Patents

Patent number: 9845253

Abstract: A method of treating contaminated water effluent from a well drilling operation. The method comprises decomposing organic contaminants in the effluent by bubbling a gas containing ozone through the effluent; adding a coagulant to increase the particle size of solid particles contained in the effluent; adding a flocculant to increase the particle size of solid particles contained in the effluent, thereby forming floes suspended in the effluent; and filtering the floes from the effluent to produce a filtrate and flocculated solids. The method may further comprise adding the coagulant into a stream of effluent flowing within a first conduit under controlled shear conditions, and adding the flocculant into a stream of effluent containing pin floes flowing within a second conduit under controlled shear conditions. The method may further comprise delivering the effluent containing the suspended floes into a filter through a conduit floating in the effluent contained in the filter.

Type: Grant

Filed: May 2, 2012

date of Patent: December 19, 2017

Inventors: Francis C. MILLER, Steven B. ADDLEMAN

Publication number: 20160221848

Abstract: A method of making an aqueous mixture of ozone and water comprising pumping a solution of ozonated water through a high cavitation rate homogenizing device, thereby causing formation of gas phase nanobubbles of ozone in the solution. The high cavitation rate homogenizing device may be a homogenizing mixer. The high cavitation rate homogenizing device may be comprised of rotors and stators moving in close proximity relative to each other and separated by the solution of ozonated water. The relative motion of the rotors and stators may cause up to 500 million cavitation events per second in the solution of ozonated water, thereby causing the formation of gas phase nanobubbles of ozone.

Type: Application

Filed: September 18, 2014

Publication date: August 4, 2016

Inventors: Francis C. MILLER, Steven B. ADDLEMAN

Publication number: 20150218020

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the barium and strontium salts in water that flows back to the well head after hydrofracturing in gas well drilling. Trace levels of iron salts may also be removed from the waste frac water, followed by removal of the calcium and magnesium salts, where applicable. The barium and strontium salts are precipitated in the inert sulfate form, which renders the resulting solids mass suitable for conventional landfill or on-site disposal, and more significantly, for potential reuse and as an additive to certain well drilling processes. The calcium and magnesium salts are similarly inert and suitable for conventional disposal. The process may be managed to selectively remove barium and strontium salts to desired levels, depending upon the intended reuse or disposition. The apparatus may be provided in a highly compact portable configuration that is transportable by a highway vehicle.

Type: Application

Filed: February 13, 2015

Publication date: August 6, 2015

Inventors: Francis C. MILLER