Patent US4640769A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4640769A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for photographic film processor pollution control
Assignee: ETUS Inc
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Filing: 1985-08-29
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Granted: 1987-02-03
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Expires: 2005-08-29
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus uses a combination of technologies for treatment of hazardous and nonhazardous liquid wastes. The first treatment step is an evaporation stage where the liquid wastes are heated. The resulting steam and vapors are then oxidized by photolysis and photolytic catalyzed ozone before they are condensed. The steam and vapors are then condensed and the condensate is passed through a column of activated carbon. The activated carbon absorbs any unoxidized Chemical Oxygen Demanding (COD) species and aids in the control of any odors which may be emitted in the evaporation stage.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark F. Wemhoff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:59
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D5/00; B01D5/0057; C; C02; C02F; C02F9/00; C02F9/20; B01D5/006; C02F1/00; C02F1/02; C02F1/04; C02F1/048; C02F1/28; C02F1/283; C02F1/30; C02F1/32; C02F1/72; C02F1/78; C02F1/46; C02F1/461; C02F2103/00; C02F2103/34; C02F2103/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for the removal of metals and reduction of biological and chemical oxygen demand (BOD/COD) in washless photographic processing chemistry comprising: an evaporator including means for receiving effluent from said photographic processing, the effluent having metals dissolved therein and containing certain volatile organic compounds and other substances characterized by BOD/COD; said evaporator including a corrosion-resistant vessel and having a temperature-resistant removable liner affixed to the interior of said vessel for collecting solids, a heat source for separation of vaporized water and volatile organic compounds from solids and complexed ionic metals; a photolytic cell and ozone generator fluidly coupled to said evaporator for receiving, oxidizing, and photolyzing the vaporized water and volatile organic compounds; a condenser fluidly coupled to said photolytic cell and ozone generator for receiving and condensing said photolyzed vapor into a condensate; an activated carbon adsorption cell fluidly coupled to said condenser for receiving and purifying said condensate, said adsorption cell comprising an activated carbon media and outlet means; an insulated enclosure for said system for conserving evaporative heat and dissipating condenser heat; and control means coupled to said evaporator, photolytic cell and ozone generator, condenser, and activated carbon adsorption cell for controlling the operation of the system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for the removal of metals and reduction of biological and chemical oxygen demand (BOD/COD) in washless photographic processing chemistry comprising: an evaporator including means for receiving effluent from said photographic processing, the effluent having metals dissolved therein and containing certain volatile organic compounds and other substances characterized by BOD/COD; said evaporator including a corrosion-resistant vessel and having a temperature-resistant removable liner affixed to the interior of said vessel for collecting solids, a heat source for separation of vaporized water and volatile organic compounds from solids and complexed ionic metals; a photolytic cell and ozone generator fluidly coupled to said evaporator for receiving, oxidizing, and photolyzing the vaporized water and volatile organic compounds; a condenser fluidly coupled to said photolytic cell and ozone generator for receiving and condensing said photolyzed vapor into a condensate; an activated carbon adsorption cell fluidly coupled to said condenser for receiving and purifying said condensate, said adsorption cell comprising an activated carbon media and outlet means; an insulated enclosure for said system for conserving evaporative heat and dissipating condenser heat; and control means coupled to said evaporator, photolytic cell and ozone generator, condenser, and activated carbon adsorption cell for controlling the operation of the system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the photolytic cell consists of a short-wave ultraviolet radiation source; a positive air pressure source; and an accumulator pad fabricated of spun strands of corrosion-resistant metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said condenser consists of a finned coil cooled by air.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 3, wherein said oxidizer uses chemical means of oxidation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said condenser consists of a finned coil cooled by water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon adsorption cell consists of a matrix of baffles, causing liquid to be forced along an extended path through the activated carbon media.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 6, wherein said activated carbon adsorption cell contains an aeration device which extends the useful life of the activated carbon media.
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) | 1990-02-02 | 1990-08-04 | 1991-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-02 | 1994-08-04 | 1995-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-02 | 1998-08-04 | 1999-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |