Including Degassing Patents (Class 210/750)
  • Patent number: 5470421
    Abstract: A method for purifying an etching solution consisting of an aqueous phosphoric acid solution which has been used in etching of a silicon nitride film. In the process, hydrogen fluoride is added to an etching solution consisting of an aqueous phosphoric acid solution which has been used for etching of a silicon nitride film, and the resulting solution is heated to remove fluorides of silicon as reaction products of hydrogen fluoride with silicon compounds which have been contained in the etching solution together with vaporized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Nisso Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nakada, Akira Yoneya, Noriyuki Kobayashi, Mamoru Katayanagi, Tsutomu Kawashima, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5466381
    Abstract: An improved oxygen scavenger for aqueous mediums is disclosed which is a disubstituted, water soluble azo compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Goliaszewski, Michael A. Cady, Paul R. Burgmayer, Sydia B. Anderson, William S. Carey, Roger D. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5458789
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing relatively low levels of components, particularly organic components found in an aqueous stream in one or more stripping zones located in a process unit. An eductor means extending into each stripping zone is used to provide micro-fine gas bubbles which will dissolve the volatile components and carry them from the aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: J. Rodney Dickerson, Paul C. Broussard, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5451300
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Yurii S. Matros, David E. McCombs
  • Patent number: 5447642
    Abstract: A process for the recycling of used and contaminated water-based metalworking fluids comprising separation of solid contaminants by settling and filtration, and separation of unemulsifiable tramp oil, reduction in total dissolved solids, removal of destructive bacteria and fungi, and removal of odors and toxic gases by the injection of steam, said process not requiring the use of a centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas A. Schenach
  • Patent number: 5422013
    Abstract: A flow passage into which water-to-be-treated flows is provided with, in order from an upstream side, a deaerator as a DO eliminating device having a power variable mechanism, an oxidation device for oxidizing TOC by irradiating ultraviolet-ray, an ion eliminating device for eliminating TOC ion generated at oxidation, and a particle eliminating device. Further provided thereat are a TOC density measuring device, a DO density measuring device and a data processing device. Before the water-to-be-treated is irradiated with ultraviolet-ray in the TOC eliminating device (oxidation device and ion eliminating device), the deaerator controls a DO density in the water-to-be-treated according to a TOC density. Thus, an oxidizer of the TOC is maintained and impurity is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Hirofuji
  • Patent number: 5419837
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating industrial water systems. Pursuant to the method, the industrial water systems are treated with an effective amount of a hindered amine. In further embodiments, the hindered amine also acts as a steam tracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Martin R. Godfrey, David P. Workman
  • Patent number: 5413718
    Abstract: Geothermal brines are extracted from the earth, flashed and the remaining liquids are injected back into the earth. Although it would be advantageous for resource maintenance to inject the same amount of liquid as extracted, addition of liquid causes massive system upsets that prevent such addition. River or other similar surface waters can now be added to the brine stream created when extracting power from a geothermal source, after adding a crystal structure modifier to the brine stream. In operations where the brine stream is returned to the earth, the weight rate of the brine injected into the earth is brought to at least 90% what it was when extracted from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Darrell L. Gallup, John L. Featherstone
  • Patent number: 5407655
    Abstract: A process for the removal and recovery of ammonia from liquid waste, characterized essentially by the following operations:reacting the liquid waste with pure carbon dioxide, or with a gaseous mixture rich in carbon dioxide, or with at least one carbonate, to give ammonium carbonatereacting the resulting ammonium carbonate with calcium chloride to give calcium carbonate and ammonium chloride;causing the resulting calcium carbonate to undergo thermal decomposition to give calcium oxide and carbon dioxide;using, optionally, the carbon dioxide formed after thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate for said reaction with the liquid waste; andusing the calcium oxide, formed after thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, for the production of pure ammonia, by reaction with the ammonium chloride obtained in said reaction between ammonium carbonate and calcium chloride.The figure shows a flow sheet of a plant allowing the operations of an embodiment of the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Graziano Sarritzu
  • Patent number: 5399755
    Abstract: Process for the hydrolysis of urea contained in the process water from plants for the synthesis of urea consisting of the thermic treatment of the water containing urea and of the removal by stripping of the compounds from decomposition of the urea (CO.sub.2 and NH.sub.3) in a series of stages in series with superimposed flow.The equipment is a vertical column with superimposed modules with weirs which penetrate in two successive modules and give the solution a rising movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Lagana'
