Chemical Treatment Patents (Class 210/749)
  • Publication number: 20090321367
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Patent number: 7632474
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in a cartridge for on-line preparation of a solution for a medical procedure. The device comprises a hollow body, the body having a first end and a second end and is provided with through holes in its wall. The second end is closed, while the first end is open and adapted for receiving fluid introduced into the cartridge. The fluid leaves the device through said holes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cartridge provided with such a device, a method of manufacturing such a cartridge and the use of a charge of concentrate in such a cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Ernst Ingvar Losell
  • Patent number: 7628923
    Abstract: Treatment of un-wetted or low moisture activated carbon with a suitable quantity of carbon dioxide provides a material which, on contact with water, controls pH in treatment water. Use of this treated activated carbon in a water treatment system provides water having an essentially neutral pH which is immediately potable thereby eliminating the necessity to drain and dispose of any soak water. The contact pH of the treated carbon remains within the potable pH range for treatment of more than 100 bed volumes. Additionally, the modified carbon may minimize metal leaching from contaminants in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Ryan, Harry Sharrock
  • Publication number: 20090294370
    Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater including a sludge blanket clarifier for removing at least some impurities from influent. The sludge blanket clarifier includes a clarifier compartment in which a sludge blanket is to be formed to remove at least some impurities from influent directed into the clarifier compartment and through the sludge blanket. The clarifier compartment has at least one vertical sidewall extending from a bottom of the clarifier compartment to a top of the clarifier compartment. The clarifier compartment has a cross-sectional area that varies over at least a portion of a height of the clarifier compartment such that the velocity of influent just prior to entry into the sludge blanket is less than the velocity of influent just after entering the clarifier compartment. The sludge blanket clarifier preferably has one or more flocculator modules disposed in the clarifier compartment to aid in flocculation and distribution of influent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison, Karl Michael Kyriss
  • Publication number: 20090294379
    Abstract: A container for releasing an additive composition into a liquid composition includes a liquid impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine filter housing, and having a hollow interior, and at least one opening and a further opening into the hollow interior. The container further includes a structure operatively coupled to the further opening and operable to allow air to pass out of the hollow interior through the further opening and to substantially prevent a liquid composition from passing out of the hollow interior through the further opening. An additive composition is located in the hollow interior. At least one liquid permeable element, for example, a membrane member, is provided at or near the least one opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of additive composition into the liquid composition. Methods of releasing additive compositions into liquid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Dober Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Kelly, David Alan Little, Magesh Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20090294380
    Abstract: An industrial cleaning system is provided which may comprise a treatment device having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The treatment device has a gaseous cleansing agent, such as supercharged ozone. It also has a container, wherein the one inlet is operatively connected to the container. The one outlet is operatively connected to the container. The container, the treatment device, the inlet and the outlet are a closed loop system. A contaminated solution is disposed in the container. Power supply is operatively connected to the treatment device. The power supply is adapted to circulate the gaseous cleansing agent through the outlet and into the contaminated solution so as to remove contaminates from the contaminated solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Adelbert D. Burdge, III
  • Patent number: 7622043
    Abstract: In cleaning the dialysis device, first, the concentrate passage is disconnected from the dialysis solution concentrate container and is connected to the branched passage, and a pre-cleaning process is performed in which the fluid circuit is replace with the purified water, and determining means (4a) of a control device (4) determines that the fluid circulating in the fluid circuit is not the dialysis solution by using a conductivity meter (29), and also determines that gas is not contained in the fluid circuit by using a downward movement detecting sensor 34b in a deaeration tank, and then a main cleaning process is performed by using a cleaning solution. Incomplete cleaning due to incomplete connection can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Sawada, Takashi Mishima
  • Publication number: 20090283479
