Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid system
    Publication number: 20040108270
    Abstract: A method for treating a fluid by providing raw fluid to a process tank, adding an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin mixture, removing treated fluid from the process tank through a membrane filter located within the process tank, and regenerating the ion exchange resin within the process tank. The method may be set up as a batch process or as a continuous process using a magnetic ion exchange resin and continuous withdrawal of the magnetic ion exchange resin from the process tank by use of a magnetic separator. The method may also consist of reusing the regenerant in multiple regeneration steps and periodically filtering the regenerant to restore its regenerative properties. Alternatively, an upflow bed of ion exchange resin may be used to treat the raw fluid before membrane filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mueller, Anthony G. Myers
  • Portable compostion system with reconfigurable air flow
    Patent number: 6383803
    Abstract: A portable and reconfigurable composting apparatus for controlling the airflow to and from a plurality of aerated static composting piles. The composting apparatus includes an air blower having an air intake and an air output. A suction manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air intake of the blower. A discharge manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air output of the blower. A plurality of pile manifolds are connected to the suction manifold and the discharge manifold by a manifold crossover. The manifold crossover includes a pair of dampers which allow the composting apparatus operator to independently select positive or negative air pressure for application to each pile manifold. Each pile manifold is operatively associated with an aerated static compost pile, by means of a series of flexible air lances attached in fluid communication with a pile manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Allen, Chuck Kemper
  • Apparatus for aerating a particulate material
    Patent number: 6893864
    Abstract: An apparatus for forcing airflow through (i.e., aerating) a particulate material consists of a planar bearing surface and a ventilation conduit underlying the planar bearing surface. A plurality of delivery conduits extend between the ventilation conduit and the planar bearing surface with a mouth of the delivery conduits being near the planar bearing surface. A grate, defining a plurality of openings, covers the mouth of each delivery conduit. Each grate has a top surface substantially parallel to the planar bearing surface and positioned at or no more than a select distance below the planar bearing surface. This select distance is close enough to the planar bearing surface to prevent the accumulation of particulate material over the grate as the particulate material is scraped from the planar bearing surface with an implement having a linear edge abutting the planar bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Allen
  • Chemically enhanced primary sludge fermentation method
    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
  • Rectangular tilt-up concrete tank construction
    Patent number: 7171787
    Abstract: A rectangular tilt-up concrete tank includes a concrete slab with a metal plate anchored thereto, the metal plate defining at least one substantially linear concrete side wall location. A plurality of preformed concrete side panels each having metal plates attached along a bottom edge and opposing side edges are welded in a liquid-tight weld to the metal plate defining the concrete side wall location and a side metal plate of each side panel is welded to a metal side plate of an adjacent side panel in a liquid-tight weld to define a concrete side wall. Horizontal and vertical post-tensioning sleeves are provided in the side panels for receiving post-tensioning tendons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: CH2M Hill Inc.
    Inventors: David Thomason, Mary Williams Goodson, Christian Carl Sundberg, Michael Louis Doleac
  • Method and apparatus to achieve nitrification at low solids retention times
    Patent number: 6723244
    Abstract: A new process configuration, which is based on nitrifier bioaugmentation, achieves essentially complete nitrification at low solids retention times (SRTs) on a year round basis for plants that have a minimum of two activated sludge treatment trains. The process utilizes a membrane bioreactor as a second stage activated sludge system for one of the existing activated sludge systems, which is operated under non-nitrifying conditions. The membrane bioreactor is used to achieve essentially complete nitrification of ammonia derived from influent wastewater and an anaerobic digester recycle stream. The mixed liquor of the membrane bioreactor is comprised of an enriched culture of nitrifying bacteria. To allow the other treatment train(s) to nitrify, the waste sludge from the membrane bioreactor is directed to “donated” to the other “receiver” train(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Allan Constantine
  • Methods for reducing biosolids odors
    Patent number: 8119003
    Abstract: A method for reducing the odors of an anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids or other biosolids or sludge may include separating first anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids into first and second portions, storing second anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids, removing a portion of the second biosolids, and mixing the removed second biosolids portion with the first portion of the first biosolids. The method may be implemented in a system including a separation device, first, second and third transporters, a storage area, and a mixer. The separation device may separate the first biosolids into first and second portions. The first transporter may transport the first portion to the mixer. The second transporter may transport the second portion to the storage area. The second portion may be stored in the storage area for a select time period. The third transporter may transport a portion of the stored first biosolids to the mixer for blending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Owen Williams
  • Methods for reducing biosolids odors
    Patent number: 7537699
    Abstract: A method for reducing the odors of an anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids or other biosolids or sludge may include separating first anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids into first and second portions, storing second anaerobically digested dewatered biosolids, removing a portion of the second biosolids, and mixing the removed second biosolids portion with the first portion of the first biosolids. The method may be implemented in a system including a separation device, first, second and third transporters, a storage area, and a mixer. The separation device may separate the first biosolids into first and second portions. The first transporter may transport the first portion to the mixer. The second transporter may transport the second portion to the storage area. The storage area may store the second portion for a select time period. The third transporter may transport a portion of the stored first biosolids to the mixer for blending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Owen Williams
  • Wastewater treatment system and method of treating wastewater
    Publication number: 20060113244
    Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicants: CH2M HILL Canada Limited, CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Glen Daigger, George Crawford
  • Method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid system
    Patent number: 7025884
    Abstract: A method for treating a fluid by providing raw fluid to a process tank, adding an ion exchange resin to the process tank to form a raw fluid/ion exchange resin mixture, removing treated fluid from the process tank through a membrane filter located within the process tank, and regenerating the ion exchange resin within the process tank. The method may be set up as a batch process or as a continuous process using a magnetic ion exchange resin and continuous withdrawal of the magnetic ion exchange resin from the process tank by use of a magnetic separator. The method may also consist of reusing the regenerant in multiple regeneration steps and periodically filtering the regenerant to restore its regenerative properties. Alternatively, an upflow bed of ion exchange resin may be used to treat the raw fluid before membrane filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mueller, Anthony G. Myers
  • MODULAR POD
    Publication number: 20140213169
    Abstract: A modular pod may include two or more walls, a roof, and a base, an air plenum, an air inlet, and an air economizer. The two or more walls, the roof, and the base may define a substantially enclosed interior space. The return air plenum may be positioned within the interior space. The air inlet may be positioned proximate one of the walls. The air economizer may be positioned within the interior space. The air economizer may include a mixing zone and two or more air shafts. The mixing zone may be in communication with the air inlet. The two or more air shafts may be in communication with the air plenum and in communication with the mixing zone. Each air shaft may taper down from the top end to the bottom end of the air shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Rasmussen, Robert Kirkendall, Michael R. Monis, Aubrey A. Berliner, III, Judson W. Moore, Dale W. Heberling, Keith L. Kibbee, David W. Seger, Timothy G. Meier
  • Passive device for vapor intrusion sampling
    Patent number: 10324007
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a passive vapor intrusion measurement device including a barrier layer having first and second major sides; an absorbent stack disposed on a first portion of the surface of the barrier layer first major side, the absorbent stack including a first absorbent layer, an optional second absorbent layer; and spacer layer(s) disposed between the first and second (if present) absorbent layer and the barrier layer; and an adhesive disposed on a second portion of the surface of the barrier layer first major side and transversely surrounding the absorbent stack. The device is applied to a substrate in need of vapor intrusion sampling. A method of vapor intrusion analysis includes individually collecting the first and second (if present) absorbent layers after a test period; analyzing the amount of an analyte the absorbent layer(s); and subtracting the amount of the analyte in the second absorbent layer (if present) from the amount of the analyte in the first absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: CH2M HILL, INC.
