Abstract: In a device for separating water and filtering impurities out of liquid hydrocarbons or fuels, comprising a housing including a first vertically arranged hollow body receiving the coalescer element and a second vertically arranged hollow body receiving a fine filter, and the first and second hollow bodies are joined to one another via a flow-routing component, both being oriented perpendicularly to the horizontally arranged flow-routing component which has a relatively large volume and a configuration for quieting the fuel flow to enhance collection of water droplets in a collection chamber formed at the bottom of at the bottom of the flow-routing component from where the collected water can be discharged.

Abstract: A salt chlorine generator for use in conjunction with a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water includes a bracket for mounting a housing on a wall of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water. The housing is releasable mounted relative to said bracket and contains a compartment wherein a halogen-producing electrode configuration is removably mounted relative to the compartment. A predetermined length of electrical cable is stored within the compartment for enabling the halogen producing electrode configuration to be selectively removed from said compartment for replacing, servicing or winterizing.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems and methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments, and the use of catholyte and anolyte for the improved conditioning of water in aquariums and improved growing conditions for aquatic life.

Abstract: The method for treating microcystin-containing water which detoxifies microcystin in the microcystin-containing water, the method comprises the step of: bringing the microcystin-containing water into contact with a Sphingomonas bacterium to degrade biologically the microcystin in the microcystin-containing water, wherein: the Sphingomonas bacterium is a strain FERM P-19480 which is deposited as strain MDB1 with International Patent Organism Depositary, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.

Abstract: A portable filtered drinking water system for removing undesirable tastes, odors, and contaminants from potable water to improve the quality of the water for drinking or consumption. The device consists of a container that holds the potable water and has an air tight screw on cap. Mounted on the cap is an opening for a screw-in hand air pump to create air pressure inside the container and an opening for a faucet for dispensing filtered drinking water. Pulling up and pushing down several times on the hand air pump creates air pressure in the container that forces the potable water through a water filter located inside the container and up to a faucet to be dispensed when a lever is pushed down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid filtration device with internal flow paths that facilitate the purging of air bubbles from the device. The device includes internal channels that collect bubbles from fluid entering the filtration device and more efficiently direct fluid to sweep bubbles from the device during operation. The present invention also provides for an automatic means to minimize fluid loss during a vent process.

Abstract: The method for treating an ammonium-containing liquid which biologically denitrifies ammonium contained in the ammonium-containing liquid in an anaerobic atmosphere, the method comprises the steps of: bringing the ammonium-containing liquid into contact with anaerobic bacteria in a biological treatment tank, the anaerobic bacteria having an ability to biologically denitrify the ammonium in the anaerobic atmosphere; and adding nitrite to the biological treatment tank from a nitrite storage tank concurrently with the bringing step, the nitrite storage tank storing the nitrite with a certain concentration.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for treating effluent. The effluent may be derived, for example, from an upstream secondary treatment plant. The apparatus employs a plenum positionable within a fluid-impervious container. The plenum includes a fluid filter portion containing a hydrophilic material, such as peat, capable of transporting effluent by capillary action and a fluid collection portion for receiving effluent from the upstream effluent source. The apparatus also includes a fluid wicking conduit containing hydrophilic material for wicking effluent from the fluid collection portion. The fluid wicking conduit may be configured so that any appreciable amount of effluent introduced into the apparatus will be wicked even if the amount is substantially less than the fluid holding capacity of the fluid collection portion of the plenum. This enables the apparatus to operate substantially continuously and passively so long as some effluent is resident in the plenum.

Abstract: A filtering structure intended to be incorporated a vertical swimming pool wall has a filtering device and a pumping device with the pumping device having an electrical part, including an electric motor, and a hydraulic part equipped with a turbine. The filtering structure has a suction port facing towards a nominally horizontal access passageway partly submerged in water, and emerging towards a nominally vertical tank arranged thereunder. The filtering structure has a tank communicating with a nominally vertical column, partly in the upper part of which is arranged the hydraulic part. The electrical part is arranged above the level of the water to be treated and is contained in the nominally horizontal access passageway, while the hydraulic part is immersed in a volume of filtered water.

Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.

Abstract: An increased efficiency, more durable pool leafing tool, and method, for gathering leaves and other pool debris from a pool bottom wall has a handle, a handle-controlled basket of a water-pervious and leaf and debris-impervious plastic mesh pocket having a closed end and an open end and a leaf and debris receiving volume therebetween formed by longitudinally extended sidewalls. The sidewalls provide an open end edge margin that is attached to a supporting frame. A pocket stay structure has one or more spring elements bent on themselves about the pocket closed end. The stay structure extends attached to the sidewalls for substantially the sidewall longitudinal extent length for biasing the mesh pocket volume against collapse onto itself in its empty or leaf and debris-filled condition to facilitate both gathering and disposal of leaves and debris from swimming pools.

