Utilizing Ozone Patents (Class 210/760)
  • Patent number: 7029587
    Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating water in an ice machine or a beverage-dispensing machine comprising an ultraviolet radiation source, an ozone source and a controller. As potable water enters the apparatus via a conduit, the potable water is decontaminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which irradiates the potable water, and by an ozone generation system that provides ozone to be injected into the potable water to oxidize contaminants. Because water is often circulated within ice machines, the circulating water conduits and reservoir are also treated with ozone and UV radiation. The present invention also provides a controller for optimizing the decontamination process by providing UV light and ozone production only when required for decontamination. Typically, ozone generation and UV radiation are required whenever makeup potable water is brought into the apparatus or when the refrigeration compressor is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7022241
    Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7018543
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a waste water treating method and a waste water treating apparatus which are capable of treating for-treatment water containing a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound at low costs and efficiently. The waste water treating method is a waste water treating method for treating a nitrogen compound (nitrate nitrogen) and a phosphorus compound (phosphate ions) in for-treatment water by electrolysis as an electrochemical process, the method comprises a first treating step of immersing a pair of electrodes in the for-treatment water at least partially so as to treat the for-treatment water by electrolysis, one of the electrodes being a cathode made of a conductive material and the other of the electrodes being an anode made of iron, and a second treating step of treating the for-treatment water with hypochlorous acid, ozone or active oxygen after completion of the first treating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Mineo Ikematsu, Naoki Hiro, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 7007759
    Abstract: A gas/liquid pump moves liquid by passing gas up through it. Pumping is accomplished by the liquid's moving through three conduits. The first, a collector conduit, transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. The second, a gas-lift conduit, mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas escapes from the liquid and out of the unit. The lifted liquid then returns to near its original density and exits the unit through the down and out conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: R3 Pump Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Harrington, Jeffery Dean Rabe, David Alan Nickel
  • Patent number: 7008545
    Abstract: Synergistic mixtures of biocides and their use to control the growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems are disclosed. The method of using the synergistic mixtures entails adding an effective amount of a nitrogenous compound activated by an oxidant and at least one non-oxidizing biocide to an aqueous system. The amount of activated nitrogenous compound and non-oxidizing biocide is selected to result in a synergistic biocidal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: John M. Cronan, Jr., Michael J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 7008543
    Abstract: A method of oxidation or pathogen inactivation in water supplies using the combination of treatments of chlorine dioxide and ozone in the sequential steps prior to filtration and distribution. Results indicate that the addition of chlorine dioxide before prezonation reduces the bromate formation and chlorine dioxide can be substituted for preoxidation with ozone, while maintaining the enhanced filtration effects observed from the presence of a preoxidant. A majority of the chlorite formed from reactions of chlorine dioxide with constituents in raw water are converted to chlorate by the following ozonation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Contra Costa Water District
    Inventors: Dale Darrow Newkirk, Xuejun Zhou, Jeffrey John Neemann
  • Patent number: 6991730
    Abstract: Methods for removing organolead compounds from aqueous and non-aqueous organolead compositions. The methods of the present invention include: providing aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including organolead compounds; ozonating the organolead compositions with ozone, wherein the organolead compounds are oxidized producing insoluble lead oxide polymers; contacting the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including insoluble lead oxide polymers through activated carbon to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; filtering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including lead oxide polymers through at least one filtering means to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; and recovering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions substantially free of organolead compounds and/or other unwanted contaminants or impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Fallis
  • Patent number: 6991733
    Abstract: In order to reduce a total organic carbon (TOC) in ultrapure water to a level less than 1 ppb, several cycles of ozone contact/UV irradiation treatments are carried out in sequence. Preferably, the first cycle further includes an ion exchange treatment which is applied to the resulting UV irradiation water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kon-Tsu Kin, Pei-Lin Chang, Farhang Shadman, Hsiao-Fen Cheng
  • Patent number: 6991532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 6986840
    Abstract: Methods for removing organolead compounds from aqueous and non-aqueous organolead compositions. The methods of the present invention include: providing aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including organolead compounds; ozonating the organolead compositions with ozone, wherein the organolead compounds are oxidized producing insoluble lead oxide polymers; contacting the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including insoluble lead oxide polymers through activated carbon to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; filtering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including lead oxide polymers through at least one filtering means to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; and recovering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions substantially free of organolead compounds and/or other unwanted contaminants or impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Fallis
  • Patent number: 6984329
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6984326
    Abstract: There are provided a nitrogen treating method and system for a nitrogen compound, which can treat the nitrogen compound efficiently and which can reduce the size and cost of an apparatus. The gist is that, in a nitrogen treating method wherein a nitrogen compound in for-treatment water is treated according to an electrochemical technique, a cathode reaction region and an anode reaction region are defined by a cation exchange membrane interposed between a cathode and an anode, and the for-treatment water treated in the cathode reaction region according to the electrochemical technique is treated with hypohalogenous acid, or, ozone or active oxygen according to a chemical technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Naoki Hiro, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 6984330
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for controlling growth of harmful algal blooms generated by the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, and other harmful algal species. The method includes the steps of applying seawater containing low levels of dissolved ozone directly onto or under the surface of water containing harmful algal blooms. Since only low levels of ozone are required for this method to be effective and since the application of ozonated seawater is directed to the bloom itself, release of excess ozone into the atmosphere and/or surrounding water is minimal, which is advantageous since it greatly reduces adverse effects of ozone on the environment, marine life, and human health. The low concentration of ozone utilized in this method is sufficient to destroy the red tide organism, but leave surrounding marine life unharmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Mote Marine Laboratory
    Inventors: Michael Cushman, Richard H. Pierce
  • Patent number: 6974546
    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: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Microdiffusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Patent number: 6962654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6960301
    Abstract: A compact portable modular wastewater treatment system which integrates several processing technologies to provide a substantially purified water source. A wastewater stream is sent through an initial filtration step. The filtered wastewater is then subjected to electrocoagulation and then further filtered. The resulting stream containing substantially only organics is then treated in an advanced oxidation process which can include passing an electrical current through the water during the oxidation process. The partially treated water is then passed through ion-exchange columns to polish ammonium and other contaminants. The ion-exchange columns are cycled through regeneration cycles to provide continuous ion-exchange medium. The ammonium rich brine solution used in regeneration is subjected to an ammonium destruct process and then reused in regenerating ion-exchange columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: New Earth Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk D. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6948504
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens Fittkau, Johannes Seiwert, Christiane Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 6946080
    Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Perkins, Joe Phillips, Dale Gann, Richard Miller
  • Patent number: 6942779
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and inorganic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass. Residual organics, if desired and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 6942801
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic sludge by aerobic digestion has an aerobic digestion tank 1, a circulation line 6 provided with a pump for pumping circulated sludge, a liquid/gas ejector 7 for aspirating an oxygen-containing gas, which has been humidified, and for mixing it with the circulated sludge, a liquid/liquid ejector 8 for mixing the circulated sludge with sludge in a later step, a downward directing pipe 9 for passing downwards therethrough a gas/liquid mixture and an ozone-treated unit 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Sosuke Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6936179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing super-oxygenated water for human consumption including forcing atmospheric air through a filter to remove impurities, exposing the filtered air to ultra violet light to cleanse the air, and to form ozone and oxygen in the air, forcing the filtered air, ozone, and oxygen into a stream of flowing water to dissolve said air, ozone, and oxygen in said water, and spraying the stream of water having air, ozone, and oxygen dissolved therein into a vessel under superatmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Jack J. DeWald
  • Patent number: 6929746
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of digesting raw animal waste using diffusers to force circulation and aerate a digesting lagoon. Several lagoons may be used in series to treat raw waste and different variations may be employed to successively digest raw waste. Aeration with slightly ozonated air facilitates a blend of aerobic and anaerobic microbes to quickly and completely digest large amounts of raw animal waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Waterpure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Keeton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6929753
    Abstract: A coal bed methane wastewater treatment system for efficiently and cost effectively treating wastewater generated from coal bed methane production. The coal bed methane wastewater treatment system includes collecting wastewater into an ozone diffusion tank where ozone is injected into the wastewater, passing the wastewater through a prefilter tank and then through a primary membrane. The treated water is separated to a permeate tank and the concentrated water is passed through a secondary membrane for further separation. The concentrated water is then placed within a holding pond for evaporation thereof. The treated water may be utilized to clean the prefilter tank and the membranes. The treated water is then dispensed into a sodium adsorption ratio tank prior to being released to a natural waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Aqua-Envirotech Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Mel D. Falcon
  • Patent number: 6919032
    Abstract: This invention relates to a unique apparatus and method 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 and method is a distribution/retention plate, shown in a preferred embodiment as installed 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 apparatus of the present invention is a distribution/retention plate located at the bottom of the treatment chamber. The distribution/retention plate divides the treatment chamber from a reservoir and controls the rate of ozone off-gassing from the reservoir, thereby maximizing ozone concentration in the water in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sanist Technologies
    Inventor: Terrance Mulgrew
  • Patent number: 6913698
    Abstract: Techniques for treating waste water by adding a valent ion, such as CaO/CaCO3, which depends on the pH value of the waste water, to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) are provided. Organic acid intermediates formed from the oxidization of organics with ozone will chelate with valent ions dissolved in water and precipitate from the waste water, so as to reduce the amount of ozone consumed and save cost. The method of the present invention is preferably conducted by adjusting the pH value of the reaction and/or adding hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Huei-Tarng Liou
  • Patent number: 6911153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating mixtures with ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the mixture can include a selected constituent and the method can include directing a continuous flow of the mixture into a treatment apparatus and altering a phase and/or a chemical composition of the selected constituent by exposing the mixture to ultrasonic energy while the mixture flows through the apparatus. The mixture can then be removed from the apparatus. In one aspect of this embodiment, the mixture can be under pressure while being exposed to the ultrasonic energy and the mixture can subsequently be exposed to a vacuum source to remove gas from the mixture. In another aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic energy can have a first frequency and the mixture can be exposed to ultrasonic energy of a second frequency different than the first frequency while in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Halliday Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Minter
  • Patent number: 6905610
    Abstract: A method, a module, and a device for gas-liquid contacting. The liquid is sent, in the presence of the gas, in jet form in a first direction onto a wall inclined at an angle of 35-55 degrees with respect to the first direction, the wall dispersing the liquid jet into the gas. The module includes a structure (23, 25) for sending a liquid jet in a first direction, a structure (21) for creating a gas flow, and a wall (11) inclined at an angle of 35-55 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Turchet, Bruno Fournel, Xavier Frechou
  • Patent number: 6905609
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment and disposal of waste, including sanitary, petroleum, and other organic wastes. More specifically, the present invention treats and disposes of these types of waste from portable and remote waste generating sources, such as passenger carrying vehicles and remote facilities where sewage and septic systems are impractical. The invention makes use of thermal energy liberated from devices that generate a hot exhaust stream, such as internal combustion engines. The invention generally involves the passing of a waste material from a tank through a homogenizing device. The homogenizing device reduces the particle size and thoroughly mixes the waste stream so that it maybe injected into a hot exhaust stream, which converts the waste stream into water vapor, gas and inert ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Namon A. Nassef
  • Patent number: 6902678
    Abstract: A system and method for treating and removing hydrocarbon and other contaminants in bilge and ballast water, utilizing a multiple progressive process that chemically and electrically treats-and removes contaminants. Wastewater, received by a sump, is transmitted to a holding tank and treated, over a period of time while-influent wastewater continues off loading. The wastewater is pumped to an oil/water separator tank that decants free-floating oil from the wastewater to an oil retention tank. The wastewater then undergoes an electrocoagulation process where emulsions are broken and compounds that further aid treatment are created. The treated water flows to a retention/separation tank where contaminant particles coalesce and separate. Water is decanted and transferred to a clean water holding tank through an ozone injection system and an activated carbon filter. Treated water is recirculated until it exits the system meeting discharge limits for organics and metals allowing release into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Gary A. Tipton
  • Patent number: 6893568
    Abstract: Modules of ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes are arranged in a tank open to the atmosphere to substantially cover the cross sectional area of the tank. A filtration cycle has permeation steps and deconcentration steps. During permeation, supply of feed substantially equals feed removed and little if any aeration is used During deconcentration, aeration with scouring bubbles is provided with one or both of backwashing and feed flushing. In feed flushing, feed water is supplied to the tank from below the modules. Excess tank water created during deconcentration flows generally upwards through the modules and out through a retentate outlet or overflow at the top of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Janson, Nicholas Adams, Jason Cadera, Pierre Cote, Steven Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6893565
