Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided to treat ballast water that has exited a ballast tank before being expelled from a water-borne ship. Within the contactor apparatus, means are provided for supplying a combination of acoustic energy and dissolved ozone. The acoustic energy can be provided at two or more frequencies (e.g., at 16 and 20 kHz). The acoustic energy and dissolved ozone, together, offer a more-effective and more-efficient mode of disinfecting the ballast water before release.

Abstract: A device for purifying a liquid in particular water is provided with an ozonating for treatment of said liquid with ozone and with a storage reservoir hydraulically connected to the ozonation unit. The device is provided with re-circulation means for re-circulating said treated liquid from said storage reservoir through a re-circulation line. The re-circulation line is provided with at least one filtration unit.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use on marine vessels or land-based applications where wastewater is separated into two separate sources as graywater and raw sewage (blackwater). For blackwater, the treatment system incorporates five general phases (or zones): (1) screening, (2) clarifying, (3) filtering, (4) advanced oxidation, and (5) sludge reducing. For graywater, the treatment system incorporates three general phases (or zones): (1) screening (2) filtering, and (3) advanced oxidation. Each train of the treatment system (blackwater and graywater) can operate as a stand-alone system or can be assimilated into an integrated treatment train for both graywater and blackwater. This system is particularly useful in today's restrictive regulatory environment.

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.

Abstract: A processor for decontaminating devices is comprised of a chamber for holding devices and a circulation system to circulate a microbial decontamination fluid through the chamber. A water filtration system filters water used in the processor. The water filtration system has a water line connectable to a source of pressurized water. A water decontamination system fluidly communicates with the source of water and the processor. The water decontamination system has a water circulation path and a tank located within the water circulation path. Means are provided to circulate water along the water circulation path through the tank. A gas circulation path fluidly communicates with the tank. Conveying means is provided to convey gas along the gas circulation path through the tank. An ozone producing device is located along the gas circulation path to introduce ozone into gas flowing along the gas circulation path and through the tank.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to water treatment are described. One implementation filters water through a moving bed media filter sufficient to decrease the water's turbidity. This implementation simultaneously disinfects the filtered water and at least a portion of the moving bed media filter with ultra violet (UV) energy.

Abstract: A method for treating a spent caustic solution having a pH greater than about 10.5 includes the steps of (a) lowering the pH of the caustic solution into the range of between about 10 to 10.5 to produce a pH-modified caustic solution; (b) oxidizing the pH-modified caustic solution until the solution to produce a non-sulfide reactive oxidized solution; and (c) lowering the pH of the oxidized solution to a pH less than 9. Methods for oxidizing inorganic substrates in aqueous solutions using an oxidizing agent such as pure oxygen, oxygen-enriched air or ozone are improved by including in the headspace above the aqueous solution a diluent gas and by recycling the oxygen with diluent gas into the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for facilitating dissolution of one or more gases into a liquid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. An apparatus of the present invention comprises a dissolution tank that includes a pressure vessel, at least one liquid spray nozzle, and a fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a gas source, means for passing fluid into the pressure vessel, and a discharge device connected to the fluid outlet, which discharge device is provided with at least one orifice. Preferred applications include wastewater treatment, treatment of drinking water, fermentation, and bioremediation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for introducing high-concentration, high-pressure oxygen gas with or without high-pressure ozone gas into pumped sewage mains, also known as force sewage mains, a portion of the pumped sewage is diverted from the force sewage main for addition of the high-concentration, high-pressure oxygen gas with or without high-pressure ozone gas thereto and for mixing of the gases with the sewage following by reintroduction of the gas-containing sewage into the force sewage main to accomplish the elimination of hydrogen sulfide gas odor from sewage and sewer lines.

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.

