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And the one that matters the most
Only for the most extreme circumstances
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Vistaprint N.V.
) declared fourth quarter 2012 adjusted earnings (including
stock-based compensation expense of 23 cents per share) of 17 cents
per share, comprehensively beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of
5 cents loss per share.
The better-than-expected results were driven by double-digit
growth in the top line. However, adjusted earnings fell from the
year-ago level of 32 cents. On a GAAP basis, earnings per share
(including stock based compensation expense) were 10 cents versus
32 cents in the comparable quarter of last year.
In full-fiscal 2012, adjusted earnings were $1.30 per share
versus $1.83 per share in fiscal 2010. On a GAAP basis, earnings
were $1.95 as against $2.30 in the prior year.
In the fourth quarter, the company registered 19.9%
year-over-year growth in revenues to $250.4 million, including the
$15.4 million contribution from Albumprinter & Webs. Revenues
lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $258.0 million. In
full-fiscal 2012, revenues were $1,020.3 million, up 25.0% year
over year.
Geographically, Vistaprint derived 57%, 37% and 6% of revenues
from the North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets,
Behind the Headline Numbers
In the fourth quarter, gross margin rose 70 basis points (bps)
from the year-ago quarter to 64.6%. Operating income came in at
$5.1 million, reflecting a downside of 70% from the prior-year
quarter. Operating margin plunged 610 bps from the prior-year
quarter to 2.0%.
Total order volume increased roughly 14% year over year to 6.4
million in the fourth quarter. Vistaprint added 2.2 million new
customers in the quarter.
The company exited the quarter with $62.2 million in cash, cash
equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Total assets of
the company were $592.4 million while total liabilities amounted to
$403.1 million.
Share Repurchase
During the quarter under review, the company bought back
2,990,376 of its shares for $100.1 million.
For full-year 2013, the company expects adjusted earnings per
share guidance (excluding stock-based compensation expense of 97
cents) in the range of $1.62-$1.92 per share. On a GAAP basis,
earnings per share are expected in the range of 40-70 cents.
Revenue is expected in the range of $1,175.0-$1,225.0 million.
For the first quarter of 2013, revenues are expected in the
range of $250-$260 million.
Our Take
We remain optimistic on Vistaprint's long-term prospects and a
deeper focus on inorganic growth as well as international
expansion. The company remains all set to expand its Asian
presence. Management expects to gain $2 billion revenue by 2016.
Additionally, the company has a share repurchase program in place
to boost its full-year earnings.
However, 2013 could prove to be a challenging year for
Vistaprint as there are a few planned investments, which will weigh
on its bottom line. Acquisitions will also be dilutive to fiscal
2013 earnings. Moreover, increasing headwinds in currency
translation remains a concern given Vistaprint's huge exposure to
the European region.
Vistaprint, which competes with
Sykes Enterprises Inc.
) and
TeleTech Holdings Inc.
), currently retains a Zacks #1 Rank, which translates into a
short-term Strong Buy rating. We are maintaining our long-term
Outperform recommendation on the stock.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Teaches you advanced techniques for roto painting, motion tracking, multipass mattes, multiple keying layers, simulated lighting effects, painting on video background plates, and more.
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Has there been a bigger Carolina miss in the NFL draft?
raleigh-panther replied to tiger7_88's topic in Carolina PanthersHow about all the QBs the Panthers could have drafted and didn't, believing Delhomme was the guy and that arm was fine . With Fox probably just as well...if you go back and look,it will make you cry
I am aware of it and my opinion on that is if a GM thinks enough of a player to use it and apply it, then that GM lives with it. There other categories that could have been used. this move cost a lot more than just Norman himself. The Panther GM caused a loss of depth that he could have used. That the team could have used. its water over the bridge now. Well over it he is the NFL Executive of the year I expect more frankly. Maybe that's the issue for me. I expect with his experience to handle it to benefit the Panthers and I really struggle with losing an all pro and drafting three players in a position that as he himself says, doesn't matter much in the Panthers scheme
Last year is over. Glad for the wins some could have gone another way a year is a lifetime in the young man's game of pro football Rosters have to turn over frequently we all know this both the Falcons and broncos gave the blueprint on the panthers and also the inability of the panthers' OC to do a quicker offensive play selection to neutralize that rush either we don't have it or we can't execute it I seem to recall gettleman saying cornerback isn't that important in our scheme. Th e front seven is...quite an epiphany to draft 3 corners don't you think just my opinion not arguing with anyone there were players there to make numerous positions better instead we got nothing this year for Norman we focused on one position group to the extreme and stayed pat with positions that needed an upgrade i really feel that Super Bowl should have been a wake up call on the coaching staff and some players instead it's the 'so glad to have been there ' platitudes Will kelvin make difference maybe Stewart another year older as is Khalil dont get it I'm not paid to get it just my observation i just pay to watch them play
Great. But that is next year compensatory
I dont really care who he drafted or what position they are or how they are ranked by some sports reporter Four questions worth asking 1. How does a GM let an All Pro walk and get nothing? Nada. Zero. Zip an additional second or third round pick could have made a lot of difference this year 2. How did anything done during this draft make the Panthers one bit better against premier defenses Seems to me the defensive backfield wasn't the reason for that super bowl loss or the beating Newton took from Atlanta Speed against slow tackles, kills 3. Aging and injury prone RB with third stringers behind them and an aging center in constract year 4 edge rushers If he finds a replacement for Norman, good for him but giving away an All Pro and getting nothing for it, not smart and then the ancillary impact of wasting not two but three draft picks to fill the void. This offense needs upgrades. Gettlemen would do well to consider Newton's replacement in two years as his body can't take the beating he is getting
In case you lost count....
raleigh-panther replied to Jeremy Igo's topic in Carolina PanthersYou just made a bad football weekend worse
2016 NFL Draft Round 2 General Discussion
raleigh-panther replied to Jeremy Igo's topic in Carolina PanthersI'm sorry only every once in awhile does small schools work out. Lord
Biggest Panthers needs/solution going into draft
raleigh-panther replied to TheSpecialJuan's topic in Carolina PanthersProbable defensive end but for a run heavy team anyone who thinks Stewart, FoZzy, CAP are the answers,nope. Stewart is approaching 30. His healthy meter ,can go band any second with those ankles and feet. The RBs behind him collectively are 3rd string at best. Tolbert, pls spot player at best this backfield needs speed...cutting speed and burst at the line. They don't have it. Atlanta and Tampa will be better defensively its time. Again DE probable
Norman was not a production of a system
raleigh-panther replied to GoobyPls's topic in Carolina PanthersIt was simple. Get KK under contract. Get Star under contract or over pay a very good CB who sometimes couldn't control his emotions and only covered half ofthe field in this system. ...and I think Gettleman grew weary of the thought of seeing Norman on every sports show lobbying for a contract No player is worth that distraction I am sorry Josh is gone too but he is gone. It is a business and at least we don't have to have TD be a baby sitter on the fieldand the sidelines anymore ...and somehow despite what was said, that little show in NY, I don't think the Panthers liked either, it hurt the team, it was selfish, and then, after that, Norman gave up key passes late. Josh got paid. Good for him. As for the Redskins, a team and organization I despise, well, 'a fool and his money soon part'.
It is blatantly obvious what the Broncos are doing
raleigh-panther replied to Sam Mills Fan's topic in Carolina PanthersAn offensive game plan with plays that don't take 5 to 7 seconds to develop and you know neutralizes the rush would be a good place to start
Cam's response to Von
raleigh-panther replied to swoonychic13's topic in Carolina PanthersOr tell Shula he can't call plays that take 5 to 7 seconds to develop when the d line is in the back field in 3.5 seconds
Food for thought: trade Derek Anderson to the Browns?
raleigh-panther replied to 15's topic in Carolina PanthersQB Backups matter . Ask Dallas
Peyton Manning retires
raleigh-panther replied to Mr. Scot's topic in Carolina PanthersNFL got its narrative Manningrides to the sunset a toothless lion onVon Miller's performance..a shoo in for HOF. Good for him. Good for the NFL. something in me changed after that Super Bowl towards the NFL after decades of watching the games,my observation is the NFL has a story it wants and the opposing team to overcome that narrative has to be flawless the panthers performance in the Super Bowl was bad enough but I would really like the NFL to explain, with the whole world watching, with cameras all overthe field, with officials in the booth, with the supposed ability to call NY based officials, not one, not two, but three critical calls were missed that absolutely helpedthe outcome. i know, the Panthers helped the implosion. Newton this, Remmers thatand all the rest but three major calls? With no plausible explanations? With a crew that had officiated 5 other Broncos wins? just stamp 'I'm stupid' onmy forehead. When I received my Panthersinvoice which went up 600 dollars from last year thanks to ticket prices and NC state tax, forthe first time, I asked myself what I was doing with money worked so hard to earn.
