Patent · US Expired

Purification of liquid streams using carbon dioxide

US6221254A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
3References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 25, 1998
Grant dateApr 24, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 25, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S210/905
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method of purifying an aqueous liquid stream is provided, wherein the liquid stream is pressurized and contains proteinaceous materials, such as blood, and suspended solids, comprising the introduction of carbon dioxide into the liquid stream in a manner to reduce the pH of the liquid stream sufficient to cause coagulation ofthe proteinaceous materials. Specifically, it is intended that the pH of the liquid stream is reduced to a level below the isoelectric point of the proteinaceous materials, preferably at a level below pH 4.5. In a preferred method, the liquid stream is moved by a dissolved gas pump, wherein the carbon dioxide is introduced into the dissolved gas pump, and wherein a first portion of the gas is caused to dissolve within the liquid stream, and a second portion of the gas is caused to entrain within the liquid stream in the form of micro-fine bubbles. The method further preferably comprises reducing the pressure of the liquid stream in an amount sufficient to cause the further formation of bubbles which adhere to the proteinaceous materials which have coagulated and which reduces the pH of the liquid stream; recovering the gas which escapes the liquid stream; and…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.