Constituent Mixture Variation Responsive Patents (Class 210/96.1)
  • Publication number: 20150048032
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling chemical properties of a body of water, the apparatus comprising: a housing, said housing comprising: a water sample collecting subassembly; chemical reagent dispensing subassembly; a water diagnostic subassembly; and a control module, said control module disposed on the housing, said control module comprising: a means for inputting desired functional parameters and water chemical properties into the apparatus; a means for measuring the actual physical conditions of the water; a means for comparing the actual physical conditions of the water to the desired physical conditions of the water; and a means for instructing the system to dispense chemical reagents to the water at a rate and dosage necessary to cause the water to generally achieve the desired physical conditions within a desired period of time and for a desired time period; and a means for displaying the apparatus parameters and water chemical properties in human readable form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Humberto Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20150048026
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling aeration and mixing processes are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: ENVIROMIX, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore K. Jenkins, Robert Elliott Locklair, Stuart F. Humphries
  • Publication number: 20150041415
    Abstract: A filtration system is configured to provide clean fuel to a running combustion engine. The filtration system may be configured to be connected to a main fuel tank for storing contaminated fuel, and to be connected to a fuel supply of a combustion engine. A filtration circuit may include at least one filter, a first auxiliary fuel tank for containing fuel, and a first fuel pump configured to pump the fuel from the first auxiliary fuel tank through the filtration circuit back to the first auxiliary fuel tank. A second auxiliary fuel tank may be connectable to said first auxiliary fuel tank for receiving fuel from the first auxiliary fuel tank via a transfer valve. A control unit may be configured to control the transfer valve such that the first auxiliary tank is fluidly connected to the second auxiliary fuel tank only if fuel of a desired contamination level is contained in the first auxiliary tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR MOTOREN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Troy D. Cope, Robert Graumuller
  • Patent number: 8945374
    Abstract: A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Chase
  • Patent number: 8940158
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ChlorKing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Von Broembsen, Chris Warwick, Michael Podolak
  • Publication number: 20150014251
    Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly pre-filtration unit of the water treatment system, comprising at least one chlorine sensor device, is characterized in that the water treatment system contains a salt-water treatment device which is connected to the chlorine sensor device, an electrolysis cell being disposed in the associated line, and thereafter a pump and a release valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Publication number: 20150014229
    Abstract: The water treatment system, particularly pre-filtration unit of the water treatment system, comprising at least one chlorine sensor device, includes a salt-water treatment device which is connected to the chlorine sensor device, an electrolysis cell being disposed in the associated line, and thereafter a pump and a release valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Publication number: 20150008167
    Abstract: A solution for treating a fluid, such as water, is provided. An ultraviolet transparency of a fluid can be determined before or as the fluid enters a disinfection chamber. In the disinfection chamber, the fluid can be irradiated by ultraviolet radiation to harm microorganisms that may be present in the fluid. One or more attributes of the disinfection chamber, fluid flow, and/or ultraviolet radiation can be adjusted based on the transparency to provide more efficient irradiation and/or higher disinfection rates. In addition, various attributes of the disinfection chamber, such as the position of the inlet(s) and outlet(s), the shape of the disinfection chamber, and other attributes of the disinfection chamber can be utilized to create a turbulent flow of the fluid within the disinfection chamber to promote mixing and improve uniform ultraviolet exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Shturm, Saulius Smetona, Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Ignas Gaska, Alexander Dobrinsky, Michael Shur, Remigijus Gaska
  • Patent number: 8926834
    Abstract: A water treatment sensor includes a housing having a bottom with an exterior surface in contact with a flow path of a fluid and an interior surface. First and second probes spaced from one another extend from the exterior surface and into the flow path. A first circuit electrically connects the first and second probes and determines a conductivity from a measured resistivity between the probes. First and second temperature sensors are spaced from one another and are coupled to the interior surface. The first sensor determines a temperature of the fluid. A temperature elevated by a heat source and determined by the second sensor is maintained above the temperature of the fluid. A second circuit determines a flow rate of the fluid based on adjustments to the heat source. Communication circuitry communicates the conductivity, the temperature, and the flow rate of the fluid to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. West, Taylor M. Goon, Terry Tincher
