Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatus and method. The electrodeionization apparatus includes an ion-depleting compartment in which alternating layers of an electroactive media are positioned. One of the alternating layers is doped to provide a more balanced current distribution through the apparatus. The method involves providing reducing the difference in conductivity between the alternating layers positioned in the ion-depleting compartment by adding a dopant material to one of the layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sludge collector for use with a circular clarifier. The circular clarifier includes a tank that has a bottom and a wall that extends upwardly from the bottom of the tank. The tank is configured to contain a solution and allow sludge to settle from the solution to the bottom of the tank. The sludge collector includes a withdrawal manifold, a scraper assembly, and an entrapment plate. The withdrawal manifold is located at the bottom of the tank. The scraper assembly extends from the withdrawal manifold toward the wall of the tank and moves the settled sludge toward the withdrawal manifold. The entrapment plate extends between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly to trap sludge between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly and funnels the trapped sludge into the withdrawal manifold.

Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus has a tank head with a wall, a rim defining a through hole in the wall and a tank ring fixed to the rim. The tank ring is coaxial with the tank head and extends generally axially. The tank also has a generally cylindrical flange defining a nipple portion with a peripheral wall that has a lower edge. The flange also has a shoulder extending radially from the nipple portion with a top surface and an outer peripheral wall extending downward from the top surface. A fastener assembly is engageable on the top surface of the shoulder for securing the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener assembly and the tank ring.

Abstract: A valve for use in a fluid treatment system for control the flow of fluid between a source and a treatment media disposed in a treatment chamber has a housing having an inlet, and outlet and a passageway in fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. The tank also has a sealing member configured to reciprocate in the housing between a first position and a second position. The housing also has a containment chamber for retaining the sealing member in the first position out of the flow of fluid in the passageway.

Abstract: The invention recites a filtration tank including a chamber for holding liquid to be filtered, the filtration tank comprising a fluid inlet for providing liquid to the chamber. The filtration tank further includes a fluid outlet and at least one filter block disposed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the at least one filter block includes a porous cap having an average pore size of up to about 250 microns.

Abstract: A modular filtering system is provided including modular filter cartridges which can be arranged into filter assemblies of various configurations by interconnecting the filter cartridges in a desired configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the modular filtering system includes a first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge and a connector clip that mechanically secures the first filter cartridge to the second filter cartridge. The first filter cartridge includes an outlet port which is hydraulically connected to an input port on the second filter cartridge. Each filter cartridge includes a filter tube, a first end cap attached to one end of the filter tube and a second end cap that is attached to an opposite end of the filter tube. The connector clip can be connected between the first end caps of the filter cartridges, the second end caps of the filter cartridges, or both the first and second end caps of the filter cartridges.

Abstract: A treatment tank for a water conditioning apparatus includes a tank head with a wall with an interior surface and a noncircular rim that defines a first through hole in the wall. A generally cylindrical flange defines a first aperture and has a first nipple portion with a periphery and a noncircular portion radially extending from the periphery of the nipple portion. The noncircular portion is configured to matingly engage the noncircular rim so that contact between the noncircular rim and the noncircular portion prevents rotation of the flange relative to the tank head. A first fastener is engageable on the first nipple portion to secure the flange on the tank head through contact between the fastener and the tank head.

Abstract: More specifically, the present invention features an improved feeder tube for a water treatment cartridge that provides treatment by a solid compound for a slipstream of untreated water flowing through the cartridge. The feeder tube includes a first end and a second end, such that the slipstream of water generally flows into the feeder tube at the second end and out of the feeder tube at the first end. A bottom plug assembly is in operational relationship with the second end and includes a porous plug being sized and configured to provide filtration and purification for the slipstream portion of the water.

