Search Patents
  • Method and apparatus for treating wastewater using membrane filters
    Patent number: 6863818
    Abstract: An apparatus using activated sludge for the removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater includes a bioreactor for containing a mixture of wastewater under treatment and activated sludge. The bioreactor is divided into a plurality of serially connected treatment zones and includes a wastewater inlet, a downstream aerobic zone and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone. A method for removal of nutrients from a wastewater includes providing a wastewater to an inlet of a serial, multi-zone, activated sludge bioreactor containing an activated sludge. The bioreactor has a downstream aerobic zone from which water is removed and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Albert M. Wollmann, Sudhir N. Murthy, Edwin J. Fleischer, Thomas A. Broderick
  • Wastewater treatment system
    Patent number: 7435340
    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: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: CH2M HILL, Inc., CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Johnson, Glen T. Daigger, George V. Crawford
  • Treatment of particulate biodegradable organic waste by thermal hydrolysis using condensate recycle
    Patent number: 7968760
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: John W Lee, Jr.
  • Apparatus and method for efficient recovery of volatile organic compounds
    Publication number: 20020046652
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing VOC from a plurality of remotely located sources of VOC contaminated gas streams includes a plurality of liquid absorbers, each located near and communicating with a source of a VOC contaminated gas stream, the liquid absorbers associating the VOC with a scrubbing liquid. A gas conduit is associated with each liquid absorber to allow for the recycling of properly conditioned gas to the VOC source. A conduit is connected to each liquid absorber for conveying VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the liquid absorber to a separating apparatus in fluid communication with each of the conduits. A conduit recycles the scrubbing liquid from the separating apparatus to at least one of the plurality of liquid absorbers. A heat exchanger associated with the scrubbing liquid after separation transfers heat to the scrubbing liquid prior to separation, or to an HVAC system, or to the scrubbing liquid prior to the liquid absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Lindsay, Moha Shah
  • Method and apparatus for treating wastewater using membrane filters
    Publication number: 20030159988
    Abstract: An apparatus using activated sludge for the removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater includes a bioreactor for containing a mixture of wastewater under treatment and activated sludge. The bioreactor is divided into a plurality of serially connected treatment zones and includes a wastewater inlet, a downstream aerobic zone and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone, the upstream and downstream aerobic zones being separated by an anoxic zone. A membrane filter is provided in the downstream aerobic zone so that it functions as an immersed membrane filter with a bioreactor containing an operative volume of wastewater and activated sludge. The immersed membrane filter filters treated water flowing from the bioreactor through a first outlet. An aerator is operative associated with the membrane filter for purging solids from the membrane filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Albert M. Wollmann, Sudhir N. Murthy, Edwin J. Fleischer, Thomas A. Broderick
  • Apparatus and method for efficient recovery of volatile organic compounds
    Patent number: 6726750
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing VOC from a plurality of remotely located sources of VOC contaminated gas streams includes a plurality of liquid absorbers, each located near and communicating with a source of a VOC contaminated gas stream, the liquid absorbers associating the VOC with a scrubbing liquid. A gas conduit is associated with each liquid absorber to allow for the recycling of properly conditioned gas to the VOC source. A conduit is connected to each liquid absorber for conveying VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the liquid absorber to a separating apparatus in fluid communication with each of the conduits. A conduit recycles the scrubbing liquid from the separating apparatus to at least one of the plurality of liquid absorbers. A heat exchanger associated with the scrubbing liquid after separation transfers heat to the scrubbing liquid prior to separation, or to an HVAC system, or to the scrubbing liquid prior to the liquid absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Lindsay, Moha Shah
  • Utility line bedding for storm water management and storm water management system and method
    Patent number: 7029201
