Abstract: The present disclosure provides instruments, modules and methods for improved detection of edited cells following nucleic acid-guided nuclease genome editing. The disclosure provides improved automated instruments that perform methods—including high throughput methods—for screening cells that have been subjected to editing and identifying cells that have been properly edited.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides instruments, modules and methods for improved detection of edited cells following nucleic acid-guided nuclease genome editing. The disclosure provides improved automated instruments that perform methods—including high throughput methods—for screening cells that have been subjected to editing and identifying cells that have been properly edited.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a chamber frame for a dialyzer, which is readily produced, has a stable quality, is inexpensive and is excellent in sealing property and heat resistance. A cut frame 1 is set on an unshown table of an impulse welder 30, distributors 13 are fitted into communicating passage 9 and communicating passages 11, and a net 15 is positioned so as to cover a central opening 3. Welded portions A and B, and the welded portions C and D are subjected to impulse welding. Mounting of the net 15 as a spacer and mounting of the distributors 13 are carried out simultaneously by a single pressing operation. After that, the welded portions of the net are deburred, and correction work is performed on defects.

Abstract: The disclosed device for trapping biologically-relevant substances can easily collect biologically-relevant substances from a thin tissue section or a gel in which said biologically-relevant substance have been fractionated. Said device is provided with: trapping bodies for trapping biologically-relevant substances; carriers that hold the trapping bodies; and electrodes for charging the trapping bodies. The trapping bodies are charged and brought into contact with a prescribed position on a thin tissue section that contains biologically-relevant substances or a gel in which biologically-relevant substances have been fractionated, thereby trapping said biologically-relevant substances from said gel or thin tissue section.

Abstract: A process for extraction of bitumen and other oil products from sand, other sedimentary deposits and from mine tailings, may comprise flowing solvent through these bitumen-containing materials held in a filter press, where elevated pressures and temperatures may be used. After exposure to solvent the sedimentary deposits may be exposed to hot water, steam and/or vacuum to remove residual solvents. Further embodiments of the bitumen extraction process may include substituting the solvent with hot water or steam. Filter press systems for extracting bitumen are also described.

Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a filter press (10, 60), comprising a supporting frame, constituted of at least one longitudinal rail or guide (11, 61) supported at its opposite ends by a fixed headpiece (12, 62) on one side and by a foot (13, 63) on the other side, a movable headpiece (15, 65) supported by said at least one guide (11, 61), a plurality of filtering plates (14, 64) arranged side by side between said fixed headpiece (12, 62) and said movable headpiece (15, 65), pneumatic elements or cushions (20, 70) for pressing and a compression plate (21, 71), wherein said movable headpiece (15, 65) comprises threaded cylindrical holes, supported on relative endless screws (19, 69) the ends of which are rotationally mounted on supports integral with the relative guides (11, 61).

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration device comprising a manifold (3) providing fluid connection and mechanical connection comprising a clamping plate (4) movably mounted relative to the manifold (3) and adapted to compress at least one cassette (2) against the manifold (3), means for driving and guiding the clamping plate comprising a rod (6) extending between the manifold (3) and the plate (4), an actuator provided with a body and a member moveable relative to the body, which member is adapted to move through a predetermined travel between an extended position and a retracted position, the body being carried by the manifold (3), and the member carrying the rod (6) and driving the plate (4) via the rod (6) to a clamped position in which the member is in an intermediate retracted position in which it has moved through a shorter travel than the predetermined travel relative to its extended position.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector assembly for fastening filter elements onto a supporting plate of a press filter, comprising a first cylindrical core, a first flange extending outward from the first cylindrical core, a second cylindrical core, and a second flange extending outward from the second cylindrical core. The first cylindrical core is shaped and dimensioned such that it snugly passes through and is meshed with a central through hole of the supporting plate, and the second cylindrical core is shaped and dimensioned such that it snugly passes through and is meshed with the first cylindrical core. Both the first cylindrical core and the first flange and both the second cylindrical core and the second flange are respectively moulded integrally from a non-woven fabric which has the ability of self-sustaining and shape maintenance, and is mouldable. The invention also relates to press filter fitted with the connector assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration device comprising a manifold (3) providing fluid connection and mechanical connection comprising a clamping plate (4) movably mounted relative to the manifold (3) and adapted to compress at least one cassette (2) against the manifold (3), means for driving and guiding the clamping plate comprising a rod (6) extending between the manifold (3) and the plate (4), an actuator provided with a body and a member moveable relative to the body, which member is adapted to move through a predetermined travel between an extended position and a retracted position, the body being carried by the manifold (3), and the member carrying the rod (6) and driving the plate (4) via the rod (6) to a clamped position in which the member is in an intermediate retracted position in which it has moved through a shorter travel than the predetermined travel relative to its extended position.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrometallurgical processes by which dissolved nickel may be removed from water at ambient temperature and low system pressure.

Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section (*). Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).

Abstract: A flocculation and dewatering system may include a solid-liquid sorter; a flocculation chamber including a flocculation trough that comprises at least one baffle; an injection port for introducing a flocculant; and an outlet for removing a flocculated fluid; a dewatering rack in which the outlet introduces the flocculated fluid into the dewatering rack that comprises at least one filtration collection bag; a filter press; and a pump for pumping fluids in a conduit network running at least partially through the flocculation and dewatering system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device comprising at least one filter chamber (7) configured between a chamber side (5) and a membrane side (6) of two parallel filter plates (1) and divided through two filter cloths (4), the membrane sides (6) of the two filter plates (1) each comprising a membrane (3), an outlet (8), and a deviation element (12) attached to the outlet (8) and penetrating the membrane (3). When the filter device is closed, a suspension containing a solid substance can be inducted between the filter cloths (4) in such a way that a filtrate penetrates the filter cloths (4) on the chamber side (5) and on the membrane side (6), while the solid substance is deposited in a filter cake on the filter cloths (4). The filtrate flows initially substantially parallel to the filter cloth (4) towards the outlet (8), is deviated through the deviation element (12) in an outlet direction (9) perpendicular to the filter cloth (4), and flows out through the outlet (8).

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: A shaking device for filter plates of a filter press including a fixed support, a movable frame, a sleeve spring device, and a shaking rod. The fixed support includes a main beam and a support crossbeam. The movable frame includes a frame crossbeam and a vertical beam. The movable frame is disposed on the support crossbeam. One end of the sleeve spring device is attached to the frame crossbeam and the other end is attached to the shaking rod. The movable frame is driven by a gear motor. The shaking device further includes a cylinder assembly. The cylinder assembly is coaxially connected with the sleeve spring device and the shaking rod in a straight line. When the cylinder assembly acts on the shaking rod, the shaking rod shakes to separate and shakes a plurality of filter cloth rods of the filter plates to remove the filter cakes.

Abstract: Tangential flow filtration device is provided wherein liners are provided between the filtration element and the top and bottom holders or manifolds. The liners incorporate the flow channels and inlet and outlet ports that were previously present in the manifolds. The liners are made of an inexpensive material and therefore are disposable after a single use, making it more cost effective to dispose of them than to clean the conventional manifolds. In addition, the liners can be pre-sterilized.

Abstract: A chamber filter plate for a filter press includes a plate plane having a longitudinal direction and a crosswise direction. A plate body has a surface with a thickness. A plate edge frames the plate body and is thicker than the surface of the plate body. The plate edge has at least one hollow channel formed therein, extending in the longitudinal and/or crosswise direction. A method of producing a chamber filter plate is also provided.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: A method for the removal of soluble metal ion contamination from fluids is disclosed. The method includes passing the contaminated fluid through a filter medium comprising a reducing metal and a filter aid, such as diatomaceous earth, and collecting a filtrate with lower concentration of soluble metal ion contamination. The reducing metal can have a reduction potential of from ?0.50 volt to ?3.10 volt and can be capable of reducing the soluble metal ions to insoluble metal, which can then be entrapped in the filter medium or otherwise separated.

Abstract: An improved livestock wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater produced by a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) facility to reclaim water and solids from the wastewater, and to reduce the environmental footprint of the CAFO facility is provided. The treatment system combines both mechanical and chemical water treating and includes separation of liquids from solids, collection of the separated solids at various stages, and treatment of the remaining liquid so that it can be reclaimed. Methods of treating livestock wastewater with the livestock wastewater treatment system is also provided.

Abstract: A membrane filter plate for a filter press includes a membrane fastened in the filter plate. The membrane has a flexible support layer, a central region with a functional layer different from the flexible support layer, and edge regions free of the functional layer.

Abstract: Method for the liquid solid separation of material mixtures and suspensions in which the material mixture under pressure is fed into a closed chamber having at least one filter surface and a hydrostatic pressure is generated within said chamber for separating the liquid phase. After separating the liquid phase the chamber is opened and the filter surface together with the filter cake is removed from said chamber. The material mixture firstly is treated by the means of hydrostatic pressure of about up to 0.2 bar, wherein 80 to 90% of the fed volume is removed as filtrate. Thereafter the concentrated remaining volume is drawn off and is further treated in the closed chamber with a pressure of up to 5 bar. By reducing the volume of the chamber finally with a pressure of up to 50 bar the remaining filtrate is separated.

Abstract: A filtration housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter press. On operation of such a press a secure generation of the necessary pressing pressure can be guaranteed with a membrane filter press that has at least one membrane filter plate, a baseplate with thickened edge region, a membrane made from an elastically-deformable material, and a filter cloth. The novel membrane has an annular edge bead which lies in a complementary groove on the baseplate. A sealing groove is formed into the baseplate which opens out into the first-mentioned groove at both ends in the manner of a bypass. A complementary sealing projection, moulded on the annular bead, engages in the sealing groove with formation of a seal. The cavity enclosed between the groove and the sealing groove is preferably provided with at least one filtrate drain bore.

Abstract: A juice press as used in the production of wine for removing liquids from solids, having a horizontally positionable press frame that allows a vertical press mechanism to be rolled to a first position for interference-free loading of a press basket with material to be pressed, and then rolled to a second operating position located over the press basket. The press basket has a liquid channeling plate having an arrangement of holes and channels that creates a perimeter seal along a circumference at the bottom of a loaded press basket. The liquid channeling plate traps naturally occurring sludge along the circumference bottom and allows for efficient evacuation of extracted juice from the bottom of the basket as the press mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A filtered grey water recycling system includes a waste water storage tank for receiving waste water from a stone processing system and a filtered grey water supply loop providing filtered grey water to the stone processing system. The filtered grey water loop includes a separation filter for removing large particulate waste from the grey water and a particle filter for filtering smaller particulate matter. The separation filter discharges the large particulate waste into the waste water storage tank and a clear water filter loop filters waste water from the waste water storage tank through a high pressure filter and discharges the resulting clear water into the waste water storage tank.

Abstract: A simple planetary gear arrangement is provided for a transfer case. The transfer case includes a carrier connected to the transfer case input. The ring gear is connected with a rear axle. The sun gear is connectable with a front axle through a clutching arrangement including a one-way clutch and a dog clutch in parallel. The one-way clutch and the dog clutch are independently engageable. The sun gear is selectively groundable through a friction clutch. Accordingly, the simple planetary gear set functions as a gear ratio producing device when the friction clutch is engaged, and as a center differential when the dog clutch or one-way clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A module filter has a container with an admission for a non-filtrate and a discharge for the filtrate. A filter module is arranged in the container and has several stacked, disc-shaped filter cells of filter material having an inner space. The filter cells have central openings forming a central channel connected with the inner space. The central channel is connected to the admission. The container has a space surrounding the filter cells and connected with the filtrate discharge. Circular disc-shaped drainage support bodies are arranged between the filter cells and extend approximately over the entire surface area of the filter cells. The drainage support bodies have drainage channels that extend toward their outer rim. The drainage support bodies have projections projecting axially away from the drainage support bodies and extending radially. Between the projections intermediate spaces are defined which form the drainage channels and remove the filtrate.

Abstract: A screw pressing type filtering apparatus that discharges a treated substance having a constant water content, including a screw rotatably provided inside a substantially cylindrical filter body so that a substance supplied to the space between the screw and the filter body is filtered by the filter body while being conveyed by the rotating screw. The apparatus further includes: a back pressure valve installed in the discharge port of the filter body to restrict the discharge amount of the filtered substance, an air cylinder that supplies a pressure to the back pressure valve, a valve opening detector which detects the opening amount of the back pressure valve relative to the discharge port, and a control section which controls the air cylinder based upon the detection results of the valve opening detector so that a pressure that corresponds to the degree of opening is supplied to the back pressure valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration device for deep-bed filtration which is easier to handle and enables filter modules(s) to be changed and disposed of easily. The filtration device has a casing with at least one filter module inserted in the casing with filter elements made from deep-bed filter materials stacked on top of each other. The filter elements have at least one internal structure formed by a perforation wherein the boundary surface of the perforation formed by the deep-bed filter materials creates a through-flow surface for filtrates or non-filtrates. At least one end plate has at least one inlet and/or outlet.

Abstract: In a vacuum chamber, which has at least two vacuum regions, substances, especially fluids, are transported in a directed manner from one region into the other region by the application of a suitable vacuum. As a result, it is possibly by the use of filter supports or receiver supports to transport a fluid automatically through corresponding filter supports during a plasmid preparation. The vacuum chamber is charged by means of a gripping robot that operates automatically and is switched by a suitable valve control means. By incorporating the vacuum chamber with its gripping robot and the control means into a pipetting robot system, automatic plasmid preparation, for example in accordance with the Qiagen protocol, is possible.

Abstract: A monodirectional or bi-directional distributor plate for crossflow cassette-type filtration appliances is provided which comprises three parts and is used in the ultrafiltration or microfiltration of liquids. The three-part distributor plate assembly comprises a middle plate member, an upper plate member and a lower plate member, which when combined has a front and rear surface, a first and second side wall and a first and second edge wall. The front and rear surfaces of the distributor plate assembly are provided with feed, residue and filtrate orifices arranged to communicate with feed, residue and filtrate orifices of a plurality of filter cassettes. Due to the manner of flow to and/or from associated filter cassettes by way of the three-part distributor plate assembly, equal pressure can be achieved at all orifices to ensure equal flow over a filter membrane surface increasing filtration performance.

Abstract: A device for transfer suitable for capturing and releasing microparticles binding an immobilized substance, which includes a magnet as well as either an extendable membrane, shapable membrane or magnet's coating such that the membrane or coating pressing tightly against the magnet's surface separates the magnet from the microparticles but does not substantially weaken the magnetic field directed at the microparticles. Also disclosed is a method for transferring a microparticle immobilized substance from a first vessel to a second vessel where the microparticles are of a magnetic or magnetizable material or the microparticles are attached to a magnetic or magnetizable body and the microparticles with the substance immobilized thereupon are captured with the aid of a magnet submerged in the first vessel, the magnet along with the microparticles captured thereupon are transferred to the second vessel and released from the magnet's influence.

Abstract: An integral gasketed filtration cassette structure of a type comprising a filtration cassette fully or partially overcoated by a gasket layer, forming a fluid-tight seal between the filtration cassette and the filtration cassette holder to which the filtration cassette is to be affixed. The filtration cassette comprises filter sheets arranged in a multilaminate, peripherally bonded array, wherein the filter sheets alternate with permeate and retentate sheets. The gasket layer comprises an elastomeric material with suitable hardness and temperature resistance for sealing, such as silicone, ethylenepropylenedienemonomer (EPDM), viton, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polyester, epoxy, ethylvinylacetate, bunnas, and styrene butadiene. The filtration cassettes and filter of the invention may be advantageously employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A multi-segment filter system is provided for continuous filtration of high viscosity materials, such as polymer melts. In particular, each segment comprises a filter screen positioned between a bottom breaker plate and a top cover plate. The filter screen has a fixed alignment in relation to the breaker plate and cover plate, to prevent the formation of undesirable gaps. In one example, the alignment is fixed through positioning of pins extending from the breaker plate and passing through apertures in the filter screen and cover plate. Two pins are preferably positioned on the breaker plate in a nonsymmetric manner to ensure that a multilayered filter screen is positioned adjacent the breaker plate in a desired orientation. Successive segments are positioned on end and preferably include overlapped filter screen portions, thus eliminating any gaps between each segment. Overlapping coupling connections may also be provided in adjacent breaker plates.

Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.

Abstract: A solvent recovery apparatus for recovering low volatility solvent from a washing fluid slop includes a settling system and a filtering system. The settling system includes one or more settling stages and an off-take by which settled, re-usable solvent may be recovered. The filtering system uses a single filter press to filter batches of wastewater, with solids, and batches of solvent sludge, with solids, such that cleaned wastewater filtrate may be discarded, benign removed solids may be dried and sent to landfill, and solvent filtrate may be returned to the input end of the solvent recovery apparatus for re-processing. The solvent recovery apparatus can use a two stage settling system which permits an initial separation of most of the wastewater, and a secondary settling of a solvent rich portion of the slop. The secondary settling can be performed with a system of alternating settling tanks in which one tank is allowed to settle while another is being filled.

Abstract: A filter material is described containing synthetic yarns based on a thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester. The yarns contain at least 70 wt. %, referred to total yarn weight, of a thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester containing at least 95 wt. %, referred to the total weight of the thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester, of the recurrent structural units of formulas I and II,--O--OC--Ar.sup.2 --CO--O--R.sup.4 (I)and--O--OC--Ar.sup.3 --CO--O--R.sup.5 (II),where Ar.sup.2 and Ar.sup.3 independently of each other represent bivalent aromatic radicals,R.sup.4 represents a bivalent aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, andR.sup.5 stands for the bivalent radical of a polyalkylene ether.The invention also relates to a method of producing this filter material and to a filter press containing such a filter material.

