Including Temperature Change Patents (Class 210/766)
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Patent number: 5160637Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for continuous thermal hydrolysis of cyanide ions and cyanide-containing ions contained in a liquid, comprising an elongated tubular reactor of a size selected to enable the liquid to be retained in the reactor for a predetermined reaction time, a conduit for supplying the liquid to the reactor, means for adding a base to the liquid prior to heating, and means, associated with the conduit, for instantaneously and uniformly heating the liquid to a preselected temperature. The apparatus preferably uses high pressure steam to heat the liquid and appears much less subject to fouling by scale.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1990Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: Alcan International LimitedInventors: David H. Bell, Joseph E. F. Fortier, Haven M. Havens
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Patent number: 5152897Abstract: A method for the purification of a bifidobacteria-proliferating substance is provided which comprises adjusting the temperature of soybean whey to 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. and the pH thereof to 6.5 to 10 either by adding an alkaline substance to the whey and heating it or by heating the whey and adding the alkaline substance, removing the formed precipitate, ultrafiltering the resulting liquid phase part to obtain as the permeate an aqueous solution of a bifidobacteria-proliferating substance, and if necessary subjecting the permeate to further purification steps, i.e. active carbon or adsorbing resin treatment, electrodialysis and ion exchange resin treatment. By the step of the alkali substance treatment and heating in this invention, permeate flux in the succeeding ultrafiltration step is remarkably enhanced. Further, a bifidobacteria-proliferating substance having a high quality can effectively be obtained by the present purification method.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1991Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: The Calpis Food Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takanobu Shibuta, Yasuyuki Yoshida
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Patent number: 5149444Abstract: A method for the decontamination of a soil, sediment, or sludge containing toxic halogenated organic compound and containing water comprising the steps of mixing said soil, sediment, or sludge with a reagent capable of reacting with said halogenated compound and heating said mixture of soil, sediment, or sludge, and reagent in a reaction zone to an elevated temperature thereby forming a reaction zone vapor stream containing at least a portion of the water contained in said soil, sediment, or sludge and unreacted halogenated organic compound; condensing a portion of said reaction zone vapor stream under conditions suitable for the formation of a condensate stream containing substantially all of the halogenated organic compound in said reaction zone vapor stream, and a vapor stream containing water and trace amounts of said halogenated organic compound; recycling said condensate to said reaction zone; treating said vapor stream to remove trace halogenated organic compound and venting the so-treated stream to thType: GrantFiled: July 3, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: SDTX Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert Hoch
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Patent number: 5130032Abstract: A process for enhancement of chemical oxidation of oxidizable materials comprises storing the materials in suspended or dissolved form in a storage tank, pumping the material from the tank through an electrostatic treater, an ultrasonic ozone disperser, an ultrasonic treatment chamber, and a cooling unit. The material is then returned to the storage tank for subsequent treatments until a target oxidation is achieved. The ozone dispersed by the ultrasonic ozone disperser is first produced in an ozone generator and then enhanced magnetically before or at the point of injection into the treatment loop.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Inventor: Helfred E. Sartori
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Patent number: 5100560Abstract: A pressurized feed material (30) in aqueous suspension is oxidized in a supercritical temperature reaction zone (20) in an upper region of a vertically elongated, cyclindrical walled, closed pressure vessel (10) to form an oxidized super fluid phase (46) which is removed from the upper region of the vessel and a brine (44) containing precipitates and other solids which are collected in and removed from a subcritical temperature zone (16) in the lower region of the vessel. The wall (12) of the cylindrical pressure vessel (10) is scraped by rotatable scraper means (60) which upon rotation will dislodge precipitated solids from the wall (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1991Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: ABB Lummus Crest Inc.Inventor: Chiung-Yuan Huang
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Patent number: 5096599Abstract: A process for purifying the effluent originating from urea production plants, consisting of three successive treatment stages, namely stripping of the volatile components, thermal hydrolyis of the urea and biuret in a plurality of zones traversed with piston flow, and final stripping of the volatile components produced by the hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.Inventor: Franco Granelli
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Patent number: 5087378Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for enhancing the dewaterability of a waste sludge having a substantial content of water-retaining cellular structure arising from microbiological action and having a solids content of at least fifteen percent by weight. The pH of the sludge is adjusted to 4.0 or less, the sludge is subjected to heat treatment to significantly enhance its filterability, the pH is again adjusted to near neutral, the sludge is subjected to a second heat treatment step, and the sludge is filtered to a final solids content in excess of about fifty-five percent by weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Pori, International, Inc.Inventor: Geza L. Kovacs
