Phosphorus Containing Patents (Class 210/906)

Cross-Reference Art Collections

Phosphate slimes (Class 210/907)
  • Patent number: 6984323
    Abstract: This is a method of waste treatment in tall reactors having with anaerobic biological stage in the lower section of the reactor and another treatment stage in the upper section of the reactor, these stages are separated by an essentially horizontal partition. Presurized digestion gases generated in the anaerobic section are collected under the partition. The process is further improved by providing a recuperable alkalinity and stripping of biologically generated carbon dioxide. so that the free carbon dioxide concentratioon in the anaerobic mixed liquor is very low and a methane-rich digestion gas is produced. Production of pressurized methane-rich digestion gas is the major benefit of the process. Ather improvements are in the controllable gaslift mixing with gases other than digestion gases, improved process performance with increasing operating temperatures due to bioheating, and improved solid-liquid separation due to the use of the distillation techniques making use of the bioheating and heat recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Boris M. Khudenko
  • Patent number: 6982036
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater to increase effluent volatile fatty acid content consisting of providing wastewater to a primary treatment vessel and adding a select quantity of a chemical, typically an aluminum or iron salt, to the wastewater, enhancing the separation of organic matter. Separated organic matter is then removed from the chemically treated wastewater forming a primary sludge and a primary effluent. A portion of the primary sludge is fermented to form a volatile fatty acid rich liquor. The volatile fatty acid rich liquor may then be used with the primary effluent, directed to a bioreactor, thereby forming a volatile fatty acid enriched bioreactor feed. The volatile fatty acid enriched influent may be further treated through known biological phosphorous and nitrogen removal methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6960303
    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 the bottom of a body of water at the bottom. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate are dropped through the body of water so that the alum is released when the pellet reaches the bottom of the impoundment thereby treating the phosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Landis, Danny Oaks, Ricky P. Rothermel, Robert A. Harvey, Steven Reed Gray
  • Patent number: 6946076
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing phosphate from swimming pool waters are disclosed. The compositions include both soluble and substantially insoluble lanthanide carboxylates, preferred examples being lanthanum glycolate and lactate. The methods include the addition of the lanthanide compounds to the bulk of the pool water, but preferably involve the loading of the pool filter with the composition and the circulation of pool water through the filter to effect the removal of dissolved phosphate in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignees: Dudley Mills Pty Ltd., Innovez Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Dudley John Mills
  • Patent number: 6946073
    Abstract: Removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater yielding a low phosphorous (e.g., less than 0.25 mg/L) output includes providing a serial multistage bioreactor containing activated sludge having in hydraulic series an anaerobic zone and a downstream aerobic zone, with each zone having an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. The wastewater is provided to the anaerobic zone inlet. A quantity of chemical sufficient to precipitate soluble and particulate phosphorous is added to the downstream aerobic zone in an amount sufficient to yield a low phosphorous output. Treated water is separated from the activated sludge and precipitated phosphorous and a return activated sludge separated from the treated water is recycled to the anaerobic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Edwin J. Fleischer, Albert M. Wollmann
  • Patent number: 6926830
    Abstract: A new biofilm-activated sludge Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) treatment process for sewage or wastewater has successfully been developed as the third generation SBR (SBR3). This new SBR3 process utilizes a multi-stage and multi-sludge SBR configuration receiving either continuous or intermittent inflow of wastewater. Each stage has individually controlled continuous or alternating anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic operation, with or without mixing and recycling from the other stage(s). The configuration and operation is dependent upon the treatment objectives and effluent discharge requirements. In the preferred embodiment, carriers are used to facilitate control of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Kingsford Environmental (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Kin Man Ho, Paul F. Greenfield, W. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6923913
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment product prepared from seaweed and a process for the treatment of wastewater. In a first step, seaweed is mixed with a preservative, micro-nutrient, oxygen-containing, and antifungal component. In the second step, the product of the first step is then mixed with a humic acid additive along with an oxygen-based component and a lactobacillus/aloe component to achieve the final product. This final product is then spread over the surface of the wastewater in sufficient quantities to see a reduction in the BOD, TSS, ammonia, and phosphorus, while at the time minimizing the amount of sludge removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: William E. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6923917
    Abstract: The subject invention is related to a method for removing bio-available phosphorus from animal waste and soil using an industrial byproduct from a metal manufacturing process. The byproduct is used to treat organic waste, such as animal waste and poultry litter, and immobilize bio-available phosphorus present in them. The byproduct is also used to treat organic waste to produce fertilizers, which are used to amend the soil and control the level of phosphorous present in the soil. The disclosed method strikes a balance between providing enough nutrients to the soil to grow crops, while preventing loss of phosphorous to surface water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventor: Kristen J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6916426
    Abstract: A method of treating an animal waste slurry so as to efficiently extract nutrients, and which can be performed in a zero-discharge system, comprises flocculating the slurry, processing, e.g. filtering, the flocculated slurry to separate liquid from solid material, drying the solid material, processing the liquid to extract ammonium, phosphorous and potassium from the slurry, all within 24 hours, and preferably on average within 12 hours, of production of the waste material by animals. Since the urates of potassium and ammonium in the slurry take a few hours to break down, they remain in crystalline form and therefore a larger portion of the total amount of potassium and ammonium in the slurry can be extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: ATD Waste Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Van Slyke, Hubert Timmenga, Steve Helle, Paul Watkinson, Xiaotao Bi
  • Patent number: 6913699
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and device for selectively removing at least one functionalized organic compound present in a liquid medium. More specifically the present invention is useful for removing functionalized organic compounds, that may accumulate in the mixture of extractant and diluent, used in processes for reprocessing nuclear fuel or processes for cleaning and decontaminating nuclear power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: Philippe Moisy, Pierre Blanc, Frédérique Rey-Gaurez, Sergey Nikitenko
  • Patent number: 6893567
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems and processes for: removal of solids, pathogens, nitrogen, and phosphorus from municipal and agricultural wastewater include nitrification of wastewater and increasing the pH of the nitrified wastewater by adding a metallic-containing salt and hydroxide to precipitate phosphorus to form a useable effluent having a specified nitrogen:phosphorus ratio that is useful as a fertilizer or spray for remediation of contaminated soils. The presence of infectious microorganism such as enteropathogenic bacteria and picarnoviruses will be reduced in the useable effluent. The precipitated phosphorus is recovered and used to form useable phosphorus products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Matias B. Vanotti, Ariel A. Szogi, Patrick G. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6881346
    Abstract: Compositions including alum, a smectite material and optionally one or more of a buffer and an algaecide coating or additives 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. The compositions are designed to be delivered to concentrated or impounded phosphorus located at the bottom of various bodies of water and may be produced in various physical forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Landis, Steven R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6875362
    Abstract: There are proposed a waste water treating method, a waste water treating appratus and a waste water treating system which are capable of treating a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound in the same treating vessel and treating waste water containing a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound efficiently. The waste water treating method is a method for treating a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound in for-treatment water by an electrochemical process, wherein a metal material constituting a cathode is a conductive material, a conductive material constituting an anode is an insoluble material or carbon, and there is carried out at lease one of a step of adding calcium chloride to the for-treatment water and a step of immersing an iron material in the for-treatment water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hiro, Noriyuki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6858142
    Abstract: A polluted water treatment system 10 operated to reduce impurities in sewerage polluted water to an acceptable level for dumping. The system includes a horizontal subsurface filter (HSF) 12 having an inlet zone 18 through which the inflow of polluted water is permitted to pass, a treatment zone 20 which permits the polluted water to undergo treatment by removal of at least some of the impurities of the polluted water and an outlet zone 22 from which the treated polluted water flows from the HSF 12. The impurities may include, for example, organic materials (BOD and COD) and oxidization processes within the HSF may reduce the quantity of the nitrites that are dumped from the outflow zone 22. The outlet zone 22 also includes a collection well 28 having a pump 30 located therein to recycle the treated effluent back to either the inlet zone 18 of the HSF 12 or to a secondary vertical filter 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rootzone Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Philip Towndrow
  • Patent number: 6846432
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing phosphate from swimming pool waters are disclosed. The compositions include both soluble and substantially insoluble lanthanide carboxylates, preferred examples being lanthanum glycolate and lactate. The methods include the addition of the lanthanide compounds to the bulk of the pool water, but preferably involve the loading of the pool filter with the composition and the circulation of pool water through the filter to effect the removal of dissolved phosphate in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignees: Innovez Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Dudley John Mills
  • Patent number: 6830689
    Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Sun-Nam Hong, Hong W. Zhao, Richard W. DiMassimo
  • Publication number: 20040222150
    Abstract: A multi-phase process for removing phosphorus from wastewater in a triple ditch or triple basin system where wastewater influent is sequentially directed to each of the three basins or ditches, sometimes referred to as first and second outer basins and an intermediate basin. During each phase of the process, the mixed liquor in at least one of the basins is subject to settling. In one or more phases of the process, the mixed liquor, in certain basins, is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic treatment. Anaerobic treatment results in the growth or proliferation of phosphorus storing microorganisms. These phosphorus-storing microorganisms take up phosphorus when the mixed liquor is subjected to aerobic conditions. One of the basins, the intermediate basin, can be designed to have a volume greater than either of the first or second outer basins. Further, the triple basin or triple ditch system is designed to transfer mixed liquor suspended solids or biomass from one basin to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Sun-Nan Hong, Hong W. Zhao, Richard W. DiMassimo
  • Patent number: 6814871
    Abstract: A process for removing pollutants from aqueous streams is disclosed. The process involves contacting the stream with a shaped ion exchange composite to remove ammonium and phosphate ions. The composite is a mixture of an anion exchange composition such as zirconia and a microporous cation exchange composition formed into a shaped article and optionally containing a binder such as hydrous zirconium oxide. The microporous cation exchangers are represented by the empirical formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David S. Bem, Richard R. Willis, Daniel L. Ellig
  • Patent number: 6808629
    Abstract: A process for purifying wastewater including the step: a) rating the tanks and the aeration means on the basis of the lowest pollution load, referred to as the low load, which corresponds to the plant load during dry weather; b) running the plant during dry weather, or at low load, according to the nitrogen treatment method in a tank with biological dephosphatation; c) running the plant during wet weather, or at high load, by performing the physicochemical phosphorus treatment technique and the nitrogen treatment technique in two tanks, and d) controlling the plant by detecting the load situation it is in (high load or low load) and to adapt the operating configuration of the tanks to the actual load situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventors: Katia Wouters-Wasiak, Olivier Huber, Frédéric Dupont, Daniel Demain
  • Patent number: 6805802
    Abstract: Process muds are de-watered by the addition of high clay alumina. The clay is mixed with plant sludges or muds so as to cause flocculation of the solid particles, and separating the water from the solid materials, as by filtration. Various polymers and/or alum process residues can be added as well. In addition to de-watering plant sludges, this method also reduces color, and reduces the total organic carbon as well as heavy metals, from the filtered water. This permits disposal of the water to public waterways with no additional treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: General Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Bruce Lind, Raymond T. Pettyjohn
  • Patent number: 6790358
    Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds in an inert, non-reactive or reactive liquid such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced by at least a factor of 5 using liquid purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon. The moisture level of the purified reactive liquid is only slightly higher than that of the contaminated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans H. Funke, Robert Torres, Jr., Carrie L. Wyse
  • Publication number: 20040154989
    Abstract: Calcium nitrate, which is known to have the effect of inhibiting elution of phosphorus contained as insoluble substance in sludge in rivers, lakes and coasts in a reducing environment, can be applied not by injection of an aqueous solution of calcium nitrate, but by putting it in a solid form. An agent for inhibiting elution of phosphorus is proposed which comprises calcium nitrate as the major component (10-30%), calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate (a total of 50-90%), and stearic acid or its salt (1-20%) as a hydrophobic substance for delaying elution of the calcium salt, and sucrose fatty acid isobutyl or paraoxy isobutyl benzoate (1-20%) as a binder, and the composition is pressed in a mold into tablets or briquette. The application into sludge by use of an air gun is preferable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyoharu Hamasaki, Hironobu Hirasawa, Noboru Yamada
  • Patent number: 6773596
    Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of effluent with activated sludge in suspension, for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus and for simultaneous sludge stabilization. An activated chamber has a fermentation zone, a denitrification zone and a nitrification zone, whereby the fermentation zone and the denitrification zone in the activated chamber, are separated by scum boards and overflow barriers in the direction of flow, providing ascending flow and descending flow chambers in the anaerobic fermentation zone and the denitrification zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Ladislav Penzes, Juraj Csefalvay
  • Patent number: 6764599
    Abstract: A method reduces levels of waterborne disease organisms, parasites and other infectious agents in open waters reducing their spread and improving it for man's uses. Large numbers of bivalve mollusks are used to filter infectious agents from moving water. The bivalve mollusks then process these agents by extracellular digestion, intracellular digestion or, encapsulation within the bivalve's feces or pseudofeces. The destruction of infectious agents is enhanced by sedimentation and the activities of benthic infauna. These benthic organisms may feed on the infectious agents or help to bury them by their burrowing activities. Additional sedimented material achieves sequestration and entombment of surviving infectious agents. The bivalve mollusks in the aquaculture system are harvested and disinfected destroying more of the infectious agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Circle C Oyster Ranchers Association, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Pelz
  • Patent number: 6758976
    Abstract: A simplified process for the partial purification of contaminated phosphoric acid plant pond water having a molar calcium plus magnesium to fluorine ratio greater than or equal to about 0.60, is described, in which the pond water is treated with a basic compound, clarified, aged, clarified again and re-acidified. The thus treated pond water, still containing the majority of the phosphate originally present, can then be concentrated via the removal of essentially pure water, using any conventional means of concentration, without the formation of solid precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: IMC Global Operations Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Michalski, Kenneth J. Jardine, Vaughn V. Astley
  • Patent number: 6758977
    Abstract: A process for the partial purification of contaminated phosphoric acid plant pond water is described, in which the pond water is treated sequentially, with two basic compounds, clarified, aged, clarified again and re-acidified. The thus treated pond water, still containing the majority of the phosphate originally present, can then be concentrated via the removal of essentially pure water, using any conventional means of concentration, without the formation of solid precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: IMC Global Operations Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Michalski, Kenneth J. Jardine, Vaughn V. Astley
  • Patent number: 6758973
    Abstract: A method and means for cleaning surface or waste water in which the water is supplied to a sludge separator (14) for the separation of suspendable material. After the sludge separator the water is supplied to a biostep filter in which pollution is deposited at at least one filter body (42, 48) of permeable material of a type on which a bioskin may grow to create microprocesses without the permeability decreases and thereafter further to a sorbent filter (28, 40), whereby the water after this flows to a recipient. A pump (24, 124) is connected to the plant, preferably between the biostep filter (18, 42) and the sorbent filter (28, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Pontus Schwalbe
  • Patent number: 6716357
    Abstract: A method of removing phosphoric acid contained in wastewater which comprises comprehensively immobilizing calcium or a compound thereof with a solid polymer optionally together with magnetite and contacting the calcium-containing polymer with the wastewater to react the phosphoric acid contained in the wastewater with the calcium and thereby yield calcium apatite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Maekawa, Kazuo Fujita
  • Patent number: 6712970
    Abstract: In the liquid side of sewage treatment process, a combination aerobic/anoxic stage is closely monitored such that phosphorus can be removed as well as nitrogen. As in a known process, the aerobic/anoxic stage is monitored as to a coenzyme of the active bacteria. When the bacteria of flocs within this stage show a switch to anaerobic condition via such coenzyme, the low dissolved oxygen level in the stage is maintained for a preselected period of time or to a preselected extent of the anaerobic condition, before oxygen is added. This somewhat brief anaerobic condition within the flocs is sufficient to release significant amounts of phosphorus into the liquid. When aeration then is increased, enhanced biological phosphorus uptake is effected. A small aerobic stage is included after the aerobic/anoxic stage to ensure maximum phosphorus uptake, and in one embodiment this stage includes a membrane separator, allowing downstream secondary clarification to be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Enviroquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiren K. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 6706185
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the biological removal of phosphorus, in which raw water is introduced into the anaerobic tank 11, together with returned sludge from the sludge return pipe 14. Some of the water in the anaerobic tank 11 is sent to the solid/liquid separating device 16 and the rest is sent to the aerobic tank 12. Some of the water which contains the released phosphorus in the anaerobic tank 11 is sent via the pipe 15 to the second solid/liquid separating device 16, and subjected to a solid/liquid separation treatment. The separated water fraction is sent to the phosphorus-removing apparatus 17 and the phosphorus is removed. Some of the solid fraction is introduced into the anaerobic tank 11. The remainder is sent from the pipe 19 to the solubilizing tank 20 and subjected to a solubilizing treatment, and then it is returned to the anaerobic tank 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Rajeev Goel, Hidenari Yasui
  • Patent number: 6706197
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing phosphorous in a body of water. This method comprises calcining a plurality of rocks and collecting carbon dioxide formed as a result of the calcining process; crushing the plurality of calcined rocks; pumping source water from the body of water into to a plurality of retaining cells; flocculating the phosphorus in the source water by introducing the plurality of calcined rocks into the source water in the retaining cells; settling out a phosphorous precipitate formed by the flocculating act; adjusting the pH level of the flocculated source water to a predetermined range of values by pumping carbon dioxide created by the calcining of the rocks into the source water to created treated water; and transferring the treated water back to the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Palm Beach Aggregates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Emenhiser
  • Patent number: 6692641
    Abstract: A system to control nutrients, suspended algae, and filamentous algae in lakes, ponds, and estuaries includes a structure for containing macrophytic vegetation. One embodiment segregates a column of water within a body of water desired for remediation and shields the water column from sunlight sufficiently to kill phytoplankton therein, the lysis thereof releasing nutrients. The released nutrients are sequestered, and remediated water is replaced in the water column with water from the body of water. Floating or submerged macrophytes can be introduced in combination with shading and induced water movement to optimize nutrient uptake by the macrophytes. Water column shading may also be achieved by the macrophytes themselves, or by other means. The macrophytes can include floating aquatic plants, such as water hyacinths, submerged aquatic plants, and terrestrial or aquatic plants caused to float artificially. The invention also deals with toxic algae in a safe and sequestered way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. DeBusk, David L. Haselow
  • Patent number: 6692642
    Abstract: A process is provided for full treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Waste Management Systems
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin
  • Publication number: 20030226803
    Abstract: A process for treating organic wastewater which comprises treating organic wastewater with ozone and successively with alkali and introducing said alkali treated organic wastewater into an anaerobic digestion tank for anaerobic digestion. Instead of the ozone and successive alkali treatments, ozone treatment in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or ozone treatment under UV radiation is applicable. Prior to introduction into the anaerobic digestion tank, the treated wastewater may be separated into solids and phosphorus is preferably recovered from the solution. Solubilization of solids in the organic wastewater and transformation of organic substances into methane are greatly enhanced and sludge to be disposed is greatly reduced. Moreover, phosphorus is efficiently eluted out and recovered from solids in the organic wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsibishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kamiya, Junji Hirotsuji, Nozomu Yasunaga, Seiji Furukawa, Naoki Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 6656367
    Abstract: A method for estimating incoming pollution loads during operation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant involves the step of continuously measuring the conductivity and turbidity of the raw water to be treated. The concentration of a pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the measured conductivity and turbidity. The flow rate of the raw water to be treated is also continuously measured. The load of the pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the estimated concentration of the pollutant and the measured flow rate. The estimated pollutant load allows adjustment of downstream treatment for eliminating the estimated total load of the pollutant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ondeo Services
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Audic, Philippe Caulet, Rémy Gerard, Myriam Lefebure
  • Patent number: 6656363
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for eliminating organophosphorus compounds contained in a gas or liquid whereby said gas or liquid is contacted with alumina and/or titanium oxide. According to one aspect of the present invention, a process is provided for disposing of a trivalent and/or pentavalent organophosphorus compound which comprises at least one carbon atom and is contained in a liquid. The process comprises contacting the liquid with titanium oxide and/or alumina, the alumina having a specific surface of at least 70 m2/g and a total pore volume of at least 0.3 cm3/g. The alumina and/or titanium dioxide can be doped with alkaline metals, alkaline-earth metals and/or rare earths. The organophosphorus compound can include phosphines, phosphinites, phosphites, phosphonites, phosphinates and phosphonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Christophe Nedez, Dominique Laucher
  • Publication number: 20030217968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the biological removal of phosphorus, in which raw water is introduced into the anaerobic tank 11, together with returned sludge from the sludge return pipe 14. Some of the water in the anaerobic tank 11 is sent to the solid/liquid separating device 16 and the rest is sent to the aerobic tank 12. Some of the water which contains the released phosphorus in the anaerobic tank 11 is sent via the pipe 15 to the second solid/liquid separating device 16, and subjected to a solid/liquid separation treatment. The separated water fraction is sent to the phosphorus-removing apparatus 17 and the phosphorus is removed. Some of the solid fraction is introduced into the anaerobic tank 11. The remainder is sent from the pipe 19 to the solubilizing tank 20 and subjected to a solubilizing treatment, and then it is returned to the anaerobic tank 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Rajeev Goel, Hidenari Yasui
  • Patent number: 6652756
    Abstract: A method of purifying sewage is described. The method relates to purifying sewage in sewage systems which comprise a toilet, by adding a precipitant for precipitation of phosphates and for binding organic substances. The method is characterized in that the precipitant is selected from the group consisting of iron salts and aluminum salts, such as sulphates, chlorides and nitrates and is adapted to be flushed with water in the toilet bowl when flushing. In the method, the sewage from the toilet is preferably conducted to a sludge separator through an outlet pipe which leads to the lower part of the sludge separator below its outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kemira Kemi AB
    Inventor: Lars Gillberg
  • Patent number: 6645374
    Abstract: An apparatus to transfer gas to or from a liquid has a flexible and oxygen permeable but liquid water impermeable membrane, a flexible and gas permeable spacer, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a non-rigid restraint system. When used for treating wastewater, an aerobic biofilm is cultured adjacent the planar elements, an anoxic biofilm is cultivated adjacent the aerobic biofilm and the wastewater is maintained in an anaerobic state. A first reactor for treating wastewater has an anaerobic section, a plurality of gas transfer membrane modules, and an aerobic section. A biofilm is cultivated on the surface of the gas transfer membranes in fluid communication with the anaerobic section. Biological reduction of COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorous are achieved. In a second reactor, phosphorous is also removed chemically in a precipitation branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Cote, Steven Pedersen, Henry Behmann, Hidayat Husain, Deonarine Phagoo
  • Publication number: 20030196965
    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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Haggerty
  • Patent number: 6630067
    Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Wen K. Shieh, Leon Weiss, Shu K. Tai
  • Publication number: 20030183572
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the treatment of effluent with activated sludge in suspension, for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus and for simultaneous sludge stabilisation. An activated chamber (5, 6) is provided with a fermentation zone (5), a denitrification zone (6) and a nitrification zone (7), whereby the fermentation zone (5) and the denitrification zone (6) in the activated chamber (5, 6), are separated by scum boards (3) and overflow barriers (4) in the direction of flow, giving rise to ascending flow and descending flow chambers in the anaerobic fermentation zone (5) and the denitrification zone (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Ladislav Penzes, Juraj Csefalvay
  • Patent number: 6623642
    Abstract: Phosphate-contaminated water passes through a domestic sewage treatment system, in which oxidation of the ammonium progresses far enough to cause a lowering of the pH to 5 or less. The water is passed over sand grains coated with aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite). Enough Al3+ ions enter solution, at the low pH, to cause all the phosphate-P to precipitate as aluminum phosphate, and nothing else precipitates other than the aluminum phosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Centre for Research in Earth and Space Technology
    Inventor: William Dean Robertson
  • Patent number: 6620396
    Abstract: A method of recovering elementary phosphorus from an aqueous sludge containing about 1 to about 15 wt % dispersed particles of phosphorus is disclosed. To the sludge is added about 1 to about 20 wt %, based on the weight of the phosphorus present in said sludge, of a phosphate salt that has the general formula: where R is an alkali metal or ammonium and n is 0 to 30. The phosphorus in the sludge is melted and the solids in the sludge are separated from liquid phosphorus and water. Liquid phosphorus is then separated from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Glenn Springs Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohan S. Saran
  • Patent number: 6605219
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use with a conventional septic tank, or other small-scale wastewater treatment facility, for enhancing wastewater treatment without requiring complex control or maintenance limitations. The system incorporates a plurality of primary functions that combine to oxidize, nitrify, denitrify and remove water borne total dissolved solids prior to effluent discharge. Included is a fluidized-bed reactor containing biofilm attached to carrier particulates for use in the purification of wastewater. The fluidized-bed reactor is configured to include two distinct regions, namely a “lower” aerobic region and an “upper” anoxic region, during normal operating conditions. The lower aerobic region uses aerobic facultative bacteria to oxidize Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), organic (Kjeldahl) nitrogen, and ammonia while consuming the dissolved oxygen in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Russell E. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20030141259
    Abstract: A method of phosphorous reduction in stormwater runoff using iron humate, such as in the form of a filter, a layered filter bed, a stacked wall or a liner. The stormwater (fluid) runoff is sent to a fluid retention area such as a retention pond, wetland reservoir or the like where the runoff is filtered through iron humate. While the runoff is filtered, the iron humate absorbs or chemically retains the phosphorous in the runoff to produce filtered runoff with a reduced level of phosphorous. In an alternate embodiment, the runoff can be pumped from a retention pond into a iron humate filter where the runoff is filtered. In another alternate embodiment, the iron humate filter may be placed in a trench below ground to intercept and filter groundwater flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Madrid
  • Patent number: 6592757
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a wastewater contact tank that is broken into three distinct zones: a selector zone positioned between a stabilization zone and a contact zone. The entire influent is introduced into the selector zone which is maintained in an anoxic condition. Baffles positioned within the selector zone permit control of microorganisms levels present in the zone. The wastewater introduced into the selector zone and treated via the microorganisms present therein, flows over a weir into the contact zone. In the contact zone, the solids suspended in the liquor (the mixture of the wastewater and activated sludge) settle to the bottom and pass through a line which returns it to the selector zone. The return line, however, includes a valve which controls the rate of passage. The treated wastewater (which includes waste activated sludge and treated water) passes from the contact zone into the clarifiers for final processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami M. Nasr
  • Patent number: 6592762
    Abstract: A process for treating BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater. The process includes introducing 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 mixed liquor is introduced into an oxygen-deficit aeration zone, and denitrified mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone is recycled to the anaerobic zone for mixing therein with wastewater. The process also includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone, transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a settling zone wherein a supernatant is separated from settled sludge and recycling at least a portion of the settled sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030127397
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing phosphorous in a body of water. This method comprises calcining a plurality of rocks and collecting carbon dioxide formed as a result of the calcining process; crushing the plurality of calcined rocks; pumping source water from the body of water into to a plurality of retaining cells; flocculating the phosphorus in the source water by introducing the plurality of calcined rocks into the source water in the retaining cells; settling out a phosphorous precipitate formed by the flocculating act; adjusting the pH level of the flocculated source water to a predetermined range of values by pumping carbon dioxide created by the calcining of the rocks into the source water to created treated water; and transferring the treated water back to the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Palm Beach Aggregates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Emenhiser
  • Patent number: 6569342
    Abstract: A method is providing for treating waters, such as standing and flowing waters and waste waters, soils, sediments and/or silts. At least one alkaline earth metal peroxide is brought into contact with such waters or the like, especially to effect immobilization of phosphates and heavy metals except manganese and iron therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Willuweit, Stefan Nowicki, Kai-Uwe Ulrich, Gerald Jakobson