By Oxidation Patents (Class 210/758)
  • Patent number: 6790363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adsorbent for removing arsenic species from ground water and/or surface water systems. Such adsorbent removes both As(III) and As(V), thereby providing potable water. Also provided is a method and/or device (e.g., filter) for removing arsenic species from contaminated waters utilizing such adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ChK Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajan K. Vempati
  • Patent number: 6787035
    Abstract: A bioreactor that has an internal sludge return function for treating wastewater is provided. Said bioreactor comprises a mixing zone (18), a static zone (28), and a mixed liquor circulation channel (26). The internal sludge return is accomplished by the integration of said static zone (28) that settles sludge, and said mixed liquor circulation channel (26) that provides a circulating stream of the mixed liquor for carrying settled sludge back to the mixing zone (18). Therefore, the microorganism concentration in the bioreactor of this invention is increased compared with conventional suspended-growth bioreactors, resulting in the improved wastewater treatment performance, reduced bioreactor size, simplified operation, reduced clarifier size, etc. The bioreactor of this invention can be operation in aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions to serve various wastewater treatment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Jianmin Wang
  • Patent number: 6780328
    Abstract: The invention provides the continuous, integrated methods and devices for substantially removing ionized and ionizable carbon compounds from an aqueous stream by first deionization step to produce a first product stream, ionizing nonionized and nonionizable carbon compounds in such stream to form further ionized and ionizable compounds, and removing the latter by a second deionization step. The method can be performed for example in an apparatus including an EDI unit (10), an ionizing unit (60), and EDI unit (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Li Zhang
  • Patent number: 6773611
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of a ballast water treatment system are disclosed. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system and a ballast tank system. The control system controls the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system. In addition, the ballast water treatment system can be implemented in a vessel. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system, a biocide generation system, and a ballast tank system. The control system is capable of controlling the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system by controlling the amount of the biocide feed into the ballast tank system from the biocide generation system. Further, the ballast water treatment system involves methods for controlling organisms in ballast water of a vessel. A representative method includes providing the ballast water, and treating the ballast water with chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ecochlor, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Perlich, Charles Goodsill
  • Patent number: 6773607
    Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and economically annihilating non-indigenous marine species and pathogenic bacteria in ship ballast water. A preferred embodiment comprises adding a killing agent to ballast water tanks and subsequently adding a reducing agent to the container. Oxygen is subsequently introduced to the ballast water to eliminate any excess reducing agent, and to ensure compliance with the dissolved oxygen discharge requirements of the receiving water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Russell
  • Patent number: 6773582
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20040149664
    Abstract: A process for oxidation of oxidizable materials which are dissolved or suspended in a liquid phase, wherein there is used a contactor in the form of a porous membrane, said contactor being designed such that an oxidizing phase flows along one surface of the contactor while the phase to be oxidized flows along the other, and in that the oxidation is catalysed by (i) a catalyst material which constitutes the porous membrane or is deposited in or onto a porous membrane support, or catalysed by (ii) a catalyst material which is supplied to one or both of the feed streams comprising the oxidizing phase and the phase to the oxidized, resepectively, which flow along said porous membrane support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Henrik Raeder, Rune Bredesen, Sylvain Miachon, Jean-Alain Dalmon
  • Patent number: 6770207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the leaching of solid matter from a sludge with the aid of a gas containing oxygen, whereby the solid matter of the sludge is recirculated in a tall reactor equipped with a central pipe in the centre of the reactor and a double-action mixer located in the vicinity of the lower edge of the central pipe. A flow is formed with the aid of the mixer which sucks the sludge from the central pipe downward, and a gas to be conducted into the sludge in the bottom part of the reactor is dispersed in the form of small bubbles into the sludge outside the central pipe and the flow direction of the sludge is turned upwards in the outer casing of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Heikki Takala, Yrjö Oinonen
  • Patent number: 6761825
    Abstract: The invention herein provides a method of treating water in situ to both sterilize the water and remove unwanted odors and tastes produced during sterilization. The water is preferably intended for drinking. The water is sterilized by a sterilizing treatment such as ozonation and the odors are removed by incorporating zeolite into the container cap, a capliner, or both. The invention also provides a container for packaging sterilized water for human consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Allen G. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6761828
    Abstract: Nitrate-containing (contaminated) solutions are reduced with SO2 gas in the presence of an at least equimolar amount of NH4+ or ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Heuser, Werner Verhoeven, Domien Sluyts, Gabriel Denecker
  • Publication number: 20040129645
