1587results about "Water/sewage treatment with mechanical oscillations" patented technology

Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

A method and apparatus for separating a mixture of particles of various sizes in a capillary tube into groups by size using multiple forces of controlled amplitude. Ultrasonic radiation at a first selected frequency is applied to set up a standing pressure wave in the capillary tube, resulting in a first aggregating force which causes particles of all sizes to aggregate at positions within the capillary tube which correspond to nodes or anti-nodes of the standing wave. Transverse vibrations are also applied to the capillary tube. The frequency of the ultrasonic radiation is adjusted to reduce the magnitude of the first aggregating force. Inertial forces resulting from the transverse vibrations then cause the particles to separate by size. The apparatus and method allows a mixture of particles to be separated by size quickly, without requiring the use of high voltages.

A process for performing a chemical reaction between a plurality of chemical reactants in the presence of a catalyst, with at least a first reactant in a liquid phase and at least a second reactant in a gas phase, the first and second reactants mixing at least by interdiffusion. The process comprises supplying the reactants to a passage defined by a first surface and a second surface and optionally moving at least one of the first surface and second surface relative to each other. The reactants their mixture or reaction products form respective boundary layers against the first and second surfaces and the radial spacing between the first surface and second surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the boundary layers.

A method for separating, or removing, particulate material, e.g., blood cells, from a sample of fluid, e.g., whole blood of a patient, in which the particulate material is suspended. In the case of separating blood cells from blood plasma or blood serum, the resulting samples of blood plasma or blood serum can be used for in vitro diagnostic applications. In normal practice, a whole blood sample of a patient are provided and then introduced into an apparatus that contains a flow channel. An acoustic field, which contains acoustic standing waves from external ultrasonic transducers, is located within the flow channel. Laminar flow is maintained in the flow channel. Blood cells and platelets are separated from blood plasma or blood serum at the end of the flow channel and collected. The method described herein allows fluid components to differentially migrate to areas of preferred acoustic interaction. The parameters that affect separation of particles are size, density, compressibility of the particles, and the fluid surrounding the particles.

The invention relates to a process for sorting and separating a mixture of (n, m) type single-wall carbon nanotubes according to (n, m) type. A mixture of (n, m) type single-wall carbon nanotubes is suspended such that the single-wall carbon nanotubes are individually dispersed. The nanotube suspension can be done in a surfactant-water solution and the surfactant surrounding the nanotubes keeps the nanotube isolated and from aggregating with other nanotubes. The nanotube suspension is acidified to protonate a fraction of the nanotubes. An electric field is applied and the protonated nanotubes migrate in the electric fields at different rates dependent on their (n, m) type. Fractions of nanotubes are collected at different fractionation times. The process of protonation, applying an electric field, and fractionation is repeated at increasingly higher pH to separated the (n, m) nanotube mixture into individual (n, m) nanotube fractions. The separation enables new electronic devices requiring selected (n, m) nanotube types.

A filtration system is provided with hollow membrane filter elements operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. Acoustic, vibration and ultrasonic energy may be used to clean exterior portions of the hollow membrane filter elements to allow substantially continuous filtration of process fluids. The filtration system may be satisfactorily used with process fluids having a relatively high concentrations of solids, particulate and colloidal matter.

A method and apparatus for demixing an aqueous solution is provided. The aqueous solution has at least two aqueous phases. The method comprises applying acoustic energy to the aqueous solution. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for applying acoustic energy to the aqueous solution until the aqueous solution is demixed to clarity.

A device for manipulating particles present in a fluid medium is disclosed. The device comprises a planar substrate, formed with at least one primary microchannel to allow passage of the fluid medium therethrough. The primary microchannel(s) has walls and a base and being in fluid communication with a plurality of secondary microchannels via at least one branching point. The device further comprises one or more ultrasound transmission pairs, positioned at opposite sides of the walls to generate ultrasound waves propagating through the fluid medium, substantially parallel to the planar substrate, such as to form a standing wave within the primary microchannel.

The present invention relates to semiconductor processing. In particular, it relates to a tunable ultrasonic filter and a method of using the same for more effective separation of large particles from slurry. In one embodiment a standing wave is produced in the filter and large particles are accumulated at the nodes of the standing waves while the slurry is flowed out of the filter.

The invention relates to a method and a device for separating particles using ultrasonic standing waves which are switched between two different frequencies. A second order harmonic standing wave is used together with the fundamental standing wave. If the particles are exposed to the fundamental standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the centre. If the particles are exposed to the second order harmonic standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the two pressure nodes at the sides. By switching the frequency between the second order harmonic standing wave and the fundamental standing wave, particles with different properties will be exposed to different accelerations and are separated into two streams.

Systems and methods for separating particles and/or toxins from a sample fluid. A method according to one embodiment comprises simultaneously passing a sample fluid and a buffer fluid through a chamber such that a fluidic interface is formed between the sample fluid and the buffer fluid as the fluids pass through the chambers the sample fluid having particles of interest therein; applying a force to the fluids for urging the particles of interest to pass through the interface into the buffer fluid; and substantially separating the buffer fluid from the sample fluid.