Abstract: In a method of treating a substantially continuous flow of liquid waste in a series of decontamination tanks, the flow is directed into a tank and when liquid waste in the tank reaches a desired level the flow is directed into a next tank of the series. Ozone is bubbled through the waste in the tanks and the waste is agitated. When a disinfection period is complete in a tank, the treated liquid waste is drained into a disposal conduit that may be connected to a conventional sewer line. A sufficient number of decontamination tanks is provided such that a tank is available to receive the flow of liquid waste at all times.

Abstract: Method for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: Apparatus for active in situ multi-element gas sparging for bioremediation or physico-chemical degration for removal of contaminants in a soil formation containing a subsurface groundwater aquifer or a substantially wet unsaturated zone, the multi-gas contained in bubbles, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of injection wells extending to a depth of a selected aquifer; introducing an oxidizing agent comprising ozone mixed with ambient air to provide a multi-element gas by means of microporous diffusers, without applying a vacuum for extraction of stripped products or biodegration by-products, wherein said diffusers form micro-fine bubbles containing said multi-element gas that oxidizes, by stripping and decomposition, chlorinated hydrocarbons from the aquifer and surrounding saturated soil formation into harmless by-products; also including a pump for agitating water in the well selecting microbubbles, injecting them into the aquifer and effective to alter the path of micro-fine bubbles through a poro

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use on marine vessels or land-based applications where wastewater is separated into two separate sources as graywater and raw sewage (blackwater). For blackwater, the treatment system incorporates five general phases (or zones): (1) screening, (2) clarifying, (3) filtering, (4) advanced oxidation, and (5) sludge reducing. For graywater, the treatment system incorporates three general phases (or zones): (1) screening (2) filtering, and (3) advanced oxidation. Each train of the treatment system (blackwater and graywater) can operate as a stand-alone system or can be assimilated into an integrated treatment train for both graywater and blackwater. This system is particularly useful in today's restrictive regulatory environment.

Abstract: A method for purifying a fluid such as an exhaust gas and waste water, which comprises providing one or more of static mixers on the flow path of the fluid, and mixing and reacting the fluid with a depurative such as ozone in the static mixer to purify the fluid. The method for purifying a fluid allows the purification of a fluid such as an exhaust gas and waste water with significantly good efficiency, and also allows the simplification of an apparatus for use in the purification and the markedly reduction of the cost required for the purification.

Abstract: A system for purifying non-potable water to make said water potable includes an intake pump for bringing the non-potable water into the system. At least one centrifugal separator separates the non-potable water into suspended solids, saline water and oil. At least one ozone contact chamber injects ozone into a water stream being injected into at least one of the at least one of the centrifugal separators. A series of progressive filtration components are used for progressively filtering the saline water from the at least one centrifugal separator. The salinization filters then desalinate the progressively filtered saline water.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating joined components, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two or more components and improving combustion. The apparatus has a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor and a prime mover for rotating the shaft. Fluid within the housing cavitates as the rotor rotates and the protrusions move through the fluid. Cavitation causes joined components within the fluid to separate, kills undesirable organisms within the fluid, promotes interaction of components within the fluid and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. The fluid and components may also be subjected to abrasion and centrifugal and impact forces for separating the components, purifying the fluid, promoting interaction of the components and improving combustion.

Abstract: The waterborne vessel, in one embodiment, utilizes an underwater tunnel through which passes flowing water, an ozone gas generator, an ozone plus hydroxyl radical gas generator and a source of atmospheric oxygen. A manifold mixer mixes pressurized water independently with the ozone, the ozone plus hydroxyl radical gas and the atmospheric oxygen to produce corresponding oxygenated water mixtures. Each of these oxygenated water mixtures are fed via a conduit system into the confined flow of water passing through the tunnel. A diversion channel with reverse flow channel permits super saturation of diverted flow from the primary underwater tunnel channel to provide super saturated oxygenated water with ozone plus hydroxyl radical gases and atmospheric oxygen water mixtures. A decontamination method is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.