  • Patent number: 5387349
    Abstract: A process wherein a liquid influent stream containing such an amount of a reactant that decomposition thereof to a desired concentration evolves, at the prevailing pressure and temperature, at least 0.5 volumes of gas per volume of the influent stream, is continuously passed through a volume of a particulate catalyst that is sufficient to decompose said reactant to said desired concentration and the evolved gas rises to the surface of said liquid and disengages therefrom into a gas space above said liquid, thereby providing an effluent stream having said desired concentration of said reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries plc
    Inventors: Stuart G. Trotter, Ralph J. Doy
  • Patent number: 5384050
    Abstract: A method of removing dissolved oxygen from boiler water having and alkaline pH is disclosed. The method uses at least one hydrazone compound of one of the following formulae: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.16 alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substituted aryl, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.16 alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, or substituted aryl, ##STR2## Preferably, an oxidation-reduction catalyst such as Cu(II) is used as well. The hydrazones used in the present invention are highly shelf stable and do not suffer the toxicity of hydrazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Douglas G. Kelley, Deborah M. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5376282
    Abstract: The present invention has two basic aspects: (a) a mechanical method for controlling the macrofouling of zebra mussels; and (b) a mechanical apparatus for reducing the dissolved oxygen of natural source water, such as for industrial or municipal user to a level below that sufficient to support the survival respiration of zebra mussels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Tiao J. Chang
  • Patent number: 5352335
    Abstract: A continuous process for the extraction of halogenated hydrocarbons from a dilute, halogenated hydrocarbon-containing aqueous fluid, in high efficiency, while dramatically reducing the stripping medium requirement for the extraction and without substantially increasing the amount of halogenated hydrocarbons discharged to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip R. Beaver
  • Patent number: 5340484
    Abstract: The present invention is a gas scrubbing system for removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a wastewater system. Pumps draw wastewater from a wastewater source within the system for injection through aerators which aerats aspirate hydrogen sulfide gas and oxygen from the wastewater source. The aerators mix the wastewater with the hydrogen sulfide gas and oxygen which is returned to the system as oxygenated wastewater containing elemental sulfur. The water and sulphur are then delivered to the treatment plant for final treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventors: Jack E. Prince, William H. Mullins
  • Patent number: 5336418
    Abstract: A system for cleaning contaminated fuel in a fuel tank by introducing a suction line to substantially the lowermost part of the tank for suctioning off free water and heavy contaminants settled in the tank. The materials are then routed via suction to a first strainer, where free water and contaminants are trapped and retrieved. The filtrate then moves to a separation vessel, whereby the fuel is filtered through a primary filter medium, and the contaminants settle to the bottom of the vessel and are collected. The filtered fuel is then routed to a tertiary filter before being returned to the fuel tank to agitate the contaminants and facilitate this removal by the suction side of the system. This closed loop process is continued until the filtered fuel is substantially free of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: P. J. Thomas Rawlins
  • Patent number: 5328677
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the removal and recovery of sulfides from tannery waste water or liquor. The apparatus comprises a closed vessel, the sulfide-bearing liquor is introduced into a first or acidulation zone of the vessel and mixed with acid to decrease the pH, preferably to a value below 4.0, and generate hydrogen sulfide. The acidified liquor is then overflowed into a second or desorption zone of the vessel and slowly agitated and conveyed through the second zone by disc conveyors to release the hydrogen sulfide gas from the liquor. A slight vacuum is drawn on the vessel causing the released hydrogen sulfide gas to be drawn into a third reaction zone of the vessel, where the gas combines with sodium hydroxide solution to form sodium sulfhydrate. The effluent from the second zone can be filtered or dewatered and the filtrate discharged to a disposal site while the proteinaceous solids can be recovered for use as fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: PVL Limited Partnership I
    Inventors: Richard G. Waite, Paul R. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5286389
    Abstract: Sour water is treated to remove dissolved hydrogen sulfide by means of an aqueous, non-chelated polyvalent metal solution in a continuous recirculating system, particularly an autocirculation system, having reaction and oxygenation zones. The solution contains a small catalytic amount of polyvalent metal, e.g., ferrous or ferric iron salts, and the dissolved hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to sulfur in the liquid phase, without chelating agent solution, by means of dissolved oxygen in the solution. The sour water feed to the reaction zone is diluted by a massive recycle of oxygenated solution from the oxygenation zone before the sour water is contacted with air or other oxidizing gas used for oxygenating the used solution. A portion of the oxygenated solution containing polyvalent metal, without added chelating agent, is removed as the sweet water product, and replacement polyvalent metal is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: ARI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie C. Hardison