    Abstract: A water retaining and dissipating bedding for a utility line consists of an elongate trench formed in the earth. A filter fabric wrap is provided lining a lengthwise segment of the trench, with a lengthwise segment having a select length. A first select depth of a porous particulate material resting on a trench bottom underlies a non-perforated utility line being installed and supports the non-perforated utility line in the lengthwise segment. A second select depth of porous particulate material overlies the non-perforated utility line in the lengthwise segment. The length of the lengthwise segment, the first select depth and the second select depth are selected to store a select volume of water. A water supply may be provided in liquid communication with the porous particulate material. The water supply may be a bioretention facility for capturing storm water run-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. McCormick, Daniel E. Medina
  • Energy dissipating dolphin
    Patent number: 5927903
    Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is an energy dissipating dolphin including a plurality of elongate piles in a body of water extending substantially vertically from a bed underlying the body of water. Each pile has a proximal end driven sufficiently deep into the bed to be substantially fixed against horizontal movement and pivoting at the proximal end about a lengthwise axis upon application of a horizontal load. A plate has a hole corresponding to each distal end of a pile, the hole having a diameter sufficient to actually receive a corresponding distal end of a pile while allowing for rotation and translation of the distal end of the pile relative to the plate. A connector connects the plate and the piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Playter
  • Method of waste stabilization with dewatered chemically bonded phosphate ceramics
    Publication number: 20060235258
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a waste in a chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC). The method consists of preparing a slurry including the waste, water, an oxide binder, and a phosphate binder. The slurry is then allowed to cure to a solid, hydrated CBPC matrix. Next, bound water within the solid, hydrated CBPC matrix is removed. Typically, the bound water is removed by applying heat to the cured CBPC matrix. Preferably, the quantity of heat applied to the cured CBPC matrix is sufficient to drive off water bound within the hydrated CBPC matrix, but not to volatalize other non-water components of the matrix, such as metals and radioactive components. Typically, a temperature range of between 100° C.-200° C. will be sufficient. In another embodiment of the invention wherein the waste and water have been mixed prior to the preparation of the slurry, a select amount of water may be evaporated from the waste and water mixture prior to preparation of the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: CH2M HILL,INC
    Inventors: Arun Wagh, Martin Maloney
  • Apparatus and method for centralized recovery of volatile organic compounds
    Patent number: 6352575
    Abstract: An appartus for removing VOC from a plurality of remotely located sources of VOC contaminated gas streams includes a plurality of liquid absorbers, each located near and communicating with a source of a VOC contaminated gas stream, the liquid absorbers associating the VOC with a scrubbing liquid. A conduit is connected to each liquid absorber for conveying VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the liquid absorber to a separating apparatus in fluid communication with each of the conduits. The separating apparatus receives the VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the plurality of liquid absorbers and separates the VOC from the scrubbing liquid. A conduit recycles the scrubbing liquid from the separating apparatus to at least one of the plurality of liquid absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Lindsay, James D. Mavis, Jr.
  • Modular biofilter unit and method of use
    Patent number: 6534306
    Abstract: A biofilter apparatus includes at least one container having a height, length, and width containing a deep, low density, porous media within the container. An airflow apparatus is constructed and arranged to deliver a flow of air to be treated to the filter media. The airflow apparatus provides at least 37.5 cfm/ft2 with the porous media creating a backpressure of not more than about 10 inches of water. The media preferably consists of about 30-40% shredded tree bark particles, about 30-40% shredded wood, and about 30-40% composted wood sized such that 95% of the media will pass through a three inch screen and be retained by a 0.5 inch screen. A fluid mister may be provided in fluid communication with the flow of the air to be treated for introducing humidity to the air. The method for treating air via biofiltration utilizes the biofiltration apparatus discussed above and includes directing contaminated air into the container through the airflow apparatus and through the media at at least 37.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Allen
  • Reclaimable hybrid bioreactor
    Publication number: 20040191755
    Abstract: A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Kemper, Jan Allen, Tom Kraemer
  • Method of waste stabilization with dewatered chemically bonded phosphate ceramics
    Patent number: 7745679