Mike Tolbert "I may be on the move, you never know."
raleigh-panther replied to NcPsa10's topic in Carolina PanthersKuhn would be beastly. Dream on I know
Players' Opinion of Cam - Changing Tide?
raleigh-panther replied to dldove77's topic in Carolina PanthersEveryone is entitled to an opinion ...and I never said that one press Conf outweighed all the good and those of us in this market know the good the rest of the NFL world doesn't,and it was not a good first lookon the field,for the Panthers players,coaches or the press Conf withNewton it will be interesting to see what Jerry's opinion is as shown by Cam's demeanor next year. Jerry 'sopinion matters


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Committee Information Volunteer Headquarters
Barbara Van Buskirk
RSM Classic volunteers on this committee will assist with the maintenance and management of volunteer uniforms including inventory, distribution, and sales of additional items prior to and during tournament week. Volunteers will assist with various duties in volunteer headquarters including checking fellow volunteers in, set up and breakdown of volunteers meals and providing immediate/temporary support to other committees and areas as needed. Volunteers will be needed to help with Uniform and Credential Distribution.
Committee Size: 50
Days of Operation: Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 22
Uniform Distribution: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 at Frederica Academy


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5 images of Weise Thermal Lined 1-Piece
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Material • Strong waterproof nylon construction with taped and welded seams • Full thermal quilted lining throughout suit • 3M Scotchlite reflectorsFeatures • Corduroy lining to collar for added rider comfort • Long main zipper from thigh to neck with velcro retained storm flap and internal gusset • Elasticated waist to reduce suit billowing at speed • Adjustable velcro retained strap to cuff • Single chest pocket • Zipper to outside of leg for ease of entry with adjustable velcro retained strap • 3M scotchlite reflective banding to upper arms for added night time visibility • YKK zippers throughout
Be the first reader to review the Weise Thermal Lined 1-Piece!
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"Influenza is a serious disease that kills thousands of people each year," said CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden. "Influenza season is upon us and vaccination is the single most important step someone can take to protect themselves. I received my vaccine and I want to encourage anyone who has not gotten vaccinated to go out and get one – it could mean the difference between health and sickness, life and death."The NFL Retired Players Association is supporting this partnership by promoting awareness during National Influenza Vaccination Week and by having legacy and Hall of Fame players reach out to communities and fans nationally.
CVS/pharmacy And MinuteClinic Remind Families About The Importance Of Getting Their Flu Shots During National Influenza Vaccination Week
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Tamina Snuka backstage
Earlier in the day, Tamina Snuka was spotted in Austin, the site of Monday Night Raw. She is scheduled to be backstage, which means that her return to television might take place tonight. For those that are not aware, she has been sidelined for much of the past year because of a torn ACL injury. No word yet on how WWE is planning to utilize her, but there is a chance she might be held out because Nikki Bella is working with Naomi at the moment.
April 6, 2015


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New Students
Online Enrollment K-12 - Click this link to access Registration Gateway, our online enrollment system for K-12 students. You must be a resident of Holt Public Schools or an approved out-of-district Schools of Choice student in order to enroll in Holt Public Schools.
Online enrollment for the 2016-17 school year begins in May 9, 2016 for grades 1-12
For ALL who wish to apply for Preschool, please submit your application online HERE.
For those who are already qualified for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), please click on this link: Online Enrollment Great Start Readiness Program
Updated 2016-17 Great Start Readiness Program information will be posted at a later date.
Free Vision and Hearing Testing: The Ingham County Health Department offers Vision and Hearing Screening. Please phone 517-887-4500 for more information:
-Click here to view the Vision-Hearing Public Health Code.
-Click here to view Immunization Requirements.
In-District Choice for Resident Students
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To request a Schools of Choice application packet for the 2016-17 school year, please call (517) 699-1103 or (517) 694-5730; or email a request to email@example.com. Application packets are mailed in mid- to late May 2016.


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Retractions are on the rise. But reams of flawed research papers persist in the scientific literature. Is it time to change the way papers are published?
Rise, Mickey
November 1, 2014|
Scientist to Watch, Takaki Komiyama, discusses his use of chronic two-photon calcium imaging to explore how wakefulness and experience shape odor representations in the mouse olfactory bulb.


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Steve Austin defends Roman Reigns
While doing a podcast interview recently, Steve Austin noted that he recently had time to sit down with Roman Reigns and gave him some advice. Austin was aware that the internet wrestling community was upset with Reigns because they felt that WWE just handed him a big push on a silver platter. Austin mentioned that when World Wrestling Entertainment offered him a push, he accepted it because that's what you're supposed to do.
February 25, 2016
Steve Austin endorses Cesaro
Like many wrestling fans, Steve Austin is wondering why WWE is not pushing Antonio Cesaro better. During his latest podcast interview show, the former world heavyweight champion showered the Swiss Superman with praise. Austin feels that Cesaro will somehow be able to make himself a top star even if management does not get behind him and provide him with the tools that he needs.
November 18, 2015
nWo in WWE
During his podcast interview with Steve Austin, Scott Hall revealed that he was never really comfortable when he was doing the nWo gimmick in WWE. He stated that Vince McMahon told him right off the bat that he was willing to do the stable with just Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan. Hall said that made him uncomfortable. He also mentioned that he knew that McMahon would never really push the New World Order like they should have been.
October 2, 2015
Steve Austin questions Roman Reigns
During a recent podcast interview, Steve Austin discussed the topic of Roman Reigns being pushed into the main event scene by WWE. He was a bit concerned that the former Shield member was not putting in the extra work that guys such as Triple H and Diamond Dallas Page did to get to the top. Austin also feels that Reigns is not the complete package on offense, citing that his moves were good but he did not have any ring psychology.
January 31, 2015


text: Yeoman completes Army basic training Army Pvt. Ryan W. Yeoman has graduated from nine weeks of basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. The soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics. Yeoman is a 2002 graduate of Placer High School. Nev. County AAUW gives scholarships The Nevada County Branch of the American Association of University Women is pleased to announce the awarding of its scholarships to Nevada County women for the 2008-09 school year. Recent graduates Paige Prentice, of Nevada Union High School, and Brittany Balzer, of Bear River High School, each received a $1,000 scholarship. Prentice plans to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz and Balzer will attend San Jose State University. Maggie Blumenfeld received a re-entry scholarship. She will pursue a degree in radiology technology. Scholarships for Sierra College graduates Kerry L. Jones and Laurie L, Tamietti, who both plan to pursue bachelor's degrees, each received $500. Bramer graduates from Naval Academy Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Kraegen J. Bramer, son of Shirley and Donald Bramer of Auburn, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Bramer is a 2003 graduate of Placer High School of Auburn. Bramer successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional military training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree. Percival returns after being deployed Army National Guard Spec. Todd B. Percival has returned to the 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery, Sacramento, after being deployed to an overseas forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Percival is a field artillery specialist with two years of military service. He is the son of Brian B. and Cindy Percival of Auburn. The specialist graduated from Del Oro High School in 2000 and received an associate's degree from Sierra College in 2004.


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American Express warmly welcomed
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Little Penguins, Exploding High Fives, Red Sea Sharks at Comet Tavern, 9 p.m., $6
There's no doubt the Little Penguins should have received more local attention for Welcome To The Celebration, the band's first album of somber pop songs. But sophomore release Offer You This Cape,
which features a new, fifth bandmate (Penguins frontman Will Hallauer's
Turn Ons bandmate Erik Blood), might just get the Penguins the
attention they deserved the last time around. Keys, harmonicas and
twangy, distorted surf guitar riffs bleed together with the expert
touch of a concert pianist pressing the damper pedal. In conjunction
with Will Hallauer's melancholic vocals about cheating death and the
nuclear age, Cape is an album of eerie sonic mutations, a sumptuous combination of shoegaze-y pedal work, Americana and modern cynicism. SARA BRICKNER
Portugal. The Man, Earl Greyhound, Wintersleep at El Corazon, 7 p.m., $14, all ages
Forget "Sarah. The Mayor"; The real thriller from Wasilla is Portugal.
The Man. In the course of three years, this Alaska-based synth-noise
four piece went from concocting chaotic keyboard tracks to sounding
like a slightly mellower TV on the Radio. But that switch is no
surprise, since Portugal. The Man (yes, that's the correct punctuation)
is all about variety. Two members were part of now-defunct Portland
hardcore heroes Anatomy of a Ghost; a third hailed from Konami Defense
System, a band that sampled Nintendo video game theme songs. And every
year since forming in 2005, Portugal. The Man has faithfully released
an album, an annual step that brought the band closer and closer to the
sound on this year's Censored Colors: Melodic vocals balanced
with half-sparse, half-symphonic guitars and keyboards. It's about time
for Portugal. The Man's 15 minutes of fame -- and hopefully, these guys
will reach higher levels of success than Governor Palin and "Joe. The
Plumber." PAIGE RICHMOND


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Baptism and Christening Party Ideas
Boy Baptism Invitations Girl Baptism Invitations
You will very likely have lots of family and friends in town for your child's Baptism and Christening. You would not want them to leave without a fun filled celebration of the special occasion! Just remember that the party is following a rather formal religious ceremony and should be planned appropriately.
Since the Christening or Baptism party usually comes immediately after the church service, you want to select a venue for the party that is relatively close to the church. Depending on the guest list, it may make sense to have a party at your house or at a neighborhood park. Keep in mind that if other children are coming, you want to make sure they are entertained.
