By Diverse Fluid Patents (Class 210/797)
  • Patent number: 8070948
    Abstract: A description is given of a sewage treatment plant, in particular a small sewage treatment plant, having at least one activation tank for wastewater and/or having at least one secondary clarification tank for wastewater, wherein the activation tank and/or the secondary clarification tank are charged with shaped bodies which are freely floating in the wastewater, which is distinguished in that it has at least one filtration appliance for wastewater purification, which filtration appliance comprises at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: ItN Nanovation AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Braun, Kay Gunther Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20110278230
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process to clean water filtration media in a filtration bed. The process includes applying a granular cleaner to the water filtration media and applying an activator to the water filtration media. This causes a chemical reaction between the granular cleaner, activator and water filtration media resulting in the cleaning of the water filtration media. The residual granular cleaner and activator, along with suspended and dissolved contamination from the water filtration media, are removed by rinsing with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Blue Earth Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Ulrich Reimann-Philipp, Friedrich Wolfgang Zwanziger, Jeffrey Schulhoff
  • Patent number: 8052874
    Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant with a membrane bioreactor (MBR), raw untreated or partially treated wastewater (influent) and/or mixed liquor in the intensified process is superoxygenated. In a preferred form of the process the influent is superoxygenated such that membrane air scouring requirements are reduced. Influent may be fed to a swing zone where denitrification and nitrification occur simultaneously through process control. In one embodiment superoxygenation is conducted in an internal recycle stream of the mixed liquor, with oxygen content supersaturated preferably to over 300 parts per million. Due to the active evolution of oxygen gas from the supersaturated stream, occurring preferably by seeding the supersaturated stream with air bubbles, the supersaturated oxygen can serve the dual purposes of meeting process oxygen demands and providing part of air scouring requirements for the membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Dennis Livingston, James Porteous, Elena Bailey
  • Patent number: 7993533
    Abstract: Processes comprising: (i) providing a filter aid comprising a co-extrudate of a water-insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone and a thermoplastic polymer, (ii) treating the filter aid with aqueous alkali; (iii) subsequently treating the filter aid with an enzyme; and (iv) subsequently thereto carrying out a second treatment with aqueous alkali, to provide a regenerated filter aid, and uses therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Helmut Meffert, Marianna Pierobon, Tobias Petsch, Julia Brodersen, Hermann Josef Feise, Ates Erk, Jörg Kreβ, Ralf Mar, Robert Bayer
  • Publication number: 20110108495
    Abstract: The invention relates to the process of automating a laboratory process for analysing the chemical properties of powder. The functions that have been automated are the scooping of an accurate volume of powder into beakers, adding an accurate volume chemical solution, agitating for a predetermined time, settling, withdrawal of the chemical solution, emptying, cleaning and rinsing of the beakers, filtering, and filling test tube racks ready for analysis, online measurement of pH, measuring weight of powder, and dosing dry powder into vessels for traditional analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Neil Mynott Taylor, Brian Paul Mynott Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110094974
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method and a device for cleaning a filter cloth of a filter press dewaterer that are capable of restoring a filter cloth by effectively cleaning the filter cloth while saving the amount of water used for cleaning without using an acid which requires wastewater treatment. The method is for cleaning a filter cloth of a filter press dewaterer, which dewaters a slurry containing a calcium component, with any one of water, steam, and a mixture thereof. The filter cloth is cleaned by spraying, on the filter cloth to which a tension of 10 to 2000 N/5 cm is applied, any one of: water with a temperature of 100 to 140° C. and a pressure of 50 to 200 kg/cm2; steam with a temperature of 100 to 140° C.; and a mixture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Masahiko Katakura, Takao Suzuki, Tomomichi Nakamura, Hajime Wada
  • Publication number: 20110084034
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Publication number: 20110079255
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an screen in a manufacturing process step that employs a chamber including a drain line having a screen configured and disposed in the chamber above the drain line to trap soluble materials includes detecting a build-up of soluble material on the screen, ceasing a work operation in the chamber, and initiating a screen cleaning operation. The screen cleaning operation includes closing a computer operated valve fluidly connected to the drain line to fluidly isolate a portion of the chamber, automatically introducing an amount of solvent into the chamber once the computer operated valve is closed with the amount of solvent filling the chamber and/or the drain line to fully immerse the screen, and opening the operated valve after a predetermined amount of time to empty the chamber and the drain line of solvent once the soluble materials trapped on the screen are dissolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. Fitzsimmons, Richard O. Henry
  • Patent number: 7918348
    Abstract: In a filter device and in a method for the periodic cleaning of a filter of a water treatment or sewage treatment plant, a rotating filter is arranged within its own separate filter chamber, the bottom of which is designed as following a contour of the rotating filter. The provision of an own separate filter chamber makes it possible for the rotating filter to be cleaned, without other parts of a filtering installation having to be taken out of operation, and without the rotating filter having to be dismantled and removed from the filter chamber. Therefore no lifting cranes or separate cleaning basins are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Utisol Technologies AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Harms, Mark Grigo
  • Publication number: 20110036787
    Abstract: Apparatus for increasing a concentration of large particles in a mixture which includes the large particles and smaller particles, including a flow chamber, a filtrate accepting chamber, a filtering component separating the flow chamber from the filtrate accepting chamber, the filtering component including a plurality of pores passing therethrough, characterized by further including means for generating a flow of the fluid in the flow chamber, with a flow component in a direction parallel to a surface of the filtering component sufficient to substantially prevent particles from adhering to the filtering component and clogging the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Seng Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Mordechai DEUTSCH, Assaf DEUTSCH
  • Publication number: 20100282693
    Abstract: A method for maintaining pore size of a reusable filtration membrane, said method comprising exposing said filtration membrane to a plasma comprising a hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon monomer so as to form a polymeric layer on the surface thereof. The treatment allows the filtration membrane to withstand washing procedures, in particular caustic washing. Thus reusable filtration membranes treated in this way and their use, form a further aspect of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Coulson, Richard Wakeman
  • Publication number: 20100219140
    Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Publication number: 20100176070
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of rejuvenating capillary filters (2) using both gas agitation of the liquid about the surface of capillary filters (2) and backflushing the capillary filters (2) is disclosed. The gas agitation loosens residue on the surface of the capillary filters (2) and the backflush further loosens residue in an inside-out direction through the walls of capillary filters (2). The agitation of the liquid aids in dispersion, suspensions and transportation of the releases residue form the capillary filters (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Hee Juan HAN
  • Publication number: 20100176069
    Abstract: Methods for regenerating filter aids which comprise inorganic, natural or semisynthetic filter aids. The method comprises subjecting the filter aid to a first treatment with an aqueous alkaline solution, treating the filter aid with enzymes, treating the filter aid with a surfactant, and subjecting the filter aid a second treatment with the aqueous alkaline solution. The enzyme treatment and the surfactant treatment steps may be carried out simultaneously or in any order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Helmut Meffert, Marianna Pierobon, Tobias Petsch, Julia Brodersen, Hermann Josef Feise, Ates Erk, Jörg Kress, Ralf Mar, Ralf Lachmuth, Robert Bayer
  • Publication number: 20100140170
    Abstract: A method cleans a plurality of filters in parallel, each a filter having an inlet side and an outlet side separated by a filter barrier. In an operational phase, water is filtered using a plurality of the filters, by passing the water through the filter, from the inlet side to the outlet side. These filters may be a hollow fiber membrane. In a cleaning phase, at least one of the filters is cleaned while the other filters are filtering water in the operational phase. Each filter is cleaned by supplying sodium hypochlorite to the inlet side of the filter when the filter is off-line. The inlet side of the filter is allowed to soak in the sodium hypochlorite for at least 30 seconds without the sodium hypochlorite being pressurized through the filter barrier during the soaking process. This oxidizes organic contaminates near the surface of the filter. The filters are cycled through the cleaning phase such that each filter is repeatedly cleaned while other filters are filtering in the operational phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Alion Science and Technology
    Inventors: Donald W. Haun, JR., Wayne Adamson
  • Publication number: 20100133175
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Photonic Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. PUTNAM, Jason A. Putnam, Todd W. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20100122957
    Abstract: A microchannel device is provided, the microchannel device containing a microfluidic channel including a sub fluidic channel in which at least one filtration diaphragm is provided, wherein the microfluidic channel has at least a supply port, a first discharge port and a second discharge port, the supply port and the first discharge port are connected through the filtration diaphragm, the supply port and the second discharge port are connected without the filtration diaphragm, and the filtration diaphragm is provided parallel to a fluidic channel direction of the microfluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya HONGO, Takayuki YAMADA, Seiichi TAKAGI, Hiroshi KOJIMA, Masaki HIROTA, Kazuaki TABATA, Tetsuo OHTA
  • Publication number: 20100068360
    Abstract: A method of operating a container filling plant for filling containers with filtered liquid, such as beer. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Hans WESTNER, Andreas ZELLER
  • Patent number: 7662296
    Abstract: A filtering and compacting device for solid particles suspended and contained in fluids, such as slurries produced by mechanical operations, comprises a container (11), provided with a cover (12) and an openable bottom (13), and includes an inlet mouth (91) of the fluid to be treated, means for placing the container (11) under pressure, means (20) for opening the bottom (13) of the container (11), in which bottom (13) there is located a first filtering element (90) for retaining the solid particles internally thereof and at least a second filtering element (30) which defines a filtration chamber (31), in which the filtration chamber (31) overlies a compacting chamber (32) of filtered slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: P.M.P.O. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Pancaldi, Vanni Gallocchio
  • Publication number: 20100032387
    Abstract: In a method of cleaning and sterilizing an ultrapure water manufacturing system including an ultrapure water manufacturing apparatus, a point of use of ultrapure water, and an ultrapure water channel connecting the ultrapure water manufacturing apparatus and the point of use, a cleaning and sterilizing process including an alkali cleaning step for cleaning at least part of the inside of the system with alkaline solution and a sterilizing step for sterilizing the system with sterile water after the alkali cleaning is treated twice or more. By treating the cleaning and sterilizing process twice or more, metals, organic substances, particles, and bacteria inside the ultrapure water manufacturing system can be highly efficiently removed, and thereby ultrapure water satisfying required water quality can be produced within a short period of time after the cleaning and sterilizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikunori Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20100032388
    Abstract: A rotary disc filter device comprises a rotary drum and a plurality of disc-shaped filter members secured about the drum. Each disc-shaped filter member has a filtering material disposed on the outside thereof. A guide bar extends longitudinally across the disc-shaped filter members and has a movable carriage mounted thereon. One or more nozzles are operatively connected to the carriage for delivering cleaning fluid onto the filtering materials. The guide bar is rotates between a cleaning position and an adjustment position. When the guide bar is in the cleaning position, the nozzle is disposed adjacent to one of the disc-shaped filter members such that the nozzle is positioned to deliver cleaning fluid onto the filtering material. When the guide bar is in the adjustment position, the carriage is movable along the guide bar without interference from the disc-shaped filter members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: HYDROTECH VEOLIA WATER SYSTEMS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Ake Ralvert
  • Publication number: 20090314724
    Abstract: A blood filtering device for the recuperation of blood from wound drained blood, in particular for an autologous blood transfusion system, has a first filter arranged upstream of a second filter. The first filter is adapted for removing emboli and/or large particulate matter from the blood and for allowing red blood cells to pass. The second filter is adapted for retaining red blood cells. An exit port is arranged downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter. The device is characterised in that the second filter has a pore size of more than about 0.5 ?m. A method of recuperating blood from wound drained blood is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Arno Pieter Nierich
  • Publication number: 20090277847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device, facilitating the filtration of media to be cleaned, and also the cleaning of the filter material or filter elements in a filtering device. Said filtering device comprises at least one filter element arranged in a housing, with at least one filter material and at least one rebound element. The invention further relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one nozzle, which is arranged perpendicularly and/or angularly in relation to the filter element for removing a filter cake on the filter material, wherein the cleaning medium at least partially penetrates the filter material during cleaning. The rebound element deflects the cleaning medium at least partially for renewed penetration through the filter material, while at least partially removing the filter cake at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ETS Trade S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Harald Schmidt, Frank Jonigkeit
  • Publication number: 20090211990
    Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section (*). Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 7572383
    Abstract: A high rate, upflow filtration system is described in which a compressible, fibrous lump filtration media is compressed to adjust the porosity and collector size of the media in the bed and to provide a porosity gradient within the bed proceeding from more porous to less porous in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid so that filtration proceeds in a direction from a more porous to a less porous filter bed. Larger particles are removed by the more porous media and successively smaller particles are removed as the filter bed becomes less porous. The system is capable of reducing the turbidity of influent municipal wastewater from about 8 NTU to about 2 NTU at a wastewater flow rate of from about 820 to 1230 L/m2·min (20 to 30 gal/ft2·min), at a bed compression ration of from about 15 to 40 percent, and at a backwash rate of from about 1 to 6 percent based on the total wastewater passing through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Schreiber, LLC
    Inventor: William Frederick Dew, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7563375
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled RO membrane in a module for RO separation, the membrane having feed side and permeate side, the foulant accumulating at the feed side. The cleaning method comprises: feeding concentrated saline solution to the feed side of the RO membrane under the high gauge pressure of the normal RO separation process; feeding dilute saline solution to the permeate side of the RO membrane under higher pressure than the permeate pressure of the normal RO process, so that a net driving differential ?PN is directed to the feed side, whereby the solvent is being sucked from the permeate side to the feed side, penetrates into the interface between the membrane and the accumulated foulant, and separates the foulant from the membrane surface; and withdrawing the concentrated saline solution together with the separated foulant and the penetrated solvent from the feed side of the RO membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: I.D.E. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Boris Liberman
  • Publication number: 20090127212
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning a membrane, such a porous polymeric ultrafiltration or microfÊltration membranes (eg PVdF or Halar), comprising contacting the membrane with an aqueous solution comprising a monopersulfate anion. Buffers, chelating agents, catalysts, and combinations thereof can be added. The monopersulfate anion is most advantageously in the form of a potassium triple salt Of H2SO5, HSO5?, SO52?. Solutions comprising monopersulfate anions can be fed into a feed side of the membrane and the membrane is allowed to stand and soak in the solution or injected to the filtrate side prior to a membrane backwash. An aeration step and/or irradiation with ultraviolet light can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Heinz-Joachim Muller, Dongliang Wang, Fufang Zha
  • Publication number: 20090107929
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of an incoming fluid, comprising a bioreactor with a basin (2) with a fluid space and a membrane filtration module (12) comprising a housing (13) with one or more incorporated membranes (14), an inlet side, a permeate side and a retentate side, wherein the housing (13) delimits a connection chamber (18) on the inlet side of the membranes (14) into which a fluid inlet line (10) discharges which is connected to the fluid space of the basin (2). A closable flushing discharge line (20) is provided which is connected on one side to the connection chamber (18) and on the other side discharges outside the fluid space. A fluid mixture feed-through line from the basin to the connection chamber is closable, and a control unit (23) is provided for periodically closing the fluid mixture feed-through line and opening the flushing discharge line (20), and vice versa, for periodic flushing of at least the inlet side of the membranes (14) and the connection chamber (18) disposed underneath it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: X-FLOW B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Futselaar, Rob Borgerink
  • Publication number: 20090101575
    Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: David S. Alburty, Andrew E. Page, Zachary A. Packingham, Daniel B. Marske
  • Publication number: 20090101600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a PVDF porous film, which has high water permeability and high chemical resistance to washing chemicals and the like that has been difficult to realize with conventional polymer porous films, and which can be used over a prolonged period of time; and a method of producing the same and the like. Namely, the present invention provides a porous film in which the degree of crystallization of the PVDF resin is 50% or more but not more than 90%, and the product of the degree of crystallization of the PVDF resin and the specific surface area of the film is 300 (%·m2/g) or more but not more than 2000 (%·m2/g).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Satoshi Shiki, Hiroyoshi Ohya, Noboru Kubota, Makiko Hattori
  • Patent number: 7517376
    Abstract: An air supply system and valve is disclosed which provides a reverse pulse of air for cleaning a filter element located in a filter house. A valve is also disclosed for use in the air supply system. The system includes a pressure vessel adapted to contain a volume of compressed air to be used for supplying the reverse pulse, the pressure vessel having a wall with at least one outlet aperture therein. The valve is mounted to the wall around the aperture to control the flow of air from the pressure vessel, the valve means comprising a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet, the inlet, the outlet and the flow passage generally extending axially through the valve body, a valve seat surrounding the flow passage, and a valve closure member movable towards and away from the valve seat into closed and open positions to thereby close or open the flow passage, and operating means for moving the valve closure member between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew John McCausland
  • Publication number: 20090050581
    Abstract: In order to provide a device for processing backflushed fluid from a backflushing filter containing solids, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the backflushed fluid by sedimentation in a sediment collecting region, which device allows a discharge of solids without auxiliary filter agents, and has a fluid loss which is as low as possible, it is proposed that the sedimentation device should comprise a sluice mechanism, by means of which the sediment collecting region can be connected to a sedimentation container during a sedimentation phase and can be separated from the sedimentation container during a discharge phase and can be emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Egon Kaske
  • Patent number: 7494809
    Abstract: A method for automated cell enrichment preparation where biological cells are injected into a first subchamber and flowed through the first subchamber, through a large pore filter and into a second subchamber so that the large pore filter retains particles large particles in the first subchamber, while the biological cells pass through the first filter into the second subchamber and are retained by a small pore filter. After clearing, the biological cells are stained. A solvent exchange leaves the biological cells in solvent and they are released into a concentration module where a portion of the solvent is removed to form an enriched concentrated cell suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: VisionGate, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Nelson, Florence W. Patten
  • Patent number: 7476322
    Abstract: A membrane filtration system comprising one or more submerged ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane assemblies at ambient pressure, with mixed liquor is discharged underneath each membrane assembly. In a sequenced batch reactor system, a coarse bubble air diffuser for scouring each membrane assembly is supplied with air only during the backwash cycle of the filtration system and not during the filtration cycle. In a membrane bioreactor system, the biological treatment section is physically separated from the filtration section and fine bubble air diffusion is used in the biological treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dimitriou, Joseph G. Krall, David Rice, Velupillai Yogendran, Roger J. Byrne, Kenneth P. George, John E. Koch, III
  • Patent number: 7459083
    Abstract: A membrane bioreactor system includes one or more biological reactors and one or more membrane tanks with each membrane tank having one or more membrane filters. To control membrane fouling, various process control variables are employed. First, the membrane filters are cleaned by an air scouring process where bubbles are moved upwardly adjacent the membrane filters and clean the same in the process. To control membrane fouling, a process is utilized that dynamically varies the air scouring flow rate (V) as a function of transmembrane pressure (TMP). In addition, the process entails allowing permeation to start and stop which results in a series of cycles where each cycle includes a permeation phase and a relaxation phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: I. Kruger Inc.
    Inventors: Sun-Nan Hong, Hong W. Zhao, Richard W. DiMassimo
  • Publication number: 20080237145
    Abstract: A treatment system comprises a reactor vessel (2) wherein an aqueous solution is chemically treated using titanium dioxide catalytic particles in the solution, a membrane device (18) including tubular filtering membranes in communication with the vessel 2 for separating the particles from the solution by detaining the particles on entry-surfaces of the membranes, and a sparging device which causes injected air to flow over the entry surfaces to discourage clogging of the membranes by the particles. The reactor vessel (2) contains UV tubes (3) and the membrane device includes a coarse bubble aeration delivery device for producing slug pattern flow of the air over the entry surfaces of the membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce Jefferson, Simon Parsons
  • Publication number: 20080230492
    Abstract: System and method for replacing a resist filter in such a manner as to reduce filter-induced wafer defects are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filtration system connected to a dispenser, the filtration system comprising a filter; and a switch connected to the filter for selectively connecting the filtration system to throughput one of a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-Hwan Kao, Po-Chang Huang
  • Publication number: 20080128369
    Abstract: Methods and systems for filtration are disclosed. A feed mixture including at least one liquid component a flow of gas may he directed to a filter element and filtrate and gas may be passed through a filter medium from a feed fluid side to a filtrate side. The gas loosens and removes foulants accumulating within and on the upstream surface of the filter medium. The gas and filtrate may be separated from one another after passing through the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Umeda, Steven C. Chisolm
  • Publication number: 20080105628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adsorbing perchlorate in a fluid and successively destroying it. Perchlorate in the fluid is removed by adsorption on an adsorbent in a column. The adsorbent is then regenerated by desorbing perchlorate, and the perchlorate in the regenerant is then chemically destroyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: PURE O TECH
    Inventors: Mirat Gurol, Vladimir Zlotopolski
  • Publication number: 20080099408
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from a filter and for filtering liquid using diatomaceous earth. Embodiments of the method can include a washdown process, a backwash process, and a filtering process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more filter cartridges with cartridge tubes to increase flow during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a backwash sprayer to disturb contaminants during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a removable lid to access the filter cartridges during the washdown process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Frank Swindell, Leonard Richiuso, Brian Everett Cox
  • Patent number: 7341668
    Abstract: A filter aid and a method of using the same are disclosed that effectively removes contaminants from water-based metal forming liquids used in aluminum forming, rolling and other metal working processes. The filter aid includes a cellulosic material and a cationic polymer flocculating agent that is mixed with contaminated metal working fluid for a predetermined amount of time. The contaminated metal working fluid is then filtered through the filter aid, thereby removing the substantially all of the contaminants therein and allowing purified metal working fluid to return to the process system without carrying contaminants that will harm the surfaces of the metal being worked and the device that forms them. An acid material may be optionally added to the metal forming liquid, the acid serving to maintain the pressure and flow rate at normal levels by controlling clogging in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: J.R. Schneider Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Snell, J. Howard Adams
  • Patent number: 7338605
    Abstract: A filter aid and a method of using the same are disclosed that effectively removes contaminants from water-based metal forming liquids used in aluminum forming, rolling and other metal working processes. The filter aid includes a cellulosic material and a cationic polymer flocculating agent that is mixed with contaminated metal working fluid for a predetermined amount of time. The contaminated metal working fluid is then filtered through the filter aid, thereby removing the substantially all of the contaminants therein and allowing purified metal working fluid to return to the process system without carrying contaminants that will harm the surfaces of the metal being worked and the device that forms them. An acid material may be optionally added to the metal forming liquid, the acid serving to maintain the pressure and flow rate at normal levels by controlling clogging in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: J.R. Schneider Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Snell, J. Howard Adams
  • Patent number: 7332007
    Abstract: A dedusting device 1 with a demister 15 advantageously arranged standing obliquely has a very compact construction because sufficient moistening or wetting of dust-containing crude air 24 is possible through the use of intensively acting multiple stream nozzles 33. The ventilator 11 is allocated to its own ventilator housing 18 that is connected to the dedusting device housing 10 and has a muffler 20 inserted downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: CFT GmbH Compact Filter Technic
    Inventor: Reinhold Both
  • Patent number: 7329298
    Abstract: A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, and a method of using such a mat on a vehicle. The filter is a mat of fibers enclosed within a metal gauze. Preferably, the mats are corrugated and spaced apart within a housing such that exhaust gases will pass through the mats sequentially. The fibers are wettable, and in use are preferably located a sufficient distance from the engine such that the mat is wetted by condensing water or other liquid in the exhaust gas. Preferably also, the filter is adapted for coupling to an existing exhaust pipe opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Aerotech Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Julian Hasinski
  • Patent number: 7311823
    Abstract: A pool filter cleaning device (1) which allows a person to thoroughly clean a filter cartridge (15) quickly and easily with minimal amount of splash back. The pool filter cleaning device (1) is comprised of a handle (2), an angled head section (12), a shield (6) and a nozzle (8). The device (1) is attachable to standard garden hoses (3) and utilizes water pressure to clean the cartridge filter (15). The handle (2) is attached to an angled head section (12) having a preferably transparent shield (6) attached therebetween. The head section (12) is angled so as to provide a more comfortable cleaning position for a user. The shield (6) has a duel purpose as it separates the pleats (16) on the cartridge filter (15) and prevents water and debris from splashing back onto the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Brooke
  • Patent number: 7208091
    Abstract: A method for withdrawing and filtering a partial volume of a particle-containing process fluid enclosed in a container, a combination of a container enclosing a process fluid and an assembly for continuously withdrawing and filtering a partial volume of a process fluid and a cross-flow filtering device are disclosed. The method, the assembly and the filtering device can be used in connection with biological process systems, in which the removal of sand, sludge, fibers and alike from partial volumes of the process fluid is necessary before additional filtration and subsequent sample analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Bio Gasol IPR APS
    Inventors: Peter Frode Pind, Birgitte Kiaer Ahring
  • Patent number: 7195659
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a filter element. The device including a valve interconnected to a blowpipe. A nozzle is positioned at an end of the blowpipe and to direct a pulse of compressed gas into the filter element. The nozzle includes a body and a diffuser arrangement configured to direct multiple jest of the compressed gas into the filter element. The valve is arranged to provide access to each of the valve components from one side of a compressed air manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Sporre, Dominique Renwart
  • Patent number: 7186347
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus for separating a liquid from a liquid-laden solid material. The apparatus includes an inclined trough having a base with a first end and a second elevated with respect to the first end. A deck is attached to the trough base, the deck defining support points positioned above the base spaced from one another by a distance sufficient to support the solid material above the deck, and passages located between the support points to allow liquid to flow to the deck. A vibratory drive is attached to the trough and oriented impart a conveying motion toward the trough second end. Solid material deposited onto the deck is advanced toward the second end by the conveying motion while the liquid flows along the trough base toward the first end under gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight Paul Casey, Tobin Lane Imes, Oscar Lee Mathis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7118674
    Abstract: A membrane filtration system comprising one or more submerged ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane assemblies at ambient pressure, each membrane assembly positioned 100–240 mm from a nearest wall, baffle, or adjacent membrane assembly and no more than 1 meter above a floor and at least 150 mm below the liquid level. Mixed liquor is discharged underneath each membrane assembly to create a vertical flow velocity in a range of 1–8 mm/second along an entire length of the membrane assembly. In a sequenced batch reactor system, a coarse bubble air diffuser for scouring each membrane assembly is supplied with air only during the backwash cycle of the filtration system and not during the filtration cycle. In a membrane bioreactor system, the biological treatment section is physically separated from the filtration section and fine bubble air diffusion is used in the biological treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dimitriou, Joseph G. Krall, David Rice, Velupillai Yogendran, Roger J. Byrne, Kenneth P. George, John E. Koch, III
  • Patent number: RE40943
    Abstract: A method in treating aqueous feedstream in diverse plant site environments is disclosed for improving filter flux rates, cleaning filter media and prolonging useful operative life of media. In preferred embodiments the method is provided with steps for contacting, reacting, pressurizing and equalizing ozone and feedstream within a central area or multiple areas and sustaining high pressure throughout the system to achieve qualitatively and quantitatively improved permeate products, and reject for recycle. The method and system provide an improved cleaning and processing system characterized by an ozone-concentrated, homogeneous single phase liquid conversion of a generated ozone gas mixture and a feedstream source containing organic and inorganic pollutants. The method improves and monitors ozone oxidizing power and reflecting ORP values, and provides further media cleaning and improved oxidation reactions for attack on pollutants on each cycle/recycle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Diversified Technologies Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Brunsell