Abstract: A screen filter for wastewater applications includes a chain tensioning system. The chain tensioning system provides a tensioning force for a screen filter chain. The chain tensioning system includes a chain adjuster device configured to tension the screen filter chain. The chain tensioning system additionally includes a sensor configured to provide a signal representative of a load applied by the chain adjuster; wherein the chain adjuster device is configured to apply a force in a direction that tensions the chain and wherein the signal provided by the sensor is representative of the force.

Abstract: Centrifugal contactors that can be used for mixing or separating materials are described. The contactors include a sensing system including a communications fiber within the shaft of the contactors and access ports providing access from the communications fiber to the mixing/separating zone of the contactor. The sensing system can be utilized during operation of the contactor and can provide for detailed and accurate on-line characterization of a protocol, as well as process control and system modification as necessary during operation.

Abstract: Parallel plate devices for hemofiltration or hemodialysis are provided. A parallel plate device includes a parallel plate assembly having an aligned stack of stackable plate subunits, each stackable plate subunit having a through channel for blood, where the blood channels are opened up at opposite ends of the parallel plate assembly. The parallel plate assembly is configured to form filtrate/dialysate channels interleaved with the blood channels, adjacent channels being separated by a silicon nanoporous filtration membrane. A blood conduit adaptor is attached to the parallel plate assembly at each of the ends, and is configured to distribute blood to or collect blood from the blood channels. Also provided are systems and methods for using the parallel plate devices.

Abstract: Systems for use in one or more sludge or waste collection devices (e.g., containers, vessels or basins). One such system is a sludge removal system for removing sludge from one or more sludge collection devices. The sludge removal system includes one or more sludge removal grids disposed in one or more sludge collection devices. Each sludge removal grid preferably includes at least one header and a plurality of sludge collection laterals. Another such system includes a fluid distribution system for distributing one or more fluids in one or more sludge or waste collection devices. A movement restricting or prevention member is provided in both the fluid distribution and sludge removal systems to prevent or restrict movement of the sludge collection laterals and the fluid distribution laterals away from or towards a floor of a corresponding collection device without anchoring or fixing the laterals to the floor.

Abstract: A hydronic system separator has an air separator with a vent release mechanism to remove air from the fluid within a hydronic system. The separator includes a magnetic assembly for collecting ferrous particles from the fluid. One or more screens are used to remove other particles from the fluid. The separator housing includes a removable debris collection receptacle that has a drain assembly.

Abstract: A waste management system for plastic or other material floating on the surface and in the subsurface of a body of water. A shredding device will reduce the size of the particles of waste. Ocean water is removed by a drying device. The dried waste material is frozen to a temperature at or below minus fifty degrees Fahrenheit, using liquid nitrogen or other suitable means. The frozen waste material is then pulverized and ground into a powder. The powder may then be sprayed into a gas-filled chamber and heated. Temperature, pressure and humidity are maintained within the chamber for more than one minute. Microwave or other radiation and catalysts may be used to enhance the process of extraction. The processed material is then removed from the chamber. Carbon may be recycled or used as fuel by the ship. Water may be used by the ship or returned to the ocean.

Abstract: A filter is used for removing metallic contaminants in a solvent used in microcircuit fabrication. The filter includes a filter housing including a filter membrane for filtering solvent including metallic contaminants, and a magnet arranged about the filter housing and configured to generate a magnetic field to attract the metallic contaminants prior to the metallic contaminants entering the filter membrane. The magnet is arranged such that the magnetic field of the magnet is greater in a periphery of the filter housing compared to a central portion of the filter housing.

Abstract: A liquid cleaning and watering system for living plants rests on a surface covered by a non-porous material. A plate layer covering the non-porous layer has two or more layers, each layer having runners arranged in a grid. The grid of each successive layer is offset at an angle with respect to the grid of a previous layer. An upper layer covers the plate layer and has a plurality of holes for the passage of liquids into the liquid cleaning system. As the living plants are watered or cleaned, excess liquids containing water and oils that were excreted by the living plants enter the liquid cleaning system through the holes, the liquid traverses the grid layers, flowing towards a drain. Contaminants within the liquid collect within the grid of the layers of the plate layer for later disposal.

Abstract: A disclosed subsea sediment separation and filtration system includes first and second separation devices, a spreader apparatus, and a storage device. The first separation device receives a water/sediment/oil mixture and from a subsea surface and separates the mixture into a first component containing cleaned sediment and a second component containing a water/oil mixture. The spreader apparatus disperses the cleaned sediment of the first component into a subsea environment of the spreader apparatus. The second separation device receives the second component from the first separation device and separates the second component into a cleaned water component and an oil component. The second separation device disperses the cleaned water component into a subsea environment of the second separation device and provides the oil component to the storage device. The first separation device may include a plurality of hydrocyclone devices, and the second separation device may include a high pressure hydrocyclone device.

Abstract: Techniques for separating cuttings from liquid include circulating a drilling fluid that comprises a liquid and formation cuttings to a scree of a screen assembly that includes screen sections; vibrating the screen assembly during circulation of the drilling fluid; while vibrating the screen assembly, separating the liquid from the plurality of formation cuttings; while vibrating the screen assembly, separating a first portion of the formation cuttings of a first size from the drilling fluid with a first screen section; rotating the screen assembly; subsequent to rotating the screen assembly and while vibrating the screen assembly, separating a second portion of the formation cuttings of a second size different than the first size from the drilling fluid with a second screen section; directing the separated liquid through the screen assembly to a liquid outlet; and directing at least one of the first or second portions of the formation cuttings to a cuttings outlet formed in the screen.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and methods of installing, using, and retracting the same. A filtration apparatus includes a compression gland, a ball valve, and a filter pipe. A distal portion of the filter pipe has one or more filtration holes. The filtration apparatus may be installed in a process pipe and the distal portion of the filter pipe may be disposed within the process pipe. The filter pipe can be easily retracted from the process pipe without interruption of the industrial process. The filtration apparatus can be automatically cleaned by compressed air or water.

Abstract: A method including the steps of moving fluid through an inlet into a vessel, the vessel being at atmospheric pressure and having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an internal chamber within the vessel. The method further includes moving the fluid into and through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit to an outlet and out of the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a composite filter media having at least one nanofiber layer bonded to a substrate layer, the at least one nanofiber layer optionally having a plurality of nanofibers having a geometric mean diameter of less than or equal to 0.5 ?m, the at least one nanofiber layer having a thickness of about 1-100 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease that includes a fabric container having at least one open end, a biogradable material capable of absorbing a large quantity of fats, oil and grease positioned in the container through the open end, the container and biogradable material adapted for being placed in a source of fats, oil and/or grease for absorbing the Pats, oil and/or grease for removal from the source and for transport to a location for processing.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defined by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate.

Abstract: A fuel water separator comprises a housing that defines an internal volume that receives a mixture. The fuel water separator further comprises a filter element that is positioned within the internal volume. The filter element comprises a first endplate and a second endplate that is located opposite the first endplate. The filter element further comprises a filter media that is coupled to the first endplate and the second endplate. The filter media is structured to separate a dispersed phase from a continuous phase of the mixture. The filter element further comprises a collection sump that is located below the first and second endplate and structured to receive the dispersed phase. The filter element further comprises a retention barrier disposed above the collection sump. The retention barrier comprises a drain opening structured to discharge the dispersed phase through the retention barrier into the collection sump.

Abstract: A subsea production unit for subsea treatment of oil has a frame that supports an onboard multiphase separation system for separating gas and water from a wellstream containing oil. The subsea production unit also includes an onboard water treatment system for cleaning oil from water that is produced by the separation system.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser may include a container having an upper opening, a pump provided in the container, a pipe through which liquid discharged from the pump is transferred, a top plate having an upper surface over which liquid flows, a filter assembly provided below the top plate, a base provided below the container, and a thermoelectric element provided in the base to cool the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A subsea multiphase fluid separation system has a gas separator for separating gas from a well stream containing oil. A water separation stage downstream of the gas separator has at least one dual pipe separator for separating water from the oil of the wellstream. A water treatment system for cleaning oil from water is produced by the water separation stage. On an oil outlet path, downstream of the or each dual pipe separator, there is an electrocoalescer and at least one second separator in series.

Abstract: A forward secant swirl tube may be used to separate heavier particles such as oil and moisture from an air flow. The swirl tube includes a central hub having a centerline and a circular perimeter. An outer circular housing extends from an inlet edge to an outlet edge. A plurality of vanes extends from the central hub to the outer housing. The vanes are equally spaced around the central hub. Each vane has an inlet transition portion connected to a discharge portion. The top edge of the inlet transition portion of each vane is offset from the centerline of the central hub forming a forward secant line with respect to the centerline of the central hub and a direction of spin induced by the plurality of vanes.