Ultraviolet Radiation Patents (Class 210/748.1)
  • Patent number: 8246839
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a double-walled chamber for the UV disinfection of liquids, preferably drinking water and/or waste water. It realizes a rectangular and/or square cross-sectional shape of the UV radiation chamber even at higher pressures, whereby the radiation chamber can moreover be provided with a thin-walled configuration and allows an optimal and close arrangement of UV radiators as compared with a round chamber. By applying the inventive idea, the known dead zones at the entrance are completely eliminated and an entrance turbulence is produced which runs simultaneously with the piston flow in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ueberall
  • Publication number: 20120093684
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a UV Sterilization System are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used as a fluorescent lamp ballast which is controlled using a non-resonant circuit that allows the ballast to lower to fifty percent the light output of the lamp while providing a corresponding fifty percent reduction in energy used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: John T. Martin, Lucien Tournie, Douglas Gene Lockie
  • Patent number: 8157971
    Abstract: An electronic water treatment apparatus includes an electronic impulse generator and control box attached to a power source. An impulse chamber includes a cylindrical anode rod inside a tubular cathode and is connected to the impulse generator and control box with a low-voltage cable which is no more than about six feet long. The impulse generator and control box supply about 16 v DC power and 120-180 milliamps to the impulse chamber at between 2300 and 5200 Hertz. The discharge frequency within the impulse chamber automatically varies with the conductivity of the aqueous solution within the impulse chamber. The impulse generator and control box supply power with a waveform that includes about a two microsecond break between each positive and negative pulse to prevent corrosion of the electrodes and create the aragonite form of calcium carbonate instead of the calcite form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Sven Mierswa
  • Patent number: 8153058
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of a liquid or gaseous medium, in particular water or air, using UV radiation, comprises a UV radiation source (24), with an axial longitudinal direction and an essentially perpendicular, in particular radial direction of irradiation (R), with several layers of transmissive treatment chambers (K1-K4), serially arranged one on the other in the radiation direction (R), separated from the UV radiation source (24) and from each other by a transparent, UV-transmissive separating layer (T1-T4) which is UV transparent. The chambers, beginning with a first treatment chamber (K1), adjacent to the UV radiation source, form a flow channel for the medium running in the longitudinal direction of the UV radiation source (24), the flow channel emptying (26) into the subsequent treatment chamber (K2, K3, K4) that is at a greater distance from the UV radiation source (24) in the direction of irradiation (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Rafael Araiza, Heinz Hartig
  • Publication number: 20120080379
    Abstract: A method of producing sterile water from raw water during a production cycle in a production plant P, including adding a disinfectant to the produced sterile water during the production cycle to permanently monitor the condition of the sterile water and/or the production plant, and determining and evaluating a reduction of concentration of the disinfectant directly in the production stream. In a production plant suited for carrying out the method, a sterile sensor is provided directly in the production stream through which the reduction of concentration of the disinfectant added to the produced sterile water can be permanently measured and evaluated to provide a sterility evidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Jorg Zacharias
  • Patent number: 8129696
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems including wastewater treatment systems that utilize high energy light to destruct organics in wastewater are provided. In some embodiments, such systems may include a gas purifier that is configured to purify a gas. The wastewater treatment system treats wastewater from the gas purifier via the use of ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the wastewater treatment system may include an ultraviolet light system that directs ultraviolet light through the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gary Daniel Miller
  • Patent number: 8123870
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a handheld cleaning device that sanitizes an item to be cleaned by, in a single action, dispensing ozone and ultrasonic wave cavitations in an aqueous medium that contains the object to be cleaned. The handheld device comprises a dipping end, which further comprises an ozone generator, dispensing ozone from the dipping end, and an ultrasonic wave generator generating ultrasonic cavitation in an aqueous medium. The device is configured to be held on a holding end, with a side opposite the holding end configured for dipping into an aqueous medium (e.g., water, cleaning fluid, liquids, etc.) which is contained in a vessel. The vessel is a concave structure capable of holding such aqueous medium, such as a sink, a bowl, a basin, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dyne Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Se Hyung Eum
  • Publication number: 20120012536
    Abstract: A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes processing ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source to generate an output flow mixture of air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gasses, controlling the at least one ultraviolet light source, a flow rate of the output flow mixture and an ROS gas ratio in the output flow mixture, mixing a water flow with the output flow mixture to realize a flow of water/ROS gas mixture and outputting the flow of water/ROS gas mixture as the treated water. Preferably, the processing includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gasses in the output flow mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2?) Peroxide (—O2—), Hydroperoxide (HO2?), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH.), Ozone (O3?) and Molecular Oxygen (O2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene Klochkoff, Clive Ling, Steven Lerman