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Patent number: 5076936Abstract: Removing radioactive contaminants from liquid hazardous material such as oil, includes recirculating the material between a processing tank and a filter medium. The material is heated to increase viscosity during the circulation through the tank and filters. Chemicals including chelating agents are added to enhance the removal of the radioactive elements. Water is added to the processing tank or upstream, in a settling tank, to effect a water wash of the liquid hazardous material. A pre-filter stage upstream of the settling tank is followed by a mid-range filter stage in the recirculation loop with the main processing tank. A finishing filter stage is in the outlet from the main processing tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1990Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Assignee: Southern California Edison Co.Inventor: Brian D. Metz
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Patent number: 5075015Abstract: A process for removing color and oxidizable organic matter from thermally conditioned sludge liquor is disclosed. The process comprises treating the liquor with 250 to 430 mg/l chlorine which removes 20 to 70 percent of the color and produces a chlorine residual in the liquor. The chlorine-treated liquor is mixed with a small volume of untreated thermal conditioning liquor to remove the chlorine residual, and the dechlorinated mixture is returned to the treatment plant influent for additional treatment.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1991Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Zimpro Passavant Environmental Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Kamke
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Patent number: 5073273Abstract: A process for treating a gas generating material waste containing an alkali metal azide comprising the steps of preparing an alkaline aqueous solution containing the waste, treating the alkaline aqueous solution with a gaseous stream of ozone under conditions effective to oxidize the alkali metal azide to nitrogen and alkali metal nitrate, and then recovering the nitrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1991Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Raj K. Gupta, Morton L. Kraft, William B. Coleman
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Patent number: 5057231Abstract: A method for starting up and controlling the temperature of a wet oxidation process in which a heat exchanger employing superheated steam is used to initially heat a waste stream introduced into a wet oxidation reaction vessel for start up and then to subsequently adjust the temperature of the waste stream, after it is preheated by the effluent from the reaction vessel, to a level suitable to maintain steady state operation of the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Zimpro Passavant Environmental Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gene W. Mueller, Bruce L. Brandenburg
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Patent number: 5037560Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing sludges, especially those sludges containing heavy metals and generated in electroplating, to a solid state where the toxic constituents of the waste are prevented from leaching. The process involves mixing a metallic soap or hydroxide with the sludge and then using low-temperature induction heating to form coacervate bonds that encapsulate the toxic waste particles in a pumice-like matrix. The apparatus allows a small amount of metallic soap to be thoroughly mixed through sludge and a continuous ribbon of the resulting putty-like waste to be fed into a series of microwave drying ovens and evacuation chambers. After the drying and dewatering sequences, the apparatus extrudes a pumice-like solid suitable for disposal in accordance with EPA regulations.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1990Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Inventor: Danny Gayman
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Patent number: 5034131Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating waste material mass in a reactor comprising gas distribution members (2, 22), heating members (4, 23) and mixing members (6, 25) for the waste material mass, as well as a waste mass feed member (9, 31) and discharge opening (11, 34). According to the invention, the decomposition of the waste mass is intensified by heating the mass by means of the heating members (4, 23) connected to the gas distribution members (2, 22), by conducting gas onto the surfaces of the heating members (4, 23).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1989Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Outokumpu OyInventors: Arto I. Stenroos, Isabel A. Pipping
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Patent number: 5034138Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing activated mineral water. Material water is pressurized by a pump and passed through a plurality of columns connected in series and filled with inorganic substances, so that the pressurized water is brought into contact with the inorganic substances while passing through the pipes. The water discharged from the pipes is aerated. The abovementioned cycle may be repeated a plurality of times.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Shinki Sangyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Hatanaka, Kanji Nakatani
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Patent number: 5034211Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the turbidity of an aqueous solution of chromic acid which is formed by dissolving melted chromic anhydride in water. The chromic anhydride is contacted with water in an amount in excess of 0.02 wt %, but insufficient to form a solution, at a temperature above ambient but below about 196.degree. C. The water may be in the form of a liquid, water vapor, or steam. When the chromic anhydride is subsequently dissolved in water, the solution is much less turbid than it otherwise would be.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Occidental Chemical CorporationInventors: Robert L. Zeller, III, Russell J. Morgan, Gilbert D. Rabbe, Donna R. Fiscus, Richard L. Wilkes, Jr.
