Phosphorus Containing Patents (Class 210/906)

Cross-Reference Art Collections

Phosphate slimes (Class 210/907)
  • Patent number: 7481933
    Abstract: A process for treating BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater, wherein the process includes providing wastewater influent into an anaerobic zone having activated sludge and mixing the wastewater influent with the activated sludge in the anaerobic zone to form a mixed liquor. The process further includes providing the mixed liquor into an oxygen-deficit aeration zone and recycling denitrified mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to the anaerobic zone for mixing therein with wastewater. In addition, the process includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone and transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a membrane filter wherein a filtrate is separated from sludge. The process also includes recycling at least a portion of the sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7455780
    Abstract: A method of treating domestic wastewater wherein the wastewater is directed through a high carbon ash particulate. Contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, BOD and COD can be removed. In addition, treatment of the domestic waste with ash will raise the pH of the wastewater, generally to above 10, killing bacteria contained in the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Bobby L. Joyner, Robert J. Waldrop
  • Patent number: 7429328
    Abstract: Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Treatment Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Miklos
  • Patent number: 7429329
    Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7416669
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved system and method for treating wastewater or other liquid. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a control program for operating the system and method. In one embodiment, the treatment process utilizes a biological nutrient removal activated sludge process utilizing a continuously sequencing reactor (CSR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schreiber, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian F. Carolan, William F. Foreman, III, John K. Shepherd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7410584
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a stream comprising mixed liquor suspended solids and fixed growth solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ashbrook Simon-Hartley Operations, LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Devine
  • Patent number: 7410589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating manure such that odor from the manure is significantly reduced or eliminated and producing therefrom recyclable water, value-added biosolids and ammonia. Specifically, the manure is combined with lime at high pH. The material is mixed under negative pressure and the basic conditions cause ammonia to be evolved from the manure which is then drawn off and recovered. A coagulating agent is then added which further promotes floc formation within the manure. Following further mixing, flocs are separated from the liquid portion. A struvite-promoting chemical and a coagulant are then added to the liquid portion which causes further floc formation, and the flocs are again separated from the substantially clear liquid. It is of note that as a result of this process, the solids are highly hydrophobic and dry very quickly. It is of further note that solids isolated from either step can be combined and sold, for example, as fertilizer, as discussed below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Gurunathan Lakshman
  • Patent number: 7407580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wastewater treating system and method for removing pollutants of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, comprising: a first reactor contains methanogenic bacteria, PAO and denitrifying bacteria for eliminating the organic carbon in denitrification by denitrifying bacteria, adsorbing partial organic carbon and releasing phosphate by PAO and; metabolizing organic carbon to form methane gas by methanogenic bacteria; a second reactor disposed at the rearward of first reactor, second reactor treats the effluent from first reactor by denitrifying bacteria and PAO, denitrifying bacteria is able to denitrifying the nitrate and PAO is able to process the phosphorous releasing; a third reactor disposed rearward of second reactor, which comprises PAO, heterotrophic bacteria and nitrifying bacteria, wherein PAO is applied for phosphorous accumulating process, the heterotrophic bacteria is applied for carbon removal process, the nitrifying bacteria is applied for nitrifying process; and a membra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Huey-Song You, Kuan-Foo Chang, Sheng-Shin Chang, Shwu-Huey Perng, Shu-Kang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7399416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Moller, Kevin Marshall Brackney, Roger Alan Korus, Gerald Michael Keller, Jr., Brian Keith Hart, Remembrance Louisa Newcombe
  • Patent number: 7393452
    Abstract: A method for processing environmental samples to remove or otherwise reduce the level of certain chemical species. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates a process for reducing the level of inorganic and/or organic chemical species in wastewater or other aqueous or semi-aqueous environments or other waste environments. The present invention further provides compositions of bacteria useful in modulating the redox potential of an environment to generate redox mediator species which facilitate the removal of particular inorganic or organic molecules from the environment or from samples therefrom. The redox potential is preferably modulated through microbial-mediated oxidation or reduction of metal cations under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, respectively. The present invention is further directed to a computer program which facilitates the controlled modulation of the redox potential of an aqueous or semi-aqueous environment or other environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Joo Hwa Tay, Stephen Tiong Lee Tay, Volodymyr Ivanov, Olena Stabnikova, Jing-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 7384573
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for wastewater treatment. The compositions comprise CaCO3, MgCO3, lanthanum chloride, or chitosan, and can be applied easily with conventional wastewater treatment processes and equipments. The methods and compositions of the present invention significantly improve treatment efficiency and reduce amount of required chemical additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Brummett
  • Patent number: 7329356
    Abstract: A method is described for clarifying man-made static water bodies in which polyaluminum silicate sulfate is added to the water of the water body. Superior flocculation is achieved through the use of polyaluminum silicate sulfate which results in cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing water at a lower cost and with less waste material. Polyaluminum silicate sulfate is also available in a dry form which makes transport and storage easier and less costly. The effect of adding polyaluminum silicate sulfate is a cleaner, clearer, sparkling water body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Aquagems Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Brent S. Brady
  • Patent number: 7326343
    Abstract: A method and process for the treatment of wastewater containing phosphorous and nitrogen. The wastewater is first anaerobically treated to produce an anaerobic effluent from which insoluble organic carbon is separated to form a sludge rich in organic carbon that is used as a substrate during anoxic treatment of the wastewater by de-nitrifying phosphorous accumulating organisms (DPAO's) and ordinary de-nitrifying organisms. The separation of insoluble organic carbon is normally conducted using a clarifier located intermediate the anaerobic and anoxic bio-reactors. In one embodiment, the ammonia rich clarifier supernatant is directed to an aerobic reactor for nitrification and the nitrate produced is recycled to the anoxic bio-reactor. The final effluent may be membrane filtered to retain nitrifying biomass within the aerobic bio-reactor. The invention reduces overall hydraulic residence time and sludge volume, which results in a smaller, less expensive wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: University of Western Ontario Canada
    Inventors: George Nakhla, Jigneshkumar Patel
  • Patent number: 7320759
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7318896
    Abstract: A method utilizing inorganic nutrient salts, which are inexpensive and easily usable, for waste water whose aerobic and/or anaerobic biological treatment cannot be established unless inorganic nutrient salts are added, is provided. A method and apparatus are provided for utilizing recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, characterized by adding the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate, which has been recovered from a treatment process for organic waste and/or organic waste water treatment, to a biological treatment step comprising an anaerobic treatment step and/or an aerobic treatment step to utilize the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate as an inorganic nutrient source. Preferably, the recovered magnesium ammonium phosphate is utilized as particles, with its particle size being 0.5 mm or less, and/or the pH of a liquid, to which magnesium ammonium phosphate is added, being 10 or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shimamura, Toshihiro Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20080006577