Abstract: A system and method for the ozone treatment of wastewater is disclosed. The disclosed wastewater treatment system includes a high selectivity reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin. The high selectivity reactor is adapted to receive a stream containing sludge diverted directly or indirectly from the activated sludge treatment basin. The disclosed wastewater treatment system and method is adapted to inject a chemical agent, such as ozone-enriched gas, into the diverted stream for treatment within the high selectivity reactor for purposes of sludge reduction, foam control, or bulking control. The treated stream is then returned to the activated sludge treatment basin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ozone on-line injection, reuse and destruction system, which draws liquid to be mixed with ozone through a pump. The system mainly comprises a gas-liquid separation device and an ozone destruction device. When mixed with the drawn liquid, some of the ozone may dissolve in the liquid and the undissolved portion is recovered and reused, while the ozone, oxygen and nitrogen that cannot be reused are introduced into an ozone destruction device. The ozone destruction device contains an ozone destruction medium so that it can decompose ozone into oxygen that can escape into the environment along with the undissolved oxygen and nitrogen, thereby avoiding environmental pollution caused by the direct release of ozone.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the efficient use of gases dissolved in a liquid by limiting the amount of off-gassing or evaporation from the liquid. The apparatus is a distribution/retention plate, may be utilized in a portable food washing system. The food washing system is a portable unit having a treatment chamber with an access door for the placement of food products on a loading plate. A food product is placed in the chamber and sprayed with ozonated water containing diffuse concentrations of ozone which reacts with and destroys organic contaminants on the food product. The distribution/retention plate is located at the bottom of the treatment chamber, and divides the treatment chamber from a reservoir and controls the rate of ozone off-gassing from the reservoir, thereby increasing ozone concentration in the water in the reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the distribution/retention plate is utilized in an automatic dishwashing system.

Abstract: A portable fluid ozonation apparatus includes a container for treating and storing fluid, a filter that attaches to the container and an ozone generator. In use, a fluid is dispensed into the container and optionally passed through the filter. At this point, power is supplied to the ozone generator which operates for a period of time necessary for disinfecting the fluid. Additives and post filters can be utilized in conjunction with the ozonation apparatus in order to obtain sufficient purified fluid within a short time frame.

Abstract: A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption.

Abstract: A batch process for the treatment of an aqueous solution so that the treated product is more desirable for disposal includes obtaining an influent batch of aqueous solution for treatment, treating the batch of solution by an advanced oxidation process. The advanced oxidation process including causing ozone to be mixed with the solution, maintaining the mixture of solution and ozone at a pressure above atmospheric for a time of at least two seconds. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the process includes continuously recirculating the fluid to be treated, through a recirculation conduit, the recirculation conduit including an ozone injector and the ozone injector is adapted to inject ozone into the aqueous solution as the aqueous solution circulates through an ozone injector. Influent to be treated may be selected from the group including sewage, septage, leachate, ballast or other aqueous solutions where it is desirable to treat the fluid prior to disposal, further treatment, or reuse.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided below for the treatment of wastewater. According to various embodiments, treatment of wastewater is accomplished using the oxidative power of ozone gas and the interaction between ozone gas, FOGS, and large amounts of surfactants already present in wastewaters to be treated. According to various embodiments of the invention, a combination of oxidation and UV disinfection is used to provide a fact acting treatment for wastewater. These methods and systems generally enable reduced footprint in relation to the volumes treated, reduced cost, and increased efficiency. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method and an apparatus for continuously controlling denitrification in wastewater purification in a sewage treatment plant having at least one denitrification stage under varying nitrogen loads comprising the steps a) provision of excess sludge, b) treatment of the excess sludge according to running parameters determined in advance, c) separation of the treated excess sludge into an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction, d) measurement of actual values for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the organic fraction, e) recirculation of the organic fraction to one of the denitrification stages, f) comparison of actual values with predetermined setpoint values for DOC fractions and, in the event of difference between actual values and setpoint values, determination of altered running parameters for treatment of the excess sludge in step b), g) repetition of steps a), to f).