Food and Refreshments
A morning christening can be followed by a buffet lunch, or an early afternoon christening can be followed by afternoon tea. You should have drinks available to toast to your baby's health. The Godfather should make the first toast. If you are hosting the party at your house, a simple buffet spread or snacks will suffice. If the event is held in warm weather, a backyard barbecue can be a great alternative. Cake at a baptism and christening should be ideally a white cake, with white frosting, bearing the baby's initials, name and christening date.
Entertainment Ideas
More than likely, there will be other kids at your child's Baptism or Christening party. An easy form of entertainment is to set up a TV and play a children's video in another room. A better idea is to plan a few games to occupy them.


text: Property update — January 2014: dilapidations By The Lawyer 31 January 2014 16:19 17 December 2015 12:14 Sign in or register to continue reading. It's FREE Sign in Email Password Keep me logged in Forgot your password? Not registered? It's FREE! Register now Register with The Lawyer Login to comment


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- Published: Berkeley, Calif. : Stone Bridge Press, c2001.
- Year Published: 2001
- Description: xviii, 545 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
- Language: English
- Format: Book
ISBN/Standard Number
- 1880656647 :
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The anime encyclopedia : a guide to Japanese animation since 1917
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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 17, 2008
|Filing date
|Dec 6, 2005
|Priority date
|Dec 11, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Paul Thomas Baskis, Keith Atkinson, Windell Camanse, Glen Neustedter, F. David Mullinix
|Original Assignee
|Baswood, Llc
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (26), Referenced by (2), Classifications (15), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/735,516, filed Dec. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,507, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Embodiments of the invention relate to the treatment of waste organic matter, such as wastewater and sludge. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of maintaining a biomass adapted for removing of organic waste matter from a fluid and processing systems adapted to use this method.
Waste organic matter including that found in raw wastewater (i.e., sewage), sludge from sewage treatment facilities, farm waste, organic industrial waste, leachate, and so forth is a principle cause of water pollution. Therefore, waste organic matter from these and other sources ideally is treated before release into the environment in order to reduce or eliminate the presence of environmentally harmful organic compounds.
Waste organic matter comprises a variety of organic constituents, including, but not limited to, cellulose, hemicellulose, lingin, polysaccharides such as starch and chitin, proteins, lipids such as triacylglycerols and phospholipids, pesticides, fungicides, polymers, petroleum wastes, and other long-chain or complicated hydrocarbons. One way in which waste organic matter may be treated is by breaking down the organic molecules into simpler, non-toxic or environmentally-friendly constituent parts via digestion or metabolism (i.e., decomposition) by various microorganisms.
Microorganisms recognized for their ability to break down organic matter include, but are not limited to, bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast, algae, and protozoa. Generally, organic matter is broken down into simpler constituent parts by the action of enzymes released by the microorganisms. During this process, some of the carbonaceous material of the organic matter may be consumed in the formation of new microbial tissue. Additionally, some of the carbonaceous material may be consumed in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gases, which may be subsequently released into the environment, flared, burned for energy production purposes, and so on. In this manner, the organic waste may be broken down into smaller, non-toxic molecules that are then incorporated into the growing biomass of the microorganisms or released as gasses. For example, industrial waste management processes like publicly owned treatment facilities (POTWs) often utilize microorganisms, in particular bacteria, to break down waste organic matter.
The description herein of problems and disadvantages of known apparatuses, methods, and devices is not intended to limit the invention to the exclusion of these known entities. Indeed, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the known apparatus, methods, and devices without suffering from the disadvantages and problems noted herein.
What is needed is an improved method to maintain a biomass for purposes of digesting, metabolizing, or processing waste organic matter. What also is needed is an improved waste treatment process for the digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose. Additionally, a method to prevent or reduce the likelihood of sloughing of biomass from a bioreactor is needed. Embodiments of the invention solve some or all of these needs, as well as additional needs.
An aspect of the invention provides a method of maintaining a biomass disposed on a substrate in a bioreactor tank. The bioreactor tank has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with a waste treatment system whereby an influent fluid may be selectively introduced through the inlet into the bioreactor tank for removal of waste material therefrom. This produces an effluent fluid which can be returned through the outlet to the waste treatment system. The method comprises processing a quantity of influent fluid through the bioreactor tank to produce a quantity of effluent fluid and removing the effluent fluid from the bioreactor tank through the outlet. The method further comprises isolating the bioreactor tank from the waste treatment system and establishing a set of dry cycle conditions in the bioreactor tank. The dry cycle conditions are selected to effect endogenous growth within at least a portion of the biomass whereby an average age of the at least a portion of the biomass may be tailored. The method also comprises restoring the bioreactor tank connection to the waste treatment system.
These and other features and advantages of the embodiments will be apparent from the description provide herein.
The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the invention by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving the digesting, metabolizing, or treatment waste organic matter. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments.
Waste organic matter may be metabolized, or broken down, into constituent parts by the action of microorganisms that use the compounds liberated by the metabolism as nutrients. Microorganisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast, algae, and protozoa are recognized for their ability to metabolize cellulose, hemicellulose, lingin, polysaccharides such as starch and chitin, proteins, lipids such as triglycerols and phospholipids, pesticides, fungicides, polymers, petroleum wastes, and other long-chain or complicated hydrocarbons that may be found in waste organic matter. Therefore, providing an environment wherein appropriate microorganisms may thrive and introducing waste organic matter to that environment may be used to treat or process the waste organic matter. Preferably, the results of the metabolism of the waste organic matter by the microorganisms are simpler, environmentally-friendly organic compounds, water or gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), and energy.
A bioreactor may be used to effect the metabolism of waste organic matter by microorganisms. Waste organic matter and other nutrients (i.e., water and oxygen) may be introduced into the reactor. The microorganisms inside of the reactor metabolize the waste organic matter, in effect treating or processing it. Biological media disposed inside the reactor are used to provide a substrate for the microorganisms to adhere to and form the biofilms and other structures that may be necessary for their propagation. Collectively, the microorganisms may be referred to as the "biomass" of the reactor.
A typical biomass undergoes a multi-stage growth cycle as is illustrated in
The life cycle shown in
Another disadvantage of previous microorganism-based reactor processing of waste organic matter is that the metabolism of cellulose and hemi-cellulose often is difficult to accomplish. Both cellulose and hemi-cellulose generally are not able to be absorbed directly through the cell wall or membrane of a microorganism. Therefore, these compounds first may need to be partially metabolized or hydrolyzed outside of the microorganism in order to provide the energy and molecular structures that the microorganism needs. For example, in the case of cellulose, a triple enzyme cocktail is required to reduce cellulose to simple sugars that then are capable of penetrating the cell wall or membrane of the microorganism. Because more readily digestible compounds often are found in waste organic matter, microorganisms may favor metabolism of the other compounds over metabolism of the more-difficult cellulose and hemicellulose. Therefore, typical treatment processes may be ineffective at processing the cellulose and hemi-cellulose found in waste organic matter, particularly wastewater (i.e. sewage) and sludge.
A further disadvantage of microorganism-based reactor processing of waste organic matter is that the phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur that are incorporated as nutrients into the microorganisms eventually become waste in sludge that is a by-product of the process. This adds bulk to the sludge, which is expensive to dispose of. Therefore, it is desirable to decrease the amount of the nutrients that is present in the sludge.
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for efficiently treating waste materials without residual sludge that must be periodically removed from the system. These systems also provide efficient digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose and other organic materials. The efficiency of these systems is maintained through the use of a highly efficient reactor configurations and through a method of maintaining the potency of the reactor biomass. By controlling and maintaining the biomass, embodiments of the invention may reduce or eliminate the problems and disadvantages noted in regards to the use of biomasses in reactors to metabolize, treat, or process waste organic matter. For example, the method may be used to return a stationary or decline stage biomass to the desired log stage. The method also reduces the tendency of the biomass to undergo sloughing events. Furthermore, the method enhances the biomasses ability to metabolize cellulose and hemicellulose.
It will be understood that in some embodiments, the reactor 100 may have only a single substrate layer or may have more than two substrate layers. In reactors with multiple layers, a first substrate layer 120 may comprise a first material and/or medium configuration while a second substrate layer 130 comprises a second material and/or medium. This allows the tailoring of the reactor 100 for digestion of particular waste material constituents. Similarly, the depth of each layer may be varied. In an illustrative example, a reactor 100 may have a 3000 gallon tank 110 having disposed therein a first substrate layer 120 comprising three-quarter-inch diameter media balls, a second substrate layer comprising pea gravel and a base layer comprising tile rock. The first substrate layer may be formed with a depth of 2.5 feet, the second substrate layer may be formed with a depth of 6.0 feet and the base layer may be formed with a depth of 6.0 feet.
While not desiring to be limited thereto, it is thought that arranging the media of the substrate layers to be the decreasing in size from the top of the tank downward may be advantageous in several ways. One possible advantage is that the decreasing size of the substrate provides an increasing surface area to which the biomass and waste organic matter may be adsorbed. Therefore, the decreasing size of the substrate in the tanks may provide an increased opportunity for the microorganisms to metabolize the waste organic matter. Additionally, it is thought that the different sized substrates may cause different velocities of the liquid across the substrate surface, which also may affect the ability of the microorganisms to metabolize the waste organic matter in the liquid.
In operation, waste material is introduced into the tank 110 through the inlet 150 and is allowed to pass downward through the strata. Effluent material is drawn out through the fluid exit 160. The reactor 100 may be used in a continuous flow or pulse-flow process or may be used in a batch process in which waste material is continually recirculated through the reactor 100. As will be discussed in more detail below, the reactor 100 may also be used in series or parallel with other reactors.
The substrate materials used in the reactor 100 may comprise any applicable biological media that provide a substrate for growth of the reactor biomass. Exemplary substrate materials include, but are not limited to: lava stone; ceramic beads; plastic Jaeger Tri-Packs�, available from Jaeger Products, Inc., Houston, Tex.; and so forth. Other materials may include quartzite, and clean, sharp, and graded hammer milled glass (including recycled glass).
Substrate material may be selected to provide a large surface area to which the microorganisms comprising the biomass may adsorb and interact with oxygen and waste organic material. This allows the reduction in size of the reactor(s) required for a given rate of influent to be treated (i.e., is more efficient), reduces the size of the plant, and, thereby, reduces capital costs.
The reactor 100 and its operation may be adapted to increase oxygen availability and thus enhance biomass digestion efficiency. One novel way this may be accomplished is to control the liquid level in the reactors so that an airspace is maintained at the top of the tank 110. This assures that the influent waste material is passed through the airspace before encountering the first substrate layer 120 and the microorganisms disposed therein. Because of the gap between the inlet 150 and the first substrate layer 120, the influent splashes onto the substrate, which results in oxygen being added to the influent. In some embodiments, this aeration effect may be increased through the use of a nozzle 151 configured to spray the influent in a series of streams 154 that splash onto the substrate as shown in
The airspace at the top of the tank need not be coextensive with the space 152 between the first substrate layer 120 and the top of the tank. The fluid level in the tank 110 may, for example, be established so that a portion of the media substrate(s) extends into the airspace thus exposing it to the oxygen in the airspace. The exposure of the media may also enhance the aeration effect of the above-described splashing.
Improved aeration and oxygen distribution may also be accomplished by increasing the turbulence within the waste material flow through the substrate layers. One way this can be accomplished is by arranging the substrate layers so that the first substrate layer 120 comprises larger diameter media than the second substrate layer 130. This creates a degree of turbulence in the influent as it flows more rapidly through the top media (which has larger void spaces) and slows as it passes through the smaller media.
Aeration of the influent improves the reactor's ability to metabolize the waste organic material. Other potential benefits of the aerating nozzle and the creation of turbulence in the flow is that they may help to prevent clogging and delay sloughing events. A further potential benefit of the open airspace at the top of the tank is that it provides a path for carbon dioxide that is produced by the metabolic reactions taking place in the tank to escape.
Aeration may also be accomplished by blowing air into the lower regions of the tank 110. This serves to add oxygen to the system and also serves to "froth" the effluent at the bottom of the tank. This frothing action may assist in breaking up masses of microorganisms at the bottom of the tank that might otherwise break lose as a large mass and clog or plug the tank or other process units in the system. As shown in
The reactor 100 may also include an arrangement for water pulsing. In water pulsing, a pulse of tank effluent, clean water, or other liquid is introduced to the tank at or near its bottom, similar to the air frothing. Water pulsing may be useful to break-up masses of inorganic sediment in the tank. Like air frothing, water pulsing may be accomplished at periodic intervals or when process parameters indicate that pulsing should be accomplished.
The reactor 100 may be configured so as to maximize the efficiency of digestion of organic materials in a waste stream. Its efficiency may be further enhanced through operational control and maintenance of the reactor's biomass. As was discussed, above, the performance of a bioreactor is a function of the biomass lifecycle. When the biomass is in its log stage, system performance will be at its peak because it is during that stage that the biomass's ability to digest or metabolize waste organic matter is highest. Because the biomass is logarithmically increasing in quantity during the log stage, large quantities of waste organic matter are broken-down by the biomass to provide the energy and molecular building blocks necessary for microorganism propagation. When the biomass plateaus and begins to decline, organic material metabolism performance decreases.
It can therefore be seen that reactor performance would be improved if the biomass can be kept in the log stage during operation. In the methods of the invention, this is accomplished by periodically removing the reactor from the system's waste treatment process and imposing certain conditions on the biomass. This includes removing all influent waste material and all liquid from the reactor tank. While residual waste material may be present, the only substantial organic material allowed to remain in the tank is that of the biomass itself. As is discussed in more detail below, the imposed conditions (referred to here in as "dry cycle" conditions) force the biomass to feed on itself with the younger, more robust organisms digesting the organic material of the declining or dead organisms. After a certain optimum dry cycle duration, the biomass is left in a condition where only organisms at an early stage in the life cycle remain. Thus, when liquid and waste material are once again introduced into the reactor, the biomass will undergo logarithmic growth and the reactor will operate at a higher efficiency.
The dry cycle will now be discussed in more detail. To initiate a dry cycle, the fluid containing the waste organic matter is drained from the reactor. Air may be introduced to the reactor, for example by a blower, in order to aerate the biomass and preserve, to the extent possible, aerobic metabolism conditions by maintaining a high availability of oxygen. However, it is recognized that some anaerobic conditions may exist in portions of the biomass during the dry cycle. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this is also the case during the wet cycle.
Because the fluid containing the waste organic matter is removed from the reactor during the dry cycle, the amount of nutrients (e.g., waste organic matter) available to the biomass is greatly reduced. This is thought to lead to a decrease in the rate of metabolism by the microorganisms comprising the biomass and an increase in their rate of death. Because late stage (i.e. stationary and decline stage) microorganisms are less robust than log stage microorganisms, environmental pressures on the biomass are thought to lead to preferred elimination of late stage microorganisms. By removing late stage microorganisms from the biomass, resources such as substrate surface area are freed for the younger, more robust microorganisms.
The removal of nutrients is also thought to initiate an endogenous growth period within the biomass. In other words, the scarcity of nutrients causes the biomass microorganisms to compete among themselves for the reduced amount of nutrients that are available. Moreover, as the older, less robust microorganisms die, they provide food for the remaining microorganisms through lysis. "Lysis" refers to the dissolution of cells or microorganisms such as bacteria. In a biomass undergoing a dry cycle, lysis allows nutrients from dead microorganisms to diffuse out to provide nourishment to the other microorganisms in the biomass.
The result of this endogenous process is a net reduction of the mass. Moreover, the average age of the organisms remaining in the biomass is greatly reduced. These remaining organisms remain healthy because of the nutrients received from the dead and are prepared to enter the log stage upon immersion into a nutrient rich environment. It can thus be seen that the conditions and duration of the dry cycle may be tailored to establish an average age of the microorganisms of the biomass and/or to establish a particular biomass mass.
The conditions during the dry cycle may also be tailored to encourage promulgation of a particular type of microorganism. For example, to encourage the promulgation of thermophilic microorganisms that may be adept at metabolizing cellulose and hemicellulose, it may be desirable to increase the temperature of the biomass during a dry cycle. This may be accomplished by introducing heat from an external source and/or by utilizing the internal heat liberated during the metabolism of the waste organic matter. Whereas during waste processing, the temperature of the biomass may be maintained at levels appropriate for the propagation of mesophilic microorganisms (about 15� C. to about 45� C., and more preferably from about 25� C. to about 35� C.), during the dry cycle, the temperature of the biomass may be maintained at levels appropriate for the propagation of thermophilic microorganisms, or from about 45� C. to about 65� C. Preferably, the temperature of the biomass during the dry cycle is at least about 40� C. in order to facilitate the propagation of thermophilic microorganisms.
The dry cycle conditions may also be tailored to eliminate or reduce the presence of undesirable organisms. For example, the temperature level may be established so as to control certain anaerobic or facultative bacteria.
As discussed above, log stage biomasses will propagate exponentially. Therefore, reducing the quantity of late stage microorganisms in the biomass serves to rejuvenate or revitalize the biomass by facilitating an increase in the relative number of log stage microorganisms. Upon re-introduction of a liquid waste stream (i.e., initiating a "wet cycle") the biomass quickly propagates, providing robust microorganisms to metabolize the organic materials in the waste stream.
It can thus be seen that upon its return to its waste treatment mode, a reactor with a biomass that has undergone a dry cycle will operate at peak efficiency to metabolize waste material. In addition, the post-dry cycle biomass may be particularly well-suited for the metabolism of specific materials such as cellulose and hemicellulose. As discussed above, previous reactor systems have been generally unable to efficiently metabolize cellulose and hemicellulose. Maintenance of the biomass through the dry cycle processing methods of the invention, however, has provided reactors with the ability to break down and digest cellulose and hemicellulose. This is particularly significant given that these are two of the most abundant organic compounds in nature. Cellulose may, in fact, make up as much as 20% of the organics in a typical sewage source.
It has been found that the use of a dry cycle provides a biomass that efficiently metabolizes cellulose and hemicellulose during waste material treatment. It is also hypothesized that during the dry cycle itself the younger microorganisms of the biomass may metabolize the available cellulose and hemicellulose of the dead microorganisms in lieu of other nutrients they otherwise would prefer. In particular, it is thought that cellulose and hemicellulose may be obtained by lysis from dying or dead microorganisms, such as microorganisms that may have been dislodged during a sloughing event from an upstream process unit or reactor.
Furthermore, it is believed that the highly aerobic conditions experienced by the biomass during the dry cycle due to the introduction of air into the reactor may encourage the growth of those particular microorganisms that are more efficient at metabolizing cellulose and hemicellulose. For example, the bacteria Bacillus, Cellulomonas, Clostridum, Corynebacterium, Cytophaga, Polyangium, Pseudomonas, Sporocytophaga, and Vibrio are recognized for their ability to metabolize cellulose. The actinomycetes Micromonospora, Nocardia, Streptomyces, and Streptosporangium also are recognized for their ability to metabolize cellulose. In regards to hemicellulose, the bacteria Bacillus, Cytophaga, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces are recognized for their ability to metabolize the compound. Therefore, without desiring to be limited thereto, it is believed that the environmental conditions experienced by the biomass during the dry cycle may favor the promulgation of these microorganisms, and thus the metabolism of cellulose and hemicellulose that is present in the biomass itself or in the waste material being treated.
It is also believed that the enzymes released by the microorganisms in order to metabolize cellulose and hemicellulose are circulated throughout the treatment system when the reactor returns to the wet cycle following the dry cycle. Thus, metabolism of cellulose and hemicellulose may be enhanced throughout the system.
Another possible advantage of the use of a dry cycle maintenance method is that inorganic elements such as nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, and potassium may be released into the effluent stream of the reactor rather than entrained into a sludge by-product. In the dry cycle method, these elements may be released by the dying microorganisms in the biomass during the dry cycle. When fluid is then re-introduced into the reactor, these minerals are washed out of the reactor in a state of mineralization. This effectively decreases or eliminates residual sludge in the reactor. If necessary, downstream treatment may be used to reduce the levels of the mineral elements in the effluent.
The duration of the dry cycle may depend on the characteristics and constituents of the biomass. It may be established so as to obtain the maximum efficiency of the biomass in digesting certain waste materials. In some cases, the duration of the dry cycle may be a tradeoff between the efficiency of a particular reactor and the overall efficiency of a multi-reactor system. For example, it may not be desirable to remove a reactor from a system for the length of time that would be required for that reactor to reach its own peak efficiency. In three and four-reactor processing systems, a typical dry cycle duration may be in a range of 4.0-6.0 hours.
In addition to enhancing reactor efficiency, dry cycle maintenance of the biomass also reduces the likelihood of a sloughing event. This is thought to be due, at least in part, to the reduction in biomass size during the dry cycle, which in turn reduces the competition within the biomass for nutrients and growth space. Reducing the size of the biomass ensures that it is maintained at levels where the quantity of waste organic matter in the influent is sufficient to maintain logarithmic growth. This reduces the tendency of microorganisms in the biomass to break free from the support medium to seek better conditions elsewhere.
The likelihood of a sloughing event is also reduced by the elimination of less robust microorganisms from the biomass. Because the more robust microorganisms may have an increased ability to adhere to the substrate in the reactor compared to less robust microorganisms, increasing the percentage of more robust microorganisms in the biomass may result in the biomass as a whole having increased adhesion to the substrate, and therefore a reduced likelihood to undergo a sloughing event. Reducing the likelihood of a sloughing event also reduces the possibility of the reactor and substrate becoming clogged due to the dislodging of biomass from the substrate.
Yet another advantage of the dry cycle is that the death of a portion of the biomass may result in the release of additional carbon dioxide, which can be removed from the reactor by circulating air therethrough. By facilitating the production and removal of carbon dioxide, the overall amount of carbonaceous material in the system is reduced.
It can be seen that a properly timed dry cycle maintenance period can be used to maintain a reactor at an optimum average efficiency. In order to maximize the duration of the wet cycle (i.e., waste material processing time), it may be desirable to time the initiation of a dry cycle to coincide with the time when the biomass reaches the stationary or decline stage. By then returning the reactor to operation when the biomass (on average) is at the start of the log phase, the overall duration of an efficient wet cycle can be maximized. This may maximize digestion of the waste organic matter by maximizing the time the biomass spends in the fast-growth log stage. Because the method may be used to maximize the period of time the biomass spends in the fast-growth log stage, the method may increase the efficiency of the reactor and any systems and sub-systems in which it is installed.
Various process conditions may be monitored in order to determine when a dry cycle should be implemented on a given process unit or reactor. For example, a dry cycle may be implemented when the biomass has reached a certain quantity, volume, or size. This may be desirable because larger biomasses also may be older, and therefore more likely to be in the stationary or decline stage of growth and in need of maintenance. Additionally, larger biomasses require a greater nutrient input. Given a constant nutrient input, larger biomasses are more likely to engage in sloughing in response to the limited nutrient supply that restricts their growth.
Unfortunately, it is generally difficult to measure the quantity of biomass in a direct fashion. As a result, it may be necessary to measure other variables that are indirectly indicative of the quantity of biomass. One such variable that may be an indirect indicator of the quantity of biomass is the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the reactor. This difference may result from the tendency of the growing biomass to clog the reactor or process unit, leading to an increased pressure drop from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor. Accordingly, when the pressure difference exceeds a set point, a dry cycle may be implemented. Similarly, the load on pumps that are used to circulate the waste organic matter through a reactor or process unit may increase as the reactor or process unit becomes clogged by a growing biomass. Therefore, the load on the pumps may be measured as a means of determining when a dry cycle should be implemented.
Another variable that may be measured to indirectly assess the quantity of biomass in the reactor and when a dry cycle should be implemented is the volumetric flow of fluid through the reactor. For example, when the volumetric flow of fluid decreases to a certain set point, a dry cycle may be implemented. The rate of decomposition of waste organic matter within the process also may be measured to determine when a dry cycle should be implemented. As a biomass ages and increasingly requires maintenance, the rate of assimilation of waste organic matter slows because the old biomass enters the stationary or declines stages wherein it is no longer rapidly growing. Therefore, a reduced rate of decomposition may indicate when a dry cycle should be implemented.
Additionally, the temperature of the reactor or process unit may be measured in order to determine when a dry cycle should be implemented. Heat is a by-product of the decomposition and metabolism of organic matter. Therefore, a reduction in operating temperature of a reactor or process unit may indicate that the rate of decomposition/metabolism has decreased and that a dry cycle should be implemented in order to rejuvenate and maintain the biomass.
Still another variable that may be measured is the volumetric displacement of the biomass in the reactor or process unit. This may be particularly applicable in a batch process wherein a reactor or process unit is repeatedly filled with waste organic matter that then is processed and drained from the reactor. The volume of waste organic matter that may be pumped into the reactor until it is filled may be compared from batch-to-batch, a lower volume being indicative of a larger biomass within the reactor or process unit. Therefore, when the volume of waste organic matter that can be placed within a reactor or process unit has reached a sufficiently low set point, a dry cycle may be implemented, which may reduce the quantity of biomass in the reactor or process unit and result in an increase in waste organic matter than can be placed within the unit.
It will be understood that a set of criteria for initiating a dry cycle may be constructed based on various combinations of the above indicators. It will also be understood that the methods of the invention are not limited to reactors having the configuration described above. The dry cycle maintenance methods of the invention may be applied to any waste treatment bioreactor.
It will also be understood that dry cycle maintenance may be utilized in a number of different applications that involve the processing of organic and inorganic compounds by microorganisms including, but not limited to, the treatment of farm waste, wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, leachate treatment or cracking, the treatment of organic industrial waste, breeding of microorganisms for the stabilization of radionucleotides, breeding of microorganisms for the stabilization of heavy metals, and so forth. In any of these applications, a dry cycle may be used to maintain the appropriate biomass for the application, increase the efficiency of the reactor and any systems and sub-systems in which the reactor is installed, and decrease the likelihood of a sloughing event, among other advantages.
Illustrative embodiments of the invention provide systems for waste material processing. These systems may be adapted for processing sewage, sludge or other waste materials. Sludge is a by-product of many primary and secondary industrial waste treatment facilities, in particular POTWs. Generally, sludge is in the form of either concentrated wet sludge with approximately 3% biosolids, or dry cakes with approximately 20% biosolids. In either case, sludge biosolids generally is composed of about 80% organic materials and 20% inorganic materials. The sludge treatment systems disclosed herein may be applicable to the treatment of both wet sludge and dry cake sludge in a variety of different compositions. Processing of dry cake sludge, would, of course, require that water be added to the sludge to provide a processable fluid.
A waste material processing system or module may comprise any number of interconnected reactors. However, in one approach to implementing the dry cycle methods of the invention, such a system would have at least two reactors so that there is always one or more reactors available for processing waste while one or more other reactors undergo a dry cycle. In the exemplary waste processing system 200 illustrated in
Whether operated in a batch-wise or pulse-batch manner, any or all of the three reactors also may selectively be drained and its biomass subjected to a dry cycle as described herein. Dry cycles may be imposed, for example, at the end of every batch of sludge that is processed, or at some other periodic interval such as daily or weekly. In an alternative embodiment, the dry cycle may occur in response to the variables discussed herein in reference to the dry cycle method (e.g., load on the pumps, volumetric displacement, pressure differential, volumetric flow rate, rate of decomposition, temperature of the reactor/tank).
In an exemplary method of processing sludge using the 3-tank material processing system 200, the sludge first may be liquefied, if necessary, and/or diluted until it reaches a TSS level of less than about 10000 mg/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to dilute the sludge until a level less than about 5500 mg/L is reached. It should be noted, however, that too dilute a mixture of sludge may result in unnecessarily slow treatment of the sludge. This is because the concentration of waste organic material may be insufficient to maintain the biomass in the logarithmic growth phase. It may therefore be preferred that the sludge be diluted to a TSS of less than 5500 mg/L but no less than about 2500 mg/L.
Waste material fluid may be fed to the system as influent and loaded into the reactors serially (i.e., first filling tank 210, then tank 220, then tank 230) or in parallel (i.e., to tanks 210, 220, and 230 simultaneously). If filling serially, the rate of filling may equal the appropriate flow rate for the waste material through the tanks so that it is partially treated as it travels from one reactor to the next. However, if applicable, parallel loading of the waste material may be desirable because of the increased speed with which the system may be charged. A possible disadvantage of parallel loading is the potential for clogging or plugging of reactors containing smaller substrates in their internals.
It will be understood that there are many possible variations in the loading and processing sequence. For example, in one particular sequence, small amounts (e.g., 500-1,000 gal.) of sludge may be pumped into the first tank 210 at specific intervals selected by the operator. Air may be introduced at the bottom of the tank to keep the high volatile organics at the top and actively digesting. At the same time intervals, the same amount of material may be removed from the first tank 210 and introduced into the second tank 220. The material in the second tank 220 may be continually circulated from the second tank 220 to the third tank 230 and back to the second tank 220. At the selected intervals, material is removed from the second tank 220 and/or the third tank 230, with the amount of the material equaling the amount of newly introduced material from the first tank 210. This keeps the concentration of sludge even in the first tank 210 while removing growth inhibitors from the bottom of the tank. It also maintains a lower concentration of organics in the second and third tanks 220, 230, thus allowing them to develop a desired ecology.
Once the desired amount of waste material has been added to the system 200, the system may be closed and the waste material re-circulated through the three tanks and processed, metabolized, or digested by biomasses inside of the tanks. A control system may monitor and control variables such as pH, temperature, TSS, and dissolved oxygen (DO). In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the system may be maintained within the range from about 6.0 to about 8.0, and more preferably at about 7.0. In another preferred embodiment, the DO may be maintained at levels above about 2.0 mg/L. More preferably, the DO of the influent may be maintained at levels from about 3.5 mg/L to about 5.0 mg/L.
In still another preferred embodiment, during the wet cycle the temperature of the system may be maintained at levels appropriate for the propagation of mesophilic microorganisms, or from about 15� C. to about 45� C., and more preferably from about 25� C. to about 35� C. During the dry cycle, the temperature of the system may be maintained at levels appropriate for the propagation of thermophilic microorganisms, or from about 45� C. to about 65� C. Preferably, the temperature of the system during the dry cycle is at least about 40� C. in order to facilitate the propagation of thermophilic microorganisms. Higher temperature during the dry cycle may be desirable in order to facilitate the metabolism of cellulose and hemicellulose.
Other variables that may be monitored and controlled are the presence of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and sulfur. This may be desirable because these elements commonly are necessary nutrients for microorganisms.
The reactor internals for the three reactors 210, 220, 230 may be designed to provide an appropriate substrate for the biomasses to attach to, encourage aeration, and facilitate complete mixing of the compositions within the tanks. The reactors 210, 220, 230 may each be configured in a manner similar to that of reactor 100 of
The 4-tank waste system 300 can be operated in several ways. In one method of operation, all four reactors 310, 320, 330, 340 may be operational at the same time unless or until it is determined that one or more of the reactors 310, 320, 330, 340 should be removed from the system 300 (i.e., isolated from the other reactors) and subjected to dry cycle conditions. Upon completion of the dry cycle, the rejuvenated reactor or reactors can be returned to the system 300. Criteria for removing a reactor from the system 300 to undergo a dry cycle may be based on measured reactor conditions or based on an operational time limit.
In a particular method of operating waste processing system 300, only three of the reactors 310, 320, 330, 340 are processing waste at any given time, while the fourth reactor is isolated and subjected to a dry cycle. The three operational reactors effectively provide a three-tank subsystem that may be operated in a batch manner like the previously described 3-tank system 200. For example, a batch of sludge or other waste material may be processed until the TSS is about 150 mg/L or some other variable has reached a desired level. The three operational reactors may be loaded with serially or in a parallel manner. In the meantime, the fourth reactor is subjected to dry cycle conditions for maintenance of the biomass disposed therein. In this way, each tank in the 4-tank processing system 300 may be subjected to dry cycle maintenance condition during every fourth batch of waste material.
If desired, the four reactors 310, 320, 330, 340 of the waste processing system 300 may have internals configured in a manner similar to that of the reactors in the 3-tank configuration of the waste processing system 200 shown in
With reference to the schematic illustration of
In operation, a continuous flow of an influent fluid containing organic waste material is sequentially passed through reactors 410, 420, 430 and the active member of the alternating pair of reactors 440A, 440B. The alternating reactors 440A, 440B may be periodically rotated between operational waste treatment and dry cycle modes. By maintaining the final reactor in the series at peak efficiency, biomass material resulting from sloughing events from the upstream reactors 410, 420, 430 can be easily managed and removed from the waste material stream. The filter 450 can then be used to catch any residual material in the effluent from the alternating reactors 440A, 440B.
In an exemplary embodiment of the waste processing system 400, the upstream reactors 410, 420, 430 may have the same internal configuration and substrate materials as the exemplary embodiment described above for the first three reactors 310, 320, 330 of the waste processing system 300. Each of the alternating reactors 440A, 440B may have the characteristics of the exemplary embodiment described above for the fourth reactor 340 of the waste processing system 300 of
The alternating reactors 440A, 440B may be rotated between wet and dry cycles in a periodic manner in order to maintain their biomasses at an optimum growth stage. The shift of the stream from one of the reactors 440A, 440B to the other may be made after predetermined intervals or may be made based on observed parameters meeting predetermined criteria. Such criteria may, for example, be tied to the observation of changes in flow or other parameters that suggest a sloughing event has occurred in one of the upstream reactors 410, 420, 430. Based on observation of such an event, the system may operate to shift to whichever of the two reactors 440A, 440B is better able to process the sloughed material. Preferably, the reactors 440A, 440B are cycled in a manner such that neither is required to handle two consecutive sloughing events.
As a result of periodic dry cycle maintenance, it is expected that sloughing events in the alternating reactors 440A, 440B will be minimized or eliminated. Nevertheless, the additional filter 450 may be configured to screen out any biomass remaining in the effluent fluid after processing by the reactors 440A, 440B.
Other control parameters, such as when the dry cycle should be implemented, dry cycle duration, temperature, pH, DO levels, TSS, and so forth may be controlled as has been explained in reference to a dry cycle sludge treatment system.
It will be understood that a sequential system such as the waste treatment system 400 is not limited to a particular number of reactors. For example, such a system may comprise any number of upstream reactors (i.e., one or more). Such a system may also rotate between more than two reactors at the final stage of bio-processing.
A sewage treatment system using dry cycle maintenance methods may be implemented in much the same way as a traditional sewage treatment plant. For example, headworks such as a bar screen, grit removal, and settlement and equalization tanks may be employed to remove large media from the sewage influent before processing by the system. Tertiary filtration (e.g., using a micron filter), chemical and ultraviolet disinfection systems, equalization systems, nitrification/denitrification systems, flocculators, and clarifies also may be used in conjunction with the dry cycle system.
The treatment systems of the invention may be used as an adjunct to an existing wastewater treatment facility. For example, any of these systems may be implemented as a pre-treatment process in order to reduce the overall organic load on an existing facility. The systems of the invention may be particularly well-suited for use as a pre-treatment process because the higher concentration of biosolids at the pre-treatment stage may be more suitable for these systems.
The systems of the invention may also be used to replace or augment a process unit within an existing wastewater treatment facility. Again, because a high concentration of biosolids may be more appropriate for processing in the high efficiency processing systems of the invention, it may be desirable to connect them to a point in an existing sewage treatment facility where the bio-solids in the waste stream are concentrated to at least about 0.3% of the effluent. For example, a high efficiency system according to the invention may be connected near the bottom of an existing sewage plant's aeration tanks located off of the primary clarifier. The high efficiency system may be configured to eliminate more than 85% of the organic matter in the waste stream, which subsequently may be returned to the existing facility for further processing. As demonstrated in the examples below, TSS may be reduced below 150 mgs/L for an influent having an initial TSS on the order of 4000 mgs/L. Reductions in total suspended solids as high as 97% have been achieved.