  • Publication number: 20150001161
    Abstract: A mobile liquid treatment station and operation methods are disclosed, the station having a mobile treatment unit and separate mobile treatment management unit. A plurality of serial containment compartments at the treatment unit for performance of chemical dosing and solids separation are provided and are monitored with sensors. The management unit includes a plurality of chemical dosing platforms, and a power and processing assembly. A bus links the units for data and control signal transfer and chemical feed lines are connected between the units for transfer of dosing chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Bardia B. Khalili, Werner Roeder
  • Patent number: 8920657
    Abstract: A grey water dividing and treatment system is provided. A drain system of the grey water dividing and treatment system receives grey water from a grey water producing source. A grey water dividing apparatus of the grey water dividing and treatment system divides the grey water received from the drain system into a number of cells, and determines a contamination level of each of the cells. Grey water treatment tanks of the grey water dividing and treatment system receive the grey water from the grey water dividing apparatus based on the determined contamination level of each of the cells and treat the grey water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Hideki Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20140374346
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus includes: an air diffusing unit that supplies gas to nitrogen-containing water, so that ammonia contained in the nitrogen-containing water is nitrified to nitrate according to a flow of the water, and each desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at each position along the flow direction; a denitrification confirming unit provided at a halfway position between an upstream-side denitrification zone for obtaining a requisite minimum denitrified nitrogen amount and a downstream-side nitrification zone for obtaining ultimately required nitrified water quality, which follows the upstream-side denitrification zone on a downstream side thereof; and a gas supply-amount control unit that controls a gas supply amount from the air diffusing unit at least on an upstream side of the denitrification confirming unit, so that a desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at the halfway position, based on the denitrification state confirmed by the denitrification confirming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yuji FURUYA, Shigehiro SUZUKI, Nobuki TSUBOI, Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI, Noriaki INAGAKI, Tsutomu WADA, Makoto MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20140374345
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus includes an air diffusing unit, a denitrification confirming unit, a nitrification confirming unit, a gas supply-amount control unit. The air diffusing unit supplies gas to nitrogen-containing water. The denitrification confirming unit provided at a first predetermined position confirms a denitrification state whether a desired proportion of the nitrate has been denitrified. The nitrification confirming unit provided at a second predetermined position confirms a nitrification state whether a desired proportion of the ammonia has been nitrified. The gas supply-amount control unit controls a gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the denitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at the first predetermined position, and controls the gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the nitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the ammonia is nitrified at the second predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yuji FURUYA, Shigehiro SUZUKI, Nobuki TSUBOI, Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI, Noriaki INAGAKI, Tsutomu WADA, Makoto MAEDA, Kouji KASSAI, Keiichi SONE
  • Publication number: 20140374328
    Abstract: An adsorbent includes an inorganic porous material and a ligand provided on a surface of the inorganic porous material and having a bidentate nitrogen-containing chelating functional group. The adsorbent has an infrared absorption spectrum showing a peak derived from the ligand. The peak is observed near a wavenumber of from 1,375 cm?1 to 1,400 cm?1 and has a full width at half maximum of from 5 cm?1 to 50 cm?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Akiko SUZUKI, Hideyuki TSUJI
  • Patent number: 8906229
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Cirou, Rene Reinbigler, Virginie Buisson, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Patent number: 8906230
    Abstract: An integrated unit operations for the treatment of a waste stream, such as spent caustic, is provided in a single vertical vessel having at least three separate zones: a mixing, a settling, and a mass transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Tom Varadi, Marie-Cecile Medine, Arturo Ramon Puigbo, Ramiro G. Vazquez, Tiejun Zhang, James F. McGehee
  • Publication number: 20140353247
    Abstract: The described implementations relate to water denitrification. One method obtains nitrate levels in influent and effluent of a moving bed media filter and determines carbon levels in the effluent. The method also doses carbon feedstock into the influent based on both the nitrate levels and the carbon levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Blue Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Remembrance Newcombe, Mark S. Lopp
  • Publication number: 20140353223
