Abstract: A device for introducing ozone uniformly into water flowing through a conduit for disinfecting the water. An ozone-contacting vessel is provided and includes a downflow tube through which water is caused to flow. The downflow tube is positioned vertically within a diffusion chamber. Within the downflow tube are a plurality of layers of transversely extending porous elements that are in communication with a source of ozone to provide a relatively uniform distribution of fine ozone bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the downflow tube. The downflow tube can be J-shaped, to convey ozonated water into downstream ozone reaction cells to permit oxidation or disinfection of the water being treated. An outlet seal plate is provided at the J-tube outlet to prevent backflow into the J-tube upon shutdown of the contactor cell containing the J-tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting existing waste water treatment facilities having at least one existing basin including installing generally vertical partitions at spaced locations in the at least one existing basin in order to divide the at least one existing basin into a plurality of treatment stage regions, installing at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions, loading each treatment stage regions with a quantity of floatable porous particles, supplying waste water to at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions and allowing the waste water, but generally not the particles, to flow from at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions to at least another of the plurality of treatment stage regions and operating the at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions to provide aerobic waste water flow therein in operative engagement with the floatable porous particles.

Abstract: Heated and pressurized reactant material is caused to come into contact with oxidant in an initial contact zone (Z) within a contactor. vessel (11). This initial contact zone is removed from the walls of the vessel and the structure through which the reactant material is introduced into the vessel. Once in the contactor vessel (11), the temperature of the reactant material is elevated to critical temperature or near critical temperature in at least portions of the initial contact zone. Sulfates and similar ions liberated in the oxidation reaction form salts and precipitate from solution generally in. the initial contact. zone removed from the contactor vessel walls and then tend not to adhere to equipment at points downstream from the initial contact zone.

Abstract: A treatment unit is disclosed for treating a fluid in continuous mode. This treatment unit provides the opportunity to carry out simultaneously an enzymatic transformation and a capture of a fluid element. The unit has a reservoir with a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid to be treated and a fluid outlet for releasing a treated fluid. The unit also has removable cassettes provided with a reactive material for treating the fluid and two spaced-apart baffle walls in the reservoir for regulating the flow of the fluid therein. The unit further has a reaction chamber defined between each of the two spaced-apart baffles walls. The reaction chamber has an opening for removably inserting therein the cassette. Yet, the unit further has mounting means for mounting the cassette in a reaction chamber spaced-apart from the two baffle walls, whereby a cassette is disposed between two spaced-apart baffle walls and causes the fluid to flow in a zigzag pattern thus further regulating the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for cantileverly mounting in an off-line condition in an axially component of a water system with the dispenser apparatus carrying a water treatment composition therein that can be released into a water system with one embodiment of the dispenser apparatus including a pair of replaceable containers for holding a water treatment composition with the containers serially located so that the water flowing into one container flows into the second container with the second container removable from the first container so that the second water treatment composition can be replenished without having to replenish the water treatment composition in the first container.

Abstract: This application relates to improvements to long vertical shaft bioreactors for the aerobic biological treatment of wastewater and aerobic digestion of biodegradable sludges. The invention comprises a flow control device and method which improves hydraulic flow, inter-zonal mixing and gas transfer in such bioreactors. The flow control device includes a ported upper plate which is mounted in an upflow chamber of the bioreactor and a lower plate located below the upper plate at the juncture between mix and plug flow zones of the bioreactor which are in fluid communication. At least some of the ports in the upper plate are fitted with adjustable valves for regulating the flow of liquor therethrough and hence the size of a hydraulic head loss imposed by the flow control device. Preferably the upper plate is mounted at a location in the upflow chamber upstream from the inlet where influent is discharged into the bioreactor.

Abstract: A system for processing water by adding an additive to a stream of pressurized fluid. The system comprises first and second bodies. The first body defines a main passageway having a main inlet and a main outlet. The stream of pressurized fluid enters the main passageway through the main inlet. The second body is secured to the first body. The second body defines an additive passageway having an additive port. The additive passageway is in fluid communication with the main passageway at an injection location. Fluid flowing through the system creates low pressure that draws the additive through the additive port and the additive passageway and into the stream of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling waste water treatment is disclosed. A feed-forward controller adjusts chemical injection pumps in response to signals from the contaminant zone, while delays to accommodate the time required for the contaminated water to reach the reaction or DAF tank are provided. Flow rate information from downstream of an equalization tank, but upstream of the chemical injection pumps, is monitored. By using both the data from the contamination points and the flow meter, the chemical injection pumps more accurately provide the necessary amount of chemicals to accommodate both volume of contaminated water and contaminant concentrations in the waste water.

Abstract: A groundwater decontamination system includes a decontamination unit adapted to be lowered down through a non-pumping well into an aquifer containing contaminated water. The unit can also be raised up and out of the non-pumping well for cleaning, servicing or replacement. The decontamination unit includes a porous outer tube with a plurality of holes through which contaminated water flows, and a porous inner tube with a plurality of holes through which flows in-flowing contaminated water flowing through outer tube. A contaminant removing reactive barrier material is disposed within the inner tube for removing on contact contaminants from the in flowing water. A flow directing arrangement, preferably in the form of flow directing fins, directs in-flowing water from the holes in the outer tube to the holes in the inner tube (i.e., provider of the channeling of the ground water into the reactive barrier material). The system can monitor the contaminant removal, as well as other conditions of the groundwater.

Abstract: A process for removing metals from wastewater, which comprises the following: measuring the flow rate and oxidation reduction potential of wastewater as it is fed into a first treatment tank, adjusting the pH of the wastewater, adding a first liquid elixir to the wastewater to react with at least one metal in the wastewater to cause it to either precipitate out of solution, or convert into a form that will allow it to be precipitated out of solution by a second liquid elixir, and to bond with the metal to prevent it from re-dissolving back into solution, adding a second liquid elixir to the wastewater to react with at least one metal in the wastewater to cause it to precipitate out of solution, and to bond with the metal to prevent it from re-dissolving back into solution, feeding the wastewater into a second treatment tank, mixing a third liquid elixir and a fourth liquid elixir into the wastewater to flocculate and/or coagulate the precipitated metals, and separating the flocculated and/or coagulated precip

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed coagulant-flocculant and sedimentation method for treating waste water, which permits a speedy treatment of waste water including stormwater runoff and also permits a valuable reuse of the sludge produced in the course of treatment.

Abstract: A process and system for enhanced nitrogen removal in a wetlands wastewater treatment facility is disclosed. Air is bubbled into the wetland to form an overall aerobic zone to enhance nitrification of the ammonia in the wastewater. A portion of the effluent is recycled back to the nutrient rich, anaerobic zone of the inlet of the wetland to enhance denitrification of the wastewater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water is described. The apparatus includes a container divided into at least two chambers by a wall that partially separates the two chambers, the containing having an inlet at a first one of the chambers and an outlet at a second one of the chambers. The apparatus has a first microporous diffuser disposed in a first one of the chambers of the container and arranged to receive a decontaminating gaseous agent and a second microporous diffuser disposed in a second one of the chambers and arranged to receive air. Additionally, special microporous diffusers are described.

Abstract: A water purification plant for a swimming pool is provided with a filtering apparatus having a filtering circuit in which a filter and a pump are incorporated and via which water from the swimming pool can be circulated. In a further circuit arranged parallel to at least a part of the filtering circuit, a UV reactor is incorporated. Further, supply members for an oxidizing and disinfecting agent are present. The oxidant in the UV reactor is introduced into the water flowing through said reactor.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: Bioremediation of waste water traveling through a sewer system is accomplished by suspending in selected manholes a self-powered feeder device for delivering a desired amount of a solid microbial wastewater treatment preparation. The feeder device is preferably a) sealed to prevent moisture from causing caking or clumping of the solid microbial treatment preparation, b) controlled by a programable microprocessor and c) powered by a self-contained battery pack that allows the device to function for a desired period of time without maintenance or manual handling.

Abstract: A calcium carbonate mineral is placed in a lower portion of a second water tank, while sludge precipitated in a sixth water tank is returned to an upper portion. A blower and an air diffusion pipe weakly aerate the lower portion. Thus, an unreacted chemical sludge zone is formed in the upper portion of the second water tank. As a result, the second water tank can execute a primary treatment of fluorine in a waste water by the calcium carbonate mineral, a secondary treatment of fluorine and a primary treatment of phosphor by unreacted chemicals, treatment of surface active agent by microorganisms in a return sludge and reduction treatment of hydrogen peroxide by anaerobic microorganisms in the return sludge. The unreacted chemicals are thus reused, so that the amount of generation of waste can be reduced and concurrently the treatment can be executed with energy conservation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fluorine waste water has an introduction tank, a main treatment tank, a calcium hydroxide tank, a polychlorinated aluminum tank, a macromolecular flocculant tank, a settling tank, and a concentration tank. Fluorine waste water is introduced from the introduction tank into a lower part of the main treatment tank through a lower inlet pipe. Also, return sludge from the concentration tank and silicon sludge from a silicon waste water treatment system are introduced into an upper part of the main treatment tank. Thus, silicon recovered from silicon waste water is recycled for treatment of fluorine waste water. Also, unreacted chemicals, which have been loaded in the calcium hydroxide tank, polychlorinated aluminum tank, macromolecular flocculant tank, are recycled. The main treatment tank has no stirrer and thus conserves electrical energy, but can still neutralize the waste water.

Abstract: A method of handling grey water and optionally at least a portion of black water for disposal from vehicles such as boats, recreational vehicles or rural dwellings such as cottages, camps and the like, not having direct access to sewer systems, involves the treatment of such waste water with ozone. A batch system is used whereby a predetermined quantity of water to be treated is captured in a treatment tank. A circulating pump withdraws water from the tank and pushes the water along a treatment conduit, the conduit containing an ozone/water mixer and returns the water to the treatment tank. The treatment conduit has a discharge valve that is maintained in a closed position for a selected period of time. Ozone is fed to the ozone/water mixer from an ozone generator which is advantageously fitted with an air pump to pressurize the feed gas. After the selected treatment time, the batch is discharged to a drain through the discharge valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of chemicals from an aquifer remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating aquifers contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: The present invention is a pulse spilling self-aerator (PSSA) that has the potential to greatly lower the installation, operation, and maintenance cost associated with aerating and mixing aqueous solutions. Currently, large quantities of low-pressure air are required in aeration systems to support many biochemical production processes and wastewater treatment plants. Oxygen is traditionally supplied and mixed by a compressor or blower and a mechanical agitator. These systems have high-energy requirements and high installation and maintenance costs. The PSSA provides a mixing and aeration capability that can increase operational efficiency and reduce overall cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating wastewater including a physical-chemical reactor; a chemical supply operably connected to the physical-chemical reactor; a clarifier operably connected to and located downstream of the physical-chemical reactor; a ballast recirculation line operably connected between the clarifier and the high rate physical-chemical reactor; and a control system that directs a) influent into 1) the clarifier but not the physical-chemical reactor when flow or pollutants of the influent is within a selected low range and 2) the physical-chemical reactor and then into the clarifier when the flow/pollutants of influent is within a selected higher range and b) internally generated ballast into the physical-chemical reactor through the ballast recirculation line when the pollutants and/or flow is within the selected higher range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system (10) including: (a) a water permeable wall portion (12) defining a water treatment portion (18) of a waterway to be treated; and (b) a treating portion (20) retained in a desired position relative to the permeable wall portion (12) by retaining means (26) wherein water to be treated permeates through said wall portion (12), said retaining means (26) and said treating portion (20) for removing pollutants contained therein prior to discharge of water from the system (10).

Abstract: A method for denitrification of water, in which the water to be denitrified is made to flow over a porous carrier which comprises a transition metal, preferably palladium, used in an amount between 0.01 and 5% by weight on the carrier and on which denitrifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in the presence of hydrogen are made to adhere, and in which hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and the pH of the reaction is adjusted to values of 4.5 to 7.8 preferably by using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.

Abstract: A vortex sewage disposal apparatus for the disposal of construction sewage, comprising a hopper-type casing, a water inlet pipe, a lower outlet and a frame; within the water inlet pipe these are provided rapid-mixing blades, on the wall of the inlet pipe there are provided an upper and a lower reagent-filling holes used to add two treatment reagents successively, at the center of the hopper casing there is provided a central tube, at the lower end of the central tube there is mounted a conical separator, and inside the central tube there is provided a screw-type water lifter; on the top of the hopper casing there is provided a top baffle plate acting as an upper cover; a bleed pipe is provided for discharging oil and gas, the silt is discharged through the lower outlet, and the clear water ascents to a clear water tank and a water-directing tray and then flows into a water discharging pipe after crossing a dam board to be discharged.

Abstract: A process is provided to create a treated recycle stream through pre-treatment and solids separation for reuse in animal feeding operations without odors and creates a treated liquid effluent that can be stored for reuse, or can be land applied without odors and is free from pathogens and nutrients. Additionally the methods describe a means of converting animal manure to organic fertilizer and removing nutrients from the liquids to create a feed supplement from biomass. The organic fertilizer is non-leaching and free from pathogens. The entire process is accomplished in a reduced footprint from other treatment processes and allows waste ponds to be removed from service.

Abstract: A improved activated sludge system and method for treating wastewater containing contaminants is disclosed which offers a broad array of advantages over conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment systems, including smaller size, higher rates of operation, higher oxygen transfer efficiency, lower operating costs, and a substantially decreased level of excess sludge production. The improved activated sludge waste treatment system of the present invention has two processing tanks rather than the several tanks that are commonly found in activated sludge systems for treatment and sludge management equalizations, including anaerobic processes. The first processing tank is a contact tank which hosts a reaction which functions not merely to digest the maximum amount of contaminants, but instead to bind contaminants to the microorganisms through absorption, adsorption, precipitation, or digestion so that they can then be removed from the liquid in a solid/liquid separator.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a water apparatus for treating industrial waste products comprising a first tank (2) containing water at a determined pressure, a second tank (4) placed inside the first tank and with which it is in communication in the lower part and which contains water at a lower pressure than that of the first tank (2), an inlet device (6, 7) of the discharge product in the second tank (4), a first dilution sector (14) of the waste product which is external to the tanks (2, 4) but in communication with the second tank (4) at one end (15) and connected to the other end with a Venturi tube (17), an outlet duct (18) of the waste product diluted by said second tank (4). The Venturi tube (17) is in communication with the first tank (2) and is suitable to create the depression of the second tank (4) with respect to the first tank (2). The second tank (4) comprises internally a further sector (10) for the dilution of the industrial waste product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating raw influent water to remove particles, algae and toxic chemicals from the water. Basically, air is dissolved in recirculated water under high pressure in an air contactor unit, the air saturated water is intimately mixed with the raw, particle bearing, water in a particle mixing system, and the water, particle and air mixture is passed through an air bubble separator wherein bubbles formed when the pressure on air saturated water is reduced carry away toxic gases and particulate material. If desired for further cleaning the water can be sent through a second series of air contactor, particle mixer and air bubble separation, but with a gas comprising ozone to further remove suspended particles and non-volatile dissolved organic matter. In order to improve mixing of the particles and the air saturated water passing through tubes, preferably a pattern of dimples is formed on at least part of the interior wall of the tubes.

Abstract: A cooling tower water purification system uses an electrical cleaning method by passing water over or through an anode and a cathode. The pH of the water is monitored and adjusted using injected CO2 gas. The water can also be mechanically filter to remove the now dead biofilm and biomass as well as any scale or other debris. An additional embodiment can use an additional device such as a water jet to “stir” the bottom of the cooling tower to increase the efficiency of the filter in removing any built up or remaining biomass, scale or the like.

Abstract: Automated process, conditioning and treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are particularly well adapted for closed loop systems using or producing aqueous effluence with varying amounts of suspended solids therein, the apparatus and methods directed to separation of the solids from the effluence and thus cleaning of the centrate. The apparatus includes a mass flow rate meter, liquid polymer injector, and a controller for receiving the monitored rate from the meter and performing analysis to optimize the rate of injection of liquid polymer. The injector is monitored to further optimize the injection rate.

Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.

Abstract: A method for re-use of the same water to do multiple loads of laundry over and over again. The method includes the step of collecting the used wash water from a washing maching. A lint/grit removal stop is followed by a second lint removing step. A free oil removal step is followed by a grease, hydrocarbon and suspended solid removal step undertaken by a media filter. A hydrocarbon absorption filter step is then followed by an activated carbon filter step. The used wash water is further purified by an ozone injection step. Still further, a heat exchange step is provided before the step of re-introducing the used wash water back to a washing machine facility from whence it came.

Abstract: Ozone is generated and combined with water. The combined water and ozone are then mixed to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture which subsequently is transported along a confined flow path having a length sufficient to provide substantially complete decomposition of the ozone.

Abstract: A method and device for removing pollution from polluted water, consisting of a rod on which are mounted an array of spaced magnesium plates and an array of spaced copper plates. The copper plates are in contact with the magnesium plates. Polluted water passing through the plates results in precipitates of the pollutants which can be mechanically removed.

Abstract: A fluid mixer includes an elongate mixing chamber having an inlet system at one end for admission of liquid and gas to be intimately mixed by passage through the chamber and an outlet for the mixture at the opposite end, wherein opposed longitudinal sides of the chamber are each defined by a surface of scallop shape having peaks and troughs, with the peaks of the two surfaces being relatively offset so as to cause the liquid and gas entering the chamber to flow along a generally sinuous path through the chamber to create a turbulent flow which promotes intimate mixing. Advantageously a UV source extends within the chamber to sterilize the liquid flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A process and device for treatment of water circulating in a conduit, which water carries microorganisms that must be eliminated and ions susceptible of leading to the formation of deposits on the internal wall of the conduit. To this end, there is injected in the water to be treated effective quantities of ozone and carbon dioxide. Particularly useful to treat the water conduits of a hospital building.

Abstract: A method and device for removing pollution from polluted water, consisting of a rod on which are mounted an array of spaced magnesium plates and an array of spaced copper plates. The copper plates are in contact with the magnesium plates. Polluted water passing through the plates results in precipitates of the pollutants which can be mechanically removed.

Abstract: A method for purifying water containing organic matter includes dispersing photo-catalyst particles and an inorganic coagulant into the water; oxidizing the organic matter by activating the photo-catalyst particles by irradiating them with light; maintaining the diameter of the photo-catalyst particles to be equal to or less than 0.1 mm; and condensing the photo-catalyst particles and the inorganic coagulant.

Abstract: First and second quill members introduce water treatment chemicals to a water stream advancing within water containing equipment having only a single opening. The first quill member extends through a sealed opening on a wall of the equipment and has a first inlet located outside of the equipment, a first outlet located within the equipment in the path of the advancing water stream, and a first passage extending between the first and second inlets. The second quill member is mounted on the first quill member and has a second inlet located outside of the equipment and a second outlet located within the equipment in the path of the advancing water stream. The second outlet is spaced from the first outlet and a second passage, coaxial with the first, extends between the second inlet and the second outlet.

Abstract: This waste water treatment equipment introduces granular calcium carbonate mineral 13, a calcium fluoride 14 in a floc form and a microorganism 15, which are flowing in a lower section 8, into an upper section 7 and sprinkles the same. Therefore, in the upper section 7, the granular calcium carbonate mineral 13 chemically treats fluorine in an exhaust gas, while the calcium fluoride 14 in the floc form chemically treats acid components in the exhaust gas although the effect is little. At the same time, the microorganism 15 biologically treats the organic matter in the exhaust gas. Then, the granular calcium carbonate mineral 13, the calcium fluoride 14 and the microorganism 15 that have not been utilized for exhaust gas treatment treat again the waste water in the lower section 8.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for treatment of liquid. Liquid is introduced into a reaction vessel (10) and rises inside a first chamber (12) of the reaction vessel (10). The liquid is led out of the first chamber (12) downwardly along an outer surface (40) of the first chamber (12) in a thin film into a second chamber (14). In a third chamber (16) energy for raising the internal energy of the liquid is supplied to the liquid by means of an energy supply device (30). The treated liquid is withdrawn from the reaction vessel (10). The energy supply device includes an ultrasound-emitting transducer in which a piezoceramic disc (82) is supported via an elastic seal (84) between a pot-shaped housing member (78) and a sleeve (80).

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus comprising a gas distribution network in a water impound; a device for introducing treating gas into the network; a source of cleaning agent; a device for intermittently introducing the cleaning agent into the network alone or in admixture with the treating gas; a plurality of synthetic thermoplastic or thermoset resin plenums; a plurality of a least ten diffusion elements sealingly engaged and in communication with the plenums for receiving the treating gas and cleaning agent, the elements having air diffusion pores extending therethrough, but being free of through-holes other than air diffusion pores, the pores defining paths for discharge of the treating gas and cleaning agent and which exhibit an increase in dynamic wet pressure and/or bubble release pressure as a result of deposition of foulants; retaining ring engaging the diffusion elements about their peripheries for securing the elements to the plenums; sealing device adjacent the peripheries of the diffusion elements for

Abstract: The invention relates to the reduction and prevention of biofouling in facilities utilizing water, e.g. sea water, carrying biological organisms, without causing corrosion, chemical reaction or other detrimental action from the additive or environmental discharge problems. Such operations include, for example, desalination plants, power plants, oilfield water injection facilities and shipboard or ocean platform fire water systems. For example, in the desalination plant of FIG. 1, the biofouling reduction method and apparatus for this invention have a source of oxidizing agent such as chlorine ions or ozone, a source of copper ions and a dosing chamber for delivery of relatively low dosage levels of oxidizing agents and at appropriate times copper ions to form a treatment additive. Flow connectors connect the dosing chamber to various points along the piping in the desalination plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and highly effective method of removing dissolved selenium from a variety of refinery process water and wastewater streams. The present invention also provides a new and effective method of oxidizing selenium and organo-selenium compounds to the selenite [+IV] oxidation state in order to be adsorbed by a metal oxide or metal hydroxide precipitate. The invention includes two continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) operated in series. The stream to be treated and one of several iron salts (ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, etc.) are introduced into the first CSTR, forming ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydroxide precipitates. The pH of the first CSTR is automatically controlled by adjusting the injection rate of the ferric salt. The effluent stream from the first CSTR is directed into a second CSTR into which potassium permanganate is introduced.

Abstract: A two stage ozonation water purification system for eliminating deleterious pathogens from water includes: a first tank and a second tank; a conduit for delivering water to the first tank; a first ozone injection mechanism for injecting ozone into the water contained in the first tank for a first predetermined time period; a transfer conduit for transferring the water from the first tank to the second tank; and a second ozone injection mechanism for injecting ozone into the water contained in the second tank for a second predetermined time period. In one embodiment, the second tank is a dispensing tank including at least one outlet providing purified water for human consumption. Porous diffusion stones are disposed in the first and second tanks, the diffusion stones being in fluid communication with the first and second ozone injection mechanisms and providing optimal diffusion of ozone into the water contained in the first and second tanks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for material separation consisting of a cyclone aerator which can enhance contact between contaminated water and air, or a oxidant gas, and can enhance the contact and attachment between particulates contained in the suspension and bubbles formed in the cyclone aerator. One embodiment comprises a plurality of plates positioned in a spaced relationship to one another within a jacketed tube. The plates are arranged in a distinct, non-radial orientation extending partially towards the center of the jacketing tube to define a cylindrical chamber within a center of the plates and an annular cylindrical chamber between the plates and the jacketing tube. A suspension is introduced into the cylindrical chamber tangentially through a feed line proximate or integral with a jacketing tube top of said jacketing tube to develop a swirling flow pattern of the suspension within the cylindrical chamber.