Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.

Abstract: The data transmission apparatus for performing data communication based on optical transmission includes a transmitting unit for converting and sending electric communication data, which is to be transmitted, into optical communication data, and a photoelectric conversion circuit for receiving the optical communication data and converting the received optical communication data into electric communication data, wherein the photoelectric conversion circuit includes a photodiode for generating a current based on the optical communication data, and a variable current supply for subtracting a predetermined current from the current generated by the photodiode. In addition, a bias current of a laser diode of each transmitting unit is set to a current larger than a laser oscillation threshold current so as to reduce the deviation of a light emission delay time of each laser diode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracorporeal processing of blood or other body fluid for the treatment of conditions, such as sepsis, autoimmune disease, or toxemia related to kidney failure, liver failure, or drug overdose are provided. In an extracorporeal treatment system, a fraction of a body fluid is passed into a treatment fluid, at least a portion of which is then passed through a sorbent suspension reactor for treatment by a sorbent suspension. The treatment fluid circuit can be maintained at a fixed volume, which enables accurate fluid balance between the patient and the extracorporeal circuit. Some or all of the treatment fluid, optionally also containing nutrients and/or therapeutic agents, is returned to the patient. In a peritoneal dialysis system, dialysate is passed into a patient's peritoneal cavity, recovered from the cavity, passed through a sorbent suspension reactor in accordance with the invention, and returned to the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of mercury and other harmful substances from effluents produced in dentist offices is described. The apparatus involves a series of inclined plates upon which mercury reducing bacteria are present, and a subsequent alkaline pH precipitation chambers and an ion exchange chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clarifying and/or thickening a solution containing solids i.e. a slurry, and the apparatus for accomplishing this. Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the flocculant to be fed into the clarification and thickening equipment is mixed evenly and with a small shear force into the slurry in the feedwell of the apparatus. The feedwell is equipped with a mixing device. The slurry is taken onwards from the feedwell evenly into the clarification tank inside the underflow layer, which enables the separation of a clear overflow solution.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl

Abstract: This metal containing waste water treatment method introduces a metal containing waste water from above into a submerged membrane separation tank 1 in which a reaction section 2, a submerged membrane section 3 having a submerged membrane 5 and a precipitation section 4 are arranged in order from top to bottom, causes a reaction by adding a pH adjuster to the reaction section 2, subsequently separates water from metal by the submerged membrane 5 of the submerged membrane section 3 and subsequently precipitates and concentrates the metal in the precipitation section 4. As described above, according to this treatment method, the pH adjuster is added to the reaction section 2, and therefore, solid-liquid separation can be effected by the submerged membrane 5 with a hydroxide formed. Moreover, the metal can be precipitated and concentrated by the action of gravity without using energy in the precipitation section 4.

Abstract: A method for treating silicone emulsion waste includes the steps of adding base chemical materials to the silicone emulsion waste in an amount effective to cause separating of the silicone emulsion waste. The added chemicals separate the silicone emulsion waste into silicone oil and an emulsion-free water. The components can be separated, with the silicone oil laden liquid being sent to an incinerator and the emulsion-free water being sent to a wastewater treatment plant. The base chemicals can include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and/or combinations thereof. To enhance separating of the silicone emulsion waste, the silicone emulsion waste can be heated prior to the addition of the chemicals. Also, by recycling the treated water and adding the same to the silicone emulsion waste and base chemicals separation of the silicone emulsion waste can be enhanced.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for measuring the concentration in dense granular material in a flow comprising a liquid, a dense granular material and suspended fine particles. The invention is characterised in that it comprises: at least a member for separating the dense granular material from the liquid and the suspended fine particles, at least a device for measuring (12, 12a, 13) at least a parameter representing the amount of separated dense granular material for a specific time interval T. Such an installation may be integrated in a ballasted-floc water treatment system.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing an influent slurry into a tank. The apparatus may include a body having a sidewall and floor which together define a volume for the slurry to pass through. Fixed baffles and rotating paddles may be disposed within the body in an interleaved manner to promote mixing of the slurry with a flocculating reagent. The apparatus may also include scrapers for reducing built-up floc on the walls and/or floor of the apparatus. The floor of the apparatus may define a constricted opening for discharge of the slurry. The constricted opening, which serves to control the flow of the slurry through the body of the apparatus, also helps to increase mixing time of the slurry with the flocculating reagent. The constricted opening may be configured as an annular or ring-shaped port.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl

Abstract: Said equipment include a tank-filter (1, 15) in which a pretreatment stage is carried out. The tank (1) is a decanter to which a flocculant that is uniformly mixed with an agitator (3) can be added. The sludge is removed by delivering it to a filter bag (5). The permeates are then fed to a collecting tank (6) and pumped to the same tank (7) receiving the clarified waters. The permeates are then decanted from said tank (7) through a safety filter (8) to a battery of activated carbon columns (9) where they arm purified by adsorption until the established threshold values have been reached. In another embodiment, the reservoir-filter (15) is a polypropylene bag filter with diatomaceous earth, wherein the liquid passes directly to the decanting tank and is then pumped to the battery of activated carbon columns (9).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment equipment is provided with a reaction tank and a separate reaction unit installed in the reaction tank. In the separate reaction unit, a reaction different from a reaction in the reaction tank is carried out with returned sludge and a acid or alkali. Reactants are generated from the returned sludge in the separate reaction unit and then introduced from a bottom portion of the separate reaction unit into the reaction tank so as to be used for wastewater treatment.

Abstract: A system for treating waste water includes a dry-feed hopper and a wetting flume for receipt of dry flocculant and waste water. The dry-feed hopper includes a container with a volume of dry flocculant therein. A manifold receives a nozzle connected to an air source to periodically deliver dry flocculant to the wetting flume. An inline static mixer is provided after the wetting flume. The output of the inline static mixer is introduced into an agitation stage via a constricting nozzle which includes a base support and a cylindrical housing with an outer wall and an, inner wall and is resiliently mounted to the top surface of said base support. A downward spiraling length of corrugated hose is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall. Waste water from the inline static mixer is introducing into the top entry port of the length of corrugated hose to exit at the bottom exit port of the corrugated hose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant comprises an aeration tank for storing wastewater; a reaction tank disposed inside the aeration tank, the wastewater being purified while circulating inside the reaction tank and being supplied with oxygen; an air intake tube for introducing air into the reaction tank; a dispersion member for dispersing the air introduced through the air intake tube to the wastewater to generate bubbles; and a blade assembly disposed inside the reaction tank for having the bubbles dispersed by the dispersion member come into collision with each other, prolonging a staying time of the bubbles to increase the dissolved oxygen, and directing the bubbles in a predetermined direction to lead the wastewater to agitate.

Abstract: A tubular reactor characterized by having short static mixing elements separated by coalescing zones is used to conduct multiphase liquid/liquid reactions. Small droplets of one of the phases are dispersed into the other phase by the static mixing elements. These droplets coalesce and at least partially phase separate as the mixture passes through the subsequent coalescing zone. The tubular reactor is particularly suitable for nitrating organic compounds while forming low levels of improperly nitrated by-products and low levels of nitrophenolics.

Abstract: In the typical embodiments disclosed in the specification, a ballasted flocculation liquid treatment arrangement includes a mixing chamber in which liquid to be treated, flocculating agents and granular material are mixed. The mixture is supplied to the bottom of a flocculating chamber adjacent to the mixing chamber through an opening in a common wall between the chambers and is maintained in suspension in the flocculating chamber by turbulence generated by a rotating blade array. Ballasted flocs are transferred from the flocculation chamber to an adjacent sludge tank through a first opening in a common wall between them and liquid which contains lighter flocs is returned to the flocculation chamber through a second opening in the common wall. Liquid from the flocculation chamber passes upwardly through a turbulence control arrangement where flocs and particulates are substantially removed and into a clarification chamber where clarified liquid is passed over a weir to an outlet.