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Patent number: 5011613Abstract: A method for regulating the residual free chlorine in drinking water, characterized in that the regulation is carried out by introduction of a quantity of chlorine determined as a function of the chlorine demand at "the head" of the line, that is upstream of the water treatment or storage line, while obtaining in the distribution network, water having an acceptable residual free chlorine content. The chlorine demand of the water at the inlet of the treatment, or storage line is rapidly determined by accelerating, the reactions tied to disinfection by heating so as to obtain over a short period (from 5 to 10 minutes) water having a residual free chlorine content corresponding to the required value.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1990Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Lyonnaise des EauxInventors: Cathy Feray, Conrad Hubele
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Patent number: 4976864Abstract: Process for the treatment of aqueous effluents from the production of epoxy resins, which effluents contain as their main impurities chlorohydrins, glycidol, isopropyl alcohol and sodium chloride, which process comprises the following steps:(a) hydrolytic treatment of the effluent under alkaline conditions, until the effluent's content of epichlorohydrin in reduced down to values of about 75 ppm, and the effluent's glycidol content is reduced to values lower than about 4,000 ppm;(b) removal of about 90% of sodium chloride from the hydrolyzed effluent; and(c) anaerobic digestion of the hydrolyzed, sodium chloride-deprived effluent, after preliminary dilution, neutralization and integration with nitrogen and phosphorus sources.The (b) step can be carried out by means of a process of concentration of the effluent, in order to cause sodium chloride to precipitate, or by submitting the same effluent to a treatment of electrodialysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Eniricerche S.p.A.Inventors: Agostino Baradel, Gino Della Penna, Silvio Gulinelli, Mario Valdiserri, Andrea Robertiello
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Patent number: 4975194Abstract: The process for the disinfection of sewage sludge prior to introducing same into an anaerobic sewage sludge processing step involving the recovery of methane gas by heating the sewage sludge in a preceding disinfection step at from 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C., and preferably at from 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C., for a period of from 1 to 72 hours, and preferably of from 12 to 36 hours, while throughly mixing the sewage sludge with an oxygen-containing gas is carried out by using, as the oxygen-containing gas, a mixture comprising from 10 to 70% by volume of fresh air and 30 to 90% by volume of vent gas from the disinfection step, the oxygen contents of the gas mixture being maintained within the range of from 5 to 15% by volume, and preferably of from 7 to 12% by volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Inventors: Leonhard Fuchs, Martin Fuchs
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Patent number: 4971703Abstract: An improved reclamation process for treating petroleum oil and water emulsions derived from producing or processing crude oil is disclosed. The process comprises heating the emulsion to a predetermined temperature at or above about 300.degree. C. and pressurizing the emulsion to a predetermined pressure above the vapor pressure of water at the predetermined temperature. The emulsion is broken by containing the heated and pressurized fluid within a vessel at the predetermined temperature and pressure for a predetermined period of time to effectively separate the emulsion into substantially distinct first, second and third phases. The three phases are then separately withdrawn from the vessel, preferably without any appreciable reduction in temperature and pressure, and at least above a withdraw temperature of about 300.degree. and above the vapor pressure of water at the withdraw temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: L. John Sealock, Jr., Eddie G. Baker, Douglas C. Elliott
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Patent number: 4925571Abstract: A process for treating sewage sludge having a predetermined water content to produce a soil conditioner, comprising (a) transporting the sludge aboard a vehicle; and (b) heating the sludge during the transporting step (a) to a temperature and for a time sufficient to pasteurize the sludge without substantially reducing the water content of the sludge. The treatment is conducted aboard any suitable vehicle, such as a ship, railroad car or truck. The heat required to pasteurize the sludge may be obtained from the vehicle's engine waste heat and/or an auxiliary heat source. The sludge is pasteurized during the vehicle's transit from one destination to another and thereby eliminates the requirement of performing a separate pasteurization process before the sludge has been loaded on the vehicle or after it has been unloaded from the vehicle. The present invention protects the public health and saves both time and money as compared with conventional processes of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1989Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Assignee: Organic Technology, Inc.Inventors: A. Kirk Jacob, M. Joseph Willis, A. Pierce Hardman
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Patent number: 4909947Abstract: A process for detoxifying a high aqueous content hazardous waste stream having a water content greater than about 70 weight percent and comprising halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the hazardous waste stream containing halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds in the presence of hydrogen and in the absence of a basic compound with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a refractory support and at least one metal having hydrogenation activity and which metal is selected from the metals of Groups VI-B and VIII of the Periodic Table in a hydrotreating reaction zone operated at conditions selected to hydrogenate at least a portion of the halogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds which conditions include a pressure from about 100 psig (2068 kPa gauge) to about 5000 psig (34475 kPa gauge), a maximum catalyst temperature from about 250.degree. F. (121.degree. C.) to about 850.degree. F. (454.degree. C.) and a hydrogen circulation rate from about 200 SCFB (35.6 std. m.sup.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: UOPInventors: Russell W. Johnson, Karl J. Youtsey, David G. Hughes
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Patent number: 4906387Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oxidizable contaminants in cooling waters used to extract heat from the condenser coils of cooling towers. The method and apparatus includes means for removing a portion of the recirculating water which passes through the cooling tower to create a slipstream of water to be treated and treating the slipstream water with chemical to provide a hydroxyl free radical into the water to enhance oxidation, inducing cavitation in the slipstream water and irradiating the slipstream water with ultraviolet radiation to thereby cause the oxidizable contaminants to be oxidized and therefore removed before the slipstream water is reintroduced back into the cooling tower.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: The Water Group, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Pisani
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Patent number: 4897205Abstract: Preheated diluent and steam are introduced into a container containing waste material typically comprised of a sludge mixture of liquid and solid material including hydrocarbons. The material is thereby heated and its viscosity reduced to form a pumpable slurry. The slurry is pumped out of the container and its viscosity is adjusted to the optimum for separating the solids and liquids. The solids are then separated from the liquid, any valuable material in either the solids and the liquid are recovered and the rest disposed of.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1988Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Assignee: Landry Service Co., Inc.Inventor: Kenneth C. Landry
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Patent number: 4897203Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated to reduce suspended solids, heat sterilized, the pH adjusted, and a bactericide is added. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery, and then is discharged. The process saves a significant amount of water, in addition to lubricant.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1988Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Assignee: Pure-Chem Products, Inc.Inventor: William J. King
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Patent number: 4892664Abstract: A method and system for decontaminating water, e.g., groundwater or process effluent, which is contaminated by small concentrations, e.g., in the range of 0.01 to 100 ppm, of dissolved volatile organic compounds (VOCs) includes introducing a flow of the water to an air stripping stage in which the water is directed through a packed column and air is directed through the column to air-strip organic molecules from the contaminated water; releasing the thus decontaminated water substantially free of the compounds to the environment; pretreating the organic compounds-carrying air in the substantial absence of water particles by a preheater; passing the heated air through a catalytic stage that oxidizes the organic compounds, and releasing the gaseous effluent from the catalytic stage to the atmosphere substantially free of organic contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1987Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Groundwater Technology, Inc.Inventor: Paul C. Miller
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Patent number: 4891139Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for collecting and liquefying off-gases, particularly carbon dioxide, generated by a wet oxidation of organic matter and for the on sight gasification of liquid oxygen for use as an oxidant in the wet oxidation reaction. Through a series of separation and pressurization operations, high pressure off-gases are introduced into a heat exchanger at substantially the same time as liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen and compressed off-gases are in heat exchange relation in the heat exchanger but are isolated from one another. Heat is transferred from the compressed off-gases to the liquid oxygen whereby the off-gases are liquified and the liquid oxygen is gasified. The liquified off-gases may then be stored in appropriate storage units. The gaseous oxygen is used as the oxidant for the wet oxidation reaction.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1989Date of Patent: January 2, 1990Inventors: Joseph E. Zeigler, Hermann W. Peterscheck