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Annel K. Greene
  • Patent number: 6878284
    Abstract: A method of treating water containing a nitrogen compound, and an apparatus of treating water containing a nitrogen compound at high speed without using a biologically unstable treatment causing eutrophication in lakes and swamps. The waste water is introduced into an adsorbing tank that is filled with a zeolite, only nitrogen components are adsorbed by the zeolite, a solution containing hypochlorous acid or hypobromous acid is introduced into the adsorbing tank, and the nitrogen adsorbed in the zeolite is decomposed by the hypochlorous acid or the hypobromous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hasegawa, Brahim Messaoudi, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 6872318
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6869539
    Abstract: Cost-effective processes and tools used therein are described that decontaminate sludge using remedial water in a closed and environmentally friendly system. Typical contaminants such as toxic metals, microorganisms, and toxic compounds are detoxified or destroyed by one or more remedial water treatments to sludge that is confined to the closed system. The closed system may comprise a covered rail road car, ISO container, or other large space into which the remedial water, and optionally, remedial gas, is applied by injection or other means. In a preferred embodiment, water is electrochemically activated at the site of use and injected through an array of pipes within the container. A large variety of other waters and combinations of water, and even air treatments are particularly useful in combination with the closed system for treating sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheets
  • Patent number: 6869540
    Abstract: A method to treat ballast water comprises injecting ozone into water loading into a sea faring vessel prior to charging the water into a ballast tank; and charging the ozone injected water into the ballast tank. A system for treating ballast water comprises a sea faring vessel including at least one ballast tank; an ozone generator that generates ozone, a ballast water conduit that uptakes water through a loading port of a sea faring vessel and conducts the water to load the ballast tank; and an ozone feed line that injects ozone from the generator into water in the conduit at an injection point located upstream to an intersection of the conduit with the ballast tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nutech 03
    Inventors: Jack H. Robinson, Michael D. Jennings, Richard A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6866788
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying aqueous effluents, in particular polluted water, by catalytic oxidation using a three-phase reactor comprising two communicating chambers. The invention is characterised in that it consists in: maintaining the catalyst suspended and continuously circulating it between the two chambers of said reactor, by entrainment under the effect of carrier gas injected into one of said chamber, and in oxidizing the pollutants in contact with the in the other chamber, by injecting a reactive oxidizing gas in said other chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ondeo Degremont
    Inventors: Sylvie Baig, Michel Cordier, Alain Truc
  • Patent number: 6866781
    Abstract: A bioremediation method and system for destroying or reducing the level of contaminants in a contaminated subterranean body of water includes a plurality of spaced injection sites. The injection sites extend below ground and intersect a body of groundwater. Each of the plurality of injection sites are in communication with a supply of concentrated oxygen. The oxygen is conveyed by a delivery mechanism from the supply of oxygen to the injection points to naturally reduce the contaminants in the groundwater. The amount of oxygen delivered to the groundwater is maintained such that the amount of oxygen in the soil gas vapor is between 15% and 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: A. Russell Schindler
  • Patent number: 6863826
    Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheets
  • Patent number: 6855256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid biological and chemical method for decontaminating sludge containing heavy metals and pathogenic microorganisms, consisting of the following steps: the sludge is mixed with an acidic leaching solution in order to acidify the sludge with a pH which is low enough to solubilize the majority of the heavy metals and to destroy most of the pathogenic microorganisms but which is also high enough to minimize the solubilization of fertilizing elements; oxidation-reduction of more than +400 mv is maintained, liquid-solid separation occurs in order to obtain a solid fraction comprising decontaminated acidic sludge and a liquid fraction comprising heavy metals which are dissolved in a leaching solution; the sludge is neutralized: and neturalized decontaminated sludge is recovered, whereby the fertilizing elements contained therein, i.e. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, remain substantially unchanged in relation to the initially contaminated sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Institut National de la Recherche
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Blais, Nathalie Meunier, Jean-Louis Sasseville, Rajeshwar D. Tyagi, Guy Mercier, Fatima Hammy
  • Patent number: 6846407
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: EMI, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Randoph Anderson, Jeffrey Stuart Lebedin
  • Publication number: 20040262219
