Abstract: The invention relates to a system and process for production of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen rich fertilizers by anaerobic digestion of waste materials. The waste materials are digested in rotary digestion modules, and the chemical composition of the organic materials in the modules is monitored to determine the progress of the decomposition.

Abstract: A process filter is provided with a heatable container within a rotating drive shaft moveable in an axial direction. To the agitating mechanism shaft is fastened a paddle support with paddles. The shaft is introduced over an inward-drawn container neck into the interior of the container. The shaft is hollow, with a feed line and a return line for the flow of a heating medium. The paddle support and the paddles have interior heating channels which connect with the feed line and the return line in the hollow shaft for the passage of a heating fluid therein.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering a thermoplastic material by passing a continuous filter across a passage through which the material is caused to flow at an elevated temperature and pressure. The filter is passed through entry and exit ports flanking the passage. Seals on the filter cooperate in sealing engagement with the walls of the entry port to prevent the flowable thermoplastic material from escaping therethrough. The exit port is larger than the entry port, and is sealed off by a solidified plug of the thermoplastic material bonded to the filter. The pressure of the thermoplastic material in the filter passage forces the plug out of the exit port into contact with an external stop, with that portion of the plug in contact with the stop being selectively heated to accommodate controlled emergence of the plug and the filter bonded thereto.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and system for treating waste water. More specifically, for the removal of a floating component of the waste water from the remaining water relatively free of the floating component. The apparatus includes a separating chamber having a movable flow gate disposed at one side thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present apparatus includes a skimmer that is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions for facilitating the removal of the floating component of the waste water from the separating chamber. The present system includes an apparatus for treating waste water and sludge.

Abstract: An automated, non-polluting process and apparatus for mechanically dewatering and heat drying liquid sewage sludge of widely varying solids content to form a pelletizable, dried sludge of predetermined uniform solids content without requiring recycling of previously heat processed sludge. Prior to being dried, the sludge is mixed with flocculation and coagulation promoting chemicals and is dewatered in a belt-type press. Drying takes place within an indirect heat dryer including an enclosed housing for capturing all gases and particles entrained in the gas driven off during the drying process. The gases and particles are advanced by means of a fan first through a cyclone separator for removing dust particles and next through a water jet scrubber prior to being exhausted or burned in order to control odor. The dust removed by the cyclone separator is recombined with the output from the indirect dryer prior to being pelletized.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a tapered conveying cylinder, a rotating filtration cylinder disposed around the tapered conveying cylinder, a pair of spaced-apart driving members movably supported to the rotating filtration cylinder for freely changing a size of a treatment zone between the tapered conveying cylinder and rotating filtration cylinder and one or more steam injection pipes disposed above the rotating filtration cylinder. The solid waste product in the treatment zone is heated and cleaned away by spraying the surface of the cylinder with hot steam through nozzles of the injection pipes, and freely changing the size of the treatment zone on demand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided wherein liquid is removed from a liquid-solids mixture by employing both filtration and low pressures to achieve vaporization of liquid. The mixture is introduced to a vessel in which the mixture is filtered so that a substantial portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the vessel. The vessel is then depressurized to an extent necessary to vaporize a substantial portion of the remaining liquid. Such vapor is withdrawn from the vessel. During vaporization, the contents of the vessel are agitated and heated.

Abstract: The device for reducing the volume of an aqueous waste effluent includes a holding tank, a heating tank for receiving waste effluent from the holding tank and including a heater for heating the waste effluent to a predetermined temperature which is below the boiling point of water and high enough to cause a portion of the water to evaporate and be discharged as water vapors, an agitation pump for continuously recirculating the liquids contents of the heating tank and filter units mounted on top of the heating tank for separating solids and particulate matter from the resulting slurry and returning the filtrate to the heating tank.

Abstract: For the purpose of introducing or removing gases into liquids or out of liquids, in particular substrates being subject to a biological conversion, rotating plates (3) are immersed into the liquid phase. The plates (3) are rotatably arranged within a tubular receptacle (1) and arranged in at least one axial section such that they alternately include with the axis (2) of rotation extending in parallel relation to the liquid level an angle of more and less than 90.degree.. Shut-off valves (9) for the gas supply conduit and for the gas discharge conduit are connected to the tubular container (1). The plates (3) are provided with a rough surface and are preferably formed of a porous, in particular foamed, material, wire mesh, wire grating or expanded metal sheet. (FIG.

Abstract: A process of the type employing freezing and thawing of metal hydroxide sludge to effect phase separation by gravity settling of solids to permit removal of the purified water, and a preferred system for carrying out the process. Commercially available refrigeration equipment, suitably modified and adjusted to operate in the freezing of sludge in sheets and breaking the sheets into relatively small pieces, is utilized in order to minimize the costs of hardware end controls. The frozen sludge particles are deposited in a melt tank containing a quantity of sludge which has previously been frozen and thawed.

Abstract: A plant for treatment of sediment of natural and waste waters comprises a crystallizer (1), a melter (2), a condensing heat exchanger (4), a compression refrigerating unit (3) communicating with the crystallizer (1) and the melter (2) which is in communication with the sediment dehydration apparatus (5). The evaporator (8) of a crystallizer (1) has two cylinders (9). The plant comprises a refrigerant feed unit (13) and a refrigerant discharge unit (15), a planetary gear drive, a sediment application unit (17) and a sediment removal unit (19). The crystallizer (1) has a recirculation station (6). The sediment application unit (17) is made in the form of pour-on nozzles (18). Installed between the cylinders (9), at an angle to their walls with a clearance (.delta..sub.1, .delta..sub.2) are screens (12). The sediment removal unit (19) has at least two cutting tools (20) with flexible pick-ups.

Abstract: A heavy oil such as an atmospheric pressure residue, a reduced pressure residue of petroleum, etc. is heated to 400.degree. to 500.degree. C. to carry out polycondensation and provide a pitch containing mesophase microspheres. This pitch is once cooled to 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. and a turbulent flow is imparted thereto to cause agglomeration of the mesophase microspheres. The resulting agglomerates are separated to obtain a crystallizable material enriched with quinoline insolubles. Production of the crystallizable material is preferably conducted in a separation tank accommodating the lower part of a heating polycondensation reactor (6) and having a stirring device (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration apparatus which includes a tapered, rotary cylinder, a rotary filtration cylinder disposed around the tapered, rotary cylinder and a fixed steam injection pipe disposed above the rotary filtration cylinder whereby solid waste material which is conveyed in the rotary filtration cylinder and is heated, and which collects in the holes of the rotary filtration cylinder is cleaned away by spraying the surface of the rotary filtration cylinder with hot steam through the nozzles of a fixed injection pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating and/or purifying a substance from a molten mixture by crystallization, in which the molten mixture is conducted into an annular space defined by two substantially curvilinearly-shaped surfaces, one of the surfaces being cooled, and at least one of the surfaces rotating. The molten mixture is thereby cooled as the same flows through the annular space with material crystallizing to form a deposit upon the cooled surface. The crystallized deposit is then caused to be contacted by a source of heat, whereby the same is melted. At least part of the melted deposit is then removed from the annular space, to obtain the substance in purified form, while any remaining part of the melted deposit is conducted through the annular space in a direction away from the source of heat. Non-crystallized molten material which contains impurities is also removed from within the annular space.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid particles from a liquid suspension and/or purification or leaching of solid particles, consisting of a cylindrical column which near one end is provided with a rotatable scraper for the disintegration of a washed compacted bed, an inlet for wash liquid and an outlet for the disintegrated particles, and contains near the opposite end of the column, means for supplying liquid suspension, a non movable screening device, which screening device is only permeable for the suspension liquid and an outlet for the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating solids with a liquid at elevated or ambient temperatures comprises an assembly of vertical Pot (1) sealed by Lid (3) in which Pot (1) contains the liquid and horizontal low level stirring means (6) inducing a liquid vortex and contains disposed above stirring means (6) horizontal spokes (9) offering minimum interference with the vortex and contains vertical open cylinder (11) bottomed by central apertured layer (10), being liquid permeable but supporting solids impermeably. The vortex rises through spokes (9) up internal vertical wall of Pot (1) and into diagonally opposite inlets (18) of horizontal tube (16) suspended internally from lid (3) above cylinder (11). Liquid downpours through exit (19) of tube (16) through solids in cylinder (11) and through layer (10) to re-enter the vortex.

