Utilizing Particulate Bed Patents (Class 210/807)
  • Patent number: 10434446
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of providing backwash processes for a synthetic compressible medium filter system. More specifically, the system may include a backwash pump and air blower, and the processes may include at least three sequences of: air and water wash; air purge; and medium compression. The backwash process may be triggered by one or more of a pressure, time point, and/or turbidity set point. The air and water wash sequence may include breaking and washing the medium. The air purge sequence may include removing substantially all of the air entrapped in the medium by providing a backwash water flow for a period of time; and a medium compression sequence compressing the medium while avoiding exposing the medium to air, including introducing raw water and where the backwash and raw water provide enough energy to compress the medium without introduction of air into the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Suez Treatment Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Christophe D Desmottes
  • Patent number: 9707538
    Abstract: A reaction product of silicious material, aluminum metal, and an aqueous solution is disclosed. The reaction product may be used to form a sorbent that is used to purify water of contaminants such as biological matter, dyes, soluble metals, arsenic, or radioactive elements. Additives may be added to the reaction product to further improve the sorption qualities of the sorbent. Water purification devices having the sorbent are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ARGONIDE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonid A. Kaledin, Frederick Tepper, Tatiana G. Kaledin
  • Patent number: 8968580
    Abstract: A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hann, William Nicholas Garner
  • Patent number: 8951482
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a liquid reaction product from a gaseous stream in a catalytic reactor by means of a metallic sheet being indirectly cooled by a cooling surface and having a plurality of percolations in form of geometric-shaped protrusions on both sides of the sheet each with an open base, the open base is on the side of the sheet facing a catalyst bed are arranged upwards and on the side facing the cooling surface the open base faces downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Max Thorhauge
  • Patent number: 8889015
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of installing a fluid distribution system in the apparatus. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the method of installing the fluid distribution system in the filter bed is performed by imparting a force to the filter bed to permit the fluid distribution system to be installed in the filter bed without removing media. The fluid distribution system is preferably configured to permit the fluid distribution system to be readily installed in the filter bed and at an optimum orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Roberts Marketing DE, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison
  • Publication number: 20140251928
    Abstract: A horizontal flow water treatment method and wetland biofilter apparatus provides a chamber with impermeable outer walls spaced away from permeable interior walls of a media filtration bed such that a catch basin is formed between the outer walls and the interior walls. The catch basin creates an open area around the perimeter of the interior walls for influent water to fill within the open area before penetrating the filtration media, providing a large surface area for influent water to interact with the media filtration bed. The influent water enters the catch basin in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-settling of particulates before making contact with the filtration media. The biofilter design increases the available surface area of the media filtration bed by up to four times for a given volume of water, and thereby minimizes the loading or infiltration rate on the media filtration bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Modular Wetland Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg B. Kent, Zach J. Kent
  • Patent number: 8828241
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid includes providing an apparatus: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet, and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the outlet of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that is aligned with the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head. The first electrode, second electrode or both electrodes are moved along the central axis. The liquid is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 8778135
    Abstract: A circular utilization method in pulping and papermaking processes with straw Primary pulp is obtained by digesting straw raw material according to the ammonium sulfite method. Concentrated black liquor is extruded from the primary pulp; paper pulp and diluted black liquor. The concentrated black liquor and the diluted black liquor are mixed, and a contaminated condensate is obtained. A residual concentrate or the concentrated black liquor is used for preparing a fertilizer. The contaminated condensate is mixed with one or more of the waste material obtained from stock preparation, a crop byproduct or organic waste, and substrate or fertilizer is obtained by fermenting the nitrogen source of the contaminated condensate or ammonium sulfite, or using the contaminated condensate for desulfurizing flue gas. Ammonia and flue gas are reacted to obtain the ammonium sulfite as a digestion agent; and water from recycling is used in corresponding phases of the pulping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shandong Tralin Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongfa Li, Mingxin Song, Songtao Chen, Jihui Yang, Liangjin Guo
  • Patent number: 8758632
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods of filtering a fluid to reduce a level of at least one contaminant therein. The filtering of the fluid may be accomplished with a radial flow filtration column comprising a fluid chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a side wall, an inner permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber, an outer permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber spaced apart from and surrounding the inner permeable retainer, a media bed compartment formed between the inner permeable retainer and the outer permeable retainer, and an adjustable element biased into the media bed compartment and configured to maintain a predetermined packing density of a media bed to be disposed within the media bed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Davis Yohanes Arifin, Kok Wee Henry Lim, Karthikeyan Sathrugnan, Richard Woodling
  • Patent number: 8721895
    Abstract: A process for separating an aqueous emulsion including an aqueous phase and an non-aqueous phase into separated aqueous and non-aqueous phases, to provide a recovered non-aqueous phase, and to provide a recovered aqueous phase containing an acceptable level of the non-aqueous phase. In the process, at least one body, and preferably two or more bodies, of polymeric material with a high surface area, typically a foam material or polymer chips, is used in a horizontal flow treatment system to break the emulsion and thus provide both the aqueous and non-aqueous phases as two separate flows. A wide range of polymers can be used in the system as the polymeric material including polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene. If a very low level of non-aqueous phase in the effluent is required, for example to meet potable water standards, then a Kozlowski polyurethane, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,040, is preferred as the last Polymeric material body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Amine Benachenou, Jean-Pierre Parent
  • Patent number: 8685259
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid distributor in a multistage column, each plate P of the column being divided into a certain number of panels Pa, and each panel Pa being equipped with a distributor of the invention, said distributor comprising: a) a solid jet breaker located substantially in the axis of the outlet opening of the collecting baffle of the panel Pa; b) an intermediate perforated plate extending laterally beyond the jet breaker, with a degree of opening in the range 10% to 40%; c) a distribution plate extending over the entire panel Pa, and with a degree of opening in the range 5% to 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Frederic Augier, Denis Darmancier
  • Patent number: 8652334
    Abstract: Polydisperse and charged polysaccharides are fractionated into low polydispersity fractions (preferably having pd<1.1), each containing species within a narrow range of molecular weights. An aqueous solution of the polydisperse polysaccharides is contacted with an ion exchange resin in a column and the polysaccharides are subjected to selective elution by aqueous elution buffer. The selective elution consists of at least 3 sequential elution buffers having different and constant ionic strength and/or pH and in which the subsequent buffers have ionic strength and/or pH than those of the preceding step. The new preparations are particularly suitable for the production of PSA-derivatised therapeutic agents intended for use in humans and animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lipoxen Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Sanjay Jain, Ioannis Papaioannou, Peter Laing
  • Patent number: 8636909
    Abstract: A process of removing viruses from drinking water is disclosed. The process involves filtering drinking water, having a viral contaminant, through a layer of coarse sand; contacting the drinking water with a composite iron matrix; and purifying the drinking water by allowing the composite iron matrix to adsorb the viral contaminant for at least fifteen minutes. The major component of the composite iron matrix is an iron component, which is at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Abul Hussam, Timothy L. Born
  • Publication number: 20140014598
    Abstract: The present document describes a media bed filter for filtering fine particles from a raw liquid flow, the media bed filter comprising: a tank having: a top portion; a bottom portion defining a bottom surface for receiving a media bed, the media bed having a supporting media to be disposed on the bottom surface and a filtering media for covering the supporting media, the top portion of the tank being above the filtering media of the media bed; a raw liquid inlet in fluid communication with a nozzle configuration located in the top portion of the tank for providing the raw liquid flow in the tank in the form of a plurality of jets at a directional velocity substantially equal or greater to a disengagement velocity of the filtering media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Marco BOSISIO, Alain Silverwood
  • Publication number: 20130330388
    Abstract: A method and resulting structure are described for the production of refractory and insulative boards comprised of ceramic balls. Improved thermal, physical and mechanical properties are achieved as while also eliminating the safety and environmental impact of fibrous refractories. Also presented is an apparatus and method to remove bacteria and toxins (harmful or undesirable chemicals) from a water column utilizing porous ball-like or sphere-like structures treated with anti-microbial coatings are described. The balls so formed may be coated with a variety of anti-microbial materials and placed within a water or fluid column or water or fluid flowing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MATTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Jainagesh Sekhar
  • Patent number: 8597523
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet, and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20130270199
    Abstract: A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Industrial Insulation Group
    Inventor: Industrial Insulation Group
  • Publication number: 20130206699
    Abstract: A method for the open-loop control and/or closed-loop control of a filter system for the filtration of an untreated fluid with a media filter, particularly with a gravel bed filter, multilayer filter or activated charcoal filter, whereby the open-loop control and/or closed-loop control takes place on the basis of the fuzzy logic and/or artificial neural networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: KRONES AG
  • Publication number: 20130184685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to prepare red blood cells (RBCs) for infusion to a patient. Depletion of RBCs with altered deformability is achieved by filtration through micro-bead filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicants: ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE - HOPITAUX DE PARIS, UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6)
    Inventors: Pierre Buffet, Guillaume Deplaine, Innocent Safeukui-Noubissi
  • Publication number: 20130140250
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a filtering medium, a method for the production thereof, the use of said filtering medium and a method for reducing the content of multiple contaminants simultaneously in fluids by means of said filtering medium through a physical barrier, a chemical process or biological process, wherein said filtering medium consists of or comprises at least one of the following: a mixture (A) containing a major part of an iron-based powder and a minor part of a copper based powder, an iron-copper powder alloy (B), and an iron-based porous and permeable composite containing copper (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HƖGANƄS AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Avinash Gore, Bo Hu, Sydney Luk
  • Patent number: 8394278
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
  • Patent number: 8382994
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite pressure vessel containing a distributor plate. The distributor plate comprises a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening. The disk is provided with a plurality of radial slits, which define fluid flow passages through the disk between the central opening and the perimeter edge. The fluid flow passages through the disk are adapted to swirl fluid flowing through the disk from the bottom side to the top side such that it swirls around the central opening. The perimeter edge of the distributor plate is joined to an inner side of a thermoplastic liner during or immediately after the thermoplastic liner is formed by a blow-molding process or a rotational molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Enpress LLC
    Inventors: Douglas S. Stolarik, Douglas M. Horner, Michael P. Mormino
  • Publication number: 20130037495
    Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a water treatment system. The water treatment system includes a filter bed including layers of inert particulate material, such that, from the top layer to the bottom layer, the coarseness of the particles decreases while the density of the particulate material increases, for reducing the turbidity and/or SDI of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nicolas Holmes, Thomas Marshall
  • Patent number: 8337709
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20120312758
    Abstract: Water filters require filter media which may be a substantially single structure such as open-cell foam, or comprised of a plurality of relatively small elements. The present invention provides composite mechanical water filter media for use in mechanical water filters comprising a plurality of first elements having a first shape and a plurality of second elements having a second shape, the first and second shapes being substantially different from one another, the elements being arranged to interlock with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: INTERPET LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Paxton
  • Patent number: 8323514
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Xylem Water Solutions Zelienople LLC
    Inventors: John L. Geibel, Eugene M. Vegso, Christopher J. Ball, Robert L. Laird, Thomas M. Getting, Dean T. Berkebile
  • Publication number: 20120223029
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicants: CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC, ALCOA INC.
    Inventors: John R. Smith, Jaw Fu, Rajat Ghosh, Kevin Kitzman, Jonell Kerkhoff, Robert C. Horger, Dennis L. Fulmer, Aniruddha Bhattacharyya, Andrew C. Middleton, Robin L. Weightman
  • Patent number: 8252180
    Abstract: A tank for water-carrying appliances is proposed, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for the treatment of foods and/or beverages, such as beverage vending machines, in particular coffee vending machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air purifiers and conditioners or the like, a suction connection on the tank for the intake of water from the tank, with means for generating a vacuum, and a filter connection for connecting a filter cartridge inside the tank being provided, while it is ensured that only one permitted filter type is used. A tank according to the invention is characterized by mechanical coding structures at the filter connection element in order to exclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aquis Wasser-Luft-Systeme GmbH, Lindau, Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
    Inventors: Kurt Wallerstorfer, Andreas Wawrla, Roland Scholz
  • Patent number: 8226830
    Abstract: Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively filter and purify liquids such as waste water. When tiny contaminant particles in waste water flow through the particle pack, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles within the pack due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the particle surfaces in the filter beds or packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8206599
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Remembrance L. Newcombe, David G. Volkenand, Mark S. Lopp
  • Patent number: 8202418
    Abstract: A tank filter combination is provided for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steamers, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and air conditioners, etc. having a suction connection on the tank for suction of water from the tank at a reduced pressure, and a filter connection for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior of and/or outside the tank to ensure use of a permissible filter type. A filter cartridge according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures with a polygonal structure on the circumferential surface on the output side of the filter cartridge to prevent the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Aquis Wasser-Luft-Systeme GmbH, Lindau, Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
    Inventors: Kurt Wallerstorfer, Andreas Wawrla, Roland Scholz
  • Patent number: 8202419
    Abstract: A tank is proposed for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like, with a connection being provided on the tank for supplying water from the tank to the appliance and with a filter connection being provided for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior and/or outside the tank, while providing assurance that only the permitted filter type can be used. A tank according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures on the filter connecting element, in order to preclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Aquis Wasser-Luft-Systeme GmbH, Lindau, Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
    Inventors: Kurt Wallerstorfer, Andreas Wawrla, Roland Scholz, Bernd Heitele
  • Patent number: 8192635
    Abstract: A method for improving the service life of passive filtration and infiltration devices. Contaminated water, such as stormwater runoff or wastewater, is filtered through a media comprising of a mixture of filter media and stimuli-responsive polymer particles. The polymer particles reversibly expand/contract in response to changes in certain environmental stimuli, resulting in increased macropores and breakup of sediment and crust that would otherwise reduce hydraulic flow. The method is effective in a variety of passive devices, including conventional particulate filters, infiltration systems, and high loading canister, cartridge and catch basin filter devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jayant M. Dholakia
  • Publication number: 20120118835
    Abstract: A wash column for processing a suspension of solid particles in a liquid comprising a bed forming chamber in which a packed bed of solid particles can be formed, filtrate extraction means for extracting liquid from the suspension as to form the packed bed of solid particles in the bed forming chamber, and a suspension supply line for supplying the suspension directly to an end of the bed forming chamber, wherein the suspension supply line ends in the bed forming chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Piet Huisjes, Michiel Nienoord, Johannes Van Der Meer, Dirk Verdoes
  • Publication number: 20120067832
    Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: David S. Soane, Michael C. Berg, William A. Mowers
  • Patent number: 8133396
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Crowell
  • Patent number: 8092694
    Abstract: The present invention describes a device allowing secondary filtration of catalyst particles contained in an effluent from a process comprising a reactor operated in three-phase mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: IFP Energies Nouvelles, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nathalie Brunard, Jean Christophe Viguie, Matthieu Rolland
  • Publication number: 20110309021
    Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention relates to a treatment for irrigation water by removing microbiological impurities and DBP precursors, utilizing filtration media comprising zero-valent metal to retain and inactivate microbiological agents such as viruses and bacteria such as Escherichia coli. One of the objectives of the present invention is to remove microbiological agents such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from irrigation water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Yan JIN, Pei Chiu
  • Patent number: 8080163
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for treating contaminated water are described. In one instance a method supplies metal salt reagents to a moving media filter in the presence of contaminated water. The method also introduces a waste stream resulting from the moving media filter upstream of the moving media filter effective to lower an average contaminant concentration of effluent water from the moving media filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Blue Water Technologies, Inc., Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Moller, Remembrance Newcombe
  • Publication number: 20110303623
    Abstract: A slow/intermittent sand filter that purifies polluted water by flowing through sand in a manner that achieves greater purity and permits simpler and more effective maintenance than existing filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: DALEN PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: E. Neal Caldwell, John Kevin Hodges
  • Patent number: 8070961
    Abstract: The invention aims at enabling, in a catalytic decarbonation apparatus, inert particles coated with calcium carbonate to be constantly and systematically extracted from the reactor, with no risk of clogging the discharge pipes. Therefor, said pipes (7?a, 7?b) have an inside diameter ranging between 40 and 60 mm and they have a downward incline up to their connection to an outside discharge conduit (8?), except, possibly, a horizontal portion starting from the orifice through which they emerge into the reactor (1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Christian BarraquƩ
  • Patent number: 8048303
    Abstract: A bioretention system and method are provided for removing phosphorus, nitrogen and other materials from effluent such as wastewater and stormwater. The system and method can include a filtration media comprising water treatment residuals and other fill such as soil. Plants can be growing in the soil. The system can also include a drainage system to regulate outflow, to function during both low and high throughputs of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: William Lucas
  • Patent number: 8034246
    Abstract: A method for removing ionic, organic and elemental mercury from aqueous streams such as wastewater streams from hydrocarbon processing. The method comprises four primary removal steps. First, a mercury precipitant is added to the stream to convert dissolved ionic species of mercury water-insoluble form. The majority of these precipitated solids, as well as other forms of particulate mercury, are subsequently removed by means of gas flotation. Following the flotation step, additional particulate and precipitated ionic mercury removal is accomplished with media filtration and finally, activated carbon acts to remove the remaining dissolved ionic mercury species as well as elemental and organic forms of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Meredith B. Gustafsson, Bal K. Kaul, Brian S. Fox, David A. Masciola, Bowornsak Wanichkul
  • Publication number: 20110233153
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods of filtering a fluid to reduce a level of at least one contaminant therein. The filtering of the fluid may be accomplished with a radial flow filtration column comprising a fluid chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a side wall, an inner permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber, an outer permeable retainer positioned in the fluid chamber spaced apart from and surrounding the inner permeable retainer, a media bed compartment formed between the inner permeable retainer and the outer permeable retainer, and an adjustable element biased into the media bed compartment and configured to maintain a predetermined packing density of a media bed to be disposed within the media bed compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Siemens Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Davis Yohanes Arifin, Kok Wee Henry Lim, Karthikeyan Sathrugnan, Richard Woodling
  • Publication number: 20110226707
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is disclosed to filtrate liquids, such as water, waste water, agricultural liquids or other industrial liquids. The apparatus and the method rely on a novel technology where an acceleration apparatus facilitates generating energy that fractures the bonds between organic and inorganic particles and water molecules to allow a media to collect the organic and inorganic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Micro Systems Technologies
    Inventor: Joseph Williams
  • Patent number: 8002993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a fluid is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus converts contaminated water into water having a lower turbidity and bacterial contamination level than the contaminated water. The apparatus includes a settling unit for at least partially settling a portion of the water; a filter unit having a filtration media; wherein the filtration media comprises sand, anthracite coal, burnt rice husks, diatomaceous earth, gravel, pumice gravel, or combinations thereof; a sanitation unit; wherein the sanitation unit is an ultraviolet disinfection unit; a backwash unit; wherein the settling unit is in fluid communications with the filter unit and the backwash unit, the backwash unit is in fluid communications with the filter unit, and the filter unit is in fluid communications with the sanitation unit; and wherein at least a portion of the settling unit is elevated above the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Maximilian Gold, Evan A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7967992
    Abstract: A novel water flow facilitator for granular filter devices that operate under gravity and contain granular particles, further consisting of plastic pellets that are 2 to 100 times, preferably 5 to 20 times larger than the granular particles; the plastic pellets having an aspect ratio of 0.5 to 10, preferably 1 to 4; that comprise about 1 to 50%, preferably 5 to 15% of the weight of the filter media; that have a specific gravity of 0.5 to 2, preferably 0.9 to 1.5. The plastic pellets should contain antimicrobial agents that protect the granular media from microbiological growth. The plastic pellets are made from any of the following plastics: polyolefins, various kinds of polyacrylates, polyvinyl polymers, nylon, polycarbonates etc. The plastic pellets may contain fillers such as calcium carbonate, titania, silica, or alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ricura Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arvind S. Patil, Glenn F. Cueman
  • Publication number: 20110147321
    Abstract: A filter includes a filter chamber of adjustable volume. The filter chamber encloses a compactable filter medium through which fluid to be filtered may flow. The filter medium includes a plurality of filter particles. A filter particle has an initial shape and is deformable upon application of a deforming force, being capable of substantially regaining its initial shape upon removal of the deforming force. The porosity of the filter medium is adjustable by adjusting the volume of the filter chamber so as adjust the compaction of the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Nir Oz
  • Publication number: 20110143012
    Abstract: Methods of harvesting algae, and using algae as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are provided. The methods comprise contacting liquid algae suspensions with a filtration media. Depending upon the filtration media, the resulting algae and filtration media admixture is then utilized as a biofuel, livestock feed, food supplements, or for the extraction of algae oil. Admixtures comprising a combustible filtration media, such as coal, are particularly preferred. The methods are suitable for use with any algae species. Compositions for use as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are also provided. These compositions comprise an admixture of algae and a filtration media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Albert C. Rettenmaier
  • Publication number: 20110127224
    Abstract: A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Industrial Insulation Group
    Inventor: Ray Gaudin