The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 24, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 25, 1998
J. Rodney Dickerson, Scott, LA (US);
Mark W. Moshier, Owens Cross Roads, AL (US);
Other;
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 removing the coagulated proteinaceous materials and suspended solids from the liquid stream. During the introduction of the gas into the liquid stream, shear forces are maintained at a level sufficient to minimize formation of emulsions of the proteinaceous materials.