    Abstract: A system for treatment of one or more flowing materials includes a support bed (32) comprising a plurality of support elements (34). The support bed may have a void fraction of at least 45%. An active bed (36), such as a bed of catalytic elements, may be supported by the support bed. The void fraction of the support bed may be larger than that of an equivalent bed of conventional, spherical elements, enabling significant improvements in the flow rate of reactants through the bed and/or a reduced pressure drop across the support bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Warner, Hassan S. Niknafs, Daniel C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 7618544
    Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: John Lee Massingill, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090274634
    Abstract: A composition of matter wherein the composition comprises a siliceous substrate having silanols on the surface and a polymer selected from the group consisting essentially of a water soluble polymer, a water soluble copolymer, an alcohol soluble polymer, an alcohol soluble copolymer, and combinations of such polymers, wherein the polymer is chemically bonded to the siliceous substrate by a silane linking material having the general formula O3/2SiQY that is derived from an alkoxy-functional silane having the general formula (RO)3SiQX and processes for preparing the crosslinked polymer that is chemically bonded to the surface of the siliceous substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Warde T. Collins, David E. Graham, Douglas H. Adamson, Robert M. Mininni
  • Publication number: 20090272689
    Abstract: A liquid aeration apparatus includes a vessel having sidewalls, a closed bottom end and, a liquid outlet being provided at or near the upper end. The sidewalls define a cross-sectional interior open area with a vertical depth. An air diffuser is positioned within the interior open area of the vessel. A liquid intake conduit is positioned with an inlet end located at or near the upper end of the vessel and an outlet located near the bottom end of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Richard LADOUCEUR
  • Patent number: 7611637
    Abstract: Zero valent iron particles (14) having enhanced surface area are used to treat contaminated groundwater in-situ or above ground. Hollow and/or porous zero valent iron particles (14) having a generally spherical shape and porous surface are produced using a sacrificial substrate (10) and thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lehigh University
    Inventor: Wei-xian Zhang
  • Patent number: 7601755
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating impure water by introducing a solution of electrolyticially generated silver citrate into the impure water wherein the silver is electrolytically generated in a solution of citric acid and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Pure Bioscience
    Inventor: Andrew B. Arata
  • Publication number: 20090252693
    Abstract: A process for preparing nanoparticulate dispersions of TiO2 in crystalline anatase form and the dispersions obtained with the process, useful for preparing photocatalytic coatings on surface and the photocatalytic decontamination of gas and liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Giovanni Baldi, Marco Bitossi, Andrea Barzanti
  • Patent number: 7588691
    Abstract: A method of supplying an additive in an oil filter, the method including: forming a dispersement device housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being sealed from the first chamber by a pair of dividing walls; sealing a first metering opening with an oil soluble material the first metering opening being in fluid communication with the first chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the first metering opening; sealing a second metering opening with an oil soluble material the second metering opening being in fluid communication with the second chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the second metering opening; disposing a first liquid additive within the first chamber; disposing a second liquid additive within the second chamber; sealing the dispersement device housing with a cap, the cap being configured to seal the first chamber and the second chamber within the dispersement device housing; and securing the dispersement device housing to a filter elemen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20090223903
    Abstract: The invention relates to the control of pH in water, preferably pool/spa water along with the control and/or removal of algal populations, by adding to the water a desired synergistic amount of a lanthanide-containing compound, a transition metal salt ions sufficient to bind with hydroxyl into a slightly soluble or insoluble reaction product, thereby removing sufficient hydroxyl ion from the water to lower the pH thereof, and copper and/or silver to act as an algicide and potential pH affecting compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Richard T. Coffey, Kenneth Jenke, Robert Harnden, Matthew R. Hodges, Luis Fernando DelCorral
  • Publication number: 20090223902
    Abstract: An integrated system for treatment of inorganic liquid waste is disclosed that quickly and efficiently processes large quantity batches of such liquid waste by initially removing solids and sludge and subsequently processing the liquid waste to remove other materials so that the processed liquid waste can be recycled in a conventional sewer system. Larger solids, sludge, and free phase oil are removed by the system before they enter the liquid waste processing equipment, thereby preventing damage to the processing equipment caused by these substances. The use of common liquid waste and sludge delivery lines on all of the contaminant removal reactors in the system facilitates the efficient operation of the system with a minimum of operator intervention being required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael T. Malatesta, Jeff R. Dean
  • Patent number: 7585460
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the biological acidification of water which is in contact with materials containing sulfur in reduced form or with elemental sulfur, susceptible to oxidation on the part of Thiobacilli, comprising putting said materials in contact with soluble inorganic salts at concentrations ranging from 0.4 normal to saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Crescenzi, Antonella Crisari, Cesare Achille Piatti
  • Patent number: 7585816
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in a petroleum fluid having hydrate-forming constituents is claimed. More specifically, the method can be used to treat a petroleum fluid, such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe, to inhibit the formation of a hydrate flow restriction in the pipe. The preferred hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method comprise substantially water soluble homopolymers and copolymers of isopropylmethacrylamide derivatives which have a bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Karla S. Colle, Larry D. Talley, John M. Longo
  • Publication number: 20090220449
    Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: [(O3/2)Si CH2CH2SX]a [Si(O4/2)]b[Si(O3/2V)]C wherein X is selected from CH2A,[CH2CH2NR1]pR2, CHCOX1CH2COX2,(CH2)eCO Y[(CH2)eSCH2CH2Si(O3/2)]m[CO2(CH2)eSH]n wherein A is the residue of an amino acid or derivative or salt of an amino acid of formula CHNR1R2COX3; R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-20alkyl, and C1-20alkylaryl C1-12acyl R is selected from hydrogen, metal ion, C1-5alkyl, P is 1 to 100 and e is 1 or 2; X1 and X2 are independently selected from OR and NR1R2; X3 is selected from OR, NR1R2 or known amino acids and proteins or derivatives thereof; and Y is the residue of polyol having z or fewer hydroxyl groups substituted and m+n+1 is less than or equal to z; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by end groups R33M1O1/2 or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains R3qM1(OR4)gOk/2 or AI
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Phosphonics LTD
    Inventors: John Robert Howe Wilson, Alice Caroline Sullivan, Siud Pui Man
  • Patent number: 7582212
    Abstract: A method of removing silicon dioxide from a waste liquid is described. A solution containing fluoride ions is added into the waste liquid to form a reaction product. A method of cleaning a membrane tube for processing waste water is also described, wherein the membrane tube contains residues of waste water that include a first residue and a second residue containing silicon dioxide. A first cleaning step is conducted to reduce the concentration of the first residue in the membrane tube to a first concentration. A solution containing fluoride ions is added into the tube to react with the second residue to form a reaction product. A second cleaning step is then conducted to reduce the concentration of the residual fluorine ions in the membrane tube to a second concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Hao-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7582269
    Abstract: A subsurface thermally autogenous reactor and method has downgoing and upgoing flow passages connected at the bottom to form a U-tube and in heat exchange relation to each other. The downgoing and upgoing flow passages each have an upper heat exchange section and a lower reaction section. An air injection system injects air into the downgoing flow passage between the heat exchange and reaction sections. The cross sectional area of the upgoing heat exchange section is greater than the cross sectional area of the downgoing heat exchange section to balance the downgoing and upgoing flow velocities. The downgoing heat exchange section has multiple tubes to increase the heat transfer area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Vertical Tube Reactor, LLC
    Inventor: Jay L. McGrew
  • Patent number: 7581645
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a desired length includes the steps of: providing an array of carbon nanotubes; placing a mask having at least an opening defined therein on the array of carbon nanotubes, with at least one portion of the array of carbon nanotubes being at least partially exposed through a corresponding opening of the mask; forming a protective film on at least one exposed portion of the array of carbon nanotubes; removing the mask from the array of the carbon nanotubes, with the carbon nanotubes being compartmentalized into at least a first portion covered by the protective film and at least one uncovered second portion; breaking/separating the first portion from the second portion of the array of the carbon nanotubes using a chemical method, thereby obtaining at least a carbon nanotube segment with a protective film covered thereon; and removing the protective film from the carbon nanotube segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chuang Ho, Bor-Yuan Hsiao, Ching-Chou Chang
  • Publication number: 20090214670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to different uses of an RHCC peptide and/or a fragment thereof. Said RHCC peptide and/or fragment thereof enables an uptake and association of a drug and/or a substance into a cavity of said peptide and/or fragment, for the delivery and release of such a substance and/or drug to a target site of interest, or for removal of a substance from a fluid or a non-fluid matter, such as from a bodily tissue or a bodily fluid. An RHCC peptide and/or a fragment thereof, may also in one context be used in the production of nanoparticles, or as a catalyst in a chemical reaction. In a preferred aspect, said RHCC peptide and/or fragment thereof, comprises a drug delivery system for the delivery of a drug to a site of interest in a living body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Optovent AB
    Inventors: Juergen Mueller, Egbert Figgemeier
  • Patent number: 7578942
    Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Keichiro Uda, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7569199
    Abstract: High surface area iron oxides that can be ferroxane-derived iron oxides are described, as well as methods of using the same to remove at least a portion of one or more sulfur-containing species from a gas stream or liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Barron, Christopher E. Coker, John R. Loscutova
  • Publication number: 20090184061
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reactant injector for equipping a water treatment reactor, comprising a nozzle associated with a dispersing member, and a corresponding water treatment device. The invention concerns an injector (2) of a reagent into a reactor (2) of a water treatment device, characterized in that said injector (2) comprises at least one nozzle (21) for injecting a jet of said agent, said nozzle being associated with a member for dispersing (22) said jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventors: Abderrahmane Maloum, Abdelkader Gaid
  • Publication number: 20090184060
    Abstract: A device for dissolving a gas in a liquid. The device comprises a pressure vessel or column for receiving a gas-entrained liquid via an inlet and for injecting the gas-entrained liquid via a riser into a headspace of the vessel. A flow director is disposed in an upper portion of the vessel or column to form a swirling flow path extending into a liquid pool in a lower portion of the vessel or column. An outlet is provided to direct the liquid away from the vessel or column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: CLEAN POWER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Mast
  • Patent number: 7563424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressed metal oxide composition particle comprised of metal oxide and an organic binder, with the binder preferably being a water insoluble cellulose composition. The present invention also relates to a method for forming a compressed metal oxide composition particle, with the preferred method including compressing a metal oxide and binder mixture to form compressed metal oxide composition particles having a final particle size of between about 0.1 mm and about 200 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: M-I, LLC
    Inventors: Delbert C. Scranton, Jr., Thomas G. Braga, Alan D. Johnson, Alvin Samuels
  • Publication number: 20090180941
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid purification device that has a deactivation resistant photocatalyst having nanocrystallites of less than 14 nanometers (nm) in diameter with at least 200 m2 surface area/cm3 of skeletal volume in cylindrical pores of 5 nm in diameter or larger, with the mode of the pore size distribution 10 nm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Treese Hugener-Campbell, Norberto O. Lemcoff, Stephen O. Hay, Wayde R. Schmidt, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Zissis A. Dardas, Di Wei
  • Patent number: 7560027
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating organic wastewater and sludge which remarkably reduce the generated amount of sludge at a much lower running cost, and which reduce the size and the capacity of the solubilization tank. The method and apparatus for treating sludge employs a biological treatment system, wherein a biological treatment of wastewater is carried out, and a solid-liquid separation unit for separating a solid from a liquid in the wastewater after the biological treatment, to obtain a treated wastewater and a sludge. The apparatus has a means for obtaining a withdrawn sludge from a part of the sludge and an alkali-treatment tank, wherein an alkali-treatment of the withdrawn sludge is carried out. The apparatus also has a biological solubilization tank which solubilizes the sludge after the alkali-treatment under an anaerobic, anoxic or microaerophilic condition, and a means for recycling the solubilized sludge to the biological treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: JFE Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoshi Yamaguchi, Kunio Miyazawa, Yasuki Yao, Toshiaki Tsubone, Jun Miyata, Yoshinori Yomura
  • Patent number: 7560033
    Abstract: A composition comprising a stable anhydrous mixture of an oxidizing agent and an active halogen agent wherein the oxidizing agent is potassium hydrogen peroxymonosulfate and the active halogen agent is an alkali metal salt of dichloro-s-triazinetrione, halogenated dimethylhydantoin, or mixtures thereof, and a method of treating water with such compositions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Edward Blake Lightcap, Michael Brian Coxey, Thomas Peter Tufano
  • Publication number: 20090175757
    Abstract: The present invention provides titanium dioxide/single-walled carbon nanotube composites (TiO2/SWCNTs), articles of manufacture, and methods of making and using such composites. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides membrane filters and ceramic articles that are coated with TiO2/SWCNT composite material. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using TiO2/SWCNT composite material to purify a sample, such as a water or air sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Yuan Yao, Gonghu Li, Kimberly Gray, Richard M. Lueptow
  • Publication number: 20090166298
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and having an inlet line, an outlet line and a storage solution line in fluid communication with the outlet line at a junction. The apparatus controls pumps to conduct a predetermined quantity of storage solution to a collected blood component. The apparatus also purges blood components in the tubing set by applying a negative pressure and positive pressure. A disposable blood processing set has a separation chamber; a tubing set including an inlet line in fluid and an outlet and a storage solution line connected to the outlet line at a junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Logan FENDER
  • Publication number: 20090159537
    Abstract: A downcomer for a reactor for downwardly conducting a multi-phase mixture, the downcomer includes a transport section having an interior comprised of inner and outer regions separated horizontally by a vertical barrier, and a baffle structure disposed on an inner surface of the barrier. The baffle structure is arranged to induce the mixture to flow in a downward generally helical path such that denser components of the mixture are centrifugally urged outwardly away from a center of the downcomer and less dense components migrate toward the center. The barrier includes openings enabling the denser components to travel from the inner region to the outer region to be collected herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Abdenour Kemoun
  • Publication number: 20090159536
    Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from slurry samples is set forth. The method includes the utilization of repeated pressurizing and depressurizing steps to disrupt solidified particles in solid-containing slurries thereby increasing decontamination efficiency. An expansion fluid is injected into the slurry sample sufficient to create microbubbles when the slurry sample is depressurized. The micro bubbles mechanically disrupt the solidified particles increasing contaminant exposure. The microbubbles also provide for increased interfacial regions where contaminants can accumulate at gas-liquid thin films that are in close proximity to and can be effectively removed using a suitable expansion fluid and optional decontamination agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Andy P. K. Hong
  • Publication number: 20090145856
    Abstract: A method and system for removing contaminating iron from an acid pickle bath. The method comprises the steps of removing at least a portion of the acid pickle solution containing an amount of contaminating iron therein from a primary acid pickle bath, raising the pH of the at least the portion of the acidified acid copper solution with a pH adjuster to a level which is conducive to the precipitation of iron, precipitating the contaminating iron from the acidified acid copper solution, and acidifying the acid copper solution back to operating conditions for the system. Once the portion of the acid pickle solution has been treated, it is returned to the primary acid pickle bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Letize A. Raymond, Leonetti J. Stephen
  • Publication number: 20090145843
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide from a process which oxidizes a carbon containing feed is separated and reduced to carbon monoxide using a carbon dioxide reduction reactor [22, 26] coupled to a water gas shift reactor [14], to simultaneously reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the product yield of clean fuels. In the preferred underground carbon gasification application, these reduction and shift reactions are substantially promoted by utilizing temporary [24] and permanent storage [28] of the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide coupled with cyclic operational procedures. Additional advantages include carbon dioxide sequestration, removal of contaminants from the groundwater affected by the process and the ability to influence groundwater flow patterns to improve gasification efficiency and reduce potential environmental effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Paul F. Ahner
  • Patent number: 7537707
    Abstract: A gas injector that is coupled to the pump strainer basket housing drain port of a pump-circulated system is disclosed. The gas injector that may be installed in a way that is less invasive than currently used gas injection systems to pre-existing plumbing of a pump system and that allows for more efficient gas absorption in water than currently used gas injection systems. The gas injector may be used with all currently existing pump systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Gary J. Criswell, Kenneth G. Criswell
  • Publication number: 20090127201
    Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen peroxide in water which comprises bringing water for treatment containing hydrogen peroxide into contact with a catalyst for decomposing hydrogen peroxide obtained by depositing nano-colloid particles of a metal of a platinum group which have an average diameter of 1 to 50 nm to be supported on a support; and an apparatus for removing hydrogen peroxide which comprises an apparatus for decomposing hydrogen peroxide packed with a catalyst obtained by depositing nano-colloid particles of a metal of a platinum group which have an average diameter of 1 to 50 nm to be supported on a support, a means for supplying water which supplies water for treatment containing hydrogen peroxide to the apparatus and a means for discharging water which discharges the water from the apparatus after being brought into contact with the catalyst. Hydrogen peroxide in water for treatment can be removed rapidly and surely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090127208
