David Scott Flanagan

US Patent:

51416360, Aug 25, 1992

Filed:

Jan 8, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/638600

Inventors:

David T. Flanagan - League City TX
Randall E. Gibbons - League City TX

Assignee:

United States of America as represented by the Administrator, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

C02F 132
B01D 2446

US Classification:

210209

Abstract:

A system for prolonging the life of a GAC water treatment device in which an ultraviolet light transparent material is used to constrain water to flow over carbon surfaces configured to receive maximum flux from a U/V radiation source, for the purpose of preventing microbial proliferation on the carbon surfaces, oxidizing organic contaminants adsorbed from the water onto the carbon surfaces and from biodegradation of adsorbed microbial forms, disinfecting water, and oxidizing organic contaminants in the water.

US Patent:

50494929, Sep 17, 1991

Filed:

Mar 14, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/493529

Inventors:

Richard L. Sauer - League City TX
David T. Flanagan - League City TX

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01N 116
G01N 118
G01N 120

US Classification:

435 30

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for biofilm monitoring of a water distribution system which includes the mounting of at least one fitting 61 in a wall port 65 of a manifold 19 in the water distribution system with a passage 62 through the fitting in communication with the manifold flow stream and the insertion of a biofilm sampling member 77 through the fitting with planar sampling surfaces 91,92 of different surface treatment provided on linearly arrayed sample couplons of the sampling member disposed in the flow stream in edge-on parallel relation to the direction of the flow stream of the manifold under fluid-tight sealed conditions. The sampling member 77 is adapted to be aseptically removed from or inserted in the fitting and manifold under a positive pressure condition and the fitting passage 62 sealed immediately thereafter by appropriate closure device 60 so as to preclude contamination of the water distribution system through the fitting 61. The apparatus includes suitable structure 70 for clamping the sampling member 77 and for establishing electrical continuity between the sampling surfaces 91,92 and the system for minimizing electropotential effects. The apparatus may also include a plurality of fittings 61 and sampling members 77 mounted on the manifold 19 to permit extraction of the sampling members in a timed sequence throughout the monitoring period.