Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-11
2001-12-04
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
C210S744000, C210S758000, C210S793000, C210S807000, C210S912000, C210S120000, C210S121000, C137S014000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325943
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to an apparatus for treating tap water and more specifically to for removing dissolved contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) and iron from water and thereby improve the taste and potability of the water.
Apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide and other undesirable dissolved minerals such as iron, is known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,228 discloses a process for removing dissolved iron from water utilizing an injector-mixer. The device draws air through a suction inlet into the water flow and includes a diffuser which assists air water mixing. The device also includes a by-pass flow control.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,459 to Smith discloses a complex apparatus for removing sulfur compounds from water. The apparatus includes a multiple tank arrangement wherein aeration, contaminant removal and deaeration occur.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,040, in which I am an named inventor, Leaches an apparatus and method for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide from water which includes a unique manifold positioned within an open end of an atomizing tank. The manifold includes a channel in which air and water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide are mixed.
Given my experience with these and many other water treatment systems, I have concluded that all suffer from certain shortcomings, some more serious than others. For example, some do not provide a necessary level of contaminant removal, others require frequent replacement of the filtration media and still others are overly complex and thus expensive. Accordingly, I have expended further effort to develop improvements in the art of water treatment. The following describes such improvements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved. For increased water flows or removal of greater concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, the tanks may be doubled-up.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system for removing dissolved hydrogen sulfide from water.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for removing hydrogen sulfide and other dissolved minerals such as iron from water.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for removing hydrogen sulfide and other substances which may imbue the water with color or an unpleasant taste or odor which is simple to install, economical to use and inexpensive.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for removing hydrogen sulfide and other dissolved substances from water which provides improved performance by reducing hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm or more to 5 ppm or less.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description of the preferred embodiment and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.
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Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Larry's Water Conditioning, Ltd.
Prince Fred
Simmons David A.
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