  • Publication number: 20120000860
    Abstract: A device for purifying a fluid is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a passage adapted for conducting a flow of the fluid, said passage provided with input and output openings; (b) a plurality of elongate members coated with a titanium oxide disposed within the passage; (c) fastening means for mechanically fixating terminals of the elongate members within the passage; (d) at least one source of ultraviolet radiation adapted for illuminating the elongate members; (e) pumping means adapted for generating the fluid flow through the passage from the input opening to the output opening. The fastening means comprises at least two fasteners. Each fastener comprises two mutually orthogonal spaced apart pluralities of parallel rods. The rods are adapted for restricting lateral displacement of the elongate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Alex ARENSHTAM, Pinchas MAMAN
  • Patent number: 8088289
    Abstract: A method and device are presented for affecting at least one chemical or mechanical property of a target site (109). A stream of liquid towards a contact with the target site (109) is provided with a predetermined flow rate. Also provided is UV-radiation (103) having predetermined parameters in terms of power, wavelength, duty cycle and repetition rate. The UV-radiation (103) is directed within the stream of liquid (101) along a trajectory of the stream. The stream carrying the UV radiation is maintained in contact with the target site for a time period and under conditions sufficient for affecting the at least one chemical or mechanical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Zamir Tribelsky
  • Publication number: 20110309032
    Abstract: A system and method for photochemical treatment of liquid substances with ultraviolet light inside liquid conveying tubings. The system includes an elongated polymeric light guiding liquid conveyance tube having first and second open ends and an internal surface defining the interior and liquid conveying conduit of the tube, and a UV light source, which is optically connected to the interior and liquid conveying conduit of the tube. The light guiding tube includes one or multiple concentric layers of polymeric materials selected from a group that includes thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, elastomers and composites. The tube has at least one UV light transmitting polymeric material layer having a lower refractive index value than the refractive index value of the liquid substance conveyed within the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Markus MäkI
  • Patent number: 8080165
    Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing Taylor-Couette flow in a fluid are provided. Aspects of the disclosed methods and systems incorporate laminar Taylor-Couette flow in combination with a source of radiation to provide more uniform radiation exposure to the fluid and its components. Common problems of non-uniform radiation levels and concentration boundary layer effects in UV reactors are largely eliminated using the methods and devices provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the reactor of the present disclosure has a hollow outer cylinder or stator and a rotor positioned therein and smooth walls for both the outer wall of its rotor and the inner wall of the outer cylinder or stator in which the rotor is positioned, the space between which forming the annular fluid gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Forney
  • Publication number: 20110297623
    Abstract: A method for treating a substance using an apparatus having: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 8070964
    Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that a base material comprises ester groups in the main chain and/or in the side chain(s), and comprises a polymer having hydrophobic groups. Particularly, the hydrophobic groups can be introduced by irradiating the base material with a radiation during the base material contacts an aqueous solution of a monohydric alcohol or an aqueous solution of an alcohol having not less than 2 hydroxyl groups, which is a monomer or a polymer, and which has one or more carbon atoms between the carbon atoms to each of which the hydroxyl group is bound in the monomer or in each monomer constituting the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: TORAY Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Miho Araki, Yoshiyuki Ueno, Hiroyuki Sugaya
  • Patent number: 8048231
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a handheld cleaning device that sanitizes an item to be cleaned by, in a single action, dispensing ozone and ultrasonic wave cavitations in an aqueous medium that contains the object to be cleaned. The handheld device comprises a dipping end, which further comprises an ozone generator, dispensing ozone from the dipping end, and an ultrasonic wave generator generating ultrasonic cavitation in an aqueous medium. The device is configured to be held on a holding end, with a side opposite the holding end configured for dipping into an aqueous medium (e.g., water, cleaning fluid, liquids, etc.) which is contained in a vessel. The vessel is a concave structure capable of holding such aqueous medium, such as a sink, a bowl, a basin, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dyne Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Se Hyung Eum
  • Publication number: 20110240564
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying liquids, in particular for purifying ballast water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Mueller, Wilfried Riggers
  • Publication number: 20110240566
    Abstract: A photo-catalyzing fluid mobilizing system and method are disclosed. A chamber has a power source. A fluid mobilizer is mounted in the chamber and connected with the power source to mobilize a fluid through the chamber. The fluid mobilizer includes one or more fan blades that are coated with a photo catalyst. A UV light source is mounted in the chamber proximate the fluid mobilizer and connected with the power source to catalyze the photo catalyst coating the blades to purifier the fluid being mobilized thereover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Life Spring Limited Partnership
    Inventor: ROLF ENGELHARD
  • Publication number: 20110233142
    Abstract: A water purification system and method for removing inorganic, organic and biological species from water. The system and method involve simultaneous treatment of water using mild heat, a photoactive catalyst such as titanium dioxide and UV irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Lorne D. Grossman, Hersh I Forman, Andrew Lewis Maxwell, William Alexander Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110215054
    Abstract: A highly portable solar UV disinfection and water storage container with a uniquely traceable security seal that passively indicates by means of a permanent photochromic color change the efficacy of the UV disinfection process performed upon the drinking water within the sealed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Lantis, Joseph Patrick Phelan, Anna Phelan
  • Publication number: 20110215055
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for use in the irradiation of fluids. The apparatus has an elongate conduit (312) having a central axis (334) and two or more elongate ultraviolet radiation sources (114) extending along the interior of the conduit for irradiation of the fluid within the conduit. An array of static mixer elements (300) is located within the conduit, and the two or more elongate ultraviolet radiation sources (114) are arranged to extend through apertures in deflection surfaces of the static mixer elements making up the array (300). The apparatus and method allows for reliable and uniform ultraviolet irradiation of fluids of low UV transmissivity, such as turbid fluids, particularly for ultraviolet disinfection of such fluids. Wipers may be fitted to the static mixer elements to enable relative movement between the static mixer elements and the surfaces of the elongate ultraviolet radiation sources to clean the surfaces of the sources without need to dismantle the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: John Michael Baron
  • Patent number: 8012355
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Patent number: 8007654
    Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8002992
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid is disclosed using an apparatus having: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone, (b) a throat connected to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector having a vertex, a focus and an opening at the vertex, wherein the opening is connected to the throat such that the vertex and focus are axially aligned with the central axis and the focus is not located within the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends into the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the pump volute or hydrocyclone head and is irradiated by the wave energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7987769
    Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Strauss Water Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Oranski, Avner Sadot, Israel Heifetz, Yoav Dracher
  • Publication number: 20110174742
    Abstract: With a method for renovating wastewater, the wastewater is fed into an electro flocculation cell (E) and is subject to electro flocculation. The electro flocculate (WF) processed in the electro flocculation cell is fed into a ripening tank (R) and remains there. The electro flocculate (WF) originating from the ripening tank is filtered in a filter (F). The device for renovating wastewater comprises an electro flocculation cell (E), a ripening tank (R) connected downstream of the electro flocculation cell (E), and a filter (F) connected downstream of the ripening tank. The electro flocculation cell (E) is provided with moveable electrodes. The ripening tank (R) comprises a ventilation element (R18) for feeding air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Publication number: 20110163045
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treatment, remediation, and purification of contaminated water at an optimal pH for are provided herein, as well as a database for use in said methods and systems. The methods and systems are based on identifying one or more contaminants in the contaminated water, and identifying an optimal pH for performing direct photodegradation of the contaminant(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Hadas Mamane, Dror Avisar, Yaal Lester, Igal Gozlan
  • Publication number: 20110163044
    Abstract: A ceramic structure for water treatment, a water treatment apparatus and method are provided. Immersion efficiency of a photo catalyst and a specific surface area of the immersed photo catalyst can be improved using a ceramic medium including a ceramic paper prepared of a ceramic fiber. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the water treatment apparatus and method capable of increasing decomposition efficiency of contaminated materials due to irradiation of ultraviolet light, and so on, enabling continuous purification treatment, and remarkably reducing preparation, management and water treatment expenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: LG HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Moonsuk HAN, Ju-Hyung Lee, Seongmoon Jung
  • Publication number: 20110120957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating fluids, characterised in the steps of radiating the fluid with UV light, producing and dispersing gas bubbles in the fluid in the rays of the UV light, in order to increase the scattering of the UV light in the liquid. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Wallenius Water Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Osmon Scipio, Carl Tullstedt
  • Patent number: 7943087
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 7919152
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for polymerizing photoactive materials included in a liquid material by electromagnetic radiation, by dispensing the liquid material layer-wise into a container and irradiating the accumulated layers by a curing radiation, wherein a substantial part of the radiation is well transmitted through the photoactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Objet Geometries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliahu M. Kritchman, Alexander Libinson, Michael Deriugin