Abstract: A method for directly monitoring and controlling a continuous process stream for dechlorination residual is provided. A sample stream to which a dechlorination agent has been added to completely eliminate a residual disinfectant is continuously drawn off. An analyzing agent of iodine is provided by introducing an iodide solution, a chloramine-T solution, and an acetic acid buffer into the sample stream. The reagents quickly react to produce iodine that reacts with any residual disinfectant removal agent residual that may be present. Thereafter, the sample stream is continuously analyzed to determine the amount of unreacted iodine remaining in the process sample. Based on the amount of iodine added to the process sample and the amount of unreacted iodine remaining in the sample after reaction, the amount of dechlorination residual is continuously determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for venting hydrogen from an electrolytic cell. A brine solution is supplied to an electrolytic cell where hypochlorite and hydrogen gas are produced. A non-combustible gas is introduced into the electrolyzer containing the electrolytic cell and the concentration of hydrogen in the electrolyzer is reduced to a concentration below the LEL of hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic monitor for use in a tank with a water soluble softening agent. The monitor includes a signal emitter that produces a signal capable of being detected by an array of signal-detecting sensors. The sensors are displaced generally vertically in the brine tank from the minimum depth of the softening agent to the maximum depth of the softening agent. An output is produced in response to said signal. The monitor also includes an electronic device for receiving and interpreting the output and determining if a low softening agent condition is present as the supply of the softening agent is depleted. An indicator warns when a low softening agent condition is present. Preferably, the sensors are linearly spaced within the tank.

Abstract: The diffuser assembly of the present invention includes first and second diffuser bodies in fluid communication with an air distribution pipe. The diffuser assembly further includes a saddle that supports the first diffuser body and the second diffuser body. The saddle is connected to the distribution pipe by a hollow core rivet. Gas is forced from the distribution pipe through the hollow core rivet where the gas passes into the first and second diffuser bodies. The gas exits the first diffuser body through a first diffusion media and exits the second diffuser body through a second diffusion media. The first and second diffusion media form the gas into fine bubbles that serve to facilitate aeration of a fluid.

Abstract: A bypass valve for directing fluid flow, where the bypass valve includes a valve body with a notch in at least one end thereof and a spool seated within the valve body. The spool is rotatable within the valve body. One preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one endcap attached to an axial end portion of the spool, where the endcap includes a protrusion extending thereon for preventing relative rotation between the spool and the valve body when the protrusion is positioned within the notch. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a bypass valve with a valve body including a plurality of ports and a generally cylindrical inner periphery, as well as a spool seated within the valve body, where the spool is rotatable and axially translatable within the valve body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regenerating mixed bed demineralizers are disclosed in this invention. Ion exchange resins are separated in a separation vessel and are separately regenerated in a regeneration vessel. No inert resins are required for separation. Fluid purification and resin regeneration may occur simultaneously, without the use of additional storage tanks or vessels.

Abstract: A chlorination system in which brine is converted to sodium hypochlorite by an electrolyser. Brine (1) fed to the electrolyser (3) is passed through a filter (2) which is capable of adsorbing bromine or hypobromous acid. Some of the sodium hypochlorite produced in an electrolyser (3) is fed back to a point in the brine feed upstream of the filter (2) such that any bromide in the brine is oxidized to bromine or hypobromous acid and therefore adsorbed by the filter (2).

Abstract: A process for optimizing the rate of oxidation using halogen, e.g. chlorine donors to prevent the accumulation of undesirable chlorinated by-products. The feed rate of a chlorine donor is controlled for maintaining a desired ORP. The amount of free halogen is reduced and the ORP range expanded by addition of an effective amount of a coagulating agent. The rate of oxidation is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of the undesirable by-products. Treatment removes the by-products from the water and surrounding air by maintaining continuous breakpoint halogenation conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for the optimized control of various treatment chemicals (inhibitors) applied for corrosion and/or deposit inhibition. The apparatus consist of a microprocessor system that controls inhibitor concentrations as a result of processed inputted data. The inputted data includes, but is not limited to values consistent with the monitoring of Electrochemical Noise, Linear Polarization Rate, heat transfer, concentrations of water treatment chemistry, critical water chemistry parameters, and critical operational characteristics.

Abstract: A centrifuge screen includes a series of support rods supporting and underlying a series of filter wires. The filter wires have a triangular cross-section and are less than 0.030 inches in cross-sectional width. The filter wires are spaced less than 0.010 inches apart. The screen is a fine opening, high open area screen for use in a centrifuge to separate particulate matter from a liquid.