    Abstract: The present invention provides a purifying device capable of effectively purifying liquid. The purifying device includes: a storage tank configured to store liquid; a power supply; a pair of electrodes connected to the power supply and configured to cause electric discharge to produce hydroxyl radicals in the liquid in the storage tank; and an ultrasound generating section configured to apply ultrasonic waves to the liquid in the storage tank to convert hydrogen peroxide in the liquid, which is produced from the produced hydroxyl radicals, into hydroxyl radicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Masaya Nishimura, Kenkichi Kagawa
  • Publication number: 20140353258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and a system of reducing chromium (VI) from a chromium bearing solution. The reduction of the chromium (VI) is achieved by contacting the chromium bearing solution which comprises chromium (VI) ions in an aqueous solution with iron fibres in an exchange mass under oxidation-reduction potential conditions at a pH of at least 2.5, with entry of iron ions into solution in the aqueous solution and reduction of the chromium (VI) ions to chromium (III) recovered in the exchange mass. A solution substantially free of chromium (VI) ions and total chromium is produced and discharged from the exchange mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Gherrou, John Riviere
  • Publication number: 20140346125
    Abstract: A system and method of desalting salty sludge is provided. The method includes providing a salty sludge; processing the salty sludge to increase its surface area; adding water to the salty sludge to make a sludge slurry and to wash the salty sludge; removing and purifying degraded water from the sludge slurry, and recirculating purified water into the sludge slurry; separating a liquid phase and a solid phase of the sludge slurry and purifying the liquid phase; identifying a salt concentration in the solid phase and comparing the salt concentration to a desired value; and adding water to the solid phase if the salt concentration is greater than the desired value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Dennis P. DeLong, Thomas Losordo
  • Publication number: 20140346122
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity especially useful in pools, spas, and contained bodies of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen P. Kasten
  • Patent number: 8894847
    Abstract: A liquid reclamation assembly is provided for processing a lubricant or other liquid. The assembly includes a housing interior for receiving a filter subassembly. A manifold is in fluid communication with a discharge region of the filter subassembly, the manifold comprising a primary manifold passage for passage of source fluid and a series of draw ports. The cross sectional area of the primary manifold passage is greater than the total cross sectional area of the series of draw ports to create a venturi effect to draw fluid through the assembly. The filter subassembly includes a series of target filtration segment, each segment being designed for a specific reclamation process. An entry manifold governs and distributes the fluid to each of the target filtration segments. Results of an analysis of the fluid can be used to determine which target filtration segments are desired for processing the fluid. Valves within the entry manifold can direct the flow accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William A Jacobs, Michael K Tam, Brian Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8894864
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controlled method of minimizing radioactive sludge generation in treatment of wastewater from an oil and/or gas well. The method comprises measuring a concentration of a radioactive material in wastewater to be treated and measuring a concentration of barium in the wastewater to be treated. The method further comprises adding a calculated quantity of sulfate to the wastewater to be treated sufficient to precipitate a quantity of barium sufficient to reduce the concentration of the radioactive material to a level such that sludge precipitated in a secondary precipitation has a radiation level below a defined radiation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stanley R. Karrs, Richard A. Altman
  • Publication number: 20140342020
    Abstract: A system for controlling dosing of a chlorine dioxide based disinfectant into water may include: at least one dosing unit configured to dose the disinfectant into the water, at least one first sensor configured to detect a concentration of chlorite in the water and configured to output respective first signals indicative of the concentration of the chlorite, and a controller operably coupled to the at least one first sensor to receive the first signals and operably coupled to the at least one dosing unit to send a control signal to the at least one dosing unit in response to the at least one of the first signals, such that the concentration of chlorite does not exceed a chlorite threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Dieter Forstmeier
  • Publication number: 20140339157
    Abstract: Methods of controlling a nitrification reaction in a biological nitrogen removal reactor to favor partial nitrification of ammonia to nitrite instead of complete oxidation of ammonia to nitrate are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: maintaining a pH in the reactor within a range that promotes growth of ammonia oxidizing bacteria; maintaining a concentration of dissolved oxygen in the reactor within a range that limits the ammonia oxidizing bacteria from completing nitrification; selecting an operational solids retention time within a range suitable for maintaining increasing concentrations of the ammonia oxidizing bacteria in the reactor while reducing concentrations of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the reactor; and increasing a concentration of free ammonia in the reactor thereby inhibiting growth of the nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kartik Chandran, Ran Yu, Joon Ho Ahn
  • Publication number: 20140332464
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling dissolved oxygen levels in a secondary treatment system of a wastewater treatment facility that can employ a membrane bioreactor in which oxygen introduction into mixed liquor is controlled to prevent bulking and minimize generation of extra cellular polymeric substances. The control is exercised by insuring that dissolved oxygen levels within the mixed liquor do not fall below a minimum system level at which microorganism stress would occur. This is done by setting a minimum dissolved oxygen level control point equal to a sum of the minimum system level and an adjustment factor determined on the basis of oxygen uptake rate and time delays inherent in sensing oxygen levels and changes thereof within the mixed liquor. The minimum system dissolved oxygen level can be continually calculated on the basis of an inferred food to mass ratio that would vary with sensed mixed liquor suspended solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Malcolm E. Fabiyi
  • Patent number: 8877050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons, which comprises: feeding the effluents into a treatment tank; supplying the treatment tank with a reversible sorbent having a defined particle size; mixing the effluents with the reversible sorbent in the treatment tank in order to load said reversible sorbent with the hydrocarbons in the effluents; removing the hydrocarbon-laden reversible sorbent from the top of the treatment tank; extracting the treated effluents from the bottom of the treatment tank; and separating the hydrocarbons from the laden reversible sorbent from the treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Osead Hydrocarbon Technologies, SAS
    Inventors: Christian Martin, Rene Pascal
  • Publication number: 20140319055
    Abstract: A method and system for treating wastewater is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes introducing the wastewater into an aerated anoxic treatment unit, flowing an oxygen containing gas into the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit at a first flow rate, measuring a concentration of a nitrogen species in the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit, comparing the measured concentration of the nitrogen species to a target nitrogen species concentration, adjusting the flow of the oxygen containing gas into the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit to a second flow rate in response to a difference in the nitrogen species and the target nitrogen species concentrations, and maintaining the second flow rate for a time period sufficient for the wastewater to be treated in the aerated anoxic treatment unit and form an anoxically treated liquid having a reduced concentration of the nitrogen species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael L. Doyle, Michael Casey Whittier
  • Publication number: 20140311972
    Abstract: A method and nitrification system for nitrifying a centrate stream produced from dewatering sludge within a wastewater treatment facility in which the centrate stream into a nitrification reactor containing accumulated centrate with a bacterial population of AOB and NOB nitrifying bacteria to the ammonia content within the centrate stream into nitrates and an oxygen containing gas is introduced into the accumulated centrate to support bacterial activity of the AOB and NOB nitrifying bacteria. Additionally, a conditioning method is obtained in which the bacterial population is grown within the nitrification reactor in conditioning stages that involve the introduction of incoming centrate into the reactor with a successively decreasing degree of dilution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Malcolm Fabiyi, Asun Larrea, Monica de Gracia
  • Publication number: 20140311350
    Abstract: A system and method for the monitoring of ammonia in a fluid. The ammonia monitoring system includes an ammonia sensor that is configured to detect trace amounts of ammonia (NH3) in a fluid (i.e., gas or liquid) that is pumped through it in real time. The real time ammonia sensor includes an interferometer configured to track the amount of ammonia that is pumped into the real time ammonia sensor. The ammonia monitoring system, via the real time ammonia sensor, is further configured to detect ammonia levels in industrial poultry houses and provide electronic feedback to the building's ventilation control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: LUMENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Campbell, Jayme Caspall, Janet Cobb-Sullivan, Bonnie Bobzin, Kenneth Johnson, Robert E. Jones, Michael Slawson
  • Publication number: 20140311974
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a recirculating aquaculture system for aquatic life. The system includes a culture tank, a first sensor configured to measure a current ammonia concentration in the culture tank, a biofilter in fluid communication with the culture tank, a variable speed pump configured to circulate water through the culture tank and the biofilter, and a controller in communication with the first sensor and the variable speed pump. The controller is configured to retrieve a maximum ammonia concentration, retrieve the current ammonia concentration from the first sensor, and compare the current ammonia concentration to the maximum ammonia concentration. The controller is also configured to control the variable speed pump to increase a current water flow rate through the system when the current ammonia concentration is greater than the maximum ammonia concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Dennis P. DeLong, Thomas Losordo
  • Patent number: 8864985
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on skimmed oil/water picked up from a body of water to separate the oil from the water and discharge the oil-free water back into the body of water, first feeds the skimmed oil/water into a gravity settling tank wherein the oil tends to settle above the water, removing relatively oil-free water from the bottom of the tank and measuring its oil content with an oil concentration sensor, and either returning the oil/water flow to the settling tank for further processing if the measured concentration of oil exceeds predetermined limits or discharging the water back into the body of water if the oil concentration is measured to be less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: David Usher
  • Publication number: 20140305852
    Abstract: Provided is an anaerobic treatment system including an anaerobic treatment tank that anaerobically treats organic waste water by sludge which is acclimated to a low temperature condition, a state evaluation unit that evaluates a state of the organic waste water with respect to the anaerobic treatment tank, and a heating unit that heats the organic waste water which flows into the anaerobic treatment tank, in which when the state evaluation unit determines that heating is necessary, a temperature of the organic waste water is increased by the heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20140299552
    Abstract: A process for disinfecting a treatment fluid is disclosed, including the step of admixing an aqueous solution comprising two or more oxidants generated via electrolysis of a salt solution with a treatment fluid. The mixed oxidants may be generated on site, using a containerized system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Colin Stewart, Mukesh Kapila, James R. Fajt, Perry Lomond, Daniel Gallo, Richard Bingham, Alan McKee
  • Publication number: 20140291253
    Abstract: A method and system of treating a liquid stream is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system may be utilized to measure and regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
  • Patent number: 8845888
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a water treatment system includes: a membrane separation device and a water softening device including a valve unit switching between a softening process in which soft water is obtained by passing raw water through a cation exchange resin bed downward and a regeneration process in which a whole of the cation exchange resin bed is regenerated by generating an opposite flow of a regenerant by supplying the regenerant from both sides of a top portion and a bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed and collecting a liquid at an intermediate portion of the cation exchange resin bed, and a regenerant supply supplying the regenerant in a volume which gives a regeneration level of 1 to 6 eq/L-R, to a hardness leakage prevention region set in a predetermined depth on the bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed, in the regeneration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuyuki Manabe, Hayato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8845894
    Abstract: A flocculation-magnetic separation is provided which reduces the usage amount of flocculation agents as well as the usage amount of magnetic powders and realizes an improvement in the quality of treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Hisashi Isogami, Satoshi Miyabayashi, Akira Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20140284271
    Abstract: A photobioreactor assembly, including panel having an array of equal radius, generally parallel, generally vertical and generally transparent tubes, where the tubes have a radius such that for a pre-determined microorganism preferred light intensity level, photosynthesis viable light is available at the center of each tube for an expected maximum culture density for that microorganism, an air supply operationally connected to panel and capable of maintaining a positive pressure within the panel, a water purifier operationally connected to the panel, and a water supply operationally connected to the water purifier. Each respective tube is connected in fluidic communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Algaeon, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kassebaum, John A. Kassebaum, Tony Allen Gibbens
  • Publication number: 20140284256
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a copper recovery apparatus includes a precipitation tank, a mixing tank, a filter-aid feeder, a solid-liquid separator includes a filter, a cleaning-water supply line, a cleaning-water discharge line, a separation tank, and a filter-aid return line. The precipitation tank is configured to receive copper ions-containing water to be treated and an alkali to prepare treated water containing a precipitate of copper compound. The solid-liquid separator is configured to allow the treated water to be passed through the filter on which the precoat layer is deposited to separate the precipitate retained on the precoat layer from a filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Taro Fukaya, Kenji Tsutsumi, Atsushi Yamazaki, Ichiro Yamanashi, Hirofumi Noguchi, Yasutaka Kikuchi, Shuji Seki
  • Publication number: 20140284279
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that can be used to connect a flash chromatography instrument to a fraction collector and a mass detector to perform mass-directed flash chromatography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BIOTAGE AB
    Inventors: Anders WARNGREN, Anders WESSMAN, Erik HALLIN, Lars JOHNSSON
  • Publication number: 20140263041
