Abstract: A system and method for filtering caster rinse water. A flocculating agent is added to caster rinse water and the mixture is agitated first at high-speed and then at low-speed to promote flocculation. The flocked solids are removed from the caster rinse water using a filtration unit and the filtered water is stored for reuse.

Abstract: A mechanical sludge dewatering system including a plurality of first rollers, one or more second rollers and a liquid-permeable, endless belt passing between the first and second rollers from an inlet to an outlet end. At least some of the rollers of the first set are tapered from their ends to a smaller diameter at the center, the amount of taper decreasing from the roller at the inlet end to that at the outlet end, the opposing one or more second rollers being of constant diameter. The sludge carried on the belt passes through the cavities defined by the tapered first rollers and the cylindrical second roller(s), which decrease in cross section from the inlet to the outlet end, thereby squeezing water from the sludge. The first rollers each have grooves around their periphery adjacent each end, and the belt carries a protruding strip along each side, the belt being laterally constrained by the strips riding in the grooves.

Abstract: A labyrinth seal incorporated in liquid filtration apparatus to prevent migration of unfiltered liquid carrying solid contaminants and air which may be entrapped in such liquid past the lateral edges of a filter media carried on an endless conveyor into an underlying chamber for receiving filtered liquid. The seal includes a pair of low friction strips and an underlying seal support fixedly attached in superposed relation along both interior sides of the tank and extending between positions where the conveyor enters and exits the unfiltered liquid. The seal further includes one layer in a first embodiment, and two, superposed layers in a second embodiment, of fluid-impervious material affixed to each lateral edge of the conveyor chain or belt about the entire periphery thereof, and movable therewith.