Plural Separating Patents (Class 210/806)
  • Publication number: 20090188870
    Abstract: A filter for removing soluble, colloidal, and insoluble particles from a fluid, including lead using a first filter media for filtering soluble material from the fluid, a second filter media, adjacent and in fluid communication with, the first filter media, for filtering soluble material from said fluid, wherein the first and second filter media create a physical non-soluble particle barrier at their interface for capturing non-soluble particles, that when retained at the interface, become soluble over time in the fluid, and are subsequently removed by the second filter media. At least one of the filter media can be fibrillated nanofibers that are loaded with finely subdivided media of powdered ion exchange resins. A third filter media may be placed between the first and second filter media to enhance capturing and dissolving the physical non-soluble particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: KX TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: John H. Schroeder, Kenneth DeRosa, Andrew W. Lombardo, Nichole Pennisi, Peter A. Yarnell
  • Publication number: 20090166301
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a capsule configured to direct fuel flow within a fuel filter assembly housing. The capsule has a tubular element configured to define a flow path between the capsule and a fuel filter assembly housing. The tubular element defines an interior chamber, a proximal end, and a distal end defining a manifold. The tubular element is configured to be removably received by the fuel filter assembly housing. The interior chamber is configured to receive a fuel filter element. The capsule is configured to direct fuel flow from the proximal end of the capsule, around the tubular element, to a point beyond the distal end of the capsule, and to receive fuel flow from the point beyond the distal end of the capsule and direct the fuel flow via the manifold to the filter element, thereby providing at least two passes of the fuel flow through filter elements within the fuel filter assembly housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Rhett Dakota Ringenberger
  • Publication number: 20090159535
    Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Hershberger, Richard F. Huyser, Stephen P. Isham, Bruce MacDonald, Michael Noonan, Karen Staley
  • Publication number: 20090139936
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for filtering particulates and volatiles from fluid systems. The apparatuses and methods include a particulate filter section, an evaporator section positioned adjacent the particulate filter section, and a manifold coupled to at least one of the particulate filter section and the evaporator section to direct flow through the apparatuses as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: NEXT GENERATION FILTRATION SYSTEMS, LP
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Geiger
  • Patent number: 7534851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating water containing phenolic material such as bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers, and dispersed polycarbonate particles by extracting the phenolic material from the water using a water immiscible organic liquid containing an amine coupling catalyst. The treated water is then steam stripped to remove residual organic liquid and the amine. The organic liquid, containing the bisphenol A, phenol, para tertiary butyl phenol, and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxyphenyl)ethane, as well as water soluble polycarbonate oligomers and dissolved polycarbonate particles can be fed back to the coupling step of the polycarbonate process without further regeneration or treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Günter A. Jüptner
  • Patent number: 7527739
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for multistage water separation. A first separation layer separates water droplets from a fuel flow by repelling the first water droplets. A coalescing layer may coalesce fine water droplets in the fuel flow. In one embodiment, a centrifugal separator directs the fuel flow tangentially to a filter wall and the centrifugal force of the fuel flow directed tangentially along the filter wall biases water droplets from the fuel flow. A second separation layer separates second water droplets from the fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Fleetguard Inc
    Inventors: Zemin Jiang, Ted S. Loftis, Mark J. Johnson, Barry M. Verdegan
  • Patent number: 7527740
    Abstract: A method for separating particles from a fluid dispersion, particularly for separating corpuscular components from biological samples, above all from blood. A separating module suitable for performing the method has a substrate with flow channels, comprising a feed channel for supplying the dispersion to a junction, a first drain channel for draining fluid having a reduced particle concentration away from the junction, and a second drain channel for draining fluid having an increased particle concentration away from the junction. The fluid flows so much faster in the second drain channel than in the first drain channel that due to the different flow speeds the dispersed particles preferentially flow at the junction further in the second drain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Effenhauser, Gregor Ocvirk, Wolfgang Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20090107930
    Abstract: A method is provided for filtering a fluid including contaminant and or sediment particles. The method includes the steps of: selecting a particle of a first size to be filtered; selecting a first mesh material having a pore size greater than the first size; and selecting a number of layers of the first mesh material for forming a filtration material having an absolute micron rating. The absolute micron rating has a value equal to or less than the first size. The method also includes the step of arranging the layers of first mesh material in a manner so as to form a stack of first mesh material. The method further includes the step of passing a fluid through the stack of first mesh material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: MECHANICAL MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventor: Michael A. Goldman
  • Publication number: 20090101598
    Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: James Scott Kain, Priyadharshini Swaminathan, Dinh-Cuong Vuong
  • Patent number: 7521030
    Abstract: A material contaminated with a solvent is treated with a hydrofluorocarbon to remove the contaminant. A preferred hydrofluorocarbon is tetrafluoroethane. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Mazin Nicola
  • Patent number: 7520997
    Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Publication number: 20090090679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing settleable solids and unsettleable solids from a partially closed flush system in a dairy milking operation whereby a first processing tank bottom removes settleable solids contained therein where the net current flow vertically in the process tank is less than the settling rate of the settleable solids contained therein. The process tank batch feeds a plurality of thickening tanks that are each allowed to settle for a period of time before transferring fluid is to a second separator. The method and apparatus uses the solids for feeding a digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: David C. DeWaard
  • Publication number: 20090090671
    Abstract: The utilization of electrical potential and currents, as well as magnetic fields and mixed-phase reactions to effect efficient separation of platelets from blood without initiating platelet activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Mady Attila
  • Patent number: 7507344
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
  • Publication number: 20090065450
    Abstract: A liquid extraction unit for extracting liquid from an aqueous material is described. The unit includes a filter that is configured to allow passage of the liquid and prevent passage of the aqueous material. The unit also includes a first vacuum that is configured to extract air from the extraction unit. The unit further includes a second vacuum that is configured to pull the liquid through the filter. The first vacuum and the second vacuum are located after the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Davie Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20090057234
    Abstract: A method and system for recovering grease from wastewater is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving wastewater comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the organic phase comprises solids and grease; pretreating the wastewater to produce a waste sludge stream comprising water, solids, and grease, wherein a substantial amount of the solids and grease from the wastewater are extracted into the waste sludge stream; separating the waste sludge in a first separation stage to provide a first separation phase consisting essentially of solids, and a second separation phase comprising an immiscible liquid mixture of grease and water; and separating the second separation phase to provide a third separation phase consisting essentially of water and a fourth separation phase consisting essentially of grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SF Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: John Noble ARMSTRONG, Cory Allen Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090062581
    Abstract: Conversion of waste and other organic feedstock into sustainable energy, feed, fertilizer, and other useful products of reliable purities is accomplished using water, heat, and pressure. More specifically, the invention provides methods and apparatus that handle mixed streams of various feedstocks, e.g. agricultural waste, biological waste, municipal solid waste, municipal sewage sludge, and shredder residue, to yield gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids that can be used as is or are further processed. Useful products can be diverted at various points of the process or internalized to enhance the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Brian S. Appel, Terry N. Adams, James H. Freiss, Craig T. Einfeldt, William F. Lange, Shannon M. Jones
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090045135
    Abstract: This is a method of filtration of a liquid comprising steps of sequential filtration of said liquid through at least one deep bed medium producing at least one first filtrate followed by at least one membrane medium filtration producing at least one second filtrate, wherein said membrane medium is at least periodically within said deep bed media Many types of deep bed and membrane media can be used. The domain of using contact clarification (direct filtration) can be expanded towards greater solids concentration. Operation and backwash, is simplified, continuous filtration becomes possible. Water can be water from natural source water, process water, wastewater, aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions, emulsions, solutions. Treatment can include mechanical interception of suspended particles, chemical, physical chemical, electrochemical, and biological processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Boris M. Khudenko, Rocco M. Palazzolo, James R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 7488427
    Abstract: System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat tissue transplantation. The system includes syringes, filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes, a centrifuge and a centrifuge insert releasably coupled with the centrifuge. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances, such as tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat substances, are harvested through a cannula into a syringe. Syringes are placed in the centrifuge insert, and subject to centrifugation. Centrifugation stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during or after centrifugation. Oil is removed through an aspiration port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. Fat is transferred from the first syringe into one or more smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the first syringe and the smaller syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lipose Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Freund
  • Patent number: 7485118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelholm Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Claus Marquordt
  • Publication number: 20090026126
    Abstract: Liquid filter assemblies including an upper sample reservoir, a sample filter and a lower storage bottle are supported by a vacuum base. The base has a vacuum inlet port and, for connection to the liquid filter assembly, a vacuum outlet port. A vacuum is provided through the base to below the sample filter to draw sample liquid through the sample filter into the storage bottle. The base may include an auxiliary vacuum outlet port for connection with additional devices. The bases may be connected from one to another through auxiliary vacuum outlets and the vacuum inlets to make a chain of liquid filter assemblies supplied from one vacuum source. Alternatively, one base may include multiple vacuum outlet ports so that it may support and supply vacuum to a plurality of liquid filter assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: NYPRO INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Taylor, Jeffrey F. Kane, Vito Lore, Sean Landis Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090020486
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a filter head having inlet and outlet ports; a filter bowl attached to the filter head, wherein the filter bowl has a drain hole located at the bottom of the filter bowl for draining fluids; a filter element housed within the filter bowl, the filter element including a barrier of filtration media, a drain layer and at least one support tube; wherein a pressure differential exists across the filter element; a bottom cap that seals fluid within the filter element; a top cap having a non-planar flange portion, wherein the flange portion has a substantially curving, generally s-shaped cross-sectional profile, the non-planar flange sealingly received within the filter head such that the filter head is divided into inlet and outlet partitions; wherein the top cap directs fluid from the inlet port into the filter element, where the fluid flows through the barrier of filtration media and then out of the assembly through the outlet port; and, a float drain component attached to the base of
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Barnwell
  • Patent number: 7469846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ecoenergy Gesellschaft fur Energie—und Umwelttechnik mbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Schu
  • Patent number: 7470370
    Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream through the use of a pressure filter, the combining of water with a mother liquor to recover the metal catalyst and then subjecting an aqueous mixture so formed to a single stage extraction with an extraction solvent to produce an extract stream comprising organic impurities and a raffinate stream comprising the metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenny Randolph Parker, Robert Lin
  • Publication number: 20080308494
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus and method for sampling is provided that achieves automatic, aseptic, extractive sampling of fluid samples from fluid sources containing high solids and/or high viscosity fluid without failing due to adverse interactions between the fluid and the sampling device such as clogging or fouling due to mechanical means or to physicochemical reactions between the fluid and the materials of construction of the sample device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: George E. Barringer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080295797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions on ships using diesel engines equipped with a wet emissions reduction system. In particular, the invention relates to a large diesel internal combustion engines installed on a ship and fitted with a wet emissions reductions system that is supplied water by an onboard advanced wastewater treatment system (AWTS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Randall
  • Publication number: 20080296238
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are modular filter assemblies having a plurality of stacked filter plates formed from a porous material. The filter plate can comprise a planar base portion from which a convoluted ridge wall, having a ridge outer side surface, a ridge inner surface, and a top ridge surface extends. A plurality of fluid inlet troughs and a plurality if fluid outlet troughs are defined by the ridge wall. Adjoining filter plates form a plurality of fluid inlet cavities defined by the fluid inlet trough of one filter plate and a portion of the bottom surface of the adjoining filter plate; and a plurality of fluid outlet cavities defined by the fluid outlet trough of the one filter plate and a portion of the bottom surface of the adjoining filter plate. In use, the plurality of fluid inlet cavities are in filtered communication with the plurality of fluid outlet cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dean Haldopoulos, Benjamin Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 7459092
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream incorporated in an aircraft rinse system. The present invention includes a first pressure source which transports collected rinse fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantenous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: LJC Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Patent number: 7449591
    Abstract: A process of diminishing the concentration of a transition metal complex from a first solution by adding a solubility-enhancing compound that enhances the solubility of said complex in a second solution and extracting the first solution with the second solution. The solubility-enhancing compound is a compound of formula A wherein, Ra is SH, SO3H, OH or COOH; Rb is SH, OH or COOH; Rc each independently is H, SH, OH or COOH; Rd each independently is H or COOH; n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; or a salt or an activated form thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Brenner, Kai Donsbach, Thomas Nicola, Thomas Wirth
  • Publication number: 20080272069
    Abstract: The invention refers to an oil recover unit (1) having at least one container (5) for retrieval of a mixture/emulsion of mainly water (3) and oil (4) for separation of the water (3) from the oil (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Claes Olofsson
  • Patent number: 7438129
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Feedwater is then acidified and steam stripped to remove alkalinity and dissolved non-condensable gases. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7438817
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: OTU SA
    Inventors: Lnsp Nagghappan, Robert P. Helwick
  • Patent number: 7431841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extraction of components made from organic material, comprising the step of extraction with a single-phase mixture of 50 to 90 vol. % methanol and 50 to 10 vol. % water and optionally 0 to 40 vol. % of a further solvent or solvent mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Metanomics GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael Manfred Herold, Martin Dostler, Ralf Looser, Tilmann B. Walk, Achim Fegert, Martin Kluttig, Britta Lehmann, Silke Heidemann, Annette Hennig, Joachim Kopka
  • Publication number: 20080237153
    Abstract: A particulate collector configured to engage a container proximate to the container perimeter and which can disengage from the perimeter of the container to collect particulate accumulated in an amount liquid in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Larry P. Nicastle
  • Patent number: 7428926
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Publication number: 20080223797
    Abstract: Multi-core solid profile filter media blocks include multiple sub-blocks, which may be formed by providing a block with multiple interior cavities extending deep into the block, to allow water to flow deep inside the filter block to access the media of the sub-block (in the case wherein the cavities are at the inlet to the block) or that allows water to be collected from each filtration sub-block (in the case wherein the cavities are at the outlet from the block). One or more indentations/spaces/gaps in the exterior surface of the block also may be provided to separate and extend between portions of the sub-blocks, so that substantially all of the filter media of a sub-block is accessible to fluid for filtration. This way, a filter block may include a large amount of media in a small cartridge or package volume, and the filter block may exhibit good flow distribution and low pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: OMNIPURE FILTER COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: ROGER P. REID, BRUCE D. SAASKI
  • Publication number: 20080223798
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing apparatus (50) including a biological fluid processing loop (75) for displacing air in a closed system while processing biological fluid, preferably, whole blood, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jennifer Paretta, Mladen Franovic
  • Patent number: 7422690
    Abstract: A filtering system comprising an inlet (11) for liquid to be filtered and an outlet (9) for filtered liquid, as well as filtering means, which system is characterized in that the filtering means, placed in series comprise: a first filter (2) comprising activated carbon with the capability to also remove particles that are larger than approximately 0.5 ?m; an ultrafiltration membrane (5) for the removal of particles that are larger than approximately 0.02 ?m; a post-treatment filter (14) of activated carbon, optionally provided with a microfiltration membrane (13), wherein the system also comprises a vessel (6) for filtered water located between the ultrafiltration membrane (5) and the post-treatment filter (14), with the option of using the filtered water from the vessel for back-flushing the ultrafiltration membrane (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Prime Water Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Johan Jan Scharstuhl, Eric Scharstuhl
  • Patent number: 7419596
    Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that the contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than in the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA and/or DHA. The process effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Dueppen, Samuel G. Zeller, Sandra I. Diltz, Robert H. Driver
  • Patent number: 7416670
    Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system (10) having only two cells (18, 20) can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system (10) has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber (16) and two gasification chambers or cells (18, 20), each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism (32), and a discharge chamber (24). A common primary skim collection channel (40) atop the partition (44) dividing the gasification chambers (18, 20) efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Stacy, Kenneth C. Tolmie, James C. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 7413665
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Patent number: 7407585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying water whereby: the water to be purified is pressurized (13); a pressurized flow of said water is directed onto at least one selective permeability membrane to divide (11) the flow of pressurized water into a permeate flow and a retentate flow; the permeate flow is electrodeionized (12) to produce a flow of purified water consisting of the electrodeionized permeate flow; the flowrate of the retentate flow (19) is reduced; a substantially constant predetermined pressure (21) is maintained on the selective permeability membrane(s); and a substantially constant predetermined permeate flowrate is maintained. It also relates to a tangential filtration module suitable for the above kind of system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Yves Gaignet
  • Publication number: 20080179263
    Abstract: A combined filter apparatus includes a first filter element, a second filter element disposed in stacking arrangement to the first filter element, a housing enclosing the filter elements, a seal sealing the dirty side of the first filter element from the dirty side of the second filter element, a first inlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow to the first filter element, a second inlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow to the second filter element, and an outlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow from at least one of the filter elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark T. Wieczorek, Naren Shaam, Charles W. Hawkins, Chad M. Thomas, Ted Loftis, Barry M. Verdegan, Zemin Jiang
  • Patent number: 7404899
    Abstract: The process for irrigation of a man-made landscaped area, such as a golf course, playing field or agricultural area, involves monitoring a sample of reclaimed water, a sample of soil containing reclaimed water, or both from a supply of reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary to avoid harmful effects to plantlife, and irrigating with the treated water via a subterranean distribution system. The sample is tested with monitors for water quality characteristics, including: total organic carbon compounds; pH; residual chlorine; chlorides; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges to show deviation from acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment may include a dechlorination system, an oxidation system, reverse osmosis system. Other monitors may be for hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Turf Sentry, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Rosen, Robert D. Hodges
  • Patent number: 7404898
    Abstract: A method of producing lime water comprising deionising dilution water by membrane filtration, distillation or an ion exchange resin and adding silicate ions to the deionised water. Thereafter, the deionised water treated with the silicate ions is mixed with milk of lime to form lime water. In one embodiment, the milk of lime and dilution water are mixed in a saturator where the silicate ions are introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: OTV SA
    Inventors: Franck Clausse, Philippe Marteil, Germain LeBouc, Frederic LeFort
  • Publication number: 20080173582
    Abstract: New industrial, commercial and/or household process and the apparatus to carry out that process. Used in water recycling and reuse treatments applied to laundering, dyeing and stamping processes in general, mainly in the textile segment. Today, residues generated by industrial plants must be disposed of in compliance with the national legislation, established by resolutions issued by the National Environment Council of each region and country. As a result, there are several processes for the treatment of residuary water and effluents in several categories. However, to date, there is no specific treatment for effluents of textile industrial plants and/or similar facilities, because each plant uses different chemical components together with their products, which requires different treatments. Consequently, general purpose effluent treatments are more commonly used, but are not always efficient in treating special cases of effluents containing specific residues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: Lamberto Jose Ramenzoni, Rubens Jose de Oliveria Filho, Leandro Zanini Santos
    Inventors: Rubens Jose de Oliveira Filho, Leandro Zanini Santos
  • Publication number: 20080173595
    Abstract: An in-line water monitoring system for the detection of the accidental or intentional introduction of potentially harmful substances. The automated system comprises a water pressure driven concentration unit that filters drinking water through a hollow-fiber filter. Material collected on the filter is backflushed into a collection vessel by passing a sterile solution through the filter in the reverse direction. An electronic signal at the end of the backflush sequence triggers a sensor such as an array biosensor to begin processing and analyzing the sample. The array biosensor houses a slide prepared with antibodies to the test organism. The array biosensor is programmed to automatically run sample and detection reagents over the slide, analyze the resulting pattern for positive and negative data, and report the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, CONSTELLATION TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel V. Lim, Elizabeth A. Kearns, Richard Darrell Sorrells, Timothy Arthur Postlewaite
  • Publication number: 20080169244
    Abstract: A system for filtering organic molecules from an electrolyte solution, including a feed inlet line adapted to carry a solution with organic molecules, a filter vessel secured to the inlet line, and a pump adapted to introduce dissolved air into the solution in the feed inlet line. The filter vessel is a solvent extraction filter having coalescing media above a solution outlet at the bottom of the vessel and an organic vent outlet at the top of the vessel. The system operates by (a) dissolving air into the solution, (b) inputting the solution with dissolved air into the filter vessel, (c) outletting solution from the bottom vessel outlet to flow solution down through coalescing media, and (d) periodically venting floating organic molecules from the top of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
  • Patent number: 7396451
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Gambo BCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren