Abstract: An energy storage system is disclosed. The energy storage system includes a turbo train drive, a hot heat sink, and a reservoir. The turbo train drive is in mechanical communication with a compressor and an expander. The hot heat sink is in thermal communication between an output of the compressor and an input of the expander. The reservoir is in thermal communication between an output of the expander and an input of the compressor. The compressor and the expander, via the turbo train drive, are operable between a charging function for charging the hot heat sink and a discharging function for discharging the hot heat sink.

Abstract: An offshore compressed air energy storage system has a barge comprising with a deck, and at least one pressure vessel configured to store compressed air. A power source powers at least one air compressor configured to pressurize the pressure vessel. A compander set has at least one turboexpander having an input, an output, and a shaft, as well as at least one heat exchanger and at least one turbocompressor. A mass air control valve is configured to control the compressed air flow from the pressure vessel to the turboexpander. A generator is in communication with the shaft of the turboexpander, and a control system. The at least one pressure vessel is buoyant, and wherein the at least one air compressor, the turboexpander, the mass air control valve, and the generator are attached to the barge.

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A parallel passage fluid contactor structure for chemical reaction processes has one or more segments, where each segment has a plurality of substantially parallel fluid flow passages oriented in an axial direction; cell walls between each adjacent fluid flow passages and each cell wall has at least two opposite cell wall surfaces. The structure also includes at least one active compound in the cell walls and multiple axially continuous conductive filaments either embedded within the cell walls or situated between the cell wall surfaces. The conductive filaments are at least one of thermally and electrically conductive, are oriented in axially, and are in direct contact with the active compound, and are operable to transfer thermal energy between the active material and the conductive filaments. Heating of the conductive filaments may be used to transfer heat to the active material in the cell walls. Methods of manufacturing the structure are discussed.

Abstract: A method and device for the wet oxidation treatment of liquid waste laden with mineral matter in suspension. The device comprises a reactor including a treatment column, first and second heat exchangers placed upstream and downstream, respectively, of the reactor. The solution to be treated, laden with mineral matter to which an oxidizing gas has been added, is injected into the reactor for treatment after being preheated in the first heat exchanger. When the solution exits the reactor, the hot treated mixture is divided into two hot stream fragments. The first hot treated mixture stream fragment, the flow rate of which is kept constant by a diaphragm column, is used for controlling the temperature of the first heat exchanger and then discharged after being used in the first heat exchanger. The second hot treated mixture stream fragment is directly cooled and discharged when the second hot treated mixture stream fragment leaves the reactor.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for filtering and treating water, such as tap water, well water, spring water, etc., and producing drinking, bathing, and swimming water. More specifically, such systems, methods, and apparatus can produce purified water by removing substantially all suspended as well as dissolved solids, undesirable acids, gasses and all and any contaminates from the water. Additionally, the systems, methods, and apparatus can produce reprogrammed high biophoton mineralized drinking water by chilling vortexing over proprietary lodestones, ingenious, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and creating bicarbonate ions in the water introducing minerals and/or salts into the water.

Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operating logic of an organic material thermal hydrolysis system. One or at least two reactors are used and controlled according to a control program based on an operating logic stored in a PLC or a micro-computer to improve digestion efficiency and to minimize an amount of a sludge dehydrated cake in a dehydration process after the digestion process has been performed. Waste heat generated from a reactor is used to preheat the conditioning tank to save operating energy, and continuously generated waste heat is continuously used.

Abstract: Water purification and recycling system that generates electricity and has a large reservoir and a small reservoir that provides potable water to a water user structure. After use by the water user structure, wastewater is applied from said water user structure via at least one wastewater path to wastewater treatment apparatus. The wastewater treatment apparatus receives and processes the wastewater using a power plant that operates continuously to produce steam. The wastewater treatment apparatus is also powered by a co-adjuvant gas turbine generator is adapted to generate supplemental steam for the power plant.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing a chemical contaminant selected from the group consisting of (i) aromatic compounds, (ii) unsaturated compounds having one or more of the following bonds: C?C, C?C, C?O and C?N, and (iii) amines, which process comprises combining the chemical contaminant and cuprous (Cu+) ions in an aqueous solution in a reaction vessel in an essentially oxygen-free environment, and subsequently feeding an oxidizer to said solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In an embodiment of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product, and an electric motor with motor rotor and magnets hermetically sealed within the fluid pressure boundary of the distillation system.