    Abstract: Zero valent metal composite, manufacturing thereof, using thereof, and system including thereof, for (in-situ or ex-situ) catalytically treating contaminated water, such as sub-surface water, surface water, above-surface water, water vapor, or/and gaseous water. Composite includes powdered diatomite matrix incorporated with nanometer (1-1000 nm) sized particles of a zero valent (transition) metal (iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, platinum, or/and gold) and at least one electron transfer mediator (catalyst) from porphyrinogenic organometallic complexes (e.g., metalloporphyrins (chlorophylls, hemes, cytochromes) or metallocorrins (e.g., vitamin B12), and optionally, includes vermiculite. System includes composite and in-situ or/and ex-situ unit containing the composite, enabling exposure of contaminated water thereto. Applicable to in-situ sub-surface permeable reactive barriers (PRBs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Berkowitz, Andrea Cortis, Ishai Dror
  • Patent number: 7534350
    Abstract: The invention relates to saturating various fluid media with oxygen, for example for aeration and can be used for the food industry, pharmaceutics, perfumery and cosmetics, physio- and aromotherapy, water supply systems, fishing and agriculture, including producing beverages, good additives, drugs, novel perfume and cosmetic products, inhalation and bathing, for improving the habitat and increasing a productivity of fish and other useful animals and microorganisms in aquariums, ponds, pools and for producing means for processing plants and animals. The inventive method for processing a fluid medium consists in passing an oxygen-containing gas flow which is pre-saturated by phyto-excretes of vegetating or cut plants through said medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Pol Emanuilovich Blank, Emanuil Ihilovich Blank
  • Publication number: 20090107922
    Abstract: A membrane assembly is provided that includes a support comprising a micro-porous material; and an insoluble layer secured to a surface of the support. The insoluble layer is a reaction product of a reactant solution comprising a chain-capping reagent. A system and associated method are provided also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bing Zhang, Su Lu, Jing Li, Hua Li, Ruzhou Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090101589
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for removing hydrazine compounds from solutions. Solutions containing hydrazine compounds are contacted with crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kiu-Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 7520960
    Abstract: A method for reducing a production of a build-up slime in a papermaking process is provided. The method includes steps of adding a dispersing agent into the papermaking material to obtain a first mixture, mixing and culturing the first mixture, adding an antagonist into the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, mixing and culturing the second mixture for reducing the production of the slime, and re-adding the antagonist into the mixed and cultured second mixture after a specific time period for further reducing the production of the slime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Yuen Foong Yu Paper Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jihn-Yuh Wang
  • Patent number: 7520993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Water & Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Laraway, Richard E. Weber, Donald J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090095685
    Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Morrison, Jeffrey Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20090095041
    Abstract: A method of disposing of waste material in a waste stream, including positioning a porous foamed glass member characterized by an open-cell interconnected pore network in contact with a volume of liquid to be purified and removing an amount of an undesired material from the volume of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: W. Gene Ramsey, Andrew Ungerleider
  • Publication number: 20090098082
    Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: wherein R, R1, are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; X is H, OH, O(MnN)1/n or R4 where M is a metal ion derived from a lanthanide, actinide, main group or transition metal and V is a substituted C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group or an aryl group or C1-40-alkylaryl sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, amine or a polyalkyl amine or phosphine or other phosphorous containing group; R4 is a linear or branched C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; e is an integer from 0 to 2; f is an integer from 1 to 100; n is an integer from 1 to 4: the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains (R2)2Si(OR3)1O1/2 or (R2)2SiO2/2 or (R2)3SiO1/2
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: PHOSPHONICS LTD
    Inventors: John Robert Howe Wilson, Alice Caroline Sullivan, Siud Pui Man
  • Publication number: 20090090671
    Abstract: The utilization of electrical potential and currents, as well as magnetic fields and mixed-phase reactions to effect efficient separation of platelets from blood without initiating platelet activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Mady Attila