Patent US2024463A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5411665A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5411665A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods for reducing and separating emulsions and homogeneous components from contaminated water
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-07-20
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Granted: 1995-05-02
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Expires: 2013-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A system for the reduction and separation of highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, particularly useful for treating waste water contaminated with oils and oily emulsions, as from depleted oil wells, vehicle washing stations, and meat rendering plants. The system is operative for reducing the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants, and is particularly suitable for reducing the amount of oil, with oil-consuming microorganisms, and separating oil that is not consumed within the system from the water so that the oil may be recycled and the water discharged into wetlands or sanitary sewers without further treatment. The system comprises a multi-stage, recirculating series of treatment tanks. In a first stage, the fluid is recirculated through a treatment loop where the fluid is aerated and then passed through a coalescer. Organic metabolizing microorganisms that contribute to de-emulsification and contaminant reduction within the system are introduced, together with a superoxygenated catalyst containing microorganism nutrients. The coalescer is preferably a horizontal stack of evenly spaced apart polypropylene plates with sinusoidal corrugations running along the plane of the plates. In subsequent treatment stages, the fluid is recirculated through filters prior to discharge from the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles R. Scraggs
- 👤 Jack R. Creel
- 👤 Alonzo L. DeCell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:20
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/34; C02F3/343; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0208; B01D17/0211; B01D17/08; B01D17/12; C02F2103/00; C02F2103/44; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coalescer comprising a plurality of spaced apart plates, each plate having corrugations running along the plate forming crests and valleys, said plate having bleed holes for passage of the immiscible components; (b) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid to break the emulsion; and (c) passing the fluid through the coalescer to separate the immiscible constituents of the waste stream.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coalescer comprising a plurality of spaced apart plates, each plate having corrugations running along the plate forming crests and valleys, said plate having bleed holes for passage of the immiscible components; (b) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid to break the emulsion; and (c) passing the fluid through the coalescer to separate the immiscible constituents of the waste stream.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding a microorganism catalyst.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of aerating the fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of filtering the fluid after the fluid has passed through the coalescer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the filter comprises a filtration media selected from the group consisting of sand, silica, and activated carbon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of recirculating the fluid through the filter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plates are arranged horizontally.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the corrugations of the plates are approximately sinusoidal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plates are polypropylene.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of recirculating the fluid through the coalescer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is introduced into a first treatment tank, and further comprising the steps of: accumulating fluid in the first treatment tank, and transferring the fluid into the coalescer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the coalescer is mounted above the first treatment tank, and further comprising the step of directing the outflow of the coalescer back into the first treatment tank for recirculation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: accumulating fluid in the first treatment tank from introduction of new fluid for treatment and from outflow from the coalescer, and when the level of fluid in the first treatment tank reaches a predetermined level, transferring fluid that has been separated from immiscible components into a second treatment tank.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: accumulating separated fluid in the second treatment tank; when the level of fluid in the second treatment tank reaches a second predetermined level, transferring the fluid to a third treatment tank.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of filtering the fluid as it is transferred from the second treatment tank to the third treatment tank.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: accumulating fluid in the third treatment tank; and when the level of fluid in the third treatment tank reaches a third predetermined level, recirculating the fluid back into the second treatment tank.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of: accumulating fluid in the third treatment tank and the second treatment tank; and when the level of fluid in both the second treatment tank and the third treatment tank reaches a fourth predetermined level, transferring fluid to a fourth treatment tank.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: accumulating fluid in the fourth treatment tank; when the level of fluid in the fourth treatment tank reaches a fifth predetermined level, transferring treated fluid from the fourth treatment tank.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of filtering the treated fluid as it is transferred from the fourth treatment tank.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of skimming the immiscible component from the fluid in proximity to the coalescer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 20, wherein the skimming is effected prior to and subsequent to the coalescer.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of separating immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) aerating the fluid; (b) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid; (c) providing a coalescer which comprises a plurality of horizontal, spaced apart plates, each plate having corrugations running along the plate forming crests and valleys, said plate having bleed holes for passage of the immiscible components; (d) passing the fluid at least once through the coalescer; and (e) subsequently filtering the fluid through a filtration media.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of separating immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) aerating the fluid; (b) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid; (c) providing a coalescer which comprises a plurality of horizontal, spaced apart plates, each plate having corrugations running along the plate forming crests and valleys, said plate having bleed holes for passage of the immiscible components; (d) passing the fluid at least once through the coalescer; and (e) subsequently filtering the fluid through a filtration media.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of adding a catalyst for the microorganisms.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the plates are polypropylene.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the corrugations of the polypropylene plates are approximately sinusoidal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of skimming the immiscible component from the fluid in proximity to the coalescer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 20, wherein the skimming is effected prior to and subsequent to the coalescer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of reintroducing the immiscible components back into the fluid.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of maintaining the temperature of the fluid within a range that is conducive to the activity of the microorganisms.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) introducing fluid to be cleaned into a first treatment tank; (b) providing a coalescer; (c) prior to filtering the fluid, moving the fluid from the first treatment tank through the coalescer; (d) removing cleaned fluid from the coalescer; (e) removing the immiscible component from the fluid proximal to coalescer. (f) filtering the cleaned fluid removed from the coalescer; and (g) recirculating the cleaned fluid through a prior treatment stage.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) introducing fluid to be cleaned into a first treatment tank; (b) providing a coalescer; (c) prior to filtering the fluid, moving the fluid from the first treatment tank through the coalescer; (d) removing cleaned fluid from the coalescer; (e) removing the immiscible component from the fluid proximal to coalescer. (f) filtering the cleaned fluid removed from the coalescer; and (g) recirculating the cleaned fluid through a prior treatment stage.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the steps of filtering and recirculating comprise: accumulating cleaned fluid from the coalescer in a second treatment tank; moving cleaned fluid from the second treatment tank to a third treatment tank; during the step of moving the fluid from the second treatment tank to the third treatment tank, filtering the fluid.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: accumulating the filtered fluid in the third treatment tank; when the fluid in the third treatment tank reaches a predetermined level, transferring the fluid back into the second treatment tank for subsequent refiltering.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of adding oil metabolizing microorganisms.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of adding a microorganism catalyst.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of aerating the fluid.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the step of filtering comprises moving the fluid through a filtration media selected from the group consisting of sand, silica, and activated carbon.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the coalescer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polynylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylic, polyurethane, and metal.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the coalescer comprises a plurality of spaced apart plates, each plate having corrugations forming crests and valleys.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the coalescer comprises a plurality of spaced apart polypropylene plates, each plate having bi-directional corrugations running both laterally and longitudinally along the plane of the plate forming crests and valleys, the crests and valleys including bleed holes for passage of the immiscible components.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the plates are arranged horizontally.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the fluid is recirculated through the coalescer before the step of filtering.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the coalescer comprises a horizontal flow coalescer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 30, wherein the step of removing the immiscible component comprises skimming the immiscible component from the fluid.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 43, wherein the skimming is effected prior to and subsequent to the coalescer.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) introducing uncleaned fluid into a first treatment tank; (b) aerating the fluid; (c) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid; (d) providing a coalescer; (e) passing the fluid through the coalescer at least once prior to filtration of the fluid; (f) removing partially cleaned fluid from the coalescer into a second treatment tank; (g) accumulating partially cleaned fluid in the second treatment tank; (h) removing fluid from the second treatment tank; (i) filtering the fluid; and (j) discharging the filtered fluid.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of separating highly emulsified and/or immiscible components mixed in a fluid, which comprises the steps of: (a) introducing uncleaned fluid into a first treatment tank; (b) aerating the fluid; (c) adding oil metabolizing microorganisms to the fluid; (d) providing a coalescer; (e) passing the fluid through the coalescer at least once prior to filtration of the fluid; (f) removing partially cleaned fluid from the coalescer into a second treatment tank; (g) accumulating partially cleaned fluid in the second treatment tank; (h) removing fluid from the second treatment tank; (i) filtering the fluid; and (j) discharging the filtered fluid.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
93 words
The method of claim 45, wherein the step of passing the fluid through the coalescer at least once comprises: moving fluid from the first treatment tank to the coalescer; passing the fluid through the coalescer; discharging the fluid back into the first treatment tank; continuing to introduce additional uncleaned fluid into the first treatment tank to dilute the uncleaned fluid with partially cleaned fluid; when the level in the first treatment tank reaches a first predetermined level, removing relatively cleaned fluid from a region proximate to the coalescer to the second treatment tank.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 45, wherein the step of filtering the fluid comprising passing the fluid through a filtration media selected from the group consisting of sand, silica, and activated carbon.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of repeatedly filtering the fluid prior to discharging the fluid.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the step of repeatedly filtering the fluid comprises: accumulating discharged filtered fluid in a third treatment tank; when the fluid in the third treatment tank reaches a second predetermined level, returning the fluid back into the second treatment tank for subsequent filtering.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of: accumulating the filtered fluid in the second treatment tank and the third treatment tank as the fluid is refiltered and as new partially cleaned fluid is introduced from the coalescer; when the fluid in the second and third treatment tanks reaches a third predetermined level, removing the fluid to a fourth treatment tank.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of filtering the fluid through a second filter after discharging the fluid from the fourth treatment tank.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 39, wherein the coalescer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polynylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylic, polyurethane, and metal.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 39, wherein the coalescer comprises a plurality of corrugated plates.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 53 wherein the corrugated plates comprise a plurality of polyethylene sinusoidal plates.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of skimming the immiscible component from the fluid in proximity to the coalescer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 55, wherein the skimming is effected prior to and subsequent to the coalescer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-01 | 1998-10-31 | 1999-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-01 | 2002-10-31 | 2003-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-01 | 2006-10-31 | 2007-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |