2353results about "Water/sewage treatment by substance addition" patented technology

In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.

A modular water treatment and purification system, suitable for home use, is connected to a water supply and contains a closed fluid treatment circuit extending to a water outlet. The closed fluid circuit flows through a plurality of replaceable water treatment modules each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange or the addition of a chemical to balance the desired water conditions. Preferably the circuit also includes traversing a radiation device, for example an ultra violet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

The present invention provides an apparatus for purifying nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA or proteins such as enzymes and antibodies from microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria or animal and plant tissues, the apparatus being capable of fast processing of a plurality of samples. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus for purifying nucleic acids or proteins using magnetically attractable particles, the apparatus comprising a plurality of piston pumps; a plurality of nozzles capable of having a plurality of disposable tips which are automatically attachable/detachable; and a mechanism which is capable of dispensing a desired amount of a reagent to be used subsequently in the next step into the same number of sections as that of the samples with high accuracy and at a high rate, while a mixture of a sample and a reagent are being mixed (stirred) by the pumps and nozzles, the apparatus being capable of rapidly processing a plurality of samples, wherein a series of steps from mixing (stirring) of the magnetically attractable particles and concentration of the sample to purification is automated with reduced wastes.

This invention describes a method for stabilizing bromine biocides in water. A water-soluble bromide salt and a sulfamate source are added to a body of water, and then an oxidant is added to the body of water to form the biocidal bromine species.

An apparatus and method for the purification of contaminated water whereby the contamination level of the wastewater is automatically monitored and treatment self-adjusted and continued until the desired level of purification is reached. Specifically, if upon treatment a pre-set purification level is not obtained a water recycle control means completely precludes the uptake of additional contaminated water and recycles wastewater within the apparatus until the desired level of purification is obtained. The present invention more particularly pertains to an efficient, turn key, economical, movable, automatic and compact apparatus and method for treating a fluid with ozone comprising multiple pressurized contact columns which are arranged in a hybrid parallel and series column configuration, which utilizes a unique water recycle control system and piping arrangement to improve the efficiency of the mass transfer of ozone into the water and increase its solubility by increasing the contact time between the water phase and the gas phase. The apparatus and method of the present invention has the further advantage that it requires minimal installation and may be used to fulfill the clean and safe water needs of any hotel, resort, restaurant, hospital, light industry, commercial business, apartment complex or small city.

The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature. This way, the ice/snow mass that forms at the bottom of the chamber will consist of frozen ice crystals, and a residue of salt water brine, which can runoff from the mass, either from the sides, or through any voids or channels that may form within the mass.

A method and device for the chemical conversion, filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological and chemical contaminants, such as fluids containing arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and cysts, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of fluid treatment carbon, metal phosphates, metal oxides, reduced metals, metal silicates, metal sulfates, metal carbonates, metal hydroxides, or combinations thereof. The material may be included in a fixed binder matrix.

On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents. These cleaning and disinfecting methods work in a variety of industrial water systems including cooling water and boiler water systems.

A method of disinfection of a dead-ended fluid line in a medical instrument such as a dialysis machine is described. The method comprises introducing a heated fluid into the fluid line, allowing the fluid to remain in the line for an experimentally determined optimal dwell period, removing the fluid from the fluid line, and then repeating the cycle for a time period sufficient to achieve a disinfection of the fluid line. The optimum dwell period and frequency for exchanging the heated fluid is determined so that the heated fluid is left resident in the line to exert a cidal effect but not so long that the it cools to the point of being ineffective, nor changed so frequently that that the time spent with no hot water resident in the line begins to detract (e.g., unduly prolong) the disinfection process. A representative cycle is introducing water at a temperature of about 85 degrees C, allowing it to reside in the fluid line for about 10 seconds, withdrawing the water, and then reintroducing water at 85 degrees C. The process continues for 1-2 hours. Variation from the representative cycle will be expected based on parameters such as the degree to which disinfection is to be achieved, the length and diameter of the fluid line, the temperature of the fluid, the ambient temperature, the presence of elements in the fluid line that contribute to heat loss, the material used for fluid line tubing, and whether the fluid comprises water or a disinfection solution such as a dilute citric acid solution. The optimum dwell period and frequency of the cycles can be determined experimentally from the teachings described herein.

The present invention relates to an aqueous decontaminating composition comprising(A) an amount of H2O2 less than or equal to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of said composition;(B) an RCO3H/RCO2H mixture, where R is methyl or ethyl, as indicated above, said mixture being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said mixture to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.15/1 and 0.85/1;(C) a silver component as a source of Ag ions, selected from the group consisting of silver salts and complexes, said silver component being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said silver component to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.015/1;(D) a stabilizer present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said stabilizer to the hydrogen peroxide is between 0.0005/1 and 0.025/1; andwater to make up to 100% by weight. It further relates to the method of preparation and to the use of said composition.

Disclosed is an improved method for the remineralization of process water in a desalination system. The method sequesters carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) from seawater or concentrate (brine) of desalination process via a gas transfer membrane. The sequestered carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is thereafter used in the production of soluble calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂). The calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂) adds hardness and alkalinity to the resulting process water.

A portable, potable-water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of water vapor from ambient air. The generator (125) employs an air filter (119) to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber cools the filtered air to its dew point and collects droplets of condensate into a condensate collector (5). Before discharge, the collected dew is treated in a bacteriostat loop to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. A recirculation loop provides the ability to recirculate stored condensate, including during periods of inactivity. Further, quick disconnect fittings (55b) and variable length flexible tubing allows use of the invention to serve remote dispensers and/or appliances and allow use of municipal water treated through the apparatus in low condensate situations.

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. When a fertilizer melt is formed ammoniation is subsequently completed by the specific use of vaporized ammonia. The invention can also be an add-on to commercial production of ammonium salts. The fertilizer produced by the present invention contains more than 8 wt. % nitrogen and preferably 15 wt. % nitrogen. The invention is oriented to be tailored to the biosolids production for individual municipal waste treatment plants in order to keep the fertilizer manufacturing plants of the present invention small with a minimization of logistics and liability.

This invention discloses a nourishing slow-released type organic bulking agent for processing water and its preparation. This bulking agent includes 60-100 parts of high polymer basis material, 1-15 parts of nutrient substance, 1-10 parts of slow-releasing control substance, and 1-10 parts of dispersing lubricant. When prepare, lubricate slow-releasing control substance with 0.5-3 parts of dispersing lubricant; lubricate high polymer basis material with remaining dispersing lubricant, add in stirring machine, mix with above mixture, mix uniformly, transfer mixture into stirring dipper of plastic injection molding machine, extrude and form by bulking agent tooting. Organic bulking agent prepared by this invention slow-releases nutrient substance that is required for microbes forming biofilm. It has characteristics of fast forming biofilm, more microbial biomass, and activity. It is especially suitable for oxygen degrading process of waste water that contains difficult degraded toxic pollutant.

Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.

A method of monitoring the movement of fluid through a fluid distribution network is described. The introduction of an additive to fluid is controlled at a control point in a fluid distribution network, and a concentration pulse in a concentration of the additive in the fluid is generated. Amounts of the additive are measured as a function of time using a plurality of sensor units located at identified locations in the fluid distribution network over a geographic area, wherein the sensor units communicate with one or more communication networks. Measurement data corresponding to measured amounts of the additive is received from the sensor units with a computer system, and the measurement data is processed with the computer system to generate information indicative of movement of fluid in the fluid distribution network. The information can be displayed on a geographic map of the fluid distribution networ

An electrolytically activated, microcidal aqueous solution is disclosed which is used in the elimination and control of biofilm in dental unit water lines. The solution has a pH between 6.75 and 10 with microcidal as well as anti-oxidising, dispersing and surfactant properties, rendering the solution bio-compatible and non-corrosive, as well as capable of eliminating biofilm in dental unit water lines, while simultaneously dispersing and dislodging the biofilm from the water lines so as reduce the micro-organisms in the dental water to a predetermined level. The aqueous solution is produced using an electrolytic device that allows the independent manipulation of specific individual properties of two separate product streams (a cation-rich stream and an anion-rich stream), the manipulation being performed by separate and independent recirculation through the same electrode chamber or counter-electrode chamber of the electrolytic device to modulate the respective properties of the anion-containing and the cation-containing solutions.

A water filter cooperable with a water container includes both a carbon composite filter (30) and a bundle of micro porous hollow fiber membranes (5) in fluid communication with the carbon composite filter (30). An influent side of the hollow fiber membrane (5) is continuously immersed in water whereby air is prevented from being reintroduced to the hollow fiber membrane (5).

The invention relates to a system for controlling the concentration of a detrimental substance, in particular H₂S, in a sewer network. The system comprises a monitoring device arranged at a monitoring location in the sewer network and at least one dosing controller arranged at a dosing location upstream the monitoring location. The monitoring device is arranged for providing a signal indicating a measured H₂S concentration at the monitoring location and for transmitting a radio frequency signal carrying information about the H₂S concentration. The dosing controller is arranged for receiving the radio frequency signal, deriving a concentration signal based on the radio frequency signal, calculating a dose of a preselected additive based on the derived concentration signal, and supplying a dosing signal to a dosing device, causing the dosing device to add the calculated dose at the dosing location. Advantageously, the calculating of a dose also takes into account critical process indicators acquired at the dosing location. A main controller is arranged to communicate with the at controllers, and various control tasks are distributed among the main controller and the dosing controllers.