  • Patent number: 5279746
    Abstract: A process for treating drinking water at greater than atmospheric pressure to remove radon and the apparatus for carrying out the process. The process involves introducing water under pressure into a pressure vessel maintained at a pressure about equal to the pressure of the water to be treated. This water is continuously fed onto the upper surface of a packed column and allowed to fall downwardly through the packed column. A gas is drawn upwardly through the packed column causing the radon gas to be expelled from the water into the gas, and the gas stream is forced through a carbon absorber. Preferably, the tank is cylindrical and has a blower which draws air upwardly through the packed column and then returns it downwardly through a gas conduit thereby continuously recirculating the gas. A carbon absorber also maintained at the same pressure as the pressure vessel is in the gas-full passageway and absorbs radon gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel Ziol
  • Patent number: 5273661
    Abstract: A method for treating waste water such as that from an industrial processing facility comprising the separation of the waste water into a dilute waste stream and a concentrated waste stream. The concentrated waste stream is treated chemically to enhance precipitation and then allowed to separate into a sludge and a supernate. The supernate is skimmed or filtered from the sludge and blended with the dilute waste stream to form a second dilute waste stream. The sludge remaining is mixed with cementitious material, rinsed to dissolve soluble components, then pressed to remove excess water and dissolved solids before being allowed to cure. The dilute waste stream is also chemically treated to decompose carbonate complexes and metal ions and then mixed with cationic polymer to cause the precipitated solids to flocculate. Filtration of the flocculant removes sufficient solids to allow the waste water to be discharged to the surface of a stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventors: John B. Pickett, Hollis L. Martin, Christine A. Langton, Willie W. Harley
  • Patent number: 5266185
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide evolution in a heavy hydrocarbon (such as a residual fuel oil) derived from a heavy crude oil (such as a API 8 gravity crude) is suppressed by contacting the hydrocarbon with a compound corresponding to the reaction product of a heterocyclic aldehyde (such as furfural) and an organic primary amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Petrolite Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry J. Weers, Timothy J. O'Brien, Catherine E. Thomasson
  • Patent number: 5258125
    Abstract: The invention is directed generally to controlling corrosion in boiler systems and more particularly to treating boiler water to remove dissolved oxygen and to passivate metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Douglas G. Kelley, Deborah M. Rogers, Frederick J. Swiecinski
  • Patent number: 5256311
    Abstract: An improved oxygen scavenger for aqueous mediums is disclosed which is a hydroxyalkylhydroxylamine. The material may be catalyzed with a compound such as copper, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid, pyrogallol and t-butylcatechol. Hydroxyalkyl substituted hydroxyalmines of the general formula HO-N-[CH.sub.2 --CH(OH)--R].sub.2 wherein R is H or C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl have been found to be effective oxygen scavengers for aqueous systems such as industrial water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Rossi, Paul R. Burgmayer
  • Patent number: 5250183
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing ultra-pure water, characterized in that a decarbonator/degassor and a reverse osmosis equipment for pretreatment of supply water are installed in the upper stream of a multiple effect evaporator. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing ultra-pure water, characterized in that most of the carbonic groups dissolved in the supply water is degassed by a decarbonating/degassing treatment prior to introducing the water to the multiple effect evaporator, and that most of the scale components such as Ca.sup.++, SO.sub.4.sup.-- and Mg.sup.++ are also eliminated by a reverse osmosis treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetaka Sawada, Shoichi Momose, Shiro Inoue, Hideo Suematsu, Kazunori Koba
  • Patent number: 5246596
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing waste to render it fit for ultimate disposal. The method comprises first contacting together in a reaction mixture the waste stream, an ammonia source capable of evolving ammonia for treating the waste, Ca(OH).sub.2, pozzolanic chemicals SiO.sub.2, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and at least one pozzolanic accelerator selected from the group consisting of anionic metal silicates, anionic carbon compounds, anionic boron compounds (borate family), anionic phosphorous compounds (phosphate family), and gelling enhancers, in a manner suitable to cause pozzolanic stabilization reactions to occur thereby increasing the solids percentage of the reaction mixture. Next, the reaction mixture is allowed to reach a target temperature of at least about 90.degree. C., to reach a pH of at least about 11.5, and to evolve ammonia gas, thereby forming a heated mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventors: Philip N. Baldwin, Jr., Norman K. Murray
  • Patent number: 5246595
    Abstract: A process for degassing a coupling liquid is disclosed, comprising adding to said coupling liquid at least one chemical substance readily taking up gas in a sufficient quantity to absorb said gas substantially completely. This chemical substance is preferably a sulfite of alkaline- or alkaline-earth metal. The invention makes it possible to obtain pressure values of the pressure waves greater than those obtained by conventional physical degassing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: TechnomedInternational
    Inventors: Maurice Bourlion, Paul Dancer
  • Patent number: 5238580
    Abstract: An improved method for treating leachate from a sanitary landfill is provided. The method includes the steps of adding a pH adjuster to elevate the pH of the leachate, such that ammonia nitrogen compounds, COD compounds, and VOCs form volatiles and heavy metals form insoluble compounds; combusting landfill gas to produce combustion products and to elevate the temperature of the leachate such that chemical activity is enhanced therein; gas stripping the volatiles from the leachate; precipitating the insoluble compounds from the leachate; and diffusing the combustion gases through the leachate to reduce the pH thereof to an acceptable discharge level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Green Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanjay S. Singhvi
  • Patent number: 5236557
    Abstract: Aqueous solutions which are contaminated by hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia are brought to a pH of about 3 or less after their formation and treated with an inert gas in a stripping column to remove the sulfide and cyanide. The pH of the solution is then increased to about 10 or more and the solution is again treated with an inert gas in a second stripping column to remove the ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Muller, Rolf-Dieter Fischer, Ulrich Gerhardus, Norbert Leder, Klaus Poloszyk, Peter Schneller, Wolfgang Brunke
  • Patent number: 5200087
    Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for recovering mercury from drainage, mercury-containing waste water is fed into a first treating tank where the waste water is heated together with a metal having a stronger ionizing tendency than mercury, to reduce mercury ions in the waste water and free the mercury ions as metallic mercury. The solution under treatment is then transferred to a second treating tank where the solution is alkalinized, and mercury ions remaining in the solution is reduced by means of a water soluble metallic salt having a stronger ionizing tendency than mercury, to free the mercury ions as metallic mercury. Mercury vapor containing gases generating from the first and second treating tanks are cooled in a cooling device, and condensed and liquefied mercury is collected in a gas-liquid separator. Exhaust gas generating from the gas-liquid separator is fed into the solution under treatment in the second treating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Nishihara
  • Patent number: 5190668
    Abstract: A process for removing volatile organic compounds such as methanol from wastewater comprising first stripping the organic compound from water and then oxidizing the organic compound in the gaseous phase using a hydrophobic catalyst, to form harmless reaction products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Karl T. Chuang
  • Patent number: 5190665
    Abstract: The continuous treatment of a liquid stream for removing a selected component therefrom, includes depressurizing the liquid stream to remove carbon dioxide, forming a carbon dioxide stream and a component-laden stream (17); raising the pH of the component-laden stream (17) to form a pH adjusted stream (19); gas-stripping the component-laden, pH adjusted stream (19) with a counterflow stripping gas (73) in a stripping column (20) having a plurality of deflection cones (111) over which the pH adjusted stream (19) is sprayed, to remove the component therefrom and thereby forming a relatively component-free liquid stream (50) and a gaseous component stream (21); cooling the carbon dioxide stream; neutralizing the liquid component stream (21) with the cooled carbon dioxide stream (64); cooling the gaseous component stream (21); re-heating the gaseous component stream to form a heated stream (35) and dissolving the heated gaseous component stream (35) in an acidic solution in a re-absorption column (36) forming a r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: James A. Titmas, Phillip J. Flauto
  • Patent number: 5180499
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two stage, multi-phase process for the rapid and economical purification of waste water which may contain solid wastes, and which does contain chemical and bacterial wastes wherein the waste water is first intimately intermixed with a gaseous oxidant comprising ozone and oxygen to remove solids, then resaturated with oxidant for the breakdown and destruction for chemical and bacterial wastes, and thereafter a predetermined portion of the treated water is recirculated through the system for retreatment while the remainder is first treated with ultraviolet light and then degassified prior to discharge from the system in its purified state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Envirozone Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hinson, Gaylen LaCrosse
  • Patent number: 5167835
    Abstract: New oxygen scavengers for boiler waters have been discovered, which oxygen scavengers are based upon substituted quinoline compounds. These compounds provide oxygen scavenging capabilities, metal passivating capabilities, and volatility such that condensate systems in an operating boiler are protected. The compounds may be formulated with other oxygen scavengers and other common treatment agents used in boiler waters, especially the volatile amine, such as, but not limited to, morpholine and diethylhydroxylamine.The preferred quinoline compounds is ethoxyquin, i.e. 6-ethoxy-1,2,-dihydro-2,2,4-dihydroquinoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventor: Scott R. Harder
  • Patent number: 5147604
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the oxygen content of water using a hydrazine-free dioxo aromatic compound or organically-substituted derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Ciuba, John A. Muccitelli
  • Patent number: 5133875
    Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater containing industrial esters collected from grease traps at food establishments, septic tanks or from sludge digesters by increasing the pH of the wastewater to break down the ester. The increased pH wastewater is mixed to a predetermined mean velocity gradient which allows the influent to react. The reacted influent is then stabilized to lower the pH to normal levels suitable for input into a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Volatile gases are drawn off from all of the reactor tanks and placed into a treatment tank. In the tank a reduction of the bacterial and odor level occurs when the wastewater reacts with the chlorine-containing water output of the municipal wastewater treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: University of South Florida in behalf of Board of Regents of the State of Florida
    Inventor: Robert P. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 5120451
    Abstract: A process for treatment of waste aqueous process streams from industrial process containing both cyanide ions and dissolved ammonia to reduce the cyanide content, comprising the consecutive steps: (a) adding a halogenating agent to the solution while maintaining the pH of the solution at greater then 7; (b) removing ammonia from the solution by aeration; (c) acidifying the solution to a pH of less then 7; (d) substantially neutralizing the solution; and (e) removing the ammonia from the solution by aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Minproc Technology Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Michael C. Costello, Douglas G. Rogers, Philip J. Guerney
  • Patent number: 5108655
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling foam in a liquid tank utilizing a foam level sensing device positioned at a downstream location from a defoaming agent delivery arrangement. The foam level sensing device comprises a float having a plurality of foam sensors positioned at various levels above the float and provides signals to a control device regarding the level of foam in the tank. The control device provides instructions to the defoaming agent delivery arrangement so to provide a proper amount of defoaming agent to the tank. The defoaming agent delivery arrangement may be operated continuously and includes a backup delivery device for times when the delivery means runs out of defoaming agent or at times when foam is generated at an exceptional rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignees: Electro-System, Incorporated, Ross Chem, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph W. Johns, Jr., Joseph G. Katzel
  • Patent number: 5108624
    Abstract: A method is provide for deoxygenating water that is at substantially ambient temperature and contains dissolved oxygen. A selected reducing agent is injected into a stream of the water, and the water that contains the organic reducing agent is then passed over a packed catalyst bed. This causes the reducing agent, with the catalyst at the ambient temperature, to reduce the oxygen in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Arrowhead Industrial Water, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Bossler, Herman C. Hamann, Walter I. Kinstler
  • Patent number: 5104554
    Abstract: Substantially the last traces of radon are removed from typical well water at subterranean temperatures prior to significant pressurization of the water by displacement of the radon by a stream of compressed air, such radon mixing with the air vented from the system. Other objectionable gases in well water are removed concurrently with radon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Aqua-Rid, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 5096599
    Abstract: A process for purifying the effluent originating from urea production plants, consisting of three successive treatment stages, namely stripping of the volatile components, thermal hydrolyis of the urea and biuret in a plurality of zones traversed with piston flow, and final stripping of the volatile components produced by the hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Granelli
  • Patent number: 5094814
    Abstract: A combination product containing (a) dihydroxyacetone, (b) hydroquinone, and (c) a volatile amine that is capable of removing oxygen and neutralizing carbon dioxide in industrial waters, particularly boiler waters, including boiler feed waters, internal boiling waters, condensate waters, and return waters. The combination product preferably contains weight ratios of ingredients (a):(b):(c) ranging from 1:0.01:0.1 to about 1:1:100, and may additionally contain a filming amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Soderquist, Mei-Jan L. Lin
  • Patent number: 5085782
    Abstract: In the processing of a geothermal brine and the recovery of heat therefrom, there are produced a non-condensable gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide and a liquid stream comprising a condensate of steam derived from the brine. In accordance with the present invention, the noncondensable gases are introduced into the condensate in the presence of an oxidizing agent to form a gas-liquid mixture. The mixture is maintained at an alkaline pH for a time sufficient for a substantial portion of the hydrogen sulfide to be oxidized. Thereafter, the mixture is introduced into a gas-liquid separation zone for separate recovery of a gas stream comprising a major amount of carbon dioxide and substantially free of hydrogen sulfide. Advantageously, the recovered gas stream is recycled to the geothermal brine process to reduce the pH of the brine and its scaling potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Darrell L. Gallup, Manuel E. Obando
  • Patent number: 5082573
    Abstract: A method for detoxifying ammonia in an ammonia-containing aquatic system comprises adding to the system a novel composition comprising an amine-based ammonia detoxifying solution in an amount effective to detoxifying substantially all of the ammonia, where the solution is non-toxic and has a pH suitable for aquatic life. Further, a method for detoxifying contaminants selected from the group consisting of ammonia, chlorine and chloramine from a contaminated aquatic system comprises adding to the system a novel composition contaminant according to the present detoxifying solution in an amount effective to detoxifying the contaminants, the solution comprising an amine-based ammonia detoxifying compound and a dechlorinator, where the solution is stable, non-toxic and has a pH suitable for aquatic life. In addition, methods for preparing the ammonia detoxifying and contaminant detoxifying compositions and the compositions produced thereby are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Goldstein, Vina Patel, Steven J. Wiley
  • Patent number: 5074991
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide gas evolution from water or hydrocarbons, especially during storage or transport of petroleum residua is suppressed by the incorporation of an effective amount of a diamine of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently an alky radical containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms, (CH.sub.2).sub.n --OR.sub.6 or cycloalkyl containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms and R.sub.5 is hydrogen or methyl. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can be alkylene groups joined together with their respective adjacent N to form a heterocyclic ring. R.sub.6 is hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 1 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Petrolite Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry J. Weers
  • Patent number: 5053140
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for using the apparatus for removing fat, bacteria, solids and other impurities from water used in food processing so that substantially all the water may be reused includes a tower. The water is passed through a coarse filter to remove large pieces and is then introduced into the tower near the top thereof and flows out the tower near the bottom thereof. A mixture of ozone and air is introduced at the bottom of the tower and bubbled up through the tower, counter to the flow of the water. The ozone and water mixture carries impurities, especially the fat, over the top of the tower as a foam. The foam then flows over the tower into a waste drain. The process and apparatus may be varied to include a second tower unit with an alternative intermediate filter unit between the first tower and second tower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: American Water Purification, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Hurst
  • Patent number: 5045215
    Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: North East Environmental Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Lamarre
  • Patent number: 5043074
    Abstract: The invention includes a device for measuring a quantity of liquid extracted from a dialysis liquid circuit, the device having a reservoir means connected to the dialysis liquid circuit for receiving liquid from the dialysis liquid circuit, at least one measurement container for receiving liquid from the reservoir, a flow channel connecting the reservoir with the at least one measurement container for selectively filling the measurement container with liquid from the reservoir, a level detector disposed proximate a predetermined area on the at least one measurement container for detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined level, and a drain port on the measurement container for receiving a signal from the level detector to empty the contents of the measurement container after the presence of liquid at the predetermined level is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Hospal Industrie
    Inventor: Jacques Chevallet
  • Patent number: 5039429
    Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of hypochlorite groups from aqueous effluent solutions, so as to permit the disposal of the effluent by deep well injection. More particularly this invention relates to the catalytic decomposition of such hypochlorite groups from scrubbing water effluent used to remove chlorine from a gaseous effluent, wherein a solid catalyst is dissolved, recycled and reprecipitated in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Mineral Process Licensing Corp. B.V.
    Inventors: Roy D. Laundon, Graham A. Fogg, Murray A. Brennan, Stephen C. Earle
  • Patent number: H1126
    Abstract: An integrated process for treatment of wastewater from steam boiler clean operations, containing sodium nitrite and also usually heavy metal ions such as Cu, Fe, Pb, Cr, Cd, Zn and Ni, as well as suspended solids and sludge, to remove the nitrite, substantially reduce the amount of such metal ions and remove suspended solids and sludge in the treated wastewater. The process comprises adding sulfamic acid to the wastewater, particularly in about stoichiometric proportions with respect to sodium nitrite to form gaseous nitrogen. The reaction takes place at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. An alkali such as sodium hydroxide is added to the resulting solution in amount sufficient to raise the pH thereof to about 10, and precipitating the metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Bingham Y. K. Pan, Henry P. Sheng
  • Patent number: RE35074
    Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: North East Environmental Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Lamarre