Abstract: A skimmer-diverter assembly that cooperates with a conventional water circulating and filtration system of a swimming pool, the skimmer-diverter assembly comprising a diverter releasably attached to a mounting bracket that is removably attached to a skimmer inlet opening of the swimming pool filtration system. The diverter including upper and lower diverter housings each diverter housing having an upwardly extending pin. The mounting bracket including upper and lower bracket housings each of the housings having a bore sized to receive the pin of the diverter housings. The diverter further including a handle.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a tidal, sequential vertical flow marsh cell system having at least three marsh cells in serial forward fluid communication. Incoming wastewater to be treated is channeled to at least the first and a second marsh cell, and a portion of water exiting a final marsh cell, to the first marsh cell surface. Each marsh cell is alternately flooded and drained for enhancing aeration of incoming water and marsh cell contents, which include media and plant roots having biofilms growing thereon, the biofilms including a population of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, for achieving substantially simultaneous nitrification and denitrification of the wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method for reducing the level of oxygen, preferably dissolved oxygen in an aqueous environment. The composition comprises deoxygenating microorganisms that, when growing, consume the oxygen that is present in the environment. The effect of reducing the oxygen level in the environment causes the death or inhibition of other undesired living organisms, prokaryotes as well as eukaryotes.

Abstract: A pool filter backflush trap comprising a filter member having an opening for receiving water and contaminants from a backflush discharge tube. The filter member forming an enclosure about the backflush discharge tube and having a surface area of sufficient size to allow water to pass through the filter member at a flow rate at least equal to the flow rate of the water entering the opening of the filter member. After backflushing, the trap can be disposed of appropriately in a waste receptacle thereby preventing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from being dispensed in the environment.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment process integrates a tidal nitration system with a wastewater treatment lagoon. Raw effluent enters a lagoon having a persistent anoxic or anaerobic state and a long residence time to permit suspended solids to settle to the bottom, forming a blanket of sludge. Water above the sludge blanket is comparatively clearer than raw influent. Discharge from the clear water zone contains organic carbon, organic nitrogen, ammonia, and other nutrients. In the lagoon, complex carbohydrates and fats are broken down into simpler organic compounds by bacterial action, a substantial portion transformed to carbon dioxide by bacterial respiration, reducing BOD. Organic forms of nitrogen are transformed into ammonium ions by bacterial action. Adjacent to the lagoon is a sump that takes water from the clear zone to a tidal cell, and recycles water from the clear zone into the tidal cell, which then discharges back into the lagoon.

Abstract: A swimming pool water circulation system includes up to two sets of at least two active main drains connected to a “Y” or a “double Y” connector and then, via a single line, to a single canister filter. Jet nozzles arranged in at least one bank on the pool walls use return water to sweep sediment down the pool walls and to cause a vortical flow of the water above the drains. The additional main drains can be deployed closer to the pool walls where they can better intercept sediment from the jet nozzles. Up to two pumps can service each canister filter. Additional suction may be obtained by diverting a portion of the water from the pressure side of the filter through a venturi in the canister filet housing. Additional components and valves managed by a controller can facilitate sequential cleaning of the pool by zones during normal operation without unduly affecting normal filtration of pool water and can provide for additional cleaning via robotic devices.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a rinsing liquid treatment device (2) includes an expansion module (12) and an adapter module (9) for a rinsing liquid circuit for a rock working tool (1) and having a feed line (3), a catch trough (4), a transport element (5), and an outflow (6), with the catch trough (4) being located inside a wet suction device (7).

Abstract: A filter canister including a frame; a sheet of flexible fabric material that allows the flow of water therethrough, the sheet of flexible fabric material being connected to the frame in a manner defining an internal zone whereby substantially all fluid entering the internal zone from an opposite side of the sheet of flexible fabric material passes therethrough; and a conduit having a first end located externally of the frame and a second end located within the internal zone defined by the sheet of flexible fabric material; wherein, upon connection of the first end of the conduit to a fluid intake system, fluid is drawn through the sheet of flexible fabric material into the internal zone, thereby filtering the fluid, and filtered fluid is drawn through the second end of the conduit for delivery into the fluid intake system. A system and method for filtering fluid intake water are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular aquarium filter includes one or more cartridges connected in series. The cartridges may contain filter media for chemical, biological and/or mechanical filtration. In addition, the cartridges are designed such that they provide a unique internal helical geometry to increase the contact area and flow rate of the water with the filter media. The helix may be optionally adjusted to provide different thickness filter layers for aquarium filtration. The pitch of the flights of the helix may be varied to provide enhanced centrifugal flow of the water within the cartridge. The present invention also provides self-sealing valve assemblies at the filter inlet and outlet, which when disconnected shut off the flow of water through the filter to expedite exchange of the cartridges.