    Abstract: Periphyton filtration is a known method for performing bioremediation of polluted water, removing nutrients from the influent on which the attached algae thrive. The present system improves upon this method by adding a strong oxidizer to the influent, and, in some cases, to the effluent, to make organically bound nutrients available to a target culture of periphyton or aquatic plants to reduce the population of undesirable microinvertebrates, to make organically bound nutrients available to the periphyton, and to reduce the level of toxic compounds. A particular embodiment comprises ozonating the water. A pesticide may be added to control insect populations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: AquaFiber Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle R. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040262241
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sterilization of air by destroying viral and/or biological contaminants is disclosed. Large concentrations of ozone mix with ambient air in a mixing chamber with a residence time long enough to destroy the contaminants. An ozone concentration high enough to efficiently destroy said contaminants, is inherently too high to be inhaled by people. This ozone laden, decontaminated air is then scrubbed or catalyzed to reduce the ozone concentration, below the current OSHA limits of 0.1 ppm for an 8-hour continuous exposure. The “conditioned” air can then be delivered to an indoor space. Incorporated in this decontamination apparatus is an ozone interlock system, which ensures that residual ozone does not enter the indoor air space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Socha
  • Publication number: 20040262240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous or regular cleaning and purification of water in HVAC systerns, such as Evaporative Coolers, Cooling Towers and Hot/Warm Water Systems. Oxidants and oxidant radicals are produced electrically in a stream of air and the resultant gas is injected into a stream of water which flows through the HVAC system and where further oxidants may be generated in this downstream flow of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Oke
  • Patent number: 6827861
    Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20040238459
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the remediation of contaminated water, soils and/or sediments. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more conduits for injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone based reagents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Charles B. Whisman
  • Patent number: 6824695
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable water purification system, including (a) an ozone supply, (b) an ozone contact chamber mixing a contaminated or potentially contaminated water stream with ozone generated by such ozone supply, (c) an ozone destruction unit for destructing ozone contained in the water stream and converting said water stream into an oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream, and (d) a downstream biologically active carbon filter, for receiving such oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream and biologically destructing at least a portion of contaminants contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard F. Tempest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6824693
    Abstract: An ultraviolet lamp used for creating ozone. An ultraviolet lamp is enclosed by a container having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. An air flow containing molecular oxygen is created between the container and the ultraviolet lamp. A portion of the wavelength of the ultraviolet lamp is used for generating ozone. Another portion of the wavelength of the ultraviolet lamp is used to kill microorganisms or disinfect a fluid. The ozone generated may be released in the fluid, further purifying and deodorizing the fluid. The present invention combines the germicidal properties of a ultraviolet lamp with the deodorizing properties of ozone in a single device which may be used to purify water or other fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Light Sources, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Sauska, Arpad Pirovic
  • Patent number: 6821443
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing ozone-containing sterilizing water and apparatus used in the process. Ozone-containing sterilizing water can be continuously produced by maintaining a mixture of raw water and ozone gas under a predetermined pressure and time with the use of two separate compartments of a compression mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Se-Ham Kim
  • Publication number: 20040226893
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus dissolving an oxidizer in wastewater at a fast speed and at a high efficiency to decompose substances at a high decomposition rate. The apparatus includes an ultraviolet radiation part having an elongated tubular configuration, and receiving an axially extending ultraviolet radiation unit with a space between an inner peripheral surface of the ultraviolet radiation unit and the ultraviolet radiation unit to pass wastewater; and an oxidizer mixing part disposed adjacent to and upstream of the ultraviolet radiation part for mixing an oxidizer with the wastewater. The ultraviolet radiation unit irradiates the wastewater with ultraviolet light to decompose the substances to be treated in the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Miki Kamimura, Seiji Furukawa, Satoshi Ueyama, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 6818136
    Abstract: A process where gas bubbles are produced under a partial vacuum and are dynamically agitated creating a vortex that allows for homogenization of the gas desired for dissolution into the affected aquifer. The technology is applied through installation of the apparatus into treatment wells. The treatment wells are installed as stand-alone wells where hydrogeological conditions are conductive, i.e. sandy aquifers, fractured bedrock aquifers, or in treatment cells where hydrogeological conditions are less conductive, i.e. saturated sediments that are clay rich. The system does not use a compressed gas, compressed air source, or forced air/gas through the use of compressors or blowers. Rather, it uses cavitation to produce a slight vacuum to draw gas or air through a snorkel apparatus that is attached to the gas mixing chamber of the unit. The unit is installed so that it is submerged in the treatment well below the water table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: RSS LLC
    Inventor: James C. Marek