Abstract: A method for increasing ozone concentration in a liquid can include: providing a gas having ozone; introducing the ozone-containing gas into a liquid, wherein the liquid and ozone combination has a temperature between about 0.8 and about 1.5 times the critical temperature of ozone; and increasing isothermally, the pressure of the ozone-containing gas above the liquid to about 0.3 to about 5 times the critical pressure of ozone so as to increase the ozone concentration in the liquid. The temperature is expressed in absolute units (Kelvin or Rankin). The method can be used for removing ozone from a gas or for purifying ozone. The liquid having a high ozone concentration can be used for ozonolysis of a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing arsenic as scorodite from solutions that contain iron and arsenic. In accordance with the method, arsenic is first precipitated as ferric arsenate and subsequently processed hydrothermally into crystalline scorodite.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting water from ionizing and reacting with carbon dioxide includes: providing processed water having a potential for reacting H2O with CO2 in a system substantially devoid of O2 and/or CO2; providing at least about 20 PPM of negative ions to the H2O in a sufficient amount to react therein in the system substantially devoid of O2 and/or CO2; and inhibiting the H2O from reacting with CO2 to form carbonic acid by reacting the H2O with the negative ions in a sufficient amount in the system substantially devoid of O2 and/or CO2 so as to stabilize the processed water to form stabilized water. Obtaining chilled water and vortexing the chilled water over lodestones with or without aeration.

Abstract: A method for controlling microbial growth in potable water stored in a vessel having a metallic surface includes heating the metallic surface to a temperature between about 480° C. (900° F.) and about 870° C. (1600° F.), exposing the metallic surface to oxygen during heating to oxidize potential reduction sites on the metallic surface and charging potable water containing silver ions to the vessel. A vessel having a metallic surface is prepared for long-term storage of potable water containing silver ions by heating the metallic surface to a temperature between about 480° C. (900° F.) and about 870° C. (1600° F.) and exposing the metallic surface to oxygen during heating to oxidize electropositive metals on the metallic surface or by treating the metallic surface with an aqueous solution containing on oxidizing agent to oxidize potential reduction sites on the metallic surface.

Abstract: A method for treating effluent containing dissolved or suspended solids includes directing the effluent containing dissolved or suspended solids to a reactor and oxidizing at least a portion of the dissolved or suspended solids in the reactor with an oxidizing agent. Oxidation is carried out at a temperature ranging between approximately 20° C. and approximately 350° C. and at a pressure ranging between approximately 1 bar and approximately 160 bar. A gaseous phase and a liquid phase form within the reactor during oxidation. The method includes separating the gaseous phase from the liquid phase and heating the effluent in the reactor with the heat produced from the oxidation of the dissolved or suspended solids.

Abstract: Fluid distribution filters having spiral filter media and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a filter assembly can include a canister having a body portion positioned between a first opening and a second opening. The filter assembly can further include a filter media positioned in the body portion of the canister. The filter media can include at least one channel in fluid communication with the first and second openings. The channel can have a spiral-like shape and be configured to distribute incoming fluid across the filter media and move the fluid at a substantially equal velocity across the filter media.

Abstract: A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water.

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: The present invention relates to a method for treating a liquid solution S1 comprising a step of injecting said liquid solution S1 into a plasma immersed in a second liquid solution S2 separate from said liquid solution S1. It also relates to a device capable of being applied in the context of such a method.

Abstract: A method for increasing ozone concentration in a liquid can include: providing a gas having ozone; introducing the ozone-containing gas into a liquid, wherein the liquid and ozone combination has a temperature between about 0.8 and about 1.5 times the critical temperature of ozone; and increasing isothermally, the pressure of the ozone-containing gas above the liquid to about 0.3 to about 5 times the critical pressure of ozone so as to increase the ozone concentration in the liquid. The temperature is expressed in absolute units (Kelvin or Rankin). The method can be used for removing ozone from a gas or for purifying ozone. The liquid having a high ozone concentration can be used for ozonolysis of a substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater treats wastewater. In an embodiment, the method for treating wastewater includes treating wastewater comprising a chemical oxygen demand. The method includes dissolving an iron compound in the wastewater. The method also includes adjusting the pH of the wastewater to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater.

Abstract: A process for exothermic treatment and recovery of masses including: urban solid waste (USW), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, the process envisages the use of an exothermic reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus and method with stair-like heat treatment tanks for performing a breakdown process are disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a mixing tank, for evenly mixing wastewater with reaction agents and thus forming a mixed solution; a plurality of heat treatment tanks, for enabling the mixed solution to circulate therein while being heating for a period of time so as to perform an organic destruction process upon the mixed solution and thus cause a discharging liquid to be formed; a heat exchanger, for enabling a heat exchanging process between the discharging liquid and the mixed solution to be performed therein; a condensation tank, for receiving and cooling the discharging liquid; a water purifier, for purifying and thus separating the discharging water into a cleaned water and a concentrated liquid for outputting; an agent recycling unit, for electrolyzing the concentrated liquid so as to recycle the reaction agents.