A method for the removal of contaminants from a contaminated water stream, by pretreating the contaminated water stream to yield a pretreated water stream, wherein pretreating comprises passing the contaminated water stream to at least one electrocoagulation cell wherein coagulation of contaminants is promoted, yielding an electrocoagulated stream; and separating coagulated contaminants from the electrocoagulated stream.

An electrocoagulation reactor comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned parallel to each other and provided with a means of energizing each electrode; a fluid inlet for an inlet stream comprising contaminated water; a fluid outlet for an outlet stream comprising electrocoagulated products; a flow distributor system; and a gas distribution system for injecting a gas into the electrocoagulation reactor. An electrocoagulation system for treating a contaminated water stream, the system comprising at least one electrocoagulation reactor.

An integrated treatment system using electrodialysis and pressure-driven membranes for deionizing and decontaminating liquids to a near-pure quality for use or reuse in industrial or municipal operations. The integrated system includes steps of pre-filtering contaminated feed liquids blending the filtered liquids in preparation for treating the mixed liquids in parallel or sequential treatment steps utilizing nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, proceeded by or followed by an integrated electrodialysis treatment. A control means selectively directs mixed liquids to each of the treatment units for treatment in parallel or in series depending on the conductivity and residual contaminants in the mixed liquids. In comparison with nanofiltration or reverse osmosis only systems, or electrodialysis only systems, the integrated system provides improved efficiencies for treatment, requires less energy to operate, and reduces maintenance and capital costs.

Disclosed is a novel method for treatment of wastewater containing organic contaminant materials by oxidatively decomposing the contaminant materials by a radical reaction involving hydroxyl radicals. The method comprises passing the wastewater through a wastewater treatment conduit (6) comprising a straightly tubular member (6) and a radical generating part consisting of a truncated pyramidal or conical tubular member (1) having an inner surface layer of titanium dioxide to serve as a positive electrode and connected to the upstream end of the straightly tubular member and a negative electrode rod (4) coaxially held relative to the truncated tubular member and applying a pulsed DC voltage having a rectangular wave form at a specified frequency. The efficiency of wastewater treatment can be improved by providing an ultrasonic part consisting of a truncated tubular member similar (7) to the above and connected to the downstream end of the straightly tubular member and an ultrasonic vibrator (8) mounted thereon to emit pulsed ultrasonic waves.

Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention may include a liquid disinfection system having built-in cleaning and deposit prevention capabilities. The system may include a conduit to carry a flowing liquid to be disinfected, an illumination source and an ultrasonic cleaning unit mounted on an external surface of the conduit.

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy.

An acoustic separator comprises: two parallel chamber walls defining a separation chamber therebetween, each chamber wall defining one side of the chamber; inlet means through which fluid can flow into the chamber; and outlet means through which fluid can flow out of the chamber. One of the chamber walls includes a transducer arranged to transmit pressure waves across the chamber towards the other of the chamber walls which in turn is arranged to reflect the pressure waves to set up a standing wave in the chamber. The outlet means defines an opening in one of the sides of the chamber.

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.

The invention relates to a process method for treating hardly-biodegradable organic wastewater, and the method comprises the following steps: mainly utilizing the combination of ultraviolet light, electrochemistry, ultrasonic waves and oxidation-reduction chemical reaction for treating the hardly-biodegradable organic wastewater, and treating the wastewater by three reaction units of an ultrasonic cavitation zone, an electrochemical reaction zone and an ultraviolet light catalytic reaction zone, thereby realizing the high-efficient multi-stage deep wastewater oxidation reaction which combines the ultrasonic wastewater treatment method, the ultrasonic light and the collaborative Fenton reagent oxidation wastewater treatment, as well as the electrochemistry and the collaborative Fenton reagent oxidation wastewater treatment, effectively treating a variety of types of hardly-biodegradable organic wastewater and leading the COD removal rate of the wastewater after the treatment to be more than 90%.

The treatment apparatus is pressurized and operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit. The treatment apparatus is modular in construction and compact in overall configuration. The treatment apparatus and associated equipment and electrical power generator is sized and configured to be mounted within a truck trailer body.

A compact portable modular wastewater treatment system which integrates several processing technologies to provide a substantially purified water source. A wastewater stream is sent through an initial filtration step. The filtered wastewater is then subjected to electrocoagulation and then further filtered. The resulting stream containing substantially only organics is then treated in an advanced oxidation process which can include passing an electrical current through the water during the oxidation process. The partially treated water is then passed through ion-exchange columns to polish ammonium and other contaminants. The ion-exchange columns are cycled through regeneration cycles to provide continuous ion-exchange medium. The ammonium rich brine solution used in regeneration is subjected to an ammonium destruct process and then reused in regenerating ion-exchange columns. The water can then be sent through a final disinfection oxidation process to destroy or inactivate pathogens and/or remove any remaining colorants or odor to provide a water source suitable for almost any use.