Abstract: A filter press frame and method, operable for compressing a stack of filter plates, provides a very light frame as compared to the iron, steel and stainless steel filter press frames that have been used for the last one hundred years. The filter press frame of the present invention is formed of material much more resistant to corrosion for a much wider pH spectrum of acids and bases than iron, steel, and stainless steel frames. In a preferred embodiment, the filter press tail, follower, and head, referred to generally as head members, are comprised of core material inserts encapsulated with fiber reinforced plastic. Laminates have a thickness and fibers are oriented to optimize the construction strength of the components based on stresses that are preferably anticipated through techniques such as finite element analysis.

Abstract: Steel reinforced filter plates consist of an inner steel sheet and front and back panels composed of thermoplastic resin. The front and back panels of the filter plate are composed of thermoplastic synthetic resin and are bond to each other through a series of prefabricated openings in the steel sheet. The inner steel sheet of the filter plate of the invention further contains at least one exit port hole and a drainage channel leading from the port hole. The filter plate further contains a feed port (passageway) extending from the exterior of the front panel to the back panel. The thermoplastic synthetic resin encompasses all of the exposed surfaces of the filter plate--all of the steel lining the prefabricated openings, port holes and drainage channel being encased by thermoplastic synthetic resin. The filter plate of the invention is produced via an injection molding process wherein a prefabricated steel sheet is first inserted between the upper and lower regions of a mold.

Abstract: An elastic membrane filter, in particular for filtration of mash, has a lower feed pipe and a second or upper feed pipe passing through the filter elements at a location opposite the lower feed pipe, the upper feed pipe being connected of the lower feed pipe so that it is fed with liquid to be filtered from the downstream end of the lower feed pipe and flowing in the opposite direction to the liquid in the lower feed pipe, a pipe connecting the lower and the upper feed pipes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a stacked, permeable membrane assembly, comprising two clamping plates with spaced, permeable membrane assemblies between them on a simplified frame. Each membrane assembly includes a membrane support means, conveniently a rigid screen, covered by a pair of membranes. The frame is designed to retain the membrane-covered support in internal grooves. Additional membrane support plates and sealing collars are not required.

Abstract: A belt filter medium with detecting means for a filter apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solid materials from liquid materials in a slurry fluid. The apparatus includes separable plate members (12,14) that are pressed against each other to form a filter chamber (10). The plates have mating surfaces (34,54) and hollow interior portions that create the chamber. A filter medium (28) is placed between the mating surfaces before the plates are closed. The apparatus includes means for forcing wash fluids, liquids or gasses through the slurry to force the fluids from the slurry and to produce a dry filter cake of the solids. After the filtration has been completed, the plates are separated leaving the filter cake on the filter medium and the filter medium is advanced out of the filter chamber moving a clean filter medium between the open filter plates. Another filter operation them proceeds. The filter medium is cleaned outside of the filter apparatus and can be prepared for reuse.

Abstract: A filter separator for decomposing a fluid consisting of a mixture of liquids containing solid components has a filter press combined with a micro- and ultrafiltration apparatus. The filter press separates the solid components from the fluid and the micro- and ultrafiltration apparatus separates from one another liquid components according to their different molecular structures. A modular construction with a very compact design and relatively large filter surface areas is shown and described.

Abstract: A closer mechanism and method of operation is provided for filter press assemblies and similar applications having a movable plate for opening and closing the assembly. A flexible bladder is arranged adjacent the movable plate and initially pressurized by a low pressure, high volume supply and then a high pressure, low volume supply regulated by sequencing controls. The flexible bladder is preferably enclosed by a rigid confinement assembly while being allowed to expand and contract for positioning the movable plate. The low pressure supply and high pressure supply are preferably of a gas-over-liquid type while including a reservoir and venting controls for conserving operating liquid within the closer mechanism. In one embodiment, the movable plate is rectangular and the rigid confinement assembly is similarly shaped to provide a particularly compact configuration with the bladder having an inflatable cross-section generally equal in area to the movable plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing sludge, which utilizes filter plates and flow regulating means to form condensed sludge of higher concentration, have been developed. The filter plates are disposed within a sludge tank and noncondensed sludge is added to the sludge tank to completely cover the filter plates. Filtrate is then removed from the sludge tank by the filtrate extraction means via the permeable walls of the filter plates. As the filtrate passes through the permeable walls a first condensed sludge forms on the filter plates. After first condensed sludge is formed on the filter plates, a flow regulating means is operated to form second condensed sludge, an even higher concentrations of condensed sludge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of detecting and removing bulges in continuous strips of material before they enter higher-pressure zones in a dewatering filter press. The method is characterized in that, when a bulge occurs, a sensor is deflected and a control signal generated. The invention also concerns a device for carrying out the method, the device being characterized in that it is fitted with a preferably pressure-tight sensor which is deflected when a bulge occurs in the strip of material being filtered and can be reset when the bulge disappears.