USOO8066873B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,066,873 B2

KaW (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 29, 2011
(54) FLOATING BIOREACTORSYSTEM 5, 122,266 A 6/1992 Kent ............................. 210,150
5,202,027 A * 4/1993 Stuth .................. ... 210,151
5,228,998 A * 7/1993 DiClemente et al. ...... 210,170.1
(76) Inventor: Eros G. Kaw, San Mateo, CA (US) 5,344,557 A * 9/1994 Scanzillo ................. 210,170.05
ck
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 33% A ck 88: at al. 316%6.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,811,164 A * 9/1998 Mitchell ...................... 428,36.5
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 6,022.476 A * 2/2000 Hausin ... 210,170.09
6,348,147 B1* 2/2002 Long ............................. 210,150
(21) Appl. No.: 12/982,669 6,878,279 B2 * 4/2005 Davis et al. . ... 210/615
7,452.468 B2 * 1 1/2008 Smith ............ ... 210,617
1-1. 7,615,156 B2 * 1 1/2009 Lenger et al. .. ... 210,150
(22) Filed: Dec. 30, 2010 7.622,040 B2 * 1 1/2009 Mitchell et al. ............ 210/242.2
O O 7,794,590 B2 * 9/2010 Yoshikawa et al. ... 210/167.22
(65) Prior Publication Data 2005/0269262 A1* 12/2005 McBride ....................... 210,150
US 2011 FO132822 A1 Jun. 9, 2011 * cited by examiner
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 61/317,715, filed on Mar. Primary Examiner — Christopher Upton
26, 2010. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Ray K. Shahani, Esq.; Kin
H. Lai
(51) Int. Cl.
CO2F 3/06 (2006.01)
(52) U.S. Cl. .............. 210/150: 210/170.02; 210/170.05; (57) ABSTRACT
210/170.06; 210/170.09: 210/170.1; 210/242.2
(58) Field of Classification Search 21 Of 150 An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decon
2105,16722,16726,170,02.1700s. taminating water including a housing adapted to float within
210,170.06 1700s 17009 1701. 170.1 1. the medium Such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent
210/220, 242.1, 242. 2. 615, 617 a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor
See application file for complete search history. containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Ben
eficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the
(56) References Cited liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that
the contaminant is removed from the water.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,169,921 A * 2, 1965 Griffith .................... 210,170.06
3,235,234. A * 2, 1966 Beaudoin ................... 210,242.2 7 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets

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U.S. Patent Nov. 29, 2011 Sheet 13 of 15 US 8,066,873 B2

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U.S. Patent Nov. 29, 2011 Sheet 15 of 15 US 8,066,873 B2

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 US 8,066,873 B2
1. 2
FLOATING BOREACTOR SYSTEM microbes are release upward it is oxygenated greatly by the
main hose diffusers and this causes the microbes to multiply
RELATED APPLICATIONS even much more.
At the top of the water, the water is pushed out and is mixed
This Application is a Nonprovisional patent application causing even more microbial growth. At the Surface of the
related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. water, it again is exposed to the atmosphere and is not only
61/317,715 filed Mar. 26, 2010 entitled “FLOATING evenly spread out, it is again oxygenated and thus multiplying
BIOREACTOR SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by organisms even more.
reference in its entirety, and claims any and all benefits to The microbes create an even larger Zone of air and/or
which it is entitled therefrom. 10 oxygen transfer to the water, thus facilitating even more
microbial growth. Thus, all along the water flow cycle, the
FIELD OF THE INVENTION present invention generates even more microbes in the
expense of minimum electricity usage of the approximate
The present invention pertains to an aeration device and range of 2 HP.
microbial bioreactor system for use in a liquid medium. More
15 As the water is pulled down under the tank or water body,
specifically, the invention relates to floating bioreactor sys it pulls down not only microbes but increases dissolved oxy
tems that can be adapted to applications for treatment of gen such that microbial growth at the bottom of the tank or
water, leachate and industrial waste in rivers, streams and
water body is greatly enhanced. Thus, water is cleaned and
revived. In addition, the process removes hydrogen Sulfide
creeks, as well as water in aquariums and domestic septic present in the contaminated water or other liquid medium.
systems. The process also reduces methane, a greenhouse gas, forma
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
tion to help preserve the environment.
An advantage of the present invention is that biosolids
Subsurface aeration seeks to release bubbles at the bottom
and/or sludge handling is eliminated. The biosolids are eaten
25 up and consumed by the microbes, thus eliminating the need
of the pond and allow them to rise by the force of gravity. for sludge and biosolids handling equipment, disposal, etc. In
Diffused aeration systems utilize bubbles to aerate as well as addition, having the microbes on the surface of the water
mix the pond. Water displacement from the expulsion of increases the efficiency of oxygen transfer in the bioreactor.
bubbles can cause a mixing action to occur, and the contact Another object of the present invention is the very small
between the water and the bubble will result in an oxygen 30 amounts of electricity consumed due to high efficiency which
transfer. helps to reduce energy consumption.
Bioreactors are also designed to treat sewage and waste Another object of the present invention is that the biosafety
water. In the most efficient of these systems there is a supply level one microbes can inhabit the micropores in the rocks
of free-flowing, chemically inert media that acts as a recep and river beds of the streams and keep on improving even
tacle for the bacteria that breaks down the raw sewage. Aera 35 after the bioreactor is disengaged although the effect is much
tors Supply oxygen to the sewage and media further acceler better to leave it in place.
ating breakdown. In the process, the liquids Biochemical Another object of the present invention is that even without
Oxygen Demand BOD is reduced sufficiently to render the expensive membrane filters, the bioreactor can be applied to
contaminated water fit for reuse. The biosolids are collected sewage with results that clean waste water to body less than 5
for further processing or dried and used as fertilizer, agricul
40 or less than 1 and then it is percolated and the treated waste
tural feed, etc.
water can recharge ground water.
Subsurface aeration, bioreactors and most likely a combi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
nation of both are commonly employed to treat sewage water,
recycle wastewater and other water treatment applications 45 FIG. 1A is a representative upper front perspective view of
both industrially or domestically. floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 1B is a representative graph showing the relationship
SUMMARY OF INVENTION between Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate ISOTR and various
Total Dissolved Solids TDS values of the liquid medium.
The present invention relates to a system that consists of an 50 FIG. 1C is a representative graph showing the relationship
apparatus for aerating and circulating a liquid medium and at between Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various
the same time an apparatus for the continuous microbial Total Dissolved Solids TDS values of the liquid medium.
bio-remediation of organic waste in rivers, sewers and other FIG. 1D is a representative graph showing the relationship
waste laden environments utilizing in-situ microbial seeding. between Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various Salt
The present invention is a microbe bio-reactor designed to 55 Concentration TDS values of the liquid medium.
work in open water Such as lakes and ponds and in lagoons FIG. 1E is a representative graph showing the relationship
and tanks to cleanup water biologically. It can clean tip water between Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various Salt
in a short amount of time and will be energy efficient. It works Concentration TDS values of the liquid medium.
by having imbedded microbes in, and these are stores in its FIG. 2 is a representative upper front perspective view of an
main reactor chamber that is a slotted pipes. 60 in situ bioreactor container 200 offloating bioreactor system
The core of its main reactor chamber is a perforated hose. 100 of the present invention.
Air is pumped into the perforated hose and is released all FIG. 3 is a representative view showing the method of
along the pipe. The air is diffused in the water Surrounding application of the floating bioreactor system 100 of the
this and this causes the water to rise and it circulate the present invention.
microbe with the dirty water. This feeds the microbes imbed 65 FIG. 4A is a representative view showing one method of
ded in the media and this causes the microbes to replicate and adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. aquarium biore
thus releasing billions of microbes every second. As the actor and aerator system 400.
 US 8,066,873 B2
3 4
FIG. 4B is a representative side view of bioreactor and Optionally, floats 120 are inflatable or otherwise adjustable so
aerator combo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system buoyancy and waterline of the overall housing 102 can be
400. adjusted.
FIG. 4C is a representative side partially exposed view of As shown in FIG. 1A, blower 104 is placed on top of
bioreactor and aerator combo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and housing 102. In one embodiment, blower 104 is a 1.75 kW
aerator system 400. regenerative blower which is an ideal Solution for moving
FIG. 5A is a representative view showing one method of large Volume of air at lower pressures or near vacuum. The
adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. home septic main function of blower 104 is to be an air source for the
bioreactor and aerator system 500. aeration process of the present invention 100. Using blower
FIG. 5B is a representative side view of home septic unit 10 104 can be one of the most cost effective methods for pro
501 of home septic bioreactor and aerator system 500. ducing pressure or vacuum. Filter 106 cleans particulate from
FIG. 5C is a representative side partially exposed view of the air that goes in and through blower 104 to avoid dust or oil
home septic unit 501 of home septic bioreactor and aerator in contact with diffuser grids 130.