Abstract: Water within a water tank is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp for virucidal and germicidal purposes while simultaneously transforming oxygen molecules to ozone molecules in an oxygen containing gas flowing within an annular space defined by a sleeve surrounding the UV lamp. The ozone enriched gas flows into an enlarged chamber into which the UV lamp extends and the flow rate is reduced to enhance the time of exposure of the ozone enriched gas to UV radiation and thereby enhance the production of ozone. To increase the rate of transformation of oxygen molecules to ozone molecules, the gas is under a predetermined pressure prior to entering the annular space and subsequent to discharge from the chamber.

Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system comprising a wastewater holding tank having an interior adapted to hold wastewater, and a generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the holding tank. In one embodiment, the holding tank comprises a gray-water tank, and the system further comprises a non-potable water tank having an interior. In this embodiment, the system further includes a second generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the non-potable water tank and a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to the non-potable water tank. The system can further include a black-water tank having an interior, a third generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the black-water tank, and a conduit coupling the black-water tank to the non-potable water tank.

Abstract: A pressurized water tank having a head space includes a pump for recirculating the water through a nozzle disposed in the head space. The outflowing stream of water will entrain air and cause mixing of air entrained water with the remaining water in the tank. To enhance air entrainment and convey the air entrained water to a location well below the water level, the stream of water is injected into a vertical venturi tube. The entrained air will have an oxidizing effect upon organic matter and also cause circulation of the water within the tank. To enhance oxidation of organic and inorganic matter, a UV lamp may be located in the head space to convert oxygen molecules in the air into ozone molecules. Such ozone molecules would be entrained in the stream of water flowing out of the nozzle and into the tube and have a strong oxidizing effect upon organic and inorganic matter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A rainwater treatment assembly (1) comprising a rainwater storage tank (2) and a treatment tank (3). Rainwater is delivered from the storage tank (3) where ozone is injected into it at regular time intervals. The ozone kills bacteria and oxidises transition metals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating waste water includes passing ozonized waste water through a bed of moving sand.

Abstract: A system and method of disinfecting and sanitizing potable water on an aircraft. An ozone generator generates a supply of ozone which is fed into an injector. A pump is connected to a water supply line and an end of an injector. Water flows from the water supply line through the pump and into the injector where the water and the supply of ozone mix to disinfect the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.

Abstract: Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonphilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonphilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonphilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonphilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decreasing the contents of metals, metalloids, nitrate and nitrite, respectively, in raw water flowing through a basin (1), whereby water containing either oxygen, oxygen-releasing substances, metabolic reactions of naturally occurring micro-organisms or containing denitrification organisms and/or substrates therefore is intermittently introduced to the basin (1) through a number of satellite wells (2) arranged around at least one extraction well (3) for purified water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising (a) a positive oxygen and ozone-generating, or ozone-generating only, pressure pump having an output, (b) a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the pump output, and (c) an air stone attachable to the second tube end. The pump is used to deliver oxygen and ozone, or ozone only, through the tube to the air stone. As much tube as is required is used to allow the air stone to be introduced into almost any portion of the wastewater treatment system so as to introduce air into the effluent and allow aerobic bacteria to proliferate. The apparatus of the present invention could also include a plurality of such pumps, tubes and air stones, and in many combinations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning protective sleeves in UV decontamination systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for decontaminating contaminated media includes a translucent sleeve surrounding a light source, and a housing configured to receive the sleeve. A distance between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the housing defines an annulus for flowing a contaminated fluid. The system also includes a pump for flowing the contaminated fluid through the annulus. In addition, the system in such embodiments may include a honing material in the contaminated fluid, where the flowing of the honing material against the outer surface of the sleeve removes debris aggregated on the outer surface of the translucent sleeve.