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a waste in a chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC). The method consists of preparing a slurry including the waste, water, an oxide binder, and a phosphate binder. The slurry is then allowed to cure to a solid, hydrated CBPC matrix. Next, bound water within the solid, hydrated CBPC matrix is removed. Typically, the bound water is removed by applying heat to the cured CBPC matrix. Preferably, the quantity of heat applied to the cured CBPC matrix is sufficient to drive off water bound within the hydrated CBPC matrix, but not to volatalize other non-water components of the matrix, such as metals and radioactive components. Typically, a temperature range of between 100° C.-200° C. will be sufficient. In another embodiment of the invention wherein the waste and water have been mixed prior to the preparation of the slurry, a select amount of water may be evaporated from the waste and water mixture prior to preparation of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Wagh, Martin D. Maloney
  • Reclaimable hybrid bioreactor
    Patent number: 8313921
    Abstract: A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Kraemer, Charles Kemper, Jan Allen
  • Horizontal bore cryogenic drilling method
    Publication number: 20050173156
    Abstract: A horizontal bore cryogenic drilling method includes in a first embodiment forming a pilot hole of a first select diameter along a desired path of the horizontal bore. A grindable casing is inserted into the guide bore. A cryogenic fluid is flowed through the grindable casing to form a freeze zone of frozen moisture adjacent the grindable casing having a second select diameter. A primary bore is formed having a third select diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the second select diameter within the freeze zone along the desired path of the horizontal bore with the grindable casing in place. The second diameter is selected to be sufficiently greater than the third select diameter to prevent collapse of the freeze zone. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of forming a horizontal bore in an earth formation including providing a drill string having a conduit communicating with a cutting tool for engaging the earth formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Applicants: CH2M HILL, Inc., Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, John Jansen
  • Horizontal bore cryogenic drilling method
    Patent number: 7000711
    Abstract: A horizontal bore cryogenic drilling method includes in a first embodiment forming a pilot hole of a first select diameter along a desired path of the horizontal bore. A grindable casing is inserted into the guide bore. A cryogenic fluid is flowed through the grindable casing to form a freeze zone of frozen moisture adjacent the grindable casing having a second select diameter. A primary bore is formed having a third select diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the second select diameter within the freeze zone along the desired path of the horizontal bore with the grindable casing in place. The second diameter is selected to be sufficiently greater than the third select diameter to prevent collapse of the freeze zone. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of forming a horizontal bore in an earth formation including providing a drill string having a conduit communicating with a cutting tool for engaging the earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignees: CH2M Hill, Inc., Ruekert & Meilke, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, John R. Jansen
  • Method and apparatus for treating wastewater using membrane filters
    Patent number: 6517723
    Abstract: An apparatus using activated sludge for the removal of biological nutrients from a wastewater includes a bioreactor for containing a mixture of wastewater under treatment and activated sludge. The bioreactor is divided into a plurality of serially connected treatment zones and includes a wastewater inlet, a downstream aerobic zone and an upstream aerobic zone between the wastewater inlet and the downstream aerobic zone. A membrane filter is provided in the downstream aerobic zone so that it functions as an immersed membrane filter with a bioreactor containing an operative volume of wastewater and activated sludge. The immersed membrane filter filters treated water flowing from the bioreactor through a first outlet. An aerator is operative associated with the membrane filter for purging solids from the membrane filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen T. Daigger, Albert M. Wollmann, Sudhir N. Murthy, Edwin J. Fleischer, Thomas A. Broderick
  • Apparatus and method for controlling temperature and humidity of a conditioned space
    Patent number: 6295823
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a conditioned space uses an outside air cooling coil circuit in fluid communication with coolant from a cooling supply. Outside air is introduced over the outside air cooling coil circuit through a damper having open and closed positions. A valve in fluid communication with the coolant supply and the outside air cooling coil circuit has an open setting for permitting and a closed setting for preventing the circulation of coolant through the outside air cooling coil circuit. An HVAC unit control is operatively associated with the valve and the damper for controlling their operation. An occupancy control generates a signal indicating the presence of a human within the conditioned space and is operatively associated with the HVAC unit control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Julius David Odom, David MacPhaul, Michael R. Harris
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