As best shown in FIG. 1A, blower 104 is connected to
system 500. 15 diffuser grids 130 via diverter 150 and subsequently hoses
FIG. 6A is a representative view showing one method of 152. Hoses 152 are attached to diverter 150 to receive the
adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. aero dynamic necessary air for diffuser grids 130. In one embodiment,
mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600. diverter 150 spreads the air generated from blower 104 evenly
FIG. 6B is a representative side view of aero dynamic to diffuser grids 130 via a plurality of hoses 152. The main
mixer 601 of aero dynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator function of diffuser grids 130 is to create aeration within the
system 600. liquid medium that the present invention 100 is trying to
clean. In alternative embodiments, multiple diffuser grids 130
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED can be installed and connected to blower 104 to increase
EMBODIMENT overall effectiveness and scale of cleaning power of floating
25 bioreactor system 100 of the present invention.
The description that follows is presented to enable one For efficient aeration system, whether it is an aeration
skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is system or device splashes, sprays, or diffuses air, an impor
provided in the context of a particular application and its tant factor is how much surface area it creates. The Surface
requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodi area is where water/liquid medium contacts air and where
ments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the 30 oxygen transfer takes place. Smaller bubble size results in
general principals discussed below may be applied to other more surface area, which is why fine bubble aeration devices
embodiments and applications without departing from the are superior in oxygen transfer than coarse bubble aerators.
scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is To maximize aeration efficiency in a system, an aerator must
not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but create fine bubbles while expending a minimum amount of
the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is 35 energy. The main purpose is to have a high SOTR and SAE for
consistent with the principals and features described herein. the aeration system.
In one embodiment, there are a number of commercially
DEFINITION OF TERMS available diffuser grids 130 that can be incorporated in the
floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention. Most
Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate ISOTR - Pounds of oxy 40 of these models resemble what has been disclosed in U.S. Pat.
gen transferred to water per hour lbs O/hour. SOTR is No. 5,811,164, issued Sep. 22, 1998 to Mitchell entitled
measured in clean water when the dissolved oxygen DO “AERATION PIPE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME,
concentration is Zero at all points in the water Volume, the which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One
water temperature is 20°C., at a barometric pressure of 1.00 of the commercial models is Aero-TubeTM diffuser grids. One
atm 101 kPa). 45 of the most important structure for the extremely high perfor
Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE Standard Oxygen mance and efficiency of diffuser grids 130 is the adaptation of
Transfer Rate per unit total power input. SAE is typically hose segments 132 which, through a unique combination of
expressed as the pounds of oxygen transferred to the water per technique and raw material, creates numerous micro-pores
hour per HPlbs O/hour/HPwire, and is sometimes referred 134 throughout the length of hose segments 132. These
to as SAE Wire. SAE is used as a measure of how efficiently 50 micro-pores 134 create tiny air bubbles and hence high sur
an aerator is transferring oxygen. face area, which allows the efficient transfer of air into the
FIG. 1A is a representative upper front perspective view of water. In one embodiment, diffuser grids 130 are made up of
floating bioreactor system 100 of the present invention. Float hose segments 132. Preferably, hose segments 132 are made
ing bioreactor system 100 of the present invention has a from thermoset polymer particles in a matrix of thermoplastic
housing 102. In one embodiment, housing 102 is made of 55 binder material, which may be made according to a method
fiberglass that is strong enough to Support the weight of the described in the 164 patent.
entire floating bioreactor system 100 without the assistance of In one embodiment, the specifications of hose segments
buoyance and is not prone to corrosion, degradation in the 132 are in the approximate range as follows: Outside Diam
presence of water and/or other liquid medium, including salt eter, 1.00 inch (2.54 cm); Inside Diameter, 0.500 inch (1.27
water or waste water with other chemicals. Housing 102 of 60 cm); Wall Thickness, 0.250 inch (0.635 cm); Weight, 0.220
floating bioreactor system 100 can be assembled by nuts and lbs per foot (0.327 kg per meter); Roll Length, 200 ft. (60.98
bolts or other optimal mechanical fastening means. As shown meters); Roll Weight, 44 lbs. (19.9 kg); Burst Pressure, 80 PSI
in FIG. 1A, a plurality of floats 120 are attached to housing (5.5 bar).
102 on both sides. The main function of floats 120 is to lend Due to the number of pores created during the manufac
buoyance to the entire floating bioreactor system 100 such 65 turing process, there is little resistance created when pushing
that the present invention is able to float and maintain an air through hose segments 132. Resistance equals energy
appropriate buoyance level within the liquid medium. demand hence diffuser grids 130 uses significantly less horse
 US 8,066,873 B2
5 6
power when compared with traditional methods of aeration Aero-TubeTM aeration tubing performed even better in the
such as bubblers, paddlewheels, aspirators, less efficient tub salt water test. As the density of the water's salt content
ing, etc. Moreover, diffuser grids 130 bare tiny pore size increased from 5,000 mg to 35,000 mg. the oxygen advan
which creates bubbles with extremely small diameters. The tage of the Aero-TubeTMsystem steadily rose. At 35,000 mg/L
smaller the gas bubbles, the more efficiently they transfer 5 NaCl, the energy efficiency of Aero-TubeTM aerator was as
oxygen into water. Small bubbles also take longer to rise once much as 4.2 times the efficiency of the paddle wheel.
they are introduced into water. Slower rising, Small-diameter While performance of diffuser grids 130 may vary among
bubbles mean more contact with the water and a much higher different brands and models, in general diffuser grids 130 are
rate of oxygen transfer. By creating significantly smaller 10
considered one of the most effective and cost efficient aera
bubbles, more efficiently, diffuser grids 130 are able to deliver tion devices because nearly all of the energy used to deliver
high rates of oxygen transfer ISOTR and energy efficiency the air that goes through hoses 140 and hose segments 132
SAE. goes directly into the water/liquid medium. A paddle wheel,
As shown in FIG.1A, bioreactor pump 108 is also mounted wastes energy by throwing water/liquid medium into the air to
on housing 102. In one embodiment, bioreactor pump 108 is 15
pick up oxygen.
a relatively less powerful pump in the range of about 60 W FIG. 2 is a representative upper front perspective view of an
that supplies air to the in situ bioreactor container 200. Biore in situ bioreactor tube or container 200 offloating bioreactor
actor hose 140 that connects bioreactor 200 also transfers air system 100 of the present invention. In summary, in situ
from bioreactor pump 108 to the bioreactor 200 for the bio bioreactor is a bio reactor paired with an aeration device Such
carrier media therein. Air and nutrients are supplied to the as a microbubble generator. The purpose of the microbubble
microbial population which are located within the biocarrier generator is to generate highly oxygenated water which
media. In one embodiment, bioreactor 200 is secured at the infuses microbes with the nutrients required to achieve very
bottom of housing 102 and underneath diffuser grids 130 to high levels of process and treatment effectiveness and effi
provide continuous in-situ addition of beneficial microbes ciency. The accelerated regeneration of microbes accelerates
directly within an environment to be treated thereby permit 25 the natural mineralization process, reducing treatment cycle
ting optimized mineralization of waste being treated as well times and virtually eliminating organic contaminant levels.
as acclimation of the microbes to Such waste. As best shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, in situ biore
FIG. 1B is a representative graph showing the relationship actor tube container 200 has an external slotted pipe structure
between Standard Oxygen Transfer Rate ISOTR and various 220 which has lots of inner bores 220. Within each inner bore
Total Dissolved Solids TDS values of the liquid medium of 30 220, enough microbial media 210 should be loaded. In one
both commercial diffuser grids 130 and traditional aeration embodiment, there is aeration tubing 230 embedded within
device like paddle wheel. As best shown in FIG. 1B, diffuser the slotted pipe structure 220. One end of aeration tubing 230
grids 130 performs better than paddle wheel throughout the is connected to bioreactor hose 140 and subsequently to
range of TDS from 0 to approximately 35,0000 mg/L. This bioreactor pump 108. When the bioreactor pump 108 is on, it
demonstrates that using diffuser grids 130 is an effective, 35 supplies air through aeration tubing 230 which tiny air
improved method for aeration higher SOTR). bubbles are created. Air bubbles diffuse from the internal to
FIG. 1C is a representative graph showing the relationship the external surfaces of bioreactor 200 and ultimately dis
between Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various perse to the Surrounding water/liquid medium via numerous
Total Dissolved Solids TDS values of the liquid medium of inner bores 220 where microbial media 210 are contained.
both commercial diffuser grids 130 and traditional aeration 40 The air bubbles supply both oxygen and nutrients to microbial
device like paddle wheel. As best shown in FIG. 1C, diffuser media 210 and eventually disperse them into the surrounding
grids 130 performs better than paddle wheel throughout the water/liquid medium.
range of TDS from 0 to approximately 35,0000 mg/L. Proof FIG. 3 is a representative view showing the method of
ing that using diffuser grids 130 is a much more cost efficient application of the floating bioreactor system 100 of the
method for aeration higher SAE). 45 present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, floating bioreactor
FIG. 1D is a representative graph showing the relationship system 100 of the present invention is installed and immersed
between Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various Salt in the treated liquid medium 310. The waste 320 is received
Concentration TDS values of the liquid medium for most via inlet pipe 312 and is discharged out through the outlet 314
common aeration methods including Aero-TubeTM. FIG. 1E after treatment. In one embodiment, housing 102 is Sus
is a representative graph showing the relationship between 50 pended and floating with the assistance of floats 120 on both
Standard Aeration Efficiency SAE and various Salt Concen side. As best shown in FIG. 3, when the floating bioreactor
tration TDS values of the liquid medium for most common system 100 is turned on, bioreactor 200 disperses microbes
aeration methods including Aero-TubeTM. An internationally 360 which are originally contained in its inner bores 220. The
recognized engineering firm conducted performance tests on tiny air bubbles 350 generated from aeration tubing 230 will
the aeration tube in both fresh and saltwater environments. In 55 further disperse microbes 360 out of the system while con
a controlled study, they compared an airlift aerator utilizing tinuously supplying oxygen and nutrients to the microbes
Aero-TubeTM technology with an equal horsepower paddle 360. Eventually, the microbes 360 dispersed from bioreactor
wheel and brush paddle wheel aerator, two of the most popu 200 will establish themselves as the dominant species within
lar aeration technologies on the market today. the liquid medium 310 being treated.
Aero-TubeTM performed extremely well in all areas, 60 While at the same time, tiny air bubbles 350 are generated
including its ability to transfer oxygen to water, expressed in continuously from diffuser grids 130. The fine air bubbles350
terms of a standard oxygen rate ISOTR), and its efficiency in are more readily absorbed into water per Volume of air com
terms of pounds of oxygen per kilowatt-hour the standard pared to coarse air bubbles. Consequently, oxygen content is
aerator efficiency or SAE Wire, rate. much increased in the treated liquid medium 310. Moreover,
In the fresh water testing, the Aero-TubeTM aerator 65 the low head-loss of diffuser grids 130 combined with biore
exceeded the paddle wheel's energy efficiency SAEWireby actor 200 leads to a high efficacy for the microbial population
up to 2.6 times. to the liquid medium being treated.
 US 8,066,873 B2
7 8
As shown in FIG. 3, microbial population360 is dispersed to be used in an aquarium. In one embodiment, aquarium
from bioreactor 200 and move vertically away from the biore bioreactor and aerator system 400 consists of air pump 414,
actor 200 towards diffuser grids 130. Airbubbles 350 released air hose 413 and bioreactor and aerator combo 401. In one
not only support the life of the microbes 360 but also help embodiment, air pump is a low wattage pump, approximately
evenly dispense microbes 360 out to the liquid medium for 5 2-3 watts, supplying air to in situ bioreactor and aerator
treatment 310. As best shown in FIG. 3, the combination of combo 401 via air hose 413. In one embodiment, bioreactor
diffuser grids 130 and bioreactor 200 and more importantly and aerator combo 401 is completely submerged in the water
their relative orientation in floating bioreactor system 100 of 412. Preferably, approximately 150 grams by weight of biore
the present invention greatly enhances the efficiency and actor and aerator combo 401 should be used for an aquarium
effectiveness in treating liquid medium 310. 10 of 81 to 160 liters by volume. For smaller tanks with volume
It will be understood that biosolids and/or sludge handling below 80 liters, 100 grams by weight of bioreactor and aerator
requirements are eliminated in the present invention. The combo 401 should be used.
biosolids are eaten up and consumed by the microbes, thus To sufficiently aerate a 100 gallon tank, air pump 414
eliminating the need for sludge and biosolids handling equip should be around 5 watts of power or approximately 0.07
ment, disposal, etc. In addition, having the microbes on the 15 watts of power per gallon of water. In one embodiment, regu
Surface of the water increases the efficiency of oxygen trans larly clean filter and the inner wall of the tank to prevent
fer in the floating bioreactor system 100. forming of biofilms. The system 400 works best in conjunc
Test Results: tion with a carbon filter 409.