Abstract: Cryoprecipitate for the production of factor VIII is extracted from frozen blood plasma by continuously circulating the plasma in a crushed state between the peripheral and central regions of an externally, steadily heated thawing zone, with thawed mixture of liquor and cryoprecipitate being removed from the lowermost region of the zone by way of a path including a weir configuration. Preferably: the zone is formed by an axially upright cylindrical vessel; circulation is effected by at least one helical blade coaxially rotatable in the vessel, which blade extends over the vessel heights, is radially narrow compared to the vessel, is close to the vessel wall, and scoops material upwardly; the outlet from the vessel is tangentially opposed to the blade rotation; and heating is by way of a liquid jacket with generally axial flow therethrough.

Abstract: A cylindrically-shaped horizontal rotating unit which separates liquids from liquid-bearing materials, such as sludge or sewage, is the subject of this invention. After the liquid-bearing material is fed from a pipe onto a tray or head box located at the bottom of the feed end near the circumference of the unit, the material flows from onto the interior of the cylinder which contains bar screens around its circumference. The cylinder is rotated at variable speeds while the material is fed into it. When the cylinder is rotated liquids are drained from the material through bar screens contained around the circumference of the cylinder and into a drain pan below the cylinder thereby leaving the remaining material more solid. Additional features of this invention include interrupted pitched flights or blades protruding from the inside of the cylinder, which not only push the materials toward the discharge end of the cylinder but also roll the material end over end to remove even more liquid from the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of biomethane from organic substances comprises a digester having a vat with a floor and a centrally located vertical axis. The vat is formed by a fixed foundation and vertical side walls. A central support pillar has a vertical axis coincident with the vertical axis of the vat and is movably joined to the foundation so that the pillar can rotate about the axis. The vat has an upper portion fixed to the central pillar and rotatably supported on the side walls. A cylindrical primary compartment is located inside the vat concentrically around the central pillar. A fixed vertical partition joins the floor and radially extends between the primary compartment and the side walls of the vat. A movable partition radially extends between the primary compartment and a side wall and is capable of moving about the central axis with the upper portion and central pillar. When the movable partition moves, all substances in the vat outside the primary compartment are displaced.

Abstract: Excess or unused ink that is recovered from a printing process and which contains fibrous impurities is purified by mixing the recovered ink with virgin ink, heating the mixture to decrease the viscosity thereof, and then straining and filtering the heated mixture.

Abstract: A power driven press for recovering aluminum from aluminum dross is disclosed. The press has a receptacle for containing dross. The receptacle has at least one inclined sidewall and at least one passageway extending through its bottom. The passageway is sized and configured to permit the passage of free aluminum but inhibit the passage of a network of solid particles contained within the dross. Ram means for mechanically compacting the dross is also provided. The ram means applies a compressive force on the dross towards the inclined sidewall of the receptacle to force coalescence and separate a substantial portion of the free aluminum from the dross and pass it through the passageway provided in the receptacle's bottom. The ram means is provided with a ramming surface which faces the inclined sidewall surface of the receptacle. The ramming surface is inclined at an angle which is slightly less than that of the sidewall surface.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of solids from liquids containing solids granulated by heat effect and/or solids the moisture content of which is reducible by heat effect, especially from colloidal solutions with protein content, suspensions and slurries for reducing the fat content of the solid material, in the course of this process grains are formed in the liquid with heat effect, or the moisture content of the grains is reduced, then they are removed from the liquids and dried. The equipment for implementation of the process is also subject of the invention. The process is characterized by heating the liquid to 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature with heat transfer ("instant heating ") for a short period, maximum for 2 minutes, then the heated material is kept at 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature for at least 2, preferably for 5-15 minutes. This is followed by separation of the grains from the liquid phase with filtration in a space containing vapor of 50.degree.-125.degree. C.

Abstract: A biological decomposition toilet automatically controls stirring of the mixture of organic waste and activating material as a function of the moisture content of the mixture. Rather than sensing mixture moisture content as a function of water vapor pressure above the mixture, the moisture sensor is disposed below the surface of the mixture, either in a specially-formed recess in the toilet wall or directly immersed in the mixture. A heater is disposed near the air inlet opening and is energized when the sensed moisture is above an exceedingly high moisture level so as to evaporate moisture from the incoming air. The stirrer mechanism includes plural motors and respective parallel spaced drive shafts having radial mixing prongs spaced longitudinally and axially along each shaft. Adjacent shafts are rotated in opposite directions. The prongs of any one shaft have equal lengths, but the prongs of adjacent shafts are of different lengths to encourage a serpentine circulation path for the mixture during stirring.

Abstract: There are provided a process and apparatus for the reclamation of oil from emulsified mixtures of oil, water and particulate solids. Basic to the process is the introduction of the emulsified mixture to undergo reclamation into a settler providing an internal mixing centerwell in communication with a surrounding settling tank at a first temperature. Typically, the surrounding settling tank consists of a cylindrical zone and a conical zone. At a base of the settling zone is an exhaust for sludge and, if desired, water. At the opposed or upper end of the settling zone is a clarified-oil outlet, which is preferably in the form of an annular, peripheral weir. The mixing centerwell has an inlet and outlet for flow of a heating fluid, typically steam; or of a cooling fluid, typically water, therethrough. The emulsion and demulsifying agent are added to the central mixing zone. Agitation is substantially confined thereto. Operation may be on a batch, semi-continuous or continuous basis.

Abstract: The bioconverter includes a collecting vessel having a plurality of stirring shafts rotatably mounted therein, each of which is driven by a separate electric motor. Adjacent shafts operate in opposite directions and stirring arms are oriented relative to each shaft moving the carrier mixture within the vessel which is in close proximity to a shaft in opposite directions along adjacent shafts. A moisture sensing device is adapted to be located below the level of the carrier mixture within the vessel for sensing the percentage moisture content of the mixture and waste material added thereto. A first fan is provided for exhausting the air from the vessel and a second fan is provided for moving the air over the surface of the mixture within the vessel. A first heating coil is located on the bottom of the vessel for heating the mixture within the vessel, and a second heating coil is provided adjacent the second fan for heating the air which is blown over the upper surface of the mixture within the vessel.

Abstract: A sludge treating apparatus comprises a centrifugal condensing machine for forcedly condensing a raw sludge produced by a waste water treating apparatus. The raw sludge condensed to approximately 94 to 90% in terms of the percentage of moisture content by means of the centrifugal condensing machine is introduced into an anaerobic digestion tank of a deep well type, where the raw sludge undergoes an anaerobic digestion, and a digested sludge obtained from the anaerobic digestion tank is then dewatered by means of a dewatering apparatus such as a belt press, whereupon the dewatered sludge is applied to a post-treatment apparatus. In execution of the anaerobic digestion process, the reactions corresponding to an acid fermentation stage and acid regression stage may be carried out in advance in separate tanks and the reaction corresponding to an alkaline fermentation stage may be mainly performed in an anaerobic digestion tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a chromatography column includes a pair of base members which include means for receiving and substantially uniformly contacting the periphery of a chromatography column. Means for controlling the temperature of the column receiving means is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refuse disposal apparatus in which refuse fed into a fermenting vat can be disposed by subjecting the refuse to methane fermentation, the fermenting vat including a heating device for heating the refuse in the fermenting vat to a proper temperature for accelerated methane fermentation, and the refuse being agitated by an agitating device in the fermenting vat, so that methane produced in the fermenting vat by the methane fermentation may be externally collected by means of a gas collecting pipe for use as an everlasting heat source, and that sludge produced by the methane fermentation of the refuse in the fermenting vat may be discharged to the outside through a discharge pipe for use as fertilizer.

Abstract: An anaerobic fermenter-decanter for the purification of residual water from the sugar industry, with recovery of methane, consists of a tank with inclined walls, with a central agitator on a vertical shaft. A flexible cover anchored by its periphery to the walls of the tank and totally submerged forms a collecting pocket for the fermentation gases. The water to be purified is introduced, after being heated to about 35.degree., towards the bottom of the tank near the agitator. A metal collecting bell with submerged edges and with the shaft of the agitator passing axially through it is connected by its edges to a central opening of the cover. The purification yields may exceed 90%.

Abstract: A massecuite processing system of the type generally used in the separation of sugar crystals from molasses in the so called "High Grade Massecuites" produced in the process of making sugar from sugar cane and sugar beet. The massecuite is evenly spread over the perforated belt of a belt conveyor while a vacuum is maintained under the belt to aspirate the molasses through the belt into vacuum chambers located under the belt. The perforations of the belt are sized to prevent the aspiration of the sugar crystals with the molasses and in this way the sugar crystals are effectively separated from the molasses. The separated molasses is collected in the vacuum chambers from which it is transferred to a separately mounted molasses separating tank which is also under vacuum and from which the molasses is pumped to the molasses storage tanks generally used in sugar factories.

Abstract: A container for holding organic waste matter while it is being decomposed biologically to produce methane gas and other products. The container also houses one or more paddlewheels which stir the waste matter and assist in maintaining it at constant, elevated temperature. Temperature control means include a temperature sensor, heating pipes, and two external heat exchangers for stabilizing the temperature of the waste material. In addition, a two-way valve (controlled by the temperature sensor) switches liquid in the heating pipes from one heat exchanger to the other to maintain the predetermined operating temperature.

Abstract: Sewage sludge and municipal solid waste are simultaneously processed by first dissolving a catalyst, such as sodium aluminate, in the sludge, then mixing the sludge-aluminate mixture with the municipal waste to form a carbonizing mixture. After dewatering and drying, the mixture is carbonized in a furnace heated by a mixture of city gas and pyrolysis gases given off by the furnace.

Abstract: Described is a sludge recovery apparatus in which influent is admitted downwardly via a vertical motor-driven dual-speed hollow coaxial drive shaft assembly into a hollow open-bottom downwardly-converging cone-shaped centrifugal separator member spun by the outer shaft of such assembly, where liquid from the influent leaves at the top and sludge from the influent is scraped from the inner wall of the separator member for gravity discharge at the bottom by a spiral-shaped scraper spun by the inner shaft of such assembly at a slightly different speed than the separator member. Sludge thus dislodged from such member drops onto a radiantly-heated continuously-rotated drying table having a discharge scraper station and automatic drop doors for gravity ejection of the table-dried sludge into an open-top sludge salvage container.

Abstract: An oven for a chromatograph is shown in which intake and exhaust ports are both located on the opposite side of the fan from the columns, and in such manner that ambient air entering through the intake port merges with hot air from the oven before reaching the columns.

Abstract: Waste oil on board ship is disposed of usefully by burning in the ship's steam raising boiler. Apparatus for rendering the waste oil burnable comprises a tank with waste oil and fuel oil and fuel oil inlets, a tank heater, a drain pipe and filter for separated water, an agitator, an external pipe and pump and pump for recirculation of waste oil and fuel oil through the turn and a bleed off pipe from the external pipe to the ship's boiler fuel supply line. Other liquid or finely powdered organic waste (e.g. kitchen waste) may also be disposed of in the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling dampening water utilized to form a thin film on the printing roll of the type, wherein the dampening water is circulated through the printing machine and a water tank, the level and temperature of the dampening water being maintained at definite values. Furthermore the pH value of the dampening water is measured and an acid or alkali is added to the dampening water in accordance with the result of the measurement so as to control the pH value at a definite value.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the precipitation of human blood plasma components characterized in that the initial blood plasma and the precipitating agent are continuously introduced into a precipitation container in an adjusted relationship but separated with simultaneous control of the required pH values. The suspension of the individual precipitants is conveyed across a delay station and then separated. The delay station includes a flow passageway connecting the precipitation container to a separating means, with the flow passageway being so constructed as to permit substantially laminar flow of fluid therethrough. Means are also present in the flow passageway for changing the residence time of fluid therein by permitting selective variation of the length of the flow passageway.

Abstract: An air and massecuite warming device comprising a pair of nested, concentric frusto-conical tubular members positioned above a massecuite separating centrifuge in which steam is directed into the chamber formed between the nested members. The steam is discharged from the inner member by a plurality of nozzles located in the conical wall of the inner member forming a vortex. Before contacting the massecuite, the steam mixes with the air drawn through the centrifuge, raising the air temperature. This warm air reduces the massecuite viscosity by increasing the temperature of the massecuite and the temperature of the centrifuge elements contacting the massecuite thereby increasing the centrifuge separation capacity and improving the purity of the sugar produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating any type of organic waste such as sewage, garbage, weeds and surplus crops to convert them into useful products, having a treatment tank or plurality of such tanks, a conduit circuit for carrying a heating fluid therethrough; vibrators to vibrate the conduit to homogenize and mix the tank contents, a furnace for supplying heat to the conduit circuit with the fuel for the furnace being the gaseous product recovered from the treatment tank or tanks, and solar cells and microwave heating units to balance and maintain the supply of heat when the fuel supply to the furnace is low. Radiation diffusers may be positioned about the tank or tanks to assist in the conversion process.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering heat-softened plastic material under pressure of extrusion comprising a substantially continuous screen with screw means for positively moving the same past the filtering area, said screw means being located in a passage open to the fluid plastic material, with means to harden the plastic material in the passage into a nut in which the filter is embedded. The screw means also functions to prevent the solidified slug (nut) from escaping, preventing leakage.

Abstract: A filtration system discharging dry sludge material comprising filter aid material and contaminants removed from the liquid which have all been subjected to heat and mechanical action. These materials are conveyed from the discharge of the filtration system to a feeder for controlled introduction into the filtration system as necessary, or for disposal or reclamation.

Abstract: A cold trap assembly for removing impurities from a liquid metal being provided with a hole between the incoming impure liquid metal and purified outgoing liquid metal which acts as a continuous bleed means and thus prevents the accumulation of cover gases within the cold trap assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently disposing of combustible organic waste materials, such as organic industrial and household wastes, comprising a macerator and an evaporation unit where liquids are removed from the waste to leave a concentrated organic residue. Evaporation of liquids from the waste is accomplished by heat exchange with a medium heated, in part, by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and in part by incineration of the solid, relatively dry organic residue. The liquids from the evaporation unit are preferably condensed to a suitable liquid form for subsequent use, and the concentrate remaining after liquid evaporation is introduced to a high temperature zone developed in the course of the operation of an internal combustion engine, so that the solid organic residue is incinerated to a relatively small quantity of ash and innocuous gases. Heat for the purpose of partially heating the heat exchange medium used in the evaporation unit is developed in the course of such incineration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for filtering substances by introducing a filter band across a passageway through which the substance flows, the filter being passed through inlet and outlet ports sealed to prevent leakage therefrom for example by thermal solidification therein of the substance being filtered or any other suitable sealing substance to form sealing plugs in the ports, and the filter being advanced to locate a fresh part thereof across the passage by supporting the filter upon a reciprocable backing support, moving the backing support in a direction to advance the filter under conditions such that the filter moves with the backing support, and subsequently retracting the backing support under conditions such as to prevent movement of the filter with the backing support.