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for wastewater treatment using a nitrogen/phosphorus removal process combined with a floatation separation of sludge that is replaced by the gravity settling secondary clarifier are provided for effectively removing organic substances, nitrogen, phosphorus, granular substances and the like from wastewater. Al or Fe electrode plate is used for generating the micro bubbles so that phosphorus is removed by Al or Fe ions dissolved from the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Yong Su Choi, Sang Hyup Lee, Seok Won Hong, Tai Hak Chung, Yun Jung Kim, Young Gyun Choi
  • Patent number: 7314563
    Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane coupled activated sludge method and apparatus operating anoxic/anaerobic processes alternately for removal of nitrogen and phosporus, wherein nitrogen and phosphorous together with organics in the sewage, wastewater, filthy water etc. can be simultaneously removed with an economic and efficient manner, an operation thereof is easy and efficient, a capacity thereof is high and the method is economic due to the reduced operating costs with performing measurement and control of a recycle rate, a recycle time of alternate operation of the anoxic and anaerobic process, an amount of sludge, an amount of aeration and an operation of a blower for an intermittent membrane cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jin Woo Cho, Kyu Hong Ahn, Kyung Guen Song, Kyung Min Poo
  • Patent number: 7314562
    Abstract: Floating wetland structures of the invention are generally formed from one or more floatation panels made of a plurality of polymeric foam particles arranged in a piled laminate structure. The foam particles are arranged within the piled laminate structure so as to define void pathways between at least a portion of said foam particles. The void pathways within the piled laminate structure are of sufficient size and quantity to allow rainwater to flow through and of such an orientation to allow for the roots of vegetation to easily penetrate the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3R Foam LLC
    Inventors: Fred Svirklys, Dennis Shanklin
  • Patent number: 7311842
    Abstract: A lignocellulose-based anion-adsorbing medium (LAM) and process for making and using same for selectively removing phosphates and arsenic contaminants from aqueous solutions is disclosed. Making the LAM comprises (a) dissociating cations such as Fe and Al, from their counterions by adding a chemical compound containing said cations to water and acidifying; (b) pelletizing a lignocellulose; (c) adsorbing the cations to the lignocellulose by bringing the lignocellulose into contact with the solution of step (a) and incubating; and, (d) exposing the lignocellulose of step (c) to an alkaline fixing agent to replace hydrogens (H) of the hydroxyl groups of the lignocellulose with the adsorbed cations to produce the LAM with a positive charge. The LAM may be used to selectively and cost-effectively remove phosphate and arsenic contaminants from aqueous solutions by retaining them at the Fe or Al on the LAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: H2O Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ju Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7294275
    Abstract: A method of and system for removing phosphorus from wastewater using a waste sludge that has a high affinity for phosphorus. So the waste sludge can be used in a flow-through contact reactor to remove the phosphorus from a wastewater stream, the waste sludge is pelletized. The waste sludge pellets are packed into one or more flow-through contact reactors. In the configuration described herein, phosphorus removal is maximized by flowing the wastewater through the reactor(s) in a “pulsed” manner, rather than continuously. Thus, wastewater is flowed through the reactor(s) for a period of time and stopped for a period of time. By giving the sludge absorbent a rest period, the absorption capacity of the sludge is increased significantly, thus decreasing the frequency of regeneration or replacement of the sludge. Sludge regeneration can be accomplished with a stripping step using an alkaline solution of pH 13, followed by rinsing with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Philip L. Sibrell
  • Patent number: 7288191
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7285215
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process wherein a portion of a mixture of influent waste water and biomass are transferred from a first anaerobic region to a second anaerobic region having a relatively long retention time in order to produce additional very short chain fatty acids therein which are thereafter returned to the first anaerobic region so that biomass therein takes up the very short chain fatty acids. The contents of the first anaerobic region thereafter flow downstream into an aerobic region wherein the biomass takes up phosphorus. A portion of the biomass is returned to the first anaerobic region and a second portion of the biomass is wasted with phosphorus therein, thereby removing phosphorus from the wastewater being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Veatch Corp.
    Inventor: James L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7279100
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating wastewater are described, one method embodiment including the steps of flowing a mixed liquor suspended solids to a high rate clarification stage, forming a clarifier effluent, a first waste activated sludge stream, and a return waste activated sludge stream. The high rate clarifier effluent stream then flows to a membrane stage that includes a membrane media, producing a membrane reject (retentate) stream and a treated effluent (permeate) stream. Optionally, the methods include routing a screened raw wastewater to an anaerobic and/or aerated anoxic stage and introducing a gas comprising oxygen to the wastewater during the aerated anoxic stage, and optionally allowing the product of this stage to flow to an aeration stage prior to the high rate clarification stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ashbrook Simon-Hartley Operations, LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Devine
  • Patent number: 7261811
    Abstract: Biological nutrient removal (BNR) in municipal wastewater treatment to remove carbonaceous substrates, nutrients and phosphorus, has recently become increasingly popular worldwide due to increasingly stringent regulations. Biological fluidized bed (BFB) technology, which could be potentially used for BNR processes, can provide some advantages such as high efficiency and compact structure. This present invention incorporates the fixed-film biological fluidized bed technology with the biological nutrient removal in a liquid-solid circulating fluidized bed, which has achieved the simultaneous elimination of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, in a very efficient manner and with very compact space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: George Nakhla, Jingxu Zhu, Yubo Cui
  • Patent number: 7258790
    Abstract: A controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: David E. Brune, John A. Collier, Thomas E. Schwedler, A. G. Eversole
  • Patent number: 7255794
    Abstract: Toxic waste waters polluted with high levels of chemical byproducts of various industrial processes (e.g., waste water held in industrial holding ponds) are treated using gas hydrate to extract and remove fresh water from the polluted water, thus reducing the volume of toxic waste water inventories. Extracting fresh water by forming and removing the hydrate raises the concentration of dissolved materials in the residual concentrated brines to levels at which the residual fluid is suitable for use as an industrial feedstock. Furthermore, so raising the concentration of the residual brine will cause certain mineral species to precipitate out of solution, which mineral species are separated from the fluid and may be put to other uses, as appropriate. Food products are also advantageously concentrated by means of gas hydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Max, John P. Osegovic
  • Patent number: 7252765
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process wherein a portion of a mixture of influent waste water and biomass are transferred from a first anaerobic region to a second anaerobic region having a relatively long retention time in order to produce additional very short chain fatty acids therein which are thereafter returned to the first anaerobic region so that biomass therein takes up the very short chain fatty acids. The contents of the first anaerobic region thereafter flow downstream into an aerobic region wherein the biomass takes up phosphorus. A portion of the biomass is returned to the first anaerobic region and a second portion of the biomass is wasted with phosphorus therein, thereby removing phosphorus from the wastewater being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Veatch Holding Co.
    Inventor: James L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7208090
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment controls that maintain the ORP of a mixed liquor at a relatively stable value during a wastewater treatment process such as an aerated-anoxic wastewater treatment process. The wastewater treatment control may compare a setpoint value of ORP and a measured value of ORP of the mixed liquor, generate a control signal based at least in part on the comparison, and control a biological nutrient removal control parameter using the control signal. Values corresponding to the control signal may be acquired and utilized to adjust the setpoint value of ORP to maintain stable operating conditions of the wastewater treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Stark Applegate, David W. Dubey
  • Patent number: 7201847
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater sources such as sewer systems or those from pulp and paper mills which contain biomass waste involves adding white rot fungi in the presence of glucose. While glucose may be directly added to the wastewater source, it has been found to be more economical to reduce or substantially remove color from the wastewater by additionally adding brown rot fungi in the presence of cellulose and hemi-cellulose. The addition of bacteria has also been found helpful to improve the reduction in color, biological oxygen demand, as well as chemical oxygen demand in wastewater sludge reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Bowling, Phil Adams
  • Patent number: 7195712
    Abstract: Provided is a wastewater treatment apparatus for removing nitrogen and phosphorus having an anaerobic tank, an anoxic tank, an aerobic tank and a clarifier, wherein the aerobic tank includes has a baffle installed at one side thereof to form a dissolved oxygen reducing zone for reducing the concentration of dissolved oxygen contained in internally recycled wastewater returned from a dissolved oxygen reducing zone while increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen contained in treated effluent supplied from a part other than the dissolved oxygen reducing zone of the aerobic tank to a clarifier in a subsequent stage. Since organic matter present in wastewater is effectively used, the efficiency of removing nitrogen and phosphorus can be increased and the amounts of oxygen required throughout the treatment process and organic matter required for denitrification can be reduced. Also, synthesis of cells of microorganisms is suppressed. Therefore, the repair and maintenance costs can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Bok Park, Jae Jin Lee, Yong Dae Jeong, Gyung Hae Aoh
  • Patent number: 7182872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing waste. In one embodiment, the method is preferably carried out by contacting the phosphorus containing waste with a non-cellular membrane and precipitating phosphorus from the waste as struvite. Another aspect of the invention includes a method of removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing sewage comprising filtrates and biosolids. The removal of phosphorus as struvite occurs in two stages as primary and secondary removal. In the primary removal process, the sewage from a dewatering unit is contacted with a first polymeric membrane reactor and the phosphorus is removed as primary struvite. Subsequently Mg is added so as promote struvite formation and the secondary removal process of struvite. In the secondary removal process, the sewage from GBT Filtrate well or Centrifuge Liquor well is contacted with a second monomolecular membrane and the phosphorus is removed as secondary struvite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Phillip W. Barak, Menachem E. Tabanpour, Mauricio Avila-Segura, Juliane M. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7172699
    Abstract: In a wastewater treatment plant, the liquid side of the plant has preferably four stages for nitrification and/or denitrification, prior to further treatment such as a clarifier. Energy requirements are reduced by reducing aeration requirements. Four or more tanks/zones comprise serial anoxic and aerobic stages, but in the anoxic stages simultaneous nitrification/denitrification takes place in accordance with the known process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,746. By this arrangement the system can achieve a volume ratio of about 20% aerobic tankage to the total tankage volume, as compared to a much higher ratio in a typical prior art system of serial aerobic/anoxic stages, and greatly reducing aeration requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eimco Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hiren K. Trivedi, James Porteous
  • Patent number: 7166227
    Abstract: A method of treating, in wastewater purification, sludge containing organic matter, divalent iron and phosphorus, in which the sludge that is treated is made to contain dissolved iron and phosphorus at a molar ratio Fe:P of above 1:1, the sludge is treated at 0–100° C. with an acid at a pH of 1–5 for dissolution of divalent iron and phosphorus from the sludge, the sludge is supplied with an oxidizer selected from hydrogen peroxide and percompounds, wherein divalent iron is oxidized by Fenton's reaction to trivalent iron, and (i) trivalent iron is precipitated as trivalent iron phosphate (ii) free radicals with a deodorization and sanitation effect are formed by Fenton's reaction, the sludge is then dewatered at a pH of at most 7, and the aqueous solution obtained in dewatering is recirculated to the wastewater purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kemira Kemi AB
    Inventors: Göran Karlsson, Ingemar Karsson, Lennart Pettersson, Michael Recktenwald
  • Patent number: 7156998
    Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence K. Reid
  • Patent number: 7147778
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided that includes first and second reactors, each operative to nitrify or denitrify wastewater contained therein. Downstream from the first and second reactors is a membrane reactor that operates under aerobic conditions and includes one or more submersed membranes for separating solids. Extending between the membrane reactor and each of the first and second reactors is a return activated sludge line with appropriate controls for permitting return activated sludge to be directed to one of the reactors at a time. To nitrify and denitrify wastewater, a wastewater influent stream is alternatively directed to the anoxic reactors which are alternatively operated under aerobic and anoxic conditions so as to nitrify or denitrify the wastewater contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: I. Kruger Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. DiMassimo, Sun-Nan Hong, Hong Zhao, Luther Wood
  • Patent number: 7135116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a wastewater comprising an ammonium ion species and a phosphorus ion species. The process comprises the steps of: (i) treating the effluent in a first stage of the process to convert the phosphorus to a phosphorus-containing salt; (ii) treating the wastewater in a second stage of the process to convert the ammonium ion species to gaseous ammonia; (iii) removing the struvite and/or other phosphorous containing salts from the effluent; and (iv) removing the gaseous ammonia from the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth Haggerty