Test Laboratory: Robinsons Land Corporation; Analysis No.: The advantages of using aquarium bioreactor and aerator
WA-10-217 system 400 include no odor, no sedimentation, controlled
Model: BioCleanerTM 1200 m3 system 16 HP water pH value, various set microbes for controlling nitrogen
Test Date Sample—Oct. 18, 2010; Analysis—Oct. 18-23, cycle, water and energy conservation, fishes that are more
2010 resistant to diseases, no need for mechanical filter and no
Sample Source: STP-Main Mall chemicals needed.

Quantitative Water Analysis

DENREffluent
Standard for
Sample Identification Influent Effluent Inland Water Me hod of
(Lab. Sample Nos.) (S10-WA-506) (S10-WA-506) Class C - “NPI Analysis
pH, as received 6.41 7.26 6.5-9.0 Glass Electrode
Me O
Temperature, C. 27.6 28.3 Mercury-Filled
Thermometer
Chemical Oxygen 780.49 25.68 100 maximum Dic hromate Reflux
Demand (COD), mg/L Me O
Biochemical Oxygen 721.26 <1 50 maximum Azide Modification
Demand (5-days (Di ution
BOD), mg/L Tec hnique)
Settleable Solids, na O.1 0.5 maximum Volumetric
mL (Imhoff Cone)
Me O
Dissolved Oxygen, na 6.58 Azide Modification
mg/L. (Winkler Method)
Total Coliform, na <2 a 10,000 Mu tiple Tube
MPN,100 m maximum Fermentation
Tec hnique

As shown in the above Test Result, which the experiment FIG. 4B is a representative side view of bioreactor and
and analysis was carried out by an independent laboratory, 50 aerator combo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and aerator system
after treatment by one of the models of floating bioreactor 400. FIG.4C is a representative side partially exposed view of
system 100 of the present invention, the overall quality of bioreactor and aerator combo 401 of aquarium bioreactor and
waste water improved significantly. Most notable results aerator system 400. The main purpose of bioreactor and aera
included the BOD reduction from over 700 mg/L in the influ tor combo 401 is to both generate tiny air bubbles for aeration
ent sample to a mere <1 mg/L in the effluent sample. The 55 and disperse microbes to clean up waste in aquariums. As
value of Total Coliform E. coli was also reduced to <2 shown in FIG. 4B, the exterior of bioreactor and aerator
MPN/100 ml. Both values are way lower than the DENR combo 401 is made of perforated stainless steel plate wherein
Effluent Standard for Inland Water Class C—“NPI, making numerous holes 420 are present. In one embodiment, biore
the effluent sample Class AA water, better or equivalent to actor and aerator combo 401 is cylindrical in shape with
drinking water quality in those respects. The waste water was 60 approximate dimensions in the range of four inches by two
treated only by floating bioreactor system 100 of the present and a halfinches in diameter. As best shown in FIG. 4C, air
invention with no chlorination, no filters, no sludge handling generated from air pump 414 enters bioreactor and aerator
and no chemicals, pre or post treatment. combo 401 via hose 413 subsequently rubber hose 408 inside
FIG. 4A is a representative view showing one method of bioreactor and aerator combo 401. Air will then reach air
adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. aquarium biore 65 diffuser 407 and tiny air bubbles 415 are generated. Air
actor and aerator system 400. As shown in FIG. 4A, floating bubbles 415 will then reach surrounding microbial media 406
bioreactor system 100 of the present invention can be adapted where appropriate types and amount of microbial is con
 US 8,066,873 B2
10
tained. Airbubbles 415 will provide oxygen and nutrients for medium 609 such that the top portion remains above surface
the microbial population to thrive and also disperse them out of the water/liquid medium 609. The airlift device has been
of bioreactor and aerator combo 401 via holes 420. The known for many years and essentially operates by Supplying
microbes produced by bioreactor and aerator combo 401 will air bubbles into the water at a predetermined depth below the
feed on the fish waste and other contaminant in the aquarium 5 surface. Some of this air is absorbed into the water, which
making the water 412 clearer and odorless. causes the water to become less dense and rise towards the
FIG. 5A is a representative view showing one method of surface. The rising of the water causes circulation 608, which
adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. home septic distributes the aerated water and brings additional water
bioreactor and aerator system 500. Home septic bioreactor toward the device for aeration.
and aerator system 500 provides a method and apparatus for 10 Water 609 is aerated in an airlift device by use of a diffuser.
continuous, in-situ microbial seeding at the septic tank 512. When the diffuser is submerged in water 609, the movement
As shown in FIG. 5A, home septic bioreactor and aerator of gas through the device causes bubbles to emerge from the
system 500 consists essentially of home septic unit 501, air pores and into the water 609. In one embodiment, the aero
pump and air hoses 511. In one embodiment, home septic unit dynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600 uses a
501 is an immersible container which also serves as a bio 15 patented porous rubber houses as a diffuser.
reactor. Home septic unit 501 is immersed in the waste water The present invention 600 is comprised of a series of
530 completely and is secured at the bottom of septic tank 512 porous diffusers called AerogridsTM arranged in a way that
at footing 503 by mechanical means. In one embodiment, they are in a straight line. These aeration diffusers are posi
home septic unit 501 is also attached to cables 510 for support tioned in fiberglass frames that are supported by floaters 603.
at handle brackets 504 and has an air pump located above the As best shown in FIG. 6B, above the surface are blowers
septic tank 512. 650 situated to give air to the diffusers. A skirt 606 varying in
FIG. 5B is a representative side view of home septic unit dimensions, depending on the depth of the medium, wraps
501 of home septic bioreactor and aerator system 500. FIG. around the device 600 in such a way it has openings 607 only
5C is a representative side partially exposed view of home at the top and bottom. A small opening 660 is also noticed on
septic unit 501 of home septic bioreactor and aerator system 25 one side of the device 600 just below the surface. This will
500. Although home septic unit 501 can be in any number of serve as a mouth to water 609 coming out created by the
different configurations, in one embodiment, home septic vacuum when the said present invention 600 is turned on. The
unit 501 is a roughly cylindrical hollow container having a present invention 600 is capable of drawing water 609 and
footing 503. As shown in FIG. 5B, home septic unit 501 has recirculating it in a very potent manner. Also it is a mobile
a cap 505 on top, numerous inlet holes 502 at the bottom and 30 device that can easily hoist to a boat and move from one
outlet opening 520 near the top half of the structure. In one location to another.
embodiment, air enters home septic unit 501 via air hose 506 Although the inventions herein is to be understood that
and diffuser hose 509. As shown in FIG. 5C, home septic unit these are merely illustrative of the principles and applications
501 microbial media 507 in its core that store and produce the of the present inventions. Therefore, it is understood that
microbes. In one embodiment, a diffuser unit 508 is placed at 35 numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative
the bottom of home septic unit 501, which is powered by air embodiments and that other modifications maybe devised
pump. Diffuser unit 508 generates tiny air bubbles that pro without departing from the scope and functions of the inven
vide oxygen and nutrients to microbial that is contained in tions as defined by the claims to be followed.
microbial media 507 and simultaneously creates vacuum that Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
sucks in waste water 530 from inlet holes 503 at the bottom. 40 used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood
Waste water 530 travels upward inside home septic unit 501 by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inven
and is then released at the top via outlet opening 520. During tion belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or
the journey upward, waste water makes contact with the equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or
microbial media 507 in the process and carries with it micro testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and
bial when it is released back to open water. 45 materials are now described. All publications and patent
By continuous adding a desired microbial population documents referenced in the present invention are incorpo
directly into waste water 530 to be treated, the present inven rated herein by reference.
tion500 allows for demand growth and microbial acclimation While the principles of the invention have been made clear
based on the waste content within the said environment. The in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvi
microbial agents generated by the present invention 500 are 50 ous to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure,
provided with a continuous Supply of oxygen and/or nutrients arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and com
by diffuser unit 508, such microbial agents can more effec ponents used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise,
tively mineralize waste within an environment 530 being which are particularly adapted to specific environments and
treated. The present invention 500 can specifically makes the operative requirements without departing from those prin
septic tank 512 of houses into a small sewage treatment plant. 55 ciples. The appended claims are intended to cover and
Over time, the in-situ microbial addition provided by home embrace any and all Such modifications, with the limits only
septic bioreactor and aerator system 500 of the present inven of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.
tion shall make waste water 530 to acceptable discharge level. I claim:
FIG. 6A is a representative view showing one method of 1. A portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor sys
adaption of an alternative embodiment, viz. aero dynamic 60 tem for cleaning sewage water, the aeration and microbial
mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600. FIG. 6B is a repre reactor system comprising:
sentative side view of aerodynamic mixer of aerodynamic a rigid, semi-open and stable housing frame having two
mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600. In one embodiment, side walls and a back wall to half of its height, the
aerodynamic mixer bioreactor and aerator system 600 is an housing frame further having a plurality of buoyant
aeration device adapted to be used in outdoor environment 65 members attached on its sides such that the top portion of
Such as lakes and ponds. As shown in FIG. 6A, aerodynamic the housing frame remains afloat when it is Submerged in
mixer is basically a housing adapted to float within the liquid sewage water of various density;
 US 8,066,873 B2
11 12
an aeration Sub-system further having a blower attached tally across the entire width of said housing frame and
mechanically and sitting on top of the housing frame, a underneath said aeration grid device, the microbial reac
flat aeration grid device extending horizontally across tor portion further comprising an inner aeration tube
the entire width and attached in the bottom half of said powered by said air pump, an perforated outside tube
housing frame, the aeration grid device further com 5 further having a plurality of slots, microbial media con
prises a plurality of porous plastic pipes having a gas taining live bacteria imbedded within said slots, an air
permeable wall of thermoset polymer particles and ther hose connecting said air pump to said microbial reactor
moplastic binder in a minor amount thereby bonding portion.
said polymer particles and creating a Substantially uni 3. A portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor sys
form porosity through the pipe wall along the length of 10 tem for discontaminating water, the aeration and microbial
the pipe, said porosity provided by a plurality of reactor system comprising:
micropores having an average diameter of about 0.001 a rigid frame having an upper portion and a lower portion;
inch to about 0.004 inch along the length of said pipe for a plurality of buoyant members attached to the upper por
diffusion of gas therethrough and transfer to a medium, tion of the rigid frame such that the reactor system
said thermoset polymer particles having a mesh size of 15 remains afloat when Submerged in contaminated water;
about 60 to about 140 mesh, a plurality of air hoses an aeration Sub-system coupled to the rigid frame, the
connecting said blower to said aeration grid device; aeration system comprising a blower attached mechani
a microbial reactor Sub-system further having an air pump cally to and sitting on the upper portion of the rigid
attached mechanically and sitting on top of the housing frame, a flat horizontally-oriented aeration grid coupled
frame, an elongated, tubular and externally perforated to the rigid frame intermediate the upper portion and the
microbial reactor portion extending essentially horizon lower portion thereof, the aeration grid further compris
tally across the entire width of said housing frame and ing microporous tubing having a plurality of micropores
underneath said aeration grid device, the microbial reac with an average diameter between about 0.001 inch and
torportion further comprises an inner aeration tube pow about 0.004 inch along the length of said microporous
ered by said air pump, an perforated outside tube further 25 tubing for diffusion of gas therethrough and transfer to a
having a plurality of slots, microbial media containing medium, the aeration Sub-system further comprising a
live bacteria imbedded within said slots, an air hose plurality of air hoses connecting the blower to the aera
connecting said air pump to said microbial reactor por tion grid; and
tion. a microbial reactor Sub-system having an air pump
2. A portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor sys 30 mechanically coupled to the upper portion of the rigid
tem for cleaning sewage water, the aeration and microbial frame, the microbial reactor sub-system further com
reactor System comprising: prising an elongated, tubular and externally perforated
a rigid, semi-open and stable housing frame having two microbial reactorportion coupled to the lower portion of
side walls and a back wall to half of its height, the the rigid frame and extending essentially horizontally
housing frame further having a plurality of buoyant 35 and underneath the aeration grid, the microbial reactor
members attached on its sides such that the housing portion comprising an inner aeration tube powered by
frame remains afloat when it is submerged in sewage the airpump, a perforated outside tube having a plurality
water of various density; of slots extending therethrough, the microbial reactor
an aeration Sub-system further having a blower attached portion further comprising microbial media containing
mechanically and sitting on top of the housing frame, a 40 live bacteria imbedded within said slots, the microbial
flat aeration grid device extending horizontally across reactor Sub-system further having air hose connecting
the entire width and attached in the bottom half of said the air pump to the microbial reactor portion.
housing frame, the aeration grid device further com 4. The portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor
prises a plurality of porous plastic, said porosity pro system of claim 3 installed in an outdoor stream.
vided by a plurality of micropores having an average 45 5. The portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor
diameter of about 0.001 inch to about 0.004 inch along system of claim 3 installed in an outdoor pond.
the length of said pipe for diffusion of gas therethrough 6. The portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor
and transfer to a medium, a plurality of air hoses con system of claim 3 installed in an settling pond.
necting said blower to said aeration grid device; 7. The portable, floating aeration and microbial reactor
a microbial reactor Sub-system further having an air pump 50 system of claim3 in conjunction with an aerodynamic mixing
attached mechanically and sitting on top of the housing system for decontaminating waste water.
frame, an elongated, tubular and externally perforated
microbial reactor portion extending essentially horizon k k k k k