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of a ballast water treatment system are disclosed. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system and a ballast tank system. The control system controls the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system. In addition, the ballast water treatment system can be implemented in a vessel. The ballast water treatment system includes a control system, a biocide generation system, and a ballast tank system. The control system is capable of controlling the concentration of a biocide in the ballast tank system by controlling the amount of the biocide feed into the ballast tank system from the biocide generation system. Further, the ballast water treatment system involves methods for controlling organisms in ballast water of a vessel. A representative method includes providing the ballast water, and treating the ballast water with chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Tom Perlich, Charles Goodsill
  • Patent number: 6755979
    Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein, and oxygen formed by the decomposition swept from the decomposition with a nitrogen vapor stream from ethylbenzene oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: ARCO Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventors: Carl L. Williams, Shaw-Chan Lin, David W. Leyshon, Lawrence M. Candela
  • Publication number: 20040112838
    Abstract: A system and method for treating water in an aqueous system includes measuring or characterizing one or more specific oxidizing species by utilizing species-specific or selective techniques. The selective techniques utilize an amperometric or potentiometric sensor having a selective membrane or analytical techniques to provide an indication of a concentration of one or more oxidizing species. The system and method also determines an overall characteristic of the water, which can be used to control addition of additional oxidizing species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Publication number: 20040112805
    Abstract: Extracting energy from clean, non-potable water that had been treated at a sewage station. The extraction is by driving a water turbine and electric generator with the non-potable water, oxidizing the water as it leaves the at least one water turbine and pressurizing the oxidized, cleaned, non-potable water and mixing it with a fresh supply of clean, non-potable water to feed into the at least one water turbine. The fresh supply may be open to atmosphere and at an elevation higher than that of the at least one turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe R. Murcia
  • Publication number: 20040112844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the effluent of a water heater. A water heater of the present invention comprises an aeration device comprising a pump connected to a tube connected to an air sparging unit. The water heater may further comprise a programmable thermostat capable of controlling the temperature of the water in the water heater. The method of the present invention comprises the step of periodically or constantly passing a plurality of air bubbles through the water contained in a water heater. The method may further comprise the step of heating the water in the water heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: James Rulon Young Rawson, Richard Leland Butsch
  • Patent number: 6746180
    Abstract: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound. The method includes treating the contaminate with a chemical oxidation step and a bioremediation step. The chemical oxidation step includes treating the contaminate with the following: a transition metal in soluble form in combination with an isolated chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound; the pH being maintained in a neutral range. The method of treatment further includes treating the contaminate with a microbial consortium including at least two species prior to or after the chemical oxidation step to enhance the remediation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Jerome J. Kukor, Kyoungphile Nam
  • Publication number: 20040094478
    Abstract: A method of at least partly removing formic acid from an aqueous solution comprising formic acid, cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol comprises decomposing the formic acid over a basic metal oxide of metals of groups 2, 4, 5, 12 and/or 14 or over a noble metal of groups 8-11 on an oxidic support as decomposition catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Nobel
  • Patent number: 6736979
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 6733679
    Abstract: A method of treating an electroless plating waste is provided. The waste is contained and an ability of a reducing agent to reduce a metal of the waste is decreased, for example by adding a stabilizing chemical or by exposing the waste to an anode to which a positive voltage is applied. Poisonous and explosive gases evolve from the waste, which are vented. Upon completion, the waste is drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Valery M. Dubin, Chin-Chang Cheng, Christopher D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6730234
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a used halide fluid comprising a density greater than 9.0 lbs/gal. and containing both soluble and insoluble impurities. This method comprises the steps of (1) adding acid to the used halide fluid so that the pH is within a range of approximately 0 to 10.0; (2) contacting the used halide fluid with halogen to increase the density to at least 10.0 lbs./gal., adjust the desired true crystallization temperature of the fluid and oxidize soluble impurities; (3) adding a reducing agent while maintaining the temperature at a minimum of 10° C.; (4) contacting the fluid with an alkali to neutralize excess acid; and (5) separating any suspended solid impurities from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond D. Symens, Lyle H. Howard, Thomas William Polkinghorn, Surendra Kumar Mishra
  • Patent number: 6726846
    Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Duncan Johnstone
  • Patent number: 6716360
