Alexander P Mathews

US Patent:

54983622, Mar 12, 1996

Filed:

Mar 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/407678

Inventors:

Alexander P. Mathews - Manhattan KS

Assignee:

Kansas State University Research Foundation - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

C09K 318

US Classification:

252 70

Abstract:

An improved process for the production of road deicer products preferably containing calcium magnesium acetate or calcium magnesium acetate/calcium magnesium propionate is provided. The process involves first providing a residual water plant sludge starting material containing calcium and magnesium compounds, and reacting this sludge with stoichiometric quantities of at least acetic acid and more preferably both acetic and propionic acids. The resultant reaction product can then be dried, ground and granulated to provide a dry, free flowing road deicer product.

US Patent:

56267630, May 6, 1997

Filed:

Oct 11, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/540669

Inventors:

Alexander P. Mathews - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

C02F 142

US Classification:

210660

Abstract:

A mass transfer method for transferring a component from gases or liquids into adsorbent granules or ion-exchange resin granules utilizing a mass transfer apparatus that allows for the fluid velocity to decrease from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus is partially filled with porous granules comprising large and small diameter particles arranged such that the larger diameter granules are located closer to the inlet than the smaller diameter granules.

US Patent:

52924360, Mar 8, 1994

Filed:

May 13, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/882516

Inventors:

Alexander P. Mathews - Manhattan KS

Assignee:

Kansas State University Research Foundation - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

B01D 2446

US Classification:

210275

Abstract:

A filter apparatus for filtering fluids such as gases or liquids includes a casing defining an inlet and an outlet, and having a peripheral wall extending between the inlet and outlet. The peripheral wall defines a chamber having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which increases between the inlet and the outlet. A bed of particulate filtering media is disposed within the chamber, the media ranging in size between relatively large particles disposed adjacent the inlet and smaller particles disposed closer to the outlet. Preferably, the size of the particles is chosen based upon the relationship between the lifting force exerted on the particles by a fluid flowing upward through the chamber and the weight of the particles. As the lifting force exerted on the particles varies, due to varying velocity of the fluid passing upward through the chamber, the size of the particles is also varied at a corresponding rate so that all particles are effected equally by the lifting force of the fluid and mixing of the particles is inhibited.

US Patent:

53244427, Jun 28, 1994

Filed:

Jun 16, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/897983

Inventors:

Alexander P. Mathews - Manhattan KS

Assignee:

Kansas State University Research Foundation - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

C09K 318

US Classification:

252 70

Abstract:

A relatively low cost double salt road deicer composition is provided which includes a preponderant quantity of calcium magnesium propionate (CMP), together with smaller quantities of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and related salts. The product is preferably made by inoculating a sugar substrate (e. g. , glucose, xylose or the hydrolysis products of biomass or starch) with facultative bacteria, followed by fermentation under anoxic conditions at moderate temperatures (30. degree. -37. degree. C. ) and pH (5-7) in order to yield an organic acid mixture; the mixture is then reacted with a source of magnesium and calcium cations such as dolomite to produce mixed salts, which are then recovered as a solid road deicer. The preferred inoculum is P. acidi-propionici, and the fermentation step can be carried out batch-wise or continuously.

US Patent:

46247890, Nov 25, 1986

Filed:

Mar 18, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/713252

Inventors:

Alexander P. Mathews - Manhattan KS

Assignee:

Kansas State University Research Foundation - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

B01D 1502
B01D 5312

US Classification:

210661

Abstract:

Mass transfer of components from gases or liquids into porous absorbent granular media is carried out by a method using a semifluidized bed in stratified condition. The absorbent medium is composed of both small and large granules. In the stratified bed, at least part of the small size granules are captivated in a packed upper section. The larger granules are primarily in a fluidized section below the packed section. The fluid being treated flows upwardly through the bed first contacting the larger granules in the fluidized section and then exiting through the smaller packed granules. With this arrangement, increased fluid volumes can be processed before breakthrough of the component being absorbed.