Abstract: A solder dross removal apparatus for keeping molten solder in a wave soldering machine substantially free of dross or tin and lead oxides which are formed on the surface of the molten solder where it is in contact with atmospheric air. The solder dross removal apparatus includes a container adapted to hold a pool of molten solder at a preset temperature and receive dross from the wave soldering machine. A refractory lid is detachably mounted on the open top of the container. An agitator is rotatably supported by the lid and located within the container to agitate the molten solder and the dross. The lid includes an opening through which a separating agent in powder form is introduced into the container to facilitate separation of oxides.

Abstract: Flocculation apparatus and flotation apparatus useful in flocculation apparatus for floating paddles upwardly and allowing gravity to move paddles downwardly through a liquid to agglomerate particles suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: A sedimentation apparatus for precipitating and separating suspended solids and coagulated flocs in a liquid to be treated, so as to clarify the liquid. The sedimentation apparatus comprises a mixing chamber secured within a sedimentation tank, for mixing and stirring the liquid and an additive; and a rotary support of a distributor, functioning as a bottom of the mixing chamber, rotatable about the center axis of the mixing chamber. The bottom portion of the rotary support is formed with an opening. The sedimentation apparatus has a blade for discharging from the opening the precipitate deposited on the bottom of the rotary support. As a consequence, the precipitate can be prevented from accumulating in excess in the rotary support.

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: The special features of the water treatment apparatus in the present invention are that a tank fitted with a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet on the upper part, has within said tank an upper chamber and lower chamber which divide said tank into two sections, upper and lower, and is fitted with a separating wall which can be raised and lowered to adjust the water level in said upper and lower chamber, the upper chamber above said separating wall and the lower chamber below said separating wall both being filled with water. By use of this apparatus, a novel water treatment apparatus is provided which can be extremely easily assembled into a water treatment facility.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil treatment apparatus and method for treatment of oil which transports oil to be treated from a source through a first conduit to a treatment station. The treatment station includes a filter system capable of extracting particulate material from the oil and removing the particulate material from the filter system as it is removed from the oil. The treated oil may then be transported for reuse, preferably in a continuous cycle with the source of the oil. A prefiltering system may be used to further enhance maintaining the quality of the oil and/or in efficiently treating the oil while accommodating throughput requirements. The prefiltering system may include a comminuter to reduce the size of larger particles in the oil, a coarse filtering system to remove larger particle, a system to introduce a treatment material to the oil or other systems to facilitate processing.

Abstract: A sedimentation apparatus for precipitating and separating suspended solids and coagulated flocs in a liquid to be treated, so as to clarify the liquid. The sedimentation apparatus comprises a mixing chamber secured within a sedimentation tank, for mixing and stirring the liquid and an additive; and a rotary support of a distributor, functioning as a bottom of the mixing chamber, rotatable about the center axis of the mixing chamber. The bottom portion of the rotary support is formed with an opening. The sedimentation apparatus has a blade for discharging from the opening the precipitate deposited on the bottom of the rotary support. As a consequence, the precipitate can be prevented from accumulating in excess in the rotary support.

Abstract: A settling tank for separating an emulsion with a known volumetric percentage of oil includes lower and upper settling chambers. The emulsion is settled by gravitational means and can be aided by demulsifying agents. Once settled, a layer of oil floats on top of the water. The volumes of the lower and upper settling chambers are configured so that all of the oil settles within the upper settling chamber. The oil can then be drained from the upper settling chamber leaving only clean water in the tank structure.

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: Described herein is an improved water treatment process for separating particulate contaminants from raw water. The process is performed by introducing, into a single tank, raw water injected with a coagulating agent for neutralizing charges on the particles and a flocculating agent for agglomerating the neutralized particles; mixing, in the mixing area of said tank, the neutralized and agglomerated particles with a granular medium to increase the size and weight of the particles; directing the particles and water from the mixing area of said tank to a baffled quiescent zone for settling; further directing said water, free of settlement, in said quiescent zone through a buoyant medium to entrap unsettled particles; and wherein the improvement is characterized by conducting tapered flocculation in the mixing area of said tank with a turbine mixer having a plurality of radial blades of varying surface areas, said blades tapered in decreasing areas as the distance from the point of influent increases.

Abstract: A magnetic system and apparatus having a multi-dimensional gradient for continuous, on-line separation of components from a mixture of chemical entities which comprises at least one separation chamber with a plurality of channels and a plurality of magnets, and a method is provided for continuously and magnetically separating and treating components of a mixture of chemical entities using a multi-dimensional-gradient.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing magnetic material from a flowing fluid such as water by magnetic separation has a single set of electromagnets which are used with a plurality of magnetic filters for continuous magnetic separation operation alternately without obstructing the flow of the fluid being processed. A high-gradient magnetic filter arrangement which passes through a magnetic field generated by the magnets is made up of at least two magnetic filters separated by a watertight partition. When the fluid being processed is flowing through one of the magnetic filters, the other filter is removed from the flow of the fluid into a magnetic filter housing which is separated from the fluid flow through the magnetic filter by means of partitions. Backwashing of this other magnetic filter is carried out while purification of the fluid being processed by the former magnetic filter continues uninterrupted.

Abstract: A continuous loop reactor system has flow channels in the form of 3-dimensional spirals, defined by a pair of nested vortical walls and vanes which extend from the innermost of the vortical walls towards the outermost wall without contact. The vanes in combination with the vortical walls define a false bottom ditch for treating waste water, particularly for oxidative denitrification. Air exposure is limited to the beginning portion of the spiral flow pattern where the process is still in its aerobic stage. Denitrification is completed in an anoxic stage as waste water progresses further along the pattern. Aeration and motivation are provided by a lift tube/aerator assembly. By employing a false bottom, frictional surface area is decreased and sediment accumulation is eliminated between two vertically adjacent flow paths to provide energy efficient water treatment at low minimum flow rates.

Abstract: A waste water settling apparatus includes a closed cylindrical vessel supported on and vertically extending above a base, two vertical vibrators joined to the closed vessel for vibrating the vessel, and a drive spring assembly joined between the vibrators and the vessel for multiplying the vertical force of the vibrators. The closed cylindrical vessel includes a rotary valve joined to the lower portion of the vessel for discharging densified solids settled out of the waste water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste liquids containing body fluids so as to prevent problems such as nosocomial infection due to such waste liquids containing body fluids discharged from patients under (surgical) operation or treatment, particularly those waste liquids containing blood or an irrigation liquid used to irrigate the body cavity of such patient. The method includes collecting a waste liquid containing body fluids into a container, separating the waste liquid into a supernatant liquor and a flocculate within the container, discharging the supernatant liquor from the container, and disposing of the flocculate remaining in the container together with the container.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing magnetic material from a flowing fluid such as water by magnetic separation has a single set of electromagnets which are used with a plurality of magnetic filters for continuous magnetic separation operation alternately without obstructing the flow of the fluid being processed. A high-gradient magnetic filter arrangement which passes through a magnetic field generated by the magnets is made up of at least two magnetic filters separated by a watertight partition. When the fluid being processed is flowing through one of the magnetic filters, the other filter is removed from the flow of the fluid into a magnetic filter housing which is separated from the fluid flow through the magnetic filter by means of partitions. Backwashing of this other magnetic filter is carried out while purification of the fluid being processed by the former magnetic filter continues uninterrupted.

Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.

Abstract: There are described a method of and an apparatus for removing sand from waste water loaded with sand and organic substances which is set forth in circulation in a vertical container (1) in which the organic substance moves upward to an overflow (13), while the sand sinks downward toward a discharge conveyor (3) connected to the container (1) from beneath, and is discharged after a certain settling period. To achieve a substantial separation of the sand and the organic substances, the settled sand is stirred by an agitator, with simultaneous rinsing with fresh water delivered to the container bottom region, and is discharged in an amount, which insures a predetermined minimal height of the settled sand.

Abstract: Method for the remediation of polluted soils by using microorganisms under anaerobic conditions wherein the degradation action of pollutants such as tetrachloroethylene, nitrate or nitrite by microorganisms under anaerobic conditions is induced or promoted by the addition of silicon to said polluted soils, without any risk of secondary pollution.

Abstract: In a method of treating an untreated flow of liquid charged with particles and/or colloids, the flow is caused to flow in a coagulation zone that is kept turbulent and in which the flow is mixed with a coagulant. The untreated flow and a granular material which is insoluble in and more dense than the flow are caused to flow in an intermediate zone in which the granular material is maintained in suspension. The flow with substantially all of the added granular material and the colloids or particles aggregated therein is caused to flow in a sedimentation zone in which a clarified effluent is separated from sludge consisting of the granular material and the aggregated particles or colloids. The sedimentation zone has an undivided flow cross section with no separator plates and the effluent is caused to flow therein at an average settling speed of at least 15 m/h.

Abstract: Reactor for biological sewage purification having a tank with a casing and a bottom surface and a funnel-shaped member in the tank. An activation space is defined between the casing and the funnel-shaped member and a separation space is defined inside the funnel-shaped member with a passage in the funnel-shaped member for communication between both spaces. A partition extends from the casing to the funnel-shaped member. A recirculation means defines an inlet communicating with the separation spaces and an outlet communicating with the activation space. A circulation circuit is formed for circulating fluid between the activation space and the separation space.

Abstract: A system for purifying dredging water comprises a mixing compartment and an agitating means that mixes water with a coagulating agent. A discharge means collects the coagulated sediment and delivers it to a centrifugal sediment water separating means. An outlet at the top of the fluid container collects the purified water. Recirculation means connects the decanter with the container such that the water extracted from the sludge is returned to the mixing compartment. A conveyor means collects and transports decanted sediment. Preferably, baffles partially separate the container into compartments configured to promote mixing and sedimentation. The conveyor means may comprise a solidification reaction acceleration agent injector to mix this agent with the sediment to further dehydrate and solidify it.

Abstract: An automatic feedback control system for a water treatment apparatus, such as a recirculating solids contact clarifier, that maintains steady-state operation of the clarifier by accurately measuring the concentration of suspended solids at designated portions of the clarifier and automatically adjusting clarifier variables to maintain optimum conditions despite changes in the inlet flow rate, composition or temperature.

Abstract: A sloped plate water clarifier is provided with multiple clarifying stages. Slurry enters a feeding and mixing passageway that contains chemical flocculant in the form of polymer gel logs. Agitating drums in the passageway provide controlled mixing of the slurry with the flocculant. At the end of the passageway the slurry flows over a static screen that separates the useable process product from solid refuse. The slurry passing through the screen flows into a settling tank containing sloped plates arranged in three ascending stages, with the plates in the uppermost stage being angularly adjustable. As the slurry rises inside the tank, the sloped plates allow the suspended solids in the slurry to settle and eventually accumulate on the tank bottom for periodic removal, including as an alternative by a venturi pump. The clarified water exits a spillway at the top of the tank.

Abstract: In a method for the rehabilitation of polluted soils by means of a third substance, the polluted soils, excavated and processed beforehand, are introduced into a contacting cell in the lower part of which the injection of the third substance, towards the lateral walls of said cell, forms a polluted solution subsequently collected in the upper part while the soils continuously separated from the polluted solution are recovered at the lower part of said cell before being rinsed and dried.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels. below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A coagulating sedimentation processing apparatus comprising a sedimentation tank, a mixing chamber rotatably supported within the sedimentation tank, means for supplying suspension and additive to the mixing chamber, a mixer arranged within the mixing chamber for stirring mixed liquid of the suspension and the additive, and a plurality of distributors extending radially from the mixing chamber and provided with a plurality of jetting ports which open downwardly, wherein strip-like baffle plates are fixedly mounted respectively below the distributors so as to be opposed against the jetting ports. The mixing liquid jetted downwardly from the jetting ports of the distributor impinges against the baffle plate and is buffed so that its velocity head is reduced. Accordingly, there is no case where turbulent flow is generated by the mixing liquid which is jetted to the concentrated sludge layer which is formed in a bottom of the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: A vortex system for separating particles of varied size and density from a liquid stream. A particle bearing liquid is introduced tangentially into one end of an elongated cylindrical chamber to form a rotating liquid vortex therein. An impeller at one end of the chamber reinforces the vortex flow. Either a series of tangentially oriented jets introducing a gas or a gas saturated liquid through the chamber wall or a rotating central chamber section further increases the vortex rotational flow. The vortex produces a heavy particle rich outer region, a gas and light particle rich axial region and a cleaned liquid annular region therebetween. The cleaned liquid flows out of the chamber through an outlet at the chamber end opposite end at which the particle bearing liquid is introduced. The heavy particles in the outer region and the gas and light particles in the axial region are each removed through an outlet. A variety of component orientations and auxiliary devices may be used to optimize system operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for batch treatment of a liquor to separate, by way of example, a suspension of a contaminant from a liquor is disclosed. The batch treatment apparatus comprises, a single batch vessel that has discharge outlets at an upper and a lower level of the vessel, and an agitator that is operable in accordance with the batch treatment process to mix the contents of the vessel. The batch treatment process comprises, forming floccs of the contaminants and a carrier which settle rapidly towards the base of the vessel, discharching the relatively contaminant free liquor through the upper discharge outlet, breaking bonds of the floccs so that the carrier separates from a sludge of the contaminant and flocculent residue, discharging the sludge through the lower discharge outlet, and re-using the carrier in the treatment of a new batch of liquor.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling wastewater solutions includes a treatment tank and an air-operated pump and piping system for pumping wastewater contaminated with oil, heavy metals, and suspended solids from industrial equipment such as a jetwasher to the treatment tank, and for subsequently returning the purified water solution to the industrial equipment for reuse. A weir tube initially skims oil contaminants from the surface of wastewater in the treatment tank into a collection vessel. The recycling apparatus is powered solely by compressed air, which drives a rotary air motor powering mixing vanes in the treatment tank. Exhaust air from the mixing motor outlets into the treatment tank for the purpose of creating turbulence to enhance mixing. Air directed through an induction nozzle entrains flocculating polymer powder from a hopper in an air stream within a polymer supply hose exhausting into the treatment tank.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a slip joint and a floating auger which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids suspended in incoming pressurized liquid slurry is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel having an elongated cylindrical vessel wall, a closed upper end and a bottom section for accumulation of solids. The vessel includes a stirrer mounted for rotation along an inside surface of the bottom section and a discharge spool mounted beneath the bottom section including at least one opening. An underflow pump is provided for discharging separated solids without loss of pressure in the apparatus. The apparatus further includes means for detecting solids level in the apparatus, which preferably operates without disturbing settling of the solids therein. Also, the apparatus includes a feedwell for receiving an incoming pressurized slurry stream, the feedwell having an opening a predetermined distance above a level in the apparatus defined by settled solids.

Abstract: A process for treating wastewater in a dynamic bio-sequenced manner in a single SBR reactor already filled with an activated sludge mixed liquor. In this process which is simple, fast and biologically and hydraulically "on going" and which allows one single SBR reactor to process typically twice as many batches of water per day as is presently processed within the existing SBR process, a given amount of wastewater rapidly introduced into the SBR reactor below the clear water level to cause the level of the wastewater within the tank to raise relatively uniformly and vertically and the supernatant clarified water to enter decantation pipes and be discharged out of the reactor. Then, the scum floating on top of the wastewater is collected and discharged and the mixed liquor is mixed and aerated as long as necessary to achieve the required treatment.