    Inventors: Ben Thompson, Michael Novak, Michael Niemet
  • Method and system for evaluating water usage
    Patent number: 7103479
    Abstract: An evaluation system models water usage within a region. The evaluation system provides a graphical representation of various water system components. Each water system component has a model describing its water balance and parameters for customizing the model for an instance of the water system component. The evaluation system receives indications of water system components within the region along with connections between the water system components. The evaluation system receives values for parameters of the water system components. The evaluation system then calculates the water demand of the region by calculating the water balance of each water system component within the region based on the models for each water system component and the connections between the water system components. The evaluation system provides a cost-effective solution to manage water usage within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Avinash S. Patwardhan, Jared N. Thorpe, Muzaffar Eusuff, Greg Norby
  • Treatment of Particulate Biodegradable Organic Waste by Thermal Hydrolysis Using Condensate Recycle
    Publication number: 20080223793
    Abstract: A method of treating particulate biodegradable organic waste by thermal hydrolysis. The method includes subjecting a quantity of the particulate biodegradable waste to thermal hydrolysis at a temperature above about 130° C. and a pressure at or above the saturated water vapor pressure to produce a slurry. The slurry will include solubilized organic material and unhydrolyzed residual solids. The method further includes decreasing the pressure at which the slurry is maintained. Typically, the step of decreasing slurry pressure will occur in a flash tank, which allows the separation of an organic acid-rich steam from other hydrolysis products. The method further includes capturing the steam or other condensable gases released when pressure is decreased and condensing the steam or other condensable gases into a condensate. The captured condensate may then be added to a quantity of particulate biodegradable waste prior to thermal hydrolysis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the method described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Lee
  • WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TREATING WASTEWATER
    Publication number: 20080047896
    Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: CH2M HILL, Inc., CH2M HILL Canada Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Glen Daigger, George Crawford
  • GIS-based emergency management
    Publication number: 20050034075
    Abstract: A GIS-based system and method for simulating, viewing, analyzing and managing emergency or other events is provided. A multi-layered map of the event location and surrounding area is displayed by a computer. A cordon area around the event location may be displayed as an additional layer and affected facilities may be highlighted. Traffic control points (TCPs) around the periphery of the cordon area may also be identified on the map. Thus, emergency personnel may be efficiently dispatched to assist evacuations and restrict access to the cordon area. If the event includes a hazardous material spill or threat, the computer may generate a plume dispersion model and display the estimated plume as another layer on the map whereupon an extended cordon area may be displayed and additional affected facilities and new TCPs highlighted. Real-time information may be received from on-scene personnel, remote sensors and other means and the map may thus be kept current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Riegelman, Daniel Huber, Luke Heyerdahl
  • Method of treating wastewater
    Patent number: 7279102
    Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: CH2M Hill, Inc., CH2M Hill Canada Limited
    Inventors: Bruce R. Johnson, Glen T. Daigger, George V. Crawford
  • Apparatus and method for the removal of solids and floatables from a wastewater stream
    Patent number: 7138048
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a wastewater stream includes a chamber having a wastewater inlet and wastewater outlet which promotes a generally horizontal wastewater flow. A grating is provided in the chamber between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet having a screen size for preventing the passage of particulates having greater than the select effective diameter from the wastewater inlet into the wastewater outlet. The grating is vertically inclined relative to the direction of the wastewater flow. A baffle within the chamber is configured to cooperate with the grating to generate a vortex in the wastewater having a velocity component parallel to the face of the grating which urges particles trapped by the grating along the grating toward a surface of the wastewater to suspend particles in the wastewater as the wastewater flows between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly O'Connor, Laurens van der Tak, Albert M. Wollmann
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SOLAR MAPPING, DETERMINING A USABLE AREA FOR SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION AND/OR PROVIDING SOLAR INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20090177458
    Abstract: A method of determining usable area of a structure for solar energy production may include obtaining a three-dimensional model of a structure and obstructions associated therewith, and performing a shading analysis using the obtained three-dimensional model to obtain a usable area of the structure. A method of providing solar information for a structure using a Web portal may include providing an interactive map, receiving a user selection of a structure located on the interactive map, and providing solar information for the selected structure, wherein the solar information is based at least in part on a usable area obtained by performing a shading analysis using a three-dimensional model of the structure and obstructions associated therewith. A system for providing an interactive Web portal may include a database including solar information regarding a structure, and a server configured to access the database to retrieve the solar information and provide the Web portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Hochart, Ryan C. Miller, Nigel H. Nugent, Stephanie A. Stoppenhagen
  • Portable ultraviolet water treatment apparatus
    Patent number: 7754090
    Abstract: A portable water treatment apparatus may include a container, a UV light source, and a user-powered generator. The container may include first and second portions removably joined or factory sealed together and defining a chamber to receive water. The UV light source, such as a UV light bulb, may be contained within the chamber. A user-powered generator, such as a hand or pedal crank generator, may be operatively associated with the UV light. Operation of the user-powered generator may provide electrical power to the UV light source for disinfecting water received within the chamber. The UV light source may also be powered using an electrical outlet, a battery, or solar power. The portable water treatment apparatus may further include a mixing device for moving water within the container, and an electrical disconnect for selectively connecting and disconnecting the electrical power connection between the user-powered generator and the UV light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Berg
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