    Abstract: A method for treating a waste stream, the method including the steps of providing a waste stream that includes waste solids suspended in water, feeding the waste stream to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column, conducting the waste stream to the bottom of the hydraulic downdraft column, conducting the waste steam to a first reaction zone, introducing nitrogen-containing oxides into the first reaction zone so that the waste stream is contacted with the nitrogen-containing oxides, conducting the waste stream up a hydraulic updraft column into a second reaction zone, where the second reaction zone is configured to provide sufficient time so that a reaction between the nitrogen-containing oxides and waste solids can take place and substantially consume the nitrogen-containing oxides, introducing oxygen gas into the waste steam after the nitrogen-containing oxides are substantially consumed, thereby providing a second reactant that reacts with waste solids suspended within the stream, conducting the stream to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Eau-Viron Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 6712980
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of contaminated media, comprising a rotatable housing having at least one inlet (28) for gas emerging in the stirrer housing, and at least one suction opening (10; 32) for the medium to be treated. The housing is provided with a plurality of outlet openings (25; 27) arranged along its periphery. A plurality of vanes (22; 23) are arranged in the outlet openings (25; 27). A rotation transferring means (24) is provided to transfer a rotational movement to the stirrer. A method according to the invention comprises generating a vortex in the medium in such a way that an under-pressure occurs in the center of the vortex, and that a nitrogen containing gas is introduced in the center of the vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Gefle Virvelteknik AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ahlström
  • Publication number: 20040055968
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for the oxidation of a liquid contained in a reactor having a closed volume by means of an oxidation gas. The reactor comprises at least one means for feeding the gas into the reactor and at least one means for feeding the liquid into the reactor, at least one means for withdrawing the liquid and at least one means for withdrawing the gas. In the said process, the liquid contains compounds to be oxidized and the oxidation gas contains oxygen, the liquid and the oxygen gas are fed into the reactor in amounts such that a gas overhead is formed above the liquid contained in the reactor and a purge of the gas overhead is carried out. Characteristically, the said purge ensures that there is a predetermined oxygen partial pressure in the gas overhead, the value of this partial pressure corresponding to the desired rate of oxidation of the said compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Philippe Campo, Michel Muguet, Nadege Berthier
  • Patent number: 6709601
    Abstract: In addition to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83), a hydrothermal treatment system (60) includes an effluent stream splitting arrangement (86) for receiving hydrothermal reaction effluent and splitting this effluent to produce two separate effluent streams. These separated effluent streams are used to heat at least a water stream and first reactant material stream before these streams are injected into the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A first split effluent heat exchange arrangement (81) places one split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A second split effluent heat exchange arrangement (79, 80) places the other split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with both the first reactant material and the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroprocessing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Tracy Wofford, III, James Walton Griffith, Richard Wayne Humphries, Justin Wade Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20040045908
    Abstract: A method for substantially reducing cyanide and formate concentrations in gasification wastewater streams comprising first removing suspended solids from the wastewater stream, then adding sufficient hydrogen peroxide to completely oxidize contained cyanide ions and formate ions to form a feed solution, and then irradiating the resultant solution with sufficient UV light so as to substantially reduce said contained cyanide ions and formate ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Dinh-Cuong Vuong, Byron Von Klock
  • Publication number: 20040045910
    Abstract: In order to use so-called gray water for the flushing of toilets, for example in a conveyance such as a passenger aircraft, the gray water is passed through at least one filter, preferably through a coarse filter followed by a fine filter, into a treatment tank where it is anodically oxidized. The rinsing is performed by a pump that may be a rotary pressure pump or a piston cylinder pump. The pump passes the processed or oxidized water through an excess pressure valve and through at least one spray nozzle into a toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
  • Patent number: 6702949
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water. The depleted water is then pumped to a second mixing station, wherein oxygen is introduced into the depleted water to provide oxygen enriched water. The oxygen enriched water is then returned to reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Microdiffusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20040035790
    Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Kaschak
  • Patent number: 6692641
    Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. DeBusk, David L. Haselow
  • Publication number: 20040026338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter aid for filtering a liquid, such as beer, in a filtration device working on a defined filtration velocity, said filter aid consists essentially of particles of a material A, wherein the flotation velocity UoA is measured as Formula (I): wherein dA is the diameter of the particle, &mgr; is the viscosity of the fluid, r is the density of the fluid and &rgr;a is the density of the particle. The invention further relates to the use of said filter aid as a precoating material in a candle filtration device and to the candle filtration device comprising a number of candles provided with a precoat consisting essentially of the filter aid according to the invention and to a filtrated liquid, for example alcohol and more in particular beer, obtained via a filtration method using a candle filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Biebuyck, Daniel Daoust, Jacques Devaux, Georges Rahier
