US5196121A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decomposition of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons in a bioreactor
Assignee: ABB Environmental Services Inc
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Filing: 1989-10-03
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Granted: 1993-03-23
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Expires: 2009-10-03
Abstract
Abstract Methanotropics are grown in a bioreactor containing a solid support. They decompose halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons found in ground water. The growth of the bacteria and the methane concentrations in the biomass reactor are controlled to significantly enhance the degradation of the hydrocarbons.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan T. Moore
- 👤 Maureen C. Leahy
- 👤 M. Margaret Findlay
- 👤 Sam Fogel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:14
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/02; C02F3/08; C02F3/082; C02F3/12; C02F3/1205; C02F3/1231; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/10; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/902; Y10S210/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for biodegrading volatile halogenated contaminants in a fluid stream which includes: maintaining a sealed environment in a rotating biological contactor; maintaining a methanotrophic biomass in the contactor; introducing methane and oxygen into the contactor; introducing a fluid stream containing the halogenated contaminants into the contactor; biodegrading the halogenated contaminants; measuring the amount of methane consumed in the biodegradable reaction; and controlling the flow of methane and oxygen into the contactor based on the consumption of methane to slow the reaction rate of the methanotrophic biomass and to maintain the methane concentration in the contactor at a desired level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for biodegrading volatile halogenated contaminants in a fluid stream which includes: maintaining a sealed environment in a rotating biological contactor; maintaining a methanotrophic biomass in the contactor; introducing methane and oxygen into the contactor; introducing a fluid stream containing the halogenated contaminants into the contactor; biodegrading the halogenated contaminants; measuring the amount of methane consumed in the biodegradable reaction; and controlling the flow of methane and oxygen into the contactor based on the consumption of methane to slow the reaction rate of the methanotrophic biomass and to maintain the methane concentration in the contactor at a desired level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the halogenated contaminants are selected from the group consisting of trichloroethylene, trans-dichloroethylene, cistrichloroethylene, methylene chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, chloroform, methylene chloride and dichloroethane, ethylene dibromide, 1,1a-vinylidene chloride, and vinylchloride.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the initial concentrations of the contaminants are between about 10 ppb to 10,000 ppb.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 which includes: maintaining the pressure in the contactor at a constant pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 4 which includes: introducing nitrogen into the contactor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 which includes: maintaining the concentration of the methane in the contactor between 0 to 20%.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 which includes: maintaining the level of oxygen in the contactor constant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the concentration of oxygen in the contactor is between 5 to 15%.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 7 wherein one of the reaction products is carbon dioxide and which includes: maintaining the carbon dioxide in the contactor within pre-determined limits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the carbon dioxide is maintained between 2 to 7% (V/V).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1 wherein one of the reaction products is carbon dioxide and which includes: removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
The process of claim 1 which includes: introducing a methanotrophic consortium into the contactor; growing the consortium in the presence of methane and oxygen; controlling the growth of aerobic organisms; and continuing the growth of the consortium until it forms a biomass at a steady state.
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) | 1996-03-22 | 1996-09-21 | 1997-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-22 | 2000-09-21 | 2001-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-22 | 2004-09-21 | 2005-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |