From Sewage Or Night Soil Patents (Class 71/12)
  • Publication number: 20120247165
    Abstract: A method of integration of concentration-dehydration and aerobic air-drying of sewage sludge comprises the following steps: (a) conditioning by an organic agent (3); (b) gravitationally concentrating (5) the residual sludge conditioned by the organic agent; (c) conditioning by inorganic agents (7); (d) mechanically dehydrating (8); (e) crushing and dispersing (10); and (t) aerobically air-drying (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Guangzhou Pude Environmental Protection Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Huansheng Zhong, Xuewei Wu, Jiacong Wu, Zhimin Sun, Haiying Yang
  • Publication number: 20120240647
    Abstract: Process for the disposal of wastes, comprising: performing an acid oxidizing hydrolysis of the incoming waste (charge); performing an alkaline oxidizing hydrolysis of the outgoing mass from the stage of acid oxidizing hydrolysis; chemically conditioning the outgoing mass from the stage of alkaline oxidizing hydrolysis by the addition of an acid reagent; separating any undissolved residue. This process, by comparison with other methods and technologies already known and in use, features the following advantages: superior effectiveness in reducing the weight of the waste; superior economy; total absence of ecological, environmental, hygiene and sanitary problems; total safety of personnel employed at the plants; enhancement for agricultural use of any exhausted residue which may be present at the end of the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: NEWLISI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Michele Montemurro
  • Publication number: 20120234063
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry. The present invention describes beneficiation methods to increase the plant nutrient content of the fertilizer and also to reduce the odors associated with traditionally-produced heat dried biosolids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: VitAg Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Publication number: 20120222462
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: VitAg Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 8257461
    Abstract: A method of producing fertilizer out of sludge, in which method sludge is heated with superheated steam for achieving hygienization to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In the method, the sludge is heated to a temperature of 60 to 100° C. with superheated steam having a temperature of 200 to 600° C. to activate increasing of the amount of soluble carbon in the sludge and to restart biodegradation of the sludge by using non-pathogenic microorganisms still remaining in the sludge after the heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Savaterra Oy
    Inventor: Olli Aho
  • Patent number: 8246711
    Abstract: Biotic fertilizers are described that build soil nutrients by accelerating the growth of topsoil microorganisms Biotic fertilizers are primarily aimed at increasing populations of cyanobacteria, formally known as blue-green algae, and like organisms that have the ability to engage in photosynthesis reand to engage in the extraction of nitrogen from the atmosphere. Methods of biotic fertilizer manufacture are presented that utilize animal waste product as well as desirable compositions obtained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: John Marler
  • Patent number: 8241389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing nitrogen fertilizer, removing phosphate from organic waste products in liquid phase, sanitizing said waste or reducing emissions, and limiting the potassium concentration. According to the invention, the waste product is heated to temperatures ranging between 40 DEG C. at a subatmospheric pressure, the escaping gas that contains carbon dioxide and ammonia is contacted with a mineral-aqueous suspension, the excess gas is conducted within the circuit while the subatmospheric pressure is autogenously stabilized, and the formed nitrogen fertilizer is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Beteilgungs GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Spindler, Ute Bauermeister, Thomas Meier
  • Patent number: 8202342
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Publication number: 20120131970
    Abstract: A method for making fertilizer from swine feces/urine by using Musca Domestica includes breeding and growing imagoes of Musca Domestica in an environment having a temperature of 18-35° C. and having a humidity of 50-80%. The imagoes of Musca Domestica lay eggs in the environment. The eggs of Musca Domestic are transferred into a cultivating material including at least one product of soybean and/or milk. The eggs of Musca Domestica are bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. until hatching into larvae. The larvae of Musca Domestica are placed on swine feces/urine of a thickness of 4-10 cm at a temperature of 20-35° C. for 2-3 days. The larvae feed on and decompose the swine feces/urine. The swine feces/urine decomposed by the larvae of Musca Domestica are collected and used as fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Chun-Hsung Chang
  • Publication number: 20120034286
    Abstract: This invention discloses a stabilized biosolids composition and a method for the stabilization of biosolids. It entails the use of a chemically and biologically reactive material, in the form of ultrafine iron particles. The nanometer-sized iron particles are capable of degrading odorous organosulfur compounds, transforming persistent and toxic organic pollutants such as PCBs and chlorinated pesticides, inhibiting the growth of pathogens by increasing pH and maintaining the increased pH of the stabilized biosolids, immobilizing toxic metal ions such as mercury and lead, and improving the overall quality of biosolids for land application and plant growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Lehigh University
    Inventor: Wei-Xian Zhang
  • Patent number: 8105413
    Abstract: The invention describes a new method for the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method creates a thixotropic paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is blended with hot or molten ammonium salts, especially a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The invention can be an add-on to commercial production of ammonium salts or it can stand alone by manufacturing ammonium salts prior to their introduction to the conditioned biosolids. The invention is oriented to be tailored to production facilities for individual municipal waste treatment plants in order to keep manufacturing plants small with a minimization of logistics and liability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 8062405
    Abstract: A value-added granulated organic fertilizer produced from poultry litter and biosolids using agglomeration techniques with a pin mixer. The granulated organic fertilizer includes granules biosolids, a nitrification inhibitor, such as dicyandiamide, and a binding agent, such as lignosulfonate, urea formaldehyde, or water. The nitrogen concentration of the granulated organic fertilizer is increased by being fortified with urea. The poultry litter and biosolids formulated into the granulated organic fertilizer aid in flowability, storage, and spreading, while value-added plant nutrient ingredients provide an environmentally safer fertilizer than fresh poultry litter, municipal biosolids and/or many commercially available products commonly used in urban and agricultural systems. The binding agents change the fertilizer granule water soluble phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations and reduce fines and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Reiter, Tommy C. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8057569
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Unified Environmental Services Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Gary L. Dahms
  • Publication number: 20110265533
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Publication number: 20110265532
    Abstract: The invention describes a new method for treating sludge, which can result in the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal sludges or biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method takes advantage of the thixotropic property of dewatered biosolids or organic sludge to create a pumpable paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is then treated with an oxidizer to reduce odorant effects and an acid. This mix is then interacted with concentrated sulfuric and or phosphoric acids and an ammonia source or alternatively a hot or molten melt or salt of ammonium sulfate/phosphate to form a fertilizer mix. The present invention controls the heat, atmospheric pressure and retention time of the fertilizer mix in the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, James P. Carr, Gary L. Dahms
  • Publication number: 20110230353
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes struvite in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of a struvite into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The particle is then dried and ready to be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 8007559
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Chris S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110203338
    Abstract: A method for treating a high water content sludge is disclosed, where the method includes mixing into the high water content sludge, an effective amount of an ash composition. The effective amount of the ash composition is sufficient to convert a portion of the sludge and the ash composition into a treated sludge including an amount of a solidifying matrix to impart properties to a depth of the sludge sufficient to support commercial construction equipment. A treated sludge and sludge pits are also disclosed as is the ash composition used to form the treated sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Birdwell
  • Publication number: 20110179841
    Abstract: The present invention addresses methods and equipments for a high-rate production and improvement of the quality of composts from organic wastes, by processes including Screening, Mechanical Pretreatment, Physical-Chemical Pretreatment, High-Rate Stabilization Process, High-Rate Activation Process, and Product Refining Processes, and adding seven types of chemical agents including: Wetting Agents, Debonding Agents, Organic Stabilization Agents, Inorganic Stabilization Agents, Fluffing Agents, Activation Agents, and Nutrient Agents in order to enhance six major properties which activated characteristics of composts: (a) moisture absorption and holding capability, (b) nutrients adsorption and holding capability, (c) soil particles holding and conserving capability, (d) soil air ventilation capability, (e) soil water transmission capability, and (f) soil thermal insulation capability, as well as other minor quality improvements such as complete sterilization of pathogens and parasites, detoxification of many haz
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: James Cheng-Shyong Lu
  • Publication number: 20110154873
    Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: VitAg Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, James P. Carr, Gary L. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7967989
    Abstract: A sulfurous acid treated wastewater disposal method employing soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for artificial recharge of groundwater through infiltration basins allowing fully or partially-treated sewage effluent to infiltrate into the soil and move down to the groundwater through a “vadose” zone, which acts as a natural filter to remove essentially all suspended solids, biodegradable materials, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Gong, John Harmon, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7960172
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composing process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Thomasz Rudas
  • Patent number: 7947105
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Vitag Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Publication number: 20110067466
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of faeces, includes a tank (200) for housing faeces that has been subjected to treatment. There is a process vessel (202) in which the faeces is treated and which is located inside the tank (200) having an inlet (204) for feeding faeces into the process vessel (202). A rotary device (300) is provided for stirring the faeces in the process vessel (202) and for introducing oxygen into the faeces, which is operable in two modes of operation at different speeds of rotation. A partitioning member (212) separates the interior of the process vessel in a lower (216) and an upper (218) portion, while at the same time allowing communication between the lower and upper portions. The rotary device (300) is arranged to at least cause a suction of material mainly from the lower compartment in a first mode of operation and into the rotary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Rolf Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 7892310
    Abstract: A method of treating bio waste including the steps of (1) fermenting substantially raw biowaste in a pathogen reduction stage under anaerobic conditions for a predetermined period at a temperature in the mesophillic temperature range and (2) subsequently separating the solid and liquid phases to produce a fermented cake and fermented liquor. The fermented cake has at least 15% solids on dry basis and contains over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L total Volatile Fatty Acids (tVFA) and Escherichia coli less than 100,000 cfu per g dry solids. The fermented liquor contains over 10,000 mg/L COD, over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L tVFA and less than 5,000 mg/L of suspended solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: United Utilities PLC
    Inventor: Son Le
  • Publication number: 20110030431
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting sludges, wastes or a combination thereof to biosolids, including a) at least one heated air system, b) at least one trough arrangement, c) at least one auger system, wherein the at least one auger system is situated in the at least one trough arrangement to form a conveyor system, and d) at least one heat box enclosing at least part of the conveyor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Morris Peltier, Foye Sparks
  • Publication number: 20110005284
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: William G. CONNER, Osama I. Fageeha, Thomas E. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20110000269
    Abstract: This invention describes a mobile system for reducing emission of a slurry, such as a liquid manure, where said mobile system is mounted on a mobile unit and comprises a slurry tanker in liquid communication with means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry, where said slurry tanker and/or means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry is in communication with distributing means for allowing a reduced emission slurry to be placed on the application site, where said means for adding/injecting an acid into said slurry comprises an acid tank, where said acid tank is arranged as a front tank on said mobile unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Morten Toft
  • Publication number: 20100326151
    Abstract: An enhanced fertilizer product comprised of nutrients and inert solids wherein the nutrients and inert solids are derived from a source material. The nutrients in the source material are collected with a nutrient capture process. The fertilizer product is agglomerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Madigan, Ronald Dean Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 7846231
    Abstract: There are provided a method of treating organic waste, which is excellent in the smooth temperature elevation in the early stage of the treatment and satisfactory in temperature-maintenance in a high temperature range, and by which the stable treatment of organic waste is achieved and the evaporation of moisture is promoted, thereby a stable effect of treating organic waste and an increased treatment scale being achieved; an agent for treating organic waste; and microorganisms to be used therein. The method is characterized by the use of a mesophilic bacterium showing its activity at 15 to 50° C. and a thermophilic bacterium showing its activity at 50 to 70° C. in the organic waste. As the mesophilic bacteria, bacteria which have an exothermic action and form spores under a temperature of 50° C. or higher are preferable and Bacillus subtilis is more preferable. Among these bacteria, a C-3102 strain (FERM BP-1096) is especially preferable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Calpis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyazaki, Kiyoshi Maruta, Tomohiro Hamaoka
  • Publication number: 20100288003
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Gary L. Dahms
  • Publication number: 20100278595
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to soil erosion and the establishment of an appropriate seed bed. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a composition applied to exposed soil wherein the composition comprises organic material produced when the methane is burned from green manure and dried. This organic material combines seed and a liquid carrier, such that the substance can be hydraulically applied to the desired area. Fertilizer or other nutrients are often added to the mixture to further enhance the product and to encourage growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Dan Codd, Jim Hand
  • Publication number: 20100223969
    Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered to a cake-like state. The viscosity of the sludge is lowered by admixing a quantity of urea, urea-ammonium-nitrate, or other nitrogen-containing material, in with the dewatered sludge. The treatment also removes pathogens, and renders the product suitable for use as a fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: LYSTEK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Owen P. Ward, Ajay Singh
  • Patent number: 7789931
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Unity Envirotech LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Gary L. Dahms
  • Publication number: 20100218574
    Abstract: An improved process of treating sludge to provide a stable product for use as a beneficial soil or fertilizer for agricultural lands which includes the steps (a) mixing the sludge with at least a first alkaline material and a second alkaline material in an amount sufficient to (i) raise the solids content of the mixed material to at least 50% W/W; (ii) raise the pH to at least 12; and (iii) raise the temperature to at least 70° C. by exothermic reaction of the alkaline materials with the water in the sludge; and (b) pasteurizing the mixed material at (i) at least 70° C. for at least 30 mins. and at least pH12 for at least 2 hrs.; and (ii) at least pH 11.5 for an additional 22 hrs., to provide the stable pasteurized product. The process and apparatus is readily adapted for mobility on suitable transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: N-VIRO SYSTEMS CANADA LP
    Inventors: Grant H. Mills, Robert Sampson, Rae E. Wallin
  • Publication number: 20100218573
    Abstract: A method of producing an organic based fertilizer and usable water from animal waste includes the step of separating the animal waste into liquid waste and solid waste. The liquid waste is clarified to produce a supernatant and a sludge which is pressed into a filter cake. Ammonia is extracted from the supernatant to produce ammonium sulfate and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is filtered to produce a concentrate and water filtrate. The water filtrate may be used as drinking and washing water. The filter cake, ammonium sulfate, and concentrate may be used to supplement to the solid waste which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. In alternative embodiments a portion of the supernatant and aqueous solution may be used as a liquid fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Victor van Slyke
  • Patent number: 7785386
    Abstract: A process for treating an organic matter sludge includes, in a mixing stage, mixing an organic matter sludge and particulate sterilized organic matter, to form an organic matter mixture. This mixture is dried in a drying stage to obtain a homogeneous particulate organic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Capensis Investments 497 (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Hendrik J. Venter, Carl Nieuwmeijer
  • Publication number: 20100186469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the treatment of liquid material based on organic waste products, in particular sludge from sewage disposal plants and the like, wherein the sludge material is added and mixed with chemicals, in particular sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and/or ammonia, during the vaporization and degasification of liquid from the material to increase the solids content thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Ove Blomkvist
  • Patent number: 7745208
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel held at an angle and configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged internal flights, a self-aligning door closure, and a swing-away door assembly. It also includes a novel structure for shredding biomass bearing material attached to the edges of the flights. This structure is a number of projecting tooth like points and paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony P. Noll
  • Publication number: 20100139345
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. BURNHAM
  • Publication number: 20100139346
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. BURNHAM
  • Patent number: 7731859
    Abstract: A method of treating sewage sludge that has a solids concentration of about 18-35% by weight includes treating the sewage sludge with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof to increase its pH to at least about 12, and treating the sewage sludge with calcium oxide. The treatment of the sewage sludge with the calcium oxide can take place before and/or during the treatment of the sludge with the sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof. The amount of calcium oxide used is about 0.05-0.8% by weight of the sewage sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Eugene Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20100132421
    Abstract: A method of producing fertilizer out of sludge, in which method sludge is heated with superheated steam for achieving hygienization to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In the method, the sludge is heated to a temperature of 60 to 100° C. with superheated steam having a temperature of 200 to 600° C. to activate increasing of the amount of soluble carbon in the sludge and to restart biodegradation of the sludge by using non-pathogenic microorganisms still remaining in the sludge after the heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Olli Aho
  • Patent number: 7713416
    Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Chemical Biosolids Inc.
    Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Publication number: 20100107712
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method for treating domestic waste and the like by the combination of two compositions, one containing lime and the other containing urea, to the combinations, to the products obtained by the method and to uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Michel Mazon
  • Patent number: 7674311
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a liquid nitrogen fertilizer from organic wastes and manures, in which nitrogen is extracted as an aqueous ammonia, and further concentrated, and eventually converted to nitrate in a biological reactor. The method may utilize nitrogen rich organic wastes and manures, such as wastewater sludge, slaughter house wastes, broiler layer, and guano, and it is especially suitable for providing a nitrogen fertilizer in organic farming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Amit Gross, Ali Nejidat, Pinchas Fine
  • Patent number: 7662206
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7662205
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7651852
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composting process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Tomasz Rudas
  • Publication number: 20100011823
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g. sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross,reactor or tubular to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles in a to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g. a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater NPK value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material). The process further includes drawing off the fumes from the granulator, passing them through a dryer with the granulated particles, and subsequently oxidizing the fumes to eliminate volatile organic compounds and/or gaseous hydrocarbon pollutants be converting such into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Gary L. Dahms, Gary D. Greer