The methods and systems described herein may provide other benefits in addition to the superior performance in terms of reduction in the amount of waste organic matter. Whereas traditional sludge and sewage treatment processes are large, expensive to build, and expensive to maintain, the systems described herein may have a relatively small footprint area (comprising mostly tanks, pumps, and simple piping and control systems), may be relatively inexpensive to build, and may be relatively inexpensive to maintain. In some cases, the sludge and sewage treatment processes described herein may be distributed as "package" plants, comprising the tanks, piping, pumps, valving, control systems, and so forth that may be necessary to build and operate one of the systems.
The methods and systems of the invention may be used in conjunction with an estuary. It is well known in ecology that most of the carbon dioxide that is fixed into organic carbon and inorganic sediment such as sedimentary rock having high amounts of carbonates are formed in estuary areas. Further these areas are responsible for fixing highly mobile plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Many communities around the world now use estuary areas to tie up or fix highly mobile nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. The use of an estuary area with the systems of the invention may fix or tie up nitrogen and phosphorous sufficient to allow communities to lower their output of nitrogen and phosphorous. This may be especially important in areas where the release of these nutrients is forbidden by law. Such a combined system may allow a community to develop carbon credits that it could provide to industry to comply with the Kyoto Accord, which requires signing countries to lower their carbon dioxide emissions.
The effectiveness of the invention will now be described in reference to the following examples.
Table 1 illustrates the performance of a three-tank sludge processing system configured as described above for the processing system 200 of
Sludge treatment, effectiveness of organic reduction
TSS, In
TSS, Out
Total Gallons
for Day
Average Per
The performance of exemplary sludge processing systems that implement the dry cycle maintenance methods of the invention have been shown to far exceed the performance of prior art systems. Table 2 illustrates performance results for the above-described three-tank system in which dry cycle maintenance methods were applied. The results for the system, which was operated in a batch mode with 1600 gal. per batch, are shown along with comparable results for standard anaerobic, high rate anaerobic, and aerobic treatment processes.
Solids removal performance of dry-cycle sludge treatment process
Typical VSS Solids
Sludge Treatment
Loading Rate
(lbs/cu. ft/day)
Time (days)
Standard rate
High rate anaerobic
Aerobic system
with dry cycle
As shown in Table 2, the dry cycle sludge treatment processes described herein may perform significantly better than standard aerobic and anaerobic treatment systems for the processing and treatment of sludge. The percentage reduction in volatile suspended solids (VSS) in the dry cycle sludge treatment processes may be between about 80% and about 97%. In a typical sludge, this may translate into a total reduction in sludge volume by about 68% to about 72%. Table 2 also demonstrates that the loading rate per cubic foot of the dry cycle sludge treatment processes exceeds that of the typical treatment processes currently in use. Finally, Table 2 demonstrates that the detention time of the dry cycle sludge treatment processes are greatly reduced versus current treatment process.
Sludge processing systems according to the invention have also been found to be highly successful with respect to nitrogen removal. Table 3 illustrates the difference in nitrogen content between the influent waste material and the processed waste material in the third system tank prior to removal form the system. The data illustrate nitrogen removal over the course of six waste material batches processed through the three-tank system described above. A review of these results shows that the system provides a consistent order of magnitude reduction in total nitrogen.
Nitrogen removal performance of sludge treatment system
Total Nitrogen
Content (TKN)
Batch No.
Tank 3
It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.
While the foregoing illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction disclosed herein. The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Apr 21, 1921
|Nov 7, 1922
|Ball John P
|Sewage purifier
|Sep 1, 1954
|Feb 11, 1958
|Naturizer Co
|Process of fermenting municipal refuse disposal
|Mar 3, 1955
|Jan 6, 1959
|George A Jeffreys
|Simultaneous aerobic and anaerobic composting process
|Jan 18, 1985
|Apr 7, 1987
|Nishihara Environmental Sanitation Research Corporation Limited
|Activated sludge method
|Jan 15, 1988
|Apr 4, 1989
|Vroom Kenneth B
|Sludge treatment
|Dec 20, 1988
|Apr 17, 1990
|Reid John H
|Cyclical complete mix activated sludge process
|Mar 14, 1990
|Dec 31, 1991
|Schreiber Corporation, Inc.
|Process for biological wastewater treatment
|Jun 15, 1994
|Aug 13, 1996
|Smith & Loveless, Inc.
|Wastewater treatment method and apparatus
|Mar 27, 1995
|Sep 24, 1996
|Zenon Environmental Inc.
|Aerated hot membrane bioreactor process for treating recalcitrant compounds
|Dec 2, 1994
|Jul 15, 1997
|Nawathe; Dilip
|Apparatus and process for distributed treatment of wastewater
|Mar 16, 1995
|Mar 10, 1998
|Fungi-Gulp Pty. Ltd.
|Waste treatment plant and process
|Dec 2, 1996
|Jan 26, 1999
|Tennessee Valley Authority United States Corp.
|Reciprocating subsurface-flow constructed wetlands for improving wastewater treatment
|Jun 21, 1996
|Nov 23, 1999
|Goronszy; Mervyn Charles
|Controlling wastewater treatment by monitoring oxygen utilization rates
|Jan 11, 1996
|May 23, 2000
|Interlicense Den Haag B.V.
|Device and process for the aerobic treatment of organic substances
|Dec 21, 1998
|Nov 28, 2000
|Smith & Loveless, Inc.
|Biological waste treatment process and apparatus
|May 28, 1999
|May 1, 2001
|Smith & Loveless, Inc.
|Splash plate structure for aerators
|Jun 26, 2000
|Oct 9, 2001
|Jack L. Ainsworth
|Anaerobic digester system
|Dec 8, 1999
|Nov 20, 2001
|General Electric Company
|System and method for removing silicone oil from waste water treatment plant sludge
|Aug 2, 1999
|Dec 4, 2001
|Kruger A/S
|System and method for reducing the pathogen concentration of sludge
|Dec 11, 2003
|Dec 5, 2006
|Paul Baskis
|Dry cycle anaerobic digester
|Apr 18, 2001
|Dec 6, 2001
|Takaya Sato
|Process for nitrifying denitrifying organic waste water
|Nov 4, 2002
|Apr 1, 2004
|Suominen Hannu L.
|Method and apparatus for oxidizing organic matter
|Dec 29, 2003
|Jan 19, 2006
|Carl-Olof Palm
|Method and device for disintegration of organic material and use of the device
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Nov 17, 2006
|Jul 5, 2007
|Baswood, Llc
|System and method for processing organic waste material
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Feb 22, 2006
|Feb 1, 2011
|Jeremy Weissman
|Method and system for aerating wastewater for re-use
|Feb 22, 2006
|Oct 16, 2008
|Jeremy Weissman
|Aerating Wastewater for Re-Use
|U.S. Classification
|210/605, 210/612, 210/620
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jan 23, 2006
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text:
"Chapel thrill" Chapel Hill by TimDaoust
Chapel Hill Travel Guide: 26 reviews and 18 photos
Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina, the nations oldest public unviersity, founded in 1789. The town itself was incorporated in 1819. It is the smallest city that is part of the Triangle region and one of the most happening places here. It's about a 30 to 40 minute drive from Raleigh but always fun. I've been coming here for quite a while and have many friends that live in the area so I've gotten to know a few of the good places to hang out. Stay tuned as I update and bring more info about what to do in this town.
- Pros:college town
- Cons:college town
- In a nutshell:college town
Reviews (13)
This place is really neat. It's your typical java joint at first glance but they do brew counter culture coffee which is... more travel advice
I have been asked for change by the same guy five times in ten minutes, run into the kinds of bums who have pity stories... more travel advice
Housed in an old building on Franklin St., this movie theater shows mostly independent movies. Comfy seats, sort of... more travel advice
A cozy, dimly lit, atmosphere. Plenty of Martini selections on the menu, a nice long bar, plus additional booth seating... more travel advice
Comments (1)
Great pages on Chapel Hill and Carrboro. It was a trip down Memory Lane as we lived there for 10 years (in the 1970s). Sounds like not much has changed . . . and that's a good thing.
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text:
Anse Source d'Argent beach on the Seychelles' island of La Digue.
Micheline Georges.
The view at Pieds Dans L'eau.
Lakaz's Kevin Zialor.
The Farquhar room at Pieds Dan L'eau hotel.
Volunteers launching from the special reserve at Cousin Island.
Taking in the Cousin Island wildlife.
Baked job fish at Le Jardin du Roi.
A shady stretch of Vallee du Mai.
The Anse Soleil Beachcomber hotel.
Pied dans l'eau
Jardin du Roi
Sea Drift Takeaway
Anse Takamaka
anse source l'argent
Fleur de Lys
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text:
What's your crack?
Diet Dr Pepper Cherry is ...
What's your crack?
It's my favorite too! Yum!
Follow my home decor Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/housefullofcolor/
I swear they're still putting cocaine in it. I'm addicted.
Proud Army Wife & Mama!
"Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right." -Ani DiFranco
I tried that.. I like cherry coke, and I liek dr. pepper.. but it was like a flavor overload for me. I didn't care for it.
I drink a lot of water, a lot of coffee, and the occasional Mt. Dew.
Shawna and Anthony 8/13/09
Brittmonster 9/16/08 & Gracie Girl 5/17/10
Dr. Pepper cherry is awesome! mmmmm. All soda I drink has to be super cold. I love putting it in the freezer for a little bit before I drink it and just sipping on it!
Proud Army wife and Mom of 2 boys and 2 girls
Oooh, I haven't tried that. Thanks for the tip!
Hide your crazy and start acting like a lady.
Raising a kid is part joy and part guerilla warfare. - Ed Asner
Pepsi. I am trying to go from 2 cans a day to 1 and then I am going to try and give it up. I don't drink coffee, can't stand the taste, so my Pepsi is my only source of caffeine.


text:
Greek yogurt has almost double the protein--and half the sodium--of regular yogurt, making it an obvious choice. And that's before you factor in Greek yogurt's live and active cultures. By contributing to a healthy mix of bacteria in the gut, probiotics can regulate your gastrointestinal health and digestion (think: no bloat), says Gayl Canfield, RD, director of nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center. Plus, many brands contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or synthetic growth hormones.
Shop smart: Read labels carefully. Choose the brand with the shortest ingredient list--fewer ingredients generally signal fewer additives. Also, your blend of choice should contain at least 25 percent of your recommended daily allowance of calcium and vitamin D, says nutritionist Laura Cipullo, RD, owner of Laura Cipullo Whole Nutrition Services in New York City.
Related: 8 Ingredients You Never Want to See on Your Nutrition Label


text:
WPT Looking for A**holes
Technically the WPT says they're looking for "opinionated" and "outspoken" people but I can read between the lines here. WPT is starting a new regular segment called the RAW Deal which will have an on air personality who rips apart the players. Here's your chance to call the biggest names in poker complete donks! And the best part is they're having open auditions!
All you have to do is watch the video below and submit a 45 second clip of you commenting on it. Call Hellmuth an idiot, call Andy Seth ugly, whatever. Just get the WPT's attention and you could be the host of this new segment.


text:
BOY's Valeska Steiner: I'm glad we make music in English
Photo by Inga Seevers
The folk-pop act BOY is a couple of musically curious souls based in Germany who are in the midst of their polite onslaught on the United States for the first time. Valeska Steiner and Sonja Glass met years ago at a music camp, and the friendship that prevailed over the years has yielded Mutual Friends. The album combines the chirpiness of Phoenix in Glass's arrangements, and the emotional pull of Feist, courtesy of Steiner's vocal acuity.
"We're especially excited about Minneapolis, because that was the first city we heard of where 'Little Numbers' were being played on the radio," Steiner says. Indeed, the piano-driven single has been a fixture on 89.3 the Current for months. "I hope people won't be annoyed [by the song] by the time we come there."
Ahead of tonight's show at Bryant Lake Bowl and Tuesday's Cedar Cultural Center concert, Steiner spoke in perfectly clipped English to Gimme Noise from her family's home in Zurich, Switzerland. "It's almost time to go to bed," she notes. This would be her the first interview of 2013, so she felt fresh to answer questions about her songwriting, a fortuitous collaboration with Phoenix drummer Thomas Hedlund, and the many languages she can speak.
See Also:
BOY at Bryant Lake Bowl, 3/18/13
Gimme Noise: How much time have you spent in the United States?
Valeska Steiner: Party of my family lives in California. Last time was about five years ago. This is Sonja's first time. Going on tour in the U.S. has always been a big, big dream. We're very excited and looking forward.
The BOY Facebook page has a ton of different languages on it. How many languages do you know?
We're overwhelmed by all the different languages. I know Swiss-German, which is my first language. It's only spoken in Switzerland. German is the language that I talk to with Sonja. I speak English and French -- another language of Switzerland -- and Spanish. That's about it. Sonja speaks German and Dutch -- she learned bass guitar there -- she's learning a bit of French as well. She's eager to learn. And English.
How did you settle on singing in English?
We never discussed it. For me, as the singer of the band, English has always been the language that I sang in and that I really enjoyed listening to. I always enjoyed listening to English-speaking singers and songwriters like Susan Vega or Shawn Colvin. I'm glad we chose to make music in English. A big part of our joy is getting around and seeing the world. I'm glad there are no language barriers.
How much of the storytelling from Mutual Friends comes from your own life?
All of the songs were really inspired by things that happened to me. I'm mostly responsible for the lyrics and Sonja is more responsible for the music. The lyrics tell stories that either happened to me or to people around me, or things I observed. It's easier to tell stories that are close to your heart. People can relate to them, so you have to keep the lyrics kind of open to leave space for other people's stories as well.
A song like "Drive Darling" tells a very personal story. People who have moved away from home, or left their hometown say they can really relate to the lyrics. They mean a lot to them. It's very nice to see that. Other people can see themselves in the song.
For example, "Waitress" made me wonder if you were you a waitress.
I did like waitressing a lot. It was really nice to work at a cafe. It was at a time when we were starting to tour, and we went on some support tours with bigger German bands where we were able to play in front of big audiences. There were days when I got back from a really big show, and then went to the cafe and it was back to normal life. It was like a double life. It was two parallel worlds, and it was fun to switch between the two. Cafes are the best environment to observe people, and you have a lot of time to do it. That I sometimes miss.
Have you come across words that are impossible to express in English?
Yeah. There are some. The word for happiness is glück. Somehow it doesn't feel like it meant exactly the same thing. Glück to me feels even deeper than happiness. That's special and interesting about languages. Some words that mean the same thing, don't express exactly the same thing. I have never felt limited by the English language.
How did "Oh Boy" end up sounding so much like a Phoenix song?
Probably because we were so fortunate to get their drummer to play on the song. He definitely has a strong character on the song that you can think of a band that you already know. We were really lucky that we got them. I had met him. His name is Thomas Hedlund. I met him a few years ago. A friend's dad was supporting Phoenix in Switzerland. I went to the show when they played in Zurich. We all went out in Zurich, and I had a really nice conversation with Thomas and we kept in touch a little bit. Then, we were at the studio, Sonja and I, with our producer. We tried to play most of the instruments ourselves on the album. For the drums, we always had to ask other people. We listened to every song and decided who would fit the best. When we listened to the demo of "Oh Boy" we all had the same thought at the same time. If we had one wish in the whole world, it would be that Thomas Hedlund would play these drums. I hesitated a little, and then wrote him an e-mail. Phoenix played in Hamburg and they had one off day before then. He ended up playing four songs on the record. He's a really amazing musician, and has an unique kind of style.
What is perfect pop songwriting to you?
Pop is such a wide word. It's a big genre. It's hard to say. Phoenix is pop, but the Beatles are pop too. Can I answer it later? I would have to name a few. A song I love from Arcade Fire, called "Rebellion." I really care about lyrics, but I never really listened to the lyrics carefully. I just love the energy the song has. There's a song by Susan Vega called "Luka" where she tells a great story. It depends on the song, and what stands out in that song. It can be a melody or the energy or the story. These would be two.
So with cell phones, the premise of "Little Numbers" has become somewhat obsolete.
It's very old-fashioned. It was not so much of a conscious thought. It's even more old-fashioned because it talks about waiting for a phone call at home, which doesn't even happen anymore. Everyone has a cell phone and can just go anywhere and wait for a call. This song is about not daring to leave your apartment because someone might call you at home. It felt more urgent because of that, and having to distract yourself within your four walls. I didn't think about it. There was no plan behind it.
Are you already working on new stuff?
That's what we're doing at the moment. 2012 was a great year for playing, and we didn't spend a lot of time at home. Sonja and I are very slow songwriters. We need a lot of time to get our ideas and get inspired. We begged for two months off from playing. That's what we're doing at the moment. We feel really eager. Maybe we will have new material by the time we come to the states, hopefully. Our old material will still be new there. So that's okay. I'm glad we're not bored or annoyed by that album yet. We've been playing those songs a lot. We think of new ways to arrange them. Two of us, and our guitar player and in our band. The rest of the band is sad they can't join us but hopefully they can come back later this year.
Tonight's BOY show at Bryant Lake Bowl is sold out, but there are still tickets available for Tuesday at the Cedar Cultural Center. Click here.
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text:
"Claudias Canine Dog Treat 9" Party Platter" is not available for sale online.
This item may be discontinued or not carried in your nearest store. Please call your local store to check in-store availability before heading there. For informational purposes, the product details and customer reviews are provided.
- Cookies are vanilla shortbread and sure to please even the most finicky of man's best friend.
- Assortment features hand decorated treats, creamy yogurt dipped treats, and fun colors and shapes your dog will love.
- Special treats use human grade ingredients.
- 18-ounce round platter measures 9" in diameter.