    Abstract: A reactor and control method for maximizing nitrogen removal and minimizing aeration requirements through control of transient anoxia and aerobic SRT, repression of NOB, and control of dynamic DO concentrations or aeration interval by keeping the reactor NH4 and NOx concentrations approximately equal. Controls are provided for maximizing the potential for TIN removal through nitrification, limited nitritation, nitritation, denitrification, limited denitritation, denitritation making use of 1) real time measurement of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, 2) operational DO and the proper use of DO setpoints, and 3) proper implementation of transient anoxia within a wide range of reactor configurations and operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Hampton Roads Sanitation District, D.C. Water & Sewer Authority
    Inventors: Pusker Regmi, Mark Miller, Sudhir N. Murthy, Charles B. Bott
  • Publication number: 20140263045
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes gasifying a fuel source using a first oxygen stream supplied from an air separation unit (ASU), discharging a gasifier blowdown from a gasification and scrubbing system configured to gasify the fuel source, generating a grey water from the gasifier blowdown, and biologically treating the grey water in a reactor using a second oxygen stream supplied by the ASU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anindra Mazumdar, Dinh-Cuong Vuong, James Scott Kain, Paul Roberts Scarboro
  • Publication number: 20140263079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of wastewater treatment that rely primarily on the use of water treatment chemicals to clean wastewater without the need to use filtration mechanisms. The present invention generally provides a system that is less complex and less expensive to operate than wastewater treatment systems in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DuBois Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent K. McCurdy
  • Publication number: 20140263048
    Abstract: A process approach allows economical self-sustained operation of single vessel biotreatment systems for municipal wastewater treatment. The daytime solar powered treatment process is changed during darkness periods to operate the biotreatment system without electric grid powering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kaspar A. Kasparian, Eric H. Verret
  • Patent number: 8834723
    Abstract: The system and process of the present invention will consist of specific monitors in tandem with interface probes reading in multiple locations, divert valves which are operated by the readings of the interface probes and online ppm monitors. Such monitors would function in conjunction with these leading indicators through a software program and computerized logic controller used to manipulate the controls of this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Enviro-Tech Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank A. Richerand, Frank A. Richerand, II
  • Publication number: 20140251913
    Abstract: A chromatography system for separation of a biopolymer is described, comprising at least one feed tank, at least one hold tank, at least one elution buffer tank, at least one eluate tank, at least two packed bed chromatography columns and at least one pump and at least one outlet detector both fluidically connected to said each packed bed chromatography column, wherein the feed tank, the hold tank(s), the elution buffer tank and the eluate tank are each fluidically connected to the packed bed chromatography columns via a system of valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: KAROL LACKI, MARTIN HALL
  • Publication number: 20140246369
    Abstract: A process and system for treating wastewater is described. The invention degrades sludge produced by treatment of the wastewater to reduce or eliminate the need for sludge dewatering and disposal. The invention also reduces the amount of nutrient additives required to sustain the aerobic wastewater treatment process. In one embodiment the invention includes the steps of (a) providing an aerobic treatment system receiving a supply of the wastewater; (b) treating a supply of the sludge to rupture microbial cells present therein to produce treated sludge having an increased liquid:solid ratio and an increased degradation potential in comparison to untreated sludge; (c) conveying a supply of the treated sludge to the aerobic treatment system; and (d) substantially degrading the supply of treated sludge in the aerobic treatment system. The treated sludge may optionally be subjected to anaerobic digestion prior to delivery to the aerobic treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: PARADIGM ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert John Stephenson, Scott Christopher Laliberte, Preston Yee Ming Hoy, Patrick William George Neill
  • Publication number: 20140238909
    Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Brian C. GREEN
  • Publication number: 20140231360
    Abstract: A system for treating wastewater includes an aeration tank having a plurality of air diffusers located within the tank. Air delivery equipment provides air to the tank via air diffusers. An ammonia sensor located near or upstream of the wastewater inlet is used by a controller to measure the ammonia content of the wastewater at the inlet. The controller then modifies the actual airflow provided to the tank based on a prediction of the level of air flow required to fully treat the wastewater before it reaches the outlet and controls the air source to provide the predicted level of air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Amanda Lee Poole, David James Green, Christopher Todd Sosnowski
  • Publication number: 20140231362
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: William R. Becker