US4080288A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Symbiotic membrane systems
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-04-08
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Granted: 1978-03-21
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Expires: 1996-04-08
Abstract
Abstract An improved apparatus and process for use in the treatment of organic and inorganic wastes wherein the reactor has a semipermeable membrane positioned between the gas phase and the liquid phase. The semipermeable membrane is selected to control the flow of selected gases and particularly oxygen and nitrogen from the gas phase to the biomass or liquid phase in a ratio greater than 1 part of oxygen to 4 parts of nitrogen. The membrane also controls the flow of carbon dioxide from the liquid phase to the gas phase.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel Pilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:55
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/02; C02F3/12; C02F3/26; B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A process for treating liquid organic and inorganic wastes in a reactor containing a semipermeable membrane separating a liquid biomass from a gaseous phase comprising feeding the liquid waste into the biomass in the reactor, the semipermeable membrane in the reactor being of a material to control the flow of selected gases including at least oxygen and nitrogen between the gaseous phase and the biomass to permit the establishment of a desired atmosphere in contact with the biomass to aid in the biological activity in the biomass, maintaining the desired atmosphere to aid in the biological activity in the biomass, retaining the biomass in contact with the desired atmosphere for a predetermined period of time for sufficient biological activity to occur in the biomass and thereafter removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A process for treating liquid organic and inorganic wastes in a reactor containing a semipermeable membrane separating a liquid biomass from a gaseous phase comprising feeding the liquid waste into the biomass in the reactor, the semipermeable membrane in the reactor being of a material to control the flow of selected gases including at least oxygen and nitrogen between the gaseous phase and the biomass to permit the establishment of a desired atmosphere in contact with the biomass to aid in the biological activity in the biomass, maintaining the desired atmosphere to aid in the biological activity in the biomass, retaining the biomass in contact with the desired atmosphere for a predetermined period of time for sufficient biological activity to occur in the biomass and thereafter removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the flow of selected gases from the gaseous phase to the biomass through the membrane has a ratio of oxygen to nitrogen greater than 1:4.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the flow of selected gases through the membrane controls the flow of carbon dioxide generated by the biological activity in the biomass from the biomass to the gaseous phase.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
179 words
A process for treating liquid organic and inorganic wastes in a reactor containing a semipermeable membrane separating a liquid biomass from a gaseous phase and comprising feeding the liquid waste into the biomass in the reactor, the semipermeable membrane being suspended a predetermined distance above the biomass to establish a spacing for a desired atmospheric gaseous process in contact with the biomass, the semipermeable membrane being of a material to control the flow of selected gases including at least oxygen and nitrogen between the gaseous phase and a desired atmospheric gaseous phase in contact with the biomass to establish the desired atmosphere in the gaseous phase in contact with the biomass, maintaining the semipermeable membrane spaced a determined distance above the liquid biomass to substantially prevent the growth of microorganism on the membrane maintaining the desired atmosphere to aid in the biological activity in the biomass; retaining the biomass in contact with the desired atmosphere for a predetermined period of time for sufficient biological activity to occur in the biomass and thereafter removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
179 words
A process for treating liquid organic and inorganic wastes in a reactor containing a semipermeable membrane separating a liquid biomass from a gaseous phase and comprising feeding the liquid waste into the biomass in the reactor, the semipermeable membrane being suspended a predetermined distance above the biomass to establish a spacing for a desired atmospheric gaseous process in contact with the biomass, the semipermeable membrane being of a material to control the flow of selected gases including at least oxygen and nitrogen between the gaseous phase and a desired atmospheric gaseous phase in contact with the biomass to establish the desired atmosphere in the gaseous phase in contact with the biomass, maintaining the semipermeable membrane spaced a determined distance above the liquid biomass to substantially prevent the growth of microorganism on the membrane maintaining the desired atmosphere to aid in the biological activity in the biomass; retaining the biomass in contact with the desired atmosphere for a predetermined period of time for sufficient biological activity to occur in the biomass and thereafter removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 4 wherein the flow of selected gases from the gaseous phase to the desired atmosphere gaseous phase through the membrane has a ratio of oxygen to nitrogen greater than 1:4.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the flow of selected gases generated by the biological activity in the biomass through the membrane controls the flow of carbon dioxide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-20 | 1981-09-19 | 1982-03-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-20 | 1985-09-19 | 1986-03-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-20 | 1989-09-19 | 1990-03-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |