Abstract:
A system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral is disclosed. It employs a plurality of stacked, generally flat treatment beds each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid. Since the fluid is spread over a large surface, its velocity slows causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid as a sludge. A pH correction device may add an agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out and into the sludge. Atmospheric oxygen may also be used to effect the precipitation. Portions of the beds may be isolated and the sludge collected resulting in a fluid having substantially less suspended and dissolved materials at a pH and temperature closer to normal. Energy may be produced from the movement of liquid through the system or from the heat energy of the fluid. Magnetics may be utilized to improve the precipitation of solids. The effluent discharge outlet may be connected to polishing ponds and/or to a water treatment facility. This invention is especially useful for remediating acid mine drainage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of provisional U.S. Patent application “FLUID REMEDIATION SYSTEM” Ser. No. 60/672,467 filed Apr. 17, 2005 and U.S. patent application “FLUID REMEDIATION SYSTEM” Ser. No. 11/406,219 filed Apr. 17, 2006 now abandoned. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a system for separating suspended and dissolved materials from an acidic fluid, while normalizing the pH of the fluid. 
   2. Discussion of Related Art 
   An ecosystem is a balanced relationship between the environment and the living organisms. The living organisms include fish, birds, amphibians, plants, water vegetation, algae and other aquatic life. These all depend upon the water to survive. The ecosystem requires water which is substantially free of pollutants. When water is changed from its natural state it kills or significantly reduces elements of the ecosystem. By significantly reducing the population of an element of a balanced ecosystem, the entire ecosystem can fail, and lead to a lifeless wasteland. 
   The water may be changed by: 1) offsetting the natural acidity/alkalinity (pH), 2) by introducing significant amounts of dissolved solutes, 3) by reducing the amount of dissolved oxygen, 4) by suspending large amounts of materials that were not originally intended to be in this ecosystem, and/or 5) by significantly changing the temperature of areas of the ecosystem. 
   Each of these may change the environment and disturb the ecosystem enough to significantly diminish the population of algae, fish, aquatic wildlife, amphibian wildlife, birds and terrestrial animals, and plants which use the water. 
   Changes in the routes of flowing water changes may be induced by natural causes, such as re-routing of a stream and ground water that begins flowing through underground passageways. 
   Water changes may be partially induced by human action in conjunction with natural events. This occurs when ground water passes through underground mines dug by humans. 
   Water changes may also be induced entirely created by human actions, such as when waste water from factories is introduced into streams. 
   Secondary Considerations 
   Changes to the ecosystem introduce secondary considerations. After killing off the natural wildlife, pollution will cause rivers, streams and lakes to become unpleasant, and reduce the value of the adjacent land. Remediation of the water affects the adjoining land such that the resulting increase in value may offset the cost remediation. 
   These changes typically discolor the water, make it unattractive for various water sports, thereby causing a substantial loss of the quality of life around these bodies of water. 
   Prior Attempts 
   Attempts have been made to remediate water in the past. One prior art method disperses water intended to be remediated into flat open fields. As the water velocity slows, sediment drops out of the water. 
   This method reduces the amount of suspended materials; however, this will not affect solutes or change the pH of the water. If the device is used to evaporate the water, the solutes are left behind; however, this does not produce clean water. 
   Another problem with this method is that the suspended materials and solutes that are extracted from the water are left in the low-lying evaporation field near the water source. If a flood occurs, these materials are washed back into the river. 
   This method requires a large amount of space to function, and is not an effective long-term solution. 
   Water Treatment Plants 
   Water treatment plants are effective at remediating water, and providing a large amount of clean water, however, they are very costly. These are designed to remove many types of impurities. In many applications, the nature and types of the impurities are well documented. Removal of the few types of impurities would produce substantially clean water, and treatment for all types of impurities would incur useless costs and a waste of resources. 
   Filtering 
   Filtering has been used to clean water. This is effective at removing suspended matter but does not affect dissolved solutes nor does it correct pH offset. Another problem is that filters must be replaced when they are full. Therefore treating large volumes of water can become costly and impractical. 
   Boiling/Distilling 
   Boiling or distilling water will remove all solutes, suspensions, and correct the pH, however the amount of energy required makes this economically unfeasible for large amounts of water. 
   Currently there is a need for a water remediation device which handles a large amount of water, is not costly and brings water back to its natural state. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the present invention is a system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral comprising:
         a) at least one generally flat treatment bed having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid and causing it to flow over surface thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid thereby causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid to create sludge on treatment bed surface;   b) a pH correction device for adding a pH agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out of the fluid and add to the sludge on the treatment bed surface;   c) an isolation device on the treatment bed capable of restricting fluid flow on at least a portion of the treatment bed surface;   d) a sludge collection device for collecting the sludge on the treatment bed surface;   e) a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid with less suspended and dissolved materials to exit the system.       

   Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral comprising:
         a) a plurality of generally flat, stacked treatment beds, each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid and causing it to flow over surface thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid thereby causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid to create sludge on treatment bed surface;   b) pH correction device  400  for adding a pH agent to the flowing fluid which will bring the pH of the fluid closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out of the fluid and add to the sludge on treatment bed surface;   c) an isolation device on the treatment bed capable of restricting fluid flow on at least a portion of the treatment bed surface;   d) a sludge collection device for collecting the sludge on the treatment bed surface;   e) a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid with less suspended and dissolved materials to exit system.       

   Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a system for separating suspended and dissolved materials in a fluid having a pH offset from neutral comprising:
         a) a plurality of generally flat, stacked treatment beds, each having a surface angled downward for receiving the fluid and causing it to flow over surface thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid thereby causing suspended materials to drop out of the fluid to create sludge on treatment bed surface;   b) a system which will allow atmospheric oxygen to contact the acidic fluid which will bring the pH of the fluid closer to neutral thereby causing said dissolved materials to precipitate out of the fluid and add to the sludge on treatment bed surface;   c) an isolation device on the treatment bed capable of restricting fluid flow on at least a portion of the treatment bed surface;   d) a sludge collection system for collecting the sludge on the treatment bed surface and relocating from the structure;   e) an enclosed structure which will allow for the trapping of gasses released by the acidic fluid and the scrubbing of those gasses before they are released to the atmosphere;   f) an energy production system which utilizes waterwheel devices to produce electricity via the movement of fluid into, throughout, and exiting from the system;   g) a magnetic attraction device incorporated into the treatment bed system which uses magnetic forces to enhance separation of suspended and dissolved materials from the fluid;   h) a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid with less suspended and dissolved materials to exit system;   i) a settling basin or basins for allowing the fluid with less suspended and dissolved materials to further allow for more suspended materials to drop out of the fluid;   j) a conventional water treatment system to further improve the quality of the liquid for commercial or human consumption uses.       

   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to remediate large amounts of fluid to separate suspended and dissolved materials. 
   It is another object of the present invention to bring the pH level of a fluid to an acceptable level. 
   It is another object of the present invention to reduce temperature pollution in the environment. 
   It is another object of the present invention to reduce the level of greenhouse gasses in the environment. 
   It is another object of the present invention to realize energy from moving fluid. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is the side elevational view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of one embodiment of pH correction device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevational view of one embodiment of a sludge collection device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of the sludge collection device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged side elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is an overhead schematic view of a facility for treating AMD. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view showing the treatment facility. 
       FIG. 10  is an overhead view showing a treatment plane with electric-generation waterwheel system. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of a schematic diagram showing possible water wheel location. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of a schematic diagram showing placement of magnets below treatment planes. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Even though the present invention is designed to separate suspended and dissolved material, correct pH, and normalize the temperature of various fluids, it will be described in the context of a specific example being that of a mediating acid mine water drainage. It is to be understood that various other uses also fall within the scope of the present invention. 
   As discussed above there are many types and sources of water pollution. Take for example, acid mine drainage. Underground streams find their way into the abandoned mines which dissolve minerals as the water passes through the mines. The pH of the water is also changed so that it is slightly acidic. Many materials have solubility levels which differ along the pH scale. Therefore as the water becomes more acidic it has a greater ability to dissolve certain types of solutes. 
   Since a large volume of water is tunneled through fairly small channels of the mines, it picks up velocity and flows rapidly. The rapid flow picks up and carries suspended materials. Lighter materials with larger surface area are more easily carried than heavier materials with a smaller surface area. Also the size of the particle affects how it will be suspended. Larger particles tend to fall out faster and require a higher velocity to be carried by the water, whereas smaller particles can be carried in a relatively slow flowing stream. 
   Also, since the ground water is kept in a constant temperature year-round it artificially raises the temperature of the stream in the winter, and reduces the temperature of the stream in the summer. This is termed temperature pollution, and affects populations in the ecosystem. 
   As mentioned above, living organisms require oxygen dissolved in the water. The mine drainage has been underground for a while and has dissipated all but oxygen. As it exits the ground and enters the stream, one can visibly see the discoloration caused as the water becomes oxygenated. One can also visibly notice the lack of living organisms in the mine drainage. 
   As one can see, this makes the water very unattractive at this point and downstream. 
   This typically deters residential development. It also deters various industries from making use of the land in these areas. 
   Cleanup would be economically as well as aesthetically beneficial for a number of reasons. Therefore, the present invention was directed to remediate fluids as described below. 
   General Structure 
   One embodiment of the present invention capable of meeting these goals is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . And  FIG. 3  is the side elevational view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The present invention will be described in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 . 
   An acidic fluid having suspended and dissolved materials enters the system through inlet port  110 . In this embodiment, a pump (not shown) may be used to force the fluid to the top of treatment system  1  if there is not enough existing fluid pressure. 
   The fluid passes through an inlet manifold  120  which evenly distributes the fluid over a surface  143  of treatment channels  140 . By spreading the fluid over a large surface area, the velocity of the fluid substantially decreases thereby allowing suspended particles to drop out of the fluid. 
   Each treatment bed  100  is angled in a downward fashion allowing the fluid to flow downward to the end of each treatment bed  100 . In order to save space, many of these treatment beds  100  may be stacked in an angled fashion such that fluid flowing to the lower end of an upper treatment bed falls onto the upper and of the next lower treatment bed  100 . Treatment beds are stacked to minimize the footprint and to maximize treatment capability. 
   Therefore, the fluid zigzags downward through the system. This continues until the lowest treatment bed empties its fluid into collection manifold  150 . 
   Channel surface  143  may employ a plurality of ridges or ribs  141  which trap the sludge and prevent it from washing out channel  140  and out of fluid outlet  160 . 
   pH Correction 
     FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of one embodiment of pH correction device according to the present invention. In this example, the pH is below normal so that an alkaline material is added to raise the pH closer to an acceptable level. The present invention may also function to lower the pH in cases where the fluid is alkaline. Please note that the target pH will be what the natural or accepted pH of fluid should be. It does not necessarily mean that pH should be equal to 7. 
   In this example, a pH agent which may be acidic, basic, and/or a buffered solution as needed for the specific application, is stored in the pH agent tank  410 . A sensing device  420  is located in the incoming fluid, tests the pH of the incoming fluid and the fluid flow. A calculation unit  430  coupled to sensing device  420  receives information regarding the incoming pH level of the fluid from sensing device  420 . Calculation unit  430  has previously stored information regarding the concentration of pH agent and pH agent tank  410  and the location of the sensing device. It also is aware of the cross-sectional volume of the location where the sensing device is located. Calculation unit  430  uses this information to calculate the amount of fluid flow and the rate of flow of the pH agent required to result in a desired correction to the pH level at this point in the system. 
   Calculation unit  430  also controls agent injector  440  which injects a metered amount of pH agents into the flowing fluid. 
   In  FIG. 4  a pH correction unit  400  is shown located near inlet  110  where the fluid enters the system. At this point there is a significant amount of flow and allows rapid mixing of pH agent for  410  with the incoming fluid. even though this arrangement enables rapid mixing of pH agent with the fluid, there can be significant precipitation of materials at this point. 
   Therefore in an alternate embodiment, the pH agent is introduced at the location that precipitation is desired. In this case pH correction units  400  are shown along either side of treatment channels  140 . These may also be located at other locations inside of treatment channels  140 . Since the pH in fluid flow rate has changes as the fluid flows through the system, various sensing devices  420  are located throughout system  1 . In  FIG. 4  one calculation unit  430  is shown for each pH correction unit  400 . One or more calculation units  430  may be used provided that they are using pH levels and flow rates pertaining to the proper locations and are operating the proper agent injectors  440 . 
   Agent injectors  440  are responsive to the calculation units  430  and inject the proper amount of pH agent from pH agent tank  410  into the fluid. In order to improve mixing, it is better if these injectors spray the pH agents over the largest possible volume. This would allow even mixing and cause the precipitates to be evenly distributed over treatment channels  140 . 
   In an alternate embodiment, pH agent can be used as solid materials such as solid sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets in the case of increasing the pH levels, or anhydrous acids in the case of decreasing pH levels. Similarly, injectors  440  may employ apparatus used for moving and discharging solid materials. 
   At this point, most of the suspended materials have fallen out of the fluid into sludge in each of the treatment channels  140 . Also, most of the dissolved materials have been precipitated out also falling into the sludge. The fluid at this point contains little or no suspended or dissolved materials, and is significantly closer to a desired pH level. 
   Sludge Collection 
     FIG. 4  shows inlet manifold  120  which employs channel isolation devices  130  which may be an adjustable weir  131 , which function to allow or restrict flow to any of the channels  140 . These effectively restrict fluid flow and close off one or more channels  140 . These channels are closed off to allow collection of the sludge. 
     FIGS. 2 and 4  show a plurality of separators  170  between treatment channels  140 . When a channel  140  is closed off, employees may walk down separators  140  with a high pressure hose washing the sludge downward to a collection trough  231  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevational view of one embodiment of a portion of sludge collection device  230  according to the present invention. It employs at least one diverter plate  233  which may be in an ‘operating position’ as shown in  FIG. 5 , or in a ‘collection position’ as shown in phantom in  FIG. 5 . When in the collection position, diverter plate  233  bridges the gap between collection trough  231  and treatment channels  140  allowing sludge to move down treatment channels  140  across diverter plate  233  and into collection trough  231 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an enlarged view of the lower portion of the sludge collection device according to the present invention, it can be seen that collection trough  231  collects the sludge from the channels  140  and empties into a sludge outlet  260 . 
   A sludge screw  235  or other sludge actuator carries the sludge along collection trough  231  to sludge outlet  260 . The sludge is further processed to provide minerals and other raw materials for other uses. 
   Since the present invention is directed to remediation of large amounts of fluid it would be more efficient to automate the process. Therefore,  FIG. 4  shows an automated embodiment for sludge collection. 
   Channels  140  employ a plurality of high-pressure jet nozzles  530  which fire a jet of fluid that pushes the sludge toward the middle of channel  140  and downward toward collection trough  231 . Pressure is provided by a pump  520  which connects to jet nozzles  530 . Jet nozzles  530  may be actuated by a jet control  510 . Jet control  510  may also operate nozzles  530  in a synchronized manner to wash sludge down to collection trough  231 . 
   In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, jet nozzles  530  may be mounted on tracks in, or near channel  140  which move from the top of treatment channels  140  to the bottom washing sludge downward into collection trough  231 . 
   Other known mechanical means such as the use of mechanized squeegees which run down tracks in, or near channel  140  would also suffice to move sludge down channels  140  and into collection trough  231 . 
     FIG. 7  is an enlarged side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention. Multiple layers of treatment beds  100  may be used which are interleaved as shown. Many other configurations having angled treatment beds  100  are arranged in stacks may also be used, which are all within the scope of the present invention. 
   The sludge that is collected may be heated in ovens to remove residual moisture and to produce an anhydrous powder. In the case of acid mine drainage, a large percentage of this is iron oxide which may be used for manufacturing. There are also other valuable minerals such as manganese, magnesium, copper etc. which when sanitized, may be added to food products as mineral enhancement. 
   These valuable byproducts may be sold to offset the costs of remediation. 
   Of course, the most important product is the purified fluid. 
   ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS 
   Enclosed Structure 
     FIG. 8 , shows a plan view one embodiment of a treatment facility which comprises a closed atmospheric system to capture gases which emanate from the acidic fluid as it passes through the system. This embodiment shows the acidic fluid inlet port  105  which transfers the acidic fluid from its source to the enclosed treatment facility  600 . The enclosed roof  610  contains adjustable louvers  620  which can be opened or closed to allow for air intake or access to the interior of the structure for maintenance or other purposes. 
   Air movement within the structure may be natural or forced by the presence of fans  630  which collect the atmosphere from within the structure and convey it away from the structure for treatment or release into the environment or blow air into the facility for ventilation purposes. The gasses emanating from the acidic liquid as it flows through the system may thus be collected and passed through a treatment device  635  where the flow is scrubbed to remove them from the atmosphere. 
   The precipitated solids conveyor  265  transfers the precipitated material to a processing area  650  where it may be further dewatered and dried. The treated liquid outlet  165  conveys the treated liquid to a polishing pond  670  or multiple ponds where it may be retained or further treated before exiting through an outlet  680 . The liquid may then be released into the environment or transferred to a conventional water processing facility  690  and retained for other uses. 
     FIG. 9  shows a right side view of the structure indicating enclosed walls  700 . The acidic liquid conveyance  710  and the inlet  105  are also visible. The treated liquid outlet  165  is shown. The fan room  740  for the conveyance and treatment of the air within the facility is located adjacent to the treatment structure. 
   Energy Production 
     FIG. 10  shows an embodiment as a plan view of a device to produce energy extracted by the movement of liquid within the treatment structure. It shows a treatment bed  145  indicating the direction of flow of liquid by arrow “D”. A waterwheel  800  with vanes  810  which may be flat or spiraled on a shaft  820  rotates in the direction of arrow “A”. The shaft is connected to an electric generator  830  which produces electricity through the turning motion of the shaft. The generator may be connected to batteries  840  for storage or use, or indirectly through a power inverter to an electrical device or power grid  850 .  FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional side view of treatment beds  145  indicating the direction of liquid flow by arrows “D” and “E”, respectively. The water wheels  800  are shown rotating in relation to the sludge diverter plate  833  and the sludge collection trough  831  by arrow “A”, and in relation to the treatment bed  145  by arrow “B”. Electrical generation waterwheels may be placed at any point in the system including at the inlet  105 , along any treatment bed  145 , and at the discharge outlet  165  indicated in  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10 . 
   Heat energy which is contained within the acidic liquid and arises from the acidic liquid may also be used to warm or cool the facility or may be trapped within the enclosed structure, collected and conveyed to other facilities. 
   Magnetic Separation 
     FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional right side view of an embodiment of the invention which shows the use of permanent magnetic or electro-magnetic devices in conjunction with the system. A sheet of permanent magnetic material or an electro-magnetic grid which may or may not be powered by the waterwheel may be placed beneath the entire length  910  of the treatment bed  145  which shows the movement of liquid by the arrows “A” and “B”, respectively, or under selected sections  920  to enhance the precipitation of metals from the acidic liquid. 
   Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.