A method of separating, concentrating or purifying uniform carbon nanotubes with desired properties (diameter, chiral vector, etc) in a highly sensitive manner by the use of structure-sensitive properties peculiar to carbon nanotubes; and an apparatus therefor. There is provided a method of separating, concentrating, or purifying carbon nanotubes with the desired properties contained in a sample, comprising the steps pf (a) irradiating a sample containing carbon nanotubes with light; and (b) selecting carbon nanotubes with desired properties. In a preferred embodiment, the light irradiation of the step (a) can be carried out in the presence of a metal so as to cause specified carbon nanotubes to selectively induce a photocatalytic reaction, resulting in metal deposition. Further, in a preferred embodiment, a given magnetic filed can be applied in the steps (b) so as to attain accumulation or concentration or carbon nanotubes with metal deposited.

Compositions, methods and kits for purifying and clarifying and/or nutrifying contaminated drinking water and which comprise a primary coagulant material and a bridging flocculent material, the levels and ratios of coagulant to flocculent preferably falling within certain ranges. Highly preferred compositions also contain one or more of a cationic coagulant aid, especially chitosan, a microbiocidal disinfectant, a water-soluble alkali, a water-insoluble silicate, and a food additive or nutrient source.

A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.

Reversible switchable surfactants are provided. A surfactant is the salt of an amidine or guanidine having at least one R group that is a hydrophobic moiety selected from the group consisting of higher aliphatic moiety, higher siloxyl moiety, higher aliphatic/siloxyl moiety, aliphatic/aryl moiety, siloxyl/aryl moiety, and aliphatic/siloxyl/aryl moiety. The other R groups are smaller moieties such as H, C₁ to C₄ aliphatic or the like. The surfactant is turned on by a gas that liberates hydrogen ions, such as, for example, carbon dioxide, which liberates hydrogen ions in the presence of water. The surfactant is turned off by exposure to a flushing gas and/or heating. When “on” the surfactants are useful to stabilize emulsions, and when “off” they are useful to separate immiscible liquids or a liquid and a solid. The surfactants find uses in polymerization and in the oil industry.

Synergistic mixtures of biocides and their use to control the growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems are disclosed. The method of using the synergistic mixtures entails adding an effective amount of a nitrogenous compound activated by an oxidant and at least one non-oxidizing biocide to an aqueous system. The amount of activated nitrogenous compound and non-oxidizing biocide is selected to result in a synergistic biocidal effect.

A process for treating a biomaterial waste stream is described. The process may form part of a waste fermentation system. The treating process can degrade at least a portion of the biomaterial waste stream into other components or materials. These other components or materials may be reintroduced into a fermentation process as a nutrient for a fermenting organism.

A system for enhancing water is described. The system includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, source water at the inlet, which can flow through a filter component in the housing and thus become treated water, and at least one enhancement module that can dispense an enhancement into the treated water as it flows through the outlet. Water can flow through the system only by the force of gravity, pressure in a building's water line, and/or hand pumps. Enhancement that can be used in the system include flavorings, dyes, minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, probiotics, homoepathic remedies, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, standard prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications, and combinations thereof. A control is also provided, through which a consumer can regulate an amount of enhancement that is added to the treated water.

The present invention relates to a process for working up or treating aqueous waste waters which are formed during the nitration of toluene to dinitrotoluene with nitrating acid. These aqueous waste waters containing acidic wash water and alkaline wash water from the dinitrotoluene washing step, and distillate from the sulfuric acid concentration step. The process comprises,

• • a) combining the acidic and alkaline waste waters from the washing step and the aqueous distillate from the sulfuric acid concentration step such that the resulting mixture has a pH below 5,
  • b) separating the aqueous and organic phases which are formed by phase separation,
  • c) subjecting the aqueous phase from b) to an extraction step, wherein
  • d) the organic components contained in the aqueous phase from c) are extracted with toluene, and
  • e) introducing the toluene phase enriched with the organic components into the toluene nitration.

A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is initially passed across a pre-filter secured over the inlet to the first chamber and having a very small pore size and an inner cavity in which a disinfecting agent is place to filters most contaminants before the water is drawn into said filtering device, and once in the first holding chamber the water is isolated and may be further treated with a disinfectant agent, and then is passed though at least additional filtering substance including an activated carbon or nano-filter.

Disclosed herein are supercritical fluid biomass conversion machines, systems, and methods for converting a wide range of biomass materials into a plurality of reaction products including fermentable sugars and various aromatic substances. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises the steps of: providing an extruder; conveying a mixture of the selected biomass material and water through the extruder and into a supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone; heating and further pressurizing the mixture within the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone to yield at least supercritical water, wherein heat energy is supplied by means of an induction heating coil positioned circumferentially about the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone; retaining the mixture within the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone for a period of time sufficient to yield the plurality of reaction products; and separating the plurality of reaction products into at least a water soluble fraction and an organic solvent soluble fraction.