Including Temperature Change Patents (Class 210/766)
  • Patent number: 5160637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: David H. Bell, Joseph E. F. Fortier, Haven M. Havens
  • Patent number: 5152897
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: The Calpis Food Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Shibuta, Yasuyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5149444
    Abstract: 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 th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: SDTX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Hoch
  • Patent number: 5130032
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Helfred E. Sartori
  • Patent number: 5100560
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Crest Inc.
    Inventor: Chiung-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 5096599
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Granelli
  • Patent number: 5087378
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Pori, International, Inc.
    Inventor: Geza L. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5076936
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Southern California Edison Co.
    Inventor: Brian D. Metz
  • Patent number: 5075015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Zimpro Passavant Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Kamke
  • Patent number: 5073273
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj K. Gupta, Morton L. Kraft, William B. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5057231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Zimpro Passavant Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Mueller, Bruce L. Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 5037560
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Danny Gayman
  • Patent number: 5034131
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oy
    Inventors: Arto I. Stenroos, Isabel A. Pipping
  • Patent number: 5034138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Shinki Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Hatanaka, Kanji Nakatani
  • Patent number: 5034211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Occidental Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Zeller, III, Russell J. Morgan, Gilbert D. Rabbe, Donna R. Fiscus, Richard L. Wilkes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5011613
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Lyonnaise des Eaux
    Inventors: Cathy Feray, Conrad Hubele
  • Patent number: 4976864
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Eniricerche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Agostino Baradel, Gino Della Penna, Silvio Gulinelli, Mario Valdiserri, Andrea Robertiello
  • Patent number: 4975194
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventors: Leonhard Fuchs, Martin Fuchs
  • Patent number: 4971703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: L. John Sealock, Jr., Eddie G. Baker, Douglas C. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4925571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Organic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Kirk Jacob, M. Joseph Willis, A. Pierce Hardman
  • Patent number: 4909947
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Russell W. Johnson, Karl J. Youtsey, David G. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4906387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: The Water Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Pisani
  • Patent number: 4897205
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Landry Service Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Landry
  • Patent number: 4897203
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Pure-Chem Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. King
  • Patent number: 4892664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Groundwater Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Miller
  • Patent number: 4891139
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventors: Joseph E. Zeigler, Hermann W. Peterscheck
  • Patent number: 4874530
    Abstract: 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 photogr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: KNICA Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Masayuki Kurematsu, Shigeharu Koboshi, Nobutaka Goto, Naoki Takabayashi
  • Patent number: 4869833
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: VerTech Treatment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack E. Binning, Frances M. Ferraro, Franklin B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4859345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Jitsuo Inagaki
  • Patent number: 4853136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide
    Inventors: Jacques Roussel, Xavier Cochet
  • Patent number: 4851123
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Tetra Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Surendra K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 4851130
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph D. May
  • Patent number: 4808319
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert G. McNally, Thomas F. Klumpp
  • Patent number: 4802995
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Rostoker, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dvorscek, William Rostoker, Arne R. Jarnholm
  • Patent number: 4795713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney D. Koop, Thomas A. Lobb, Richard L. Martin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4792408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: James A. Titmas Associates Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 4774006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: VerTech Treatment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard A. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 4774007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Pollution Control Corporation
    Inventor: Parris A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4764286
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Charles K. Bon, Vera M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 4755453
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Wasyl Kunda, Thomas H. Etsell
  • Patent number: 4752400
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Viking Industries
    Inventor: Donald E. Pearson
  • Patent number: 4746443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Mao-Yao Huang, Joseph F. Louvar, Albrecht Muller, Hanspeter Hansen, Hans Merkle
  • Patent number: 4725363
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventors: Mao-Yao Huang, Joseph F. Louvar
  • Patent number: 4689156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: AMAX Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Zibrida
  • Patent number: 4654148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Daniel C. Baker
  • Patent number: 4636318
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: David L. Baker
  • Patent number: 4606830
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: British Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Cleaver, Alan F. Ivens
  • Patent number: 4575427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Gabinete International Consulting, S.A.
    Inventors: Vicente Ysern de Arce, Giovanni Crosti Soldatti
  • Patent number: 4555347
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventors: Dennis H. O'Dowd, George W. J. Barry
  • Patent number: 4456535
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Unie van Kunstmestfabrieken, B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Zuidam, Petrus J. M. van Nassau, Pierre G. M. B. Bruls, Kees Jonckers