Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy... – Treating gas – emulsion – or foam
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-24
2001-02-27
Beisner, William H. (Department: 1744)
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy...
Treating gas, emulsion, or foam
C435S299100, C210S615000, C210S150000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06194198
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or liquids, such as water in particular, said device comprising a chamber in which filter material is incorporated, said chamber having inlets and outlets for the medium to be purified which is to be led through the filter material, in which micro organisms are employed for the purification.
With devices of this type, such as known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,660, for example, an organically operating filter material is spread out across a grid floor, which is situated in a rectangular chamber constituted by a number of substantially vertical walls.
Removing the filter material from the space, after the material has lost its activity, is laborious so that the device is relatively expensive in use. In order to prevent the device from being idle too long during replacement of the filter material, a complete chamber is lifted from the feed space for the medium to be purified, and is replaced by another chamber being kept ready.
The object of the invention is to provide a device which is simpler and thus less expensive in use and this is achieved by employing a mat having large open pores, which is manufactured from foamed plastic material, in particular polyurethane, said mat being wound in such a way that it can be situated on a tube, the chamber substantially having a cylindrical shape in which the rolled-up mat can be slid fittingly.
Such a mat is commercially available and is generally flat at one side and provided with protruding portions at the other side so that that surface, seen in cross-section, has a undulating profile. The mat has a very large surface and has very good adhesion properties for micro-organisms.
According to a further elaboration of the invention, the rolled-up mat will have its ends enclosed by a strip of relatively rigid material extending all round, radially extending supporting strips going to the central tube from the former strip, in which the supporting structures located at the end of the mat are directly or indirectly connected.
By providing the chamber with a removable lid, the mat of filter material can be easily pulled up form the cylindrical space and be replaced by a clean one. The used filter mat can be cleaned in another space so that the material can be used anew.
The invention also relates to a filter element which is formed from a rolled-up mat of foamed plastic material, said mat having at least its ends enclosed by a strip of a rigid material, with radially extending supporting strips going to the central tube from the former strip, the two support structures located at the ends of the mat being directly or indirectly connected.
The support strips of the one support structure can be connected to the central tube whereas the ones of the other support structure are connected to a ring that can be slid across the central tube. Both support structures can then be connected by tie rods.
In order to make the mat biologically active, a biomass, such as in the form of a graft will be applied on it when putting it into use. The composition of said graft will depend on she nature and the composition of the medium to be treated. In use, the biomass will expand so that after some time, the optimum yield will have been reached.
The device can be used for purifying air that contains e.g. volatile hydrocarbons. Then, water will be sprayed onto the mat from above, in which said water can be recirculated so that the water consumption is reduced to a minimum. The air will be led through the chamber from the bottom to the top.
Means for keeping or bringing the pH of the recirculated water at the desired value can be present. Additionally, nutrients can be added to the water for an optimal biological purification of the air flowing through the device.
The device can also be provided with measuring equipment for temperature, salt content and pressure drop. Thereby, the most relevant environmental conditions for the micro-organisms can be monitored.
The device can also be applied for the purification of water. The water can flow through the device from the top to the bottom and air can be brought in the bottom part of the chamber so that it flows through the water to be purified from the bottom to the top.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3847811 (1974-11-01), Stengelin et al.
patent: 4039448 (1977-08-01), Etani
patent: 4165281 (1979-08-01), Kuriyama et al.
patent: 4427548 (1984-01-01), Quick, Jr.
patent: 5270207 (1993-12-01), Matsumura et al.
patent: 5445660 (1995-08-01), Koers
patent: 5563069 (1996-10-01), Yang
patent: 40 04 030 (1991-08-01), None
patent: 0 190 801 (1986-08-01), None
patent: 0 669 155 (1995-08-01), None
patent: 2 178 447 (1987-02-01), None
patent: 2 180 554 (1987-04-01), None
Beisner William H.
Foley & Lardner
LandOfFree
Device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2569389