes Puik
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Patent number: 7014779Abstract: A vacuum separation, transport and collection system for immiscible liquids includes a separator (12) for separating two immiscible liquids such as oil and a water-based coolant, and for directing the separated immiscible liquid into a holder (16). A collector (18) is secured through a vacuum line (20) with the holder (16) and a vacuum generator (22) applies a vacuum to the collector (18) and holder (16). A controller (28) controls the vacuum generator (22) to apply a vacuum to the collector (18) and the holder (16) for a predetermined vacuum duty cycle for periodically removing separated immiscible liquid (26) from the holder (16) into the collector (18). Contaminants in the immiscible liquid cannot degrade performance of the system because such contaminants do not contact the vacuum generator (22) or controller (28).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Edward C. Kirchner
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Patent number: 6955763Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system having only two cells can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber and two gasification chambers or cells, each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism, and a discharge chamber. A common primary skim collection channel atop the partition dividing the gasification chambers efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter. At least one baffle depending from the top of the vessel near the primary skim collection channel helps dampen the action of the fluid containing the suspended matter when the vessel is affected by wave motion against the floating oil production platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Petreco International Inc.Inventors: Melvin O. Stacy, Kenneth Tolmie, James C. T. Chen
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Patent number: 6951615Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Tripodi, Carl R. Nicolia, Douglas R. Wroblewski, Robert J. Burnham
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Patent number: 6932910Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Robert L. Miller
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Patent number: 6905607Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Takachiho Corp.Inventor: Makoto Hosoya