Abstract: Microcomposites comprising titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles embedded within cross-linked, thermally responsive microgels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are disclosed. Interpenetrating linear chains of poly(acrylic acid) functionalize the nanoparticles for dispersal within the microgel framework. The microcomposites show rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation applications such as environmental remediation via photocatalytic degradation. The extent of loading of the TiO2 within the colloidal particles can be easily manipulated from 10% (weight) to a value as high as 75%. The microgel-titania composites showed rapid sedimentation, which is useful for gravity separation of these particles in photocatalytic applications. The settling of the microgel-titania composites occurred over minutes and was much faster than solid, impermeable spheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of waste in a reactor (3) comprising the steps of combining the waste to be processed and an aqueous, alkaline solution to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to a temperature range between 140° C. to 250° C. and a pressure between 3 bar and 12 bar to produce at least one aqueous, organic phase, a gas phase and optionally a solid phase, removing the gas phase from the reactor (3), separating the organic and aqueous components of the gas phase, in particular by means of a rectification column and feeding the aqueous components of the gas phase back into the reactor.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from oil-based sludge including the steps of homogenizing an oil-rich phase, a water-rich phase, and a solids-rich phase of an oil-based sludge, removing particulates from the oil-based sludge as the sludge traverses a shaker screen, heating the sludge, injecting a chemical into the heated sludge and mixing the chemical with the heated sludge, separating the phases of the chemically-treated sludge into a solids component stream, a water component stream, a first oil component stream, and a gas component stream, removing solids from the first oil component stream with a decanting centrifuge to form a second oil component stream, and removing water and solids from the second oil component stream with a disk stack centrifuge.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for treating sewage sludge by heating the same in a container to drive off pathogens and/or pasteurize the sewage sludge while the material is tumbled in the container, and with moisture gases being evaporated therefrom and drawn off from the container. After treatment the treated sludge is discharged from the container. There is provided at least one weight-responsive member on which the container is mounted, and a control is provided connected to the one or more weight-responsive member whereby the solids content of the treated material can be determined by measuring the difference in weight of material in the container, before and after moisture is drawn off from the material and prior to its discharge from the drum. The control is preferably effected by means of a computer.

Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.

Abstract: A method produces high-purity water from low-purity water, which is not limited to seawater but includes sewage. The method includes having one or more types of gases capable of forming gas hydrates and low-purity water come into contact under conditions in which the temperature is higher than the freezing point of the low-purity water and the gas hydrates can be formed, thereby producing solid gas hydrates which are suspended in the low-purity water. The low-purity water used in the gas hydrate formation process is removed while substantially maintaining the gas hydrate state. Components adhered to the gas hydrates are cleansed with cleansing water; and by increasing the temperature in the gas hydrate state or decreasing the pressure in the gas hydrate state, the gas hydrates are decomposed into a gas and high-purity water.

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: A method for performing continuous thermal hydrolysis of sludge by feeding the sludge into a tube reactor subsequently elevating the temperature and pressure in the reactor. The sludge is cooled by introducing water into the sludge instead of cooling the sludge with a heat exchanger or a similar unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving vermiculite's intake of ammonium, in which method heating of the crude vermiculite is conducted to a temperature where vermiculite's third dehydration step takes place, the temperature being lower than the temperature where vermiculite's fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step takes place. The invention relates also to use of the obtained vermiculite and to an absorption material, comprising vermiculite material and additives, where at least 50% of the vermiculite material comprises vermiculite, which has undergone the third dehydration step but not the fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step. The invention relates also to use of thermally treated and ammonium doped vermiculite as fertilizer/soil conditioner.

Abstract: A product for water treatment includes a plurality of bioceramic materials, in which at least one bioceramic material is chosen from among the following: Alkali Energy Ceramic Ball, Antibacterial Pellet, Far Infrared Ceramic Ball, and may also include Mineral Ceramic Ball.

Abstract: A process for treating a sludge of biological solids has the steps of mixing an oxide-containing chemical with a pozzolanic material, reacting the mixture with the sludge so as to elevate a temperature of the sludge to between 40° C. and 140° C., pressurizing the blended sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a., recycling a portion of the reacted sludge so as to increase a solids content of the sludge, and discharging at least a portion of the pressurized mixed sludge. The step of discharging includes flashing the pressurized mixed sludge across a restricting orifice so as to cause the liquid component to be evaporated.

Abstract: A method of making an alkoxylated polyethyleneimine (APEI) product having reduced discoloration includes treating a composition including a component selected from the group of polyethyleneimine (PEI), APEI intermediate, and combinations thereof that is used to make the APEI product. The method of treating the composition includes heating a composition that includes an adduct of a conjugate base and PEI, water, and the component at a temperature of from 158 to 338° F. for a period of at least three hours in the absence of additional water in order to substantially decompose the adduct in the composition. The aqueous solutions of APEI product thus made have Gardner color values of less than 6.

Abstract: A method for treating a process water from a bitumen recovery process in order to obtain carbon dioxide from the process water, which method includes lowering the pH of the process water, thereby causing carbon dioxide to evolve from the process water as evolved carbon dioxide gas. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be collected and compressed, and water vapour associated with the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas. After the carbon dioxide has been obtained from the process water, the process water and the water vapour separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be recycled back to the bitumen recovery process. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be stored for future use or sale. The method may also include heating the process water in order to reduce the solubility of carbon dioxide in the process water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving vermiculite's intake of ammonium, in which method heating of the crude vermiculite is conducted to a temperature where vermiculite's third dehydration step takes place, the temperature being lower than the temperature where vermiculite's fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step takes place. The invention relates also to use of the obtained vermiculite and to an absorption material, comprising vermiculite material and additives, where at least 50% of the vermiculite material comprises vermiculite, which has undergone the third dehydration step but not the fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step. The invention relates also to use of thermally treated and ammonium doped vermiculite as fertilizer/soil conditioner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pure water treatment method. According to the invention, once ultra-pure water has been obtained, it is treated by means of cavitation in a tank that is equipped with an acoustic antenna (3) comprising Tonpilz-type piezoelectric transducers which emit at least at the excitation frequency of the water molecules with a sound power that enables the cavitation threshold to be exceeded, taking account of the quantity of water to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing an organic material includes the steps of (a) forming a preoxidation mixture comprising the organic material and water, and (b) causing the preoxidation mixture to react with a liquid oxidizer in a continuous flow reactor supercritical conditions for water, including a pressure of at least 3206 psia and a temperature of at least 705° F., to form a post-oxidation mixture containing condensible material and non-condensible material, wherein substantially all of the organic material has been oxidized.

Abstract: A reactor is described for conversion of chemical reactants comprising an oscillator with a number of perforated discs. The reactor is also suited to continuous conversion of reactants, and a method for such conversion is also described.

Abstract: A modular apparatus having certain processing equipment mounted on portable skids that are adaptable and versatile to permit customized arrangement for oil-recovery processing of a wide range of oil-base sludge compositions in a cost-efficient manner. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a modular apparatus optimally configured for oil recovery of sludge having a high concentration of low density solids, wherein the apparatus may include a pumping skid, a shaker skid, a heating skid, a chemical skid, a phase separator skid, a gas purification skid, a decanter skid, and an oil purification skid. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a modular apparatus optimally configured for oil recovery of sludge having a high concentration of high density solids, wherein the apparatus may include a pumping skid, a shaker skid, a heating skid, a first chemical skid, a decanter skid, a second chemical skid, a phase separator skid, a gas purification skid, and an oil purification skid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving water quality using a gasification system. Whereas water is normally a deterrent to the combustion process, water is beneficial to the gasification of carbonaceous materials. The method and apparatus uses this, and other aspects, to utilize several processes to improve water quality by means of gasification in new and beneficial ways.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for removing organic contaminants from an inorganic processing solution, comprising the step of: introducing the inorganic processing solution comprising organic contaminants into steam stripping treatment; heating the inorganic processing solution; reintroducing the inorganic processing solution into the steam stripping treatment; and removing the organic contaminants from the inorganic processing solution, thereby the inorganic processing solution comprises a total carbon content not more than 300 ppm, based on the total amount of the inorganic processing solution; wherein the step of heating is performed by heat exchange between the inorganic processing solution and desuperheated steam.

Abstract: Method for packaging liquid muds resulting from the treatment of urban and/or industrial waste water according to which the mud is subjected to a mechanical dehydration step followed by a thermal drying step. Ferric chloride and/or quicklime or slaked lime is injected into the mud after the dehydration step and before the drying step or at the beginning of the drying step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge.

Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.