The invention belongs to a multi-technology synergetic catalysis advanced micro-bubble ozone oxidation tower mainly aiming at the treatment of refractory industrial wastewater. Influent (1) and O3 generated by an ozone generator (24) are injected into a water distribution cabin through a dissolved gas pump (5) and enter a micro-bubble release contact area (7) through a pore plate to release dissolved gas; Liquid which contains slag flows upwards and enters a floating slag separation area (8), liquid which contains no slag flows downwards and enters a gas-liquid separator (9), one part of effluent (10) is drained from a drain hole (11), and one part of the effluent (10) is refluxed to a dissolved gas pump intake pipe (12); an ultrasonic vibrator (13) and an ultraviolet light source (14) provide an ultrasonic and ultraviolet synergetic catalysis action; floating slag overflows to a collecting groove (15) and is drained through a drain hole (16); and a coagulant, powder activated carbon and hydrogen peroxide are added by adding systems (2, 3, 4) to provide a coagulation action and the synergetic catalysis action of PAC (powdered activated carbon) and H2O2. Tail gas is refluxed to the ozone generator through a drain hole (17), a one-way valve (18), gas suction tanks (19 and 20) and a dryer (23). The oxidation tower is compact in structure and has high treatment efficiency.

An improved field-flow fractionation method and apparatus for the separation of sample species 28 contained in a carrier fluid, wherein a stream of the sample species-containing carrier fluid is forced through a flow channel 14 having a depletion wall 18, an accumulation wall 20, side walls, a channel inlet 10, and a channel outlet 34, by introducing the sample species-containing carrier fluid into the flow channel 14 through the channel inlet 10 and withdrawing the sample species-containing carrier fluid through the channel outlet 34, a field 32 is applied to the carrier fluid in the flow channel 14 to induce a driving force on the sample species 28 acting across the flow channel 14 from the depletion wall 18 towards the accumulation wall 20 and perpendicular to the orientation of the main axis of the flow channel 14, the sample species 28 are subjected to fractionation as they flow through the flow channel 14 and emerge as sample species fractions at the channel outlet 34, wherein at least one additional stream of sample species-depleted carrier fluid is introduced into the flow channel 14 through at least one orifice 12 and the relative flow rates of the different streams are adjusted such that the stream of sample species-containing carrier fluid is positioned adjacent to the accumulation wall 20 and the sample species-depleted carrier fluid is positioned between the depletion wall 18 and the sample species-containing carrier fluid, no mechanical barrier being provided inside the flow channel 14 between the orifice 12 and the channel inlet 10 for separating the stream of sample species-depleted carrier fluid introduced through the orifice 12 and the stream of sample species-containing carrier fluid introduced through the channel inlet 10.

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.

A seawater desalination system is provided using a jet technique, which comprises a filter apparatus, a sonic energy treatment apparatus, and a desalination apparatus. After being coarse-filtered and fine-filtered, the seawater enters the sonic energy treatment apparatus. After being treated by the sonic energy treatment apparatus, the seawater is stored in a water storage tank in the form of small molecular clusters, and then pumped into a reverse osmosis membrane. After osmosis, the water becomes freshwater and stored in a freshwater tank. During the process, the reverse osmosis membrane can be replaced by a distillatory. The system has the advantages of a simple structure of the seawater desalination apparatus, less investment, low cost, and stable performance. The seawater is not only desalinated, but also chain-shortened into water of small molecular clusters, which is easily absorbed and utilized by human body.

A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.

A reactor produces a gas-in-liquid emulsion for providing increased interfacial contact area between the liquid and the gas for improved reaction of the gas with the liquid, or more rapid solution or reaction of a difficulty soluble or immiscible gas in or with a liquid. The reactor is suitable for a continuous or batch type process. Rotor and stator cylindrical members are mounted for rotation relative to one another and have opposing surfaces spaced to form an annular processing passage. The gap distance between the opposing surfaces and the relative rotation rate of the cylindrical members are such as to form a gas-in-liquid emulsion of the gas in the liquid. The liquid and gas pass through the processing passage, changing into the gas-in-liquid emulsion.

An in-line reactor for the treatment of liquids or gasses by light radiation is disclosed. The reactor is made of tube, pipe, or chamber made of a transparent material, having at least one fluid inlet and correspondingly at least one fluid outlet. The transparent material of the tube is selected such that its refractive index is as possible close to the refractive index of the fluid to be treated. Air gap is kept around the outer transparent walls of the reactor, in order to allow for total internal reflection inside the reactor, of light directed into it from a light source in angles of incidence greater than the critical angle. Fluid treatment systems comprising at least one said in-line reactor are also disclosed. Furthermore, method of in-line fluid treatment, and especially of water sterilization and disinfection and aseptic filling of water are disclosed. Surfaces hit by the in-line disinfected water after being launched through an outlet nozzle, could also be sterilized by launching the water with the same UV light used for the in-line treatment locked in total internal reflection within the free flow water jet.

A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.