Abstract: An apparatus for combining powered and liquid constituents to form a slurry, comprises a first tank for initially holding a quantity of liquid and a second tank having an upper and a lower end. A first conduit has a valve extending from the first tank to the second tank. A control means responsive to the liquid level in the second tank closes the valve when the liquid in the second tank reaches a predetermined maximum level. This maximum level is substantially lower than the full volumetric capacity of the second tank so that an open chamber is formed above the maximum liquid level. A vacuum pump attached to the upper end of said second tank creates a reduced pressure in its open chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering and drying sludge. A pair of upper and lower members form a closed chamber into which sludge is poured. Sidewalls of the upper member are pressed against the lower member to seal the chamber. Compressed air supplied at a pressure P.sub.1 to a continuous groove in the lower edge of the sidewalls flows across the sloped inside surfaces of the sidewalls and supplements air supplied to the chamber at a somewhat lower pressure level P.sub.2, the combined pressures P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 in said chamber forcing liquid from said sludge through porous media in the bottom of the chamber. Air from the continuous groove aids in releasing the dried sludge from the chamber when the upper and lower members are separated.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus comprises upper and lower platens and a plurality of intermediate plate members between the platens. When pressed together with a sheet of filter media between each pair of adjacent plates, a fluid-tight chamber for incoming liquid to be filtered is formed on one side of the filter media. When the filter media requires replacement, the upper platen is lifted to separate the plates. Each plate is provided with combined alignment and stop means so that when the plates are again brought together after renewal of the filter media, they will automatically resume their normal stacked position in proper alignment, the stop means also providing a preselected amount of space between adjacent plates to cause a desired amount of compression for a sealing member between the plates. The alignment and stop means is designed to absorb the compression load on the plates, thereby enabling them to be made of lighter metal or plastic materials without overstressing their side walls.

Abstract: A filter media supply and extraction apparatus for a plate type liquid filtering device having a stack of separable filter plates. The extraction mechanism comprises a driven roller for each sheet of filter media in combination with an adjacent, movable bar having a series of spaced apart pinch wheels mounted thereon for penetrating accumulated cake and filtered dirt on the media when an actuator moves them against the roller as the media is being advanced. The driven rollers are mounted on separate bearing plates which are movable in response to sensor signals to steer the moving filter media and maintain its alignment with the filter plates. The supply section of the apparatus comprises a series of supports for supply rolls of filter media provided with adjustable centering means to help maintain proper alignment of the filter media between filter plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved filter of the type comprised of a series of stacked plate assemblies forming filter chambers adjacent to sheets of filter media between plate assemblies. The plate assemblies are constructed so that liquid can be rapidly removed from the filter chambers to prevent spillage when it becomes necessary to separate the plate assemblies and replace the filter media. Each plate assembly has an internal baffle system along one side having inlets for liquid to be filtered. The baffle system for each plate assembly deflects liquid coming into the chamber so as to prevent it from disturbing the filter cake, and it also allows substantially all of the liquid to be blown out of the chamber during a reverse flow "blow-down" procedure prior to separation of the plate assemblies.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus comprises a plurality of plate and frame sections arranged adjacent each other in alternating sequence with a layer of filter media retained between each pair. Both plate and frame sections have peripheral members with openings which provide access to the inner space formed within the members. Peripheral conduit means on each frame section serve to distribute the liquid to be filtered in a way that does not disturb the filter media or any collected dirt on it as the liquid flows through the filter media and into the inner space of each plate member where it accumulates and passed out through an outlet conduit.