Abstract: A system for treating recovered fluids off-line, the system including an ozone assembly and a reactor vessel operatively coupled to the ozone generator and having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, wherein the reaction compartment is fluidly connected to a recovered hydrocarbons storage vessel and the settling compartment is fluidly connected to a treated oil tank is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of treating recovered hydrocarbons off-line, the method including flowing recovered hydrocarbons from a storage vessel into a reactor vessel having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, and injecting ozone from an ozone generator into the recovered hydrocarbons in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method including a step of clarification, followed by an ozonization step and at least one filtration step, wherein after the clarification step (1), one fraction of the main stream of water is diverted (9); said diverted fraction of water is circulated counter-current (7) to an ozone-rich carrier gas, and the ozone-enriched fraction of water is diluted in the main stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating nitrogenous organic compounds from a salt-containing water which contains more than 0.5% by weight of salt in the form of CaCl2 or NaCl, less than 200 ppm of dissolved carbonic acid or carbonates and more than 50 ppm of nitrogenous organic compounds, by treating the water by wet oxidation at a temperature of below 100° C. with chlorine or a chlorine-containing oxidizing agent and feeding this, preferably after additional oxidation with a gaseous oxidizing agent and/or by adsorption with an adsorbent, to an electrolysis for producing chlorine and/or sodium hydroxide solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for deodorization of livestock waste includes a tank containing livestock waste to be deodorized; a source of atmospheric air; a source of ultraviolet light; and a magnet. Air from the source of atmospheric air is passed by the source of ultraviolet light while simultaneously being exposed to magnetic flux from the magnet, thereby creating a plurality of multivalent oxygen ion allotropes. The apparatus delivers the atmospheric air containing multivalent oxygen ion allotropes to the livestock waste, thereby reducing odor. A method for deodorizing livestock waste, has the steps of: pumping waste from a holding tank; exposing atmospheric air to ultraviolet light and magnetic flux, thereby creating a plurality of multivalent oxygen ion allotropes; exposing the waste to the air containing the plurality of multivalent oxygen ion allotropes; and returning the waste to the holding tank.

Abstract: A method and system of ozone treatment diverts a portion of water from a flow of water in a conduit, injects ozone into the portion to provide an ozonated portion, and recombines the ozonated portion with the flow of water in the conduit. Another method and system identifies a species-destructive reaction product of ozone with a water constituent, determines a life of the reaction product, and contacts ozone with a water containing the species for a period determined according to the determined life of the reaction product.

Abstract: An ammonium removal system includes an ion-exchange medium, a brine source, and an electrophysical separation system. The ion-exchange medium may be used to remove ammonium from a waste stream. A brine may be flushed through the ion-exchange medium to remove the ammonium from the ion-exchange medium. The ammonium containing brine may be treated using an electrophysical separation system.

Abstract: A method and system of ozone treatment diverts a portion of water from a flow of water in a conduit; injects an ozone-containing gas into the portion to provide an ozonated portion; recombines the ozonated portion with the flow of water in the conduit; and controls and regulates the diverted portion to provide a minimum diverted portion flow rate according to flow in the conduit and proportion of ozone in the injected gas.

Abstract: A sludge reduction system that reduces the volume of solids contained in a fluid medium such as a wastewater stream. The system reduces the disposal burden and reduces odors by oxidizing organic material such as raw or activated sludge in an ozone oxidation zone and then separating the concentrated sludge for extraction in a concentrated sludge extraction zone. The sludge reduction system is particularly useful in applications such as cruise ships because (1) the reduction of sludge saves space and energy costs, and (2) the reduction of odors permits shipboard treatment rather than holding in tanks for later discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosagebefore being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.

Abstract: Method for purifying waste water, whereby the waste water is subjected to a biological treatment producing sludge, part of this sludge being recycled towards the biological treatment while being subjected to ozonation combined with mechanical stirring. A mechanical stirring energy is brought in to attack the walls of the microorganisms.