  • Patent number: 7108792
    Abstract: Agents are used as cleaning agents and also as agents to purify the water in water treatment plants. The agents are a mixture of phosphates and fatty acid salts. Precipitation agents are used such as, polyvalent metals. The pH is adjusted. Flocking agents can be used to increase the rate of separation. The purified water is removed after precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Wegner
  • Patent number: 7087170
    Abstract: A system for treating wastewater containing organic compounds is provided, comprising an anaerobic bioreactor, an aerobic bioreactor disposed rearwardly of the anaerobic bioreactor, and a membrane separation reactor disposed rearwardly of the aerobic bioreactor. The system is capable of removing organic pollutants in wastewater through biological treatment process and separating solid from the liquid ones by using a membrane. By employing the system for treating wastewater containing organic pollutants, organic pollutants can be effectively eliminated and the problem of scaling and fouling on the surface of the membrane prevented, thus achieving the objectives of lowering cost and improving efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Huey Song You, Ming Jing Perage, Sheng Shin Chang, Yih Chang Chen, Shwu Huey Perng
  • Patent number: 7063804
    Abstract: Compositions including alum and a smectite mineral material for the clarification of bodies of water by removal of dissolved solids, dissolved organic materials and other anions such as fluoride and chloride as well as the removal of total phosphorus from such bodies of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Landis, Steven Reed Gray
  • Patent number: 7048859
    Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to clarify substantially aqueous streams and optionally separate biosolids, especially proteins, from food processing operations which comprises contacting an aqueous stream comprising biosolids with an anionic inorganic colloid and an organic polymer to flocculate the biosolids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Robert Harvey Moffett
  • Patent number: 7033503
    Abstract: Disclosed are efficient municipal wastewater treatment apparatus and process characterized in that the nitrogen is removed by nitrification and denitrification reaction in the cyclic aeration reactor wherein Anaerobic state, Anoxic state and Oxic state are change into time concept in a single reactor, and the untreated organic materials are further removed by the 24-hour-continuous reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Korean Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Wan Cheol Park, Tae Hyung Kim, Seung Ho Lee, Chang Ju Lee, Mi Ae Lee
  • Patent number: 7029589
    Abstract: A method or process of treating a contaminated fluid (10) having at least one contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being volatile, hazardous, tacky and a combination thereof is provided. The method comprises contacting the contaminated fluid with an effective amount of an agent (12) selected from oxidizing agents, free radical producing agents and a combination thereof for an effective amount of time to convert a substantial amount of the at least one contaminant to at least one corresponding modified contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being non-volatile, less volatile than the converted contaminant non-hazardous, less hazardous than the converted contaminant, non-tacky and a combination thereof; and generating a treated fluid (14) having a level of the at least one contaminant and of the at least one corresponding modified contaminant to allow the treated fluid to at least meet requirements for release, reuse or further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Michael P. McGinness
  • Patent number: 7029588
    Abstract: My invention provides an oxidizing solution and process for the in situ oxidation of contaminants, including hydrocarbon, organic, bacterial, phosphonic acid, and other contaminants, the contaminants being found in various surfaces and media, including soil, sludge, and water. In a preferred embodiment, the solution includes a peroxygen compound, such as hydrogen peroxide, in solution with a pre-mixed solution of a carboxylic acid and a halogen salt, such as glycolic acid and sodium bromide, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
  • Patent number: 7018543
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a waste water treating method and a waste water treating apparatus which are capable of treating for-treatment water containing a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound at low costs and efficiently. The waste water treating method is a waste water treating method for treating a nitrogen compound (nitrate nitrogen) and a phosphorus compound (phosphate ions) in for-treatment water by electrolysis as an electrochemical process, the method comprises a first treating step of immersing a pair of electrodes in the for-treatment water at least partially so as to treat the for-treatment water by electrolysis, one of the electrodes being a cathode made of a conductive material and the other of the electrodes being an anode made of iron, and a second treating step of treating the for-treatment water with hypochlorous acid, ozone or active oxygen after completion of the first treating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Mineo Ikematsu, Naoki Hiro, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 7014768
    Abstract: A process for removal and recovery of nutrients and recycling of water from digested manure or other organic wastes. A first step involves separating waste from an anaerobic digester into digested liquids, digested solids, and biogas. A second step involves precipitating solids from the digested liquids. A third step involves stripping ammonia from the digested liquids. A fourth step involves injecting an exhaust stream of carbon dioxide drawn from the co-generator into the digested liquids to reduce the pH and raise the temperature of the digested liquid. A fifth step involves recycling the digested liquids back to the anaerobic digester for use in diluting in coming solid wastes. A sixth step involves passing the excess ammonia stripped from the digested liquid through the digested solids to recover nitrogen through aborption with the resultant digested solids being usable as a biofertilizer with a high nitrogen content. A seventh step involves capturing the biogas for use in a co-generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaomei Li, Le Zeng, Earl August Jenson
  • Patent number: 7014776
    Abstract: Pollutants, such as heavy metals, phosphorus, and pathogenic organisms, are removed from water by adding a chemical coagulant to the water within an enclosure. The water and the coagulant are mixed, and coagulation and flocculation are permitted to occur. The mixing is stopped, and a floc is permitted to settle to the enclosure bottom. The floc contains the pollutant; so the treated water above the floc is free from at least some of the pollutant. At least some of the treated water is removed from the enclosure, and new water is added to the enclosure. The new water and the settled floc are mixed to resuspend components of the floc. The process is repeated for multiple iterations, until the floc no longer exhibits contaminant-removal capability, at which time the floc is removed from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas A. DeBusk
  • Patent number: 7011757
    Abstract: A process that removes nitrogen by the MLE Process or nitrogen and phosphorus by the Bio-P Process from municipal or industrial wastewaters by combining at least one dual-use jet recirculation pump with jet manifolds disposed at the bottoms of deep tanks functioning as Reactors to withdraw mixed liquor from a flow-connected tank and mixed liquor from a downstream tank in selected amounts, both mixed liquors being pumped to the jet manifold within the flow-connected tank that mixes the contents of the tank, whereby higher operating costs for electric power and higher capital costs for larger pumps and piping are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Patent number: 7005072
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing phosphorus from a wastewater effluent stream from a hog waste lagoon. The wastewater effluent is introduced to the bottom of an inverted cone-shaped continuous crystallizer including a fluidized bed of struvite therein. An effective amount of ammonia is introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer to elevate the pH of wastewater effluent a predetermined amount. An effective amount of magnesium is also introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer. The composition adjusted wastewater effluent is then continuously passed upwardly through the fluidized bed of struvite to reduce the total phosphorus content of the wastewater effluent a predetermined amount of up to about 80% or more. The treated wastewater effluent stream is removed from the top of the crystallizer, and struvite crystals that grow large enough to sink from the bottom of the crystallizer are periodically removed from a collection chamber therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Keith E. Bowers, Philip W. Westerman
  • Patent number: 7001519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated closed loop system for aquaculture in at least one culturing tank and using continuous bioreactor technology for the biological treatment and removal of organic material, nitrogen and phosphorous, comprising: an integrated, partially or wholly closed loop system for waste water treatment, where the water contains nitrogen containing compounds and/or substances, comprising at least one production unit of such nitrogen containing compounds and/or substances and using continuous bioreactor technology for the biological treatment and removal of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous from the said water at continuous flow, comprising: a) at least one suspended carrier bioreactor for bacterial growth under anoxic conditions to cause anaerobic denitrification, with one or several compartments, preceding b) at least one suspended-carrier bioreactor for bacterial growth under oxic conditions to cause aerobic nitrification, c) the denitrification taking place after the p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Greenfish AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Linden, Torsten Wik
  • Patent number: 7001534
    Abstract: Compositions including pellets of alum, a smectite mineral material, and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate, that can be delivered to a phosphate impoundment located at or near the bottom of a body of water. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate are dropped in a body of water, and the alum is released over time, as the pellet descends to the bottom of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Landis, Danny Oaks, Ricky P. Rothermel, Robert A. Harvey, Steven Reed Gray