  • Patent number: 7919042
    Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7914677
    Abstract: Water (23) that contains micro-nano bubbles generated in a micro-nano bubble generation tank (6) is introduced and treated in a charcoal water tank (ii) which is filled with a charcoal (15) and in which an air diffusing pipe (12) is placed and thereafter introduced and treated in a membrane device (21). Thus, activities of microorganisms propagating in the charcoal (15) are increased by the micro-nano bubbles, markedly increasing ability of decomposing organic matters in the water. Therefore, a clogging phenomenon due to the organic matters can be prevented by reducing organic loads on the membrane device (21). Moreover, a very small amount of alcohols or salts are added as a micro-nano bubble generation aid to the micro-nano bubble generation tank (6), improving an incidence rate of the micro-nano bubbles. The alcohols and salts are easily decomposed by the charcoal water tank (ii) and easily removed by the membrane device (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7906023
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110042326
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of purifying wastewater by contacting the wastewater which is to be purified with a rod-shaped TiO2 photocatalyst which has a BET surface area of 25 to 200 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.10 to 1.00 ml/g, and a median pore diameter of 0.005 to 0.050 ?m, with irradiation by light, and to the use of such a rod-shaped TiO2 photocatalyst which has a BET surface area of 25 to 200 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.10 to 1.00 ml/g, and a median pore diameter of 0.005 to 0.050 ?m, for purifying wastewater with irradiation by light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Alexandra Seeber, Götz-Peter Schindler, Katrin Freitag, Reinhard Hess, Rudolf Piehl, Thilo Hahn, Thomas Hill, Michael Hesse, Piotr Makarczyk
  • Patent number: 7892439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chemically treating a liquid medium loaded with nitrates, primarily comprising a step in which zinc is brought into contact with said liquid medium whose pH is preferably less than 4. When this contacting step leads to the presence of residual zinc in the liquid medium, the liquid medium is circulated through at least one electrolytic cell. The invention also relates to a device for treating a liquid medium loaded with nitrates, to applications of this method, and to a device for reducing the proportion of nitrates in ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Societe Cooperative Agricole Des Perrinots, Pierre Magnes, Michel Reynes
    Inventors: Dimiter Hadjiev, Lionel Limousy, Thomas Lendormi
  • Publication number: 20110029410
    Abstract: A method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer, which may be at the point of entry, and/or between the point of entry and point of use, and/or at the point of use. The method includes treating the water and delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, and reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: BERNARD FRANK
  • Publication number: 20110024365
    Abstract: An ultraviolet reactor for treating a fluid. The reactor includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for discharging fluid. The reactor further includes an ultraviolet light source and baffle plates. The baffle plates include holes arranged in a predetermined pattern for providing plug flow in areas in the reactor near the ultraviolet light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Zhee Min Jimmy Yong, David Stibitz, Bruce Lee Coulter, Michael Scott Hoosier
  • Publication number: 20100320156
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for oxidizing a substance (e.g., in a waste stream, drinking water, a paper pulp slurry, or on a surface), which uses free radicals and reactive species generated from multiple oxidants. The method comprises combining peroxynitrite or peroxynitrous acid and at least one additional oxidizing agent for a period of time sufficient to oxidize the substance of interest. The peroxynitrite or peroxynitrous acid preferably is formed by irradiation of nitrate ion and/or nitric acid (e.g., with UV or gamma rays). The yield of free radicals and reactive species, which are the intermediate species that perform the oxidation may be increased by addition of a catalysts, electromagnetic radiation, sonic waves, and/or electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Charles O. Olaiya, Jennifer E. Holland, Donald H. Alexander, Robert S. Reimers
  • Patent number: 7855492
    Abstract: A lamp holder for a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamp (1), especially for use in a treatment system or reactor or housing or in an irradiation apparatus, for radiating a medium like a fluid and/or a gas and/or a solid material by means of the DBD lamp (1) is disclosed. The holder substantially comprises two end caps (21, 31) at the axial ends of the lamp (1) and an inner electrode (23, 24; 33, 34) with a screw fitting (SF) for exerting an axial pressure on both axial ends of the lamp (I) via both end caps (21, 31) and with axial bores (25, 35) into an inner volume (14) for guiding especially a cooling medium and for electrically contacting an inner tube (II) of the lamp (1). The holder has a comparatively simple construction and can easily be assembled. Furthermore, even larger tolerances of the lamp length can be compensated and a reliable sealing of the inner volume (14) against the outside of the lamp (1) is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schiene, Georg Greuel, Michael Schaaf, Andreas Poque
  • Publication number: 20100314330
    Abstract: Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a vessel. An intermediate level of liquid in the vessel is detected; an influx of a dilution liquid into the vessel is instigated; a high level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the influx of dilution liquid is stopped and a discharge of the fluid is instigated; a low level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the discharge of the liquid is stopped; and, while it is being discharged, the discharged liquid is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Picard
  • Publication number: 20100294726
    Abstract: The disclosed principles employ a UV reactor design for photo-based treatment of contaminated fluid media using a concentric single light source/single sleeve design, with multiple such concentric light source/sleeve units placed in parallel. In one embodiment, such a reactor may comprise an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold, and a plurality of tubular chambers connecting the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. A plurality of such irradiating units are located within corresponding ones of the tubular chambers such that a fluid path is provided between each of the transparent sleeves and its corresponding tubular chamber where the contaminated fluid is irradiated as it passes through the chambers. The inlet ends of all of the chambers are connected to a single fluid intake manifold. This design allows the contaminated fluid pressure and flow to be evenly distributed among all of the fluid chambers via the intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell
  • Publication number: 20100237017
    Abstract: A portable water filtration system that interconnects two, otherwise separate, water bottles arranged vertically such that water flows under gravitational pressure from a first water bottle through a filter configured to capture small particle impurities to a second water bottle and removes small particle impurities before they enter the second water bottle. The filtration system is implemented within a cap that can attach to a variety of standard water bottles, such as Nalgene™-type water bottles. A removable connector ring attaches to the cap to connect a second water bottle to the system. When vertically aligned, water flows from a first water bottle through the filter element in the cap to the second water bottle to remove small and large particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Miles Maiden
  • Patent number: 7780856
    Abstract: A device for on-line radiating gas-containing liquid with light that can mix ozone and water, and radiate the same on-line as well as remove accretions on protective sheaths (preferably quartz tubes) of the device to reduce energy loss. Ozone and water is mixed in a gas-liquid mixer of the device and the ozone-water mixture is guided by a conduct of a gas-liquid separator of the device and spayed out to be radiated by multiple UV lamps protected by the protective sheaths. The accretions on the protective sheaths are removed by scraper mechanisms of a washing assembly of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Huei-Tarng Liou
  • Patent number: 7772566
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-saving type safe drinking water discharge device to treat cold water from a cooling reservoir (110), in which water is temporarily stored and cooled, prior to discharging the water to the outside through a tap valve (120). A connecting tube (10), provided around an outer circumference thereof with a coolant tube (40), is provided between the cooling reservoir and the tap valve, such that the water, which is primarily cooled to a predetermined temperature in the cooling reservoir, is secondarily cooled while passing through the connecting tube, prior to being discharged through the tap valve. The discharge device is used to sterilize and cool water in a public or domestic drinking water appliance, thereby minimizing contamination of water and allowing a user to always drink cold water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Banpo Distribution Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoen Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20100193448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20100187118
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Publication number: 20100176066
    Abstract: A method of disinfecting municipal wastewaters comprises contacting the wastewater with a peracetic acid solution containing a relatively low amount of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ultraviolet irradiation. In another aspect, a source of UV irradiation is selected to emit energy at one or more wavelengths at which PAA absorption is optimized or economized. The enhanced UV-PAA process may be used in a variety of other disinfection and organic destruction processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: PERAGEN SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Frederic E. Budde, Mark K. Vineyard
  • Publication number: 20100176056
    Abstract: A method for reducing bio-fouling formation on a liquid-contacting surface by pre-designed pretreatment of the liquid with UV light is provided. The method may include flowing liquid through a conduit having ultraviolet-transparent walls; exposing the liquid within the conduit to ultraviolet (UV) light rays from a polychromatic light source that emits in the spectral band of 200 nm to 300 nm and produces effective UV-Dose of above 40 mJ/cm2 such that a portion of the UV light rays is reflected back into the liquid by total internal reflection. After exposure to the UV light, the liquid is contacted the liquid-contacting surface, for example a reverse osmosis membrane without causing biofilm formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ytzhak Rozenberg
  • Patent number: 7731843
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus (10) for treatment of water (26) to be injected into a subsea injection well, the apparatus (10) being disposed in water overlying the well, preferably on a water bed (12). The invention is characterized in that the apparatus (10) contains at least one receptacle (38, 40, 46, 48, 50) provided with at least one water-soluble solid-state chemical (42, 52, 54, 56) for treatment of the injection water (26). The water (26) is brought into contact with the at least one chemical (42, 52, 54, 56), causing it to gradually dissolve and mix with the water (26), after which treated water (26?) is led into an injection stream to the injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sørco AS
    Inventor: Dave Pinchin
  • Patent number: RE43332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Zamir Tribelsky, Michael Ende