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Patent number: 4874530Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a photographic processing waste solution comprising concentrating the photographic processing waste solution containing at least thiosulfate ions, characterized in that there is provided at least one part selected from (i) to (v) shown below:(i) a part for adding sulfite ions or a compound capable of releasing sulfite ions into the photographic processing waste solution at the time or before heating of the photographic processing waste solution;(ii) a part for contact evaporated gas with a catalyst having a metal of the following (a) to (d) or a compound thereof carried thereon:(a) at least one selected from the group VIII elements consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum,(b) copper,(c) zinc,(d) manganese;(iii) a part for permitting a water-soluble polymer to exist;(iv) a part for permitting an oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing thiosulfate ions to exist; and(v) a part for adding a pH controlling agent into the photogrType: GrantFiled: November 27, 1987Date of Patent: October 17, 1989Assignee: KNICA CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Masayuki Kurematsu, Shigeharu Koboshi, Nobutaka Goto, Naoki Takabayashi
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Patent number: 4869833Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The flow rates for the gas and liquid components of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid such that the liquid tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants; and the containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: VerTech Treatment Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jack E. Binning, Frances M. Ferraro, Franklin B. Carlson
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Patent number: 4859345Abstract: A bath water heater and circulator-purifier apparatus that removes microorganisms and other organic substances found in bath water and maintains the temperature of water at a given level without changing water.An apparatus according to the present invention comprises a removable filter for filtering bath water pumped up from a bath tub, a heater for heating the pumped up water, a temperature sensor for controlling the heater, an ejector for ejecting the filter and heated water into the bath tub with air bubbles having a cleansing and skin-stimulating effect and a container for adding to the bath water a water purifying agent having an effect of separating and agglomerating organic substances as well as an effect of sterilizing and deodorizing bath water and suppressing generation of steam.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Inventor: Jitsuo Inagaki
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Patent number: 4853136Abstract: The process comprises injecting into the inlet of a polyphase tubular reactor (6), on one hand, the aqueous solution at such temperature that the oxidation reaction occurs at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 370.degree. C. and at an absolute pressure Pe of between 2 bars and 210 bars, and, on the other hand, gaseous oxygen at a pressure slightly higher than said pressure Pe. The invention is applicable to the treatment of effluents for the chemical destruction of pollutants.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1988Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Assignee: L'Air LiquideInventors: Jacques Roussel, Xavier Cochet
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Patent number: 4851123Abstract: Novel process for the removal of hydrophobic oil from solid particulates in oily sludge waste which includes waste material from the oil refineries, drilling fluids or muds, brines, and other chemical wastes which have solid particulates contaminated with oil. The process involves separation of different components of the sludge on the basis of their size, density and physico-chemical differentials. Coarse particulates are removed with the use of screening systems such as sieve bends or vibro-sieves. Oil is removed from these coarse particulates with water rinsing. The separation of the sludge into high and low density fractions may be achieved by gravity separation processes or hydrocyclones. Froth flotation is used to separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic materials in the mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1986Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Tetra Resources, Inc.Inventor: Surendra K. Mishra
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Patent number: 4851130Abstract: When an aqueous system containing dissolved oxygen and erythorbate or ascorbate is passed through an activated carbon bed, the oxygen is removed at ambient temperatures. This method of oxygen removal finds practical application in the removal of oxygen from boiler condensate, low temperature boiler feedwater and oil well injection water or brine.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1988Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Pfizer Inc.Inventor: Ralph D. May
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Patent number: 4808319Abstract: Air stripping is a common technique used to remove organic impurities from water found in underground aquifers. When this technique is used, bacteria already present in the underground water, and bacteria and oxygen introduced into the water by the incoming air, cause slime deposits to form on the packing material inside the stripping towers. The slime will build up to a point where the pressure drop through the column will increase and the air flow will decrease, which causes the stripping efficiency of the column to drop considerably. In the practice of this invention, the decontaminated water is heated to a temperature of from about 175.degree. F. to 190.degree. F. and recycled through the stripping towers. As the hot water passes through the packing section in each tower, it destroys the slime material and removes it from the packing material.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1988Date of Patent: February 28, 1989Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Robert G. McNally, Thomas F. Klumpp
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Patent number: 4802995Abstract: A method for decomposing the cyanide radical in cyanide-bearing wastes or materials. The cyanide radical of cyanide compounds contained in cyanide-bearing wastes or materials is chemically decomposed. In the preferred embodiment, the cyanide-bearing waste or material and water are introduced into a closed retort. The closed retort is heated and maintained at a temperature above a critical temperature and the cyanide radical is decomposed by reaction with water. At least two new compounds are formed, one of which contains the carbon constituent and the other of which contains the nitrogen constituent of the cyanide radical. The gaseous components which form in the closed retort are vented therefrom and may be condensed. The nongaseous components which form in the closed retort are accumulated therein and removed periodically.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1987Date of Patent: February 7, 1989Assignee: Rostoker, Inc.Inventors: John Dvorscek, William Rostoker, Arne R. Jarnholm
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Patent number: 4795713Abstract: An automatic digestion system (10) is provided for digesting a continuous stream of wastewater prior to its analysis by a spectrometer system (12). The digestion system (10) includes a first metering pump (34) for drawing a continuous stream of wastewater (36) from a wastewater source (32). A second metering pump (38) draws a continuous stream of diluted nitric acid (40) from a source of acid (42) and mixes the acid with the wastewater to provide a stream of acidified wastewater (46). The acidified wastewater (46) is then heated, to digest the wastewater prior to its input into the spectrometer system (12).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1987Date of Patent: January 3, 1989Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Rodney D. Koop, Thomas A. Lobb, Richard L. Martin, Jr.
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Patent number: 4792408Abstract: A continuously flowing fluid is processed by being fed to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column (17) which is of a height such that the pressure at the bottom thereof will approximately be at the pressure necessary to create supercritical water conditions. The fluid is conducted to the bottom of the column (17) and received in a reaction chamber (21) in which the majority of the fluid is recirculated around an annular baffle plate (24). The material in the reaction chamber (21) is heated to a temperature above that necessary to create supercritical water conditions by an independent reaction taking place in a heating chamber (32). The result is that the fluid will undergo chemical reactions at the supercritical temperature and pressure range and will be of a lower specific gravity than the unprocessed fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: James A. Titmas Associates IncorporatedInventor: James A. Titmas
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Patent number: 4774006Abstract: The subterranean treatment apparatus and methods disclosed herein are useful for treating various waste streams, including municipal and industrial streams. The disclosed apparatus and methods are particularly useful in determining and controlling the temperature of the reaction zone in a deep well reaction apparatus while avoiding fouling of thermocouples and permitting easy service and replacement. In the disclosed embodiment, a fluid quiescent zone is created in the heat exchanger of the treatment apparatus located within the reaction zone and the temperature is used to control the system by operation of the heat exchanger or control of the C.O.D. of the influent.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Assignee: VerTech Treatment Systems, Inc.Inventor: Leonard A. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 4774007Abstract: The apparatus provides for a housing mountable on a trailer for conducting the process in-situ. A pump withdraws substantially all hydrocarbon-contaminated matter from the oil waste pit and delivers it into a lower chamber formed in the housing, wherein the hydrocarbon-contaminated matter is separated from the heavy solid particles and heavy salt water. The hydrocarbon-containing mixture, after being separated in the lower housing is delivered into the upper chamber formed in the housing and heated to facilitate separation, by gravity, of hydrocarbons, water and fine particles into various layers for subsequent withdrawal from the housing. The process of withdrawal of the hydrocarbon-contaminated mixture continues until hydrocarbon content of the oil waste pit is reduced to such degree that the waste pit becomes substantially hydrocarbon-free and is environmentally safe.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Assignee: Pollution Control CorporationInventor: Parris A. Gordon
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Patent number: 4764286Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of catalytically decomposing sodium hypochlorite in an aqueous alkaline solution to oxygen and chloride ion. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method of decomposing aqueous hypochlorite into oxygen and chloride in a solution having a pH value greater than 13 using a solid catalyst comprising nickel oxide, cobalt oxide or mixtures thereof on an inorganic support selected from magnesium oxide or titanium oxide. The resulting sodium chloride solution may be recovered and used further.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1986Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Charles K. Bon, Vera M. Knowles
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Patent number: 4755453Abstract: In a process for recovering silver from spent photographic treatment solution comprises mixing nitric acid with a quantity of the treatment solution to precipitate from the solution silver sulfide. The silver sulfide may be then converted to pure silver. The improvement comprises mixing less than two parts of concentrated nitric acid solution with more than ten parts of the treatment solution to precipitate out of solution silver sulfide. The solution is filtered to remove the silver sulfide precipitate from the solution to yield a solid residue which includes silver sulfide.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1986Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Wasyl Kunda, Thomas H. Etsell
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Patent number: 4752400Abstract: A method of removal of cyanide and metal ions from electroplating waste waters is described. The cyanide, as hydrogen cyanide, is purged with air and then absorbed efficiently in 1.5% sodium hydroxide solution. The purge is effected by dispersing air bubbles in the waste water after adjusting the pH of the water to one within the range of from 4 to 6.5. The cyanide ions are converted to hydrogen cyanide and entrained in the air bubbles for transport to a separate vessel for absorbtion in the sodium hydroxide solution. The apparatus employed is a closed system to avoid the hazards associated with hydrogen cyanide.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1986Date of Patent: June 21, 1988Assignee: Viking IndustriesInventor: Donald E. Pearson
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Patent number: 4746443Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and apparatus for treating wastewater containing bentazon by decomposing the bentazon therein and thus eliminating or substantially reducing the bentazon content. This process comprises adjusting the pH of the wastewater to a value of less than 7 and heating it to a temperature of at least about 60.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1986Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Mao-Yao Huang, Joseph F. Louvar, Albrecht Muller, Hanspeter Hansen, Hans Merkle
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Patent number: 4725363Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and apparatus for treating wastewater containing bentazon by decomposing the bentazon therein and thus eliminating or substantially reducing the bentazon content. This process comprises adjusting the pH of the wastewater to a value of less than 7 and heating it to a temperature of at least about 60.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1986Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Inventors: Mao-Yao Huang, Joseph F. Louvar
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Patent number: 4689156Abstract: A method is provided for removing ammonia from wastewater containing in excess of about 15 ppm NH.sub.3 (N)-T. The method comprises treating the wastewater with an alkaline reagent selected from the group consisting of lime and caustic sufficient to raise the pH to provide a free ammonia equivalence (FAE) to a value of at least about 12.4, the free ammonia equivalence being determined as follows:FAE=pH+(.theta./15).sup.0.5wherein pH is the pH value of the treated wastewater and .theta. is the temperature of the wastewater in degrees Fahrenheit. The treated wastewater is gas-stripped to lower the total ammonia content of the treated wastewater to a value of less than about 10 ppm NH.sub.3 (N)-T, the gas stripping being controlled to maintain the free ammonia equivalence of the wastewater phase being stripped to a value of at least about 12.4, following which the stripped wastewater is acidified to lower the un-ionized ammonia content to less than about 0.05 ppm NH.sub.3 (N).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1985Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: AMAX Inc.Inventor: John F. Zibrida
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Patent number: 4654148Abstract: A process for removal of iron cyanide complex or complexes from a solution is described, the process being characterized by contact of the solution containing the complex or complexes with ammonium polysulfide or sodium polysulfide, or a mixture thereof, at a temperature of from about 110.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1985Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Daniel C. Baker
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Patent number: 4636318Abstract: A method and system of continually reforming sewage and other organic materials into liquid oils and gases by pyrolysis using the contained and entrained water in the inorganic and organic constituents of the sewage.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1984Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Inventor: David L. Baker
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Patent number: 4606830Abstract: Aqueous effluent liquors such as those derived from the ash-slagging of coal are treated to remove halide, e.g. chloride ions by heating the liquor to 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. and contacting the vapor with, for example, a fixed or fluidized bed of calcium carbonate maintained at the reaction temperature.During the heating, the temperature is increased at a rate of at least 50.degree. C. sec.sup.-1 over the range 100.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The treated liquor may be used as a reactant in the ash-slagging gasification of coal.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1984Date of Patent: August 19, 1986Assignee: British Gas CorporationInventors: Brian A. Cleaver, Alan F. Ivens
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Patent number: 4575427Abstract: A resinous paint sludge residue from commercial spray-gun painting operations is converted into a granulate material useful as an agricultural soil additive by removing the organic solvents and water components, forming the resulting residue into blocks which are then hardened and embrittled then crushed, neutralized as needed and dried. The process is adapted to convert the residue or sludge resulting from a water curtain spraying procedure into a useful granular product.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1984Date of Patent: March 11, 1986Assignee: Gabinete International Consulting, S.A.Inventors: Vicente Ysern de Arce, Giovanni Crosti Soldatti
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Patent number: 4555347Abstract: A method of, and a device for, providing a disinfectant carried by a water supply flowing through a conduit, comprising introducing a predetermined portion of the water into a sealed container having a reservoir and a chamber below the reservoir in intercommunication therewith, the reservoir holding a quantity of iodine crystals and being of a predetermined size sufficient to hold a quantity of water proportional to the maximum flow rate attainable through the conduit and such that a minimum concentration of 120 parts per million (milligrams per liter) is obtainable as an outflow from the container when the supply of water is at least above freezing, the predetermined portion of the water being introduced into the chamber and outflowing from the reservoir above the iodine crystals whereby all said water portion passes between the iodine crystals. The device includes inlet means opening into the chamber and outlet means opening from the reservoir above the iodine crystals.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1984Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Inventors: Dennis H. O'Dowd, George W. J. Barry
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Patent number: 4456535Abstract: An improved process for the removal of urea, ammonia, and carbon dioxide from dilute aqueous solutions thereof by hydrolyzing the urea, and thereafter desorbing ammonia and carbon dioxide. The dilute solution containing urea is passed into the top portion of a reaction column and caused to flow downward and countercurrent to a heating and stripping gas while maintaining the reaction column at a pressure of between about 10 and 30 bar, and a top column temperature of between about 170.degree. and 220.degree. C. and a bottom column temperature of between about 180.degree. and 230.degree. C. The resulting liquid stream removed from the bottom of the reaction column, comprised of a substantially urea-free aqueous solution of ammonia and carbon dioxide, is introduced into a desorption zone wherein, at a pressure of between about 1 and 5 bar, ammonia and carbon dioxide are removed therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1981Date of Patent: June 26, 1984Assignee: Unie van Kunstmestfabrieken, B.V.Inventors: Jan Zuidam, Petrus J. M. van Nassau, Pierre G. M. B. Bruls, Kees Jonckers