Marine vessel onboard wastewater treatment system
US7108782B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/10
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Shipboard wastewater undergoes treatment within an automatic system based on membrane bioreactor technology. Bacteria that are naturally present in the raw waste stream break down during treatment and consume organic material in the wastewater. Membranes in a bioreactor within which the wastewater is treated provide a physical barrier, retaining the bacteria and other solids while producing an effluent sufficiently clean to be discharged directly overboard. To ensure adequate treatment, a flow-through ultraviolet disinfection unit is employed in the system downstream of filtration. Inorganic and other non-biodegradable material that accumulates in the bioreactor with time is removed automatically to maintain the desired solids concentration in the bioreactor. Using selective control established through the operator interface, the system can be operated under automatic process/standby mode or maintenance mode, and sludge concentrate can be directed either overboard, to an onboard storage tank or to undergo further treatment within a concentration device or destruction within an incinerator for example, depending on the ship's equipment, location and operating conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.