  • Publication number: 20040011746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for oxidization of materials in supercritical water, as well as to a device which may be used for applying this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Christophe Joussot-Dubien, Gerard Didier, Hubert-Alexandre Turc
  • Publication number: 20030234219
    Abstract: Currently, wastewater treatment or processing decisions are based on pH, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand of the water. These are narrow ranged indices and do not present information about complete biological status of water. There is no set protocol governing the addition of chemicals to wastewater. The management as well as operators use this information and decide the processing steps based on their ‘gut feeling’ or experience. As a result, many a times the addition a chemical to correct one problem creates another problem(s). As noted by the inventor at Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant, often this practice leads to catastrophic results with serious legal violations and technical problems costing millions of dollars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Kuldeep C. Verma
  • Publication number: 20030234224
    Abstract: A process for treating ground water containing nitrogen compounds, including ammonia, urea and nitrate, is provided. The ground water is extracted downgradient of the source of contamination and mixed with a chemical oxidant to oxidize the nitrogen component to nitrogen gas. The chemical oxidant may be any suitable oxidant, including a halogenated oxidant, such as a hypochlorite, hypobromite or hypoiodite compound, and Fentons reagent, or combinations thereof. The ground water can be further treated as desired to remove residual oxidants, as well as nitrate, to provide a processed water having characteristics suitable for discharge with limited to no adverse impact on the discharge environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Hydro-Trace, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Follansbee Spalding, Imtiyaz Ahmed Khan
  • Patent number: 6666972
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for treating a wastewater containing heavy metals using a used iron oxide catalyst, which is to treat an acidic wastewater having a pH value of about 1.0 and containing Cu, Fe, Ni, Cr or Zn, the method including: adding the used iron oxide catalyst containing at least 70% magnetite (Fe3O4) to the wastewater at a weight ratio of 1:0.05; stirring the wastewater mixed with the iron oxide catalyst at a speed of 60 rpm for 15 minutes in a stirrer; and subjecting the wastewater to solid-liquid separation using a magnet for adsorption and removal of the heavy metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Research
    Inventor: Hyo-Sook Lee
  • Patent number: 6660168
    Abstract: A continuous method is provided for dissolving a solid oxidizer into an aqueous solution which yields a stream of the aqueous solution having a constant or near constant concentration of solid oxidizer. The method of the present invention includes (a) disposing a bed of solid oxidizer into a container; (b) introducing an aqueous solution below the top surface of the bed; and (c) removing any solution above the top surface of the bed while maintaining a constant or near constant level of aqueous solution above the bed. Preferably, step (c) is performed at about atmospheric pressure. This method can be achieved with a feeder that includes a tank for containing a bed of solid oxidizer and a disperser for introducing the aqueous solution into the tank. A sensor/control unit is provided for sensing a combined bed and aqueous solution volume within the tank and maintaining the combined volume within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lonza Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Gerdon Sweeny, James Howard Harvey
  • Publication number: 20030217979
    Abstract: The present invention is an oxidative reaction that converts organic content in the wastewater into harmless CO2 and H2O. The heat produced by the oxidative reaction evaporates the water, thereby concentrating the remaining solids in solution. The final product from the process is the crystal form of sodium carbonates and other oxidized salts carried in by the raw wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Philip T. Chen
  • Publication number: 20030217973
    Abstract: Techniques for chromatography, including a method for introducing a sample into a chromatography column having the following steps. A liquid reaction mixture is provided including a sample dissolved in a solvent. A chromatography sample module including a separation media is at least partially immersed in the liquid reaction mixture, such that the liquid reaction mixture is drawn into the sample module by capillary action. The sample module including the sample is inserted into a chromatography column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Horsman, Omar Mneimne, Shahnaz Ghassemi Jamalabadi
  • Patent number: 6649052
    Abstract: An ozone oxidizing apparatus in which, after fine air bubbles are distributed in a fluid (a waste water) delivered together with air to increase a dissolvable oxygen concentration, when ozone evenly contacts a contaminant of the fluid, oxidation is maximized by virtue of the instantaneous catalytic action of the oxygen air bubbles, thereby effectively removing the contaminant contained in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: IEI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-rai Lee, Se-ho Mun, Gwang-lok Han, Seong-lak Im, Seok-won Son
  • Publication number: 20030209490
    Abstract: A process for reducing organic sulfur in a fluid, which comprises an organic sulfur compound, comprises contacting the fluid with an oxidizing agent to produce a pretreated fluid and contacting the pretreated fluid with an biologically active solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Carl Eugene Camp, John George Hnat
  • Publication number: 20030205535
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of purifying water and wastewater as a fluent coming from industrial plants, municipal sewage systems, reservoirs and other water supplies and residential community and commercial water and sewage supplies and systems. The method includes the steps of running the wastewater as a fluent into a headworks where some preliminary treatment takes place. From there the fluent is passed into a primary reservoir. The fluent in the primary reservoir is analyzed as to certain control parameters such as pH and conductivity. Thereafter the fluent flows into a primary reactor having a plurality of electrolytic cells therein. While in that reactor the fluent is subjected to electrolytic reactions. The effluent from the primary reactor passes through a ratio weir into a secondary receptor. The secondary receptor contains sensors for the measurement of control parameters such as pH, (total suspended solids) TSS and chlorine. Thereafter, the fluent is passed to a filtering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: William Jeffrey Roth
  • Patent number: 6638434
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in water, including the stops of mixing air or oxygen and nitrogen gas so as to be dissolved in retained water in a closed tank. The retained water is circulated by a pressure pump, activated by a ceramic pipe and an infrared ray irradiation device and then injected into the water in the closed tank. The mixing ratio of the air or oxygen and nitrogen gas mixed with to retained water is adjusted, the pressure in the pressure tank is changed, and the injecting pressure of the gas injection nozzle is changed. Sludge or the like is removed from the water by filtering, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is adjusted to a desired level, and the water is sterilized by an ultraviolet ray irradiation device and brought back to the closed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mikasa
    Inventor: Masayuki Otsuki
  • Publication number: 20030196966
    Abstract: A method and device for the chemical conversion, filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and cysts, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of fluid treatment carbon, metal phosphates, metal oxides, reduced metals, metal silicates, metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal hydroxides, or combinations thereof. The material may be included in a fixed binder matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6630106
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the growth of microorganisms and other contaminants of water processing and holding systems. Rapid reduction in the growth of fungi, algae, spores, molds, bacteria, protozoa and/or other contaminating microorganisms found in water processing and holding equipment is achieved by placing a material comprising an antimicrobial composition, preferably one containing a metal oxide and a binder, in an area of such equipment where there is water movement or storage, thereby destroying contaminating water-borne or air borne microorganisms in the water and on the surfaces of the equipment in contact with the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Patent number: 6630073
    Abstract: An apparatus and water treatment method uses Sonically Induced Dissociative Reactions (SIDR) and Multi-bubble Sonoluminescence (MBSL) to facilitate Sonically Bounds State Oxidation (SBSO) within a SIDR chamber. Included within the SIDR chamber is counter-flow ultrasonic radiation and an optional binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene A. Moskal, H. Willard Spencer, III
  • Publication number: 20030178374
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Innovative Medical Services
    Inventor: Andrew B. Arata
  • Patent number: 6623211
    Abstract: A method of treatment of a contaminated material contaminated with an organic compound is provided. The method includes treating the contaminate with a chemical oxidation step. The chemical oxidation step includes treating the contaminate with a transition metal in soluble form in combination with a chelator of the transition metal, to form a transition metal:chelator complex; an oxidizing agent that provides a reactive free radical in the presence of the transition metal complex; and a buffering compound; the pH being maintained in a neutral range. The method of treatment may further include treating the contaminate with biodegradation step prior to or after the chemical oxidation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rutgers University
    Inventors: Jerome J. Kukor, Kyoungphile Nam
  • Patent number: 6623648
    Abstract: Disclosed are an oxidation catalyst suitable for use in treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, a method for preparing the same, a method for recycling the same and a method for treating wastewater using the same. The oxidation catalyst comprises an activated carbon support having surface reformed with a tin compound, in the form of particles, powders and pellets, and metal ions impregnated to surface of the support. The preparation method of the oxidation catalyst comprises reforming surface of an activated carbon support in the form of particles, powders and pellets, impregnating various metal ions to surface of the support, drying the metal-impregnated support, and sintering the metal-impregnated support. In addition, the recycling method of the oxidation catalyst comprises drying the oxidation catalyst used for treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, and warming-up at 50-100° C. in a double boiler or sintering at 150-500° C. in a furnace the dried oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ZEO-Tech. Co., LTD
    Inventor: Geun-Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6623643
    Abstract: A process wherein the use of a degradation-enhancing reactant or a precursor thereof, e.g., an oxidizing agent, can effectively increase the rate of reaction for the degradation of polymers in an aqueous environment and thereby facilitate the disposal of same. For example, in one aspect, the process comprises contacting a solubilized polymer and a degradation-enhancing reactant, within an aqueous environment, and subsequently reacting the polymer under conditions that are effective to provide at least one environmentally benign degradation product from the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Chisholm, Debrah A. Beck, John B. Steward, Jordan M. Johnston, Baosheng Lee
  • Patent number: 6623647
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin